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

Thesis (M.Dev.) --University of Limpopo, 2011 / The introduction and establishment of co-operatives by the State was for purposes of fighting and alleviating poverty through creating jobs, particularly in the rural areas,which were mostly neglected by the previous apartheid State. In order to deal with these social ills and malady, the new democratic government introduced cooperatives to mitigate these challenges. These good intensions are often countered by lack of commitment by State officials and reluctance from other institutions to assist co-operatives to be catalysts in fighting poverty and unemployment in South Africa, despite their noble intentions. In other developed countries, co-operatives are given serious attention, not only because they are catalysts in poverty alleviation, but because they can make huge economic interventions with regard to economic growth and economic development. The intention of this study was to make an assessment of whether or not agricultural co-operatives have any economic impact on women in the rural areas of Polokwane Municipality, since their inception as entities for local economic development. The study also assesses whether or not the State supports these entities in a variety of forms. For this purpose, four co-operatives have been used as a Case Study,namely, Mashashane Agricultural Co-operative at Ga-Mashashane; Phegelelo Agricultural Co-operative at Ga-Thaba village; Mothiba Agricultural Co-operative at Ga-Mothiba; and Itireleng Agricultural Co-operative at Matamanyane village in Moletjie

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.

The rural women in EMLM hew the wood, carry water, satisfy the men, produce and take care of the children to continue the family tree, and manage all the household chores. Their contribution is central to the effective functioning of families and communities. Yet, in terms of decision-making and local governance structures, they are absent. Indeed, there is truly a large constituency of women out there who are largely unrepresented; and therefore, they have no idea how governance is conducted – even around them. This is unfair, especially in jurisdictions where women are clearly in the majority. It is inconceivable that local governance structures have over a decade recorded only a single elected female member. With this in mind, this study seeks to explore the extent of rural women’s participation in local governance in Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality. It is a comparison of traditional and democratic local governance structures; and the methods the researcher has used are qualitative and quantitative data on women councillors from 2013, in order to assess the factors that may be accountable for their small numbers, as compared to their male counterparts. The conclusion drawn was that the social structure, its traditions and cultural was identified in the study as the main obstacle to the advancement of women in the political arena. This study has not exhausted all the facets of the challenges; but it has brought a few to the fore, in an attempt to help stimulate debate, and inform policy and practice in the future.

Thesis (M.Dev.) --University of Limpopo, 2015 / The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of gender discrimination in water services provision on women empowerment in GaPila Village, located in Limpopo Province. Gender discrimination remains a major challenge both in the labour market and within households. The allocation of resources within households is still much gendered due to unequal gender relations in most rural areas. Men are allocated most resources within households and have many benefits than women. Such also manifest to children. Despite, women being major beneficiaries of the delivery of water services, they are discriminated against as they are not involved with the processes that precede the provision of such services. The study used both quantitative and qualitative research approach to establish the effects of gender discrimination in the provision of water services on women empowerment. The findings of the study illustrated that culture and tradition are the key to the inadequacy of women’s access to and control over management of water services. Cultural practices within communities either ignore female participation in water services management. Their participation is obstructed by lack of time, level of education, low self-esteem and flexibility due to substantial workload and numerous household responsibilities. The study also showed that according to local cultural beliefs, the status of women whether high or low, does not determine the amount of work that must be done by her at home, because irrespective of her status or career placement, her primary assignment is to care for the family/home. The study further revealed that women in the GaPila Village are allowed access to economic opportunities and participation roles during community meetings. Also, women are allowed to occupy positions such as chairperson, secretary and treasurer; however, due to culture and tradition, low self-esteem and lack of support from men, women do not take advantage of such opportunities to occupy these positions of authority in water services. Therefore, the study concluded that, as woman’s contributions regarding water services provision remains inconsequential because they are excluded from decision making processes that affect their level of living and prospects of empowerment. From a water services provision perspective, this study affirms the theoretical principle that discrimination against women disempowers them. Women are the beneficiaries of water services because most of their duties require water. As such, it is important for women to actively participate and to be involved in the management committee relating to water services and provision.

PhD (Advanced Nursing Science) / Department of Advanced Nursing Science / See the attached abstract below

Thesis (M. (Nursing)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022 / Background Despite all the interventions that have been developed previously preterm labour remain to be the leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Preterm labour occurs before 37 weeks of gestation under two obstetric circumstances namely, ‗spontaneous preterm labour‘ and ‗indicated preterm labour‘. The aim of the study was to develop the strategies to enhance prevention of preterm labour in selected hospitals in Capricorn District, Limpopo Province. Research Method A sequential explanatory mixed method was adopted, the study was conducted in three phases, namely, quantitative study, qualitative study, and development of strategies. Self-developed questionnaires with 50 item questions each for mothers and registered midwives were administered. Both questionnaires were pre-tested prior to being administered to the respondents of the main study. The sample size of mothers was 77 mothers and 62 registered midwives. Data collected from the respondents were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25 with the help of the statistician. Tables, pie charts and bar graphs were drawn to present the results. The results of quantitative phase were utilized to formulate the Interview Guides that were used to explore the knowledge and practise of registered midwives and obstetricians regarding preterm labour. Interviews were conducted with 20 mothers, 6 registered midwives and 4 obstetricians until data saturation was reached. Data were analysed qualitatively using Tesch‘s Open-Coding method. v Quantitative Results The quantitative results for midwives revealed that about 60% of the mothers who had preterm labour were teenagers. Most of the respondents had ‗spontaneous preterm labour‘ and did not have any comorbidities while few had ‗indicated preterm labour‘ and were induced. All 62(100%) of the midwives showed that the facility does not offer an Outreach Programme on the prevention of preterm labour. Themes and Sub-Themes Results Themes and sub-themes were coded manually. Results that emerged from the integration and comparison of quantitative and qualitative results revealed that the mothers who went into preterm labour spontaneously had little information or no health education regarding preterm labour. Developed strategies The following strategies were developed based on the identified factors that might hinders the prevention of preterm labour and after exploring the knowledge and practice of midwives and obstetricians in the selected hospitals, Capricorn District, Limpopo Province. Strategies includes strengthening of BANC Plus, staff establishment, laboratory turnaround time, outreach programmes and improvement of counselling and support services. Recommendations of the Study The recommendation of the study is divided into three groups which includes recommendations for midwives at the PHC and hospital, recommendations for the obstetricians at the hospital and the recommendations for the Department of Health. The midwives to visit schools and community centres at least twice in a month to give information to the woman of childbearing age and reinforce health education on each Antenatal Care visit. The obstetricians to screen all mothers who are at risk of preterm labour for infections, follow up the results and treat the mothers accordingly. The Department of Health should hire enough staff so that quality care can be vi rendered to the pregnant woman at the PHC and hospital. The Department of Health should develop the electronic database, to register all mothers who have a history of preterm labour, so that when they are pregnant the database system will also help to identify them at the PHC, and they would then be referred to the hospital in time. If the developed strategies to enhance prevention of preterm labour may be adopted and adhered to by the midwives and obstetricians, these may help in reduction of high figures of preterm labour in the selected hospitals.

Educational Studies / M.Ed (Educational Management)

Exclusive breastfeeding is one of the infant feeding methods recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), especially to HIV positive women of low socio economic status. The purpose of the study was to determine and describe the HIV positive mothers’ perceptions towards exclusive breastfeeding in postnatal ward at a particular hospital in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Qualitative exploratory research design was used to explore and describe the HIV positive mothers’ perceptions towards exclusive breastfeeding. A grand tour question in an unstructured interview was used to collect data, followed by probing questions according to participants’ responses. Data were collected from 15 HIV positive mothers aged 18 years and above. They opted for exclusive breastfeeding, and voice recorder and field notes were used to capture data. The seven steps of data analysis, adapted from Colaizzi were used. The findings: Although the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding was known by mothers, some participants had limited knowledge on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding. Some health care providers lack up-to-date information on exclusive breastfeeding. Religious and cultural practices interfere with exclusive breastfeeding. Coping strategies with the feeding options emerged as well. / Health Studies / M.A. (Nursing Science)

Educational Studies / M.Ed (Educational Management)