The prevalence of HIV/AIDS is increasing with immense influence and pressure on the grandparents as primary caregivers and the main supporters of orphans in families. The grandparents are faced with biophysical, socio–economic and psychosocially challenges and lack of support from the community of Koster in the North–West Province of South Africa. Caring for AIDS orphans who have lost their parents due to AIDS and of whom some are infected is an enormous challenge. There should be a partnership between the grandparents, the community, public sector and private sector to assist the grandparents who care for AIDS orphans. Therefore, there are recommendations made by the researcher as tools for health–care workers in order to support the grandparents as they care for AIDS orphans. The objectives of this research were to explore and describe challenges faced by the grandparents in caring for AIDS orphans in Koster, and how their needs could be met by making recommendations for effective support of the grandparents. A qualitative, explorative and descriptive design was used which enabled the research to understand the challenges faced by grandparents in caring for AIDS orphans and how their needs could be met. Semi–structured interviews were conducted to obtain the data. The population studied in this research consisted of the grandparents caring for AIDS orphans in Koster in the North–West Province, South Africa. Voluntary purposive sampling was used to select participants with the assistance of mediators who are working for the Non– Government Organizations dealing with HIV and AIDS in Koster. The sample size was determined by data saturation, which was reached after 15 interviews. Data analysis was carried out simultaneously with data collection. In consensus discussions, the researcher and the co–coder reached consensus on the main, sub and further sub–categories. From the research findings, four main categories were identified namely; the challenges faced by the grandparents, perceptions of the grandparents on how their need could be met, the impact of the challenge and coping mechanisms. It could be concluded that the grandparents are faced with diverse challenges in caring for AIDS orphans. In order to address these challenges the community and government must be fully involved. The basic, psychosocial, socio–economic and biophysical needs can be addressed through support system. / Thesis (M.Cur.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The prevalence of HIV/AIDS is increasing with immense influence and pressure on the grandparents as primary caregivers and the main supporters of orphans in families. The grandparents are faced with biophysical, socio–economic and psychosocially challenges and lack of support from the community of Koster in the North–West Province of South Africa. Caring for AIDS orphans who have lost their parents due to AIDS and of whom some are infected is an enormous challenge. There should be a partnership between the grandparents, the community, public sector and private sector to assist the grandparents who care for AIDS orphans. Therefore, there are recommendations made by the researcher as tools for health–care workers in order to support the grandparents as they care for AIDS orphans. The objectives of this research were to explore and describe challenges faced by the grandparents in caring for AIDS orphans in Koster, and how their needs could be met by making recommendations for effective support of the grandparents. A qualitative, explorative and descriptive design was used which enabled the research to understand the challenges faced by grandparents in caring for AIDS orphans and how their needs could be met. Semi–structured interviews were conducted to obtain the data. The population studied in this research consisted of the grandparents caring for AIDS orphans in Koster in the North–West Province, South Africa. Voluntary purposive sampling was used to select participants with the assistance of mediators who are working for the Non– Government Organizations dealing with HIV and AIDS in Koster. The sample size was determined by data saturation, which was reached after 15 interviews. Data analysis was carried out simultaneously with data collection. In consensus discussions, the researcher and the co–coder reached consensus on the main, sub and further sub–categories. From the research findings, four main categories were identified namely; the challenges faced by the grandparents, perceptions of the grandparents on how their need could be met, the impact of the challenge and coping mechanisms. It could be concluded that the grandparents are faced with diverse challenges in caring for AIDS orphans. In order to address these challenges the community and government must be fully involved. The basic, psychosocial, socio–economic and biophysical needs can be addressed through support system. / Thesis (M.Cur.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Beginner principals in South Africa and internationally are finding it increasingly difficult to cope with the demands set to them. Inadequate preparation and support are the causes that many beginner principals cannot meet the challenges. The beginner school principal has to cope with the diversity in schools, socio-economic differences, language and discipline problems as well as departmental issues. Too many learners in a class, over-aged learners still at school and a lack of resources are part of the challenges of the beginner school principal. This study focused on the type of support beginner principals require, their opinions regarding mentorship as supportive tool, and their views on the characteristics and qualities of an effective mentorship programme. As a result of the interviews, beginner school principals admit that an academic qualification is not enough to support them. Furthermore they also claim that the support from the Department of Basic Education is inadequate. An experienced or even a retired principal as mentor will address the demands and challenges in an on-going nature and will be more suited to support them. Therefore the main question will be: How will effective mentorship support beginner school principals? A qualitative research approach within an interpretivistic paradigm was followed during the investigation. By applying purposive sampling, ten principals from different cultural and racial background were identified as participants. Data was collected from principals by means of individual interviews and two observations per principal. The discourse analysis that followed indicated that beginner principals find areas such as management skills, legal issues, human relations, communication and departmental instructions, the most difficult areas to manage. What emerged and came to the fore was a need for a mentor to support them in specific areas. A mentorship programme, that focuses on these areas, with clear guidelines containing theoretical and practical components, was developed as a result of the research. / Thesis (MEd (Education Management))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

Beginner principals in South Africa and internationally are finding it increasingly difficult to cope with the demands set to them. Inadequate preparation and support are the causes that many beginner principals cannot meet the challenges. The beginner school principal has to cope with the diversity in schools, socio-economic differences, language and discipline problems as well as departmental issues. Too many learners in a class, over-aged learners still at school and a lack of resources are part of the challenges of the beginner school principal. This study focused on the type of support beginner principals require, their opinions regarding mentorship as supportive tool, and their views on the characteristics and qualities of an effective mentorship programme. As a result of the interviews, beginner school principals admit that an academic qualification is not enough to support them. Furthermore they also claim that the support from the Department of Basic Education is inadequate. An experienced or even a retired principal as mentor will address the demands and challenges in an on-going nature and will be more suited to support them. Therefore the main question will be: How will effective mentorship support beginner school principals? A qualitative research approach within an interpretivistic paradigm was followed during the investigation. By applying purposive sampling, ten principals from different cultural and racial background were identified as participants. Data was collected from principals by means of individual interviews and two observations per principal. The discourse analysis that followed indicated that beginner principals find areas such as management skills, legal issues, human relations, communication and departmental instructions, the most difficult areas to manage. What emerged and came to the fore was a need for a mentor to support them in specific areas. A mentorship programme, that focuses on these areas, with clear guidelines containing theoretical and practical components, was developed as a result of the research. / Thesis (MEd (Education Management))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

The aim of the study was to investigate and describe how the mother in the home school fulfils her role as a teacher for her child in the foundation phase. The literature review confirmed that mothers choose to home school their children for various reasons, and use different approaches in home schooling. The home school teacher as well as the home school learner have certain responsibilities to fulfil, which bring about certain challenges that they have to face. An evaluation of home schooling showed various concerns regarding these learners’ performance and development, especially scholastically and socially. Unstructured interviews were conducted with selected mothers to explore their perceptions of their role as a teacher, the degree of differentiation between their mother and teacher roles, and the execution of their roles. An analysis of the home school learners’ schoolbooks was done, focusing on the input and feedback of the mother teacher. The researcher’s observations and reflections were included in the analysis. Findings: · The mothers do not differentiate between their mother and teacher role. · Their teaching was influenced by their own experiences, their views on teaching and learning and their views on the roles they fulfil in the home school. · Each home school situation is unique and the mothers’ perceptions of the roles they fulfil and the execution thereof differ greatly and are influenced by the context in which the home schooling takes place. / Dissertation (MEd (Educational Psychology))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Educational Psychology / unrestricted

This study focuses on the impact of legal representation in general as well as on CCMA proceedings involving unfair dismissals relating to conduction on capacity. The study also touches on the common law position before the enactment of Labour Relations Act 28 of 1956 and Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995. Rule 25 of CCMA rules which makes provision that legal representation at CCMA arbitration proceedings relating to fairness of dismissal and party has alleged that the reason for dismissal relates to the employees conduct on capacity, the party is not entitled to be represented by a legal practitioner. The dissertation analyses the effect of this provision on the Constitutional rights to legal representations well as rights relating to fair procedure. Refusal of legal representation in certain instances is justified in the right of legislative requirements on obligation placed particularly on the arbitrator legislative measures which, justifies refusal of legal representation at CCMA that cannot be imposed without giving consideration to the Constitution. The study will highlight the South African case on position with regards to legal representation at CCMA. A literature study will be done using current and researched sources such as textbooks, law journals, and legislation, case law, conferences papers and internet sources. Different rights will be weighed up through literature sources. / LLM (Labour Law), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

This study focuses on the impact of legal representation in general as well as on CCMA proceedings involving unfair dismissals relating to conduction on capacity. The study also touches on the common law position before the enactment of Labour Relations Act 28 of 1956 and Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995. Rule 25 of CCMA rules which makes provision that legal representation at CCMA arbitration proceedings relating to fairness of dismissal and party has alleged that the reason for dismissal relates to the employees conduct on capacity, the party is not entitled to be represented by a legal practitioner. The dissertation analyses the effect of this provision on the Constitutional rights to legal representations well as rights relating to fair procedure. Refusal of legal representation in certain instances is justified in the right of legislative requirements on obligation placed particularly on the arbitrator legislative measures which, justifies refusal of legal representation at CCMA that cannot be imposed without giving consideration to the Constitution. The study will highlight the South African case on position with regards to legal representation at CCMA. A literature study will be done using current and researched sources such as textbooks, law journals, and legislation, case law, conferences papers and internet sources. Different rights will be weighed up through literature sources. / LLM (Labour Law), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Windblown dust remains a persistent problem within South African urban and peri-urban areas due to the prevailing dry climatic conditions, extensive surface mining and mineral processing. Despite deposition monitoring guidelines and national dust regulations, South Africa still has persistent dust problems in especially gold mining districts. The main aim of the research is to critically evaluate all the potential challenges within dust management which could be responsible for persistent dust problems within gold mining regions of South Africa. The research methodology included a literature review to provide important information regarding the requirements for successful dust management internationally. Data were gathered by using the survey method through questionnaires and interviews as this type of survey method allows for descriptive reporting where respondents provide information on their attitudes and perceptions. In total 37 questionnaires were distributed among two district municipalities, seven gold mining companies, ten interested and affected parties including two non-governmental organizations, as well as five specialists. A total response rate of 81.1 % was achieved. The results of the questionnaires revealed that the most significant challenges to dust management within gold mining regions of South Africa are the following: monitoring networks; monitoring methods; deposition standards; financial provisions; technical skills and capacity; lack of specific dust management plans within air quality management plans; limited regulation and enforcement; limited information and participation of government, lack of participation of interested and affected parties as well as specialists‟ expertise. All the challenges identified were then successfully linked back to the referenced literature from which the challenges were initially derived. The main aim of this research was thus successfully completed by initially identifying the challenges facing dust management within gold mining regions of South Africa and then critically evaluating them and making recommendations. / M. Environmental Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

The increase in social challenges especially with regards to safety and security experienced in rural communities, as well as the lack of efficient lively places and public green spaces, is predominantly increasing in importance for government and planning policies. This problem is substantiated by the large number of deaths (especially the deaths of children) drowning in rivers flowing through or nearby rural communities because of the lack of any other safe, public facilities and well-managed and maintained green spaces. The research question therefore focuses on whether the planning of lively places and green spaces in rural communities can address some of these social issues, and contribute to the strengthening of communities and creation of lively public places. Government is struggling to deal with social issues (especially that of safety and security) within rural communities and a number of strategies were discussed and drawn up. (For example, the Rural Safety Summit which took place on 10 October 1998 aimed at achieving consensus regarding issues of rural insecurity; as well as crime prevention strategies as defined by the SAPS White Paper on Safety and Security (1998).) However, very little (if any) in-depth research on the possibility of upgrading public spaces into lively green places as a solution, has been done. This study can serve as a link between literature and practical rural issues, as well as contribute to green space and lively place development, incorporating international approaches and pilot studies, and illustrating best practices in terms of lively place and green space development, linking it to the local rural reality. In creating public and lively green places for rural communities, issues of safety, inequality, sociability and community coherence are addressed. Through the correct corresponding planning initiatives consequently drawn up, overall quality of life of those living in rural communities can be improved, decreasing the social challenges experienced. / MArt et Scien (Urban and Regional Planning), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses (IMCI) is a strategy that was developed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to reduce the mortality and morbidity rate of children younger than 5 years and to improve the quality of life of these children. The reduction of child mortality and morbidity is one of the Millennium Developmental Goals (MDGs) as sub-Saharan Africa has a high child mortality and morbidity prevalence. The IMCI strategy has three components namely case management, the health system and the household and community component. This strategy was implemented internationally, including South Africa, where it is implemented within Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities. The implementation of the IMCI strategy was introduced to the PHC environment of South Africa and aims to enhance the equity, accessibility, affordability and availability of health care to all South African citizens, with the focus in this study on the child younger than 5 years. The North West province started training the professional nurses and implemented IMCI in 1998. The Dr. Kenneth Kaunda district (one of the districts in North West Province) and with specific focus on the Matlosana sub-district identified challenges in the implementation of the IMCI strategy by professional nurses. Challenges such as a lack of trained staff, the short time frame available for consultation amidst an already overburdened clinic and the physical infrastructure of the PHC facilities are such examples. The main aim of this research was to explore and gain insight and understanding in the challenges professional nurses working in PHC facilities face regarding the implementation of the IMCI strategy. A qualitative research design was used to conduct this study on daily work-life experiences of the professional nurses. Individual, semi-structured interviews were used as the method of data collection. The main question asked was: “What are the challenges faced by professional nurses in PHC facilities regarding the implementation of the IMCI strategy?” Data saturation was reached after 18 professional nurses were interviewed (N=18). Digitally voice recorded interviews were transcribed and content analysis was conducted. The findings of this research suggest that the professional nurses in the PHC facilities indeed experienced challenges regarding IMCI implementation. The main themes that emerged were challenges regarding the organisation and service delivery; challenges specific to the implementation of the IMCI strategy and also challenges external to the clinic that impacted directly on the IMCI strategy implementation. The findings were discussed with literature integration. From the research results and conclusions, the researcher compiled recommendations for nursing education, nursing research, and community health practice. / Thesis (MCur)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.