Medicinal plants of Thulamela municipality are experiencing challenges due to human activities, resulting in some of the medicinal plants becoming difficult to find, declining, endangered or even extinct. Unsustainable harvesting is threatening the survival of certain medicinal plant species used as a source of primary healthcare in the area. This study investigates aspects related to traditional healers' perceptions with regard to collection, ethnobotanical importance and conservation status of indigenous medicinal plants used by traditional healers around Thulamela municipality. Information on medicinal plants was gathered by means of semi-structured interviews, field walks, personal observation and a literature review. A total of 90 medicinal plant species, which belong to 47 families, from a total of 82 genera commonly used by traditional healers to treat different ailments, were recorded. About 87% of traditional healers indicated that some medicinal plants are difficult to find; only 13% of healers did not experience difficulties in finding some medicinal plants. / Environmental Sciences / M. Sc. (Ornamental Horticulture)

The UNAIDS report on the global AIDS epidemic (2010:9-11), stated that for the estimated 33.3 million people living with HIV, sub-Saharan Africa has a staggering 22 500 000: South Africa having the highest figure of 5 600 000. The question arises: Why has HIV/AIDS spread faster in Africa than on any other continent, despite similar international strategies? The challenge in Africa is that several HIV/AIDS beliefs and misconceptions distorting management of HIV/AIDS. South African learners receive HIV/AIDS education from the school culture, community, government and the international community, whereas they should be partners in collaborative education: yet, they are not. The research finding indicated that for effective educational strategies, education managers should be aware of these different voices affecting HIV/AIDS education. Education managers should be the main voice in dealing with this menacing epidemic. Countries that have approached HIV/AIDS scientifically and speak with one voice successfully reduced their HIV/AIDS statistics. / Educational Leadership and Management / M. Ed. (Education Management)

A study of the relevant theoretical concepts and empirical research was undertaken to explore the role of the social worker pertaining to the problem of epilepsy in the black community of Mamelodi. The sample comprised 40 families in which there was a person with epilepsy. Data were obtained through an interview schedule administered by the researcher. The literature study highlighted the phenomenon epilepsy, causes of epilepsy/ psychosocial effects of epilepsy on the epileptic and his family and the treatment of the epileptic. However/ it became quite clear that a multi-disciplinary team approach is vital importance in the treatment of an epileptic Furthermore/ significant others like traditional healers, faith healers, priests, relatives and friends were identified as some of the important informal support systems. Although the findings of study cannot be generalised to the entire population they can be of great significance for further research. / 'n Studie van die relevante konsepte asook empiriese navorsing is gedoen om die rol van die maatskaplike werker met betrekking tot die probleem van epilepsie in die swart gemeenskap van Mamelodi te eksploreer. Die steekproef is saamgestel uit 'n groep van 40 gesinne met 'n epileptikus in hul midde. Inlighting is verkry deur groep van onderhoudskedule. Die literatuurstudie beklemtoon die volgende: die verskynsel van epilepsie, oorsake van epilepsie, psigososiale gevolge van epilepsie op die per soon met epilepsie en sy gesin en die behandeling van die epileptikus. Dit het egter duidelik na vore gekom dat 'n multi-dissiplinere spanbenadering van die uiterste belang is in die behandeling van die epilepsielyer. Dit het ook duidelik geword dat betekenisvolle ander persone soos tradisionele genesers, geloofsgenesers priesters, familie en vriende van die mees belangrike steunstelsels is. Alhoewel bevindinge van die studie nie veralgemeen kan word en van toepassing gemaak kan word op die bevolking as geheel nie, kan dit egter van groot belang vir verdere navorsing wees. / Social Work / M.A. (Social Science)

This study focuses on the use of the Athrixia phylicoides plant in Tshwane, Gauteng, South Africa. The plant is used within the domestic domain as a beverage, for medicinal purposes, as well as for the manufacturing of domestic brooms. The aim of the study was to investigate the use and market of Athrixia phylicoides in two of the Tshwane markets, namely; Denneboom and Marabastad. Case study design, participant observation and interviews were employed to collect data. A literature review was conducted to construct a theoretical framework. The study reveals that traditional healers, broom makers and customers have a remarkable knowledge about Athrixia phylicoides, which has been untapped thus far. In addition, the study indicates that possible extinction of the Athrixia phylicoides plant, due to over-harvesting and lack of conservation, will pose a challenge to the market. / Anthropology / M.A. (Anthropology)

A study of the relevant theoretical concepts and empirical research was undertaken to explore the role of the social worker pertaining to the problem of epilepsy in the black community of Mamelodi. The sample comprised 40 families in which there was a person with epilepsy. Data were obtained through an interview schedule administered by the researcher. The literature study highlighted the phenomenon epilepsy, causes of epilepsy/ psychosocial effects of epilepsy on the epileptic and his family and the treatment of the epileptic. However/ it became quite clear that a multi-disciplinary team approach is vital importance in the treatment of an epileptic Furthermore/ significant others like traditional healers, faith healers, priests, relatives and friends were identified as some of the important informal support systems. Although the findings of study cannot be generalised to the entire population they can be of great significance for further research. / 'n Studie van die relevante konsepte asook empiriese navorsing is gedoen om die rol van die maatskaplike werker met betrekking tot die probleem van epilepsie in die swart gemeenskap van Mamelodi te eksploreer. Die steekproef is saamgestel uit 'n groep van 40 gesinne met 'n epileptikus in hul midde. Inlighting is verkry deur groep van onderhoudskedule. Die literatuurstudie beklemtoon die volgende: die verskynsel van epilepsie, oorsake van epilepsie, psigososiale gevolge van epilepsie op die per soon met epilepsie en sy gesin en die behandeling van die epileptikus. Dit het egter duidelik na vore gekom dat 'n multi-dissiplinere spanbenadering van die uiterste belang is in die behandeling van die epilepsielyer. Dit het ook duidelik geword dat betekenisvolle ander persone soos tradisionele genesers, geloofsgenesers priesters, familie en vriende van die mees belangrike steunstelsels is. Alhoewel bevindinge van die studie nie veralgemeen kan word en van toepassing gemaak kan word op die bevolking as geheel nie, kan dit egter van groot belang vir verdere navorsing wees. / Social Work / M.A. (Social Science)

This study explores the relationship between Christianity and autochthonous (indigenous, pre-Christian) worldviews and practices amongst the Aandonga of Owamboland, Northern Namibia. Using participant contributions from a series of Contextual Bible Study (CBS) sessions (with groups of men, women, and children), and supplemented by ethnographic contextualisation, it challenges the oft-contended notion that Christian worldviews and practices have erased the significance of African Traditional Religion for Ndonga (or wider Owambo) communities. The enduring significance of autochthonous worldviews and practices is explored using responses to six biblical texts, each of which relates to at least one of three themes: bodies, spirits, and landscapes. The study examines feasting bodies (The Parable of the Wedding Banquet), bleeding bodies (The Haemorrhaging Woman), and possessed bodies (Legion). It considers possession spirits (Legion), natural spirits (the so-called ‘Nature Miracles’), and ancestor spirits (Resurrection appearances). Perspectives on landscapes are highlighted particularly in relation to aspects of the natural environment (the ‘Nature Miracles’) and the locations explored by an itinerant demoniac (Legion). Responses to the texts engender, inter alia, discussions of contemporary perspectives on diviner-healers (oonganga), witchcraft (uulodhi), the homestead (egumbo), burial grounds (omayendo, oompampa), spirits (iiluli, oompwidhuli), ancestors (aathithi), material agency (for example, apotropaic amulets), and the ‘traditional’ wedding (ohango). Having analysed the ways in which autochthonous worldviews informed participants’ interpretations of the particular texts considered (Matthew 22:1-14 & Luke 14:7-11; Mark 5:21-43; Luke 8:26-39; Mark 4:35-41 & 6:45-52; Luke 24), each set of interpretations is brought into conversation with professional biblical scholarship. The study therefore highlights the ways in which these grassroots, ‘contextual’ interpretations might nuance New Testament interpretations returned by the Academy, particularly by highlighting the highly contextual nature of the latter.