MSCAGR (Soil Science) / Department of Soil Science / Poultry manure (PM) is an inexpensive source of fertilizer but it decomposes quickly and releases carbon and greenhouse gases. Biochar (BC) could be an alternative source of carbon to improve soil quality and reduce greenhouse gas emission. This study investigated the effect of co-application of BC and PM on selected soil physical and chemical properties and performance of maize. A field experiment was conducted at the University of Venda experimental farm during 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 seasons. The experiment was a 4 x 3 factorial arrangement consisting of four rates of BC (0, 5, 10 and 20 t ha-1) and three rates of PM (0, 2, and 4 t ha-1) in a RCBD arrangement replicated three times. Maize was planted in both seasons. After harvest, soil bulk density was determined at four soil depths (0-5, 5-10, 10-15, and 15-20 cm), while aggregate stability and selected soil chemical properties were determined at two soil depths (0-15 cm and 15-30 cm). Data were subjected to ANOVA using Genstat 17th edition. The least significant difference was used to compare the treatment means at P < 0.05. Soil aggregate stability, organic carbon, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, maize dry matter and maize grain yield increased with increasing rates of BC and PM application at 0 - 15 cm depth in both seasons. The combination of BC at 20 t ha-1 and PM at 4 t ha-1 significantly (P < 0.05) decreased soil bulk density at 5 - 10 cm depth but increased soil available P and total N at the two depths in both seasons. The results of this study suggested that BC and PM improved soil ability to retain and supply nutrients through improved soil aggregate stability and reduced bulk density thereby improving maize dry matter and grain yield. Combining BC with PM proved to enhance the ability of soil to function by improving selected soil physical and chemical properties thereby improving maize dry matter and grain yield. / NRF

MA (Sociology) / Department of Sociology / Death and bereavement are sensitive issues experienced by all mortal species across the world. When death occurs, some individual are left bereaved. However, all societies have established cultural ways of mourning the dead as a way of healing the bereaved; although it seems the bereavement rituals are decided and performed without the bereaves consent. The aim of the study was to explore the experiences of death and bereavement amongst the young Vhavenda widows. The primary objectives of the study were to identify the challenges experienced by young Vhavenda widows in Vhembe District during the time of death and bereavement; establish whether these women are treated with respect, dignity, and compassion during the process of death and bereavement; understand the coping strategies they employed in dealing with death and bereavement and understand their expectations regarding the role to be played by the family and the community. Finally, the study sought to ascertain the overall impact of the process of death and bereavement on widow’s future lives. A qualitative research method was used to collect indepth data through unstructured interviews. The interviews were conducted using a purposeful sampling method among 13 young widows at Tshikombani village in Nzhelele in Vhembe District. Mbigi’s five finger theory of Ubuntu was employed as the main theory aligning with the study. The research findings indicated that most young widows are coerced into performing bereavement rituals while elders made decisions for some. Only one young widow did not have bereavement rituals performed on her. The Findings also indicate that the participants are not fully aware of their rights as women, wives and citizens of South Africa. These raises need for government institutions to address issues concerning human, women and marital rights to the widows specifically in the rural areas of South Africa. / NRF

MRDV / Institute for Rural Development / Given that successful enterprises globally, play pivotal roles in job creation, income generation, and sustainable livelihood, they can contribute to the economic development of South Africa if such activities are supported. Unfortunately, many youth-run enterprises fail in the first year of operation. This study distilled inherent success driving attributes which could provide learning points for future youth entrepreneurs. A mixed design was applied in which qualitative and quantitative data was gathered. Yamane’s (1973) formula was used to identify a sample of 140 youth entrepreneurs from Dididi, Dumasi, Hasane, and Botsoleni villages in Thulamela Local Municipality. Simple random sampling techniques were used to select the respondents. Open-ended and closed-ended questionnaires were used to collect data through one-on-one interviews. The analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 25, where descriptive statistics and other related inferential statistics were performed. Atlas-ti software version 8 was used to analyse the qualitative data. Five major factors, namely: survey, entrepreneurs’ standards, advertisements, clients, and employees and several attributes linked to each factor were identified. Entrepreneurs’ ability to explore existing markets, follow-up trends of innovation, and evaluate ideas were core attributes of survey. Youths’ potential to set goals and targets, make savings for reinvestments, and introduce new businesses were linked to entrepreneurs’ standards. Advertisements, skills to use social media, communicate with clients, and relate with other entrepreneurs were mentioned. Ability to follow up with clients, and give quality services at competitive price were the main attributes associated to clients, while the ability to define task and allocate duties, make timely and healthy payments were identified under employee factor. These attributes informed a model for the enhancement of success endogenous attributes of entrepreneurs. The study recommends the implementation of the model to enhance improved entrepreneurship capacity building through formal and informal education. / NRF

MPH / Department of Public Health / Condoms protect against unplanned pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, among all population groups including adolescents. Correct use of condoms prevents between 80% and 95% of HIV transmission. Furthermore, the usefulness of condoms in preventing pregnancy or STIs rests on the user. Thus, the possibility of pregnancy or STI transmission is greater when condoms are not utilised appropriately and regularly with every sexual act. The aim of the study was to determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices of high school learners on the use of condoms in the Greater Giyani Municipality. A quantitative, descriptive research design was used. The researcher used a probability-stratified random sampling method to select respondents from schools that were selected to participate in the study. A self-administered questionnaire consisting of close-ended questions was used to collect data. The questionnaires were given to learners to complete. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 24. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used during data analysis. Data are presented in charts and frequency tables. Most of the respondents were aged 15-17 years (57.8%). There were more female than male respondents in the study and most respondents lived with both parents (14.9%). There were more respondents in Grade 12 (37.3%) than in other grades: 27.7% of the respondents were in Grade 10, while 35% were in Grade 11. Most of the respondents (88.7%) knew that condoms offer protection against HIV/AIDS, STIs and pregnancy, but many held negative attitudes towards condoms (56.5%) because they thought that condoms reduced pleasure during sexual intercourse. The majority (77.3%) of the respondents had engaged in sex, and half of these (50%) sometimes used condoms when they engaged in sexual intercourse. Male respondents were found to have power over xiii their partners on the making of decisions regarding condom use. Peer pressure was found to be one of the most significant factors that influenced condom use. Parents and guardians of the respondents were discovered to have communicated about sexual issues with their children. High school learners should be encouraged to refrain from using substances such as alcohol, because when they are under the influence of these substances and engage in sexual intercourse they can be unwilling to use condoms . / NRF

MURP / Department of Urban and Regional Planning / Rural municipalities in South Africa have been grappling with delivering quality services to communities due to shrinking revenue bases over the last ten years. The study explored the relationship between consumer debt recovery and municipal service delivery in three selected municipalities in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province. The implications of revenue collection in rural areas was examined through the computation of the Coefficient Effect Size Model which aimed at proving whether rurality had an effect on payment of rates and taxes. A combination of Goal Achievement Matrix and Correlation Quotient analysis were used to explain the linkage between service delivery and the resource base of rural municipalities. The Rurality Quotient and the Coefficient Effect Size were both developed in the study to link the rurality nature of municipalities to the viability of rural municipalities to provide services. The review of literature incorporated an appraisal of municipal policy documents such as the Integrated Development Plans, Spatial Development Plans, Annual Budget Reports and Service Delivery Budget Implementation Plan. The study findings revealed that consumer debts resulted in rural municipalities failing to generate revenue thus affecting internal revenue pockets. Furthermore it was discovered that rural municipalities were recording a negative effect size as well as a negative Rurality Quotient thus proving that rurality directly affected the level of payment of services. The projection showed a significant probability of a steady increase in consumer debts in rural municipalities in the next ten years if the issues and challenges are not addressed effectively. Therefore a Rural Consumer Debt Recovery Framework tool was proposed to provide clear guidelines on how rural municipalities can deal with non-payment of rates and taxes. In addition to this a review and update of all revenue enhancement policies such as the Credit Control and Debt Collection Policy to match the changes occurring over time in rural municipalities is necessary to change the current status of revenue collection in municipalities. / NRF

MEd (Educational Management) / Department of Educational Management / This study set out to investigate the state of readiness for the implementation of inclusive education in Nzhelele West circuit secondary schools in Vhembe district. The aim of the study was to explore the state of secondary schools’ readiness in the implementation of inclusive education and suggests strategies that can contribute to the effective implementation thereof. The study is qualitative in nature and the focus of the study was Grade 8. Purposive sampling was used to select ten participants which include five principals and five Grade 8 teachers. Interviews and observations were used as data collection tools. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. The study findings revealed that the participants were aware of the importance of implementing inclusive education in secondary schools. The participants explained their roles towards the effective implementation of inclusive education. However, the study identified various challenges facing the teachers in effectively implementing inclusive education such as physical challenges, lack of support services and impracticable policies. The study further provided solutions to the challenges of implementing inclusive education in secondary schools. / NRF

MESHWR / Department of Hydrology and Water Resources / Siloam, a village in the Northern province of South Africa has groundwater reportedly characterised by concentration of fluoride greater than 1.5 mg/L permissible limit. Regional investigation has been done to determine the possible fluoride sources in the northern province of South Africa, but no localised investigation has been documented. The World Health Organization and South Africa National Standard permissible limit is 1.5 mg/L for a duration of time. Therefore, this study focuses on investigating the sources of fluoride in the groundwater of Siloam village in response to reported high incidences (80%) of dental fluorosis in Siloam village. This study also elaborates more on the hydrochemical and geochemical processes favouring the release of fluoride into the groundwater of Siloam village. Two (2) surface rocks, one (1) surface clay deposit, twelve (12) borehole cuttings and four (4) groundwater samples were used for this study. Temperature, total dissolved solids (TDS), conductivity (EC) and pH of the groundwater were determined using a combined multimeter because these parameters are proxy indicators of geogenic influence on groundwater fluoride concentration. Total fluoride in the groundwater samples and the leachates obtained during a leaching experiment were determined using Ion Chromatograph (IC) and Fluoride Ion Selective Electrode (FISE). X-ray fluorescence spectrometry is the most preferred method for rock analysis by earth scientists because it is faster and does not require ambiguous training on the part of the analyst, therefore, it is mostly the standard methods used in whole rock chemistry. Elemental composition and mineralogy were determined using X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. Clay, greywacke, argillaceous sedmients and basalt were analysed. Results obtained indicated that the groundwater fluoride concentration ranges from 3.92 to 4.95 mg/L, which are far above the WHO permissible limit and South African standard. Insitu temperature reading obtained ranges from 25 to 48°C thus classifying the groundwater to be hot and tepid. The groundwater pH ranges from 8.1 to 9.1 which indicates an alkaline water condition. The groundwater conductivity ranges from 330 to 730 μS/cm while the Total dissolved solids ranges from 130.12 to 423.07 mg/L. Groundwater proxy indicators showed geologic sources to be responsible for the high fluoride concentration in the groundwater of Siloam village. Hydrochemical investigation revealead that the mineralisation of groundwater in Siloam village is as a result of rock water interaction and the process of groundwater enrichment is through base ion exchange and reverse ion exchange. The dominant water type in the village was identified to be Na-Cl water type and the abundance of sodium (Na) is due to the heavy weathering of plagioclase of the parent rocks. Total fluoride content of the rocks and soils of the village ranges from 10 to 2000 mg/L. The leachable fluoride, however, ranged in concentration from 0.27 to 14.88 mg/L under induced temperature v and 0.05 to 10.40 mg/L without temperature. Mineralogical investigation revealed the abundance of smectite clay, which is known for its enrichment and leaching of fluoride into groundwater sources, thus, the research question and assumption about the possible source of fluoride and the assumption that fluoride increases downwards towards the aquifer were answered. Leaching experiments identified the main contributors of fluoride to groundwater in Siloam village as smectite clays and the muscovite present in the sandstone, greywacke and basalt. Time based leaching experiment, geochemical modelling and dating of different hydrogeological unit was recommended / NRF

PhD (Zoology) / Department of Zoology / Invertebrate diversity is often neglected in conservation planning initiatives. There are also very few large-scale diversity studies in Africa, with most studies being restricted to single properties and spatial extents that are on average not much larger than 30 km2. Here, we provide a comparative regional assessment, two orders of magnitude larger than usual (30 000 km2), of epigeal spider, beetle and millipede diversity in the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve – the largest biosphere reserve in South Africa, and one of the largest in Africa. Firstly we aim to provide an evaluation of the ability of a range of broad and fine scale predictors to explain the variation in the diversity of these taxa. Secondly, we measured cross-taxon congruence between our selected invertebrate taxa and woody vegetation, and within-taxon surrogate efficiency. Thirdly we evaluated performance of existing and proposed zonations in representing regional invertebrate species diversity. Finally, to aid in the development of species conservation profiles for lesser known taxa, annotated check lists are provided for two neglected but dominant epigeal beetle families, Tenebrionidae and Carabidae. Vegetation units explained the largest and most significant component of beetle and spider diversity (richness and complementarity of alpha and beta diversity). Elevation and mean annual temperature played a lesser but still significant role. Overall, woody vegetation was a poor surrogate, especially for millipedes which have several localized endemics. The use of higher taxa (genus and tribe in particular) shows the greatest potential for conservation planning. The current zonation of the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve performed significantly better than expected in representing invertebrate diversity across the region. The reality though is that conservation decision-making is largely informed by knowledge on the distribution of rare, localized or endangered species, for which detailed species inventories are 10 required. Though a coarse filter approach is recommended, the augmentation of species level data provides an extra filter, and contributes to our knowledge of what taxa are in urgent need of protection. Targeting rare and endangered species in transition zones and developing conservation assessments and plans for these in relatively small areas would compliment existing conservation initiatives in the VBR. Annotated check lists ofTenebrionidae of the Vhembe Biosphere suggest that the family is particularly speciose, the assemblage being comprised of an east African and a Kalahari element which contributes significantly to local endemicity, and yielded three new species, one of which is described in the revision to the genus Anaxius, a group largely restricted to the mountainous areas of Limpopo Province. Carabidae were also found to be speciose, with the assemblage comprised of a large proportion of stenotypic species. There is support for the use of vegetation types in conservation plans but these should be augmented with species level conservation initiatives that target particularly transition and buffer zones. / NRF

PhD (Health Sciences) / Department of Advanced Nursing Science / The HIV/AIDS is a global epidemic which affects all people, regardless of their religion, race, age, ethnicity or geographic location. The church of Africa, which hosts the largest numbers of infected and affected people, is also challenged to be involved in the response against HIV/AIDS epidemic. Church leaders are experiencing difficulties in fulfilling their role in HIV/AIDS interventions of which they have not received training. The complexity of HIV/AIDS demands a training programme that does not simply deal with symptoms, but it must address the complexities behind and in front of the spread, and earnestly seek effective ways of controlling the spread, as well as various strategies of caring for the infected and those affected with HIV and AIDS. The purpose of this study was to develop an adapted HIV/AIDS training programme for church leaders in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. A convergent parallel mixed methods design was used; quantitative and qualitative data were collected during the same phase of the research process. The population comprised of church leaders from Christian churches in the Limpopo province. A non-probability purposive sampling was used for qualitative approach, while quota sampling was used for quantitative approach. Questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data, while in-depth interviews were used to collect qualitative data in this study. Data analysis was done separately and the two sets of results were merged into an overall interpretation of the study that informed the development of an adapted HIV/AIDS training programme. The findings of the study revealed that church leaders were not trained on how they can be involved in the response against HIV/AIDS epidemic in the Limpopo province. The current training programme did not clarify church leaders’ role towards the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The curriculum development process structure by Meyer and Van Niekerk (2008), and elements outlined by Dickoff, James and Wiedenbach (1968), were adapted to develop the training programme. A developed training programme was then validated by HIV/AIDS trainers and experts in programme development. Relevant recommendations were made to encourage churches to work effectively in addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the Limpopo Province. / NRF

MA (Linguistics) / Department of Communication and Applied Linguistics / The purpose of this study is to investigate the content of the Further Education and Training (FET) Phase Home Language (HL) Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS). The Tshivenḓa HL content was translated from English for teaching and learning purposes. The study adopted both the qualitative and quantitative approaches in order to attain holistic results. Data was collected through the use of questionnaires from educators and subject advisors. Document analysis was also used (by analysing CAPS documents). The findings of this study will benefit the South African society, especially the Tshivenḓa HL educators and learners. The educators believed that the Tshivenḓa newspapers articles are not well-taught because they are not available in Tshivenḓa and educators did not know how to prepare them. The study also revealed that there are no prefixes but suffixes for formulating antonyms in the Tshivenḓa HL, however both are found in the English HL. Furthermore, educators complained about the shortage of film study resources in literature which the department of education delivers late. The findings of the study suggest that Tshivenḓa newspapers should be reintroduced as they aid learning for learners, and enable educators to plan their lessons. Prefixes in the Tshivenḓa HL should be introduced so that learners are able to attach them in their words, similar to what do they do in the English HL. In addition, ample resources for HL literature such as textbooks, Television sets (TV), overhead projectors for film study, and other resources should be delivered timely. / NRF