Theses and Dissertations

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    An investigation into the socio-economic impact of the shortage of domestic energy supply in Tshikunda Village of Limpopo Province, Vhembe District
    (2012-12-07) Netshakhuma, Milingoni Henry; Khwashaba, M. P.
    A study was conducted in the rural communities of Tshikunda village in Limpopo Province, with the aim of identifying types of energy resources used and the patterns of utilization of such energy sources. Surveys were conducted in village and semi-structured questionnaires were used to interview 30 randomly selected households in village. Data obtained in all surveyed villages showed that fuel wood is the main source of energy for cooking and heating while paraffin and c.andles are mainly used for lighting. The study uses both quantitative and qualitative techniques for data collection and analysis. Qualitative techniques were mostly used in that they provide the researcher with an understanding of experiences and problems faced by communities who receive inadequate domestic energy supply. Random and purposive samplings were used for the selection of sample for the study. Both primary and secondary data were used for analysis in this study. Secondary data were obtained from government publication, research publication, and report. Primary data were obtained through personal observation, household's questionnaires. Wood in these villages is very scarce and communities spend 5 to 6 hours per trip collecting fuel wood. Women using the load head method of carrying wood and occasionally wheelbarrows are the main source of labour used in collecting fuel wood. The paper concludes that there is a need to promote sustainable energy resources and technologies such as the use of improved wood and charcoal stoves. Furthermore, the paper recommends the promotion of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, which have a potential of being adopted in the area. It is also argued that policies which enhance integrated rural development and promote sustainable energy utilization in rural communities need to be put in place and implemented. The findings of the study show fuelwood use is prevalent, perhaps due to the limited ability to pay for electricity. There was a strong preference for grid electricity, but those who have electricity complained about frequent power cuts. Small businesses, which were not electrified used batteries (hair cutting machines or public phones), LPG (fridges, stoves, welding), wood (cooking) and candles (lights). While electrified businesses use electricity for cooking, lights, fridge and welding, they also use candles (lights), generators (fridge) and LPG (cooking) during power cuts that occur regularly in the area.
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    Community involvement as a strategy to enhance Integrated Development Planning Efficiency for effective service delivery in Mutale Municipality
    (2012-12-11) Nempumbuluni, Thambeleni Colbert; Nekhavhambe, M. M.; Khwashaba, M. P.
    In this study, the researcher investigated community involvement as a strategy to enhance Integrated Development Planning efficiency for effective service delivery in Mutale Municipality, Limpopo Province. To get a holistic view, a sample was drawn from the population of seventy (70) respondents from a range of stakeholders that include 10 officials of Mutale Municipality, 15 councilors, 11 secretaries of Ward Committees, 11 Community Development Workers (CDW), 5 civic associations members, 4 business people and 14 IDP forum n:1embers from Mutale community. Quantitative method, as instrument for collecting data was used in this study. A questionnaire in ( Appendix A), was handed out to Municipal officials, councilors, secretaries of Ward Committees, Community Development Workers, civic associations, business people and IDP forum members. The main findings of this study are: • There is a minimal representation of women, people living with Disabilities and youth in IDP and Ward Committees at Mutale Municipality. • Community involvement in IDP and Ward Committees is dominated by males, employed people and the degree and diploma graduates. • There are no IDP workshops to capacitate stakeholders on the usefulness, processes and importance of IDP in se�ice delivery. • IDP representative forum and Ward Committees are used for community involvement to enhance Integrated Development Planning for effective service delivery in Mutale Municipality. • Residents know about Ward Committees, but do not always attend meetings where service delivery issues are discussed. • Community needs are not entirely identified by community members, but to some extent by councilors, Ward Committees and municipal employees. • Corruption plays a role in the implementation of projects in the municipality. • Stakeholders are not afforded enough time to go through the Draft IDP documents. • Community involvement in municipal affairs is poor. • Government departments do not regularly attend IDP meetings. The main recommendations of this study are: • Improving representation in IDP forum and Ward Committee. • Introducing IDP workshops for both municipal employees and community members. • Consistency in community feed-back and report. • Regular attendance of IDP representative forum meetings. • Improving accountability. • The need for efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery. • Improvement in community involvement in IDP processes and Ward Committees. • Increasing engagement with Traditional Leaders. • Introducing strategies for monitoring and evaluation of service delivery. • Provision of adequate time to study Draft IDP documents.
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    An investigation into the staff retention strategy in the public sector : a case study of Vhembe District, Limpopo Province
    (2012-12-11) Mudau, Isaac; Khwashaba, M. P.
    The Public Sectors of Vhembe District Municipality is an amalgamation of the former Departments of Customs and Excise, and the Receiver of Revenue. Public workers (SARS) obtained full autonomy from the Government in October 1997 in order for it to administer its own affairs. Government Sector has since made great strides in transforming its people and technology, although some growing pains are recently being experienced, i.e. the "retention question". The problem statement, "What strategies can be implemented for retaining skilled employees within Public division norms" is derived from a multitude of problematic issues currently being experienced world wide. Problem areas particular to South Africa, include: the mass exodus of white skilled labour; babyboomers (aged 60 - 65) nearing retirement, affirmative action, employment equity, and a general lack of skills in the employment industry. An employee engagement survey (2007) conducted at government segment, shows figures that further exacerbates the problem. The objectives of the research were therefore; to conduct a literature study of employee retention strategies, investigate the research strategies currently being employed at SARS, the reasons for the low levels of employee engagement and to develop a strategic model for employee retention for use at Public sectors Customs in the Limpopo Region of South Africa. The study takes the form of a case study, using quantitative and qualitative methods of research. A questionnaire was distributed to respondents, the results of which were analysed and presented. The findings show that Public sector Customs is in a good position with regards to pay and benefits. Areas that require attention though are training, development and career management, effective supervision, and day-to-day activities. The strategic model for employee retention developed during this study addresses numerous retention issues, covering local and national perspectives. Other aspects of the retention model include: an integrated management and human resource perspectives; provision for generation subsets; and overall health (for performance measurement). • Firstly, a full literature study regarding strategies that an organisation can utilise for the retention of their critical employees was researched. • Secondly, the views of current public sector employees on retention strategies were assessed in an empirical study, which involved completing a questionnaire. • Lastly, recommendations due to the findings of the researcher were identified for public sectors to retain their highly skilled and specialised employees.
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    The impact of condition of service on the retention of educators in Vhembe District
    (2012-12-11) Mukwevho, Mukondeleli Lorraine; Khwashaba, M. P.
    This study was conducted in Mvudi Circuit, Vhembe district. Educators, Head of Department and Principals play a significant role in the completion of the study. The study focused on the educators, Hod's and Principals who volunteered to complete the distributed questionnaire. The primary aim of this research was to research the impact of conditions of services on the retention of educators. To conduct effective teaching in South African Schools, it is of utmost important for the department of education to know the strategic plan on how educators can be retained in the teaching profession. The department of education should know the impact of conditions of service towards educators within the teaching profession for effective teaching and learning. To achieve the goals and objectives of the practice on the retention of educators the department of education should know the elements, roles and values to apply on their strategic plan during the analysis process. The methodology used in the data collection was derived from the primary data which are answers from participants as well as secondary data derived from published literature. The findings of this study revealed that financial consideration affects educators' retention. Lack of resources has an influence on the retention of educators. Good relationships between management and educators enhanced educators' retention. Recommendation of the study, to retained educators in the education system is to improve the conditions they are working under. Law makers, Policy makers, school district administrators should focus their attention and energy in creating working conditions that encourage educators to stay in teaching profession.
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    An investigation into the challenges facing educators with regard to managing teenage pregnancy and child grants receivers and its impact on school performance in Secondary Schools of Vhembe District : a case study of Nzhelele West Circuit
    (2012-12-11) Ramusetheli, Mavhungu Diana; Khwashaba, M. P.
    The purpose of this study was to investigate the nature of educators' attitudes towards teenage pregnancy in Secondary Schools of the Nzhelele West Cuircuit of Vhembe District. The Child Support Grant (CSG) is the South African poverty­ alleviation strategy targeted at children. Despite its major impact on child poverty, some CSG critics claim that it will 'cause teenage pregnancy'. Yet empirical research has had limited success in unraveling this relationship: 415 out of 4356 mothers receiving the grant are teenaged mothers. Teenage pregnancy has militated against the educational success of girls in South Africa. Statistics show that four out of ten girls become pregnant overall at least once before age 20. Education is important for these girls in order to break the poverty cycle in which most of them are trapped. Though the girls are allowed to return to school after becoming mothers, they face many challenges in trying to balance motherhood and the demands of schooling. The aim of this study was to find out how teen mothers cope with schooling, hence how much support is rendered to them. A qualitative research approach was used to understand the social phenomena of teenage mothers as learners. The result of the research showed that teen mothers in Vhembe District receive insufficient support (physically and emotionally) and the consequence is that many quit school or do not succeed with schooling. The findings indicated that educators have positive attitudes and are sympathetic towards pregnant teenagers, but displayed reservations about the level of skills they have with regard to helping teenagers in the times of emergency (like delivery) in the classroom. The study formulated some recommendations that the researcher hope (believe) will strengthen the relationship between educators and pregnant teenagers in schools.
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    An investigation into the management and implementation of the National Curriculum Statement and its impact on educators and children in rural schools in Mopani District, Limpopo Province : a case study of Groot Letaba Circuit
    (2012-12-19) Moloto, Kgabo Martin; Khwashaba, M. P.
    The quest for change in the new South Africa on political, economical and social frontiers were primarily directed at entrance into the global markets, establishing democracy and leveling the playing fields amongst South Africa's diverse population. Those previously disenfranchised on political, economical and social grounds waited in anticipation on the rewards for their participation in the struggle against the discriminative minority regime of the past. These rewards would be in the form of radical policy changes sometimes far removed from the realities of the ordinary citizen. These reforms especially those on the educational level would prove to be flawed with constraints not anticipated by these policy developers as well as the government of the day. The educational transformation process was thus deemed as significant in order to address equity and equality and in so doing also provide skiJled citizens who are able to be globally competitive. Education in South Africa is facing great challenges, especially with regard to curriculum development. Teachers are principal role-players in the process of addressing these challenges. The question is: Are they allowed to participate in the process, and if they do participate, what is the nature of their involvement? Within the context of the current curriculum changes in education in South Africa, stringent demands are being made on teachers. This process of continuous change has not yet stabilised and therefore it is imperative that there should be dialogue about what is expected of teachers when it is suggested that they should be "more involved in curriculum development". An attempt is made to contribute to this discourse by focusing on what is meant by teacher involvement in brief, the possible viewpoints regarding this concept, and the real nature and extent of possible involvement within a specific South African context. The study uses both quantitative and qualitative techniques for data collection and analysis. Qualitative techniques were mostly used in that they provide the researcher with an understanding of experiences and problems faced by educators during the management and implementation of New Curriculum. Random and purposive samplings were used for the selection of sample for the study. Both primary and secondary data were used for analysis in this study. Secondary data were obtained from government publications, research publications, and reports. Findings of the research project indicated that teachers were for the most part excluded from participation in curriculum development at curriculum levels outside the classroom. The perception was that, although they were the subject and/or learning area specialists, little attention, if any, was given to their "voice" they were only involved in the implementation of the new curriculum. This study recommends that an interesting study that can be undertaken in a follow up of this research might be to explore how the institutions and teachers are coping now that the new curriculum has been implemented and has been functioning for some time in the schools. Focus on specific issues which followed thereafter in the study brought to light interesting facts on the empowerment of the teachers and the development of the new curriculum in the practical everyday life in the classrooms.
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    The management of the relationship between the local government and traditional leaders : a case of Thulamela Municipality
    (2012-12-19) Maphiri, Mutshinyalo Jonathan; Khwashaba, M. P.
    The study seeks to investigate how the management of the relationship between the local government and traditional leaders over land ownership, control and authority impacts on service delivery and development. Furthermore, the study seeks to find ways through which the relationship between the two institutions could be managed to be harmonious in order to improve service delivery and development to communities. In South Africa, Municipalities, especially those which are found in rural areas, are faced with challenges that sometimes hamper development and thus efficient service delivery to clients. These challenges are the results of the management of the relationship between the local government and traditional leaders over land ownership, control and authority. It is in this context that this study attempts to investigate the causes of conflict between the local government and traditional leaders and how the conflict impacts on service delivery and development. Only qualitative method was used to collect data. Questions were formulated and interviews conducted to Thulamela Municipality officials, traditional leaders, members of the royal families and members of the public. Data was collected and analysed using descriptive method. The research contained the following as findings: • The management of the relationship between the local government and traditional leaders over land ownership, control and authority is poor. • Poor consultation of traditional leaders by the local government before any development commences in areas under traditional leadership jurisdiction is another cause for concern. • Some ward councillors do undermine traditional leaders. • When development is halted, developers and the local government loose millions of rands in income and so are the local communities which are deprived of employment opportunities. The following were recommendations which were made to the local government: • There should be proper consultation between the local government and traditional leaders on matters of land management and development before any project commences. • Monetary benefits, if needs be, should be agreed upon between the developer, local government and traditional leaders in advance. • Traditional leaders should respect areas that are proclaimed and allow the local government to be in charge of service delivery and development without much interference. • On the other hand, the local government should respect areas that are not proclaimed and give traditional leaders room to exercise their powers without being undermined. The above findings and recommendations suggest that much still needs to be done between the local government and traditional leaders over land management, control and authority for the management of the relationship to be harmonious in order for service delivery and development to be done for the local communities.
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    An investigation into challenges faced by Thohoyandou Correction Centres in managing the correction of offenders, and monitoring parolees and its impact to the community
    (2013-10-10) Nthangeni, Fhelisani; Khwashaba, M. P.
    This study is an investigation into challenges faced by Thohoyandou Correctional Centre in managing the correction of offenders and monitoring parolees and its impact to the community. In this study, I utilized quantitative approach, purposive sampling in order to increase utility of information obtained from small sample where the key informants were knowledgeable about the phenomena to be studied. Questionnaires were used to collect data from officials, sentenced offenders, parolees and the community because they are more reliable and they guarantee privacy as such they solicit honest response without fear of victimization. An analysis of findings indicates that Thohoyandou Correctional Centre is faced with a challenge of overcrowding in correctional centres which makes them to be kept in bad condition. The opportunities for offenders to participate in self-improvement and rehabilitative programs are curtailed because officials who offer correctional programmes to sentenced offenders are not enough. Community is providing an environment that encourages the ex-offender to function and contribute positively to the community even though there is an element of resistance by others. Offenders are assisted in promoting their human development in correctional centres for them to become good and law abiding citizens of the society. The Department of Correctional Services is faced with the difficult responsibility of seeking employment for parolees and ex-offenders as offenders are always stigmatized, but they are able to train offenders in order for them to deveiop themselves. This study suggests that there is a need for the Department of Correctional Services to alleviate overcrowding and crowding pressures through alternatives to incarceration, revising sentencing structures, placing caps on populations, early release procedures for offenders. Creation of more bed-space by building correctional facility can also alleviate overcrowding. The government must allocate funds for the construction of new correctional facilities and must ensure that they employ and come up with a retaining strategy of all professionals.
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    An investigation into the challenges and the management of firewood scacity on rural livelihood in Limpopo Province, Vhembe District: a case study of Nweli Village
    (2013-10-11) Nembambula, Aluvhavhi Alicia; Khwashaba, M. P.
    This study was conducted in the rural communities of Nweli village in Limpopo Province, with the aim of identifying types of energy resources used and the patterns of utilization of such energy sources. Surveys were conducted in village and semi-structured questionnaires were used to interview 50 randomly selected households in villages. Data obtained in all surveyed villages showed that fuel wood is the main source of energy for cooking and heating while paraffin and candles are mainly used for lighting. The study used both quantitative and qualitative techniques for data collection and analysis. Qualitative techniques were mostly used in that they provide the researcher with an understanding of experiences and problems faced by communities who receive scarcity of firewood on their livelihoods. Random and purposive samplings were used for the selection of sample for the study. Both primary and secondary data were used for analysis in this study. Secondary data were obtained from government publication, research publication, and report. Primary data were obtained through personal observation, questionnaires survey. wood in these villages is very scarce and communities spend 5 to 6 hours per trip collecting fuel wood. Women using the load head method of carrying wood and occasionally wheelbarrows are the main source of labour used in collecting fuel wood. The paper concludes that there is a need to promote sustainable energy resources and technologies such as the use of improved wood and charcoal stoves. Furthermore, the paper recommends the promotion of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, which have a potential of being adopted in the area. It is also argued that policies which enhance integrated rural development and promote sustainable energy utilization in rural communities need to be put in place and implemented. The findings of the study show fuelwood use is prevalent, perhaps due to the limited ability to pay for electricity therefore firewood scarcity is the major predicament in Nweli village.
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    The effectiveness of infrastructural maintenance and curriculum capacity development budgeting by selected public schools in Vuwani Cluster
    (2013-10-11) Mukwevho, Aifheli Carlson; Khwashaba, M. P.
    This study was conducted at Vuwani area in Limpopo in the Republic of South Africa. Before South Africa became a democratic state, education was characterized by inequalities in infrastructure and curriculum capacity development. The advent of the new democratic dispensation precipitated the passing of the South African Schools Act of 1996 ( No. 84 of 1996). The act was aimed at creating and managing a new national education system which would provide equal educational opportunities for all regardless of race, colour, creed or gender. To achieve this ideal, the Norms and Standards for the Funding of all public schools were introduced. This meant that each individual learner was to be funded according to his or her needs. However, since state funding has been introduced the infrastructural and curriculum capacity gaps continue to manifest themselves particularly in rural areas. Majority of schools in rural areas have broken windows, broken doors and broken furniture. The shortage of textbooks for challenging subjects such as Natural Sciences, Accounting and Social Sciences seem to go unheeded. This study sought to assess the budgetary effectiveness of public schools in order to spark a dialogue which will address these challenges. The study employed the qualitative methodology to collect data in this regard. The sample comprised the School Governing Bodies educator subcomponent. What was taken into account was their advanced literacy skills, knowledge of general accounting principles, and access to legislation, policy and prescripts governing public school finance budgeting. The findings of the study have confirmed that maintenance of infrastructure has not been very effective in all spheres. While water, electricity, and telephone services have been effectively maintained, the maintenance of buildings (classrooms) and furniture have been inadequate. The provision of curriculum needs (textbooks), especially in the aforementioned challenging subjects has also been inadequate. The findings of the study have also confirmed that the poor performance of learners is attributed to these challenges. It is recommended that future requisitions accord first priority to Natural Sciences, Accounting and ocial Sciences textbooks. A serious facelift should be given to buildings and furniture. School governing bodies should ensure that 12% of the allocated funds be spent on repairing broken doors, windows, chairs and tables so that teaching and learning can take place in a conducive environment. These suggested measures can only be effective if efficient performance monitoring and evaluation in this regard are effectively implemented.
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    An evaluation of water supply in rural areas of Limpopo Province: case study of Gaba and Tshifudi
    (2013-10-11) Makomoto, Gladys Stella; Khwashaba, M. P.
    This study deals with community experiences regarding rural water supply systems and management issues at Gaba and Tshifudi villages. The provision of free and adequate basic water for domestic uses and a more equal distribution of water for productive uses are seen as important instruments to redress inequalities from the past and eradicate poverty in South Africa. Limpopo province has the lowest total water supply coverage. Currently about 10 million people in Limpopo province do not have access to safe water and about 15 million have no access to sanitation. The study used both quantitative and qualitative techniques for data collection and analysis. Qualitative techniques were mostly used in that they provide the researcher with an understanding of experiences and problems faced by communities who receive inadequate water supply. Random and purposive samplings were used for the selection of sample for the study. Both primary and secondary data were used for analysis in this study. Secondary data were obtained from government publication, research publication, and report. Primary data were obtained through personal observation, household's questionnaires, individual interviews and focus group discussions. Although the government has committed itself to providing adequate basic water service for all, the findings of this study indicated that this fundamental principle is still far to be reached particularly in Gaba and Tshifudi villages. Inadequate water supply and poor management in the study area affects culinary and personal hygiene in households. Lack of access to safe and reliable supply of domestic water; poor maintenance of water system, poor services delivery and poor sanitation awareness results in poor health for rural people and loss in productive time due to sickness. School children often miss schooling while adults incurred increased medical expenditure. Women and children primarily bear the responsibility for collecting water and are the worst affected by this situation. Therefore, the study recommends the strategy which is based on the efficient management and equitable supply of water to rural domestic users.
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    The challenge of managing street vendors in South Africa: a case of Thulamela Municipality
    (2013-10-11) Mulondo, Thivhulawi Albert; Khwashaba, M. P.
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    A critical analysis of management of disciplining learners in schools: a study of Luvuvhu Circuit, Vhembe District
    (2013-10-11) Netshituka, Ndivhudzannyi Cuthbert; Khwashaba, M. P.
    This study was conducted in schools in Luvuvhu circuit, Vhembe district. Parents, learners and teachers contributed a lot for this paper to be of value to the community. The focus of this paper is on the effectiveness of management in disciplining learners in Luvuvhu circuit, in order to improve the quality of teaching and learning in schools. This study focused on the role of discipline in the establishment and maintenance of discipline in school. In a mainly qualitative investigation, empirical data from several primary and secondary schools of the Limpopo Province, Vhembe District were collected by means of individual interviews and questionnaires. Historico-legal research also formed part of the literature review, thus law reports and articles from South Africa and other countries were included as part of the research process. This was done to shed light on the legal consequences of school violence and discipline, affecting the safe learning environment of learners. The South African Schools Act No. 84 of 1996 (SASA) stipulates that all public schools in South Africa must have democratically elected school governing bodies, comprised of the principal (in his or her official capacity), representatives of educators; non-teaching staff; parents and learners; in the case of secondary schools. The reform in the Act is intended to foster tolerance, rational discussion and collective decision-making. This article reports on an empirical study which focused on the role of the principal in the school governing body (SGB) and reports on the findings of what governors in four different schools perceived as the role of school principals in the democratic governance of secondary schools in South Africa. Governors view the principal as in charge of the professional management of the school, ensuring that all duties are carried out adequately, setting the tone in SGB meetings, and responsible for interpreting education policies and ensuring that they are well implemented. The data revealed that a culture of violence existed in these schools, and that corporal punishment was still practised. Learners' perceptions on safety and discipline at their schools revealed that bullying persists, especially when there is no teacher supervision. Participating educators' experiences suggested the need for promoting positive discipline, and creating a safe learning environment for all, by involving parents in the education process and involving them in drawing up a code of conduct for the school. Learners confirmed that other forms of discipline and punishment were indeed used. But these were generally corporal punishment in another guise. Hard labour, for example, was identified by learners as a frequent form of punishment. While some learners accepted the various forms of punishment that were used, others opposed both corporal punishment and the other forms of punishment introduced as an alternative, especially the cleaning of toilets. Male teachers proved to be stricter and more severe than females as they were less tolerant and less reasonable.