Theses and Dissertations
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Browsing Theses and Dissertations by Author "Mamaleka, M. M."
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Item Open Access Assessment of social work services towards addressing barriers to learning in public schools in Sibasa Circuit, Vhembe District(2023-10-05) Sikhitha, Tsireledzo; Mabasa, M. A.; Mamaleka, M. M.This study assessed social work services in addressing barriers to learning in public schools in Sibasa Circuit in Vhembe District. The study was conducted in two public secondary schools, with a focus on Grade 11 and 12 learners of the said circuit. The study was qualitative in nature and used an exploratory research design. The purposive sampling method was used to draw a sample from learners, educators, and social workers. Semi-structured individual interviews and focus groups were used to collect data, which was analysed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that learners encountered the following barriers to learning: teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, bullying, peer pressure and poverty. It was found that those barriers to learning disturb learners as they cannot focus on school activities. The findings also revealed that social workers should offer social work services such as casework and group work to provide psychosocial counselling, and educational support in addressing barriers to learning. The researcher recommends that the Department of Basic Education appoint school social workers permanently to prevent and address barriers to learning experienced by learners.Item Embargo Effects of gender-based violence on young adults within their private and public spaces in Limpopo Province, Mopani District, Maruleng Municipality(2026-05-19) Seokoma, Kota Hope; Mamaleka, M. M.; Nemutandani, V.Gender-based violence is a pandemic that affects a person’s well-being and self-development; it has serious social, emotional, and economic effects. Through developmental social work, social workers are well-positioned to assist victims of GBV, provide counselling and support services, and advocate for holistic healing and recovery for survivors. However, young adults receive less support and attention during social work interventions. The study was approved by the University of Venda Research Ethics Committee to ensure adherence to professional and ethical standards before it commenced. The committee also issued informed consent to protect participants from physical and psychological harm, maintain privacy, and ensure informed consent. The researcher obtained permission from the Station Commander and Center Managers to conduct the study on their premises. The study is qualitative in nature, aiming to explore and have an in-depth understanding of the effects of gender-based violence on young adults. The study employed a phenomenological research design comprising the study sample of 15 participants who had been exposed to gender-based violence in their private and public spaces in Mopani District, in the Maruleng Municipality. A semi-structured interview schedule was used to collect data face-to-face with the participants. A thematic data analysis method was used to analyse the collected data. The findings revealed that young adults exposed to GBV in their private and public spaces are aware of measures to assist, but have little knowledge, are hopeless, and lack trust in service providers. The findings also revealed that service providers in centers, institutions, and NGOs need more training on gender-based violence to have a better understanding and knowledge of how to effectively render support services to the survivors of GBV.Item Embargo Psychosocial effects of gender-based violence on women survivors at Shayandima and Itsani villages in the Vhembe District of Limpopo, South Africa(2026-05-19) Shirinda, Themba Marcus; Mamaleka, M. M.; Sekgobela, T.Gender-based violence (GBV) is a significant social and health concern that endangers women and undermines their psychosocial wellbeing. It is widely recognised as a global pandemic affecting South Africa at all levels: national, provincial, and local. This study focused on examining the psychosocial effects of gender-based violence on women survivors, with the aim of identifying ways to prevent further victimisation and improve support interventions.The study was conducted among women aged 35–50 years living in the Shayandima and Itsani villages within the Thulamela Local Municipality, in the Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, South Africa. A qualitative, exploratory research design was employed, and purposive sampling was used to select 13 participants who had experienced gender-based violence. Data were collected through face-to-face semi-structured interviews guided by an interview schedule, and thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The study was guided by Feminist Theory, Trauma Theory, and Learned Helplessness Theory, which assisted in explaining the psychosocial impacts of gender-based violence, its contributing factors, and the delays in reporting cases to relevant authorities. Ethical considerations included confidentiality, informed consent, voluntary participation, avoidance of harm, and protection of participants’ rights throughout the study. The findings revealed that gender-based violence resulted in multiple psychosocial effects, including emotional distress, low self-esteem, social isolation, fear, psychological trauma, and feelings of neglect by service providers following abuse. Participants further highlighted the need for harsher penalties for offenders, increased community awareness, and improved education programmes addressing gender-based violence and its psychosocial consequences.This study contributes to the field of Social Work by providing context-specific insights into the psychosocial experiences of women survivors of gender-based violence in rural communities. The findings offer practical recommendations for strengthening support services, enhancing intervention strategies, and preventing re-victimisation among affected women.