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Item Exploring the perceptions of women have about breast cancer in Bolobedu, Limpopo(2016) Tivani, TsakaneBreast cancer is identified as one of the most serious disease women face all over the world. It has been described as having physical and emotional challenges for both women and their families (Henderson, 2011). The purpose of this study is to explore the perceptions women have about breast cancer in Bolobedu Area, Limpopo. The study used a qualitative research approach. Since qualitative is concerned with meaning that participants attach to their life experience, the researcher used exploratory case studies. Using non-probability purposive sampling technique, the researcher interviewed ten participants and two key informants using two different semi-structured interview schedules. There was an interview schedule for participants and a different one for key-informants. During the face-to-face individual interviews, data was recorded with the participants consent and transcribed verbatim. The most important problem that emerged from thematic analysis of the discussion included lack of knowledge about breast cancer, symptoms and self-examination. It is important for social workers to understand all the components that might exist with different individuals in various contexts in order to empower them. This study is likely to contribute to knowledge and social work practice with appropriate breast cancer intervention, especially in the rural areas in South Africa. Keywords: breast cancer, women, rural areaItem Experiences of brain injured individuals post hospitalisation at Headway-Khomelela(2017) Mogashoa, ThomontleHeadway-Khomelela offers services to those individuals who have experienced traumatic brain injuries post hospitalisation. There was a need to add to the database of Headway about the experiences their clientele went through post hospitalisation. The primary aim of this research report was to understand the post hospitalisation experiences of those individuals who have a brain injury. This included their coping strategies which they had to learn in order to make life easier for themselves on a day to day basis and the employment challenges which they are experiencing. The theoretical lens which was used is the biopsychosocial model. The methodological framework for this qualitative investigation was an exploratory research design. Ten participants were selected by using purposive sampling from those individuals who receive services from Headway-Khomelela. The research instrument was used was an interview schedule and semi structured interviews was used to collect the data. The data was analysed via thematic analysis. This research report has a potential of adding information to the Headway-Khomelela database as the database currently has very limited experience regarding these clients’ experiences and difficulties in finding employment. It may also be of assistance to social workers with regard to understanding the challenges of the clientele of Headway-Khomelela post being hospitalised and perhaps aid interventions. The research study found that the participants valued the importance of rehabilitation and family role after the injury. This also included the physical challenges the participants experienced. The study was concluded that participants recommend rehabilitation as soon as a person is discharged from hospital and they should focus on recovery first. • Keywords: Headway, brain injury, family support, rehabilitation, therapists, home exercising, coping strategies, employment challenges.Item Exploring experiences of non-South Africa social work students in field work placement(2015) Mathenjwa, MthokozisiField education is an essential part of the curriculum for social work practice training. During field work, students develop practice skills, translate theory from lectures to the reality of practice, and test their aptitude to be professional social workers. Field practicums afford students the opportunity to attest their fitness to be qualified professional social workers. Placements present critical learning period for students. There has been limited attention in South Africa directed specifically to experiences of international students in the field work and this is what this study will focus on. This research will be qualitative in nature. A non-probability purposive sampling will be used to select study participants. Semi- structured interview schedules will be used to conduct in-depth individual interviews with eight (8) participants. For triangulation purposes, the researcher will also interview one social work field placement supervisor. Interviews will be audio- recorded, with participants consent and transcribed verbatim in combination with the previous literature review. This study hopes to contribute to debates on social work field work placements at South African universities at an undergraduate studies level. Key words: field work placements, international students, social workItem The Perceptions of Adolescent Males on their Involvement in Teenage Pregnancy Prevention in Kliptown(2016) Phawe, KelebogileThe rates of teenage pregnancy in South Africa remain high. Teenage pregnancy is a risk factor for disruption of education, future unemployment, sexually transmitted infections, HIV, preterm birth and poor mental health for teenagers. The aim of the research was to explore adolescent male partner’s knowledge attitudes and practices regarding contraception and their role in teenage pregnancy prevention. A qualitative research approach was used to understand the perception of adolescent males on their involvement in teenage pregnancy prevention in Kliptown. The population for the study included male teenagers at the Kliptown Youth Programme. A sample of 10 male teenagers aged 18 to 19 years was drawn from this population. The research study will be will qualitative research approach employing the phenomenological research design. A semi-structured interview schedule was employed as a research tool, with face-to-face interviews as the method of data collection. Data was analysed thematically by carefully identifying and expanding significant themes that emerged from the interviews. Teenage pregnancy was viewed as having negative consequences to teenagers’ present and future circumstances. Participants demonstrated level of awareness regarding pregnancy prevention methods due to information they receive from different sources. Participants communicated a desire to be involved in the decisions about pregnancy prevention including use of contraception and also acknowledged the role they can play. The results of this study indicate a dire need for young men involvement in pregnancy prevention programs. Services should be structured in such a way that they are both youth and male friendly. Key terms: Adolescent, Teenager, Contraception, Teenage pregnancy.Item A report on a study project presented to understanding of paternal involvement of African working class in their children’s lives(2016) Langa, Morongwa KaylaResearch and literature on fatherhood in Sothern Africa tends to focus more on the absence of fathers than the significant role and the involvement of fathers in the families and children’s lives. There is also a view in public discourse that African fathers are less likely to be involved in the lives of their children; usually this view does not take into account the historical factors that contributed to the removal of fathers from their families. There is evidence that there are fathers that are involved in their children’s lives despite the public discourse and historical factors. This study aims to understand the paternal involvement of African working class fathers in the lives of the children. This will be done by conducting one on one interview with the use of a semi-structured interview schedule as a research tool. The study will adopt a qualitative approach. The research design that will be used in the study will be the exploratory design; this is explore, understand and describe the topic of research. The participants to be interviewed are African fathers from working class background in Randfontein, Gauteng from the ages of 25-55. Furthermore content analysis will be used to analyse the data; this is finding patterns, themes and at the end understanding the involvement of the men (African working class men) in their children’s lives. The finding of the study is hoped to serve as an encouragement for men that are not in the lives of their children. As it may assist in the policy of child support grants for fathers that are not involved and serves as welfare relieve. Keyword: Working Class, paternal involvement, fathersItem Exploring the views of University of Witwatersrand university students on racial classification in application forms in the new South Africa(2016) Marumo, BenitaIn apartheid South Africa, racial classification was infused by the idealism. It was hierarchal, having white people at the topic and people of other races at the bottom of the hierarchy. Today racial classification is used in various polices and mainly for statistical purpose. This study took into account the information regarding the fact that racial classification was created and was used in the apartheid era as a way of dividing people in this country. The primary aim of this research study was to be able to look at why racial classification still exists as it is clearly a legacy of apartheid and to put its existence into question taking into account that this is the new era. The problem however with racial classification is that it tends to divide people into categorises based of which racial group they belong to rather than bringing them together. The research study adopted a qualitative research method. The study was exploratory as it looked at the proposed question in detail and the researcher searched for information from the participants. The people who took part in this study were the students of the Witwatersrand University and the reason for selecting them was due to the fact that they were raised when South Africa was independent. Due to this the opinions that they will offered were expected to be less subjective but more objective. A sample size of ten people was used for the study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted. The interviews allowed for the use of open ended questions and here the respondents answered each of them in whichever way they wished to. The research tool that was used is interview schedules. Interviews were conducted face to face. This way the gathered information was organised and was easy to read. The research study will help with knowledge advancement in the field of Social Work about the proposed topic. This is significant because the Social Work profession puts people first and knowing their perceptions about a certain issues like this one that involves the social history of South Africa is relevant. Key words: Race, Apartheid, Racial classification, Racial categorisation and Classifying criterionItem Experiences of young women in managerial positions at an Insurance Company based in Johanesburg Central Buisness District(2016) Dikgole, SeshegeleIn South Africa, studies has shown that women are still discriminated when it comes to fulfilling their leadership roles, even though the country has developed laws and policies promoting equal rights for all. Thus the study seeks to understand the experiences that young women are facing in managerial positions. The purpose of this research study is to explore the experiences of young women between the ages of 25-45years in managerial positions at a well-known Insurance Company based in Johannesburg Central Business District. Based on a comprehensive research literature review, it is proven that women still face many challenges when taking on leadership roles in the corporate world. Women in South Africa have an important role to play in enhancing socio-economic growth so it is important to explore the challenges and opportunities they experience in the leadership positions. The research study has taken the qualitative research approach, namely a case study. Data was gathered by conducting personal, in-depth interviews with five women in managerial positions. The study has adopted the feminist theoretical framework, which argues that men and women should be given equal chances in all forms of life. The findings indicated that women are still underrepresented in managerial positions in which there are few numbers of women that hold the managerial positions. Furthermore with this few numbers, they face challenges engaging in the fields dominated by men. The young women’s leadership authority is undermined as they often not have the same share of voice with their male colleagues within boardrooms as they often look down at them. They also experience racist and sexist within their working environments in the form of stereotyping. Balancing work and home life was seen as a challenge for women in managerial positions. Keywords: Women’s experiences, Leadership, Feminism, Employment Equity ActItem Exploring the socio-emotional experiences of adults with cerebral palsy in a residential care facility in Johannesburg, South Africa(2017) Tsiane, DimphoThere has been much written on the biomedical concerns of cerebral palsy, yet there has been very little researched or reported on the socio-emotional aspects of cerebral palsy in a residential care facility. This study aimed to explore the socio-emotional experiences of adults with cerebral palsy in a residential care facility. The study made use of an exploratory qualitative design and employed semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of 10 cerebral palsied adults. Some important findings that emerged from a thematic qualitative analysis of the data included being overwhelmed by the new environment; feelings of freedom, happiness and independence; support from various role players; age and communication challenges; and residents accepting circumstances and remaining positive. The main conclusion drawn from the study was that despite the challenges the residents faced, they were resilient enough to employ coping methods that assisted them through the process. Key words: cerebral palsy, socio-emotional, transitioning, residential care facilityItem The experiences of teenage mothers living in Katlehong, Mofokeng section : a retrospective study(2016) Malwa, KhutsoMost people consider teenage pregnancy as a disaster (Mpanza&Nzima, 2010). However this research study aims to question the above assumption through exploring the experiences of teenage mothers that live in Katlehong, in an area called Mofokeng Section. This study was able to retrospectively view teenage pregnancy from the perspective of those who were teenage mothers, and to explore their future aspirations. The research adopted a qualitative approach and an exploratory research design. Nine participants were selected by using purposive sampling. The individual semi- structured interviews were tape- recorded with the participant’s permission for the collection of data and to analyse the data. The tape recorded interviews were transcribed and emerging themes from the written material were identified. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The study will contribute to the already existing research and knowledge on teenage pregnancy in the discipline but the difference is that the contexts will differ. Six out of the nine teenage mothers expressed having moments of regrets and having financial challenges after the child was born. All nine of the teenage mothers have expressed that they did not get any form of support from the community that they were part of instead they felt judged and unwanted. The majority of the teenage mothers have also expressed that family and friends have played a significant role pre and post pregnancy. It was also found that the mothers of the teenage mothers are the ones that helped them cope as teenage mothers therefore illustrating the importance of the teenage mothers’ mothers during and after their pregnancy. The themes that emerged from the study include teenage mothers’ experiences relating to the pregnancy; social support networks of teenage mothers; and future aspirations of teenage mothers. This study overall showed the strength and resilience of these teenage mothers as they continue to achieve their goals and provide for their children. Keywords: teenage mothers, experiences, teenage pregnancyItem Challenges faced by Congolese refugees after arriving in South Africa(2016) Mahlangu, WinnieIn partial fulfilment of the requirement of the degree Bachelor of Social WorkItem Social workers experiences working within the multi-disciplinary team: A case study at Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital (CMJAH).(2016) Nkuna, ValerieSocial workers need to ensure that members of the multi-disciplinary team are fully aware of their contributions toward the overall success of the medical and social intervention. The research study was based on a qualitative research approach to explore the experiences of medical social workers at Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital (CMJAH) working within the multi-disciplinary team. Therefore, the study explored social workers self-awareness and how confident they are in tackling their day to day work with other health professionals. The study also provided recommendations to social workers on how to handle multi-disciplinary team work experiences whether positive or negative. To get an in-depth understanding of the experiences of social workers in health setting the research study made use of face-to-face semi-structured interview schedule. The sample further consisted of 10 medical social workers as participants using a non - probability purposive sampling technique. Social workers in a hospital experience and are exposed to different kinds of challenges psychological, social and emotional struggles in their field when working with other health professionals. The findings of the study revealed that social workers are undermined and disrespected and are at times unable to provide their services efficiently due to time constraints that are caused by doctors referring patients when close to being discharged. The study however provides recommendations and contributes to a better understanding of multidisciplinary team work among medical social workers and other health practitioners. Key words: medical social worker, multi-disciplinary, team work, experiences, recommendationsItem The experiences of motherhood amog black undergraduate students at a South African university: reconciling competing roles(2016) Maisela, ThatoAlthough there are no official statistics available on the number of students falling pregnant while pursuing their undergraduate degrees, anecdotal evidence suggests that the prevalence is likely to be under-reported. While educational policy gives all persons the right to attend educational institutions irrespective of pregnancy or maternal status, it can be demanding to be both a student and mother and to reconcile competing conceptions, particularly within African culture, of what it means to be a ‘good student’ and a ‘good mother’. The research adopted the perspectives of feminism and gender role theory to explore the challenges that University level mothers experience and the strategies they adopt to cope with their situations and reconcile these competing roles. The study was located within an interpretive, qualitative research paradigm and involved semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of 15 female undergraduate university students. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis. Key findings that emerged were that the student mothers that were interviewed experienced financial, social and emotional challenges. However, they were able to cope through the support of family and friends. These findings have implications for the support and empowerment of student mothers through social work practice and university interventions. Key Words: student mothers, university, gender, role conflictItem I am not my addiction: Patients’ perceptions of why they relapsed during or after treatment at Westview clinic.(2016) Ngoepe, Magaret NkoshaRelapse after or during treatment is a problem experienced by many addicts and individuals view recovery in different ways. Certain things are expected from addicts when they are undergoing treatment, which one of them is complete sobriety. The research study was based on the perceptions of patients about what factors led them to relapse before or after treatment at Westview clinic. The aim of the study was to explore the patients’ perceptions about the reasons for their relapse. A case study qualitative research design was selected, whereby face to face interviews were conducted, using a structured interview schedule. The sampling method that was used for the study was availability sampling and 14 participants were used in the study. From the findings it was discovered that the causes of relapse were both internal factors like emotions of anger, loneliness and denial and also lack of self-awareness and external; factors like family, peer-pressure, unemployment and easy accessibility of the substances. It was also discovered from the findings that there many challenges that individuals experience when relapsing and also the major thing that they needed in order not to relapse was support whether it is from the family, community, organisation and social workers. This study will hopefully not only benefit the patients and the organisation but it will also hopefully benefit social work as a profession in that it will enhance the treatment and counselling that is offered to patients and bring more knowledge within the study about the factors of relapse and also the effects it has on addicted individuals. Key words: Relapse, Substance use, Addiction, TreatmentItem Keeping patient HIV status confidential: The experiences and perceptions of community members in a public clinic(2016) Tsame, OmphileConfidentiality is one of the important elements when providing services to patients and clients, this includes services relating to HIV and AIDS. The study used qualitative research to explore the perceptions and experiences of community members pertaining to the maintenance of confidentiality by clinic staff. This case study employed semi-structured interviews with fourteen (14) community members at a village in the North West Province, South Africa. The data was analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that participants perceive their HIV status as being kept confidential; however they lacked confidence in the conduct of clinic staff as having the potential to maintain confidentiality in certain circumstances. They point to factors which convince them to believe that confidentiality is maintained and factors that may lead to the breach of confidentiality. Interestingly, patients showed lack of understanding of what is meant by confidentiality and maintenance thereof. The main conclusion is that with good systems and ethically conscious staff the confidentiality of patients can always be maintained. Furthermore the service providers have a responsibility of raising awareness to the patients about the ‘Patient’s Rights Charter’ in relation to confidentiality. Key words: HIV and AIDS, ConfidentialityItem Describing the psychosocial challeges faced by disadvantaged girl children under a specific holistic education model(2016) Holman, DrewThe research aimed at decribing the psycho-social challenges that a specific group of disadvantaged girls (aged 15-17) face. These girls have been selected to complete their secondary schooling on a full scholarship at a private school funded by a wealthy benefactor in South Africa. The school was designed specifically for disadvantaged South African girl children who have displayed either academic or leadership excellence. This research looked at the effects of attending this school on the student’s relationships with their friends and family, culture and acculturation, and the way these challenges have impacted their functioning at the school. The school has adopted a holistic approach to education meaning that it acknowledges the importance of the students’ emotional, physical, spiritual, intellectual and psychological spheres. The research has enhanced the understanding of the psychosocial challenges the students navigate by identifying common themes within the data from which some recommendations were made. Ultimately the themes that are described will lay the foundation for further research at the institution. This study followed a qualitative research design. The population for the research was obtained by using purposive, non-probability sampling techniques. Data was gathered by making use of an interview schedule while conducting semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was used for analyzing the data. Key Words Descriptions, psychosocial, challenges, girl-child, holistic education model.Item Exploring the factors that motivated University graduates from Vhembe District in Limpopo to complete their undergraduate degrees in set time(2016) Makamu, Nkhensani PortiaPost 1994 has been characterised by an increase in access to higher education for different racial groups in South Africa. However, the increase in access seem not to correspond with the success rate of some students in higher education, as a significant number of black students fail to complete their degrees in set time. Anecdotal evidence indicates that some of the reasons highlighted for this failure include, the notion that students enter higher education “underprepared” for the transition, leading to some students failing to complete their studies within the set time, and some dropping out and / or getting academically excluded. Therefore, the aim of the study was to explore the factors that motivated university graduates from Vhembe District in Limpopo to complete their university degrees in set time. The study employed an exploratory-descriptive design located within a qualitative research paradigm. A snowball sampling technique was used to select ten university graduates to participate in the study. A semi-structured interview schedule was employed as a research instrument, with in-depth, individual, face-to-face interviews used as a method of data collection. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic content analyses. The main findings of the study indicate that the factors that motivated university graduates from Vhembe District to complete their studies in set time included the following: being goal oriented, the desire to effectively compete in the job market, the need for independence, the desire to improve dire family circumstances, being bound by contract expectations attached to financial assistance and to defy the odd of associating poverty with no success. The conclusion drawn is that low socio-economic backgrounds of black students cannot be used as a predictive factor for their success and lack of, in higher education, as students were able to succeed against all odds and completed their degrees in set time. Recommendations are made in relation to future research. Key words: access to higher education, degree completion motivating factors, set time, black university graduates, Vhembe district – Limpopo, South AfricaItem The experiences of young people who were raised by social fathers in Gauteng(2016) Matjila, MatsieHistorically in Southern Africa social fathers have played a significant role in the lives of children particularly in African families. Also for many decades, the stability of family relationships and the role of biological fathers have significantly eroded due to historical factors such as migrant labour system and the high prevalence of absent father. The purpose of this study is to explore the experiences of young people raised by social fathers instead of biological fathers. The study will use a qualitative research approach in conjunction with exploratory design. Data gathering will be conducted through ten semi-structured individual interviews and be analysed through thematic analysis. The study will add value on understanding the importance of social fathers; connection and support to determine the contribution that social fathers make to their children. The study revealed that young men and women have good relationship with their social fathers although there are boundaries in communication with their social fathers. These social fathers have played provider and teacher roles in their lives. They have more of a father and son/daughter relationship; hence they have a good relationship. Some come from a low family environment and have challenges while others see their family environment as good. Most young men and women are raised by their grandfathers, while others are raised by uncles, brothers and stepfather as their social fathers. They do not have any form of relationship with their biological fathers and this is because their biological fathers passed on while for others it is because they do not know their biological fathers. KEY WORDS: Men, women, fatherhood, social father, family.Item Effects of Nyaope of families with a family member that is addicted to the drug Nyaope(2017) Nkosi, Hlengiwe SettyThe use of Nyaope amongst South Africans has risen dramatically since it first appeared on the streets. Real concerns have been voiced about the negative effects this street drug has had on communities in South Africa. Some townships in South Africa claim to have been ruined by Nyaope. There were various reasons to conduct the study; firstly families experience many negative effects associated with having an addicted member in their family; for example the addition of family members on nyaope causes disharmony and conflicts within families of the addicted individuals. Moreover families experience despair, shame and helplessness; nevertheless families also feel intimidated by the addicted person due to their undesirable behaviour and therefore find it hard to cope within the family and within the community. The primary aim for this study is to explore the effects and challenges of nyaope on families. This study adopted the qualitative research design to gather information/data. The type of qualitative design that was used in this study was the case study where the researcher focus on different cases related to the topic being researched. Moreover the method that was used to gather information was face-to-face interviews where the research tool was the semi-structure interview schedule. Findings were analysed using the thematic analysis. Anticipated value of findings for the study was that it is challenging in a micro, meso and macro level to live with persons using the drug nyaope, hence there are different and/or various negative effects in all three dimensions. The findings of the study was there are various challenges experienced by families that have a family member who is addicted to the drug nyaope and those involve emotional distress and physical manifestation of that stress, there is stigma attached to having a family member that is addicted to nyaope and there are also financial challenges experienced by families that have a family member that is addicted. Moreover there are various resources that were identified in the course of this study that families normaly resort to in dealing with the situation of having a family member that is addicted to nyaope. However every family deals with the problem of having a family member that is addicted to nyaope in a different way that are suitable or best for the as a unit.