Thesis (M.A) (Media Studies)--University of Limpopo,2009. / This is a qualitative comparative study on sustainability challenges facing the community radio sector in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The study explores and determines community radio’s social acceptance to target communities, identifies its fundraising and marketing strategies, and evaluates its governance and management policies. The research draws from theories of community development and mass communication, namely: development theory and participant media theory. Detailed literature review, focus group discussion, in-depth interviews, and analyses of archival records and institutional documents were used as research methods. The case study purports that the quality of a community radio service is often a product of its resources. Furthermore, it appreciates the open access approach to broadcasting as fulfilling the original and moral imperative of community radio. However, it views sustainability issues, more specifically financial resources, as having far reaching effects on the sector’s independence and the ability to fulfill its functions. Often in community radio, the concept of sustainability tends to be narrowly used to refer to financial sustainability alone. The conclusions drawn from the comparative study of three community radio stations, namely: Botlokwa, Mohodi and Radio Turf reveal that a comprehensive approach to sustainability should recognise the role of social, organisational and financial aspects of the medium. Despite marked progress with respect to social acceptance, more innovative marketing and fundraising strategies, appropriate organisational and management policies in the sector are essential. In their absence, community radio continues to lack access to a fair share of resources and can barely raise funds to meet its obligations. Consequently, poor performance in community radio is largely attributable to sustainability challenges, particularly in rural communities where resources are often scarce as compared to urban centres. / Not listed

Thesis (M.Sc) (Agriculture) --University of Limpopo, 2007. / It is beyond doubt that a large proportion of the population in the rural areas are experiencing great difficulty in securing adequate food in both amount and quality. Poverty alleviation programs are embarked in various countries with Makhuduthamaga being no exception. The study was designed to evaluate the home-based egg production projects. The study was conducted at Makhuduthamaga sub- District of Sekhukhune District of Limpopo province. Two instruments were used for data collection namely Delphi technique and two structured questionnaires. The Delphi technique was used for both the beneficiaries and the extension officers to identify, list and rank in order of importance the constraints which impacted negatively on egg production as well as the actions taken to address those constraints. Two separate questionnaires were also used to collect data from both the beneficiaries and the extension officers. Out of twenty villages a list of 231 beneficiaries of starter up packs was identified. Krecjcie and Morgan (1970) sample estimation required 144 randomly selected beneficiaries of starter up packs to participate in the study which reflected 0.6 margin of error. The two questionnaires with open ended and closed ended questions were piloted at Fetakgomo District in four villages with thirty one beneficiaries and ten extension officers. Reliability was found to be 0.81 skills, 0.80 for support from extension officers and 0.61 for government expectations. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences was used for the entering data collected. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse data. The findings revealed that the majority of the beneficiaries fall within the prescribed selection criteria. Almost all except one village were given the starter up packs namely 18 layers, four bags of laying mash, cage, nipples, feeding trays and a cage as outlined in the policy. Training was considered by both the beneficiaries and the extension officers as inadequate for effective and efficient running of the home based egg production projects. The results revealed that the majority of beneficiaries did not meet government expectations. An acknowledgement was made that during the implementation of projects mistakes were committed by both beneficiaries and extension officers. Analysis of variance was also used to determine the relationship between the level of education and the extent to which government expectations were met. There was no significant relationship between skills such as technical, management, financial, administration and the extent to which government expectations were met. However there was a significant relation between marketing skills and levels of education. The majority of beneficiaries had a low level of education. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine whether there is a relationship between skills and support from the extension officers and the extent to which government expectation were met. Skills such as technical and marketing as well as the support from the extension officers attributed much to variations with regard to the extent to which government expectation were met. Constraints were also encountered which impacted negatively on egg production. Extension officers identified the following constraints such as survey not done prior to distribution, insufficient human resources, training, insufficient monitoring, inadequate transport, inability of beneficiaries to purchase feed, inadequate starter packs and failure to establish cooperatives. Beneficiaries identified constraints such as feed, training, diseases and unavailability of veterinarian, mortality of layers on arrival, theft and predation, inadequate starter packs, layers not of the same age and cages that are too small. Out the constraints mentioned only three namely insufficient transport, inadequate starter up packs `and one aspect on feed i.e. soft shelled eggs were addressed. Although the majority of beneficiaries considered home based egg production projects inadequate in providing access to adequate food, slightly over half of them favoured them as future household projects. / Kellog Foundation

Thesis (M.Ed)--University of Limpopo,2009. / This report describes the research carried out at both the Mashashane Breeder Farms and Hatchery Project established at Newlands village (Mashashane), of Polokwane Municipality of the Capricorn region of Limpopo Province in South Africa. This research is about the sustainability of projects in Limpopo Province of South Africa. For this purpose, the Mashashane Breeder Farms and Hatchery Project is the case of this study. The study aimed at evaluating the sustainability of the Mashashane Breeder Farms and Hatchery Project, so as to make authorities aware of the difficulties experienced in sustaining projects, and to highlight those factors that make projects succeed. The following research questions were formulated for this study: • What are the critical factors that determine sustainability of projects? • What can be the role of adult education in this project? The intention of this study was to investigate why most projects collapse; and what kept the Mashashane Breeder Farms and Hatchery Project to exist for such a long time. In Chapter 2 of this study, I formulated assumptions about the sustainability of projects. I suggested certain factors to be considered for the purpose of sustaining a project. My assumptions were needs analysis; organising people; communication; competition; management; deliverables; lack of skills; ability to plan; project ownership and participation; the role of the government; and time table (schedule). In Chapter 3, the methodology is outlined. This study followed the qualitative approach. Instruments used for the collection of data are also explained. I discussed the main learning area, outlined the difficulties in carrying out the research activities and concluded the chapter by the model of data matrix. In Chapter 4 of this study, findings from Mashashane Breeder Farms and Hatchery Project are outlined, based on documents, interviews and observations of activities of the project. I formulated variables informed by Chapter 2 of this study. I report on the setting of the Mashashane Breeder Farms and Hatchery Project. In Chapter 5, I have outlined conclusions based on the study. The suggested points about a good project are tabled. Inclusive of the challenges faced by the Mashashane Breeder Farms and Hatchery project are, namely: mortality; infertility; no income period; and education and training of employees. In Chapter 6, I have given recommendations for this study. Some of the recommendations specifically for this project are, namely: more projects should be established to address unemployment and poverty; feedback should be given to employees; communication should be reciprocal, prior work experience be recognised; adult education should be introduced for employees to upgrade their skills and develop some; workshops should be arranged to improve lives of employees; and increasing production and competition is to be encouraged at all levels (internally and externally).

Thesis (MPA.) --University of Limpopo, 2010. / The focus of the study was on the contribution of media exposure towards the functionality of dysfunctional schools in Limpopo Province: Capricorn District. The study was qualitative in nature and concentrated on the schools in Capricorn District that were affected by the media industry. Seven schools were selected as follows: one from Mankweng Circuit, two from Nokotlou Circuit, One from Sepitsi Circuit, One from Seshego Circuit, One from Pietersburg Circuit and one from Mogodumo Circuit. According to the research findings, the majority of the schools which were exposed by the media improved their functions. A positive impact of media exposure has also been identified through research findings in terms of the Department of Education’s involvement in the schools which were affected by the media.

Thesis (MA. (Clinical Psychology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2013 / The current study aimed at investigating the relationship between attitudes towards termination of pregnancy (TOP) and family structure and functioning, religiosity, and death anxiety. Participants of this study consisted of 330 school-going, adolescent, female participants aged 12 to 19 years. The results indicated that no relationship exists between attitudes towards TOP and the type of family structure from which an individual stems. The relationship between attitudes towards TOP and the Family Assessment Device (FAD) general family functioning scale did not reach statistical significance either. When attitudes towards TOP were correlated with the more specific family functioning subscales, the FAD problem-solving subscale was negatively associated with attitudes towards TOP. Additionally, the relationship between attitudes towards TOP and death anxiety was not statistically significant. However, analysis indicated that there is a statistically significant, negative relationship between attitudes towards TOP and intrinsic religiosity among school-going adolescents. Final analysis involved the regression of variables of FAD problem-solving and intrinsic religiosity on attitudes towards TOP. Both intrinsic religiosity and FAD problem-solving scores were predictors of attitudes towards TOP.

Thesis (M.A. (Agricultural Management)) -- University of Limpopo, 2013 / A study was conducted to determine environmental and socio-economic factors affecting pig productivity in communal areas. A questionnaire was administered to collect data on production environment and socio-economic variables underlying productivity in Sekhukhune District. Production environment included explanatory sex of the piglet, season of birth, feed type, housing type, municipality, herd size, health management and disease prevalence, while socio-economic variables included household size and gender of head of household, age, level of education and employment status. A total of 112 farmers were interviewed from 25 villages. Data on productivity were collected using production record sheets. Performance parameters in the production sheets included litter size, litter weight, individual birth weight, live weight and mortality. Monitoring was done from birth date to subsequent farrowing date at the farmers’ backyard. One farrowing sow per producer was used and a total of 605 piglets were monitored in the municipalities. A total of 1468 indigenous pigs were kept for breeding with 104 castrated males occupying less space in the production system within the district. Feeding was characterized by kitchen wastes or garbage at total of 78 farmers, 22 feeding garbage and grains, and only 12 farmers feeding concentrate. There was measles prevalence in the production system with a total of 41 farmers treating the suspected pigs; the larger number (71) however, did not treat pigs. Health did not affect (P>0.05) litter size and birth weight. Birth weight was affected (P>0.05) by disease prevalence, herd size, household head sex, age and education, and family size. Mean litter size was 4.38 piglets at birth, mean litter weights of 5.78 kg, mean birth weight of 1.32, and mean mortality at 2.31 piglets. Season, feed, municipality, diseases, herd size, the age, education and employment of household head affected pre-weaning mortality (P<0.05). v There is statistical evidence (P<0.05) that there were associations between litter size, litter weight, birth weight and mortality and the feed, municipality, diseases, herd size, the age, education and employment of household head respectively. There were deficiencies in the entire production system with regards to pig management practices, feeding practices, housing of pigs, breeding systems, herd composition and size and the general practices in the keeping of the pig herds by majority of pig producers. These deficiencies call for introduction of sound pig management plans in communal areas which should include keeping pigs indoor to account for the healthy herd, proper feeding and sound breeding plans.

Thesis (M.A. (Business administration)) University of Limpopo, 2008 / This research report is based on an integrated approach to strategy implementation in the Limpopo Department of Roads and Transport. The purpose of this research was to investigate which factors are key in the implementation of strategies and how can they be integrated to achieve the stated goals of the Limpopo Department of Roads and Transport. This report included both qualitative and quantitative research methods. The major finding of the study was that there are four key drivers of strategy implementation. These key drivers are management and leadership, organizational culture, organizational structure and organizational processes/systems. The integration of these key drivers is essential for the implementation of strategy, leading to improved service delivery to various stakeholders. The report concludes that in order to approach strategy implementation in an integrated manner, the following should take place: (1) managers who are responsible for strategy implementation should also be involved in strategy formulation processes; (2) organizational culture should be changed to create a conducive environment for the managers to be motivated; (3) leadership and management should guide the vision and mission; (4) organizational processes/systems should be coordinated and integrated for efficiency and effectiveness

Thesis (MBA.) -- University of Limpopo, 2008 / Fundraising is operationally feasible in schools. Schools are allowed to solicit investors in terms of the South African School Act. The research was conducted at Lebowakgomo Circuit , Capricorn District. It was the purpose of this study to develop a sustainable fundraising model for schools through perceptions and experiences of the school principals. The researcher used a survey questionnaire to collect data. Statistical analysis were followed in order to derive information from the data. A key finding was that fundraising takes place at schools mostly when there is insufficient funds, organizing for school events or there is an urgent need of resources. Most of the schools do not allocate a budget for fundraising . A fundraising plan is not included in the school developmental plan. The plan for fundraising is done periodically when a need arises. The purpose and the size of the project determine the type of fundraising. Most of the businesses are willing to give as part of their social responsibility or tax cut. However, schools should market and sell themselves to potential donors and follow more aggressive strategies towards fundraising. Recommendations made include a sustainable fundraising model for schools and the steps to be followed when applying the model.

Thesis (MBA.) -- University of Limpopo, 2008 / Fundraising is operationally feasible in schools. Schools are allowed to solicit investors in terms of the South African School Act. The research was conducted at Lebowakgomo Circuit , Capricorn District. It was the purpose of this study to develop a sustainable fundraising model for schools through perceptions and experiences of the school principals. The researcher used a survey questionnaire to collect data. Statistical analysis were followed in order to derive information from the data. A key finding was that fundraising takes place at schools mostly when there is insufficient funds, organizing for school events or there is an urgent need of resources. Most of the schools do not allocate a budget for fundraising . A fundraising plan is not included in the school developmental plan. The plan for fundraising is done periodically when a need arises. The purpose and the size of the project determine the type of fundraising. Most of the businesses are willing to give as part of their social responsibility or tax cut. However, schools should market and sell themselves to potential donors and follow more aggressive strategies towards fundraising. Recommendations made include a sustainable fundraising model for schools and the steps to be followed when applying the model.

Thesis (M.Dev.) --University of Limpopo, 2012