MESHWR / Department of Hydrology and Water Resources / See the attached abstract below

MSc (Microbiology) / Department of Microbiology / See the attached abstract below

MSc (Botany) / Department of Botany / Plant populations are determined by many elements that impose demographic filters. Following disturbance, in African savanna woodland trees regenerate both sexually and vegetatively. Vachellia karroo (Hayne) Banfi and Galasso, family Fabaceae and sub family Mimosideae, commonly known as “sweet thorn” or “soetdoring” (Afrikaans), is a leguminous shrub common throughout Southern Africa. Its distribution range is from the Southwestern Cape northwards into Namibia, Angola, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is a pioneer species and has the ability to encroach rapidly into grassland grazing areas. Therefore, V. karroo is considered the most important woody invader of grasslands in South Africa. This study aimed at investigating the population biology and ecology of V. karroo in the clay waterlogged site of the Nylsvley Nature Reserve. Plant height, stem circumference, canopy cover, distance between individuals were measured and disturbance levels on individuals of V. karroo were estimated during sampling. The results showed that the population of V. karroo display an adequate growth curve thus implying that the population of V. karroo in the Nylsvley Nature Reserve is healthy and viable. More mature healthy individuals were found in September and December, than during June and July; this is obviously because early summer season, and in September most of the savanna plant species were starting to actively recover from the winter dry season. This is confirmation enough that the population of V. karroo is expanding in the clay waterlogged areas of Nylsvley Nature Reserve.

MPH / Department of Public Health / Obesity has been viewed as a serious problem that affects people of all ages, races, ethnicity, and political, religious, social and economic status. It presents a major health challenge worldwide, with an estimated 2 to 3 billion of overweight adults and 700 million of obese individuals. A cross- sectional descriptive research survey using quantitative approach was used to collect data from 318 adults aged 18-45 at Tshikota Location.. Data will be analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. Cross tabulations and the Pearson’s Chi-square test will be used to obtain the associations and strength of relationship between independent and dependent variables. Results: Higher prevalence of obesity (35.5%) and overweight (28.6%) was found among the sampled population. The prevalence of obesity was found to be higher in males (51.3%) than females (46.7%), males also showed high prevalence in overweight (57.1%) than females (42.9%). There was significant different between socioeconomic status, family history and BMI. 75.2% of the participants who are obese was of those participants who do not engage in physical activity. Majority of the participants (63.5%) take meals 3 times a day and they are more likely to be obese, 19.2% of the participants do not skip breakfast. Mode of transport was positive significant to BMI as a sedentary behaviour. Neighbourhoods environment and psychological factors showed negative significant to BMI. Conclusion: The findings of this study found the prevalence of obesity and overweight to be high among residents of Tshikota Location. Males showed higher prevalence of obesity than females, they also showed high prevalence in overweight compared to that of females. Factors contributing to obesity were found to be diverse, they include socio- demographic, lifestyle, behavioral, environment, psychological and family history. / NRF

MSc (Plant Production) / Department of Plant Production / See the attached abstract below

MA (Tshivenda) / Senthara ya M. E. R. Mathivha ya Nyambo dza Vharema , Vhutsila na Mvelele / Musi ḽifhasi ḽoṱhe na lushaka lwoṱhe vho sedza u losha sa u tambudza vhathu vha mbeu ya tshinnani na ya tshifumakadzini, kha mvelele ya Tshivenḓa u losha hu tou vha u ḓiṱongisa ngazwo. Vhavenḓa ndi lushaka lune lwa dzhia u losha tshi tshone tshithu tsha ndeme kha mvelele yavho ya Tshivenḓa zwine zwa bvukulula tshivhumbeo na vhuvha, u ṱhonifha, u hulisa, u ṋea tshirunzi, u tenda mulandu na vhuthu nga u angaredza. Ngauralo, ṱhoḓisiso iyi i khou ṱoḓisisa u losha ha vhanna na vhafumakadzi kha mvelele ya Tshivenḓa. Ṱhoḓisiso iyi i ḓo dovha ya ṱoḓisisa nḓila dzo fhambanaho dza u losha vhukati ha kuloshele kwa kale na kuloshele kwa musalauno hu u itela uri ṱhoḓisiso iyi i dzie kana i angalale zwavhuḓi. Muṱoḓisisi u ḓo shumisa ngona ya khwaḽithethivi hune muhanga wa thyori wo ḓisendeka nga Afrocentrism kana Afrocentricity Framework. Iyi ndi thyiori ine ya khwaṱhisa u ombedzela kana u khwaṱhisedza mvelele ya Vharema na u bveledza mvelaphanḓa kha u alusa mvelele ya Vharema. Ṱhoḓisiso iyi i ḓo dovha ya ṱalutshedza siangane, tshitatamennde tsha thaidzo, ndivho, zwipikwa na ndeme ya ṱhoḓisiso khathihi na ṱhalutshedzo dza mathemo a ndeme. / NRF

MPH / Department of Public Health / Sedentary lifestyle may contribute to obesity and non-communicable diseases, which are the major public health problem in South Africa. This study investigated the relationship between sedentary lifestyle and obesity among adults in Ha-Tshikundamalema area. A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study among 298 participants (116 males and 182 females) aged 20-60 years, sampled systematically was conducted. Socio-demographic and, sedentary lifestyle and physical activity information was collected using a questionnaire, while anthropometric indices were measured according to ISAK protocol. Data were analysed using SPSS, version 24.0; where Pearson correlation and linear regression analyses to determine significant predictors of obesity were performed. The prevalence of TV viewing and low participation in moderate-vigorous activity were 75.8%, 69.1% and 82.6%, respectively. Twenty-nine point nine percent and 27.2% were overweight and obese, while 26.8% had very high WC (central obesity). According to Pearson correlation, TV viewing time, food, household activity, walking days and time, vigorous activity work vigorous activity, female gender, age (30-39), being married, unemployment, smoking and alcohol consumption were significantly related to BMI and WC. No significant association was found between most of the sedentary behaviours, level of education and socio-economic status. However, obesity was more prevalent among those with less education and low socio-economic status. In regression analyses, only TV viewing time, work vigorous activity, gender, being married and smoking were the independent and significant predictors of high BMI and WC (obesity) (P< 0.05). There was an association of sedentary lifestyle and socio-demographic characteristics, and obesity. Intervention to prevent sedentary lifestyle and obesity should target females, particularly married, unemployed and those with less level of education. / NRF

PhD (Public and Development Administration) / Department of Public and Development Administration / The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of unethical behaviour in the South African municipalities. Municipalities are responsible for providing services such as maintenance of local roads, refuse removals, water supply and sanitation, amongst others. However municipalities’ unethical behaviour have produced many disadvantages for themselves and the society at large. Effective and efficient service delivery is negatively affected by unethical behaviour resulting in the waste of government millions of rands each year, money that could have been spent on delivering services. The fact that there is unethical behaviour in municipalities can be interpreted as a total absence of ethical culture in the behaviour of municipal officials. Municipal officials are encouraged to uphold moral principles such as impartiality, accountability and trustworthy while performing their official duties. Given this background, the research project attempted to provide explanations for the patterns of unethical conduct and also pointed out strategies that could be employed to curb unethical behaviour in municipalities. For the purpose of this study, the researcher employed both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. The researcher used purposive sampling to select respondents of the study. Two (2) instruments were used to collect data, namely, questionnaires and interviews. To analyse data, two types of data analysis were used. For data collected through questionnaires, the researcher used the Statistical Package for Social Sciences to analyse data. Data collected through interviews were analysed through the use of thematic analysis in the form of narrative. The study revealed specific unethical behaviour that were prevalent at Vhembe District Municipality. The study indicated that senior municipal officials must ensure that ethics initiatives systems and programmes should be put in place so that conducive ethical environment is created. The results indicated that despite challenges, employed strategies provided desired results. Specific solutions such improving employment practices and procurement activities were recommended that could improve ethical standards in the municipalities. / NRF

MA (Psychology) / Department of Psychology / The study aimed to explore societal attitudes towards homosexual individuals in the Thulamela Municipality of the Vhembe District Municipality. The objectives of the study were to identify societal attitudes towards homosexuals in Thulamela Municipality, to explore challenges posed by society towards homosexual people in Thulamela Municipality, and to describe societal perceptions of homosexual individuals. The study was qualitative in nature and purposive sampling was used in the study. A semi-structured interview guide was used. A minimum of 12 non-homosexual people were interviewed. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse data. Different ethical issues were taken into consideration before the study was conducted. The findings of the study show that society is still conservative when it comes to homosexuality. However, it discourages harsh negative attitudes towards homosexual people. Society needs to develop more accepting and tolerant behaviors towards homosexuality. The study found that age, sex, race, ethnicity, social background, level of education and religious affiliation were consistent factors in determining attitudes towards homosexuality. This study recommends that training workshops on sexual orientation should be intensified for teachers, police officers, nurses and other public service employees as well as school administrators to inform them of current trends of homosexuality in the schools. It is also recommended that student accessibility to appropriate and accurate information regarding students’ sexuality should be increased at early stages through library and Internet resources, as well as workshops and forums. / NRF

MESMEG / Department of Mining and Environmental Geology / This dissertation focused on the assessment of borehole yields within the Nzhelele- Makhado area, which is located in the northern part of South Africa within the Vhembe District Municipality of Limpopo Province. The aim of the study was to identify factors that influence the yields of water supply boreholes within the study area. This information will be used to improve the groundwater resource knowledge required in assessing the potential of groundwater resources in augmenting the Nzhelele Regional Water Supply Scheme. The study area is mostly underlain by the ‘hard rock’ formations of the Soutpansberg Group, which practically has no primary porosity. The groundwater is residing mainly within the weathered and fractured or discontinuities, considered being secondary porosities. Due to the complexity of the underlying fractured and hard rock aquifer systems and the fact that most of the boreholes drilled in the area were not scientifically sited, the study area is dominated by very low yielding boreholes. Majority (48%) of the boreholes were drilled into the Nzhelele formation due to the fact that it occupies the central, relatively flat and low lying sections of the study area. The variations in average yields in boreholes drilled in different formations within the study area is relatively low suggesting that the difference in lithology of different formations do not to have any major influence in the yields of boreholes. The topographical settings of the area do not have any influence in the borehole drilling depths and yields. The high borehole yields in shallow boreholes located in mountainous areas is due to local groundwater systems, which recharges and discharges locally. Mapped lineaments are slightly low yielding (average yield of 0.32 l/s) compared to the faults (average yield of 0.43 l/s) within the study area. Boreholes drilled along the NE-SW trending lineaments support double the yields (0.41 l/s) on average of those along the SE-NW (0.28 l/s) and W-E (0.20 l/s) trending lineaments. The high yields in boreholes closer to non-perennial streams compared to perennial rivers is due to the fact that non-perennial streams are comprised of thick layer of overburden capable of supporting high yielding boreholes, whereas the overburden along the perennial rivers are washed away during rainy season leaving bedrock exposed or covered with thin layer of sediments. The proximity to the young faults trending SE-NW and dry non-perennial streams has proved to be the most the favourable areas for development of high yielding boreholes in the study area, compared to lithological difference and topographical settings of the area. However, it should be noted that there are no simple relationship between various factors that control the yield of the boreholes in the area. Despite the similarities in some factors that influence borehole productivity on a regional scale such as faults and drainage systems, the complexity of the weathered-fractured aquifer system suggests an over-riding influence of local features, which results in significant variations in yield and response to abstraction. / NRF