Magister Artium - MA / Die fokuspunt van hierdie studie is die impak van die Lentegeur Hospitaal op die plaaslike inwoners. Omdat daar gewoonlik 'n stigma aan geestesinrigtings kleef, wou daar met hierdie studie vasgestel word wat die inwoners se persepsie van die Lentegeur Hospitaal is. Dieselfde konsepte waarmee Dear (1980) gewerk het, is ook in hierdie studie gebruik, nl. afstandsverval, ruimtelike esternaliteitsveld, intensiteit, impak en eksternaliteitsbron. Vir die doel van hierdie studie is van beide kwalitatiewe (onderhoude) en kwantitatiewe (vraelyste)' navorsingsmetodes gebruik gemaak om die empiriese data te verkry. Deur altwee metodes te gebruik, word die beperkinge van 'n enkele metode ten minste gedeeltelik oorkom. Sodoende kon die persepsies van die plaaslike inwoners ten beste verwoord word. Alhoewel daar ook na ander perspektiewe gekyk word, vorm die politiek-ekonomie die dominante teoretiese raamwerk. Hierdie paradigma dien as 'n verwysingsraamwerk waarbinne die toestande in 'n land soos Suid-Afrika bestudeer kan word; en wat ook verklaringsmoontlikhede bied vir die politieke en ekonomiese ongelykhede in die land. Die belangrikste bevindinge van hierdie ondersoek is soos volg: Die oorheersende persepsie van die inwoners ten opsigte van die hospitaal is positief. Dus is die aanname dat geestesinrigtings noodwendig 'n negatiewe impak moet hê, deur hierdie studie verkeerd bewys. Alhoewel gemeenskapsleiers die noodsaaklikheid van 'n algemene hospitaal gepropageer het, was niemand gekant teen Lentegeur Hospitaal nie. Hierdie positiewe ingesteldheid teenoor die hospitaal kan tot 'n groot mate toegeskryf word aan: die aantreklike struktuur van die inrigting; die fasiliteite van die hospitaal wat aan die inwoners beskikbaar gestel word; die feit dat die hospitaal 'n belangrike werkverskaffer is; en en baie van die inwoners behandeling by die hospitaal ontvang / South Africa

Fatherlessness is a serious problem in South Africa and statistics show a high rate of children growing up without parents and particularly without a biological father. An estimated nine million children in South Africa are growing up without a father (Statistics South Africa [StatsSA], 2010). Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) (2010) highlights the systematic disappearance of the traditional family structure among South African families. According to their statistics, only 27% of South African children live with their biological parents, which is a further indication of the increasing number of children in South Africa that come from fatherless homes. In light of the above, the primary goal of the study was to determine teachers‟ perceptions on the impact of fatherlessness on child development. A literature review was undertaken to analyse and describe the effect of fatherlessness on child development from Bronfenbrenner‟s bio-ecosystemic perspective. Secondly, a case study was conducted to qualitatively explore the perceptions of primary school teachers on the effect of fatherlessness on child development. The data was gathered by means of focus group interviews and analysed. The following findings arose from the empirical study: * Fatherlessness has an effect on virtually all facets of child development (emotional, social, moral, spiritual, cognitive and physical). * Fatherlessness implies the absence of a father, whether it is because of death, physical absence (lives and works elsewhere), a lack of involvement (the so-called present-absent father) or that the identity of the father is unknown. * Fatherless learners need special intervention strategies to support their development. * The types of intervention strategies include emotional support, opportunities for male gender role identification and community awareness projects on fatherlessness. * Aside from the material support some teachers offer to the learners, the school does not provide any formal support to fatherless learners. Recommendations are made, in accordance with the findings, in regard to the support of fatherless learners. / MEd (Learner Support), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Fatherlessness is a serious problem in South Africa and statistics show a high rate of children growing up without parents and particularly without a biological father. An estimated nine million children in South Africa are growing up without a father (Statistics South Africa [StatsSA], 2010). Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) (2010) highlights the systematic disappearance of the traditional family structure among South African families. According to their statistics, only 27% of South African children live with their biological parents, which is a further indication of the increasing number of children in South Africa that come from fatherless homes. In light of the above, the primary goal of the study was to determine teachers‟ perceptions on the impact of fatherlessness on child development. A literature review was undertaken to analyse and describe the effect of fatherlessness on child development from Bronfenbrenner‟s bio-ecosystemic perspective. Secondly, a case study was conducted to qualitatively explore the perceptions of primary school teachers on the effect of fatherlessness on child development. The data was gathered by means of focus group interviews and analysed. The following findings arose from the empirical study: * Fatherlessness has an effect on virtually all facets of child development (emotional, social, moral, spiritual, cognitive and physical). * Fatherlessness implies the absence of a father, whether it is because of death, physical absence (lives and works elsewhere), a lack of involvement (the so-called present-absent father) or that the identity of the father is unknown. * Fatherless learners need special intervention strategies to support their development. * The types of intervention strategies include emotional support, opportunities for male gender role identification and community awareness projects on fatherlessness. * Aside from the material support some teachers offer to the learners, the school does not provide any formal support to fatherless learners. Recommendations are made, in accordance with the findings, in regard to the support of fatherless learners. / MEd (Learner Support), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Social Impact Assessment (SIA) identifies the intended and unintended impacts that proposed projects or developments are likely to have on a community or individuals and suggest mitigation measures to prevent these impacts and enhance the positive impacts. The main aim of this dissertation is to explore the significance and the status of SIA in a South African context. EIA is currently in its third era of mandatory practice and with an increasing number of SIAs, it is essential that the practice of SIA should be investigated. The aim of this dissertation was firstly reached by exploring the perspectives of SIA practitioners in South Africa through a questionnaire. The practitioners’ perspectives showed that despite distinct weaknesses in the practice of SIA, i.e. the lack of a fixed set of guidelines and a shortage of SIA skill in the practitioner community, SIA practice has improved since 1997 with the promulgation of ECA, although there is still room for improvement. Secondly a quality review was conducted on a sample of SIARs in South Africa using an adapted review package. The results revealed relatively weak report quality compared to EIA report quality, but with an improvement, in report quality since 1997. The quality review findings appear to confirm the perspectives of the practitioners regarding the state of SIA practice in South Africa. Despite the weaknesses in the SIA process, it appears that the SIA practitioner community is driven by best practice considerations, and that SIA practice is in line with international trends. It appears therefore that despite the observed weaknesses, SIA practice in South Africa is relatively healthy. It is recommended that instead of seeking to strengthen SIA practice by means of regulation and guidelines, SIA practitioners should rather ensure that SIA delivers what it is intended to deliver by ongoing pursuance of best practice, and by improved training and skills development. / Thesis (MSc (Geography and Environmental Studies))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

Social Impact Assessment (SIA) identifies the intended and unintended impacts that proposed projects or developments are likely to have on a community or individuals and suggest mitigation measures to prevent these impacts and enhance the positive impacts. The main aim of this dissertation is to explore the significance and the status of SIA in a South African context. EIA is currently in its third era of mandatory practice and with an increasing number of SIAs, it is essential that the practice of SIA should be investigated. The aim of this dissertation was firstly reached by exploring the perspectives of SIA practitioners in South Africa through a questionnaire. The practitioners’ perspectives showed that despite distinct weaknesses in the practice of SIA, i.e. the lack of a fixed set of guidelines and a shortage of SIA skill in the practitioner community, SIA practice has improved since 1997 with the promulgation of ECA, although there is still room for improvement. Secondly a quality review was conducted on a sample of SIARs in South Africa using an adapted review package. The results revealed relatively weak report quality compared to EIA report quality, but with an improvement, in report quality since 1997. The quality review findings appear to confirm the perspectives of the practitioners regarding the state of SIA practice in South Africa. Despite the weaknesses in the SIA process, it appears that the SIA practitioner community is driven by best practice considerations, and that SIA practice is in line with international trends. It appears therefore that despite the observed weaknesses, SIA practice in South Africa is relatively healthy. It is recommended that instead of seeking to strengthen SIA practice by means of regulation and guidelines, SIA practitioners should rather ensure that SIA delivers what it is intended to deliver by ongoing pursuance of best practice, and by improved training and skills development. / Thesis (MSc (Geography and Environmental Studies))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

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

Angling as a sport and recreational activity attracts millions of participants worldwide, making it the most popular pastime on the planet. Freshwater bank anglers in South Africa account for approximately 60% of the angling community and contribute billions to the economy. The freshwater bank angling industry as such is largely informal, with the exception of the small organised angling section. The technical aspects of angling receive an abundance of covering in magazines and increases in popularity through the electronic media. This study focuses on lesser known aspects regarding the angling industry stakeholders and put the activities of South African freshwater bank anglers in perspective. Valuable information was gathered describing the socio-economic profile and various preferences and habits of anglers. The information should form the basis of future studies to formalise the freshwater bank angling industry. A general and mutual concern among stakeholders for the future sustainability of freshwater angling was identified. The apparent lack of enforcing angling and environmental legislation was singled out as a serious shortcoming in protecting the interests of stakeholders. The study calls for organised angling to engage all stakeholders in a national strategy for developing the structures and creating the momentum to promote and grow this undervalued industry to its potential. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Angling as a sport and recreational activity attracts millions of participants worldwide, making it the most popular pastime on the planet. Freshwater bank anglers in South Africa account for approximately 60% of the angling community and contribute billions to the economy. The freshwater bank angling industry as such is largely informal, with the exception of the small organised angling section. The technical aspects of angling receive an abundance of covering in magazines and increases in popularity through the electronic media. This study focuses on lesser known aspects regarding the angling industry stakeholders and put the activities of South African freshwater bank anglers in perspective. Valuable information was gathered describing the socio-economic profile and various preferences and habits of anglers. The information should form the basis of future studies to formalise the freshwater bank angling industry. A general and mutual concern among stakeholders for the future sustainability of freshwater angling was identified. The apparent lack of enforcing angling and environmental legislation was singled out as a serious shortcoming in protecting the interests of stakeholders. The study calls for organised angling to engage all stakeholders in a national strategy for developing the structures and creating the momentum to promote and grow this undervalued industry to its potential. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

A company’s success is predominantly measured by how well it does financially. Management and shareholders are interested in increased production and profits. In order to increase the profit margin, the issue of productivity needs to be addressed. Research had shown that there is a correlation between job satisfaction and productivity (Clark, 2003:1; Javed, Maqsood&Durrani, 2004:7; Syptak, Marsland&Ulmer, 1999:26). Sugarbird, a division of Pioneer Foods Pty (Ltd), one of South Africa’s leading food manufacturers, has embarked on integrating the Mission-Directed Work Team programme (MDWT programme) into Sugarbird’s daily operating activities. This programme focuses on the development and establishment of meaningful practices that can be implemented throughout an organization in order to provide management and employees with the skills to benchmark themselves against world-best practices. As the basis of this study the researcher had chosen applied research, with the aim to evaluate the impact of the MDWT programme on job satisfaction at Sugarbird and to answer the following research question: “Does the MDWT programme have a positive impact on job satisfaction?” The population considered in this study was the 100 ground-level workers at Sugarbird. On the day and time the questionnaire was administered, 79 employees (23 males and 55 females) were present on site and were included in the study. Before the MDWT programme was launched in April 2007, an internal climate survey was conducted which indicated that employees experienced low levels of job satisfaction and that communication, transparency, decision-making and acknowledgement were issues that needed to be addressed. For the purpose of this study a questionnaire was designed to determine whether the MDWT programme had an impact on these variables. The results of the study indicated that the MDWT programme does have a positive impact on job satisfaction and that employees have taken ownership of this initiative. Employees are in general satisfied with the communication strategies within Sugarbird and it is positive to note that the majority of employees trust their supervisors. The majority of employees stated that they are satisfied with the manner in which transparency at Sugarbird is dealt with. An overwhelming majority of employees think that the opinion of workers is important in decision-making regarding day-to-day activities. When focusing on general opinions of employees, a significant number of employees indicated that their opinions are not being heard. All employees are in agreement that Sugarbird has a formal incentive programme that recognises employees’ achievements and the majority of employees indicated that Sugarbird does indeed acknowledge positive inputs from employees. There is however a strong discrepancy between the acknowledgements of major- versus small accomplishments as employees are of the opinion that major accomplishments are more easily recognised. In conclusion, it could be stated that the MDWT programme do have an impact on the job satisfaction levels of employees at Sugarbird and that communication, transparency, decision-making and acknowledgement did improve due to the MDWT programme. AFRIKAANS : ‘n Organisasie se sukses hang hoofsaaklik daarvan af van hoe goed dit finansieël doen. Bestuur en aandeelhouers stel belang in verhoogde produksie en profit. Ten einde die winsmarge te verhoog moet produktiwiteit aangespreek word. Navorsing het bewys dat daar ‘n korrelasie tussen werkstevredenheid and produktiwiteit bestaan (Clark, 2003:1; Javed, Maqsood&Durrani, 2004:7; Syptak, Marsland&Ulmer, 1999:26). Sugarbird, ‘n divisie van Pioneer Foods Pty (Ltd) wat een van Suid Afrika se grootste voedselvervaardigers is, het ‘n Missie-Gefokusde Werkspan program [Mission-Directed Work Team programme (MDWT programme)] geimplementeer wat geïntegreer word in Sugarbird se daaglikse bedryfsaktiwiteite. Hierdie program fokus op die ontwikkeling en vestiging van betekenisvolle praktyke wat geïmplementeer kan word regdeur die organisasie ten einde bestuur en werknemers toe te rus met vaardighede waarmee hul hulself kan meet teenoor wêreld-beste praktyke. As basis vir hierdie studie het die navorser besluit op toegepaste navorsing, met die doelwit om die impak van die MDWT program op werkstevredenheid by Sugarbird te evalueer asook om die volgende navorsingsvraag te beantwoord: “Het die MDWT program ‘n positiewe impak op werkstevredenheid?” Hierdie studie se bestudeerde populasie was die 100 grondvlakwerkers by Sugarbird. Tydens die voltooiing van die vraelys, was daar 79 werknemers (23 manlik en 55 vroulik) teenwoordig wat almal by die studie ingesluit is. Alvorens die bekendstelling en implementering van die MDWT program in April 2007 is ‘n interne klimaatstudie gedoen wat aangedui het dat werknemers lae vlakke van werkstevredenheid openbaar het. Kommunikasie, deursigtigheid, besluitneming asook erkenning is aangedui as kwessies wat aangespreek moet word. Vir die doeleindes van hierdie studie is ‘n vraelys ontwikkel om te bepaal of die MDWT-program ‘n impak op hierdie veranderlikes gehad het. Die resultate van die studie dui aan dat die MDWTvii program wel ‘n positiewe impak op werkstevredenheid gehad het en dat werknemers eienaarskap van hierdie inisiatief geneem het. Oor die algemeen is werknemers tevrede met die kommunikasiestrategieë binne Sugarbird en is dit positief om te meld dat die meerderheid van werknemers hul toesighouers vertrou. Die meerderheid van werknemers het aangedui dat hulle tevrede is met die wyse waarop deursigtigheid by Sugarbird hanteer word en is van mening dat die opinie van werknemers belangrik geag word tydens dag-tot-dag besluite. ‘n Beduidende hoeveelheid werknemers het egter aangedui dat hulle algemene opinies nie gehoor word nie. Al die werknemers stem saam dat Sugarbird oor ‘n formele erkenningsprogram beskik wat erkenning gee aan werknemers se prestasies. Die meerderheid van werknemers het verder aangedui dat Sugarbird positiewe insette van werknemers erken. Daar is egter ‘n diskrepansie tussen die erkenning van groot- teenoor klein prestasies en die werknemers is van opinie dat groot prestasies meer geredelik erken word. Samevattend kan aangevoer word dat die MDWT-program ‘n positiewe impak op werkstevredenheid van werknemers by Sugarbird gehad het en dat kommunikasie, deursigtigheid, besluitneming en erkenning wel verbeter het as gevolg van die MDWT-program. Copyright / Dissertation (MSocSci)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Social Work and Criminology / unrestricted