The in-service management training of school managers, especially heads of departments in these constantly changing times, is an issue which is long overdue in South Africa. Numerous initiatives, such as the Canada - South Africa Education Management Programme, the Whole School Improvement Workshop and the Workshop for School Management Teams are in-service management training programmes in the Mpumalanga Province which are aimed at the upgrading of management skills of school managers such as principals, deputy principals and heads of department. The aim of this study was therefore, to determine the impact of these programmes on the performance of heads of department. A literature study was conducted to give an overview of current in-service management training programmes in the Mpumalanga Province. An empirical study was conducted through semi-structured interviews with key-informants to establish the impact of current in-service management training programmes, such as the Canada - South Africa Education Management Programme, the Whole School Improvement Workshop and the Workshop for School Management Teams on the performance of school heads of department. Although these in-service management training programmes have some short-comings, it was found that they played a significant role in the upgrading of management skills of heads of department and thereby improving their performance. / Educational Studies / M.Ed. (Educational Management)

Text in Afrikaans / Water is in 'n relatief droe land soos Suid-Afrika van uiterste belang. Daar is 'n groot behoefte aan inligting oor die potensieel verbruikbare waterbronne. Hierin word voorsien deur 'n netwerk van riviervloeimeetstasies. Met veranderende ekonomiese toestande word die effektiwiteit van die netwerk van al hoe groter belang. Dit is hier waar netwerkbeplanning 'n aktiewe rol begin speel. As gevolg van die groot variasie in die aard van die opvanggebiede in Suid-Afrika, en die feit dat daar 'n bestaande netwerk is, is dit nodig dat netwerkbeplanning stapsgewys benader word. Die Eerste Fase is 'n leerproses. Die verskillende opvanggebiede in die land kan gegroepeer word en die meetstasies kan geklassifiseer word. 'n Netwerkbeplanningsmetode, "Die ideale netwerk", is ontwikkel en word op drie opvanggebiede toegepas. Die belangrikste resultaat is die klassifikasie van al die meetstasies in die drie opvanggebiede. / In a relative dry country like South Africa water is of critical importance. Information on the potential usable water resources is very valuable. This information is supplied by a network of river flow gauging stations. In changing economic times the effectiveness of this network is of increasing importance. Network design plays a major role in insuring this. Network design has to be approached in phases because of the variety in catchment characteristics in South Africa, and the fact that there is an existing network. The First Phase can be regarded as a learning phase, in which all the catchments in the country can be grouped and the stations can be classified. A network design method, · "The ideal network", was developed, and is applied in three catchments. The most important result is the classification of all the existing stations in the three catchments. / Geography / M. Sc. (Geografie)

This study reflects a critical analysis of the procedures followed in child rape cases in Mpumalanga Province and in the process to enhance investigative capabilities with sound detective development. Empirical research was conducted with a literature review, docket analysis and interviews as methods to obtain information where the following important aspects were addressed: an overview of the field of forensic investigation, the shortcomings with regard to child rape investigations and correct procedures for conducting child rape investigations formulated. The study found that generally rape cases were not properly investigated, correct procedures were not followed (biological/physical evidence was not readily identified nor correctly handled) and applicable directives pertaining to child rape investigations not complied with. Investigators had a narrow understanding of the concept forensic investigation. In child rape investigations it would be of more evidential value and reliable to collect physical evidence such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids and saliva as the child’s testimony at court might not be reliable, particularly when subjected to cross examination. Rape is both a contact crime as well as a psychologically motivated crime and both aspects of the trauma needs attention during the investigation process. Crimes against women and children are also a national concern, thus making child rape a priority crime for the South African Police Service. For any successful prosecution it is necessary that policy and correct procedures are not compromised but rather strictly adhered to. The Locard Principle in relation to physical evidence such as body fluids at the crime scene needs to be focussed on during the investigation process. The research suggests that the current standing operating procedures be amended to include the critical aspects of child rape investigation such as processing of the crime scene, the search for biological evidence as well as the packaging and preservation of biological evidence. / Police Practice / M. Tech. (Forensic Investigation)

Smallholder pig farming is an important livestock activity in Mpumalanga. The aim of the current study was to investigate whether variation in agro-ecological climatic conditions differently impacts on the small-scale pig production systems in Mpumalanga province and to identify factors that influence production positively or negatively in the various agro-ecological zones. The study was conducted in Mpumalanga province of South Africa in three agro-ecological zones namely the highveld, the lowveld and the midveld. The study followed mixed methods approach, using qualitative and quantitative data. In total, 220 randomly selected smallholder pig farmers were interviewed face to face using pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Data was entered into Microsoft Excel2007® spreadsheet, filtered and analysed using Stata v9 (Statacorp., Texas, USA) and Microsoft Excel2007® for frequency, herd-related variables; in addition, some hypothesis were tested using appropriate analytical methods (descriptive and correlation analyses). Associations between agricultural training, government assistance (material or financial) and thirteen herd and farmer-related variables were analysed using multivariable logistic regression model. A pairwise correlation was used where necessary and outputs were generated to associate certain variables and preferred methods including markets, market determinants, treatment methods for sick pigs, feed preference, body conditions of the sows and age at weaning. To integrate economic analyses, a partial budgeting combined with other turn on investment (ROI) model has developed in Microsoft Excel 2007® spreadsheet. The outcomes from the field data obtained including details from published materials were utilized to develop and validate the model. Economic feasibility and viability of a 10-sow unit were tested for a three-year farm operation. The results indicated that smallholder pig farming was predominated by males (64%), age group 51 years and above (54%), black Africans (98.6%) and approximately three-quarters of the smallholder farmers were classified as being poor to just below average. The majority (80%) of respondents had no prior pig husbandry training while few had (33%) received assistance from Department of Agriculture. In terms of stock, mixed breeds (89%) from exotic pigs were mostly kept and the majority (87%) of the farmers kept between 1 – 10 ws in their herds. Many farmers (75%) engaged in bio-security risky behaviour of buying auctioned-sourced boars, free-range boars and untested boars from neighbours and relatives. Few (17%) farmers practiced vaccination and only (10%) kept records of the pigs. The majority of the responses on pre-weaning mortality (50%) and post-weaning mortality (90%) were within acceptable range of 1-10% and 1-5% mortality rates respectively. The lead causes of mortality were weak piglets and crushing (46%), diarrhea (27%), poor management knowledge (19%) and malnutrition (16%). Fifty-eight percent farrowed ≤10 piglets/born/sow/litter, 44.2% practiced no weaning method, many fed leftovers alone (41.6%), 47% was using self-medication and 41% of the sows were in poor body conditions. It was also discovered that only 27% sold the porkers in less than 6 months of age and local slaughter/sold live (64.4%) was the most preferred market source. A pair-wise correlation showed links that between the feeding of commercial feeds and pigs in relatively good to very good body conditions. Poor body conditioned pigs were positively correlated with the feeding of swill alone. The economic models for a 10-sow unit proved that pig farming at that scale is unprofitable by feeding commercial feed. However, only through a combination of cooperative systems, benefits of economic of scale, reduction of pre-weaning mortalities, and structured government inputs can improve pig production profitable at this scale of production. In addition, agricultural training and government incentives will facilitate improved productivity in smallholder pig farms within the province / Agriculture, Animal Health and Human Ecology / M. Sc. (Agriculture)

The study examines land and agrarian reforms in democratic South Africa focusing on projects implemented under the Comprehensive Rural Development Programme (CRDP) since 2009. Focusing on Bushbuckridge municipal area, the study reviews wide ranging transformative efforts initiated to address agrarian sector inequalities and rural poverty. The review illustrates that modest achievements have been made in restructuring the apartheid political geography manifesting in high levels of asset poverty amongst rural populations and vulnerability to food insecurity. While several factors are explored to explain this, it is discernible that a disjuncture exists between the social justice imperatives and the neoliberal development ideology adopted since transition to democracy. Adopting the sustainable livelihoods approach, the study examines whether the CRDP is adequate to address the needs for land equity in redistribution and to improve rural livelihoods in Mpumalanga, with particular focus on Bushbuckridge municipal area. Furthermore, the study examines the extent to which the implementation of CRDP has met the objective of equitable land redistribution as specified in the policy and also explores the outcomes of implementation, whether necessary conditions to promote the small-scale agricultural sector have been created; for instance, investments in agricultural infrastructure, support services such as credit measures, inputs and capacity building programmes for subsistence sector farming. Through a qualitative inquiry challenges are identified regarding the achievement of equity in land distribution and sustainable livelihoods. The conclusive chapter argues for paradigm shifts in land acquisition, public engagement, gender equity, funding models for subsistence farming, intersectoral co-operation, funding of rural infrastructural projects particularly markets and agro-processing facilities.

Ferreira, M., Dr.; Van Vuren, J.H.J., Prof. / The Wilge River is one of many adjoining tributaries of the Olifants River located in the Olifants Water Management Area (WMA4) within the Highveld (11) – Lower Level 1 Ecoregion (Dallas, 2007). These river systems experience extreme demand for natural resources, as they flow through heavily utilised economic hubs. They are closely associated with land modification and pollution, primarily mining and industrial-related disturbances and extensive agricultural activities, all of which are the primary cause of impairment to river health. The primary aim of this study was to study the aquatic macroinvertebrate communities at six monitoring sites along the Wilge River, coupled with two monitoring sites on adjoining tributaries, and to further identify the driving variables that influence these communities both spatially and temporally. Functional Feeding Groups (FFGs) of the aquatic macroinvertebrates and the surrounding land use in the project area was taken into account. The analysis of in situ water quality measured during the period March 2010 to May 2013, clearly illustrated high levels of variation both spatially and temporally. In situ water quality was a limiting factor to the aquatic ecosystem from a Dissolved Oxygen (DO) and Percentage Saturation (DO%) perspective. The remaining parameters were within the South African guideline for aquatic ecosystems (DWAF, 1996). Habitat availability illustrated clear seasonal variation as well, of which the wet season indicated better habitat availability compared to the dry season. The dominant biotopes in the study area were vegetation (VEG) and gravel, sand and mud (GSM). Site WIL04 illustrated the poorest habitat integrity overall primarily attributed to the site’s steep incised banks and deep channel which lacks the stones biotope. The South African Scoring System, Version 5 (SASS5) results indicated that there was a change in the integrity of the aquatic macroinvertebrate community’s in the study area and further illustrated variability both spatially and temporally. It was evident that the aquatic macroinvertebrate communities within the Wilge River and two adjoining tributaries sampled, were generally in a slightly to modified state with moderate variations. The lowest number of taxa, SASS5 and average score per taxon (ASPT) values was recorded at site WIL04 and this was mainly brought about due to changes in flow and habitat availability. The ASPT score ranged from 3.8 at site WIL04 to 7.7 at site WIL02, indicating that the aquatic macroinvertebrate communities were primarily composed of tolerant and moderately tolerant taxa. Of these mostly tolerant taxa, predators and gathering collector populations were the most dominant FFG, with the shredders being the least abundant within the study area. The Bray-Curtis cluster analysis of the aquatic macroinvertebrate communities clearly illustrated a high level of similarity and seasonal variation among the communities. The high similarity was an indication that similar taxa occurred at the sites within the groups identified. However, in accordance with the Similarity Percentages (SIMPER) analysis, there was no clear indication of dominant taxa. There was however a separation of sites TRI01 and WIL04. This was expected due to differences in the physical stream condition (flow) and other habitats / general biotopes, primarily at site WIL04. Stream bed composition is one of the most important physical factors controlling the structure of freshwater invertebrate communities (Mackay and Eastburn, 1990). The separation and similarity of these two sites were not a consequence of dominant taxa, but rather a consequence of differing water quality, habitat availability and common tolerant taxa driving the system. Inclusive, the seasonal variation illustrated was contributing to the changes in the in situ water quality and habitat availability, thus making seasonal variation also a driving variable, in the differences between the sites. The Redundancy Analysis (RDA) bi-plots indicated, as with the Bray-Curtis similarity matrices and related NMDS plot, that there was a distinct seasonal separation. It further illustrated a clear separation of site TRI01 and WIL04 due to reasons mentioned above. All the environmental variables, with the exception of pH, was identified as significant drivers in the river systems (p<0.05). This however varied seasonally. During the wet season, clarity, DO and pH were the significant drivers, while clarity, TDS/EC, percentage saturation and pH were the significant drivers during the dry season (p<0.05). These drivers were expected due to possible sources namely intensive agriculture in the project area. The RDA tri-plots further indicated the significant role that the ASPT, SASS5 score and the IHAS played within the aquatic macroinvertebrate community (p<0.05). This confirms the importance of habitat as a driving variable in aquatic macroinvertebrate community structures. Consequently, the driving variables in the separation of the sites along the Wilge River and two adjoining tributaries, appear to be a combination of variables (DO, percentage saturation, TDS/EC, clarity and pH), including habitat availability (based on IHAS scores). To determine the effects and relations between the primary driving changes, to the surrounding land uses in the project area, further multivariate analyses were conducted, which included the FFGs. It was clearly indicated that predators have a negative correlation with the rest of the FFG’s which was expected. As the percentage of predators increase at a site, the percentage of the other FFG’s decreased. Therefore, there was a large variation and clear changes in the food sources constantly entering into the river system. This is normally related to changes in the land use.

M.Comm. / Recent studies into the strategic management field indicate that there is a lack of knowledge on strategy implementation. The lack of comprehensive implementation frameworks is particularly raised by a number of scholars. Strategy implementation is one aspect of strategic management. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the implementation of the Integrated Quality Management System (IQMS) of the Mpumalanga Department of Education. The research problem in this report refers to the achievement of the quality objectives of the IQMS. This report aims to explore whether the IQMS objectives are met. It also investigates the effective implementation of the IQMS. This study aims to identify gaps, if any, in the implementation process of the IQMS. Definitions of strategic management and the strategic management process are explored in this report. Strategy implementation levers as described by the McKinsey 7-S Framework are discussed. The role of Total Quality Management and the Balanced Scorecard in successful strategy implementation is shortly mentioned. This study reflects on the perceptions of a sample of the “implementers” of the IQMS. Data is collected by means of a questionnaire that is structured around the implementation levers. It highlights positive/negative aspects/perceptions of the system and the current implementation thereof. The sample consists of a mixture of principals, educators and administrative staff from the various schools in the Nkangala district as well as officials in the provincial office. With respect to the strategy for implementation, respondents seem uncertain. The study indicates that there is uncertainty regarding the organisational structures and its effectiveness in achieving the IQMS goal of support and development of educators. There is also uncertainty regarding the systems available for strategy implementation. It appears that there is uncertainty regarding systems and how it manages to identify specific needs of educators regarding support and development. Educators appear to be uncertain regarding the shared values in the organisation and this can indicate a problem regarding effective communication of the common values and objectives of the IQMS. A shortage of qualified officials and the large learner-to-educator ratios in schools are identified as staff issues in this study. Training and feedback regarding the implementation of IQMS is also a problem. There is uncertainty amongst principals and heads of departments with respect to skills. The respondents indicate an uncertain perception as to whether the IQMS is able to identify specific needs regarding support and development, which is one of the objectives of the IQMS. Recommendations include a review of the actual IQMS and widespread participation is encouraged. Regular communication about and training on how to implement the actual IQMS is necessary. Regular feedback on the implementation process is needed.

Please read the abstract in the section, 00front, of this document / Thesis (PhD (Botany))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Plant Science / unrestricted

The aim of the study was to determine the Body Mass Index with regards to overweight and obesity of Black African children between the ages of six and nine years who were enrolled in three rural public schools within Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. The researcher used a quantitative descriptive research design. Each child’s weight and height was measured and their BMI and BMI percentile for gender and age calculated. According to the BMI percentile calculations for gender and age for the sample which consisted of 902 children, three percent were defined as being underweight, 79 percent as being normal weight, 11 percent as being overweight, and seven percent as being obese. In the sample there were also 21.3 percent children who were at risk of becoming overweight (3.5 percent) and obese (17.8 percent). Without intervention these at risk learners may in their adolescent and adult years be adversely affected by the physiological and psychosocial consequences related to their condition. Suggestion is made to utilise a Forum through which various stakeholders can pool their expertise and resources to develop a programme of intervention with the aim to prevent escalation of overweight and obesity, as well as reversing the current prevalence as identified within the research population.

D.Ed. (Educational Management) / The present government committed itself to the principle of placement of learners with special needs into mainstream education as a long-term goal where it is not immediately possible. The researcher has found in the line of his present functions in the Mpumalanga Education Department that the existing management practice does not make sufficient provision for the inclusion model for all learners in the education system. The above mentioned situation made the research necessary. The objectives of this research were to determine the management needs to implement an inclusive integrated education system for learners with special educational needs in Mpumalanga Province by: - ascertaining the needs and functions of the management of such an inclusive model; and - the further development of findings on management needs into strategies to implement an inclusive model of education for learners with special educational needs in the Mpumalanga Province. The traditional paradigm in which research was done on learners with special educational needs derived from a medical model. The medical model is based on a caurse effect paradigm. The latter implies that a defect is diagnosed in the medical makeup of the child and the child is placed in a learning program to suit his/her defect. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the child which was ratified by the South African Government on 16 June 1995, as well as The United Nations...