Fertility lies at the heart of Life: it re-invigorates and regenerates. It is one of the most intimate areas of human existence. Worldwide, infertility is on the increase. However, advances in biomedical technologies, such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF) give hope to those who are suffering from infertility. At the same time it brings the question of moral responsibility into focus. The availability of donor sperm and eggs, coupled with greater recognition of the rights of lesbians and gays to become parents either by adoption, utilising donor material, or openly exercising their rights as already existing parents, have complicated previous more conservative understandings of what ‘family’ means. The epistemological point of departure of this research is described in Chapter 3 and is positioned within postfoundational practical theology, with an emphasis on critical emancipative feminism. The underlying research methodology is the narrative approach, embedded in social constructionism. The research explores the narratives of four couples. These co-researchers, affected by infertility and childlessness, share their stories of surrogacy, secondary infertility, gay parenting and miscarriage that are presented in Chapters 4 to 7. In Chapter 2 the researcher includes her story as someone living with infertility. Particular attention was paid to understand and develop insights concerning preferred lives of fruitfulness in spite of infertility and childlessness. The explored narratives revealed varying discourses that are introduced through out the thesis, but are specifically integrated in Chapter 8. In the final chapter the author reflects critically on the research and writing process as a whole. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2009. / Practical Theology / unrestricted

This research covers the story of four persons from different backgrounds brought together by their faith in God, fellowship in the same church, residing in the same community and sharing the experience of living with HIV and AIDS: either as infected and/or affected individually. I am one of these persons due to the fact that I lost my sister to HIV and AIDS, thus I am affected. Though I only appear in the story as the researcher, it is my own loss that made it possible for me to empathise with my co-researchers. While one co-researcher was affected due to the fact that her husband was infected, became ill and died of HIV and AIDS-related sicknesses, the other two women were both infected by their husbands and at the same time were affected because they had to nurse the same husband who infected them. This was one of the cruelest moments in their lives but they forgave their husbands and cared for them to the end. In order for my research to reach the holistic insight into these women’s stories, I used the postfoundationalist practical theology approach. The reason for this is that this approach is contextual and relevant to people’s everyday life. One does not have to import knowledge to try to solve problems emanating from a particular context, but one needs to engage the locals and from that engagement, people start to reflect positively on their problems. Other lessons learnt is that one needs more than just a religious experience to play a role in solving the problem of HIV and AIDS; one needs more of the other disciplines to work together. In places like Mozambique, HIV and AIDS is not regarded as one of the health problems, but is classified as an interdepartmental or multi-sectoral problem. This means that HIV and AIDS do not affect only the Health Department, but all the departments. As such, each department is expected to have its own HIV and AIDS budget. It is here that I propose the Multi Disciplinary Team (MDT) composed of professionals from different disciplines working together to help solve the problem at hand. HIV and AIDS also help us to revisit our own understanding of God. While some people see the pandemic as the punishment from God for promiscuity, the truth is that we are all created in His image and this loving God does not destroy His own creation through HIV and AIDS. In His loving care, He reaches out to the unreached and cares for all His people: whether they are infected with HIV and AIDS, cancer or just are as healthy as they could be. The process of this research has empowered and enabled me to contribute to those who are infected and affected to be resilient and to stand, having hope in the goodness of God, working with others to bring a lasting solution to those infected and affected. Being resilient helps one to reclaim the marred Image of God in oneself and to reflect that image to impact onto our communities. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Practical Theology / unrestricted

The study is aimed at looking at the emotional needs the HIV/Aids affected coloured child in middle childhood. An in depth literature study was done and shortcomings have been identified with regard to the HIV/Aids affected child, in specific the experience of the child within the period before the loss of a parent because of HIV/Aids. A number of objectives were set in order to reach the goal of this study. By the consultation of literature and experts working in the field of HIV/Aids affected children in middle childhood, a theoretical framework was set up which included the following aspects: HIV/Aids in Sub Sahara Africa, the impact of HIV/Aids on the South African society, the HIV/Aids infected and –affected child, the impact of HIV/Aids on the family, the psycho social-, emotional- and social development of the child in middle childhood and cultural diversity in South Africa (with specific reference to the coloured culture and counselling for these children). During an empirical study, semi-structured interview techniques were applied as a method for data collection in order to assess the emotional needs of the HIV/Aids affected coloured child in middle childhood. Interviews focused on the HIV/Aids child and the following aspects were handled: the child’s wishes at that specific time in life (excluding the parent’s HIV/Aids status), the child’s experience of other’s interest in his own well being, the duration of the child’s knowledge of the parent’s HIV/Aids status, concerning changes (at school or at home) in the life of the child due to the parent’s HIV/Aids status, the child’s future custody and his feelings and ideas about it, individuals whom this child can talk to about his feelings of distress/anger/hurt, the child’s feelings about the knowledge concerning the parent’s HIV/Aids status and the child’s experience of newly acquired responsibilities at home (or towards his siblings) since the parents were HIV/Aids infected. Applied research was undertaken to aid the researcher in enhancing the awareness of professionals in practice with regard to the emotional needs of the affected coloured children in middle childhood. The professionals can then be empowered to understand and handle the problems which can be caused by the unfulfilled emotional needs of the HIV/Aids affected children. A qualitative research approach was used in gathering data, in order to get a full understanding of the emotional needs of the HIV/Aids affected child. A phenomenological strategy within an exploratory study was used aiming to understand and interpret the research question. The research question for this study is: “What are the emotional needs of the HIV/Aids affected coloured child in middle childhood?” Empirical data was obtained by means of an interview schedule and verified the following: -- The HIV/Aids affected coloured child in middle childhood experiences the need for emotional safety, which is threatened by the knowledge of the possibility of the death of a parent, and insecurity considering their future custody. The child is experiencing a variety of emotions of which bereavement is the most common one. The child’s emotional safety is also threatened by other factors associated with the parent’s HIV/Aids status. -- The HIV/Aids affected coloured child in middle childhood expresses the need to debriefing. It is common that these children do not have someone to share emotions with. Proof of above mentioned assumption can be ascribed to three factors namely: the people involved are not aware of the need for debriefing, the perception that it is better for the child not to express their emotions regarding the parent’s HIV/Aids infection and last, the lack of skills on ‘know how’ in approaching and handling this specific situation. -- The HIV/Aids affected coloured child in middle childhood experiences intense emotions concerning the parent’s HIV/Aids status whereas bereavement, concern and sympathy are identified. A few of these children are partly in denial about their parents’ HIV/Aids status and claim that the parents will die because of Tuberculoses. A number of these children totally deny the fact that their parents are sick. To assist the child in handling the related emotions and the traumatic situation, it will be beneficial to get therapeutic support. -- The HIV/Aids affected coloured child in middle childhood experiences drastic change when the parent’s HIV/Aids status is disclosed, or the moment the child starts to realise that something is wrong. The HIV/Aids parent is concerned about the impact of disclosure on the child and therefore delays this process. When the parent’s HIV/Aids status is disclosed, the child experiences a crisis and does not have the inner strength or required skills to handle his emotions and the situation which he is confronted with. -- The HIV/Aids affected coloured child in middle childhood experiences a need for acceptance by peer group members and therefore fear that they will discover their parent’s status. It became clear that in cases where the peers have found out about the HIV/Aids infected parent, their reactions were negative. Because of this, the HIV/Aids affected child experiences anger and grief. -- The HIV/Aids affected coloured child in middle childhood experiences a lack of concentration at school, which has a direct negative impact on his school performance. School attendance is also influenced negatively because of the other children’s negative attitude towards them. Seeing that school, as a formal institution, will influence the child’s social-, emotional- and psycho social development, it is of importance that the HIV/Aids affected child is supported in his scholastic functioning. This study exposed the emotional needs of the HIV/Aids affected coloured child in middle childhood which holds possibility for future research. The information collected can be utilized for further studying purposes and the intervention of children in similar situations. / Dissertation (MSD (Play Therapy))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Social Work / unrestricted

This study examined strategies that can be used for bringing about HIV/AIDS awareness in primary schools. The strategies are effective teaching skills that can be employed by educators for bringing HIV/AIDS awareness to primary school learners. The responsibilities of educators in the implementation of HIV/AIDS programs in primary schools were discussed. It was noted that educators have a great responsibility of teaching learners about HIV/AIDS, the most important of which was to provide learners with accurate information regarding HIV/AIDS. Another one was that educators should also make sure that effective teaching and learning of HIV/AIDS does takes place in the schools. The study has also examined knowledge that children should have regarding the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The basic awareness of HIV/AIDS by children was found to be essential. Some of the factors that promote the spread of HIV infection were also discussed. Different types of STIs were discussed. From the discussions, it is evident that there is a link between STIs and HIV/AIDS. Although STIs can be treated by medication, they are sometimes hard to cure. In this study, it was discovered that the early and correct treatment of STIs is an important weapon in the armoury against HIV transmission. The significance of life skills programs in primary schools was also examined. It was discovered that the subject of HIV/AIDS could not be taught in isolation; life skills programs should always be included. The issue of primary school learners who are infected and affected by HIV/AIDS was also discussed. It was discovered that in the context of HIV/AIDS, learners fall into two main groups, namely the infected and affected. Infected learners are those learners who are living with the virus in their bodies, while affected learners are those who have infected family members or friends. Various ways by which HIV can be transmitted and prevented in primary schools were also examined. Strategies that can be used for bringing about HIV/AIDS awareness in primary schools were dealt with in chapter six. Recommendations based on teaching skills that can be used by educators in presenting HIV/AIDS lessons were made. / Dissertation (Magister Educationis (Learners Support, Guidance and Counselling))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Educational Psychology / unrestricted

This study is an explorative, qualitative study on how mothers experience the defilement of their own children by a church leader in the Zambian context. The aim of the study is to get some insight into how the defilement affect the mothers, and the challenges that occur in their lives regarding their relationships with their defiled children and other people who are around them. The researcher also looks at how the role of motherhood has been affected by the defilement. Qualitative research methodology was employed in this research study. This enabled the researcher to understand the social constructions of mothers and how they experience the disclosure of defilement of their children by a church leader. The researcher used semi-structured interview to collect data from the eight mothers affected by child defilement who were selected from within Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia. Thematic Analysis as a method of data analysis was employed in this research study. In employing this form of analysis, the researcher identified major concepts or themes that came up during the discussions with the interviewed mothers. The following are the themes that came out of the data that was provided by the affected mothers: Loss of religious faith, less trust in the church leaders, dissatisfaction of their parenting role, Feelings of anger towards the perpetrator, feelings of guilt, feelings of shame, marital problems, relationship problems with their daughters, concerned that their children might have contracted HIV and AIDS, and worried that their children have lost their virginity. In this research study, the researcher has used Gerkin‘s shepherding method of pastoral care to address the emotional experiences of the mothers following disclosure of defilement of their children by a church leader. This methodology is helpful because it provides an integrated approach to healing that is enculturated in the African belief system and culture, which views healing as taking place within the community and not in isolation. Gerkin‘s shepherding methodology is augmented by Waruta and Kinoti‘s work, Pastoral Care in African Christianity and Pollard‘s evangelism method of positive deconstruction. These three methodologies have been employed to help in empowering the mothers to come to terms with the effects of child defilement by a church leader. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2016. / Practical Theology / PhD / unrestricted

Thesis (M. Law. (Development and Management)) --University of Limpopo, 2016 / One of the fundamental objectives of the new Companies Act 71 of 2008 is to provide for efficient rescue of financially distressed companies. It is almost four years since the Act introduced the regime of business rescue, therefor details about its success or lack thereof must be examined so as to consider its viability in South Africa. With a very higher degree of certainty, the regime has so far shown some inherent shortcomings embodied in its application. Business rescue has had implications on corporate governance and taxation in South Africa. Against this new corporate scene, mini-dissertation analyses the most controversial aspects and the most telling implications of the business rescue regime since its inception in South African company law. Furthermore, this minidissertation analyses the call for further modification of the business rescue regime. Most importantly it spells out several recommendations which if considered pragmatically will constructively contribute to the viability of the business rescue regime in South Africa. It finds that the business rescue regime in South Africa is almost likely to be viable. KEY WORDS: business rescue, financially distressed and affected persons.

My study is a sub-study of the Resilient Youth in Stressed Environments (RYSE) Project (ethics clearance UP17/05/01). RYSE aims to develop a more in-depth understanding of the resilience of youth who live in environments challenged by the petrochemical industry and associated risks, specifically the community of eMbalenhle. In particular, the purpose of my qualitative sub-study is to explore which resilience-enabling factors in social ecologies (SEs) of tertiary education institutions (TEIs) shape the resilience of older adolescents from the eMbalenhle community who are engaged in tertiary education. Despite the common assumption in current South African literature that students who come from backgrounds challenged by disadvantage (the disadvantages that challenge them are often a variety of stressors in their immediate surroundings, with few public resources or services where help can be accessed) are doomed to failure at TEIs, some students from backgrounds challenged by disadvantage progress to TEIs and succeed in completing their studies. However, only a few such students succeed in completing their studies. Research shows that TEIs are not sufficiently prepared to accommodate students coming from backgrounds challenged by disadvantage. Therefore, my study of limited scope might potentially give voice to the perspectives of older adolescents from communities challenged by disadvantage regarding resilience-enabling factors in the SE of TEIs. Phenomenology was the epistemological assumption of my study and a qualitative methodological approach was used. I made use of a phenomenological research design, purposefully selected my six participants (with an average age of 20), and made use of photo-elicitation with conversational interviews to generate data. To analyse the data I made use of Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six-step guide to inductive thematic content analysis. The main themes that emerged from my study were that university structures, a sought-after qualification (underpinned by a certain view of the future), and fellow students (with the subthemes same course and different course) were resilience-enabling factors. The usefulness of these themes to resilience theory is that older adolescents entering TEIs might potentially demonstrate resilience when experiencing the identified resilience-enabling factors in the SE of their TEI, and, therefore, my suggestion would be for TEIs to consider prioritising these protective factors. / Dissertation (MEd)--University of Pretoria, 2019. / Educational Psychology / MEd / Unrestricted

This is a research analysis on whether the Companies Act 71 of 2008 (the Act) balances the competing rights and interests of stakeholders affected by an affected transaction and fundamental transaction, and the remedial procedures triggered by these transactions. The new regime relating to fundamental transactions and affected transactions in the Act has, in practice, presented a number of legal questions, the answers to which are not readily apparent from the Act itself.1 These innovative provisions have also brought with them some fear and anxiety for a number of small and medium sized private companies as the administrative duties associated with the regulation of these transactions are fairly onerous and costly.2 The Companies Act 71 of 2008 aims:  “to provide for the incorporation, registration, organisation and management of companies, the capitalisation of profit companies, and the registration of offices of foreign companies carrying on business within the Republic;  to define the relationships between companies and their respective shareholders or members and directors;  to provide for equitable and efficient amalgamations, mergers and takeovers of companies;  to provide for efficient rescue of financially distressed companies; to provide appropriate legal redress for investors and third parties with respect to companies;  to establish a Companies and Intellectual Property Commission and a Takeover Regulation Panel to administer the requirements of the Act with respect to companies, to establish a Companies Tribunal to facilitate alternative dispute resolution and to review decisions of the Commission;  to establish a Financial Reporting Standards Council to advise on requirements for financial record-keeping and reporting by companies;  to repeal the Companies Act, 1973 (Act No. 61 of 1973), and make amendments to the Close Corporations Act, 1984 (Act No. 69 of 1984), as necessary to provide for a consistent and harmonious regime of business incorporation and regulation; and  to provide for matters connected therewith.” 3 The Act aims for a more flexible approach that has a balance between accountability and transparency, with less regulatory burden. / Mini Dissertation (LLM (Corporate Law))--University of Pretoria, 2020. / Mercantile Law / LLM (Corporate Law) / Unrestricted

Developed thesis compares MAG welding and plasma welding, with the same input parameters. Based on the literature was reviewed weldability and welding of both methods. It was experimentally for both technologies specifically designed heat input, evaluation and macrostructure of the weld dilution, the dimensions of the heat affected zone and finally test the hardness in the transverse direction Vickers.

This thesis studies the impact of gaps on the properties of laser butt weld performed. For experiment was chosen DC01 ordinary steel and stainless steel X5CrNi18-10 (1.4301) with different thicknesses. The welding parameters depending on the gap between the welded plates remain constant. In the experimental part of the samples were welded using the Yb:YAG laser and compared to the tensile test, macrostructure, microstructure and Vickers hardness. At the end of the thesis are drawn experimental results.