OR Tambo Institute of Governance and Policy Studies

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Open Access
An evaluation of academic performance of children in foster custody at Thulamela West
(2014-05-20) Mulambilu, Nkhumbudzeni; Mahole, E.; Khwashaba, M. J.
The study was based on the evaluation of academic performance of children in foster custody in Thulamela West under Vhembe district municipality, Limpopo province in South Africa. The population of the study was fifty respondents composed of fifteen social workers, fifteen educators, ten foster parents and ten foster children. The researcher used a mixed methodology where quantitative and qualitative research methods were used. The qualitative method adequately describes or interprets a situation in relation to the study and quantitative method was used because in this study there was collection of numeric data which was analyzed statistically. The researcher used field study as a research design for this study. The main reason for using field study as a research design was to enable the researcher to gain understanding of the physical experiences and challenges of children in foster care with regard to their academic performance. The major findings of the study are: Major findings on the academic performance of children in foster custody: • The findings of this study show the academic performance of children m foster custody is not poor. • The different role players in foster care perform their duties effectively and know their roles and boundaries well. • It was also found that children in foster custody are emotionally stable and have good self image. The recommendations of the study: Recommendations on the academic performance of children in foster custody: • Children in foster custody must always strive to perform better and proceed to the tertiary level. They should continue to behave well at school so that they may remain controllable and avoid dropping out • Social workers must observe the emotional stability of children in foster custody and monitor their academic performance for necessary early intervention. Foster parents should create home environment conducive for studying. • Faster parents must not misuse foster care grant and social workers should further capacitate them on parenting skills. Educators, social workers and foster parents must form foster care forums to discuss issues affecting children in foster custody
Open Access
An investigation into the roles of the community structures in the enhancement of community participation in service delivery: a case of Ngulumbi Village in the Limpopo Province
(2012-05-14) Ratshitanga, Tshilidzi Cynthia; Khwashaba, M. P.
This study is an investigation into the roles of the community structures m the enhancement of community participation in service delivery. In this study I used the quantitative approach wherein purposive sampling was used because those who were selected to participate in the research had knowledge about what the structure do in the community. The selected participants had more knowledge about the phenomena that was studied. The instrument that I used in order to collect data from community structures was questionnaires, wherein they were distributed only to the selected members of the structure. Questionnaires were completed without fear because the respondents were assured of their anonymity and that confidentiality was to be maintained. An analysis of findings indicated that there was no good relationship between the community structures and the municipality, communication was very poor that is why there was a delay in the delivery of service. It was again indicated that the community should get full participation when it comes to the selection of the structure members through democratic elections. Community is the most important client of service delivery; therefore all the involvement and participation by the community should be done fully. The recommendations made through this study are that there should be democratic elections of the community structures by the community. There should be communication between the local municipality and the structure so that it becomes possible for the structure to play their roles in enhancing community participation in service delivery. There should be trainings so that development can be carried by people with full knowledge and skills. There should be an increase, in terms of the years, in the number of years of service within the structure members.
Open Access
Analysis of the role and effectiveness of the Public Protector in fighting corruption : a case study of Tshwane Municipality in Gauteng Province, South Africa
(2015-01-14) Madzimure, Patronella Chiedza; Khwashaba, M. P.; Mahole, E.
Corruption is a universal problem that undermines growth and development by diverting resources away from development programmes. Its effects are particularly harmful to the poor in developing countries, thus fighting corruption becomes one of the most important challenges facing new democracies like South Africa. Consequently, South Africa has instituted a number of anti-corruption machinery to fight this scourge. However, as the anti-corruption machinery and strategies intensified in South Africa, the level of corruption in the country seems to be escalating. Given this background, the researcher was motivated to critically evaluate the role and effectiveness of one of the institutions established to fight corruption in South Africa, the Public Protector. The Public Protector is mandated to fight corruption in terms of section 2 of the Public Protector Act no 113 of 1998. The researcher used the mixed research method. This entailed that the research used both qualitative and quantitative research approaches, in which data was collected through the questionnaires and interviews. Data was collected and analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Ethical considerations such as the need for voluntary participation, confidentiality and anonymity and informed consent were also observed. The major findings of the study were that; the Public Protector is a critical institution, well positioned to fight corruption in South Africa. The study also provided evidence showing that the Public Protector has been effective in fighting corruption, although its effectiveness in this regard can be improved by providing sufficient resources and prioritisation of investigations. The recommendations of the study are that, in order for Public Protector to be more effective in its mandate to fight corruption, sufficient resources should be provided for investigations and awareness campaigns to educate the public about all forms of corruption and how to report them. The Public protector should prioritise interventions in critical sectors such as health in order to enhance its effectiveness in alleviating the impacts of corruption on the ordinary citizens. In addition, findings from the study suggest that there should also be an amendment of the legislation to ensure that the Public Protector has sufficient enforcement powers, instead of only recommending interventions for implementation by other institutions.
Open Access
Assessing challenges in customer retention in the insurance industry : a case study of Old Mutual Thohoyandou
(2015-09) Bologo, Takalani Mercedes; Khwashaba, M. P.; Mahole, E.
The insurance industry is presently facing many challenges and across this sector, competition remains intense. The present study seeks to asses some of the challenges it faces in customer retention. In today's highly competitive marketplace, customer retention is a critical success factor. Insurance products are complex in nature and may be considered confusing to customers. Consequently, customers in this industry are often at the mercy of the insurance financial advisor's ethical behaviour in selling of products. It is therefore very crucial for customers to understand what they are purchasing from inception. Failure to this leads to life insurance policies being cancelled or surrendered before they can reach maturity stages. It is against this background that this study assessed the challenges in customer retention to determine the impact of these challenges to both the customers and the industry. Qualitative and Quantitative methods are used in this study. Both methods have advantages and disadvantages, and clearly, none of them can, by itself, capture, describe and explain reality adequately. Therefore, a balance between the two methods is needed in order to achieve the desired results. The findings of this study are based on the three themes which arose from the objectives of the study and are Challenges of Retention of Customers, Surrenders and Cancellations of Life insurance policies based on relationship between the insurer and the customers and lastly, Strategies which can be used to improve customer Retention in the insurance industry. Based on what has been summed up in this research, the study recommends the following: As challenges affects both the industry and the customers, the insurance industry should be in best practices in order to retain customers, secondly surrenders and cancellations should be addressed by educating customers before the buy the life insurance products and lastly the industry should have strategies in place to encourage customer retention in the industry.
Open Access
Assessing the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Local Economic Development (LED) initiatives in Thulamela Local Municipality
(2023-10-05) Kone, Thapelo Sandra; Nkuna, Nghamula; Mathebula, N. E.
In its Integrated Development Plan (IDP), the Thulamela Local Municipality stipulates that its core mandate is to provide a climate that will attract investment and reduce unemployment through the promotion of economic development. In line with the Municipality’s mandate, it has to be pointed out that the most pressing questions that remain are whether local municipalities have in place the plans to revive some defunct infrastructure projects and to make sure that the newly constructed projects are used for the maximum benefit of the local communities. This study assesses the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Local Economic Development (LED) initiatives in Thulamela Local Municipality. Thulamela Local Municipality is classified as a Category B Municipality and for this study, indicators of economic growth were used as a measure. The variables that were considered are: Growth Rate of National Income Per Capita Income PCI, Per Capita Consumption PCC, Physical Quality Life Index PQLI, Human Development Index HDI, Industrial Progress and Capital Information. Health and Education were used to assess the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on LED initiatives in Thulamela Local Municipality. Purposive sampling, a type of non-probability sampling, was used in this study. Data was collected from the community members and traditional leaders in Budeli Mphireleni Village, SANCO members from Thohoyandou Block F, Traditional leaders from Thulamela Local Municipality, and the people working at Thulamela Local Municipality. A qualitative research methodology was used in this study was used where a desktop review was utilized for data gathering. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences SPSS Version 28 was used for analysing quantitative data and Atlas ti Version 22 was used for analysing qualitative data. The views gathered from participants in this study show that LED programs that were operational in Thulamela Local Municipality during the pandemic included fishing, mining, farming, and services provision. Findings in this study show that the outbreak of Covid-19 greatly affected LED objectives. Thulamela Local Municipality failed to achieve its intended purposes during the pandemic as some resources ended up being diverted to meet other life-saving immediate needs by the national government. Another significant finding from this study is that the municipality alone cannot create jobs or meaningful economic initiatives without partnering with external players and businesses. In proposing recommendations, the strategies that were formulated in this study were informed by v the participants' views. Some of the recommendations are that Thulamela Local Municipality has to strengthen its relationship with stakeholders such as communities and local businesses because it is through these partnerships that the lives of people can be changed. Further, it is recommended that the Municipality must ensure proper management of the projects in the area.
Open Access
An assessment of public participation as a tool in enhancing efficiency in local government: A case of Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality
(2022-11-10) Nkuna, Nyiko Eunice; Kone, Lufuno Reginald; Nkuna, Nghamula
This study uses the Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality as a case study in assessing public participation as a tool for enhancing efficiency in local government. It moves from the premise that public participation in South Africa is a constitutional right that must be implemented by all government structures, including local government. Of the three spheres of government: national, provincial and local government, the study has chosen the local government sphere because it is the coalface of service delivery. With the challenges facing local government structures over the past years, public participation is seen as a tool that has a potential to enhance efficiency. Using qualitative method of research, the study sought to use structured questionnaires to gather data from the targeted municipality, community representatives and community development workers on the use of public participation to enhance efficiency in their municipality. The aim is to use the findings of this case study as a measure to understand the same concept in local government as a whole. Evidence provided in this study shows that there is still limited information accessible to the community members of Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality that would make them play a key role in demanding accountability and to have some degree of control within the municipality’s governance affairs because the municipality was put in place to serve the needs of the community. From the findings of this study, it is clear that for citizen participation to have a positive effect on decentralized service delivery, there are key factors that should be considered and institutionalized. Among the proposed recommendations from this study include the need for municipality and community engagement for service delivery. Communities cannot be in a position to meaningfully engage with the Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality officials and public participation personnel without capacity building within the community first.
Open Access
An assessment of the effectiveness of personnel training and development: a case study of Vhembe District Municipality
(2015-01-13) Netshitenzhe, Mashudu Reuben; Khwashaba, M. P.; Mahole, E.
This study examined the assessment of the effectiveness of personnel training and development: A case study of Vhembe District Municipality. According to Nel, van Dyk, Haasbroek, Schults, Sano and Werner (2007: 413) South Africa has a poor skills profile as a result of the poor quality of training for the majority of workers, the low relevance of much publicly funded training and the general neglect of training in the public service and private sector. This poor profile inhibits productivity, employability of the young and unemployed and negatively affects service delivery in the public sector. The watershed 1994 elections ushered in a new democratic system whose aim is to redress past imbalances and injustices prevalent in the old apartheid system of government. In order to cascade this new democratic ethos to all spheres of our lives, with specific reference to training and development of the South African workforce, the government passed the Skills Development Act , 1998 (Act 97 of 1998). The study used both quantitative and qualitative techniques for data collection and analysis. Quantitative techniques were mostly used in that they provided the researcher with an understanding of the effectiveness of personnel training and development: A case study of Vhembe District Municipality. Random and purposive samplings were used for 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 questionnaires and interview. Major Findings of this study are the following: • Training policy exists at Vhembe District and an examination of the contents of the policy indicates a clear structure for training and development which if implemented would improve access to training to all employees. • However there were shortfalls in the objective of conducting the programme because 65.2 percent of respondents commented that the design of their organisation's training was not well structured and it did not reflect the intended results and the contribution of training to the individual's performance and career progression. • The organization engages in job and refresher training and the training methods, plans, lessons, and trainers are selected as the situation demands. Training activities are largely not evaluated. Major recommendations to address the findings: • Training needs should be considered on the basis of overall institutional objectives as articulated in the Integrated Development Plan. The goals of the municipality should determine what training programs are to be organized for staff. Staff should be motivated to add value to themselves and to the municipality. • The Vhembe District municipality should develop its employees through formal education relevant to their jobs, which will give employees the opportunity to attend short courses offered by accredited service providers or executive and university programs which normally involve workshops or seminars by experts from sector departments like Treasury and the South African Revenue Services as well as the Auditor General's office.
Open Access
An assessment of the effectiveness of the academic library online public access catalogue (OPAC) by students: a case of University of Venda Library
(2015-01-13) Nemalili, Tshililo Violet; Khwashaba, M. P.; Mahole, E.
1 online resource (ix, 65 leaves): illustrations
Open Access
The available of support system for officials working in the HIV/AIDS clinics : a case study of Vhembe District
(2015-07-17) Maladzhi, Nkhumeleni James; Khwashaba, M.P; Mahole, E.
Open Access
The challeges facing orphans and vulnerable children due ti HIV & AIDS and its impact on their social life
(2015-05) Netshifhefhe, Thinawanga Maureen
See the attached abstract below
Open Access
The challenge of managing street vendors in South Africa: a case of Thulamela Municipality
(2013-10-11) Mulondo, Thivhulawi Albert; Khwashaba, M. P.
Open Access
Challenges and managing mechanism of Ha-Mphaphuli Home-Based Caregivers for patients living with HIV/AIDS in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province
(2015-01-16) Motsei, Mpho Solomon; Khwashaba, M. P.; Mahole, E.
The purpose of this study was to describe the challenges and managing mechanisms of Ha Mphaphuli Home-Based caregivers for patients living with HIV/AIDS in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province. Finally; concrete propositions were developed for the implementation of quality community and home based care programmes in Vhembe district. HIV/AIDS is a global challenge and its impact is evident. This places a burden on hospitals and health professionals. To ease this burden there are home-based care programmes which, through home-based caregivers provide patients living with HIV/AIDS with physical and palliative care. However, these HBCGs face various challenges such as poverty, discrimination and stigma when caring for PALHIV, and their own emotional strain, which becomes burdensome without sufficient support from the home-based care centre. 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 the understanding of experiences and problems faced by Home Based Care Givers. 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 questionnaires. Data was gathered through questionnaires, categorised into themes and analysed. Major findings revealed that social challenges faced by HBCGs include poverty, stigmatisation and discrimination. Emotions experienced by HBCGs include guilt, anger, hopelessness, but they have spiritual reliance through prayer as one of their coping mechanisms. Findings revealed that the majority of the participants were concerned that they were living with HIV and AIDS. Most of them expressed anxiety, worries and fears of death. Another majority complained about the burden of opportunistic infections. Almost half of the participants felt guilty bringing misery to their families and complained of stigma and discrimination. However, a minority group of participants felt that to live with HIV and AIDS is not the end of life. Relatives were mentioned as the main care providers to HIV and AIDS patients. However, they were also cited high as a source of stigma. Conclusions were made that women and girls are at the highest risk as they bear the burden of care. It was therefore recommended that the Government of South Africa and all Non Governmental Organizations should develop women social economic status through promotion of education, provision of loans and provision of Gender Sensitive trainings. Formal training for care of HIV and AIDS patients should be introduced to all primary caregivers to render quality care in the homes and therefore this study has developed and pre-tested an educational program for this group.
Open Access
Challenges confronting schools governing bodies in making specific policies: a case study of Malamulele North East Circuit
(2013-10-11) Shivambu, Phanuel; Khwashaba, M. P.
The Department of Education, through the South African Schools Act No 84 of 1996 aim to instill the principles of democracy, equity, equality and transparency in schools, as it provide for a "uniform system for the organisation, governance and funding of schools" SASA (1996). The large responsibility of managing and governing schools is in the hands of schools with the help from the Department of Education. It is for this reason that this study aims to explore the role and effectiveness of School Governing body as it carries this amount of responsibility mentioned above. In April 1994, after South Africa's first democratic elections, a new era in education commenced. The education system was transformed to a unitary system and a programme of legislation was launched aimed at promoting democratic ideals and practices. It therefore takes a capacitated SGB to facilitate the process and procedures for the newly introduced legislations. 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 SGB during the implementation of the policies. 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 questionnaires. The findings of this study have shown that there are differences in the understanding of roles to be played in the SGB. Learners, educators and SMT members feel that they play a positive role in the SGB whilst the parent members do not understand their roles, and this impact negatively on the effectiveness of the SGB. The study also showed that the low levels of literacy amongst parents disadvantage them in terms of their understanding of educational issues and how to perform required tasks, however good cooperation and understanding amongst member supplement the weaknesses of this SGB. The recommendations suggest the need for workshops and capacity development programmes to improve confidence amongst parents as well as to provide information to all SGB members.
Open Access
Challenges contributing towards poor performance of students registered for NCV programmes in Vhembe FET College
(2016-05) Tshisikule, Azwianewi Shadrack; Khwashaba, M. P.; Mahole, E.
See the attached abstract below
Open Access
The challenges faced by female managers in their positions within Vhembe District:: A case study of Sibasa Circuit Department of Education
(2015-05) Magoma, Duduzile Lephina; Mutuvhi, F. L.; Khwashaba, M. P.
The research study was initiated to investigate the challenges faced by female managers in Sibasa Circuit of the Vhembe District of Limpopo Province of South Africa. The study focused on the challenges experienced by female managers in their management and leadership positions. The assumption is that empowerment and support of women (females) in managerial and leadership positions within the Department of Education may improve performance of the Department of Education's institution. The challenges identified include among others stereotypes, home and family challenges, attitudes of female and male subordinates, Psychological challenges. Triangulation of quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection that is questionnaire and interview was employed to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. Females in managerial positions who are principals, Head of Department, as well as deputy managers in the Sibasa Circuit of Vhembe District of Education were sampled. Data was collected using a structured questionnaires and open-ended interview which were distributed to 50 participants and were all returned. Key findings of the study were that: A large number of female managers are married and they are fifty years and above, with few managers are younger than fifty. There is lack of support of female managers by the department and also culture does not support the issue of female leader. Some recommendations made are that: The Department of Education should organise workshops for female managers, to teach them about leadership and management. The department should also reopen Teacher Training Colleges. It is believed that support and empowerment of female managers may improve the Department of Education performance.
Open Access
Challenges faced by HIV positive pregnant mothers in accessing ARVS : a case study of Tshirenzheni Village at Thulamela Municipality of Vhembe District
(2015-07-17) Tshidzumba, Mukondeleli Elisabeth; Khwashaba, M. P; Mahole, E
The study focuses on the investigation of the challenges faced by HIV positive pregnant mothers in accessing ARVS. Guided by the Department of health policy which provided guidelines in how to deaf and assist positive mothers the study was undertaken to check if positive mothers in the area are complying with the strategies and women know their status in advanced. In the area under investigation the research�r realized that there are challenges that women facin& among them; challenges to reaching the women in need of PMTCT, a risk of the transmission of HIV, assessment of antiviral therapy for expectant mothers and her new baby. To arrive at the hospital at the advance stage of labour, these challenges included some .Ii socio demographic factors, that some women who tested positive drop out of PMTCT programmes for fear of discrimination and rejection by male partners as well as difficulties of some women in the rural areas faces in reaching clinics following onset of Jabour particularly during the night which leads to their delivery at home or arrive at the hospital at an advance stage. In some cases it is found that women Jacking symptoms did not feel the need to taking ARVs while some develop a stigma and fear of disclosure to partners and family members which act as major barriers to uptake of PMTCT ARV interventions. The national HIV counselling and campaign shows greater impact as more HIV positive know their status at booking however two thirds still do not know their status when booking. The researcher used both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. For research design the researcher used field study. A non-probability sampling and its subtype purposive sampling method was used to select the respondents. Two data collected instruments were used to collect data, namely, questionnaire and interview. For data analysis, two data analysis methods were u·sed, which are statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 and the thematic analysis. Various ethical considerations were applied in the study. Major findings of the study are: Majority of the respondent in the study revealed that HIV positive pregnant mothers receive PMTCT. The study focused out that HIV positive pregnant mothers take AR'S to protect their unborn babies. The researcher found that Majority of the respondents revealed that information is given on ARVs to HIV positive pregnant mothers. The finding shows us that HIV p�sitive pregnant mothers receive support from the families wherein resp�n9J�d that they agree th�t the famili�s support the HIV positive pregnant -I mothers. This percentage is high and indicates the family involvement in assisting HIV I positive pregnant mothers. The health facilities are user friendly to HIV positive pregnant mothers indicated by high percentage. Though such facility functions only during the day and they close during the night. The findings show that the community is involved in supporting of HIV positive pregnant mothers with high percentage. The recommendations of the study are: The study was conducted in a small village. The study must be conducted which can cover the entire ward 28 of Thulamela Municipality. Further study must he done which can includes more respondents from other municipality. The mobile teams must be trained on PMTC T and NIMART to be able to test initiate client at the community level. The Department of health needs to ensure that all clinics operate for 24 hours with enough staff which can cover day and night shift.
Open Access
Challenges faced by public works programmes (PWPS) on poverty alleviation and its impact on the service delivery : the case of Thulamela Municipality
(2015-02-24) Maswanganye, Rose Basani; Khwashaba, M. P.; Mahole, E.
The general objective of the study is to investigate the challenges faced by the Public Works Programmes (PWPS) on poverty alleviation and its impact on the service delivery: The case of Thulamela municipality. Government has to protect its citizens, regulate the interaction among them, develop its society and care for the poor and the weak. Public services and facilities cut across these four categories. The discriminatory apartheid development legacy resulted in extremely skewed public services and facilities. Infrastructural facilities, services officials, standards and results in more affluent 'white' communities were in many cases on par with similar situations in more developed countries, while the state of these facilities and services in traditional poor black communities were non- existent or very rudimentary. There are major challenges for the post-apartheid government in South Africa after 1994 to upgrade the quantity and quality of facilities and services in poor black communities while simultaneously maintaining the quality of these facilities in more affluent white communities at previous levels. The study used both quantitative and qualitative techniques for data collection and analysis. Quantitative techniques were mostly used in that they provided the researcher with an understanding of investigate the challenges faced by the Public Works Programmes (PWPS) on poverty alleviation and its impact on the service delivery: The case of Thulamela municipality. Random and purposive samplings were used for 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 questionnaires and interview. Major Findings of this study are the following: • The research findings indicate that participation by the youth is higher because they have a great interest in working in the EPWP projects. • The research reveals that EPWP projects are sustainable in the Bushbuckridge area because they are lasting for an average period between 2 and 4 years. • External clients also indicated their dissatisfaction with the work that the project managers are doing in the field. • The research findings indicated that project members were receiving a minimum of R1400 and a maximum of R2400, which project members take home. • According to the respondents, these salaries were not enough for the project members to support their families. Major recommendations to address the findings these included the point that: • The beneficiaries should form part of monitoring and evaluation of the programme to solicit comments and inputs from the poor beneficiaries. • Programme and project community participation should be encouraged government through municipality to enable the community to take ownership of the final product. • Poverty summits should be organised on annual bases to enhance programme and project planning processes. • Programme implementation process should be consultative with the people that seek to benefit from it. • The programme design should in the main address human basic needs related infrastructural projects. Labour intensive programmes can create a greater demand for local products and services than do high technology programmes which are reliant on imported technology and equipment.
Open Access
Challenges faced by research coordinators in the Limpopo Provincial Government
(2014-05) Malindi, Ndivhuwo Edward; Khwashaba, M. P.; Mahole, E.
The study was fundamentally based on the challenges faced by research coordinators in the Limpopo Provincial Government. The researcher attempted to describe the challenges; examine research capacity and develop the mechanisms to the extent to which the research is properly and well coordinated by the Limpopo Provincial Government Department officials. The democratic elected government incepted in 1994 established three spheres of government, namely, the national, provincial and local spheres of government. Currently the Limpopo Provincial Government and Administration is composed of twelve government departments including the Office of the Premier. The study therefore facilitated an approach towards a coordinated research initiatives in the province to attain the objectives laid in the Limpopo Development Plan aligned to the National Development Plan (Vision 2030). Decision making, institutional arrangements and planning, policy analysis, policy implementation, policy evaluation, policy design, and policy change and programs improvement need to be evidence-based and that could only be achieved by scientific research conduction, management and coordination. For the purpose of this study, the researcher used a triangulation approach where both qualitative as well as quantitative research methodologies were applied. The researcher used non-probability sampling and its subtype purposive sampling method to select the respondents. The researcher used both questionnaires and interviews as data collection instruments. Two data analysis methods were used, namely, statistical analysis (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) and thematic analysis. The following ethical aspects were considered and applied when conducting the study and they are: permission to conduct research; voluntary participation and informed consent; no harm to participants; anonymity; confidentiality; and, deceiving of subjects. The major findings of the study are: • There are no enough research coordinators in Limpopo Provincial Government and that financial resources are not enough to conduct research; • Most of the government officials are not sure if the provincial government of Limpopo encourages innovation by devoting scientific and technological research, development and biotechnology; • Uncoordinated research results in the duplication of research and that research coordinators are not well trained in research methodology coupled by lack of qualified staff to conduct quality in-house research; • Appropriate coordinated research can improve management and service delivery and that research coordinators, research managers and research practitioners are informed of the South Africa National Research and Development Strategy of 2002 and that it must align with any Integrated Provincial Research and Development Strategy developed or to be developed in future; and, • That each provincial government department ensures that it has a full functional directorate that is well resourced in terms of personnel, financial and skills and promotes collaboration between government departments and research and academic institutions. The recommendations of the study were: • That there should be enough research coordinators in Limpopo Provincial Government and financial resources shall be made available to conduct research; • That the Limpopo Provincial Government must ensure that government officials that are responsible for research do participate in innovation programmes; • That the provincial research initiatives must be well coordinated to avoid duplication of research and research coordinators and research practitioners must be well trained in research methodologies to conduct quality in-house research; • That research coordinators, research managers and research practitioners must always be well informed of all research and development strategies and the related policies developed or to be developed in future; and, • That each provincial government department ensures that it has a full functional directorate that is well resourced in terms of personnel, financial and skills, and develop research collaboration policy with academic and research institutions.
Open Access
Challenges faced by secondary school educators in managing teenage mothers who receive child support grant: a research study mini-dissertation
(2015-01-14) Netshiongolwe, Tshamano Victor; Khwashaba, M. P.; Mutuvhi, F. L.
The research study was initiated to investigate the challenges faced by secondary school educators with regard to the management of teenage mothers who receive child support-grant in Sibasa Circuit of the Vhembe District of Limpopo Province of South Africa. The study focused at critical issues that are experienced by educators in managing these teenage mothers in schools. The assumption was that educators' and learners performance is affected the lack of effective and efficient management of learners. In addition, it is assumed that effective and efficient management of these learners may improve their performance as well as that of educators with respect to obtaining satisfactory pass rate. These critical issues include amongst others; capacity of educators in managing teenage mothers who receive child support grant; understanding of roles and responsibilities of educators in the management these learners; causes and effect of absenteeism by teenage mothers; poor performance by teenage mothers; dropouts and performance of learners. Triangulation of quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection was employed to collect both qualitative and quantitative. Ten (10) Schools within the target area namely, Sibasa Circuit in the Vhembe District were sampled and data was collected using a structured questionnaire comprised of both open-ended and closed-ended questions. Key findings of the research study were that educators did not receive proper training regarding the management of teenage mothers at their schools; educators are not familiar with the policies guiding the management of teenage mothers and those lacks of management of learners have impact to the performance of learners that leads to their drop out of school. Some recommendations are that: • Educators should be trained about the management of teenage mothers, receive ongoing training, outline and communicate roles and responsibilities with respect to management of these learners, as well as the ensuring that the accountability of success and failure of the management is made clear to both educators and learners.
Open Access
Challenges facing educators in the Mano'mbe Circuit in the implementation of the new curriculum Mopani District, Limpopo Province
(2020) Baloyi, Hlamalani Rachel; Nkuna, N. W.; Mahole, E.
The introduction of a new curriculum in 1997 heralded a period of change in schooling that had a tremendous impact on what is expected of South African educators in the classroom. The National Department of Education expects every teacher to implement the new curriculum in their classroom. The new curriculum advocates the use of constructivist teaching methods to ensure a more learner-centred classroom. The current problem, however, is that it is very difficult for educators to adopt and adapt to these new policy regulations and then implement them successfully in their classroom. The introduction of these new initiatives requires new knowledge, skills, attitudes and values from educators; even those who are skilled are required to update and expand their existing skills, knowledge, attitudes and values. The researcher used a mixed-methods (quantitative and qualitative) approach to investigate the challenges faced by educators in implementing the new curriculum. The poor performance of learners in many schools within the Man’ombe Circuit motivated the researcher to conduct this study. For example, many learners are unable to read and write at their age and grade levels. Educators were selected purposefully from ten primary schools in Man’ombe Circuit of Mopani District in the Limpopo Province to participate in the study. A structured questionnaire was administered to the respondents in order to explore their challenges in implementing the new curriculum. The findings of the study revealed that educators are experiencing serious challenges in the implementation of the new curriculum. Some of these challenges are that educators are not able to master their learning areas, develop learning programmes, plan and design teaching and learning activities, and apply new teaching and assessment methods. The situation is worsened by the inability of the heads of department and principals to guide and support educators. All these result in the poor performance of learners. Finally, the researcher gave general recommendations to improve the implementation of the new curriculum. The Department of Education should capacitate educators fully in order to positively influence new educational changes. More books should be brought to schools in time, and regular workshops should be conducted to capacitate educators.