Thesis (M.A. (Social Work)) --University of Limpopo, 2018 / This paper examines factors militating against social workers’ endeavours to undertake postgraduate studies. The model of Maintaining Professional Competence was considered to guide the study with a sample of ten (10) participants who were all interviewed face-to-face in Driekop (Sekhukhune District), Limpopo Province (RSA). An interview guide was utilised in the foregoing. Content Thematic Analysis was used to make sense of the findings. The findings indicate that social workers’ aspirations to improve their qualifications are hampered by the following impediments: heavy workloads and family commitments; financial constraints due to meagre remuneration; lack of motivation and poor prestige of the profession fueled by little or no consideration of postgraduate qualifications by employers; and poor reading habits and lack of information on postgraduate sponsors. Despite the aforementioned barriers, social workers acknowledged the value of postgraduate education in their lives. Given these findings, the researcher recommends that: • Postgraduate qualifications in social work need to be incentivised. • Social work salaries need to be improved/commensurate with qualifications, and competitive incentives provided as well. • Social workers’ heavy workloads need to be reviewed. • Social workers need to make efforts to inculcate reading habits amongst themselves. • Social workers must strive to balance work and family commitments to make time for further studies. • Social workers as well as their employers should seek or source scholarships for post-graduate studies.

Thesis (M. A. (English)) --University of Limpopo, 2018 / Assessment of English Second Language (ESL) science learners’ presentation skills is an area which has not received sufficient attention over the years. This is pertinent to both learners and educators. The study set out to assess (ESL) science learners’ presentation skills in Driekop Circuit, Limpopo Province. Science learners and ESL educators in this rural area were assessed quantitatively as well as qualitatively; the learners’ oral and report writing skills, and the educators’ assessment skills were assessed, respectively. On the whole, the learners and educators lack presentation skills and as a result, need support in a number of respects. The teaching learning environment of these learners compounds the situation; it remains dire. Therefore, some intervention, in this domain, by the Department of Education could be imperative.

Thesis (M. Ed.) -- University of Limpopo, 2021 / This study reports on factors influencing a decline of learner’s enrolment in commercial subjects: a case of Driekop circuit in Limpopo province. The study followed a qualitative research methodology underpinned by a case study design. The uncertainty reduction theory by Berger and Calabre (1983) guided the study. The aim of the study was to investigate the factors influencing learner enrolment in commercial subjects in Driekop Circuit and the sample of participants was comprised of eight teachers and twenty leaners from four secondary schools. Data were collected through interviews and document analysis. The finding of the study revealed a number of factors influencing learners enrolment in commercial subjects which includes; i). leaners’ ability in the subject, ii) peer pressure, iii) the influence of teachers and school managers, and iv) learners’ misconceptions about commercial subjects. The study makes a number of recommendations: Firstly, leaners should be advised, guided and supported in their decision making. Secondly, aptitude and interest tests should be taken, and thirdly appropriate interventions from professionals should be sought by schools.