Limpopo Province Of South Africa Research Articles

The experiences of parents of children living with disabilities at Lehlaba Protective Workshop in Sekhukhune district of Limpopo province.

BackgroundParents of children with disabilities have faced difficulties in looking after their children, be it socially, economically and financially. Parents in rural areas are mainly left with a huge burden, as there is a lack of services and support from both the state and non-governmental organisations. Parents in Sekhukhune district, a rural area in Limpopo province of South Africa, face challenges in raising their disabled children related to lack of resources and lack of services at their disposal.ObjectivesThis study focuses on the experiences and life circumstances faced by parents of children living with different types of disabilities at Lehlaba Protective Workshop in Sekhukhune district of Limpopo province, South Africa.MethodThe study consisted of 14 participants who are parents of children living with disabilities. An interview guide with a set of questions was utilised to gather data. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data and themes that emerged were grouped together.ResultsThemes that emerged from the data showed that most of the participants had varying understandings on the causes of disabilities to their children. The participants also were of the view that a ‘cure’ for disability was available medically, spiritually or through traditional African medicine. The study also brought the notion of absent fathers, as most men do not want to be associated with children who are disabled. Stigmatisation of the parents was also a theme that the study revealed. The parents are subjected to name labelling as they are viewed to be practising witchcraft or to be paying for their sins they committed.ConclusionParents of children with disabilities are in their own battle in raising their children. There is a lack of support structures available for parents of children living with disabilities. There is a lack of legislation available for protecting and promoting the rights of children with disabilities. The researchers concluded that raising a child with a disability is expensive, time-consuming and straining.

Influence of historical and contemporary habitat changes on the population genetics of the endemic South African parrotPoicephalus robustus

SummaryThe Cape ParrotPoicephalus robustusis a habitat specialist, restricted to forest patches in the Eastern Cape (EC), KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and Limpopo provinces of South Africa. Recent census estimates suggest that there are less than 1,600 parrots left in the wild, although historical data suggest that the species was once more numerous. Fragmentation of the forest biome is strongly linked to climate change and exploitation of the forest by the timber industry. We examine the subpopulation structure and connectivity between fragmented populations across the distribution of the species. Differences in historical and contemporary genetic structure of Cape Parrots is examined by including both modern samples, collected from 1951 to 2014, and historical samples, collected from 1870 to 1946. A total of 114 individuals (historical = 29; contemporary = 85) were genotyped using 16 microsatellite loci. We tested for evidence of partitioning of genotypes at both a temporal and spatial scales by comparing shifts in allelic frequencies of historical (1870–1946) and contemporary (1951–2014) samples across the distribution of the species. Tests for population bottlenecks were also conducted to determine if anthropogenic causes are the main driver of population decline in this species. Analyses identified three geographically correlated genetic clusters. A southern group restricted to forest patches in the EC, a central group including birds from KZN and a genetically distinct northern Limpopo cluster. Results suggest that Cape Parrots have experienced at least two population bottlenecks. An ancient decline during the mid-Holocene (∼ 1,800-3,000 years before present) linked to climate change, and a more recent bottleneck, associated with logging of forests during the early 1900s. This study highlights the effects of climate change and human activities on an endangered species associated with the naturally fragmented forests of eastern South Africa. These results will aid conservation authorities with the planning and implementation of future conservation initiatives. In particular, this study emphasises the Eastern Cape mistbelt forests as an important source population for the species and calls for stronger conservation of forest patches in South Africa to promote connectivity of forest taxa.

Clinical Practice of Midwifery Graduates During Community Service Placement, Limpopo Province South Africa

Midwifery graduates are placed in health facilities for community service during their first year of practice. The purpose of the study was to explore how midwifery graduates experienced their clinical practice during community service placement in Limpopo province. A qualitative study which is explorative and descriptive in nature was conducted in five selected hospitals. Population comprised of all midwifery graduates who have undergone a comprehensive nursing programme regulated by R425 of 19 February 1985, as amended; working in selected hospitals. Non-probability, purposive sampling method was used to select five graduates working in maternity unit of each selected hospital. Sample comprised of twenty-five participants. In-depth face to face interviews were used to collect data. Findings revealed that graduates experienced differences between theory and practice at different levels. Loss of students’ status, high level of responsibility and inadequate clinical learning opportunities made their transition difficult. In conclusion, graduates felt exposed to two different worlds of midwifery practice resulting in frustration and reality shock. Study recommends that midwifery training programme include opportunities to discuss realities of transition period, to enable graduates to deal with midwifery issues in a real and practical situation. Mentors should help graduates to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Structured support programmes should be offered to alley feelings of fear and insecurity resulting from increased levels of responsibility and accountability graduates are faced with.

Bacterial Contamination of Children's Toys in Rural Day Care Centres and Households in South Africa.

Background: Young children exhibit a high susceptibility to several diarrhoea-causing bacterial microorganisms. In this study, the prevalence of fecal contamination on children’s toys was determined using total coliform and E. coli as bacterial fecal indicators. The prevalence of diarrhoeagenic E. coli strains were used as an indication of the potential health risks. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out for 3 months in rural communities in the Vhembe district, Limpopo province of South Africa. Nonporous plastic toys (n = 137) used by children under 5 years of age in households and day care centres (DCCs) from rural villages were collected for assessment. New toys (n = 109) were provided to the households and DCCs and collected again after 4 weeks. Microbiological assessment was carried out using the Colilert® Quanti-Tray/2000 system. Diarrhoeagenic E. coli strains were identified using a published multiplex PCR protocol. Results: Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) conditions of the children in the households and DCCs were assessed. Statistical analysis was used to identify the relationship between fecal contamination of the existing and introduced toys. All the existing and introduced toy samples, both from DCCs and households, tested positive for total coliform counts and 61 existing and introduced toy samples tested positive for E. coli counts. Diarrhoeagenic E. coli strains identified included EHEC, ETEC, EPEC, EIEC and EAEC. Conclusions: The results indicated that water, sanitation and hygiene conditions could be responsible in the contamination of children’s toys and the transmission of diarrhoea to young children.

Optimum NPK fertilizer requirement for Amaranthus hybridus leafy vegetable under greenhouse conditions

Amaranthus hybridus is a leafy vegetable consumed by rural communities in Limpopo Province of South Africa and Angola. The rural communities solely depend on nature for the supply of A. hybridus pot herb which is harvested from the wild during the rainy season. Cultivation of this leafy vegetable would greatly benefit the local communities, contribute to food security and alleviate hunger, malnutrition and poverty. The optimum NPK fertilizer requirement for A. hybridus cultivation is unknown. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to determine the optimum NPK fertilizer level required for the cultivation of A. hybridus leafy vegetable. Uniform four-week-old A. hybridus seedlings were transplanted into 20 cm diameter plastic pots containing 3: 1 pasteurised river sand and Hygromix. Six treatments, namely, 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 g NPK 2: 3: 2 (22) fertilizer rates were arranged in a randomized complete block design, with 10 replications. At harvest, plant response to NPK 2: 3: 2 (22) fertilizer rates were in a density-dependent growth patterns with applications below 10 g improving plant growth. There was a strong relationship between NPK application and plant variables with the models explained 97, 90, 97, 97 and 98% in chlorophyll content, dry root mass, dry shoot mass, plant height and stem diameter. The optimum NPK 2: 3: 2 (22) fertilizer application for A. hybridus leafy vegetable was optimized at 9.01 g/plant equivalent to 90.10 g/ha. In conclusion, the cultivation of A. hybridus requires 9.01 g/plant, which needs to be validated under open field environments.

Thohoyandou's central business district and the hypothetical accessibility challenges for emergency services.

Thohoyandou is a town in the Limpopo province of South Africa, with a population of 69 453 according to 2011 Census. It has rapidly filled up the spatial limits of its central business district (CBD) to such an extent that the latest retail development, the Thavhani Mall, has leapfrogged the P-East residential area into the open spaces to the south of the CBD across the R 254. The objective of this study was to determine if emergency services - that is, police, ambulance and fire brigade - could access all parts of the CBD in a hypothetical situation of multiple disasters occurring simultaneously. The study method mapped the CBD’s urban morphological elements and determined, through qualitative descriptions, the frictional spaces each of the emergency services would face in attempting to access all parts of the CBD. The findings were, firstly, that in a ‘worst case scenario’ the emergency services would face formidable infrastructure, human and mobility obstacles in their pathways. The second finding is that the emergency services would not be able to cope with a high-impact disaster or a multiplicity of disasters. The study identified precautions that should be considered by the municipality and other stakeholders in order to mitigate the potential risks of human-induced disasters in the CBD.

Ancestral beliefs in modern cultural and religious practices – The case of the Bapedi tribe

There is no consensus among scholars of myth as to how the central concept of their field should be defined. What is a ‘myth’ and how does it differ from a ‘belief’? Moreover, scholars have argued for a homological relationship between myth and ritual. Semantically, the word ‘myth’ has a connotation of disbelief in ‘superstition’, and the word ‘belief’ should be substituted when talking about religious practices. Likewise, the word ‘ritual’ may be substituted with ‘ceremonial’, which has connotations that are more positive. Earlier publications that associate ancestral veneration with the words ‘myth’ or ‘superstition’ display a judgemental view of the beliefs of other cultures. In this article, the author attempts, via recourse to the use of the word ‘myth’, to describe and interpret traditional and cultural belief systems among the Bapedi people of Limpopo Province in South Africa. It is argued that myth should not be reduced to ritual nor ritual to myth. Belief and ritual, in Bapedi religion and belief systems, complete and complement each other, thus allowing the harmonious unison of meta and paralinguistic elements in religiocultural discourse. The focus of this study is to explore and document these links within the context of the Bapedi culture.

Social Sustainability Practices on Small Businesses in Developing Economies: A Case of South Africa

This study makes a significant contribution towards theory and knowledge of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) within the social sustainability discourse. The study focused on investigating if SMEs in developing economies directly benefit from practising social sustainability through examining the relationship between social sustainability and financial performance, customer satisfaction as well as employee satisfaction. A total of 238 SMEs from the Limpopo province of South Africa were surveyed through a self-administered questionnaire at the hand of convenience sampling technique. The hypotheses in the study were assessed through structural equation modelling (SEM) through AMOS software version 25. The study results revealed that all three postulated hypotheses were supported. Thus, social sustainability was found to be positively and significantly associated with financial performance, customer satisfaction performance as well as employee satisfaction performance. The findings in this study indicate that by practising social sustainability, SMEs potentially benefit on a broader performance spectrum.

Exploration of Plant Species Used by Bapedi Ethnic Group for Ethnoveterinary Purposes: A Case Study of Ga-Mphahlele Region in the Limpopo Province, South Africa

The use of plant resources by the Bapedi people in the Limpopo province in South Africa is regarded as part of their tradition and culture. This study was aimed at documenting ethnoveterinary uses of plants in Ga-Mphahlele region in the Limpopo province, South Africa. Information was gathered through semi-structured questionnaires supplemented by field observations from 30 randomly selected Pedi speaking people in Ga-Mphahlele region of the Limpopo province. A total of 52 plant species from 32 plant families were used for 18 ethnoveterinary purposes. The majority of the species (21.2%) were used as fodder, followed by ethnoveterinary medicinal applications against wounds (19.2%), diarrhoea (17.3%), ticks (13.5%) and worms (11.5%) in domestic animals such as cattle, chickens, dogs, donkeys, doves, goats and sheep. The species with frequency of citation (RFC) higher than 0.70 included Citrullus lanatus (fodder), Vachellia karroo (ethnoveterinary medicine and fodder), Sclerocarya birrea subsp. caffra (fodder), Aloe ferox (ethnoveterinary medicine), Drimia sanguinea (ethnoveterinary medicine), Sarcostemma viminale subsp. viminale (ethnoveterinary medicine) and Sorghum bicolor (fodder). The traditional knowledge about forage and ethnoveterinary medicines demonstrated by the Bapedi people enable extension officers and policy makers to appreciate how local communities perceive and utilize plant resources around them.

A Dynamical and Zero-Inflated Negative Binomial Regression Modelling of Malaria Incidence in Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Recent studies have considered the connections between malaria incidence and climate variables using mathematical and statistical models. Some of the statistical models focused on time series approach based on Box–Jenkins methodology or on dynamic model. The latter approach allows for covariates different from its original lagged values, while the Box–Jenkins does not. In real situations, malaria incidence counts may turn up with many zero terms in the time series. Fitting time series model based on the Box–Jenkins approach and ARIMA may be spurious. In this study, a zero-inflated negative binomial regression model was formulated for fitting malaria incidence in Mopani and Vhembe―two of the epidemic district municipalities in Limpopo, South Africa. In particular, a zero-inflated negative binomial regression model was formulated for daily malaria counts as a function of some climate variables, with the aim of identifying the model that best predicts reported malaria cases. Results from this study show that daily rainfall amount and the average temperature at various lags have a significant influence on malaria incidence in the study areas. The significance of zero inflation on the malaria count was examined using the Vuong test and the result shows that zero-inflated negative binomial regression model fits the data better. A dynamical climate-based model was further used to investigate the population dynamics of mosquitoes over the two regions. Findings highlight the significant roles of Anopheles arabiensis on malaria transmission over the regions and suggest that vector control activities should be intense to eradicate malaria in Mopani and Vhembe districts. Although An. arabiensis has been identified as the major vector over these regions, our findings further suggest the presence of additional vectors transmitting malaria in the study regions. The findings from this study offer insight into climate-malaria incidence linkages over Limpopo province of South Africa.

Initial Clinical Presentation of Cervical Cancer Patients at Pietersburg Hospital, South Africa (2012-2014): A Retrospective Descriptive Study

Background: Cervical cancer, compared to other types of cancers, is a leading cause of death for women; and is a serious public health problem in both developed and developing countries. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the initial clinical presentation of cervical cancer patients at the Pietersburg Hospital, Limpopo Province in South Africa. Methods: This was a quantitative, retrospective study conducted to examine the records of cervical cancer patients from January 2012 to December 2014 at the Pietersburg hospital. Results: The results indicated that most patients, particularly the elderly, presented for the first time at the hospital with advanced stages of cervical cancer. Factors, such as age and place of residence contributed to late presentation. Most patients with advanced stage cervical cancer were from Sekhukhune and Vhembe Districts. Conclusion: There is a need for improved data capturing of information about marital status and parity to further assess the influence these variables might have on the clinical presentation of cervical cancer. Furthermore, availability and facilities for screening should be improved because early detection of cervical cancer prevents progression to advanced stage of the disease. More awareness campaigns about risk factors of cervical cancer should be implemented.

Identification of occupations in a South African rural less-resourced community

ABSTRACTSouth Africa has vast rural areas where the installation of water supply and electrification infrastructure has been expedited since the first democratic elections in 1994. Yet, significant challenges remain. This paper focuses on the impact of resource scarcity and the resultant occupations of water and fuelwood collection in a rural South African context. The study was conducted in the Limpopo Province of South Africa and investigated the Basic Activities of Daily Living (bADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (iADL) tasks typically performed in a rural community. A Rapid Rural Assessment methodology was employed. Data were collected using discussion groups and participatory mapping with community care workers. Quantitative analysis of data used directed content analysis utilising the International Classification of Functioning (ICF) and the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework III (OTPF III) as coding frameworks. Results showed that most of the bADL and iADL tasks identified in the rural context are reflected in the ICF and the OTPF III but collection of water and fuelwood are not. In addition, the forms of rural bADL and iADL tasks described in the ICF and the OTPF III differ significantly from those carried out in typical urban well-resourced contexts that have household amenities such as piped water and electricity. The daily collection of water and fuelwood limits the occupational choices of many rural women and results in occupational imbalance and occupational deprivation.

The Cascade Model of Mathematics Teachers’ Professional Development in South Africa: How Well did it Suit Them?

This paper discusses the extent to which the professional development (cascade model) met its goal of improving mathematics teaching and learning during the implementation of National Curriculum Statement in South Africa. Fifty mathematics teachers from ten public secondary schools in Vhembe District in Limpopo Province of South Africa were chosen purposively. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected through a focus group discussion with five mathematics teachers at each of the ten schools. Teachers disapproved the manner in which the workshops were conducted claiming that they were disconnected from classroom practices. The conclusion was that: (a) the success of in-service programs should be determined by the way that the ideas, knowledge and skills learnt are implemented in a classroom setting; (b) for any in-service program that introduces teachers to a different instructional approach from the traditional one, it has to impact on teachers’ concerns (be they self-oriented, task-oriented or impact-oriented).

Modes of Teaching and Learning of Indigenous Music Using Methods and Techniques Predicated on Traditional Music Education Practice: The Case of Bapedi Music Tradition

This paper takes a look at music education in Bapedi society in Sekhukhune district, Limpopo Province in South Africa as the transmission of musico-cultural manifestations from one generation to the other. The aim is to investigate the modes of transmission of indigenous Bapedi music. Music teaching and learning in Bapedi society is an integral part of cultural and religious life, and is rich in historical and philosophical issues. Traditional music knowledge system produces a better result to the teaching and learning of indigenous music in Bapedi culture. The research question of interest that emerges is: What are the modes of transmission for indigenous Bapedi music during the teaching and learning process? The primary source for data collection was oral interviews and observations. Secondary sources include theses, books and Journal articles. Performances were recorded in the form of audio-visual recordings and photographs. The results have shown that in Bapedi society, learning music through participation has been a constant practice. The transmission process involves participation, fostering of communal sense, concentration on the present moment and the use of musico-cultural formulae and cues for interactional purposes. It was concluded that in Bapedi society, creative music making and music identity are the obverse sides of the same coin, in that the former provides an arena in which the latter can be explored.

Repellent properties of Rotheca glabrum plant extracts against adults of Rhipicephalus appendiculatus

BackgroundRotheca glabrum (formerly known as Clerodendrum glabrum [Verbenaceae]) is used by local communities in the Limpopo Province of South Africa to control ticks on livestock and was selected from the database of the ARC-Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute. Its leaves were extracted using organic solvents ranging from polar to non-polar solvents (methanol, acetone and dichloromethane (DCM)). In addition, the traditional soap-water (infusion) and water-based (decoction) methods were used. The tick repelling activity was determined against the adult stage of the livestock tick Rhipicephalus appendiculatus.ResultsIn the tick-climbing repellency bioassay a 30% acetone extract had a significant (p ≤ 0.05) repellent effect against adults of R. appendiculatus. The extract was still active at a lower concentration of 10%. The hexane fraction from the R. glabrum acetone extract had a higher tick repellency activity than the positive controls Amitix and Bayticol at the same concentrations. Unfortunately, the activity decreased after 2.5 h, probably due to volatility of the biologically active compound(s) within the extract.ConclusionAttempts were made to isolate the repellent compound from the acetone extract of R. glabrum. The process produced very good results up to a late stage in the bioassay-guided fractionation process. At that point, the repellent activity was lost. When two fractions were combined, the repellent activity was regained. These results provide strong evidence for the existence of a synergisticactivity of different compounds. It may be better to concentrate on extracts that would kill ticks rather than on extracts that would repel ticks.

Medicinal Plants Traded in Informal Herbal Medicine Markets of the Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Trading of herbal medicines generates economic opportunities for vulnerable groups living in periurban, rural, and marginalized areas. This study was aimed at identifying medicinal plant species traded in the Limpopo province in South Africa, including traded plant parts, conservation statutes of the species, and harvesting methods used to collect the species. Semistructured questionnaire supplemented by field observation was used to collect data from owners of 35 informal herbal medicine markets in the Limpopo province. A total of 150 medicinal plant products representing at least 79 plant species belonging to 45 botanical families, mainly the Fabaceae (11.4%), Asteraceae (7.6%), and Hyacinthaceae (6.3%), were traded in the study area. Roots (50.0%), bulbs (19.0%), and bark (16.0%) were the most frequently sold plant parts. Some of the traded species which include Alepidea amatymbica, Bowiea volubilis, Brackenridgea zanguebarica, Clivia caulescens, Dioscorea sylvatica, Elaeodendron transvaalense, Encephalartos woodii, Eucomis pallidiflora subsp. pole-evansii, Merwilla plumbea, Mondia whitei, Prunus africana, Siphonochilus aethiopicus, Synaptolepis oliveriana, and Warburgia salutaris are of conservation concern and listed on the South African Red Data List. Findings of this study call for effective law enforcement to curb illegal removal of wild plants especially those species that are at the verge of extinction.

Challenges experienced by health care professionals working in resource-poor intensive care settings in the Limpopo province of South Africa.

BackgroundProviding optimal care to critically ill patients poses challenges in resource-poor settings because of the lack of equipment, inadequately trained personnel and limited infrastructure.ObjectivesThis study explored challenges experienced by health care professionals working in resource-poor intensive care units.MethodA qualitative, explorative, descriptive design was used. The population comprised nurses and doctors working in an intensive care unit of one hospital in the Limpopo province of South Africa. A purposive sample was selected and 17 semi-structured interviews were conducted. Data were analysed using Tesch’s method. Ethical considerations were adhered to.ResultsParticipants experienced challenges related to provision of suboptimal patient care, the challenge of non-adherence to protocols and/or instructions and the challenge of practising beyond the scope of practice.ConclusionLack of resources resulted in providing suboptimal intensive patient care. Patients were prone to infections and their safety might be compromised.Keywordshealth care professionals; intensive care units; critically ill patients; resource-poor intensive care units.

Correlating the factors influencing household decisions on adoption and utilisation of biogas technology in South Africa

Biogas can be used for domestic purposes, such as cooking and heating, and can also be converted into electricity. Biogas technology is of particular significance in rural households, where energy crisis thrives. The correlating factors influencing decisions in the sustainable adoption and utilisation of biogas technology in Limpopo Province of South Africa are examined in this article. In this study, the sampled households involved 72 biogas users and 128 non-users. The sampling techniques were purposive and simple random. The study was based on primary data that were elicited using open and closed-ended questionnaires. The logistic regression model was employed for data analysis. Empirically, the result indicated that household head level of education, age of household head, number of cattle owned, distance to fuelwood source, crop production, credits, loans and subsidies, income, gender water availability and awareness were factors that have statistical significance (p < 0.01). Significant (p < 0.05) household size, technical availability and distance to fuelwood source thus positively influence the adoption and utilisation of biogas technology. Results from the study also reveals that technical evaluation against other cooking devices, efficiency, environmental aspects, human drudgery and potential to provide employment and behavioural evaluations were other factors found to influence the uptake and utilisation of the technology. The study recommends changes in government approach, technical availability, training, redesigning of cooking stoves and better promotion and awareness programmes.

African elephant feeding preferences in a small South African fenced game reserve

Recent significant changes to African elephant (Loxodonta africana) populations have placed their management at the centre of the global wildlife conservation management debate, with most of the discussion surrounding population declines. However, in small, invariably fenced reserves found over much of South Africa, their numbers have expanded due to elevated levels of protection from poaching, artificial water provision, high reproductive success and lack of dispersal opportunities. Under these conditions, concerns arise surrounding the negative impacts of elephant feeding behaviour and strategy, with calls from some quarters for intervention options to address this ‘elephant problem’.Research in a small (380 km2) fenced reserve in the Limpopo province of South Africa was carried out in a variety of habitat and terrain types to assess type and level of elephant impact in relation to tree architecture. Impact was assessed to be predominantly non-lethal, with only a small proportion of surveyed trees assessed to have been lethally impacted upon. Tree species exhibiting certain architectural characteristics, notably trees with a wider canopy measurement than their overall height measurement, were particularly prone to negative feeding impacts, especially damage to primary and secondary branches. Trees with wide basal stem circumferences were most prone to being killed by elephants, with the overall likelihood of a tree experiencing the most severe impact types increasing with basal stem circumference. In contrast, an increase in height was shown to decrease the likelihood of a tree experiencing severe impact types, indicating that tall trees are less likely to suffer mortality due to elephant impact.We suggest that managers of fenced elephant reserves conduct baseline monitoring of elephant impacts. These studies indicate that width at widest point, and to a lesser extent height at widest point are likely to be useful additions to baseline vegetation monitoring. This will identify the level and type of elephant induced impacts, specifically revealing those locations within fenced reserves with a significant component of target tree species/morphologies. Ultimately this will both initiate and direct preventative management measures, we suggest primarily in the form of exclusion fencing in order to prevent access by elephants.

Towards a gender sensitive vulnerability assessment for climate change: Lambani, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Women's limited access to resources and decision-making processes increases their vulnerability to impacts of climate change. Despite their own vulnerability, women are often responsible for caring for close relatives, extended families and friends during hazardous and traumatic events (whether its famine, floods, drought or forced displacements). Based on experience and knowledge it is believed that women are more vulnerable to the effects of climate change than men, primarily as they constitute the majority of the world's poor and are more dependent for their livelihood on natural resources that are threatened by climate change. The paper proposes a gender sensitive vulnerable assessment framework that is scaffolded by three key concepts: exposure, temporality and resource base. Because the study is grounded in the Capability Approach Framework it captures multi-dimensionality and intangible goods which are emotions such as fear, anger, shock or shame. It seeks to better understand the differentiated responses of men and women to climate variations and stress such as extreme heat, cold, droughts or floods in a specific site, Lambani, in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The main aim is to understand different responses of men and women to climate change in order to design and populate a vulnerability assessment (VA) framework. In order to do so the Capability Approach (CA) is applied as a theoretical frame with its lens on diversity and social justice. The CA thus provides an expanded notion of human well-being that taps into the emotional life of women and men in Lambani.