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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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An Exploration of the Effects of Solar Water Heaters on Selected Households in Thulamela Local Municipality: Challenges and Benefits

(2025-05-16) Sikhitha, Fhatuwani Robert; Nemushungwa, A.; Nkondo, L. G.

South Africa has abundant coal supplies, so electricity costs are significantly lower than in other countries, albeit the advantage of lower energy costs is slowly being eroded. The low electricity costs have l ed to the widespread use of appliances that almost exclusively utilizes electricity, including heating water through conventional electric geysers. Electric geysers account for an ything between 25% and 40% of average household s monthly electricity bi ll th is cost can be prevented through the use of Solar Water Heaters (SWH), given South Africa s high solar radiation levels. SWH has high initial costs compared with conventional electric geysers; however, they have short buyback periods which is furth er reduced whenever electricity tariffs escalate. Moreover, they have a relatively long lifespan of around twenty to twenty five years, which implies that if households can switch from conventional geysers to SWH s , they can essentially enjoy hot water for free for the remaining lifespan of the SWH s , thus ensuring significant financial savings and potential additional funds for household expenditures. Switching to SHW , potentially confers socio economic, environmental, and health benefits to households.

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Detection of antibiotic resistant Escherichia Coli in children living in a rural community of Lwamondo Village in Limpopo Provice and their environment

(2025-05-16) Mphego, Mpho; Ledwaba, S. E.; Potgieter, N.

Background: Escherichia coli (E. coli) is found almost in every environment and in the human body. Human-animal-environment interactions may be driving the spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria, particularly in areas with little restrictions on antibiotic use, widespread food animal production, and free-roaming domestic animals. Children who are exposed to domestic animals and their waste in the home environment are more likely to have intestinal colonisation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The main aim of this study was to detect the antibiotic resistance patterns of E. coli isolates from children less than 5 years old and from their environment. Methods: In this study, a total of 94 samples were collected from children (47 stool samples) and the environment (47 soil samples, in each household where the stool was obtained). Isolation of E. coli was done using standard culture methods on Eosin methylene blue and MacConkey agars. The Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method was used to determine the antibiotic resistance of E. coli isolates. The DNA of all E. coli isolates was extracted using the boiling method following standard protocols and confirmation of the presence of E. coli and determination of resistant genes was done using PCR. The E. coli isolates were then further tested for phylogenetic grouping using PCR employing three specific genes, namely TspE4c2, yjaA.1 and chuA. Results: The results showed that 216 isolates (117 from stools and 99 from soil samples) were presumptively identified as E. coli. A total of 211 isolates were confirmed as E. coli using PCR. Antibiotic resistance testing showed high resistance to chloramphenicol in soil (50%) and stool samples (41%). A total of 33% (70/94) isolates were positive for blaTEM gene in both soil and stool samples. Phylogroup A was predominant [87%; 65/75] followed by phylogroup D [13%; 10/75], and phylogroup B [1%; 1/75]. Conclusion: The soil environment plays an important role in the transmission of antibiotic resistant E. coli in young children. It is critical to emphasize the need of adhering to proper hygiene standards and the appropriate use of antibiotics.

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Open Access

The principals' management satyles and educators performance: impact on secondary school learner performance in Vhuronga II Circuit

(2008) Makhaga, Mpho Harriet; Kutame, A. P.; Mutshaeni, H. N.

A principal's management style determines the performance of learners in a school and thus the effectiveness of the school. The main aim of this study was to investigate how management styles of principals affect learners' performance in secondary schools within the Vhuronga 11 Circuit. This could be of great assistance for principals to improve the way in which they manage their schools and could establish the need for further training on management styles through in-service training. The research is quantitative in nature; questionnaires were used to collect data. The population of the research comprised of principals and educators from all secondary schools within the Vhuronga II Circuit. The main findings of the study are presented according to the analytical categories that guided both the collection and analysis of data. Results show that the principals' management styles have an impact on learner performance. The principal's management styles determine the performance of learners in schools and thus the effectiveness of the school. A crucial implication for school managers is that the performance of learners and the effectiveness of the school are determined by the relationship between principals, teachers (educators), learners and parents. The effectiveness of the school, in particular, depends on how principals relate to their teachers.

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Open Access

An investigation into the implementation of the National Policy on District Support Services for effective teaching and learning at school level

(2005) Masipa, Mokgadi Maggie; Bayona, E. L. M.

This study examines the extent to which education districts in the Limpopo Province support effective teaching and learning at school level, with general applicability to similar education districts in South Africa and elsewhere. The literature reveals that education districts in most developing countries, do not support the participation of principals and educators, and that changes are required to effect higher levels of involvement. The study focuses on how this might be attained. The study makes recommendations on District Support Services which will ensure the involvement of district personnel, principals and educators in transforming schools into effective teaching and learning organisations. The theoretical base is derived from literature review on district support services in South Africa and elsewhere. This review is used to establish common conceptions for the study, and illustrates the extent to which the involvement of all relevant stakeholders is considered desirable and feasible. The analysis also reveals how the policy on district support services in South Africa falls short of complying with the country's local diversity and also with its policy of Outcomes - Based Eduaction which focuses on producing citizens who are equipped with values, knowledge and skills that will enable them to play a productive role in society. The implication of Outcomes - Based Eduaction is that individuals acquire these qualities through active involvement in the learning process. It seeks to create a lifelong learner who is confident and independent, literate and multi-skilled, compassionate, with respect for the environment and the ability to participate in society as a critical and active citizen. The field work was carried out in education institutions falling under Sekgosese Education District in Region Three of Limpopo Province and involved a sample of three hundred and thirty-two education practictioners, divided into five target groups:educators (200), principals (100), circuit managers (4), curriculum advisers (16), and administrators (12). The analysis of the data is composed of three parts. The first concerns the calibre of people who are implementing the policy. The majority of participants still lacked the relevant qualifications required while the need for staff development was identified by many as a major concern. In the second part respondents overwhelmingly indicated the need for clarification on the nature, the role and functions of the education district. In the third part the report shows thata general agreement also exists amongst the respondents for the need to address the constraints experienced at all levels in the implementation of district support services. The study concludes that in a globally competitive environment like the one we have today, it is no longer sufficient to make excellent strategic and operational plans. It is rather crucial for organisations to have systems that will ensure that this plans are effectively achieved. The rationale for this view is based on the argument that this may provide opportunities for learners to extend and develop their personal education competence, critical awareness and shared insight of the role which they and schools are expected to fulfil in their rapidly changing communities. The following key concepts were used throughout the study: • Education District • Curriculum 2005-08-24 Education Policy Reserve Fund Programme (EPRFP) • The School Governing Body (SGB) • National Policy • District Support Services • Effective Teaching and Learning

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Open Access

An evaluation of the level of awareness about occupational health and safety practices among workers at University of Venda

(2012) Nkuna, Thokho; Akinsola, H. A.; Tugli. A. K.

Occupational hazards cause or contribute to the premature death of millions of people worldwide and results in the ill health or disablement of hundreds of millions more each year. World Health Organisation reports, indicated that occupational risk factors account globally for a number of morbidity conditions, including 37% of back pains, 16% of hearing loss, 13% of chronic obstructive lungs disease, 11% of asthma, 10% of injuries and 9% of lung cancer. According to the report, mortality is also due to work related injuries causing nearly 310,000 deaths each year and nearly 146,000 deaths are attributable to work related carcinogens (WHO, 2005). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the level of awareness about occupational health and safety practices among University of Venda workers. The study employed a cross sectional descriptive design. A questionnaire was used to collect data. The study population was all the workers who were more at risk of occupational health hazards on daily basis than others from the following departments: Ground I horticulture, Technical services, Protection and cleaning services. The questionnaire was self - administered and the data was analysed descriptively using the SPSS (Statistical Programme for Social Sciences). The results of the study revealed that the level of awareness about occupational health and safety was poor based on the following findings: 46 (3.7%) never heard about Occupational Health and Safety Act before, while 37 (30.3%) heard about OHS Act from their previous jobs. Forty nine percent revealed that there is no OHS in the premises, while 65 (53.3%) revealed that there have no representatives in the Occupational Health and Safety Committee. Furthermore, 57 (46.72%) knew nothing about the role of safety representatives. It was recommended that the University should create awareness among the workers by establishing health and safety education programmes.