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Guidelines for provision of maternal mental health care services by traditional healers in Vhembe District of Limpopo Province
No full textPhD (Psychology)Department of PsychologyBackground: Women have an increased risk of mental health disorders during pregnancy, especially after giving birth, and these disorders are associated with increased maternal morbidity and mortality, and adverse child health outcomes. Traditional healers (THs) are an important source of psychiatric support to pregnant women in many parts of the world. The aim of this study was to develop guidelines to be used by THs in the provision of maternal mental health care services at Vhembe District in Limpopo Province. The study consists of two phases, namely, the Empirical Phase (Phase 1) and the Guidelines Development Phase (Phase 2). In Phase 1, a qualitative approach was used to conduct the study.
Purpose: The purpose of the study was two-fold:
Phase 1 (Empirical Phase): Phase 1a focused on exploring THs’ knowledge on maternal mental health care, to identify maternal mental health care needs, to describe maternal mental health care services provided by THs, to discuss the possibility of referral by THs. Phase 1b focused on exploring the experiences of pregnant mothers in the provision of mental health care services by THs.
Phase 2 (Profiling the Guidelines): The purpose of this phase was to use the findings of Phase 1 to profile the guidelines for provision of maternal mental health care services by THs at selected villages of Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, South Africa.
Methods: The design of the study was guided by the WHO Model of Guideline Development (2012). The model focuses on the contextual factors - enabling factors, predisposing factors and needs factors - that influence the individual’s utilization of health care services. Seven selected villages of Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, South Africa, were selected for the study. The qualitative research method was used to conduct Phases 1a and 1b of the study. A qualitative study was used to explore the objectives of the study.
Results: Following in-depth analysis of interview data, several main themes were identified from study participants, viz., THs and pregnant women who accessed maternal mental health care services provided. The study utilized an explorative-descriptive research design. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used
to draw 14 participants from the selected villages of Vhembe District in Limpopo Province. Data were collected from participants using semi-structured and unstructured interview methods of the qualitative approach. Data collected were analyzed using thematic content analysis. To ensure trustworthiness of the study, the researcher applied the following criteria: credibility and dependability. Internal and external ethics protocols were taken into consideration when the study was conducted. Phase 2 concentrated on developing guidelines for provision of maternal mental health care services by THs. The researcher adopted Steps 2 to 9 stipulated in the WHO (2012) Handbook for Guideline Development.
The main themes raised by the THs who provided mental health care were financial support, accessibility to resources, safety and security needs, non-adherence by patients on mental health care services, and combination of Western and Traditional mental health care services. The pregnant women in this study identified lack of respect, discrimination, accessibility challenges, gaps in available maternal mental health care services, diagnosis methods utilized, decentralized maternal mental health care services, lack of information, affordability, long waiting period in hospital and effectiveness of maternal mental health treatment utilized as challenges associated with poor maternal mental health care services delivery and outcomes.
The quality of maternal mental health care services in Western intervention models was perceived as poor by both the pregnant women seeking care and THs providing maternal mental health care. The main concerns raised by pregnant women were lack of respect, lack of privacy, and difficulty to receive mental health care services in hospital. The results confirmed that guidelines were needed for the effectiveness in the provision of maternal mental health care services by THs.
The findings from the qualitative study were used by an expert group to develop guidelines to enhance effectiveness in the provision of maternal mental health care services by THs. The profiling of the guidelines was validated by group experts. The researcher adopted Steps 2 to 9 stipulated in WHO (2012) Handbook for Guideline Development. The selected Guidelines Development Group (GDG) assisted in validating the guidelines profiled. The validated guidelines were useful to the researcher to verify whether the guidelines developed were congruent with the practice of THs in the provision of maternal mental health care services.
Conclusion: This study concludes that access to comprehensive quality maternal mental health care services must be rendered to all women in times of need. Quality
maternal mental health care services should be rendered by skilled THs who underwent training and are well-equipped to be functional in the provision of maternal mental health care services and the researcher updated the guidelines accordingly.National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS) in collaboration with the Humanities Deans Association (SAHUDA)National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS) in collaboration with the Humanities Deans Association (SAHUDA
The impact of social media use on entity performance: a case of Tourist Accomodation Providers in Vhembe District
No full textM. Com (Tourism Management)Department of Hospitality and Tourism ManagementSocial media plays a key role in tourism and hospitality, transforming the way tourists search, find and co-create information about travel-related products, and changing the way they make hotel-related decisions online. The use of social media as part of the travel information search activity is becoming the norm. This study aims to find out how the accommodation sector markets its services on social media and how that impacts their performance, as measured by online booking generations.The primary objective is to investigate the impact of social media use on entity performance, focusing on tourism accommodation providers in Vhembe District Municipality. The study followed a quantitative research methodology to attain the set objectives of the study. Probability sampling technique was adopted, and the targeted population was tourist accommodation establishments in the Vhembe District Municipality. A sum of 107 was the targeted sample size of the study, where the establishments sampled were active on social media. The established sample was the accommodations that are operating and have active social media platforms. To analyse the data, simple linear regression analysis was performed for inferential statistics while descriptive statistics was performed to identify the accommodation’s ideal guests, their demographics, interests, and preferences. This process helps accommodation tailor their content to make it appealing. This study concluded that the accommodation industry finds social media more effective, and businesses use it more often to communicate and engage with their followers and customers
Understanding the dynamics surrounding women’s participation in traditional leadership among the Vhavenda, in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa
No full textHSPPGSInstitute for Gender and Youth StudiesWomen's leadership has historically received little attention from academics. Information on male traditional leaders has historically dominated traditional leadership and leadership in general. Among the Vhavenda, women only participate, to a certain extent, in traditional leadership roles, for there have always been obstacles for them to overcome; men dominate in leadership roles, particularly in traditional settings. Patriarchal barriers, which are still regarded as inviolable in many societies on the African continent, could be the cause of this. Minimum research has been conducted about women in traditional leadership roles, therefore, this study examines the processes of selecting traditional leaders among the Vhavenda. selection processes in South Africa, Limpopo Province. A qualitative research approach was used, and data was gathered through semi-structured interviews; eight male and eight female participants were chosen using non-probability purposive and snowball sampling techniques. The data was analysed thematically analysis method. The study indicated that the traditional selection of the heirs to the throne limited women’s participation in the positions of headmen, chiefs, and kings. The study concludes that cultural barriers, socialisation, the selection process in conferring chieftaincy, and family and societal support are largely patriarchal. The study suggests that government officials and cultural guardians should properly consult with one another, regardless of gender, to create more inclusive communities.NIHS
Impacts of seasonal dynamics on cyanobacterial proliferation and cyanotoxins bioaccumulation in fish species: Comparative study of aquaculture fishponds in Nigeria and South Africa
No full textPhDENVDepartment of Geography and Environmental SciencesAquaculture production plays a pivotal role in advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on food security, economic growth, livelihoods, sustainable production, biodiversity conservation, and improved nutrition. Locally produced fish from aquaculture ponds serve as an affordable and accessible protein source in countries like Nigeria and South Africa. However, the rise of cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (CyanoHABs) poses a serious challenge to the sustainability of fish culture production and human health. In the aquaculture ecosystem, the consequences of these blooms have triggered widespread interest due to cyanotoxin bioaccumulation in cultured fish species. In tropical regions, especially in Africa, there is a paucity of research investigating the temporal drivers of cyanobacterial biomass in aquaculture fishponds. Cyanobacteria are integral to the pond food chain, yet their seasonal dynamics factors and influencing factors remain poorly understood. This knowledge gap is particularly critical as these factors significantly impact aquaculture productivity and the risks associated with cyanobacterial blooms. Therefore, this study investigated the impact of seasonal dynamics on cyanobacterial proliferation and cyanotoxin bioaccumulation in cultured fish. A comparative study design between small-scale commercial fishponds located in Nigeria (NGA) and South Africa was employed in this study. A total of six fishponds located in Calabar Municipality, Cross River State, Nigeria, and Duthuni, Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa (SA), were selected. Water and Clarias gariepinus (African catfish) samples were collected from each fishpond at seasonal intervals (SA - summer, winter, NGA - dry and wet seasons). Seasonal variations in water quality parameters were observed in NGA and SA fishponds. Cyanotoxins analysis was carried out using the Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LCMS). The results of the study revealed that elevated temperatures (>20°C) were consistent during dry, wet, and summer seasons, with a notable winter decrease (16.5°C) at Duthuni, South Africa. Dissolved oxygen (DO) and electrical conductivity (EC) levels were consistently low across seasons, while total dissolved solids (TDS) peaked during winter in South Africa (125–193.2 mg/L) and were lower in Nigeria (15.9–37.7 mg/L). Nutrients, particularly nitrite and nitrate, peaked in Nigeria during wet (10.42 mg/L) and dry (6.45 mg/L) seasons, while South African fishponds exhibited lower concentrations in both summer and winter. The study revealed that cyanobacterial biomass and cyanotoxins in fishponds were not driven by seasonal factors like warmer temperatures or precipitation. Cyanobacteria biomass was
predominantly influenced by management practices, including feeding, fertilization, nutrient levels, water volume, stocking density, water exchange, and retention time. The LCMS analysis revealed that the microcystin variant MC-RR was absent in fish tissue, while MC-YR was detected in the intestines, gills, muscles, and liver. The highest concentration of 20.9 μg/g was found in the liver. Additionally, untargeted LC-MS identified a broader range of cyanotoxins, including aeruginosins, anabaenopeptins, microcystins, and microginins, in the water samples and fish tissue. These findings underscore the critical influence of fishpond management practices on cyanobacterial dynamics and cyanotoxin bioaccumulation. This study highlights the need for targeted interventions to mitigate cyanotoxins risks in aquaculture systems. Understanding and addressing these factors are essential for ensuring the sustainability of aquaculture production and safeguarding public health in tropical regions.Research and Publication Committee of the University of Venda, National Research Foundation (NRF), Association of African Universities (AAU),African Regional Internal Staff/Students Exchange (ARISEII
Mode of Occurrence and Origin of Iron Ore Deposits of Ga-Nchabeleng Area, Sekhukhune District, Limpopo Province, South Africa
No full textMaster of Earth Sciences in Mining and Environmental GeologyDepartment of Earth SciencesThe study area falls under the Sekhukhune District Municipality of the Limpopo province within Rustenburg layered suite of the Bushveld Igneous complex. The aim of the study was to investigate the petrological and mineralogical characteristics of gabbronorite and iron ore as well as to establish the geological environment of the ore formation so as to ascertain the mode of occurrence and origin of the iron ore deposit.
Geological mapping was conducted so as to confirm the host rocks and establish the relationship between the host rocks and orebodies. The map revealed the distribution of the rocks within the study area and the geological setting of the iron ore. The iron ore was found to be localized within gabbronorite. Iron ore occurred as veins, veinlets, stockworks, stringers, and finger-like structures.
The geological structures acted as conduits for the ferruginous melts that finally formed the iron ore. Petrographic study revealed the presence of feldspar, mainly plagioclase in gabbronorite, and minor concentration of oxides mainly magnetite. Some rock specimens revealed a high concentration of magnetite especially those located near the host rock-orebody contact.
Reflected light microscopy was done to establish the mineralogy of iron ore and to ascertain the relationship of the ore minerals. The main ore minerals were magnetite and hematite with minor ilmenite. The XRD results revealed high content of magnetite (92 %), followed by hematite (61%), then ilmenite (12%).
The XRF results revealed gabbronorite with minimum and maximum FeO3 wt% of 1.31% and 44.22% respectively, while minimum and maximum values of FeO3 wt% in magnetite ore samples were found to be 43.38% and 54.55% respectively with an average value of 52.36%. The magnetite registered high concentration values of Zn (221 ppm), Ni (225 ppm), Co (163 ppm), Cr (503 ppm) and V (8981 ppm).
The study concluded that the iron ore is hosted by intermediate to felsic igneous rocks which were found to be gabbronorite. Ore bodies formed stockworks that were randomly oriented as veins, veinlets, and stringers associated with fractional crystallization of the layered complexes. The magnetite ore within the study area was of good grade with average values above 50% and rich in V, Cr, Ni, Zn and Co.
The study recommends further detailed exploration of iron ore in the area, applying techniques such as geophysical methods and borehole drilling leading to resource evaluation.DSI-NRF CIMER
Intervention strategies to promote health-seeking behaviour among men in rural villages of selected Districts in Limpopo Province, South Africa.
No full textPhD (Public Health)Background: In many societies, few men utilise the available health care service and those who seek care are likely to discontinue care before completing treatment. Men’s utilisation of health services remains low and tests for Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have even lower number, compared to women. They spend a long duration infected by untreated diseases such as STIs and have an increased chance of HIV infection, become severely ill, and die from the diseases. South Africa is among the countries where men utilise health care services at a lower number compared to women.
Aim: This study sought to develop intervention strategies to promote health-seeking behaviour among men in rural villages of selected Districts in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The objectives were to: Describe Behavioural, socio-economic, cultural, and environmental factors that contribute to men’s poor health-seeking behaviour; Explore health system factors that contribute to low utilisation of health services and poor health-seeking behaviour; Describe the views of men on their health; Explore strategies that may encourage men to utilise health services; Assess knowledge of men on their health and determine their attitude towards public health care services; Validate the developed strategies.
Methods: This study was conducted in multiphase. In the first phase, A systematic review was conducted. The second phase focused on convergent parallel mixed methods design comprising both qualitative and quantitative methods. The findings from both qualitative and quantitative were then merged side by side. Purposively selected participants for the qualitative strand were interviewed using both individual interviews and focus group discussions based on their categories. Randomly selected participants for the quantitative strand were given a self-administered questionnaire to complete to collect data from them. The qualitative data was analysed using Tesch’s eight steps, while the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 29.0 was used to analyse quantitative data by employing descriptive and inferential statistics. Phase three focused on developing strategies and validating developed strategies. The Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis, was applied to the findings from phase two. Build, Overcome, Explore and Minimise
(BOEM) models, were then applied to the outcomes of the SWOT analysis and used to develop strategies. Chinn and Kramer's evaluation theory was used to validate developed strategies. Validity and reliability were ensured for quantitative findings, while the trustworthiness of qualitative findings was established through credibility, dependability, transferability, and conformability measures. Ethical considerations were observed.
Results: The systematic review found that peer education, Men’s Sheds, HIV self-testing, and Telemedicine and digital platforms were among the strategies that have been used in other countries to improve men’s health-seeking behaviours. The qualitative inquiry identified factors that contribute to men’s poor health-seeking behaviours and experiences of men when visiting public health facilities. Through quantitative inquiry, men’s knowledge of their health was assessed and their attitudes towards public health services were determined. A total of 14 strategies were developed and this included the introduction of male-dedicated sections in existing health facilities: implementation of community outreach campaigns targeting males, providing male-dedicated health services through telemedicine, employing male nurses and community health workers (CWHs), regular staff training of health professionals serving males, and reducing the waiting period for males in the health facilities. Validation led to a few adjustments in the strategies suggested by experts. All Stakeholders agreed with the proposed strategies. Amendments to the strategies were made and presented based on the suggestions.
Conclusion: Men are more likely to experience poor health outcomes due to poor health-seeking behaviour. There is a need to address men’s poor health-seeking behaviour in the Limpopo province. Implementing the proposed strategies could help improve men’s health-seeking behaviour in Limpopo province and improve health outcomes among men. The strategies should be implemented in the study setting, monitored, and evaluated to measure their impact. If the strategies lead to a positive impact on men’s health-seeking behaviour, they can then be extended to other settings
Assessment of Sport Participation for People with Disabilities at Universities in Limpopo Province
No full textSHPPPHDepartment of Public HealthBackground: Despite the notable progress that has been made in developing policies and putting structures in place to respond to the needs of people with disabilities in South Africa, people with disabilities are exposed to restrictive environments, discouraging them from participating in sports activities designed to promote a healthy lifestyle. These restrictive environments include architectural, societal, and personal barriers. The study aimed to assess, develop, and validate a sports participation program for people with disabilities at the rural universities in Limpopo Province.
Methods: An exploratory sequential mixed methods design was conducted in three phases. Phase one of the study employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches. In Phase two, a meta-analysis was performed, along with the conceptualization and development of the intervention program using the health promotion model, BOEM, and SWOT analysis. Phase three employed the Delphi Technique to validate the developed intervention program. The study adopted purposive sampling and total population sampling techniques. Trustworthiness was ensured through measures of credibility, confirmability, transferability, and dependability. Qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews with 16 students with disabilities, 10 disability unit staff, and 3 staff members from sports and recreation. Quantitative data were collected using structured self-administered questionnaires distributed to 164 participants, which included 150 students with disabilities, 10 disability staff, and 4 sports and recreation staff. The instrument’s reliability was established through a series of questions designed to assess sports participation guidelines for people with disabilities at selected rural-based universities in Limpopo Province. Ethical principles of informed consent, anonymity, privacy, confidentiality, and avoidance of harm were adhered to throughout the research process. Qualitative data were analysed through a thematic 6-step data analysis. Quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 29.0. The study findings were conceptualised using the health promotion model and SWOT analysis.
Results: The study findings were integrated, and the interpretation of the findings was discussed. Six themes emerged from the qualitative study findings: inclusion of students with disabilities to participate in sports activities; challenges discouraging students with disabilities from participating in sports activities; provision of conducive sports facilities; support from the rural-based universities in Limpopo Province; benefits of participating in sports, and strategies to encourage students with disabilities to participate in sports activities. These themes, developed from qualitative data analysis, were confirmed by the quantitative data findings.
Specifically, 115 (76.7%) of the participants acknowledged the benefits of participating in sports activities. However, the study revealed that 111 (74%) participants experienced discrimination when attempting to participate in sports activities, and 92 (61.3%) experienced stigmatization when participating in sports activities. Additionally, the study indicated that sports facilities at the rural universities in Limpopo Province are not conducive for people with disabilities. A significant number of participants, 90 (60.0%), reported that there are no sports competitions for people with disabilities. Furthermore, 70.0% revealed that disability structures are not involved in planning adaptive sports activities. The study findings were presented to the disability support staff and the unit of Sports and Recreation staff at rural-based universities in Limpopo Province. The study findings informed the development of an intervention program, which consists of three components: personal factors, situational influences, and commitment to the plan of action. Stakeholders validated the designed intervention program, and the descriptive statistics were used to assess and summarize the data using tables, pie charts, and frequency distributions. The program is practical and can effectively address the challenges that discourage students with disabilities from participating in sports activities.
Conclusion: People with disabilities experience several challenges that include architectural barriers, societal barriers, and personal barriers discouraging them from participating in sports activities designed to promote a healthy lifestyle.
Recommendations: Universities should provide accessible and user-friendly sports facilities for students with disabilities and non-disabled students to promote a healthy lifestyle
Commensal searches for radio transients variables in the data from Mhongoose Large Survey Project
No full textMSC in PhysicsDepartment of PhysicsThe MeerKAT radio telescope in South Africa, a precursor to the mid-frequency component
of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA1-Mid), offers exceptional sensitivity and a wide field of
view, making it ideal for exploring time-domain radio astronomy. This dissertation presents the
use of MeerKAT images from three different fields of the MHONGOOSE Large Survey Project
(LSP) to identify radio transient and variable sources. Each of these three fields consists of 10
different epochs spanning time scales of order one month to over 1 year. The MHONGOOSE
survey operates at a central observing frequency of 1.28 GHz. I made use of South African Radio
Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) Science Data Processing (SDP) images of the MHONGOOSE
observations, with source detection and variability analysis conducted via the Transient Pipeline
(TraP) software on the Inter-University Institute for Data Intensive Astronomy (IDIA) cloud.
The light curves generated by TraP enabled the calculation of variability parameters: the reduced
weighted chi-square (χ2) of a fit that assumes constant brightness represented by the symbol (ην)
and the coefficient of variation (Vν). Analysis of ten epochs across the fields of NGC 1566, NGC
5068, and NGC 1371 led to the identification of 31 variable sources. All variable sources identified
in this study are associated with known objects listed in existing multi-wavelength catalogues
and are classified as active galactic nuclei (AGNs). One radio transient was found in the NGC
1566 field “SRC76717”, which is associated with a nearby flaring M dwarf located at a distance
of 48 pc (Doyle et al., 2019)
Proposing a framework for enhancing good governance in the Limpopo Provincial Government: the case of the Department of Health and Education
No full textD. Admin.Department of Public and Development AdministrationThe aim of the research was to propose a framework for improving good governance within the Limpopo Provincial Government, specifically, in the Health and Education Departments. The investigation aimed to assess whether the existing policy framework supports good governance and is advantageous for government institutions, by strengthening the public administration ethos and advocating for best practices, to create a state that is effective, efficient, accountable, and transparent. The Office of the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA), in its national and provincial audit report for the 2021/2022 financial year, expressed concern over the high levels of corruption within the South African government. Additionally, the AGSA highlighted issues of ineffective governance and incompetence within the Limpopo Departments of Health and Education, which continue to receive qualified audit opinions and clearly show evidence of fruitless and irregular expenditure; consequently, the researcher chose these two departments as case studies. Financial challenges in government continue to be a concern, post the attainment of democracy in 1994. During the 2023 budget speech for Vote 5, the former MEC for the Provincial Treasury in Limpopo, Honourable Seaparo Sekoati, confirmed that both the Health and Education departments had received qualified audits for the 2021/2022 financial year. The research utilised a case study research design as its chosen methodology, hence, in the case study framework organised and structured the processes involved in data collection. This research employed a qualitative research approach, this approach proved effective as it enhanced understanding through an informative and naturalistic exploration of the topic under investigation. Participants were selected using purposive sampling to recruit individuals who can provide valuable insights necessary for the analysis and interpretation of data in this study. Purposive sampling intentionally selects individuals, groups, and organizations to provide critical information that might not be available from participants selected from other sampling methods. The study noted the non-adherence to the law, ineffective security systems in vetting of government employees, poor planning and coordination as well as lack of district and management support to be key factors that affects the state of governance in both the departments.
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The study recommends that the Limpopo provincial government should draft a provincial policy that prevents the interference of the Premier, MECs, Director-Generals and HODs on programmes that do not require their personal participation, such as supply chain management processes, project management, and audit steering committees. The study also recommends that the upgrading of the security vetting system should be enhanced to detect any irregularities, such as fake qualifications, criminal records or dismissal records in respect of officials within the public service. Furthermore, the study also recommends that the two departments, Health and Education, need to consult with various stakeholders, such as the Department of Public Service and Administration and the National Treasury on whether, the Performance Management Policy can be amended to ensure that any employee who does not achieve his/her Key Performance Targets in the responsibilities assigned to him or her should be made to account to the employer. This will assist in addressing challenge of non-implementation of the departmental policies and other key legislations that seek to enhance good governance by intensifying service delivery in communities. This research is unique as it aims not only to articulate challenges to good governance but to also suggest a Framework that would enhance good governance in the public service with reference to the Limpopo provincial government
Caregiver Challenges in Caring for Children Living with Intellectual Challenges: a Case of Three Centres in Thulamela Local Municipality
No full textMaster in Social WorkDepartment of Social WorkIntellectual disability poses a significant challenge on a global scale. This study aims to explore the challenges faced by caregivers of children with intellectual disabilities in daycare centres in Thulamela Local Municipality. The study adopted the qualitative approach, utilising an exploratory research design to achieve its objectives. Non-probability sampling, specifically the purposive sampling method, was employed to select participants based on specific criteria. A total of six caregivers from three identified daycare centres participated in the study. Data was gathered through face-to-face semi-structured interviews and analysed thematically. The ecosystem theory served as a framework for understanding the interactions between individuals and their environments. The findings revealed that caregivers encounter numerous challenges while providing care to children with intellectual disabilities. Key challenges identified included health issues, low income and a lack of formal training. The study highlights the urgent need for comprehensive support systems to assist caregivers in managing their responsibilities effectively