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Formulation and nutrient composition of ready-to-use therapeutic food with Glycine max, Vigna subterranea, Sorghum bicolor and Moringa oleifera leaf as micronutrient premix
No full textPhD in Public Health NutritionDepartment of Human Nutrition and DieteticsThe growing population number of malnourished under-five children across the globe requires immediate nutritional intervention. The standard peanut- and milk-based ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) commonly deployed for managing severe acute malnutrition is expensive and not easily accessible in the rural areas where it is needed most. However, this intervention should be cheap, readily accessible, nutritionally dense, have an extended shelf life, and not require further preparation. Therefore, the study aimed to formulate and profile the nutritional content of a ready-to-use therapeutic food with Glycine max, Vigna subterranea, Sorghum bicolor, and Moringa oleifera (MO) leaf powder as a micronutrient premix. The objectives were firstly to develop a ready-to-use therapeutic food from local base ingredients, including Sorghum, Bambara groundnut, soybean, and Moringa oleifera leaf powdered (MOLP) micronutrient premix with the aid of linear programming (LP) tool. Secondly, the study investigated the acceptability of the developed RUTFs, including colour (L*, a*, b*, H*, C*) measurements and focus group discussion by mothers and caregivers. It also evaluated the nutritional profile, including the proximate, antinutrient, minerals, and microbial assessment of the newly developed and/or formulated RUTFs, as the third objective. The final objective assessed the in vitro digestibility, including protein, starch, and amino acid profile of the formulated RUTFs. In the first objective, six RUTFs, based on different combinations of each of the base ingredients, were generated by LP: soybean (11.73%, 14.25%, 20%, 25.34%, 22.88%, 20%), Sorghum (29.11%, 28.93%, 24.35%, 15%, 15%, 21.66%), Bambara groundnut (15%, 10%, 10%, 10%, 15%, 15%), vegetable oil (27.11%, 26.82%, 25.64%, 26.66%, 27.12%, 25.34%) and sugar (17%, 20%, 20%, 23%, 20%, 18%). Eighteen RUTFs were produced, where each RUTF was composited with the three levels of micronutrient premix (3% MOLP alone, 3% standard RUTF alone, and a mixture of MOLP and standard RUTF at 1.5% each). Following proximate analysis, eight of the eighteen RUTFs met the minimum requirements for protein (14-16%) and energy (520-550 kcal) and were selected for pre-sensory analysis. Based on the overall acceptability score from the pre-sensory trial, five (RUTFs 1,2,3,4 and 5) of the eight RUTFs were rated higher and selected for further analysis and of nutrient composition in subsequent chapters. In objective two, the sensory analysis revealed that RUTFs 3 and 4 were highest (p<0.05) in appearance and aroma, while RUTFs 2 and 4 were highest (p<0.05) in taste and texture. The colour attributes revealed L*, a* and b* to be highest (p<0.05) in RUTF 3 and decrease through RUTFs 4 and 5 to RUTFs 1 and 2. Some of the comments by the caregivers and nursing mothers involved in the acceptability trial include, 'I would buy it if it were affordable, and I do not have a problem with the colour; after all, we all eat vegetables'. Regarding their RUTF knowledge, the comment was, 'They are used for children who are not well nourished, especially underweight'. In chapter five, the proximate analysis revealed that all
the RUTFs have similar moisture and fibre content. While RUTFs 1,2,3 and 5 had identical crude protein and energy, RUTF 5 had the highest (p<0.05) crude fat. RUTF 3 had the highest (p<0.05) in most macro and micro minerals. This was closely followed by RUTFs 5,4,1 and 2. While aflatoxin remains undetected in all the RUTFs, RUTFs 3 and 4 had a much higher (p<0.05) phytate and trypsin than other RUTFs. The microbial assessment revealed 'no growth' for mould, E. coli, and Staphylococcus aureus, while 'absent' was reported for Listeria monocytogenes. Other microbial loads had <10 counts. In the final objective, the predicted that glycaemic index was similar for the five RUTFs. However, RUTFs 2 and 4 had the highest (p<0.05) but similar hydrolysis index and in vitro protein digestibility. The total essential amino acids were similar in RUTFs 1,3 and 5. The study showed that LP can be used to develop ready-to-use therapeutic food with a nutritional composition comparable to the WHO standard RUTF. Based on the ease of acceptability and mineral profile, RUTF 3, formulated with standard RUTF, seems the best. Closely followed are either RUTF 4 or 5. In conclusion, even though these RUTFs are yet to be clinically tested, developing a ready-to-use therapeutic food from Sorghum, Bambara groundnut, and soybean with MOLP could provide easily accessible but nutrient-dense nutrition therapy for managing severe acute malnutrition in children under five. Ethics were considered for the acceptability study. The University of Venda Research Ethics Committee granted certification
Empowering Informal Traders through Developmental Local Government: The Case of Polokwane Local Municipality
No full textPhD (Public Administration)Department of Public and Development AdministrationSouth Africa’s democratic dispensation brought hope and trust to oppressed black citizens, particularly the promise of economic emancipation and freedom, as highlighted in the ruling party’s manifestos and the Freedom Charter. However, post-democracy challenges such as unemployment, poverty, marginalisation, and lack of social security have led to an increasing number of informal traders operating within areas managed by local municipalities since the introduction of developmental local government. Consequently, informal trading has gained significant momentum and reshaped urban landscapes, both locally and globally. The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) introduced the concept of Developmental Local Government (DLG), mandating municipalities to collaborate with communities to promote economic development, including informal traders. This study aimed to develop an informal trader empowerment model/framework. The Dualist Theory of the informal economy was adopted, which posits that individuals participate in the informal economy due to socio-economic factors such as poverty, unemployment, and marginalisation. This theory was validated through findings indicating that participants engaged in informal trading for survival. A mixed-method research approach was utilised, with an anti-positivist/interpretivist paradigm guiding the study. The research focused on Polokwane’s informal traders and the Polokwane Local Municipality. Non-probability sampling techniques, including convenience and purposive sampling, were employed to collect data from a total of 70 participants—50 informal traders and 20 municipal officials. Data collection involved focus group interviews to address time constraints and Covid-19 restrictions, with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) ensuring safety. Data analysis primarily involved thematic analysis, complemented by the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Microsoft Excel for quantitative enumeration. Ethical standards were rigorously adhered to, ensuring anonymity, protection from harm, voluntary participation, and securing permission from gatekeepers
The legal Implications of colonialism on patrilineal succession to traditional leadership in South Africa
No full textLLM in Human RightsIsmail Mahomed Centre for Human and People's RightsCustomary law has been a cornerstone of African legal systems for centuries; it governs social relationships, especially succession. The legacy of colonialism has had a profound impact on African legal systems, particularly in the realm of customary law. Such imposition of foreign values and norms has contributed to the distortion of indigenous customs and practices, leading to ongoing scholarly debates about the role of customary law in contemporary South Africa. The intersection of customary law and Constitutional values has sparked controversy, particularly about patriarchal norms, gender equality, traditional erosion and preservation of culture. It is often argued that harmonising customary law with Constitutional values will obscure the lens used to view, interpret and apply customary law. On the opposite spectrum, it is contradictorily argued that the harmonisation is undesirable as it will render customary law entirely Western, threatening the preservation of the indigenous customs.
Contemporarily, case law has played a significant role in shaping the development of customary law, with courts grappling with the challenge of harmonising customary practices with Constitutional principles. This study explores the tension between customary law and Constitutional values, examining the arguments for and against the harmonisation of customary law with modern Constitutional principles. It considers the implications of this harmonisation for preserving indigenous customs and promoting gender equality, highlighting this debate's complex and nuanced nature. This scholarship holds that the rule of male primogeniture is discriminatory towards women and needs to evolve to reflect contemporary values of equality and dignity as provided by the Constitution. While deploying a doctrinal approach, this mini dissertation thus examines this tension and how it is addressed in the contemporary South African context
Examining uses of selected WhatsApp emojis as a communication tool among the youth: A case of Non-Metropolitan College
No full textM. A. (Communication and Media Studies)Department of English, Media Studies and LinguisticsCommunication is regarded as one of the most important activities for human beings as it allows them to pass messages from one another in society and generate more knowledge as they live together. With the advancement of technology and society, WhatsApp has firmly established itself as a popular social media platform. It has become one of the most widely used communication tools among people, especially the youth. WhatsApp has many features that can pass messages from the sender to the receiver, such as written words, recorded audio and videos, audio and video calls as well as emojis. Emojis are features that aid in better understanding what is written in a text. However, emojis often create ambiguity instead of reducing it because their meanings are so uncertain that they are indistinguishable from randomly chosen descriptions. Although emojis can be used to convey a whole message, they may occasionally be misinterpreted since some of the meanings are socially constructed. This qualitative study used purposive judgemental sampling to select the youth participants among non-metropolitan TVET college students who responded to the semi-structured open-ended questionnaires. At the same time, semiotic analysis was adopted to examine popular WhatsApp emojis among the youth. The findings were coded and analysed descriptively according to the study objectives. Content analysis is the selected data analysis tool. Participants demonstrated a strong grasp of the meanings of various emoticons, indicating that they frequently use these symbols to express emotions and enhance communication in their chat activities. The study also highlighted that the interpretation and usage of emojis is significantly influenced by cultural contexts, suggesting that students adapt their emoji use based on social relationships and situational factors
Towards the right to an environment that is not harmful to health or well-being in the context of sustainable development
No full textMA in Human RightsIsmail Mahomed Centre for Human and People's RightsThis study addresses the pressing issue of providing individuals with an environment that promotes health and well-being while ensuring sustainable development in South Africa. The focus is on the right to a safe and healthy environment, and how it can be achieved in sustainable development. Section 24 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa provides that everyone has the right to a healthy environment and mandates the state to take reasonable legislative and other measures to prevent environmental degradation. Several legislations, such as the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), uphold the right to a healthy environment. Despite these protections, the violation of the right to a healthy environment persists, and this is illustrated by the lack of enforcement of environmental laws, which require a balance between human well-being and environmental sustainability. The study discussed specific measures, such as the integration and interrelationship of human rights and social, economic, and environmental objectives or principles of sustainable development, holding that states must consider the environmental and social (including human rights) aspects of economic plans. The goal is to create a balance between human well-being and environmental sustainability, ensuring that both present and future generations can thrive in a healthy and sustainable environment. To achieve this goal, an analysis was conducted of the laws, policies, and regulations related to the right to a healthy environment. Furthermore, the study discussed the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing environmental rights and sustainable development.
The study used a desktop-based research methodology, also known as doctrinal methodology. This study used rational deduction or legal perception to order, arrange, and organise legal instruments, case laws, resolutions, and legal studies
Ecology and Reproductive Biology of Calotropis procera (Aiton) W.T in some parts of Mopani District Limpopo Province
No full textMSc in Biological Sciences: BotanyDepartment of Biological SciencesPlant species play a crucial role in maintaining the normal functioning of various ecosystems. However, native species often face decline or extinction due to alien species' invasion and its detrimental impact. One such invasive species, the widespread shrub or medium-sized tree Calotropis procera (Aiton) W.T., is encroaching upon several villages and roadside areas in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, where it has been classified as an invasive species. This shrub, ranging from 2.5 to 6 meters in height, has proliferated across various regions of South Africa.
This study was conducted in six villages within the Mopani District, Limpopo Province, to investigate the ecology and reproductive biology of Calotropis procera (Aiton) W.T. The findings of this study are critical for devising strategies to manage or eradicate these invasive species in affected areas. Researchers observed and counted the number of Calotropis procera (Aiton) W.T plants alongside roads and villages, measuring the distances between these plants and their nearest neighboring species to assess potential competition.
The present study also involved monitoring the phenological patterns of Calotropis procera (Aiton) W.T, including the timing of flower, fruit, and seed production, as well as seed dispersal mechanisms. This information is vital for determining the optimal periods for eradication or control efforts. The distribution pattern of Calotropis procera (Aiton) W.T. was analyzed using the Clark and Evans (1954) method, and phenological data were collected through photographic documentation at each site.
The extensive spread of Calotropis procera (Aiton) W.T. is attributed to its prolific seed production, wind-dispersed seeds, and stress tolerance, enabling it to thrive in various environments. The study suggests the best time to remove Calotropis procera (Aiton) W.T. plants is between February and April before they produce fruits. Understanding the impact of Calotropis procera (Aiton) W.T. on the local ecosystem is essential for developing effective management strategies. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of Calotropis procera (Aiton) W.T.'s ecology and reproductive biology and offers valuable insights into potential strategies for managing and eradicating this invasive plant species
The effects of stocking density and housing on feed efficiency and growth performance of broiler chickens
No full textMSC in Agriculture in Animal ScienceDepartment of Animal ScienceThe poultry industry in South Africa is a significant contributor to the agricultural sector, with broiler production accounting for 80% of total broiler production within the Southern African Development Community. However, the industry faces challenges such as high input costs, particularly feed, and lack of domestically produced ingredients. To maximize broiler performance, producers should improve feed efficiency, which is crucial for profitability and long-term viability. Factors affecting feed efficiency include energy level of feed, temperature in the house, litter quality, feed wastage, and disease presence. Optimal growth performance is crucial, as it directly impacts the time it takes to bring products to market and the overall quality of the final product.
This study was to compare broiler performance under small scale production between fan exhaust houses and open-sided, naturally ventilated houses. The research aimed at determining the effects of stocking density and housing type on broiler performance, welfare, and economic implications. High stocking density is a strategy used by broiler farmers to maximize floor space, but it can have adverse effects on chickens, including lower growth rates, feed intake, and feed efficiency. High stocking densities can lead to diseases, increased litter moisture, higher temperatures, and increased competition for feed, affecting broiler growth. Lower stocking densities result in reduced oxidative stress and better growth performance.
Broiler houses are essential for optimal feed intake and feed efficiency in poultry farming. Natural ventilation systems, which control airflow and temperature, are common in small-scale productions, while mechanical ventilation systems require efficient fans. The choice of housing system and design significantly impacts the welfare and productivity of broilers. Stocking density and housing type significantly impact animal well-being and performance. The economic implications of stocking density and housing type are complex, requiring a careful equilibrium to maximize production costs, revenue, and total profitability in broiler chicken farming. Ethical
considerations, such as clean and disinfected pens and access to clean water and feed, are essential for broiler welfare and health.
The experiment involved a study on broiler houses with different designs, including natural ventilation and fan exhaust houses. A total of 300 Arbor Acre birds were housed in these houses, with half in naturally ventilated houses and the remaining in ventilated houses. Data collection began on day 8, and weekly feed intake was determined by subtracting left over feed from the total feed supplied for each seven-day interval. Feed conversion ratio was obtained by dividing the average weekly feed consumption per bird per replicate by the average weekly weight gain per bird per replicate. The results showed that broiler performance was not significantly affected by stocking density however housing type had a significant difference on feed intake in house 1 (H1) but not on feed efficiency. Overall stocking density and housing did not have any significant difference on broiler performance. For economic reasons farmers under small scale farming can use naturally ventilated houses
Developing non-medical intervention strategies to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality associated with hypertension during pregnancy in Capricorn District, Limpopo Province, South Africa
No full textPhDPHDepartment of Public HealthHypertension is a global health concern, including in South Africa. It is one of the major risk factors of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. The purpose of the study was to develop non-medical intervention strategies to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality, associated with hypertension during pregnancy in Capricorn District. A convergent parallel- mixed method was used in this study. The population of the study were all pregnant women aged 14 years to 49 years who were attending their antenatal services at the selected hospitals and clinics. In quantitative design anthropometric measurements and questionnaire were used to collect data. The chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used to analyse the association of hypertension and its risk factors. In qualitative design a face-to- face unstructured interview was used to collect data and thematic analysis was used to analyse data. Ethical clearance was obtained from the University of Venda Ethics Committee. Permission to collect data was obtained from the Limpopo Department of Health manager and the Capricorn District Municipality manager. All ethical issues were observed, to ensure safety of the participants. The prevalence of hypertension was 126(21.50%) (CI 95%, 18.29% to 25.1%). The Chi-squire test showed that the prevalence of hypertension was significantly associated with age (P=0.00262), family history of hypertension (P=0.003), unemployment (P=0.04181), type of cooking oil (P=0.0436), salt intake (P=0.0111), obesity (P=1.664e-05), classification of BMI (P=5.765e-07), chronic hypertension (P=0.0000), gestational diabetes (P=0.0000) and a previous history of hypertension (P=2.2e-16). The multiple logistic regression showed that the prevalence of hypertension was significantly associated with a previous history of hypertension during pregnancy (P=1.93e-1), gestational diabetes (P=0.00317), chronic hypertension (P=0.01926) and salt intake (P=0.03355). Knowledge of hypertension among the pregnant women was found to be poor. Most of the participants indicated that they did not receive health education during antenatal care services. Good knowledge of hypertension was observed among those who were both employed and educated. The majority of the participants indicated that they had heard about hypertension, but only few of them bothered to find out more about it. Barriers to knowledge of hypertension were poor communication between patients and healthcare providers, education and ignorance of patients. Poor hypertension management was linked with preferred treatment, beliefs and poor knowledge about hypertension. In this study health information, social support and in-service training of staff are the proposed intervention strategies. Stakeholder were involved the development and validation of the program.South Africa Medical Research Council (SAMARC
Hydrological modelling for estimating water availability for irrigation supply in selected schemes in Nzhelele Area
No full textMENVSCI in Hydrology and Water ResourcesDepartment of Earth SciencesSouth Africa is one of the driest countries in the world, and its smallholder irrigation schemes - particularly in semi-arid regions like Nzhelele in Limpopo Province - are under growing pressure due to water scarcity and climate variability. Many of these schemes suffer from poor monitoring of water inflows and a lack of reliable data on crop irrigation needs. This study aimed to quantify irrigation water availability and determine whether current water resources can meet the crop water demands of three smallholder schemes - Mandiwana, Raliphaswa, and Mamuhohi. Objectives included simulating streamflow using hydrological modelling, estimating crop water requirements, and identifying which crops are sustainable under existing water supply conditions. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was used to simulate streamflow from 1987 to 2014 using daily hydrometeorological data. Calibration and validation were performed over two distinct periods: 1991–2000 and 2001–2009. Reference evapotranspiration (ETo) was calculated using the Hargreaves equation due to limited data, and crop coefficients (Kc) were used to estimate daily water needs for maize, sweet potato, groundnuts, and green beans. A 60% conveyance efficiency was applied to assess actual deliverable water. The model showed that maize and sweet potato had manageable water demands 540 mm and 475 mm in the dry season, respectively, while groundnuts and green beans had higher peak requirements that exceeded available supply. The SWAT model performed well, the R2, NSE and PBIAS values for calibration and validation ranged from 0.78, 0.56, and 7.7%, and 0.60, 0.56, and -8.3%, respectively. These findings can guide crop selection and water allocation, offering practical insights for improving smallholder irrigation planning in water-limited environments.National Research Foundation (NRF) and Water Research Commission (WRC
Factors contributing to poor utilization of public health facilities for maternity care Services at Mpumalanga Province, South Africa
No full textMaster of NursingDepartment of Advanced Nursing ScienceUtilizing maternity care services as soon as possible will guarantee maternal health and ensure that babies have the best possible start in life. Around 75% of births occur outside of a health facility worldwide which means that it is rare for experienced midwives to be present in these situations. Despite all the efforts the Department of Health makes to implement standards and develop programs like the South African Maternal, Perinatal, and Neonatal Health Policy, Basic Antenatal Care Approach, traditional approach, and updating standards to minimise maternal mortality rate and complications, poor utilization of public health facilities for maternity care services remains high in rural based health facilities of Ehlanzeni district. Therefore, this study aimed at identifying and describing factors that contribute to poor utilization of public health facilities for maternity care services at Thulamahashe local region, Bushbuckridge local municipality of Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. A quantitative cross-sectional descriptive design was employed for this study. A questionnaire was employed and simple random probability was used to select 204 pregnant women from the six selected primary health facilities of Thulamahashe local region. The sample size was calculated using Slovin’s formula. A pre-test of the data collection instrument was done on 22 respondents from one of the selected health facilities. The researcher used Excel and the statistics program SPSS version 30.0. This software produces tables, charts, and numerical statistical measures with the click of a mouse. Validity and reliability were maintained. Ethical standards such as permission to conduct the study, informed consent, confidentiality and privacy, principle of beneficiary, respect and human rights and justice were taken into consideration. The study indicated that core barriers for maternity care service utilisation listed by respondents were that they were waiting for too long in the healthcare facility, fear of being scolded by midwives, distance from home to the health facility and lack of education. The conclusion drawn from this study is that awareness to maternity care services utilisation needs to be consistently raised so that utilisation might increase. Pregnant women are encouraged to initiate ANC services as soon as they find out they are pregnant and Nurses’ attitude should be addressed through trainings on interpersonal communication skills