PhD (Agricultural Economics) / Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness / The high attrition rate of cooperatives in Limpopo Province is a great concern considering that cooperatives globally and in South Africa have been esteemed to play a role in rural development and poverty reduction. The problem of attrition is a threat in the development of our societies. In response to this, the study investigated the formation of cooperatives, influence of social, human capital and household characteristics. The study also assessed the differences that can be used to discriminate cooperatives earning monthly income and those without a monthly income. The main aim of the study was to develop a framework that could be used to create sustainable cooperatives in the future in Limpopo Province. The study was conducted in five districts of Limpopo Province namely: Sekhukhune, Waterberg, Mopani, Capricorn and Vhembe. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire from 146 cooperatives. Key respondents were cooperatives leaders. Focus group data from Mopani district cooperatives was used to provide a background to the researcher in the development of the framework. Focus group discussion information was only used by the researcher in order to understand the cooperative member’s views. Purposive sampling was used to select a sample of 146 cooperatives due to the availability and accessibility of the cooperatives. SPSS analytical tool was used to analyse the data. Models used in the study were Binary logistic, Multinomial and Discriminant analysis. The findings of the study revealed that household characteristics such as gender, member affiliation affected the formation of legitimate cooperatives. Social capital indicators such as access to information and benefits derived by relatives encouraged the need for funding. However human capital indicators were found not to influence the need for external funding. The study also discovered that there were major differences between cooperatives earning a monthly income and those without the income. There were various benefits derived from the cooperatives by members. The study concluded that for cooperatives to be sustainable, focus should be on human capital, extension services and improvement of the level of education. The notion is that an informed, trained and educated cooperative society is the future.

DEd (Educational Management) / Department of Educational Management / This study focuses on safety and security in public schools. School violence is a sad reality encountered by whoever takes up the responsibility for the safety of learners and teachers. Both teachers and learners have the right to feel safe and secure at school. The aim of the study was to investigate how school management teams and school governing bodies take reasonable measures to ensure the safety and security of learners at schools. A mixed-methods research design was used in this study. The quantitative data, collected through questionnaires, were analysed through Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23, while the qualitative data, gathered through semi-structured interviews, were thematically analysed. The study revealed that successful school leaders have the potential to tremendously reduce safety and security challenges when necessary support is provided. Establishing partnerships with other sectors not only manage and improve the learners' behaviour and lessen learning difficulties but also create a more supportive climate within the school, home and society. Unavailability of school psychologists and/or social workers who would join forces with teachers, parents, and other professionals to create safe and supportive learning environments increase the manifestations of school safety and security challenges.

MA (Psychology) / Department of Psychology / The aim of the study was to explore the impact of nyaope among the youth in the rural communities of Thulamela Municipality. The study adopted qualitative approach and exploratory research design. Population of the study were from Itsani, Maniini and Muledane villages in Thulamela municipality, both males and females, 18-31 and who were involved in the use of nyaope. Non-probability purposive and snowball sampling methods were adopted because participants who use nyaope are hard to locate. The total number of participants (8) who formed part of the study was determined by data saturation. Semi-structured interviews were used as a method of data collection. To ensure trustworthiness, pre-testing of the instrument was conducted to identify any potential problems. Credibility, transferability and conformability was well considered. Thematic data analysis was employed since the researcher was more involved in interpretation of collected data, thematic analysis enabled the researcher to capture complex meaning.

MA (Linguistics) / Department of Communication and Applied Language Sciences / See the attached abstract below

MRDV / Institute for Rural Development / See the attached abstract below

MCur / Department of Advanced Nursing Science / See the attached abstract below

MCur / Department of Advanced Nursing Science / See the attached abstract below

MEd (Educational Management) / Department of Educational Management / See the attached abstract below

MRDV / Institute for Rural Development / See the attached abstract below

MSCAGR / Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness / See the attached abstract below