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Investigation of UV-Induced geometrical isomerisation of helichrysum kraussii extracts and their inhibition potentials for acid corrosion of mild steel, zinc and aluminium
No full textMNPDPCDepartment of ChemistryCorrosion is the destruction of material due to chemical or electrochemical processes. Corrosion can be controlled by using corrosion inhibitors. Recently, plants have been explored as possible green corrosion inhibitors because they are environmentally friendly, easy to dispose, easily accessible and cheaper to extract or convert to inhibitors. Plant's metabolites or chemical constituents undergo geometrical isomerisation under the influence of UV light radiation. These changes might affect the extract's ability to inhibit corrosion. In this study, the effect of the UV light radiation on the Helichrysum kraussii (H. kraussii) plant extract was investigated through comparison with the non-UV-radiated H. kraussii plant extracts for mild steel, zinc and aluminium metal corrosion in 1.0 M HCl and H2SO4 at 30-60 ℃. This investigation was made possible by using techniques such as gravimetric weight loss analysis, Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), electrochemical analysis, contact angle, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and quantum molecular dynamic simulations. LCMS confirmed the formation of geometrical isomerisation when the H.kraussii extract was exposed to UV radiation. From the gravimetric analysis data, the corrosion rate (CR) was calculated and found to be decreasing with an increase in the concentration of the inhibitor extracts, with the highest concentration (1500ppm) at 30 ℃ having a corrosion rate of 3.92x10-4 and 1.70x10-4 g.cm2.h-1 for UV-radiated and non-radiated extract in 1.0 M H2SO4 for mild steel, respectively. Similar trends have been observed for the zinc and aluminium metals in HCl and H2SO4 solutions. The percentage inhibition efficiency (%IE) was found to increase with the increase in the two extract concentrations in the acidic media. In the presence of non-radiated extract, the % IE for mild steel in 1.0 M HCl was found to be 99.601% for 1500 ppm at 30 ℃. However, in the presence of UV-radiated H. kraussii extract, it was found to be 98.007%. The activation energy (Ea) values were found to increase with an increase in the concentration of both extract inhibitors. This suggests that the corrosion inhibition process of the three studied metals is through physisorption. The values of the change in Gibbs free energy (Δ) for both the extracts were found to be negative, indicating that the reaction between the inhibitor molecules and the metal surface was spontaneous. From the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), the semi-circle diameter for mild steel and zinc metals and the circle diameter for the aluminium metal in the Nyquist plot was found to increase with an increase in the inhibitor concentration. The charge transfer resistance (Rct) values were found to increase with an increase in the extract inhibitor concentrations. For mild steel in 1.0 M H2SO4, the Rct values
ranged between 8.751-26.52 Ωm2 and 10.20-26.41 Ωm2 for the UV-radiated and non-radiated extract, respectively. The introduction of the two extract inhibitors in the HCl and H2SO4 solution managed to reduce the corrosion current density (icorr) for mild steel, zinc and aluminium metals. The icorr values for mild steel in 1.0 M H2SO4 ranged between 397.202 -1395.884 mA.cm-2 and 343.358 – 1572.977 mA.cm-2 for the UV-radiated and non-radiated extracts. FTIR performed on the coated mild steel, zinc, and aluminium surface showed functional groups such as C=C, O-H, and N-H for both extracts, which are known to be functional groups of the most effective corrosion inhibitors. Contact angles were used to study the surface morphology of the metals, and it was observed that introducing the extract inhibitors in aggressive solutions changed the metal's surface from hydrophilic to hydrophobic surface. Computational simulations have been studied to demonstrate the most conceivable adsorption arrangements or configurations between the metal surface and the inhibitor. Parallel configuration of the inhibitor molecules on the metal surface was found to be the best configuration, giving high adsorption energy. SEM showed that introducing the two extract inhibitors in the acidic solution protected the metal surface from developing deep pits caused by the acid attack. EDS showed that corrosion took place on the metal surface and that the extract inhibitors were adsorbed on the metal surface based on the functional groups such as oxygen, calcium and nitrogen obtained on the metal surface. X-ray diffraction showed the presence of oxide on the metal surface confirming that the corrosion process took place. Based on the results obtained, it was found that the non-radiated H. kraussii extract was found to be more effective in inhibiting the corrosion of mild steel, zinc and aluminium metals in 1.0 M HCl and H2SO4 than the UV-radiated H. kraussii extract. This suggests that the UV radiation decreases the inhibition efficiency of the H. kraussii extract as an efficient corrosion inhibitor for mild steel, zinc and aluminium metals in 1.0 M HCl and H2SO4. Therefore, it is recommended that the H. kraussii extract be used only as a corrosion inhibitor for mild steel, zinc, and aluminium metals in 1.0 M HCl and H2SO4 in its original state without being exposed to UV radiation
Evaluation of public participation process in environmental impact assessments of selected development projects in the Vhembe District of South Africa
No full textPhDGEODepartment of Geography and Environmental SciencesEnsuring a pragmatic balance between environmental imperatives and community development within Vhembe district in South Africa has been a growing concern since communities’ right to an environment that sustains their wellbeing is being infringed due to ecologically unsustainable development activities carried out in the area. In the wake of this, this research study evaluated the extent to which Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) of development projects in Vhembe district complied with public participation as stipulated by EIA policy guidelines and goals provided within EIA legislation in South Africa. The objectives of the study were: to evaluate the level of awareness of guidelines for public participation by the community; to assess the extent to which Environmental Assessment Practitioners (EAPs) have complied with guidelines for public participation in EIA legislations; and to assess public participation practice by EAPs in relation to community expectations in Vhembe district. This study relied mainly on qualitative method of data collection and analysis supplemented by quantitative method. In order to achieve the main aim of this research, a case study was used. Simple random sampling method was done on development projects that required EIA due to their potential to cause irreversible harm to the Earth’s systems thus undermine sustainable development. These development projects were sampled from the four local municipalities within Vhembe district. Systematic sampling was used to identify respondents to whom questionnaires were administered. Interviews were conducted with twelve key informants and also with four EAPs who conducted EIAs for the sampled development projects. The reviewed documents for the development projects included Basic Assessment Reports (BARs); and Scoping and Environmental Impact Report (S&EIR). For data analysis, Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used. The results revealed that community members are generally not conversant with EIA guidelines for public participation. Furthermore, it was revealed that EAPs only complied with some of the minimum requirements of EIA procedure. Also notable is that EAPs displayed lack of requisite expertise on how to conduct public participation and as a result infringed on the public’s right to access information by making projects’ information only available in libraries and websites. Key recommendation is that public participation should be made effective and participative by ensuring that community members are capacitated accordingly. As a key contribution to the body of knowledge, this study developed a context-based adaptive strategic framework for ensuring effective and participative public participation practice based on local realities thus to ensure sustainable development.University of Venda Higher Degrees Committe
Spatio-temporal analysis of extreme rainfall events in Limpopo Province
No full textMENVSCI in GeographyDepartment of Geography and Environmental SciencesThis research on the spatiotemporal analysis of extreme rainfall events in Limpopo Province is critical for understanding the changing rainfall patterns, intensity, and frequency, which have significant implications for water resources, agriculture, infrastructure, and disaster management. However, there is a lack of comprehensive and localized spatiotemporal analysis of extreme rainfall occurrences, particularly in Limpopo Province. The main aim of this study was to analyse spatial and temporal patterns of extreme rainfall in Limpopo province by identifying historical trends, frequency, intensity, and spatial distribution using statistical and geospatial techniques. This was undertaken using historical rainfall data obtained from the South African Weather Service (SAWS). The analysis involved using Geographic Information System (GIS) to examine trends in the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall, analyse their spatial distribution, and analyse trends in extreme rainfall events using the Student's t-test, to determine the significance and Sen’s slope to assess the magnitude of those trends. Extreme precipitation indices developed by the World Meteorological Organization Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices were used. The findings showed that the majority of Limpopo province saw an increase in the intensity of daily rainfall, aligning with global trends overall. A reduction in precipitation during the rainy period was observed in most regions of the east and northeast, while the eastern and southern sections near the slope received seasonal drought. Mara, Oudestad, and Tshivhasie tea Venda showed a strong upward trend in Consecutive Wet Days (CWD), R20mm, and R95p and a decline in Consecutive Dry Days (CDD) from the period of 1993-2023, showing that as the mean rainfall increases, so do extreme rainfall occurrences. In addition, the mean annual rainfall significantly influenced extreme precipitation indices in Limpopo Province. By assessing long-term trends and spatial variations, this study will assist decision-makers who emphasize climate resilience and sustainable development to properly allocate resources and establish areas that need attention in terms of managing impacts associated with droughts and floods, as well as enhancing local interpretation of rainfall and resource allocation to promote sustainability in the province
Lived Experiences of Students with Impaired Vision at the University of Venda, Vhembe District, Limpopo Province in South Africa
No full textMaster of Public HealthDepartment of Public HealthVision is a crucial sensory function in the human body, enabling individuals to engage with their environment, ensuring safety, and maintaining cognitive alertness. Visual impairments refer to a decrease in vision that is caused by factors like - eye diseases, accidents, or eye problems that are present from birth and can affect people’s quality of life. People with impaired vision have trouble with self-navigation, indoors due to furniture or outdoors because of unsafe sidewalks. The study’s purpose was to gain comprehensive insights into the lived experiences of students with impaired vision at the University of Venda, Vhembe District in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The study target population was visually-impaired students who are 18 years and above, registered for the 2023 academic year, and are in their second year of study. The study employed a qualitative methodology, specifically a descriptive and exploratory research design. The researcher employed a non-probability purposive sampling method, specifically targeting students with poor vision who possessed the necessary information for the study. The sample size was calculated based on the point at which data saturation occurred at tenth participant and the data collection was conducted using in-depth individual interviews and recorded with tape recorder. The data collection instrument underwent a pre-testing phase at the University of Venda, where it was evaluated by two visually-challenged students who were not included in the main study. Data was analysed qualitatively using a thematic analysis. This study examined the many obstacles visually-impaired University of Venda students encounter in numerous aspects of their university life. Participants reported that starting from admission to course materials, exams, and accommodations, they face major challenges that affect their academic progress and well-being. The findings underscore the necessity of tackling these issues through a comprehensive approach that focuses on accessibility, assistance, and inclusiveness. The recommendations indicate that universities should adopt inclusive admission procedures, offer accessible course materials, modify test formats, and enhance campus facilities and transportation options to support visually-impaired students
The efficacy of Integrated Development Planning in promoting Developmental Local Government: A case of Collins Chabane Local Municipality, Limpopo Province
Full text linkMaster of AdministrationDepartment of Public and Development AdministrationThe study focuses on the efficacy of integrated development planning in promoting developmental local government: A case of Collins Chabane Local Municipality, Limpopo Province. Developmental local government (DLG) is a vision for the future form of local government in South Africa. The DLG outlines a system of democratic local government in which efficient and effective municipalities meet the needs of all, but particularly those of poor and vulnerable communities. A pragmatic research paradigm was adopted, incorporating a mixed-method approach that used both quantitative and qualitative research. In this study, mixed research methods were integrated while maintaining each method's original structures and procedures. The researcher employed descriptive study designs. A probability sampling method was used, as it allowed researchers to create a sample that accurately represented the real-life population of interest. Data collected through research questionnaires were analysed using IBM SPSS (Statistical Product and Service Solutions) Version 29.0, while data gathered through research interviews were analysed using Atlas.Ti. Throughout the data collection process, all ethical considerations were prioritised to ensure that respondents participated freely, without any form of coercion or intimidation.
The major findings of the study are:
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The Municipality has a serious issue with high youth unemployment, raising concerns about the future for young people.
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Community participation is essential for successful IDP processes. It fosters engagement and ensures community needs are met.
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External stakeholders help the Municipality develop and implement the Integrated Development Plan (IDP). They provide important insights, resources, and expertise to ensure the plan meets the community's needs.
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Insufficient infrastructure frequently restricts the effective implementation of IDP initiatives, creating challenges in providing essential services and meeting the community's developmental goals.
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The IDP needs to integrate all planning, budgeting, and administration activities in the Municipality.
The following recommendations are therefore made based on the findings of the study:
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The study recommends that the Municipality should create job in order to reduce a high rate of unemployed youth.
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The Municipality should actively involve the community, as this participation is key to successful IDP processes.
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It is recommended that the external stakeholders should be encouraged to assist the Municipality in the development and execution of the IDP.
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The Municipality should prioritise infrastructure projects to address the community's most pressing needs, such as reliable water supply, efficient transportation, and adequate healthcare facilities.
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The researcher recommends that the Municipality should fully implement robust public employment programs specifically designed to create a substantial number of job opportunities for the large cohort of unemployed youth.
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The study recommends that the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) effectively combine and synchronise all planning, budgeting, and administration activities within the Municipality
Effects of Macadamia integrifolia husk substrate and Moringa oleifera leaf extract on macro propagation of banana (Musa spp.) using the Plants Isus de Fragments de tiges (plants issued from stem fragments (PIF) technique
No full textMSCAGR (Horticultural Sciences)Department of Plant and Soil SciencesBanana is an essential food crop because of the commercial and nutritional advantages it offers. It provides vital nutrients and has some health benefits. The two main challenges farmers face are high production costs and difficulties in obtaining clean pathogen-free propagules. Propagation of suckers through tissue culture (micropropagation) is expensive and requires high technical skills. Alternatively, the macropropagation technique is affordable, requires basic materials, does not require advanced skills, and has never been practiced in South Africa. Moreover, the technique can be enhanced through growth media and hormone treatment. The current study explored the use of organic substrate macadamia husk and organic additive moringa on macropropagation of bananas in Vhembe District. Two experiments were conducted at the ARC-TSC research farm in Levubu. The first experiment investigated the influence of different substrates on bud initiation and growth of banana suckers propagated through Plants isus de fragments de tiges (plants issued from stem fragments (PIF)) technique. The second experiment examined the effect of moringa leaf extract on bud initiation and growth of banana suckers propagated through the PIF technique. Both experiments were laid out as randomised complete design, replicated 3 times with experiment 1 having 4 treatments (macadamia husk compost (MHC), pure sand, sawdust, and a mixture at a ratio of 1:1:1 of all the substrates). Experiment 2 had 5 treatments of different concentrations of moringa leaf extracts (MLE) (0%, 2%, 4%, 6% and 8%). The data collected for both experiments was the number of corms germinated, the number of days to first sucker emergence, number of sprouted buds per corm, number of roots per corm, number of suckers transplanted, sucker height, sucker diameter, number of leaves per sucker, number of roots per sucker and sucker root length. Data was subjected to analysis of variance using SAS and the means were separated using the least significant difference at 5% probability level. The results for the first experiment showed that MHC substrate recorded short number of days to first sucker emergence. The third transplanting cycle produced suckers with high number of leaves per shoot (NLPS), number of roots per shoot (NRPS), and long shoot root length (SRL), the first transplanting cycle produced tall suckers with thick pseudo-stem diameter (PSD). A highly significant positive correlation was observed between number of roots per shoot (NRPS) and NLPS as well as SRL and NLPS. The study revealed that MHC substrate produced more suckers, especially during the first transplanting cycle and therefore can be recommended as a substrate in the production of banana suckers. The results for the second experiment showed that 4% concentration of MLE produced high number of buds sprouted (NOBS), number of roots per corm (NORPC) and total suckers transplanted per treatment (TSTPT). The first transplanting cycle produced high number of suckers transplanted with high shoot height (SH) while third transplanting cycle produced suckers with long SRL. A weak positive correlation was found between NLPS and PSD, NRPS and NLPS, and SRL and NRPS and NLPS. The study concluded that the concentration of 4% may be recommended in bud initiation of banana
plantlets using PIF technique. Moreover, the first transplant produced large quantity of suckers that were tall in all the two seasons.AGRISET
Translating and interpreting South Africa’s cultures: art, song and dance in Mda’s selected novels
No full textM.A. (English Literature)Department of English, Media Studies and LinguisticsThis study explores the translation and interpretation of South African cultures through art, song, and dance in Zakes Mda's following novels: Ways of Dying (1995), She Plays with the Darkness (1995), The Heart of Redness (2000), and The Sculptors of Mapungubwe (2013). The study employs post-colonial theories and decolonial perspectives to discern how Mda deploys these artistic expressions to transcend their aesthetic value, acting as powerful symbols of resistance, unity, and healing. These narratives have been selected because they highlight Mda's skill in navigating the complexities of translating South African cultural realities into narrative form. By examining how Mda incorporates and reinterprets traditional South African art forms, music, and dance, this study reveals the complex dynamics of cultural expression and translation. The study argues that Mda navigates the tensions between cultural preservation and innovation, highlighting the ways in which art, song, and dance serve as powerful tools for storytelling, social commentary, and cultural critique. The selected novels foreground and epitomise a deeper understanding of the role of art, song and dance in shaping South African identity and experience
Evaluating The Utilization of Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Services at the University of Venda
No full textM.A. (Social Work)Employee assistance program services is one of the most intriguing developments in the practise of social work, which is aimed at addressing issues that employees face in the workplace. Employers no longer advocate for leaving personal difficulties at home; instead, they now offer services that deal with problems that can impede job performance and satisfaction. This study focused on evaluating the utilization of employee assistance program services by employees of the University of Venda.
The success of an employee assistance programme is greatly influenced by the evaluation of such interventions. Continuous review is required to make sure that the EAP is pertinent to the demands of the targeted demographic. The findings of such an evaluation will include suggestions for what needs to be changed or modified.
The study was conducted at the university of Venda, South Africa. A mixed methodological approach was employed for the study. The population in the study were employees at the University of Venda. A sample of 30 participants were selected from the following categories, academics’, administration, maintenance, and support. Both quantitative and qualitative data was collected, the quantitative data was collected using questionnaires and the qualitative data was collected using a face-to-face individual interviews. Following data collection, thematic content analysis was used to analyse the qualitative and the quantitative data was presented in graphs and tables.
The study revealed that employees at the university of Venda are utilizing the services of the EAP, however the EAP is not fully utilized as employees mostly use the employee wellness days benefit compared to other services.
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An Assessment of the Influence of Youth Unemployment on Crime Rates in Chavani Village, Limpopo, South Africa
No full textM.A. (Criminal Justice)Department of Public LawYouth unemployment and crime are two major rallying themes across South Africa’s socio-political landscape. This study was conducted due to the concern of a rapid increase of unemployment and crime. Most graduates find themselves in a situation where they are unable to secure employment and this further result into emotional and mental breakdown. The study aims to assess the influence of youth unemployment on crime rates in Chavani village, Limpopo province, South Africa. The study adopted a mixed research methods approach. A purposive sampling and cluster sampling was used to select participants. The researcher used semi-structured interviews and questionnaires to collect data. Qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis and quantitative data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). It is envisaged that findings of this study may be used in the design and implementation of strategies and programmes to reduce youth unemployment and crime in South Africa. Further, the researcher makes some recommendations pertaining to addressing and reducing the high rate of youth unemployment and crime
Wasted Water Quality, Economic Valuation and Development of a Water Loss Framework at the University of Venda
No full textMESHWRDepartment of Earth SciencesThe study investigates the extent of water wastage and its management at the
University of Venda, by assessing several factors related to water losses, costs,
quality, and the development of a water-loss management framework. The study
objectives were achieved through questionnaires which were distributed among
students, staff, and maintenance personnel, to gather data on water usage and
management. Field observations identified key areas where water was being wasted,
especially in places like student residences. Water samples were collected from
identified hotspots, with measurements taken based on amounts and time to calculate
the rate of water wastage. Water quality tests included physical, chemical, microbial,
and heavy metal analyses, to determine whether that the water quality met the South
African National Standards (SANS) and those of World Health Organisation (WHO).
The results demonstrated that water was wasted most during students’ residency
periods (when students were not on recess). A total of 2,511,351 litres per year were
lost during the academic terms, while 52,710 litres per year were wasted during the
recess periods. The estimated financial loss due to water wastage was R 50,227
during student residency periods and R 1,054 during recess, based on water tariffs
from the Thulamela Municipality. The quality of the wasted water was found to meet
SANS and WHO standards, with tests confirming the water was safe in terms of being
free from microbial content and chemical composition. Based on this picture, a
monitoring application was developed to help track and manage water wastage. The
app automatically captures geolocations of water wastage on the campus and allows
individuals to report incidents of water wastage by submitting photos or short videos
(15-30 seconds). The study highlights the extent of water wastage occurring at the
University of Venda, especially when students are present, and proposes a
technological solution through the monitoring app to help reduce these losses.
Additionally, the water wasted was found to be of good quality, therefore, representing
financial and resource concerns.National Research Foundation (NRF