Thesis (MPA.) -- University of Limpopo, 2021 / Refer to the document

Thesis (M.A. (Anthropology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2017 / Climate change as a developmental problem warrants extensive research to provide information about its implications on the socio-economic and health conditions of rural communities and the types of local adaptation measures they have developed and used to limit its effects. There is evidence that climate change and its negative impacts are mostly felt by poor and rural communities whose economies are dependent upon favourable climatic conditions. Explanations of climate change and its threats to rural communities are among major challenges faced by scientists. Fewer studies prove that these communities are aware of change in climatic conditions and their impacts on people‘s livelihoods. The present study explored the community‘s perceptions of climate change, its impacts on the livelihoods of the community and the mechanisms developed and used by community members to adapt to the impacts of change in climatic conditions. Interviews with community members revealed that the members of Dikgale community are aware of changes in climatic conditions and how these changes impact on their livelihood. They are aware of increased temperature and erratic rainfall patterns. These changes have impacted negatively on their cultural activities. However, adaptation measures used to cope with the change are the indigenous knowledge systems which are informed by the culture and world-view of the community.

Thesis (M.Ed. (Community and Continuing Education)) -- University of Limpopo, 2017 / The study outlines the research carried at Sebayeng Public Adult Learning Centre (PALC) in the Limpopo Province. The aim of this study is to identify the educational needs and assets of illiterate women at Sebayeng PALC. The main research question was: What are the educational needs and assets of illiterate women at Sebayeng PALC? This study employed the qualitative research method to explore the educational needs and assets of the illiterate women at Sebayeng PALC. This study employed a case study design to gain insight into the challenges and strengths of illiterate women at Sebayeng PALC. The research participants were purposefully sampled due to the importance of their shared experiences and opinions in answering the interview questions for the purpose of triangulation. The data was collected by means of analysis of documents, semi-structured interviews and observation. The research data was analysed inductively. The findings of the study indicate that the illiterate women appreciate the value of Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) offered by Sebayeng PALC. Apart from the participants commending their spouses for rendering moral and financial support, they also appealed to the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to introduce ABET Level 4 course. The illiterate women preferred ABET Level 4 course because it is deemed to have more credits that open up learners for further training opportunities at tertiary institutions. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that the DBE provide further budgetary support to improve the centre’s operating and financial leverage. In addition, an empowerment programme to improve the quality of teaching and learning to illiterate women at Sebayeng PALC has also been recommended.

Thesis (Ph.D.(Criminology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022 / House robbery and subsequent rape are under-researched crimes collectively and often treated differently in the field of social sciences. The relation between these two crimes needs to be addressed urgently. Therefore, this study aimed to explore motivational factors for committing house robbery and subsequent rape. This study adopted a qualitative research approach, guided by the Grounded Theory (GT), as a research design. The theoretical sampling was adopted for DCS clinical psychologists, social workers and incarcerated offenders in the Two (02) selected Correctional Centres in Gauteng and Limpopo Provinces of South Africa, all subjected to semi-structured face-to-face interviews. Moreover, the GT methods of data analysis, aided by the MAXQDA software were used, including open coding (Breaking of textual data into discrete parts), axial coding (Drawing of connections between codes), and selective coding (Selection of one central category that connects all the codes from the analysis and captures the essence of this study). The researcher generated codes from the verbatim expressions of the participants. The codes were categorised into open, axial and selective coding using the MAXQDA software. The codes in selective coding (Categories) were explained and supported by the reviewed literature studies on this subject. The findings of this study revealed that in most instances house robbery results in rape. The notable contributing factors to this phenomenon have been proven to be an opportunity, unstable family background, substance use, aggression, dominance, vulnerability and mob mentality. For the contribution to the body of knowledge; a conceptual model, consisting of Five (05) components, namely: 1) Socialisation, 2) Sexual violence curriculum, 3) Liquor regulations, 4) Ammunition registrations; and 5) Target hardening asformulated to effectively respond to the mentioned crimes. This study recommends that positive socialisation from an early age of male children is reported crucial for the development of pro-social factors; this can possibly curb these crimes. It is also forwarded that curriculum development should infuse sexual violence from basic-to-tertiary education. Equally, there is a dire need for the regulation of South African liquor available laws and policies with regard to the supply and sale of liquor as shared by most participants (Especially, the incarcerated v offenders) who positively highlighted alcohol intoxication during the commission of these crimes. Furthermore, registrations of ammunition and the creation of a database are highly sought, firearm accessibility should also be revisited to redress the past injustices as cited as one of the contributory factors to irregular availability of firearms and other related weapons. The opportunistic circumstances relating to the commission of these crimes should be relooked, by closely focusing on upgrading security measures for the community, Criminal Justice System (CJS), public and private Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs), including technological advancement and improvements, as well as the induction of intelligence-led operations, and closer collaboration, interaction and information exchange, among others. / National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS) and African Humanities Deans Association (SAHUDA).

Thesis (M. A.) --University of Limpopo, 2021 / This is an exploratory study conducted to assess the effectiveness of the digital migration in South Africa. This study focused on two areas of domicile, which embarked on the process of migrating in Limpopo Province i.e. Shayandima Village in Thohoyandou and Rapotokwane Village in Bela-Bela. The theories that were used to guide the study were the diffusion of innovations theory, political economic theory and media policy theory. These theories were employed to assist in assessing the process, the effectiveness and the importance of Digital Migration. The results for this study are revealed that 85% of respondents asserted that digital broadcasting is very effective and easy to use compared to the analog broadcasting systems, as it shows clear pictures, quality sound and access to more television channels. This help television viewers to get quality television programs. It was interesting to note that respondents mentioned that they did not regret migrating from analog to digital broadcasting because of the benefits and impact that the Set Top Boxes Set (STB)s have on their televisions. The findings reveal that the STBs are effective and affordable and enable to watch more television channels. There is also a need for the Department of Communication and Digital Technologies to ensure that every household in South Africa migrates to digital broadcasting system

The study investigates the implementation of the Curriculum 2005 assessment policy guidelines in natural sciences in grade nine in five secondary schools selected by judgement sampling in Limpopo Province. Data were gathered by means of a literature study, examination of learner and educator portfolios and interviews with educators. Findings show that most participants were unable to carryout the continuous assessment (CASS) tasks as required. A discrepancy in the quality and quantity of assessment tasks among the schools emerged. All schools replaced the final common tasks for assessment (CTA) with internal examinations due to the late arrival of materials and the level of difficulty. Contributing factors were lack of a well-planned curriculum, proper resource materials, lack of coordination of efforts due to poor curriculum support and management and inadequate professional competence in the Outcomes-based methods of teaching, learning and assessment. Recommendations to address the above problems are made. / Educational Studies / M.Ed. (Education Management)

The study investigates the implementation of the Curriculum 2005 assessment policy guidelines in natural sciences in grade nine in five secondary schools selected by judgement sampling in Limpopo Province. Data were gathered by means of a literature study, examination of learner and educator portfolios and interviews with educators. Findings show that most participants were unable to carryout the continuous assessment (CASS) tasks as required. A discrepancy in the quality and quantity of assessment tasks among the schools emerged. All schools replaced the final common tasks for assessment (CTA) with internal examinations due to the late arrival of materials and the level of difficulty. Contributing factors were lack of a well-planned curriculum, proper resource materials, lack of coordination of efforts due to poor curriculum support and management and inadequate professional competence in the Outcomes-based methods of teaching, learning and assessment. Recommendations to address the above problems are made. / Educational Studies / M.Ed. (Education Management)

School evaluation has increased in importance in recent years, particularly at the level of the whole school. It is the process which assesses the worth and merits of the institution. Due to the fact that, in most cases, evaluation is judgemental, the notion of Whole School Evaluation (WSE) was introduced into the South African education system by the national Department of Education after the 1994 democratic election. WSE has since then became the official evaluation system in South Africa. In WSE schools undergo internal as well as external evaluation. The results of the evaluation are then used by schools to draw the School Improvement Plans which are aimed at school improvement. This study explores the implementation of WSE in rural primary schools in Limpopo Province. A literature study investigated school evaluation within the international and the South African context, the provision of education in Limpopo Province and existing models of WSE. Against the background of the conceptual framework provided by the literature, a qualitative investigation was done in four primary schools in the Vhembe district in Limpopo Province. Data were gathered by means of in-depth interviews with principals of schools and supervisors. The researcher also conducted focus group interviews with School Management Team (SMT) members from participating schools. Data was analysed, discussed and synthesized. Analysed data revealed the following findings: schools experience difficulties in conducting self-evaluation, educator development in rural primary schools in Limpopo is a problem and the district and the Department of Education do not assist schools concerning development after WSE has been conducted. As a result of these findings, there is a need to assist schools in their development endeavours after WSE. The district officials as well as supervisors should find ways and means of assisting schools in the route to development. Areas for further investigation that would enhance WSE in rural primary schools have been identified. Finally, the conclusion is drawn that schools need to be rehabilitated after WSE. This will assist in developing the whole institution and improving the level of education in South African schools. / Educational Studies / D. Ed. (Education Management)

This study focused on the impact of vegetable sales on household income of hawkers in the Limpopo province. A stratified sampling technique was used. The population of hawkers was selected from the five district municipalities of the province. Three major towns from each district were randomly selected for 366 questionnaire administration. Multiple regression analysis (linear, semi-log and double-log) was used to determine the impact of vegetable sales on the household income of hawkers. The outcome of the study revealed that, nine independent variables had a significant impact on the vegetable sales of hawkers when the linear regression model was applied. On application of the semi-log regression, 11 independent variables had a significant impact on the vegetable sales. Ten independent variables had a significant impact on vegetable sales when considering the double-log regression. The cross tabulation of total sales according to districts showed that an average of 1.6 respondents earned less than R200 which is close to, but lower than R174 which is the poverty line measure in South Africa. The study showed the degree of significance of different variables that have an impact on hawkers’ vegetable sales. Vegetable hawkers generate enough income from their sales to live above the poverty line. The recommendation was that the local municipalities should build new markets and improve the infrastructure of existing markets, and also provide proper sanitation and clean water to avoid unhygienic situations in hawkers’ markets. / Agriculture and  Animal Health / M. Sc. (Agriculture)

Thesis (MPhil (Animal Sciences. Livestock Industry Management: Pig Science))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This mini-thesis describes the pig industry in South Africa which consists of a commercial intensive sector and an extensive sector that is also known as the small scale sector. Challenges in such as, marketing, feed, housing and genetics of small scale farmers are discussed. The objective of this study is to identify the problems experienced by the emerging/small scale pig farmers and to benchmark the production parameters of these farmers. Data was collected using questionnaires, telephone and site visits to farms/projects. The data collection was grouped into descriptions of small scale piggeries, feeding strategies, management programs, production parameters, regional constraints, marketing, comparisons between stud and commercial piggeries. The results were arranged into the following manner: general, regional constraints, description of small scale piggery facilities, feeding strategies of small scale farmers, management programs in small scale piggeries, production parameters of small scale piggeries in the Limpopo province, production parameters of stud and commercial piggeries, and the management strategy in a commercial piggery. Those piggeries having 5-30 sow units were interviewed. Results indicate that small scale farmers were found not to be sustainable in their production. The small scale farmers have no understanding of the pig industry, genetics and breeding of pigs, feeding strategies, and marketing channels for pigs. Typical problems experienced are: marketing is only done once or twice a year and not regularly as with any commercial piggery – a main problem identified here was access to the formal market. Typical production problems experienced were long farrowing intervals, small litter sizes, late weaning periods and low weaning percentages. This was attributed not only to mismanagement but also to bad infrastructure. Small scale piggeries typically have low cost sty’s that have inadequate floors, walls, roofing and very few of the piggeries has sufficient fresh water. Another problem experienced was poor growth which could be directly linked to the nutrition of the pigs. Most of the feed fed consisted of kitchen waste as balanced diets were perceived to be too expensive whilst access to suppliers, and transport (of both feed and pigs off to market) was generally lacking. Another major problem identified by the producers was insufficient scientific help from Government. Most producers also mentioned that they would welcome a mentorship program and help with the marketing and sourcing of funds. None the less, the pig owners all indicated that they wish to continue farming with pigs and that with the right help, they would be able to be successful. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie werkstuk beskryf die vark industrie in Suid-Afrika wat bestaan uit ‘n kommersiële intensiewe en ekstensiewe sektor wat ook bekend staan as die klein-skaal sektor. Uitdagings soos bemarking, voer, behuising en genetika van klein-skaalse boere word bespreek. Die doel van die studie is om die probleme te identifiseer wat ervaar word deur die opkomende/klein-skaalse boere asook om die produksie-parameters van die boere te bepaal. Data was versamel deur middel van vraelyste, telefoonoproepe asook besoeke aan die boere/projekte. Die dataversameling was op verdeel in beskrywings van klein-skaalse vark eenhede, voerstrategieë, bestuursprogramme, produksie-parameters, distriksbeperkings, bemarking, en vergelykings tussen stoet- en kommersiële-eenhede. Die resultate was gesorteer op die volgende manier: algemeen, distriksbeperkings, beskrywing van klein-skaalse varkeenhede, produksie-parameters van klein-skaalse varkeenhede in die Limpopoprovinsie, produksieparameters van stoet- en kommersiële varkeenhede, en die bestuurstrategie in ’n kommersiële varkeenheid. Ondehoude is gevoer met dié eenhede wat tussen 5-30 soê het. Resultate wys dat klein-skaalse boere nie volhoubaar is in hul produksie nie. Die klein-skaalse boere het geen kennis van die vark bedryf, genetika en teel van varke, voerstrategieë en bemarking van varke nie. Tipiese probleme wat ervaar word is: bemarking word slegs een of twee keer per jaar gedoen en nie gereeld soos met kommersiële eenhede nie – die hoof probleem wat geïdentifiseer is die toegang tot die formele mark. Tipiese produksieprobleme wat hier geïdentifiseer is, was lang kraam intervalle, klein werpsel groottes, laat speenperiodes en lae speenpersentasies. Dit was as gevolg van nie net misbestuur nie, maar ook as gevolg van slegte infrastruktuur. Klein-skaalse vark eenhede het gewoontlik goedkoop varkhokke met onvoldoende bevloering, mure, en dakke en baie min van die eenhede het genoegsame vars water gehad. Nog ’n probleem wat ondervind is, was die slegte groei van die varke wat direk gekoppel kan word aan die voeding van die varke. Meeste van die voer het bestaan uit kombuisvullis omdat gebalanseerde rantsoene beskou was as te duur, terwyl daar oor die algemeen ’n te kort was aan toegang tot verskaffers en vervoer (van beide voer en varke na die mark). Nog ’n groot probleem wat geïdentifiseer is deur die produsente was dat daar ’n tekort is aan wetenskaplike hulp van die Regering. Meeste van die produsente het ook genoem dat hul ’n mentorskapprogram sal verwelkom asook hulp met bemarking en befondsing. Nie te min, die varkeienaars het almal aangetoon dat hul graag met die varkboerdery sou wil aangaan en dat met die regte hulp sou hul suksesvol kan wees.