Browsing by Author "Mathe, Sibonsile."

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Factors influencing the choice of a backstreet abortion by young women from a township in Durban.
Ndlovu, Nompumelelo Maureen.; Mathe, Sibonsile.
Mortality rates among women of reproductive age have been the focus of attention in the past two decades. Sexual reproductive health issues have been identified as one of the major contributors to mortality among women of reproductive age (Lehohlo, 2013). In South Africa, the government’s introduction of the Choice of Termination of Pregnancy (CTOP) Act of 1996 is a commendable effort to reduce maternal deaths among women. However, despite this progressive Act, women continue to risk their lives by undergoing backstreet abortion. While illegal abortions are still prevalent in South Africa, there is little research on the factors that influence young women to choose this risky option over the legal, free and safe service provided by the state. This study aimed to fill this research gap. The study employed an explorative qualitative design. Using semi-structured interviews, data was collected from 15 purposively selected respondents between the ages of 18 and 24. Underpinned by an ecosystems approach the study explored the factors within the environment that push young women to opt for backstreet abortion. The findings of this study show that socio-economic conditions continue to play a major role in young women’s reproductive health decisions. Since the majority of the respondents were unemployed, the financial costs of raising a child were one of the major factors influencing young women to opt for backstreet abortion. Furthermore health practitioners’ negative attitudes, a lack of privacy and the long waiting period for Termination of Pregnancy (TOP) services are some of the challenges experienced by abortion seekers at public health facilities. Based on the study’s findings, recommendations include the need for TOP services to be made available at primary health care centers, such as clinics, in order to relieve the pressure on tertiary health care centers and to ensure easy access for women from all economic backgrounds. Health providers are key instruments in promoting safe TOP; therefore there is a need for healthcare workers to receive training in order to address negative attitudes towards TOP.
Perceptions concerning the effectiveness of aftercare programmes for female recovering drug users.
Mhangwa, Talent Hazvineyi.; Kasiram, Madhubala Ishver.; Mathe, Sibonsile.
Drug addiction is a chronic disease and it needs effective long term treatment for one to overcome the habit. The road to recovery is a strenuous effort. This is because biological, psychological, social and spiritual dynamics all contribute to the complete recovery of a drug addict. It is important that aftercare programmes take cognizance of these factors in assisting female recovering drug users to reintegrate well into society following a period of treatment. Very few studies have been conducted in South Africa to explore the effectiveness of aftercare programmes for female recovering drug users, thus there is a gap in knowledge in that area. This study therefore aimed to add to the body of knowledge in the area through investigating the perceptions concerning the effectiveness of aftercare programmes for female recovering drug users. The study focused on the biological, psychological, social and spiritual aspects of female recovering drug users’ recovery and provides insight on the perceptions concerning the effectiveness of aftercare programmes. The study utilized a qualitative research methodology and the biopsychosocial-spiritual model was used to understand addiction and recovery better. Data collection was conducted at a well-established treatment centre in Gauteng through individual interviews with six female recovering drug users and a focus group discussion with five social workers. Results of the study show that both female recovering drug users and social workers who participated in the study perceived aftercare programmes as effective and helpful. Aftercare assisted the female recovering drug users in biological, psychological, social and spiritual aspects of their lives leading to a different lifestyle from the one during addiction. There were however some challenges faced during aftercare and participants also suggested some improvements needed for aftercare.
The responsiveness of sexual offenders to a therapeutic group work programme at Westville medium B prison.
(2004) Mathe, Sibonsile.; Sewpaul, Vishanthie.
Sexual offences are one of the most serious threats to South Africa's democracy. We hear again and again cries like: "Hang them!", "Prisons are a waste of taxpayers money", "We need to get more tough on criminals", and many others. On the other hand, the Correctional Services Department is mandated by parliament, by courts and by the public to render rehabilitation services to sexual offenders in their care. These outcries and mandates call for responsible and accountable service delivery to sexual offenders by social workers. This research investigated the responsiveness of sexual offenders to a therapeutic group work program. It entailed the development, implementation and evaluation of a sexual offender programme. Adapting specific modules of existing programmes, a cognitive-behavioural sexual offender programme for sentenced Juveniles was developed. The process of data collection was a comprehensive, intensive process. Data was obtained from a sample of eighteen adolescent sexual offenders that was divided into nine experimental group and nine control group. Using the group work method, the programme was implemented to the experimental group. The programme was evaluated in terms of its content, methods of implementation and outcome. The use of triangulated methodology of data collection and analysis enabled the researcher-practitioner to validate information derived from different sources. The outcome of this study revealed that the juvenile sex offenders responded positively to the cognitive-behavioural programme. This study is based on the premise that by working with the perpetrators of sexual crimes, you are protecting hundreds of lives from further harm. The positive improvement was in their self-concepts, attitude towards women, and cognitions. The programme is viewed as one module of the broader rehabilitation initiatives in the area of sentenced sexual offenders. The need for correctional services, communities and other stakeholders to join efforts in offender rehabilitation was emphasised. The provision of a supportive environment from which rehabilitation to take place was identified as one of positive influences of change. Based on the outcome of the evaluation, recommendations were made with regard to further adaptation of the programme, future programme development and implementation components, and the need for staff training in this field. Recommendations for further research are detailed.
Termination of pregnancy : a decision dilemma amongst young woman at a district hospital.
(2012) Chetty, Leandre Andreen.; Mathe, Sibonsile.
The number of women accessing Termination of Pregnancy Services has increased in South Africa over the last 15 years. Lieberman and Davis (1992), hold that a woman’s right to choose is embedded in the principles of social work that is self-determination, empowerment and dignity. It is a social workers responsibility to ensure that the options are available to the clients. If a client is unable to choose from an array of alternatives it is because social workers have failed to provide them with the necessary information, therefore there can be no self-determination. Women who receive health care from public facilities usually cannot afford health care from a private physician and the ability of women to make informed decisions is based on the degree of information that is made available to them. In this study the researcher looks at the road travelled in order to make the decision to terminate an unwanted pregnancy. The process of data collection was a comprehensive, intensive process. Underpinned by the ecosystems theory, the qualitative exploratory research design was used for this research.Data was obtained through interviews from a purposeful sample of sixteen young women that attended the TOP (Termination of Pregnancy) Clinic at the research site, ranging from the ages of 18 to 35 years. This approach allowed the researcher to understand the processes and persons involved in making this decision. The assumption underlying this study was that the decision to terminate a pregnancy is a difficult one and often made with little or no support, education or guidance. The outcome of this study confirmed this assumption. The findings revealed that young woman accessing TOP services often choose TOP in isolation with limited knowledge and support from significant others. Some women requesting TOP may not want counselling but do need it. The need for counselling is stronger for those with strong religious beliefs and those that have little or no support systems. Based on the outcome of the analysis, recommendations were made with regard to the need for holistic counselling to be an integral component in health services rendered to women, with unintended pregnancies. Counseling whilst optional should be made compulsory such that a person can cope with the physical and psychological effects of an unwanted pregnancy should they decide to terminate or keep the pregnancy.
Understanding the bio-psychosocial effects of whoonga use by youth in KwaMashu Township, north of Durban.
(2016) Khumalo, Nkululeko Mphumeleli.; Kasiram, Madhubala Ishver.; Mathe, Sibonsile.
Drug addiction is a chronic disease with users suffering bio-psycho and social effects. Whoonga is a relatively new addition to the drug market. The devastating effects on the lives of young people using whoonga have not been adequately explored and understood. Although, substance use is a world wide problem, the literature dealing with whoonga use is somewhat out dated or irrelevant. The classification of the substance as dangerous by the media in 2014 suggests that there is a need to establish clear danger levels as well as the effects of its use. This study thus aimed to gain a holistic and multi dimensional understanding of the effects of whoonga use by youth in KwaMashu Township, north of Durban. A qualitative research methodology and the bio-psychosocial approach were employed to understand whoonga addiction. The participants were purposively selected. Social workers and nurses at the KwaMashu outpatient treatment centre screened and referred those who were interested in participating in the study. Data collection was conducted at the centre by means of semi-structured interviews. Only willing and voluntary research participants participated. Ten male whoonga users were interviewed. All the interviews were audio recorded and transcribed after data collection, and thematic content analysis was employed. The major findings of the study were that whoonga addiction has no age limit and awareness, prevention and treatment programs should thus target all age groups; whoonga users suffer bio-psychosocial effects and become trapped in bio-psychosocial problems such as addiction, vulnerability to HIV infection, low self-esteem, anger and aggression, isolation by families and communities; they become involved in criminal activities and they have slim chances of being employed. These findings highlight the need for community-based awareness, treatment and supportive programs.
Understanding the experiences of young widows in rural KwaZulu-Natal.
Cebekhulu, Lindiwe Millicent.; Mathe, Sibonsile.
The collapse of apartheid in South Africa meant the end of gender discrimination and power imbalances against women as a minority population. Currently, South Africa is undergoing a process of fundamental transformation aimed at empowering women in our societies. Hence, these transformations stand at the doorstep of an exciting and creative era in which it can make a powerful impact on reconstruction and development in our new democracy. As a result, the South Africa`s new dawn has certainly brought about democracy in South Africa in 1994. Does this mean the cultural, social, economic and political experiences of widows have since changed the expectations of women’s roles in our societies? Nonetheless, Literature then plays a vital role in this journey as it emulates and interprets the young widow’s experiences from their view point. This study, therefore, attempts to examine how young widow’s images are depicted in our societies. Furthermore, to investigate whether there is a shift in the way women (young widows in particular) characters are portrayed to represent the current socio-cultural and political reality. It will also draw attention on the plights’ faced by young widows, which outlines the dynamics of their encounters and which explains the origin of existing divisions in terms of gender discrimination. Qualitative research design was adopted in terms gathering data by interviewing young widows in the study area. Purposive sampling techniques were used and sampled population of 16 participants were reached. The opinion of respondents informed the basis of the discussions and analysis which were organised in themes. As a result, analysis revealed that within patriarchal society, young widows appear inadequately prepared for their widowhood. Methodology of data collection and analysis used in this study enabled the researcher to validate information derived from different sources. The study employs feminist theory as a literary canon which critically analyse how these young women characters have been portrayed in various genres. Hence, utilizing feminism theory allowed the researcher to investigate whether the perceived oppression of young widows is reflected in current literature. Based on the outcome of the study, recommendations were made on human rights practitioners, Social workers and traditional leaders. Recommendations for further research are also detailed in the study.