4667 research outputs found
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A critical analysis of retirement reform in South Africa
Full text linkThesis (LLM. (Labour Law)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025Refer to documen
Nutrient composition, phytochemical content and antoxidant potential of leaf extract berchemia discolor ( Munie tree) for goats in the Limpopo Province, South Africa
Full text linkThesis (M.Sc. Agriculture (Animal Production)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025The study aims to investigate the nutrient composition, phytochemical content and antioxidant potential of leaf extract Berchemia discolor (Munie tree) for goats. Plant leaves were harvested, dried and ground. To analyse the nutrient composition, grinded leaves were taken for proximate analysis (utilizing Association of Official Analytic Chemists (AOAC) procedures), wherein they were analysed based on dry matter basis. The results revealed that protein, moisture, fat, ash, Acid Detergent Fibre (ADF) and Neutral Detergent Fibre (NDF) found in B. discolor met the requirements of goats. Based on the minerals, calcium, sodium, potassium and iron were found to have adequate amounts for goats whereas phosphorus, copper and zinc were lower. While Berchemia discolor is a valuable forage source for goat diets, its deficiencies in some minerals and other nutrients still require supplementation strategies to ensure that goats receive overall nutritional balance, thereby promoting their health and productivity. For phytochemicals and antioxidants analysis, the powder was mixed with reagents and chemicals to attain the concentration level of phytochemicals and other bioactive compounds found in these plants’ properties. Most of the phytoconstituents were present and the phenolic content, tannins and flavonoid content of B. discolor were significantly different across the treatments (P<0.05). Acetone extractant had the highest phenolic content (1.089 ± 0.06 mg/g) while water had the lowest (0.081 ± 0.06 mg/g). From the solvents used to extract active components from B. discolor leaves, DCM had the highest mass of extractants whereas acetone had a low one. Antioxidant activity was the highest quantity in the acetone extract compared to hexane, which had the lowest quantitative activity. Under FRAP, dichloromethane extract had high quantitative antioxidant activity, with water, methanol and hexane on the same low level of quantity. The results suggested that the leaves could be utilized as a feed with stronger antioxidant properties. Similarly, it was found that these bioactive compounds have effects on the health and growth performance of goats. Therefore, these phytochemicals and antioxidants protect cells from oxidative damage and enhance immune function and longevity. In conclusion, Berchemia discolor is beneficial to goats as it enhances efficiency and potentially yields to economic gains for farmers
Evaluation of climate change influence on non-point source pollution in the Sand River Catchment, Limpopo, South Africa
Full text linkThesis (M. Sc. (Geography)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025Non-point source (NPS) pollution of freshwater resources is a major environmental concern as untraceable pollutants contribute to the deterioration of water quality which affects human, animal and environmental wellbeing and sustainability. This study evaluated the influence of climate change on NPS pollution in the Sand River Catchment (SRC). Excel statistical (XLSTAT, version 2023) Mann-Kendall and Sen’s slope trend analysis were employed to determine the historical trends in precipitation and minimum, maximum, and average temperature, using monthly timeseries data from October 1992 to September 2022. Soil and Water Assessment Tool plus (SWAT+ rev. 61) was set up, calibrated, validated, and used to simulate the monthly and annual sediment and nutrient constituents, Total Inorganic Nitrogen (TIN), and Total Inorganic phosphorus (TIP) loads in the SRC. The one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the significance of the relationships between temperature and precipitation and the sediment, TIN, and TIP loads. SWAT+ was further used to implement and evaluate the performance of Best Management Practices (BMPs) (Vegetative Filter Strips (VFS), Grassed Waterways (GWW), and VFS+GWW on the pollution control in the SRC. The trend analysis results showed that there has been an insignificant (P > 0.05) steady increase in average and maximum temperature in the SRC. There was, however, a decrease in minimum temperature. Moreover, the results showed a significant (P 0.05) decrease in TIP (R2 = 0.05). The BMP results showed that the VFS was effective in retaining low sediment, TIN, and TIP loads at sub-catchment level and catchment level (27/23%, 23/20%, and 30/25%), respectively, compared to GWW (47/38%, 35/31%, and 43/31%), respectively. Moreover, the combination of VFS and GWW (VFS+GWW) effectively retained high loads of sediment, TIN, and TIP in sub-catchment level when compared to catchment level (70/58%, 66/56%, and 71/62%), respectively. The study concluded that climate change influences NPS pollution in the SRC, and BMPs can be employed to manage and control the agricultural NPS pollution within the catchment. Furthermore, implementing BMPs at sub-catchment level is the most effective management of NPS pollution in the SRC.Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA
Antioxodative, anti-inflammatory and antimycobacterial activities of artemisia afra subfraction against mycobacterium smegmatis
Full text linkThesis (M.Sc. (Microbiology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025Tuberculosis (TB) is a well-known communicable disease discovered decades back
and continues to be a persistent socio-economic burden worldwide with the increasing
number of multidrug-resistant and extensive-drug resistant forms. Medicinal plants
have been accredited as potential sources of natural pharmaceuticals against TB. The
aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and
antimycobacterial activities of Artemisia afra extracts and sub-fractions.
Mycobacterium smegmatis was used as a surrogate for Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(Mtb). The aerial parts of A. afra plant were dried and ground into fine powder. The
powdered plant material was extracted using hexane, chloroform, dichloromethane,
ethyl acetate, acetone, ethanol, butanol, methanol, and water. All the solvents
demonstrated good extraction capacity. The qualitative phytochemical analysis was
done using standard chemical tests and thin layer chromatography. Standard chemical
tests showed the presence of saponins, steroids, tannins, cardiac glycosides,
terpenes, and flavonoids in the extracts. Phytochemical analysis revealed more
fluorescing compounds at 365 nm. The methanol extract had the highest amount of
total phenolic (190.31±5.81 mg GAE/g), tannin (339.92±11.28 mg GAE/g) and
flavonoid contents (1333.07±12.97 mg QE/g). All the tested A. afra extracts had low
ferric ion reducing antioxidant power. However, the acetone extract showed notable
2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical-scavenging potential. Anti-inflammatory activity was investigated using the egg-albumin denaturation assay,
where the acetone extract demonstrated the higher activity than diclofenac sodium.
Furthermore, the acetone extract exhibited noteworthy antimycobacterial activity
against M. smegmatis observed on the three chromatograms developed in BEA, CEF
and EMW mobile systems with minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.521 mg/mL.
Cytotoxicity was tested against the THP-1 cell-line monocytes. The differentiation of
THP-1 monocytes into macrophage-like cells was induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). The acetone and methanol extracts had less toxicity at the lowest
concentration of 125 µg/mL. Column chromatography was used to fractionate the
active acetone extract; and its subfraction of intermediate polarity had the highest
inhibitory activity against M. smegmatis at MIC value of 0.078mg/mL. Moreover, the
subfraction was able to prevent initial cell attachment to form biofilms in a
concentration dependent manner and the matured formed biofilm after 24hrs was also
reduced. Growth inhibitory activity monitored in different time intervals and anti-inflammatory activity were also observed. Results obtained from LC-MS analysis
revealed several compounds at different retention times from both the acetone crude
extract and the sub-fraction. The crude extract contained lesser number of compounds
as compared to the sub-fraction. These results suggest that the acetone sub-fraction
from the aerial parts of A. afra may be a good candidate for further anti-TB drug
developmentNational Research Foundation (NRF
Equal pay for equal work of equal value : an employment law analysis of the position and remunaration of candidate legal practitioners in South Africa
Full text linkThesis (LLM. (Labour Law)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025This study examines the concept of equal pay for work of equal value by conducting
an employment law analysis on the position of candidate legal practitioners in South
Africa. This study addresses the issue of candidate legal practitioners being paid well
below the national minimum wage on the basis that they are not regarded as
employees. Articles of clerkship have been glorified for being hard to secure in South Africa. Legal practitioners have instilled a belief in law students and graduates building up
fear which leads to them settling for anything provided even if they are being
exploited just for the sake of securing articles as a precondition for securing
admission as an attorney. The primary objective of this study is to explore what candidate legal practitioners are classified as in terms of the labour legislation and why they are not afforded the relevant protection that is afforded to other employees in terms of legislation such as the Constitution of South Africa, Labour Relations Act and the Basic Conditions of
Employment Act
Hydrogeological characterisation of the impact of climate change and anthropogenic factors on groundwater resource in Klein Letaba River Catchment, Mopani District of Limpopo Province
Full text linkThesis (M.Sc. (Geology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025Groundwater is the primary source of water supply for domestic use, agricultural and mining sectors in the Klein Letaba River catchment, which is located in the central-eastern part of the Limpopo Province. As a result of the arid-to-semi-arid nature of the climate, there is limited surface water in this catchment, which partly contributed to groundwater as the only dependable source of water supply for various uses. Periodic measurements of water level in several boreholes in this catchment indicated that there is a continuous drop in piezometric surface from time to time. This persistent problem necessitated a detailed hydrogeological characterisation of the Klein Letaba River catchment to understand the extent of the impacts of climate change and anthropogenic factors on groundwater resource.
The main aim of the present study was to simulate groundwater flow, and evaluate the fluctuation of borehole water level in response to climate change and anthropogenic activities, thereby understand the extent of vulnerability of groundwater in the area. To achieve the aim, hydrogeological, geological, borehole logs, climate, soil, and digital elevation data, among many other spatial datasets were processed to determine aquifer parameters, MODFLOW layer groups, and develop boundary conditions. In addition, hydrochemical and environmental isotopes were used to trace the groundwater flow path, and to ascertain the inflows and outflow boundaries of the conceptual model of groundwater flow. The results show that groundwater recharge area occurs in the highly elevated south western sector, and it flows towards the low elevated north eastern part of the model boundary area. In addition, the tritium radiogenic isotope was employed to determine the mean residence time (MRT) of groundwater using the methods that were outlined in the previous studies. The results suggest that low tritium concentrations ranging from 0.2 to 1.9 TU correspond to the presence of old groundwater that resided in the aquifer for a prolonged period of time, probably prior to 1952 ( 0.8 TU suggest the presence of a mixture of old and recently recharged water.
MODFLOW NWT, along with its upstream weighted flow package (UPW), was used to carry out three-dimensional steady state modelling of groundwater flow, and assess the response of the groundwater level due to the impacts of climate change and anthropogenic factors. The results of the steady-state groundwater flow simulation indicated that recharge from the rainfall and river leakages are the most important components of the inflows that contribute to the availability of groundwater, accounting for 44% and 40%, respectively of the total inflows. The major outflow components include river leakage and evapotranspiration, which contribute 62% and 25%, respectively to the total discharge from the aquifer. These results show that groundwater and surface water interactions play an important role in the determination of the hydrological water balance. In that, the depletion of groundwater determines the fate of surface water and vice versa.
The results of the zone budgets suggest that the weathered aquifer acts as a medium through which the fractured aquifer and the rivers are being replenished. The weathered aquifer supplies approximately 36% and 23% of the total outflow volume from its zone to the fractured aquifer and rivers, respectively. At the same time, the dam gains a minor fraction of water from the weathered aquifer owing to an insignificant fluctuation of the hydraulic head and the conductivity of the bottom of the dam. Recharge from the rain largely replenishes the fractured aquifer via the weathered aquifer, while the internal boundaries such as rivers and dam gain water from the two aquifers and surface runoff. The zone budget further indicates that both aquifers are hydraulically connected and water availability in both permeable layers depends on the amount of rainfall recharge, evapotranspiration, and groundwater abstraction. Thus, climate change and anthropogenic activities play a significant role in determining the availability of sustainable water supply in the area. Furthermore, the results signify the importance of the underlying fractured aquifer as the main source of water owing to its good hydraulic conductivity compared to the weathered aquifer. In summary, climate change and anthropogenic activities are the main drivers of the scarcity of water resource in the area.National Research Foundation (NRF
The application of artificial intelligence in cataloguing by the City of Tshwane libraries
No full textThesis (M. (Information Studies)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025The aim of the study was to explore the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in cataloguing by the City of Tshwane libraries (CoT). The objectives of the study were to determine the knowledge of the CoT libraries cataloguers about AI, to explore the attitudes of the CoT libraries cataloguers about AI, to establish the readiness of the CoT libraries cataloguers in adopting AI in cataloguing, to identify the challenges that the CoT libraries cataloguers are experiencing in the adoption of AI and to explore the cataloguing practices using AI at the CoT libraries. The study took place within the cataloguing division of the CoT Community and Social Development Services (CSDS). The study embraced the interpretivism research paradigm and employed qualitative research methodologies, including research design, sampling techniques, defining the study’s population, outlining data collection procedures, delineating data analysis strategies, and establishing quality criteria. The research methodology involved conducting an in-depth interview with six cataloguers from the CoT libraries. Thematic analysis and direct quotations were used to analyse the collected data. The findings indicated that older participants reported limited knowledge of AI, whereas younger participants described it more comprehensively. All participants were optimistic about AI’s potential to improve productivity and accuracy in their work. Additionally, they all used SirsiDynix Symphony WorkFlows, OCLC, and WebDewey for cataloguing and desired improvements, particularly in detecting duplicate ISBNs. In conclusion, the insights provided by participants offer valuable considerations for the integration of AI-driven solutions within the CoT cataloguing section. The thorough understanding of cataloguing workflows lays a solid foundation for leveraging AI technologies to enhance efficiency and accuracy in cataloguing operations. The recommendations outlined in response to participants’ insights aim to support the CoT cataloguing section in optimising cataloguing practices and embracing innovative solutions such as AI technologies. It is further recommended that the CoT cataloguing section should initiate targeted education, awareness programs, training and AI skill acquisition. These initiatives should aim to bridge the knowledge gap and alleviate any scepticism or reluctance towards AI integration, particularly among the older generation of cataloguers
Examination of the effects of HIV protease inhibitors (HIV-PIs) on the function of the novel s-DAPK-1 in Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)-related cervical cancers
Full text linkThesis (Ph. D. (Biochemistry)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025Cervical cancer treatment continues to be every country’s nightmare due to ineffectiveness and non-specificity of the current therapeutic options, late diagnosis and chemo drug resistance. An escalating resistance of cervical cancer cells to chemotherapy coupled with severe side effects of commonly used cytotoxic drugs has intensified the need to search for new anti-cancer agents. Several drugs initially approved for non-cancerous conditions have recently been found to possess cytostatic effects on cancer cells. Thus, these drugs could be expediently repurposed for use as anti-cancer agents because they have already been tested for safety in animals and humans. In light of this, this study sought to investigate the possibility of adapting pure HIV protease inhibitors (HIV-PIs) and their over-the counter tablets for anti-cervical cancer therapeutic purposes. Additionally, since cervical cancer is viewed as a pathology that is partly driven by genes, it was of interest to understand the expression of short-DAPK-1 known as s-DAPK-1, which remains unexplored in cervical cancer, and the HIV-PI s' mechanisms of action. Therefore, this study was aimed at investigating the effect of HIV-PIs on s-DAPK-1 and other cancer-related genes in HPV-induced cervical cancer cells. To address the aim of this study, the MTT viability and Muse™ Count & Viability assays were used to evaluate the effect of the pure HIV protease inhibitors and their tablet forms on the viability of CaSki and HeLa cervical cancer cell lines, as well as on the non-cancerous cells (HEK-293). To detect the mode of death induced by pure HIV-PIs (lopinavir and atazanavir) and their tablet forms (Aluvia and Ritoataz) in HPV-associated cervical cancer cells, apoptosis was assessed using the Annexin V Assay. Apoptosis-related proteins regulated by HIV-PIs and their tablet forms were detected using the Human Apoptosis Array profiler. In addition, the Muse™ Cell Cycle assay was used to assess the effect of HIV-PIs and their tablet forms on cell cycle progression of the cervical cancer cells. The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used to determine the expression of s-DAPK-1 in HIV-PIs-treated and untreated cervical cancer cells, and to elucidate the effect of pure HIV protease inhibitors and HIV protease inhibitor tablets on its expression. In addition to the use of PCR, the proteome profiler human apoptosis array kit was used to detect other cellular targets of pure HIV-PIs and their over-the counter tablets in HPV-associated cervical cancer cells. Furthermore, various bioinformatics tools such as ProtScale, ProteinPrompt, I-TASSER, PSIPRED, ProtParam, ScooP, Hawkdock, Phyre2, SAVES and PROCHECK along with user-friendly databases such as NCBI, TarBase and Protein Data Bank (PDB) were used to understand s-DAPK-1 regulation, 3D structure, physicochemical and thermodynamic properties. This study demonstrated that lopinavir and atazanavir pure HIV-PIs, as well as Aluvia and Ritoataz tablets did not affect the viability of non-cancerous cells (HEK-293), confirming the safety of the HIV-PIs. However, they have significantly decreased the viability of the CaSki and HeLa cervical cancer cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. It is important to note that, relative to HeLa cells, a higher concentration of lopinavir (IC50=150 μM) and Ritoataz (IC50=180 μM) was required to reduce the viability of CaSki cells by 50%. All the HIV-PIs triggered apoptosis in CaSki and HeLa cervical cancer cells. However, lopinavir (39.925±1.483 in CaSki and 41.583±1.001 in HeLa) and atazanavir (49.092±0.9376 in CaSki and 36.717±1.729 in HeLa) significantly (p ≤ 0.001) exhibited the highest induction of apoptosis. In contrast, the corresponding tablets of Aluvia (24.418± 2.346 in CaSki and 26.795±0.6805 in HeLa) and Ritoataz (25.310±1.323 in CaSki and 28.432±2.374 in HeLa) induced a significantly (p ≤ 0.001) lower levels of apoptosis. In addition, pure HIV protease inhibitors along with their tablet forms significantly (p ≤ 0.05) regulated the activity of various apoptosis-related proteins, including phosphorylation p53 (S392) and Rad17 (S635). The HIV-PIs upregulated SMAC/Diablo, and Bcl-2, suggesting induction of an intrinsic apoptosis pathway, with cervical cells resisting cell death by upregulating Bcl-2. The s-DAPK-1 variant was significantly downregulated in HeLa cells relative to non-cancerous HEK-293 cells, suggesting that it may be a tumour suppressor. In addition, pure HIV protease inhibitors and the HIV protease inhibitor tablets did not influence the expression of s-DAPK-1 in cervical cancer cells. Furthermore, the in-silico approach, to determine s-DAPK-1 regulation, successfully identified several s-DAPK-1-specific microRNAs. In addition, phyre2 database demonstrated that the s-DAPK-1 isoform possesses 40% alpha helices and 4% beta strands, forming a stable 3D structure. Moreover, s-DAPK-1 was discovered to withstand high temperatures and to interact with a variety of proteins involved in tumour progression and gene regulation, including Prion protein and Histone H2B type 2-E (H2B2E).
The findings of this study highlight the HIV protease inhibitors as promising anticancer agents, demonstrating significant effects on inducing cell death and suppressing proliferation. Furthermore, this work has discovered more anticancer drug targets that should be exploited for drug development. Moreover, since this is the first study to explore the expression and regulation of s-DAPK-1 by therapeutic agents, there is a pressing need to identify novel compounds that can modulates s-DAPK-1 and to explore its potential tumour suppressor function in cancer cells.New Generation of Academics Programme, (Department of Higher Education and Training
Factors contributing to the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in the Capricorn District Municipality, Limpopo Province
Full text linkThesis (M. Com. (Business Management)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are widely recognized as key drivers of economic growth and job creation both in South Africa and globally. However, most of them do not grow or survive in the long term. The owners struggle with effective management skills and risk management, which is why many of them fail. SMEs often face operational inefficiencies and have less structured management practices such as risk management. This is because most of them were started for survival purposes. The researcher has observed that most of the SMEs have difficulties in retaining and attracting skilled workers. This is due to fewer resources for training and a knowledge shortage on which platforms to use. The primary aim of this project was to explore the factors contributing to the performance of SMEs in the Capricorn District Municipality, Limpopo province. The quantitative research approach was employed, utilizing self-administered questionnaires to gather data from SME owners/managers. Out of a total of 130 distributed questionnaires, 110 were returned. The questionnaire consisted of five sections: demographic information, profile of business activities, risk management competencies, financial decision-making capabilities and SME performance. Data analysis was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24, with diagrams generated to present the findings. Inferential statistics and Pearson correlation analysis were used to test relationships among risk management, financial decision-making competencies, and SME performance in Capricorn District Municipality, Limpopo Province. The internal consistency and reliability of the nominal and ordinal variables were assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. Validity was ensured through the development of the questionnaire based on theoretical foundations, and a pilot study was conducted with five SMEs to pre-test the instrument. Both content and face validity were confirmed by pre-testing and academic review of the questionnaire. The risk management competencies required in SMEs were determined to be behavioural and technical competencies. The financial decision-making competencies were found to be capital budgeting techniques, liquidity ratios, cash and accrual accounting, and working capital management. The study revealed that the decisions that SME managers/owners take can negatively or positively affect the business, hence understanding the mentioned competencies can help drive the business to success. The findings were that most of the respondents did not know about or benefit from the government’s support programs. Additionally, most SMEs did not have risk management policies and contingency plans. The recommendations proposed included the mandatory submission of risk management policy and financial contingency plan documents when SMEs register their businesses with the CIPC to help reduce high failure rates
A critical analysis of phenomenological narratives of coloured females about their hair, race and identity in Polokwane, Limpopo Province, South Africa
Full text linkThesis (M. A. (Communication Studies)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025During apartheid South Africa, one of the imperatives of the Coloured identity was to
be White in mind, spirit, and appearance to benefit from the socio-economic
privileges associated with Whiteness. This included having Coloured women alter
their hair's natural texture to align with Whiteness. However, in post-apartheid South
Africa, where regnant Blackness is evident and apartheid injustices and policies no
longer exist, how has the Coloured identity in terms of race, hair, and identity
changed among people born during apartheid and those born after 1994? Hence,
the aim of this study is to investigate the phenomenological narratives of ‗colonial born‘ and ‗born-free‘ Coloured females regarding identity, race, and hair. Post colonial Theory and Critical Race Theory guided the study. Semi-structured
interviews were conducted with five colonial-born and five born-free Coloured female
participants between the ages of 18 and 70. The study's findings showed that both
colonial-born and born-free participants are proud of their diverse Coloured identity
in post-apartheid South Africa. Another finding is that both colonial-born and born free participants revealed that straight hair texture is important to them as Coloured
females. This implies that if both the colonial-born and born-free Coloured continue
to emphasize the importance of straight hair, they still hold onto Eurocentric
standards of beauty regarding hair, race, and identit