Thesis( MPH.) -- University of Limpopo, 2021 / Title: The Perceptions of Postgraduate Students About Female Condoms at The University of Limpopo Background: The female condom is one of the safest and effective female-initiated methods of contraceptives that has been promoted as an integral part of inventions that provide protection against the widespread of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and other Sexual Transmitted Infections among the youth, including at institutions of higher learning. A number of university students in South Africa are at risk of contracting HIV because of their risky sexual behaviours. How one perceives the female condom can have greater potential to influence its use. There is a gap in literature about this condom. Therefore, this study seeks to understand and document perceptions of postgraduate students about the female condom at the University of Limpopo. Objectives: To explore demographic characteristics of postgraduate students at the University of Limpopo regarding female condoms. To describe perceptions of postgraduate students at the University of Limpopo about female condoms. Methods: The study used the qualitative research approach. Participants of the study were full-time male and female postgraduate students at the University of Limpopo. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, participants were interviewed one by one using an interview guide. The sample size of the study was 10 participants which was determined by saturation of data. An audiotape was also used to record interviews with participants, and field notes were also taken during the interview. Data was analysed through Thematic Content Analysis. Results: Literature suggests that students are aware of the female condom and its potential to reduce the risk of contracting HIV and STI but are still reluctant to use it in preference of the MC which is well marketed and promoted. The observed discarding and misuse of female condoms among students is associated with lack of knowledge and their perceptions of it. Although this study does not generalise the overall students’ perceptions regarding the female condom, but as a qualitative research, the study provides a useful qualitative enquiry of postgraduate students at the University of Limpopo about the female condom. Conclusion: Many studies have concluded that a female condom is a female-initiated method that is developed to empower and educate women to take control of their sexual health issues as well as to develop other programmes that prioritise women against HIV/AIDS and other STI. There is a need for effective interventions and campaigns to improve student knowledge in order to minimise wasteful expenditure in the process of the procurement and distribution of female condoms. There is also a need to increase the availability and accessibility of these condoms at institutions of higher learning.

The purpose of the study was to explore the factors that contribute to poor academic achievement in TVET Colleges in the North West Province. A qualitative method of one-on-one interviews was utilised to collect data from participants. The study revealed that poor funding or late payment of NSFAS constitutes the demotivation of students, which results to poor performance. On the other hand, the lecturers also blame the poor results on students’ lack of motivation. The quality of students that register for NC(V) programmes do not match the curriculum as the mainstream schools do not adequately prepare them for the college curriculum. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that the top achieving students be awarded with incentives to motivate them. The NSFAS Bursaries ought to pay-out early in the year so that students may have enough funds for their transport and other college related needs. The students’ support services ought to be made available for the low performing students. / Educational Management and Leadership / M. Ed. (Education Management)

A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Communication Science at the University of Zululand, 2003. / This study begins by investigating the development of cellular technology as within the overall convergence of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT's). The study briefly sketches its scope and extent in South Africa and the African continent. It examines the various communication functions of cellular technology and investigates the uses to which these functions are put, and examines the concept of praxis in this connection. As a case study, it examines the use of cellular phones by students at the main campus of the University of Zululand. A survey is carried out and comparisons to international and national trends of cellular phone usage are referred to, and students' attitudes towards its use by lecturers and administration are probed. In conclusion, recommendations are made concerning the use of cellular phones for communication purposes and for further research.

Thesis (M. A. (Criminology and Criminal Justice)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022 / The purpose of this study is based on an evaluation of community safety initiatives for student safety in the Limpopo Province, South Africa. The aim of this study was to evaluate community safety initiatives for student safety at the University of Limpopo (UL). Whereas, the objectives of this study were) as follows: (1) To determine whether the community safety initiatives for the safety of UL students are able to work together to combat crimes, (2) To assess the challenges associated with community safety initiatives for students’ safety at UL and; (3) To analyse crime prevention strategies, as employed by community safety initiatives to ensure the students’ safety at UL. This was done to determine whether the community safety initiatives for the safety of UL students are able to work together to combat crimes, to assess the challenges associated with community safety initiatives for students’ safety and to analyse crime prevention strategies, as employed by community safety initiatives to ensure the students’ safety at UL. This study employed a phenomenological research design and qualitative research approach, with other related methodologies to achieve the stated aim and objectives. While using non-probability sampling techniques, namely, purposive and snowball sampling techniques, Thirteen (13) participants were selected for the study. Data was collected using semi-structured, in-depth interviews and open unstructured interviews following an interview schedule guide. The collected data was analysed and interpreted using qualitative phenomenological data analysis, coupled with inductive Thematic Content Analysis (TCA). A recording device (Cellphone) was used to aid the data collection procedures and for safe-keeping purposes. This study shows that students face serious crimes which affect their daily lives and which escalate to the community afterwards, i.e. crimes such as rape, sexual harassment, sexual assault, house breaking, and robbery; and that most students became victims of such pointed crimes. Findings from the research showed that such crimes affected the daily lives of students and the community as a whole. The study further illustrates that community safety initiatives, together with UL safety and security, are doing all they can to ensure the safety of the students. vi It is recommended that the safety of the students is an important priority for the UL management and the community of Mankweng as a whole. Moreover, the UL students should work together to combat crimes affecting them and the immediate community. It is envisaged that this proposed working relationship will allow them, together with other relevant stakeholders, to assess available challenges associated with community safety initiatives for students’ safety at UL and to analyse the effectiveness of crime prevention strategies, as employed to ensure the safety of these students, whether reactive or proactive. It is also noted that the UL Department of Safety and Security is doing its best to ensure that all students who reside on-and-off campus are kept safe at all times even though it is not easy to protect everywhere where the students reside.

Thesis (Ph.D. (Psychology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022 / Students who transition from school to tertiary institutions can experience stressors which lead to anxiety and depression. This can be alleviated by exercise. Limited research has been undertaken about exercise and the alleviation of depression amongst tertiary education students in South Africa. The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of exercise on depression, anxiety, and self-esteem on first-year students registered at the University of Venda (UNIVEN). A quantitative approach using a cross-sectional survey design was used. The study sample consisted of 320 randomly selected first-year students, 160 students who exercised regularly and 160 students who did not exercise at all. Data was collected using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE), The Becks Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and the Becks Depression Inventory-11 (BDI-11). The study was theoretically underpinned by the trans theoretical model (TTM). Data analysis used both non-inferential and inferential statics that is, descriptive statistics, multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and logistic regression analysis. The findings supported those found in previous research, both locally and internationally. The hypotheses of this study were fully supported by the results. Results pertaining to age and gender in this study revealed that there were no significant differences in scores. Additionally, respondents that had higher levels of anxiety, due to not exercising, were linked to pre-contemplation in the TTM. It was determined that these respondents were not aware of exercise as an intervention to enhance their overall well-being and mental health. Generally, the research contributes to understandings of the impact of exercise as an intervention in mental health challenges in first year tertiary education students. The exercise guidelines developed out of this research will help the Department of Education (DoE), UNIVEN and tertiary institutions generally in providing exercise interventions to undergraduate students in the tertiary education sector / National Research Foundation (NRF)

Thesis (M.A. (Clinical Psychology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022 / Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a serious global health challenge, which if left untreated, may threaten an individual’s health. The challenge regarding the prevention of STI transmission is the asymptomatic nature of STIs during their early stages. Hence, STI testing is vital in tackling the devastating impact of STIs. The Health Belief Model (HBM) provided a lens through which to understand the study as it provides a basis upon which to predict health behaviours. The study employed a qualitative research method. The study aimed to explore University of Limpopo students’ perceptions towards STI testing. The objectives of the study were (1) to establish the perceptions of second-year Psychology students at the University of Limpopo towards STI testing, and (2) to determine the importance of testing for STIs among second-year Psychology students at the University of Limpopo. The study purposively sampled 15 second-year Psychology students at the University of Limpopo. It was found that the participants were knowledgeable about STI testing. The study revealed psychological effects associated with STI testing ranging from anxiety-related attacks, stress, depression, and insomnia, among others. It further revealed important aspects learned about STI testing, i.e. that some STIs are curable, early detection facilitate early treatment, and STIs are not a myth. The importance of STI testing was also determined. It was also noted that it is important to know one’s health status to prevent mother-to-child transmission and health consequences. The study further established the experiences of STI testing, such as anxiety, stress, feeling embarrassed, ashamed, and overwhelmed. In addition, it was found that students are reluctant to test for STIs because of low-risk perception of contracting STIs, the fear of receiving positive test results, lack of knowledge, stigma, and the judgemental attitude of health professionals. The findings also revealed that students consider testing to be a good health behaviour, although the majority of them rarely consult for STI testing. Constructive counselling is highly recommended for those who consult for STI testing. It is further recommended that future research should be conducted in other universities with broader sample size.

The dropout of students funded by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a perennial problem in many higher education institutions (HEIs) in South Africa. Despite this, little research has been conducted to investigate this phenomenon, and this study sought to address this gap by investigating the dropout of NSFAS-funded students from HEIs in Northern Gauteng. The study adopted a qualitative methodology and a phenomenological design to explore the lived experiences of students who dropped out of HEIs. Thirty-one NSFAS-funded students, three senior management officials from three HEIs and one NSFAS senior official were purposively selected to form part of the study. Semi-structured interviews, document analysis and observations were utilised as reseach instruments and interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was employed to analyse data. The findings of the study established that a lack of support for students, and personal, socioeconomic, institutional and health factors contributed to the dropout of students from HEIs. It was further established that the majority of students who dropped out did so because of the inefficient operations of NSFAS and the new student-centred model. The study also found that insufficient funding, late allocation of funds, stringent NSFAS requirements, lack of communication, late payment or nonpayment of allowances contributed to students’ dropout. To address these shortfalls, the study recommends that the student-centred model should be overhauled and replaced with an integrated system including departments such as DOH, SARS, DSD and DOL to identify students who are eligible for funding and assist in the efficient administration of NSFAS. It is further recommended that funding administered by both the national and provincial government departments be centralized and administred by the NSFAS to circumvent double dipping. Finally, it is recommended that students who fall within the R0 – R350,000 per annum household income category including SASSA beneficiaries be flagged by the system to automatically qualify for funding. / Educational Management and Leadership / D. Ed. (Education Management)

The main purpose of this study was to examine the use of mobile phones by Generation Y students in the city of Johannesburg in order to increase understanding of this segment's consumer behaviour. Generation Y is an important market segment in that it is making more independent purchase-related decisions and has a large amount of disposable income. The primary data for this study is based on focus group interviews and a quantitative study of a sample of 200 Generation Y tertiary students. Some of the findings are as follows: * Generation Y's use of mobile phones: Generation Y respondents have owned a mobile phone for between three to five years; the majority own Nokia mobile phones, are on prepaid packages and are not big spenders on airtime; furthermore, SMS is seen as the most cost-effective way to communicate. * Competition in the mobile phone market: The perceptions of this segment are that Vodacom is the "cool" operator, MTN is the most "expensive" network operator and Cell C is "cheap and youthful". * Mobile phone brand awareness: Nokia was the most cited brand of mobile phone and was found to be the first choice of many of the respondents. Samsung was reported as the second most cited brand with Motorola, Siemens and Sony Ericsson following. The results have implications for network providers, handset manufacturers and marketers alike as they will ultimately improve these stakeholder's chances of marketing effectively to this dynamic youth market. / Business Management / M. Comm. (Business Management)

This dissertation is a report on a study to investigate the design and development of a digital information literacy program (DILP) for an academic library. The study is concerned with the exploration of the generic profile of the South African student at higher education institutions. The criteria for a digital information literacy program were also established. Based on the criteria and the profile of the students, the digital information literacy program was designed and developed. The research objectives were to * determine a generic profile of the South African student (as a member of Generation Y). * determine the criteria for an information literacy programme (ILP). * determine the criteria that a digital information literacy program should comply with (based on the criteria for a ILP). * design a digital information literacy program by documenting the elements and principles of design, navigation features, site architecture, etcetera. * develop a digital information literacy program by documenting the specific learning objectives and content and creating the Web based program. The study comprises a qualitative research approach and is concerned with the qualities and the characteristics of a phenomenon for better understanding and explanation. A critical analysis of reported research and literature forms the foundation of the study. The design and development of a digital information literacy program were based on the guidelines for Web based instruction in academic libraries. The results of the research enabled the researcher to design and develop the digital information literacy program, by integrating the following: * Characteristics of Generation Y * The criteria for a digital information literacy program * Factors important for designing in a Web environment, namely interactivity, site architecture, navigation features, principles of design, elements of design, incorporating media and learner levels * Authoring, technical aspects and the evaluating and testing of the prototype. The digital information literacy program is designed to provide academic libraries at higher education institutions with a product - a Web published CD - that they can use as is, or adapt according to their specific needs or circumstances, in order to support their students' digital information literacy skills. / Information Science / M.Tech.Information Technology

Text in English / Climate change has become part of daily conversations for scholars and activists. Everyone feels entitled to an opinion on either the causes or the prescriptions of mitigation measures. Very few question the ontological existence of climate change or wonder whether their perceptions are pre-empted by over-arching metanarratives or discourses articulated elsewhere. The impact of media and other sources of information on people’s perceptions of climate change are often taken for granted. By using discourse theory, this study aims to uncover taken-for-granted metanarratives within environmentally oriented university Honours student’s perceptions of climate change. These students are majoring in the key areas of Environmental Management studies. It aims at assessing whether their perceptions are, consciously or inadvertently, mis (aligned) to any climate change discourses. In discourse theory, Laclau and Mouffe (1985) argued that within a particular knowledge domain, there are several meaning-conferring articulations (discourses) in a struggle of fixing meaning for particular social events and activities. As such, each discourse aims at negating alternative meanings from alternative discourses and naturalising its own interpretations. Within a particular discourse, actors (individuals or groups) are interpellated i.e. defined within specific confines of action and articulations. This study uses this discourse theory to test these hypotheses. As such, the study came up with three conclusions. First, there is a metanarrative of climate change realism, in which the ontological reality of climate change is taken as a given, with no attempt at individual reflection on its ontology. Secondly, the respondents held a mediated concept of climate change, in which their views largely mirror the conceptualisations of the media and other information sources. Lastly, there is an overarching climate-change aversion metanarrative, in which climate change is regarded as negative, without any distinction between its causes and effects. / Development Studies / M.A. (Development Studies)