(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2012-03) Modinger, Joan; Thesnaar, C. H.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In South Africa young women in the age group 10 – 24 are the largest group infected with HIV.
Those most at risk are young women living in South African townships where a multitude of
factors reinforce the possibility of them becoming infected. Once infected, they are often
abandoned or left alone, with no support system.
This thesis uses the following four tasks of Practical Theology,
- the descriptive-empirical task: Priestly listening,
- the interpretive task: Sagely wisdom,
- the normative task: Prophetic discernment and
- the pragmatic task: Servant leadership,
to analyze how pastoral group care could help these young women. The problem is investigated
and set into the reality of Khayelitsha, a township in Cape Town.
By offering young women the possibility of belonging to a peer group, they are met within their
cultural and social system. As the members of the group are all HIV positive, the stigma which
often prevents people from socializing or talking about their sickness, is removed.
The important role of the leader of such a group is also investigated.