Social work as a scarce skill: exploring the views of social workers regarding the retention strategies used by the human resource managers to retain social workers within the Department of Social Development

Social work has been declared as a scarce skill in South Africa in 2008 and the need to recruit and retain social workers in the work place and in the country was identified as a pressing issue that required urgent attention. The problem came to the attention of the researcher through observing that even though social work has been declared a scarce skill, newly qualified social workers are still leaving the Department of Social Development for employment opportunities outside the DSD. The aim of the study was to explore the views of social workers regarding the retention strategies used to retain social workers at the DSD. The researcher has investigated the views of social workers employed at DSD Germiston office and former DSD employees (who are also social workers), regarding the retention strategies used by the human resource managers to retain social workers within the Department of Social Development. The research involved an exploratory-descriptive qualitative approach. Purposive non-probability sampling was used to select 20 participants, comprised of 10 social workers who had left the DSD to work in other departments or private companies and 10 social workers who are currently working for the DSD Germiston office. Data was collected via semi-structured interviews and analyzed through thematic content analysis. The results showed that current DSD interviewees saw the strategies used at DSD as not effective in retaining social workers as compared to former DSD interviewees who saw the strategies as contributing towards retaining social workers. Both current and former DSD interviewees were of the opinion that social workers can be retained at the department if the remuneration packages for social workers, working conditions and resource allocation are improved. The researcher is therefore of the opinion that the strategies used at DSD to retain social workers need to be reviewed and social workers need to be consulted and be involved in the process of developing new strategies to retain social workers

The views of amakrwala on the meaning of umqombothi and commercial alcohol use during the initiation ceremonies

Ulwaluko or initiation ceremony is one of the most important ceremonies practiced by the amaXhosa ethnic group to mark male adolescents’ transition from boyhood to manhood. Every young Xhosa male is anticipated to undergo this ceremony in order to be respected and be viewed as a true man by the society. There is a dearth of literature on amakrwala’s views regarding the meaning of traditional beer (umqombothi) and commercial alcohol (brandy or beer) use during the initiation ceremony. Thus, this study addresses this gap, as it adds to the existing spectrum of knowledge on the meaning of alcohol use during the amaXhosa initiation process. The socio-cultural theory was selected as the theoretical framework for the study. This study took a qualitative nature which was exploratory-descriptive and contextual in design employing a non-probability purposive-criterion based technique to sample 16 identified amaXhosa adult males between the ages of 18 to 24 years who recently went through the initiation ceremony. Sixteen individual semi-structured telephonic interviews were conducted. Data collected was analysed using thematic data analysis. Various data verification strategies were employed to ensure trustworthiness. Research ethics applicable to this study were guided by the principles contained in the Belmont report (1979). The findings showed that during the amaXhosa initiation ceremony both commercial alcohol and umqombothi played significant but different roles during each stage of the ceremony. The majority of amakrwala viewed umqombothi as a significant beer for ancestors to divinely bless isiko while brandy and beer were viewed as sweets or beers for fun which accompanied umqombothi. Brandy and beer were viewed as beers required by abafana teaching amakrwala manhood in the lighthouses. Thus, negative behaviours portrayed by abafana during imigidi after drinking alcohol were viewed as a great concern by amakrwala. 7 Alcohol use in ulwaluko was viewed as good by the amakrwala but they emphasized that there should be guidelines that monitor responsible drinking

Policy and practice of managing values in public secondary schools in the North-West province

Education in South Africa requires a framework for the implementation of policies pertaining to the management of values in schools. The transition from the former apartheid system and its authoritarian value system to a democratic dispensation has necessitated a value system, characterised by fairness and openness. A primary assumption of the researcher is that all human action is underpinned by values, which are hidden and only observable in human behaviour. A literature study explored the philosophical thinking around values and stipulations about values occurring in international human rights documents. Furthermore, in order to contextualise an understanding of values, policies and legislation intended to shape democracy in South Africa were studied to identify core democratic values and moral principles, particularly with regard to the role of the principal and teacher in school management. Management models based on an understanding of school climate, culture and ethos were also examined to explore values inherent in the different leadership styles embraced by principals and teachers. Against this background, a qualitative inquiry was undertaken in three rural secondary schools in the North-West Province. Research sites and participants were selected by judgement sampling and data concerning the values embedded in the school culture and ethos and expressed by the principal and teachers were gathered through observation and interviews. Focus group interviews were held with teachers and in-depth individual interviews were conducted with the principals to identify how participants enact their roles in transmitting values to learners. The findings indicated that principals are not fully prepared to form partnerships with other stakeholders in the management of values, particularly in the management of traditional African values. External factors that impact values formation in schools, such as unreliable transport systems, result in a school culture which lacks a sense of urgency. Poor infrastructure and maintenance create an unpleasant school environment. Matters are aggravated by inadequate support by the Department of Education, teacher unionism and a lack of parent involvement. The study closes with recommendations to empower schools, parents and the community to participate actively in education so that social capital can be unleashed to strengthen democratic values in schools.Educational StudiesD.Ed. (Educational Management

Older persons’ perceptions of services that support positive ageing in the Khayelitsha and Gugulethu districts of the Western cape

Globally people are growing older, and nearly every country is experiencing an increase in their ageing populace. In 1960 older people made up 5 % of the world population, while in 2018, they were about 9% of the overall population. Projections are that in 2050 people over the age of 65 will make up 16% of the overall population. To respond to an ageing population, a government must ensure that its policy framework can respond to the needs of its citizens. A society that supports a positive ageing environment improves older people’s well-being. In our complex society, each person is dependent on others in various ways, and social, emotional and practical interdependence is a feature of the human social condition. This means that older people do not function well in isolation but need support for positive ageing. This research project focused on older people’s perceptions of services that support their positive ageing in the Khayelitsha and Gugulethu districts of the Western Cape, South Africa. The theoretical framework employed in the study is Systems Theory. The research approach utilised in the study is qualitative with an explorative and descriptive research design. A non-probability purposive, criterion-based sampling technique was employed. The researcher recruited eleven older persons aged sixty years and above in the Khayelitsha and Gugulethu areas. An NGO that works with older persons’ served as gatekeepers. Semi-structured telephonic interviews were conducted. The data collected was analysed using thematic data analysis. The trustworthiness of the research process was enhanced using Guba’s model. Ethical principles as set out in the Belmont report were also adhered to. The key findings of the current study indicated that in Khayelitsha and Gugulethu areas, there are available services that support positive ageing, such as clubs, excursions and social grants. Environmental aspects challenging positive ageing included unfavourable home conditions such as financial burden and ill-treatment, poverty and unemployment, health problems, and COVID-19 effects. Older people mentioned that there are available but inadequate services such as municipal services and care facilities. Thus, they recommended that there should be poverty alleviation schemes, community development projects such as crafting, gardening, sewing, and more institutions and home-based care for older people.Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 202

Older persons’ perceptions of services that support positive ageing in the Khayelitsha and Gugulethu districts of the Western cape

Globally people are growing older, and nearly every country is experiencing an increase in their ageing populace. In 1960 older people made up 5 % of the world population, while in 2018, they were about 9% of the overall population. Projections are that in 2050 people over the age of 65 will make up 16% of the overall population. To respond to an ageing population, a government must ensure that its policy framework can respond to the needs of its citizens. A society that supports a positive ageing environment improves older people’s well-being. In our complex society, each person is dependent on others in various ways, and social, emotional and practical interdependence is a feature of the human social condition. This means that older people do not function well in isolation but need support for positive ageing. This research project focused on older people’s perceptions of services that support their positive ageing in the Khayelitsha and Gugulethu districts of the Western Cape, South Africa. The theoretical framework employed in the study is Systems Theory. The research approach utilised in the study is qualitative with an explorative and descriptive research design. A non-probability purposive, criterion-based sampling technique was employed. The researcher recruited eleven older persons aged sixty years and above in the Khayelitsha and Gugulethu areas. An NGO that works with older persons’ served as gatekeepers. Semi-structured telephonic interviews were conducted. The data collected was analysed using thematic data analysis. The trustworthiness of the research process was enhanced using Guba’s model. Ethical principles as set out in the Belmont report were also adhered to. The key findings of the current study indicated that in Khayelitsha and Gugulethu areas, there are available services that support positive ageing, such as clubs, excursions and social grants. Environmental aspects challenging positive ageing included unfavourable home conditions such as financial burden and ill-treatment, poverty and unemployment, health problems, and COVID-19 effects. Older people mentioned that there are available but inadequate services such as municipal services and care facilities. Thus, they recommended that there should be poverty alleviation schemes, community development projects such as crafting, gardening, sewing, and more institutions and home-based care for older people.Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 202

Sensory characteristics of meat and composition of carcass fat from sheep fed diets containing various levels of broiler litter

The effect of high levels of broiler litter in the diets of sheep on sensory characteristics and composition of fat in mutton was evaluated. Thirty-six South African Mutton Merino wethers weighing ca. 41 kg were randomly allocated to four treatment diets containing 0, 28, 56 or 85% broiler litter. All wethers were slaughtered at a target body mass of 55 kg. Dressing percentage was calculated and the composition of fatty acids in the subcutaneous fat was analysed. An analytical sensory panel evaluated sensory characteristics of carcass samples and loin sample characteristics. High sensory scores (7 out of 10) were obtained for all dietary treatments. Compared to the other treatments, a high inclusion level (85%) of broiler litter in the diet reduced (p < 0.05) the flavour and overall acceptability of sensory samples, decreased concentrations of myristic acid (C14:0) and margaric acid (C17:0) in subcutaneous fat and increased linolenic acid (C18:3) concentrations. It was concluded that the inclusion of broiler litter in diets for sheep at levels of up to 56% should not adversely affect the sensory characteristics of the meat, but higher inclusion levels might have a slight adverse affect on subcutaneous fat composition and sensory characteristics. (South African Journal of Animal Science, 2000, 30(1): 26-32

Exploring the role of the informal sector in municipal solid waste recycling: a case study of eThekwini Municipality.

Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Informal solid waste recycling is the measure of the metropolitan setting in many South African municipalities. The eThekwini metropolitan’s waste pickers are performing a significant part in the waste management recycling. The suggestion in the data collected recommends the unlike operations with mutual environmental and economic gains, which contribute in the direction of employment and the ecological stability. In spite of the role that the informal sector plays to the waste management and social economic improvement, along with the environmental conservation, the metropolitan development policy in South Africa has failed to incorporate and include the informal sector within the municipality formal waste management system in its strategic framework. Illustration on the findings of the research study led by particular fragments of the eThekwini Municipality, and by means of different approaches stimulated by the out-dated participatory researches, the study further explored the official policies found in the informal sector that are implicit. The sample was comprised of 40 informal waste pickers who are involved in the informal solid waste recycling, 6 municipal officials, and 3 waste buy-back centres. The major solutions of this problematic matter might be the inclusion of the informal sector within the formal municipal waste management systems, through waste recycling. This can be achieved through the informal sector integration, the research further classifies the obstructions that impede the integration of the informal sector into a comprehensive municipal formal waste management system: exploitive policies, social acceptance, and absence of substantial evidence to back informal activities, illegal immigrant, and non-existence of lawful nationality documents. It is highly significant to notify that the integration of the waste pickers ought not to be grounded on a ‘universal’ exemplary, but as an alternative it should take into consideration the confined setting and circumstances

The nutritional value of broiler litter as a feed source for sheep during periods of feed shortage

Please read the abstract in the section 00front of this documentThesis (PhD Agric (Animal Science))--University of Pretoria, 2006.Animal and Wildlife Sciencesunrestricte

Learners' right to education and the role of the public school in assisting learners to realise this right

The history of South African education should not be swept under the carpet when contemporary matters on education are discussed. Public education was brought to life in order to perpetuate the ideals of separate education and apartheid. the school manager was essentially an extension of the ruling party. He or she had to inform his or her subordinates what the authorities demanded to be done in educational circles. The 1996 Constitution (Act 108 of 1996) effectively assured a democratic order which would guarantee the removal of Acts which were discriminatory in nature. The 1996 Constitution lay the foundation for a democratic and open society which has high regard for human rights, childrens' rights and in particular the right of learners to education. The public school must implement the stipulations of the Constitution and of the South African Schools Act (Act 84 of 1996) which aspire to be in line with international human rights documents like the 1948 Declaration of Human Rights and the 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child. This study is essentially about learner's right to education and the role of the public school in assisting learners to realise this right. All considerations are based on the democratic constitutional dispensation in South Africa after 1994. The study finally illuminates the level of preparedness of the parent community in forming a partnership with the public school so that learners can be assisted in realsing their rights to education.Educational StudiesM.Ed. (Education Management

The views of amakrwala on the meaning of umqombothi and commercial alcohol use during the initiation ceremonies

Ulwaluko or initiation ceremony is one of the most important ceremonies practiced by the amaXhosa ethnic group to mark male adolescents’ transition from boyhood to manhood. Every young Xhosa male is anticipated to undergo this ceremony in order to be respected and be viewed as a true man by the society. There is a dearth of literature on amakrwala’s views regarding the meaning of traditional beer (umqombothi) and commercial alcohol (brandy or beer) use during the initiation ceremony. Thus, this study addresses this gap, as it adds to the existing spectrum of knowledge on the meaning of alcohol use during the amaXhosa initiation process. The socio-cultural theory was selected as the theoretical framework for the study. This study took a qualitative nature which was exploratory-descriptive and contextual in design employing a non-probability purposive-criterion based technique to sample 16 identified amaXhosa adult males between the ages of 18 to 24 years who recently went through the initiation ceremony. Sixteen individual semi-structured telephonic interviews were conducted. Data collected was analysed using thematic data analysis. Various data verification strategies were employed to ensure trustworthiness. Research ethics applicable to this study were guided by the principles contained in the Belmont report (1979). The findings showed that during the amaXhosa initiation ceremony both commercial alcohol and umqombothi played significant but different roles during each stage of the ceremony. The majority of amakrwala viewed umqombothi as a significant beer for ancestors to divinely bless isiko while brandy and beer were viewed as sweets or beers for fun which accompanied umqombothi. Brandy and beer were viewed as beers required by abafana teaching amakrwala manhood in the lighthouses. Thus, negative behaviours portrayed by abafana during imigidi after drinking alcohol were viewed as a great concern by amakrwala. 7 Alcohol use in ulwaluko was viewed as good by the amakrwala but they emphasized that there should be guidelines that monitor responsible drinking