4667 research outputs found
Sort by
An analysis of personal naming in post-apartheid Bolobedu, Limpopo Province
Get PDFThesis (M. A. (Translation Studies and Linguistics)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024The study focused on the analysis of personal naming in post-apartheid Bolobedu, Limpopo Province, with the aim of providing an understanding of the importance of personal naming in the study area. It unpacked the personal naming practices of the Balobedu tribe, with particular focus on Ga-Kuranta as an area that is part of the Balobedu tribe.
This study employed the qualitative research approach, and a descriptive case study design. The population of the study comprised Khelobedu speaking people from GaKuranta under Greater Letaba Municipality and the purposive sampling technique was employed. 26 participants took part in this study. The data of the study were collected through unstructured interviews and analysed thematically. The study was underpinned by the Social Constructivist Theory.
The findings of this study revealed that personal naming among Balobedu is not an accidental event, but a process that is guided by family history, societal norms, and events such as death, marriage celebration, starvation and coronation of a queen or induna. The study further highlighted that personal naming among Balobedu is still affected by Christianity and most personal names given to children are Christian names. Moreover, the study recommended that parents should be encouraged to bestow names that are positive to their children
Grade 4 mathematics teachers’ development of learners’ mathematical proficiency towards solving algebraic word problems
Get PDFThesis (M.Ed. (Mathematics Education)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore Grade 4 mathematics teachers’ development of learners’ mathematical proficiency towards solving algebraic word problems. The purpose of the study was guided by two research questions: ‘What are Grade 4 learners’ challenges when solving algebraic word problems?’ and ‘How does a Grade 4 mathematics teacher develop learners’ mathematical proficiency towards solving algebraic word problems?’ This study was prompted by Grade 4 learners’ poor performance when solving algebraic word problems as outlined in the Annual National Assessments report (ANA) reflections on learners’ performance from grades 1–6 (Department of Basic Education, 2014). The reflection on ANA demonstrates that Grade 4 learners have poor understanding and little knowledge of solving algebraic word problems. This qualitative case study used convenience sampling to select participants who are conveniently available with regard to access and location (Lopez & Whitehead, 2013). The study sampled a Grade 4 mathematics teacher and 76 mathematics learners in Grade 4 classes (class A consisted of 41 learners and class B consisted of 38 learners). Classes A and B were taught by same teacher at the primary school where the data were collected.
Data were collected by means of observation, written tasks and interviews. A Grade 4 mathematics teacher was observed when attempting to develop learners’ mathematical proficiency towards solving algebraic word problems. Written tasks were administered to Grade 4 mathematics learners to determine the challenges they faced when solving algebraic word problems. Interviews were conducted with the Grade 4 mathematics teacher and the Grade 4 mathematics learners. The Grade 4 mathematics teacher was interviewed to get an insight into how he develop learners’ mathematical proficiency, while Grade 4 mathematics learners where interviewed to find out on how they experienced the lessons and to identify the course of their challenges when solving algebraic word problems.
Data were analysed using the three steps proposed by the Merriam (1998) case study, guided by Kilpatrick et al. (2001) theory of mathematical proficiency, which
is characterised by five strands, namely conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, strategic competency, adaptive reasoning and productive disposition. The steps followed were consolidating, reducing and interpreting data. Using content analysis as an analytic strategy, data collected from observations, learners’ written tasks and interviews were initially analysed separately, guided by the strands of mathematical proficiency indicators, and later reconciled the analysis using methodological triangulation.
Quality criteria of the study were ensured using the four principles of Lincoln and Guba (1985) to ensure trustworthiness of the qualitative research, namely credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability. Ethical consideration of the study was achieved by way of voluntary participation, informed consent, anonymity and confidentiality.
The findings of the study reveal that in order for the teacher to develop learners’ mathematical proficiency toward solving algebraic word problems, teachers should have rich pedagogical content knowledge (PCK); be a reflective practitioner to reflect on the lesson they taught in the classroom before preparing for the new lesson and devise a new plan of delivering content knowledge; and incorporate discourse-based mathematics instruction within a learning-centred classroom to create an effective environment for learners to develop mathematical proficiency. The findings reveal that a learning-centred classroom incorporated with discourse-based mathematics instruction improved Grade 4 learners’ development of mathematical proficiency towards solving algebraic word problems. The study also revealed that Grade 4 mathematics learners still face great challenges when solving algebraic word problems as they appeared to lack the necessary mathematical vocabulary and conceptual understanding. It is therefore recommended that teachers should intensify discourse-based mathematics instruction within learning-centred classroom to improve Grade 4 mathematics learners’ development of mathematical proficiency towards solving algebraic word problems. It is also recommended that similar studies can be conducted using a sample of more than one mathematics teacher so as to get
the insights into how different teachers develop learners’ mathematical proficiency, and drawing on learners from different primary schools to identify other challenges that they may face when solving algebraic word problems
Perceptions and treatment of migrants by the Ba-Phalaborwa Community : a social work perspective
Get PDFThesis (M. Social Work) -- University of Limpopo, 2024Migration to South Africa dates back to the discovery of diamonds and gold in 1867 and 1886 respectively.1 Thereafter, the country became a popular destination for migrants until the 1960s when its black citizens immigrated to other countries as political refugees. When the country became independent in 1994, however, migrations to its shores reminiscent of the nineteenth century ones increased. Such an increase resulted in migrants perceived negatively rather than as agents of development by their host nation. In an attempt to protect their country‟s already limited resources, communities do not welcome migrants (asylums seekers and economic refugees). It is against this background that the study explored the perceptions and treatment of migrants in the Ba-Phalaborwa community. The researcher used the qualitative approach and the exploratory research design to conduct this study. Data was collected from a total of nine African migrants where three were documented (legal) while six were undocumented (illegal); between the ages of 18 and 60 years. The participants were either employed, unemployed, or self-employed (males and females), residing in Ba-Phalaborwa. The researcher used the purposive and snowball sampling techniques to select her study sample. Data was collected by using face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Data was analysed thematically and the resultant themes coded. The study found that migrants create social networks to have a sense of belonging and for emotional support. Migrants have difficulties in accessing services due to lack of proper documentation. The study recommends that the government revisits its immigration laws and policies to help formalise the migrants‟ stay in the country and close the gaps that are existing in the migration spectrum.National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS)
South African Humanities Deans Association (SAHUDA
Female university students in blesser-blessee relationships : toward a social and behavioural change communication strategy
Get PDFThesis (M. A. (Communication Studies)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of female university students in blesser-blessee relationships and to develop a communication strategy that can be used to educate young girls towards a behavioural change that may contribute to combating transactional relationships. Qualitative, applied, and interpretivist research was conducted to explore the benefits and challenges of blesser-blessee relationships, and the broader experiences of female university students in blesser-blessee relationships in the Limpopo Province. Thus, 15 undergraduate and postgraduate female university students and three health practitioners who worked directly with female students participated in this study. This study used in-depth interviews to collect data. The study drew largely from the Health Belief Model coined by Becker (1974) and the Typology of Interpersonal Sugar Relationships Theory coined by Scull (2019). The study highlights the hidden dynamics of blesser-blessee relationships. The findings revealed that female university students in this study do not engage in blesser-blessee relationships due to poverty, but largely because of their placement of self-identity, happiness, and beauty on the possession of expensive materials. The pursuit of materialism tends to be an influencing factor for young females to be involved in this sort of transactional relationship. Moreover, they are influenced by their family members to pursue a man who is economically stable and able to provide for the family. Blesser-blessee relationships were found embedded with dire health consequences; hence, this study developed a behavioural change communication strategy and a campaign that could be used to educate young girls against this phenomenon
Self-directed learning of rural first-generation South African undergraduates : a social constructionist perspective on autonomy, competence, and relatedness
Get PDFJournal article published in African Perspectives of Research in Teaching and Learning Journal
Issue 2, Volume 8, 2024This study examined the self-directed learning experiences of rural, first-generation, South African undergraduate students in remote learning, focusing on the development of autonomy, competence and relatedness. Grounded in the Self-Determination theory and a social constructionist paradigm, the study uses an interpretive design to explore how social and cultural factors shape students' learning experiences. Fifteen students were purposively selected and interviewed, revealing personal growth, time management, adaptation, and independence themes. Findings highlight that remote learning fosters self-reliance, critical thinking and the use of platforms like WhatsApp to maintain peer connections, thereby enhancing autonomy and competence. The study amplifies the importance of targeted support programs and online platforms to build technical skills, manage time, and create a sense of community. These insights contribute to understanding how autonomy, competence and relatedness are developed in remote learning environments, and inform interventions to support rural First-Generation Students
Film genre and representation of African migration : a study of selected expository documentaries
Get PDFThesis (M. (Media Studies)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024The study examines three African migration documentary films, namely Inside the
world’s deadliest migrant route (2021), African migrants: What really drives them to
Europe (2015) and Shattered dreams of African migrants (2020) and how they
represent African migration, particularly on their dangerous journeys to Western
Europe. The objectives were to analyse the narrative focus of documentary films on
African migration, explore the depiction of African migrants’ experiences, determine
the ideological frames used to portray African migration, and establish the relevance
of the genre in depicting economic and political issues relating to African migration.
Framing theory and Neoclassical theory of migration were used to underpin the study
whereas the qualitative descriptive case study design, purposive sampling and content
analysis were applicable in executing the study process including data collection. Study findings were generated through a step-by-step thematic content analysis procedure where it was noted that push factors such as poverty, conflict, and untenable health care conditions in Africa compel migrants to leave their countries. This is compounded by a number of pull factors such as perceived employment opportunities, stable security and safety systems, quality education and healthcare that attract poor Africans to the receiving countries. The study further noted several ideological frames used to present African migration as a humanitarian crisis where desperate journeys are depicted within different media frames. These include the intruder and illegal person frames; helpless-victim frame, economic burden frame, and other frames that often that depict migrants in a prejudiced, and dehumanizing manner
An evaluation of tuberculosis diagnostic methods at Pietersburg Hospital in Limpopo Province, South Africa
Get PDFThesis (M. Med. (Internal Medicine)) --University of Limpopo, 2024Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) has embarked on a mission to
reduce tuberculosis (TB) prevalence by 90% and completely eradicate TB infection by
the years 2035 and 2050 respectively (Barberis, Bragazzi, Galluzzo, et al., 2017). The
attainment of these two major goals will depend largely on the successful preventative
measures, diagnosis, and treatment for both latent and undiagnosed active TB
infections.
Aim: We evaluated the nature of the various diagnostic modalities employed in the
diagnosis of tuberculosis in adult patients notified as having TB at Pietersburg
Hospital from January to December 2020.
Methods: A retrospective descriptive, observational quantitative study based on
secondary data was conducted at a tertiary hospital. The study included 135 cases of
TB patients aged 12 years and above, that were notified to the infection prevention
and control unit (IPCU) over a 12-month period. The data was captured using an
appropriately designed data collection tool and analysed using STATA 14 (College
Station, Texas 77845 USA) software.
Results: A total of 135 of notified individuals with TB were analysed. The data set
comprised of 57% (77/135) females and 43% (58/135) with a mean age of 37 years
with an interquartile range of 29 to 45 years. Over half of the cases were notified
as pulmonary TB (57.7%), while the remaining cases were notified as various forms
of extra pulmonary TB. In this study, the commonest form of TB diagnostic method
was imaging (92%) followed by sputum tests (55.6%), TB blood culture (52.5%), and
urine LAM (36.3%), special fluid analysis (25.2%) and lastly tissue histology (3%). The
commonest co-morbidity identified was HIV (92%). The urine LAM (100%) and TB
blood culture (50.5%) were performed mainly in HIV positive patients.
Conclusion: In this study, TB was mostly diagnosed using various imaging
techniques more than microbiological tests such as sputum, urine LAM, TB blood
culture, special fluid analysis or tissue histology. Furthermore, HIV emerged as
the commonest co-morbid condition
Examine the relationship between board diversity and financial performance of firms in the Johannesburg Stock Exchange
Get PDFThesis (MBA.) -- University of Limpopo, 2024Conventional wisdom in the business world suggests strongly that organisations or
firms led, managed and controlled by directors from different or diverse backgrounds
and orientations often obtain fruitful outcomes. A large number of researchers and
authors strongly argue that diversified personnel within an organisation or a company’s
board of directors (BoDs), tends to increase chances of success in that business. Such
success is due, several researchers contend, to the diversity in the staff, especially
those at the board level. Despite that widely held view and assertion, the question
remains as to how companies with high diversity levels of among directors became
better equipped to succeed in their fiduciary duty than those with low diversity boards.
As such, this investigative study, aimed to analyse the correlation between board
diversity and the achievement of favourable financial outcomes in companies listed on
the Stock Exchange of Johannesburg. To ascertain the nature and extent of the
influence of diversity as an important factor in company financial performance and
success, the quantitative model of correlational research design was used. Five
banking businesses that were chosen for the study's sample were listed on the JSE
between 2018 and 2022. These banks were found to be extremely successful in doing
their business. The conclusion the study could draw was that there is no correlation
between board diversity (gender, race and profession) and financial performance (net
profit)
The effect of interest rate on household consumption expenditure in South Africa
Get PDFThesis (M. Com. (Economics)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024The primary driver of the expansion of South Africa's Gross Domestic Product has been and continues to be household consumption. Conversely, interest rates have changed over time. These two economic indicators have the potential of determining the health of economy. Therefore, this study intends to reveal the effect of interest rate on household consumption expenditure in South Africa and ascertain the ways in which other carefully chosen explanatory either increase or decrease household consumption. This study absorbed a quantitative approach to analyse time series data over a 34-year period (1989 to 2022). The Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bounds test was employed to test for the long run cointegrating relationship as well as to estimate the long run and short run models. The findings of the ARDL long run model indicate that household savings, interest rates, and inflation rates are inversely related to household consumption, while household disposable income, debt, and the real effective exchange rate are positively related to household consumption. The relationship between household debt, savings, and consumption is insignificant, nevertheless.
The ARDL error correction model indicates that all variables are statistically significant in the short run, with household consumption being positively correlated with the interest rate, real effective exchange rate, and household disposable income, and negatively correlated with the inflation rate, household debt, and saving. According to the error correction model, each year, roughly 64% of the household consumption model's imbalances are resolved. Lastly, the VAR Granger causality test reveals a unidirectional association between household consumption and the real effective exchange rate, inflation rate, and household disposable income, while a bidirectional relationship exists between household consumption and the interest rate. Savings is the only variable that does not link with household consumption. The impulse response revealed that household consumption expenditure responds negatively to shocks in interest rate, inflation rate, and household saving. The response to shocks in family debt and the real effective exchange rate is initially positive but gradually declines until year 10. The variance decomposition results revealed that during the next ten years, all determinant factors had a stronger impact on changes in household consumption spending. Therefore, the policy recommendation is that the interest rate ought to be changed bySARB under an inflation targeting framework that takes inflation expectations into account. This strategy helps stabilise inflation expectations and offers a stable environment in which businesses and families can plan their investments and spending. The preservation of households' purchasing power through low and stable inflation promotes consumption
Malware detection using random forest method trained on a balanced synthetic dataset
Get PDFThesis (M.Sc. (eScience Data Science)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024Malicious software (malware) poses a significant threat to the security and integrity of computer systems. Traditional malware detection approaches often encounter challenges due to small-scale and imbalanced datasets, resulting in reduced detection accuracy and reliability. In this research, we proposed a novel approach to address these issues by utilising a Random Forest method trained on a balanced synthetic dataset.
The primary objective of this study was to investigate the impact of employing a Random Forest technique on the detection of malware. To achieve this, we first created a balanced synthetic dataset based on the latest (CICMalDroid2020) dataset using Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs). This synthetic dataset aimed to address the limitations associated with small-scale and imbalanced datasets commonly encountered in malware detection. We then trained the Random Forest model using this balanced synthetic dataset. The evaluation of the model's performance was conducted using various metrics, including detection accuracy, precision, recall, balanced accuracy, geometric metrics, and F1-score. Intensive analyses were performed to assess the effectiveness of the proposed approach in detecting malware samples accurately and robustly, as compared to traditional detection methods. The results of our research provided insights into the potential benefits of utilising a Random Forest method trained on a balanced synthetic dataset for malware detection. The results shed light on the performance improvements achieved by the random forest method when trained on a balanced synthetic dataset, thus contributing to the advancement of malware detection techniques. The test results showed that random forest can detect malware attacks with an accuracy of 91%, recall of 100%, precision of 85%, Fl score of 92%, balanced accuracy of 95% and geometric metrics of 84%. From the results, we inferred that random forest has the capacity to detect malware attacks