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Online teaching and learning during Coronavirus-disease-2019 : case of the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice lectures' perceptions at the University of Limpopo
Get PDFThesis (M.A. (Criminology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024The outbreak of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) brought some changes in the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), where South African Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) had to quickly transition to online Teaching and Learning (T & L). This was accompanied by various advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, this study was conducted to explore perceptions of Criminology and Criminal Justice lecturers’ on online T & L during COVID-19. This study adopted a qualitative research approach, guided by an exploratory research design. A non-probability, purposive sampling method was employed to select the participants of this study. For data collection, semi-structured Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), distributed through Google Forms, were used. The inductive Thematic Content Analysis (TCA) was used for data analysis, which assisted in categorising themes that emerged from the qualitative data collected. This study employed Connectivisms Learning Theory (CLT) as its theoretical framework to best analyse online T & L during COVID-19 by exploring the perceptions of lecturers in the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice. The study was guided by this aim: To analyse the perceptions of lecturers’ towards online T & L during COVID-19 using UL’s Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice as a case study and by the following objectives: The readiness of lecturers to offer online T & L at UL, the effects of online T & L on lecturers’ during COVID-19 at UL, the quality of online T & L methods, as offered by lecturers’ during COVID-19 at UL, the challenges of online T & L faced by lecturers’ during COVID-19 at UL and strategies can be implemented to better online T & L during COVID-19 at UL. The findings of the study revealed that online T & L was a mandatory intervention in ensuring continuity of education. However, the quick transition was accompanied by challenges, including but not limited to, examination-related issues, insufficient resources, technological difficulties, lack of preparedness for lecturers to offer online T & L, internet connectivity issues, poor attendance, and low-quality training programmes. Some findings highlighted that UL played a significant role through the provision of electronic devices (laptops) and data bundles and implemented refresher courses to address the issue of readiness and technological hurdles. Based on the identified challenges and the suggestions to improve of online T & L, the following recommendations were made: there is a need for comprehensive training programmes for both lecturers and students on the utilisation of online T & L tools, the university must invest in technological infrastructure essential for the success of online T & L, there must be clear policies and guidelines for online T & L; furthermore, the university must devise strategies to improve class attendance, come up with innovative online teaching methods, electronic device accessibility, and mental health support to mitigate the effects of online T & L; awareness campaigns aimed at preventing academic misconducts (Plagiarism and cheating in examinations/tests) to maintain good quality of online methods must be considered, and lastly, the institution must advise the academic community to venture into online T & L and acquaint themselves with technologies necessary for the effectiveness of online learning
Investigation of Beta lactoglobulin gene variation in South African Holstein Friesian cows and its association with milk production traits
Get PDFThesis (M. Sc. Agriculture (Animal Production)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024It is important to predict the change in one trait in response to selection for another, hence, the knowledge of the connection between traits is essential for the improvement of milk components and yield of dairy animals. Moreover, the genes also must be taken into consideration when selecting animals due to their potential in affecting milk production traits. The Beta-lactoglobulin gene (β-LG) was detected on bovine chromosome 11 and encodes the main whey protein. The genetic effect of β-LG gene on milk production traits and quality of milk in South African Holstein Friesian cows is poorly understood. This study was conducted to identify the genetic markers of β-LG gene that might be utilised as selection criterion during breeding to improve milk production traits of Holstein Friesian cows. A total of one hundred (n = 100) South African Holstein Friesian cows aged 2 to 3 years from the Limpopo dairy farm were used in this study. Pearson’s correlation, student t-test analysis and DNA sequences were used for analysis. Milk samples (10 ml) were collected during morning milking using a measuring cup to represent the whole milking of each animal for detecting the milk constitution such as fat percentage (FP), protein percentage (PP), solid-not-fat (SNF), and lactose percentage (LP) using ultrasonic portable milk analyser (milko tester model- master mini). The data such as milk yield per day (MYD) and milk yield per 30 days (MY30D) were used for each used cow. Blood samples (5 ml) were collected from each animal underneath the tail using a butterfly needle and sent to Inqaba Biotechnology company for DNA extraction, amplification, and sequencing. The correlation results showed that MYD had a highly negative significant correlation (p ˂ 0.01) with PP and SNF. The correlation findings also indicated that MY30D had a highly negative statistical correlation (p ˂ 0.01) with FP and PP but was highly positive and significantly correlated (p ˂ 0.01) with SNF. DNA sequencing findings indicated the presence of 5 different SNPs. Two of the SNPs were non-synonymous (T/C) and (C/T) at positions 5174 and 5251 of exon 4 of the β-LG gene which were named 5174T>C and 5251C>T, respectively. The other 3 SNPs were found in intron 3 (C/G), (G/A), and (T/C) at positions 5123, 4982, and 5099 and named 5123C>G, 4982G>A, and 5099T>C, respectively. Chi-square results demonstrated that the population used was under Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) for SNP 5123C>G and had a dominant allele C. Dominant alleles for SNPs 5174T>C, 4982G>A, 5099T>C, and 5251C>T were T, G, T, and C, respectively. Marker-trait association results revealed that genotypes of SNPs 5174T>C, 5099T>C, and 4982G>A had no association with
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MY30D, PP, and SNF, however, it had a significant association with MYD, LP, and FP. In addition, a significant association between SNP 5123C>G and LP, FP, MY30D, and SNF, but it showed no association with MYD and PP. SNP 5251C>T displayed no association between its genotypes and milk yield and PP, however, it showed an association with FP, SNF, and LP. In conclusion, correlation results suggest that protein and solid-not-fat might be used to improve milk yield of Holstein Friesian cows. DNA sequencing results suggest that 5123C>G, 4982G>A, 5174T>C, 5099T>C, and 5251C>T were the SNPs found in β-LG gene of South African Holstein Friesian cows used in this study. Marker-trait association results suggest that TT genotype for SNPs 5174T>C, and 5099T>C of β-LG gene might be used as a genetic marker when improving milk yield per day and lactose %, whereas genotype CT might be used to improve fat %. Genotype CC of SNP 5123C>G might be used to increase milk yield per 30 days and solid-not-fat, while CG be used to improve lactose % and fat %. The TC genotype for SNP 5251C>T might be used as a genetic marker to increase solid-not-fat and lactose %, whereas CC genotype can be used to improve fat %. The GG genotype for SNP 4982G>A of β-LG gene might be used as genetic marker when improving milk yield per day and lactose %, whereas AG genotype might be used to improve fat %. Further studies need to be conducted on the β-LG gene single nucleotide polymorphisms and their association with milk production traits with a large number of animals and more milk production traits of South African Holstein Friesian cows.National Research Foundation (NRF
Evolution of acoustic communication and habitat type influence in the avian species, sabota lark calendulauda sabota (alaudidae)
No full textThesis (M. Sc. (Zoology) -- University of Limpopo, 2024Habitat acoustics has been proposed to be involved in producing selective forces that
mould bird vocalisations into the sounds we hear when birds vocalise. The influence of
habitat on bird vocalisations is well-documented, mostly in bird species in the Americas
rather than in Africa. The Sabota Lark Calendulauda sabota is near-endemic to southern
Africa and has a widespread distribution in habitats ranging from well-developed Savanna
woodland to Karoo and semi-desert scrub. However, to my knowledge, no records of
published studies have endeavoured to quantitatively describe the vocal structure of the
Sabota Lark or the effects of habitat on its vocalisations. This makes the Sabota Lark an
ideal candidate to investigate the effect of habitat type and structure on bird vocal
structure. This study investigated the effect of habitat on the vocalisations of the Sabota
Lark and whether the Acoustic Adaptation Hypothesis applies to the Sabota Lark.
Fieldwork was conducted during breeding seasons in the sites that represented semi-arid
(Vachellia) and moist Savanna (broad-leaved woodland) and the dry Nama Karoo
shrublands. Songs were analysed using a bioacoustics sound analyses software. A total
of 992 song strophes were extracted, and spectrograms were generated from which
descriptions of songs were done. Seven spectrogram parameters of 878 song strophes
were analysed using univariate one-way ANOVA and t-test. Multivariate (Principal
Component Analyses – PCA and Linear Discriminant Analyses – LDA) statistical
analyses were performed in two parts to respectively include: 1) analyses of a
comprehensive dataset with all the remaining seven vegetation types included and 2)
analyses of a reduced dataset comprising only the two vegetation types with the highest
sampling (viz., Bushmanland Basin Shrubland – BBS and Musina Mopane Bushveld –
MMB).
The Sabota Lark emerged as a species with large and complex song variations between
individual birds and within and between different habitat types. The individuals gave many
unique song types and song strophes. Furthermore, this species explored both types of
song presentation or singing styles as some individuals repeated song types at least twice
before switching to another song type. This singing style is called “eventual variety”. The
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other birds rendered their song types once and never twice in succession. This is called
“immediate” variety, meaning they switched to new song types immediately without
repeating songs that have already been sung. This was observed both within individuals
and among individuals in different habitat types. The means of the parameters of song
strophes of the Sabota Larks among the vegetation types were highly significantly
different, indicating that variances in songs between vegetation types were not equal.
However, most parameters were significantly different contrary to the study predictions;
Therefore, future studies should include a large sample size with equal representation
across habitats, and the vegetation structure should be quantifie
The effect of profit announcement on share price reaction in Johannesburg Stock Exchange top 40 financial service firms
Get PDFThesis (MBA.) -- University of Limpopo, 2024This research examined the effect of profit announcements on share price reactions in the top 40 listed financial services firms on the JSE. Therefore, the objectives of this study were (1) to determine the effect of profit announcements on share price reactions within the month of profit announcements in the JSE's top 40 listed financial services firms and (2) to assess the effect of profit announcements on share price reactions after one month of profit announcements in the JSE's top 40 listed financial services firms. This study employed a positivist research paradigm, a quantitative method, and a correlational research design. The sample size for this study contained five (5) of the best-performing Top 40 JSE-listed financial services firms from 2010 to 2022 for thirteen (13) years. The study utilised secondary data from various sources. This study used a random effects model. The study found a positive relationship between net profit and share price within and after the month of profit announcements. However, the results revealed that net profit has a highly positive relationship with share price a month after the announcement compared to within the month of the announcement. Furthermore, the findings are aligned with empirical literature, which has determined exchange rates, stock market capitalisation, inflation, GDP, and market indexes as other key variables affecting share price reactions on profit announcements. The results of the controlling variables discovered that the correlation between share prices and the exchange rate is positive but weak. Likewise, the same can be said about stock market capitalisation. In contrast, inflation and GDP have a negative relationship with share prices. The study recommendation for future researchers is to use a larger sample size of companies in the Top 40 JSE-listed financial services firms, as it would be interesting to assess if increasing the sample size would generate results that differ. This study also recommends that investors pay attention to profit announcements to make informed investment choices
Factors that influence learners' negative perceptions about oral presentations : a case study of Mapanolla Secondary School, Mokopane, Limpopo Province, South Africa
Get PDFThesis (M. Ed. (Language Education)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024English oral presentations play a crucial role in language learning, as they provide learners with a platform to develop their oral communication skills. However, negative perceptions about these presentations can significantly impact learners' attitudes and performance. This study aimed to delve into the reasons behind such negative perceptions and propose recommendations to address these issues effectively. The study used a sample of 6 learners and 3 teachers at Mapanolla Secondary School, in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were used to collect qualitative and quantitative data from the sampled participants. The findings revealed that learners' negative perceptions of oral presentations were influenced by a range of factors. These include anxiety, lack of preparation, lack of confidence, lack of interest, lack of motivation, and poor feedback. The study also found that learners' perceptions of oral presentations were influenced by teacher attitudes, teaching methods, and the learning and teaching environment. The findings of this study have vital implications for language teachers, curriculum developers, and researchers in the field of language learning and teaching. It could be concluded from the findings that more classroom oral activities are necessary to minimise the negative perceptions towards oral presentations in and outside teaching and learning environments
The intricacies of Section 197 of the Labour Relations Act in protecting the rights of employees resulting from business transfers
No full textThesis (LLM. (Labour Law)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024Section 197 of the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 plays a crucial role in safeguarding the rights of employees during business transfers. This provision aims to ensure job security and protect the terms and conditions of employment for employees affected by such transfers. Section 197 imposes an obligation on the new employer to retain the existing employees’ contracts of employment, preserving their rights and benefits. It mandates that the new employer step into the shoes of the previous employer concerning all employment-related matters. The intricacies of Section 197 extend to various aspects, including continuity of service, preservation of benefits, and protection against unfair dismissal. Employees are shielded from arbitrary termination or detrimental changes to their working conditions due to a transfer of business ownership. Despite its protective intent, challenges arise in interpreting and applying Section 197. Issues such as defining a ‘transfer,’ determining who qualifies as an employee covered by the provision, and addressing disputes over compliance can complicate its implementation. Section 197 of the Labour Relations Act serves as a vital mechanism for upholding employee rights in the context of business transfers. Understanding its nuances is essential for both employers and employees to navigate these transitions while ensuring fairness and adherence to legal requirements
The dilemma faced by political office bearer-cum senior managerial employee in exercising their labour rights : a South African perspective
Get PDFThesis (LLM. (Labour Law)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024This study analyses the precarious situation of between a ‘rock’ and a ‘hard place’ political office bearers-cum- senior managerial employees regularly find themselves in at the workplaces when exercising their labour rights. The study investigates the impact of the conflict of interest that manifests itself when these senior employees are expected to discharge their duties during an industrial action. Political office bearers-cum-senior managerial employees in this context refer to employees who also hold political offices. In terms of the Municipal Systems Amendment Act,1 a political office in relation to a political party or structure means:
“the position of chairperson, deputy chairperson, secretary, deputy secretary, treasurer or an elected or appointed decision-making position of a political party nationally or in any province, region or area in which the party operates.”
In the context of this study, employees who hold political office will refer to employees occupying positions of power in their employee organizations (and not political parties) such as those listed above by the Act and who also occupy senior and more influential positions such as senior managers or directors in an employment organogram. The dilemma arises out of a hard choice these managers have to embark on between collegiality and solidarity towards their fellow colleagues who may at times be their comrades and their trade union respectively on one hand and their common law duty of loyalty and trust towards their employers on the other hand. The study focuses on what role these highly ranked employees should play in the event of a labour dispute where the employer may sometimes respond to a strike action by enforcing a lockout or alternatively, in the event of a protest action where the employer may sometimes instruct the political office bearer-cum-senior employee to provide the employer with a documentary evidence in the form of a list of striking employees who have ‘downed tools’ and not report for duty for the purpose of the employer implementing the ‘no work, no pay’ rule2 given the fact that these senior employees are clothed first with the responsibility of being the employer’ representatives
1 Municipal Systems Amendment Act 3 of 2022, (Hereafter MSAA).
2 See Government Gazette No 21050 of 2000 titled ‘Regulations Regarding the Role of Managers Prior to Strike Action.’
and an integral part of management at the workplaces and therefore enforcing the employer’s instructions at the workplace and second to discharge discipline against their junior employees and colleagues who may sometimes be their comrades in their employee unions for work-related misconducts (School managers for an example have the responsibility to charge their fellow colleagues for acts regarded as misconduct). Strikes as used in the context of this study will in some instances also imply protests action especially when dealing with employers and employees in the public sector. The study also juxtaposes the seemingly compromised position of the political office bearer-cum- senior employee during a lockout or alternatively during a protest action. The study puts a spotlight on the dilemma these shop stewards-cum-managers face during the period of a lockout or in the event of a protest action. The preliminary findings of this study confirms that this conflict of interest highly compromises these senior employees and subsequently brings the employment relationship into disrepute
Effects of maize and legume intercropping system on soil nitrogen dynamics and crop growth
Get PDFThesis (M.Sc. (Soil Science)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024Nitrogen is an essential mineral nutrient that can hinder crop production if not managed properly. Improved agricultural management practices such as cover cropping, crop rotations or intercropping influence nitrogen availability and supply. Hence this study was aimed at investigating how intercropping cereal with legume influences (i) soil nitrogen dynamics and (ii) selected growth and yield parameters. A field experiment was carried out at the University of Limpopo experimental farm (Syferkuil) integrating maize (Zea mays) with chickpea (Cicer arietinum) and mungbean (Vigna radiata) under two different moisture regimes (irrigated and rainfed). The experimental site was a split plot design replicated three times. The treatments were as follows: Sole maize- SM, Sole chickpea- SC, Sole mungbean- SMB, Maize/chickpea intercropping- MC, Maize/mungbean intercropping– MMB under rainfed and irrigated moisture regimes. Soil fertility variables i.e., bulk density, aggregate stability, pH, phosphorus and organic carbon; and nitrogen fractions: biological nitrogen fixation (BNF), mineralisation, uptake, residual and leaching were measured using standard procedures. Data analyses was done using the GenStat 20th Edition software. The study showed insignificant interaction effect between cropping system and irrigation regime did not have a significant effect on soil conditions bulk density, aggregate stability, pH, organic carbon (p>0.05). Nitrogen mineralisation was higher in the intercrops in comparison to the sole grown crops. Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) was higher in the irrigated plot compared to the rainfed plot. Chickpea generally fixed a greater amount of nitrogen compared to mungbean. Chickpea showed greater nitrogen fixation in the intercropped stand while mungbean had a higher BNF in the sole stand. The uptake of nitrogen was greater in the irrigated compared to the rainfed plot. Sole maize had the highest nitrogen uptake, followed by the intercropped stands and then the sole legume stands. Residual nitrogen was greater in the rainfed plot compared to the irrigated plot. Intercropping both legume crops resulted in higher residual nitrogen compared to the sole stands. Mineral nitrogen leached beyond the active root zone was greater in the irrigated plot. The intercropped stands recorded lower mineral nitrogen leached in comparison to the sole stands. Data collected to observe growth and yield parameters were chlorophyll content, leaf area plant height and plant biomass. The results depicted a positive response to intercropping through the chlorophyll content and leaf area. Plant biomass was higher in in the sole stands for all associated crops. In conclusion, cereal/legume intercropping can be a sustainable approach to maximizing nitrogen use efficiency while minimizing potential losses
Socio-economic development of mining communities : a juridical and comparative study of responsibilities and liabilities of mining companies in South Africa
Get PDFThesis (LLD.) -- University of Limpopo, 2024In South Africa, the right to a clean environment and environmental
sustainability is constitutionally guaranteed. Also, the Mineral and Petroleum
Resources Development Act (MPRDA) sets certain obligations to mining and
the extractive industry in general, including having to conduct their operations
in a manner that takes into account the socio-economic conditions of the
mining communities. However, preliminary investigations suggest that these
obligations are being ignored and the rights of mining communities are violated
daily by the mining industry. Mining communities often bear the brunt of the
negative effects of mining operations. With the economic expansion trend in
Africa and multinational corporations (MNCs) conducting extractive
operations, the protection of mining communities remains a critical issue for
the extractive industry. Mining communities must be part of the mining
stakeholders who should benefit from the equitable and sustainable
distribution of mineral resources. The starting point is to have in place
sustainable mining practices that extend to the promotion of the socioeconomic development of mining communities or communities affected by mining activities.
The study moves from the proposition that there is a need to develop a
corporate social responsibility (CSR) theory or approach that addresses the
specific circumstances of rural mining communities. This study further
contents that the enshrinement of environmental rights in the South African
Constitution not only requires mining communities to be aware of their
environmental rights and the rights to sustainable development. Failure to
understand the importance of these rights and the relationship between
these rights will ensure that sustainable development will remain paper
tigers.
The methodology used in the research is primarily desktop which entails the
study of primary and secondary literature. The adopted descriptive, doctrinal
analysis and comparative perspectives research methods. Using CSR as the
main theoretical underpinning of the study, the researcher conducts a juridical
and comparative investigation of the contribution of mining companies in South
Africa towards the socio-economic development of rural mining communities.
Theories of sustainable development and the human rights-based approach
will be complementary conceptual frameworks towards the execution of the
study.
The study concludes that there is a plethora of legislation that regulates other
aspects of CSR, but very few that focus on socioeconomic development and
the protection of the rights of dwellers of mining communities. To this end, one
of the recommendations by the researcher is the introduction of legislation that
regulates the socio-economic development of mining communities through
CSR. The researcher provides a draft recommended legislation
Enhancing the employability of development in planning and management graduates, University of Limpopo
Get PDFThesis (M. Dev. (Planning and Management)) -- University of Limpopo, 2024Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) graduates face high unemployment levels. This
is largely ascribable to the absence of opportunities and or their lack of employability
skills and abilities needed in the corporate world. Like other graduates across
various fields of study in South Africa, Development Planning and Management
graduates from the University of Limpopo are confronted with difficulties of transiting
to the labour market. Several factors contribute to these difficulties, common among
them being the lack of work-integrated learning, poor marketing of qualifications, and
poor collaboration between the universities and the corporate sector. Against this
backdrop, this study sought to enhance the employability of Development in
Planning and Management graduates in the University of Limpopo, relying on these
graduates as a case study data collection and an evaluation of the factors that
contribute to the non-employability of graduates in lieu of the needs of the labour
market. This study aimed to investigate the employability of graduates from the
University of Limpopo.
A normative and evaluation research design was used in the study. For primary and
secondary data collection, the study used questionnaires, interview schedules, and a
literature review. The study included 49 participants and 4 key informants. It was
found that the integration of work-integrated learning into the university curriculum,
proper marketing of the degree programme, and collaborative efforts between HEIs
and the corporate sector can enhance the employability of Development in Planning
and Management graduates.
In conclusion, the study highlights that HEIs must incorporate work-integrated
learning into curricula and establish collaborative efforts between HEIs and the
labour market, in order to effectively respond to the evolution of attributes and
abilities that the economy and corporate world demand. Therefore, the study
recommends that universities must align their degree programmes with the demands
of the corporate world, strengthen collaborations with the corporate sector, promote
work-integrated learning, and involve the corporate sector in curriculum designs and
reviews to assure that university curriculum respond to the expectations of the
corporate world