An evaluation of electronic waste (e-waste) management in Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality was undertaken in this study. The aim of the study was to evaluate the electronic waste management practices such as generation, storage, collection, transportation and disposal in Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality. This was achieved through questionnaires distributed to residents in Namakgale and Phalaborwa residential areas, structured interviews with municipal workers under the Environmental Health Division and observation in the landfill site and collection points were also used in gathering information on the electronic waste management. In the study it was found that a wide range of electronic waste is generated and lighting equipment, small household equipment and ICT equipment are disposed of in large numbers in the study area. The municipality is responsible for waste management in the study area. Electronic waste generated is stored, collected and disposed together with all other domestic waste in the area. No segregation or recycling at household level was evident. It was also found that the municipality does not have a formal relationship with electronic waste recycling companies to eliminate the flow of electronic waste from households to the landfill site. A lack of own regulatory and by-laws on electronic waste was noted and seemed to be one of the challenges the municipality is facing. The findings highlighted the low level of community awareness regarding electronic waste. The study concluded that there is a lack or absence of good management of electronic waste storage, collection, transportation in the Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality. From the study, it is recommended that there is a need for meaningful community awareness, environmental education, formulation of by-laws and formal recycling projects for effective electronic waste in Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality. / Environmental Sciences / M. Sc. (Environmental Management)

Thesis (DSc (Geology))--Stellenbosch University, 1948. / 375 leaves printed on single pages, preliminary pages and numbered pages1-312. Includes bibliography, figures and photos. / Digitized at 330 dpi color PDF format (OCR), using KODAK i 1220 PLUS scanner.

Thesis (MBA.) -- University of Limpopo, 2018 / This article investigates the effects of drought on small scale beef cattle farmers of Ba- Phalaborwa Municipality in Limpopo Province. Drought and its financial implications have caused critical problems to small scale farmers especially beef cattle farmers in the municipality. Most rural households depend on agriculture as their source of food and income. Agriculture thus plays a prominent role in the stability of rural communities. Drought is a factor that affects farmers not only during the drought season, but also the following season as the previous year’s reduced profits influence the next seasons spending. The changes in price of input commodities the season after drought also affect farmer’s decisions. The main objective of the study was to investigate the effects of drought on small scale beef cattle farmers in Ba-Phalaborwa municipality in Limpopo province. 25 Small scale livestock farmers from Lulekani A and B village in Ba-Phalaborwa municipality were randomly selected to participate in the study. The quantitative study applied a survey design and primary data were collected using open and close ended questionnaires. The findings of the study revealed that drought is a major concern for livestock farmers and the agricultural sector at large, resulting in high loss of livestock due to mortality and enforced sales. Furthermore, due to the devastating effects of drought farmers responses were characterized by the increased reliance on the Department of agriculture and rural development in the form of drought relief. It is therefore recommended that the country needs to prepare for this natural phenomenon and the key to drought preparedness and readiness is about knowing the what, how and when of the drought. To achieve this goal the scientific expertise to monitor and predict, the capability of the observation networks, information systems for drought early warning have to be improved. Furthermore, the provision of financial assistance to address long-term developmental needs (such as investment in water infrastructure and water-harvesting techniques) of the farming community, thereby improving their resilience, may prove more beneficial in the long run than short-term drought relief assistance in the form of fodder supply. Key words: Ba-Phalaborwa, drought, small scale livestock farmers,

Thesis (M.A. (Folklore Studies)) --University of Limpopo, 2009 / The main objective of this research is actually to highlight the importance of the meanings of the indigenous names among the Basotho ba Leboa in the area of Phalaborwa as against the ideas planted by western culture among these communities. The research will show that although Phalaborwa is a multi-racial area, people who are born and bred there are still following the norms and values of their community by their forefathers, despite other people diverging from these norms and values as the majority of the African people in this area have lost their life style due to the influence of European culture. The advent of Western culture has negative effects in the indigenous African naming system. Christianity names as well were some of the methods, which Western culture is transmitted to the Sotho people and the most effective system which is destroying the indigenous names. The research would show that the people who claim to be educated are the ones who have a tendency of giving their children, western names which have little or no significance regarding their culture. The researchers’ findings would further illustrate that despite the people of Phalaborwa moving away from their norms and values, there are still people who believe in their norms and values and who still believe that traditional names have an impact on the life of an individual and his or her family. There are still people in Phalaborwa who believe that traditional names bestow have identity and that all African names have meanings rooted in culture and history. / N/A

An evaluation of electronic waste (e-waste) management in Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality was undertaken in this study. The aim of the study was to evaluate the electronic waste management practices such as generation, storage, collection, transportation and disposal in Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality. This was achieved through questionnaires distributed to residents in Namakgale and Phalaborwa residential areas, structured interviews with municipal workers under the Environmental Health Division and observation in the landfill site and collection points were also used in gathering information on the electronic waste management. In the study it was found that a wide range of electronic waste is generated and lighting equipment, small household equipment and ICT equipment are disposed of in large numbers in the study area. The municipality is responsible for waste management in the study area. Electronic waste generated is stored, collected and disposed together with all other domestic waste in the area. No segregation or recycling at household level was evident. It was also found that the municipality does not have a formal relationship with electronic waste recycling companies to eliminate the flow of electronic waste from households to the landfill site. A lack of own regulatory and by-laws on electronic waste was noted and seemed to be one of the challenges the municipality is facing. The findings highlighted the low level of community awareness regarding electronic waste. The study concluded that there is a lack or absence of good management of electronic waste storage, collection, transportation in the Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality. From the study, it is recommended that there is a need for meaningful community awareness, environmental education, formulation of by-laws and formal recycling projects for effective electronic waste in Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality. / Environmental Sciences / M. Sc. (Environmental Management)

Rapid urbanisation is one of the greatest challenges facing both developed and developing countries. Sub-Saharan Africa has historically been one of the least developed and least urbanised areas of the world. However, urbanisation is now occurring much more rapidly in countries that have lower levels of per capita income. Therefore, in the coming decades, urban population growth is expected to be more widespread in the developing countries of the world. Most research on the role of natural resources focuses on rural communities and little is known about the contribution these resources make along the rural-urban continuum in small and medium sized towns as well as the contribution to total livelihoods. This is because researchers and policy makers have often treated rural and urban areas and their residents as distinct entities that should be studied in isolation. This, however, is not a true reflection of household livelihoods which often include both rural and urban elements. This study therefore analysed the impact of urbanisation on livelihoods along a rural-urban continuum with an emphasis on natural resources in South Africa. The main characteristics as well as the livelihood portfolios of respondent households were investigated. Secondly, the coping strategies used by households along the rural-urban continuum were explored, and disaggregated according to the gender of the household head. Data were collected along the rural-urban continuum of two small towns, namely Queenstown, located in the Eastern Cape province and Phalaborwa, located in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Sampling covered the town, peri-urban areas, townships and adjacent rural households. A standardised survey instrument was used to capture household details and livelihood activities and a total of 272 interviews were conducted. The rural areas near both towns were poorer than the township and urban areas with regards to assets, access to employment and annual household income across all cash and non-cash income streams. The engagement in land-based activities increased towards the rural areas. The use of natural resources, as well as the number of resources collected, increased along the continuum towards the rural areas, with 12.0% to 49.0% of urban households, 30.0% to 88.0% of township households and between 80.0% and 100.0% of rural households engaging in the use and collection of natural resources. While natural resource use and collection was lowest in the urban areas, a significant amount of resources were still collected by urban households. Income portfolios for all households were calculated to determine the direct-use value of wild natural capital to livelihoods as well as the contribution made from land (arable and livestock farming), welfare grants and employment. Employment, barring one exception in the rural areas of Phalaborwa, was the largest contributor in terms of mean annual income along the continuum in both towns, followed by grants and pensions in the township and rural areas. In Phalaborwa, however, wild natural capital was found to be the largest contributor to local livelihoods, contributing 48.0% of the mean annual income. Household portfolios become more diversified in the poorer, rural areas as well as in households headed by females. The main shocks reported along the continuum in both Queenstown and Phalaborwa were death in the family, followed by a loss of employment, which was concentrated in male-headed households. Coping strategies resulting in the attainment of cash income fast, such as borrowing money from friends/relatives and cashing in retirements savings were favoured over longer term strategies such as finding local wage employment. Female-headed households were found to rely significantly on social groups or clubs as a coping strategy, highlighting the importance of social capital and social relations in female-headed households

M.A. / The study of the two possible routes for the magnetite slurry pipeline between Phalaborwa and Maputo was motivated because of the impact it can have on the environment. Since the early 1970's the environment has become more and more important to the people that live in it. By law any development should by forgone by an Environmental Impact Assessment, and for that reason this study was undertaken. Environmental Impact Assessment (E.I.A.) measures impacts of one or more environmental indicators on the environment. Further more an Environmental Impact Assessment means a national procedure for evaluating the likely impact of a proposed activity on the environment. It is thus a tool used to minimise the impacts of human development on the environment. This tool will be used to compare the two routes and to identify the route with less Environmental Impact. Within the growing field of environmental science and engineering, there is increasing interest in and use of Environmental Assessment (EA). In this form of assessment, the experts evaluate the probable impact of a range of alternative actions that have been proposed in response to a problem, in this case the placing of a pipeline from Phalaborwa to Maputo. Environmental Impacts may be considered in light of economic, social, or security constraints; hence the lightest impact is not necessarily always chosen by planners.

Thesis (M.Sc. (Zoology)) --University of Limpopo, 2014 / Contamination of aquatic ecosystems by agricultural and mining activities, as well as by industrial discharges and urbanization in the catchment of the South African river systems has been the cause of increasing public concern. These activities may result in water pollution. One such river is the Olifants River System in Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces which is highly impacted. The main aim of the study was to assess the impact of the water and sediment quality on the health of Clarias gariepinus and Labeo rosae and human risk when the fish is consumed at the Phalaborwa Barrage in the Lower Olifants River, Limpopo Province. This was achieved by assessing the water and sediment quality of the barrage at the three sampling sites; assessing the condition of the fish and the fish parasites by applying the fish HAI (Health Assessment Index) and PI (Parasite Index); determining the bioaccumulation of selected metals in the muscle tissue of the two fish species; and to determine the Human health risk factor upon consumption of fish contaminated with metals at the barrage. Ten fish from each fish species were collected seasonally at each site using gill nets of different mesh sizes. Standards methods were followed when testing selected water and sediment constituents. For water quality sampling, the water samples were collected over four seasons (autumn, winter, spring and summer) at three sites (inflow, wall and below wall) from April 2010 to January 2011. Sediment samples were also collected using a Friedlinger mudgrab (225cm3) at the three sites during winter and summer. Fish hosts were examined for mobile ectoparasites, weighed and measured. Blood samples were drawn and skin smears were made. Fish were killed, dissected and all external and internal organs were examined as prescribed in the fish health assessment index. The condition factor was determined for each fish population. All parasites were collected, fixed and preserved using standard methods. The highest water temperature (28.5 ºC) was in spring and lowest in winter (18 ºC). Overall pH was in an alkaline condition as it ranged from 7.4 to 8.7. Most water quality parameters were recorded at higher concentration in spring which includes; water temperature, pH, conductivity, salinity, TDS, alkalinity, and turbidity. Major ions (cations and anions) recorded were all within the TWQR. Sulphates concentrations were all within the TWQR. Calcium concentration levels exceeded the typical concentration limit in spring but the levels were still within the TWQR for domestic use. Nutrients levels (nitrate, nitrite, sulphate) were very low which indicate oligotrophic conditions. Highest total nitrogen was recorded in spring which is an indicative of eutrophic conditions. Highest phosphorous concentrations were recorded in winter, spring and summer which are an indicative of eutrophic conditions. Noticeable elevated levels were recorded at the inflow in summer which is an indicative of hypertrophic conditions. The results of the metals concentrations analysed demonstrated that metals within the barrage are present in trace amounts in the water. Analysis of the metal concentrations in water, sediment and fish muscle tissue revealed that the sediment contained the highest concentrations of metals followed by fish tissue and then the water. Metals that were detected in the water column includes; aluminium, antimony, arsenic, barium, boron, iron, manganese, selenium, strontium and tin. Metals that were detected at concentrations above the TWQR for aquatic ecosystem were; aluminium, antimony and selenium. Arsenic, cadmium and chromium were recorded at concentrations above the detection limit as suggested by CCME. Zinc concentrations were recorded at levels below suggested detection limit. Aluminium, barium, boron, cadmium, chromium, manganese, selenium and strontium were all detected at elevated levels in water and above the TWQR. Among the metals recorded in the water column, significant seasonal variations in concentration were found for aluminium, barium, boron, lead selenium and strontium whereas only boron showed a significant variation between sites. In comparison to the metals concentrations accumulated in the muscle tissue of both fish species. It was noted that C.gariepinus accumulated more metals than L. rosae; however L. rosae accumulated more metals at elevated concentrations than C. gariepinus. The metals that were accumulated at elevated levels in C. gariepinus were barium, boron, zinc and selenium. In L. rosae, iron, aluminium, strontium, titanium, vanadium and arsenic accumulated at elevated levels. All these metals pose a high risk to fish and human’s health. The highest population HAI was recorded in summer for both fish species. The lowest HAI value was recorded in autumn for both fish species. Although a high HAI population value was recorded higher in summer for both fish species, in general both fish species from the barrage were in a normal condition. A high number of ectoparasites were recorded in L. rosae than in C. gariepinus while high numbers of endoparasites were recorded in C. gariepinus than L. rosae. The dominating ectoparasites for both species were from the class monogenea. Although the prevalence for Contracaecum sp. in C. gariepinus was 100% in all season, it did not influence the condition of the host. None of the parasites identified from both fish species neither reached alarmingly infection levels nor caused any visible damage to the host. In conclusion, the water quality at the Phalaborwa Barrage is slightly polluted based on the water quality parameter(phosphorous) presence and recorded of some metals at the inflow that were recorded at elevated levels above the TWQR. Further recommendations are refereed such as extension of this study to all tributaries and to include other fish species in addition to constant monitoring of the impoundment.

Thesis (MSc. (Zoology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2014 / The Olifants River is presently one of the most threatened river systems in South Africa. The Upper and Middle catchments are heavily impacted by anthropogenic activities, however little is known of the status of the river in the Lower catchment in the Limpopo Province. Thus the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of water quality on the health of Oreochromis mossambicus and Schilbe intermedius at the Phalaborwa Barrage. This was achieved through assessing the water (seasonally) and sediment quality (bi-annually) at three sites in the Phalaborwa Barrage (inflow, middle and the wall). Ten specimens of each of the two selected fish species were seasonally collected using gill nets of different mesh sizes from May 2010 to January 2011. The water, sediment and the dorsal muscle tissues from both fish species were analysed for selected metals at an accredited laboratory by means of ICP-OES spectrometry and the human health risk factor upon consumption of fish contaminated with metals was assessed. Fish health was determined at the field laboratory by applying the HAI, PI and IPI. In addition, the condition factor (CF) was determined for the selected fish species during all seasons. All water constituents with the exception of turbidity during spring (wall), anions (Cl, F and SO4) and cations (Ca, K, Mg and Na) fell within the target water quality range (TWQR) for aquatic ecosystems throughout the study. Inorganic nitrogen concentrations showed eutrophic (spring) and oligotrophic conditions (autumn, winter and summer), while phosphorus indicated eutrophic (autumn, winter and spring) and hypertrophic (summer) conditions throughout the study. There was no significant difference in anions (F=0.07; df=3; p=0.97), cations (F=0.57; df=3; p=0.64) and nutrients (F=0.79; df=3; p=0.56) detected in water. The metals that were detectable in the water samples were: Al, Fe, Sn, B, Sr, Se, Ba, Mn, Sb and As, while in sediment all metals (Fe, Al, Ti, Mn, Ba, B, Zn, Ag, V, Cr, Ni, Sr, Sn, Co, Cu, Cd, Pb, As and Sb) were detected with the exception of Se. The average metal concentrations detected above the TWQR are; Al, Fe, Se, Sn, Sb and As, in the sediment only Cr and Cd were above suggested quality guidelines. There was no significant difference in metals detected in water (F=0.05; i df=3; p=0.98) and sediment (F=1.62; df=1; p=0.21). Higher HAI values were recorded for S. intermedius than O. mossambicus, indicating that O. mossambicus was in better health than S. intermedius. For S. intermedius, parasites contributed the most to the total HAI followed by abnormal liver conditions, haematocrit levels (internal variables) and abnormal gills (external variable). While for O. mossambicus, parasites, liver, haematocrit (internal variables), gills, eyes, fins and skin (external variables) contributed to the HAI values. There was no significant difference in HAI values for O. mossambicus (F=1.9; df=3; p=0.15) and S. intermedius (F=2.58; df=3; p=0.66) throughout the study. The PI and IPI for ectoparasites for both fish species, were higher than the PI for endoparasites. There was a significant difference for PI values of O. mossambicus (F=0.07; df=3; p=0.041) and S. intermedius (F=3.65; df=3; p=0.019) during the study. Oreochromis mossambicus had higher CF values than S. intermedius and both fish species had values that indicated good fish. Metals that were detectable in O. mossambicus muscle tissue included: Ba, B, Zn, Fe, Sr, Al, Mn, Cr, Ag, Pb, Ni, Cu, Se, V, Sb, Ti, Sn and Co, while for S. intermedius Ba, B, Zn, Fe, Al, Cr, Sr, Mn, Cu, As, Pb, Se, Sn, Ag, Ti, Ni, Sb and Co were recorded. There was no significant difference in bioaccumulation levels between the two fish species (F=1.412; df=3; p=0.250). The human health risk assessment indicated that fish muscle tissues are unsuitable for continuous (weekly/daily) consumption. As some carcinogenic metals i.e. Pb, Cr and Sb for O. mossambicus and Pb, As and Cr for S. intermedius were detected at HQ levels of more than 50 times the recommended value of one. In conclusion, the Phalaborwa Barrage is impacted by metals (Al, Fe, Se, Sn, Sb and As) and occasionally with nutrients. The water and sediment quality and metal bioaccumulation have confirmed the latter statement and to a lesser extent the HAI, PI and IPI. The human risk assessment done indicated that continuous consumption of fish by humans, especially O. mossambicus may have adverse effects on the health of humans.

Thesis (M. Sc. Agriculture (Agricultural Economics)) -- University of Limpopo, 2021 / This study investigated the food security indicators in the rural communities of Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality of the Limpopo Province. Quantitative data were gathered from five villages in the municipality using the probability proportionate to size. Data were collected from 185 households. The analytical tools that were used in this study include: Descriptive Statistics, Food Security Indicator Measures and the Logistic Regression Model. Food security is a multidimensional concept; thus it is difficult to measure it comprehensively. Hence, three food security indicators measures, namely; the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) and Coping Strategies Index (CSI) were combined in this study to measure food security in the study. Each indicator measure was used independently. The Logit Regression Model was used to determine the factors affecting the status of household food security. Certain explanatory variables, namely; household size, marital status and receiving government grant, had a negative relationship with the dependent variable. On the other hand, other variables such as educational level, employment status, gender distance to the markets and health status of the household head were positively correlated with the household’s food security status. The study rejected the null hypothesis which stated that socioeconomic factors do not have influence on the households’ food security status in the Ba-Phalaborwa local municipality. Out of the 11 variables, only four variables were significant, with the household size at 10%, educational level at 5%, household monthly food expenditure at 1% and distance to the market at 10%, respectively. Therefore government should direct more focus should on the introduction of feeding schemes in order to reduce the burden on the poor and at the same time, make it easier for young children to attend school to improve their educational statuses. The households in the study area are not food secured because 65.4 % of households could not afford the food that they preferred and were depending on borrowing food from their relatives and creating debts.