MGS / Institute for Gender and Youth Studies /  Domestic violence is a social problem experienced by people in various settings and social relationships. Factors such as cultural beliefs, patriarchal practices, economic background, socialization process, gender stereotypes are key drivers of domestic violence in our communities. Internationally, the problem is said to be a social ill that contributes to many social problems. Domestic violence takes place across all walks of life regardless of race, age, sexual orientation or gender. It takes place in urban areas and in rural areas all over the world. Domestic violence happens to people who are legally or traditionally married and amongst intimate partners. This study therefore explores the contributory factors leading to domestic violence. The study made use of qualitative research approach. Purposive sampling procedure was used to identify participants who were more willing to take part in the study. The study used Semi structured interviews to collect data. Thus, discourse analysis was used in the study to analyse data. The study was conducted at Mangaya village in Thulamela Local Municipality, Vhembe District, Limpopo Province in South Africa. The study findings revealed that unemployment is a challenge and contributory factor leading to domestic violence, most of women had suffered domestic violence for a long period of time, children are directly affected by domestic violence within families, most women sacrifice themselves in order to save their marriages and protect their children. The findings of the study indicate that there are various aspects that contribute to the problem of domestic violence. The study recommends that community and police should actively work together in helping the victims of domestic violence to overcome their irrational thinking that is combed by remaining in abusive situations. / NRF

MA (Psychology) / Department of Psychology / See the attached abstract below

MEd ( Guidance and Counselling) / Department of Curriculum Studies / See the attached abstract below

DEd (Educational Management) / Department of Educational Management / This study focuses on safety and security in public schools. School violence is a sad reality encountered by whoever takes up the responsibility for the safety of learners and teachers. Both teachers and learners have the right to feel safe and secure at school. The aim of the study was to investigate how school management teams and school governing bodies take reasonable measures to ensure the safety and security of learners at schools. A mixed-methods research design was used in this study. The quantitative data, collected through questionnaires, were analysed through Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23, while the qualitative data, gathered through semi-structured interviews, were thematically analysed. The study revealed that successful school leaders have the potential to tremendously reduce safety and security challenges when necessary support is provided. Establishing partnerships with other sectors not only manage and improve the learners' behaviour and lessen learning difficulties but also create a more supportive climate within the school, home and society. Unavailability of school psychologists and/or social workers who would join forces with teachers, parents, and other professionals to create safe and supportive learning environments increase the manifestations of school safety and security challenges.

MEd (Educational Management) / Department of Educational Management / The aim of the study was to investigate management of safety concerns in rural primary schools of Maleboho West circuit in Capricorn District. In rural areas, management of safety at primary school level is not adequate. Safety issues such as the carrying of sharp objects to classrooms, lack of scholar patrols and security guards, vandalizing of school property, poor condition of school buildings do not receive special attention in order to secure quality teaching and learning. To achieve the above aim, the study employed the interpretive paradigm to understand safety concerns from participants’ perspectives. The study was guided by a comprehensive approach theory to school safety. The study population comprised principals, teachers, governance official, chairpersons of School Governing Bodies and security personnel in Maleboho West circuit. In line with the interpretive research paradigm, purposive sampling was used to choose 11 participants that formed the study sample. Data was collected through interviews and document analysis. Data was analysed thematically. The results show that poor management of safety concerns is real and compromises the quality of teaching and learning. Amongst other measures, the study recommends enforcing discipline amongst learners and teachers; abolishment of pit toilets; availability of scholar patrols and security guards and ensuring the general monitoring of the safety of learners and school property. / NRF

Thesis (M. A. (Clinical Psychology)) -- University of the North, 2003 / Refer to the document

Thesis (M.A. (Psychology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2015 / The study investigated the psychological factors that compel battered women to remain in abusive relationships. According to statistics in South Africa (SA) one in every five women is battered by her partner, and one in every four of all women in SA are assaulted by their partners weekly. The research approach was qualitative in nature. Sampling for the study was purposive and utilised eight participants who met the criteria for the investigation. The study was conducted at Tshilidzhini Hospital Trauma Centre and The Sibasa Victim Empowerment unit in Thohoyandou, Vhembe District in the Limpopo province. Data was gathered using a semi-structured questionnaire guide. Data was analysed, using Thematic Content Analysis (TCA), to gain an in-depth account of each participant’s experience of abuse. The results of the study indicate that cultural factors still play an important role in facilitating women abuse. The women in the study used religion, denial and avoidance, guilt and self-blame as coping mechanisms. Low self-esteem, depression, cognitive dissonance and relationship hope and commitment were identified as psychological factors compelling battered women to remain in abusive relationships. The study recommended that educational programmes and workshops on woman abuse be provided to empower women in rural areas.

Thesis (Ph. D. (Criminology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2021 / The 1996 Constitution of the Republic of South Africa [RSA], allows people to protest, demonstrate, picket, and assemble when they believe their constitutional rights have been violated. There are legislations that have been put in place to ensure that while people are showing their dissatisfaction, they do not infringe on the rights of others by engaging in riotous behaviour. The Regulation of Gatherings Act [RGA] (Act 205 of 1993) is one of such acts. This study explored the motivations of violent protests in Malamulele and Vuwani in the Limpopo Province. A qualitative research methodology was utilised and in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect data. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to sample the people who participated in the protests that occurred in the areas of this study. Thematic Content Analysis was used to analyse the findings from the in-depth interviews and the focus group discussions. The study found that the Malamulele residents were concerned about being in the Thulamela Municipality, and some of their concerns included but were not limited to employment and service delivery. This study found that in Vuwani, the violent protests were influenced by the government’s inability to effectively consult residents in the merger between Vuwani and Malamulele which was done with the intention of quenching the violent protests that had erupted in the Malamulele area. Violence is said to have occurred because the government was unresponsive, and it had failed to provide adequate services and had also made unfulfilled promises. Moreover, this study also found that people engaged in collective violence because of anger and frustration. There were also people who promoted collective violence to gain access to free grocery through looting. The destroying of government properties was seen as punishment to both the community and the government. Some protestors were emotionally disturbed when they saw buildings burning, while some children also learnt to respond with violence when in conflicting situations. The government lost money as they had to refurbish or replace things that they had already provided for. However, in comparison, the participants indicated that it is easy for the government to recover, because they only lose money while the community has to live with the scar of collective violence and its aftermath for a long time.

Thesis (M. (Social Work) -- University of Limpopo, 2022 / Several studies show that domestic violence is a global problem that the police deal with daily. Police officers are mostly being called upon to intervene during domestic violence occurrences. The police are considered first responders to domestic violence and other emergencies because of their broader scope. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of police officers who are dealing with domestic violence matters in Mankweng, Limpopo Province, South Africa. This study was qualitative and employed an exploratory case study to get insight into the lived experiences of police officers who are assigned to handle domestic violence cases. Five police officers were sampled from Mankweng Police Station using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. To stay in line with Covid-19 national regulations, data was collected via individual telephone interviews. Data was collected until saturation was reached and analysed thematically. The study found that police officers require the necessary skills and resources to deal with victims and survivors of domestic violence, especially those who have experienced emotional abuse. Furthermore, the study revealed a need for inter-professional collaboration between the police and social service agencies. Dealing with domestic violence presents complications for police officers, especially when they have to make an informed decision. The study recommends that more social workers should be hired in the police stations to assist police officers in handling domestic violence cases.

M. Tech. Policing / Since the advent of democratic dispensation in South Africa, domestic violence is one of the societal issues that have increasingly emerged as a local as well as global concern. This study focused on analysing the prevalence of, and responses to domestic violence in the Lebowakgomo, Magatle and Zebediela policing areas of Limpopo Province, with the aim of the aim of investigating and evaluating perceptions by the police and community members regarding the prevalence of the domestic violence, and how the police responds towards policing domestic violence at the Lebowakgomo, Magatle and Zebediela policing area.