Abstract:
The aim of the study was to explore the impact of nyaope among the youth in the rural
communities of Thulamela Municipality. The study adopted qualitative approach and
exploratory research design. Population of the study were from Itsani, Maniini and Muledane
villages in Thulamela municipality, both males and females, 18-31 and who were involved in
the use of nyaope. Non-probability purposive and snowball sampling methods were adopted
because participants who use nyaope are hard to locate. The total number of participants (8)
who formed part of the study was determined by data saturation. Semi-structured interviews
were used as a method of data collection. To ensure trustworthiness, pre-testing of the
instrument was conducted to identify any potential problems. Credibility, transferability and
conformability was well considered. Thematic data analysis was employed since the
researcher was more involved in interpretation of collected data, thematic analysis enabled
the researcher to capture complex meaning.
