Thesis (M.Sc. (Botany)) -- University of Limpopo, 2013 / Traditional medicine plays a major role in the primary health care of many people residing in rural areas. People in these areas still consult traditional healers who utilise plants as medicine. Medicinal plants have come under increasing pressure due to a number of factors, which have resulted in the decline of certain species, extinction in others, and a general decrease in biodiversity of high use areas of South Africa, Blouberg Mountain included. To date there has been a lack of information on how traditional healers utilise the Blouberg Mountain with respect to amounts and species removed, or where the most important collecting sites are located. Thus, no conservation strategy exists for the Blouberg Mountain to ensure sustainable management of its natural resources. Furthermore, there is a perception amongst elders of this area that, as with indigenous knowledge around the world, the knowledge centered around Blouberg’s medicinal plants is declining, and little formal documentation of that knowledge has taken place. Consequently, this study investigated aspects related to medicinal plant use such as collection, patterns of collection, legislation, storage and packaging of medicinal plants by traditional healers around Blouberg Mountain. These were documented via a semi-structured questionnaire and a data collection sheet. Furthermore, traditional harvesting methods employed by traditional healers, and in situ conservation issues related to species removal from the mountain were investigated. Data was collected between September 2010 and September 2011. Sixteen villages in close proximity to the mountain, and 32 healers (two per village) were selected. In addition 16 consulting rooms were sampled (one per village) in order to gather information on the number of species collected from the mountain and stored in the consulting rooms. The 16 most used (indicated by village traditional healers) collection tracks, (one per village surrounding Blouberg Mountain), were travelled with traditional healers to record botanical and vernacular names of the medicinal plants, vegetation type, habitat, parts used, harvesting method, replacement value of plant species and perceived rarity of collected material. A Garmin GPS was used to record waypoints for the beginning and end of each track. Co-ordinates were logged automatically every 10 m. A map using Quantum GIS software to capture the position of the healers’ collection tracks, overlaid with topographical and vegetation information, and protected area information of the Blouberg Mountain, was generated. Geographic Information System software was used to geo-process the collection tracks of the healers with respect to where medicinal plants were collected relative to the various vegetation types. This gave information on vegetation types important to healers. The majority of traditional healers were females. Most of them had no formal education, with only a minority reaching secondary school. Due to their low level of literacy they tended to shy away from sources of written information, with the result that none of the questioned healers had any knowledge of the various national or provincial environmental legislations. The majority of them see between 15 and 20 patients per month. Most of the healers had more than 30 years of experience in traditional healing. The study found 64 plant species commonly used for medicinal purposes. Most of them were harvested for their roots and bark. According to the healers, Boophane disticha and Hypoxis hemerocallidea are declining in Blouberg Mountain, with Warburgia salutaris, endangered in South Africa, not perceived as rare or declining. However, a number of plant species recorded in the Red Data List as of least concern, or not threatened, are seen as rare by the healers. These include Clivia caulescens, Erythrina lysistemon, Lannea schweinfurthii and Maerua juncea. No exotic species were documented from the surveyed tracks. However, two naturalised exotics were collected from the mountain, namely Cassytha filiformis and Corchorus tridens. Cocculus hirsutus, a naturalised exotic and Abrus precatorius, an exotic species were found in one of the consulting rooms. Dichrostachys cinerea, Philenoptera violacea and Tarchonanthus camphoratus, which are indicators of bush encroachment, were identified on selected tracks. Tracks on which indicators of bush encroachment are present should be investigated more thoroughly to ascertain the extent and severity of such a threat. vii Investigations into healers’ collection tracks showed that the Soutpansberg Mountain Bushveld vegetation type is the most heavily utilised of the five vegetation types around Blouberg Mountain. This vegetation type is vulnerable to human population densities as most species were collected from it, therefore it should be conserved and managed if possible as it is targeted for plant species of medicinal value. The most travelled tracks were found in the Catha-Faurea Wooded Grassland community. Solutions to the problems of over harvesting of medicinal plants require local innovations and the full participation of traditional healers in resource management initiatives. The development of medicinal plant nurseries together with propagation of key species will be a crucial management tool, as this will reduce over harvesting of natural resources from the wild. In conclusion, it was found that although most species utilised around Blouberg Mountain are abundant and not threatened, healers are nevertheless concerned about dwindling medicinal plant supplies. They would welcome conservation initiatives and the use of GIS maps would be useful in prioritising conservation areas.

Thesis (M.Dev.) -- University of Limpopo, 2013 / The main focus of this study was to investigate the contribution made by SMMEs towards local economic development (LED) in Mankweng Township. To this end, specific working objectives were formulated as follows: to study the nature of SMMEs, to identify the challenges they face, to analyse the theory of local economic development and lastly, to study the role of SMMEs in local economic development. A variety of data collection methods were used in this study such as literature review, semi-structured questionnaires and observations. The study revealed that SMMEs represent a vital component of the local economic development process in Mankweng Township, and their contributions in terms of employment, income and poverty reduction is well acknowledged. However, SMMEs are constrained by a number of challenges such as lack of access to appropriate technology, limited access to markets, government regulations, lack of management skills and training, all of which hamper their development. Lack of access to finance remains the utmost constraint for most of SMMEs. In an attempt to enable the SMMEs sector to perform effectively and efficiently, a number of support initiatives were introduced by the South African government. This ranged from government institutions, private sectors, parastatals and NGOs. Conversely, access to these support initiatives remains a challenge for most entrepreneurs, as most of the SMMEs in Mankweng Township operate within the informal sector and they lack awareness of the support initiatives and structures provided by these institutions.

Thesis (MEd. (Community and Continuing Education)) -- University of Limpopo, 2015 / The research was carried out in Capricorn College for FET. The main aim of this study was to identify the educational needs of Capricorn College for FET. This study attempted to answer the following research question:  What are the educational needs of Capricorn College for FET? This study was designed within a qualitative research paradigm using multiple-case studies. A document analysis, semi-structured interviews, observations were used to identify the educational needs of Capricorn College for FET. Semi-structured interviews allowed me to ask questions to participants while allowing the flexibility to probe further details. Semi-structured interviews helped me to have a broader view and clear understanding of educational needs that might exist in all campuses of Capricorn College for FET. Through observation educational needs of learners, educators and campus managers were noted. Findings of this study show that there are educational needs at the Capricorn College for FET such as; the lack of funding, lack of staffing, poor learner recruitment, poor infrastructural resources and poor quality of teaching and learning. Recommendations were made for educators in the three campuses to be trained so that they can acquire knowledge about teaching methodologies. More funding should be provided to the college to enhance the smooth running of the college. The college should be equipped with resources that are required for teaching and learning. More learners should be able to study and equipped with relevant skills for job market. Capricorn College for FET should use recruitment strategies that may benefit almost learners in the country. The Department of Higher Education and Training should make sure that Capricorn College for FET be provided with necessary and enough infrastructural resources. Teaching and learning materials should be supplied to this institution and on time. In that way it will enhance the effective teaching and learning at the college.

Thesis (Ph.D. (Development Studies)) --University of Limpopo, 2014 / In South Africa, various studies have indicated that achieving developmental mandates by local authorities is one of the biggest challenges largely due to poor planning and implementation. For instance, many local municipalities had performed inadequately in relation to their functionalities in planning and implementation of various IDP initiatives in Limpopo. The purpose of this research was to assess how local municipalities can further enhance their effectiveness in planning and implementation of development initiatives at the local level in Capricorn District Municipality, Limpopo Province South Africa. The methodology of this study was largely a qualitative case study and the quantitative approach was also used to augment the qualitative findings. The study was undertaken in three local municipalities such as Polokwane, Lepelle-Nkumpi and Agnang by engaging various IDP stakeholders including local government officers and the community representatives. The findings indicated that the local municipalities in the study area have not successfully played their role in local development. The basic service delivery was largely inadequate, the role in poverty alleviation was insufficient and community participation remains a serious concern at the local level. The finding reveals, inter alia, that the decision making process is limited, delayed and inconsistent; the institutional capacity was largely inadequate; limited understanding of IDP; limited stakeholder’s commitment; limited responsiveness to the local needs and priorities; and challenges in inclusive and wider involvement at ward and village levels. Furthermore, it was discovered that the local municipalities has not effectively addressed the planning and implementation of IDPs. The finding shows, inter alia, that tendency of top-down and technocratic planning; a concern over IDP on whether iv it reflects people’s needs and aspirations; lack of mobilisation of local resources; difficulty in integration and coordination; IDP projects implementation is slow, lacks sustainability and limited impact; and poor monitoring and evaluation of IDPs due to limited participation, lack of capacity and deficiencies in processes and procedures. Based on the findings, this research proposed the necessary strategic interventions and a framework for improving the effectiveness of the existing approach to planning and implementation of IDPs in the local municipalities. Therefore, it is recommended that local municipalities should promote their development role through strengthening the decision making process, institutional capacity, commitment, responsiveness and inclusive approach to local development. It is also recommended that local municipalities should emphasize more on people’s needs and priorities and encourages ward based planning approach to improve the planning process of IDPs. Likewise, local municipalities should strengthen their IDP implementation through mobilisation of local resources, better integration and coordination, improved project implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Furthermore, the proposed framework for strengthening the planning and implementation of IDPs be implemented, evaluated and integrated into the current IDP process of the local municipalities. Key concepts: development, decentralised development, local government, development role of local government, integrated development planning, Integrated Development Plans (IDPs), development planning, and development implementation.

Thesis (M.Sc. (Aquaculture)) -- University of Limpopo, 2014 / Population growth in urban areas is putting pressure on sewage treatment plants. The improper treatment of sewage entering the aquatic ecosystems causes deterioration of the water quality of the receiving water body. The effect of sewage effluent on the Sand River was assessed. Eight sampling sites were selected, site 1 and 2 were upstream of the of the sewage treatment plant along the urbanised area of Polokwane, whilst sites 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 were downstream. The physicochemical parameters and coliform counts in the water samples were determined. Macroinvertebrate abundances and diversity (H') was determined at the different sites during the dry and rainy season. The water quality status of the Sand River with respect to the South African scoring system (SASS) scores and average score per taxon (ASPT) was determined. A linear regression was performed to test the correlation of the SASS scores with abundance and H'. Heavy metal concentrations in water, sediment, grass (Ishaemum fasciculatum) and fish (Oreochromis mossambicus) at the sites were evaluated. The suitability of the Sand River and surrounding borehole water for irrigation was also determined. Hierarchical average linkage cluster analysis produced two clusters, grouping two sites above the sewage treatment works and six sites downstream of the sewage effluent discharge point. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified total nitrogen, total phosphorus, conductivity and salinity as the major factors contributing to the variability of the Sand River water quality. These factors are strongly associated with the downstream sites. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) indicated that Chironomidae family was found on the nitrogen gradient during the dry season. However during the rainy season, Chironomidae was found in the centre of the ordination which indicated that it was ubiquitous. Escherichia coli levels (1463.73 counts/100ml) in the maturation ponds of Polokwane wastewater treatment works could potentially lead to contamination of the Polokwane aquifer. High diversity was recorded at the sites before discharge and the sites further downstream. There was significant correlation (P<0.05) between the SASS scores and macroinvertebrate diversity during the dry season (R2=0.69) and the rainy season (R2=0.77). Fish samples had significantly higher (P<0.05) iron and copper concentrations, while the vi sediment had significantly higher lead concentration (P>0.05). The United States salinity laboratory (USSL) diagram indicated that the sodium hazard (SAR) and alkalinity hazard (conductivity) was low and the Sand River and borehole water was suitable for irrigation. The residual sodium carbonate (RSC) was below 1.24 meq/l, also indicating that both the Sand River and borehole water is still suitable for irrigation. The total phosphorus concentrations fluctuated across the different site. Total nitrogen concentrations showed a gradual decrease downstream from the point of discharge. The coliform levels also showed a gradual decrease downstream. This shows that the river still has a good self-purification capacity.

Thesis (M. Cur.) --University of Limpopo, 2015 / The purpose of this study was to determine the factors that were contributing to selfreferrals of antenatal women at the Dilokong Hospital in the Tubatse Local Municipality. By employing a quantitative, non-experimental research method, 360 women completed and submitted a structured questionnaire. Validity and reliability were insured by pre-testing the data collection instrument on respondents who were not part of the main study. Data was analysed by using the SPSS and Excel computer programs with the assistance of a statistician. The age group between 21 and 30 years 197 (54.7%) was larger than the other age groups. Primigravida women represented less than half 147 (40.3%) of the respondents. These women were also supposed to be referred to the hospital for delivery; however, only 23.3% of the women were referred to the hospital for delivery. The choice of the delivery site was influenced by a lack of women’s knowledge about the referral system and of services offered at the clinics, as well as the unavailability of doctors, midwives, food, equipment, enough space for delivery at the clinics, and the perceptions that nurses and midwives were rude. The government should ensure that the clinics are provided with adequate human resources and other resources that are needed for providing these health services. Pregnant women should be given referral letters and information with regard to where they are supposed to deliver. Key concepts: Antenatal women, self-referral, referral system, and Primary Health Care (PHC).

Thesis (MTech. degree in Game Range Management.)--Tshwane University of Technology, 2010. / Lion (Panthera leo) social organisation in the Northern Tuli Game Reserve, Botswana, and the Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve, South Africa, was investigated. Situated 20 km apart, the Northern Tuli Game Reserve is predominantly unfenced with unrestricted animal movements, as opposed to the Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve which is completely fenced. Historically both lion populations have faced various but similar pressures such as safari hunting, snaring, poisoning and killing due to perceived conflict with livestock farmers.

Manganeng area is a communal land with the local community relying on use ofland for their livelihoods. Manganeng shows signs of continued land degradation due to inappropriate land use management, while land use and land cover offer low returns. Continued degradation of natural resources has led to an investigation into changes in land use patterns in the area. Past and present aerial photographs (covering the years 1950, 1964, 1977, 1983 and 1995), recorded and oral history were used as main data sources for investigating changes in land use patterns in the study area. A GIS was also used to quantify the rate of land use change. Data collected from this study aided in providing infonnation about natural resources in the area, how these resources have changed over time and methods used to protect the environment. This study established that from 1950 to 1995, residential land had increased significantly, while farmland and bare rock on Ntswelatau Mountain had increased slightly. Other land cover such as dongas and scattered trees had remained stable over time. Grazing land had decreased significantly while deposited sand and clustered trees decreased insignificantly. A visual change assessment conducted in 2003 indicated that no significant change had occurred in the area since the 1995 aerial photograph was taken. Population growth in Manganeng has led to an increase in residential land use, which directly affected other land uses such as grazing and farmland. The communities' indigenous knowledge has helped in reducing and/or maintaining donga sizes over the past 54 years while restrictions on tree felling on Ntswelatau Mountain has conserved vegetation in the area. Cultivation methods applied in Manganeng are not environmentally sustainable and need to be improved. It is recommended that further research be carried out to assess soil erosion, economic potential, and integration of political/governing powers, as well as levels of agricultural education and awareness among the community. This will ensure an improved understanding of the natural environment in Manganeng, and can provide coping and recovery strategies from stress and shocks of unsustainable resource use in order to preserve these resources for future generations. It is further recommended that the Sustainable Livelihood Framework be adopted in assessing an integrated view of issues related to community based resource management in the area so as to provide insight into priority development options for Manganeng. / Thesis (M.Env.Dev.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2006

School evaluation has increased in importance in recent years, particularly at the level of the whole school. It is the process which assesses the worth and merits of the institution. Due to the fact that, in most cases, evaluation is judgemental, the notion of Whole School Evaluation (WSE) was introduced into the South African education system by the national Department of Education after the 1994 democratic election. WSE has since then became the official evaluation system in South Africa. In WSE schools undergo internal as well as external evaluation. The results of the evaluation are then used by schools to draw the School Improvement Plans which are aimed at school improvement. This study explores the implementation of WSE in rural primary schools in Limpopo Province. A literature study investigated school evaluation within the international and the South African context, the provision of education in Limpopo Province and existing models of WSE. Against the background of the conceptual framework provided by the literature, a qualitative investigation was done in four primary schools in the Vhembe district in Limpopo Province. Data were gathered by means of in-depth interviews with principals of schools and supervisors. The researcher also conducted focus group interviews with School Management Team (SMT) members from participating schools. Data was analysed, discussed and synthesized. Analysed data revealed the following findings: schools experience difficulties in conducting self-evaluation, educator development in rural primary schools in Limpopo is a problem and the district and the Department of Education do not assist schools concerning development after WSE has been conducted. As a result of these findings, there is a need to assist schools in their development endeavours after WSE. The district officials as well as supervisors should find ways and means of assisting schools in the route to development. Areas for further investigation that would enhance WSE in rural primary schools have been identified. Finally, the conclusion is drawn that schools need to be rehabilitated after WSE. This will assist in developing the whole institution and improving the level of education in South African schools. / Educational Studies / D. Ed. (Education Management)

The purpose of the study was to determine and understand the challenges that student nurses encounter in the clinical learning environment (CLE) in Limpopo Province, South Africa and how these challenges can be addressed. A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional survey was used. The population consisted of levels 2, 3 and 4 year student nurses from three campuses of Limpopo College of Nursing. The researcher used a self- developed questionnaire for data collection. Out of 206 questionnaires, 152 were returned fully completed, yielding 74% effective response rate. The study revealed some of the challenges which negatively affect students’ education and clinical learning and strategies were devised to address these challenges / Health Studies / M.A. (Nursing Science)