the Faculty of Education at the Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education

This work is dedicated to my beloved late parents, Masari-Azariel and Matseliso-Elsina who had intimate love for their children and who nurtured me to acknowledge God and developed in me the zeal for educational success. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the following individuals and institutions: My supervisor, Prof. N. Vreken, for his expert guidance and constant encouragement throughout the duration of this project. Colleagues and friends for their support, especially Messrs. M. Dladla, M. Mofokeng, M. Mohale and Mrs. Nomvula Molefe. Prof. R.I.M. Moletsane, for his undevoted love, encouragement and brotherly assistance in all my studies, particularly with regard to enhancing my understanding of communication. Prof. A.M. de Lange for editing the manuscript. the principals and teachers of schools where the research was conducted. The teachers and students at Molapo Secondary School. Mrs. S.C. de Bruyn for meticulously typing the manuscript. Mrs. R. Vreken for producing the tables, graphs and figures in such a professional and accurate manner. The Statistical Consultation Services of the PU for CHE for assistance with the statistical analyses