Theses and Dissertations
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Browsing Theses and Dissertations by Author "Sekgobela, T."
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Item Open Access Exploring the effects of occupational related stress on employees: A case of selected company in the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, Gauteng Province(2026-05-19) Netshitanzwani, Ronewa; Sekgobela, T.; Sibisi, L.Occupational stress is a global concern and a significant threat to the well-being of employees and their mental health. Employees across different professions continue to experience occupational-related stress that has destructive consequences for themselves, their families, clients, and employers. Despite attempts to address occupational-related stress, employees continue to suffer significantly under their occupational obligations. Occupational stress is a growing problem that affects every employee across professions. Employees are complaining about toxic occupational environments that involve excessive working hours, burnout, anxiety, depression, and panic attacks. Occupational stress arises when the demands of the occupational environment exceed employee’s capacities and their ability to cope. The aim of the study was to explore the effects of occupational-related stress on employee’s mental health: A case of selected company in the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. The study adopted a qualitative research approach, with an exploratory design, to gain an in-depth and insightful understanding of the phenomenon. The population consisted of 15 purposively selected employees representing diverse demographic and educational backgrounds. Data was collected through semi-structured face-to-face interviews to ensure inclusivity. The interview guide served as the data collection instrument for the study, while ethical considerations, including informed consent, confidentiality, and voluntary participation, were strictly observed. The study employed non-probability sampling to recruit participants. The ecological approach was suitable and employed to provide a foundation and background to the study. Occupationally related stress was found to produce interconnected mental health outcomes, including anxiety, depression symptoms, sleep disturbances, social withdrawal, irritability, and cognitive strain. Common mental health issues, such as emotional fatigue and substance use, further highlighted the depth of occupational-related stress impact. Employees adopted both adaptive coping strategies, such as physical exercise, mindfulness, and social support, and maladaptive strategies, including avoidance and substance use. Leadership support and Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) were accessed but often perceived as insufficient, with participants emphasizing the importance of face-to-face counselling. The study concluded that stronger wellness programs, effective workload management, and managerial training are essential to address occupational stress. Recommendations included providing on-site mental health support, promoting work-life balance, and introducing recreational and wellness activities to foster resilience and reduce stress.Item Embargo Mourning rituals and their psychosocial and rights implications among black middle-aged widows in Collins Chabane Local Municipality(2026-05-19) Hlongwane, Cynthia; Sekgobela, T.Mourning rituals remain widely practiced and are often experienced as meaningful and a burden by widows in South Africa. This study explores the multifaceted impacts of mourning rituals among black middle-aged widows in Collins Chabane Municipality, Vhembe District, and Limpopo Province. The study sought to examine the nature of mourning rituals, assess their social, psychological, economic, and rights-associated effects, and determine culturally respectful responses. The study employed a qualitative research approach and an exploratory design. The study used a non-probability purposive sampling method to recruit 15 Tsonga-widows belonging to the VA Tsonga ethnic group aged 40-59 who had completed mourning for at least 2 years. The semi-structured interviews were conducted in Xitsonga and English, and the data were analysed thematically following the six phases of Braun and Clarke. The study ensured rigor through audit trail, reflexivity, thick descriptions, systematic design, and peer debriefing. Widows described core practices such as prescribed attire, personalised utensils, sitting/seclusion, proof-of-innocence tests, head shaving, cleansing, movement restrictions, and unveiling. The reported effects of mourning rituals included depressed moods, disrupted grieving, constrained religious participation, traumatic memories, social exclusion, surveillance, and financial strain, mainly linked with gender norms and concerns for human rights (privacy, equality, freedom of movement, and dignity). To mitigate harm, some women drew on peer support, religious beliefs, and negotiated modifications. While mourning is essential for cultural beliefs, practices, meaning, and belonging, coercion and harmful practices undermine the well-being and the rights of widows. The study recommends a culturally competent rights-based social work model, including trauma-informed counselling, early bereavement triage, and mediation with faith leaders and elders to adapt practices.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.