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An evaluation of flood control mechanisms to withstand and adapt to flooding in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province
No full textMENVSCDepartment of Geography and Environmental SciencesThe Vhembe district is currently grappling with a rising prevalence of flooding, a phenomenon attributed to a combination of natural elements, such as heavy rainfall, and human-induced activities like deforestation and inadequate infrastructure management. The resultant damages encompass infrastructure destruction, loss of life, crop and soil damage, and environmental harm, with implications extending to human health, housing, livelihoods, government resources, and significant economic consequences. Consequences vary based on the resources and development levels of different areas, emphasising the need to understand each community's unique aspects for the development of resilient flood control strategies. The aim of this study is to evaluate the flood control mechanisms to determine if they can withstand and adapt to flooding in the selected study areas of Musina, Duthuni, and Sane in the Vhembe District. The study pursues two objectives: investigating trends in extreme rainfall and its relationship to flood occurrences, and characterising the nature, effectiveness, and adaptability of flood control mechanisms in the Vhembe district area. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research design integrates both quantitative and qualitative methods to gain comprehensive insights. The data collection process involved the administration of in-depth questionnaires to participants, coupled with observational analyses of flood control mechanisms. This multifaceted approach allowed for a qualitative assessment of the nature, effectiveness, and adaptability of these mechanisms. Additionally, daily rainfall data sourced from the NASA POWER website was utilised. This data facilitated the computation of an average seasonal precipitation table, the generation of monthly precipitation figures, and tables displaying the count of days when precipitation exceeded the 95th percentile. The findings reveal a recurring pattern of precipitation throughout the seasons, with the highest average precipitation consistently occurring from December to February, and January emerging as a critical month for flood risk. The analysis of flood events spanning from 2000 to 2020 establishes a connection between daily rainfall exceeding 20 mm and instances of flooding, particularly evident in Duthuni, where nearly annual flooding has been observed. The study identified diverse flood control mechanisms linked to the level of development and community traditions. Natural and traditional measures, such as furrows and vegetation-based flood control mechanisms, dominate the rural village of Sane. In contrast, the urbanised Musina prefers engineered solutions like culverts and concrete channels, while Duthuni integrates both approaches. Furrows are popular at the household level across all the study areas, although their effectiveness is considered to be lower in comparison to other household flood control mechanisms. The field observational analysis emphasises the construction of flood control mechanisms using reinforced materials and underscores the importance of regular maintenance. The study underscores the importance of region-specific flood control solutions tailored to local conditions and preferences, considering climate patterns
and community traditions. By adopting this approach, the Vhembe district can enhance its readiness and adaptive capacity for flooding. The study's results provide a foundation for well-informed decision-making and policy development, emphasising the necessity for initiatives to align flood management with the distinct challenges and preferences of local communities.NR
Implications of community participation in development projects in the Greater Giyani Local Municipality
No full textMPMO. R. Tambo Institute of Governance and Policy StudiesNR
Synthesis and Characterisation of Metallic Nanoparticles from Medicinal Plant Extracts and their Application in combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacterial Pathogens
No full textM.Sc. (Microbiology)Department of Biochemistry and MicrobiologyBackground: The rise of antibiotic-resistant (ABR) bacterial pathogens is a major global
health concern, especially in the case of respiratory tract infections (RTIs), which can make
treatment more difficult. According to statistics, more than 2 million lives were lost due to
ABR bacterial infections in 2019, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. This study aims
to propose a novel approach to combating ABR bacteria by synthesising metallic nanoparticles
(MNPs) from medicinal plants. Integrating nanoparticle-based strategies with medicinal plants
demonstrates considerable promise in addressing RTIs.
Methodology: The present study investigated the extracts of Spirostachys africana (S.
africana), a medicinal plant traditionally used by healers to treat various infections. Extracts
were prepared using methanol, ethanol, acetone, and distilled water. A comprehensive
approach was employed to synthesise and characterise silver (SA-AgNPs) and gold (SAAuNPs)
nanoparticles from S. africana extracts. Methods of characterisation included
Ultraviolet-Visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Dynamic light
scattering (DLS), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared
spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Liquid chromatography and mass spectroscopy (LC-MS). The
antimicrobial activity of the nanoparticles and extracts was tested against the World Health
Organization (WHO) ABR priority pathogens using agar well diffusion and microdilution
assays. We further, assessed the cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities
using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), Griess assays,
and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method, respectively.
Results: The UV-Vis analysis revealed surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peaks at 480 nm and
541 nm, indicating the formation of SA-AgNPs and SA-AuNPs, respectively. XRD showed
face-centred cubic structures with crystalline sizes ranging from 9–19 nm for SA-AgNPs and
9–10 nm for SA-AuNPs. The DLS measurements displayed a polydisperse distribution for SAAgNPs,
while a monodisperse distribution was observed for SA-AuNPs. Most NPs aggregated
over time, except for bark-methanol conjugated SA-AgNPs, which exhibited more stability
with a zeta potential value of -27 mV. The TEM images showed particle core sizes of 5–49.5
nm for SA-AgNPs, predominantly spherical, and 6–32 nm for SA-AuNPs, mainly spheroidal.
The FTIR analysis identified functional groups including hydroxyl, carboxyl, and amine
groups in both plant extracts and SA-AgNPs/SA-AuNPs. These fuctional groups are involved
in the reduction and capping of Ag+ and Au+ ions to form SA-AgNPs and SA-AuNPs,
respectively. The LCMS technique identified 23 bioactive compounds from S. africana
extracts, with flavonoids being the most dominant. Antimicrobial assays using agar well
diffusion and microdilution methods showed SA-AgNPs were more effective than crude
extracts and SA-AuNPs against tested ABR bacteria. Acetone-conjugated SA-AgNPs having
the highest zone of inhibition (22 mm) against P. aeruginosa. In contrast, methanol/ethanolconjugated
SA-AgNPs displayed potent antimicrobial activity (MIC = 0.05 mg/mL) against E.
coli, P. aeruginosa, and A. baumannii, respectively. Additionally, Acetone extracts exhibited
selective toxicity against MCF-7 cancer cells, while stimulating MCF-10 cells and RAW 264.7
macrophage cells at concentrations of 0.078 mg/mL. Furthermore, ethanol extracts and
ethanol-conjugated SA-AgNPs/SA-AuNPs significantly decreased NO production, indicating
their potential as anti-inflammatory agents. Acetone extract exhibited excellent antioxidant
activity (IC50 = 0.000335 mg/mL).
Conclusions: The MNPs synthesised from S. africana extracts offer a promising solution to
combat ABR bacterial pathogens, particularly those causing RTIs. The S. africana extracts and
MNPs show significant cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities.NR
Formulation of weighted disclosure indices and its application in evaluating accounting disclosure and financial performance of listed firms
No full textPh.D. (Accounting)This research studied listed firms in South Africa and Ghana. The purpose was to formulate two novel weighted disclosure indices for evaluating accounting disclosure in financial statements, and apply them in a multivariate regression analysis together with agency costs and economic value-added metric, to study listed firms on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) and the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE). This concept was motivated by the dearth of weighted disclosure indices in literature for measuring accounting disclosures. Two weighted disclosure indices have been developed and have been proposed to be used by researchers and practitioners, to evaluate the level of clarity or vagueness in financial statements disclosure and listed firms` compliance level to International Accounting Standards (IAS) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). These newly-formulated methods were then applied to investigate the level of clarity or vagueness and compliance level of listed firms on the JSE and the GSE. Applying the scale scoring and dummy scoring techniques, and portfolio weight method, this study formulated these two novel weighted disclosure methods - WDIscales and WDIdummy - which can be used to evaluate both the clarity or vagueness and a firm`s accounting disclosure compliance level, using information disclosed in their audited financial reports, on their websites and on regulator`s website. Applying the agency theory, the study delved further and applied two agency cost variables, namely, expense ratio (agency cost1) and asset turnover (agency cost2), examined their relationship with the novel weighted disclosure indices, liquidity, and employed economic value added (EVA) as proxy for financial performance. The findings indicate a very strong positive significant correlation of 97% (GSE-54.1%) between WDIscale and WDIdummy. It also found a very strong positive significant 92% correlation between WDIscale and UDI as well as 92% (GSE-72%) correlation between WDIscale and PUDI. Further analysis found a positive significant 94% (GSE-81%) correlation between WDIdummy and UDI as well as positive significant 94% (GSE-81%) correlation between WDIdummy and PUDI. These confirms their consistency with the existing indices. The analysis found that firms that increased their disclosure clarity also increased their compliance levels. Findings derived from the descriptive statistics indicate that the mean weighted disclosure index scale score (WDIscale) was found to be 26% with 52% maximum score for JSE-listed firms and 34% mean for GSE-listed firms with 57% maximum score. The implication is that disclosure clarity is about 52% whereas vagueness constitutes 48% for JSE firms. This implies that information asymmetry account for about 48%. This means certainty represent 52%, but the 48% information asymmetry represent uncertainty to investors. For GSE-listed firms, the 57% clarity represent certainty in decision making for investors whereas the remaining 43% represent uncertainty and therefore information asymmetry. Conclusions drawn from these findings is that the JSE-48% and the GSE-43% vagueness indicate
a reduced understandability of the financial statements. Comparative analysis of the mean weighted disclosure index dummy score (WDIdummy) found that JSE-listed firms scored 40% mean with 75% maximum score whereas GSE-listed firms scored 47% average with 70% maximum. The implication is that although GSE-firms recorded marginally higher average scale score, total compliance to reporting standards was higher (75%) among JSE-listed firms than GSE-listed firms (70%). Compliance level is therefore high in both contexts but clarity is not as high as compliance level. Consistent with prior studies, application of these disclosure indices found that disclosure clarity is low among listed firms. Again, it was found that liquid firms disclosed with higher levels of clarity and low levels of vagueness and firms audited by any of the global big four global accounting firms disclosed with higher clarity and their compliance level in terms of WDIdummy, PUDI and UDI were also higher. Firms with lower agency cost (higher asset turnover) tend to increase their level of financial disclosure. Consistent with agency theory, an increase in agency costs diminished liquidity, but lower agency costs increased liquidity. Consistent with the free cash flow theory, this study found that an increase in liquidity induced an increase in agency costs. Further and contrary to prior studies, the analysis found that agency cost1 does not reduce disclosure clarity nor disclosure compliance level, but liquid firms disclosed with higher levels of clarity and low levels of vagueness in conformance with the signaling theory. An increase in expense ratio (increase in agency cost1) leads to a decrease in asset turnover (an increase in agency cost2) and an increase in agency cost1 leads to an increase in financial distress. An increase in agency cost1 leads to a decrease in economic value added to investors` wealth. An increase in agency costs led to a decrease in market value added to firm value. But agency costs do not automatically impede financial performance. Firms audited by the global big four accounting firms tend to have lower agency costs. EVA was found to increase liquidity, increase return on capital employed and reduce the possibility of financial distress. An increase in liquidity was found to lead to an increase in economic value added. An increase in disclosure compliance was found to lead to an increase in EVA. Finally, although an increase in disclosure clarity was found to not increase EVA, an increase in compliance to IFRS and IAS was found to cause an increase in EVA.NR
Challenges faced by Grade 4 Teachers in using English as a Language of Learning and Teaching (LOLT) at Rakwadu 1 Circuit, Mopani East District - Limpopo Province
No full textM. A. (Curriculum Studies)Department of Curriculum StudiesThe Language of Learning and Teaching is key to teaching across all subjects. Teachers should be exemplary users of English as the Language of Learning and Teaching. This study sought to explore challenges faced by Grade 4 teachers in using English as a Language of Learning and Teaching. A qualitative approach was adopted in this study. The targeted population comprised all Grade 4 teachers who use English as the Language of Learning and Teaching, all Departmental Heads and all curriculum advisors in Rakwadu 1 Circuit. A purposive sample of 6 Grade 4 teachers who use English as a Language of Learning and Teaching from 3 different schools, 3 Departmental Head and 1 Curriculum Advisor were selected. Observation and semi-structured face-to-face interviews were used for data collection. Data were analysed thematically. It was discovered that due to learner’s poor English vocabulary it was hard for the teachers to maintain consistency in the use of English as the Language of Learning and Teaching. The study recommends the use of various strategies by Grade 4 teachers to improve the use of English as a Language of Learning and Teaching during teaching across all subjects.NR
Evaluation of the effectiveness of the revenue strategies of Ndwendwe Local Municipalty in the Kwazulu - Natal Province
No full textMPMDepartment of Public and Development AdmnistrationThis is a qualitative study that evaluates the effectiveness of Municipal revenue strategies of Ndwedwe Local Municipality in Kwazulu-Natal province. The study is thus a conceptual (desktop) research that followed the case study approach. Revenue strategies are the money that is accruable to the municipality through taxes and levies. This evaluation is necessary due to the dwindling fortune of the municipality which impacted negatively on its revenue.
This study employed a case study design. It is also grounded by the interpretivist paradigm; The study used secondary sources of data which are based on the municipal annual reports and audit findings to collect data. Therefore, this is a desktop study that relied on documents such as Ndwedwe Integrated Development Document 2022, relevant policies, and legislation, which requires municipalities to collect all money that is due and payable to them, as well as journals. The literature related to this topic was examined to identify recurring problems, trends, and similarities in operations pertaining to increasing municipal revenue.
The study findings confirm that revenue collection in the Ndwedwe Local Municipality is hampered by several things that include the strategies for revenue collection, the legislative framework used in revenue collection, and the practices of revenue collection. Notwithstanding all the revenue collection challenges that the municipalities encounter, it implies that for the Ndwedwe Local municipality to consider improving the revenue collection system like using automated methods to ensure improved revenue performance. The study recommends that there is a need for every municipality to conduct a ratepayer campaign within their jurisdiction to educate the ratepayers on the need for and importance of paying rates and taxes.NR
A model to strengthen Ward Based Outreach Teams (WBOTs) within the PHC Re-engineering programme in Vhembe district, Limpopo Province
No full textPhD (Nursing Science)Department of Advanced Nursing ScienceBackground: After the Alma Ata Declaration in 1978, many countries especially the developing regions of the world, began to establish or strengthen their Community Health Worker (CHW) programmes due to the need for “a shift in attitude from a focus on ill health and hospitals, to a focus on communities and families controlling their own health”
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop a model to strengthen the performance of Ward Based Outreach Teams within the re-engineering programme in Vhembe district, Limpopo Province.
Methods: The study followed parallel convergent mixed method approach was used in data collection, analysing and merging data of both qualitative and quantitative design simultaneously, in order to give the general picture of the problem. Convergent design take place when the researcher collects and analyses both qualitative and quantitative data during the same phase of the research process and merges the two sets of results into inclusive interpretation
Phase 1(a) Qualitative objectives were to explore the perceptions, experiences, and challenges of WBOTs on PHC re-engineering programme. The qualitative strand followed the exploratory descriptive approach. The target population were the WBOTs involved in PHC re-engineering programme (CHWs, team leaders (professional nurses) and coordinators of the programme. Non-probability purposive convenient sampling method was used to sample the participants. In-depth unstructured interviews were used to collect to the focus group discussions (FGDs). 9 FGDs were involved. An audiotape and field notes was used to supplement data. Measures of trustworthiness were also observed. Data was analysed using Tesch’s thematic analysis. Phase 1(b) Quantitative objectives were to assess thee knowledge of professional nurses on PHC re-engineering and to assess the impact of PHC re-engineering in the health system. The target population were the professional nurses at PHC facilities whose facilities are attached to PHC re-engineering programme and having consistency in submitting monthly statistics for 6 months on the activities of the CHWs. Probability sampling method was. Simple random used to sample the respondents. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. SPPSS Version 27 was used to analyse data. Phase 2, Chin & Kramer’s concept analysis steps was utilized to analyse findings. Phase 3, development of a model was based on Dickoff theoretical framework of context, agent, recipient, dynamics, procedure and outcome. Ethical considerations were ensured, and measures to ensure validity and reliability was applied.
Findings: Both team leaders and professional nurses acknowledged the ineffective coordination of PHC re-engineering programme due to the multiple roles that they are expected to perfume on daily basis. Lack of support, supervision, mentoring, coaching, communication, monitoring and evaluation came out as the key stumbling blocks between team leaders, professional nurses and community health care workers. Lack of support from the district management team was also identified. Negative attitude of some facility staff members towards the CHWs tend to cause poor relationship and lack of trust in health providers.
Recommendations: The study recommends that all professional nurses at PHC facilities should have sufficient knowledge on PHC re-engineering programme, they should understand the impact of PHC re-engineering programme in the community and the health system in order to work harmoniously with the CHWs. They should also understand the diversity of the health system towards attaining a status of health for all. Team leaders should ensure that PHC re-engineering receive priority in all PHC facilities. Again, team leaders should know PHC re-engineering targets and be linked to service delivery targets. They should provide proper support, supervision, mentoring, coaching, monitoring and evaluating the activities of the CHWs. District management team should be visible and provide supportive to the WBOTs.NR
Internet of things (IoT) and business intelligence (BI) for sustainable macadamia and avocadoes commercial farming: from farms in the Vhembe District, Limpopo, South Africa
No full textMCom (Business Information Systems)Department of Business Information SystemsInternet of things (IoT) is a revolutionary technology representing the future of communication and computing. IoT and Business intelligence (BI) has become indispensable for enhancing farming. It is considered an essential factor in disseminating farming information to farmers. Farming information is regarded as a critical factor for decision-making for farmers. In South Africa, farmers access farming information through ICT channels. However, the lack of knowledge and skill sets in IoT prohibits farmers from accessing farming information. This study aims to investigate how the IoT and BI are used for sustainable commercial farming in South Africa, focusing on the Vhembe District and propose a framework that could guide the adoption and use of IoT and BI by farmers in South Africa. This study adopted a quantitative method approach. Quantitative data was collected from 156 respondents using structured questionnaires from farmers in Vhembe District, in Limpopo Province. Quantitative data was analysed using the IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28 and presented in percentages and frequencies using tables, graphs, and pie charts. Findings from this study indicate a positive inclination toward integrating mobile applications into daily farming activities. The findings shows that factors such as farm size, technological proficiency, education level, internet availability, IT support availability, financial resources, and environmental concerns influence farmers' attitudes towards mobile applications. Larger farms, technologically proficient farmers, those with higher education levels, better internet availability, and IT support, are generally more inclined to adopt these technologies. These factors underscore the need for tailored strategies to address varying levels of readiness and barriers. Findings in this study present a range of challenges experienced by farmers in accessing farming information through mobile devices The findings of this study are intended to bring new insights and awareness to farmers on the best ways to infuse the IoT and BI in farming practices. The proper adoption of IoT and BI will enhance sustainable farming.NR
Effect of location and drying methods on nutrient composition, apparent digestibility, growth performance and carcass characteristics of South African Mutton Merino Lambs fed different levels of dried marula fruit peels
No full textAGMAASDepartment of Animal ScienceThe purpose of this study was to determine the effect of location and drying methods on nutrient composition of dried marula fruit peels and apparent digestibility, and growth performance as well as carcass characteristics of South African mutton merino lambs fed different levels of dried marula fruit peels. Marula (Sclerocarya birrea) is a medium sized tree belonging to the Brachystegia genus. Several experiments were conducted to evaluate the chemical composition of dried marula fruit peels where the DM, OM, CP, CF, ADF, NDF, and GE were determined. All the data in this experiment were subjected to analysis of variance for a 2x2 factorial in a completely randomised design using a GLM procedure of Minitab 19(Minitab, 2019). Tukey’s studentised multiple range test determined statistically significant differences among the means. The dry matter of fresh marula fruit peels has shown a significant difference (P0.05). The crude fibre, Acid detergent fibre, and nitrogen detergent fibre results for both location and drying methods were significantly different (P<0.01). The crude fibre and nitrogen detergent fibre from Tzaneen were found to be higher than those from Phalaborwa when a freeze-drying method was used. However, when using an oven-drying method, the crude fiber, nitrogen detergent fiber, and acid detergent lignin contents were higher in Phalaborwa.
Apparent digestibility of DM, CP, and OM of the diet was determined in a completely randomised design and the means were compared using a Tuckey method at a 95% confidence level. The experiment was conducted in the last ten days of growth trial. A total of 9 male South African mutton merino sheep of approximately 35kg of weight were used in this experiment. The results revealed that the inclusion levels of dried marula fruit peels in the animal diet did not affect (P>0.05) the CP intake. However, a significant difference (P0.05) the faecal excretion of nutrients by lambs. A non-significance difference (P>0.05) was observed in the digestibility of nutrients.
The determination of growth performance and carcass characteristics of the lambs fed different levels of dried marula fruit peels was conducted, where the ADFI, ADG, FCR and hot carcass weight, cold carcass weight, dressing percentage were measured respectively. A completely randomised design was used in this experiment with seven animals per treatment. Before the trial, the lambs were vaccinated against brucellosis, pulpy kidney and treated for internal parasites. The inclusion levels of dried marula fruit peels had no significant impact (P>0.05) on the growth performance and carcass characteristics. This research has revealed that dried marula fruit peels can be used as a potential energy source for lambs without negatively affecting the growth and carcass characteristics of lambs at up to 10% inclusion level.NR
Development of a psychosocial support programme for orphans and vulnerable children in the Vhembe District, South Africa
No full textPhDPHDepartment of Public HealthBackground: There has been an increasing fear about the problem of orphaned and vulnerable children affected by HIV and AIDS, and the need for psychosocial support for their well-being.
Aim: This study aims to develop a psychosocial support programme for orphans and vulnerable children in the Vhembe District, South Africa. The research objectives were to describe a psychosocial support programme for orphans and vulnerable children in the Vhembe District of South Africa, to describe the experiences of orphans and vulnerable children in the Vhembe District, South Africa, to explore possible approaches for psychosocial support towards OVC by community based workers, to explore possible approaches for psychosocial support towards OVCs by social workers, to conduct meta-inferences and conceptualise findings into a conceptual framework that will guide the development of a programme,and to develop a psychosocial support programme for OVCs in the Vhembe District of South Africa.
Method: The research strategy chosen for this study was the Multiphase Mixed-Methods approach. The study was conducted in phases. Phase 1 was a systematic review to identify the available support programmes, interventions, and strategies for orphans and vulnerable children. Phase 2 was an empirical phase employing a qualitative multi-method design of three stages. Stage 1 was an exploratory-descriptive qualitative study exploring and describing the experiences of orphans and vulnerable children in the Vhembe District. Stage 2 and 3 were qualitative, exploratory-descriptive studies exploring possible approaches for psychosocial support for orphans and vulnerable children among community-based and social workers within the selected municipalities in Vhembe District. An in-depth semi-structured interview was used to collect data from orphans and vulnerable children and social workers through an interview guide with open-ended questions. Focus group discussions were used to collect data from community-based workers. Data was analysed using Tesch’s opening coding data analysis guide. Ethical considerations and measures to ensure trustworthiness were provided in Phase 2 of the study. In Phase 3, meta-inferences were conducted and conceptualised Phase 1 and 2 and 3‘s findings into a conceptual framework that guided the development of a psychosocial support programme for orphans and vulnerable children. Finally, Phase 4 was developing and validating a psychosocial support programme for orphans and vulnerable children in the Vhembe district, South Africa.
Results: Through qualitative studies, key aspects and apprehensions of developing a psychosocial support programme for OVCs were identified. Implementation of this
programme could improve the psychosocial wellbeing of orphans and vulnerable children.
Conclusion: The study revealed that there is still a gap in the provision of psychosocial support of OVCs. The study findings highlighted the importance of psychosocial support on OVCs, but it was not effectively provided.NR