Ageing in Africa and the world over is a phenomenon that affects individuals and societies. The expanding older population (people aged 60+) in South Africa led to this research, which represents an attempt to explore the experiences of loneliness of older persons in Africa and thereby gain some understanding of the subjective experiences of loneliness of a group of older African persons in their socio–cultural context. Defining loneliness from the existing literature was challenging since it became evident that loneliness in the literature is defined and researched largely in terms of individual meanings attached to the concept, and the applicability of such individual meanings to an African context remains unconfirmed. Experiences of loneliness are not well known among older Setwana–speaking persons, and few studies have focused on collectivistic experiences as such. Loneliness is considered a complex, contextual experience that goes beyond the individual and also includes culture as an inseparable aspect of people’s lives. Conceptualising loneliness as a socially constructed phenomenon places this study within the paradigm of phenomenology exploring people’s experiences. The philosophy of ubuntu relates to being in the world among others thus creating the concept of a social self. In essence, to be a self, one has to belong to a community, and one is always contextualised as an existence among others in interaction. A qualitative design was used together with a purposive convenience sampling method whereby the participants were selected on the basis of their availability during the research period. The participants’ ages ranged from 61 up to 73, and the sample included 16 female and two male participants. Two data sets were collected at different times from members of the Day Care Centre for the Aged in Ikageng, Potchefstroom, South Africa, as well as community residents who did not attend the centre. Various qualitative techniques were used to collect the data including the Mmogo–methodTM, in–depth individual interviews and focus groups. Multiple methods were employed for analysing the data including phenomenological analysis, key–words–in–context and analysis strategies as stipulated by the Mmogo–methodTM. The rigour of the data was enhanced through the use of diverse qualitative data–gathering methods as well as an array of qualitative analysis methods in a process known as crystallisation. Ethical approval was granted by the Ethics Committee of the North–West University, Potchefstroom Campus, under a larger project, “An exploration of enabling contexts (05K14)”. The researchers constructed two main themes from the findings: descriptions of loneliness and coping with loneliness. Loneliness related to the self and to others, and coping with loneliness involved actively engaging with the environment, being with others and using coping strategies. Some of the findings are linked to the existing literature, and some are unique relating to being with others and including social embeddedness as a multi–layered phenomenon connected to experiences of loneliness - it is here where the literature falls short in clarifying the findings within our context. Suggestions are made for future research, and some of the limitations of the study are pointed out. To conclude: Loneliness is a multi–dimensional phenomenon that older Batswana people experience on many levels of engagement with and disengagement from the self and others. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Research Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The research question addressed by this dissertation is: How is the tourist experience formed and what constitutes the authenticity of the tourist experience for two market segments (motivated and not motivated by learning) of tourists visiting (political) cultural heritage sites in South Africa. The study explores the correlation between three types of authenticity, namely objective, constructed and existential on two independent tourist samples, motivated and not motivated by learning. This research was initiated for three reasons. The first reason forms part of the research problem; South African cultural experiences received the lowest ratings from the international tourists despite the fact that culture and heritage play a role in reimaging South Africa from Big 5 destination into ‘It’s possible’ and ‘Leave ordinary behind’. It was suspected that not all types of cultural heritage products justify such a low ratings, especially not the political cultural heritage sites South Africa is famous for. The second reason emerged from the academic literature on authenticity theories and calls from the influential group of postmodernist scholars to declare the objective authenticity obsolete and replace it with the existential authenticity. The argument that; the hyperreal nature of the postmodern experience and its detachment from reality makes the authenticity of the site redundant, seemed inapt for cultural heritage sites exclusively dependent on their historical and authentic values. The third reason was the inability of the postmodern paradigm to explain the new tourism phenomenon driven by the tourists search for selfdevelopment through authentic experiences. The new emerging paradigm, transmodernity seemed to offer better theoretical framework in explaining the omnivorouessness of tourists’ consumption and the authentic nature of tourist experiences. The correlational character of the research question required a descriptive correlational design and quantitative methodology. The selected research instrument for primary data collection is a self–administered questionnaire. The sampling strategy is a non–probability sampling, and the sampling method is a convenience or accidental sample. The data was collected from November 2010 to February 2011 at the Constitutional Hill National Heritage Site in Johannesburg. The final sample (436) consists of 254 foreign and 182 domestic tourists. The questionnaire was designed to identify the variables pertinent to each type of authenticity of tourists experience and of the resultant tourist experience. The data analysis provided very interesting results. Firstly, the results of crosstabulation proved that more than half (56%) of the tourists expressed strong agreement that the Constitution Hill provided them with authentic experience, hence a proof that political heritage sites are not responsible for the overall low experiential ratings of the country’s culture and heritage. Secondly, the results of the Spearman’s correlation coefficient proved that objective authenticity as an independent variable have strong positive correlation with constructed and existential authenticity hence a proof that objective authenticity cannot be declared obsolete and replaced with existential authenticity. Finally, the results of the t–test proved that motivation for learning and place of birth do not play an important role in how tourist evaluate and experience the authenticity of the site pointing to the omnivorous nature of tourist consumption. In line with the transmodern paradigm, motivation for learning plays a critical role in triggering the transformative, authentic experience distinctive of the existential authenticity. The results of the study also showed that 32% of tourists are in fact the purposeful, New Age, transmodern Cultural Creatives. Proposed theoretical model of authenticity of tourists experience presents a theoretical platform for future research studies. / Thesis (M.A. (Tourism))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

The purpose of this research was to investigate the nature of the South African late adolescent’s adjustment whilst on a working holiday in the United Kingdom. In order to achieve this goal a thorough literature study was done with attention afforded to late adolescence, the developmental tasks of this life stage, culture and culture shock and the adjustment to the latter. An empirical study was conducted whereby semi-structured interviews were utilized as a data collection method. During these interviews questions were posed to the respondents to ascertain what they regarded as pleasant as well as unpleasant in relation to their working holiday in the United Kingdom, the perceived cultural differences between South Africans and Britons, problems experienced with the adjustment, homesickness, triggers thereof including ways in which to cope with it. Ten respondents were individually interviewed during this research. An exploratory research design was followed as the researcher explored the trend of late adolescents who embark on a working holiday in the United Kingdom. The researcher performed qualitative research to answer the research question. The research question that was formulated for the purpose of this study was: what is the nature of the adjustment of the late adolescent whilst living and working in the United Kingdom? The researcher applied the one-group posttest-only design as research procedure because interviews were conducted following a period of at least four months in which the respondents had lived in the United Kingdom. Empirical data was obtained by means of an interview schedule and the following themes were identified: -- Late adolescents experience culture shock upon arrival in the United Kingdom. -- Environmental differences are experienced. -- Cultural differences between South Africans and Britons are noted. -- Independency increases. -- Work experience is gained and money earned in order to meet needs. -- Cohesion and solidarity are experienced with fellow South Africans in London. -- Exposure is experienced. -- Homesickness is experienced. The researcher concludes that the late adolescent experiences initial culture shock that is absorbed by the support of fellow South Africans and results in increased independence. Homesickness is experienced and is dealt with in ways that had been tested. / Dissertation (MSD (Play Therapy))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Social Work / unrestricted

The intention of this research is to analyse the process and methodology of the Iranian negotiating style. The research is mainly premised on Putnam’s two-level game metaphor (1988) and the “ultimate decision making unit” of Hermann et al. (1987), the purpose being to identify key leadership units, individuals, and formal and informal networks in Iran. The study further takes cognisance of key elements of the Iranian national character, which naturally impacts directly on what Iran considers to be a suitable negotiating style. It provides an overview of how the 1979 revolution changed Iranian diplomacy and how it forced international political theorists to take note of the cultural-religious dimension, ignored until then as elements of international politics and theory. Two case studies, deal respectively with the US hostage crisis (1979-1981), and the Iran-E3/EU nuclear negotiations, between 2003 and 2006. The analysis shows how Iran assumed the character of a revolutionary country and how its new religiously driven diplomacy is evolving. The study finally identifies and illustrates the active deployment of Shî’a negotiation doctrine as the basis of Iranian diplomacy and the use of techniques such as taqiyyah, tanfih and khod’eh. A model for negotiations with Iran is developed using key elements of the research. AFRIKAANS : Die studie fokus op Iranese onderhandelingstyl en - metodiek. Twee teorieë, naamlik Putnam (1988) se “twee-ledige interaktiewe onderhandelingsproses” en Hermann et al. (1987) se leierskapsmodel, is gebruik om Iran se gefragmenteerde leierselite asook die staat se formele en informele netwerke wat ‘n sleutelrol vervul in onderhandeling te identifiseer. Bykomend hiertoe is ‘n analise gemaak van faktore soos kultuur en godsdiens wat onderliggend is aan Iran se “nasionale karakter” en dus ’n direkte invloed uitoefen op Iranese onderhandelingstyl. Die studie wys ook hoe die 1979 rewolusie ‘n verandering gebring het deur godsdiens en kultuur tot gelykwaardige dimensies van die internationale politiek te verhoog nadat dit voorheen heeltemal geïgnoreer is. Dit bly egter vreemd vir die Weste. Die studie slaag daarin om deur middel van twee navorsingsondersoeke rakende Iran se oorname van die VSA ambassade in Tehran tussen 1979 en 1981) en die Iran-E3/EU kernonderhandelings tussen 2003 en 2006 die fokus te plaas op die identifisering en ontwikkeling van ‘n Iranese onderhandelingstyl. Tegnieke soos taqiyyah, tanfih en khod’eh wat die basis van Iran se diplomatieke onderhandellingstyl vorm, word vervolgens bespreek terwyl ‘n model vir onderhandelinge met Iran ook ontwikkel is uit die gegewens wat verkry is uit die navorsing. / Dissertation (MA)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Political Sciences / unrestricted

AFRIKAANS: In hierdie studie is daar gelet op MIV en VIGS en die geslagsrolle van die Noord-Sotho/Tswana-sprekende vrou in die Limpopo Provinsie. Daar is spesifiek gefokus op watter MIV- en VIGS-verbandhoudende risiko’s voorkom rondom die geslagsrolle van die Noord-Sotho/Tswana-sprekende vrou in die Limpopo Provinsie. Sewe relevante geslagsrolle van die vrou is geïdentifiseer vir ondersoek, en het die vrou as individuelewese, seksuelewese, huweliksmaat, moeder, versorger, enkelouer en broodwinner ingesluit. Verbandhoudende aspekte van hierdie rolle is ook ondersoek en het mishandeling van die vrou, die vrou se opvoeding, geloof, kultuur, gesondheid, geslag en spesifieke beradingsbehoeftes ingesluit. Waar geslag ‘n sosiale- en kulturelestruktuur is en ook kultuur-spesifiek is, was dit van belang om die vrou se geslagsrolle en die verbandhoudende aspekte daarvan binne die vrou se relevante kulturelekonteks te ondersoek. Die navorsingsmetodologie vir hierdie studie is duidelik omskryf en uiteengesit, waarna verskeie literatuurhoofstukke volg. Die literatuurhoofstukke fokus op MIV en VIGS as medieseverskynsel en die beradingsaspekte wat daarmee verband hou. In die literatuurhoofstukke is daar ook gelet op die Afrika-kultuur en geslagsrolvorming, waarna die sewe geslagsrolle van die vrou en die verbandhoudende aspekte daarvan bespreek is. Die literatuurhoofstukke voorsien die nodige agtergrond wat aanduidend is van spesifieke MIV-risiko’s wat deur Afrika-vroue in hul geslagsrolle beleef word. Navorsingsbevindings vir hierdie kwalitatiewe studie is met behulp van tabelle voorgestel wat volledig bespreek is, ten einde te bepaal watter spesifieke MIV-risiko’s deur Noord-Sotho/Tswana-sprekende vroue in die Limpopo Provinsie beleef word. Navorsingsbevindings vir hierdie kwalitatiewe studie is met behulp van tabelle voorgestel wat volledig bespreek is, ten einde te bepaal watter spesifieke MIV-risiko’s deur Noord-Sotho/Tswana-sprekende vroue in die Limpopo Provinsie beleef word. Hierdie bevindings het getoon dat Noord-Sotho/Tswana-sprekende vroue in die Limpopo Provinsie veral kwesbaar is vir MIV waar hierdie vroue ‘n tekort aan mag het om te onderhandel vir veilige seksuele-omgang en kondoomgebruik. ‘n Raamwerk vir kultuursensitiewe MIV- en VIGS-berading is ontwikkel, en bestaan uit inligting bekom vanuit die empiriese ondersoek, praktykervaring asook die navorser se kennis van relevante literatuur. Die raamwerk vir kultuursensitiewe MIV- en VIGS-berading is op wyses aangebied wat as gepas beskou word vir die spesifieke probleme of behoeftes van die vrou, en bestaan uit afmerklyste, kolomme en gevallestudies. Die raamwerk is ook saamgestel sodat dit deur die maatskaplike werker, MIV-berader en ander lede van die multidissiplinêrespan benut kan word tydens hulpverlening aan MIV-positiewe Noord-Sotho/Tswana-sprekende vroue. Ten slotte is ‘n algemene samevatting, gevolgtrekkings en aanbevelings gemaak na aanleiding van relevante bevindings vanuit die studie. Die navorsingsvraag vir hierdie studie in geheel is beantwoord deurdat die empiriese ondersoek sowel as die raamwerk vir kultuursensitiewe MIV- en VIGS-berading, die MIV- en VIGS-verbandhoudende risiko’s rondom die geslagsrolle van die Noord-Sotho/Tswanasprekende MIV-positiewe vrou in die Limpopo Provinsie duidelik geïdentifiseer en logies gegroepeer het, en gevolgtrekkings en aanbevelings gebied het. Hierdie studie het getoon dat elk van die vrou se sewe geslagsrolle, asook die verbandhoudende aspekte daarvan, verband hou met spesifieke MIV-risiko’s wat op fisiologiesesosiale-, psigologiese-, ekonomiese- en kulturele vlak beleef word deur Noord-Sotho/Tswana-sprekende vroue in die Limpopo Provinsie. ENGLISH: This study considered HIV and AIDS and the gender roles of Northern Sotho/Tswana speaking women in the Limpopo Province. Specific focus was placed on HIV and AIDS related risks surrounding the gender roles of Northern Sotho/Tswana speaking women in the Limpopo Province. Seven relevant gender roles were identified for investigation; these include women as individual beings, sexual beings, wives, mothers, caregivers, single parents and breadwinners. Related aspects of these roles were also investigated and include the abuse of women, education, religion, culture, health, gender and specific counselling needs. It was of importance to examine gender roles and the related aspects in the woman’s relevant cultural context since gender is seen as a social and cultural construct and is also culture-specific. The research methodology for this study was clearly defined and outlined. The literature chapters focussed on HIV and AIDS as medical phenomenon and related counselling aspects. The literature chapters also considered the African culture and gender role development, the seven gender roles of women and aspects related to these. The literature chapters provided the necessary background which is indicative of the specific HIV risks which are experienced by African women in their gender roles. Research findings for this qualitative study were presented using tables which were fully discussed in the study in order to determine the specific HIV risks experienced by Northern Sotho/Tswana speaking women in the Limpopo province. These findings showed that Northern Sotho/Tswana speaking women in the Limpopo Province are particularly vulnerable to HIV as these women experience a lack of power to negotiate for safe sex and condom use. A framework for culturally sensitive HIV and AIDS counselling was developed and consists of information obtained from the empirical investigation, practical experience and the researcher’s knowledge of relevant literature. The framework for culturally sensitive HIV and AIDS counselling was presented in a manner which is suited to the specific problems and needs of these women and consists of tick-mark lists, columns and case studies. The framework was also compiled in such a manner that it may be utilised by the social worker, HIV counsellor and other members of the multidisciplinary team during the counselling of HIV positive Northern Sotho/Tswana speaking women. A general summary, conclusions and recommendations were finally made following the relevant findings of the study. The research question for this study was fully answered in that the empirical investigation as well as the framework for culturally sensitive HIV and AIDS counselling identified, logically grouped and made conclusions and recommendations about the HIV and AIDS related risks surrounding the gender roles of Northern Sotho/Tswana speaking women in the Limpopo Province. This study showed that each of the seven gender roles of women as well as the related aspects of these roles are associated with specific HIV risks which are experienced on a physiological, social, psychological, economical and cultural level by Northern Sotho/Tswana speaking women in the Limpopo Province. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Social Work and Criminology / PhD / Unrestricted

Text in English with summary and key words in English, isiZulu and Afrikaans / Information and Communications Technology (ICT) adoption in a multicultural context needs to be well understood, since smooth ICT operations within several key sections of any multicultural organisation are impacted on by cultural factors. This study seeks to investigate the importance and effects of several variables – cultural tastes, cultural values, social structures, and the communication context and language – on ICT adoption in the African Union (AU). It also enhances understanding of issues faced by AU when adopting ICT in their daily operations. The study has reviewed theoretical literature, specifically Diffusion of Innovation Theory (DIT), Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), The Competing Values Framework/Model, and Value-Based Adoption Model (VAM). The study used the value-based adoption model because in a multicultural environment such as AU, if an innovation is valuable and cost effective then they users are likely to adopt it. Reliability scores of the constructs were calculated by averaging the scores. The variables that could cause impact on ICT adoption included cultural values, social structure, culture taste, language and communication context. The tool was tested for reliability, and those questions that were found and unreliable questions were taken out from the final study. To enhance the test of validity of factors, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was preferred as the initial step in the validation process. The research was conducted at the AU offices within and outside of Ethiopia. A total of 288 participants completed a semi-structured questionnaire. Exploratory factor analysis was used. The findings indicate that language and cultural taste had a noteworthy effect at the stated significance level (α<0.05). Cultural values, communication, social structure and the communication context were found to be insignificant at the stated significance level (α<0.05). The study recommends that the AU embraces inclusivity of different and diverse languages into its ICT systems, to facilitate adoption and use by employees. In conclusion, the study points out that cultural tastes and languages are the vital elements in the adoption of ICT in the AU. / Ukwamukelwa kohlelo lezobuChwepheshe Bolwazi Kanye nokuXhumana (Information and communications technology (ICT) kwizidingo zesimo esiqukethe amasiko amaningi kufanele kuzwisiseke kahle, njengoba imisebenzi ehamba kahle yohlelo lwe-ICT kwimikhakha esemqoka yanoma iyiphi inhlangano enamasiko amaningi ithintwa yimithelela yosikompilo. Lolu cwaningo luqonde ukuphenya ukubaluleka Kanye nemithelela yezinto ezahlukene, kuxutshwa phakathi izinhlobo zamasiko, ubuhle bamasiko, izakhowo zomphakathi, Kanye nesimo sokuxhumana Kanye nolimi, phezu kokwamukelwa kwe-ICT kwinhlangano yoBunye be-Afrika (African Union (AU), ngenhloso yokuqinisa ulwazi lwezinto ezihlupha inhlangano ye-AU, uma yamukela uhlelo lwe-ICT kwimisebenzi yalo yansuku zonke. Ucwaningo luye lwabuyekeza ukuba khona ithiyori yombhalo wobuciko, ikakhulu ithiyori ebizwa nge-Diffusion of Innovation Theory (DIT), uhlelol lwe-Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), uhlelo lwe-Competing Values Framework/Model Kanye ne-Value-based Adoption Model (VAM). Lolu hlelo lokugcina lusetshenzisiwe, ngoba kwisizinda samasiko amaningi esinjenge-AU, uma ngabe uhlelo lwamaqhinga amasha lutholakala lusemqoka futhi lungembi eqolo, ngakho-ke abasebenzisi balo bangalwamukela. Ucwaningo lwenziwa kumahovisi enhlangano ye-AU ezindaweni ezimbili ngaphakathi nangaphandle kwezwe lase-Ethiopia. Inani lonke labadlalindima aba-288 bagcwalise umbhalo wemibuzo ombaxambili. Amaphuzu achaza ukwethembeka (reliability scores) ezakhiwo akhalukhuleyithwe ngokuwalinganisa (averaged). Ithuluzi lohlelo lwe-VAM luhlolwe ngenhloso yokuthola izinga lokwethembeka, kanti-ke yinoma iyiphi imibuzo engathembeki isusiwe kucwaningo. Ukuqinisa uhlelo lokuhlola izinga lokufaneleko kwemithelela (validity of factors), ukuhlaziywa kwemithelela ephenyayo (exploratory factor analysis (EFA) kunconywe njengesinyathelo sokuqala kuhlelo lwe-validation. Ulwazi olutholakele luveza ukuthi ulimi kanye losikompilo kube nomthelela obonakalayo kwisilinganiso se (<0.05), kanti izimfundisa ezinhle zamasiko, ukuxhumana, isakhiwo somphakathi kanye nesimo sezokuxhumana kutholakele ukuthi akubalulekile kwisilinganiso esichaziwe sezinga le (<0.05). Ucwaningo luncoma ukuthi i-AU yamukela uhlelo lokufaka amasiko onke ngokusebenzisa izilimi ezahlukahlukene kumasistimu ayo e-ICT, ukunceda ukwamukelwa kanye nokusetshenziswa ngabasebenzi. Sengiphetha, ucwaningo, ucwaningo luyachaza ukuthi izinhlobo ezahlukene zamasiko kanye nezilimi kuyizinhlaka ezisemqoka ekwamukelweni kohlelo lwe-ICT ngaphakathim kwe-AU. / Die ingebruikneming van inligtings- en kommunikasietegnologie (IKT) in ʼn multikulturele konteks moet goed begryp word, aangesien vloeiende IKT-werksaamhede in verskeie sleutelsektore van enige multikulturele organisasie deur kulturele faktore beïnvloed word. Hierdie studie het ten doel gehad om die belangrikheid van verskillende veranderlikes, insluitende kulturele smake, kulturele waardes, sosiale strukture, en die kommunikasiekonteks en -taal, en die invloed daarvan op IKT-ingebruikneming in die Afrika-unie (AU) te ondersoek, met die oog op verbeterde begrip van die kwessies waarmee die AU gekonfronteer word wanneer IKT in hul daaglikse werksaamhede gebruik word. In die studie is die beskikbare teoretiese literatuur hersien, spesifiek die Diffusie van Innovasie- Teorie (DIT), die Saambindende Teorie van Aanvaarding en Gebruik van Tegnologie (UTAUT), die Mededingende Waardes-raamwerk/-model en die Waardegebaseerde Ingebruikneming-model (VAM). Laasgenoemde is toegepas, want in ʼn multikulturele omgewing soos dié van die AU sal gebruikers waarskynlik ʼn innovasie gebruik indien dit waardevol en kostedoeltreffend is. Die navorsing is by AU-kantore in sowel as buite Etiopië uitgevoer. Altesaam 288 deelnemers het ʼn halfgestruktureerde vraelys voltooi. Die betroubaarheidspuntetelling van die konstrukte is bereken deur hul gemiddelde te bepaal. Die VAM-hulpmiddel is getoets vir betroubaarheid, en enige onbetroubare vrae is uit die finale studie verwyder. Om die toets van geldigheid van faktore te versterk, is verkennende faktorontleding (EFA) verkies as die aanvanklike stap in die proses van geldigheidsbepaling. Die bevindinge het getoon dat taal en kulturele smaak ʼn noemenswaardige uitwerking op die genoemde beduidendheidspeil (<0.05) gehad het, terwyl kulturele waardes, kommunikasie, sosiale struktuur en die kommunikasiekonteks onbeduidend blyk te wees op die genoemde beduidendheidspeil (<0.05). Die studie beveel aan dat die AU inklusiwiteit verwelkom deur diverse tale in sy IK-stelsels te gebruik, om aanvaarding en ingebruikneming daarvan deur werknemers te bewerkstellig. Ten slotte: die studie het bevind dat kulturele smake en tale deurslaggewende elemente in die aanvaarding van IKT in die AU is / Ukwamukelwa kohlelo lezobuChwepheshe Bolwazi Kanye nokuXhumana (Information and communications technology (ICT) kwizidingo zesimo esiqukethe amasiko amaningi kufanele kuzwisiseke kahle, njengoba imisebenzi ehamba kahle yohlelo lwe-ICT kwimikhakha esemqoka yanoma iyiphi inhlangano enamasiko amaningi ithintwa yimithelela yosikompilo. Lolu cwaningo luqonde ukuphenya ukubaluleka Kanye nemithelela yezinto ezahlukene, kuxutshwa phakathi izinhlobo zamasiko, ubuhle bamasiko, izakhowo zomphakathi, Kanye nesimo sokuxhumana Kanye nolimi, phezu kokwamukelwa kwe-ICT kwinhlangano yoBunye be-Afrika (African Union (AU), ngenhloso yokuqinisa ulwazi lwezinto ezihlupha inhlangano ye-AU, uma yamukela uhlelo lwe-ICT kwimisebenzi yalo yansuku zonke. Ucwaningo luye lwabuyekeza ukuba khona ithiyori yombhalo wobuciko, ikakhulu ithiyori ebizwa nge-Diffusion of Innovation Theory (DIT), uhlelol lwe-Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), uhlelo lwe-Competing Values Framework/Model Kanye ne-Value-based Adoption Model (VAM). Lolu hlelo lokugcina lusetshenzisiwe, ngoba kwisizinda samasiko amaningi esinjenge-AU, uma ngabe uhlelo lwamaqhinga amasha lutholakala lusemqoka futhi lungembi eqolo, ngakho-ke abasebenzisi balo bangalwamukela. Ucwaningo lwenziwa kumahovisi enhlangano ye-AU ezindaweni ezimbili ngaphakathi nangaphandle kwezwe lase-Ethiopia. Inani lonke labadlalindima aba-288 bagcwalise umbhalo wemibuzo ombaxambili. Amaphuzu achaza ukwethembeka (reliability scores) ezakhiwo akhalukhuleyithwe ngokuwalinganisa (averaged). Ithuluzi lohlelo lwe-VAM luhlolwe ngenhloso yokuthola izinga lokwethembeka, kanti-ke yinoma iyiphi imibuzo engathembeki isusiwe kucwaningo. Ukuqinisa uhlelo lokuhlola izinga lokufaneleko kwemithelela (validity of factors), ukuhlaziywa kwemithelela ephenyayo (exploratory factor analysis (EFA) kunconywe njengesinyathelo sokuqala kuhlelo lwe-validation. Ulwazi olutholakele luveza ukuthi ulimi kanye losikompilo kube nomthelela obonakalayo kwisilinganiso se (<0.05), kanti izimfundisa ezinhle zamasiko, ukuxhumana, isakhiwo somphakathi kanye nesimo sezokuxhumana kutholakele ukuthi akubalulekile kwisilinganiso esichaziwe sezinga le (<0.05). Ucwaningo luncoma ukuthi i-AU yamukela uhlelo lokufaka amasiko onke ngokusebenzisa izilimi ezahlukahlukene kumasistimu ayo e-ICT, ukunceda ukwamukelwa kanye nokusetshenziswa ngabasebenzi. Sengiphetha, ucwaningo, ucwaningo luyachaza ukuthi izinhlobo ezahlukene zamasiko kanye nezilimi kuyizinhlaka ezisemqoka ekwamukelweni kohlelo lwe-ICT ngaphakathim kwe-AU. / Die ingebruikneming van inligtings- en kommunikasietegnologie (IKT) in ʼn multikulturele konteks moet goed begryp word, aangesien vloeiende IKT-werksaamhede in verskeie sleutelsektore van enige multikulturele organisasie deur kulturele faktore beïnvloed word. Hierdie studie het ten doel gehad om die belangrikheid van verskillende veranderlikes, insluitende kulturele smake, kulturele waardes, sosiale strukture, en die kommunikasiekonteks en -taal, en die invloed daarvan op IKT-ingebruikneming in die Afrika-unie (AU) te ondersoek, met die oog op verbeterde begrip van die kwessies waarmee die AU gekonfronteer word wanneer IKT in hul daaglikse werksaamhede gebruik word. In die studie is die beskikbare teoretiese literatuur hersien, spesifiek die Diffusie van Innovasie- Teorie (DIT), die Saambindende Teorie van Aanvaarding en Gebruik van Tegnologie (UTAUT), die Mededingende Waardes-raamwerk/-model en die Waardegebaseerde Ingebruikneming-model (VAM). Laasgenoemde is toegepas, want in ʼn multikulturele omgewing soos dié van die AU sal gebruikers waarskynlik ʼn innovasie gebruik indien dit waardevol en kostedoeltreffend is. Die navorsing is by AU-kantore in sowel as buite Etiopië uitgevoer. Altesaam 288 deelnemers het ʼn halfgestruktureerde vraelys voltooi. Die betroubaarheidspuntetelling van die konstrukte is bereken deur hul gemiddelde te bepaal. Die VAM-hulpmiddel is getoets vir betroubaarheid, en enige onbetroubare vrae is uit die finale studie verwyder. Om die toets van geldigheid van faktore te versterk, is verkennende faktorontleding (EFA) verkies as die aanvanklike stap in die proses van geldigheidsbepaling. Die bevindinge het getoon dat taal en kulturele smaak ʼn noemenswaardige uitwerking op die genoemde beduidendheidspeil (<0.05) gehad het, terwyl kulturele waardes, kommunikasie, sosiale struktuur en die kommunikasiekonteks onbeduidend blyk te wees op die genoemde beduidendheidspeil (<0.05). Die studie beveel aan dat die AU inklusiwiteit verwelkom deur diverse tale in sy IK-stelsels te gebruik, om aanvaarding en ingebruikneming daarvan deur werknemers te bewerkstellig. Ten slotte: die studie het bevind dat kulturele smake en tale deurslaggewende elemente in die aanvaarding van IKT in die AU is. / School of Computing / M. Sc. (Computing)

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis comprises a critical analysis of the relationship between form and function in contemporary iconography that contains religious themes. From the theoretical stance of Visual Culture iconography can be defined as ‘context-specific visual language’. I suggest that meaning is created not only through material usage but also through the hermeneutic content of images. By means of a comparison between an example of what I deem literal iconography and another of figurative iconography, I explore two divergent methods through which religiously-inspired iconography can be employed in the construction of visual texts. The two examples comprise of the evangelical poster Die Smal en Breë Weg (The Broad and Narrow Way) and Willem Boshoff’s Bread-and-Pebble Road Map (2004). / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie skripsie omvat ‘n kritiese analise van die verhouding tussen die aard en die funksionering van kontemporêre ikonografie wat religieuse temas bevat. Vanuit die teoretiese hoek van Visuele Kultuur kan ikonografie gedefinieer word as ‘konteks-spesifieke visuele taal’. Ek stel voor dat betekenis nie alleen gegenereer word deur die materiële gebruik van beeldmateriaal nie, maar ook deur die hermeneutiese inhoud daarvan. Deur ‘n vergelykende analise tussen ‘n voorbeeld van wat ek as letterlike ikonografie beskou en ‘n voorbeeld van figuurlike ikonografie, ondersoek ek twee uiteenlopende metodes waardeur religieus-geïnspireerde ikonografie werksaam kan wees in die konstruksie van visuele tekste. Die twee voorbeelde bestaan uit die evangeliese plakkaat Die Smal en Breë Weg en Willem Boshoff se Bread-and-Pebble Road Map (2004).

In a changing South Africa with a new education system, it has become necessary to determine the degree to which multicultural guidance is provided in secondary schools. The aim of the research was to: • Identify by means of a literature study, the principles of multicultural guidance in a number of countries abroad; • determine empirically, the degree to which the principles of guidance are applied in multicultural schools in the Gauteng Province. To this end concepts such as culture, ethnicity, race, racism, multicultural education, guidance and multicultural guidance had to be described. An historical approach to multicultural education and the research with regard to multicultural guidance were described at length. The development of school guidance in multicultural schools in South Africa was subsequently discussed in more detail, especially the implementation of an effective guidance programme in multicultural schools. An in-depth discussion with regard to the principles of guidance in general and of multicultural guidance in particular, as well as guidance in multicultural schools, were highlighted. An empirical investigation was done by means of frequency tables, correlation coefficients and factor analyses. These were subsequently interpreted: The most important finding was that multicultural guidance in secondary schools does not receive its due. Several deficiencies were identified in this regard. It is recommended that the Gauteng Education Department should pay specific attention to specialised training programmes in that province. The time has come that the Head of Department : Guidance/Guidance teacher should make certain theoretical as well as practical changes to guidance. Multicultural guidance should be ethically-founded. Multicultural perspectives should be built into education, and specifically into guidance programmes. Each person should realise that South Africa and especially education, are moving towards a multicultural future and this requires acceptance and acknowledgement of each other, regardless of culture. / Thesis (MEd)--PU for CHE, 1998

In a changing South Africa with a new education system, it has become necessary to determine the degree to which multicultural guidance is provided in secondary schools. The aim of the research was to: • Identify by means of a literature study, the principles of multicultural guidance in a number of countries abroad; • determine empirically, the degree to which the principles of guidance are applied in multicultural schools in the Gauteng Province. To this end concepts such as culture, ethnicity, race, racism, multicultural education, guidance and multicultural guidance had to be described. An historical approach to multicultural education and the research with regard to multicultural guidance were described at length. The development of school guidance in multicultural schools in South Africa was subsequently discussed in more detail, especially the implementation of an effective guidance programme in multicultural schools. An in-depth discussion with regard to the principles of guidance in general and of multicultural guidance in particular, as well as guidance in multicultural schools, were highlighted. An empirical investigation was done by means of frequency tables, correlation coefficients and factor analyses. These were subsequently interpreted: The most important finding was that multicultural guidance in secondary schools does not receive its due. Several deficiencies were identified in this regard. It is recommended that the Gauteng Education Department should pay specific attention to specialised training programmes in that province. The time has come that the Head of Department : Guidance/Guidance teacher should make certain theoretical as well as practical changes to guidance. Multicultural guidance should be ethically-founded. Multicultural perspectives should be built into education, and specifically into guidance programmes. Each person should realise that South Africa and especially education, are moving towards a multicultural future and this requires acceptance and acknowledgement of each other, regardless of culture. / Thesis (MEd)--PU for CHE, 1998

Citizens in many provinces in South Africa have increasingly become more vocal about their unhappiness concerning service delivery in many departments of Government; their needs are not being met. Their violence and anger are usually aimed at emergency planners and government institutions, such as the police services, emergency medical services and fire services, therefore adding to various other challenges and difficulties these institution experience in carrying out their responsibilities (News Today, 2008). These institutions are also directly involved in the Disaster Risk Reduction process and play a key role in building a culture of safety and prevention within their communities by distributing knowledge and teaching skills (Twigg, 2004). Twigg (2004) argues that providing communities with information is the only way in which the scale, frequency, and complexity of disasters can be addressed. This should be done by following a multi–disciplinary approach that includes participatory development communication as a tool. The term participatory development communication refers to communication between parties where information transfer is de–emphasised and the process of dialogue between participants is favoured (Jacobson & Kolluri, 1999). This allows for solutions to problems to be identified in a collective fashion (Twigg, 2004; Jacobson & Kolluri, 1999). In light of the above the Maquassi Hills Fire Service’s relationship with the community has a major impact on the contribution the fire services make to building a culture of safety and also to what extent the community works towards building a culture of safety –– and thereby reducing disaster risk within the community. This study, consequently, aims to investigate the current relationship between the Maquassi Hills Fire Services and the community they serve, as well as the role of participatory development communication in this relationship. In order to do so this study explore various guidelines and principles set out by the literature in terms of participatory development communication and culture of safety to establish to what extent the Maquassi Hills Fire Services adhere to these principles and guidelines in their day–to–day functioning. This has been done by using a qualitative research design. Data collection methods appropriate to the qualitative research design were used to collect the necessary data. These methods included focus group discussions with members of the communities in the Maquassi Hills area and semi–structured interviews with the staff and management of the Maquassi Hills Fire Services. Guidelines and principles established in theory were used to describe and evaluate the current situation between the Maquassi Hills Fire Services and the surrounding communities to 5 whom they provide the service of fire fighting. The two main areas of theory addressed were that of Participatory Development Communication and that of a culture of safety as it presents in the Disaster Risk Reduction field. These were also the two main areas investigated in the empirical phase of the study. From the research it was found that in terms of Participatory Development Communication very little is being done by the fire services to establish dialogical communication. Thus creating opportunities for communities to communicate with the fire services by developing relevant communication channels is not being facilitated. However communities are eager to establish such an interactive relationship with the fire services. The data indicated that when the principles and guidelines for building a culture of safety are considered there exist various positive aspects. If these aspects are utilised and facilitated in the correct manner it may facilitate the process of building a culture of safety. It is therefore recommended that the fire services should start interacting with the communities in the Maquassi Hills area. Most of the issues experienced in the relationship between the fire services and the communities can to some extent be ascribed to the fact that the fire services do not reach out to the communities they serve. Interactions with the community should be based on the principles of participatory development communication which will ensure that dialogue is established and information is exchanged. Also very important in the Maquassi Hills area is supplying the communities with relevant, regular, correct and coherent fire safety information and skills. People in these communities need the necessary fire safety information to ensure their safety in terms of fire. By allowing people in these communities to participate in planning and implementing initiatives aimed at informing people, awareness campaigns and information sessions will be suited to the specific areas. This will mean that communities receive information relevant to their situation and circumstances and ultimately initiatives will be more effective, allowing the opportunity for a good culture of safety with regard to fire to be built. / Thesis (M. Development and Management)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.