Theses and Dissertations

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Open Access
The domestic violence experiences of women in the Vhembe District of Limpopo Province in South Africa
(2007-05-14) Madzimbalale, Fikile Crescent; Khoza, L. B.
The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the domestic violence experiences of women in the Vhembe district. The research design was qualitative, descriptive and exploratory. The study population included all women who experienced domestic violence in the Vhembe district of Limpopo Province, South Africa. Purposive sampling was used to obtain a sample of 12 women who were abused by their husbands and admitted to unit A in a particular hospital. Participation in this study was voluntary. Anonymity and confidentiality were maintained by using code numbers on participants' responses. Participants' responses were tape-recorded and then transcribed verbatim. The research question used read as follows: Share with me your lived experience of domestic violence. In-depth individual interviews were used to collect data from the participants. Data analysis was carried out using an open-coding method consisting of eight steps provided by Tesch. The findings of the study revealed that the following categories appeared to be most frequently experienced by participants: • physical violence such as battering, being scarred, burning, suffering fractures and stab wounds; • psychological/emotional violence including being sworn at, yelled at, mocked, and called names; • economic violence revealed by money being withheld; • social violence including isolation, not being allowed to visit or be visited; • sexual violence such as rape and unprotected sex. Community information and education programmes regarding the nature and unacceptability of domestic violence should be developed. Such programmes should address cultural aspects of behaviour that uphold male aggression, beating and abuse of women as acceptable. Women need to be empowered through education, employment opportunities, legal literacy, and right to inheritance. In conclusion, the findings of the study provided valuable information on the domestic violence experiences of women in the Vhembe district.
Open Access
A model to promote dialogue about sexual health between teenagers and parents/teachers in Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, South Africa
(2009-12-30) Lebese, Tsakani Rachel; Davhana-Maselesele, Mashudu; Obi, C. L.
Dialogue with teenagers about sexual health is of vital importance worldwide especially because of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, increased rates of sexually transmitted infections (STls), high percentage of teenage pregnancies and parenthood and decreased levels of the use of contraceptives among the youth. These problems have also prompted governments, communities and individuals to introduce legislation, programmes and models of health promotion related to sexual health. The programmes and models that are available focus mainly on the prevention of disease, promotion of health, caring, nursing, behaviour change and community development. None of these programmes and models focused on how dialogue about sexual health between teenagers and parents/teachers could be promoted. The report presented in this study unravels the different perspectives teenagers, parents and teachers have on sexual health and the ripple effect lack of or inadequate knowledge has on the sexual health of future generations, using Vhembe district as a point of reference. The overall aim of this study was to develop a model to promote dialogue about sexual health among teenagers, parents and teachers in Vhembe District of Limpopo Province. The researcher had prolonged engagement with parents, teachers and teenagers. Theory generation and a qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual study were conducted. The study was conducted in two phases. During the first phase experiences of teenagers, parents and teachers in relation to sexual health dialogue were explored through focus-group and in-depth individual interviews. The researcher also used main questions as point of departure and more questions emanated from the discussion. Participants narrated their experiences and these experiences were reflected in words. Quotations were used to A model to promote dialogue about sexual health between teenager and parent . emphasize various aspects that were described. The results indicated that all stakeholders lacked the skills to engage with each other in a dialogue about sexual health. Culture and lack of knowledge were the main reasons for lack of dialogue about sexual health among teenagers, parents and teachers. Literature review was done to support the findings from the interviews. The second phase involved the development of a model to promote dialogue about sexual health among teenagers, parents and teachers. The first step was to conduct a concept analysis of the concept "dialogue". The results of the concept analysis formed the basis for model development. The framework of Oickoff, James and Wiedenbach (1968:423) and Chinn and Kramer (1999:107- 25) was used to classify, develop and evaluate the model. The study recommendations were that cultural values, meanings and beliefs needed to be clarified by all participants for them to freely engage each other in a dialogue about sexual health. Active participation and collaboration by all stakeholders were necessary if meaningful dialogue was to be achieved. It would also be necessary to adapt the model from time to time so that it suited the prevailing climate.
Open Access
Competence of midwives regarding prevention of low Apgar score among neonates
(2010-08) Mulondo, Seani Adrinah; Khoza, L. B.; Risenga, P. R.
The practice of obstetric nursing requires a midwife practitioner who is competent and practises independently in providing antenatal services during pregnancy, the progress of labour and conducts delivery on her own for a normal healthy baby with an Apgar score of 10/10 at one minute after birth. Mismanagement of labour and lack of delivery technique commonly lead to a low Apgar score of 7 or less at 5 minutes. The incidences of high or low statistics of babies born with low Apgar scores depend upon the competence of midwives in the management process prior to conception, during pregnancy, labour and neonatal care. The purpose of the study was to assess the competence of midwives regarding the prevention of low Apgar scores among neonates. The objectives of the study were to determine the competence of midwives with regard to the prevention of low Apgar scores, to assess the knowledge of midwives regarding the prevention of low Apgar scores among neonates and to determine the opinions of midwives regarding the prevention of low Apgar scores among neonates. The study was designed as a quantitative, descriptive research which was conducted to determine the competence of midwives regarding the prevention of low Apgar scores among neonates in the Vhembe district of Limpopo Province. A representative sample of 100 midwives working in the maternity units of three district hospitals was selected. Data was collected in March 2007 to April 2007. A self-administered questionnaire with closed and open-ended questions was used to collect data. Participants were selected using a nonprobability purposive sampling method. The findings revealed that midwives perceived themselves to be competent in performing most of the midwifery skills and furthermore knew how to perform some of the skills related to midwifery care. However, they perceived themselves to be incompetent in performing some critical skills and lacking in knowledge of some skills related to midwifery care such as taking and recording blood pressure correctly. One of the recommendations of the study was that standardised clinical guidelines should be included in the structured learning curriculum for undergraduate nurses. The recommendations were relevant to midwifery practice, nursing management and nursing education, and included recommendations for future research. The problem of low Apgar score needs to be researched in order to find solutions to it as it may have an impact on the midwives who are responsible for maternal and childcare services, parents of babies with low Apgar scores, the community and the Government, and the Department of Health concerned.
Open Access
The experiences of teenage pregnancy by teenage mothers in the Thulamela Municipality of the Vhembe District in Limpopo Province
(2010-09) Mulelu, Virginia; Khoza, L. B.; Nemathaga, L. H.; Molapo, R. R.
Study background and purpose: Teenage pregnancy is a significant problem in today's society as it interferes with teenagers achieving success in life. Teenage pregnancy tends to prevent teenage mothers from compfeting their studies and places additional financial burdens on their parents. In developed countries, teenage pregnancy usually occurs outside marriage and in many communities and cultures carries a social stigma. However, teenage pregnancy may also be the resuU of sexuaf abuse or 1ncest, both of which feave emotionaf scars. The teenage mother may still be a scholar, with plans for the future and unresolved relationships. Still being a child herself, she is not sufficiently emotionally mature to take care of another child. This may lead to denial, parental rejection and the procurement of an unsafe abortion. Despite the heafth department services available, like family planning and the termination of pregnancies, the incidence of teenage pregnancy continues to rise. The purpose of this study was to understand the experience of pregnancy by teenage mothers in the Thulamela municipal of the Vhembe district, Umpopo Province. Study objectives: To explore and describe the experiences of teenage pregnancy and to identify and describe the factors that led to the pregnancy, as experienced by the teenage mothers. Methods: The study used a quaf1tat1ve design to expfore and describe the perceptions and experiences of teenage mothers. The study population comprised teenage mothers between 13 and 17 years of age, residing in the Thulamela Municipality of the Vhembe District in Limpopo province. A non-probability purposive sampling technique was used to obtain a sample of teenage mothers from each of the five villages, and then a snowballing sampling technique was used to identify the 30 participants who met the criteria of the study. A different number of participants was identified in each village, as this depended on their availability. Data was collected through in-depth individual unstructured interviews, using two broad questions, "How did you experience teenage pregnancy? and, "What were the factors that contributed to your becoming pregnant?" During interviews, data was tape recorded and field notes were taken. Tesch' model for data analysis was used as guideline. The trustworthiness of the study (its credibility, dependability, confirmabilty and transferability strategies) was ensured, and all recommended ethical considerations were observed. Study Findings: Five major themes and sub-themes emerged. The findings of the study are discussed around the perceptions of the experience of pregnancy by the teenage mothers and their parents and male partners; abortion and the use of services to terminate pregnancy; knowledge of contraceptives, sexually transmitted infections and HIV and AIDS; factors that contribute to teenage pregnancy; and their perception of the consequences of pregnancy. Implications and recommendations: The study showed that the teenage mothers sampled experienced psychosocial, physiological, and economical problems. Various persons and institutions namely parents, teachers, health care providers, community and the government, failed to empower the teenage mothers with the knowledge and skills they required to make informed choices about their future. The study highlights the importance of coordinating multidisciplinary and intersectoral teams, involving parties such as school governors, School Health Services, Department of Education, communities and families, in order to find solutions to issues surrounding teenage pregnancies.
Open Access
Factors contributing to termination of pregnancies among teenager in Vhembe District of Limpopo Province
(2012-09-26) Netshisaulu, Khathutshelo Grace; Lebese, Rachel Takalani; Maluleke, Thelma Xabela
The study sought to describe the factors contributing to termination of pregnancies among teenagers in Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, by studying the responses given by teenage girls aged 19 years and younger. The study also sought to determine the socio economic characteristics of teenagers who terminate pregnancies, the role of parental care in avoiding unwanted teenage pregnancies, the teenagers’ general knowledge of reproductive health issues as well as their sources of information regarding reproductive health issues. The major inferences drawn from this study included that teenagers’ knowledge of reproductive health issues was inadequate and that they have nothing tangible because of their low educational and economic status that put them at risk of being involved in sexual activities at an early age leading to unwanted pregnancies that end up in termination. Based on the findings of the study, recommendations were made for imparting knowledge regarding sexual issues to teenage girls in Vhembe District of Limpopo Province.
Open Access
Experiences of family members caring for tuberculosis patients at home at Vhembe District in Limpopo Province
(2012-12-19) Sukumani, Tshavhuyo Joyce; Lebese, R. T.; Khoza, L. B.
Tuberculosis (TB) is a potentially serious infectious disease which enters the body by inhalation and mostly affects the lungs. TB is ranked among the leading infectious diseases worldwide, and in South Africa (SA) it has become an epidemic, because of its high prevalence and there are multiple factors that were found to be attributing to its existence and spread. This was reiterated by the then Minister of Health during the World TB day on the 24th March 2009 that the community and family should be responsible for caring for the patients at home (Minister of Health speech, 2009). The purpose of this study was to explore and describe experiences of family members caring for TB patients at home at Vhembe District of Limpopo Province. The objectives of this study were to explore and describe the experiences of family members caring for TB patients at home, identify and describe caring behaviour of family members when caring for TB patients at home, identify and describe challenges faced by family members while caring for TB patients at home. The study was qualitative, explorative, descriptive, phenomenological and contextual in nature. A purposive sampling method was used. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews guided by four questions. Tech's eight steps of qualitative data analysis was used. Measures to ensure trustworthiness and ethical issues were observed. The results of the study revealed that family members are experiencing difficulties when caring for TB patients at home. These difficulties include providing food, attending to hygienic needs, lack of equipments, financial constraints and this was said to contribute to physical and psychological exhaustion. Recommendations in relation to caring for TB patients at home, nursing practice, policy makers and research were also made.
Open Access
Assessment of knowledge, perceptions and beliefs related to tuberculosis in the rural, communities of Vhembe District in Limpopo Province
(2013-02-25) Shiluvane, Nkhensani Grace; Risenga, P. R.; Khoza, L. B.
The purpose of the study was to assessthe knowledge, perceptions, and health beliefs related to TB among people in the rural communities of Vhembe District in Limpopo Province. The research design was qualitative, descriptive and exploratory in nature. The study was conducted amongst the rural communities at Xigalo and Kurhuleni villages in the TB crisis municipality, Thulamela,in Vhembe District of Limpopo Province. The following themes emerged from the study: Theme 1: Participants knowledge about TB; Theme 2: The views of participants with regard to TB; Theme 3: Participants' perceptions of TB; Theme 4: The community's interaction with TB patients; Theme 5: Preferred methods of TB treatment as described by community members. Conclusion: People in the community still lack knowledge about TB as a disease. Its correlation with HIV/AIDS promotes the stigmatization of people suffering from TB, which results in people with TB avoiding the use of TB treatment because they fear disclosure and being perceived as being HIV positive.
Open Access
The development of an adapted tuberculosis directly observed treatment programme in Limpopo Province of South Africa.
(2013-02-25) Mabunda, Tiyane Edith.; Khoza, L. B.; Van Den Borne, B.
Open Access
The development of mental health programme to support students towards their academic success at the University of Venda
(2013-02-26) Maluleke, Mary; Netshandama, V. O.; Netshikweta, M. L.
Mental health problems have a negative impact on academic performance, retention, and graduation rates. Not unlike elsewhere, The University of Venda (UNIVEN), as an under resourced, rural based university, has many challenges based on the type of students it serves. UNIVEN's student enrolment mostly comprises students from low income households with poor university entrance preparation. The majority of students are the first generation of their families and communities to enter higher education. As yet, there is no scientific data available about the registered nursing students' experiences of their mental health at UNIVEN. A situational analysis, involving a single case study at UNIVEN was conducted, to explore and describe the registered nursing students' experiences of their mental health and to develop, implement and evaluate a mental health programme to facilitate student nurses' mental health. Data was collected from participants through na1ve sketches and focus group interviews. One hundred and sixty eight registered nursing students participated in na1ve sketches and forty eight of these participated in focus group interviews. All ethical issues were adhered to throughout the study. Data was analysed through the use of Tesch's open coding. The findings from na1ve sketch narratives and focus group interviews are integrated to avoid repetition. From the analysed data, themes emerged as follows: The nursing student's experience of disturbance in their sleeping patterns; Nursing student's experience of stresses and stressors as challenges to their mental health; Nursing student's experiences of their coping mechanisms; Nursing students' perceptions of support needed. After the analysis of data, the phenomenon of registered nursmg student mental health experiences was identified and literature control supported the findings. These findings revealed the nature of the mental health experiences of registered nursing students in UNIVEN and provided information required for the theoretical foundation of the programme. Then this was followed by the theoretical framework for the development of the programme which was informed by the elements of practice theory Dickoff et al., (1968:430). Then the programme was developed in an interactive interventive manner using the theoretical framework and approaches outlined in Chinn and Kramer (1999: 110); Walker and Avant (1995:28). A single case study was used to pilot and evaluate the developed programme. The essays were used as source of data to assess the effectiveness of the mental health support programme. The evaluation of the programme 1s ongoing, as it is a process and its outcomes will be gradual.
Open Access
A model to fascilitate women's coping with menopause
(2013-09-18) Ramakuela-Mashamba, Nditsheni Jeanette; Khoza, L. B.; Akinsola, H. A.
Open Access
Experiences of pregnant women living with HIV/AIDS at Vhembe District in the Limpopo Province
(2013-10-01) Malindi, Fhulufhedzani Constance; Lebese, R.T.; Ramakuela, J.
One of the greatest health challenges that threaten the human race in our time is the Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS). About 5.3 million South Africans are infected with the virus, of which 3 million are women above 15 years of age and 220 000 are children. The impact of death due to AIDS related illness is a tragic reality experienced by families, communities and the nation at large (National Department of Health Report, 2009:2). Amongst the women who were HIV-positive, about one in four pregnant women attending antenatal clinic were HIV-positive (Van Der Spuy, 2009:1).The purpose of this study was to explore and describe experiences of pregnant women who are living with HIV/AIDS at the Vhembe District of Limpopo Province.The objectives of this study were to explore and describe the experiences of pregnant women who are living with HIV/AIDS,toidentify the challenges they faced and to determine the level of support they needed.The study was qualitative, explorative, descriptive, phenomenological, and contextual in nature. A purposive sampling method was used. Data were collected through in-depth individual interviews, guided by unstructured questions. Tesch's eight steps of qualitative data analysis were used. Measures to ensure trustworthiness and ethical issues were observed. The results of the study revealed that pregnant women who are living with HIV/AIDS were experiencing fear to disclose their status to their spouse/boyfriend, their in law, their parents and siblings. They also experienced difficulties and challenges related to the support· they received, fear related to being pregnant and living with HIV/AIDS. Recommendations in relation to the experiences of pregnant women living with HIV/AIDS, nursing practice, society, policymakers and research were thus made.
Open Access
Integration of midwifery theory with practice by student nurses when plotting a partogram in labour units of the Limpopo Province, South Africa
(2013-10-01) Mothapo, Kobela Elizabeth; Maputle, M. S.; Shilubane, N. H.
Background: The National Committee for the Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths recommend the implementation of "Saving Mothers' recommendations" as a measure to reduce maternal deaths. However, this objective has not been achieved because the Maternal Mortality Rate in South Africa was standing at 134.33/100 000 live births and Limpopo Province at 165.16/100 000 live births. The national target for reduction of maternal mortality was 20% for all provinces for 2016. Limpopo Province's reduction was below 12.5% for 2016. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to develop a strategy to enhance the implementation of the Saving Mothers' recommendations in the maternity units of Limpopo Province. Methods: The convergent parallel design was used in this study. The study was conducted in phases, namely: Phase 1(a) was a qualitative research approach and a non-experimental, descriptive and exploratory design. The population consisted of district managers who were managing the Maternal Health Services and registered midwives who were working in the maternity units of Limpopo Province. Non-probability purposive sampling was used for both the district managers and the registered midwives. Data were collected using a central question for the managers managing Maternal Health services which was "What support are you giving to facilitate the implementation of the recommendations by the Saving Mothers Report?" and the question for the registered midwives was "What challenges are you experiencing when implementing the Saving Mothers' recommendations." Tesch's open coding technique was used to analyse qualitative data. Trustworthiness was ensured through credibility, confirmability, dependability, transferability and authenticity. Phase 1(b) was a quantitative and a non-experimental descriptive design. The population comprised of 200 patients who were included in the study. Questionnaires were developed and used to collect data. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS, version 24.0) with the assistance of the statistician. Discussion of data were done in an explanatory sequential way where data from Phase 1a was discussed and supported by data from Phase 1b. Findings: The themes that emerged were: Challenges related to implementation of the recommendations of the Saving Mothers Report in maternity units, Description of existing training programmes and in-service education for health care professionals, Knowledge on implementing recommendations for the Saving Mothers Report when providing care in maternity units and Suggestions related to improvement of adherence to recommendations for the Saving Mothers Report in maternity units. Some of the themes were supported by the quantitative results whilst some not supported. Validity and reliability were ensured by giving the questionnaires to experts on the subject, colleagues and promoters to analyse and determine if items adequately represent content in the correct proportion. Ethical considerations were ensured by obtaining ethical approval from the University of Venda Ethics Committee and permission to access the facilities from the Limpopo Province Department of Health. The participants signed informed written consent. Phase 2 entailed strategy development and validation of the developed strategy. Recommendations: The recommendations included that the Department of Health should employ more staff and put operational managers in permanent positions. Sufficient equipment and supplies essential for maternal health care and maternal health infrastructure should be procured and a good plan for the managing thereof implemented. It is also recommended that health care workers should work hand in hand with the community structures and the 'mosate'.
Open Access
Determination of strategies that contribute to nurse educator-student nurse neophyte interaction in the classroom setting
(2013-10-01) Mathevhula, Rirhandzu Friddah; Khoza, L. B.
Open Access
The role of churches in response to HIV and AIDS epidemic in Vhembe District of South Africa
(2013-12-10) Malwela, Nndondeni Edson; Netshandama, V. O.; Netshiketa, M. L.
The study design was qualitative in nature. Qualitative interviews allowed the investigator to obtain an in-depth understanding of what interventions churches have with regards to HIV and AIDS. The population of this study consisted of Christian churches in the Vhembe District of Limpopo province. Purposive sampling was used and data was collected through in depth interviews and analyzed using steps of open coding. Measures to ensure trustworthiness were observed and ethical issues were attended to. The results of this study revealed that churches do play a role in the HIV and AIDS epidemic with regards to prevention of HIV infections, and by offering support and care to those people living with AIDS. Several challenges with regards to the implementation of intervention programmes were also identified. This study also revealed a lack of collaboration amongst churches themselves and primary health care organizations. Relevant recommendations are made to enhance the intervention programme in the district.
Open Access
Roles and responsibilities of student nurses/clinical staff towards clinical teaching and learning at Limpopo College of Nursing -Sovenga Campus
(2014-10-06) Dilebo, Matete Enia; Netshikweta, M. L.; Nemathaga, L. H.
The clinical learning environment is a complex social entity that influences student learning outcomes in the clinical real life setting. The purpose of this study was to examine the roles and responsibilities of student nurses / clinical staff towards clinical teaching during their clinical experiences. Examination of these roles and responsibilities of student nurses / clinical staff towards clinical teaching and learning give insight into the educational functioning of the clinical areas and allows nurse educators to enhance students' opportunities for learning. Quantitative, non-experimental, descriptive design was used. Data was collected by means of the self-administered questionnaires. Data was analyzed using SPSS Version 18. Students consistently ranked the ability of clinicians to teach lowest even though they have enough experience and qualifications. The conclusions drawn from this study supported the assumptions that the quality and success of the clinical experience depends largely on the individual nurse's attitude, willingness and ability to facilitate teaching and learning opportunities in a supportive way. Positive ratings for students was that 42 (84.0%) were cooperative while few students 8 (16.0%) were not cooperative, 26 (52.0%) were committed to learning, 31 (62.0%) always had clinical workbooks/registers, while negative reports were that only 11 (22.0%) of students were not punctual, 17 (36.0%) participated actively in clinical activities and 16 (32.0%) were not displaying critical thinking. Recommendations emanating from this study included: development of strategies that will strengthen collaboration between the nursing college and the clinical staff to promote the value and acceptance of students in clinical area as part of the team, motivation of more professional nurses to study Nursing Education, student nurses to be actively involved in clinical activities, improvement on student supervision, and delegation of duties according to learning needs.
Open Access
A model for effective tuberculosis infection control in public hospitals of Vhembe District, Limpopo Province
(2014-12-11) Tshitangano, Takalani Grace; Maputle, M. S.; Netshikweta, M. L.
Open Access
Factors contributing to staff turnover among professional nurses in selected hospitals of Vhembe District
(2015-01-30) Ramarope, Johannah; Maputle, M. S.; Lebese, R. T.
Open Access
Experiences of tuberculosis patients in relation to their treatment at health services of Sibasa Local Area, Vhembe District of Limpopo Province
(2015-01-30) Tshivhase, Livhuwani; Netshikweta, M. L.; Ramakuela, N. J.
Open Access
The experiences of employees who are living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), regarding care and support received at their various workplaces in Thulamel;a Municipality, Vhembe District of Limpopo Province
(2015-02-03) Nemabaka, Ndifelani; Ramathuba, D. U; Risenda, P. R.
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)-collectively termed HIV/AIDS-remains the most challenging infectious disease faced by public health systems in recent times as it poses a great burden to people's socioeconomic standards and health. The disease has left some families without breadwinners, while businesses are losing experienced and skilful employees. The impact of the epidemic is seen in diverse parts of the world, most notably sub-Saharan Africa. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the experience of employees who are living with HIV/AIDS with regard to the care and support they receive in their various workplaces and to determine how care and support can be enhanced in workplaces. The study design was qualitative, descriptive, explorative and contextual since there was a central question which needed explanation from employees who are living with HIV/AIDS with regard to the care and support that they receive from their different workplaces. Non-probability purposive sampling was used. Data were collected using a phenomenological approach involving interviews and data were analyzed using an open-coding method. Findings revealed that the participant employees received some form of support from managers, but also experienced negative attitudes and discrimination from co-workers after disclosure of their HIV-positive status. These experiences precipitated emotional pain and a sense of insecurity among participants. The study recommended the adoption of best practices in workplaces, promotion of HIV/AIDS education, prevention, counselling, designing HIV/AIDS policies and making the workplace positive and accepting.
Open Access
Strategies for enhancing the competence of lay counsellors that provide voluntary HIV counselling and testing programme in the Mopani District, Limpopo Province, South Africa
(2015-02-03) Ramalepe, Mankuba Jacobeth; Khoza, L. B.; Maputle, M. S.
HIV counselling and testing has been recognised as an important component of HIV and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) care and support, and is an essential part of HIV testing. In South Africa a commonly used model for counselling for HIV and AIDS in health facilities is performed by lay counsellors. In many countries Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) has been found to be effective in reducing HIV infection, and helping partners to cope with illness. The use of lay counsellors is a way of scaling up VCT uptake services. Lay counsellors are trained and supervised by Non-Governmental Organizations working in partnership with the government Department of Health. The trained lay counsellors work alongside health professional in public health clinics and hospitals. The purpose of the study was to develop strategies to enhance the competence of the lay counsellors implementing VCT in the health facilities of Mopani District, Limpopo Province. The findings of the study were used to develop strategies to enhance the competence of lay counsellors when implementing VCT programme. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used in this study. The qualitative study assisted the researcher to develop an understanding of the phenomenon as it exists in the real world. The research was conducted in the health facilities of the Mopani Districts, Greater Tzaneen, Greater Letaba and Baphalaborwa. The population consisted of lay counsellors implementing VCT in the health facilities. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview tool for Focus Group Discussions and individual interviews, and a structured checklist for observational sessions. Data collected from focus groups and from individual interviews were analysed qualitatively through the open coding method. Data from the structured observational checklist were analysed using the SPSS Version 15 to obtain frequency distributions and percentages. Ethical clearance was submitted together with the research proposal to the Limpopo Department of Health and Social Development Research Ethics Committee. All lay counsellors signed informed consent form before they could participate in the study. The researcher obtained permission to conduct the study from Mopani District Department of Health and Social Development and supervisors of the clinics. The research results revealed that lay counsellors were proficient in implementing the basic competencies of the VCT programme; however, they lacked some important counselling skills and knowledge of processes that should be implemented when counselling clients. The researcher recommends that regular in-service training, supervision, mentoring and monitoring should be implemented to increase the competence of lay counsellors. Based on the findings of this study, strategies were developed to improve the competence of lay counsellors.

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