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Critically analysing the policy discourse on exclusionary practices in the South African education system
Full text linkJournal article published in African Perspectives of Research in Teaching and Learning Journal Issue 1, Volume 9, 2025This article explores the intersection of educational policies and exclusionary practices in the South African education system, advocating for social justice and educational equity. While education is often viewed as a catalyst for societal advancement, systemic barriers continue to marginalise historically excluded groups. This research addresses critical questions about how current educational policies reflect and perpetuate systemic inequalities and the discursive strategies that position marginalised groups. Employing a qualitative document analysis framed by Legitimation Code Theory (LCT), this article
utilizes Constellation Analysis to uncover the organizing principles and predominant dispositions embedded within inclusive education policies. A comprehensive review of key policy documents reveals how historical legacies of race, socioeconomic status, and disability persistently shape educational access. The findings indicate that despite policies aimed at promoting inclusivity, many fail to enact tangible change, thereby continuing to reinforce exclusionary practices. The analysis highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions that genuinely foster inclusivity and equity in educational opportunitie
Determination of the association between measures of diabetes mellitus and biomarkers of lung health among adult African population residing in the Dikgale, Mamabolo, Mothiba population health research centre, Limpopo Province South Africa
Full text linkThesis (M. Sc. (Medical Sciences)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025Diabetes mellitus (DM) affects various organs in the body (Kharroubi, 2015), including the lungs. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a slowly progressing condition that generally results in a gradual decline in lung function over time. One approach to monitoring lung tissue degradation caused by DM, beyond repeated lung function tests is through biomarkers of lung health. These biomarkers can serve as a sensitive indicator of disease activity and may assist in predicting lung function.
Objective
To investigate the association between DM and lung health measurements by utilizing desmosine biomarkers within a rural adult population at the DIMAMO Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS).
Methods
This study employed a retrospective, cross-sectional, and partially prospective correlation design, conducted at DIMAMO HDSS. This study utilized data from the AWI-Gen Phase One dataset. Data on measures of Diabetes mellitus and other demographic and
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biomedical measures were extracted from 222 participants (79 men and 143 women). Desmosine levels were quantified using competitive ELISA assay (DES-LISA-kit). Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 27, with a p-value <0.05.
Results
No significant associations were observed between glucose and desmosine levels (p=0.230), HOMA-IR and desmosine levels (p=0.820), or insulin and desmosine levels (p=0.438). Even after performing backward linear regression, where less significant variables were systematically removed, no significant associations were identified between desmosine and these diabetes-related variables.
Conclusion
This study found no linear association between DM measures (glucose, insulin and HOMA-IR) and lung health as indicated by desmosine levels. After conducting backward linear regression, desmosine levels remained unassociated with any of the diabetes-related covariates included in the model. In conclusion, there is no evidence of an association between DM measures and lung health markers in this study
Inflation targeting, economic growth and unemployment rate conundrum amidst energy price pressures and monetary policy in South Africa
Full text linkThesis (M. Com. (Economics)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024This study investigated the conundrum of inflation-targeting, economic growth, and unemployment rate amidst energy price pressures and monetary policy in South Africa from 2000 to 2022. Motivated by the persistent criticisms that inflation-targeting harms economic growth and job creation to maintain an inflation rate within the target range, this research sought to understand the broader implications of such a monetary policy framework in the context of fluctuating energy prices, exchange rates, and interest rates. The primary objectives were to assess whether the South African Reserve Bank's (SARB) inflation-targeting framework, formally introduced in 2000, effectively stabilised the inflation rate without adversely impacting economic growth and increasing unemployment rates. Additionally, the research explored the interaction between energy prices, interest rate, exchange rate, and inflation expectations against inflation-targeting, economic growth, and Unemployment rate in a three-model setting.
The study utilised three econometric models to achieve its objectives. The Autoregressive Distributed Lag approach was employed for cointegration analysis to determine the long-run relationships among the variables. The Granger causality tests were conducted to identify the direction of causality, while the Impulse Response Functions and Variance Decomposition analyses were used to assess the dynamic interactions and the contribution of each variable to the forecast error variance in the system. The three model results indicated that energy prices had a persistent adverse impact on economic growth and unemployment. The findings revealed that while inflation-targeting successfully contained the inflation rate within the target range, it did not sufficiently promote economic growth and reduce unemployment. The interest rate hikes, though effective in curbing the inflation rate in the short run, had detrimental effects on economic growth and job creation in the long run. The Granger causality tests showed bidirectional causality between interest rate and economic growth. Additionally, IRF results indicated that economic growth reacts negatively towards a shock in interest rates. This implies that persistent increases in interest rates can depress economic growth. The study recommended that the SARB consider adopting a dual mandate monetary policy framework
Growth, yield and nutritional composition of moringa oleifera under different propagation methods
Full text linkThesis (M. Sc. (Agronomy)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024Moringa oleifera, often referred to as the "drumstick tree" or "miracle tree," has gained prominence for its nutritional and medicinal properties. This study aimed to assess the impact of different propagation methods on the growth, yield and nutritional composition of Moringa oleifera and recommending the best method that can be used for propagating the tree. Three propagation techniques, including direct seeding, stem cuttings, and seedling transplanting, were investigated. This research was carried out at the University of Limpopo Aquaculture Research Unit (ARU), located in Mankweng area, Limpopo Province, South Africa. The growth parameters, including emergence, sprouting, and rooting rates, height of the shoots, number of branches per plant, stem diameter, and chlorophyll content, were monitored at three weeks intervals. Additionally, yield components such as fresh and dry weight of the shoots and roots were quantified. Nutritional composition, proximate composition encompassing macro and micronutrients, was analyzed in harvested plant leaves. Results indicated that seedling transplanting-propagated plants exhibited the highest initial growth rates, while cuttings and direct seeding plants displayed slower but consistent growth. However, significant variations in yield were observed, with seedling transplanted plants demonstrating higher fresh shoot and root weight and higher dry shoot and root weight. Nutritional analysis revealed subtle differences in the composition of leaves among the propagation methods, with implications for the overall nutritional quality of harvested products. The findings of this study contribute valuable insights into the cultivation practices of Moringa oleifera, providing information on the most effective propagation methods for desired outcomes in terms of growth, yield, and nutritional composition. This knowledge can aid farmers, researchers, and policymakers in optimizing Moringa oleifera cultivation for enhanced nutritional benefits and sustainable agricultural practices
Short story teaching as resource in the development of critical thinking skills in grade 11 English first additional language classroom in Bochum East Circuit, Capricorn North District, Limpopo Province, South Africa
Full text linkThesis (M. (Language Education)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024Critical thinking skills are key components of knowing and learning English First Additional Language (ENGFAL). Mastering critical thinking skills boosts learners’ confidence and improves their thinking ability. The purpose of this study is to explore the teaching of short stories as a resource to develop Grade 11 English First Additional Language learners’ critical thinking skills. Qualitative approach was employed to draw responses from all the participants. Ten (10) learners and three (3) ENGFAL paper two teachers were purposefully sampled from a secondary school in the Bochum East circuit. The researcher collected data using observation method, semi-structured interviews and document analysis. Teachers and learners were interviewed and short story lessons were observed while the assessment activities given to learners were analysed. The collected data was analysed using thematic data analysis method. The findings indicate that critical thinking can be promoted during an ENGFAL paper two lessons through asking open- ended questions that will lead learners to share their knowledge, opinion and views or come up with a solution of a given problem. Therefore, it is recommended that teachers integrate all levels of cognitive questions from Bloom Taxonomy and allow learners to be active participants during the lesson rather than relying on the teacher’s knowledge and understandin
Challenges faced by Grade 10 learners in Sepedi home language essay writing in Mankweng Circuit District, Limpopo Province, South Africa
No full textThesis (M.Ed. (Language Education)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024The study investigated the challenges faced by Grade 10 learners in Sepedi Home Language essay writing in Mankweng Circuit. The study aimed at finding solutions to the challenges that Grade 10 learners encounter when writing essays in their Home Language. The motive of exploring this topic is that mastering essay writing skills among Sepedi Home Language learners remains a challenge, particularly in Further Education and Training (FET). As such, the study was conducted to evaluate how Sepedi Home Language curriculum is implemented in classroom to address and respond to challenges of essay writing. This study employed qualitative research methodology and sampled one secondary school. Data collection was done through face to face interviews, document analysis and diagnostic assessments. The study involved Heads of Departments, teachers, and Grade 10 learners as participants. Data collected was analysed following the inductive method of thematic data analysi
Assessment of customer satisfaction at the University of Limpopo using servqual model
Full text linkThesis (MBA.) -- University of Limpopo, 2024Service quality plays an integral role in the Higher Education Institution’s reputation, competitiveness and most importantly in students’ satisfaction. Service quality in the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) distinguishes one institution from another, and its assessment can lead to a competitive advantage and the development of marketing and business initiatives. If students are not satisfied with the quality of services being offered by the university, they are likely not to recommend others through word of mouth to enrol at that institution, it can tarnish the brand image of the institution, and it may not attract future students which will ultimately has a negative impact on the financial state of the institution. This study was then conducted to assess customer satisfaction of the administrative services that are provided to the University of Limpopo students using the SERVQUAL model. The study was designed in such a way to begin the process of determining the students’ expectations of the services and how they perceive the quality of administration services after receiving them as well as evaluating the level of satisfaction of these services provided by the employees of the institution. A better understanding of whether the students’ expectations are met or not, would then assist the institution in improving the quality of their services provided to students if they are found to be lacking, a quantitative, descriptive approach was conducted to determine whether students at the university of Limpopo are satisfied or dissatisfied with the administration services provided by the university’s central administration offices. Self-administered online and physical questionnaires were utilised to collect data for the study. The questions were based on the SERVQUAL model where a first set of questions were based on the expectations on service quality, the second set were based on the perceptions of service received across all the dimensions of the model namely tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy. A total number of 288 students participated in the study. The overall findings revealed that students are dissatisfied with the quality of administration services provided by the University of Limpopo’s central administration offices across all dimensions of the SERVQUAL model. This was determined by the low perceptions scores of service quality as compared to the expectations scores. Therefore, the study recommended an improvement of service quality in order to enhance the students’ satisfactionUniversity of Limpop
Forms of translanguaging in Zimbabwe’s classrooms: are the practices useful or useless in the teaching and learning of STEM subjects?
Full text linkJournal article published in African Perspectives of Research in Teaching and Learning Journal Issue 1, Volume 8, 2024Although translanguaging is a growing discipline in the field of education in other parts of the world, it is still under-researched in Zimbabwe. However, Zimbabwean teachers often use various forms of translanguaging to engage their students and help them use their full linguistic resources in academic subjects. This study aimed to explore the various forms of translanguaging used by STEM subject teachers
in Mutare, Zimbabwe, assess their effectiveness, and propose the most useful form(s) based on the
learners' level and the language demographics of their classes. Data for the study were collected through observation of STEM classes at selected schools and tertiary institutions in Mutare, Zimbabwe, and three
Focus Group Discussions with 29 STEM subject teachers and lecturers from 11 institutions from Mutare
Urban District. The collected data were analyzed using Makalela’s (2016) Ubuntu Translanguaging
Pedagogy (UTP). The study found that most STEM subject teachers have embraced translanguaging as a
normal practice in multilingual classrooms. Furthermore, the study established that instructors at different
levels are beginning to appreciate that translanguaging is a strategy they can use to help students draw on
all their linguistic resources when reading, writing, and discussing academic subjects in a new language. STEM teachers adopted different forms of translanguaging for different learners. The conclusion the study makes is that, when STEM subject teachers use translanguaging, a student's home language can serve as a scaffold for learning additional languages and academic content in the new language, leading to better engagement and involvement of learners in subjects often perceived as difficul
Teaching for impact: exploring pedagogical approaches in sexuality education in South African rural schools
Full text linkJournal article published in African Perspectives of Research in Teaching and Learning Journal Issue 1, Volume 8, 2024The effectiveness of sexuality education programmes depends on teachers' approaches to curriculum delivery. The effectiveness of sexuality education among school-going adolescents could be enhanced if teachers’ pedagogical approaches are understood and supported by all stakeholders. This study determined the approaches used for delivering sexuality education curricula at the selected rural schools from learners’ perspectives. Leveraging a phenomenological lens, this study explored rural learners' lived experiences of sexuality education programme in their schools located in King Cetshwayo district, South
Africa. Focus group interviews were conducted in 2020 in nine rural high schools. Eighty-four learners were purposively sampled to participate in the study. Transcribed data from the focus group interviewsnwas analysed using the interpretative phenomenological analysis framework and the Information- Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) model. Findings revealed two approaches used by educators to
deliver sexuality education in the research setting, namely, structured and unstructured learning approaches. The study additionally highlighted areas of the curriculum covered by educators in these rural-based schools. I recommend rigorous and continuous training of teachers on sexuality education curriculum contents and pedagogy to enhance the effectiveness of curriculum implementation in the research setting
Examining exclusionary impact of blair toilets on learners with disabilities in rural primary schools, Zimbabwe
Full text linkJournal article published in African Perspectives of Research in Teaching and Learning Journal
Issue 2, Volume 8, 2024This qualitative research paper examines the exclusionary impact of Blair toilets on learners with disabilities in rural primary schools in Zimbabwe. By identifying the challenges faced by these learners, such as the tragic loss of life due to falling into Blair toilets' pits, the study underscores the urgent need to address this issue. The Social Model of Disability provides a theoretical framework that can be used to understand and analyse the exclusionary impact of Blair toilets on learners with disabilities in rural primary schools in Zimbabwe. The study involved fifteen participants who were purposively selected based on criteria such as gender and personal experiences. Data was collected through focus group discussions and analysed using content thematic analysis. The study found that the exclusion of learners with disabilities from learning environments is due to the lack of accessible Blair toilets. Consequently, some learners with disabilities are forced to drop out of school due to the inaccessible nature of the toilets, which hampers their ability to attend classes regularly. Based on this finding, the article recommends that the government and other stakeholders should work together to construct Blair toilets that are accessible and user-friendly for learners with disabilities. This may involve building flush toilets and utilizing resources such as bricks and solar-powered boreholes to ensure an adequate water supply