Theses and Dissertations

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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
Evaluation of the success of the centre for positive cares orphan and vulnerable children programme in Vhembe District of South Africa
(2012-05-16) Ramarumo, Ndavheleseni Elias; Francis, J.; Zuwarimwe, J.
Since the Centre for Positive Care (CPC)-run orphan and vulnerable children (OVC) programme was established in 2005, it has never been systematically evaluated. Its impact in the community is still unknown. This study was conducted to determine the success of the OVC programme in terms of its relevance, effectiveness, impact and sustainability. The study was carried out in Makhado, Musina and Thulamela Municipalities of Vhembe District in Limpopo Province of South Africa. Five hundred and one (501) respondents, who included OVC, Child Care Forum coordinators, caregivers, CPC programme staff and representatives of community-based institutions, participated in this study. Multiple data collection tools such as questionnaires that required responses on a Likert-type scale, personal reflection stories, a well-being assessment guide, focus group discussions and key informant interviews were used. Quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 19.0 for Windows. Cross-tabulations and frequencies were computed to compare the level of satisfaction amongst caregivers and CCF coordinators with respect to the CPC-run OVC programme. Inferential statistics were conducted to test whether there were any differences between the perceptions of OVC coordinators and those of caregivers. The Shapiro-Wilk test was conducted to determine if the data were normally distributed. Two sample t-tests were then carried out for each perception. In general, the means for the perceptions of the OVC coordinators were higher than those for caregivers. With respect to programme relevance, the means for the perceptions, "there was a need to implement the OVC programme in their communities" and "ordinary community members have always been involved in the programme from the time it was introduced" were significantly lower for OVC coordinators than for caregivers (P < 0.05). Lower means for the perceptions of OVC coordinators compared to caregivers were observed for "the CPC-run OVC programme was well introduced in their communities" and "relevant stakeholders were involved in decision making from the beginning of the OVC programme" (P < 0.01). The mean for the perception that "all villages with OVC were covered" was much higher (P < 0.001) for the caregivers compared to OVC coordinators. Regarding the effectiveness of the CPC-run OVC programme, the means for the perceptions that "adequate support was provided by CPC staff members" and "debriefing sessions were held at least once a year for emotional support" were significantly lower for OVC coordinators than for caregivers (P < 0.05). It was found that OVC coordinators agreed more than carers with the perception that "training was provided on an on-going basis and also when needed" (P < 0.01). To a larger extent, OVC coordinators agreed much more than caregivers with the view that "data verifications were done frequently" (P < 0.001). Regarding the impact of the CPC-run OVC programme, there were no significant differences in observations (P > 0.05) in all the perceptions of OVC coordinators and caregivers. Both OVC coordinators and caregivers agreed that the programme had made impact. This study provided evidence indicating that the CPC-run OVC programme made a positive impact in the community. The changes in the lives of OVC were in the form of provision of essential services such as psychosocial care, health and educational support, child protection and household economic strengthening. Community-based institutions and all the children who participated in this study reported that they had benefited from the CPC-run OVC programme in various ways. Although there was a notable improvement in the lives of children, households and the community at large, various challenges impeded the smooth operation of the CPC-run OVC programme. Lack of standardised salaries, inadequate structures to use as children resource centres and changes in the political landscape were cited as the challenges to successful implementation. With regard to the sustainability of the OVC programme, most CCFs indicated that they did not have their own funding to supplement that from the donor. However, in spite of the inadequate stipend received, members of CCFs demonstrated great passion for serving the OVC. One volunteer summed this up quite eloquently, viz. "Nne a thina ndavha nauri ri a wana kana a ri wani masheleni a ndivhuwo, ndi to u funa u shuma na vhana" (I do not care if we get a stipend or not, 1 just love to work with children). It was evident from this study that in order to provide quality care services to OVC, there was a need for strengthening coordination among various players at national, provincial, district and local Municipality levels.
Open Access
Challenges causing delay in the implementation of water project in Mutale Municipality and its impact on social life of the community: a case study of Tshipise/Dambale Water Project
(2013-05-20) Kwinda, Tshifhiwa Solomon; Khwashaba, M. P.
The aim of the study was to investigate the challenges facing the delay in the implementation of a water project and its impact on social life of the community using Tshipise / Dambale water project as a case study. Questionnaires were used to collect the data. The study was placed in both the quantitative and qualitative research paradigm. The researcher used a non-probability method and its subtype purposive sampling for the purpose of collecting from the respondents with accurate and relevant information. The populations involved in this study were local traditional leaders; civic members from Tshipise and Dambale villages; and water committee from Tshipise and Dambale villages who completed the questionnaire and the community development worker (CDW), Ward councillor, community liaison officer (CLO) who were interviewed. The study revealed that the municipality is obliged, by the law, to provide the community with water and also that the municipality is aware that the law binds them to provide the community with water. The studies also revealed that lack of capacity of contractors in the implementation of water project have delayed the implementation of water project. It was recommended that competent contractors with relevant skills need to be appointed to render a relevant service. It was also recommended that the municipality must undertake proper monitoring to ensure the contractor is doing what he or she is supposed to do.
Open Access
The role of the principals in managing conflict in primary schools in Dzindi Circuit in Vhembe Region in the Limpopo Province
(2008-05-10) Rathanya, Tuwani Agnes; Ravhudzulo, M. A.
This study is centred on the role of the principals in managing conflict in primary schools in the Dzindi circuit. Qualitative methods which involved the use of in-depth individual and focus group interviews were used in this study. The study revealed that the main causes of conflict in primary schools arc overcrowding in classroom, management style, misunderstanding. and fear of unknown, monitoring system, lack of school policy and lack of proper channels of communication. The study also revealed that principals have crucial role in managing conflict. They become the mediators and the negotiator in managing conflict and reconcile the parties in the conflict. The principals also emphasised that they prevent conflict by forming syndicates in their schools, encouraging teamwork, avoiding gossip and by being a good Iistener.
Open Access
The challenges facing local government in the delivery of housing: a case of Thulamela Local Municipality
(2009-05-14) Ramulongo, Mbulaheni Julian; Khwashaba, M. P.
Aims of the study - The aim of this study was to investigate the challenges confronting local government in the provision of social housing for its citizens with specific focus to a local municipality. Findings of the study - The following are the findings for this study: lack of capacity building workshops, lack of inclusive structures covering an array of stakeholders, lack of decentralized funding system for housing, lack of capacity building programmes and financial support for contractors, prevalent corruption between officials of the department of local government and housing, and contractors; and lack of proper formal institutional arrangement to involve community members in the allocation of housing. Research Methodology and procedures - This research used a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methodology. The two approaches had significant influence on the selection of sampling, data collection tool, and data analysis method. Recommendations - This study identified some challenges existent in the entire social housing process, and had made the following recommendations: ✓ A need for broad and inclusive workshop to enhance capacity of participants in the housing process to play a meaningful role in the housing process as well as broadening participatory structures to be as inclusive as possible, ✓ Ensuring that structures in place are realigned to involve members of the community in the process of allocating houses to the needy are representative and inclusive ✓ Establishing a decentralized housing funding process to capacitate local municipalities to implement housing, in order to avoid this centralized process from derailing progress in the housing fraternity, develop and implement capacity building programmes to curb incapacity on contractors ✓ Putting in place the necessary financial support system for contractors, to supplement contractors efforts to raise capital for project implementation ✓ Putting mechanisms in place to curb corruption between officials of the department of Local Government and Housing, and contractors ✓ Putting mechanisms in place to provide for formal inclusion of community members to participate in the housing allocation process Conclusion - This study is not conclusive in nature, and thus marks a contribution in knowledge management and preservation. While this study makes recommendations drawn from the findings, it is required that further in-depth studies be done on areas identified in the findings to help in giving impetus to a holistic approach aimed at improving and capacitating government's capability to deliver social housing.
Open Access
The perception of Grade One teachers towards the use of educational technology in implementation Curriculum 2005: a case in the Northern Province (Region 3)
(2000-05-16) Rambani, Tanganani Esther; Bayona, E. L. M.
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
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
Rural Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises And Role of Local Economic Development Agencies in the Vhembe District, Limpopo Province
(2006-09-16) Matloga, Selokela Reginald; Musyoki, A.
Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME) are vital factors in the economy of less developed countries. It has been a major source of employment, motive force for local economic development and poverty alleviation in developing countries including South Africa. It is agreed world wide that strong SMMEs give a country strong economic growth. In South Africa, SMMEs are not strong especially in rural areas, which comprise mainly of emerging SMMEs owned by Africans. There are hosts of institutions in South Africa which are active in the development of rural SMMEs. Local Economic Development Agencies (LEDAs) in the study areas are engaged in helping rural SMMEs to flourish. However, rural SMMEs are still facing many problems and are unable to flourish. This research is aimed at evaluating Local Economic Development (LED) support on local rural SMMEs in the study area in order to advance feasible strategies for support to enhance rural SMME's growth from the survival stage. Social survey methods involving interview schedules were used, providing descriptive and analytic data. The qualitative and quantitative data was analysed using an SPSS programme. The research findings indicate that LED support in the study area is failing to enhance rural SMME growth. The support does not cover the entire business requirement necessary for rural SMME growth. The study therefore advances strategies for LED support, which would be effective enough to enhance rural SMME growth and sustainability.
Open Access
The role and task of the teacher in school management with reference to the Dzondo Circuit
(2007-09-14) Mashamba, Tshilidzi Meshack; Ravhudzulo, M. A.
This study focused on the role of the teacher in School Management in Dzondo Circuit of region three. This study dealt with the important factors like; the planning role of the teacher, the organization role of the teacher, as well as discipline in schools. The empirical findings revealed that principals do not receive extensive insert training about managerial skills, the role of teachers in the formulation of the school policy is not clearly defined. The findings further revealed that teachers do not attend in-service training regularly. The study recommends that the role of teachers should be clearly define in the school - policy and that teachers should be involved in the formulation of the school policy. In the study questionnaires were used to gather information from educators, parents, principals and from the learners in the Dzondo Circuit. Prior to the distribution of questionnaires, a pilot study was done at one of the selected schools in Dzondo Circuit. The questionnaires focused on teachers age, gender, qualifications, experience and the important of the school policy in secondary schools. Findings of the study were gathered from ten percent of schools selected randomly by the researcher. Limitations of the study was characterised by the prolonged time spent doing researchers and the limited resources from the department of education.
Open Access
An investigation into the challenges facing municipalities in women empoernment: a case study of Ward 2 in Thulamela Municipality
(2012-05-22) Mamidze, Azwidali Alfred; Khwashaba, M. P.
This study was intended to investigate the challenges facing municipalities in women empowerment. The investigation was done on the selected individuals from both Thulamela municipality and ward 2 in Thulamela. The sample was drawn from the population using the purposive and systematic random sampling methods. Sixty five respondents were chosen as follows: four managers and twenty employees in Thulamela municipality, Fourty women under ward 2 in Thulamela and finally the ward 2 Councillor in Thulamela municipality. A single instrument for data collection was used. A questionnaire in (Appendix A) was handed out to concerned people. The analysis of data was mostly qualitative and based on relevant frequencies of response. SOME OF THE MAIN FINDINGS OF THIS STUDY WERE: • The majority of the respondents agreed that women were employed in low paid jobs during apartheid era. • It has been confirmed by 92,3% of the respondents when they agreed that gender equity act and policies created more jobs opportunities for the previously disadvantaged groups of women in particular. • Most of the respondents indicated that more women are employed in more decent jobs in democratic era than in apartheid period. • There are currently more projects that are established to empower women. • Majority of the respondents indicated lack of education as an obstacle to women empowerment. •Education for girls will promote women empowerment • Most of the respondents disagreed that uneducated women are recognized in women empowerment. • Most of the respondents disagreed that majority of the ward Counselors are women. • Combination of family and gender roles hamper women empowerment, this has been confirmed by 63,1% of the respondents. RECOMMENDATIONS As a result of the findings and conclusion, it has been realized that so many problems regarding challenges facing municipalities in women empowerment need to be addressed. The following are some of the recommendations made out of those findings. • Women need to be employed to top management positions and in more decent jobs through Affirmative action. • Gender equity act and policies must be implemented by both public and private sectors for more jobs creation as women empowerment. • Government should go on providing more projects aimed at women empowerment. • Women must also be given tenders for their economic stability. • There to be are educational programmes like ABET that need provided to women as they were previously disadvantaged in education. • Government should have campaigns aimed at discouraging teenage pregnancies.
Open Access
Willingness to pay for water in South African rural areas: a case of Nsikas Village of Mpumalanga Province
(2003-05-01) Mahlale, Rirhandzu Cornelius; Gyekye, A. B.
The scope and focus of this study was narrowed to the rural households in Mpumalanga Province - Nsikazi villages. Therefore the study was titled: The willingness to pay for water in South African Rural areas: A case study of Nsikazi Villages of Mpumalanga Province. The principal objectives of the study are as follows: determining the level of the relationship between the households' willingness to pay and the household's socio-economic and water sources characteristics; determining the amount of money that rural households are willing to pay for an improved water service, and the level of service that they would prefer to use, and lastly, determining the payment system that households prefer in their rural areas. This study was limited only to those households, staying in those villages in which the RDP water service was already put in place by the government. A Contingent valuation questionnaire was used to collect data from households and the questionnaire comprised three parts, namely, water sources; household willingness to pay for three levels of water services, and questions about the socio-economic and demographic characteristics of the respondents. A Contingent valuation method was used in order to determine whether the households were willing to pay for the running costs of an improved water system. Based on the willingness to pay estimates, households in Mpumalanga rural areas were willing to pay R6.1 million towards the cost of providing a yard tap water service. The revenue maximizing tariff per household in Mpumalanga Province for yard tap water was found to be R12.50 per household per month. An important finding of the analysis in this villages was that the overwhelming majority of households preferred a yard tap as they view it as a convenient water service option, and almost all the respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the street taps water supply system.
Open Access
Factors influencing job satisfaction amomg public healthcare employees at Elim Hospital Limpopo Province
(2013-05-08) Maguga, Simon Gifty
This study investigates factors influencing job satisfaction among public healthcare employees at Elim Hospital, Limpopo Province. Relationships have been reported between job satisfaction, productivity, absenteeism and turnover among healthcare employees and as such it affects employees' organizational commitment and the quality of healthcare services. The aim of the study was to determine the factors influencing job satisfaction among healthcare professionals at Elim Hospital. Variables such as opportunity to develop, responsibility, patient care and staff relations were found to be significantly influencing job satisfaction and there was a significant positive association between job satisfaction and opportunity to develop, responsibility, patient care and staff relations for both clinical and clinical support staff. In this study, both quantitative and qualitative research methods were used to gather information through the utilization of a questionnaire. The study was conducted mainly to confirm the result obtained. The results of the study have assisted to reflect factors that could be influencing the health workers to leave Elim Hospital. One hundred and twenty (120) questionnaires were issued to the health professionals. Major findings of the study are the following: • The study found a low level of job satisfaction among the healthcare workers surveyed. Almost 80% were dissatisfied or highly dissatisfied with their job. • Factors found to be significantly associated with job satisfaction were, opportunity to develop, responsibility, patient care and staff relations. • The study found a significant positive medium correlation between staff relations, patient care, and responsibility, opportunity to develop and job satisfaction. • Almost three-quarters of participants (73.8%) did not think that their income was a reflection of the work they do. Major recommendation were drawn from the study. These included: • Encourage teamwork by rewarding teams: Allowing managers to facilitate and promote team-building exercises to enhance communication, productivity and job satisfaction. Team incentives should be addressed by rewarding teamwork. • Ensuring job satisfaction by respecting, rewarding, nurturing and upholding these skilled and trained employees fairly is also recommended the authorities should: Recognise individual growth and fairly reward good ideas. Respect experience and qualifications above legislative requirements in order to ensure that the most suitably qualified people are placed in specialised positions. • The human resource practitioners in the public service should be knowledgeable and supportive of the health profession, vacancies should be filled quickly and the recruitment process should be speeded up. In-service training should be provided to ensure the competencies of the health workers are of high standard at all times.
Open Access
The domestic violence experiences of women in the Vhembe District of Limpopo Province in South Africa
(2007-05-14) Madzimbalale, Fikile Crescent; Khoza, L. B.
The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the domestic violence experiences of women in the Vhembe district. The research design was qualitative, descriptive and exploratory. The study population included all women who experienced domestic violence in the Vhembe district of Limpopo Province, South Africa. Purposive sampling was used to obtain a sample of 12 women who were abused by their husbands and admitted to unit A in a particular hospital. Participation in this study was voluntary. Anonymity and confidentiality were maintained by using code numbers on participants' responses. Participants' responses were tape-recorded and then transcribed verbatim. The research question used read as follows: Share with me your lived experience of domestic violence. In-depth individual interviews were used to collect data from the participants. Data analysis was carried out using an open-coding method consisting of eight steps provided by Tesch. The findings of the study revealed that the following categories appeared to be most frequently experienced by participants: • physical violence such as battering, being scarred, burning, suffering fractures and stab wounds; • psychological/emotional violence including being sworn at, yelled at, mocked, and called names; • economic violence revealed by money being withheld; • social violence including isolation, not being allowed to visit or be visited; • sexual violence such as rape and unprotected sex. Community information and education programmes regarding the nature and unacceptability of domestic violence should be developed. Such programmes should address cultural aspects of behaviour that uphold male aggression, beating and abuse of women as acceptable. Women need to be empowered through education, employment opportunities, legal literacy, and right to inheritance. In conclusion, the findings of the study provided valuable information on the domestic violence experiences of women in the Vhembe district.
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Understanding the influence of comprehensive sexual education interventions on teenage pregnancies amongst adolescent girls in Bolebedu, Limpopo Province
(2025-09-05) Mkhonto, Tlangelani Noisy; Ramathuba, D. U.; Mbedzi, T. E.
Background: Improving teenagers’ knowledge on sexual health and reproductive health is essential to prevent unintended pregnancies. Purpose: The study aimed to understand the influence of comprehensive sexual education intervention programs on teenage pregnancies, amongst adolescent girls in Bolobedu, Limpopo Province. Methodology: A qualitative research approach and an explorative descriptive research design was followed in this study. The targeted population in this study was adolescent girls, between the ages of 14 to 21 years. A non-probability purposive sampling was used to select the participants, and fifth teen (15) teenage girls were sampled. Sampling was determined by saturation of data, and data saturation was reached on participants nine (9) were interviewed. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews using an interview guide. The interviews were audio-taped, field notes were taken; afterwards the voice recording was transcribed, and inductive coding was used for data analysis. Measures to ensure trustworthiness in a qualitative study which is credibility, transferability, dependability, conformability and triangulation were followed. Ethical considerations, such as the right to confidentiality, informed consent, and respect for participants -were adhered to. The recommendations made at the end were based on the study's findings. Findings: Findings revealed that adolescent girls had insufficient information on different sexual intervention programs, hence, were ignorant about the different SHE programs, which contributed to their inability to exploit available knowledge for their self-development. Furthermore – non-awareness of their right to self-determination, lack of comprehension of available sexual education literature, and poor under-developed decision-making skills – had contributed to their attitudes toward accessing sexual health information. This state of affairs was indicated as arising from, no sexual education at home and limited exposure to the topic in schools. Recommendations: Implementing of sexual health programs should be intensified, using a multi-sectoral approach by government and non-governmental organizations. The Departments of Health and Education should work together to ensure effective sexual education interventions.
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Mode of Occurrence and Origin of Iron Ore Deposits of Ga-Nchabeleng Area, Sekhukhune District, Limpopo Province, South Africa
(2025-09-05) Maponya, Julia Mapula; Mundalamo, H. R.; Ogola, J. S.
The study area falls under the Sekhukhune District Municipality of the Limpopo province within Rustenburg layered suite of the Bushveld Igneous complex. The aim of the study was to investigate the petrological and mineralogical characteristics of gabbronorite and iron ore as well as to establish the geological environment of the ore formation so as to ascertain the mode of occurrence and origin of the iron ore deposit. Geological mapping was conducted so as to confirm the host rocks and establish the relationship between the host rocks and orebodies. The map revealed the distribution of the rocks within the study area and the geological setting of the iron ore. The iron ore was found to be localized within gabbronorite. Iron ore occurred as veins, veinlets, stockworks, stringers, and finger-like structures. The geological structures acted as conduits for the ferruginous melts that finally formed the iron ore. Petrographic study revealed the presence of feldspar, mainly plagioclase in gabbronorite, and minor concentration of oxides mainly magnetite. Some rock specimens revealed a high concentration of magnetite especially those located near the host rock-orebody contact. Reflected light microscopy was done to establish the mineralogy of iron ore and to ascertain the relationship of the ore minerals. The main ore minerals were magnetite and hematite with minor ilmenite. The XRD results revealed high content of magnetite (92 %), followed by hematite (61%), then ilmenite (12%). The XRF results revealed gabbronorite with minimum and maximum FeO3 wt% of 1.31% and 44.22% respectively, while minimum and maximum values of FeO3 wt% in magnetite ore samples were found to be 43.38% and 54.55% respectively with an average value of 52.36%. The magnetite registered high concentration values of Zn (221 ppm), Ni (225 ppm), Co (163 ppm), Cr (503 ppm) and V (8981 ppm). The study concluded that the iron ore is hosted by intermediate to felsic igneous rocks which were found to be gabbronorite. Ore bodies formed stockworks that were randomly oriented as veins, veinlets, and stringers associated with fractional crystallization of the layered complexes. The magnetite ore within the study area was of good grade with average values above 50% and rich in V, Cr, Ni, Zn and Co. The study recommends further detailed exploration of iron ore in the area, applying techniques such as geophysical methods and borehole drilling leading to resource evaluation.
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Spatial Planning Strategies to Improve Sustainable Household Solid Waste Collection Practices In Peri-Urban Villages Of Small Towns: A Case Study Of Thohoyandou In Thulamela Local Municipality, South Africa.
(2025-09-05) Mutwanamba, Pfariso; Ingwani, E.; Chakwizira, J.
Globally, the generation of municipal solid waste (MSW) is rising at an alarming rate, with projections indicating an increase from 2.01 billion tonnes in 2016 to 3.40 billion tonnes by 2050. This surge, driven by urbanisation, population growth, and changing consumption patterns, presents a pressing challenge for developed and developing nations. Among the most critical components of MSW is household solid waste, which constitutes a significant share of total waste volumes and demands effective collection and management systems to safeguard public health and environmental sustainability. However, in many developing contexts, particularly in peri-urban areas, the delivery of solid waste collection services remains inconsistent, inefficient, and unsustainable. The study investigates how spatial planning principles can be leveraged to address systemic challenges in household waste collection. The research was guided by the following objectives: 1. Characterise the current household solid waste collection practices in peri-urban villages of Thohoyandou town. 2. Identify factors that impede sustainable household solid waste collection in peri-urban villages of Thohoyandou town. 3. Propose sustainable strategies for household solid waste collection practices in peri-urban villages of Thohoyandou town. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining qualitative and spatial data collection techniques. Primary data were gathered through field observations, semi-structured interviews, and household surveys, while secondary data included policy documents, spatial plans, and maps. The study applied spatial analysis tools to assess settlement patterns, road networks, and service coverage. The methodology enabled a detailed understanding of current collection practices and the spatial factors influencing their effectiveness. The findings reveal that irregular waste collection, limited municipal resources, poor road access, and scattered settlements significantly hinder sustainable household solid waste management in the study area. Moreover, the absence of spatial planning in waste management policy results in service inefficiencies and environmental risks. Therefore, the recommendations emphasise implementing local waste management policies, introducing municipal solid waste collection levies, formalising waste collectors, improving collection efficiency, promoting recycling, integrating new technologies, and adopting a data-driven approach for sustainable waste management. These strategies aim to address identified gaps in governance, infrastructure, and community engagement, enhancing overall service delivery in Muledane and Maniini. These insights have important implications for planners, policymakers, and local municipalities. Integrating spatial planning into waste management can promote service equity, environmental sustainability, and community well-being. This research contributes a practical framework for designing inclusive and sustainable household solid waste collection systems tailored to peri-urban contexts in small towns across South Africa and similar settings globally.
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The assessment of the role of Vhembe District Municipality in the provision o water resources: the case of Mphambo Community
(2025-09-05) Ngonyama, Tatani; Mafunisa, M. J.; Mahole, E.
The study aimed at assessing the role of Vhembe District Municipality in the provision of water services at Mphambo Community. The Free Basic Water Policy of 2002, which seeks to address poverty and affordable access to basic water service to the indigent, requires that all municipalities should provide at least 25 litres of free basic water to poor persons within 200 meters of where the person resides and at a flow rate of at least 10 litres per minute. The study used a prospective mixed method research design, in which primary data was collected from 100 Mphambo community members and 50 municipal workers using a questionnaire and interviews. Collected data was coded, captured, and cleaned before subjecting it to rigorous statistical analysis. Descriptive statistics, figures and tables were used to describe and understand data. The study produced results that summarises the relationships between water service provision related variables and socio-demographic variables. In particular, the analysis of water services provision data will help in exposing the relationship between dependent variable and several independent variables e.g., gender, age, participant type (community member or municipal worker). The strategies and the recommendations from this study will help to improve the provision of water services by the Municipality to the communities. The study will also assist the local government sector in ensuring the importance of working closely with communities to deliver the water services to the communities.
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The involvement of school management teams and teachers in managing work-related stress in selected schools, in Soutpansberg North Circuit, in Vhembe District Municipality
(2025-09-05) Muravha, Khathutshelo; Lavhelani, N. P.; Zitha, H. E.
This study was based on the involvement of School Management Teams and teachers in managing work-related stress in selected schools in Soutpansberg North Circuit, in Vhembe District Municipality. The South African Department of Education has been undergoing different challenges which compel an employer to play a dynamic role in improving and preserving the wellbeing of employees. School Management Teams have the responsibility to understand the causes and effects of work-related stress so that they can strategize on how to overcome them. The main aim of the study was to assess the involvement of School Management Teams and teachers in managing work-related stress in selected schools in Soutpansberg North Circuit in Vhembe District Municipality and to propose recommendations to enhance their involvement. A qualitative research approach was used to assess the involvement of School Management Teams and teachers in managing work-related stress. The study adopted a qualitative approach because it is deemed appropriate when collecting and analysing non-numerical data to understand concepts, opinions and experience. Non-probability sampling through purposive sampling was adopted to allow the researcher to focus on in-depth issues essential to the study. The population of this study comprised - School Principals, Heads of Departments (HODs), and senior teachers - of three purposively-selected primary schools in Soutpansberg North Circuit in Vhembe District Municipality. Twelve participants were selected for the study due to their experience and familiarization with the study phenomenon. Self-administered open-ended questionnaires were utilized to allow for unlimited responses and to offer qualitative data, while using thematic analysis on the data. The findings of the study shows that School Management Teams and teachers do not consult the Employee Assistance Practitioners because the former have not experienced challenges that may need such services, while others have no idea of the Employee Assistance Programme. The researcher recommends that senior managers need to initiate sub-branches of the Employee Assistance Practitioners in circuits to ease the programme’s access by all employees in an area.
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In-vitro and in-silico evaluation for phytochemicals and anti-diabetic potentials of Trichodesma zeylanicum ethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts
(2025-09-05) Manyuwa, Manase; Tshidino-Vukeya, S. C.; Madala, N. E.; Ramabulana, A. T.
Background: Trichodesma zeylanicum (Burm. f) R.Br. belongs to the Boraginaceae family. It is an annual shrub native to Australia, Africa, and Asia. This plant contains phytochemicals with antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties of interest to people with T2DM. The present study was aimed at an in-vitro and in-silico evaluation of phytochemicals and anti-diabetic potentials of ethyl acetate (EA) and ethanol extracts from the leaf, stem, and root of T. zeylanicum. Materials and methods: Trichodesma zeylanicum was collected from Maungani village near the University of Venda. Its leaf, root, and stem were washed, dried in the shade, and ground into powder. Plant part powders were weighed separately and extracted using absolute EA and ethanol. Plant extract filtrates were concentrated using the rotary evaporator. Qualitative biochemical methods, including Thin-layer chromatography (TLC), were used for phytochemical and antioxidant analyses using ascorbic acid, gallic acid, and rutin as standards. The liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (LC-qTOF-MS) technique was used for phytochemical analyses and identifications. In-silico α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) inhibitory potentials of selected identified phytochemicals were screened using the Protein Data Bank available α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and VEGFR2 by molecular docking methods using acarbose and sorafenib as standard inhibitors. Results: Known and unknown phytochemicals in EA extracts of all of T. zeylanicum organs were analysed and identified. In comparison to EA, it was commonly observed that ethanol showed its potential to extract more bioactive chemicals from T. zeylanicum root (59 mg), stem (58 mg) and leaf (67 mg) extracts, as both percentage yields are high. The DPPH radical scavenging activity of EA root, stem and leaf extracts exceeds that of ethanol plant extracts at low to high concentrations, with the EA leaf extract displaying superior radical scavenging activity of up to 70.259±2.029% at 40 μg/mL when compared to ascorbic acid (86.057±0.610%) [p≤0.001] at the same concentration. Although the ethanol radical scavenging activity of root, stem and leaf extracts was extremely low, the leaf extract radical scavenging activity was moderately promising. TPC in ethanol root (11.489±0.545 μg GAE/mg dried extract), stem (10.753±1.116 μg GAE/mg dried extract) and leaf (47.187±2.300 μg GAE/mg dried extract) extracts surpass the EA root (1.604±0.206 μg GAE/mg dried extract, p ≤ 0.001), stem (2.280±0.844 μg GAE/mg dried extract, p ≤ 0.001) and leaf (2.760±0.086 μg GAE/mg dried extract, p ≤ 0.0001) extracts with ethanol leaf extract depicting significantly higher amount of the phenolic content compared to those of ethanol root and stem extracts (p ≤ 0.001). Among the selected compounds docked against two enzyme markers for diabetes and one protein for wound development, ligand 1A (4-[2,6-Dihydroxy-4-(6,7,8-trihydroxy-2-naphthyl) phenoxy]-3-hydroxy-7-(3,4,5-trihydroxyphenyl) naphthalene-1,2-dione) from EA root extract of T. zeylanicum showed the highest binding affinities when docked against α-amylase (-11,0 kcal/mol), α-glucosidase (-10,2 kcal/mol), and VEGFR2 (-9,6 kcal/mol) in comparison with acarbose (positive control) for α-amylase (-7.4 kcal/mol) and α-glucosidase (-7.8 kcal/mol), and sorafenib (positive control) for VEGFR2 (-8.1 kcal/mol) as inhibitors. The molecular networking displayed closely related human pancreatic α-amylases (AMY2A and AMY2B) and intestinal α-glucosidase (GAA) participating in the metabolism of carbohydrates, together with the involved interacting enzymes leading to T2DM, whereas the kinase VEGFR2 is not in association with these enzymes, although playing a role in wound formation from diabetic patients. Multiple sequence alignment data demonstrated the α-amylase, α-glucosidase and VEGFR2 fully conserved regions (Trp, Lys, Val, Pro, Gly, Ala, Gln, and Ser), which can support their role in digesting carbohydrates and wound formation. Conclusion: Findings in this study demonstrated that the EA root extract of T. zeylanicum contains phytochemicals with anti-diabetic potentials associated with wound healing and antioxidants, suggesting that the root of this plant can serve as a source of phytochemicals with antidiabetic and wound healing properties. Cytotoxicity of ethanol and EA extracts from different organs of T. zeylanicum, molecular dynamic simulation (MD) and an in-vitro α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity test are recommended for further research to validate and explore the findings of the molecular docking and safety and efficacy of these plant extracts.
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Efficacy of district development model in coordination of support to land redistribution projects: a case of Makhado Local Municipality, South Africa
(2025-09-05) Maphiri, Khuliso; Moffat, Frank; Ingwani, Emmaculate
The efficacy of the District Development Model (DDM) in coordinating support for land reform in South Africa is uncertain. This study sought to examine the efficacy of the DDM in coordinating support for land reform projects in Makhado local municipality, South Africa. Specifically, the study was guided by the following objectives: to outline and describe the institutional arrangement for the provision of support to land reform projects; to identify challenges that prohibited institutional coordination; to evaluate measures provided by the DDM to address inadequate institutional coordination against these challenges; and to recommend suggestions on how the DDM could improve coordination in land reform support. The study employed a qualitative research methodology, including document analysis and key informant interviews with officials from national and provincial Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), Vhembe district, Makhado local municipality and the land reform beneficiaries from Mulelu, Muananzhele and Tshivhazwaulu farm projects. Findings revealed that the DDM had not effectively resolved coordination challenges, as sector departments continued to operate in silos despite its introduction. Furthermore, the absence of clear legislative frameworks defining the role of local governments in land reform, coupled with inadequate financial and human resources, hindered meaningful collaboration. The study underscored that without structural reforms and enhanced accountability mechanisms, the DDM would remain an ineffective tool for intergovernmental coordination in land reform. Key recommendations included establishing structured engagement platforms to foster intergovernmental collaboration; introducing legislative amendments to clearly define and fund local government’s role in land reform; enhancing collaboration between national and provincial DALRRD to prevent siloed operations and strengthen municipal involvement; implementing performance monitoring mechanisms to track commitments and ensure accountability; and integrating land reform initiatives into municipal Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) and budgets. Future research should explore strategies to improve collaboration, assess potential legislative reforms, and investigate mechanisms for strengthening intergovernmental coordination.