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- ItemContributions of community education to community development: a case study of a community education and training centre, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa(University of Zululand, 2024) Xulu, Thokozani Sifiso MpiloThe aim of the study was to explore the role played by community education as a catalyst for community development through the lens of students and lecturers at a community education and training centre in eNkanjini Village, located in the Big Five Hlabisa Municipality of Northern KwaZulu-Natal. This qualitative study is embedded in an interpretive research paradigm as it allows for the collected data to be packaged and presented according to the participants’ world views and interpreted according to their own words. The research design assumed a case study format to secure in-depth knowledge on the study phenomenon. The study setting was a Community Education and Training Centre (CETC) in the eNkanjini Village where the target population were identified and recruited because they could relate to the phenomenon under study from where conclusions to be drawn from. The sample included the centre manager, lecturers and students, who were all above the age of 18 and attended and worked at the centre as they were best able to provide rich information on the role of community education as a catalyst for community development. The centre manager was purposively sampled because he is the only manager employed at the centre and has extensive knowledge on the community, community education and community development in the area. The data collection instrument was semi-structured interviews with an open-ended interview guide because they allowed for probing to secure thick and broad information on participants experiences, perspectives and thoughts on the topic. The data analysis method used was thematic analysis because it facilitates flexibility in sorting and categorises data into themes that highlights differences and similarities of a phenomenon. The trustworthiness of the qualitative data was assuring through the use of dual recordings, comprehensive notes, a reflexive journal, purposive sampling and participants information saved to the iCloud, debriefing and the two-month data collection period. The theoretical framework of the study was the empowerment theory which argues that community participation promotes and empowers community development. It was adopted to this study to explain evidence related to the concepts of community education and development. The literature review, and the theoretical framework informed the discussion of the results. The findings of the study revealed that getting a second educational opportunity and securing a certificate after successfully completing an exam was motivation for most participants as they perceived they could use their acquired skills to earn a living, improve their lives, pursue additional learning opportunities, and attend TVET colleges and universities. However, a lack of adequate classrooms and furniture, coupled with student absenteeism and limited books, were major challenges in the participants’ learning experiences at the CETC. Nevertheless, most of the participants were grateful for the second chance to improve their skills and qualifications and for the stipend they received. The sentiments of life improvement are aligned with the empowerment theory framework because it addresses social, political, policy, economic, educational and health issues and challenges. The views of participants regarding community education and community development was also supported by the framework in terms of procuring sustainable change and it explained why they are relevant. The study concluded that community education and training programmes are a valuable contribution to improving students’ skills and qualifications, their lives and communities. Community education and community development are complementary practices that act as catalysts for addressing community challenges and social ills and improve communities. The study recommended that that the government builds libraries and student accommodation and supplies all the recommended and prescribed books, that the media showcase success stories to promote community education. These recommendations also came from the participants. Additionally, multidisciplinary teams that include non-profit organisations, private and public companies, funders, and the government should raise funds to improve the community education and training centre’s to ensure that they are adequately resourced for effective learning to ensue. Further collaborative research with political activists, traditional and cultural leaders, civic societies, and community development practitioners is also recommended to generate more data.
- ItemMales experiences of female partner abuse in intimate relationships in Jozini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal(University of Zululand, 2024) Tembe, Silindokuhle ShikaThe study aimed to explore males’ experiences of female partner abuse in intimate relationships in the Jozini Municipality, of KwaZulu-Natal. The study considered abuse as any incident or threatening behavior, violence, or psychological, physical, sexual, financial, or emotional abuse between adults who are or have been intimate partners or are family members. The study also considered IPV as a subset of domestic violence since it is an act of violence perpetrated against intimate partners, spouses and dating partners, either in current or former relationships. The study was informed by three main research objectives: to explore men’s experiences of intimate partner violence IPV in the Jozini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal; to identify the types of intimate partner violence IPV experienced by men in the Jozini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal; and to develop strategies to reduce IPV experienced by men in the Jozini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal. The Social Learning Theory by Bandura (1963) underpinned this study that used the interpretivism research paradigm to enable the study participants to narrate their daily lived experiences. Hence, the study used the qualitative research approach during data collection. The qualitative data were gathered through interviews with open-ended questions among men who had experienced abuse by their intimate partners. The study adopted purposive and snowball sampling to identify the targeted population, who were twelve (12) men who had experienced IPV by their female partners to participate in interviews conducted by the researcher. The study also used an in-depth literature review and document analysis, as part of the qualitative content analysis. The data was analyzed using thematic analysis whereby themes and narrations were extensively used to explain the men’s experiences of IPV. The study recognized the wealth of knowledge on the concept of ‘IPV’ by the participants. The findings revealed that men are abused by women in an intimate relationship. Additionally, the terminology ‘IPV’ among men had a common meaning, even though it was explained in many different ways. For example, the findings showed that IPV means an intimate partner who may use insulting words, deprive the other partner of sexual intercourse and not allow the other partner to see and be visited by his/her family members. The findings demonstrated that men do not report cases of IPV to the relevant authorities but only to the in-laws and family members. Additionally, it was discovered that men do not report cases of IPV to authorities because they are not taken seriously and end up being ridiculed in the very centers from which they seek help. It was noted that in instances where men do report cases of IPV to the police station, they tend to receive gender-stereotyped treatment because IPV is widely viewed as an issue affecting women only. The issue of confidentiality also becomes a factor as police personnel are members of the community, therefore the absence of discretion means that the men with cases of IPV end up being mocked in the community. It was also established that one of the main causes of IPV against men is the hunger for power by women; women deprive men of sexual intercourse, due to insufficiency of money to support the family, cheating, just to mention a few. The study demonstrated that there were solutions that could work effectively in their suffering. Firstly, the public should believe that IPV against men is not a joke, but a reality. Secondly, the police stations, where men report cases of IPV, should treat their complaints with the seriousness and urgency they deserve; and should not make it a laughing matter. Thirdly, government should take cases of IPV against men as a serious act by addressing it with the same enthusiasm and tenacity used when addressing violence against women and children. The study recommended that the most crucial strategies for eliminating IPV against men is to conduct additional research on this phenomenon, and raise awareness through campaigns on IPV against men, to mention a few. More studies can be conducted in Jozini as there are high incidents of IPV against men in the municipality. The full mini-dissertation is available in the University of Zululand Institutional Repository.
- 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