2694 research outputs found
Sort by
The impact of COVID-19 on managing teaching and learning in secondary schools in Hlanganani North Circuit, Vhembe District
No full textM.A. (Educational ManageMent)Department of Educational StudiesThe study aimed to examine the impact of COVID-19 on management teaching and learning strategies in secondary schools in Hlanganani North Circuit, Vhembe District. As a result of COVID-19, the educational system has been subjected to extensive practice of rearranging the model of educational management. Schools had to go through several important reorganisations in recent years as a result of structural and technological changes. COVID-19 forced schools to close doors and disrupted schooling globally. The world resorted to changing from the traditional teaching method of face-to-face to learning strategies of online teaching as an alternative solution to ensure that teaching and learning take place. The study employed a qualitative research method. Data were collected through interviews and document analysis. The study used a purposive sampling procedure to select participants who included three principals, three deputy principals and three departmental heads because they form part of school management teams. Three schools were selected and from each school, one principal, one deputy principal and one departmental head were selected. The study revealed that school managers were struggling to adjust to new teaching strategies due to a lack of technological skills and knowledge required for efficient online teaching and learning. Besides, the results demonstrated that there are a variety of issues such as insufficient training and resources that hindered the continuity of teaching and learning throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The study recommended that the Department of Education should provide the necessary support by investing in facilities and resources needed to support the digital transformation of education. The study also concluded that training opportunities will help school managers develop the knowledge and skills needed for teaching and learning.NR
Harnessing ICT’s Capacity Building for Marginalized Communities of Vhembe District Municipality in Limpopo Province, South Africa
No full textM. Com (Business Information Systems)Department of Business Information SystemsInformation Communication Technology (ICT) brings hope to marginalised people who are excluded from participating in the mainstream activities in South Africa, such as groups of people living in communities within the Vhembe district Municipality. This study investigated the factors affecting marginalized people from using ICT services for development and went on to propose a sustainable information and communication technology (ICT) framework. This study gathered reliable empirical data to gain a deeper understanding of the impacts of ICTs capacity for development in marginalised groups in South Africa. This was done by reviewing ICT policies and ICT regulation making process. A literature review was conducted to enhance the understanding of human capabilities through ICTs. The review examined many articles to identify the different theories of development and the role of technologies in the process of development. This study adopted a positivism research paradigm associated with quantitative research for hypothesis testing. This study is intended to propose a framework to facilitate the development of ICT capacity among the marginalized people. This study is underpinned by Amartya Sen's Capability Approach and theories that operationalise it, to evaluate the impact of ICTs towards human capabilities. The framework provides a multidimensional perspective to understand capacity building of marginalised communities and how ICTs can be a catalyst empowerment. The study will contribute to the ongoing debate on the impact of ICT provision and usage in marginalized people for capacity building (CB).National Research Foundation (NRF
Development of mineral beneficiation and value addition framework for sustainable socio-economic development of Zimbabwe
No full textPh. D. (Environmental Sciences (Geology))Department of Earth SciencesLess than a decade is remaining for African Vision 2030 which began in 2009 to lapse, yet some of its targeted developmental milestones such as mineral beneficiation and value addition are yet to be achieved. Most of the African countries richly endowed with mineral resources that are committed to incorporating beneficiation and value addition in various value chains are still lagging significantly. Zimbabwe is one country through its Zimbabwe Accelerated Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation (ZIMASSET) economic blueprint which elaborated the multiple benefits of the beneficiation strategy to unlock value from its vast mineral resources but never developed a framework for its implementation.
This study aimed to fill that gap by developing a mineral beneficiation and value-addition framework to achieve sustainable socio-economic development in Zimbabwe. The objectives of this study were to examine the existing policies on mineral beneficiation and their effects on sustainable socio-economic development; evaluate the cross-cutting constraints and associated interventions to encourage mineral beneficiation in Zimbabwe; examine the perceptions of stakeholders regarding the need for mineral beneficiation and value addition in Zimbabwe and ultimately developing a framework for mineral beneficiation and value addition for the sustainable socio-economic development of Zimbabwe.
A mixed methods approach was used to achieve the objectives and the study design was convergent parallel design. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select 291 participants for the quantitative survey. Data was collected using a survey questionnaire and descriptive statistics were computed using SPSS version 25. An unstructured interview guide was used to collect qualitative data and themes were used to analyse the data through thematic approach. Results of the study indicate that the existing policies on beneficiation are hindering the realisation of the beneficiation and value addition of minerals. Zimbabwe’s policy volatility, policy inconsistency, bureaucracy, and corruption heavily affected the implementation of the beneficiation policy.
The cross-cutting constraints include energy constraints, lack of skills, lack of institutional capacity, lack of coordination, monitoring, and evaluation of policies, lack of appropriate legislative instruments, and the neglect of the socio-economic aspect of beneficiation. Stakeholders indicated a strong affiliation to the beneficiation strategy but there is scepticism around the current economic and political situation which is blurring the realisation of this policy. Using the above results, the framework for mineral beneficiation and value addition was developed. This framework is a critical pillar for enhancing economic value chains through beneficiation and value addition because it outlines important aspects, role players and the
resulting benefits for achieving sustainable socio-economic development in Zimbabwe. The development of the framework for mineral beneficiation and value addition in Zimbabwe implies a strategic roadmap that can guide policymakers, promote collaboration, address challenges, and pave the way for sustainable socioeconomic development through the efficient utilization of the country's mineral resources.National Research Foundation (NRF
Tsenguluso ya thero ya vhugwalabi ho sedzwa zwirendo zwa Tshivenda zwo andadzwaho u bva 1994
No full textPhD (Tshivenda)Department of African LanguagesVhurendi ndi one maṅwalwa ane a shumiswa nga vhathu vhanzhi u bvukulula kana u bvisela khagala zwa vhudzivhani ha mbilu dzavho kana zwi re mihumbuloni yavho sa tshenzhemo na maitele a kwamaho kutshilele fhano shangoni zwi tshi ya nga zwine zwa khou bvelela nga tshenetsho tshifhinga. Vhurendi ha u gwalaba ho vha tshishumiswa tsha u sumbedza u hanedza kana u sa tendelana na zwine zwa khou bvelela nga nḓila ya u tou gwalaba kha muvhuso wa tshiṱalula we wa vha u tshi tsikeledza Vharema kha ḽino ḽa Afrika Tshipembe. Zhendedzi ḽihulwane ḽa vhurendi ha u gwalaba misi iḽa ḽo ḓi vha zwigoḓo, tsatsaladzo, muhoyo na u nyefula sa izwi ku kwone kuambele kwo ḓisendekaho kha vhugwalabi. Thaidzo ine ṱhoḓisiso iyi ya lila u i tandulula ndi ya uri ano maḓuvha vhathu vhanzhi musi hu na zwine vha sa khou fushea ngazwo u bva kha vhurangaphanḓa, vhatholi, vhavhusi kana muvhuso, vha mbo ḓi dzhia tsheo ya u ḓidzhenisa kha migwalabo sa yone nḓila ine ya nga vha ḓisela thandululo ya u sa fushea havho. Kha migwalabo yeneyo hu vha na u tshinyekanya kana u lozwea ha ndaka ya muvhuso, ya vhathu, u huvhala ha vhathu na u lozwea ha matshilo. Ndivho ya ṱhoḓisiso iyi ndi u sengulusa nḓila ye thero ya vhugwalabi ya dzumbululwa ngayo kha zwirendo zwa u gwalaba ha sedza zwirendo zwa Tshivenḓa zwo anḓadzwaho u bva 1994. Ṱhoḓisiso iyi yo shumisa ngona ya khwaḽithethivi yo ḓitika nga thyiori ya ‘African Literature’ u itela u bvisela khagala thero ya vhugwalabi ho sedzwa zwirendo zwa Tshivenḓa zwo anḓadzwaho nga murahu ha 1994. Ndi kha ṱhoḓisiso yeneyi he ha shumiswa zwiko zwivhili musi hu tshi bvisela khagala kuvhanganyiwa data, zwine zwa vha tshiko tsha phraimari khathihi na tshiko tsha sekondari. U bva kha tshiko tsha phraimari ndi he ha kuvhanganywa data u bva kha zwigwada zwiraru zwa vhathu nga nḓila i tevhelaho: Vhaswa vha sumbe, vhafumakadzi vha sumbe na vhathu vhahulwane vha sa shumi vha sumbe. U bva kha tshiko tsha sekondari ndi he ha kuvhanganywa data u bva kha bugu nṋa dza vhurendi ha Tshivenḓa dze dza tou nanguludzwa dzo anḓadzwaho nga murahu ha muvhuso wa tshiṱalula fhano Afrika Tshipembe we wa guma nga 1994. Ndi kha ṱhoḓisiso iyi he ha wanala uri u shaea ha nḓisedzo ya tshumelo sa: u ṋekedza vhathu mishumo, u ṋekedza vhathu bada, u ṋekedza vhathu vhudzulo, u kandekanywa ha pfanelo dza vhathu, u sa khwaṱhisa tshanḓa nga mulayo kha vhulamukanyi khathihi na zwiṅwe zwinzhi, ndi zwone zwine zwa khou shela mulenzhe kha uri vhathu vha gwalabe. Kha u gwalaba honoho hu vha na masiandaitwa a katelaho u tshinyekanya kana u lozwea ha ndaka ya muvhuso, ya vhathu, u huvhala ha hathu na u lozwea ha matshilo.
Data yo kuvhanganywa ho tevhelwa maitele a ngona ya khwaḽithethivi ha dovha hafhu ha shumiswa maiitele a u sengulusa a thematiki (Thematic Analysis). Ṱhoḓisiso iyi i themendela uri vhathu musi hu na zwine vha sa khou fushea ngazwo kha tshiimiswa tshifhio na tshifhio, vha swika hune vha pfa vha tshi tama u bvisela u sa fushea havho khagala nga nḓila ya mugwalabo, kha vha sedzevho sia ḽa u gwalaba ḽa musi vho tou ṅwala zwirendo zwa u gwalaba, vhunga nga kha zwirendo hu si na mutshinyalo u fanaho na u lozwa matshilo na ndaka.NR
Physicochemical, antioxidant and microstructural properties of malted finger millet (Eleusine coracana) flour(s) and their use in gluten-free biscuits.
No full textMESHWRDepartment of Food Science and TechnologyFinger millet is a gluten-free crop with outstanding malting qualities, and a low glycaemic index. The study aimed to determine the physicochemical, antioxidant, and microstructural properties of malted finger millet flours (light and dark brown) and their use in gluten-free biscuits. The two varieties of finger millet grains were germinated for 0, 24, 48, and 72 hours (h) and kilned for 8 h at 30°C. The lightness (L*) values of malted finger millet flours significantly increased (p ≤ 0.05), with light brown having the highest L* value of 76.62. The moisture, ash, fibre, protein, mineral, total phenolic and total flavonoid contents and DPPH activity of both malted finger millet flours and biscuits significantly increased (p ≤ 0.05). Both malted finger millet flours' solubility index, water and oil absorption capacity increased significantly, while the packed and loose bulk density decreased. A significant decrease in the viscosity of the cooked paste in both finger millet flours was observed. Malting resulted in an increase in the onset, peak, and conclusion temperatures. FTIR showed that malting slightly changed the peaks of both finger millet flours. Scanning electron microscopy showed that malting altered the microstructural characteristics of finger millet flours. The yellowness and whiteness index of FM biscuits significantly increased, ranging from 41.47 to 42.12 and 42.21 to 45.47 (light brown) and from 67.78 to 70.97 and 71.92 to 75.41 for dark brown, respectively. The weight, diameter, thickness, and spread ratio significantly decreased with an increase in malting in both FM biscuits. The hardness of the biscuits significantly increased from 762.53 to 1720.28 g (light brown) and 747.50 to 1918.71 g (dark brown). The LB biscuits had more desirable sensory attributes as compared to the DB biscuits. It was concluded that malted FM flour can be used to prepare nutritious and healthier gluten-free bakery products.National Research Foundation (NRF
Experiences of Gender-Based Violence victims during COVID-19 lockdown in the Selected Region F of Gauteng Province, South Africa
No full textMPHDepartment of Public HealthIn South Africa, Gender-Based Violence is a major and persistent problem that touches almost every aspect of daily life. Systematic and deeply ingrained in South African institutions, cultures, and traditions, Gender-Based Violence, which disproportionately affects women and girls, is made worse by gender stereotypes and biases. The reputation of South Africa as one of the most dangerous countries for women is questionable. The aim of this study was to explore the lived experiences of Gender-Based Violence victims during COVID-19 lockdown in the selected Region F of Gauteng Province. The study adopted a qualitative approach and interpretative phenomenological design targeting women aged between of 18 to 49 years who were victims of Gender-Based Violence during COVID-19 lockdown. Face-to-face unstructured interviews were conducted by applying one central question. The interviews were recorded using an audiotape and transcribed verbatim. The study used a non-probability snowball sampling to identify the participants until data saturation was attained with 12 participants. The criterion for selecting the participants was based on the participants’ quality and characteristics that are of interest to the researcher, which is the Gender-Based Violence victims during COVID-19 lockdown. The center and participants were sampled through the department of social development database and the region was selected through crime statistics report from South African Police Service. The data was analyzed through thematic analysis. The researcher observed ethical protocols throughout the study. The results indicate that the victims of Gender-Based Violence during COVID-19 lockdown faced challenges that included lack of access to transport, lack of financial resources, poverty, and unemployment, alcohol and drug abuse and lack of welfare services which led to more suicidal attempts. All necessary trustworthiness were taken to guarantee the validity of the results. Based on the research's findings, recommendations were made.NR
Determining entrepreneurial challenges among women entrepreneurs selling fruits in the Vhembe District
No full textMCom (Business Management)Department of Business ManagementWhile women entrepreneurs in South Africa are making progress in overcoming gender biases and establishing their enterprises, they still encounter several structural and social challenges, many of which have been compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. While past and current research has identified numerous challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, very few studies have focused exclusively on the specific challenges faced by rural women entrepreneurs or attempted to identify how these challenges affect women entrepreneurs. It is within this context that this study aimed to investigate the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs selling fruits in Vhembe District. This study was guided by the phenomenological research design and within the qualitative approach dictates. The convenience sampling technique was utilised to select the participants. The study interviewed 15 women entrepreneurs using face-to-face interviews guided by the structured interview guide. The collected data was transcribed using Microsoft Word and analysed using thematic analysis aided by ATLAS. ti. The findings will enrich the body of knowledge of the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs.NR
Analysis of community-based organisations effectiveness in promoting grassroots educational services in Greater Tzaneen Municipality, South Africa
No full textAGMARDInstitute for Rural DevelopmentCommunity-based organisations (CBOs) play an integral role in promoting educational services, particularly to disadvantaged communities in rural areas. However, debatably, their effectiveness in delivering educational services is rarely known. Thus, the current study was undertaken to analyse the effectiveness of community-based organisations in providing educational services to the grassroots communities of Mosiphane village in Greater Tzaneen Local Municipality, South Africa. An exploratory sequential mixed method design was adopted in the study where qualitative data were collected first, and confirmatory quantitative data were collected last. Qualitative data were collected through focus group discussions and key informant interviews using open-ended questionnaires, while quantitative data were collected through face-to-face interviews using closed-ended questionnaires. Thematic content analysis with the aid of Atlas ti version 8 was used to analyse qualitative data, whereas the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27 was used to analyse quantitative data. The findings identified several approaches used by the CBO to facilitate grassroots educational services. Parental involvement, outreach programmes, and community involvement were the most common approaches used by Mosiphane community-based organisations. Lack of monitoring and evaluation systems, ineffective resource management and inadequate funding affected the community-based organisations in providing educational services in the study area. To address these community-based organisation establishing and implementing monitoring and evaluation systems, improving resource management, advocating for increased funding, and fostering collaborations, capacity building, and community engagement to enhance their effectiveness in promoting grassroots educational services. The findings of this study are crucial in providing actionable insights for policymakers, educators, and community stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness of grassroots educational initiatives.NR
The impacts of parental mental illness on their children: An exploratory study conducted at Vhembe District of Limpopo province
No full textM.A. (Psychology)Department of PsychologyMental illness is a serious problem worldwide with approximately 11.9% diagnosed females and 9.3% males; affecting about 970 million people worldwide (Our world in data, 2018). In South Africa, the rates of children who are exposed to parental mental illness are growing rapidly, leading to negative impacts on their children (Kamis, 2020). Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the impacts of parental mental illness on their children. The objectives of the study were: to explore the impacts of being raised by mentally ill parents as well as to formulate and outline coping strategies intended to reduce the challenges faced by children raised by mentally ill parents.
The study was qualitative in nature and utilized exploratory, descriptive and contextual research designs to explore the impacts of parental mental illness on their children. The study was conducted at three villages of Nzhelele region, Mauluma, Mavhunga and Makumbwi in Vhembe District of Limpopo Province. A sample of 12 Tshivenda-speaking children/adolescents between the age of 15 and 20 both males and females residing with mentally ill parents were selected using homogeneous type of purposive sampling method. This type of purposive sampling was appropriate as the researcher was aware of the families of children with mentally ill parents within the selected villages. Semi-structured interviews and an interview guide were used during the data collection process, and the study employed thematic analysis for the purpose of data analysis. Pre-testing of the interview guide was done using three children between the age of 15-20 who are residing with mentally ill parents and those children were excluded from the actual study. In the present study, trustworthiness was assessed using the criteria of credibility, confirmability and transferability. Furthermore, the study adhered to the following research ethics; institutional ethics, informed consent, confidentiality/anonymity, avoidance of harm, voluntary participation, publication of results and acknowledgement of others’ work.
The findings of this study revealed that parental mental illness has crucial impacts towards their children. The study found psychological, academic and social impacts of parent mental illness on their children. The following impacts were identified: stress and depression, suicidal ideation, low self-esteem, academic failure, school drop-out, bullying, social stigma, financial problems, social withdrawal, teenage pregnancy, substance abuse as well as poor upbringing. Furthermore, the study suggested that implementing psychosocial support, mental health awareness campaigns, community outreach programmes and social media mental health promotion might help in reducing the impacts of being raised by mentally ill parents.
Based on the findings of the study, the study recommends that the Department of Social Development through social workers, conduct community outreach programmes to address social issues faced by children of parents with mental illness. The study further recommends that the Department of Health employ psychological practitioners in public clinics based in rural villages to make psychological services accessible to disadvantaged families. Moreover, the study recommends that the Department of Education implement anti-bullying policies to protect and create safe learning environment for all learners and those who are living with mentally ill parents.NR
Investigation of methods adopted by smallholder broiler farmers adapting to climate change
No full textAGMARDInstitute for Rural DevelopmentBroiler farming is one of the fastest businesses with a short production cycle and low initial capital. This practice helps alleviate poverty, ensures food security, and improves people's nutritional status by providing immeasurable employment opportunities for communities. Even though broiler farming is of great benefit, smallholder farmers face challenges, climate change being one of them. The aim of the study was to investigate methods that smallholder broiler farmers have adopted to adapt to climate change. The study was conducted in the Thulamela and Musina municipalities of the Vhembe district. For this study, 124 small-scale broiler farmers were purposively selected (those farming with less than 2000 broilers per cycle) to represent 57 for Thulamela and 67 for Musina municipalities. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using open and closed ended questions. IBM SPSS statistics version 29 was used to determine frequencies using descriptive statistics and mean scores. The results from the study reflected that the age of most farmers who are involved in broiler farming is 36-45 (40.3%). About 79.9% of female farmers are involved in broiler farming compared to 21% of male farmers. The results show that most broiler farmers (96%) sell their live chickens locally. The results reflected that 54% of the farmers strongly disagree with changing from closed housing systems to an open-sided one during summer. Furthermore, 66.1% of the farmers strongly agree that during the summer season, they are challenged with high mortality rates due to heat stressed. On perceptions of farmers, the mean score reflected that the farmers ranked decrease in sales volume in summer (x̄=2.39) as more important, followed by an increase in water intake in winter (x̄=2.54) and changing the housing system (x̄=2.63). It emerged that farmers (49,2%) have developed their strategies for adapting, which include use of Aloe vera, Munzere (Bridelia micrantha), salt and sugar and dipping chickens in water as a measure of cooling the broilers; with the cooling system being expensive. About 98.4% prefer to use open-sided housing as ventilation compared to the cooling system. In conclusion, because of change in climate and expensive conventional adaptation methods, the farmers have developed their own indigenous and cheaper ways of adapting to climate change. I recommend that further studies need to be conducted on the effectiveness of indigenous methods adopted by smallholder broiler farmers.NR