Thesis (MPH.) --University of Limpopo, 2018 / Background: Obesity and physical inactivity have been reported as the major contributing factors to non-communicable diseases and a public health problem worldwide. According to World health organization the global prevalence of obesity has increased more than doubled between 1980 and 2014. Many healthcare professionals fail to achieve sufficient levels of physical activity and most of them display poor dietary habits. The study conducted in South Africa among health care professionals in urban hospital in Gauteng province confirmed that 20% of them developed at least one NCD of which the contributing factors are obesity and physical inactivity. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of obesity and level of physical activity among health care professional in rural hospitals in Sekhukhune district, Limpopo province, South Africa. Methods: A quantitative descriptive study was conducted on 400 HCPs. The global questionnaire was closed ended. GPAQ was used for physical activity and anthropometric measurements were taken for BMI. A stratified random sampling method was used to sample HCPs. Data was analysed using SPSS version 23.0. Results: Most participants were females (71%), majority were between 30-39 years of age (46.3%), the highest category were nurses (77.8%), most of them their job title were assistants (44.5) and blacks (99.3%). The results revealed that 40.8% of HCPs were obese and 30.3% were overweight. Majority of (79.3%) were not engaging on work vigorous PA, however were engaging on work moderate PA. Also (60.5%) were not engaging on leisure vigorous PA, though 55.5% were engaging on leisure moderate PA. Majority (88.3%) had high sedentary (sitting) time. (35.50%) engaged in high activity of walking from one place to the other. In conclusion: There is a need for regular health promotion programmes among health care professionals with regard to obesity and importance of physical activity. The hospitals need to be equipped with onsite fitness centre that will be accessible to all HCPs. Physical activities support groups need to be established such as aerobics classes and fun run. Policies that guide participation in physical activities need to be drawn and be implemented accordingly in health sector, so as to promote healthy living habits. Key words: Obesity, Overweight, Level of physical activity, Health care professionals

Thesis (MBA) --University of Limpopo, 2010 / This research report is based on integration of strategy formulation and implementation in the Greater Sekhukhune District Department of Basic Education, Limpopo Province. The purpose of this research is to investigate the key drivers in the formulation and implementation of strategies and how can they be integrated to achieve the formulated goals and objectives of Greater Sekhukhune District Department of Basic Education. This report deals only with qualitative research method. The major findings of the study are that there are key drivers of strategy formulation and key drivers of strategy implementation and their outcomes. The key drivers of strategy formulation are the vision and mission statements, long-term objectives, and generation and selection of grand strategies; whereas the key drivers of strategy implementation are leadership, organizational culture and organizational structure .The integration of these key drivers is essential for the implementation of strategies, leading to improved service delivery to various stakeholders. The report concludes that in order to approach strategy formulation and strategy implementation in an integrated manner, the following should take place : (1) managers and staff members who are responsible for strategy implementation should also be involved in strategy formulation processes ; (2)organizational culture should be changed to create a conducive environment for the managers and the employees to be motivated to render quality services at service points ; (3) leadership and management to guide vision and mission of the district; (4) organizational structure to ‘fit’ implementation of strategies for efficiency and effectiveness of the integration of strategy formulation and implementation to achieve formulated goals and objectives.

Thesis (M.Sc (Agriculture)) -- University of Limpopo, 2014 / Small-scale irrigation farming has been found to have potential to improve agricultural production of the small-scale farmers and thereby improving their livelihoods. The Government of South Africa through the RESIS programme embarked on a project to increase agricultural production through investment in new or existing small scale irrigation schemes. Contrary to expectations, most of the government supported irrigation schemes have failed to meet the expectations of both government and farmers. The objectives of this study was to determine the perceived reasons for the failure of the irrigation schemes and determine the association between socio-economic characteristic of farmers and the perceived reasons for these schemes. Farmers who participated in the scheme or had participated (in the case of failed/dysfunctional schemes) in the RESIS irrigation schemes were randomly sampled and interviewed. Multinomial regression analysis was used to determine the association between farmers’ socio-economic profiles and their perceptions on the reasons for the failure of the schemes. According to farmers’ ranking, economic, competition and socio-cultural factors were perceived as having a large influence on the success of the schemes. Climate/ecological and technological factors were cited as having lesser influence on the success of the schemes. Socio-economic characteristics (literacy level, age, education level) of farmers and number of beneficiaries in a scheme had influence on how farmers perceive the influence of economic, competition, socio-cultural, technological, climate and administrative/management factors.. The strategic partnership model was generally found to encourage dependency and thus discouraging the sense of ownership. The findings revealed the importance of considering the socio-economic circumstances of farmers in future planning of the irrigation schemes to enhance the success of these schemes. The findings may also have implications for other government supported projects that involve communities with diverse needs and socio-economic profiles.

Thesis (MBA.) -- University of Limpopo, 2021 / Agriculture is an important sector that promotes food security in every country, and it contributes significantly to the economy of South Africa. There will be no food or clothing if agriculture does not exist. Agriculture accounts for 2.2% of Limpopo Province's economy. According to studies, it also contributed a large proportion to job creation. South Africa exports some of its produce to other countries, increasing the country's export level and, as a result, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Therefore, there is a need to adapt to new ways of conducting agriculture in order to operate it as a profitable business. Agripreneurship, as entrepreneurship in agriculture, encompasses both primary and secondary agriculture. Ploughing, farming, and mixed agriculture are examples of primary agricultural activities, while secondary agricultural activities include agro-processing and tertiary agricultural business such as agricultural marketing and agro-transportation. The study examines the role of youth in agripreneurship in creating employment opportunities in the Sekhukhune District Municipality. The unemployment rate in the Sekhukhune region and in South Africa is rising. This is a significant concern for the government; thus, the study examines the extent to which agripreneurship can help to reduce or alleviate unemployment. The challenges that youth in agripreneurship face in creating employment through agripreneurship, as well as the benefits, are also investigated. The qualitative research method was used to investigate youth perceptions of agripreneurship and the role of youth in agripreneurship in creating employment. Since the study's target population was small, census sampling was used; that is, fifteen (15) agripreneurs within the boundaries of the Sekhukhune District. This study reports on the findings of the study about the role of youth agripreneurship in job creation and the perception of youth towards agripreneurship in Sekhukhune District, Limpopo. The study discovered that youth engaged in agripreneurship in the Sekhukhune District Municipality played a substantial role in creating employment ranging from casual to permanent, and that youth perceived agripreneurship to have high employment prospects. The study also revealed challenges associated with youth in agripreneurship, such as a lack of capital, market, and extension officer support, as well as environmental factors such as storms.

Thesis (MDev.) -- University of Limpopo, 2007 / Refer to document

Thesis (M. Sc. (Botany)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022 / Nature reserves are reservoirs for biodiversity. Their very purpose is to preserve indigenous fauna and flora and thus protect associated ecosystem services. The Schuinsdraai Nature Reserve of rural Sekhukhune District, Limpopo Province, is the focus of this study. Sekhukhune District is predominantly rural, with limited economic opportunities but rich mineral resources, the mining of which negatively impacts biodiversity. The Sekhukhune Centre of floristic endemism falls within this district and the nature reserve is thus an important factor in safeguarding a representative section of this floristic center. The veld type present in the reserve is central sandy bushveld. Although mining is prohibited within the reserve, invasive alien plants or (IAPs) pose as high a threat to biodiversity as does mining. The spread of IAPs in nature reserves is harder to control than mining which is prohibited outright whereas IAP spread is automatic and insidious. The management of IAPs is of concern to the government of South Africa and is an ongoing process. Rural areas and the nature reserves within them, such as the Schuinsdraai Nature Reserve, are often under studied or under managed with regards to IAPs. This study supplements the available but scarce data on IAPs for Schuinsdraai Nature Reserve. The Schuinsdraai Nature Reserve is dominated by the Central Sandy Bushveld vegetation type. Rainfall is on average 470 mm per year and mean annual temperature varies from 24 ˚C in the summer, to 14 ˚C in the winter. The topography includes mountains, hills, plains, and the Flag Boshielo Dam. The aims of the study were to establish the presence and extent of IAPs in the Schuinsdraai Nature Reserve and to determine whether the IAPs present negatively affect the biodiversity. Road-side inspections, road surveys and line transects were used to investigate presence and extent of IAPs. Modified Braun-Blanquet quadrates were used to compare the effect of the most prevalent IAPs on the plant biodiversity in the Schuinsdraai Nature Reserve. Quadrates were positioned in areas heavily infested by species of IAPs and these areas compared with untransformed areas within 10 m of the infested quadrates. Species richness, species evenness and v biodiversity indices were calculated for transformed (control) areas compared with infested areas. Roadside inspections and road surveys indicated the presence of IAPs. They revealed that most IAPs were present on the eastern side of the nature reserve closest to areas most visited by tourists. Roads and the movement of people therefore affect the spread of IAPs within the Schuinsdraai Nature Reserve. The four most prevalent species identified from roadside inspections and road surveys were: Opuntia stricta, Cylindropuntia fulgida, Cereus jamacaru and Boerhavia diffusa. Opuntia stricta had the greatest negative effect and was also the most prevalent IAP on the Schuinsdraai Nature Reserve. The number of IAPs per transect observed in the area where access was unlimited was significantly higher than where access was limited. Opuntia stricta was the IAPs exhibiting the most significant (.00057) impact on species richness and species diversity and, where funds are limited, these should be targeted for eradication rather than other IAPs. From the results obtained, management recommendations were tabled including the most important, which is to clearly demarcate areas where public movement should be restricted, and meticulously patrol areas which are open to the public and remove IAP’s immediately. In conclusion, IAPs are present and do cause deleterious effects on species richness, diversity and evenness within the Schuinsdraai Nature Reserve, however, the strict management of anthropogenic influences should be implemented to control their spread and increase.

Thesis (MBA.) -- University of Limpopo, 2017 / This study drew attention to the influential role the transformational leadership constructs can play in increasing women representation in decision making structures of the Department of Social Development (DSD). The DSD’s Sekhukhune District in Limpopo Province was used as an area of study. The aim of the study was to investigate the significance of transformational leadership in pursuing gender parity in the DSD’s Sekhukhune District. The study followed an exploratory research design and implemented a qualitative methodology. A total of 10 DSD managers were targeted. Furthermore, a purposive sampling was used and interviews were conducted as the method of data collection. The data collected had been analysed thematically. The results revealed that although there have been improvements of more appointed women managers within the organisation. There were still more women managers than men managers within the organisation. However, most men occupy senior management positions while most women occupy the lower managerial positions. Most managers were not inspired to perform more than they were expected giving the reason that, they lack resources and their efforts often go unrecognised. Most managers found political appointment discouraging towards fair promotions. Nevertheless, there were enough women who possess required leadership skills. Conversely, there were no programmes that support women participation and empowerment in issues relating to gender parity. Leadership training, transformational leadership, provision of resources and salary acceleration were common suggestions to pursue gender parity. The study recommends that the DSD Sekhukhune District leadership should adopt and implement transformational leadership, change political appointment, appoint leaders with relevant qualifications, establishing a functional gender mainstreaming office within the DSD Sekhukhune District, adequate budgetary support and specialised training of staff shall assist in closing the gender parity gap.

Thesis (MPhil)--University of Stellenbosch, 2001. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study investigated the support needs of students at Sekhukhune College of Education. The study assessed the effectiveness and efficiency of available support services, AND explored the possibilities for new services based on students' needs, as well as strategies and activities for the delivery of new services. The questionnaire was administered to 182 (one hundred-and-eighty-two) course three learners in JPTD, SPTD and STD classes at Sekhukhune College of Education. Indications from the research findings were as follows: • Recruitment, admission and registration, orientation, library, residence and accommodation, health and medical, as well as academic advising were found to be available student support services at Sekhukhune College. • Among the available student support services, recruitment, orientation, admission and registration were found to be effective and efficient. With regard to the possibilities for new student support services for delivery, it was found that the college is not resourceful enough to deal with those services and strategies that are available. • The focus-group interviews were administered to 13 (thirteen) staff members of Sekhukhune College of Education. The most important findings were: • The issue of academic advising as a way of mentoring learners has been left in the hands of individual subject-lecturers. Hence, the college has not yet adopted any appropriate method of dealing with the issue of mentoring as a student support service. • The library, financial aid and health care centre were found to be the most needed support services for students. The summative conclusion the researcher drew from the study was that the available student support services that are ineffective and inefficient override those that are effective and efficient. The general recommendation was that the college should put more effort into the. improvement of student support services that were found to be ineffective and inefficient. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie navorsmg het die ondersteuningsbehoeftes van studente aan die Sekhukhune Onderwyskollege ondersoek. Die doeltreffendheid en doelmatigheid van beskikbare ondersteuningsdienste is geassesseer, moontlikhede vir nuwe dienste wat op studente se behoeftes gegrond is, is ondersoek, en strategieë en aktiwiteite vir die lewering van nuwe dienste, is verken. Die vraelys is aan 182 (eenhonderd twee en tagtig) derde jaarstudente in JPOD-, SPODen SOD-klasse aan die Sekhukhune Onderwyskollege voorgelê. Die navorsingsbevindingshet die volgende aangedui: • Werwing, toelating en registrasie, oriëntering, biblioteek,. inwoning en akkommodasie, gesondheids- en mediese dienste, asook akademiese raadgewing, was beskikbare ondersteuningsdienste aan die kollege. • Onder die beskikbare studente-ondersteuningsdienste was werwmg, oriëntering, toelating en registrasie doeltreffend en doelmatig. • Met betrekking tot die moontlikhede vir nuwe studente-ondersteuningsdienste en leweringstrategieë, is bevind dat die kollege nie die vermoë het om die beskikbare dienste te hanteer nie. Die fokusgroep-onderhoude is met 13 (dertien) personeellede aan die Sekhukhune Onderwyskollege gevoer. Die belangrikste bevindinge was: • Akademiese raadgewing as 'n wyse om leerders te mentor, is in die hande van individuele vakdosente gelaat. Gevolglik het die kollege nog geen toepaslike model aanvaar om die kwessie van mentorskap as 'n studenteondersteuningsdiensaan te pak nie. Die biblioteek, geldelike bystand en 'n gesondheidsorgsentrum is die ondersteuningsdienste wat as die heel noodsaaklikste vir die studente beskou word. Die summatiewe afleidings wat die navorser gemaak het, was dat die beskikbare studente-ondersteuningsdienste wat ondoeltreffend en ondoelmatig is, dié oorskadu wat wel doeltreffend en doelmatig is. Die algemene aanbeveling was dat die kollege fnbaie groot poging moet aanwend om dié studente-ondersteuningsdienste wat as ondoeltreffend en ondoelmatig bevind is, te verbeter.

This study reports on an investigation into the manner in which mathematical symbols influence learners’ understanding of mathematical concepts. The study was conducted in Greater Sekhukhune and Capricorn districts of Limpopo Province, South Africa. Multistage sampling (for the district), simple random sampling (for the schools), purposive sampling (for the teachers) and stratified random sampling with proportional allocation (for the learners) were used. The study was conducted in six schools randomly selected from rural, semi-urban and urban settings. A sample of 565 FET learners and 15 FET band mathematics teachers participated in the study. This study is guided by four interrelated constructivist theories: symbol sense, algebraic insight, APOS and procept theories. The research instruments for the study consist of questionnaires and interviews. A mixed method approach that was predominantly qualitative was employed. An analysis of learners’ difficulties with mathematical symbols produced three (3) clusters. The main cluster consists of 236 (41.6%) learners who indicate that they experience severe challenges with mathematical symbols compared to 108 (19.1%) learners who indicated that they could confidently handle and manipulate mathematical symbols with understanding. Six (6) categories of challenges with mathematical symbols emerged from learners’ encounters with mathematical symbols: reading mathematical text and symbols, prior knowledge, time allocated for mathematical classes and activities, lack of symbol sense and problem contexts and pedagogical approaches to mathematical symbolisation. Two sets of theme classes related to learners’ difficulties with mathematical symbols and instructional strategies emerged. Learners lack symbol sense for mathematical concepts and algebraic insight for problem solving. Learners stick to procedurally driven symbols at the expense of conceptual and contextual understanding. From a pedagogical perspective teachers indicated that they face the following difficulties when teaching: the challenge of introducing unfamiliar notation in a new topic; reading, writing and verbalising symbols; signifier and signified connections; and teaching both symbolisation and conceptual understanding simultaneously. The study recommends teachers to use strategies such as informed choice of subject matter and a pedagogical approach in which concepts are understood before they are symbolised. / Mathematics, Science and Technology Education / D. Phil. (Mathematics, Science and Technology Education)

Thesis (M. Dev. (Planning and Management)) -- University of Limpopo, 2021 / Motivation is an internal drive to satisfy an unsatisfied need and the will to accomplish. Motivation has the role to develop and intensify the desire of every individual member of the organization to work effectively and efficiently in the area of operation. Dilokong hospital has recently experienced a high number of resignations by employees. The performance of services by the hospital staff members has declined. The government, which is responsible for implementing the national policies and programmes relating to motivation and performance, has failed many times in the recent years over performance and rewards as well as the working conditions. It is against this background that the researcher has persuaded a study on the impact of motivation on employee performance at the Dilokong hospital in the Sekhukhune District of the Limpopo Province. The general objective of the study is to determine the impact of motivation on employee performance; to identify factors that motivate employees to perform better; to suggest strategies that can be used by managers to enhance the motivation and performance of the employees in their sphere of operation. A mixed methods research design was used, implying both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the quantitative data and content analysis for the qualitative part. The study revealed that promotion, incentives and good working conditions are the major factors that enhance employee motivation and performance. The study has also revealed that (rewards) money is deemed to be the best motivator to any individual. The employees at the hospital were found to be earning low wages and salaries. The department appears to be paying the lowest wages and salaries to the staff members below what is stipulated by legislation not taking into cognizance the fact that employees are working for money. It is therefore recommended that the hospital management should consider as a matter of urgency, the need to make upward adjustment in wages and salaries which will go a long way in reducing the high incidence of staff turnover.