Thesis (M. Admin.) -- University of Limpopo, 2000 / Refer to document

Thesis (M. Dev.) -- University of Limpopo, 2002 / Refer to document

Thesis (M. Dev.) -- University of Limpopo, 2003 / Refer to document

Thesis (MPA.) -- University of the North, 2001 / Refer to document

Thesis (MSc. (Geography)) -- University of Limpopo, 2018 / In spite of the widespread scientific debate on the impacts of climate variability, not much is known about smallholder farmers’ perceptions towards climate variability and the impacts thereof on their agricultural practices. This is especially true for smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa in general and South Africa in particular. Literature contends that an understanding of the farmers’ perceptions of climate change and variability is indispensable for effective policy formulations and adaptive strategies. This current study posits that discrepancies between farmer perceptions and climatological evidence will negatively impact on farmer adaptation options and outcomes. The objectives of the study were to; (1) assess climate variability in Molemole Local Municipality, Limpopo Province, (2) investigate farmers’ perceptions of climate variability, (3) compare farmers’ perceptions of climate variability with climatological data and (4) appraise farmers’ adaptive strategies to climate variability. A total of 125 farmers from Botlokwa Village participated in the study. The village was selected because it is the largest village in the municipality and it comprises mainly of rural farmers that are involved in rain-fed subsistence agriculture. In addition, the village receives limited government intervention and is in close proximity to a functional climate station (Polokwane Airport Weather Station). Based on purposive sampling, focus group discussions and a three-part closed ended questionnaire was administered to the farmers. Mean annual temperature and rainfall data (30 years) was used to assess climate variability in the study area. Farmers’ perceptions to climate variability was assessed using descriptive statistics based on summary counts of the responses with Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) program. Logistic regression analysis was used to compare differences in perception (mean responses). Comparison of farmers’ perceptions of climate variability against climatological evidence was restricted to mean annual temperature and rainfall data over the past 5 – 10 years). To appraise farmers’ adaptive strategies, the Adaptation Strategy Index (ASI) and the Weighted Average Index (WAI) were employed. vi Farmers’ perceptions of climate variability were consistent with recorded meteorological data. Based on the ASI and WAI computations, use of indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) and crop management approaches were highly important adaptation strategies while the use of insurance and subsidies were least employed by the farmers. The results from the study also showed that the age of the household head, gender, level of education, farming experience and access to information on climate variability were crucial factors in influencing the likelihood of farmers to perceive climate variability. Given the overwhelming dependence on IKS for weather forecast, and adaptation to climate variability, it is recommended that IKS take centre stage in government initiatives and policies on climate change and variability, especially for smallholder farmers in rural settings. Sensitisation on the use of technology such as cellular phones to receive weather forecast is also recommended.

Thesis (MPA.) -- University of Limpopo, 2002 / Refer to document

Thesis (M.ED.) --University of Limpopo (Turfloop Campus), 2008 / Argument directed to bilingual instruction in South Africa is not new. The issue of eleven official languages in education remains contested. The apartheid language in education policy infused with imbalance proficiency demands for educators and learners’in the country. The policy was replaced in 1997 with a new policy based on non –discriminatory language use and the internationally accepted principle of home language education in the contest of bilingual or multilingual framework. The policy was designed to accommodate home language (HL)maintenance, proficiency and first additional language (FAL), English for the majority of learners and optimal cognitive development. The policy has not been accompanied by any significant government or language department to ensure the implementation plan. It has however been met with several arguments of bilingual resource and well –trained educators. The argument paved a way into publications which have been used to deflect government’s responsibility regarding bilingual instruction .The difference in language policy however disregard the fact that South Africa is multilingual and that home language is the most appropriate language of learning everywhere in the world. The implementation and understanding of bilingual and linguistic interdependence of both English and African languages have a role to pay in the development and sustainability of democratic country. The underlying implication is that since English and Afrikaans as the media of instruction that disadvantaged the majority of South African citizens over the years, it is time African languages be implementated alongside English or Afrikaans in education system. South Africa’s new language in Education policy (LiEP) has been regarded as one of the best progressive in the world. The dissertation describes research that investigates the gap between the policy expections and what is prevailing at some private and public primary school in Limpopo Province.

Thesis (M.Dev.) --University of Limpopo, 2011 / The introduction and establishment of co-operatives by the State was for purposes of fighting and alleviating poverty through creating jobs, particularly in the rural areas,which were mostly neglected by the previous apartheid State. In order to deal with these social ills and malady, the new democratic government introduced cooperatives to mitigate these challenges. These good intensions are often countered by lack of commitment by State officials and reluctance from other institutions to assist co-operatives to be catalysts in fighting poverty and unemployment in South Africa, despite their noble intentions. In other developed countries, co-operatives are given serious attention, not only because they are catalysts in poverty alleviation, but because they can make huge economic interventions with regard to economic growth and economic development. The intention of this study was to make an assessment of whether or not agricultural co-operatives have any economic impact on women in the rural areas of Polokwane Municipality, since their inception as entities for local economic development. The study also assesses whether or not the State supports these entities in a variety of forms. For this purpose, four co-operatives have been used as a Case Study,namely, Mashashane Agricultural Co-operative at Ga-Mashashane; Phegelelo Agricultural Co-operative at Ga-Thaba village; Mothiba Agricultural Co-operative at Ga-Mothiba; and Itireleng Agricultural Co-operative at Matamanyane village in Moletjie

Thesis (MPA.) --University of Limpopo (Turfloop Campus), 2012 / This study focused on the impact of implementation of Supply Chain Management Policy (SCM) in Limpopo Department of Local Government and Housing (The Department of Local Government and Housing is officially known as the Department of Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional affairs as from the 16 August 2011).The study analyzed the impact of implementation of SCM policy including the implications of non-compliance with this policy. The study also provides an analysis of the perceptions of officials of the Department of Local Government and Housing with regard to the impact of implementation of Supply Chain Management policy. The study also looked at Supply Chain Management in a public sector context including mechanisms that can be employed in order to improve implementation of Supply Chain Management policy. Qualitative research methods were used in this study. This means that primary data was collected using interviews and questionnaires. The findings from the study indicated that the Department experienced challenges in implementing the SCM policy and that there was a significant change in the behavioural patterns of the certain employees after the SCM policy was implemented. The study also revealed that the implementation of SCM policy had both positive and negative effects on the employees of the Department, service providers as well as the public. Furthermore, the research revealed that violation of SCM policy has a negative impact on service delivery. The study has provided answers to both the main research question and sub-questions. From the findings made, the study concluded that the implementation of Supply Chain Management policy has both the negative and positive impact on the Department.

Thesis (MPA.) -- University of Limpopo, 2012 / The aim of this is to investigate the factors which play a role in the poor performance of the Grade 12 in the secondary schools in the Mogalakwena Circuit of the Limpopo Province. The researcher engaged a qualitative type of methodology. An interview schedule was compiled. A semi-structured interview was conducted on the subject of research. Secondary schools were sampled for the interview process. Data were analyzed manually and mechanically. Factors affecting learner performance were found to be basic. The human and material demands were found to be inhibiting learning. Solutions from within and without the schools were recommended to help reduce the problem of Grade12 failure rate.