Thesis (MDEV) --University of Limpopo, 2007. / The study sought to develop guidelines that are aimed at improving Termination of Pregnancy (TOP) services that are rendered by public hospital based midwives. The researcher applied a qualitative and descriptive design. The study targeted midwives in the Bohlabela District, which has three hospitals. A non-probability purposive sampling was used to 6 midwives who are currently conducting TOP services in the hospitals. Data collection was both in-depth and conducted in face-to-face interviews with each participant. The findings of the study were analyzed, categorized into sub-themes, and revealed that midwives who conduct TOP services experience the following challenges, namely: inadequate human resource, poor infrastructure, lack of equipments, poor management support, and lack of support from doctors. Based on the findings of the study, it is imperative that all hospitals be designated centres for TOP services, so as to reduce the workload in the few hospitals that currently are inundated. The infrastructure needs to be improved, information about TOP services to the public has to be disseminated through awareness campaigns, and scarce skills allowances must be introduced. In addition, more staff members need to be employed. The study further recommends that the TOP policy guideline be reviewed in terms of allowing other competent health professionals to perform TOP. Chapter two discusses the literature review regarding the challenges that affect midwives who conduct TOP. In this study, theresearch compares the practice of TOP by the developing and developed countries, looks at related to laws at on TOP; gives an overview of sterilization Act in South Africa; mentions the amendments of laws on TOP; considers other legal restrictions; presents mandatory counseling for TOP clients; focuses on religious, cultural and traditional beliefs. The researcher has consulted different literatures, journals articles and website on challenges that affect midwives in rendering TOP in Limpopo, South Africa and world wild. Chapter three presents research methodology that consists of research design; area of study; population; sampling method; data collection method and procedure; ensuring trust worthiness; and ethical consideration, to be followed by limitation of the study. Chapter deals with data analysis and interpretation. Chapter five presents the researcher’s conclusions and recommendations. / Not listed

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 (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.

Although the leopard (Panthera pardus) is one of the more successful large carnivores, challenges for leopard conservation emulate those of other more endangered carnivores, and they are a model species for investigating issues affecting carnivore persistence worldwide. This thesis represents a six year study of leopard on the Karongwe Game Reserve, South Africa, which provided a unique opportunity to observe various aspects of behavioural ecology in the absence of prey availability constraints or human persecution. Small, enclosed reserves such as Karongwe make up 16.8% of the total land in South Africa and undertaking sound ecological research in these areas provides valuable data for evidence-based conservation and management. The leopard is notoriously shy and difficult to study and I used free darting and habituation to enhance visual observation, in order to understand the ecological processes influencing leopard reproductive success and survival. My results show that leopard in the high prey area studied, consume almost double the number of ungulates as leopard in similar habitats elsewhere. This generalist predator improved its hunting success by selecting vulnerable prey and selectively hunted in habitats of intermediate density, where preferred prey were most abundant. Ample nutrition played a key role in reproductive health and reduced the duration of reproductive parameters below that previously recorded in the literature. Any additional nutritional input could not translate into increased population growth as females were already reproducing optimally. Female territorial size and habitat selection were determined by the availability of riparian habitat and resources of their preferred prey. Territoriality however was governed by prey biomass. Neighbouring leopards were territorial, sharing little space (average 11% territorial overlap) and hunting five times more often in the core than in the rest of their territory. During periods of prey richness, females became more territorial and there was a positive “bottom up” effect through subadult recruitment. Density-dependent intraspecific and interspecific competition for limited space regulated the population around carrying capacity, and constrained population growth. These results provide fundamental baseline data about leopard in the absence of human disturbance, or prey constraints. They highlight that, although the influence of optimal nutrition is important in the reproductive health and territoriality of leopard, habitat quality and quantity are ultimately what govern leopard carrying capacity and population size. I provide baseline reproductive, carrying capacity and territorial data for agencies developing policy, and for setting priorities in conservation and management, as well as habitat protection and restoration, for not only this species but other threatened species as well. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2013.

The study was aimed at exploring the relationship between poverty and aggravated robbery in Limpopo Province. Sampled secondary data of aggravated robbery of- fenders, obtained from the South African Police (SAPS), Polokwane, was used in the analysis. From empirical researches on poverty and crime, there are some deductions that vulnerability to crime is increased by poverty. Poverty set was categorised by gender, employment status, marital status, race, age and educational attainment. Variables for aggravated robbery were house robbery, bank robbery, street/common robbery, carjacking, truck hijacking, cash-in-transit and business robbery. Canonical correlation analysis was used to make some inferences about the relationship of these two sets. The results revealed a signi cant positive correlation of 0.219(p-value = 0.025) between poverty and aggravated robbery at ve per cent signi cance level. Of the thirteen variables entered into the poverty-aggravated model, ve emerged as sta- tistically signi cant. These were gender, marital status, employment status, common robbery and business robbery. / Mathematical Sciences / M. Sc. (Statistics)

Blueberry, Cherry and Raspberry (berry) production is a potential alternative land use opportunity in the Limpopo Province (LP) of South Africa (RSA). RSA based site selection criterion and literature is limited. Haenertsburg and an area near Pietersburg (Polokwane) were identified for berry production potential. In Haenertsburg, most viable land is held by the timber industry. In Pietersburg, soil and climatic conditions vary greatly, representing a site selection risk. Using accepted site selection processes, a study was conducted which identified the need to select land qualities and characteristics (QC’s) appropriate to berry production. The study revealed key QCs’ and secondary QCs’. Key QCs’ must be adhered to for site selection, while secondary QCs’ have site-specific application. The key land qualities are climate, soil, water, topography and management. In order to design a land rating system (LRS), specific characteristic values were cataloged per quality and per berry. Characteristic values were assigned to a land rating system where S1 (highly suitable), S2 (moderately suitable), S3 (marginally suitable), N1 (currently not suitable) and N2 (not suitable). To test the LRS, a real, but non-representative resource assessment (RA) took place. The RA revealed the further need to incorporate land limits into site selection. QCs’ and land limit data was collected from existing sources and measured in situ where the data was insufficient. Finally the RA data was applied to the LRS through the process of matching. The matching precipitated the formation of a site selection process or tool, presented on tables. Each table represents a land quality. Water and soil criteria varied per berry, while topography, water and management were common to all three berries. Additionally, the site selection tool enabled the assessment of secondary QCs’. The assessment process is conservative, allocating the lowest land rating as the overall rating. This allows for the land user to address the most limiting factor from worst to least, thereby ensuring sustainable and good land use. / Dissertation (MInstAgrar (Land-Use Planning))--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Plant Production and Soil Science / unrestricted

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

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

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