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Teachers'experiences on the teaching of listening and speaking skills in the senior phase English First Additional Language (EFAL) classrooms in Lepelle Circuit, Sekhukhune South District, South Africa: towards a communicative competence strategy
Full text linkThesis (Ph.D. (Language Education)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025In most multilingual societies, many learners face significant challenges in speaking
English, as it is not their mother tongue (Sultana & Fang, 2024). English, taught as a
First Additional Language (FAL) in South African schools, serves both as a medium
of instruction and a critical tool for academic achievement. However, existing
research highlights persistent obstacles such as limited vocabulary, language
anxiety, and lack of fluency among learners, primarily due to minimal exposure to
English outside the classroom and the dominance of indigenous languages in their
daily communication (Alnefaie, 2024). Prior studies have often focused on these
issues in urban or better-resourced settings, with limited attention paid to the unique
challenges faced in rural, multilingual schools.
This study builds on and extends the findings of previous research by examining the
lived experiences of EFAL teachers in under-resourced, rural schools in the Lepelle
Circuit, Sekhukhune South District, South Africa. Grounded in an interpretivist
paradigm, the study employed a qualitative case study design to capture in-depth
insights into how teachers navigate the socio-cultural and linguistic diversity of their
classrooms while teaching listening and speaking skills. The participants included
two EFAL teachers and 12 learners from Grades 8 and 9 in two purposively selected
schools. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews, classroom observations,
and analysis of learner performance with specific attention to fluency, accuracy,
articulation, and communicative competence.
The findings revealed that while prior research has documented general challenges
such as language anxiety and lack of fluency, this study sheds light on how these
challenges are amplified in rural multilingual settings by additional factors such as
cultural norms, lack of parental support in English, and limited teaching materials.
Teachers also faced difficulties in fostering learner participation, particularly in oral
activities, due to learners’ fear of making mistakes and being ridiculed. However, the
study also uncovered adaptive strategies teachers use, such as role-playing, group discussions, and targeted feedback to create more inclusive and supportive learning
environments.
By focusing on the rural, multilingual South African context, this study contributes
new insights to the existing body of literature on English FAL instruction. It
emphasizes the need for context-specific approaches and provides practical
strategies for supporting the development of communicative competence in EFAL
classrooms. The research calls for targeted teacher training, improved resource
allocation, and the creation of learner-centered environments that encourage
meaningful oral interaction. Ultimately, the study offers a valuable contribution
toward addressing the persistent linguistic and educational inequalities in multilingual
societies
Clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients with Steven-Johnson syndrome/ toxic epidermal necrolysis at Pietersburg Hospital
Full text linkThesis (M. Med. (Dermatology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025Background: Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) are a spectrum of a life threatening illness commonly caused by drugs. There is a paucity of studies on this condition in the country, and to the researcher’s knowledge, no study was ever conducted at Pietersburg Hospital, Limpopo Province.
Objectives: To describe the clinical characteristics, evaluate management outcomes and determine associations between demographic factors and clinical characteristics of disease severity and management outcomes of patients with SJS/TEN at Pietersburg Hospital.
Methods: The study was a comprehensive retrospective cross-sectional review of medical records of SJS/TEN patients, who were diagnosed by dermatologists, at Pietersburg Hospital from January 2018 to December 2022. Descriptive statistics and statistical tests were used to analyse the data.
Results: The sample consisted of 43 African patients, 34.9% were male and 65.1% female, with an average age of 39±23 years. Patients with co-morbidities such as HIV, hypertension, and epilepsy accounted for 34.9% of the participants. Antibiotics and antiretrovirals drug groups commonly caused the disease, each accounting for 19% of cases. Allopurinol (14.3%) was identified as the commonest culprit, followed by trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (9.3%). Most patients (37.2%) had more than 30% and a SCORTEN score of 2 (34.9%). Older age was significantly associated with diabetes mellitus (p=0.003), HIV (p=0.024) and hypertension (p<0.001). Some SCORTEN parameters were significantly associated with age, which was also significantly associated with sepsis, acute renal failure and hyperkalaemia (p<0.05). The mortality rate was 13.9%, with factors such as disease severity, correlating with increased risk.
Conclusion: This study provided a comprehensive review of the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients with SJS/TEN. The findings underscore the need for prompt diagnosis, identification of causative agents, and tailored therapeutic approaches to improve patient outcomes
Social media maintenance expectations and relationship satisfaction among firs-year psychology students at the University of Limpopo : attachment styles as a mediating factor
Full text linkThesis (M. A. (Clinical Psychology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025This study investigated the relationship between Social Media Maintenance Expectations (SMME), Relationship Satisfaction (RS), and Attachment Styles among first-year Psychology students at the University of Limpopo. The research aimed to understand the mediating role of attachment styles and explore the factors influencing RS within the context of social media use. The data were collected through surveys and analysed using mediation analysis and ordinal regression models.
The findings revealed several important insights. First, higher attachment styles were positively associated with increased RS (P Za = 0.002 < 0.05), even when controlling for SMME. This highlights the significance of attachment orientations in predicting RS among first-year Psychology students. Second, individuals with anxious attachment styles tended to have higher expectations for social media maintenance. This suggests that attachment styles influence individuals' perceptions of how relationships should be maintained on social media platforms. Furthermore, SMME played a significant role in influencing RS, independently of the mediating effect of attachment styles. The more an individual’s SMME were met, the higher their RS.
These findings highlight the importance of considering attachment styles and SMME in understanding relationship dynamics and developing interventions to promote healthy and satisfying relationships among first-year Psychology students. Recommendations include attachment-aware relationship interventions, education on healthy social media use, support for relationship building, continued research and evaluation, and promoting relationship quality awareness. By implementing these recommendations, educational institutions and counselling centres can provide
effective interventions and support systems to enhance relationship quality and well-being among first-year university students
The use of antimicrobial agents and smart regulations to prevent antimicrobial resistance in poultry farms : towards one health
Full text linkThesis (Ph. D. (Pharmacy)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025Background: A quiet pandemic known as antimicrobial resistance (AMR) coexists
with the COVID-19 pandemic and is caused by the widespread, careless use of
antimicrobial medicines in self-medication and unsupervised therapy regimens by a
huge number of people. Similar circumstances can be found in the livestock and
poultry farming industry, which has resulted in AMR problems like mastitis caused by
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Treatment and infection
prevention in both humans and animals may become challenging shortly if AMR is not
tackled, which is a concerning issue. Animal husbandry procedures need to be
changed to lessen the utilization of antibiotics indiscriminately and the problems
associated with AMR in the industry. Documenting the field level using antibacterial
substances and the amount of AMR knowledge is a prerequisite for developing such
intervention strategies. Unfortunately, there was a dearth of information, inadequate
documentation, and in many cases non-existent data on AMR concerns at the field
level in South Africa. Recent publications from the World Health Organization (WHO)
have also highlighted the danger that humanity faces from reverting to pre-antibiotic
times, highlighting the pressing necessity of using all monetary and scientific
resources at our disposal to reduce this risk. Farmers' ignorance of antimicrobial
agents, a lack of oversight and regulatory services, a high number of unofficial animal
health service providers, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) have resulted in the
overuse and misuse of antimicrobial agents and, ultimately, the evolution of antibioticresistant genes and bacteria in commercial poultry farming are some of the
predisposing factors. Methods: A cross-sectional, experimental, and quantitative study design was conducted at three chicken farms in Polokwane. Initial research involved using a pretested questionnaire among chicken feeders. Chicken droppings and gut contents
were collected for microbiological investigation using standardized laboratory
methods. Results: The study showed that amoxicillin/clavulanic acid was most commonly used for growth promotion. Enterobacter cloacae complex, Salmonella, and E. coli were
identified from the chicken droppings collected from the farms and gut contents from
chickens and the susceptibility test indicated that all the Enterobacter cloacae complex
strains were susceptible to amoxicillin, augumentin, ertapenem and that amikacin is
the most effective antibiotic against Salmonella. Salmonella strains were found to be
resistant to gentamycin and amoxicillin which are the most widely used agents in
humans. Conclusions: It was evident from the study that chicken farm factory workers needed education about the judicial use of antimicrobial agents in general and the
consequences of their use as growth promoters. Therefore, any review by regulatory
authorities in South Africa regarding the use of antibiotics in chicken farm factories to
promote their growth needs to take into account the level of knowledge, attitude, and
practice of every actor in the industry. Some of the AMA used were also those used
in humans e.g. for Salmonella infections which calls for closer collaboration in
controlling AMR
An evaluation of community perceptions on the greater Letaba livelihoods for the community of Mariveni, Limpopo Province
No full textThesis (M.Sc. (Geography)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025The perceptions of the community towards rivers as a source of livelihood are quite crucial not only for the derived socio-economic livelihoods but also for the effective management of rivers as perception is central to how the local people perceive the river in terms of water quality, water quantity, and related land use changes. Moreover, it is important to promote their sustainability to ensure that they continue to provide social, environmental, and economic benefits to the communities. This study aimed to evaluate how Mariveni community members view the Greater Letaba River as a source of sustainable livelihoods. To collect data, a mixed-method approach was used involving a survey questionnaire which was administered to 98 households that were sampled randomly. Observation as a data collection technique was supplemented to note aspects such as activities around the rivers and other aspects that the respondents did not mention during the surveys. The senses of sight hearing, taste, and smell were used to determine water quality and water quantity. Almost 80% of the respondents indicated that they rely on the river as a resource. Nonetheless, many respondents indicated that the water quantity was reduced due to a decrease in rainfall and farm irrigation among others. The water quality was reported to be poor, and this was said to have been caused by the dumping of garbage in the river, farming activities, disposal of waste such as diapers, waste from animals, chemicals from farming activities, and sewage pipes draining into the river.Perceptions differed with the majority being those who indicated that there was no change. The respondents indicated that there was an increase in the frequency with which they visited clinics due to people becoming ill more regularly due to poor water quality. Fishing was no longer feasible which led to reduced related business and food security. There was also a reduction in recreational activities such as swimming. People had to travel to those households that sank boreholes to buy water at a high price and this also had an impact on the time spent with their families. Those who had gardens along the river could not irrigate which also hurt the recreational activities. The conclusion is that the community values the Greater Letaba River as a source of their livelihood. The recommendations include raising awareness through local structures such as the councilor through the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) for recognition of the importance of the Greater Letaba as a valuable resource. The sinking of boreholes and dam construction were also some of the interventions recommended by the community but also but the researcher
Teachers’ views on support provided to implement CAPS guidelines to their teaching in South African schools
Full text linkJournal article publishes in African Perspectives of Research in Teaching and Learning Journal Issue 2, Volume 9, 2025Teaching is amongst others informed by guidelines outlined in policy documents. In South African schools, teaching is informed by the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS). However, measures to make teachers implement this policy correctly are limited. Hence, this study explored teacher’s views on the support they receive to effectively implement the CAPS policy in their classrooms. The paper followed a qualitative approach guided by an interpretivist paradigm. Specifically, an exploratory case study design was used. A convenient sampling strategy was used to select eight teachers from four schools in the Capricorn district. Semi-structured interviews and document analysis were used to collect data. Rogan and Grayson’s Theory of Curriculum Implementation was used as a frame to the study, and data collected through semi-structured interviews, and analysed through a thematic approach. The study revealed that the teachers had a dim view of the support provided to effectively implement CAPS in their classrooms. In relation to the above results, guidance should be provided to teachers to support them in the implementation of this policy. Thus, Continuous Professional Development programme are need to pay attention to this gap between policy and practic
Teaching visually impaired learners through ICTs: lessons from teachers’ perceptions in a full-service school
Full text linkJournal article published in African Perspectives of Research in Teaching and Learning Journal Issue 2, Volume 9, 2025An international shift towards inclusivity has prompted the use of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) to teach Visually Impaired Learners (VILs) accommodated in Full-Service Schools (FSSs). This paper explores teachers’ perceptions of using ICTs to teach VILs in a Full-Service School (FSS). The study adopted a qualitative case study design while nested within the interpretive paradigm. Focus group interviews, observations and document analysis were triangulated to collect data. Purposive sampling was conducted to identify suitable teachers, and subsequently, four focus groups consisting of five teachers (20 in total) each were conducted. Generated data were analysed thematically. Despite the positive perceptions towards using ICTs to teach VILs, teachers experience challenges when using ICTs to teach VILs. We recommend that the school procure adequate and various ICTs used to teach VILs
Limitations to the implementation of English language communicative skills teaching in rural Ugandan schools : a case study of Karamoja
Full text linkJournal article published in African Perspectives of Research in Teaching and Learning Journal Issue 4, Volume 9, 2025Communicative skills teaching in English language has been widely recognized as an approach conducive to developing students' competence in academic as well as everyday use of English. However, its implementation in rural primary schools faces numerous challenges. This study was conducted in a remote area in Uganda to establish the limitations to the successful teaching of communicative skills in such a context. Using a qualitative approach combining interviews, document analysis and lesson observation, the study revealed limitations related to syllabus disconnect, inadequate teaching resources, cultural barriers, pedagogical practices, Mother-tongue policy and classroom environment. The findings in this study have implications for stakeholders in language teaching, teacher education and education policy in Uganda. It highlights the need to provide ongoing professional training to equip teachers of English language with innovative teaching approaches tailored to the learning conditions of learners in hard-to-reach areas
Morphometric and the genetic variations in wild populations of oreochromis mossambicus and its potential hybrids in Limpopo Province, South Africa
Full text linkThesis (M. Sc. Agriculture (Aquaculture)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025The current study presented a comprehensive analysis of O. mossambicus and its possible hybrids inhabiting four localities, with a focus on morphometric and genetic assessments to identify species and hybridization patterns. The morphometric analysis used discriminant analysis and principle component analysis to class the tilapia species and investigate which morphometric features contributed the most in differentiating among the four tilapia species. Genetic verification was conducted using mitochondrial DNA and nuclear DNA markers. The mitochondrial COI gene was amplified using the FishF primer, while the 5S gene for nuclear DNA was analyzed using the 5SA primer and analyzed using Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood. The morphometric analysis revealed the presence of four distinct species, Oreochromis mossambicus, Oreochromis niloticus, Coptodon rendalli, and T. sparrmanii alongside evidence of hybridization between O. mossambicus and O. niloticus. The genetic data corroborated the morphometric findings, confirming the existence of O. mossambicus, O. niloticus, their hybrids and T sparrmanii, however, Coptodon rendalli failed to amplify, due to poor amplicon quality. Hybridization occurring between the native O. mossambicus and the introduced O. niloticus showed a significant risk to the genetic diversity of O. mossambicus, as the introgression of genetic material from the exotic O. niloticus could lead to the erosion of unique genetic traits in the native species. The results also showed that the tilapia species in the study had the same nucleotides for the 5S gene and differentiation was only observed in the Non-transcribed spacer (NTS) part of the gene. The findings also highlighted the need for management strategies to mitigate the impact of hybridization and preserve the genetic integrity of O. mossambicus, noting significant differences between wild and cultured O. mossambicus species due to one mutation from a sample in Flagboshielo Dam. Conservation efforts should focus on monitoring hybridization rates and implementing measures to control the spread of O. niloticus within native ranges of native Oreochromis species. The genetic dilution of O. mossambicus by the exotic O. niloticus emphasizes the urgent need for conservation actions to prevent the loss of genetic diversity in the native tilapia population
Host-status and sensitivity of twenty-two sweet potato lines to meloidogyne incogita and meloidogyne javanica and potential mechanisms of resistance
Full text linkThesis (M. Agricultural Management (Plant Production)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025Most thermophilic crop-producing regions are replete with root-knot (Meloidogyne species) nematodes especially M. incognita, M. javanica and M. enterolobii. Meloidogyne species are a serious threat on various sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) cultivars. Previously, internationally M. incognita was viewed as being a more aggressive Meloidogyne species than M. javanica, whereas in South Africa the opposite had been correct. Additionally, in most cropping systems, M. incognita and M. javanica occur as mixed population densities and were previously managed using fumigant nematicides, which were later withdrawn from the agrochemical markets due to their negative impact on human and environmental health. Following their withdrawal, the use of resistant plant genotypes served as an alternative strategy in managing high nematode population densities. However, after the withdrawal of fumigant nematicides, another root-knot nematode, namely, M. enterolobii, emerged as a major threat in various crops, breaking the renowned Mi resistant genes in various crops. The objectives of this study were to: (1) determine whether the reproductive potential (RP) and relative susceptibility (rsa) values of M. incognita, M. javanica and M. enterolobii each on sweet potato test lines and cultivars would be below unity and then (2) investigate whether non-host status in sweet potato lines would have post-infectional nematode resistance mechanism to M. incognita, M. javanica and M. enterolobii. To achieve Objective 1, three greenhouse experiments were conducted, and all 19 sweet potato line cuttings were inoculated at 14 days after transplanting with the same level of 250 eggs and second stage-juveniles (J2) of M. incognita, M. javanica and M. enterolobii in each trial. In each trial, nematode-plant relations were assessed using RP and rsa, each indicator suggesting that the lines were expressing either host-status or non-host-status. In Objective 2, two sweet potato lines, namely, nematode resistance, namely, pre- or post-infectional nematode resistance mechanism. The two lines had each features which suggested the existence of post-infectional nematode resistance mechanism, .consistently characterised by the existence of (1) necrotic spots, (2) poorly developed giant cells, (3) proliferation of rootlet interference, (4) absence of root galls and (5) non-detectable J2 in roots. In conclusion, the two sweet potato lines were added to the existing sweet potato cultivars with post-infectional nematode resistance to thermophilic Meloidogyne species.National Research Foundation (NRF