2694 research outputs found
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Fourth Industrial Revolution framework for Sustainable Development of rural-based SMMES in South Africa
No full textMCom (Business Information Systems)Department of Business Information SystemsThe Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is the fourth major industrial era since the initial Industrial Revolution of the 18th century. IR describes a world where individuals move between digital domains and offline reality using connected technology to enable and manage their lives. The 4IR has the potential to change rural areas' fortunes by transforming how they live and work through the wide range of technologies and facilitating communication, processing, and transmission of information by electronic means is undisputed. The adoption of 4IR systems by small businesses is low, although information and communication technology (ICT) has been highlighted as a key enabler of businesses. This is due to the complexity of the environment regarding the implementation requirements. This study investigates the adoption and potential applications of IR technologies that could contribute to sustainable rural livelihoods to propose a 4IR framework for sustainable rural livelihoods. This study adopts a positive research paradigm, utilizing a quantitative research approach. A survey questionnaire was used to collect data from 100 business owners operating in rural areas in South Africa in the Vhembe District of the Limpopo Province. A non-probability sampling method, in the form of quota sampling, was used in this study. The IBM SPSS version 26 was used to analyses the collected quantitative data. The study found that SMMEs are finding it more and more challenging to learn about the new technologies accessible for business. SMMEs cannot sufficiently assess how new technology might fit into the goals and procedures of the business. The government appears to have little influence over SMMEs' adoption of new technology. The majority of SMMEs are unaware of any government programs or resources that are accessible to them. The study concludes that SMMEs' adoption of 4IR is impacted by how valuable they believe ICT applications and systems to be. Additionally, the study found that SMMEs' adoption process was aided by their perception of the ease of use of ICT systems and applications, and that their behavior regarding the adoption of ICT systems and applications is influenced by their perception of the cost of deploying these tools as well as the support of owners and management. The study found no significant correlation between employee ICT knowledge and skills and SMME ICT adoption, concluding that employee knowledge and skills of ICT systems and applications had no effect on SMME ICT adoption. This research adds new insights to the growing knowledge on ICT usage by rural-based SMMEs and provides a guideline to policymakers on the best ways and practices to implement the 4IR for sustainable rural development agenda.NR
Deciphering the chemistry of host-parasitic plants interactions using the UHPLC-q-TOF-MS and chemometrics
No full textPhD (Biochemistry)Department of Biochemistry and MicrobiologyWhile mistletoes in the genus Viscum are extensively used in ethnomedicine globally, the parasitic nature of these plants can impact their secondary metabolite composition and thereby, influence their medicinal properties. The main objective of this study was to contrast the metabolome of Viscum combreticola Engl. (African mistletoe) collected from two distinct host plants, namely, Combretum erythrophyllum and Pseudolachnostylis maprouneifolia Pax. Utilizing ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and classical molecular networking, it was observed that the metabolic profiles of V. combreticola samples from these two host plants exhibited significant similarities. However, the metabolic profile of V. combreticola was notably distinct from that of these two hosts thereby, highlighting the independence of the chemistry of the mistletoe from its host plants. This study further explored the chemical composition of this understudied plant comprehensively, revealing that V. combreticola is predominantly composed of chemically diverse hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives. Interestingly, the methanolic crude extracts of this plant were found to contain cis isomers of chlorogenic acids (CGAs) and this was confirmed through in vitro UV irradiation of the plant extracts. The presence of cis isomers observed in V. combreticola suggests a form of adaptive plasticity launched by these plants in response to photo-oxidative stress since they get exposed to excessive sunlight on the canopy of their host plants, especially in tropical regions. Moreover, the diverse CGA composition of these plants could be an approach they use to maximise their defensive mechanism against excessive sunlight exposure through the “better be safe than sorry” strategy. V. combreticola was also found to contain rare flavonoids, viscutins, that were characterized for the first time in this study by their unique spectral fingerprints resulting from the retro Diels Alder reaction using a molecular networking complementary tool, tandem MS latent Dirichlet allocation (MS2LDA). As a result, this highlights the great potential of this tool in uncovering complex gas phase reactions that occur in mass spectrometers and future studies should take advantage of the unique attributes of this tool in revealing hidden spectral features from MS/MS data sets. Moreover, inspired by the pharmacological importance of V. album (European mistletoe), its phytochemical composition was compared to that of V. combreticola using the UHPLC-q-TOF-MS and classical molecular networking. These two species were found to be chemotaxonomically distinct, with V. album mainly consisting of flavonoids conjugated to 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaric acid. Lastly, chemically diverse polyphenols including flavonoids and diacylated CGAs identified in V. combreticola were found to be potential therapeutic agents for target proteins associated with the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus using network pharmacology. Therefore, revealing the potential of the constituents of this plant in managing this complex disease. However, further studies are needed to fully understand the therapeutic potential of
these compounds derived from V. combreticola. Overall, this study provided valuable insights into the complex chemical relationship between mistletoes and their hosts using mass spectrometry and molecular networking while highlighting identified novel compounds in V. combreticola with promising therapeutic attributes.NR
Environmental Impacts of Tin Mine Waste: A Case Study of the Zaaiplaats Tin Mine, Limpopo Province, South Africa
No full textMESMEGDepartment of Earth SciencesThis research focused on the potential impacts of the Zaaiplaats tin mine waste on the environment and on human health. It investigated the heavy metals and their distribution pattern at the Zaaiplaats tin mine. Heavy metals were investigated in the tailings, water and plants found at the mine. A radiation survey was also conducted to check for the possibility of potential radionuclides induced by the mine.
Fieldwork involved collection of tailings within the old river channel, Heap A, B and C. A total of 65 samples were collected, 15 of them, across the river profile, while 6, 24 and 20 were collected from Heap A, B and C respectively. Samples were prepared and analysed at the Mining and Environmental Geology laboratory at the University of Venda using X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry. The maximum values were 2842.4 ppm, 885.1 ppm, and 740.7 ppm for lead from Heap B followed by copper, and zinc from the river channel respectively. The distribution pattern of some metals like lead, zinc and copper were increasing with depth. The highest Pi (Environmental quality index of the pollutant) was registered by Pb followed by Cu and As and the values are 47.11, 29.95 and 26.89 respectively. Cu, Zn, As, Pb, Th and U had shown a higher degree of pollution which is presented by Pi values of 3 and above in all the different sampling locations of the tailings.
The total water samples collected were depending on the availability. Therefore, only 3 water samples were obtained by use of 250 ml bottles. Water samples were prepared and analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. There are no values for metals such as Cr, Ni and Co in water samples collected at Zaaiplaats tin mine. However, the maximum values of Pb and Cu metals were 0.67 ppm and 0.59 ppm respectively which is higher as compared to the South African water quality guidelines and it is thus polluted.
A plant commonly known as horsetail (Equisetum ramosissimum) was collected during dry and wet season for comparison purposes. A total of 9 plant samples were collected, prepared and analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Bioaccumulation factor of these plant samples were higher during the dry season and lower during the wet season. The trend in the BAF for heavy metals during dry season
are in the ranking order of Cr > Cu > Pb > Co. The trend in the BAF for heavy metals during wet season are in the ranking order of Co > Cu > Pb > Cr. Cr was transferred effectively in dry season while cobalt was transferred effectively in wet season. Cr and Cu metals were absorbed and accumulated during dry season as opposed to wet season wherein Co was absorbed and accumulated in wet season than in dry season. BAF and TF values were lower in both dry and wet season. The horsetail plant is a hyper-accumulator of these metals and can be used for their clean up as a remediation strategy paired with other remediation measures.
Radiation dose rate and dose surveying was also conducted by means of a portable radiation survey meter DP802i-RAYTECH Radiation Detector. Radiation dose is increasing from a higher elevation which is the first surveying point along the river channel to low elevation. Radiation dose rate is inconsistent and does not have a general trend. The radiation dose rate mean, minimum, maximum values in microsievent per year (mSv/y) were 4.03 mSv/y, 0.96 mSv/y, and 11.65 mSv/y respectively. The maximum value of radiation dose rate was slightly higher compared to UNSCEAR background radiation of 2.4 mSv/y to 10 mSv/y. However, Zaaiplaats tin mine tailings are of no immediate concern since there are some areas that have had a radiation dose rate of 10 times higher than that of UNSCEAR and no deleterious health effects were associated with this elevated radiation exposure.NR
Participatory evaluation of the Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge System at the University of Venda
No full textPhD (African Studies)The Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge Systems qualification was introduced, in University of Venda, in 2014 as one of the de-colonizing programs to ensure that, South African indigenous knowledge systems is preserved and transferred to younger generations through Higher Education’s teaching and learning systems; the first cohort graduated in May 2018.The purpose of the program was to affirm that local African knowledge is a strong driving force not only in economic growth, but also in pursuance of excellence in the globalized knowledge economy. A participatory evaluation study, which employed Action Learning and Action Research approach was conducted. Data was generated through an adapted Appreciative SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunities, and Threats) process, which entailed semi-structured interviews, individual interview and questionnaires that were distributed online, since it was during the Covid period in 2020. Purposively-selected research participants included BIKS (Bachelor of Indigenous knowledge System) students, lecturers, indigenous knowledge system holders and IKS ( Indigenous Knowledge Knowledge) Coordinator. The findings of the study highlighted that the strength of the curriculum lies in its interdisciplinary nature, hence, the curriculum promotes and recognizes multiplicity of knowledge forms, which contribute to the de-colonial agenda. The programme has multiple streams and opportunities for WIL ( Work Integrated Learning), however, the lack of capacity and efficiently-trained BIKS lecturers and their workload compromise effective and efficient curriculum delivery. The study suggested curriculum transformation which would entail revisiting the content of the program to ensure that the core value of each of the course subjects’ context is comprehensively, reflected throughout the curriculum. The study’s results have made methodological contributions to the body of knowledge on research methodologies in that an evaluative Participatory Action Learning and action Research was employed following Appreciative Inquiry principles and an appreciative SWOT Analysis.NR
Implications of Cadre Deployment on Local Government in Vhembe District Municipality
No full textMPMOliver Tambo Institute of Governance and Policy StudiesThis study examined how the cadre deployment strategy affects local governance. Examining the effects of cadre deployment on local government in the framework of the Vhembe District Municipality is the goal of this study. The process of assigning politically connected people to posts in government, frequently on the basis of party loyalty rather than qualifications or merit, is known as "cadre deployment." Although cadre deployment has been discussed in South Africa, little is known about how it specifically affects local government organizations and service delivery, especially in the Vhembe District Municipality. The study utilised a qualitative methodology, utilizing document analysis and qualitative interviews to thoroughly investigate the impact of cadre deployment on the efficiency and effectiveness of local government in the Vhembe District Municipality. A wide range of important stakeholders, including members of political parties, community leaders, local government officials, and civil society organizations, were interviewed in semi-structured interviews. The experiences, opinions, and effects of cadre deployment on local governance, decision-making procedures, service delivery, and accountability frameworks were all better understood because of the interviews that were conducted. Apart from conducting interviews, a review of pertinent regulations, guidelines, reports, and public records concerning local government operations and cadre deployment in the Vhembe District Municipality was done through document analysis. This study investigated the degree of political meddling in local government activities, evaluated the effects on institutional structures and procedures, and identified the legal and administrative frameworks governing cadre deployment.NR
Nutritional status and milestone development of children aged 3 to 5 years attending early childhood development centres at Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality
No full textM.Sc. (Public Nutrition)Department of NutritionIntroduction: Nutritional status is vital for overall health and development in children. Anthropometry, reflecting health and nutritional status, predicts performance and survival. Children's development follows unique trajectories, with specific milestones achieved universally. This study explores the nutritional status and milestone development of preschoolers.
Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed, clustering the Chief Albert Luthuli municipality into four circuits. Four Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers were randomly chosen from each cluster. Utilising Slovin’s formula, the sample size was determined, resulting in 353 participants. Participants were children attending ECD centers, while caregivers and ECD teachers were informants. Data were collected via a questionnaire and three 24-hour recalls assessing dietary diversity. Anthropometric measurements were taken using standard techniques, and developmental screening was conducted using the Developmental Assessment of Young Children-Second Edition (DAYC-2). Inferential statistics determined associations between nutritional status and milestone development.
Results: Regarding household characteristics, the study found varying levels of access to resources such as land for food production and improved water sources. Notably, most households relied on electricity (94%) for cooking, while a portion of households still used wood (62%) as the primary cooking fuel, which has implications for indoor air quality and environmental sustainability. Across three visits, most children exhibited high dietary diversity scores (DDS) (63-77%). Commonly consumed food groups included meat and fish (72-78%), milk and dairy products (68-73%), with organ meat (5-8%) and eggs (6-13%) less frequent. The prevalence of stunting, underweight, and wasting varied, with stunting at 17.9%, underweight at 19.9%, and wasting at 23.2%. Approximately 8% showed suspected developmental delays, notably in physical fine motor skills (27%). Positive correlations were found between weight-for-height (wasting) and general development index (GDI) (p=0.00) as well as between DDS and GDI (p=0.00).
Conclusion: The prevalence of malnutrition varied, with wasting being notably high. Physical fine motor skills showed lower scores in a significant proportion of children. However, most children met the expected milestones across developmental domains. Significant associations were observed between anthropometric indicators, DDS, and milestone development. These findings underscore the importance of addressing nutritional status and milestone development in preschool-aged children for their overall well-being and development.Mpumalanga Department of Educatio
Indigenous Solid Waste Management Practices for Sustainable Environment: A Case of Thalahane Village, Limpopo Province, South Africa
No full textPh.D. (Social Sciences)Department of Arts and Social SciencesSolid waste management (SWM) in developing countries remains a challenge due to economic constraints, governance inefficiencies, consumption patterns changing, an increasing population, and subsequent increased waste generation. The study aimed to explore the indigenous solid waste management system of Thalahane village for a sustainable environment since there is an increasing urgency to address the health and environmental implications associated with inefficient solid waste management. The current paradigms of solid waste management are effective in developed countries but ineffective in developing countries due to differences in contexts. To achieve the aim of the study, the following objectives were used: to investigate indigenous waste management practices that the Thalahane local community uses to manage solid waste; to analyse the implementation of a waste management system by the Blouberg Local Municipality in Thalahane village; and to develop an integrated sustainable solid waste management plan for Thalahane village that accounts for indigenous solid waste management. Employing a qualitative method, 65 participants were purposively selected and interviewed using an unstructured interview guide to gather data. The data were analysed qualitatively using a thematic approach. The results show that separation of waste, burying, composting, burning, repurposing, recycling, reuse, reduction, and avoidance are the indigenous solid waste management (SWM) practices within Thalahane village. Some of these solid waste management (SWM) practices have positive effects on the environment and were integrated and adopted to enhance the management of municipal solid waste. The study resulted in a theoretical framework to develop an integrated, sustainable solid waste management system that accounts for indigenous solid waste management practices in Thalahane. The study recommends the design of homegrown solid waste management that incorporates indigenous solid waste management practices for a sustainable environment in rural municipalities.NR
Strategies to reduce maternal death rate an improve the provision of quality healthcare service in selected hospitals of Vhembe District Limpopo Province
No full textMPHDepartment of Public HealthMaternal mortality and morbidity continue to be a daunting international health challenge despite the international effort to improve mother and child health. This study aimed to explore strategies to reduce maternal death rate and improve the provision of quality maternal healthcare services in selected hospitals of Vhembe District, Limpopo Province. The study was conducted in Thulamela, Makhado, Collins Chabane and Musina sub-districts, where one hospital was selected per sub-district. A qualitative approach using descriptive phenomenological research design was employed where 28 participants were conveniently sampled among healthcare professionals and pregnant women per selected hospitals. Semi-structured interviews were conducted using an interview guide captured in an audio recorder until data saturation. Data was analysed following analytical stages of interpretative phenomenology. Ethical principles of research were considered. Four superordinate themes emerged from data analysis, namely negative interaction with midwives, factors affecting maternal health services, views regarding existing strategies and recommended strategies to improve maternal healthcare and reduce Maternal Mortality Rate. The study concluded that irrespective of all strategies instituted in South Africa by the National Department of Health, the quality of maternal health services provided remains poor in Vhembe district, Limpopo province. The department of health should ensure that existing recommended strategies are accompanied by an immediate significant effort to monitor and encourage midwives to implement the utilisation of skills and protocols. Furthermore, more skilled midwives should be hired, and material resources made available to reduce maternal death rate to improve the quality of maternal health care services in Vhembe district hospitals, Limpopo province.NR
The Small-Scale Broiler Value Chain Configuration and Market Access Constraints in Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, South Africa
No full textAGMARDInstitute of Rural DevelopmentThe number of broiler farmers in developing countries is increasing, however they face several challenges that impede their growth. Access to sustainable market is a critical challenge for broiler farmers which is hampered by underdeveloped value chains. Hence, identifying value chain constraints and areas to strengthen in small-scale broiler production is crucial to enhance competitiveness. Sixty (n = 60) farmers were sampled to assess the value chain configuration and market for small-scale broiler farmers in Vhembe district of Limpopo province in South Africa. Both Quantitative and Qualitative data was gathered using a structured questionnaire with open and close-ended questions. Quantitative data was analysed using statistical package for social science version 27. Moreover, descriptive analysis (SPSS version 27), Thematic analysis (Atlas Ti version 8), Thematic content analysis (Atlas Ti version 8) was used to analyse the data. The results suggest that value chain configuration is directly correlated to marketing configurations. This study also reveals that lack of capital is the main challenge that give birth to many other challenges like lack of abattoirs and access to main production inputs for growth. It also reveals that the combination of these challenges made it difficult for the small-scale broiler producers to penetrate the vertical organized market and growth. Also, the results show that small-scale producers can deepen their value chain participation through amongst others, procuring production inputs, establishing abattoir and leverage government support collectively to increase their production capacity. The study recommends that small-scale producers form input and market cooperatives to collectively source production inputs and market their produce. In terms of support, small-scale broiler farmers require intensified support programmes to strengthen their production capabilities and entrench access the sustainable market for sustained growth.National Research Foundation (NRF
Harnessing ICT's Capacity Building for Marginalized Communities of Vhembe District Municipality in Limpopo Province, South Africa
No full textMCom (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).
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