4667 research outputs found
Sort by
The value of using Flip in teaching practice: pre-service teachers’ experiences
Full text linkJournal article published in African Perspectives of Research in Teaching and Learning Journal Issue 1, Volume 9, 2025Studies have shown that Flip (previously known as Flipgrid) positively affects teaching and learning in the education sphere. This paper aims to articulate the value of Flip in the context of teaching practice. Over three weeks, pre-service teachers in their third year of study at university were required to submit videos of their lesson presentations. During this time, more than 3700 video submissions were made. As part of their final portfolio, the pre-service teachers reflected on two prompts: what they enjoyed and what they did not enjoy about submitting the videos. These reflections were subsequently analysed. The findings indicate that students respond positively to the use of Flip, which enhances their technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge. The results further reveal that Flip improves time management skills, equips students to teach in an online environment, and fosters collaboration with peers to refine lesson quality. The reflections presented in this paper provide insights into pre-service teachers’ experiences with Flip and offer suggestions for improving its use as a virtual classroom tool. The authors recommend that faculties of education globally incorporate video recording into teaching practice to strengthen pre-service teachers’ teaching capabilities
The impact of comorbidities on outcome of patients admitted with Coronavirus disease 2019 infected at Pietersburg Hospital, Polokwane, Limpopo Province
Full text linkThesis (M. Med. (Internal Medicine)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025Background: The emergence of the novel Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19),
causative agent identified as severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus type 2
(SARS-CoV-2), in late 2019 in Wuhan City, has led to a global outbreak of COVID-19
culminating in the declaration of a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO).
As of 2nd of October 2022, the cumulative number of cases have reached the 600
million mark, with just over 6.5 million deaths reported to WHO.
Purpose: To determine the relationship between comorbidities and adverse outcome in patients admitted with COVID-19 infection at Pietersburg Hospital from March 2020 to March 2021.
Methods: This was a retrospective study using secondary data extracted from
DATCOV portal, a web-based disease surveillance system of patients admitted with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 PCR results. Variables extracted from the portal
include demographics and clinical data such as comorbidities, management strategies
and adverse outcomes (need for oxygenation, organ failure, admission to high care or
intensive care unit (ICU) and death). Data was analysed using SSPS 27.0. Variables
were presented as numbers, percentages and cross-tabulations.
Results: There were 446 eligible study participants, 225(50.4%) were females and 221(49,6%) were males, and 311(70%) had comorbidities. The median age of patients
was 57 (13-96) years. The most prevalent comorbidity was hypertension in 208
patients (46%) followed by diabetes in 153 patients (34%).Both hypertension and diabetes largely contributed to the reported adverse outcome of death. A total of 159 (36%) deaths related to COVID-19 infection were reported during the study period.
Using the logistic regression model, the odds of non-survival were significantly
associated with two variables, age and ward setting. An increase in patient’s age by 1
year, increased the odds of dying by 1.09 as compared to being alive (OR 1.094, 95% CI: 1.038-1.153, p-value<0.001). Being admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) was
associated with a higher death rate ( OR 0.020, 95% CI: 0.001-0.292, p-value 0.004).
Conclusion: Hypertension and diabetes (p-values of 0.020 and 0.009 respectively)
appeared to be significantly related to patient’s adverse outcome of non-survival, with hypertension being the common factor in all deaths reported
Smallholder goat farmers' perceptions and willingness to participate in the agro-processing industry : a case study of Mamaila Village, Greater Letaba Local Municipality, Limpopo Province
Full text linkThesis (M. Sc. Agriculture (Agricultural Economics)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025Smallholder farmers play a crucial role in contributing to economic development and economic growth. Nevertheless, smallholder farmers are not fully linked and introduced to the agro-processing industry which is classified as one of the main dominant sectors with potential to eradicate poverty in South Africa. For this reason, this study was determined to assess smallholder goat farmers’ perceptions and willingness to participate in the agro-processing industry. The study was conducted in Mamaila Village, Greater Letaba Local Municipality, Limpopo Province. The survey data was collected from 95 sampled smallholder goat farmers in Mamaila Village, Greater Letaba Local Municipality, Limpopo Province. Descriptive statistics were used to address the first objective, data collected through Likert scale was analysed using descriptive statistics to address the second objective, and Binary Logistic regression model was used to address the third objective. Binary logistic regression model results revealed that age, gender, educational level, household size, herd size, access to credit, market information and farming experience have a statistically significant effect on smallholder goat farmers’ willingness to participate in the agro-processing industry at 1% (Age, Herd size, and farming experience), 5% (Household size, Access to credit, and market information), and 10% (Gender and Household income) level of significance. The Cox and Snell R square is 0.784, which implies that 78% of the variation in smallholder goat farmers’ perceptions and willingness to participate in the agro-processing industry is explained by the explanatory variables that were significant and included in the model and 22% is not explained. To empower smallholder goat farmers, the study suggests targeted youth programmes, gender-focused financial support and mentorship, income support schemes, agro-processing training, and better credit access and market information systems. These measures aim to bridge generational gaps, promote gender equality, alleviate income limitations, and enhance market competitivenessNational Research Foundation (NRF
Factors that affect the financial self-reliance of informal Small Medium and Micro Enterprises in Mankweng Area, Limpopo Province, South Africa
Full text linkThesis (MBA.) -- University of Limpopo, 2025Given the critical role that SMMEs play in South Africa’s economy, understanding the motivating factors of starting a business venture, factors that facilitate and constrain their financial self-reliance is vital for sustaining and minimizing dependence on external government and private sector support in these enterprises. This study is grounded in the Resource-Based Entrepreneurship Theory (RBET), which suggests that entrepreneurs can generate sustainable value by strategically leveraging both internal and external resources. These resources may include individual skills, family support, and social networks, all of which contribute to entrepreneurial success. This mini-dissertation investigated factors that affect the financial self-reliance of informal small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in Mankweng area, Limpopo Province, South Africa. The purpose of the study was to determine factors that facilitate the financial self-reliance of the selected informal SMMEs in the area, examined the factors that constrain their financial self-reliance and assess their economic contribution to the local economy.
This research adopted an interpretivist research philosophy, utilising a cross-sectional qualitative research design, with data collected through semi-structured interviews from SMMEs within the Mankweng area.
Key findings revealed that most SMME owners are driven by economic necessity and local demand. They sustain their businesses by leveraging skills, community support, and low operating costs, resulting in strong customer loyalty. However, challenges such as lack of formal registration, limited access to credit, and poor awareness of government support hinder their growth and ability to scale. Despite these barriers, informal SMMEs make significant economic and social contributions especially to the economies within which they operate. While many informal SMMEs in the Mankweng area demonstrate elements of financial self-reliance through local support and resourcefulness, they remain constrained by systemic challenges that limit their full financial independence.
This research recommends simplifying registration, improving access to support services, and tailoring government policies to better support rural and peri-urban micro-enterprises, thereby enhancing their sustainability and impact on local development.Department of Small Business Developmen
The effectiveness of legislative oversight in enhancing executive accountability : a case of the Limpopo Provincial Legislature, South Africa
Full text linkThesis (MPAM.) -- University of Limpopo, 2025Legislative oversight is a constitutional requirement in the South African system of government for maintaining accountable governance. However, the implementation of this mandate has continued to be a major challenge due to poor performance, maladministration, abuse of state power, and corruption scandals in procurement processes. The purpose of this study is to explore how the legislative oversight enhances executive accountability using the case of the Limpopo provincial legislature. The study has the following objectives: to ascertain the strategies employed by the Limpopo Provincial Legislative Oversight Committee to improve executive accountability, to examine the challenges encountered by the Limpopo provincial legislature in enhancing executive accountability, and to examine the effectiveness of Limpopo provincial legislative oversight to enhance executive accountability. The study adopted a qualitative research case study approach using in-depth interviews with 12 key informants drawn from portfolio, executive and ordinary members of the Limpopo provincial legislature. The findings revealed that oversight committees in Limpopo focus on curbing power abuse by monitoring executive actions through public hearings, meetings, reports, and site visits. The finding highlights that transparency, regular accountability reviews, and public engagement are inconsistently implemented, making it difficult to address executive misconduct in the province. The study recommends, inter alia, allocation of additional funds towards oversight committees and benchmarking with other provinces and international legislatures to enhance oversight strategie
Students'perception on the implementation of the marketing strategies by private colleges in Polokwane Local Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa
Full text linkThesis (MBA.) -- University of Limpopo, 2025This study investigates students' perceptions on the marketing strategies implemented by private colleges in Polokwane, Limpopo Province, South Africa. As competition in the higher education sector intensifies, private colleges must adopt effective marketing strategies to attract prospective students. The study aims to identify the marketing strategies employed, evaluate their effectiveness, and recommend areas for improvement. A quantitative research design was utilised, surveying first-year students enrolled in private colleges to assess the impact of various marketing techniques. Purposive sampling was used to obtain 112 respondents who participated in the study and SPSS Version 29 and Microsoft Excel were used to analyse the collected data. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to assess the effectiveness of the marketing strategies and identify trends. The findings reveal that print advertisements, word-of-mouth referrals and scholarships are the most influential marketing strategies. In contrast, methods like television commercials and online advertising show limited effectiveness. Recommendations include enhancing digital marketing efforts and refining personalised communication strategies to better engage prospective students. The study contributes to the understanding of marketing dynamics in the education sector and provides actionable insights for improving student recruitment practice
Analysis of macroeconomic drivers of stock market performance pre and during the COVID-19 Period:the case of South Africa
Full text linkThesis (M. Com. (Economics)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025The study analysed macroeconomic drivers of stock market performance for the preand
during the COVID-19 period. The aim was attained by formulating two models,
the pre-and during the COVID-19 models. The study used the Vector Error Correction
Model (VECM) to determine how macroeconomic drivers such as, economic growth,
exchange rate fluctuations, and stock market liquidity influenced the JSE stock price
index during these two distinct time frames. The results revealed that the turnover ratio
has a role, exchange rates have complex dynamics, and GDP sensitivity changes.
During pre-COVID-19, positive short-term correlations between GDP growth and stock
prices were evident, while exchange rate fluctuations exhibited transitory effects. In
contrast, the COVID-19 period model unveiled a muted response to GDP, increased
sensitivity to exchange rate shocks, and a heightened influence of the turnover ratio
in sustaining market stability. This study adds to the understanding of the behaviour
of the South African stock market and provides a methodological framework for future
research on the intricate interactions between financial markets and macroeconomic
drivers
Government crisis communication :exploring the use of selected media by the Department of Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Full text linkThesis (M.A. (Communication Studies)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025The purpose of this study was to explore government crisis communication through The National Department of Health on using selected media during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study used qualitative, exploratory approach to determine how The National Department of Health used Facebook and Twitter to disseminate messages of emergency to the citizens. This was to determine and explore the effectiveness of social media in reaching targeted masses in a short period of time in cases of emergency. The hubs of data collection for this study were posts made by The National Department of Health on Facebook and Twitter and comments by the public. Thematic content analysis was used to determine the themes that emerged from the selected media posts, while document analysis was used to analyse data. The selection of the posters was guided by the issues the researcher intended to study which reflected media use and media trust. The findings revealed that individuals relied on government’s social media for accurate information regarding the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is proven by the engagement that was taking place between individuals on the comments section on every post the government released. The study therefore recommended that the Government should prioritise engagement on social media platforms. It was also suggested that the government should come up with be a response strategy to answer questions by the public in times of uncertaint
Investigating the effect of using PhET interactive simulations on grade 12 learners' performance in electric circuits in the Tubatse Circuit
Full text linkThesis (M.Ed. (Science Education)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025Learners often struggle with electric circuits in Physical Sciences due to ineffective teaching approaches and limited access to laboratory equipment and technological tools. This study investigated the effect of using PhET interactive simulations on Grade 12 learners’ performance in electric circuits. A total of 102 learners from a rural school in the Sekhukhune East Education District, Limpopo Province, were selected through convenience sampling. A quasi-experimental design with a non-equivalent control group was adopted. Both the experimental (n = 57) and control (n = 45) groups completed a pre-test before the intervention. The experimental group received instruction using PhET simulations, while the control group received traditional instruction without simulations. Post-test scores were then compared using independent t-tests. Results evidencing a significant difference between pre-test and post-test scores in the EG group (t (57) = 0.0000, p 0.05). A higher Pearson correlation coefficient was observed for the experimental group (0.913) compared to the control group (0.382), suggesting a stronger link between simulation-based instruction and learners’ ability to address higher-order cognitive questions. These results reflect the potential of PhET simulations to enhance learners’ understanding and performance in electric circuits, highlighting their usefulness in contexts where traditional resources may be limited
Assessing the consumption of Giant-Jewel Beetles (Sternocera Orissa) among rural households in the Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality of Limpopo Province
Full text linkThesis (M. Sc. Agriculture (Agricultural Economics)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025In the dry regions of Limpopo Province, South Africa, food security remains a significant issue for many rural households due to the challenges of traditional agriculture and limited access to diverse protein sources. The Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality, which is mainly characterised by its pastoral economy, faces critical socio-economic conditions that restrict the nutritional well-being of the households. In this context, the consumption of edible insects, specifically Giant-Jewel Beetles (Sternocera orissa), emerges as a viable alternative protein source. Edible insects are not only rich in protein and essential nutrients but also have a lower environmental impact compared to conventional livestock production, making them a sustainable food option.
This study examined the consumption of Giant-Jewel Beetles among rural households in the Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality of Limpopo Province, South Africa. The research objectives were to identify demographic characteristics of the households, profile the consumption frequency of Giant-Jewel Beetles, and analyse socio-economic factors influencing this consumption, employing Descriptive statistics and a Logistic Regression Model. The results revealed that a significant proportion of respondents (44%) were consuming Giant-Jewel Beetles 1-2 times per week, primarily as a relish.
The results from the Logistic Regression Model provided insights into the factors influencing the consumption of GJBs in the study area. The Logistic Regression results indicated that factors such as age, food expenditure, reasons for consumption, and potential risks of Giant-Jewel Beetles significantly influence the consumption of Giant-Jewel Beetles. The analysis indicated that older individuals were more likely to consume these insects, while higher food expenditure negatively correlates with their consumption.
Based on the findings of the study, there is a need for strategies that promote edible insects as an affordable protein source. Policy makers should consider initiatives that support small-scale insect farming and local value chains, which will enhance the accessibility and affordability of Giant-Jewel Beetles. Additionally, establishing food safety standards for the harvesting and processing of edible insects is important to ensure consumer confidence and mitigate potential health risks