High population growth rates, shrinking budgets, and urban migration are some of the factors that have led to an increase in demand for jobs in South Africa. This demand cannot be met by the formal enterprise sector and many job seekers have to be absorbed in the informal sector. With many people being unemployed it is important that they be helped to regain their self-esteem by being economically active. When people are economically active it leads to their empowerment and they are able to address their needs. Abbey (1999:3) indicates that strategies to combat poverty must concentrate on ensuring empowerment and creating opportunities for the poor. The informal sector consists of a large mass of the excluded such as women, the illiterate, the voiceless and the unrepresented. The people in this sector tend to lack the infrastructure, technical and managerial expertise or knowledge, financial resources, transportation and information that would make them successful. The informal sector plays a very important role in addressing the unemployment crisis and alleviating poverty for the majority of people in South Africa. Support for the informal sector can be through micro-lenders who can help finance the poor when formal lending institutions are not able to assist them (Kirsten, van Zyl and Vink, 1998:13). Women and children are the most vulnerable groups when it comes to poverty. The informal sector could help them become organised small entrepreneurs to enable them to provide a decent living for themselves and their families. But for many women it is difficult to find credit institutions that can help them to start their own businesses. Some of the reasons could be that they do not have a credit record, are unemployed and do not have collateral when they apply for credit. Micro-lenders can be of help as they are at times able to provide credit to groups of people who are not able to obtain credit from formal institutions to start their own businesses (Russell, 1995:33). This study was undertaken because research on the determinants of rural poverty emanates from the increasing concern to understand the reasons for the failure of development strategies in many Third World countries to reduce mass poverty. The living standards of the majority of the rural population in the Third World have failed to improve. In many countries there has been deterioration in their living standards, especially among the lower income groups. This has happened not only in countries where no significant growth in per capita income was achieved, but also in those countries or areas where growth has been rapid (Elkan, 1988:175). Increased poverty has been accompanied by increased under-utilisation of human labour. Development literature, on the whole, does not provide satisfactory explanations for this phenomenon. This has contributed to a failure to design and implement appropriate strategies and policies (Kirsten, van Zyl and Vink, 1998:11). Economists have been working on economic strategies for decades. The main purpose has been to tackle the issue of poverty by addressing the economic evils of the world. But despite all the impressive efforts by economists, politicians and other experts in different disciplines, the majority of the world's population continues to be trapped in absolute poverty: a condition of life characterised by diseases, illiteracy, high infant mortality, squalid surroundings and low life expectancy (Kirsten, van Zyl and Vink, 1998:14). / Prof. C.S. van der Waal

M.Ed. / One of the greatest challenges facing the youth of South Africa and that of the rest of the world is HIV/AIDS. As the number of infected teachers and pupils increase, it can be expected that quality education will decrease. At present there seems to be no medical solution to the HIV/AIDS threat. Although different stakeholders are providing means of minimising the spread of the pandemic, HIV still remains a threat to the society. Most of the youth engage in sexual activities while they are still young. If the HIV virus is spread through unprotected sex with an infected person, the need to adopt certain strategies that can assist them to stay safe, becomes essential. This project will focus on different strategies that can be employed to fight and win the battle against HIV/AIDS in secondary schools in the Limpopo Province. / Dr. M.C. Van Loggerenberg

D.Cur. / The overall objective of this study was to describe the model and criteria for woman-centered care that will serve as a theoretical framework for implementing the Batho-Pele Principles in order to facilitate mutual participation between mothers and attending midwives during childbirth at one hospital of the Capricorn district in the Limpopo Province. The phases followed in this study were as follows: Phase 1: Concept Identification The concept identification was achieved through the use of a qualitative research approach which was exploratory, descriptive, contextual and inductive. A sample of 24 mothers and 12 attending midwives participated in the study. Different data collection methods were utilized. Data obtained from unstructured in-depth interviews were analyzed according to the protocol by Tesch (1990; cited in Cresswell, 1994:155). Data analysis from participant observation using semistructured observation and VAS were performed quantitatively by using frequency distribution. The results of interviews indicated experiences that foster/promote dependency in midwifery care. Woman-centered care was identified as a core category and as a central approach that would enhance mutual participation during childbirth. To ensure valid results, a model of trustworthiness as proposed by Lincoln and Guba (1985: 301-318) was utilized. Phase 2: Concept Analysis Following the concept identification, the concept analysis of a core category ‘woman-centered care’ was conducted using the framework as described by Walker and Avant (1995). Phase 3: Development of the Model and Criteria This phase dealt with the description of the structure and process of the model. Strategies were proposed, described and recommended to implement the model where there is interaction of a mother (patient) and a midwife (nurse). Evaluation of the model was done by having dialogue with experts and by utilizing Chinn and Kramer’s (1995:134-135) guidelines for evaluating theory. The criteria for womancentered care were formulated. A unique contribution of this study is the concept analysis of woman-centered care, the development and description of the womancentered childbirth model and the formulation of criteria for woman-centered care.

Magister Philosophiae (Land and Agrarian Studies) - MPhil(LAS) / This thesis presented a study of post-settlement experiences of land reform beneficiaries, with a focus on three case studies from Limpopo Province. Since 1994, the South African government has implemented a land reform programme that aims to redress the injustices in land ownership patterns in the country. This study included a review of international and local literature on land reform with particualr interest in what happens after land transfer and settlement. / South Africa

Magister Philosophiae (Land and Agrarian Studies) - MPhil(LAS) / The study adopted qualitative research methods because the issues to be researched are complex social matters. The approach was three-pronged. Firstly, a desktop assessment of the claim was done. Secondly, semi-structured interviews were conducted with selected households in the community to understand their experiences after dispossession and their perception of the restitution claim. Thirdly, a combination of desktop analysis and household interviews was employed to understand the socio-economic dynamics and evaluate the feasibility of the community's perceptions. / South Africa

The aquifer vulnerability of the Molototsi (B81G) and Middle Letaba (B82D) quaternary catchments was assessed to determine the influence of the vadose zone on the groundwater regime. Anecdotal evidence indicated that the aquifers may be vulnerable to pollution. The aquifer vulnerability was assessed by developing a new method RDSS. The RDSS method was developed by combining relevant vulnerability parameters of DRASTIC, GOD, EPIK, SEEPAGE, COP and SINTACS. RDSS evaluates the vadose zone as a pathway for pollutants by using the following four parameters namely: Recharge, Depth to water table, Soil type and Slope. Recharge was estimated using the Chloride-mass balance method. Depth to water table was measured in the field using a dipmeter. For inaccessible boreholes, data was requested from Groundwater Project Consulting Company. The seepage behaviour (soil type) was determined using parameters such as hydraulic conductivity, infiltration and percolation. Percolation and hydraulic conductivity was determined by undertaking percolation tests in accordance with SABS 0252-2:1993. Infiltration was determined using the double ring infiltrometer. Slopes were determined from the digital elevation method using ArcGIS software. High recharge was revealed in the lower parts of both B81G and B82D. Shallow depth to water level was revealed on the upper part of B82D and extended towards the lower part of B81G. Soil type relates to saturated vertical hydraulic conductivity, which was rated to be high in the northeast of B81G. Gentle (high influence due to preferential infiltration to runoff) slopes extend from the south towards the northern parts of both B81G and B82D. The four parameters (recharge, depth to water table, soil type, and slope) were overlaid using Weighted Sum, Weighted Overlay and Raster Calculator to produce the final vulnerability map. When using Weighted Overlay and Weighted Sum, rasters were given different percentages of influence in different scenarios. The Weighted Overlay tool inputs multiple rasters and sets all weights equal to 100%. The Weighted Sum tool inputs multiple rasters and sets all weight equal to 1.0. When using the Raster Calculator, rasters were evaluated by being added together without multiplying by the percentage of influence. The results obtained are discussed in detail with reference to the degree of vulnerability of these two densely populated rural areas. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / Geology / unrestricted

This study is informed by the rising demand for power needs in South Africa and aims at understanding the geophysical and geochemical characteristics of the energy minerals in the Springbok Flats Basin and relating them to the prevailing geological and structural setting for improved exploration targeting. The Springbok Flats Basin is part of the Karoo sediments and host to uranium, coal and coal bed methane (CBM) resources. The lithology sections in the basin indicate presence of basaltic lavas at the top, underlain by mudrocks, siltstones, sandstones, conglomerates and diamictite, with interbedded coal beds occasionally. The coals are uraniferous and shale bounded and of lower Beaufort age at 250 Ma. The regional radiometric data identifies the regional extent of the Springbok Flats Basin as a basin with low total count values. This information is useful in exploration as it gives an idea of the limits of the area where to focus application for prospecting licenses. The reduced to pole of the total magnetic field, residuals and first vertical derivative maps clearly show the high magnetic susceptibility nature of the surrounding Bushveld rocks as compared to the low Karoo sediment susceptibility within the basin. There are distinct ring shaped picks within the basin possibly due to known Karoo dolerite sills in particular to the central south western part of the grid. The regional geochemical mapping program is a cost-effective way of providing an overview of the relative abundance levels, regional trends and anomalous patterns in the underlying lithological units. Background values of elements in soils over different lithological units and the identification of anomalous values relative to these elements can easily be identified. The geochemical results show an excellent correlation between soil chemistry and underlying geological formations. A few distinct gravity highs are clearly shown within the basin. Assuming the effect of the Letaba basalt to the gravity readings is uniform across the basin; these distinct anomalies could be due to Karoo dolerite sills as they coincide with areas of distinct high magnetic signature. A conceptual model was generated assuming that the Karoo sediments’ layering is uniform across the gravity profile but changes in the residual are due to an increased thickness of the sill supported by the gentle changes on the surface topography. Satellite imagery has got its challenges especially in areas of vegetation but it does provide a very useful tool in exploration. A number of spectral analysis techniques and band rations can be used to differentiate the areas underlain by the Letaba basalts, the Karoo sandstones/shale and Bushveld granites for mapping purposes. The priority focus will be on the shallower Karoo sediments because of the potential for cheaper mining. Exploration targeting needs to be guided by observed geochemical and geophysical characteristics in order to prioritize areas taking into account the presence of Karoo intrusives such as the dolerite sills that tend to devolatize the coal hence affecting the quality/rank. Structures and gravity signatures are very important in delineating areas with thick sediments that have a potential for CBM. The same understanding in targeting goes a long way in planning drill holes, resource modelling and pre-feasibility stages for mine planning. A high resolution airborne geophysical survey is recommended over the basin to better resolve structures. Geophysical borehole logging is recommended to be part of the exploration drilling programs in the Springbok Flats Basin in order to define the in-situ geophysical characteristics. Geophysical logging is useful in particular for the uranium reserves that cannot be delineated from the surface due to deep intersection.

A water use and availability study was conducted at the Dzindi Irrigation Scheme in Limpopo Province. The problems experienced at Dzindi Irrigation Scheme regarding water allocation, concern water availability at a field level. Although water is continuously being diverted into the main canal, farmers at the bottom end of the system claim not to receive adequate water supplies, forcing them to practice dry land irrigation (farming). Water losses occur between the source and the point of application, and the causes of loss need to be identified so that water availability can be improved. The study focused on water released to Block 2, and an analysis was made of all losses which occur from the weir where water is released to the point of application in the fields. An estimation of water supplies that return to the river as an unused delivery, and conveyance losses that occur along the distribution channels, were determined through a water balance drawn up from measured canal inflows, such as seepage and evaporation. A total volume of 371096 m3 was supplied to Block 2 during a 45 day monitoring period. For a planted area of 16.52 ha, this works out to 22463 m3 /ha supplied, or a relative irrigation supply of 14.2 times the irrigation requirement. Losses originate from a number of sources. Results indicated that losses that occurred in the main canal were very low, with a conveyance efficiency of 96% recorded. Knowledge of irrigation water management and practical irrigation scheduling at a scheme level is weak. The biggest immediate need is to improve the management of the infrastructure. The main system capacity is adequate, and losses due to seepage, evaporation and return flows are within acceptable limits. The return flows are mostly caused by the farmers’ lack of understanding that led to them removing the entire sluice gates at the head of the secondary canals of Block 2. This results in water running to the first two secondary canals only, and not reaching the rest of the Block. Based on the requirements identified by all the stakeholders, training should be provided to the water bailiffs and farmers to implement management practices that are both effective and sustainable. Together with prioritised infrastructure upgrading, more acceptable water delivery should be possible. The challenge lies in making the technical and the social aspects converge in such a way that the result is acceptable to both systems and can be sustained over time. The opportunities for capacity building by equipping thestakeholders with new skills are considerable, but the time and effort required to achieve this should not be underestimated. / Dissertation (M Inst Agrar (Rural Engineering Technology))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Civil Engineering / unrestricted

The study probes intergovernmental relations in the management of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park (GLTP). The GLTP is established by trilateral agreement among South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Transfrontier parks are new phenomena in South Africa and Southern Africa. The novelty of the phenomena justifies the conduct of research with a view to uncover and add new knowledge to the study of Public Administration. The focus of the thesis is on the different types of governmental relations necessary for the successful management of the GLTP. More emphasis in the thesis is on the contribution made by South Africa to the improvement of relations, successful management and development of the GLTP. The relations analysed in the thesis are international and national in nature. Furthermore, the essence of the sovereignty of the state, globalization, the African Renaissance, the contribution made by international institutions, provincial, and local government receive attention in the thesis. Tourism management, stakeholders, the state of tourism in the three countries and challenges facing South Africa and the GLTP in the promotion of tourism are assessed as tourism has become a significant growth area in the economies of most developing countries. / Thesis (DAdmin (Public Administration))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / School of Public Management and Administration (SPMA) / DAdmin / unrestricted

During the apartheid era, Black South Africans in large numbers were forced to live in overcrowded reserves, which were impoverished, homelands and townships through decentralization. Because of the high level of poverty, people could not afford quality seeds and fertilizers for good harvests. A government initiative known as the National Land Reform programme was established to address the issue of redressing the injustice of forced removals and historical denial to access land that was created by the apartheid policies. The initiative had to ensure security of tenure for rural dwellers, decongest overcrowding and supply of residential and productive land to the poorest section of the rural population, raise income and productivity, build the economy through the provision of support services by generating large scale employment, and increase rural incomes. The international experience of land reform has broadened the issue of injustice and denials to access land by reversing the problems to create solutions. Land reform is a policy and legal understanding to increase access to land by giving poor people ownership rights and ensuring sustainable land use. Most of the objectives of land reform in other countries included improving the agricultural efficiency, distributing land equitable, uplifting the standard of living, reducing poverty, and achieving equitable land redistribution. The occurrence of land redistribution has been part of land reform in many developing countries. From land redistribution, it has been learnt that there should be greater emphasis on supporting productivity and access to input and product markets. On the other hand, land tenure reform aimed at motivating individual land ownership, increasing and protecting peoples land rights, and introducing more security by using effective system of cadastral surveys and title registration. The source of revenue for local governments has been land taxes. Land tax does not discourage investments in land improvements. Although land reform has been unsuccessful at some point, its success has been achieved by addressing the equity in land distribution and upgrading livelihood and raising a number of successful Black agricultural producers. Land dispossession is an ancient issue that still has an effect even in contemporary times. Because of the necessity for land reform to be utilized, it will promote equity as well as efficiency in South Africa. The equitable growth patterns created by land reform shifted income and power to the poor. Land reform promotes efficiency through redistribution of agricultural land to smallholders. Smallholders become more efficient than large holders because they are more responsible for most farming activities. The land reform success in South Africa should be measured against its ability to address equity in land redistribution and livelihood upgrading, reduction in poverty, creation of rural employment, and income generating opportunities. Land restitution programme is concerned with the communities who were victimised by the past racially discriminatory legislation. The programme provides specific compensation to victims of forced removals. The major outstanding issue is the level of compensation to which claimants should be entitled. A programme called tenure reform promotes security of tenure to all citizens of the country and prevents evictions by the state or landowners. One of the aims of the tenure reform programme is to increase tenure security for about six million households. The impact of land reform on the lives of people is that there has been an improvement on the quality of lives. Though within a restricted scale, the agricultural and non-agricultural productions are taking place; and there is better service delivery. Because of excessive bureaucracy and over centralization of the land reform programme, the implementation of the process has been slow. A baseline study of the quality of live of land reform beneficiaries was undertaken in Limpopo Province at Gertrudsburg. The community of Gertrudsburg was forcibly removed from their land in 1963. They lodged a claim to the farm, Ledig 289 LS, in 1995 and succeeded in 2001. Gertrudsburg forms part of the Makhado Municipality in the Vhembe District. The area experiences a dry climate with consistent summer rainfall. Occasionally, summers are very hot while winters are cold. The baseline study of Gertrudsburg has four basic steps that were followed that include determining what to measure, designing the questionnaire, fieldwork and data collection and data analysis. For the baseline study to be successful, important questions had to be answered, and the general information was gathered in a form of questionnaires and fieldwork. Using both qualitative and quantitative approaches did data analysis. The two approaches were used in order to put more emphasis on the data of the quality of life of land reform beneficiaries. Qualitative approach has two phenomena in which one focuses on the natural settings, while the other involves studying the complexity. The quantitative approach was carried out in order to strengthen the importance of the quality of life of land reform beneficiaries. In order for land reform and other aspects such as land redistribution to be implemented, there must be involvement with the government departments, local government, parastatal, and non-government organizations. The outcomes of land reform include reduction in poverty, change in agrarian structure, and increased productivity. The success of the restitution process was achieved through the restoration of more than 887 000 hectares of land to more than 172 00 households. The baseline study showed the presence of poor quality of life in Gertrudsburg. It generally indicated the basic needs of people, which are not yet accessible by others. Success in land reform is enhanced when all stakeholders are involved and when they work closely together. More attention is still needed in order to upgrade the services and facilities in Gertrudsburg. The study generally recommends that for the improvement of the quality of life in Gertrudsburg, the following should be implemented: increment of commitment at national level to post-settlement support through conceptual, fiscal, strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation provisions; increment of the role of district and local municipality; promotion of integrated planning and implementation; introduction of project implementation support team; establishment of a provincial land reform post-settlement implementation strategy; and improvement of inter-departmental communication at project and government level. The results of the baseline study could be used for future evaluation and monitoring the improvement of the quality of life in Gertrudsburg. / Dissertation (M Inst Agrar (Land Development))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development / M Inst Agrar / unrestricted