Browsing by Author "Hoosain, Shanaaz"

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    Exploring the lived experiences of those who attended gender-based violence prevention community theatre in Delft
    (2024) Nqinileyo, Themba; Hoosain, Shanaaz
    The year 2023 marks the 29th year since South Africa's first democratic elections in 1994. Close to three decades into democracy, violence persists in our society at an unimaginable scale. This research study explores the lived experiences of those who attended a gender-based violence (GBV) prevention community theatre in Delft. The study presents lived experiences and the meanings attached to those experiences from the perspectives of audience members. Supplementarily, the study explored audience members' definition of GBV and GBV prevention and looks at the contribution of community theatre to GBV prevention. The study used a qualitative approach and a phenomenological design. Data were collected through indepth, face-to-face interviews of 19 participants (ages 18–47 years, mean age = 26) selected from two different recruitment groups; fifteen participants were audience members from the Delft community and four were social service providers in the Delft community working in victim empowerment programs. Data was analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA). Data analysis revealed five areas of interest: audience experiences; community theatre as GBV prevention tool; understanding GBV and GBV prevention; challenges faced by victims of GBV; and GBV victim support.
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    Exploring the perceptions of local residents regarding homelessness in the Strandfontein community
    (2023) Chandler, Chernay; Hoosain, Shanaaz
    This study aimed to explore the perceptions of Strandfontein residents regarding homelessness in their community. The study employed a qualitative research design, specifically an exploratory approach, through face-to-face semi-structured interviews to gain rich insights and an understanding of residents' views regarding homelessness in their community. The interviews were conducted with twenty (20) residents who have lived in the Strandfontein community for more than five (5) years. The sample consisted of fourteen (14) females and six (6) males, selected through purposeful and snowball sampling methods. The findings of the study revealed a diverse range of attitudes and beliefs among community residents regarding homelessness. Some residents demonstrated empathy, tolerance, and acceptance of homeless individuals, acknowledging the collective responsibility of the community to support people experiencing homelessness. These individuals recognised the complex societal factors contributing to homelessness. Conversely, other residents emphasised homeless individuals' responsibility. However, it was observed that participants' limited knowledge and indirect experiences, influenced by second-hand information or media portrayals, shaped their perceptions of homelessness, leading to misconceptions and biased views. Additionally, in some instances, participants attributed their perceptions to direct interactions between homeless individuals and residents. However, for most, these interactions reinforced negative stereotypes and highlighted the importance of informed and compassionate interactions. Interestingly, despite these variations in perspective, residents held contradictory views. They recognised the need to help homeless individuals while simultaneously attributing homelessness to individual choices. Furthermore, despite being open to integration, practical guidance and information on effective community engagement were lacking. Based on the study's findings and participant suggestions, several recommendations were proposed to address homelessness and foster social integration. In light of these findings, the following actions should be considered. Firstly, targeted stakeholder interventions should be implemented to address bias and attitudes towards homelessness. This can be achieved by enhancing the presence of social services within communities and promoting collaboration among stakeholders, ensuring comprehensive support and effective solutions. Furthermore, the establishment of representative community committees, with active participation from homeless individuals, can provide a platform for ongoing dialogue, problem-solving, and collective decision-making. Additionally, raising awareness and providing education to community members and homeless individuals can significantly combat misconceptions and build empathy within the community. This is done through skills development workshops and reintegration programmes.