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- ItemExploring the social and environmental factors of teenage pregnancy in Matshana rural area, King Cetshwayo District(University of Zululand, 2025) Gasa, Kuthula Faith; Mulqueeny, D. M.ENGLISH Teenage pregnancy is a global phenomenon that is influenced by a variety of circumstances, including the interaction of social and environmental variables. Studies have found that community perceptions, cultural norms, and economic realities all have a substantial impact on teenagers’ experiences and decisions. This qualitative, interpretivist case study investigates the social and environmental factors that influence teenage pregnancy in the Matshana rural area of King Cetshwayo District, KwaZulu-Natal. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews with seven teenage mothers, four teenage fathers, two life orientation teachers, and one social worker, highlight several significant themes. Findings indicate inadequate parental control, poor communication between parents/guardians and teenagers, and a lack of sexual and reproductive health knowledge as significant contributors to teenage pregnancy. Additionally, intentional pregnancies, substance use, socioeconomic status, and healthcare workers' behaviours and attitudes were identified as contributory factors. The study also highlighted the importance of open communication between parents and teenagers and advocates for the establishment of teenage-friendly health programmes and staff. The recommendations of community support and improved educational programs could mitigate these issues. Engaging stakeholders in developing comprehensive strategies may foster a more supportive environment for teenagers facing pregnancy. Health care workers attending youth-focussed training to provide youth-friendly services. Parenting training or dialogues that address sex, sexuality and pregnancy should be organised in the community.
- ItemAssessing the challenges and opportunities of free higher education in a rural based university(University of Zululand, 2024) Shezi, Sphelele; Xaba, F. G.Education has been heralded as a transformative tool essential for both individual and national development. Since 1994, following South Africa's democratic transition, the government and universities have sought to achieve equity in higher education amidst limited public finances, necessitating difficult decisions. This study reports on the challenges of free education at the rural based university, focusing on its socioeconomic, academic, and psychological impacts on students. This research was crucial in highlighting areas for enhancement and support mechanisms within higher education. Despite free education’s aim to provide equitable access, significant gaps remain, particularly regarding financial stability, academic support, and living conditions. The study's primary objectives were to evaluate the extent to which Free Education meets its goals and to identify areas requiring improvement. The researcher conducted semi-structured interviews using a qualitative approach with 16 students who were receiving financial aid through NSFAS or other support mechanisms. Thematic analysis of the data revealed several key findings: students faced challenges in covering essential expenses, there was a notable mismatch between students' interests and their academic programmes, academic stressors were prevalent, and poor living conditions in campus residences adversely affected students' well-being. The findings suggest that while Free Education succeeded in increasing access to higher education, significant challenges persist. Recommendations include enhancing financial aid coverage, improving career guidance, addressing academic stressors, and upgrading campus living conditions to better support students' overall success.
- ItemLived experiences of single teenage mothers at KwaMsane Township, KwaZulu-Natal(University of Zululand, 2024) Mthethwa, Nontobeko Sibonile; Ntini-Makununika, Thobeka; Mulqueeny, Delarise M.In an era marked by the complex challenges confronting young people, addressing teenage pregnancy requires a comprehensive multi-sectoral response that empowers and supports adolescents on multiple fronts. The qualitative study’s objectives were to explore the psychosocial experiences of single teenage mothers from northern KwaZulu-Natal, seeking to understand their experience of absent fathers in the parental relationship, identify sources of support, and provide recommendations for multiple sectors. Thirteen participants, sampled by snowball sampling, participated in face-to-face interviews, and two focus group discussions that were manually coded and thematically analysed. Empowerment theory was used as an analytic framework. The study’s findings revealed that single teenage mothers experience psychosocial challenges, social rejection, disrupted life plans, academic difficulties, financial problems, father absenteeism, and poor mental health. This highlights several key areas which need multi-sectoral interventions to address teenage pregnancy. Recommendations include developing participatory strategies that promote positive father involvement, establishing support systems for psychosocial support for teenage mothers, and fostering whole community-based initiatives to promote awareness and dialogue on teenage pregnancy.
- ItemThe efficiency of local citizens’ participation in local economic development projects in Mkhondo Local Municipality in Piet-Retief(University of Zululand, 2024) Gama, Ntethelelo Abner; Xaba, F.G.; Mulqueeny, D.M.The aftermath of colonialism and apartheid resulted in many South African communities being impoverished, having high levels of unemployment and inequality. As a result, municipalities engaged in various programmes and projects to economically empower their communities in response to social and economic challenges. One such programme is Local Economic Development (LED). This study analyses the efficiency of local citizens' participation in LED within the Mkhondo local municipality in Mpumalanga province in South Africa. An interpretivist paradigm was adopted as it was deemed relevant and is appropriate in qualitative studies. 19 community members involved in LED projects, six (6) municipal officials dealing with LED projects, and three (3) local ward councilors participated in semi-structured interviews while thematic analysis was used to analyse the collected data. The study findings demonstrate that the municipality played a crucial role in ensuring that the local citizens understood the importance of participating in LED projects. They further reflected on the benefits of LED as an effective tool for alleviating poverty in rural communities. Despite the successes brought by LED in impoverished and disadvantaged communities, there are challenges that hindered community members’ full participation in LED. The study recommends that more funds be made available to rural municipalities to meet the demands of rural people and that the municipality should employ additional staff to ensure that there are sufficient municipal officials to comprehensively service members of rural communities.
- ItemSocial work in the 21st century: scholarship and praxis reimagined towards vulnerability(Avarsity, 2024) Shokane, A. L.; Keet, A.; Danesan, V.