Social work

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The problem of the 'ducktail' in the Greyville area of Durban.
(1961) Huthwaite, Joan Maryana Zoe.; Hill, Kathleen.
No abstract available.
The employment, occupational wastage, occupational mobility and work satisfaction of social workers : a study of the European female social work graduates of the Universities of Natal and the Witwatersrand, 1955 to 1965.
(1971) McKendrick, Brian.; Shaw, Frances C.
No abstract available.
Parole in South Africa.
(1982) Graser, Roland Rudolf.; Anderson, W. W.
While imprisonment developed as a more humanitarian alternative to the brutal forms of punishments which prevailed throughout history, it became increasingly evident that it had dysfunctional consequences in respect of the ability of prisoners to achieve a socially acceptable adjustment after their release from incarceration. As a result, the practice of releasing prisoners conditionally, before their sentences had expired, gradually developed. The historical roots of this practice, which became known as 'parole' - from the French concept of 'parole d'honneur', meaning word of honour - lie mainly in the practice of releasing prisoners on ticket-of-leave, developed by Maconochie at the Norfolk Island penal colony, and in the more refined conditional release system introduced into Ireland by Crofton. From the English-speaking world, the concept of parole soon spread to other countries in the Western World, and gradually became an important penological technique. Although provision was made for the conditional release of prisoners in the South African Prisons and Reformatories Act of 1911, the formal and systematic application of parole only really started coming into its own in the early 1950's. With the increasing emphasis on rehabilitation in the Prison Service, came the appointment of growing numbers of social workers and psychologists in prisons. This, in turn led to the development of a more structured and formal parole system. Yet, considerable discontent grew, especially among the judiciary, in respect of the application of parole. It was the large-scale release of short-term prisoners on so-called 'parole ' virtually immediately after their admission to prison, which incensed particularly the magistrates. An attitude survey regarding parole among judges, magistrates, the categories of prison personnel mainly responsible for the treatment of prisoners, and NICRO social workers revealed considerable disenchantment with the way in which parole was applied. What was particularly significant was that a large number of magistrates regarded parole as representing interference with the judicial decision. Furthermore, it emerged that the majority of persons from all categories of respondents felt that parole supervision was inadequate. A study of the nature and extent of parole supervision as conducted by the National Institute for Crime Prevention and Rehabilitation of Offenders (NICRO), as the only specialised private prison aftercare agency, revealed that such supervision is not of a sufficiently high standard. However, it emerged from a survey of the role of NICRO in the pre-release preparation of parolees that the organisation's involvement in such preparation was only marginal. This, it is felt, together with other factors over which NICRO had little or no control, play an important part in the inadequacy of parole supervision generally. In order to gain a comparative perspective, the Canadian parole system was also studied. It emerged that, while the complex federal-provincial relations render the Canadian parole system somewhat cumbersome, it is generally a sophisticated system, various aspects of which are worthy of emulation. This is particularly true of the variety of flexible conditional release procedures, and of the clearly structured and well administered parole system generally. However, the most valuable lesson that can be gleaned from the Canadian parole practice probably lies in the involvement of a variety of private citizens in the parole decision-making process. A number of recommendations are made in respect of the possible improvement of the South African parole system. These concern the promulgation of a parole act and parole regulations, the establishment of a national parole board, selection of prisoners for conditional release, adequate pre-release preparation of prospective parolees, release of prisoners on parole, supervision of parolees, parole conditions, suspension and revocation of parole, professional staff, liaison between all those involved in the parole system, the immediate release of short-term prisoners, and mandatory supervision.
Stressful life situations of duodenal ulcer patients and the role of the medical social worker.
(1983) Mason, Jean Beatrice.; Anderson, W. W.; Schlemmer, Lawrence.
A study was undertaken of the stressful life situations of 87 duodenal ulcer patients (50 Indian and 37 Black males) and a control group of 75 non-ulcer patients (43 Indian and 32 Black males). The majority of the control group were orthopaedic patients selected on the grounds that they were not hospitalised for a psychosomatic complaint. The group emerged, however, as highly stressed in relation to possible work and income loss, because of their injuries. The duodenal ulcer and non-ulcer groups were similar in many demographic details and in several stressful life situations. There was a significantly higher reporting of stress in family life, in the work situation and as a result of the illness itself, by duodenal ulcer patients compared with the controls. The initial hypothesis that there would be more areas perceived of as stressful in the case of duodenal ulcer patients than controls was confirmed in the study. A minor hypothesis that there would be cross-cultural differences in the perception of stress was also confirmed. The follow-up study of Indian duodenal ulcer patients demonstrated the development of an "illness career" consisting of a periodic response to stress with onset or recurrence of duodenal ulcer symptoms accompanied by changes in the individual's family system. Minuchin's (1978) concept of enmeshment or disengagement in family systems was found to be applicable to the duodenal ulcer patient. The symptom served to maintain family homeostasis by transforming family conflict into care and concern, or by legitamising the under-functioning of the sick person. The role of social work intervention in relation to duodenal ulcer disease was explored through the establishment of a medical social work programme at the Gastro-Intestinal Unit, King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban. It was shown that the psychosocial aspects of duodenal ulcer disease must receive attention, together with medical treatment, if comprehensive patient care is to be achieved. Intervention should emphasise self management of stress through behaviour modification and cognitive restructuring. Family therapy is essential in cases where the symptom has a function in the family system. Many systems are involved in the aetiology and treatment of duodenal ulcer disease. A general systems approach is therefore useful in promoting a holistic view of the person and the illness.
Marital conflict among Hindus in the Durban metropolitan area.
(1985) Ramphal, Ritha.; Anderson, W. W.
This is a thesis on marital conflict among Hindu South Africans, a community in which the divorce rate is steadily rising. This study aims to gather objective and scientific information on some of the more important factors responsible for this conflict. Identification of high risk factors would provide valuable pointers about what needs to be done to prevent serious marital discord from arising in the first place, or, having arisen, what can be done about resolving them satisfactorily before relationships have been irreparably harmed. The sample comprised two groups of couples who were differentiated from each other by the quality of their marriages, one whose marriages have been generally stable and happy (the SM group) and the other whose marriages have been showing obvious signs of strain and instability over a period of at least six months (the UM group). At the time of the study the 100 couples who comprised the UM sample were receiving professional assistance at some welfare agency, hospital or marriage guidance centre. The 50 couples who comprised the SM sample were recommended by social workers on account of their very happy marriages. Data from the two groups were obtained through the use of an interview schedule. Their responses were compared so as to determine whether, and in what respects, the two groups of spouses differed from each other. The following factors were found to be associated with poor marital adjustment : marriage at an early age; low educational, occupational and socioeconomic levels; quarrelsome parents; hasty unions; marriage against parents' wishes; pre-marital pregnancy; periodic unemployment of breadwinner, and frequent change of occupation; debts; disadvantaged housing, short courtship period; marked age differences between partners; a more idealised, less realistic set of expectations regarding married life; unplanned pregnancies, too close or too little attachment with one's parents; a negative attitude toward in-laws; parents' disapproval of prospective partner; absence of friends; conflict over the choice of friends; activities which jeopardise a family's limited resources such as drinking and gambling; poor communication between spouses; sexual problems; and disagreement over division of labour in the home. The following factors were associated with good marital functioning: some conflict with one's parents, but not too much; visiting in-laws together; joint participation in outside interests; wholesome personality traits; freedom to communicate one's real feelings to the spouse without fear of retribution; constructive ways of handling conflict; wise handling of family's finances; democratic relationships; sexual compatibility; and a circle of mutual friends. A call is made for a National Family Programme (which will include the Hindu community) whereby the quality of family and married life can be improved. Joint contributions need to be made by the central government, universities, schools, the media, business and industry, as well as welfare, cultural, religious and service organisations.
Psychosocial factors and recidivism of the Indian schizophrenic patient.
(1985) Ally, Rehana Hakimoodeen.; Mason, Jean Beatrice.
A study on the influence of psychosocial factors on 30 schizophrenic patients was undertaken. The patient population was selected on the basis of : (a) being resident in the Pietermaritzburg area. (b) having one or more admissions to the psychiatric hospital (Fort Napier ) . (c) having a diagnosis of schizophrenia. The social questionnaire was completed after home visits were made to the patient and his family. The initial hypotheses: (a) poor psychosocial factors result in readmission to the hospital; (b) adequate facilities would result in the readmission rate of the mentally ill decreasing; (c) patients who lived in high EE homes have a higher relapse rate than those returning to low EE homes; have been confirmed in the study. The study has shown that the psychosocial aspects of schizophrenia must receive attention, together with medical treatment if relapse is to be prevented. The success of rehabilitation rests largely on finding the optimal balance for each patient. Better co-ordination of referrals should increase the number of people who establish outpatient contacts and more important, increase the number of visits each person makes.
The validation of the Heimler Scale of Social Functioning (HSSF) for client groups in South Africa.
(1986) Van Zyl, Michiel Adriaan.; Welch, Gary John.
The problem identified as the focus of this study is the absence of a scale that measures social functioning with validated norms for any population group in South Africa. The need for such an instrument is highlighted by the importance of measurement to social work practice. Descriptions and definitions of "social functioning" in social work literature are evaluated and social functioning is operationally defined. Various approaches to the measurement of social functioning and contemporary ideas concerning the measurement of marital and family life are explored. Literature pertaining to the Heimler Scale of Social Functioning (HSSF), the measurement instrument selected in this study to measure social functioning, is examined and systematized and research findings on the HSSF are reviewed. The examination of the HSSF is focussed on the reliability of the scale for three population groups in South Africa : Whites, Indians and Blacks. The HSSF was administered to client sample groups (N = 281) from three types of welfare agencies in Durban, South Africa. These welfare organisations represent the counterparts of the British welfare agencies from which samples were drawn in the original validation study of the HSSF. As English and Zulu speaking clients are included in sample groups, the HSSF had to be translated into Zulu. The questions included in the HSSF appear to be suitable in a construct that attempts to measure social functioning and the Zulu translation of the HSSF appears to be acceptable. Findings of the study show that the international norms of the HSSF cannot be applied without adjustment across racial and ethnic boundaries and certain changes to the norms for specific client groups are recommended.
The effectiveness of social work intervention in promoting parental involvement in formal pre-school teaching.
(1987) Gathiram, Neeta.; Mason, Jean Beatrice.
The study aimed firstly to explore whether there were any differences in the quality of parent-child interactions in those children who scored high and those who scored low on the Pupil Behavior Rating Scale. Sixty-five pupils were randomly selected and rated on the Pupil Behavior Rating Scale concurrently by the teacher and the researcher. Ten of the highest performers and 10 lowest performers were then studied predominantly by the use of a questionnaire constructed by the researcher. However, the results of the study was hampered by the use of the questionnaire in that, unlike participant observation, it only showed differences in a limited number of areas. Much useful information, however, was obtained about the two groups of families, especially relating to socio-economic variables and attitudes to pre-schoo1 education. A second aim was to investigate the role of the social worker in promoting parental involvement in pre-schoo1 education. Here, the utilization of a needs assessment profile indicated that groupwork and social work intervention aimed at teachers were possible ways to promote parental involvement in pre-school education. An intervention programme was thus planned and executed by the researcher which confirmed that the social worker can be a useful resource in promoting home-school relations. Recommendations were made in regard to the role of the social worker, how the school system can be improved to promote parental involvement, and suggestions on future research.
Self-help groups in the South African context : a developmental perspective.
(1989) Bernstein, Andrea Joan.; Welch, Gary John.
The purpose of this study was to explore the possibility of linking the formal social service delivery system, represented by professional social work services, with the informal system, represented by self-help/mutual aid groups. The developmental research model described by Thomas (1978a, 1978b, 1981, 1985b) was selected as appropriate to the goal of moving beyond the acquisition of knowledge to that of the application of knowledge by practising social workers for the benefit of clients. In the first part of the study the historical and social factors which contributed to the development of the self-help movement in South Africa were explored. The second part of the study focused on the knowledge, attitudes and practices of Durban social workers in relation to self-help groups and established the feasibility of the proposed development. A 75,6% response was received from a questionnaire distributed to all qualified social workers in the Durban area. One hundred and sixteen social workers (51%) who indicated that they were willing to participate further in the investigation were then interviewed. Through the questionnaire and the interview, social workers became cognizant of self-help groups, the nature of their services and the range of possible roles and relationships with them. Mutual aid/self-help groups were found to be part of a strong historical and cultural tradition in South Africa. Many groups had developed as a response to the inadequacies of state welfare services. Social development and change functions coexisted with the service and citizen participation attributes of groups established in post-industrial economies. The social workers were found to have generally positive attitudes to self-help groups and to be engaged in a variety of activities in interacting with them. The conclusion demonstrates that the findings have implications: first, for social welfare policy, particularly in relation to the issue of privatisation; secondly, for social work practice, in that the linking of formal and informal services would be feasible and that the need exists for collaborative interaction between the two; thirdly for social work education which needs to combine theory-building with the application of theory in practice.
The effects of father absence on child and family adjustment.
(1989) Mahabeer, Manorunjunie.; Welch, Gary John.
The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of father absence on child and family adjustment in relation to age, sex, maternal employment and education, family system and the degree of turbulence (i.e. the amount of conflict and physical abuse in the family). The sample consisted of 447 low SES Indian children (ranging in age from six to eighteen years) and 204 of their mothers from to intact, widowed and divorced families. The instruments used were: Child Behaviour Rating Scale (Cassel, 1962); Semantic Differential; Self-Esteem Inventory (Coopersmith, 1967); Personal, Home, Social and Formal Relations Questionnaire (HSRC, 1968); Family Environment Scale (Moos, 1986); Mother-Child Relationship Evaluation (Roth, 1961) and Self-Esteem Scale (Rosenberg, 1965). The following significant results were obtained. Teachers' perceptions of adjustment were more positive for children from intact than father-absent families, for females than males, for children from secondary than primary schools, for children from nuclear than to extended family systems, for children whose mothers had secondary, compared to primary school education and for children who experienced low compared to high turbulence. Children from the divorced, compared to the intact and widowed groups, perceived their fathers more negatively, and their teachers more positively. Females from intact and divorced families perceived their families and schools more positively than males, while the reverse applied to the widowed group. Fathers from low, compared to high, turbulence families were perceived more positively. Adolescents from intact families indicated greater personal freedom than the divorced group. Those who experienced high, compared to low, turbulence had lower self-control, moral sense and personal freedom. Females from intact families were better adjusted on general sociability. This applied to males in both father-absent groups. Married, compared to single mothers had more positive perceptions of self, family and mother-child relationships. These differences also applied to working mothers, compared to housewives, for mothers with secondary, compared to primary, school education and for mothers who experienced low, compared to high, turbulence. The results were discussed with respect to their theoretical and practical implications for policy makers, mental health workers and educationists.
An experimental study of the effectiveness of group therapeutic techniques in improving black-white relations among university students.
(1990) Naidoo, Lohirajh Ravindra.; Welch, Gary John.; Bernstein, Andrea Joan.
The need for an effective group programme to improve Black-White relations on desegregated university campuses in South Africa was identified as the focal area of concern of this study. A particularly urgent need to address the issue of Black-White relations in the University of Natal was shown to exist in view of its rapidly increasing multiracial student composition relative to other South African university campuses. Local and international literature was reviewed to provide guidelines for the construction and evaluation of appropriate programmes that reflected the dominant approaches that characterise group therapeutic strategies of improving intergroup relations. A significant absence of rigorous scientific evaluation of intervention strategies was noted. Two longitudinal, biracial group programmes were selected for evaluation viz. Group Programme A and Group Programme B. Programme A was reflective of a confrontational approach and Programme B was reflective of a non-confrontational approach. The programmes were based on the assumptions of humanistic psychotherapy, social psychological and sociological theories of prejudice formation and racism, and social learning theory. The project utilised an experimental before and after control group design. Forty five Black and 45 White students were randomly selected from a pool of first-year university students who fulfilled designated selection criteria. Fifteen Black and 15 White students were randomly assigned to Groups A, B and C. Groups A and B were subjected to Programmes A and B respectively while Group C was used as the control group. Four evaluation measures were used pretest and posttest viz. the Philosophy of Human Nature Scale, Heimler Scale of Social Functioning, Racial Discomfort Questionnaire and a Behavioural Interaction Change assessment. All four research hypotheses adopted were confirmed by the data analysis. The study highlighted the effectiveness of Group Programme A in improving Black-White relations. It was demonstrated that contact per se was not sufficient to improve race relations among university students. The central importance of developing insight into barriers in interracial communication was emphasised. While both Black and White students benefitted significantly from their participation in the Group Programmes, Black students derived fewer benefits than White students. Several recommendations were made for the utilisation of the research findings in university and wider communities. Further research possibilities arising from the present study were explored.
School social work service delivery : models for future practice.
(1993) Kasiram, Madhubala Ishver.; Ramphal, Ritha.; Mason, Jean Beatrice.
The focus of this study was to develop an indigenous, relevant model of school social work for future practice in South Africa. This was accomplished by surveying policies governing school social work services, researching the nature and severity of problems experienced in schools, examining the scope of current school social work in addressing these problems/needs and finally producing a model on which future school social work practice could be based. The research methodology was chosen on the basis of progressing beyond the acquisition of knowledge, to application of this knowledge to the practice of school social work. The developmental research design as discussed by Thomas (1985a:488; 1985b:50) was viewed as serving the purposes of the study. In accord with this design, the study was divided into several phases - the analysis, development and evaluation phases. Two further phases are outlined by Thomas (1985a), viz. the diffusion and adoption phases, which would follow once the developed social technology has been further field tested and the results disseminated for adoption. During the analysis phase, current policies and school social work services in the various departments of education were examined. Problems in different schools in these department were also surveyed to gauge the effectiveness of services in dealing with these problems. Results revealed that current school social work practice and policies do not meet the needs of schools. During the development phase, a changed emphasis in service provision was advocated through the adoption of service methods to complement a casework focus. In this regard, community school, school change and social interaction functions were advocated. An ecological model, derived from ecological and systems theories, was recommended as offering scope for a changed emphasis to ensure that services were comprehensive and relevant. This emphasis focused on achieving a goodness of fit between the individual and the environment by intervening at different systemic levels, depending on where deficits or dysfunction existed. Thereby, intervention could be directed at micro, mezzo, exo or macro systemic levels. In a feasibility study, conducted during the analysis phase of the study, this model was found to be appropriate and practical for future use. If school social workers practise an ecological model, then their services would be cost effective since both a preventive and therapeutic bias would be accommodated. Children would also be assured of support services that prevent problems, that facilitate the role of the educator in comprehensive education and that intervene timeously in respect of problems and needs. Recommendations in respect of accommodating a changed focus of intervention included changes in policies to promote the use of the ecological model, the education and training of social workers in acquiring knowledge and skills congruent with the use of an ecological paradigm, training of educationists to include knowledge of the service to facilitate teamwork and referral, preliminary tasks to be undertaken prior to service provision, a unitary education department to serve all children equally irrespective of colour or creed, and research to be undertaken with education personnel as a joint endeavour to encourage the establishment of the service.
A comparative study of the problems and challenges of women in social work management.
(1994) Bailey, Linda Rosalind.; Mason, Jean Beatrice.
The aim of this research project was to explore the experiences of black and white women managers who are employed in private and public social work settings. The major stressors and challenges which women managers experienced in the workplace and in the home were explored. The ways in which women coped with the pressures were identified. Supports and obstacles which affected women's career paths were reflected in the study. The literature study revealed that social work is a traditionally female occupation run by women for predominantly women clients. The profession has a caring ethos and a commitment to equal treatment. Social work managers are promoted from the ranks and it is significant that they are principally white and male (Burden and Gottlieb, 1986,p.5). Studies in Canada, Britain and in America reveal the effects of gender stereotyping. Firstly that the concept of management is defined in terms of male characteristics. Secondly that in seeking promotion women are subject to discrimination. Thirdly that a different set of barriers exist when they advance into management. The literature as it exists reflects a white female perspective and there is a failure to address the discrete experiences which black women face. The literature has been built up largely in western countries and as such reflects the beliefs which prevail in the host countries. This empirical study used a feminist qualitative methodology to generate new information about women as managers in social work settings. The design is a descriptive one which seeks to understand a universe about which there is limited information. A sample of sixty women managers in the cities of Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg were interviewed using a semi structured interview schedule. Women managers from different racial groups, agencies and tiers of management were represented in the sample. The empirical study demonstrated that one of the maIn pressures was the manager's own expectations. Women managers exhibited the "superwoman syndrome" in attempting to perform perfectly the multiple and conflicting roles of manager, wife, mother and friend. The findings also demonstrated that the main sources of support which included family members, community involvement and workplace colleagues, were also the main sources of pressure for the managers. Few of the managers had formal management qualifications and management training has only recently been placed on the social work agenda. Women managers were found to manage differently to men- but they were no less effective. These managers invested time in building up good collaborative relationships with staff and through these relationships the goals of the organisation were accomplished. The style which the managers described resembled closely the transformational style of management and it is one which is well suited to managing in the current turbulent environment. There were few black women in management positions and they appeared to be recruited mainly to middle management positions. They were highly visible, on the periphery, suffered performance pressure and had few supports. The researcher had made recommendations for the recruitment of more black managers to permeate all levels of management. Another recommendation was for increased training and other development programmes. The creation of mentoring, sponsorship and networks to assist managers in their career development is presented as another necessary requirement.
The development and evaluation of a conflict resolution programme : the school as context.
(1997) Sathiparsad, Reshma.; Sewpaul, Vishanthie.
The research entailed the development, implementation and evaluation of a conflict resolution programme. Using the ecological perspective as the theoretical framework, the study highlighted the school as an appropriate context within which to promote non-violent strategies for conflict resolution. A conflict resolution programme for adolescents was developed by adapting specific modules of existing programmes. The researcher trained a group of social work students in the implementation of the programme. Using the groupwork method, the programme was subsequently implemented with standard five pupils at primary schools in Durban. The researcher supervised four pairs of students who implemented the programme with four groups of pupils at three schools. The thirty-nine pupils who collectively made up these groups, constituted the sample in the study. The pupils ranged in age from eleven to fifteen. The programme was implemented over eight one-hourly sessions, held once weekly, over eight consecutive weeks. Several data collection instruments were developed. The programme was evaluated in terms of its content, methods of implementation and outcome. The incorporation of qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis enabled the researcher to validate information derived from different sources. The study discusses the processes used in programme development, the training of the facilitators, the selection of the sample, programme implementation and programme evaluation. The study found that the conflict resolution programme was effective in creating awareness of the advantages of adopting non-violent strategies of conflict resolution and in contributing to the development of effective problem-solving skills. The research data and the literature reviewed, reflected the need for school-based conflict resolution programmes. Based on the outcome of the evaluation, recommendations were made with regard to the further adaptation of the programme, the inclusion of conflict resolution programmes into school curricula, appropriate training for programme implementation and the social work role in conflict resolution skills training. Policy recommendations regarding conflict resolution skills training and the need for further research in the area of conflict resolution and programme evaluation, were also provided.
Psychosocial effects of organisational restructuring : a study among non-academic staff at the University of Durban-Westville.
(1998) Pillay, Saloschini.; Ramphal, Ritha.; Beard, Paul.
Change is inevitable and will be the hallmark of our lives. This study was undertaken against the background of the restructuring plans at the University of Durban Westville (UDW). It was motivated by a concern for the psychosocial consequences of organisational restructuring relating to non-academic employees at the university. A further motivation was the increased number of staff seeking counselling related to their anxiety, following the introduction of the voluntary severance packages. The basic premise of this study is that, while transformation is essential, it must be given a humane face. Organisational restructuring is placed within the broader rubric of change. The study was guided by the following research questions: • What are the psychosocial consequences of organisational restructuring for nonacademic staff at UDW? • How do non-academic staff react to the changes arising out of the restructuring process? • What are the views of non-academic staff about the organisational changes? Systems Theory and Crisis Theory have been used in the study to explain how individuals respond to change. The sample comprised 40 individuals who were employed by the University for a period ranging from under one year to 25 years. The research procedure adopted was one of triangulation. Data, both qualitative and quantitative in nature, were collected through the use of questionnaires, interviews and non-participant observation. Quantitative data was analysed using frequency distribution tables and cross tabulation tables. "Inductive analysis" was used for the formal analysis of qualitative data. The major finding of this study was that the respondents had no problem with transformation per se, but they were concerned about the manner in which it was being implemented at UDW. The majority of them felt that in attempting to meet transformational goals, the university management had compromised the fundamental requirements of fairness and sensitivity. Moreover, respondents believed that "unplanned change" was taking place too rapidly. This, they believed, contributed to a state of uncertainty and disorganisation. Changes needed to be phased in. The key recommendations regarding restructuring include the need for a commitment on the part of Management to the principles of fairness, justice and respect. A case is made for incremental and, manageable change. Programmes for employee development and counselling are crucial. The need for a participatory and transparent programme of change is also stressed. In short, wide ranging consultation, sound communication, an effective human resource team and a shared vision are all identified as essential elements for successful organizational restructuring.
Deployment related stress : the experience of naval families.
(1999) Nathoo, Thilanayagie.; Gray, Marilyn Marjorie Anne.
The sacrifices required of Navy families are substantial. In order to maintain readiness, the Navy must maintain high standards and retain well trained people. To retain experienced and productive service members, family life must be supported and enhanced as much as possible. This study examined deployment related stress as experienced by deployed staff of the SAS SCORPION and their spouses and the Command's responses in terms of alleviating such stresses. A qualitative research methodology was used employing an exploratory, descriptive strategy. The study made use of non-probability purposive sampling for all three samples. To ensure rich data semi-structured interviews were used for samples one and two. Data was collected by means of a workshop for sample three. Respondents from sample one and two indicated dissatisfaction in the areas of military support, crime, medical problems, military housing, crisis periods, unplanned trips, and prolonged sea service. Sample three responded by acknowledging hardships experienced by samples one and two. They agreed in principle that a deployment seminar be made compulsory for military families and an incumbent be employed as a Naval liaison officer to coordinate problems experienced by deployed members and their families. The findings of this research, indicated the need for support structures and preventative programmes.
An evaluation of community partipation in attempts to start a community garden project in the Shakashead community.
(2000) Raniga, Tanusha.; Simpson, Barbara.
The purpose of the study was to describe and analyse community participation in attempts to start a community garden project in the Shakashead community. A key focus of the study was to identify the level of participation of the community in all aspects of the project cycle, that is, the planning, implementation monitoring and evaluation phases. The study was carried out in an informal settlement situated in the North Coast about 75km from Durban. The community garden project was funded by the Luthuli Education Trust and initiated by the Borough of the Dolphin Coast as an endeavour to address abject poverty and unemployment in the community. Qualitative research methodology guided the evaluative nature of the research. The case study research strategy was used as the community garden project in the Shakashead community served as an example of a development programme in action. The data collection methods included participant observation and semi-structured, individual interviews. Purposive sampling was used to obtain respondents for this study. This process involved the deliberate selection of members who played significant roles in the attempts to start a community garden project in the Shakashead community. These research respondents included members of the Shakashead Civic Resident's Association, a Development Consultant who represented the funding organisation and the client liaison officer employed by the Dolphin Coast Borough. The overall aim was to document their perceptions and understanding of the attempts to start the community garden project and the reasons for the unsuccessful operation of the project. Four major themes emerged from the data to exemplify the significant elements of community involvement experienced in the attempts to start a community garden project in the Shakashead community. These themes included: a) the structural components required for full community participation; b) the importance of support and training for community members; c) local leadership and its impact on development; d) the hierarchical procedures of organisations. The recommendations included areas for further research and several changes ID working practices.
Social policy: transformation and delivery: study of welfare agencies in Kwazulu-Natal.
(2000) Gathiram, Neeta.; Hemson, David.
Welfare agencies are involved in a complex process of transformation and working to overcome the past unjust system of racial and social discrimination in welfare. Many new policies have been developed as instruments of transformation and reform. There has been a shift in welfare policy from a residual model of welfare to a developmental focus. This requires radical changes by those involved in the welfare sector. This study assesses the level of transformation in service delivery in welfare agencies in KwaZulu-Natal: the link between policy and implementation. The White Paper of Social Welfare (1997) and subsequent policies will form the criteria from which transformation will be evaluated. Child Welfare agencies in KwaZulu-Natal formed the sample in the study. A survey method was used. Management members and social workers the agencies were interviewed. Senior officials and staff being policy-makers of the National Council of Child Welfare were also interviewed. It is argued that welfare agencies are grappling with the process of transformation and that delivery of services is far removed from that which the policies intend. Change, it is argued, has to be handled holistically, by combing policy, organisational change, re-ciirecting of energy and social energy. The results of study illustrates that what appears to have occurred thus far has been limited, incremental and piecemeal. The global economy and the macro- . economic policy of GEAR has constrained achievement of the goals of developmental social wefare in that there has been minimal increases in social spending. Past policies have put a brake on the implementation of a relevant welfare system. It is unlikely that agencies have the capacity to deal with the intensity of policy change, organisational development and new client bases. Overall, it can be argued that change has been haphazard, too rapid and poorly managed. A proposed model towards transformation is recommended. There has to be a partnership in the public-civic interface based on synergy and co-production if welfare services are to be relevant and meet the needs of the majority of people of South Africa.
Implementing the Choice of Termination of Pregnancy Act, no. 92 of 1996 : the pain and trauma of the abortion experience.
(2000) Govender, Devika.; Veeran, Vasintha.; O'Brien, Frances Yvonne.
The research is a descriptive study of the unique and diverse experiences of women who terminated their pregnancy according to the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act, No 92 of 1996. It traced the psycho-social experiences of the participants from the point of discovery to the actual abortion. The decision to terminate their pregnancy was not an easy one, yet participants chose this plan of action on the basis of their socio-economic circumstances. Moral and financial support was offered to participants from their partners, friends and/or significant others whilst no therapeutic counselling was provided prior to their making the decision to terminate their pregnancy, or the actual termination. Pre-abortion counselling was offered pre-dominantly at private health care institutions whilst none of the health care facilities provided post abortion counselling. Many of the participants had to not only endure the emotional pain of their decision but also the judgmental attitudes of the health care professionals who performed the abortion procedure. Participants were unable to make informed choices regarding the choice of abortion methods. As a result they were also unprepared for the intense physical pain they endured during the procedure. The study used the descriptive research design and a qualitative methodology. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the thirteen participants. Data were obtained through the semi-structured interview schedule. The ages of the participants ranged between 19-31 years. The study concluded that the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act, No 92 of 1996 was necessary but that inadequate resources hampered provision of holistic services. In addition the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act, No 92 of 1996 does not stipulate that pre and post abortion counselling should be a pre-requisite to access abortion services. This lack of counselling resulted in participants reliance on the medical professionals choice of abortion technique which in most cases was not what participants preferred. This research therefore, advocates the need for medical professionals to provide adequate information to as well as attending to the psycho-social implications for women who request to terminate their pregnancy.
A peer educator programme : participant's evaluation of the training.
(2001) Govender, Jeeva.; Sathiparsad, Reshma.
Limited research has been conducted on the effectiveness of preventive programmes in addressing the needs of adolescents/youth. This study is aimed at examining the effectiveness of a training programme and whether the training conducted by the researcher contributed to equipping the peer educators with skills to undertake capacity building and empowerment programmes. The research sample consisted of fifteen peer educators who had undergone the training programme. The participants were all grade eleven pupils from the Hillview Secondary School in Newlands East. The majority of the participants in this research study reside in Newlands East. This was an evaluative research study. The data collection instruments were sessional evaluation questionnaires, verbal group evaluation and retrospective evaluation questionnaires. Secondary data were also collected from the school personnel to enhance the research findings. The research findings revealed that the peer educator training undertaken by the researcher was effective and useful in developing skills of the peer educators to initiate and implement capacity-building and empowerment programmes within the school environment.

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