Limpopo Province Of South Africa Research Articles

Vuwani: Understanding the violent community response to municipal boundary re-demarcation

ABSTRACT Prior to May 2016, the relatively unknown community of Vuwani in the Limpopo Province of South Africa had hardly been prone to violent protests and destruction of public property. This changed when the Limpopo High Court dismissed an application by the Masia Tribal Council and eight others to set aside the Municipal Demarcation Board’s decision to incorporate Vuwani and parts of Thulamela Local Municipality into a single new municipality. What followed were protracted protests, which resulted in the burning down of twenty-four schools. Employing the interrelated concepts of democracy, citizenship, rights, and accountability as conceptual and analytical lenses to explore the drivers of violence and protests, the authors conducted in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, and focus group discussions with high school learners. They found that the demarcation dispute was steeped in socio-cultural dynamics, which the Municipal Demarcation Board had overlooked in making its decision. The article offers a number of policy recommendations that could potentially reduce the negative consequences associated with the demarcation of municipal boundaries in South Africa.

Driving patient’s records management process on the healthcare service delivery using records life cycle as a tunnel towards quality patients care

It cannot be overemphasised that healthcare institutions are mandated to ensure that health records are properly filed, archived, stored, disposed and retrievable using appropriate system as required by legislation, and that appropriate security measures are in place to ensure secured health records in the healthcare workflow and storages. The study was partially extracted from the author’s PhD research dissertation completed in 2016, to investigate a typical framework for management of patients records on the healthcare service delivery practice following the records life cycle for quality patients care. This multimethod study used stratified random sampling method to collect quantitative data using questionnaire. Sample was drawn from records management officials in 40 hospitals of Limpopo Province in South Africa. The statistical data in questionnaire was supported with a triangulation of data from observation and document/system analysis to clarify statistical information. The study discovered that medical records were not properly managed at different stages of the records life cycle during healthcare service workflow. The study recommended a strategic framework that may be adopted by the healthcare institutions to improve manageability of their medical information, with an electronic record tracking system for file content management and records movement tracking. This will assist healthcare institutions in taking care of the file content completeness in case they maintain creation of information contained in paper-based records. They will also able to track the location of each file while also keeping track record of the file usage (audit trail) for user accountability.

The status of traditional healing in the Limpopo province of South Africa

Traditional healing and the use of traditional medicines were historically banned by the South African apartheid government. The dawn of democracy saw a change in the laws, which gave freedom to the traditional African practices. Nevertheless, many South Africans are still divided between Western- and traditional African philosophies. This qualitative study, therefore, employed the hermeneutic phenomenological method to investigate the status of traditional healing in the Limpopo province of South Africa. Data collection was done through interviews, and data were analysed thematically. The results suggest that the work done by traditional healers remains marginalised and undermined despite them contributing to the country’s healthcare system. Traditional healers remain unregulated and often left to work on their own under difficult conditions. It is recommended that government play an active role in ensuring that healers are formally incorporated into the country’s healthcare system, which will benefit both the healers and the communities they serve. Contribution: The study investigates the current status of traditional healing in South Africa and highlights that despite having laws that support traditional healing in the country, the practice remains marginalised and healers are working on their own and not within the country’s healthcare system as it is supposed to be. The study is linked to the scope of the journal because it investigates a topic that borders on oral history and indigenous religious practices of South Africans.

Effects of Lantana camara invasion on vegetation diversity and composition in the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, Limpopo Province of South Africa

Although the effects of invasive alien plants on natural ecosystems are widely acknowledged, the effects of specific plant species can be context dependent. The study examined changes in native vegetation diversity and composition following Lantana camara invasion at different cover conditions in the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, Limpopo Province of South Africa. Using a comparative approach, native vegetation diversity, cover, and composition were compared in L. camara high and low cover and uninvaded conditions, on three replicated sites, each with five 10 × 10 m plots. Results show that vegetation diversity (species richness, Shannon-Wiener, and evenness index) were significantly higher in the uninvaded condition than in the L. camara high and low invasion conditions. Species relative cover was significantly higher in uninvaded condition than in L. camara high and low invasion conditions, though it decreased gradually along the invasion cover gradient for trees and shrubs as well as forbs. Analysis of similarities showed significant separations in vegetation composition among the three invasion conditions for all the growth forms, with most woody alien plants, e.g. Acacia mearnsii, Rubus rigidus, and Caesalpinia decapetala being associated with L. camara high and low invasion conditions. The study concludes that invasion by L. camara was associated with changes in native vegetation diversity, cover, and composition, with observed changes being more visible under L. camara high as compared to low invasion condition. The presence of L. camara at high cover condition significantly decreased native species diversity and composition, an indication that impacts of L. camara invasion are cover dependent. From a management standpoint, the study suggests the removal of L. camara, however such removal should consider protecting the co-occurring native species. This study offers a baseline for further research to determine mechanisms responsible for native vegetation change associated with L. camara invasion.

Delay aversion in school-aged children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

This study considered whether children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder displayed a stronger preference for smaller, more immediate rewards over larger, but delayed rewards (delay aversion) when compared to typically developing controls and, furthermore, whether age and gender influenced their preference in any way. Children, between 6 and 15 years of age, living in Limpopo province of South Africa, participated in the study. Two hundred sixteen children in total (108 with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and 108 matched controls without attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms) were assessed, on a task of delay aversion. The Two Choice Impulsivity Paradigm, which assesses immediate and delayed responses, was administered to both the attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and control groups. The performance of both groups was compared on the Two Choice Impulsivity Paradigm, and the scores were analysed as a function of gender and age. The attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder group chose significantly more immediate, smaller responses than the neurotypical control group, which preferred significantly more delayed but larger responses. Gender and age did not affect the response choices for both immediate and delayed measurements. Children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder show a greater need for more immediate gratification, even if the reward is smaller, than the neurotypical control group who could delay gratification to receive a larger reward. Gender and age did not influence their preferences.

Domestic waste disposal in a small urban wetland area by Ga-Makanye Community, Limpopo Province, South Africa

ABSTRACT In spite of their positive role, wetland ecosystems are under intense human pressure that results in their degradation and thus their ability to provide vital functions. The semi-urban community of Ga-Makanye in the Limpopo Province of South Africa is situated adjacent to a small wetland ecosystem. Because this community is poorly serviced in municipal functions such as personal and domestic waste removal, it implies the wetland will be vulnerable to pollution. Thus, an investigation was conducted via an interview schedule during 2018 in this community to determine the effects of discarded litter on the wetland ecosystem as well as perceptions of adjacent residents towards this small urban wetland. Results indicated that of the 56 households surveyed 66% dispose their household waste near or in the wetland. Males under the age of 20 accounted for 60% of this litter. Nearly 60% of respondents thought that wetlands are not important from an ecological or ecosystem service point of view. Thus, it is not surprising that 66% of residents polled indicated that they intentionally target the wetland area for waste disposal with the intent of filling it up to create a parkland. Only 34% of residents indicated they recycle and reuse some of the waste they generate. It is concluded that lower to middle-income communities such as Ga-Makanye pose a significantly larger threat to their surrounding environment due to large amounts of waste generated and a throw-away mentality, than for example, a lower socio-economic status community, who tend to re-use and recycle more.

Emergence and Full Genome Analysis of Tomato Torrado Virus in South Africa.

Emerging pests and diseases are a major threat to food production worldwide. In a recent survey, Tomato torrado virus (ToTV) was identified on tomato crops in the Limpopo province of South Africa and a first report of the disease was published. In this follow-up study, the full genome sequence of a tomato-infecting isolate of ToTV from South Africa was elucidated. High-throughput sequencing was used to generate the full genome of ToTV infecting tomato crops in South Africa. The longest contig obtained for the RNA-1 and RNA-2 genome of ToTV was comprised of 7420 and 5381 nucleotides (nt), respectively. Blast analysis of the RNA-1 sequence of ToTV from South Africa (ToT-186) matched 99% to a Spanish and Polish isolate; the RNA-2 segment of ToTV from South Africa (ToT-186) matched 99% to ToTV isolates from Italy and Poland, respectively. The information presented in this study will go a long way towards better understanding the emergence and spread of ToTV and devising sustainable management of ToTV diseases.

Estimation of biomass feedstock availability for anaerobic digestion in smallholder farming systems in South Africa

This paper assesses agricultural residues available for biogas production in smallholder farming systems in the KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo provinces of South Africa, during 2017–2018. Biomass estimations were done using a combination of smallholder surveys, publicly available data, and literature models, and 11 residue types from 5 crops and manure from 5 types of livestock were estimated. During the investigated period, gross biomass generated from crop residue was 11 and 13 t per smallholder household, of which 63% and 84% are estimated as surplus in KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo, respectively. The gross biomass generated from animal manure was 158 and 84 t per smallholder household in KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo, respectively, of which 48% are estimated as surplus. Estimated biomethane potential from the surplus crop residue is approximately 1370 Nm3CH4 per year per smallholder household, equivalent to 49.3 GJ of heat energy. For methane, estimated potential from animal manure is 2105 and 1135 Nm3CH4 per year per smallholder household, equivalent to 76 and 41 GJ of heat energy, for KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo, respectively. The estimated energy potential is higher than low-income South African households’ cooking (19.8 GJ y−1) and total (49.3 GJ y−1) energy demand, theoretically enabling the complete substitution of current domestic fuels. The total estimated digestate from all residues contains approximately 0.32 t nitrogen, equivalent to 0.70 t urea fertilizer, per year per smallholder household. The analysis indicates that anaerobic digestion based on agricultural residues can make a significant contribution to meeting energy and fertilizer needs of smallholder farmers in KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo.

The Relationship between Low 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Cardio-Metabolic Risk Factors among Ellisras Young Adults.

Introduction: 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) is found in circulating blood and is regarded as an estimate of vitamin D status. Low circulating 25(OH)D levels are associated with a high body mass index (BMI), increased weight and the increased development of adipose tissue. This study aimed to determine the relationship between low 25(OH)D and cardio-metabolic risk factors among Ellisras young adults. Materials and methods: This is a cross-sectional study that took place in a rural area at Ellisras in Limpopo Province South Africa. The study included 631 young adults (327 females and 304 males) aged between 20 and 29 years. Anthropometric measurements including height, weight and waist circumference were measured following standard procedures. Blood pressure, pulse pressure and blood parameters including fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol and triglycerides were also measured. Correlations and linear regression were performed to determine the relationship between low 25(OH)D and cardio-metabolic risk factors. Results: Descriptive statistics showed significant (p < 0.05) mean difference of LDL, HDL and blood pressure between males and females. There was a significant association between low 25(OH)D and WC (p = 0.010) based on Spearman correlation. There was no association found between low 25(OH)D and HDL in all models (B ranges from 0.072 to 0.075). There was also no association found between low 25(OH)D and systolic blood pressure (SBP) in all models (B ranges from −0.009 to −0.024). Conclusion: Low 25(OH)D was correlated with WC, and therefore with adiposity. Knowledge of the associations between 25(OH)D deficiency and cardio-metabolic risk before the development of the disease is therefore important to establish whether 25(OH)D supplementation can be used for the prevention of these conditions. Educational programmes should be implemented to educate the communities and the nation at large on how to prevent 25(OH)D deficiency.

Municipal border disputes in Vhembe district municipality, Limpopo province of South Africa

ABSTRACT A fundamental concern of social science scholarship on borders is the need to understand their dynamics, geopolitics, and impacts as social processes. This study aims to understand the politics of re-determination of municipal borders, and provides an account of why the new municipal re-determination contributed to disputes. A mixed-methods approach, combining interviews, documents and observations was undertaken, and the data collected underwent qualitative analysis. Attempts by the Municipal Demarcation Board to re-determine borders led to violent demarcation protests. Lack of consultation, ethnicity/language differentiation, and limited socio-economic opportunities following the re-determination of borders were the main issues that intensified the dispute.

Localized Institutional Actors and Smallholder Irrigation Scheme Performance in Limpopo Province of South Africa

Poor performance bedeviling SISs in South Africa is attributed to poor institutional integration, consequently impacting service delivery. Despite this, local institutional actors (LIAs)’ role has not been documented as a potential entry point to address poor performance and hence increase SISs’ sustainability. This study sought to assess the role of LIAs on the performance of the Tshiombo irrigation scheme (TIS). Structured questionnaires, key informant interviews (KIIs), and focus group discussions (FDGs) were used for data collection. Yield data for sweet potato, the main crop grown in the scheme, was measured as a proxy indicator for performance. Ordinary least square regression model was used to assess the relationship between LIAs and scheme performance after reducing the data using principal component analysis. The study revealed that institutional factors such as community credit support, academic extension support, academic institution market and input support, community maintenance support, and community input support positively and significantly (at 5% level) improved the yield by a margin of 0.49, 0.12, 0.1, 0.36, and 0.10. Assessing institutional actors’ interaction within each scheme will help develop linkages that will enable sustainability of irrigation schemes. Out scaling of research on LIAs on irrigation scheme performance enhances scheme performance.

Socio-economic challenges faced by traditional healers in Limpopo province of South Africa: conversations from below

Traditional healing remains core to many local communities in South Africa. This research was aimed at fostering stronger relationships between traditional healers and biomedical medicine focusing on their socio-economic challenges. This research involved collaboration between two Universities in South Africa and the USA, focusing on the social welfare and traditional healing, by articulating the experiences and positions of 40 selected traditional healers. Afro-sensed and developmental social welfare approaches were used for this study. Qualitative research approaches using focus group discussions, direct observations and in-depth interviews with selected traditional healers were applied. A thematic analysis approach was used to cluster emerging themes and sub-themes. Carefully presented themes were sifted from the data that referred to traditional healers’ experiences of their socio-economic realities. It should be noted that, while the socio-economic status of healers was significant, the scope of spiritual and philosophical dimensions related to traditional healing could not be ignored.

Institutional Factors Affecting Farmers’ Decision to Adapt to Climate Change

Adaptation to climate change has become the global focal point especially in recent years. Researchers have defined adaptation to climate change as an effective way for farmers to survive in the face of the scourge. This paper investigated how institutional factors plays a role in farmers&amp;rsquo; decision to adapt to climate change. The population of the study was emerging farmers drawn from five districts of the Limpopo province of South Africa. The study used a two-stage cluster sampling technique to select a sample size of 206 emerging farmers. The dependent variable of the study was farmers&amp;rsquo; decision to adapt to climate change while the explanatory variables consisted of institutional factors such as access to extension services, farmers&amp;rsquo; organisation, membership and access to climate change information. Binary Logistic Regression model was used to determine emerging farmers&amp;rsquo; decision to adapt to climate change in Limpopo province. The results showed that institutional factors such as access to both weather information and extension services together with special training on climate change adaptation significantly influenced farmers&amp;rsquo; decision to adapt. Therefore, the study recommended participation of different stakeholders to provide institutional support to farmers and thus enhance their extent to adaptation.

Internalising comorbidities in primary school children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): sex and age differences

Objectives: Studies suggest that females with ADHD display more symptoms of anxiety and depression than their male counterparts. This study attempted to determine comorbid anxiety and depression in children with ADHD. Further, we aimed to establish whether there are sex and age differences in the expression of comorbid symptoms. Method: The Beck Anxiety Inventory and Beck Depression scale from the Beck Youth Inventory were administered to 216 participants (108 with ADHD and 108 matched controls without ADHD symptoms). Participants included children aged 6 to 15 years, resident in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The groups were compared for comorbid anxiety and depression symptoms and analysed as a function of sex and age. Results: The ADHD group showed significantly more symptoms of anxiety and depression than the neurotypical control group. However, no sex differences were observed in the expression of anxiety symptoms. Nonetheless, girls did show significantly higher levels of depression than boys. No age differences were detected in respect of anxiety symptoms. Conclusion: Children with ADHD displayed more symptoms of anxiety and depression compared to controls without ADHD. Age and sex did not affect anxiety symptoms, however girls showed more symptoms of depression than boys.

Investigating climate change awareness and adaptation strategies among female farmers in the Lephalale municipal area in South Africa

This study evaluated climate change awareness and adaptation strategies among female farmers in the Lephalale municipal area in the Limpopo province of South Africa. A concurrent mixed method research approach was undertaken. Qualitative data were obtained through five focus group discussions and a semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain quantitative data from 208 female farmers. The chi-square test of independence analysis showed that the climate change awareness level and the adaptation measures were significantly related to the educational level and geographic location of the female farmers. Moreover, 84% of the respondents considered the national government social grant as a major means of income and not farming. Although 53% of the respondents were not aware of the term ‘climate change’, the female farmers confirmed having observed variance in temperature and rainfall over the years which they regarded as natural phenomena. Inadequate knowledge of climate change and limited access to credit facilities affected the respondents’ capacity to adapt to climate change. The study concluded that climate change awareness level among female farmers influences their adaptation measures against climate change. The study recommends the promotion of farmer-to-farmer extension and intensification of extension services in the study area to enhance the level of awareness of climate change through physical interaction with the farmers.

Grapefruit Field Trial Evaluation of Citrus Tristeza Virus T68-Strain Sources.

Determination of virus genomes and differentiation of strains and strain variants facilitate the linkage of biological expression to specific genetic units. For effective management of stem pitting disease of citrus tristeza virus (CTV) by cross-protection, an understanding of these links is necessary. The deliberate field application of a biological agent such as a virus first requires a thorough assessment of the long-term impact before it can be applied commercially. Three CTV sources were genetically characterized as different variants of the T68 strain, and their long-term effects on stem pitting and production were investigated. The different CTV sources were inoculated to 'Star Ruby' grapefruit trees and evaluated for a number of biological parameters in a field trial in the Limpopo Province of South Africa over a 10-year period. Significant differences were observed in stem pitting severity, impact on tree growth, yield, and the percentage of small fruit produced. These T68 variants were also associated with different stem pitting phenotypes. The variants differed in only 44 nucleotide positions across their genomes, and these minor genetic differences can therefore be used to identify possible genome regions affecting stem pitting.

Morphometric data of Colophospermum mopane leaves in the Limpopo Province of South Africa.

Colophospermum mopane (J. Kirk ex Benth.) J. Kirk ex J. Léonard occurs over a very large region of southern Africa, occupying varying habitats that could account for ecotypic speciation. This investigation statistical analysed the variations in the architecture of the leaflets of C. mopane from the Limpopo Province of South Africa, with the purpose of ascertaining whether natural variability can act as a source of information for investigating ecotypic variation. Leaf morphometric traits, such as leaflet area, length, width, perimeter, pulvinus angle and the acuteness of the apex, were digitally measured and statistically compared for intra- and inter-population variability. Data indicate that the intra-population variation is 35.33% (statistical similarity: 64.67%), while the inter-population (n = 5) variation is 46.67% (statistical similarity: 53.33%).

Reproductive Healthcare Needs of Sex Workers in Rural South Africa: A Community Assessment.

Background:In the Limpopo province of South Africa, access and availability of women’s health services are limited and many challenges exist for a growing population of transient sex workers. This study was developed to place communities at the forefront to more specifically understand regional barriers and attitudes regarding reproductive health care needs.Objective:To build strong community partnerships, gain understanding of issues in women’s health services, and collaborate with community members to address those issues.Methods:A mixed-methods study approach was used in rural South Africa. Participants were recruited through voluntary interest from a local health clinic performing outreach for migrant female sex workers. We (1) created partnerships and built trust within the community and (2) worked collaboratively to collect both qualitative and quantitative data, using community groups to discuss health needs as well as “knowledge, attitude, and practice” (KAP) surveys.Findings:Ninety-four sex workers participated. The survey data identified risk factors to poor reproductive healthcare outcomes, including limited education, young age at first sexual contact, large number of sexual partners, little knowledge of sexually transmitted infections, distrust in the use of healthcare facilities, and limited use of contraception. Community discussion groups revealed a desire for easier and more accessible healthcare, showing the biggest barriers to care are lack of money and transportation, and safety concerns related to profession, including fear of violence from partner and/or client. With input from civic leaders, public interest, and community outreach groups, a community advisory board was successfully formed for future collaboration.Conclusion:By working with local stakeholders and sex workers, we created an interactive and tailored assessment to discuss healthcare disparities. We helped foster community ownership, setting the stage for future implementation of sustainable and cooperative health programming.

Socio-Economic Benefits Stemming from Bush Clearing and Restoration Projects Conducted in the D’Nyala Nature Reserve and Shongoane Village, Lephalale, South Africa

This study aimed to investigate the socio-economic benefits stemming from bush clearing and restoration projects conducted in the Lephalale municipality, within the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The study was conducted at two sites: the D’Nyala Nature Reserve and a nearby local village, Shongoane. A qualitative thematic content analysis approach and semi-structured interviews were used to gather data from 14 purposively selected participants between the ages of 22 and 55 (male = 9 and female = 5). The results indicated that the nature reserve benefited from the project via the improved visibility of the landscape features and game viewing, which made the reserve more attractive for tourists and resulted in increased revenue. The costs of buying feed for game could also be curbed since the grazing capacity increased. Since the nature reserve sourced temporary labour from the local village to execute the project, the community benefited in terms of members being able to earn a wage, which led to an improvement in their livelihoods. Another indirect benefit was the morale and behavioural changes observed amongst community members. It was obvious that the socio-economic benefits derived from projects such as these far outweigh the negatives and that there is every reason to institute projects of a similar nature elsewhere.

Bachelor of Education Honors Students’ Attrition in Mathematics, Science and Technology Education

&lt;p style="text-align: justify;"&gt;This paper represents a revolutionary advancement in our knowledge of postgraduate education which is of increasing significance to national knowledge systems. South African universities produce 26 doctoral graduates for every one million citizens. This means that the low doctoral graduates’ throughput is a huge challenge in South Africa and needs to be addressed. The paper investigated the challenges experienced by postgraduate students (Honors) at an institution of higher education in Limpopo province of South Africa. The group studied consisted of postgraduate students (Honors) from the Department of Mathematics Science and Technology Education, Faculty of Education. Using a qualitative approach, open-ended questionnaire and interview data were collected from eight participants. Data were analyzed thematically and the results revealed that students find it difficult to walk the landmine-infested postgraduate education road without means to shield themselves from the subsequent explosion. The study recommends aspects that improve postgraduate programs’ performance in the Department of Mathematics Science and Technology Education.&lt;/p&gt;