Social Work

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Community work as practised by the Valley Trust
(1977) Nzimande, Siphindoda Victor.; Higgins, J.B.
The purpose of this study is to analyze and evaluate the approach to the practice of community work in a newly developing rural community. The Valley Trust, a social welfare organisation engaged in a health promotion scheme in a rural community is used for the purpose of the analysis and*evaluation. The study report consists of nine chapters which will be briefly discussed as follows : Chapter 1 : This is an introductory chapter which deals with the following aspects, viz.: motivation; objectives; method; and limitations of the study together with the method of presentation of the report. Chapter Z : In this chapter the community concept is discussed. Attention is paid to the analysis of the community concept, the rural community, and the characteristics of the rural community. Chapter 3 : Chapter 3 gives a detailed discussion of the key terms that are used in community work. These are : community organisation, community development and community work. Chapter 4 : This chapter deals with social work and its role in the newly developing communities. Particular aspects to which attention has been given are : the nature of social work; the focus and the contribution of social work activities in the newly developing communities; the role of the social worker; and the equipment of a social worker for rural community work in the newly developing communities. Chapter 5 : Chapter 5 gives attention to aspects of particular importance to social change. These aspects are : the prerequisites for building a community work programme; the.factors associated with the social needs and problems among the newly developing communities; planned social change and the role of the agent of change; and certain principles and factors to be taken into account by an agency involved in community work. Chapter 6 : In this chapter attention is given to an analysis of the community of' the Nyuswa Reserve. In this analysis points of particular importance are : the description of the Nyuswa Reserve and its inhabitants; the economic aspects of the people; the labour aspects; the educational aspects; social welfare services; communication means; and the tribal council as a unit of local authority. Chapter 7 : Chapter 7 deals with The Valley Trust, the social welfare agency involved in community work. Attention is given to the historical survey and the objectives of The Valley Trust. Further discussion covers the membership of the Association; the Management and administration of The Valley Trust; personnel and finances. Chapter 8 : This chapter gives attention to community work as practised by The Valley Trust. The discussion also covers the nature and range of services provided by The Valley Trust; the influence of the work of The Valley Trust; the evaluative remarks on the services of The Valley Trust. Chapter 9 : Chapter 9 deals with conclusions, recommendations and guidelines for the future.
Relapse among African alcohol abusers and alcoholics with special reference to social work treatment
(1993) Mazibuko, Hezekia Victor.; Nzimande, S.V.
This study analyses relapse behaviour among some African alcohol abusers and alcoholics in certain areas of the Lower Umfolozi Magisterial district- It also describes and examines the treatment approaches used professionally to deal with such clients/patients, as well as the institutional programmes available for them. An explorative-descriptive research approach was used. Data was gathered from both primary and secondary services. Interviewing was the major research technique used for collecting primary data. Structured and unstructured interviews were held with clients/patients, some family members, and a few professional people. The researcher intended to obtain a comprehensive picture of the problem. The field study was undertaken over a three months period. Literature study and perusal of files stretched over a year to gain familiarity with the subject under study. A sample of eighty respondents was selected through the simple random procedure using a table of random numbers. A comprehensive interview schedule consisting of mainly closed-ended questions soliciting information on (i) family of the respondent client/patient, (ii) the influence of friends on his/her behaviour, (iii) relation to work, (iv) the type and extent of professional help received by the client/patient, and (v) the respondent's feelings about his condition was also used. The data obtained was analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. The findings indicated that there were more male alcoholics and alcohol abusers compared to females. The majority of the client/patient respondents were relatively young. below the age of forty years. They were mainly the minimally or lower educated people. Many of them were either married or had been married- The majority had, of course, lost their employment, or had been unemployed for a long time. The problem of alcohol abuse and alcoholics is complicated both for the client/patient, his family his/her immediate social and work environment. The response of treatment programmes both at in-patient and out-patient levels had not produced the desired results. Co-ordination of treatment services and a strong functional network of services and support did not appear to be clearly available for these African clients and patients. Culturally related, and sensitive treatment by professionally social workers was not as yet practised. A clear focus on these clients/patients as a special category was not evident. They did not appear to identify with any particular service point or structure as a helping medium for them. A lot still needs to be done to organize and distribute the services for these clients/patients. All the problems cited above receive the recommendation of the study. Further in-depth research on the treatment procedures and programmes for these clients/patients are clearly indicated.
Social needs of teenage mothers in the rural communities of Ongoye and Enseleni districts
(1995) Mkhize, Zethu Maud; Nzimande, S.V.
Teenage motherhood has always been an area of concern for social welfare workers. The welfare of the teenage mother herself and the offspring is always at stake especially when there are no supportive structures to deal with the problem. Observation indicates a growing phenomenon, that is, teenage motherhood in the rural communities. In a nutshell, the investigation focused on the social needs of teenage mothers and the circumstances of their life and the exploration of the alternative helping measures to assist these teenage mothers cope with the problem of teenage motherhood. Two hundred (200) teenage mothers in the Ongoye and Enseleni districts were involved in the study. These were purposively sampled from the population of the teenage mothers who patronise the ante-natal clinics for immunisation purposes. Data was gathered by means of interviews. The study advocates that the teenage mothers are a social population group with specific social needs. These social needs are the requirements necessary for the teenagers' survival, growth and fulfilment. It is concluded that there is a standard of quality of life to be maintained. Teenage mothers are young persons who have become victims of labelling by an inadequate service. Teenage motherhood is symptomatic to the disintegration of the traditional societal structures and consequently social values as a result of social change. The rural communities of Ongoye and Enseleni have fallen victim of such change. The societal function in assisting teenagers through their rites of passage has weakened and no social institution has assumed full responsibility for this. The study emphasises a need for a structured youth service. Both preventive and curative action is essential. There is a need for social work services that not only aims to bring comfort in a distressing situation but also to seek to prevent a deterioration that may lead to a young person being labelled as "a teenage mother". A clue to alternative strategies of alleviating the problem of teenage motherhood is given. These strategies are in the following areas: (i) Social work with the community in looking at teenage motherhood. (ii) Development of the therapeutic and the self development programmes for the teenage mothers. (iii) Youth care programmes in the rural areas as a focus of social work.
Women's involvement in community development : a study of Mambuka rural community
(1998) Linda, Mirriam Sindisiwe.; Dlamini, P.M.
The purpose of the study was to investigate the involvement of women in community development with special reference to rural women in Mambuka area. The study focused on the reasons influencing women to participate in community development projects. The investigation looked at various aspects involved in the process of community development. The motivation for this study came from, among other reasons, the author's experience in working with rural people. From a historical perspective, women have experienced and survived many difficult situations. These have included marginalisation, poverty and subjudication, all of which have led to their poor socio¬economic status. The design of this study included both qualitative and quantitative methods. The sampling strategy used was the non probability sampling and a purposive sampling method. Data were collected using the interview schedule for quantitative data and the focus group for qualitative data. The sample was drawn from a total of eight (8) projects. Each project consists of about fifteen (15) members. One member was drawn from each of eight (8) projects totalling to eight (8) women and two (2) men. Two (2) other people who were not involved in the projects were interviewed. The focus group was convened to elicit more exhaustive and also grounded data. The study found that the involvement of women in community development had a positive impact because of the following: (i) Income from women ensured food security for their families. (ii) There was acknowledged recognition of what women did in the community. (iii) The infrastructure or community resources were slowly being developed. The study further found that the women face constraints in their development attempts. These include: (i) Lack of a repertoire of skills. (ii) Lack of capital infusion. Consequently, women's development efforts remain at subsistence level. They have not fully liberated women from poverty. It also came to light that there was a need for many external development agents in the area, to enable community women share resources to avoid duplication of services which have resulted in the retardation of progress towards their development and their upliftment in general. The following recommendations were made: Future research This study conducted was only limited to the factors influencing women to participate in community development. The study focused on the reasons for women to act as the main role players in development activities. Future studies could focus on the success or impact of rural development intervention strategies. Future social work practice The future social work practice indicates that there is a need for social workers to place their emphasis on the approach of community development if they are to empower communities to be able to address their unmet needs. As observed in this study, rural communities are in dire need of skills to develop themselves and improve their lives. The shortage of resources in rural areas is also one of the major problems facing people. It is timeous for social workers to become part of the communities they serve and co-ordinate all efforts that the people attempt to put together and help them to tap these resources. This calls for the re-orientation of social workers with a view to enabling them to render effective services to communities. Future social work education The training institutions face a challenge of relevance. They need to change and focus their training more towards a developmental approach, that the White Paper calls for. The curriculum will have to be shaped in such a way that it stresses more on issues that will lead to effective social development. Future policy Policies set to eliminate poverty and others to address women's issues have been put into place. Women of the World (Beijing Conference), came together to put their concerns in order to speak with one voice. As a result many countries .have now realised the importance of recognising the contribution made by women to their economy and other sectors. In spite of all these, the future lies in the hands of the people themselves with the assistance of development agents. These have to oversee the implementation of policies which have not yet filtered into the communities. Without this joint effort, people will never feel that they are pan of the policies that have been formulated.
The impact of violence on the lives of children in Mandini
(1999) Chalufu, Busisiwe Abigail; Pakati, E.R.V.
The purpose of the study was to investigate the impact of political violence on the lives of children in Mandini. The motivation for the study came from the number of people who came to the social worker's office reporting children who were having problems after being exposed to violence. The researcher used the exploratory research design. The sample consisted of thirty five (35) children who were affected by political violence in Mandini between 1994 - 1996. The population consisted of children between nine (9) years and eighteen (18) years. The sample which "consisted of children was taken from schools, case files in the welfare office, Psychologist's office and in their homes. The interviews were conducted between August 1998 and September 1998. The interview schedule was used. The study was limited to the impact of political violence on the lives of children. Future studies could focus on the prevention of violence. There is a need for social workers to use the developmental approach to be able to deal with violence. The study found that violence had an impact on the lives of children in Mandini. The study found that violence was caused by politics and it affected the children in that they witnessed the fighting and killings. The study found that the children were personally affected by violence in that they were injured and their relatives were injured and some were killed. The study showed that the children lost their homes during violence. It came to light that children experienced problems during violence in 1994 - 1996. The children suffered long-term disabling effects of violence. The study showed that the children need help to cope with the after effects of violence.
An assessment of development extension projects by women in the Simdlangentsha district , Kwa-Zulu Natal
(2000) Dlamini, Agrineth Nokwethemba; Faku, C.M.S.
The purpose of this study was to assess the efficiency of womens' development projects particularly agricultural extension projects with the aim of investigating their administration and impact on womens' livelihoods. The central view held by this study was that the important role played by women and the potential to fulfil an even greater role has been overlooked to a large extent in South Africa. Although there are numerous organisations and projects aimed at development at the rural and community level, very little attention has been paid to the role of women and the enhancement thereof. Special focus of the study was on women only development projects as it was assumed that these projects are starting points from which developing areas can start a movement of planned development. It was discovered that womens' development projects are still having some flaws because the recognition of such projects is still lacking from the work of development planners. Essentially, the problem encountered among project participants was that of dual or multiple roles performed by women and such environmental problems like lack of access to markets, transportation and theft of produce. Training, management and organisation, empowerment and capacity building is still lacking in project participants. Basically those women who participate in projects do so from destitution. They are old, uneducated and poverty- stricken such that very little about these projects seems to be attractive and very little income is being generated from them The study revealed that an awareness of the importance of development of women has started to surface, and some efforts are being made to accommodate women and to raise them. (v) The critical view of extension projects was that they comprise strengthening the autonomy of women to alleviate poverty. This suggests that women should be brought fully into the development projects and must be given opportunity to put their abilities to full use at every stage of the development process. Extension projects must be seen therefore to be acknowledging this reality. To achieve this, womens' extension projects have to be reconsidered so that they lead to women becoming effective and efficient managers, administrators and decision -makers. Ongoing support and training is needed to ensure that the skills and expertise of women who are project participants are gradually being improved and they are afforded a chance to develop and have equal access to opportunities at all levels in the society.
Gender in assessing agricultural projects in the Nseleni District, KwaZulu-Natal
(2000) Zulu, Gugu Cynthia; Buthelezi, R.
The purpose of this study is to identify the role played by women in the agricultural development projects that are managed and worked by women in the Nseleni district of Kwazulu-Natal. The other purpose of this study is to establish the impact that these projects have. Females are heads of families in many households of rural communities of Nseleni. This is attributed to the fact that most males are working in remote urban areas of the country. Many of these females are fully engaged in different agricultural projects. When it comes to the administration of these projects, women are relegated to the bottom of the ladder as regards positions. Nseleni is under a tribal authority, which is composed of six different amaKhosi. In all these tribal authorities, the second in charge, the Izinduna, are all males. This has had a negative effect on the role of women in terms of getting access to farming land, where they have to get a male guarantor. Looking at extension officers, particularly from the government, most of them are males. This imbalance in the government employees has also influenced decisions taken to favour males. This is contrary to the 2020 vision of the Department of Agriculture which is to unlock agricultural development and to improve service delivery in KwaZulu-Natal without any gender discrimination. This vision is aiming to use participatory methodologies in involving communities at large in agricultural development.
Impact of crime on socio-economic development at Somopho
(2000) Ntuli, Themba Gilbert; Dlamini, P.M.
This study examined the impact of crime on socio-economic development at Somopho Tribal Authority, which is a rural area under Nselem (Lower Umfolozi) district. The researcher is concerned with the growing rate of crime, which is perceived to have affected community development. Survey research methods were employed in this study and adhered to two techniques of data collection, namely, self-administered questionnaires and person-to-person interviews. The limitations of the study were economic and time factors. Hypotheses were tested, confirmed that there is indeed a relationship between high crime levels and unemployment. The study found that the Somopho area is fraught with problems of high unemployment high crime levels and lack of physical infrastructure. Secondly, it was shown that the levels of crime like robbery and assault cases are the order of the day. Many crimes are committed either during the day or at night. This study made several recommendations relating to what should be done to ensure that local residents, potential developers and investors feel safe at Somopho. .Among other recommendations put forward are the establishment of community relations with the police, like community policing forums (CPFs) and development community safety centres.
Redistribution of land among the communities of Ngotshe District in Vryheid : problems and challenges
(University of Zululand, 2000) Ngcobo, Edward, Hlalawazi; Gumbi, T.A.P.
The history of South Africa is the history of conquest, dispossession, forced removals, unjust policies, detribalization and poverty. Development , on the land was seen as a prerogative of the White minority. Underdevelopment, on the other hand was considered a natural state for the overwhelming black majority class. This conflict relationship formed the foundation of the South African Society's social system over years. Order in the society meant the ability to sustain a status quo of the social system. Land has,in all respects, been the borne of contention. It is arguable that land has had a determinant role in the nature of the South African state and politics. The land redistribution programme will either improve these class antagonism or legitimase them. It pivotes upon the context under which the land redistribution is carried out and by whom it is being driven. The land redistribution programme needs to be Afrocentric in paradigm and Africans themselves need to drive the course of their own development. There are things which may be of value to Africans and which land redistribution programme, unless driven by themselves , may be found insignificant. For an example, African organization structures in rural areas are very important for self identity. Unless the land redistribution programme recognizes these problems and challenges, there will be a moving equilibrium or status quo with regard to social change. There will be apartheid order within a democratic social system. The land set aside for settlement under the new order will still resemble the then bantustan, and black sport lands.
The need for pre-marital counselling in combating domestic violence : case studies within the Madadeni area
(2000) Ndlovu, Mispah Tshengisile; Pakati, E.R.V.
Dissertation on "The need for pre-marital counselling in preventing domestic violence" is the outcome of the researcher's concern about domestic violence that is widespread in our society. On reviewing the literature, she found that social workers and their professional associates are trying hard to fight against this disease. However, very little is being achieved as this disease in increasing day by day. Revelation by literature that pre-marital counselling, as a primary intervention, is seldom applied by practitioner that are trying to stop domestic violence, motivated the researcher to undertake this study. In her introduction to this study, the researcher stated the problem, her motivation to undertake this study, its objectives, assumptions, value and limitations, and lastly, she - defined the terms. The researcher reviewed literature on explanation of domestic violence. Her focus was on its causes, forms, effects, prevalence, common features of human violence, individual features of men who batter, why women stay in abusive relationship and the "way they respond to this domestic violence. She further looked into the preventative intervention to domestic violence, focussing on three levels of preventions, namely, preparation for marriage, which is primary prevention, promotion of the quality of marriage and family life, which is secondary prevention, treatment of marital dysfunction, which is tertiary prevention as well as traditional ways of preparing for marriage. The design the researcher used was exploratory/descriptive in nature. Subjects of the study were selected by means of purposive sampling. The sampling units were the social workers of the Department of Social Welfare and Population development, stationed at Madadeni and their clients (ten families) that presented domestic violence related problems. Madadeni community is situated at about 13 km, south of Newcastle in Kwazulu Natal. Interview schedules were pre-tested on three social workers and three families. Interviews and studying of the files of the individual prospective respondents were used to collect data. Frequency tables, columns and pie charts with percentages were used in presentation, analysis and interpretation of data. During the analysis of data, the researcher looked for similarities and dissimilarities. She presented data as a descriptive account, organised it into categories on the basis of themes and proposed hypotheses. Lastly, she gave a summary, drew conclusions regarding the need for premarital counselling in the area and made recommendations. The overall conclusion that was made by the researcher was that pre-marital counselling is needed in combating domestic violence. *
The significance of income generating projects in Kwa-Ngwanase area, KwaZulu-Natal
(University of Zululand, 2001) Gumede, Bonginkosi Mfanawelanga.; Gumbi, T.A.P.
This study is about the significance of income generating projects in Kwa-Ngwanase area. The study was conducted on poverty alleviation projects funded by the Department of Welfare and Population Development As an evaluative research, semi-structured interviews were conducted. A sample of twenty projects was drawn, fourty respondents were interviewed where two were from each project-Related literature has been reviewed that focuses on poverty alleviation and income generating projects. Various recommendations have been made based on the findings of the study. The findings of the study indicated a need for training project members in capacity building. Project members also need to be motivated in one way or the other so that they can develop a sense of ownership and work hard for the success of their own projects. The research findings indicated clearly that the strategies and policies were not effective enough in achieving the desired goals of poverty alleviation.
Impact of poverty alleviation programmes with special reference to Lower Umfolozi District
(2001) Dlamini, Jabulisiwe Rejoice; Neku, R.J.N.
Poverty is seen as the phenomenon that is typical of certain countries, areas and group of people who posses specific traits and labels that contribute to their condition of being poor. In South Africa poverty is primarily a feature of the previously disadvantaged population. Black South Africans who are the majority, are the most vulnerable group that is affected by poverty. The extent of poverty is significant in certain geographic areas like rural areas, informal settlement and in the farms. There are various factors that contributed to the legacy of poverty and these include colonialism, apartheid governance, racism, sexism and discrimination.
Women, gender and development in a KwaZulu-Natal rural neighbourhood : towards establishing a social development practice model
(2001) Buthelezi, Ruth Thandi.; Pakati, E.R.V.
In the context of social development, the developmental perspective on Social Welfare, and gender equality (gender theory and gender analysis), an extensive literature and empirical study was undertaken, to explore the contribution of Social Work to the social and economic development of women as a special population of the poor in rural communities. Exploratory and descriptive research, using documents, interviews and direct observation, was used to study the rural neighbourhood, the demographic profiles of the general public and decision making participation of a sample of household heads and community leaders. From both the theoretical and empirical studies, it was evident that women's contribution to development was being systematically undervalued in the rural communities, and within households. Essential to this analysis was that there was an overall socio-cultural framework for stereotyping women's roles in rural communities. Not only were they overburdened by the multiple roles, their practical and strategic gender needs were marginalised, leading to their further subordination. In addition, as an institution of society, the way both the department of social welfare and population or department of social development and the social service system functioned, was influenced by institutionalized gender in equality actually many considerations of gender in relation to welfare and health tended to remain focussed on women as users or service providers (volunteers), rather than assessing how health and welfare or social services, reinforced gender in equalities and, in doing so undermined social justice while also at times undermining women's and family welfare. k At the local level, it was very apparent that all important decisions were made by men, especially those determining access and allocation of productive resources needed to survive. This study also revealed that local government and other service providers in rural areas often developed projects in a top-down fashion, where local people were informed or consulted, but were not expected to make decisions that would be acted upon. Local economic development (large scale government or heavily funded public works projects) were often treated as technical and administrative issues, with very marginal, if any, political and socio-economic considerations from the viewpoint of the disadvantaged majority, the women and the poor, in particular. In the latter even the tribal leaders were essentially marginalized. Based on the findings of the study, the thesis proposes a model, which provides a framework that is inclusive enough to serve both the clinical and community - work orientated social workers and generalist social workers. The polarization, where either the personal (individual) or the social (institutional) are emphasized at the expense of a holistic integrated consideration, is rejected. Instead, the feminist perspectives involving the reconceptualization of power, viewing the 'personal' as 'social' and the validation of people's experiences, interalia, are emphasized. Project planners should ensure the inclusion of multi-disciplinary teams with both males and females at all stages of the research process, that is, the problem identification, the design, the implementation and evaluation. Data must be disaggregated by socio-economic strata and gender, and there must be an examination of inter-household and intra-household processes, particularly in the spheres of decision making, responsibility and labour input. This is important because of the importance of empowerment of the individuals and groups to access resources they need, and to have a role in the production of personal and public services in order to improve the quality of their lives and that of their communities.
An assessment of the nutritional status of children under five years in Maputaland, Kwa-Zulu-Natal
(2001) Khumalo, Ziphozonke Lethukuthula; Gumbi, T.A.P.
Malnutrition continues to affect the large number of people, particularly in developing countries* Few studies have reported on nutritional status of children in southern Africa. A comprehensive nutritional survey was conducted on African children aged 0-5 years (n = 172) in two rural areas of Mapataland, namely, Mangnza and Ngwavuma. Stunting, underweight, acute under nutrition and lower upper arm measurement were prevalent is children of Mapataland. The average diet contained an adequate amount of portion from the meat and cereals group but had inadequate content milk and fruit/vegetable group as in accordance with expectations of the Department of Health and welfare. The percentage energy obtain from fat in the diet was very low (19%) and from carbohydrates was very high (68%). The amount of plant protein in the diet exceeded that of animal protein. Boys had lower means height and weight than girls with 36% falling below the NCHS 5th percentiles weight-for-age. Wasting was only present in 5% and 2 % among girls. Current diet intake was assessed with a diet history and a diet food frequency questionnaire. A high to moderate prevalence of underweight rural areas (19%), a low prevalence of stunting in rural areas (17%) and a high prevalence of wasting in rural area (7%) were identified. Maize-meal porridge and milk were the most commonly used food items, as compared with, vegetables, margarine and meat. Most of the children had insufficient (<67% RDA) intake of iron, Zinc, Vitamin C, Niacin and Vitamin B6.
Utilization of household and community resources for enterprise development among women of Lower Umfolozi
(University of Zululand, 2002) Mbhele, Samukelisiwe Yvonne; Gumbi, T.A.P.; Kiamba, J.M.
The aim of this research was to examine the problems related to the utilisation of household and community resources for enterprise development at Lower Umfolozi, and to assess the extent to which women that are involved in income-generating projects utilise community resources. It was found that community resources used by projects in the Lower Umfolozi produce a surplus that can generate income. It was noted that while women involved in income-generating projects are interested in generating income they experience many problems, the most fundamental being lack of capital and access to land. Since the land used for generating income is small and fragmented, under the control of Inkosi, landholders do not have a choice of size of land. The low literacy rate among women in enterprise development organisations has not only contributed to their low income but has also led to the development of negative attitudes towards income-generating projects. The combined effect of all the problems cited above has resulted in low standards in enterprise development organisations in the Lower Umfolozi region. It is argued that the availability of community resources to these projects can increase production, alleviate poverty and can create job opportunities for all.
Rural womens' agricultural productivity at Nkonjeni Area : capacity building and empowerment
(2002) Mjoli, Rosemary Nomagugu.; Gumbi, T.A.P.
This study investigated the strengths and weaknesses of the rural women's agricultural productivity and problems facing the farming women in the Nkonjeni area. It looked at the issues like deprivation of land ownership for the rural women, lack of appropriate education, not having access to working capital and an overload of household chores as the contributory factors to poor agricultural production of women in rural areas. The study considered the possibility of empowering rural women through capacity building as the method of improving their production of agricultural crops. The characteristics that were investigated were the socio-cultural factors, economic, educational and infrustructural factors mat would influence their empowerment process. The study engaged a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods. Various sources of data like books and journals were used. Also a number of methods of collecting data were utilized to find the information from the selected sample of the farming population. The study was conducted among the farming women of Nkonjeni area in Mahlabathini district. The findings revealed that their illiterate position poses a threat in their empowerment and the overload is really crippling their efforts towards their development. It also revealed that the gender discrimination towards rural women is still a problem though the government has repealed laws that are depriving women of equal opportunities. It was also found that the lawlessness of the community members contributed enormously on their farming problems because unattended livestock that is owned by their neighbours destroys their produce. Recommendations that emanated from the study focussed on the empowerment of women through the change of attitude towards development. The people need to be supported as individuals to give the sense of pride towards the project they are concerned with. Women need to be helped in solving their education problems in their own neighbourhood to avoid exposing them to dangers of travelling long distances at night. Development programmes should focus on taking women on board as active participants in their own development not the silent recipients.
Participation of out-of-school youth in agricultural programmes in Bushbuckridge, Nothern Province
(2003) Mkansi, Norah Nkhesani; Gumbi, T.A.P.
Bushbuckridge is an area that is largely (approximately 90%) rural. The rural areas are characterized by a scarcity of job opportunities as opposed to the abundance of such opportunities in certain designated areas. As a matter of fact the availability of job opportunities would arguably place the out- of -school youth in good stead of employment. The only prevalent opportunity for the youth is in agriculture. The study was conducted within New Forest and Orinnocco where a larger portion of the population is made up by youth below the age of 35 years and who are unemployed. There is a New Forest irrigation scheme, and on the scheme the larger population of farmers are aging farming population, very few young population is actively involved in agriculture. The study investigate the attitudes of out- of- school youth towards participation in agriculture. The findings of the study indicated that the majority of the out- of-school youth are less aware of the agriculture in terms of providing job for them. Consequently, they are affected socially and psychologically and are rendered vulnerable to engage in criminal activities. Various recommendations have been advanced. The researcher indicated the need for integration of theory and practical work to be initiated at a primary school level so that children can develop basic agricultural skills as well as community awareness campaigns and skill training among youth targeting on changing the attitudes of parents and youth. This can be effected through agricultural programmes for youth to participate and create jobs for themselves. The findings cannot be generalized in an inclusive way to cover the whole population of South Africa due to the size of the population from which the researcher collected data.
The attitudes of primary caregivers towards caring for HIV/AIDS orphans in the Ingwavuma District
(2003) Gumede, Nokuthula Veronica.; Gumbi, T.A.P.
This study is about the attitudes of primary care givers who are caring for HIV/ AIDS orphans in the Ingwavuma area. As an evaluative research semi-structured interviews were conducted. A sample of -twenty primary care givers was drawn, 10 files were drawn from the Department of Welfare and Population Development Office and 10 files were drawn from the local non-government organisation called Ingwavuma Orphan Care. Permission to use departmental files was sought from the department concerned. Related literature that focuses on a HIV/AIDS and Orphanhood has been reviewed. Various recommendations have been made based on the findings of the study. The findings indicate that a need exist for training on parenting and coping skills. HIV/AIDS orphans need to be involved in counselling especially on trauma counselling, this can help a lot in improving the relationship between primary care givers and vulnerable children.
Care of children affected and infected by HIV/ AIDS at Khayelihle Childrens Home, Cato Ridge, South Africa
(2004) Okello, Tom Were; Gumbi, T.A.P.
In this study the researcher investigated care of children affected and infected by HIV/AIDS at Khayelihle Children's Home. The principal aim of the study was to offer a diagnostic, evaluative assessment of the care for children at Khayelihle Children's Home. Survey methodology was adopted for this research- Stratified sampling technique was used in selecting a sample of the respondents to participate in the study. Three strata of: children: aunts/grandmothers: and the international volunteers were selected from the total population at Khayelihle children's home. Sixty people drawn from the stratas participated in the study. Data was collected by use of structured interviews. Documentary sources and observations were utilised as complementary methods to data collection. Data collected was analysed using descriptive analysis. Tables and pie - charts were used to enter specific types of data and show-relationships between variables. The findings from the study indicated that the care of children at Khayelihle Children's Hume was not effective. Several reasons are advanced for this phenomenon. These include: inability to protect children from exploitation, abuse, and neglect: inability of fostering the development of a close and secure relationship with caregiver- as well as allowing a close relationship with the remaining family members. Other reasons include: little emphasis in helping children understand the imminent death of a parent: their identity; uniqueness and a sense of personal continuity especially in the maintenance of a close link with the cultural community: and failure in encouraging children expression of emotions a prerequisite for psychosocial development. It was concluded that the care for children at Khayelihle children's needed to promote psychosocial development and resilience in children for them to be able to deal with the imminent challenges of life as orphans in the face of HIWAIDS epidemic. The study recommends that, the care (or children at Khayelihle should put in perspective the underlying values advocated by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which should serve as a constant reference for die implementing and monitoring all efforts to care, promote, fulfil and protect children's right-.
Revitalising school social work services in a global economy : a developmental perspective
(2004) Ntombela, Ngenisiwe Henrietta.; Gumbi, T.A.P.
This stucly set out to investigate the possibility of school social work intervention as an institutional structure in South African schools with special reference to the Durban, Empangeni and Pietermaritzburg education areas where the writer carried out the empirical observation. The justification or the investigation was strengthened by the double factors of globalisation and fast increasing technology transfer throughout the world- The study regarded the multiplicity of social, financial and other problems plaguing communities in South Africa as a given. Against this background, the question asked was whether, given the reality of these factors inhibiting the intellectual and vocatipnal development of school going children, educational provision for social work intervention as it obtains at the moment, was adequate to equip the younger generation to fit gainfully in a highly competitive and fast changing global market. ln terms of methodological orientation, the study was both exploratory and descriptive in nature. It employed both qualitative and quantitative methods including interviews and focused groups. The sample was divided into two phases. The respondents in phase one were educators and education managers. The respondents in phase two were social workers and social work managers from the Department of Welfare as well as non-governmental organizations CNGO's). For this study two interview schedules were used to obtain data. One was for Educators and Education Managers and the other was for Social Workers and Social Work Managers. The findings of this study are revealing in their disclosure. They reveal that the child could benefit from a developmental perspective in school social work, as this perspective would discourage dependency, and promote parental involvement and that of other sections of the community having a vested interest in the school. The findings of this study give ample indication that given the situation of South Africa within a fast changing global economy, the introduction of, as well as adequate provisioning for school social work intervention would be a well placed structural improvement in the South African schooling system. Somewhat disturbing though was the finding that educators were not making adequate use of social Work services (where available in referring children with social problems to social work agencies). In turn the agency social workers were'unable to attend speedily to children's social problems because of their heavy case loads. With this in the background, the recommendation for the insti'tutionalisation of school social work is no longer of legislative choice but an existential imperative.

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