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Preaching in small groups to stimulate church planting
Full text linkDoctor of Philosophy in Theology with Missiology, North-West University-- Potchefstroom CampusThis study evaluated three aspects of pastoral practice which, when applied together, serve as a healthy model for the expansion of the kingdom of God. The first aspect is the preaching of the word of God as a basis for church planting; the second, small groups as a methodology for church planting; and the third, church planting as a result. In recent years, small groups have been a very common component of the church’s work of evangelism. Small groups are made up of individuals who share the same beliefs and goals. While there are many pragmatic approaches within the church planting movement, making preaching the basis for missionary expansion is arguably the best way to expand the kingdom of Christ. The purpose of this study is to affirm that the preaching of the word of God is essential for missionary expansion, especially in the work of church planting. There is a need to return to the central duty of the church, which is proclaiming the glory of God through preaching, in order to create new churches. The goal of planting churches is to glorify God and produce healthy churches. Therefore, the glory of God through the missionary effort is what leads to the multiplication of new churches. This missionary action must be intentional, and preaching in small groups is the intentional strategy for carrying out this work
What was missed in child protection responses during COVID-19? Perceptions of professionals from various countries
Full text linkJournal Article. COMPRES research entity, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark CampusBackground: The COVID-19 pandemic increased the likelihood of child maltreatment and made already difficult circumstances for children and their families much worse. This increased the significance of the child protection system's role in responding to child maltreatment and ensuring children's rights, including their right to a safe life without violence. Unfortunately, accumulating evidence has indicated that the rates of child maltreatment increased during the pandemic.
Objective: The current study sought to identify the gaps within child protection responses in various countries during the COVID-19 pandemic and to discover how we can respond to crises in the future while preserving children's rights, including their right to protection from maltreatment.
Method: Five focus groups with a total of 47 professionals working with children from various countries were conducted via Zoom and analyzed using a thematic approach.
Results: Three main themes were identified: 1) gaps in policies, 2) gaps in practice, and 3) professionals' messages to improve policy and practice.
Conclusions: This study emphasizes what was missed in child protection policy and practice, highlighting the continuous neglect of children's needs and voices within policies, practices and guidelines worldwide during the pandemic. Professionals' recommendations for policy and practice are also discussed
The place, role, and task of religion in education: Human rights considerations and challenges
Full text linkThis article departs from the standpoint that the place, role, and task of religion in public schools need reconsideration. Present policies rooted in secularism or the accommodation of a variety of confessional religions in schools are deficient in several respects, among others that the essence of religion, its presence in contemporary societies, and its role in the lived experiences of people have not been sufficiently recognised. Furthermore, the purpose and role of education are not adequately considered, and non-Western contexts are not sufficiently reckoned with. Attention should also be given to the current fixation of the scholarly discourse on the role of religion as an instrument for establishing and maintaining state hegemony. Human rights considerations demand, instead, a greater focus on religion in education as an instrument for strengthening the moral fibre of society and for creating social cohesion. To this end, the dynamic nature of religion and the increasing religious diversity in modern society and public schools need to be reconsidered. This has to be done within the framework of what is referred to as the current widely recognised creed of human rights
Mental health among high school students in South Africa: Roles of childhood adversity, bullying behaviour, peer pressure, and selfesteem
Full text linkJournal Article. School of Psycho-Social Education, Faculty of Education, North-West University, Mahikeng,We explored the relationship between childhood adversity, bullying, peer pressure, self-esteem, and mental health among South African high school students Adolescents (n = 769, mean age = 15 83 years, SD = 1 85 years, range = 12–22 years) completed a cross-sectional survey Based on descriptive analyses, 31 3% of participants experienced no distress, 65 1% experienced mild distress, and 3 5% experienced severe distress Results indicated significant positive correlations between childhood adversity and bullying with mental health challenges, while peer pressure served as a mediator in these relationships No significant indirect effects involving self-esteem were observed Both sex and grade level demonstrated positive correlations with mental health issues, suggesting specific demographic influences on these outcomes The study’s findings underscore the intricate interplay of factors affecting adolescents’ mental health, emphasising the necessity of
targeted interventions to address these complex dynamics effectivel
A human resource development approach for the effective implementation of Section 139 interventions: The case of the JB Marks Local Municipality
Full text linkMaster of Arts in Public Management and Governance, North-West University-- PotchefstroomAccording to the Auditor-General, the status quo for 2024, was that the North-West province is home to the worst governed and the greatest number of dysfunctional municipalities in the Republic of South Africa. Section 139 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, makes provision for provincial governments to intervene in municipalities which do not fulfil its executive obligations. Premised on the aforementioned the main objective of the dissertation was the development of a Human Resource Development (HRD) approach to enhance the implementation of Section 139(1) (b) interventions in the JB Marks Local Municipality (JBMLM). This dissertation is underpinned by the Human Capital Theory, Contingency Theory and Systems Theory. The dissertation was qualitative in nature. Qualitative research is suitable to this study as an approach to gather data in a natural setting (the JBMLM), as well as to gain insight and understanding on the ineffectiveness of Section 139 interventions by establishing the experiences, views, perceptions and attitudes of the participants, as well as the potential enhancement of these interventions through a HRD approach. The descriptive research approach was used to factually and informatively describe Section 139 interventions, its nature and characteristics, as well as the purpose, characteristics and results of HRD. Moreover, in this study, explanatory research was used to explain the reasons for the ineffectiveness of Section 139(1)(b) interventions, the advantages of using an HRD approach, and the relationship between a HRD approach and the more effective implementation of Section 139(1)(b) of the Constitution 1996 interventions. This study used personal semi-structured interviews for the collection of primary data and extracted, analysed and communicated secondary data obtained from a literature review. The major findings of the study were that Section 139(1)(b) of the Constitution 1996 is implemented ineffectively, not only at the JBMLM but all over the local government sphere of the Republic of South Africa (RSA). Essentially, the experience of the JBMLM coincided with previous experiences recorded in the literature of municipalities under administration. The study recommends a thirteen-step process, when a municipality is placed under administration. The HRD approach encompasses the following:
Step 1: Supervision; Step 2: Engage with the municipality; Step 3: Advise; Step 4: Monitor and supervise; Step 5: Evaluate and report back; Step 6: Determine executive obligations not fulfilled; Step 7: Stakeholder engagement; Step 8: Brainstorm ideas; Step 9: Invoke Section 139(1)(b) of the Constitution 1996; Step 10: HRD approach during the implementation of the intervention; Step 11: Execute the implementation plan; Step 12: Evaluate and provide feedback; Step 13: Monitor and supervise.Master
A study of the performance practice of the Lozi and Nkoya silimba traditions of Western Zambia
Full text linkMaster of Music in Musicology, North-West University-- Potchefstroom CampusThis study investigates the silimba traditions of the Lozi and Nkoya people of western Zambia, focusing on their historical, cultural and musical significance. As an indigenous xylophone, the silimba represents a rich cultural artefact deeply embedded in the political, social and ceremonial contexts of these communities. Despite its historical and cultural prominence, the silimba remains underrepresented in academic literature; overshadowed by better-documented African xylophones such as the Zimbabwean marimba and Mozambican timbila. This research addresses this gap by exploring the silimba’s role within royal ensembles, its construction and tuning systems and its integration into contemporary educational and performance contexts. The study adopts a qualitative ethnomusicological approach, combining participant observation, interviews and analysis of performance practices. It highlights the nuanced distinctions between Nkoya and Lozi silimba traditions, emphasizing the instrument's symbolic and musical versatility. The findings reveal the silimba’s dual function as a cultural and ceremonial instrument, underscoring its potential to bridge traditional heritage and modern musical innovation. A significant component of the research explores strategies for incorporating the silimba into Zambia’s music education curriculum, advocating for its use as a pedagogical tool to preserve and promote indigenous musical traditions. The study also examined the challenges of globalization and cultural tourism, which have constrained the silimba to a primarily symbolic role, limiting its broader musical potential. This study contributes to the preservation and revitalization of Zambia's musical heritage, offering pathways for cultural sustainability and global appreciation of indigenous African xylophones by positioning the silimba as a dynamic instrument with applications beyond its traditional framework.Master
Teachers’ perspectives on strategies for the moral regeneration of secondary school learners in Gauteng Province, South Africa
Full text linkDoctor of Philosophy in Special Needs Education, North-West University, Potchefstroom CampusSouth African society and schools have been at the crossroads for a long time, facing the turmoil of moral degeneration. There is an urgent need to find and effect solutions to redress the moral crisis. The depravity of values and destructive behaviour have reached a level where the entire teaching profession is under threat of collapse and intervention is required. The origins of the Moral Regeneration Movement was initiated in June 1997 by the late State President, Nelson Mandela, and aimed to address the degeneration of South Africa into a ‘moral slum’. Moral regeneration would confront crime, women and child abuse, domestic violence, alcohol and drug abuse, drug trafficking, and corruption through a principled commitment to a Code of Conduct (Richardson, 2003:5-7). Moral apathy left a vacuum where none of the objectives were addressed, leading to a tacit acceptance of unacceptably high levels of moral degeneration. An inclination for the regeneration of this vision of Nelson Mandela provided the impetus for this study, which explored teachers’ lived experiences of moral de/regeneration of secondary school learners, gaining insights on how strategy development for moral regeneration could be optimised in South African secondary schools. A qualitative research approach situated in an interpretive phenomenological paradigm was adopted. The sites selected for the study were ten schools within five education districts of the Gauteng province, South Africa. The methodology comprised the purposeful sampling of teachers within these schools along with semi-structured interviews to generate data; thematic data analysis was employed. Methods of ensuring trustworthiness, as well as the necessary detail to ethical considerations, were emphasised. Implementation was made of the normative paradigm of interpretivism to generate new knowledge by through the lived experiences of secondary school teachers. Exploration of teachers’ experiences lead to the findings where four broad themes emerged of moral degeneration in secondary schools. Themes centred on these aspects: teachers’ views on morals and moral degeneration; challenges in facilitating a value-based education; evolving discourses on morality; and strategies for moral regeneration. Discoveries in theme four were incorporated into the strategy development for the moral regeneration of secondary schools in South Africa. The conceptual and theoretical framework revealed the importance of positioning the conceptual model in a value landscape, and played a significant role in the development of a value-based education framework. Considering the complexity and interrelation of concepts, the purpose of moral mechanisms, principles of human morality and moral character traits, moral foundations theory and reasoning, the pillar approach and moral reasoning, moral prototypes and the model for moral motives were considered for the seven strategies developed. Each of the seven strategies contributed towards the development of a value-based education framework. There is much literature about the moral complexities within the education system and how moral deterioration is mainly responsible for the regression of learners’ behaviour. Most research studies have focused on the problem, and how unruly, disrespectful and disobedient behaviour negatively affects the teaching and learning environments in school contexts. A dearth of strategies exists in the intervention and provision of moral education. Exploring teachers’ experiences appear to have been overlooked in research on moral degeneration and the establishment of frameworks for moral development. The strategies developed in this study for the moral regeneration of secondary schools in South Africa is a contribution to the body of knowledge, aiming to promote moral regeneration of secondary school learners in South Africa. These seven strategies individually and collectively address moral degeneration, and aim to promote moral regeneration through the intentional implementation of each strategy. Each strategy has its own specific rationale for implementation, its role players, its methods of implementation, and its desired outcomes. These strategies contribute to a value-based education framework where important aspects are addressed, allowing the assimilation of core values to become embedded within the education system (at school and community level). The strategies create opportunities for training and involvement by important role players, allowing individuals to learn from one another and to engage in the fostering of moral turnaround. This study not only addresses the moral crisis within our education system, but provides a value-based education framework where the seven strategies developed aim to contribute to learners’ and teachers’ long-term ethical reasoning, their moral judgement and social interaction, and to the inculcation of positive attitudes. Nelson Mandela’s intention for initiating the Moral Regeneration Movement could possibly be partially achieved by implementing these strategies developed for a value-based education model in South African secondary schools
An implementation framework to facilitate a behavioural approach to domestic violence in South Africa
No full textDoctor of Philosophy in Public Management and Governance, North-West University-- Potchefstroom CampusThis study addressed the pervasive issue of violence against women in the Republic of South Africa (RSA), particularly focusing on the psychological factors driving domestic violence perpetrators. While previous research has largely centred on female victims and the prevalence of domestic violence, there has been a significant gap in understanding the motivations behind the actions of perpetrators and the lack of a structured framework to address these behaviours.
The study argues that the RSA government should take a more proactive role in not only enforcing existing legislation but also in addressing the root causes of domestic violence. The problem statement formulated for this research asserts that despite legislation aimed at curbing domestic violence, it remains widespread, and existing public policies do not effectively tackle the underlying behavioural issues associated with male perpetrators. An extensive literature review was conducted, beginning with an analysis of domestic violence and its various forms, followed by the establishment of a theoretical framework based on theories such as Culture of Violence, Social Learning, Family Systems, Feminist, and Patriarchy theories. Chapter 3 of this thesis delves into psychological theories explaining the violent behaviours of perpetrators, focusing on Cluster B personality disorders like Narcissistic, Borderline, Anti-Social, and Histrionic Personality Disorders. The study also established a statutory framework regarding domestic violence in the RSA. Chapter 4 reviews behavioural approaches to domestic violence, emphasizing models such as the Duluth Model, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. Utilizing a qualitative research approach with descriptive, explanatory, and case study design, the study involved semi-structured interviews with counsellors from the Department of Social
Development and NGOs working with domestic violence perpetrators. Participants were purposefully selected for their expertise and experience in this field. Key findings by the researcher revealed a significant link between specific personality disorders and violent behaviour, with many perpetrators originating from backgrounds characterized by violence. The study also indicated a lack of awareness among perpetrators regarding submission to attending of available intervention programs. In response to the gap in the Domestic Violence Act 116 of 1998, a proposed implementation framework for a behavioural approach to domestic violence was developed. The proposed behavioural implementation framework for domestic violence in RSA advocates for the involvement and rehabilitation of men who abuse women in intimate relationships. The proposed behavioural implementation framework identifies barriers as far as intimate partner violence is concerned and provides the effective and efficient solution thereof. Recommendations include amending the Domestic Violence Act to incorporate mandatory perpetrator intervention programs and criminalizing violent acts
A theoretical-conceptual framework for South African community radio as participatory media
Full text linkDoctor of Philosophy in Communication, North-West University-- Potchefstroom CampusThis thesis aims to develop a theoretical-conceptual framework for South African community radio as participatory media. Community radio stations, unlike commercial and public services media outlets, are endorsed by scholars in participatory communication in development communication as an ideal platform for individuals and communities to address development challenges and concerns as experienced on a local level. Scholars in community media studies
concur that community radio holds unique value and objectives in the larger media landscape. Equally, the legislation on community broadcasting in South Africa has differentiated community radio from other types of traditional broadcasting. It describes it as an accessible media that serves the public interest at a community level as stipulated through several key acts. All the above frames of community radio assert that it promotes people’s direct, active and
meaningful participation in problem identification and finding solutions. Despite these encouraging suppositions, community radio's participatory features cannot be successfully enacted if it is not thoroughly theorised from the foundational paradigm in which it is embedded: the participatory paradigm. This paradigm is considered the normative approach to examining and enacting development and social change initiatives. However, it is widely criticised for its
theoretical and conceptual fluidity and requires thorough theoretical and metatheoretical interrogation to present a more cohesive framework. This study thus examines it to present a unified metatheory of participatory communication to interrogate community radio’s potential as participatory media. An integrative, semi-systematic literature study identified four major assumptions that underpin this paradigm: participation, dialogue, culture, and empowerment.
This study also uses the rhizomatic approach of community media to conceptualise community radio and enhance the latter metatheory from a media studies perspective. Five South African community broadcasting acts were examined using these two frameworks. The main findings of this study indicate that while there are overlaps between the metatheory of participatory communication and the rhizomatic approach, several shortcomings, as found in the community broadcasting legislation, must be addressed for community radio to function fully as participatory media. This study thus formulated five normative assumptions to overcome these gaps and presented a final, synthesised theoretical-conceptual framework of community radio as participatory media. These assumptions relate to an increased emphasis on indigenous knowledge, subjective empowerment initiatives, fostering external partnerships, encouraging
cross-organisational collaborations, and the increased use of dialogic praxis methods in ensuring that community radio empowers its internships and the wider community. This theoretical conceptual framework will enhance the existing participatory ethos of South African community radio
Taxation of interest-free loans to trusts in estate planning
Full text linkMaster of Laws in Estate Law, North-West University-- Potchefstroom CampusInterest-free loans to trusts have emerged as an essential tool in South African estate planning, allowing individuals to reduce estate duty and efficiently transfer wealth to beneficiaries. These loans offer substantial tax advantages, yet they are fraught with complex legal and tax implications. While they are widely used to preserve family wealth and mitigate the financial impact of taxes, they also raise significant concerns, such as exposure to donations tax, capital gains tax (CGT), income tax, and the potential application of the General Anti-Avoidance Rules (GAAR). Through a combination of detailed theoretical analysis and a practical case study, this research investigates the implications of interest-free loans on estate planning strategies. It provides an exploration of the relevant tax laws, particularly focusing on provisions such as section 7C of the Income Tax Act, and GAAR, to determine whether these loans should be considered legitimate estate planning tools or if they may be classified as impermissible tax avoidance arrangements. The findings of this dissertation reveal that, while interest-free loans can be an effective means of reducing estate duty and preserving wealth, their potential to trigger unintended tax consequences cannot be overlooked. If not structured correctly, interest-free loans may fall foul of the tax laws, leading to donations tax liabilities. In particular, section 7C of the Income Tax Act could deem such loans to be donations if the loan is not charged at a market-related interest rate or, if the loan lacks commercial substance. This dissertation concludes by asserting that interest-free loans can continue to be a valuable estate planning tool, but their use must be carefully managed to avoid the risks of unintended tax liabilities. Estate planners must ensure that such loans are properly documented, structured in accordance with the law, and clearly demonstrate their purpose as a legitimate estate planning strategy. The research also highlights the importance of ongoing legal and tax advice in the context of an ever-evolving regulatory landscape