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- ItemExploring the Role of Traditional Medicinal Practitioners in the use of Indigenous Knowledge Methods for the Treatment and Management of HIV/AIDS-related Symptoms: A Case Study of Keates the Drift Community in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal(2022) Mkhize, CelimpiloIt is widely accepted that Africa consumes over 80% of indigenous knowledge (IK) for medical purposes, including the treatment and management of diseases and other illnesses. Due to its accessibility and affordability, Africans continue to rely on and use traditional medicine. This study defined traditional medicinal knowledge as the use of local knowledge in medicine to diagnose, prevent, or eliminate physical and mental problems that community members suffer from to ensure that their conditions are treated and managed. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of traditional medicinal practitioners in KwaZulu-Natal Province in the use of indigenous knowledge methods for the treatment and management of HIV/AIDS-related symptoms. Four (4) research objectives guided the study, which examined the sorts of traditional medicinal practitioners, the indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants used to treat and manage illnesses such as HIV/AIDS, and the obstacles faced by traditional medicinal practitioners in treating and managing HIV/AIDS. This study was guided by Asante's Afrocentric model (1998). This hypothesis was used because it recognises and values indigenous knowledge's use of medicinal plants to cure and manage ailments. The interpretive paradigm guided the study procedure. The study employed a qualitative methodology and a case study approach. The data were gathered using a combination of semi-structured interviews and content analysis. To estimate the sample size and frame of traditional medical practitioners from the Keates Drift Community in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, nonprobability sampling approaches such as purposive and snowball sampling were used. A total of 12 traditional medicine practitioners in the Keates Drift Community in the province of KwaZulu-Natal were interviewed. The study's findings indicated that traditional medicinal practitioners reside in the Keates Drift Community, where they display their abilities in, and knowledge of, traditional medicine. Additionally, the findings indicated that traditional medicinal practitioners enjoy widespread respect in the community and are regarded as community physicians. The findings also indicated that diviners (Izangoma) and herbalists are the two categories of traditional medical practitioners found in the Keates Drift Community (Izinyanga). Additionally, traditional herbalists and diviners used medicinal herbs to treat and manage HIV/AIDS related illnesses. Notably, the findings indicated that plant parts such as leaves, barks, stems, and roots were used to treat HIV/AIDS-related illnesses. It was determined that traditional medicinal practitioners did not use human or animal parts to treat illnesses, but instead relied on plants, as the use of human or animal parts is prohibited. vi Concerning the difficulties experienced by traditional medicinal practitioners, the findings indicated that there is no collaboration between them and modern physicians, and that traditional medicinal practitioners are not treated similarly to modern physicians. The study concluded that it is critical to treat traditional healers with respect and to provide them with adequate space to treat and manage HIV/AIDS-related illnesses.
- ItemThe experiences of single teenage mothers in raising their children at Mtubatuba Local Municipality(University of Zululand, 2023) Lembede, Nkosingiphile RowenaTeenage pregnancy despite being a well-documented subject remains a major worldwide health problem, affecting many countries. The risks and realities around this issue remains known, continue to be researched and documented however the rate in most regions continue growing. This study was conducted to explore the experiences of single teenage mothers in raising their children at Mtubatuba Local Municipality. It sought to explore their challenges, to establish the significance of the child support grant in helping them support their children, and to examine the support that they received from their families. The study adopted a qualitative research approach using an exploratory design. Data was collected by means of in-depth interviews from 11 participants aged between the ages of 16-22 and data saturation was reached. Purposive and snowball sampling was used and collected data was analysed through thematic analysis. Findings of this study revealed several challenges that were endured by teenage mothers which were: financial burden of raising children, neglect from the fathers of the children, feeling of being trapped and unable to socialise due to motherhood, disturbance with schoolwork, with some even dropping out of school. The existence of the child support grant was seen to be very important in helping mothers to meet the costs of food and other necessities of their children and themselves. As significant as it was, it was seen to be insufficient as it did not meet all the basic needs of children. Findings of this study further revealed that teenage mothers were able to mitigate most challenges with the help of support received from their families which included financial support, physical care of the children and provision of guidance on how to take care of their children. Considering these findings, it was recommended that the establishment of empowerment programmes along with support initiatives depending on each mother’s needs would be beneficial. This would enable them to be effective in their parental roles thus also allowing them to continue with their education and remain empowered.
- ItemThe role of the school social worker in promoting the psychosocial well-being of vulnerable children within the Esikhaleni Senkosi Circuit primary schools in Kwazulu-Natal(University of Zululand, 2022-03) Ndlovu, NomfundoThe number of vulnerable children has been growing globally, with sub-Saharan Africa having the highest number. Mostly, vulnerable children are orphaned and neglected, and it is therefore important that they are provided with psychosocial well-being. However, this may not always be the case as some families are not equipped with relevant skills to provide the psychosocial support required by vulnerable children. If the psychosocial needs of vulnerable children are unmet, they are at risk of experiencing emotional, physical, and psychological issues, which negatively affect their academic performance. In this sense, the role played by school social workers can never be underestimated as they are responsible for the promotion of the psychosocial well-being of school children. The study was triggered by the minimal psychosocial support offered to vulnerable school children, due to a lack of professionals in schools such as social workers, psychologists, and counsellors. On the other hand, neglect is the daunting problem facing most school pupils, dominantly orphaned children. The study was aimed at investigating the role of school social workers in promoting the psychosocial well-being of vulnerable children in schools, particularly those who are orphaned and neglected. The interpretive paradigm was employed, using exploratory and descriptive research designs in a qualitative manner. The researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with 12 school social workers and were purposefully selected from all 26 primary schools within the Esikhaleni Senkosi Circuit. Data was analysed qualitatively through the thematic analysis method. The results established several psychosocial problems facing vulnerable children in schools, dominantly, a lack of a birth certificate, bullying, low self-esteem, financial constraints, neglect and emotional and physical abuse. Various interventions
- ItemPerspectives of the Ndumo community on the provision of social services by theIinkululeko development project at the Jozini local Municipality, South Africa(2022-10) Mkhwanazi, Siduduzo BThe study focused on the perspectives of rural community members on the provision of social services by the Inkululeko Development Project in the Jozini Local Municipality. The aim was to determine whether the Inkululeko Development Project has provided social services leading to community development initiatives to develop and empower individuals. It also examined the extent to which local communities participate or do not participate in the implementation of the multi-sectoral Inkululeko Development Project. The results showed that the implementation of the Inkululeko Development Project did not achieve the intended result. As a result, the community raised concerns on various issues. Firstly, the community said the infrastructure for the 500-ha agricultural project was built at a cost of nearly R33 million, but everything fell apart as the project never saw the light of day. The state-of the-art school was also constructed in the hope of attracting local learners, but unfortunately this has not happened as learners are excluded by high financial costs. The proposed commercial centre did not become operational due to conflict with the Mathenjwa clan demanding a 49% ownership of the structure. Many developments associated with this project were hampered, such as the petrol filing station. What has frustrated the community members was that the existing supermarket in the area is relatively expensive as there is no competition, although most community members are unemployed. The library is reported to exist there, but problems include the water supply and electricity, resulting in weeks-long closures. Finally, the construction of the rental building is one of the successful projects because there are tenants, but the rent is monitored by the Jozini Local Municipality. On the other hand, the officials associated with the project are aware of the problems and cite poor coordination between the departments as the reason for the project’s failure. The lack of participation of the community is also stated as a limitation. In view of the foregoing, promoting effective service delivery in Ndumo through the Inkululeko Development Project is recommended
- ItemExploring the effectiveness of a rural income-generating project in Umhlathuze municipality(University of Zululand, 2022-12) Mhlongo, SaneleThe study examined the effectiveness of a rural income-generating project in uMhlathuze municipality. The study examined potential challenges that the projects face that prevent them from achieving their goals. A qualitative research approach was adopted to examine the effectiveness of the project, and 14 participants were chosen as a sample to represent the members of the income-generating project’s population. The sample was chosen using non-probability sampling techniques. The study conducted original interviews with the selected participants through structured interview questions to collect data. The thematic content analysis approach was used to analyse the acquired data. The findings of this study revealed that various income-generating activities require regular monitoring and assessment visits from Department of Agriculture personnel. Project members must also receive financial management training so that they do not mismanage project funds. The research findings also clearly demonstrated that the Department's existing policies are ineffective in achieving the stated aims of poverty reduction.