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Knowledge and practices towards antibiotics use in Thulamela Municipality of Vhembe District Limpopo Province
No full textMaster of Public HealthDepartment of Public HealthAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a health crisis that is found globally and it threatens the effective treatment of infectious diseases. It occurs when microorganisms develop resistance to the drugs that is used to treat them leaving the medication ineffective, microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasite. The inappropriate use of antibiotics has been classified as major drivers of AMR, leading to multidrug-resistant strains of bacteria and reducing the effectiveness of existing treatment options. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized AMR as one of the biggest obstacles to public health in the 21st century not only is it increasing the morbidity and mortality rates associated with infectious diseases but also it leaves the economy in a hefty strain and negatively impacts the healthcare systems worldwide. This study aims to address the gap in knowledge by conducting a quantitative study to assess practices towards antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance among the communities. Simple random sampling was used to have 260 respondents who are males and females aged 18-65 residing in Thulamela Municipality. Data was collected using survey questionnaires, SPSS was used to analyse. Findings revealed adequate knowledge regarding antibiotics, The majority of respondents showed a good understanding of antibiotics, with 85% correctly identifying the difference between antibiotics and other medications. Ninety-four point six percent (94.6%) correctly identified that antibiotics are effective against bacteria, and 90.4% were aware that antibiotics can kill bacteria normally present on the skin and in the gut. The current study revealed that the community members are knowledgeable regarding antibiotics. However, some misconceptions were prevalent as evidence revealed that 50% believed that antibiotics speed up recovery from coughs and colds. The findings of this study provide valuable in-depth insights for the development of targeted interventions, campaigns, and policy measures to fight the AMR effectively. The findings highlight for the development of evidence-based strategies to fight against the AMR, promote responsible antibiotic use, and ensure safety of the public health on a global scale. Additionally, the study may serve as a benchmark for future research and policy development aimed at addressing this critical global health issue
Analysis of gully erosion as a hydro-geomorphological hazard in Thulamela Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa
No full textMENVSCI in GeographyDepartment of Geography and Environmental SciencesGully erosion, a severe form of environmental process, poses significant global environmental and socio-economic challenges, worsened by deforestation, overgrazing and climate change. This study examines gully erosion as a hydro-geomorphological hazard in Thulamela Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa. The aim of this research was to investigate the occurrence and intensity of gully erosion in Thulamela Municipality. The study's first objective was to map gully distribution in Thulamela Municipality. The second objective was to map the severity of gullying. The third and last objective was to map factors contributing to gully erosion formation. This study investigated the three objectives across four temporal benchmarks (2008, 2013, 2018 and 2023) using GIS and Remote Sensing techniques. Distribution in gully occurrence was tracked through interpolation. Sampled gullies were overlaid to assess their size and shape transformation over time to determine the severity of gully erosion. Land use/cover changes were classified to track how they influenced gully development over the 15-year period. Topography was analysed based on elevation, terrain characteristics, flow accumulation and flow direction to determine areas that are more prone to gully development. Rainfall was assessed based on its intensity and distribution over the period of the study to determine how it contributes to gully erosion. Soil moisture was analysed to determine susceptibility to gully erosion. The results revealed a significant and exponential increase in gully development influenced by all the analysed factors. The findings highlight that Thulamela Municipality contains areas highly susceptible to gully erosion, presenting severe threats to land stability, safe habitation and sustainable development
The phasing out of commercial subjects in rural Limpopo Secondary Schools in Vhembe West District, South africa
No full textM.Ed. (Curriculum Studies)Department of Professional and Curriculum StudiesAccounting is one of the commercial subjects that is being phased out by some of the schools in Vhembe West District. The removal of this subject by schools has a negative impact on learners who wish to pursue a career in commerce, business and accounting, and deprives learners of the knowledge and skills that are covered in those subjects. Teachers who are teaching the subjects are also affected. The aim of this study was to investigate the reasons behind the phasing out of commercial subjects. This study adopted a qualitative approach where purposive sampling of educators teaching commercial subjects, school managers and learners were interviewed, and observation techniques were used to collect data. A total of 9 school principals, 9 commercial subject teachers and 18 learners were used in this study. Data analysis was conducted using Tesch’s eight steps in the coding process. The results of this study revealed that the decline of commercial subjects in rural secondary schools was influenced by a complex interplay of factors. Qualitative data analysis showed that government policies and curriculum changes shaped the availability and prioritisation of commercial subjects. School-level factors, such as leadership decisions, resource allocation, and teacher expertise, also played a significant role. Student-level factors, including interest, performance, and career aspirations, further impacted the choice of commercial subjects. Moreover, socioeconomic conditions, access to vocational training, and societal pressures influenced attitudes towards commercial subjects. While teachers generally exhibited positive attitudes towards commercial subjects, school managers maintained negative views due to factors like low performance and perceived lack of prestige. Learners also presented negative attitudes towards commercial subjects, influenced by perceived difficulty, lack of interest, or societal pressures. These interconnected factors contribute to the ongoing challenge of maintaining commercial subjects in rural secondary schools in Limpopo. These results are important to the Department of Education, School Governing Boards (SGBs), learners and society at large. Particularly, the results are useful to the Department of Basic Education since they help inform the planning, design and implementation of policies seeking to salvage the extinction of accounting subjects in rural secondary schools
The influence of organisational climate on employee organisational citizenship behaviour and turnover intentions at Gijima Holdings (PTY) LTD
No full textM. Com (Human Resource Management and Labour Relations)Department of Human Resource Management and Labour RelationsOrganisational climate, which outlines an organisation's objectives and the methods to accomplish them, is essential in shaping employee behaviour and intentions to leave the company. This study aimed to determine the influence of organisational climate on employee organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB) and turnover intentions at Gijima Holdings (Pty) Ltd. Employing a positivist paradigm due to its structured methodology, the research adopted a quantitative approach to investigate the relationships between organisational climate, OCB, and turnover intentions. An explanatory research design was used to understand why Gijima employees intended to leave or are leaving the company. The study population included 1596 employees from 13 departments at Gijima Holdings. A sample size of 310 employees, calculated using the Raosoft sample size calculator, was used through stratified random sampling. Data was collected via self-administered questionnaires emailed to the respondents and through online Google Forms.
The data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28.0. Ethical considerations were paramount in this research. The study explored factors such as perceived autonomy, involvement, rewards and recognition, fairness, and supervisor support to assess their impact on organisational citizenship behaviour and turnover intentions. The study findings show that a positive organisational climate significantly enhances OCB and reduces turnover intentions. Exploratory factor analysis revealed strong correlations with autonomy, involvement, rewards, fairness, and supervisor support, which significantly influence employee attitudes and behaviours. Hypothesis testing confirmed that high levels of these climate dimensions correlate with higher OCB and lower turnover intentions, underscoring the importance of a supportive and fair work environment in fostering positive employee behaviours and reducing turnover intentions. Organisations should periodically assess their organisational climate to identify strengths and areas for improvement. This can involve employee surveys, focus groups, or other feedback mechanisms. By doing that, the organisations can create a more supportive and engaging work environment that fosters positive employee behaviours and reduces turnover intentions
Exploring the role of traditional leaders in conflict resolution amongst Vatsonga at Bungeni Area: Limpopo Province
No full textM.A. in African StudiesDepartment of Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Heritage StudiesThis study explored the role of African traditional leaders in conflict resolution amongst Vatsonga at Bungeni area in Vhembe district of the Limpopo Province. The researcher argues that the advent of formal courts in the South African dispensation has resulted in the role of African traditional leaders being overshadowed.The objective of the study was to examine the institution of traditional leadership as a sector of conflict resolution; to outline the nature, scope and processes of different conflict resolution mechanisms used by Vatsonga traditional leaders; to assess the implications associated with adopting the Vatsonga traditional conflict resolution mechanisms; to appraise legislation and policies that govern traditional leadership and African conflict resolution mechanisms; and to explore possible palliatives to ensure that African conflict resolution mechanisms can be strengthened and/or can operate at an equal footing with the formal courts.
The study adopted the Sankofa and Conflict Transformation Theory.The study used qualitative method involving semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions to collect data. The population of the study was sampled using non-probability sampling. Purposive sampling was used to sample participants. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis to give the probable results that would help to bridge the gap identified in the process.
The study reveals that traditional leaders in South Africa are unaware of legislations and policies governing conflict resolution, and most are unaware of their content due to English language barriers. While traditional leaders are custodians of customary law, they are not experts in western laws. Traditional leadership is a crucial sector for conflict resolution in sub-villages, particularly in the Bungeni area, to resolve conflicts through mediation, reconciliation and arbitration. The chieftaincy, led by Chief Bungeni, is hierarchical and based on hereditary lineage which is similar to other African countries
U pindulela ha maṅwalo matopolwa a Tshivenḓa’: Maitele a mvelele,
No full textM.A. in TshivendaDepartment of African LanguagesMuhumbulo muhulwane wa ṱhoḓisiso iyi ndi u bvisela khagala khaedu dzine dza vhangiwa nga u sa dzhiela nṱha mvelele musi hu tshi pindulelwa maipfi a Tshivenḓa a tshi ya kha “English” zwine zwa ita uri maṅwe maipfhi a fhedze a tshi vho amba zwi si zwone nga mulandu wa vhushaedzi ha nḓivho ya mvelele, ha dovha hafhu ha si ṅwaliwe maipfhi nga nḓila yo teaho.
Ndi ngazwo zwipikwa zwa ṱhoḓisiso iyi hu u bvisela khagala maitele a mvelele kha u pindulela maipfi a Tshivenḓa, na u bvisela khagala figara dza muambo dze dza shumiswa kha maṅwalo matopolwa e a ḓo pinduliwa a luambo lwa Tshivenḓa- “English” khathihi na u sumbedza phambano kha mvelele ya Vhavenḓa na mvelele ya luambo lwa “English”.
Thaidzo ya ṱhoḓisiso ndi u sa dzhiela nṱha mushumo wa mvelele musi hu tshi pindulelwa maipfi a luambo lwa Tshivenḓa-English ho lavheleswa nḓivho ya mvelele ya lushaka lwonolwo, u itela uri hu vhe na u pindulela maipfi nga nḓila yo teaho nahone i ṱanganedzeaho.
Ṱhoḓisiso iyi yo shumisa mutheo na ngona zwa khwaḽithethivi. Muṱoḓisisi o shumisa ṱhumbulo ya purposive ngauri o shumisa maṅwalo matopolwa ane o pinduleliwa nga u kuvhanganya data. Ho ḓo dovha hafhu ha shumiswa nḓila ya ṱhumbulo ya convenient. Vhadzheneli vho vha vhathu vho gudelaho u pindulela maipfi, i na matshudeni a gudelaho vhupinduleli u bva kha Yuniversithi ya Venḓa. Data yo sengulusiwa nga nḓila ya thematiki na ya u sengulusa zwi re ngonu. Ṱhoḓisiso yo itelwa kha vunḓu ḽa Limpopo Tshiṱirikini tsha Vhembe
The impact of COVID-19 on HIV patients who are on ART in Vhembe district, Limpopo Province, South Africa
No full textMaster of Public HealthDepartment of Public HealthBackground: People who had mental health conditions before, may be more susceptible to stressors related to Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Understanding the impact, in particular psychosocial impact of the pandemic for people living with HIV (PLWH) is critical, as they are to an extent, already at a risk for common mental disorders such as depression and anxiety, due to the fact that poor mental health may precede negative human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) related outcomes. The study assesses the impact of COVID-19 on HIV patients who are on antiretroviral therapy (ART) at 2 health centres at local municipality in Vhembe district.
Methods: The study incorporated a systematic review artle due to the article format of the submission but the main study was quantitative in nature, using a descriptive design that is cross-sectional in nature. Simple random sampling was used in this study to select the sample of respondents who were PLWH, who met the criteria of being on ART treatment from the Limpopo department of health. Data was collected using a questionnaire which incorporated the following scales: Self-Reported HIV Medication Adherence, Fear of COVID Scale and PROMIS 10. The questionnaire was presented and administered to PLWH who are 18 years old and above who are on ART and have been residing in selected local municipality for the previous 12 months. Ethical considerations were observed throughout the study, partcicipants gave full consent verbally and in writing prior data collection. Furthermore consent and approvals were obtained to ensure adherence to good ethical conduct. Results: The Statistical Package of Social Sciences was used to analyse data. The findings highlight a substantial 34,4% of respondents being afraid of COVID-19 and 14,1 also agreeing, implying the almost half of the respondents experiences anxiety. 47.1% reported being afraid to die COVID-19 and 35.2% struggling to sleep due to worrying about COVID-19. Although the PROMIS 10 scale reflect 64.4% and quality of life was reported to be high, the COPE scale highlight 2,8% used alcohol and durgs to cope, 3,5% used binge eating to cope. The majority reported more positive adaptive ways to cope such as eating healthy, taking break from social media, excircising and connecting with other people. The t-test result showed that there is no association between gender and the levels of anxiwty, irritability and depression, gender – females (M = 11.1869, SD = 8.6411) were not significantly different in level of irritability, anxiety and depression t(285) =0,527, P < .599 compared males (M = 10.7813, SD = 8.0366). The result implies that gender has no significant influence on anxiety, irritability and depression. Hypothesis three was rejected. The health system implementors in SA need to classify psychological treatment as essential to be as swiftly as general health response to improve the health and wellbeing for PLWH during COVID-19.
Youth entrepreneurship and gender dimensions in E-hailing (Bolt) transport services during and post-COVID period in the district of Vhembe, Limpopo Province, South Africa
No full textPhDGSDepartment of Youth in DevelopmentThe outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic held the whole world captive, with many businesses losing their operations. E-hailing transport services were no exception to the challenge. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the face of transport services and underscored disparities in their provision. On the other hand, the pandemic seems to have opened the door for new and expanded business opportunities in the E-hailing transport services that seem to be thriving. This study seeks to uncover youth entrepreneurship and gender dimensions in E-hailing (Bolt) transport services during and post-COVID period. The window period for this study is between 2019 and 2023, during COVID and post-COVID. Through a qualitative approach, this study explored Youth entrepreneurship and gender dimensions in E-hailing (Bolt) transport services during and post-COVID period in the district of Vhembe, Limpopo Province, South Africa. The study uses the empowerment theory and some feminist theories as guiding tools to understand the participation of women in this business venture. These theories are the standpoint theory and the Masculinity theories. The study adopted a qualitative research approach to gather in-depth information on e-hailing transport services. The exploratory research design was used to expose Youth entrepreneurship and gender dimensions in E-hailing (Bolt) transport services. A non-probability purposive sampling method was used to select youth from the age group of 18-35 in the E-hailing transport service sector. The thematic analysis method was adopted in the study to identify patterns of E-hailing services that provided answers to the research questions. Ethical considerations were ensured in the study to ensure that participants were not harmed. The findings of the study are, among others, the lack of safety and restrictions on travel, as well as the highest levels of unemployment, which resulted from the closure of many companies due to the pandemic. The study's findings show that there is a prevalent gender wage gap which is often linked to differences in driver experience and productivity. Barriers to women’s participation in the transport sector are present within each stage of the employment lifecycle, including in relation to women’s attraction, recruitment, and retention; policies and practices in the workplace; and leadership and career progression. Legal approaches to enhance women's participation in e-hailing services should focus on creating safer and more equitable environments for both drivers and passengers. This includes addressing gender-based violence, promoting equal pay, and ensuring robust legal protections against harassment and discrimination.National Research Foundation (NRF
The Usage of Verbs in argumentative essays of English First Additional Language learners: A case of selected schools in Mvudi Circuit, Vhembe East District, Limpopo Province
No full textM. A. in English Language StudiesDepartment of English, Media Studies and LinguisticsThe study examined the usage of verbs in argumentative essays of selected English First Additional Language (EFAL) Grade 7 learners. It aimed to provide practical guidance for educators to enhance verb usage, highlighting common pitfalls and best practices for teaching argumentative writing. The study adopted document analysis to qualitatively analyse the use of verbs in Grade 7 learners’ argumentative essays in selected schools in Mvudi Circuit, Vhembe East District, Limpopo Province. The sample of the study comprised 36 essays from three primary schools. Sampling was done using purposive sampling method. Document analysis using a thematic approach was done. The findings highlight that Grade 7 English FAL learners use a variety of verbs in argumentative essays writings; there is variability in the argumentative verbs used across the three performance categories used in the study; the errors committed in the essays are more prevalent in the below- average category. These include, among others, concord, vagueness, and spelling errors. The recommendations included the teaching of vocabulary, with great focus on argumentative verbs to equip learners to make strong arguments, and raising awareness on the need for learners to develop critical thinking skills, and the responsibilities of different stakeholders in assisting teaching and learning
Spatio-temporal analysis of Mopane Worm utilisation in South-Western Zimbabwe
No full textPhD (Urban and Regional Planning)Department of Urban and Regional PlanningRural areas of developing countries such as Zimbabwe and other emerging economies have in recent years become a source of several pertinent international concerns. Major areas of concern include extreme poverty and hunger, and rising spatial and interpersonal disparities, challenges that the concerned national governments and the wider international community have failed to make meaningful headway in addressing. With the share of traditional sectors of agriculture, mining and manufacturing declining, many rural households in southwestern district of Matobo District in Zimbabwe Mopane Worms (MWs) have emerged as an alternative resource that can be harnessed for the betterment of their local economies. Such attention have been complement by efforts from international development partners such as the International Labour Organization (ILO), Department for International Development (DFID), Global Environment Fund (GEF) and local development agencies such as Southern Alliance Fore Indigenous Resources (SAFIRE), Institute of Environmental Studies (IES), and local academic institutions among others who have invested their efforts in trying to optimise local gains from MW utilisation. Such efforts have unfortunately missed the fundamental knowledge deficiencies associated with MW utilisation, that makes it currently difficulty to craft a MW oriented LED strategy. There is currently dearth of research scholarship on the spatiotemporal dynamics associated with MW resource dependency. We also lack data on spatio-temporal factors that shape successful territorial dynamics that would lead to situations of growth in the MW industry and the local economy. We lack a complete understanding of resilience dynamics associated with MW territories and how such may limit or enhance capacities of concerned communities when faced with adversity. Finally, no single study has drawn important connections between MW utilisation and the local economy. The present study sought to bridge this knowledge gap by addressing these shortcomings using a case study of five villages drawn to the southwestern rural district of Matobo, in Zimbabwe. Using a combination of household survey data and a series of PRA studies conducted, the study employed a variety of statistical tools and calculation of partial LED indices such as The Gini Coefficient, Successfully Territorial Dynamic Index, Rural access index, Resilience capacity among others to estimate the impact of MW utilisation on the local economy. Logistic regression analysis was employed to understand MW resource dependency. Other approaches such as Data Envelop Analysis (DEA) were also used to assess the contribution of MW use towards addressing territorial imbalances. Our findings reveal that in addition to widely mentioned socio-demographic variables, MW resource dependency is heavily influenced by many special variables including rural access, distance to markets, market efficiency. A combination of results from DEA and use of clustering algorithms revealed that a MW territory’s capabilities in terms of social, economic, institutional, ecological and engineering capability attributes is crucial in determining territorial success. The study also revealed important positive differences between the partial LED indices of communities where the intensity of trade measured by the Household commercialisation Index (HCI) was high. We found out that MW are reducing income inequalities, territorial imbalances, and in enhancing the resilience capacities of communities. We conclude by proposing a MW-oriented LED strategy that strikes a balance between pro-growth and pro-poor interventions. We proposed the implementation of both an input-oriented and output-oriented LED strategy that is place sensitive. A progressive entrepreneurial ecosystem frame is developed that may lead to situations of growth in th