The purpose of the research was to determine the underlying contributory factors in an obstetric unit at the district hospital in Mpumalanga province, South Africa, regarding neonatal deaths and to propose strategies for midwifery practice. Quantitative, nonexperimental, descriptive, exploratory and retrospective (ex-post facto) design was used to explore and describe the factors contributing to neonatal deaths. Data collection was done using an audit tool. The conclusions drawn from this study supported the assumptions that there are factors related to antenatal, intrapartum, postnatal and neonatal care that contribute to neonatal deaths, thus emphasizing the urgency of improving the care of pregnant mothers and their babies through effective implementation of programmes and protocols / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)

M.Ed. / The need to redress the educational deficiencies of the workforce and adult population generally is enormous, especially in the poverty stricken rural areas of the country. While the government has committed itself to redressing adult illiteracy, there are other issues like the language policy which make the situation even more complex. Although the country has eleven official languages, all of which have been recognized and given equal status, it is generally accepted that English will remain an important language of wider communication and of international communication for South Africa. The aim of this study is to explore the teaching of literacy in English as a second language (ESL) in literacy programmes in a rural area of Mapulaneng, in the Mpumalanga Province. For this aim to be achieved, an interpretive design is applied, and qualitative data-collection methods are used, which include the analysis of written documents, observations and interviews. The major finding of this investigation is: The teaching of literacy in ESL is not successful in Mapulaneng, a rural area of the Mpumalanga Province. The main reasons for this are: • The teaching of English literacy is approached inappropriately. Adult learners are not literate in the first language commonly used at the centres - Northern Sotho. The main implications of the findings are: There is a need for the training of literacy teachers in this rural area of Mapulaneng. There is a need for some form of communication between the Department of Education and Culture and all the stakeholders involved in adult education. Although not replacing the other languages, English should remain as the main language of learning.

Debarking of Acacia mearnsii in South Africa has been conducted using mainly manual systems. Labour shortages and reliability of these systems has caused interest in alternative systems that might be able to debark A. mearnsii. The aim of the research is to compare three mechanised debarking technologies used to debark A. mearnsii. Research trials were conducted on the Demuth, Hyena and Hypro debarkers that would form part of semi-mechanised harvesting systems. The debarking technologies were analysed and compared in terms of productivity per productive machine hour (PMH), debarking quality, system costs and the quality of the bark that was produced. Furthermore, the effect that tree volume, strippability and form have on each of the debarking technologies was determined. The debarking technologies were affected by each of the factors researched. Decreasing tree form had a negative effect on the productivity of each of the technologies. An increase in strippability class (strengthening wood-bark bond strength) caused a decrease in the productivity of each of the machines. An increasing tree volume had a positive effect on the productivity for the three debarking technologies. After the debarking had taken place, samples of bark were analysed at a laboratory to determine if it was acceptable for the processing facilities. Each of the debarking technologies produced bark of varying dimensions, but they were all found to be acceptable. The system costs of the three debarking technologies were compared to a manual system cost at tree volumes of 0.1m³, 0.15m³ and 0.2m³. The Demuth debarker had the best system cost for a tree size of 0.1m³, while the manual system was best for tree volumes 0.15m³ and 0.2m³. The Demuth, Hyena and manual system costs were very similar for each of the tree volumes, with the Hypro being a little higher.

Thesis(M. Com.(Economics)) -- University of Limpopo, 2019 / This study examined the determinants of learner performance by employing an education production function approach using the descriptive statistics, ordinary least squares (OLS) and quantile regression techniques in 2016. The study utilised the data obtained from SA-SAMS of Bankfontein combined school at Mpumalanga province. In the education production function, learner performance was estimated against variables such as age, gender, days absent and socio-economic status. The results of this study indicated that in the rural combined school, learner performance is strongly influenced by age, absenteeism and socio economic status. For instance, results revealed that absenteeism had a negative effect on learners‟ educational performance. An increase in absenteeism by 1 day led to a reduction in learner‟s examination score by approximately 0.1 percentage points during the chosen period. The “socioeconomic status” variable revealed a statistically significant and negative impact on learners‟ educational performance. The results demonstrate that poverty leads to poor educational performance as measured by examination scores. It is recommended that schools should manage learner diversity (age, gender and socio-economic factors), introduce learner motivation programmes, teacher performance improvement interventions, and improve organisational planning and development, parental involvement among others to retain learners at school. Furthermore, schools should enforce education policies that stipulate entry and exit age at different levels of schooling.

Thesis (M. Dev.) -- University of Limpopo, 2016 / The purpose of this study was to determine the community perceptions based on cost–benefit analysis approach to developing a tourism route. The Ehlanzeni District Municipality in the Mpumalanga Province is proposing the development of a new community-based tourism route in the Umjindi Local Municipality. The route will start from the R40 road gateway to Umjindi Local Municipality, it then stretches to Umjindi township, ending in Barberton town. The aim of a tourism route is brings together a variety of activities and attractions under a theme, and it develops opportunities of products and services. The literature review in the study is drawn from host communities’ perception on tourism development, South African and international perspective on cost–benefit analysis of tourism development. Routes are considered important because they promote local economic development. The impact of tourism development in a local society is demonstrated throughout this study. Through an analysis of the qualitative and quantitative data collected, it was found that community perceived the cost is less than what they will actually benefit from the development of the proposed tourism route. The community perceives that the costbenefit of the development of a tourism route is associated with issues of the economy, social, cultural and environment.

MESHWR / Department of Hydrology and Water Resources / Greenhouse gases (GHGs) from coal power station affect the behaviour of climatic parameters such as the temperature, rainfall and evaporation, over a long period of time, hence causing climatic trends. This study focused on investigating the impacts of Greenhouse gases (GHGs) from coal power stations on climatic and hydrological trends in Witbank area. To accomplish this, linear regression (LR) and Mann-Kendall (MK) trend test were used to detect the hydro-climatic trends and their significance. GHG emissions were obtained from Eskom’s sustainability report on the Eskom website. Temperature data for the years 1950- 2000 and 1993-2016 and rainfall data for the years 1925-2000 and 1993-2016 were used. Double Mass Analysis (DMA) was used to check the homogeneity and consistency of temperature and rainfall data from South African Weather Services (SAWS) station with the Lynch database and Water Research Commission (WRC) data. Data was patched and extended using LR where necessary. Trends in temperature, precipitation and flow were assessed using MK trend test and LR based on monthly, seasonal, and annual scales. GHG emissions were compared with the hydro-climatic data over time in order to detect the impacts of GHG emissions on temperature, rainfall and streamflow. The MK results indicated that GHG emissions had some impacts on temperature with statistically significant increase in annual, monthly and seasonal time scales for the period 1950-2016. LR also produced the same results for annual temperature. Monthly and seasonal temperature could not be produced with the LR method because of data gaps. The MK and LR models produced similar results, indicating that there was a non-significant increase in temperature before coal power stations were introduced (1950-1974) and a significant increase in temperature after the commissioning of coal power stations (1975-2016). MK and LR also produced the same results for annual rainfall data, indicating that there was a significant increase in rainfall before coal power stations were introduced (1925-1974) and a non-significant increase after the commissioning of coal power stations (1975-2016). For monthly time scales MK and LR indicated increasing and decreasing trends before and after coal power stations were introduced. MK and LR results for streamflow stations B2H004 and B2H007 showed similar results indicating non-significant increase in annual and seasonal streamflow, but differed in monthly streamflow where MK showed significant increases whilst LR showed non-significant trends. The study concluded that GHGs from coal power stations had significant impacts on the hydro-climatic trends in Witbank area. GHGs from coal power stations caused significant increase in temperature as temperature increased by 3.7°C after coal power stations were introduced, whereas temperature had increased by 1.7 °C. It is recommened that more research should be done on alternative sources of energy such as wind and solar energy to check their suitability and applicability in South Africa. / NRF

Thesis (M. Ed. (Curriculum Studies)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022 / The purpose of the study was to investigate the barriers to parents supporting their children’s learning. The objectives were to determine the factors that impede parents from supporting their children’s learning and to find mitigating strategies thereof. The study further compared the practices in three types of schools, that is, the rural, township and suburban schools. The theory guiding the study was Lafaele and Hornby’s the explanatory model. The study used a qualitative research approach within an interpretivist paradigm. A phenomenology study design was used. The research study was undertaken in three high schools (rural, township and suburban) in the Volksrust Circuit. The sample of participants comprised of the principal, a Departmental Head (DH) and six parents serving in the school governing body (five from the suburban school) form each school. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and document analysis of the policies on parental involvement. They were analysed using thematic analysis. The study found that school-based barriers such as methods and reasons for communication, parental involvement policies and the language used in teaching and learning hinder parental involvement in children’s education. Parent and family based barriers such as work dynamics, knowledge of subject content, level of education, culture and delegated duties were also identified as barriers for parental involvement. The study also found that age of learners is a contributing child factor which hinders parental involvement in children’s education despite parents’ willingness to support their children’s learning. The study concludes that parental involvement is a dynamic phenomenon and that schools should not make decisions based on assumptions but on facts. Thus, this study recommends the use of technology, and other methods of communication, transformation in school structures, capacity building and the development of ‘Action Teams’ to enhance parental involvement in children’s education. / ETDP SETA (Mpumalanga)

Thesis (Ph.D. (Education Studies)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022 / This qualitative study explored teacher perceptions, knowledge and intervention of homosexual learners in high schools in the Gert Sibande District of Mpumalanga. Homophobic issues have proven to be rife in high schools in Mpumalanga. Therefore, it was commendable to understand how teachers perceive the homosexuality of these minority learners. That reason directed the purpose of this study, as teachers should teach, guide and protect all learners in the school. Hence, it was crucial to ascertain how they deal with homophobic attitudes or whether they are even aware of homophobic attitudes within schools. This study adopted Gibson’s Theory of Direct Perception, the top-down and constructivist theory, to understand teacher perceptions and knowledge of the homosexuality of high school learners. This study used a case study design and empirical studies were extensively reviewed to corroborate data gathered through individual interviews and document analysis. Data generated from the semi-structured individual interviews were analysed through Thematic Content Analysis. Numerous findings emerged from this research. Firstly, it became evident that teacher perceptions of learners’ homosexuality were hampered by their lack of knowledge about the phenomenon. It follows that there was no mention of homosexuality as a concept during their teacher education. Even in practice, the concept is not precisely included in the curriculum. Secondly, teachers appeared to have negative perceptions and a misunderstanding of the homosexuality of learners because they are obstructed by their own beliefs – namely, the Christian religion and their culture – in recognising homosexual learners in high schools. They still believe in stereotypes and myths which are encouraging homophobic behaviour. Thirdly, no homophobic incident was documented and as a result, no one was able to refer to previous or common incidents. The teachers confirmed that management resonated the same sentiments as everybody else at the expense of homosexual learners, who are rendered voiceless and vulnerable to discrimination, violence and isolation. This study recommends a speedy intervention from the Department of Basic Education to equip teachers with the necessary knowledge and accurate information on homosexuality as a concept for school communities. This study offered sufficient evidence for the claim that secondary school teachers’ perceptions, knowledge and intervention need to be challenged and homosexuality should be explicitly included in the curriculum to benefit the minority youth in high schools.

Compliance monitoring is a continuous process used to ensure that conditions stipulated in an environmental authorisation are adhered to. Compliance monitoring is a key component of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and EIA follow-up. The aim of this research was to critically assess EIA follow-up conditions formulated for Environmental Authorisations in Mpumalanga Province. The practicability of conditions set out in the authorisation for EIA follow-up are of particular concern. Forty-two (42) environmental authorisations (EAs) issued under the 2010 NEMA EIA regulations were reviewed and assessed to analyse information relating to follow-up practice. In order to synthesise the data effectively and create a comprehensive analysis, the EAs were divided into project type categories rather than listed activity categories. The assessment results on the strengths and weaknesses related to compliance monitoring and enforcement of the authorisation conditions revealed that the EIA follow-up conditions in Mpumalanga do make provision of EIA follow-up. The EAs fulfils the requirements of regulation 37 of the NEMA EIA regulations 2010 by promoting compliance monitoring of impacts. However, some conditions raises difficulty in monitoring due to their impracticability. Another weakness is that conditions focus mainly on the construction phase and very little attention is paid to operational and decommissioning impacts. The analyses results show that the practicability of the authorised conditions for environmental compliance monitoring had the following challenges: conditions intended to mitigate the adverse environmental impacts are generic and do not apply to specific projects or activities being authorised and there are no clearly defined timeframes for conditions requiring repetitive monitoring. Moreover, the study revealed gaps in monitoring of the authorised conditions that included poor clarity of roles of environmental control officers (ECOs) and auditors and a lack of reference to sections to be complied with pertaining to other relevant legislation. The critical assessment of the EIA follow-up conditions formulated for Environmental Authorisations in Mpumalanga Province indicate that the formulation of conditions have implications in ensuring that compliance is effectively implemented. Clearly defined conditions will ensure proper interpretation and correct implementation for compliance purposes. / M (Environmental Management), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Compliance monitoring is a continuous process used to ensure that conditions stipulated in an environmental authorisation are adhered to. Compliance monitoring is a key component of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and EIA follow-up. The aim of this research was to critically assess EIA follow-up conditions formulated for Environmental Authorisations in Mpumalanga Province. The practicability of conditions set out in the authorisation for EIA follow-up are of particular concern. Forty-two (42) environmental authorisations (EAs) issued under the 2010 NEMA EIA regulations were reviewed and assessed to analyse information relating to follow-up practice. In order to synthesise the data effectively and create a comprehensive analysis, the EAs were divided into project type categories rather than listed activity categories. The assessment results on the strengths and weaknesses related to compliance monitoring and enforcement of the authorisation conditions revealed that the EIA follow-up conditions in Mpumalanga do make provision of EIA follow-up. The EAs fulfils the requirements of regulation 37 of the NEMA EIA regulations 2010 by promoting compliance monitoring of impacts. However, some conditions raises difficulty in monitoring due to their impracticability. Another weakness is that conditions focus mainly on the construction phase and very little attention is paid to operational and decommissioning impacts. The analyses results show that the practicability of the authorised conditions for environmental compliance monitoring had the following challenges: conditions intended to mitigate the adverse environmental impacts are generic and do not apply to specific projects or activities being authorised and there are no clearly defined timeframes for conditions requiring repetitive monitoring. Moreover, the study revealed gaps in monitoring of the authorised conditions that included poor clarity of roles of environmental control officers (ECOs) and auditors and a lack of reference to sections to be complied with pertaining to other relevant legislation. The critical assessment of the EIA follow-up conditions formulated for Environmental Authorisations in Mpumalanga Province indicate that the formulation of conditions have implications in ensuring that compliance is effectively implemented. Clearly defined conditions will ensure proper interpretation and correct implementation for compliance purposes. / M (Environmental Management), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015