Univen :: Home

Welcome to the University of Venda Institutional Repository, an open digital archive of the research output of the University of Venda. Univen IR contains theses and dissertations, research papers as well as conference papers. For further information and assistance please contact Mr Keith Malabi at +27 15 9628564 or +27 15 962 8314 during office hours

Recent Submissions

Item

Embargo

A Human Rights Framework Analysis of Climate Change Adaptation Policies and Laws in South Africa and Nigeria

(2026-05-19) Ramabaga, Thuso

Climate change continues to exacerbate human rights vulnerabilities worldwide, including in Africa, with South Africa and Nigeria, despite having minimal historical emissions, experiencing intensifying floods, droughts, heatwaves, and environmental degradation that threaten rights to life, health, water, food, housing, and equality. Although both states have adopted climate adaptation policies and legislation, it remains unclear whether these instruments genuinely integrate the human rights principles and standards necessary to confront these escalating risks. This study engages with international human rights instruments to develop a human rights framework for climate adaptation, grounded in universality, equality, participation, accountability, and the substantive protection of rights affected by climate change. Using a doctrinal and comparative approach, the study demonstrates through its analysis that existing adaptation policies and legislation on adaptation provide only superficial and fragmented recognition of human rights, lacking the normative clarity and operational depth required to safeguard vulnerable populations. Consequently, rights protection is weakened, climate-induced threats are magnified, and the absence of explicit human rights anchoring generates heightened risks of state inaction and maladaptation. The study argues that climate adaptation, with a focus on human rights, must be pursued to achieve adaptation objectives. As shown, several constitutional values, including the Justiciability of socio-economic rights, may provide a coherent framework for implementing rights-based climate adaptation. In particular, while there are mutual lessons to be learnt, South Africa's well-grounded constitutional framework, anchored in justiciable socio-economic rights, environmental protection, and access to justice, offers an instructive model for Nigeria in strengthening its adaptation governance.

Item

Embargo

Student Perceptions of Hate Crimes Against LGBT Persons: A Victimological Inquiry

(2026-05-19) Ndou, Rotshidzwa Cedric; Olifinbiyi, S. A.; Madima, K.

Hate crimes against LGBT people are a serious human rights issue worldwide. They have profound effects on the mental, social, and academic well-being of victims. In South Africa, even with a progressive constitution that protects sexual orientation and gender identity, violence, discrimination, and harassment against LGBT individuals continue. In higher education institutions, this kind of bias can create hostile environments that harm inclusion and equality. This study looked at how students perceive hate crimes against LGBT people at the University of Venda. It focused on three main goals: to investigate the victimization experiences of LGBT students, to explore social and cultural factors that lead to discrimination, and to find effective strategies for prevention and intervention.A qualitative research approach was used, and twenty participants were chosen through non-probability purposive sampling. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews, allowing participants to share detailed stories about their experiences. Data collection continued until no new information emerged. The interviews were recorded, transcribed word for word, and analyzed thematically to find patterns and themes related to the research goals. The findings showed that LGBT students face different types of victimization, such as verbal abuse, physical attacks, social exclusion, and cyberbullying. Factors contributing to discrimination included deep-rooted cultural and religious beliefs, societal ignorance, stereotypes, and fear of judgment. The study also pointed out that institutional protections are weak, reporting mechanisms are limited, and awareness programs are lacking. However, participants suggested that education, awareness campaigns, supportive policies, and strong allyship are essential measures to tackle these issues.

Item

Embargo

Nsiyeto eka swinwana swa swirungulwana swa Xitsonga

(2025-09-19) Maswanganyi, Khazamula Negroes; Hlungwani, M. C.; Chauke, M. T.

Item

Embargo

The (MIS)Match between the Curriculum and Assessment Policy and Classroom Practice in English First Additional Language: A Case of Secondary Schools in Limpopo Province, South Africa

(2025-09-05) Chauke, Gezani Thomas; Maluleke, M. J.; Sikitime, T. E.

This study explored the use of English First Additional Language (EFAL) as a Language of Learning and Teaching (LoLT) in three Non-Native Speakers of English (NNSE) rural high schools, in Limpopo province. This was triggered by the realisation that the silence that arises in the classroom when learners exclusively use English as a LoLT makes teaching and learning ineffective, and much unproductive than what the curriculum policy was meant to deliver. In reaction, this study was conceived, with the aim of exploring the (mis)match between the Curriculum and Assessment Policy and the language practice that emerge when English EFAL is used as a LoLT in Grade 10 EFAL classrooms. To achieve this, a qualitative approach grounded on constructivist research paradigm was adopted, due to the social nature of this study; and employed a combination of multiple case study design and action research for data collection. Multiple data collection instruments including semi-structured interviews; focus-group interviews; and observation were employed, to gather data from 4 EFAL teachers and their 15 learners. These participants were purposively selected from a population of Grade 10 EFAL classes in the selected high schools; to gather data that explored (i) the teaching and learning patterns that emerge when English is used as a LoLT; (ii) EFAL learners’ and teachers’ perceptions about the use of English as a LoLT (iii) how the teaching approaches and LTSM employed shape the learning process in EFAL classrooms. The findings from the study confirmed that there are indeed patterns of policy-practice mismatches that arise from the three objectives of the study, and this study treats them as the research gaps it sought to address. These include knowledge and pedagogical gaps, among others. These findings are critical because likely to have significant implications on language policy direction, transformative impact on the current teaching practice and teachers’ indepth understanding of the harms they cause to learners due to limited understanding of their realities.

Item

Embargo

Caregiver Challenges in Caring for Children Living with Intellectual Challenges: a Case of Three Centres in Thulamela Local Municipality

(2025-09-05) Mugovhoro, Talifhani; Baloyi, T. V.

Intellectual disability poses a significant challenge on a global scale. This study aims to explore the challenges faced by caregivers of children with intellectual disabilities in daycare centres in Thulamela Local Municipality. The study adopted the qualitative approach, utilising an exploratory research design to achieve its objectives. Non-probability sampling, specifically the purposive sampling method, was employed to select participants based on specific criteria. A total of six caregivers from three identified daycare centres participated in the study. Data was gathered through face-to-face semi-structured interviews and analysed thematically. The ecosystem theory served as a framework for understanding the interactions between individuals and their environments. The findings revealed that caregivers encounter numerous challenges while providing care to children with intellectual disabilities. Key challenges identified included health issues, low income and a lack of formal training. The study highlights the urgent need for comprehensive support systems to assist caregivers in managing their responsibilities effectively.