The challenges facing the health system in South Africa are likely to impact on life-long adherence for patients in the context of the rollout of ART. Smaller ART programs have been able to demonstrate good adherence rates, but the question remains if this can be achieved by large public sector ART programs. Most adherence researchers share the basic understanding that patients are adherent when they take their medications as prescribed by the health provider. An approach to adherence that combines both clinical and social knowledge—a biosocial approach— is likely to move us to a better understanding of adherence and how to improve adherence to ART. This study on social support and ART adherence aims to gather and document information that could be used to improve services and program strategies for strengthening and maintaining adherence at ART rollout sites in Gauteng. The two study sites Carletonville Hospital and Zola Clinic were chosen randomly from all second-generation rollout sites in the Province. Data were collected from a total of 359 respondents, 164 in Carletonville and 195 in Zola. The response rate was 98.3%. The results showed that the majority of the respondents were female (72.1%) and about 44.9% were within the age group 30-39 years. In terms of educational attainment, most respondents (70.1%) had received secondary education and 2.5% had not attended school. Based on assets quintiles scores of 1-5, with 5 being the highest score, about one-third of the respondents scored 1, and only 7% scored 5. Compared with Carletonville, respondents from Zola were more educated and better resourced. At the facilities, treatment preparation and support and adherence assessment procedures are routine features of the ART program and entail pre and post test counseling, group education and adherence counseling and serve as mechanisms for adherence support. This is enhanced by routine follow-up appointments where ART patients are provided information on side effects of ARVs, effectiveness of treatment, CD4 cell and viral load counts and referral to services not provided at the facility. Additionally, support groups accessed by patients undertake a range of educational activities on staying healthy, viral load and CD4 cell counts and ARVs. Although respondents were largely positive about their interactions with health providers and the support they provided, some expressed concern about health workers being too busy to address their problems, not treating patients with enough respect and sometimes patients leaving without receiving treatment because staff were either absent or late or queues were too long. The HIV disclosure rate was high (95.5%). However, respondents were more likely to disclosure to a family member, but less likely to a friend, neighbor or religious leader. Selfreported adherence and viral load adherence rates were high (97.6% and 76.6% respectively) but CD4 adherence was lower at 51.0%. The study did not document a convincing association between social support and ART adherence. Only two variables (receiving food supplements and age groups) were significantly associated with CD4 and viral load adherence. Given the limitations of the study, a longitudinal study is needed in these sites to better understand the predictors of short and long-term adherence and to explore ways to better measure the relevance, content and quality of the social support services being utilized by ART patients at facility and community levels. Interventions and policies are needed to respond to the concerns identified from the study regarding inadequate attention and respect by health providers, absence or lateness of doctors and pharmacists and challenges pertaining to access to food, income and disability grants.

A research report submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science by Coursework and Research Report. Johannesburg, March 2016. / A vegetation survey was carried out in July 2014 on the substrates of 5 tailings dams by selecting 10 sampling sites which were previously used as sampling plots during the 1996/97 survey of Weiersbye et al. (2006). At each sampling site a 100m transect horizontally across the substrate and covering all levels of the tailings dam from the flat top to the toe paddock was established. Each transect was surveyed for the frequency of the species occurring and these were categorized based on their mode of colonization (natural, intentionally introduced and persisting) while tailings were collected by digging approximately 20cm into the ground for soil sample collection per substrate. The recorded species were then divided using Raunkier’s classification categories into growth forms and a comparison was done between the two surveys (2014 versus 1996/7) to identify the species that were lost, those that were still persisting and the new ones that had colonized over time. A total of 51 species (over 15ha) in 36 genera within 14 families were recorded on the tailings dams, compared to 168 species (over 765ha), 98 genera and 59 families found in the previous study. Families with the most species in 2014 were similar to those of the 1996/97 survey, following the dominance order of Poaceae >Asteraceae >Fabaceae >Anacardiaceae, with the percentage frequency of grasses (Poaceae) noted to have almost doubled over this period. Compared to 6 species common across the substrates in the previous study, the later survey recorded 12 common species (6 of the species occurring on all substrates) but overall both studies found vegetation cover to be high (above 65%) on flat tops and berms with species richness being high on the toe paddock>slopes>tops and berms and substrates susceptible to low nutritional (N,P,K,C) value. Indigenous plant species (54.9%) were dominating the tailing dams and were mostly perennials (82.3%) that were naturally colonizing and persisting (72.5%) on the tailings dams (similar to the 1996/97 survey), while alien (45.1%) plant species comprised annuals/biennials (17.7%) that were intentionally introduced (27.5%) prior to the 1996/97 survey by contractors. The ceased ameliorative initiatives since the first survey are believed to have significantly contributed to a decrease in herbaceous species richness, which formed the majority of the introduced species in the former survey (58.8% compared to 29.4%) as they depended on the supplementary additions of fertilizers and lime. Approximately 117 species, 62 genera and 45 families (including Chenopodiaceae, which was dominant) were lost over the 17 years period, the majority of these were introduced prior to the 1996/97 vegetation survey, while only Ficus sp. was the only new species colonizing apart from the increase noted in alien species (some invasive in nature). The decrease in species richness has encouraged woody and semi-woody (35.3%) and grasses (35.3%) to dominate the slimes reaffirming their potential as temporal and long term rehabilitation species that have developed physiological tolerance to acidic conditions, salinity and heavy metal pollution. In conclusion, this study has identified the species that can be used for phytoremediation to provide long terms solutions for dust, air and water pollution and soil erosion suppression for rehabilitation of these contaminated lands (Appendix 8). The survey also helps to identify species that are able to naturally colonize and persist on the tailings dams without supplements, making them ideal economic species to use for rehabilitation. Results also highlight the negative impacts of the lack of ameliorative supplementations, which in turn affects the floristic composition and structure on these tailings dams over time. Keywords: Aerial cover, Macronutrients, Tailings dams, Species richness, Tailings Storage Facilities (TSFs) and Vegetation survey / LG2017

Over time, intellectual disability has been mythologised into folklore, religion and culture resulting in patterns of thought, communication, actions, customs, beliefs and values related to intellectual disability specific to particular societies (Smith, 2002 in Edwardraj, Mumtaj, Prasad, Kuruvilla & Jacob, 2010:736). However, data on the perceptions related to intellectual disabilities in the general population, and specifically in the more rural areas are sparse. The individual with an intellectual disability may have a significant influence on his family members, as he or she may demand specific requirements and obligations of the family members, depending on the severity of the intellectual disability (Moyson & Roeyers, 2012:88). According to Mandleco, Frost Olsen, Dyches and Marshall (2003:365), relatively limited research has explored the relationship between the parents' and non-disabled siblings' functioning when living with an individual with an intellectual disability. The adolescent is in need of healthy support within the family system to help him during his unique process of change. Within families with intellectual disabilities, healthy functioning may be influenced or challenged (Graff, Neely-Barnes & Smith, 2008:240). However, according to Begum and Blacher (2011:1581) research indicates that there seems to be inconsistent findings on the manner in which individuals with intellectual disabilities have an impact on their non-disabled siblings. Therefore, it was the goal of this study to explore the experiences of adolescents living with a sibling with a moderate to severe intellectual disability. The family-systems theory could provide an appropriate theoretical framework to work from in order to explore the experiences of adolescents living with a sibling with a moderate to severe intellectual disability, seeing that the reciprocal influences of different sub-systems was explored. In order to achieve this goal a qualitative research approach was adopted. Applied research was considered the most suitable as the research findings emanating from this study could be used to propose recommendations regarding new problems or strengths identified and potential services that could be of benefit to families with children/siblings with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities. Only the identified non-disabled adolescents participated in this study. Research was conducted in the Carletonville area, Gauteng Province. The intrinsic case study was employed as the research design. The researcher recruited 10 (n=10) participants through two non-probability sampling techniques, namely purposive sampling, followed by snowball sampling. Semi-structured, one-on-one interviews were conducted to gather rich information from the participants. A pilot study was conducted in order to pre-test the interview schedule's effectiveness. Creswell's process for thematic data analysis was used to extrapolate themes and sub-themes. The trustworthiness of the data interpretation was confirmed through reflexivity, peer debriefing and an audit trail. The outcome of the empirical study revealed that the participants were unfamiliar with the term intellectual disability and that they demonstrated a limited ability to define intellectual disability as a phenomenon. As a result, they had a lack of knowledge regarding their siblings' functioning, as well as necessary current and future support needed. It seemed as if the lower the socio-economic background of the participant, the less likely he was to have basic knowledge and insight into his sibling's condition and the implications thereof. It was concluded that the general public seems to have a lack of knowledge regarding intellectual disability as a phenomenon, as participants were of the opinion that the public acted in a discriminative manner towards their siblings and persons with intellectual disabilities. The experiences of adolescents living with a sibling with a moderate to severe intellectual disability was explored in terms of their emotions; their relationships with their sibling and with their parents; as well as the influence of living with their sibling in their lives. Amongst other findings, participants experienced that their siblings received more attention or preferential treatment from their parents. As a result, emotions of sadness and anger were experienced. Participants were concerned about their siblings' care and support. They experienced anxiety, stress and guilt regarding their siblings in terms of care and support; therefore their schoolwork was influenced negatively. The siblings with an intellectual disability influenced the participants' lives positively as their understanding of individuals with intellectual disabilities was enhanced. Lastly, participants were in favour of support and educational groups, professional counselling, as well as guidance in terms of coping mechanisms to support them and their families. The guidelines proposed for practitioners working with families with an individual with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities are the following: Educate parents and family members involved regarding intellectual disability as phenomenon in order to eliminate misconceptions, unrealistic expectations and family conflict; enhance parents' awareness of existing support services in their surrounding communities; implement community awareness projects in cooperation with the existing centres for people with intellectual disabilities in order to empower the community with adequate knowledge regarding intellectual disability. In order to reduce stigma and discrimination associated with intellectual disability, considering the need for support services identified through this research; practitioners should ensure the rendering of therapeutic services, as well as support and educational groups. In rendering these services practitioners can play a role in reinforcing such families' wellbeing, socio-emotional functioning and interpersonal relationships. / Mini Dissertation (MSW)--University of Pretoria, 2016. / Social Work and Criminology / MSW / Unrestricted

Gatsrand (as a series of ridges) is not only a well-known geographical feature in the Western Transvaal, but it also features prominently as a definite area in the settlement history of the whites in the Transvaal. In fact, the first farms in this area were registered simultaneously with farms in the neighbouring Mooi River area. Owing to the inhabitants’ agrarian predisposition up to the early years of the twentieth century, agriculture and stock farming formed the basis of the area’s economic infrastructure. Initially, the Potchefstroom market was the nearest outlet for products. Later on, products were also sold in Johannesburg, as well as at Randfontein and Krugersdorp. In the process of the development of this enterprise, stock diseases, droughts, poverty and wars continually set the inhabitants back. Prior to the establishment of gold mines (since 1937) in the northern areas of Gatsrand, which enhanced economic development, the area’s development was mainly dependent on the subsistence needs of the surrounding towns. In this respect, the building of roads to places like Krugersdorp, Randfontein, Pretoria and Johannesburg was beneficial to the Gatsrand area, since all these routes passed through said area. Administrative duties were initially performed by a field cornet and later by a justice of the peace, who was subordinate to the magistrate of Potchefstroom. In a similar way, educational matters were dealt with by the Potchefstroom School Board. Until 1948, with the exception of Klipdrift School, there were only primary schools on several farms in the area – schools that had from one to four teachers. With outbreaks of illness, even the medical services in Potchefstroom rendered help in the Gatsrand area. Inhabitants had to travel to Potchefstroom, some of them covering great distances, if they were in need of medical care and facilities. Initially, the nearest centre for worship was also Potchefstroom. The first congregation in the Gatsrand area was founded in 1926 at Fochville, with boundaries that included the major part of this area. Since 1937, gold mine development provided definite advances in local development. Up to 1948, six towns had been proclaimed, congregations were established, and houses and roads were built to accommodate the growing number of inhabitants. This resulted in the establishment of numerous enterprises. The number of pupils increased and smaller schools had to amalgamate with larger ones. By 1948, it was apparent that the development in the Gatsrand area would be phenomenal due to the rich discoveries of the then established gold mines. / MA (History), PU vir CHO, 1988 / This MA-Dissertation on the history of the Gatsrand up to 1948 originally was written in Afrikaans in 1988. This English translation was decided on to assist researchers, working with regional issues in/on South Africa who's mother tongue is English. The footnotes as well as the source list has not been translated due to the cost in doing so. However, it is trusted that researchers should find their way because more than 50% of the references are in English or could not be titled otherwise as they are archival documents or published literature. Due to new technology, the page numbers of the English version also differ from the original Afrikaans version. The approach to the research must be assessed within the time frame in which it was written and the methodology to regional history utilised, was mainly on that as expressed by VHT Skipp. The author since has extended and refined this model.

Gatsrand (as a series of ridges) is not only a well-known geographical feature in the Western Transvaal, but it also features prominently as a definite area in the settlement history of the whites in the Transvaal. In fact, the first farms in this area were registered simultaneously with farms in the neighbouring Mooi River area. Owing to the inhabitants’ agrarian predisposition up to the early years of the twentieth century, agriculture and stock farming formed the basis of the area’s economic infrastructure. Initially, the Potchefstroom market was the nearest outlet for products. Later on, products were also sold in Johannesburg, as well as at Randfontein and Krugersdorp. In the process of the development of this enterprise, stock diseases, droughts, poverty and wars continually set the inhabitants back. Prior to the establishment of gold mines (since 1937) in the northern areas of Gatsrand, which enhanced economic development, the area’s development was mainly dependent on the subsistence needs of the surrounding towns. In this respect, the building of roads to places like Krugersdorp, Randfontein, Pretoria and Johannesburg was beneficial to the Gatsrand area, since all these routes passed through said area. Administrative duties were initially performed by a field cornet and later by a justice of the peace, who was subordinate to the magistrate of Potchefstroom. In a similar way, educational matters were dealt with by the Potchefstroom School Board. Until 1948, with the exception of Klipdrift School, there were only primary schools on several farms in the area – schools that had from one to four teachers. With outbreaks of illness, even the medical services in Potchefstroom rendered help in the Gatsrand area. Inhabitants had to travel to Potchefstroom, some of them covering great distances, if they were in need of medical care and facilities. Initially, the nearest centre for worship was also Potchefstroom. The first congregation in the Gatsrand area was founded in 1926 at Fochville, with boundaries that included the major part of this area. Since 1937, gold mine development provided definite advances in local development. Up to 1948, six towns had been proclaimed, congregations were established, and houses and roads were built to accommodate the growing number of inhabitants. This resulted in the establishment of numerous enterprises. The number of pupils increased and smaller schools had to amalgamate with larger ones. By 1948, it was apparent that the development in the Gatsrand area would be phenomenal due to the rich discoveries of the then established gold mines. / MA (History), PU vir CHO, 1988 / This MA-Dissertation on the history of the Gatsrand up to 1948 originally was written in Afrikaans in 1988. This English translation was decided on to assist researchers, working with regional issues in/on South Africa who's mother tongue is English. The footnotes as well as the source list has not been translated due to the cost in doing so. However, it is trusted that researchers should find their way because more than 50% of the references are in English or could not be titled otherwise as they are archival documents or published literature. Due to new technology, the page numbers of the English version also differ from the original Afrikaans version. The approach to the research must be assessed within the time frame in which it was written and the methodology to regional history utilised, was mainly on that as expressed by VHT Skipp. The author since has extended and refined this model.

The Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act (no 92 of 1996) was implemented during 1997. This study attempted to investigate professional nurses' attitudes towards rendering these services in the Carletonville area of South Africa. The research results, obtained from questionnaires completed by professional nurses, indicated that most professional nurses would prefer:  women to be at least 16 years of age to access these services  not to allow repeated terminations of pregnancy to the same women  to administer pills rather than to use vacuum aspirations  to work in these services by choice only  to have better equipment, more resources and more staff members in units offering these services  more support from their families, friends, managers and communities Some professional nurses experienced guilt, depression, anxiety and religious conflicts as a result of the nature of their work. / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)

The Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act (no 92 of 1996) was implemented during 1997. This study attempted to investigate professional nurses' attitudes towards rendering these services in the Carletonville area of South Africa. The research results, obtained from questionnaires completed by professional nurses, indicated that most professional nurses would prefer:  women to be at least 16 years of age to access these services  not to allow repeated terminations of pregnancy to the same women  to administer pills rather than to use vacuum aspirations  to work in these services by choice only  to have better equipment, more resources and more staff members in units offering these services  more support from their families, friends, managers and communities Some professional nurses experienced guilt, depression, anxiety and religious conflicts as a result of the nature of their work. / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)