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Youths’ Knowledge Systems and Perceptions on Small-Scale Farming Entrepreneurship in Greater Tzaneen Local Municipality, Limpopo Province
No full textMA in Youth DevelopmentDepartment of Youth in DevelopmentBackground: Farming entrepreneurship is a cornerstone of the South African economy. However, the number of youths who are participating in farming entrepreneurship is unsatisfactory. This poses a serious concern to food security in the country. The aim of the study was to explain the youth’s knowledge system about farming entrepreneurship in selected rural-based areas of Greater Tzaneen Municipality in Limpopo Province.
Methods: The study adopted an explanatory sequential mixed methods design wherein the quantitative approach was dominant while the qualitative approach served to complement the quantitative results. The quantitative research data were collected through self-administered structured questionnaires, whilst qualitative data were collected through focus groups composed of 10 participants. The questionnaire and Interview guide were pre-tested before the actual data collection process. The study adopted Stratified sampling and purposive sampling. Trustworthiness measures of credibility, confirmability, transferability and dependability were considered. The quantitative data were analysed through descriptive statistics analysis. By employing descriptive statistics analysis, the researcher had gained valuable insight from the data. While qualitative data was analysed using content thematic analysis. The researcher adhered to the ethical principles of informed consent, voluntary participation, anonymity, confidentiality, privacy, and the principle of respect.
Results: The findings from this study reveal mixed perceptions among youth concerning small-scale farming entrepreneurship. while some expressed positive views, the overwhelming majority hold negative perceptions. These negative perceptions appear to be rooted in several factors, including labour-intensive, associated with the old generation, financial support, weather conditions, and risk tolerances. The study finds these perceptions create a significant challenge for encouraging youth engagement in small-scale farming entrepreneurship.
Recommendations: The study recommends that there is a need for the South African Government (National Agricultural Marketing Council) to amend policies related to farming entrepreneurship. The policies must stretch as far as to accommodate the
needs of small-scale farmers. By providing non-funding support and funding support. This includes providing access to arable land, resources, and market connections.
Conclusion: Based on an overview of prevailing circumstances on the youth’s perceptions and knowledge regarding small-scale farming entrepreneurship. The study concludes that many young people hold negative views about small-scale farming, mainly due to tough physical work, lack of funds, and climate uncertainty. By combining results from the quantitative survey with qualitative focus group interviews, the research sheds light on how these challenges influence youth perceptions and attitudes, offering a fuller picture of why farming entrepreneurship is seen this way
Implementation of South African Government Language Policy in Public Institutions: A Case Study of Siloam Hospital
No full textPHD in LinguisticsDepartment of English, Media Studies and LinguisticsThis study investigated the implementation of the South African Government Language Policy within public institutions, using Siloam Hospital, a district hospital located in the rural Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, as a case study. Rooted in the constitutional recognition of twelve official languages, including the recent inclusion of South African Sign Language (SASL) in 2023, this study critically assessed how public healthcare institutions align with national and departmental language policies, specifically the National Department of Health Language Policy of 2015. The research was anchored in Spolsky’s Theory of Language Policy, which emphasises the interplay of language practices, beliefs, and management within multilingual contexts. Employing a qualitative research design, data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and paramedics, as well as through the examination of internal hospital documents, signage, and notices. The study explored both the internal communication dynamics among staff and the external interactions between healthcare providers and patients, with an emphasis on how linguistic mismatches affected service delivery, diagnosis, treatment adherence, and patient satisfaction. Findings revealed a persistent gap between language policy mandates and actual practices at Siloam Hospital. Although the Constitution and departmental policies require the use of multiple official languages in government institutions, English continues to dominate most interactions. The hospital’s staff composition, comprised of multilingual professionals from various regions, faces challenges in communicating effectively with patients who primarily speak Tshivenda, Xitsonga, or Sepedi. A lack of trained interpreters, limited translation infrastructure, and insufficient awareness of language policy obligations contribute to systemic communication barriers. These barriers often result in misdiagnosis, ineffective treatment, and heightened patient anxiety, undermining the goals of equitable and inclusive healthcare. The study also addressed historical and socio-political factors influencing language use in South African institutions, including the legacy of colonial and apartheid-era language dominance. It examined the slow progression in the elevation of African indigenous languages in public life, despite constitutional provisions and policy frameworks designed to reverse historical injustices. The
research highlights the contradiction between legal mandates and practical implementation, exacerbated by socioeconomic challenges, staff shortages, budgetary constraints, and public attitudes that prioritise English for perceived upward mobility. The study concludes that while policies advocating multilingualism exist on paper, their practical execution remains inadequate in healthcare settings such as Siloam Hospital. It recommends the appointment of trained interpreters, increased budgetary allocation for language services, targeted staff training, community language profiling, and robust policy monitoring mechanisms. By bridging the gap between policy and practice, public institutions can foster inclusive service delivery, enhance healthcare outcomes, and promote the dignity of all official languages. This research contributes to the broader discourse on language rights, public health equity, and post-apartheid transformation in South African governance
Synthesis of 6-Substitutedchromone-2- Carboxamide derivatives as corrosion inhibitors for metals in acidic medium
Full text linkMNMMSCDepartment of ChemistryCorrosion is the gradual deterioration of a metal's properties as a result of its interaction with the surrounding environment. One method of controlling corrosion is to use corrosion inhibitors, substances added to a corrosive environment in trace quantities to reduce the rate of corrosion. In this study, five (5) non-toxic and inexpensive 6-substitutedchromone-2-carboxamides derivatives (Chromone-2-carboxamide, 6-bromochromone-2-carboxamide, 6-chlorochromone-2-carboxamide, 6-methoxychromone-2-carboxamide and 6-nitrochromone-2-carboxamide) were successful synthesized and evaluated as potential corrosion inhibitors in 1.5 M HCl for mild steel (MS) and zinc (Zn), and 1.0 M HCl for aluminium (Al) using experimental and computational techniques. All these inhibitors were first synthesized and then characterized by spectroscopic methods namely: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy (1H NMR and 13C NMR), Mass Spectrometry and Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The corrosion inhibition potentials of the corrosion were investigated using gravimetric analysis (GA), electrochemical analysis, theoretical studies, and surface morphology studies. Results from GA on MS showed an increase in percentage inhibition efficiency (%IE) as inhibitor concentration was increased, with NO2-Chr-2-Carb showing the highest %IE (97.44%). The Langmuir adsorption isotherm was found to be the best-fit for all the corrosion inhibitors for all metal surfaces. All the synthesized compounds reduced the corrosion rate of three metals in the HCl solution. These corrosion inhibitors also exhibited mixed-type inhibitive action for the Al and MS, while physical adsorption was dominating on Zn. Spectra from FTIR showed that all corrosion inhibitors formed adsorption films on all metal surfaces, successfully inhibiting the corrosion process. Potentiodynamic Polarization (PDP) measurements revealed that these inhibitors reduced the rate of anodic and cathodic corrosion reactions, as shown by Tafel polarization measurements. Electrochemical Impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements revealed an increase in diameter of imperfect semicircles with increase in the concentration of inhibitors, suggesting increase in the surface coverage of adsorptive inhibitors on the metal surfaces, thus increase in charge transfer resistance. Spectroscopic studies for surface
analysis by SEM/EDS and wettability contact angle technique proved that the inhibitors induced a barrier for the corrosion process and created the hydrophobic surfaces. Quantum chemical calculations confirmed the importance of heteroatoms (O and N) in corrosion inhibition and gave a clear view on how the inhibitors adsorbed on the metal surfaces.ABSA Scholarship and MQ
Effects of Conflicts of Interest on the Appointment of Principals: Perceptions on the Quality of Leadership in the Vhuronga I Circuit, Vhembe East District, Limpopo Province
Full text linkMED in Educational ManagementDepartment of Professional and Curriculum StudiesThis study aimed to determine the effects of conflicts of interest on the appointment of school principals. Specifically, it sought to find out teachers’ views regarding the extent to which conflicts of interest affect the appointment of quality school principals; to determine teachers’ perceptions regarding the impact of the appointment of poor-quality school principals on the delivery of effective teaching and learning at schools; and to recommend strategies that would help educational authorities eliminate conflicts of interest from appointment processes for school principals. The explanatory mixed-method research design was employed. The population comprised teachers, principals, School Governing Body (SGB) members, and union leaders from secondary schools in the Vhuronga 1 Circuit. Simple random sampling was used for the quantitative phase of the study, and the purposive sampling method was used for the qualitative phase of the study. A questionnaire was used to collect data for the quantitative phase of the study, and an interview schedule was used to collect data for the qualitative phase of the study. The data from the questionnaires was analysed using a computer programme called Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Data reduction and data display were used to analyse the qualitative data. Data from the qualitative phase was used to explain, refine or extend the results from the quantitative phase. Thereafter, both quantitative and qualitative data were integrated into a coherent whole. The study found that conflicts of interest exist in the appointment processes for principals and that the appointment of poor-quality principals compromised the achievement of school outcomes, thereby negating the delivery of quality education to learners. Recommendations were made to all important stakeholders in the appointment process to help eliminate the conflicts of interest
Digital Migration in South Africa: Experiences of Rural Selected Communities in Thulamela Municipality, Limpopo Province
No full textM.A. (Communication and Media)Department of English, Media Studies and LinguisticsThe global transition from analogue to digital broadcasting has been a significant shift driven by advancements in information and communication technologies. Digital migration offers benefits such as improved picture quality, efficient spectrum usage, and accommodating multiple channels on a single frequency. However, this transition has presented challenges for various stakeholders, particularly in developing regions and rural communities. This study focuses on the experiences of rural communities in the Thulamela Municipality, located in the Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa, during the shift from analogue to digital broadcasting. The motivation for this study stems from the delayed migration to digital television in South Africa, which began in 2009 but missed International Telecommunications Union deadlines for analogue switch-off in June 2015. Rural communities, especially those similar to the Thulamela Municipality, have faced difficulties related to infrastructural deficits, economic constraints, and limited access to digital equipment such as Set-Top Boxes. The research adopted a qualitative approach, gathering experiences from 15 purposively selected community members of Thulamela Municipality through semi-structured interviews. These interviews aimed to understand the challenges faced by these communities during the digital migration, the impact of the switchover on their access to broadcasting services, and any benefits derived from the digital transition. The results revealed that while there are potential benefits associated with digital migration, most rural households remained disconnected due to inadequate infrastructure, delays in Set-Top Box distribution, and a lack of public awareness campaigns about the transition. This research is based on the theoretical underpinning of communication rights, digital rights, and universal access, emphasising equal opportunities for access to information technologies for all actors. The concept of communication rights is highly relevant as it underscores citizens' right to freely seek, receive, and impart information, compromised due to the irregular establishment of digital infrastructure in many rural communities. The survey findings suggest that the well-intentioned policies of the South African government fell short in addressing the specific needs of rural communities, leading to a digital divide. The study highlights the implications of more inclusive policies and their proper implementation to ensure that all citizens, regardless of geographical location or economic status, benefit equally from digital broadcasting. This dissertation provides insight into the socio-economic implications of digital migration in rural South Africa and emphasises the need to improve efforts toward digital inclusion to reduce the disparities between urban and rural areas. The dissertation offers practical recommendations for policymakers, broadcasters,
and other stakeholders involved in the digital migration, emphasising the need for targeted interventions to achieve universal access to digital broadcasting services in underserved regions
A Reformed Church Perspective On “Muthuso wa vhana” (Vhavenda Traditional Immunisation Practice): A Case Study Of The Soutpansberg Synod Of The Reformed Churches In South Africa
Full text linkM.A. (Theology)Department of Human SciencesMuthuso wa vhana is a ritual that the Reformed churches in South Africa object to. The study focuses on investigating the understanding of the members of the Reformed Churches about Muthuso wa vhana. Muthuso wa vhana is a ritual done by the traditional doctor to prepare the newborn child to live a healthy life on earth and to be protected against evil spirits and the risk of being affected by diseases such as ngoma and lathavha. The reason is that the child must be protected, and the child should not have a problem when he plays or finds himself or herself among the children who have gone under the ritual Muthuso wa vhana. Muthuso wa vhana is to treat a newborn child with medicine to protect the child against diseases and evil spirits before the child is allowed to go out of the hut. After the umbilical cord fell off, the family summoned the traditional doctor to come and treat the child with traditional medicine. The Vhavenda people believe that if the traditional doctor has treated the child, he or she is safe to go out of the hut. An explorative research design using qualitative methodology was adopted in this study. The literature review provides an account of ongoing discussions by other scholars and researchers on related topics. Individual interviews were conducted to obtain data from mothers who hold beliefs about Muthuso wa vhana, even though they are church members, and regard Muthuso wa vhana as a wrong practice for Christians. The population for this study consisted of mothers who know Muthuso wa vhana, traditional healers, both women and men, pastors, and parents who have taken their children to Muthuso wa vhana. The age of the population ranges from 43 to 80 years. The research adopted the following steps to analyse the data: familiarisation, indexing, charting, mapping, and interpretation. The research findings explored the community's knowledge and understanding of Muthuso wa vhana, including its various forms like taboo, Tshiunza, incision/sacrificial immunisation, and giving a name, along with the purpose behind these practices, such as disease prevention and protection from witchcraft. The church's position on Muthuso wa vhana is discussed, highlighting doctrinal considerations and scriptural references. Additionally, the study examines reasons for the church's adherence to Muthuso wa vhana, including religious and cultural factors, challenges faced by the community, fears regarding consequences and death, and pressures from family members
Diversity and species overlap of Botryosphaeriaceae on some trees of Anacardiaceae in disturbed and undisturbed ecosystems in South Africa
No full textPhD (Plant Production)Department of Plant and Soil SciencesThe Botryosphaeriaceae are common and diverse on native and non-native plants. It has been established that the ability of Botryosphaeriaceae fungi to exist in healthy plant tissues as endophytes facilitates their global movement during the international trade of plants and plant products. It is important to understand whether fungi in the Botryosphaeriaceae have a restricted host range or a limited geographic distribution once introduced into new areas, and how ecosystem disturbances through human activities influence species diversity and distribution of fungi in the Botryosphaeriaceae. The current study explored Botryosphaeriaceae species diversity on native and non-native tree species of Anacardiaceae found in disturbed and undisturbed ecosystems, as well as species overlap of the Botryosphaeriaceae as endophytes and as pathogens in asymptomatic and symptomatic tissues of these trees. In addition, the genetic diversity and population structure of N. parvum, the dominant species occurring on asymptomatic mango fruit were assessed. These questions were addressed by sampling three tree species of Anacardiaceae, namely Sclerocarya birrea (marula), Mangifera indica (mango) and Lannea Schweinfurthii (false marula) in disturbed and undisturbed ecosystems in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, South Africa.
The ecosystem disturbance study identified 11 species of Botryosphaeriaceae, namely Diplodia allocellula, Dothiorella brevicollis, Dothiorella dulcispinae, Dothiorella viticola, Lasiodiplodia crassispora, Lasiodiplodia exigua, Lasiodiplodia gonubiensis, Lasiodiplodia mahajangana, Neofusicoccum parvum, Oblongocollomyces ednahkunjekuae and Oblongocollomyces sp. 1 occurring on native and non-native Anacardiaceae in disturbed and undisturbed ecosystems. Ten of the 11 species were identified on trees in undisturbed ecosystems, while three were identified on trees in disturbed ecosystems. Lasiodiplodia crassispora and L. mahajangana were generalists on trees in disturbed and undisturbed ecosystems. The results from this study also indicated the ability of some species to cross-infect native and non-native Anacardiaceae growing next to each other. For example, N. parvum isolates occurred on both S. birrea (a native species) and M. indica (a non-native species) trees adjacent to each other in disturbed ecosystems.
An investigation on species occurrence of the Botryosphaeriaceae as endophytes and as pathogens on the Anacardiaceae identified 12 species of Botryosphaeriaceae, D. allocellula, Dothiorella brevicollis, Do. dulcispinae, Do. viticola, Lasiodiplodia crassispora, L. exigua, L. gonubiensis, L. mahajangana, L. pseudotheobromae, Neofusicoccum parvum,
Oblongocollomyces ednahkunjekuae and Oblongocollomyces sp. 1 in asymptomatic and symptomatic tissues. Dothiorella dulcispinae, L. exigua, L. gonubiensis, Oblongocollomyces ednahkunjekuae and Oblongocollomyces sp. 1 were exclusive to asymptomatic Anacardiaceae, while D. allocellula, Do. brevicollis, Do. viticola, L. crassispora, L. mahajangana and N. parvum occurred in asymptomatic and symptomatic Anacardiaceae indicating the ability to occupy healthy plant tissues as latent opportunistic pathogens on these trees.
The N. parvum population genetics data was assessed based on nine microsatellite markers. This study indicated that the N. parvum population consists of three distinct genetic clusters characterized by high levels of genetic diversity. The three clusters were not correlated to host or geographic location indicating the lack of barrier on the movement of the fungus between the hosts and locations sampled. The study highlights the potential of mango fruit to serve as a source of international spread of Botryosphaeriaceae, especially of N. parvum.University of Venda, University of Pretoria, National Research Foundation (NRF) and the Center of Excellence in Plant Health Biotechnology (CPHB
An investigation into the use of digital media to promote indigeneous African Languages: the case of digital terrestrial television on SABC
No full textM. A. (Communication and Media)Department of Media Studies and CommunicationDigital media play an important role in promoting marginalised languages, particularly in the broadcasting sector, where they play second fiddle to English language. The unequal status in South Africa has resulted in increased social isolation and discrimination of indigenous African languages, the erosion of heritage and local cultural identities. Speakers of indigenous African languages have limited choices on television because indigenous African languages are either non-existent or limited on television due to the prioritisation of the English language. On the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) some programs in indigenous languages are ghosted in English to accommodate others who do not understand African languages. Misrepresentation of indigenous African languages has resulted in marginalisation of indigenous languages amongst 24-hour live-broadcast news channels. Linguistic inequality on television and digital media can manifest itself in several ways, such as discrimination or promotion, and unequal access to public services. However, very few studies have focused on how digital media could be leveraged to promote indigenous African languages, particularly in post-colonial contexts such as South Africa. Underpinned by the public sphere model and Jurgen Habermas’s theory of the public sphere, this qualitative study examined the role of digital media in promoting African indigenous languages on the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT). The study focused on how digital media were used to promote indigenous African languages on SABC DTT, how these digital technologies enhanced audience participation on SABC DTT, and the strengths and limitations of these digital technologies as vehicles for promoting indigenous African languages on SABC DTT. Data were collected using a semi-structured interviews with purposively selected 20 participants comprising of five (SABC) officials and 15 members of the audience, participant observation as well as document analysis. Textual data obtained through interviews were thematically coded and presented in narrative form. The study revealed, notwithstanding the limitations associated with these digital technologies, that the use of digital media on SABC DTT to promote indigenous African languages, has been transformative through laying the foundation for the preservation and revival of these languages. This study further argued the integration of digital media for the promotion and continued existence of these languages bridges the gap between the public broadcaster and citizens, thereby enhancing a sense of belonging and public citizenship
The protection of children in non- international armed conflict: Lessons from South Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo
No full textM.A. (Human Rights Law)Ismail Mahomed Center for Human and Peoples RightsArmed conflicts have become increasingly frequent in Africa, particularly in the Eastern
and Western regions of Africa. Armed conflict exposes all affected populations to several
vulnerabilities and harms. For example, children, as a vulnerable group, experience more
problems in this regard. However, armed conflicts are generally regulated internationally
through humanitarian law and human rights laws. Accordingly, several United Nations
Conventions and Protocols have been adopted to protect the rights of children affected
by armed conflict through humanitarian and human rights law. Africa has also adopted
landmark regional instruments to enshrine and protect children's rights, such as the
African Charter on Rights and Welfare of Children (ACRWC) and the African Charter on
Human and Peoples’ Rights (African Charter). In essence, Africa’s instruments
underscore and incorporate provisions of international instruments that carry binding
effect at the regional level, and member states are obliged to give these provisions
domestic effect through constitutional and legislative processes. This study aims to
analyse the extent of legal protection for children in armed conflict in Africa. Furthermore,
it addresses the vulnerabilities and implications children exposed armed conflict. The
study utilized case studies from South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo,
from which occurrences of armed conflict have been persistent and discern how children
are protected from the harms of armed conflict. The doctrinal method was used because
the information was compiled on a desktop study
Adult's perceptions of the influence of social media on youth: A case study of Matoks Youth in Limpopo Province, South Africa
No full textM. A. (Communication and Media Studies)Department of English, Media Studies and LinguisticsSocial networking has become a common international trend that has spread its reach to almost every corner of the world. The use of social media sites has evolved into an online platform where people create content, share it, bookmark it and network at a prodigious rate. Among the prominent users of social media are the youth. This study explored the perception of adults on the influence of social media on youth behaviour change in Matoks, Limpopo Province. The research sample consisted of eighteen (18) respondents, both nine (9) males and nine (9) females, whose ages ranged between 36 and 39 years, who owned mobile phones and who had social media accounts, which enabled them to see what the youth in Matoks are doing compared to what they are exposing themselves to and/or posting on social media. Purposive sampling was adopted to sample the study population members. The method used to collect data was the semi-structured interview. The study found that social media has both positive and negative impacts on youth behaviour change of the young people in Matoks, depending on users’ interests and how they use social media. These findings showed that young people in Matoks use social media platforms such as TikTok, WhatsApp and Facebook to communicate with their friends and families, whereas some use them to receive updates, recent vacancies and news update. The study also found that social media enables young people in Matoks to stay up to date, produce content, and even take part in social activities related to causes that are important to them, including racial justice and climate change. On the contrary, other findings revealed that social media use affects the mental health of the young people in Matoks negatively