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Probing gendered rehabilitation conditions for murder offenders in Thohoyandou Correctional Centre in Limpopo Province, South Africa
No full textPhDGSDepartment of Youth in DevelopmentIn South Africa, there is a concerning rise in recidivism among murder offenders, despite the efforts by the Department of Correctional Services. The rehabilitation of offenders is believed to be an important topic worldwide. International experts on rehabilitation now support the use of a criminogenic needs approach to rehabilitation programs, meaning that each offender should be rehabilitated according to his/her criminogenic needs. It is important to highlight that, while the rehabilitation of offenders is a primary objective of the Department of Correctional Services in South Africa, several challenges hinder this effort. These include a lack of gender-specific programs for female offenders, who often find themselves subjected to rehabilitation programs designed for males; a shortage of qualified professionals; issues related to gangsterism; limited access to quality education; overcrowding; and a medium of instruction that hampers effective rehabilitation. This study adopts a qualitative exploratory design. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis. The study's findings indicate that rehabilitation programs have a positive effect on offenders and can significantly transform their lives, provided they are committed to change, as true transformation originates from within. Therefore, it became evident that for rehabilitation initiatives to be truly effective, the Department of Correctional Services must tackle the challenges mentioned above
Strategies for Coping with Water Scarcity in Smallholder Cattle Farming Systems in Makhado Local Municipality
No full textAGMARDInstitute for Rural DevelopmentWater scarcity poses a significant challenge to smallholder farmers, cattle, and overall agricultural sustainability. The challenge of water scarcity in cattle farming systems underscores the critical need for adaptive practices to safeguard cattle well-being and maintain livestock productivity. The study determines the coping strategies to address water scarcity effects on smallholder cattle farming in Tshikuwi and Tshirolwe, Makhado local municipality, Limpopo, South Africa. A mixed method was adopted in this study. The body scoring condition was collected using a BSC scale, and the interviewer used a semi-structured interview guide. The population of this study included cattle and members of the community, only cattle farmers who were 18 and older participated in the study. Qualitative data was analysed thematically using Atlas-ti 8 software, version 24.1.0 and quantitative data was computed through descriptive statistics using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29. The participants expressed different perceptions of water scarcity, most respondents perceived water scarcity as a lack of water and a shortage of water to cover cattle farming. Smallholder cattle farmers employed different types of coping strategies to tackle water scarcity; the most common strategy used was natural water wells and boreholes. The study revealed a correlation between the distance to the water source and the body condition and health of the cattle (Bucks, r=0.7002, Does, r = 0.9865 and Weaners, r=0.9582). The study used a scatter plot to determine if there was a correlation between the distance (km), the body condition, and the health status of the cattle. The findings showed that bucks exhibit low correlation (r2 = 0.4903), indicating greater variability in their BCS as distance increases and a linear trend of distance and FAMACHA, which does show a sharper decline (slope = -1.0606). The findings emphasised the significance of streams/rivers and boreholes as the main resource for coping with water scarcity. According to the farmers, behavioural changes are the biggest impact they have seen in their cattle. The study recommends educational initiatives to assist smallholder farmers in enhancing their management of water resources as well as government and agricultural producers to allocate resources towards developing infrastructure and technology that guarantees cattle access to water.
Keywords: Cattle, coping strategies, farming systems, rural, smallholder
Kushumiselwe kwa Luambo lwa Tshivenda kha Muzika wa RAP
No full textM.A. in TshivendaDepartment of African LanguagesLuambo lwo shanduka lwa miṅwaha na miṅwaha yo fhiraho nahone lu kha ḓi isa
phanḓa na u shanduka. Muzika sa zwiṅwe zwa zwithu u khou shela mulenzhe kha
tshanduko iyi. Luambo lwa Tshivenḓa lwo dzhia (adopt) kana u ṱanganedza lushaka
lwa muzika u vhidzwaho u pfhi ‘Ven rap’ wa vha tshipiḓa tsha miṅwe ya mizika ya
Tshivenḓa. U ṱanganedzwa ha muzika uyu wa ‘Rap’ zwi khou ḓa na masiandoitwa
kha luambo na mvelele. Muṱoḓisisi o lavhelesa a vhona hu na tshanduko i kwamaho
luambo, tshanduko iyo yo ṱuṱuwedza muṱoḓisisi uri a ite ṱhoḓisiso o sedza
kushumiselwe kwa luambo lwa Tshivenḓa kha muzika wa ‘Ven rap’. Naho hu na
ḽiambele ḽine ḽa ri u dzhia kana u ḓibadekanya na luambo lwa muṅwe muthu ndi u dzhia
mvelele yawe, izwi zwi tshi khou itwa ngauri luambo lwo pfuma mvelele. Khethekanyo
iyi ya muzika wa ‘Ven rap’ i ḓo thusa u bvisela khagala uri luambo lu no khou shumiswa
kha muzika uyu lu ṱuṱuwedza hani luambo lwa Tshivenḓa nahone ṱhuṱhuwedzo iyi ndi
yavhuḓi kana a si yavhuḓi kha luambo na. Ṱhoḓisiso iyi i ḓo shumisa mutheo wa
tshivhumbeo tsha ngona ya ṱhoḓisiso ya ṱhalutshedzo (explanatory) na ngona ya
ṱhoḓisiso ya khwaḽithethivi ngeno tshiko hu tsha sekondari ngauri ho sedzwa kha ḽirikisi
dza nyimbo dza muzika wa ‘Ven rap’. Tshigwada tsha zwiṱoḓuluswa ndi nyimbo dza
fumi dzi imbyaho nga vhanna na vhafumakadzi nahone nga luambo lwa Tshivenḓa.
Maitele a u kuvhanganya data hu ḓo shumiswa nḓila ya ‘Corpus’ u kuvhanganya
nyimbo dza muzika wa ‘Ven rap’. Muṱoḓisisi u ḓo shumisa ṱhumbulo ya tshipikwa u
nanguludza mitaladzi ine ya vha na mafhungo a ndeme kha ḽirikisi u khunyeledza
ṱhoḓisiso. Mitaladzi yo nangwaho i ḓo vha yone sambula ya ṱhoḓisiso ngeno mafhungo
a tshi ḓo ṱhaṱhuvhiwa nga nḓila ya tsenguluso ya zwi re ngomu (content analysis).
Thyiori na yone i ḓo shumiswa hone magumoni a ṱhoḓisiso iyi mawanwa a ḓo
ṋetshedzwa khathihi na themendelo.
Language has evolved significantly over the years, and it continues to evolve. Music
as a genre, is also observed as one of the significant contributors to language
dynamics or language change. The Vhavenḓa have adopted Rap music to their
context in the name of ‘Ven rap’. The adoption of Rap music comes with cultural and
linguistic implications. Otherwise, there’s a notion that says adopting someone’s
language is the adoption of their culture because language is one of the most
important carriers of culture. The current researcher has observed linguistic patterns
that are worth investigating, hence the relevance of this study is to investigate
Tshivenḓa language usage in ‘Ven rap’ music. Through this musical genre, this study
will determine how the use of language in ‘Ven rap’ music influences Tshivenḓa.
However, this music can influence Tshivenḓa positively or negatively. Diffusion of
Innovation Theory is adopted as the theoretical point of departure. The theory will
assist when explaining how Tshivenḓa is used in ‘Ven rap’ musical genre. The study
adopts an explanatory research design and qualitative methodology. The emphasis
will be on segments extracted from song lyrics. The total target population of this study
is 10 ‘Ven rap’ song lyrics sung by either male or female rappers. The method that will
be used to collect data is the corpus collection method. The researcher will further use
purposive sampling to extract discourse segments exhibiting more linguistic dynamics,
as the total sample of the study. Data analysis will include the use of content analysis
and theoretical tools entrenched in the theory grounding the study. Conclusions will
be drawn, and recommendations will be made
Exploration of cultural practices and their psychosocial functions on bereavement across the Vhavenda culture, Thulamela Municipality.
No full textMaster of Arts in PsychologyDepartment of PsychologyVhavenda people, much like other Africans, have different cultural interventions in place to deal with the agony caused by losing their loved one or a member of the community. When there is little information about cultural interventions during bereavement, community members tend to lose their way and suffer the consequences of not upholding cultural activities. The purpose of the study was to explore the cultural practices and their psychosocial functions on bereavement across the Vhavenda culture in Thulamela Municipality. This study was guided by the theory of social support and cultural grief. The study used the qualitative approach because the researcher aimed to provide an in-depth description. The exploratory-descriptive research design was used to provide an in-depth description. The target population were Vhavenda individuals living in a selected village in Thulamela. Purposeful sampling was used to sample participants. A total number of 14 Tshivenda speaking participants were sampled. The researcher, in conjunction with the interview guide, was responsible for collecting data. In-depth, semi-structured, one-on-one interviews were held at Maungani village at a location agreed on by the researcher and the participants. Ethical considerations were implemented throughout the research. The key findings of the study are that these cultural interventions serve a psychosocial function among the Vhavenda community, that includes providing peace, healing and comforting the bereaved
Information Asymmetry and Profitability of Tomato and Butternut Value Chains: A case of Nwanedi Agri-hub
No full textAGMARDInstitute for Rural DevelopmentThe agricultural economic subsector plays a crucial role, in food and nutrition security, trade balance, employment creation, and the supply of raw materials to agro-industries, however, the participation of smallholder farmers in the agricultural production chain and their contributions to value addition, remain poorly understood. Additionally, there are concerns regarding information asymmetry along the value chain, which may disadvantage smallholder farmers. This study aimed to address these gaps by mapping and characterizing the value chains for tomato and butternut crops and comparing the value creation and information sharing processes for these crops. In this study, a quantitative research design was employed and primary data was collected from various stakeholders along the value chains using closed-ended questionnaires. A sample of 150 smallholder farmers from 10 clusters was randomly selected. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, value chain mapping, and inferential statistics such as profitability ratios and Return on Investment (ROI), using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 26 and Excel.
The analysis of the tomato and butternut value chains in Nwanedi showed a varied group of participants, such as agro-dealers, farmers, processors, distributors, and retailers, backed by the Nwanedi Agri-hub. In spite of the assistance provided, small-scale farmers encounter challenges, such as significant information gaps. Farmers are often unable to access up-to date market prices and demand trends, which weakens their bargaining position in centralized markets and enables intermediaries to make excessive profits, ultimately reducing farmers' profits. The statistical data showed notable differences in profitability for tomato and butternut growers, which are affected by sales methods and how the crops are managed. Butternut farmers who sell their produce directly to merchants experience increased profitability and earn an average ROI of 15%, in contrast to those who depend on intermediaries. Profits for tomato growers are significantly affected by input expenses and the ability to utilize effective market routes, with only advanced crop-management resulting in profitable returns. It is important to mention that ROI can differ among tomato farmers, with some reaching a 20% ROI from direct sales, while others face low returns because of expensive inputs and limited market opportunities. The study concludes that addressing information asymmetry through improved market linkages and providing smallholder farmers with timely market information is critical for enhancing their resilience and profitability. Strategic measures, such as farmer cooperatives, infrastructure investments, and price stabilization mechanisms are recommended to help increase farmers' share of the retail price and ensure long-term agricultural sustainability. Tailored support and interventions, hence, are essential for improving the productivity and livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the Nwanedi region
Analysis of Level of Technical Efficiency of Water Use by Small-scale Irrigation Farmers in the Nwanedi Area of Limpopo Province: A case study of tomato farmers
No full textMRDVInstitute for Rural DevelopmentAgricultural water-management practices are being promoted as a way to adapt to climate change, as well as to combat poverty and unemployment. Low-cost and water-efficient irrigation technologies, such as, drip irrigation are believed to have the potential to save water. This it is anticipated would lead to increased productivity and subsequently improved food and nutrition security for rural livelihoods, thus, lift small-scale farmers out of poverty. Inefficient and ineffective irrigation systems contribute to excessive wastage of available water resources. The purpose of this study was to analyse the level of technical efficiency in water use by small-scale irrigation farmers in Nwanedi. Specifically, the study aimed to (a) characterise tomato production under small-scale irrigation in Nwanedi, (b) analyse use of water against the yield of tomatoes produced in Nwanedi, as well as (c) evaluate the level of technical efficiency of water-use by small-scale tomato growers in Nwanedi. Data were gathered from 144 small-scale farmers from the Nwanedi irrigation system using a questionnaire with both open and closed-ended questions. Frequency distribution tables and graphs were utilised to describe and characterise small-scale tomato farmers. The Stochastic Frontiers model’s Cobb-Douglas production function and a simple linear regression model were applied to address the second objective, which was to assess water use relative to tomato yield in Nwanedi. For the third objective, which aimed to evaluate the technical efficiency of water use by small-scale tomato growers in Nwanedi, the Cobb-Douglas production function, was employed. The findings of this study revealed that the efficiency levels of small-scale tomato farmers in Nwanedi ranged from 0.09 to 0.91, with an average of 0.59. This highlights the significant variability in tomato farming practices among Nwanedi farmers. Further, Stochastic Frontiers Analysis (SFA) results revealed that electricity as a proxy variable for water use was a significant predictor of farm income. In addition, the research findings revealed the significance of log(electricity)’s coefficient which suggests a meaningful impact on water use for tomato production’s efficiency. This study’s findings have both theoretical and practical implications. Theoretically, the findings contribute to the body of knowledge on water usage by small-scale farmers in irrigation farming environments. Practically, this study provides opportunities for improved monitoring and evaluation of small-scale
farmers to address the inconsistencies identified in the findings. Overall, the results of the study would inform strategies for implementing effective and efficient water management practices, aimed at conserving water and increasing productivity, therefore, the findings it is anticipated, would be are valuable to farmers, extension workers, and policymaker
Evaluating punctuation marks mastery by Grade 12 non-native English Home Language learners in Independent schools in the Mopani East District
No full textPhD (English Language Teaching (ELT))Department of English, Media Studies and LinguisticsThe present study aimed to investigate the use of punctuation marks by Grade 12 non- native English Home Language (EHL) respondents, focusing on six Independent High Schools in the Mopani East District. A mixed research approach combining quantitative and qualitative research was used because it strengthens the validity and the dependability of data. Purposive sampling was employed to sample respondents for quantitative data collection, as all 127 respondents participated. For the qualitative part, systematic random sampling was utilised to select respondents to obtain an unbiased representation of the total population. Therefore, the sample constituted 20% (26) of respondents enrolled in the 2023 academic year. For the quantitative part, the researcher mobilised a standardised test based on the punctuation of an anonymous and unpunctuated text to identify areas where respondents are competent or not. For the qualitative part, data were collected from the written essays to understand the respondents’ use of punctuation marks. The study employed pragmatism, a combination of positivism and interpretive paradigms, to measure quantitative data and develop a holistic analysis of qualitative data to incorporate numerous relevant factors into the study. Quantitative data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 28 Software owing to its latest enhancements to improve data management. Qualitative data was analysed using content analysis to clarify, refute, and substantiate the results from the written essays to prevent bias. The findings are envisaged to benefit English Home Language (EHL) respondents, teachers, and curriculum designers by enhancing the body of knowledge regarding the appropriate use of punctuation marks
An exploration of the factors that contribute to hybrid entrepreneurship sustainability: A case of City of Tshwane Municipality, Gauteng in South Africa
No full textMCOM in Business ManagementDepartment of Business ManagementThe concept of hybrid entrepreneurship was previously classified as either professional labour or self-employment to an extent that it was regarded as an act of “double-dipping”. On contrary it now stands at a forefront as a mechanism that generate supplementary income. However, the phenomenon of hybrid entrepreneurship has not been fully studied, as the most common studied aspects relates to the benefits of hybrid entrepreneurship, and its transitory decision notion. Thus, it has left a knowledge gaps pertaining to challenges of hybrid entrepreneurship and sustainability strategies. Therefore, in this context, the present study has investigated the factors contributing to the establishment of hybrid entrepreneurship, challenges of hybrid entrepreneurship and sustenance strategies thereof. To conduct the study in appropriate to meaningful conclusion the researcher has adopted the methodological assumption, guided by interpretivism paradigm, which led to the adoption of a qualitative research approach. This has enabled the researcher to gain an in-depth understanding of human behavior, and experience shared by hybrid entrepreneurs. As a result, this study was piloted with two participants before commencing with the main data collection process which entail 16 more participants. The pilot study was done to expose the researcher to the data collection process and to improve the questioning and probing skills of the researcher. Furthermore, thematic analysis process was adopted to deduce the meaning behind the participants’ words and experiences, with the use of ATLAS.ti. software to analyse data, code and develop themes. The findings showed that individuals are compelled to venture into hybrid entrepreneurship out of financial necessity, passion, gaps in employment and career enhancement opportunities (promotions). Also, it was found that the professional industries play a vital role in empowering hybrid entrepreneurs through equipping them with the knowledge and skills; also, family support and motivation, and community and social issues are also influential towards the establishment of hybrid entrepreneurship. Furthermore, the results have also shown, that hybrid entrepreneurs face difficulties with the management of time, overwork and fatigue, financial constraints, client mistrust and reliability issues - which hampers market and business operations. Therefore, in order for hybrid entrepreneurs to overcome these at some point they had to use their salaries to finance side- businesses; they normalise executing business tasks after working hours or in their free time. Also, they transfer the knowledge and
skills across both spheres. They further eliminate untrusted clients and maintain a robust clientele that is profitable to the business, which helps to maintain the clientele, and sustain their businesses. This study is amongst the first to provide sustainable strategies towards guiding hybrid entrepreneurs to ensure survival. The study has further contributed to a reliable and comprehensive knowledge of this phenomenon through investigating challenges of hybrid entrepreneurship and the factors contributing to its establishment. Thus, it has enabled the identification of new factors, in addition to the established ones like financial supplement and passion. The recommended strategies for survival have opened a knowledge gap for future researchers, on the impact of hybrid entrepreneurship on economic growth, because when a business is sustained and generates income, it is likely to have an impact on economic growth. The study suffered from time constraints as it was supposed to be completed within a specific period but was delayed
Phytoremediation of metals from Klein Letabs Gold Mine Tailings, Limpopo Province, South Africa
No full textPHD in GeologyDepartment of Earth SciencesPhytoremediation is an environmentally friendly technique that uses green plants to reduce, remove or extract environmental toxins, primarily those of anthropogenic origin, to restore sites to a condition suitable for private or public use. Its efforts have largely focused on the use of plants to accelerate the degradation of organic contaminants with root rhizosphere microorganisms or remove hazardous metals from the soils and water. Phytoremediation of contaminated sites is relatively inexpensive and aesthetically pleasing to the public compared to alternate remediation strategies which involve excavation or chemical in-situ stabilization. The Giyani Greenstone Belt is known for its gold mineralisation, and has been exploited at Klein Letaba, Louis Moore, Birthday, Golden Osprey and Fumani mines. All these mines are closed but the metals within their respective tailing’s dams can cause environmental and health problems. This study focuses on the Klein Letaba Tailings Dam which has metals such as Lead (Pb), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Arsenic (As), Nickel (Ni) and Cadmium (Cd) and traces of Gold (Au), which pose significant risks due to historical mining activities.
Fieldwork involved geobotanical mapping, geochemical surveys, and pot culture experimental design. A total of 80 plants and tailings samples were randomly collected due to their dominance and abundance on the tailings dam. Tailings samples were collected at the same location as the plant samples. The samples were analysed at the University of Venda, Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Agriculture and Madzivhandila College of Agriculture. Pot-culture experimental design setup was conducted to evaluate the growth rate and metal uptake and accumulation by hyperaccumulating plant species at the South African National Biodiversity Institute (Thohoyandou Botanical Garden Nursery). The setup involved the use of 14 flower trays. This was done to mimic the Klein Letaba tailings natural environment. The duration of the experiment varied with the growth rate of the different plant species with an estimated period of 7 months for all plants followed by harvesting for four months.
Metal concentrations of the plants and tailings were determined using inductively coupled plasma-optical emissions spectrometry (ICP-OES). Geochemical data analysis was done using Microsoft Excel, Arc GIS and Simple Kriging (SK) software to evaluate the metal distribution and plant metal uptake potential on different parts of the plant species at Klein Letaba tailings dam.
The study identified three dominant native plant species: Combretum imberbe, Cynodon dactylon and Sporobolus africanus, which are naturally adapted to the tailings dam. Results revealed significant metal uptake, particularly in the roots of Combretum imberbe (CI), and Sporobolus africanus (SA). The metal concentrations of Pb, Ni, As, Cr, Zn and Cu in the tailings dam were found to be high, with a maximum of 11886 ppm, 2049 ppm, 1276 ppm, 1271 ppm, 695 ppm and 140 ppm respectively.
The pot-culture experimental set-up constituted 4 harvests where Combretum imberbe demonstrated metal uptake for Cu, Pb and Zn, with concentrations in roots exceeding 7 ppm for Cu and 6 ppm for Pb. Sporobolus africanus showed notable accumulation of Cr, As and Pb with concentrations of 7.8 ppm, 6.6 ppm and 6.5 ppm respectively. Metal uptake was generally higher in the roots compared to the shoot and leaves, indicating that this species primarily acts as a stabiliser rather than a translocator of metals.
The potential economic recoverability of metals from native plant species, such as Combretum imberbe, Sporobolus africanus, and Cynodon dactylon, was reviewed. The study identified Combretum imberbe as the most promising phytoremediator, recording high Zn, Fe and Cu uptake in the leaves and shoots, indicating potential for above-ground harvesting. Accumulation of Cu (~5 ppm), Zn (~8 ppm), and Fe (~10 ppm) make it viable for extracting economically valuable metals making it a potential candidate for phytomining. Combretum imberbe and Sporobolus africanus exhibited complementary potential for Zn recovery and stabilisation of Mn and Fe. Furthermore, the low concentrations of Cd and As uptake across all species suggest limited risk of secondary environmental contamination. Metals like Pb, Cu, Ni, Zn and Cd are economically valuable due to their market demand and can also be extracted by environmental remediation. Lead, for example, is currently valued at about 4.83 per kilogram, nickel, 1.55 per kilogram and zinc, $2.82 per kilogram.
This research highlights the potential of native plant species to remediate and stabilise tailings environments while offering economically viable solutions through recovery of valuable metals. This environmentally friendly remediation strategy aligns with the global sustainability goals, fostering safer ecosystems and providing opportunities for rehabilitated land use in mining affected areas. Therefore, this remediation strategy is not only applicable in the studied site but can also be applied in other similar studies
Evaluation of strata conditions and performance of support systems of the Emerald Shaft Gold Mine in Gauteng Province of South Africa
No full textMaster of Earth ScienceDepartment of Earth SciencesThe creation of underground excavations causes disturbances in the rock mass, leading to geotechnical uncertainty and increased risk of fall of ground or backbreak. The incompetency of the rock mass, high tensile fractures, and concentration of horizontal virgin and mining-induced stresses pose significant threats to both safety and production, highlighting the need for effective strata control measures.
This study aimed to evaluate the strata conditions and performance of support systems of the Emerald Shaft Gold Mine to ensure long-term stability. The objectives of the study included reviewing the mine design and layout, determining geological conditions and their influence on the rock strata, examining the performance of the support systems used in the raise and production stopes of the Emerald Shaft Gold Mine., and recommending appropriate strategies for strata control.
A comprehensive geotechnical investigation was conducted at the Emerald Shaft Gold Mine to characterize the rock mass and inform mine design. The study applied a multi-disciplinary approach including field profiling, geological and geotechnical mapping, field test and laboratory analysis, field observations, and analytical and numerical modelling. The investigation involved a detailed analysis of rock mechanic data, geological conditions, and raise and stope support systems to evaluate the stability of the mine.
The study revealed complex geological conditions, variable rock competency, and distinct mechanical properties. The rock mass quality was compromised by regional geological features, such as dykes and faults. The findings highlighted the importance of site-specific characterization, comprehensive support design, and targeted support measures to ensure safe and efficient mining operations. The study also identified areas prone to rockfalls, fall of ground incidents, and stope instability, emphasizing the need for robust support design and regular monitoring.
The study concluded that a tailored support design approach, considering tendon performance, ground conditions, and stress loading, is essential to ensure optimal ground stability and prevent rockfalls. The recommended support measures include the installation of grouted dowels, pre-stressed elongates, and fibre-reinforced shotcrete. Regular monitoring and maintenance of support systems are crucial to
ensure their effectiveness and prevent accidents. The study's findings and recommendations provide valuable insights for mine design, support strategies, and safety protocols at the Emerald Shaft Gold Mine, and can be applied to similar mining operations.
This study contributed significantly to the understanding of strata conditions and support systems in Emerald Shaft Gold Mine. The research provided new insights into the complex geological conditions and variable rock competency of the mine, highlighting the importance of site-specific characterization and tailored support design. The findings of the study and recommendations offered valuable contributions to the existing knowledge on strata control and support systems, providing a framework for improving mine safety and efficiency. Specifically, this research demonstrated the effectiveness of a multi-disciplinary approach in evaluating rock mass quality and designing optimal support systems and highlighted the need for regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure the effectiveness of support measures