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Item Open Access Violent student protests in higher education institutions: exploring the formations of violence and the socio-economic costs of violent protests(University of the Free State, 2023) Khiba, Teboho Aubrey; Nzima, DivaneThis study investigated the academic and financial impacts of violent student protests on students and the University. Within this background, this study adopted an interpretive paradigm to understand the lived experiences of students who have participated in violent student protests. In addition, the study looks at how staff members are affected by violent protests in the discharge of their duties. The study comes against the background of an upsurge in violent student protests with adverse consequences for both students and institutions of higher education in South Africa. The study adopted a qualitative design, and the sample included students from various political parties, student organisations, and staff personnel from different departments at the University of Free State (UFS). The sample of the study was made up of 15 participants. These included nine students and six staff. Of the total participants, two were females while fourteen were males. Participants were recruited using purposive and snowball sampling strategies. Data for this study were collected through online and face-to-face interviews using an interview schedule. In analysing data for this study, inductive thematic analysis was used. The theoretical framework used in this study included the theory of interpersonal violence, the Fanonian perspective on violence, and the emergent norm theory. The study found that lack of response, leadership, diverse agendas, individual selection, retaliation, as well as the presence of police and private security emerged as essential factors contributing to violence or violent acts during protests. Moreover, the study found that restricted access to campus resources, loss of study time, and suspensions of some student activists were notable consequences encountered after protests. In addition, the study found that transport and legal fees were among some of the financial costs incurred by students due to violent protests. Furthermore, the study found that services offered by the University, such as administration and academic services, come to a stop when protests occur on campus. This impedes staff members’ duties as protests become a priority where substantial money is spent on acquiring extra security and replacing or fixing any damaged property due to student protests.Item Open Access Basotho culture and domestic violence: case studies of men as perpetrators and women as victims(University of the Free State, 2005-12) Mashiloane, Ntja Patrick; Crause, E. J.; Venter, A. P.The aim of this study was to summerize and provide an overview of domestic violence and the law, in South Africa and the role of Basotho Culture in domestic violence especially in instances where men are perpetrators and women are victims. To achieve this, a literature study on domestic violence was done and a questionnaire generated . Case studies were made of ten respondents, who reported cases or were arrested in 2005 as an empirical study. The respondents are five perpetrators and five victims in Mak:wane Police Station Policing precinct. The study illustrates the multi-dimensionality of human behavior. While there are relationships between traditional culture and violence towards women, its emphasis on male dominance is counterbalanced by obligations to protect. The study results/findings rather illustrates the gap between South Africa as an ideal state, and where the reality of some of its citizens are. The importance of previous learning as a common denominator between victims and perpetrators and the impact of crumbling social networks were highlighted. A major recommendation relates to creating an opportunity to guide and support the more violent citizens in making the transition to a behavior system that is more in line with the general orientation portrayed in the systems of law relating to domestic violence and protection of women and children. Recommendations were made for the prevention of domestic violence by the South African Police Service, Non Governmental Organizations and Government departments and for further study.Item Open Access A sociological analysis of industrial action among blue-collar workers at South African universities with reference to two campuses in the Free State(University of the Free State, 1999-11) Motloung, Lekaota Azariel; Heunis, J. C.; De Klerk, G. W.English: In recent years, the South African university sector has come to be characterised by trade union and student backlash. The roots of the crises lie in the need to transform this sector. The acceptability and effectiveness of tertiary education institution rest fundamentally on visible institutional change that parallels the change the country is currently undergoing. One of the flashpoints in the transformation process in this sector has been a wave of industrial action by the blue-collar workers amidst the arbitrary and often paternalistic authority of almost an all white management in virtually all the university campuses nationally. The 2nd of February 1990, however, brought into the scene the whole array of changes that overhauled the draconian-type social policy of the apartheid regime. The constitutional talks in the Convention for Democratic South Africa (CODESA) gave way to democratic elections that resulted in the Government of National Unity (GNU). In the first five years in office, the African National Congress (ANC) led government introduced far-reaching legislative mechanisms including the supreme law of the land, (the Constitution) within which transformation and nation building objectives were envisaged. Part of these vicissitudes relates to democratisation of labour relations in South Africa. Applicable pieces of legislation were accordingly revised. The most fundamental change is the introduction and implementation of the new Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (LRA) which became operational in November 1996. The labour movement and management view these changes differently. The blue-collar workers on the one hand have certain expectations about these changes. They expect that things would change for the better at their respective workplaces/campuses, that their working conditions and security of their jobs would improve. The university management on the other hand views itself as being hard-pressed by imposing government directives that prescribe inflexible preconditions to transform their institutions. The protracted labour disputes and accelerated incidences of industrial action in this sector were largely propelled by abysmal conditions perpetrated by banditry oriented policies of the past system. The current labour disputes especially in the early nineties between the bluecollar workers and management authorities should be seen in this context. This study undertook an investigation, clarification and delineation of the full range of factors (i.e. social, economic, political, organisational, institutional, ete) causing labour disputes and industrial action at South African universities. The _ investigation was performed both through the literature and empirical studies. Two university campuses in the Free State, the University of the Orange Free State (UOFS) and Vista University in Bloemfontein formed case studies for the empirical part of the research. The literature study consists of the reconstruction of the history of labour relations system in South Africa in which the influences that this broad labour relations practice on industrial action -pattern in the South African university sector in particular were evinced. The literature study also covers the historical background of the two case studies as well as background of their labour relations practice. A detailed explication on the objectives of the new Labour Relations Act (LRA) and on how the parties in labour relations practice in this sector would be affected by this law also formed part of the literature study. The main objective of the LRA is to promote productive employment relationships. In the empirical phase of the study, insightful findings regarding labour relations practice were noted on two methodologically relevant case studies, the "historically Black" and "historically White" institutions. The empirical study consists of descriptive and exploratory investigations of the biographical profile of the respondents at both campuses. There has been compelling evidence that generally defines more severe consequences of industrial action in the former category of institutions as opposed to the latter. Although the findings of this study cannot simply be generalised to other campuses, the study provides useful insights that can be drawn to enhance amity in labour relations in the rest of the campuses nationally. The value of the study lies in the sociological contribution it seeks to make in terms of attempting to magnify a deeper understanding of the nature, problems and dynamics of labour relations at South African universities. The study also attempts to make a revelation regarding some of the subtle transformatory factors that have come to riddle labour relations practice in the university sector in South Africa.Item Open Access Women’s narratives of everyday precarity in the Mangaung township (Bloemfontein, South Africa)(University of the Free State, 2015-02) Masenya, Dimakatso Veronica; De Wet, Katinka; Coetzee, Jan K.English: Twenty years into South Africa’s new dispensation, poverty and unemployment remain a reality. Perpetuated by poor service delivery, the limited economic opportunities continue to disproportionately affect and marginalise the lower socioeconomic classes and those areas where they reside. “Black” African women, in particular those with minimal schooling (unskilled and semi-skilled), suffer most from these social illsand yet many are able to survive under precarious living conditions. The majority of “Black” African women are characterised by oppression, discrimination and exploitation, especially those who are unskilled and semi-skilled and who also had limited educational opportunities. In addition, these women inherit the weakened family structures created and caused to a great extent by years of apartheid rule where the presence and contributions of male members were slowly eroded by the migrant labour system and the creation of artificial areas where “Black” Africans had to reside and where a variety of laws undermined the development of the “Black” African population. Up until today, most “Black” African women are completely unemployed and many are dependent on social grants and informal employment or hand-outs to secure a living. Most of these women find themselves fulfilling multiple roles of both the “breadwinner” and “managers” of their households given the absence of their children’s fathers in their lives. Using a narrative inquiry, this research report delves into the precarious life-worlds of African women from the Mangaung township in Bloemfontein. It explores how these womensurvive with their limited and erratic sources of income which is often not sufficient to sustain all the dependents. It further demonstrates how these women cope and manage the sometimes strenuous and challenging execution of multiple roles. Through their narratives of everyday life experiences, the philosophy of Ubuntu/Botho, and its value and importance is brought to the fore. Their ability to cope and survive in their unpredictable and insecure reality is through the reciprocal help from individuals who form part of their social support. Hope and faith resonate in the lives of these women as they continue to aspire and dream of their escape and that of their children from this precarious reality. Similarly doubt and fear of the unknown lingers on. Death and deprivation are constant realities of this precarious living.Item Open Access Afwykende gedrag binne die teoretiese raamwerk van simboliese interaksionisme. 'n kritiese evaluering(University of the Free State, 1977-01) De Klerk, Gerhardt Willem; Van Rensburg, H. C. J.Abstract not availableItem Open Access 'n Sosiologiese studie van die Bybelse interpretasie van die plek van die vrou in die gesin, kerk en staat met die oog op die bepaling van norme(University of the Free State, 1952) Fourie, Dirk Cornelius GroblerAbstract not availableItem Open Access The lived experiences of pregnant women on antiretroviral treatment (Free State Province, South Africa)(University of the Free State, 2017-06) Machere, Mosilo Mina; De Wet, KatinkaThe universal access of antiretroviral treatment (ART) in South Africa has bent the trajectory of the HIV epidemic. The lifelong HIV treatment has moved the disease from a terminal to a chronic and manageable disease. The redefinition has brought hope and normality to many people living with HIV. For HIV-positive women, the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) prophylaxis has influenced their intentions to bear children along with issues related to their reproductive options and prospects. Studies on the influence of HIV on pregnancy have largely been about the baby with limited focus on the lived experiences and perceptions of the expecting mothers. Conceptualising the lived realities of HIV-positive women during pregnancy and motherhood in the context of ART requires a deeper understanding of their experiences. Guided by both descriptive and interpretive lenses of phenomenology, this research approach allowed a more in-depth look into this phenomenon, thereby capturing the complexity of issues women faced from their points of view. The study aimed to explore the experience of pregnancy from the perspective of HIV-positive women who are on ART. It sought to discover the meanings embedded in their everyday lives. This included, among other things, appreciating what these women regarded as noteworthy in relation to their experiences and learning about the impact that the diagnosis of HIV, and its lifelong treatment had on their lives, both as patients and as care-givers. The objective of the study was thus to understand the experiences of HIV-positive women who were on ART, both their own embodied experiences as well as their experiences in relation to others; how they perceive the chronic character of HIV; and moreover to explore how they made sense of their experiences of pregnancy and motherhood. Eight Sesotho speaking participants from the Free State province, South Africa, were recruited. A purposive sampling method was used as only women who were pregnant and on ART were interviewed. The narratives of the lived realities were elicited through in-depth interviews. The face-to-face interviews were digitally recorded and guided by an interview schedule to allow flexibility and engage participants in dialogue while they were narrating their experiences. The data was analysed in the context of HIV diagnosis, pregnancy and ART. This was to elicit what it meant for women to contemplate pregnancy in a context of ubiquitous HIV and new hope in the form of ART; both available for them and their babies. The systematic analysis provided a greater understanding of factors influencing the taken-for-granted experiences of HIV-positive women on ART during pregnancy and motherhood. The content analysis of qualitative data revealed two broad themes related to lived realities of pregnancy on the one hand, and motherhood on the other in the context of ART. Narrating their experiences during pregnancy, sub-themes that emerged were more inclined to point towards the protection of the unborn baby and developing coping mechanisms; while during motherhood there was a shift from the babies‟ to the mothers‟ well-being and their life prospects. Considering the duration of being on ART and the number of pregnancies they have had, the narratives provided a platform to track how experiences such as baby feeding practices, and coping with stigma and disclosure have ameliorated over time. This indicates how the landscape in which HIV-positive women experience pregnancy and motherhood has changed rather dramatically. The zeal for life displayed by these women bears testimony that HIV diagnosis no longer means that the prospect of death is the sole outlook on their lives and on the lives of their children.Item Open Access Women and their perception of food and food consumption relative to their self-image and identity (Bloemfontein, South Africa)(University of the Free State, 2017-06) Campbell, Chesney Lu-Anne; De Wet, KatinkaWithin this thesis, the narratives of women are explored in terms of their perceptions of food and food consumption and its relation to their self-image and identities. Within our current societies dominated by capitalism and the never-ending cycle of consumerism, the health and fitness industry have exploded as the issue of health linked to notions of well-being and perfecting one’s self-image is being framed as the responsibility of the individual. Women tend to have a negotiating relationship with food and their bodies, and are constantly thinking what effect the food they consume will have on their overall image. As women, they often also have to balance all the different roles they fill in life, combined with the need to keep in shape and to constantly enhance their physical appearance. There is a wide variety of external forms of pressure (from significant others and from the barrage of images and information disseminated on different forms of media outlets) that all play a role in the relationship the participants have with food and their bodies. This study used a social constructivism approach and specifically focused on theories such as phenomenology, feminism and the sociology of the body and of food. This study used the narrative inquiry to explore the seemingly mundane stories emanating from eight women from a middle-class background and their relationships with food. The participants were recruited using a snowball-sampling technique. The focus was purposefully on women with a) an affinity to healthy living as they all regularly exercise, and b) women with the financial means to be able to largely afford their lifestyle choices. Through their narratives a theme linked to notions of “imprisonment” emerged as food and exercise seem to often have an effect of control, routine and restriction on their day-to-day living. The participants are leading routined lives in which for some, every hour of the day is scheduled for a specific activity. The tasks of buying, preparing and consuming food are all controlled as this ability provides some of the participants with a sense of empowerment in a fast-paced world. The study also revealed how the women live under constant self-surveillance, another notion reminiscent of incarceration that gained popularity through its use by Michel Foucault with his development of the concept of the Panopticon. The participants believe that external sources pressurise them and are “watching” over them to make sure that they live up to the standard set by society in terms of healthy eating and exercising. They constantly state within their narratives that they have to eat well and look good for themselves. They have largely internalised these external pressures they experience and therefore believe that they have to life according to the constantly evolving rules governed by the health and fitness industry in order to not to bear the burden of being “fat shamed”. The study revealed some contradictions within the narratives of some participants. They express a desire to be autonomous individuals who do not conform to the standards set by the consumer society in terms of their lifestyle choices and the ever-evasive “ideal body” yet live a life filled with controlled eating behaviour and experience feelings of guilt whenever their eating “strays” from what is considered as healthy and acceptable. This type of behaviour has often been socialised into the participants’ lives through the influence of their mothers and they in turn inevitably also influence the eating habits of their own children. The research project shows how food and notions of healthy living are everything but mundane and contain a wealth of complexity and sociological meaning.Item Open Access Housing options for mineworkers in arid and semi-arid regions: the case of Kathu(University of the Free State, 2009-05) Cloete, Jan Sebastiaan; Marais, J. G. L.; Matabesi, S. Z.English: This dissertation entitled “Housing options for mineworkers in arid and semi-arid regions: the case of Kathu” was conducted against the background of a dearth of research into the provision of housing options for mineworkers in post-1994 South Africa. Furthermore, it was conducted against the background of the influence that arid locations may bring to bear on housing provision. The dissertation calls in question the applicability of current mineworker housing provision, given the realities of being located in an arid mining town. The dissertation initially reviews the international literature regarding development in arid regions and the effects that such arid locations have on the livelihoods of the residents. It is suggested that the residents of mining towns engage in multiple forms of livelihood because of the danger associated with dependence on a single livelihood. The cycles of development and stagnation of resource-dependent towns, which affect livelihoods, are discussed, as is an alternative to settlement. These international perspectives are followed by an investigation of the relevant South African literature to illustrate the effects of past social and economic developments on the historical provision of housing in South African mining towns. The discussion then moves on to more recent attempts by both the mining companies and national government to address the consequences of past injustices. The housing options available to mineworkers are illustrated by reflecting on the formulation and implementation of policies both by mining companies and government. Through reflection on two surveys conducted in Kathu (one among residents of a mining hostel and another among residents of a private housing scheme), it is shown that a significant number of mineworkers prefer not to settle permanently near the mine and would prefer to continue with circular migration between the mine and their areas of origin. While several factors have – for either sample – had an influence on the preference to settle permanently, only the presence of a/another home in their areas of origin indicated a statistically significant relationship for both samples. This gives an indication of both the existence of ties with the areas of origin and of the existence of access to multiple livelihoods. The data from the surveys further reflect the respondents’ preferences in terms of housing and their evident ability to afford such preferences. It is shown that while respondents’ choices are not always a reflection of their housing needs, most would not have problems in respect of affordability. While most respondents indicated that they would prefer to own, the long-term effects of settlement are questioned by reflecting on respondents’ lack of alternative livelihoods. Generally, respondents expressed high levels of satisfaction both regarding the housing scheme and the housing in their areas of origin. Addressing the overcrowding of the hostel should significantly increase the satisfaction of living in them. Against this background, the dissertation proposes that: the roll-out of rental subsidies be increased to those eligible in mining areas; the role of social housing be re-evaluated with a view to providing rental housing to mineworkers; alternative settlement patterns be encouraged in arid regions; alternative systems of infrastructure and service provision in arid regions be investigated; the choices of individuals be facilitated by increasing their range of housing options; current production decisions at the mine be taken into account to improve the benefits and reduce the costs of migrancy; a greater variety of housing options be provided to mineworkers so that they may choose one that is most compatible with their preference and livelihood; and that more education be provided to mineworkers regarding the possible consequences of both ownership and settlement choices for their livelihoods.Item Open Access The effectiveness and efficiency of labour relations processes and practices in the public hospital system with specific reference to Pelonomi Hospital (Bloemfontein, Free State)(University of the Free State, 2001-04) Matebesi, Sethulego Zacheus; Heunis, J. C.The general aim of this study is to analyse and assess the factors/issues that have an impact on the effectiveness and efficiency of labour relations processes and practices in the public hospital system. Thus, the study is directed towards the analysis and assessment of "structural factors" (joint worker-employer committees) and "procedural factors" (discipline, dismissal, performance appraisal and grievance procedures) that direct and influence the labour relations process at public hospitals. The overall study design was first of all exploratory and descriptive, but of necessity also directed towards the development of suggestions for practical interventions in problem solving, decision-making and policy-making. The study was conducted at Pelonomi Hospital in Mangaung, Greater Bloemfontein. Eighty nurses and forty-two blue-collar workers, were the primary respondents. Other respondents included management at provincial and national level, trade union representatives and supervisors of blue-collar workers. Data was collected by means of structured questionnaires and a focus group session with supervisors of blue-collar workers. The systems and open systems theories directed the study. In this regard five themes were identified: working conditions and remuneration, trade unionism, strikes, grievance and disciplinary procedures, and labour relations practices. The majority of the respondents were female. Most respondents (nurses and blue-collar workers) reported dissatisfaction with their salaries and the late and/or nonpayment of allowances. Despite the important role that unions play at institutional level, there is a perception that they are fuelling discontent among workers. Potential causes of strikes appeared to be more closely linked to discrimination than to ineffective grievance and disciplinary procedures. Respondents' knowledge about the existence of grievance and disciplinary procedures was extensive. Largely because of a perception that workers are treated differently, the vast majority of respondents indicated that these procedures are handled inconsistently. In conclusion, it is essential that the poor chain of labour relations is broken. Firm foundations have been laid for transformation of labour relations in the public health sector, in general. A healthy public hospital system can only be created and preserved if all parties embrace the current changes.Item Open Access An assessment of the thatch harvesting programme at the Golden Gate Highlands National Park(University of the Free State, 2016-11) Kernan, Anna-Lee Marié; Pelser, André J.English: In many African countries, poverty rates often swelling beyond the national average are most prevalent in those rural communities bordering protected areas. As a result, national parks are progressively expected to navigate past the conventional primary focus on biodiversity protection to also, whilst conserving biodiversity, contribute towards improving the well-being of those communities adjacent to conservation areas. One such initiative is the thatch harvesting programme at the Golden Gate Highlands National Park in South Africa. As the sustainable impact of this programme had not yet been evaluated, this study served to explore the extent to which the thatch harvesting programme had aided in augmenting the well-being of its beneficiaries. Applied within both a quantitative and qualitative context, an outcome analysis was used to determine the degree of this programme‟s success, the challenges that it faces, the extent to which it has improved the well-being of the participating beneficiaries, the degree to which it has reached the intended population, and finally, how the benefits of this programme might be enhanced in the future. With this in mind, the five dimensions of well-being as described by the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment were pertinently used to determine the programmes impact on the direct beneficiaries, and an evaluation of the impact of this programme on the park, the broader community, as well as on the commercial buyers that purchased the thatch, was also piquantly explored. Upon analysis, a number of key findings emerged. The programme has indeed improved the beneficiaries‟ well-being by augmenting their material well-being, health, social relations, and environmental safety, subsequently providing them with more freedom of choice. However, very few of the beneficiaries used the income generated from participating in the programme to pursue sustainable economic activities. This programme faces several administrative and logistical issues such as lack of sufficient advertising, delayed permit retrieval, unclear selection processes, and lack of supervision during harvesting. The impact of this programme on the ecosystem of the harvested areas has not yet been quantified. Anecdotal evidence points towards grass being illegally harvested. Therefore, benefits that should extend to the local communities are contracted. Many beneficiaries lack the knowledge, skills and training regarding correct harvesting methods. This restricts accrued benefits and threatens the programmes long-term sustainability. Drawing from this, there are a number of ways in which the impact of this programme may be further endorsed. Strengthen the administration process of the programme by: a) Ameliorating the application process for beneficiaries. b) Extending the period for harvesting. c) Establishing clear boundaries of allocated harvesting areas. d) Supervising, monitoring and regulating the harvesting process. e) Developing clear communication lines between stakeholders and potential sponsors. f) Supplementing advertisements for the programme. Augment an inclusive decision-making approach by: a) Involving and supporting participation of the beneficiaries in the decision-making process. b) Edifying beneficiaries regarding the need to protect the ecosystem services of the park. c) Promoting conservation practice amongst the beneficiaries. Promote workshops and training sessions by: Involving beneficiaries and engaging outside companies to offer training and/or workshops for the beneficiaries. Creating a stimulating entrepreneurial environment. Extend the impact of the programme through future research by: Exploring potential entrepreneurial readiness. Identifying specific adaptive management approaches. Monitoring a greater number of potential areas supporting grass species suitable for harvesting. In conclusion, although there are some significant challenges faced by the thatch harvesting programme, it has nonetheless augmented the overall well-being of its beneficiaries. However, specific interventions need to be considered in order to further improve the beneficiaries‟ access to capital, therefore enhancing their capability to meet and sustain their needs.Item Open Access Lived experiences of young black women with physical disabilities in Lesotho(University of the Free State, 2017-02) Rafoneke, Seithati; Coetzee, Jan K.English: This research study aims to improve our understanding of the intersectionality between disability, race/ethnicity, identity, religion, social class and gender and the ways in which these impact on how women with physical disabilities perceive and make meaning of their everyday life experiences and how they think society perceives them. The study therefore aims to understand the world from the point of view of young African women with physical disabilities in Lesotho. Different theoretical lenses that will assist us in making sense of the research participants’ lifeworlds are used. Phenomenology, together with its specific concepts—lifeworld and intersubjectivity—are discussed. This research study also pays attention to existential sociology as the study of human existence. It discusses how emotions impact on the lives of women with physical disabilities and how they influence social relations and human activity. The existential self is discussed as one of the main concepts of existential sociology. Furthermore, the research turns to the issue of the social construction of reality which provides us with a basis for the identification of the body, gender and disability construction. It also focuses on the feminist disability theory, with specific attention on the importance of integrating disability into feminist conceptions of intersectionality. This qualitative study made use of purposive and snowball sampling. Semi-structured in-depth interviews are utilized to elicit data on participants’ personal life histories, experiences and perceptions. The research schedule is used as an important tool to guide the interviews. The collected data is transcribed into Sesotho, translated into English and then analysed thematically. Overall, the narratives of eight research participants aged between 21 and 35 generated five themes encompassing gender and femininity; the impact of the disabled body on claiming identity; religion; acceptance of disability; and the challenges faced by young women with physical disabilities in Lesotho. The principal theme is gender and femininity which plays an important part in constructing a disabled identity. The study concludes that women with physical disabilities are isolated, stigmatised and discriminated against as a result of their disabilities. The responses of the research participants to situations of oppressive behaviour reflect their status as an oppressed group. Women with physical disabilities experience oppressive behaviour such as physical, emotional and sexual abuse from able-bodied individuals. This oppressive behaviour leads to women with physical disabilities being treated as unable and unfit to perform many gendered roles that are believed to be culturally and socially acceptable. They experience a limitation of rights, including the right to employment, to bear children, to live independently, to have an intimate partner and to get married. African women with physical disabilities remain one of the most vulnerable and marginalized groups and attention is given to how they experience disability. Within this study, an effort is made to enhance our understanding of the everyday life experiences of young African women with physical disabilities in order to fill the gap in previous literature.Item Open Access Growing old with HIV: narratives of women in Manicaland Zimbabwe(University of the Free State, 2016-12) Chikonzo, Ndakaitei; Coetzee, Jan K.; Rau, AstaEnglish: In this study, research participants’ narratives provide knowledge and a better understanding of the nature of life of women who are living and growing old with HIV. I use phenomenology as a principal lens to study the research participants’ lived experiences, social realities, existential being, and gendered lives. Phenomenological assumptions inform us that experiences are subjectively (personally), intersubjectively (interpersonally) and objectively (culturally and historically) impacted upon by different realities that exist in society. This study is interpretive — research participants share their unique perspectives. As a result, I adopt a qualitative approach to obtain the research participants’ first-hand narratives about their life stories. Audio-recorded, semi-structured and in-depth interviews with eight purposively-selected women, aged fifty to sixty-five years and living in the Manicaland Province of Zimbabwe, were conducted. Informed consent from the participants was obtained after approval to conduct the research by the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe and the Ethical Committee of the University of the Free State’s Faculty of the Humanities. A thematic data analysis approach was used to make sense of the data gathered. The process yielded various themes and eventually produced four major over-arching themes, which are pre-diagnosis experiences, post-diagnosis experiences, adapting and adjusting to the condition, and life in the future. These phases are congruent with the notion that lived experiences are temporal, organised and inform each other. In addition, the analyses are also organised with reference to the observations that people who suffer from chronic conditions initially undergo a phase of inner struggle with regard to the reality of living with that condition, but come to terms with that reality over time and undertake to live positively with it. The ordinary everyday life experiences are mainly intersubjective, with people aligning their thoughts, judgements and actions with the common and shared knowledge and assumptions that construct and order life in that society. As noted in the findings, the research participants were initially not knowledgeable, some were fatalistic of the existence of HIV in their lives and others took long to implement proper courses of action to manage their condition. Consequently, their perspectives on HIV were mainly guided by the socially constructed assumptions and misconceptions about HIV existing in their communities. Some report that they encountered great difficulties during the disclosure of their HIV-positive status to those they deemed fit or trusted. Later on, proper support and age-influenced maturity assisted the research participants to acquire competencies that enabled them to deal with HIV in a positive way. They eventually adjusted and adapted well as they made efforts to understand, accept and manage their condition in a way that facilitates the re(creation) of the social order. The development of functional new meanings, such as a positive outlook on life, positive perception of self and personal strength, result in a positive outlook of the future, where some research participants hope for an HIV cure in their lifetime. Others, less ambitiously, hope to get well enough to return to their old activities such as engaging in cross-border businesses. They also acquired the ability to assess the impact of societal norms, beliefs and practices on their condition and discern what works for them, rather than acting blindly according to what is socially-accepted. Nevertheless, despite these positives, the research participants still have concerns about what lies ahead as they worry about the unpredictable effects of HIV and old age. The participants’ experiences as women, are also impacted by societal norms and values that relegate them to an inferior position in heterosexual relationships. Gender imbalances and inequality disempower women with regard to taking relevant courses of action to prevent or alleviate the effects of HIV owing to the societal expectations that women be submissive on issues that involve sexuality and the conduct of their husbands. Most of the research participants acknowledge that their experiences in this life-changing condition (HIV-positive) were complicated by their upholding of societal norms instead of having a greater regard for their personal wellbeing. On the whole, the study observes that the research participants create new meanings to live well with HIV despite the existing challenging social structures in their society.Item Open Access The village health worker programme in primary health care in the Maseru health service area: a case study(University of the Free State, 1998-11) Maieane, Malika Veronica; Pretorius, EngelaEnglish: Health in Lesotho is similar to many developing countries, where health care facilities are poor. The delivery of health care services is especially poor in the rural villages. The aim of this study was to find out whether the implementation of the Village Health Worker Programme has improved the provision of health care services and the health status in the Maseru Health Service Area. The Village Health Workers' support in the villages and the problems, which may have resulted in poor delivery of services, were also investigated. In the empirical phase a qualitative survey was undertaken using Focus Group Discussions for three categories of respondents, namely the trainers, Village Health Workers (VHWs) and villagers. The interviews in the villages were arranged with the consent of the chiefs in Ha Foso and Ha Thamae. The interviews with the respondents were conducted in English and Sesotho. The reason was that the respondents in the villages could only communicate in Sesotho, while the VHW staff was proficient in English. The following factors can be highlighted regarding the Village Health Worker Programme in the Maseru Health Service Area: + Firstly, the greater percentage of Lesotho's population resides in the rural villages. The findings of this study reveal that many people in these villages are old, poor and unemployed. This situation results in poor health status in the villages. + Secondly, the delivery of health care services in the villages is poor. The researcher found that where the Programme was implemented properly, it was accepted and supported by the communities involved for example Ha Foso. Here the Programme also managed to improve the delivery of health care services, which resulted in a good health status within the community. On the other hand, the opposite was found in the villages that did not support the Programme, for example in Ha Thamae. Thirdly, the problems in the VHW Programme have affected its implementation in the villages. The respondents asserted that if the aim of the Government is to improve health in the villages, incentives to the VHWs must be a priority. In the light of the data obtained from the .literature study and from the respondents, one may conclude that unless the structure and policies of the VHW Programme are changed to suit the interests of all the people involved, it has no future in the Maseru HSA.Item Open Access The social epidemiology of sexually transmitted diseases among adolescents and young adults in Transkei(University of the Free State, 1993-11) Mbananga, Nolwazi Daphne; Van Rensburg, H. C. J.Respondents (patients) between the ages 15 years and 30 years (N=146) from each selected health clinic of the ten selected districts in Transkei were interviewed using a structred interview schedule. The respondents interviewed were patients who visited health centres and who were diagnosed to be suffering from STDs. The interviews were conducted to obtain information on the influences of geographic, demographic/biographic, socio-cultural and socio-economic factors in the transmission, treatment, prevention and control of STDs. The study was undertaken to provide information for planning STD preventive strategies and to argue why there should be a change in the management of STDs to community-based control measures. Most patients suffered from gonorrhoea and gonoccal urethitis more than any of other STDs. Some patients reported that they had STDs before, whle others did not know. Some patients knew that STDs were infectious and that one contracts them through sexual contacts with infected persons. The most popular source of information on STDs was Radio Transkei Broadcasting Corporation. Pamphlets and other sources of information seem not to be popular. Nurses played limited role as source of information. Most patients did not use condoms during their sexual activities and some of the patints reported to have had sexual intercourse during their illness without condoms. Fourty seven percent of the patients did not like condoms and associated them with people who are HIV positive or had AIDS. Some patients reported that they have heard about condoms, however condoms were not available in their areas. Some patients reported that there were no clinics near their residential areas. Patients reported that even where there were clinics nearer the one they had attended, there was no transport to such clinics. Distances to these clinics were long to be walked. A significant number of patients reported that they consulted traditional healers for their STD problems, because they associated their STD with witchcraft while others did so and when they did not get help from westernised health institutions. It was found that patients visit health centres with some expectations that are related to choice of treatment. Injection appeared to be preferred more than other forms of treatment. Patients did not see AIDS as a greater killer than STDs. Fifty percent of all patients reported that the youth of their areas have promiscuous behaviour and need more information on STDs. Some patients reported that they were ashamed of their STD problems and did not want tot tell other people, even their sexual partners. Patients wanted preventive strategies such as campaigns on prevention of STDs, but did not know how these could be conducted. On whether they found it important to have a sexual contact on the first date of a relationship a significant percentage said yes, while some said no. It would appear that most patients involved themselves in sexual contact with people whose sexual history they did not know. It was deduced that sexual behaviours of this nature were associated with a high risk of transmission of STDs. Most patients did not know what further research could be done on the question of STDs. The few thought that further research should be directed on causes and better methods and strategies of preventing STDs. The study revealed that there is a link between STDs and geographic, demographic / biographic, socio-cultural and socio-economic factors.Item Open Access An exploration of the underlying social dynamics that make women vulnerable to HIV infection(University of the Free State, 2002-05) Ackermann, Leáne; De Klerk, G. W.English: In South Africa, as in the rest of Sub-Saharan Africa, HIV/AIDS has become a source of national and international concern. After many prevention campaigns and education programmes the viruscontinues to spread at an alarming rate, forcing one to look more carefully at the underlying social organization that could be conducive to the spread of thisdisease. In particular the position of women isbeing investigated in order to uncover the social dynamics that increase their vulnerability to this disease. In the year 2000, almost a quarter (24,5%)of South African women attending antenatal clinics were HIV positive. Physiologically,women appear to be at greater riskof contracting HIV than men. Apart from the physiological vulnerability of women it is important to consider the social aspects that put women at risk.This thesis considers the following social factors that put women at risk: violence against women, rape in particular; the unfavourable economic position of women that threatens the well- being of women as it encourages behaviour that increases the riskof HIV infection: the low educational status of women; a sexual culture which includes practices and expectations that put women at risk. This exploratory study revealed that women lack specific knowledge concerning the disease and hold certain misconceptions about how being in a stable relationship protects one against the disease. Another important finding was that these women, who acquired the disease, were in stable relationships that were generally positive and rewarding and that the overriding motivation to have sex was based on love. This emphasizes the fact that all women are at risk and that the very nature of a stable relationship (that encourages trust and complacency) is what puts women at risk. Some relationships were negative and this involved forced sex. Regarding the non-use of condoms, the main reason cited was that people who trust one another, do not use condoms. Unfortunately the real culture of infidelity coupled with the emphasis on trust (no condoms) was one important reason why these women acquired HIV. In addition to the above, the study revealed that the trans-gender and trans-generational lack of communication regarding sexual matters makes it difficult for women to insist on condom use when they suspect their partners to be unfaithful. This study recommends that action to protect women must be taken on an individual, organisational and ideological level. On an individual level, it is important that all women perceive themselves to be at risk and that they know exactly how to go about protecting themselves. In addition to this, individuals should continuously be motivated to practice behaviour that will protect them from HIV infection. This motivation can come through socialisation agents such as schools, parents, churches and the media. It is also important that women have the power to dictate sexual behaviour. Regarding the organisational level, HIV counselling and anti-retrorviral therapy should be available. Sexually transmitted diseases should be prevented with the help of the health care sector and the mobilisation of organisations that work to combat violence against women. Ideologically, the patriarchal nature of our society must be changed before wide spread behavioural change will occur. The rampant spread of this disease can only be stemmed if the subordinate position of women is acknowledged and addressed.Item Open Access Experiencing stigma: The physically disabled perspective(University of the Free State, 2001-11) Hopkins, Mandy-Liesel; De Klerk, G. W.; Van Vuuren, S. J. E. J.The field of physical disability is a relatively unexplored one. In particular, it is evident that little has been done to attempt an explanation of the reactions of people with physical disabilities to the labels, and consequent stigmas that are applied to them by the able-bodied. It is important to note that whilst people with physical disabilities are generally not considered deviant, many of them experience the same societal reactions to their conditions as other 'deviants' do. This occurrence is probably due to the fact that physically disabled people are seen by society as different, 'abnormal', or even 'deviant'. People with physical disabilities are isolated, stigmatised, segregated and discriminated against as a result of their disabilities. They are however, not intrinsically deviant because of their disabilities, but rather because of the undesirable differences that are imputed to them by society. The presence of a physical disability thus renders the disabled individual 'deviant', partially because of the limitations it imposes upon the person's range of activities and behaviour, but mainly because of the reactions of the able-bodied to the disability. People with physical disabilities are forced to remain socially and economically marginalised, not because of their disabilities, but because of discriminatory and exclusionary attitudes and practices on the part of the non-disabled. People with obvious physical disabilities, such as those confined to wheelchairs, are disadvantaged during everyday societal interaction, unless they constantly attempt to minimise their differences from the able-bodied. In this regard, many of the physically disabled suggested that non-disabled people believed them to innately possess the following characteristics: helplessness, dependency, an inability to take on any responsibility, and a constant need for guidance and supervision. The interviewees maintained that the aforementioned beliefs supplied 'normals' with seemingly legitimate reasons for the stigmatisation of groups such as them. They also noted that many 'normals' felt that they, as physically disabled individuals, deviated from the 'highly admirable state' of physical perfection. The physically disabled are often expected to cope with their limitations in ways not expected of other 'normal' people. In this regard, they are conditioned to 'manage' and 'overcome' their disabilities, to be 'independent' and above all else to be 'normal'. The limitations that result from physical disability, however, .often render these individuals dependent, and therefore deviant, as they are forced to break the norms of adult independence and self-reliance. According to the physically disabled, their disabilities stem from the fact that physical and social environments are designed without any consideration of the needs of particular individuals or groups, and not from their own functional limitations. They therefore maintain that the problems that they encounter in interaction with the able-bodied could be minimised if the latter group was better educated concerning the requirements and 'lifeworids' of people with physical disabilities. In this regard, it is evident that people with physical disabilities have been portrayed as 'flawed able-bodied people' throughout history. The physically disabled however, suggest that although they differ physiologically from their ablebodied counterparts, they are no different from any other 'normal' person. Finally, people with physical disabilities desire the same consideration, social courtesies and acknowledgement as any other 'normal' person, expects and receives. The physically disabled state that the fact that their bodies do not function in the same manner as those of the non-disabled, does not exclude them from assuming any of the roles that they previously held in society, should they choose to. As such, the physically disabled maintain that, given the opportunity, they would gladly take part in all the areas of 'normal' life, and particularly in the employment area. Physically disabled people want to be treated by their nondisabled counterparts as 'normal', they neither require, nor desire 'special' treatment because of their physical limitations.Item Open Access The delivery of health care to the farm community in Bothaville(University of the Free State, 2000-05) Janse van Rensburg, Ega; Van Rensburg, H. C. J.; De Klerk, G. W.English: The master plan according to which the ANC government envisages to achieve transformation in the South African health care system, is the implementation of a National Health System (NHS), based on a District Health System (OHS) model, with the primary health care (PHC) policy as its foundation. In the process of implementing the OHS, an important challenge has emerged, that is, to translate provincial policy and administrative reorganisation into real improvements in health care delivery at local level. In order to address this challenge at grassroots level, a pilot programme of "bottomup" support to a selected number of health districts in the country was introduced, i.e. the Initiative for Sub-district Support (ISDS). One of the pilot sites selected for this support programme, is the Bothaville sub-district, which is the geographical location of this study. The study was primarily conducted to supply health care managers and governors concerned with the Bothaville sub-district with needed information on the conditions of the farm community and the delivery of health care. This information should enable them to improve the delivery of PHC and facilitate the implementation of the OHS. This is done by providing a broad explanation of development of the South African health care system with particular focus on policy and organisation; general background information on the Bothaville sub-district; a profile of mobile clinic services; an evaluation of the current system of mobile clinic health care; an explanation of the differences between the previous and the new system (implemented approximately five months prior to thë 'survey); baseline information on the rural community and thëir health status; and an assessment of the perceptions of health care providers concerning aspects of health care , delivery. The overall design of the study is exploratory and descriptive. It consists of a literature study and empirical data. The literature study was conducted to contextualise the Bothaville subdistrict within the ISOS and the broader South African health care context. The empirical study consisted of a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods of data gathering, i.e. a survey among a sample of rural dwellers and interviews conducted among farm school teachers, the professional nurses working on the mobile clinics, and general health care personnel in Bothaville. The main findings of the empirical part of the study include: more than half of the rural dwellers interviewed had never made use of the mobile clinics; information is inadequately disseminated to rural clients; transportation difficulties to mobile visiting points in the new system is a serious constraint; there is a lack of community participation in rural health matters; the promotive and preventative functions of PHC are lacking; a lack of communication and cooperation exist among the different public health services; conflict among health care personnel is rife; integration of services would solve numerous problems; and users of the mobile clinic services are generally satisfied with all aspects of mobile clinic services and appreciate the services. The main recommendations comprise: additional modes of transport for rural dwellers need to be provided; a more effective information dissemination strategy to rural clients is needed; the rural community need to be actively involved in health matters; more emphasis needs to be placed on the preventative and promotive dimensions of PHC; communication and cooperation among public health care workers in the area need improvement; and all the public health care services need to be integrated under one authority. In conclusion, the researcher is confident that the results of the study would supply health workers, managers and governors with ample information to optimise health care rendered to rural dwellers in the area, as well as to assist with the implementation of the DHS.Item Open Access Between two worlds: everyday life of Basotho labour migrants in Bloemfontein, South Africa(University of the Free State, 2016-02) Moletsane, ‘Malilimala Elizabeth; Coetzee, Jan; Kelly, MelissaEnglish: The concept of people’s migration has been studied extensively in the academic realm. The reasons why people migrate, the use of remittances in sending countries and the impact of migration on the migrants’ families are some of the topics addressed by academic research. However, the migrants’ experiences of belonging have not received much attention, especially in South Africa. This study adds to the migration literature by exploring the everyday lives of Basotho labour migrants in Bloemfontein, South Africa. It is unique insofar as it focuses on how the migrants make circular moves across the South Africa-Lesotho border, and whether they experience a sense of belonging in this process. The design is mainly a narrative inquiry, which is informed by the interpretive paradigm on which the study is grounded. For the purposes of the research, phenomenology, existential sociology and reflexive sociology are the theoretical lenses used within the interpretive paradigm. The study assumes a qualitative approach. It is based on a purposive sample of nine Basotho migrants – five men and four women. They all work in the informal sector in Bloemfontein and lack work permits. Their narratives of belonging are elicited through the use of semi-structured in-depth interviews. The interviews are guided by an interview schedule, which is formulated along the lines of the study’s research questions, as well as of the concepts from the study’s theoretical context and the review of existing literature on migration and on belonging. The data are analysed thematically. The findings point to the fact that the migrants do not experience high levels of belonging to Bloemfontein. They live largely marginalised and insecure lives and believe that they are often excluded from the wider Bloemfontein community. Much of their lives in Bloemfontein revolve around their work. They spend most of their time at work, and they visit Lesotho whenever their working situation allows. As a result, they do not have any meaningful and deep-seated relations with their neighbours and the communities in which they live. This shows that they lack a sense of community in Bloemfontein. In turn, it indicates that they do not experience a true sense of belonging in as far as group membership (in terms of the politics of belonging) is concerned. Consequently, they continue to maintain close ties with Lesotho in all ways possible. For instance, they communicate regularly with their families and friends back in Lesotho, they visit Lesotho monthly, they transfer most of their earnings back to Lesotho and they relate most of their situations in Bloemfontein back to Lesotho. Their emotional attachment lies overwhelmingly with people, places and things in Lesotho. Thus they do not strongly feel at home in Bloemfontein.Item Open Access Social resilience to climate change in Lesotho(University of the Free State, 2016-01-31) Molaoa, Tlaleng; Redelinghuys, NolaEnglish: Natural phenomena have played a part in climate change over extended periods of time. Some of these natural causes of climate change include changes in topography and land-sea geography. However, since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution human activity, such as burning of fossil fuels, has caused major changes in the climate. Climate change has had an impact on and continues to affect health, agriculture, fresh water (which is essential for health), food production and sanitation. Since climate change effects on every aspect of our daily lives, developing countries remain more vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The study aimed to meet the following objectives: * To assess the effects of climate change on the population of Lesotho; * To explore the current national policy framework in place to address matters relating to climate change; * To identify gaps between the needs of subsistence-based farmers and the current national policy framework on climate change; and * To make recommendations to improve the effectiveness of current mitigating and adaptation measures put forth by the Lesotho government to deal with the impacts of climate change. The study involved three populations: Agriculture-based households from five villages, selected in accordance with the five ecological zones in Maseru district, focus groups involving at least five farmers each, and key informants in government and international agencies, who are knowledgeable about issues pertaining to climate change and policy development in Lesotho. The researcher used a mixed-methods approach by implementing both qualitative and quantitative research methods. The data was gathered by means of a community survey (quantitative), key informant interviews, and focus group discussions with community members (qualitative). The study concludes with the following: * A review of impacts of climate change on Lesotho; * A review of policies put in place to address matters relating to climate change; * Identification of gaps between policy makers and subsistence-based farmers. From the conclusions reached, the following recommendations were made: * Climate change will need to be considered systematically at all levels of development in order to have detailed knowledge on natural and human conditions; * The government of Lesotho needs to build on initiatives that are being implemented by various stakeholders, such as the Africa Adaptation Programme; * Government institutions should partner with civil society organisations involved with matters of climate change; and * Technologies need to be put in place to increase Lesotho’s adaptability to and resilience as it relates to the effects of climate change.