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

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Mass spectrometric and chemometric characterisation of photo-induced isomerisation of hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives from Viscum combreticola

(2026-05-19) Sekgobela, Rose Mailane; Madala, N. E.; Mathomu, L. M.; Moyo, N. B.

Exposure of hydroxycinnamic acid (HCA)-containing compounds to excessive sunlight induces geometrical isomerisation, enabling plants to mitigate photo-oxidative stress through enhanced metabolic plasticity. With the increasing intensity of solar radiation associated with climate change, such light-induced transformations can further amplify the complexity of plant metabolome, and this poses analytical challenges, particularly in distinguishing and resolving closely related isomers. In this study, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-qTOF-MS) was employed to characterise HCA-containing compounds in methanolic extracts of Viscum combreticola treated with UV irradiation. Data was analysed using multivariate statistical tools, molecular networking and density functional theory (DFT) was used to rationalise some mass spectrometric processes. A sodium adduct of dimeric 4-cis-caffeoylquinic acid (4-cis-CQA) at m/z 729.164 characterised for the first time was shown to be formed from interactions between neutral and doubly deprotonated 4-cis-CQA molecules, with a Na⁺ ion stabilised between their functional groups. The formation of the (Na-cis-CQA) adduct is believed to have yet to be investigated for its biological consequences. Principal component analysis (PCA) and biplots captured dynamic transformations in HCA-containing metabolites following UV treatment, highlighting their potential in visualising metabolomic shifts driven by environmental stressors. Furthermore, triple quadrupole (QqQ) mass spectrometry was successfully applied to differentiate between UV-treated and non-treated samples, followed by data analysis using principal component analysis, hierarchical clustering analysis, and volcano plots, demonstrating its potential for sample authentication where the chemistry of the sample is already known. Overall, this study showed that UV treatment promotes metabolite diversity, reflecting the metabolic plasticity of HCA derivatives. It also emphasised that chemical transformations such as alkali metal adduct formation can enhance isomer differentiation, complementing robust chromatographic separation. Therefore, advancing data visualisation in understanding plant metabolic responses to environmental stress. Future studies should investigate the biological activities of cis isomers of HCA derivatives as they may hold potential pharmacological potential.

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Factors affecting recreation and leisure participation among youth post-COVID-19 in Mopani District of South Africa

(2026-05-19) Mukhuba, Fulufhelo Ronaldo; Shilubane, Hilda; Manyuma, D.

The COVID-19 pandemic changed people's way of life drastically across the globe. This highly contagious viral disease was considered a pandemic by the World Health Organisation. Even when COVID-19 had detrimental effects globally, in some parts of the world, people saw recreation and leisure activities as a means to unite society. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the factors that affect recreation and leisure participation among youth in the Mopani District following the COVID-19 pandemic. This proposed aim was achieved through a qualitative research approach, which adopted an exploratory research design. A convenience sampling technique was used to sample 10 participants in the Mopani District. Through qualitative methods, data were collected via semi-structured interviews and analysed using a thematic analysis. Four themes were identified from the data: Shift toward Solo or Small-Group Outdoor Activities, Barriers to participation, Recreation and leisure educational initiatives, and Perceived importance of recreation and leisure. The findings show a clear shift toward solo and home-based activities caused by psychological and practical barriers such as anxiety, financial constraints, inadequate infrastructure, and gender-specific limitations. Despite these obstacles, the study highlights a growing recognition of the importance of leisure for promoting well-being, social connection, and personal development. The proposed recommendations offer a practical way to enhance youth access to safe, inclusive, and mentally beneficial recreational activities in the post-pandemic era.

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Health and well-being of workers at wastewater treatment plant in Muledane Thohoyandou Block J, Limpopo Province

(2026-05-19) Maudu, Ntanganedzeni; Luhalima, T. R.; Manganye, B. S.

Background: Occupational hazards and health risks faced by wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) workers have been recognised globally as a significant public health concern. Purpose: This study aimed to assess the health and well-being experienced by workers at the wastewater treatment plant in Muledane Thohoyandou Block J, Limpopo Province. Methodology: A quantitative research approach was adopted using a descriptive cross-sectional research study design to assess the health and well-being of workers at Muledane Wastewater treatment plant. The setting was the work environment at Muledane wastewater treatment plant, Thohoyandou Block J, Limpopo Province. A pre-test was conducted with 10% of the population (n=3), and these respondents were included in the final sample. The total population sampling method was used to obtain the 32 respondents due to the small population at the chosen wastewater treatment plant location. The data collection tool was a structured, self-administered questionnaire with closed-ended questions. A pre-test of the structured questionnaire was conducted to enhance its clarity and relevance and to ensure reliability and validity. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics 30.0 version, with descriptive statistics. Ethical considerations, including informed consent, confidentiality, and the voluntary nature of participation, were strictly upheld throughout the study. Results: The study identified respiratory symptoms and conditions among some workers, indicating potential occupational exposure risks. Physical and mental health challenges were commonly reported. Barriers to healthcare access included limited occupational health services and time constraints. Overall, the findings highlighted significant occupational health risks requiring targeted interventions. Contributions: The study contributes to understanding the health implications of occupational exposure in WWTPs and highlights the critical role of PPE in safeguarding employee health. Recommendations: Strengthen workplace health and safety practices through regular training, strict enforcement of PPE use, routine health monitoring, and policies to reduce exposure to hazardous substances. Implementing these measures by the municipality and plant management is essential for the improvement of wastewater treatment plant employees.

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The Experiences and Perspectives of Female Teenagers on Parental Victimization in Thulamela Municipality, Vhembe District

(2026-05-19) Ngobeni, Dimakatso Patricia; Shilubane, N. H.; Tshivhase, S. E.

Parental victimization has severe impacts on family members, especially female teenagers who face unique emotional and social challenges. Although extensive research on family violence exists, limited studies explore teenage girls’ perspectives on parental victimization. This study investigated the experiences and perceptions of female teenagers on parental victimization within Thulamela Municipality in Vhembe District. The study was conducted in Thulamela Municipality, an area significantly affected by family-related victimization. In-depth interviews were conducted with at least twenty purposively sampled female teenagers using a qualitative approach. Open-ended questions encouraged participants to share personal narratives and interpretations. Pre-testing ensured the clarity and relevance of interview questions. The data was analyzed thematically, focusing on key patterns and themes. Findings revealed five themes: teenagers’ psychological and emotional well-being, academic and health-related challenges, social and peer relationship impacts, contributory factors, perceived intervention and prevention strategies, and twelve subthemes. Ethical considerations, including informed consent and confidentiality, were strictly maintained. The research underscores the imperative for focused interventions and support programs designed to safeguard and enhance the well-being of female adolescents impacted by parental victimization.

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Perception of the Community regarding the Behaviour of Mental Health Care Users, in Shatale Village, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa

(2026-05-19) Ngwanyane, Malabo Rebecca; Mulaudzi, M; Tshivhase, S. E.

Mental health has become a worldwide concern, particularly for those who live in disadvantaged areas; it is a significant concern in communities where limited resources and social inequalities exacerbate the burden of mental illness. The aim of this study was to explore the perception of the community toward mental health care users. The study was conducted at Shatale village, in Ehlanzeni District in the Mpumalanga Province. The study utilised the qualitative approach, purposefully selected, and the data were collected in their own places using their own language. The sampling procedure used was purposive sampling in which the participants were selected based on specific characteristics relevant to the study. This method was particularly effective as qualitative studies allow researchers to gain in depth insights from individuals who can provide valuable perspective regarding, in this instance, mental health-care users. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather information using voice recorder and field notes, until saturation occurred. Tesch’s open coding steps were used to analyse data. Measures to ensure trustworthiness - credibility, dependability, confirmability and transferability - were followed to give a degree of confidence to the data, and the interpretation. Adhering to ethics principles ensured informed consent, confidentiality, non-maleficence and privacy was applied to protect the participants after permission was obtained from necessary authorities. The findings revealed three main themes, which were stigma, culture and traditional beliefs and barriers to social integration. The first theme was stigma with sub-themes of, perceived dangerousness, shame and moral failure, social exclusion and fear of contagion. Theme two was culture and traditional beliefs with sub-themes of supernatural attributions, culture, preference for traditional healers and resistance to biomedical care. Theme three was barriers to social integration with the sub-themes of, limited community acceptance, lack of support system and family burden The study concludes by recommending community mental-health education and improved access to mental health service to reduce stigma and promote acceptance of mental health care.