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Implications of electricity supply shocks and technological advancement on total factor productivity : a case of South Africa
Full text linkThesis (M. Com. (Economics)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024This study investigated the implications of electricity supply shocks and technological advancement on total factor productivity in South Africa. To represent electricity supply shocks, electricity production and electricity prices were used. Meanwhile, research and development, patents, and investment in information and communication technology were considered for technological advancement. The study employed the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach to examine the implications of electricity production, electricity prices, R&D, patents, and investment in ICT on TFP in South Africa from 1999 to 2022. Descriptive statistics confirmed the normal distribution of variables, and correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between electricity production, R&D, patents, and TFP, with a negative correlation between investment in ICT and electricity prices. The ARDL long-run results revealed a positive relationship between electricity production and TFP, whereas electricity prices have a negative relationship with TFP. R&D and investment in ICT have a negative relationship with TFP, whereas patents positively affect TFP.
The Granger Causality test revealed a two-way causal relationship between total factor productivity and electricity production. A one-way causal link exists between electricity prices, total factor productivity, and electricity prices and electricity production in South Africa, highlighting their pivotal role in driving productivity. The Impulse Response Function illustrated the short-term positive impact of electricity production on TFP, followed by a long-term negative trend. Conversely, electricity prices consistently negatively influenced TFP throughout the same period. Given these findings, the South African government should prioritise policies supporting low electricity prices, renewable energy development, and transparent pricing mechanisms to enhance TFP and electricity production. Promoting R&D, innovation, and investment in ICT is crucial for sustained economic growth. Aligning policies with these drivers while addressing negative factors is a key for South Africa's productivity and energy transition goals
Visual assessment of structure of clayey soils under long-term no-tillage in Thohoyandou, South Africa
Full text linkThesis (Ph.D. (Soil Science) -- University of Limpopo, 2024Soil structure is described as a complex and dynamic soil property, partly related to inherent characteristics of particle size and clay mineralogy and also anthropogenic influences related to land use and management. Tillage management systems influence several soil structural properties such as reduced pore volume and size due to compaction, which on the other hand may affect the soil-water and air relation. Soil structure is regarded as one of the key soil quality indicators, thus, its evaluation and monitoring should be emphasized in soil management and conservation. Soil quality is generally based on the approaches that focuses on the inherent soil properties or human management effects. Soil quality is strongly linked to soil structure, because poor quality soil structure may lead to problems such as susceptibility to compaction, erosion and desertification. Visual soil structure quality methods for soil quality assessment such as visual evaluation of soil structure (VESS) are effective for controlling and monitoring the soil functions for sustainable agriculture. VESS is a cheap and simple field evaluation method which is used to rate soil structure quality based on related parameters such as size and appearance of aggregates, visible porosity, and roots. Qualitative measurements of related parameters like pore characteristics, aggregate stability, aggregate size distribution, bulk density, organic carbon and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity were done to validate the outcome of VESS and effect of tillage. Tillage has a direct effect on the transformation of soil structure. The impacts of the duration of no-tillage (NT) are still not yet well elucidated especially on clayey soils. The aim of the study was to visually assess the structure dynamics of the soils with relatively high clay content and profiling related structural parameters, under long term no-tillage systems in a subtropical climate. The study was carried out in Tshivhilwi and Dzingahe, Thohoyandou, Vhembe district, Limpopo Province, South Africa. The no-tillage fields in Tshivhilwi and Dzingahe were 8 years (short-term) and >40 years (long-term) respectively. Soil samples were collected and field measurements of the related parameters were done in three fields in each study area, namely: no-tillage, conventional tillage and virgin field. Five sampling points were randomly selected in a portion (area = 1000 m2) of each field per location considering the homogeneity of the soil. Soil sampling depths were 0 – 30 (topsoil) cm and 30 – 60 cm (subsoil). VESS method was used to assess the topsoil structure quality, whereas SubVESS method was used to assess the subsoil structure quality. The collected data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA), multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and Person correlation coefficient analysis at a 95% confidence interval (p ≤ 0.05) using IBM SPSS statistics 29.0 statistical software. A focussed literature review carried out in this study showed that there is little research on the adoption of VESS by the intended end users, which are the land managers and farmers. It also revealed a gap on the application and effectiveness of the VESS method to distinguish the impact of long-term no till systems on the soil structure quality. The assessment of soil soil structure with the VESS method in long-term no-till systems revealed that: The VESS method is effective for assessing soil structural quality in routine soil characterisation. However, it must be noted that most soil structure attributes tend to be soil and site specific. The VESS and subsoil visual evaluation of soil structure (SubVESS) scores indicated poor structure for topsoil and subsoil in NT and conventional tillage (CT) at Tshivhilwi. At Dzingahe the topsoil structure quality was fair in NT and poor in CT while subsoil structure quality was moderately good in NT and poor in CT. The bulk density was relatively lower (1.20 – 1.57 g/cm3) showing that the soils were not compacted. Organic carbon was between 1.50 and 2.00% except at Dzingahe in the 0 – 30 cm soil depth where it was above 2.00%.
The assessment of pore characteristics, CO2 efflux and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity of soils under long term no-tillage system showed that no-tillage had a higher total porosity and estimated pore connectivity than CT quantified with X-ray computed tomography, although at Dzingahe total porosity in the topsoil was about 1% higher in CT. The volume of micropores increased with depth. Cracks larger than 5 mm constituted highest percentage of the total pore volume due to the high percentage of active clay. Conventional tillage had almost three times higher unsaturated hydraulic conductivity than NT at Tshivhilwi. Carbon dioxide efflux increased with soil moisture content and it was more in during the wet and dry season. The effect of no-till duration on soil aggregate size distribution, stability and aggregate associated carbon revealed that macro-aggregates (0.212 – 2 mm) constituted the largest proportion of aggregates with percentage contribution of > 60% in the short-term and long-term no-tillage system. Mean weight diameter (MWD) was greater in NT and CT in the short term and long-term no-till respectively. Subsoil indicated a more stable structural stability than topsoil. However, when comparing NT only in the two periods MWD was greater in the short term. All aggregate fractions contained more organic carbon in the topsoil but micro-aggregates had higher organic carbon than all of them in both short-term and long-term no-till systems. In conclusion, although there were some inconsistencies between the tillage systems, duration and soil depths, overall NT showed better results than CT. No-tillage has a potential to sustain good soil structure and related parameters. Frequent monitoring of soil structure induced by NT is required to detect any changes that may lead to degradation, and this can be achieved by using VESS as the monitoring toolNational Research Foundation–Thuthuk
Effect of different concentrations of phytostimbiostimulant application on growth, yield, and postharvest attributes of Cherry Tomatoes
No full textThesis (M.Sc. Agricultural Management (Plant Production)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024Tomatoes can be regarded as important economic crops worldwide. They can enhance food security and alleviate poverty due to its numerous health benefits possess. The production of tomatoes in South Africa is finite, it has been mainly sustained through the usage of hydroponics, plastic channels, fertilizers and biostimulants. However, the usage of moringa based biostimulants on tomatoes remains underexplored. There is no scientific literature on the effects of different concentrations of Phytostim® biostimulant on growth, yield, and postharvest attributes. Phytostim® biostimulant is an agro agricultural input that is organic and safe technology. It is a moringa-based biostimulant constituted from 22 amino acids. Phytostim® is a newly commercially available product that can enhance crop vigour and nutrient use efficiency. Therefore, the aim of this research was to investigate scientific information on the effects of different concentrations of Phytostim® biostimulant on growth, yield, and post-harvest attributes of tomatoes ‘Roma’. The specific objectives of the study were to: (1) To evaluate the effect Phytostim® biostimulant different concentrations on ‘Roma’ tomato cultivar growth and yield. (2) to assess whether the application of Phytostim® biostimulant at different concentrations affect postharvest attributes in tomatoes cultivar ‘Roma’. Therefore, to achieve the above objectives the following procedures were taken:
To achieve objective 1: four-week-old seedlings of tomato were transplanted in the microplot in an open field for a period of 12 weeks. The experiment was laid out in completely block randomised design consisting of eight treatments which were different concentrations of Phytostim® biostimulant (0, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 2.5, 3 and 4%, while 0% was control) replicated three times. Irrigation with 250 mL of tap water was performed whenever there was a status of ‘dryness. Data was subjected to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) was used for separating means using the Statistix 10.0 software package. Different concentrations of Phytostim® biostimulant were foliar applied in an interval of 14 days during the entire growing period. The growth attributes which included plant height, leaf length, and stem diameter were taken on a weekly basis. At harvest, yield components including the number of fruits per plant, diameter, size, and fresh weight of the fruits, were recorded. The effect of different concentrations of Phytostim® biostimulant significantly influenced (p<0.05) the growth and yield attributes of tomato. The study revealed that on the growth attributes Phytostim® biostimulant increased the stem diameter by 12 mm, plant height was increased by 95 cm, leaf length by 3.5 cm at the concentration of 0.1 %. On the yield attributes, Phytostim® biostimulant increased size of the fruits by 60 mm, diameter of the fruits by 56 mm, number of fruits per plant by 26 and fresh weight of the fruits by 51 g at the concentration of 0.1%.
To achieve objective 2: fresh tomato fruits were harvested at pink stage and each treatment combination consisted of twenty-six fruits from green biotechnology of research centre and excellent (GBRCE). The treatments consisted of 8 pre harvest different concentrations of Phytostim® biostimulant (0, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 2.5, 3 and 4%, while 0% was control) laid in complete randomised design (CRD). Samples of six tomato fruits per treatment (Phytostim® biostimulant concentrations) were stored for 0, 5, 10, and 15 days) in a retailer box at ambient condition. The fruits were stored for 0,5,10 and 15 days for the assessment of percentage weight loss, firmness, pH, colour and total soluble solids (TSS). The parameters were assessed at an interval of 5 days and oven dried at 40 º C for 48 hours for analysis of nutritional composition which were protein and mineral elements. The results revealed that the effects of different concentrations of Phytostim® biostimulant significantly influenced (p<0.05) postharvest attributes and nutritional composition. Percentage weight loss gradually increased as days of storage increased. Percentage weight loss in 0.1 % concentration was 3.38 % at day 0 and 14.00 % at day 15. Firmness had a decline throughout the storage period. Firmness in 0.1% concentration was 5.5 N at day 0 and 1.6 N at day 15. TSS increased as days increased, whereby in 0.1 % it was 4.2 % at day 0 and 7.7 % at day 15. pH values were acidic for all the treatments throughout the storage, whereby in 0.1 % concentration it was 4.0 at day 0 and 4.53 at day 15. At the end of storage period, the fruits maintained a good colour quality, in 0.1 % concentration it was (h° = 24.58 and a*= 18.46). The results obtained revealed that percentage weight loss, firmness, TSS, pH and colour of tomatoes cultivar ‘Roma’ were significantly (p<0.05) influenced by different concentrations of Phytostim® biostimulant. However, the results showed that all the postharvest attributes were enhanced at 0.1 % concentration Phytostim® biostimulant compared to control and other Phytostim® concentration. The concentration of 0.1% can extend shelf-life of tomato fruits with 15 days. Furthermore, the study showed that different concentrations of Phytostim® biostimulant significantly (p<0.05) influenced the nutritional composition including protein and minerals (Mg, Ca, Fe, K, Zn, Cu, P and Na). The nutritional compositions were enhanced at 0.1% concentrations of Phytostim® biostimulant as compared to the control and other concentrations of Phytostim® biostimulant. In this regard it can be concluded that the concentration of 0.1% can be effectively used by farmers as an eco-friendly and cost-effective method to prolong shelf life of tomato and enhance its nutritional composition. Therefore Phytostim® biostimulant can be adopted by small- and large-scale farmers as a safe method to prolong shelf life and produce quality fruits without harming the environment.National Research Foundation (NRF
New estimators for cure rate models
Full text linkThesis (Ph.D. (Statistics)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024If study subjects are tracked long enough, it is a typical assumption in survival analysis that they will eventually experience the event of interest. However, that is not always the case. In reality, it is not uncommon for a portion of the subjects to never witness the event of interest even after a very long followup. In clinical studies, for example, there is a subset of participants who will never relapse. These participants are said to be cured/immune in this scenario because they are not censored in the classic sense. Traditional survival models are inapplicable to modelling such immune individuals. Cure models are survival models that take into consideration subjects that have never been exposed to an event. However, choosing the correct covariates for modelling to better understand an event has been a major problem for researchers. This study is aimed at developing a penalised logistic/Cox proportional hazards mixture cure model that effectively accounts for both the cure status with time-varying covariates and the survival of uncured subjects with time-varying covariates, utilising an elastic net penalty. The penPHcure package is tailored
for simulating time-invariant covariates for incidence and time-varying covariates for latency. Developed exclusively in R Studio, it is designed to support LASSO and SCAD penalties. However, our research endeavours to enhance the versatility of the package by incorporating both the elastic net penalty and time-varying covariates for both incidence and latency. To achieve this objective, a meticulous and thorough modification process was undertaken on the penPHcure package, resulting in a locally customised version that has been nicknamed "PenPHcure.AaRN." This modified package does not only provide
the capacity to utilise the elastic net penalty, but also to generate time-varying covariates for both incidence and latency, seamlessly integrating these capabilities with its original functionalities. Our proposed model is demonstrated using a genuine dataset examining the duration until death for patients hospitalised with COVID-19 in the Limpopo Province, South Africa. In the concluding remarks, our study also offers possibilities for future work.University Capacity Development Programme (UCDP) and
African Diaspora Fellowship (ADF
Technology integration by business studies teachers in South Africa to equip learners with employability skills
Full text linkJournal article published in African Perspectives of Research in Teaching and Learning Journal Issue 4, Volume 8, 2024Nowadays, there is a unique set of skills that is critical for individuals to operate optimally in the 21stcentury business environment. Specifically, skills such as problem-solving, creative thinking, communication, entrepreneurship, and technological skills are critical for individuals to operate optimally in the 21st century. Against this background, a qualitative study was conducted to explore business studies teachers' technology integration to equip learners with employability skills. This study is located within an interpretive research paradigm. The case study was employed as a research design, while Skills Acquisition Theory serves as the lens of the study. Six schools in Kwa-Zulu Natal province, South Africa, were conveniently selected, and one business studies teacher per school was purposively selected. Interviews and classroom observations were adopted to collect data, and it was analysed thematically. The study found that most teachers attempt to integrate technological tools to nurture learners' employability skills; however, their technology integration skills still need improvement. As a result, the recommendation is made that teachers be taken through professional development to help them acquire technology integration skills that would enable them to integrate technology to nurture learners' employability skills required by the 21st-century business environmen
Developing an evidence-based management model to mitigate the risk factors associated with gestational diabetes mellitus in the Mopani District of Limpopo Province, South Africa
Full text linkThesis (Ph.D. (Public Health)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024Background: A model of care for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) has been developed to combat the growing burden of diseases in low-and-middle income countries due to sedentary lifestyles and westernised diets. Resources in these countries are often constrained and it is imperative that the health and well-being of people of all ages are ensured in order to minimise adverse health outcomes, mortality and morbidity. Purpose: This study was conducted with the aim to develop an evidence-based management model to mitigate risk factors and improve maternal and infant health outcomes associated with gestational diabetes mellitus in the Mopani district of the Limpopo province in South Africa.
Methodology: A mixed-method exploratory sequential research design was used to best address the research question. Multistage sampling was used to select the health facilities under study. During qualitative phase one, a total of 12 key informants were purposively sampled to participate, and semi-structured interviews were conducted. During quantitative phase two. A total of 386 pregnant women attending antenatal clinic visits were randomly selected to participate in the study. A questionnaire was used to collect data, while a data entry form was used to capture information from maternity casebooks. Pregnant women who were diagnosed with gestational diabetes were purposively sampled to participate in a semi-structured interview. Qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis while quantitative data was analysed using SPSS. Furthermore, the results from both phases were integrated and interpreted. Findings: The study has found few cases of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Most pregnant women attending antenatal visits were unaware of GDM, its risk factors, complications, adverse health outcomes and treatment. A minority of pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes were referred to a dietician and health education on gestational diabetes was only offered to pregnant women diagnosed with this health condition. Pregnant women who are 35 years of age and older are at risk of developing GDM. Intervention strategies to reduce modifiable risk factors were developed and validated using Delphi method. In addition, the strategies proposed informed the model, which was validated by calculating the content validation index. Conclusion: Awareness about gestational diabetes should be raised in communities and during antenatal clinics. This might have a positive impact on the prevalence of non communicable diseases and assist in achieving SGD no 3 by the year 203
Health-seeking behavioural challenges as experienced by males at selected primary health care facilities in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga Province
Full text linkThesis (M. (Nursing)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024Background This study provides a comprehensive review of health-seeking behaviour among males, focusing on understanding the factors influencing their healthcare utilisation patterns. Despite growing recognition of the importance of men's health, research on their health-seeking behaviour remains underexplored. Health-seeking behaviour is an action taken by a person with health issues to find a suitable solution. It is a process that involves decision-making, which is not uniform across the board since various factors influence it.
Purpose The purpose of the study was to determine health-seeking behavioural challenges experienced by males at selected primary healthcare facilities in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga province. Research Method The study followed a qualitative explorative and descriptive research design to explore and describe health-seeking behavioural challenges as experienced by males at selected primary healthcare facilities. The design was appropriate to achieve the research objectives. The purposive sampling method was used to sample male consultants at selected facilities under study. The sample size was determined by the depth of the information obtained from the participants and the data saturation, which was reached by participant number 22. Data was collected through semi-structured individual interviews using an interview guide. The data was then analysed using Tesch's open-coding method for qualitative data analysis. Measures to ensure trustworthiness were taken by applying four elements: credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability. All ethical issues were addressed throughout the study.
Results The study's findings revealed that male clients can manage to reach the PHC; however, they expressed concerns about the long waiting time experienced when visiting PHC facilities. There is a lack of resources experienced by males, leading to poor uptake of PHC facility services. Furthermore, there is perceived stigma or self-stigmatisation when visiting PHC facilities and a lack of secrecy from health care professionals about the diagnosis after visiting PHC facilities. The study further revealed that cultural beliefs were viewed as a way to receive healing rather than visiting the PHC facilities. The study further indicated the resistance of men to visiting health facilities as they compared the advantages and disadvantages of public and private facilities. The findings of the study revealed that male clients can manage to reach the PHC; however, they expressed concerns about the long waiting time experienced when visiting PHC facilities. There is a lack of resources experienced by males, leading to poor uptake of PHC facility services. Furthermore, there is perceived stigma or self-stigmatisation when visiting PHC facilities and a lack of secrecy from health care professionals about the diagnosis after visiting PHC facilities. The study further revealed that cultural beliefs were viewed as a way to receive healing rather than visiting the PHC facilities. The study further indicated the resistance of men to visiting health facilities as they compared the advantages and disadvantages of public and private facilities. Recommendations The study recommends the need for healthcare providers to address these barriers and work towards creating a more welcoming and accommodating environment for males seeking healthcare services. The study further recommends the provision of insights into the potential strategies to encourage healthier health-seeking behaviour among men. The study recommends strategies that may improve health-seeking behaviour among males, which may be achieved through public health campaigns, educational programs, and changes in healthcare delivery
Promotional opportunities for persons with disabilities in the selected Limpopo provincial departments, in South Africa
Full text linkThesis (M. Com. (Human Resource Management)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024The persistent issues of disability in the workplace remain a significant global concern,
hence previous studies have shown that persons with disabilities continue to face
substantial barriers to career advancement, leading to a pronounced employment rate
gap between those with and without disabilities. This study aims to explore
promotional opportunities for persons with disabilities in the selected Limpopo
provincial departments in South Africa. The study is exploratory and adopts a
qualitative method. It focuses on two provincial departments of the Limpopo Province
of South Africa, specifically the Department of Social Development (DSD) and the
Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD). Seventeen respondents
were purposively sampled, nine were persons with different disabilities and eight were
human resource management officials. Semi-structured interviews were conducted
using an interview guide to collect data. Thematic data analysis was utilised to analyse
the collected data, and themes presented in tables, pie charts, and percentages. The
study was limited to persons with disabilities and HRM officials. The findings show that
persons with disabilities applied for promotion and got promoted. However, they are
still in the same positions they were promoted to in previous years and mentioned
several barriers to their promotion. The findings revealed several barriers to promotion
such as a lack of promotional posts and opportunities, institutional barriers, and a lack
of assistive devices. The study recommends that government departments should
develop and implement policies that better support and accommodate persons with
disabilities, alongside offering comprehensive training, educational, and
developmental programme
Setlokwa dialect in Sepedi home Language essay writing in grade 10, Sekgosese Circuit, Capricorn South District Limpopo Province, South Africa
Full text linkThesis (M.Ed. (Language Education)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024This study aimed to explore the effect of Setlokwa Dialect on Sepedi Home Language Essay Writing in Grade 10, Sekgosese Circuit, Capricorn South District Limpopo Province, South Africa. It explored and identified the problems faced by Setlokwa speakers (learners) when writing certain words in formal Sepedi and traced the relationship between dialects and formal language. Overall, the study explored the effects of Setlokwa when writing essay in grade 10 Sepedi Home language, and suggested ways to include the dialects in the formal writing of Sepedi in the classroom. The Grade 10 learners at the Sekgosese Circuit, Capricorn South District, find it difficult to write in Sepedi as an official home language at school. They commit spelling errors that cost them more marks during examinations. Such errors are basically visible when they write Sepedi essays or Paper 3 Examinations. As such, the study was conducted to assess how the Sepedi Home Language curriculum is implemented in the classroom to address and respond to essay writing issues in grade 10 affected by Setlokwa as dialect language. This study employed a qualitative research method and sampled one secondary school. Data were gathered through unstructured interviews and document analysis. The study included teachers and Grade 10 students as participants. The study was informed by the constructivism theory. As this theory believe that learning is affected by the context in which an idea is taught by the student’s beliefs and attitudes , in this case grade 10 learners affected by the dialect language within their context in relation to Sepedi Home Language
Perceptions, experiences and barriers to accessing cervical cancer screening by women at clinics in the Greater Giyani Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa
Full text linkThesis (MPH.) -- University of Limpopo, 2024Background Cervical cancer remains a significant health issue worldwide, despite the availability of effective screening methods. The Health Department of South Africa provided a nationwide program for screening cervical cancer. The aim was to achieve a projected 70% rate of coverage for cancer of the cervix screening. However, up to date, only 13.6% coverage has been reached, yet the cervical cancer mortality rate is still high
(Vhuromu, Goon, Maputle, Lebese, & Okafor, 2017). Furthermore, it has been
observed that in Greater Giyani Municipality under Mopani District located in Limpopo
Province, from 2018 up to 2020, statistics have reported only 47% cervical cancer
screening uptake from twenty-six clinics, and that is significantly low (Mopani District
Municipality, 2020). Aim The aim of the study was to explore perceptions, experiences and barriers to accessing cervical cancer screening services at clinics in the Greater Giyani
Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Methodology This is a qualitative study which is exploratory and descriptive in nature. The population are women aged 30 years and older at clinics in the Greater Giyani Municipality. The semi-structured, in-depth, and face-to-face individual interviews were conducted using an interview guide. Tesch’s open-coding method was used to analyse the findings. Results The study revealed that most women in the greater Giyani Municipality lack knowledge about the causes, symptoms, testing procedures and prevention of cervical cancer. Despite this, women generally have a positive attitude towards the importance of cervical cancer screening and perceive themselves to be at risk. Barriers to accessing screening services include limited knowledge, difficulties in receiving results, fear of outcomes and long waiting times.
Conclusion However, perceptions towards cervical cancer screening were optimistic, knowledge of study participants was poor. To improve cervical cancer screening, effort should be focused on reducing identified barriers and enhancing facilitators