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Teacher and Learner Experiences of Using ICTs for Teaching and Learning during COVID-19: A Case of Two Secondary Schools in Shiluvane Circuit, Mopani District, Limpopo Province
No full textM.A. (Curriculum Studies)Department of Professional and Curriculum StudiesThe purpose of this study was to investigate the experiences of secondary teachers and learners in using ICTs for instructional purposes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study also aimed to understand the opportunities and challenges surrounding the use of ICT in teaching and learning during COVID-19. The study used connectivism and social constructivism as its theoretical frameworks. To achieve the objectives mentioned above, the study used a qualitative interpretative research approach that uses semi-structured interviews and review of documents as its data collection strategy. The study included a sample size of 20 participants, ten teachers, and ten learners. These participants were purposefully selected from two secondary schools within the Shiluvane circuit in the Mopani district of Limpopo Province. The expected study findings were as follows: Firstly, the study revealed the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on secondary school teachers and learners on teaching and learning. Second, the study indicated the potential technology has in making teaching and learning possible anywhere, anytime.NR
Influence of firing temperature on ceramic properties of kaolinitic clays from Duthuni, Limpopo Province (South Africa)
No full textMESMEGThis study investigated the ceramic suitability of two representative kaolin samples from Duthuni area, subjected to four firing temperatures (800 oC, 900 oC, 1000 oC and 1100 oC).The objectives were to ascertain the effects of the raw clay physical, mineralogical, chemical characteristics on its ceramic potential, elucidate on the thermal evolution and associated mineral phase transformations, and to technologically characterize the raw clays. Physical properties were identified by particle size distribution, consistency limits and clay activity. Mineralogical and chemical properties were investigated by XRD, FTIR and XRF. Firing characteristics were measured by weight loss (WL), bulk density (BD), linear shrinkage (LS), water absorption (WA) and flexural strength (FS).
The characteristic mineral assemblage comprised; quartz + kaolinite ± mica + microcline + goethite + hematite + anatase + ilmenite. Quartz occurred as major constituent in both samples, while kaolinite, Goethite and Anatase are present as minor constituents. Visual appraisal of the clay workability chart indicated that D1 and D2 plot within the high shrinkage field, with D1 displaying comparatively higher potential for shrinkage than D2. The potential for high shrinkage suggests possible detrimental effects during clay body formulation (extrusion and molding) as well as firing phases of the ceramic manufacturing process.
Interpretations drawn from the Holtz and Kovacs diagram are consistent with the mineral phases identified by XRD. Kaolinite was the main clay mineral in both samples, occurring as minor constituent. The loam to silty texture of D2 and and D1 respectively are consistent with the predominance of quart phases revealed by the XRD and Si – O functional groups observed in the IR.
The studied materials are siliceous (SiO2: 38.5–45.5 wt%), aluminous (Al2O3: 23.9–16.7 wt%) and ferruginous (Fe2O3: 23.5–21.3 wt%), with the SiO2/A Al2O3 ratios ranging from 1.61 to 2.71. The geochemistry of the clay samples also shows relatively high amounts of TiO2 (2.91 – 2.71 wt% respectively for D1 and D2). Low kaolinite content and high iron oxide contents equally suggests kaolin impurity and colouring effect on the fired clays. Furthermore, appraisal of the ceramic suitability of D1 and D2 based on their geochemistry indicates suitability for red bodies (D2) and a close outlier for red bodies and porous tiles
The DSC curve portrayed three endothermic peaks; 85 oC to 90 oC, 295 oC to 300 oC and 530 oC to 535 oC corresponding to elimination of adsorbed water, goethite dehyroxylation and formation of metakaolinite respectively. A weak exothermic was observed at 945 oC and 955 oC suggesting recrystallization of metakaolinite to spinel or mullite. Small mass loses where observed between 20 oC to 120 oC (2% - 7.2%), 250 oC to 320 oC (1.3% - 3.8%) and 400 oC to 600 oC (5.2% - 6.2%). The relatively low kaolinite dehydroxylation temperature (535 oC) coupled with the generally asymmetric shape of the endothermic peaks suggests a poorly ordered and crystalline structure.
The highest percentage of weight loss (WL) was recorded at 1100 oC in D1(12.41%) and at 900 oC in D2 (16.96%). The bulk density (Bd) increased with firing temperature in both samples. The LS in D1 ranged from 10.2 % to 18.59% from 800 oC to 1100 oC. A corresponding increase in LS was also observed in D2 (8.06 % to 11.8%).The FS of D1 increased steadily up to 1000 oC and then experienced a slight decline at 1100 oC. The FS values for D1 ranged from 0.86 to 1.25 MPa, with acceptable strength attained at 1000 oC and 1100 oC. The FS of D2 showed a similar increasing trend and slight decline at 1100 oC. The WA for D1 showed a decrease with firing temperature, ranging from 24.48 % at 800 oC to 9.01% at 1100 oC. A similar trend was observed for D2 (19.39 % to 10.88 %) from 800 oC to 1100 oC respectively. D2 satisfies the conditions for massive bricks, ceramic blocks and roof tiles. The studied clays show moderate potentials for exploitation based on their inherent characteristics (without modification). This, however, limits the exploitation to predominantly face bricks. Beneficiation is thus recommended to increase value and range of structural ceramic applications.NR
The exploratory study of psychological experiences of female victims of gender-based violence in Sekhukhune District Municipality
No full textM.A. (Social Work)Department of Social WorkGender based violence in South Africa, (especially on women and young women), is increasing. There is significant increase in those women who are in relationship. However, such relations have strong correlation to the high rates of murder, rape and assault with intend to do grievous body harm, resulting in a high prevalence of women exposed to gender based violence. Social workers are mandated to provide psycho- social support to the victims of gender-based violence and their families. Alternatively, the Victim Empowerment programs Centers (VEP) implements support to victims and survivors of crimes including gender-based violence, as well as their families to deal with the impact of the incident which he/she has experience. VEP also assist victims with management of trauma and ensuring that victims are educated to identify the symptoms of post-traumatic stress as common practice in South Africa, is not without challenges. One significant challenge is the role of support systems within the community. The aim of the study was to explore the psychosocial experiences amongst women exposed to gender-based violence in rural areas of Sekhukhune District. Qualitative approach using an exploratory research design was employed. The population of the study was women who experienced gender-based violence living in rural areas of Sekhukhune District municipality who were attending Victim empowerment services at the Non- Governmental Organization.Convenience sampling was used to select ten (10) women who experienced gender-based violence. Semi-structured interviews, in-depth individual face to face interviews were used to better understand the psychosocial experiences of gender-based violence as well as the role played by the support system within the community which was analysed using thematic analysis.National Research Foundation (NRF
Interventions for Enhancing Performance of Communal Property Associations in Managing Restituted Land in Vhembe District Municipality
No full textPhDRDVInstitute for Rural DevelopmentThe struggle for distribution of land was central to the liberation movement in South Africa. Following the end of apartheid, the new government enacted a constitution that mandated equitable land distribution. This led to the implementation of a land reform programme, encompassing land reform, restitution and redistribution. However, many beneficiaries, particularly those receiving agricultural land, lacked the necessary skills and experience in farming and land management. To address these challenges, Communal Property Associations (CPAs) were introduced as a central institution for land restitution and management. Established under the Communal Property Associations Act of 1996, the CPA was vested with legal authority to manage and hold redistributed land on behalf of beneficiaries. Invariably, CPAs are regarded as dysfunctional, mainly due to substandard performance and poor governance. The extent of these governance issues remains unclear. Thus, this study aimed to examine the governance of CPAs and propose interventions to enhance their performance within Vhembe District Municipality. A survey in which Executive Committee members of 53 CPAs served as respondents was carried out. In this regard, a quantitative research design was used to explore the potential interventions for effective CPA management. Ranked means were computed for each perception to provide empirical insights to inform strategies for improving CPA performance in managing redistributed land.
A significant majority (79%) of CPA Executive Committee members served on a voluntary basis. This underscores the need for targeted mentorship and training programmes to enhance their effectiveness. Challenges identified included widespread non-compliance with legal provisions and inadequate access to resources, which significantly impact service delivery and organizational functionality. Many CPAs exhibit dysfunctionality, as evidenced by poor governance and inadequate compliance with constitutional and legal requirements. The need for enhanced legal education and compliance interventions was highlighted. Variations in administrative and operational systems among CPAs were observed. A clear need for improved clarity in vision and mission, and more consistent compliance with legal provisions was unravelled. Of particular note was that Executive Committees prioritized clarity of vision (55%) but less frequently assess client needs (39%). This observation reveals a gap that could be addressed through strategic planning processes and regular client assessments.
Gender balance within Executive Committees was said to be improving (mean score of 7.3), yet sub-committees showed lower levels of commitment and effectiveness (mean score of 3.5). This might indicate potential weaknesses in governance structures. Human resource management practices were weak, with mean scores ranging from 1.8 to 2.7. These results reflect significant deficiencies in recruitment, development and adherence to regulations.
Financial management practices are generally robust (mean scores ranging from 4.1 to 7.3), but challenges remain in budgeting, stock control, and income diversification (mean scores from 3.4 to 5.2). Furthermore, CPAs faced difficulties in integrating their activities with government plans and achieving visibility. Mean scores ranged from 2.3 to 3.9 for these aspects. Implementing training programmes, developing comprehensive policies and enhancing resource mobilization strategies to address these issues are recommended as relevant interventions. Policy interventions should focus on compliance, leadership development, operational culture and sustainability to improve CPA performance and ensure long-term effectiveness in communal property management.NR
Representation of Southern African National Liberation Movements at the United Nations, 1962-1975
No full textPh.D. (History)Department of Human SciencesThis thesis examines the representation of Southern African national liberation movements at the United Nations (UN) from 1962 to 1975. The thesis discusses the UN practice for their representation; UN reaction and response to their representation over time; Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in their representation and the effects for their representation. The thesis reveals that initially, there were no explicit provisions or pertinent rules of procedure for national liberation movements' representation at the UN. The UN General Assembly (GA), however, crafted a practice whereby it invited through and in consultation with the OAU, representatives of the national liberation movements to take part in an observer capacity in its main committees and organs’ proceedings and deliberations. It also reveals that the UN reacted and responded to the movements’ representation by explicitly acknowledging their role in the decolonisation process. The thesis, further, reveals that this role was expressed through GA decisions that offered international aid and support to the movements; and inviting their representatives to take part in conferences held under UN auspices. Based on extensive review of primary and secondary data sources, this thesis concludes that representation of national liberation movements at the UN held effects for politics, law, and relations. As in so much else, representation of the national liberation movements on the international political plane will remain to be one of the hot topics and the one which offers a meeting point for the fields of politics, law, and international relations. This meeting point emerged in 1962 when the UN GA decided to implement or apply the 1960 Declaration on Decolonisation/Impendence. By 1975, a precedent and a major change were established as far as the representation of Southern Africa national liberation movements at the UN was concerned.NR
Mapping activities of stakeholders along selected vegetable value chains in Vhembe District Municipality, South Africa
No full textAGMARDFarmer’s, transporters and retailers are major key players along the vegetable value chains in South Africa and globally. Their roles and activities along the vegetable value chain are affected by lack of capital, resources, transportation, storage, packaging materials, education and high transactional costs. This is evidenced by high levels of dissatisfactions along the vegetable value chain and is contributing to high loss of jobs in the vegetable industry, shortage and high cost of vegetables and increasing number of vacant farms. Thus, this study was carried out to Map activities of stakeholders along selected vegetable value chain in Vhembe District Municipality, South Africa.
The quantitative research approach was adopted. Stratified simple random sampling technique was used to select 185 respondents. Self-administered structured questionnaire consisting of closed-ended questions was used to collect primary (raw data). A 5-point Likert-type scale ranging from 5 (strongly agree) to 1 (strongly disagree) was also used in the process. The study used descriptive analysis, (mean, median, and mode), range variance, standard deviation and some inferential statistics for the analysis.
The data was analysed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Science version 28.0.1.1. Atlas t.i version 8 was also used to create diagrams for analysis. Cronbach’s alpha was used to ensure reliability and high internal consistency of Likert-type scale. The study shows that players need various sources of assistants as to ensure sustainable vegetable value chain. The study further reflects that though they are faced with various challenges players are striving to ensure food security, sustainable vegetable value chains, good nutrition and to achieve goal 2 (ending hunger, achieving food security and promoting sustainable agriculture) of the SDG’S.NR
Realising the right to healthcare services in South Africa
No full textLLM (Human Rights)Department of Public LawThis study examines the ongoing problems faced in an attempt to enforce the provision of the entitlement to hospital facilities. It outlines the legal and constitutional frameworks that makes provision for the entitlement for having to access healthcare services for all people in the Republic. The need for such provision is a central part of the national vision for healthcare transformation. Therefore, our constitution provides that: “everyone has the right to have access to health care service.” In this regard it is important to note that “ This constitution is the supreme law of the Republic ;law or conduct that is in consistent with it is invalid and obligations imposed by it must be fulfilled”. The study draws on evidence from a range of sources, including published literature, policy, and existing healthcare reforms in South Africa, evaluates their efficiency and the current state of healthcare in the country, and discusses the socio-economic and political issues, including poverty, inequity and inadequate public healthcare infrastructure. Particularly, this study accesses the legal initiatives in South Africa, such as the statutory Health Insurance (NHI), and their potential to improve enforceability of the said right.
The conclusions drawn from this paper suggests that South Africa faces ongoing problems in achieving the objectives of providing for the right to healthcare, including a shortage of healthcare providers, low levels of public financing for health, and inadequate supplies. We are further burdened by the country's limited human resources and infrastructure, inadequate health systems governance, and weak public-private partnerships have all contributed to the slow progress in achieving universal healthcare coverage in the country.
The study concludes by proposing specific recommendations to safeguard the provision of the said right. These strategies include increasing public investment in health, strengthening public-private partnerships, and improving the management of the health system. It also highlights the importance of developing innovative strategies that can engage stakeholders in understanding and addressing these ongoing problems.
The evidence presented throughout this study suggests that substantial effort will be required to overcome the different challenges and ensure universal healthcare coverage in the country.National Research Foundation (NRF
Development of a health risk management framework for heavy metals and cyanide in Kwekwe City, Zimbabwe
No full textPhDPHDepartment of Public HealthBackground: Globally, humans are constantly exposed to numerous environmental pollutants and suffer from acute and chronic conditions. Pollutants, such as heavy metals and cyanide cause various health conditions which impair public health. Aim: This study aimed to develop a health risk management framework for heavy metal and cyanide pollutants in Kwekwe City. Methods: The convergent parallel mixed-method study design was utilised. The systematic literature review identified
and described key characteristics and elements of risk management frameworks guided by the
Organisation for Economic Co o peration and Development principles. A cross-sectional exploratory qualitative study was conducted on purposively selected key stakeholders and industrial settlement residents. Unstructured interviews and focus group discussions were used to gather data on perceived heavy metals and cyanide risks. The data were transcribed verbatim, translated into English, coded, and thematically analysed using R-Software. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted to determine levels of heavy metals in the surface water, soil, and vegetables. Grab samples were analysed using the US EPA 3050b method to determine concentrations of heavy metals. Free cyanide was determined only in surface water samples. Statistical data analysis was done using R-Software in the quantitative study. The US EPA method was used to estimate the health risks of potentially toxic elements and cyanide. Results: The qualitative study on heavy metal and cyanide risk perceptions identified five main and fifteen sub-themes that emerged from the data analysis. Participants perceived that environmental pollution posed significant health risks in the area that were principally linked to cyanide, mercury, and chromium. Iron, zinc, lead, and cyanide were the main pollutants in the quantitative enquiry. Cyanide and iron contributed the most to the hazard index and non-cancer risks. The combined qualitative and quantitative data were analysed, compared, and merged to inform the development of a risk management framework. The developed framework was validated through stakeholder consultation and the Delphi Technique. Conclusions: Residents perceived heavy metal and cyanide pollutants as public health risks. The level of pollutants and associated health risks indicated the existence of a problem, which was leveraged to develop a risk management framework.NR
An evaluation of local government involvement in crime prevention: insight from Mopani District Municipality, Limpopo Province
No full textPh. D.(Criminal Justice)Department of Criminal JusticeCrime prevention has been recognised as one of the key national priorities in South Africa since the establishment of the National Crime Prevention Strategy (NCPS) in 1996. It is viewed to be the responsibility and duty of the South African Police Service (SAPS); however, with a range of crimes caused by different factors, it is impossible to rely exclusively on the police to prevent crime. Thus, various stakeholders such as businesses, communities, Non-Government Organisations, civil society, law enforcement and Municipalities need to take a stand in maintaining peace and ensuring safety for law-abiding citizens within their municipal boundaries. Using a mixed-method research approach, a purposive sampling was used to select 4 municipal safety officials, 5 SAPS social crime prevention members and 1 member from Department of Transport and Community Safety. A simple random technique was used to collect data from the selected 338 community members from all local Municipalities in the Mopani District. Quantitative data were collected through cross-sectional survey and analysed by descriptive and inferential analyses using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using Thematic Content Analysis. The findings of this study revealed that the municipality is partially active in crime prevention. The study identified lack of resources, informal settlement, lack of coordination, by-laws compliance, accountability, political inference, lack of knowledge and expertise as the challenges that hinders the effectiveness of municipalities in crime prevention. The results further reveal lack of cooperation between SAPS and municipalities in crime prevention. This study recommends stakeholders’ engagement, public awareness, accountability, establishment of crime prevention body, CPTED, regular assessment and professionalisation of the crime prevention space as the intervention strategies that can advance the involvement of municipalities in crime prevention.NR
The role of community participation in municipal budgeting in Makhado Local Municipality : A case study of Vhembe District Municipality
No full textMSMMADepartment of Public and Development AdministrationThis study examines the role of community participation in the municipal budgeting
process, at Makhado Local Municipality, Vhembe in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The
government has legislated various legislative frameworks that encourage communities'
involvement in local government affairs. The Municipal System Act, 32 of 2000 outlines
the role of community participation in municipal planning as one of the significant roles of
the municipal council. Local government legislations are emphatic on the significant role
played by local communities in the decision-making processes of municipalities in South
Africa. The challenge is that ineffective community participation in municipality budgetary
processes continues despite regulatory policy frameworks in place. Decision-making and
implementation taken during budgetary processes are left to the discretion of individual
municipalities. This results in service delivery protests as the municipality’s priorities are
not in line with the community’s needs and demands. The literature review reveals that
most of the service delivery protests that occurred at Makhado Local Municipality were
attributed to ineffective community participation in matters that affected them. This study
adopted the mixed research methodology for data collection, using both the quantitative
and qualitative methodologies. The target population was the municipal officials,
councillors, traditional leaders and the local community members within the selected
Makhado Local Municipality villages. The findings of the study reveal that community
participation in budgetary processes remains a challenge for the Makhado Local
Municipality, hence poor service delivery. This study concludes by recommending
strategies to improve community participation in budgetary processes.National Research Foundation (NRF