Limpopo Province Of South Africa Research Articles

Associated factors of diabetic retinopathy in type 1 and 2 diabetes in Limpopo province in South Africa.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the major cause of vision impairment or blindness in individuals who have diabetes. It has accounted for 2.6% of all cases of blindness, and 1.9% of all cases of vision impairments globally. There is a lack of data on the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and its associated factors amongst diabetic rural populations. Hence, the current study aimed to determine factors associated with diabetic retinopathy (DR) among diabetes mellitus (DM) patients undergoing diabetic therapy. The study was cross-sectional in design and the participants were selected using convenient sampling. STATA version 15 software was used for data analysis. Chi-square was used to compare proportions. Logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between DR and associated risk factors. The prevalence of DR was 35.3%, of which 32% were mild and 3.4% were moderate non-proliferative DR (NPDR). Females were more unemployed than males (32.1% versus 16.8%, p=0.0058). Males were found to drink alcohol (21.8% versus 1.9%, p<0.001) and smoke cigarettes (4% versus 0.3%, p=0.0034) more than females. Being aged ≥ 55 years (OR: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.6-4.4), with matric qualification (OR: 0.6; 95% CI: 0.4-1.0); employed (OR: 1.4, 95% CI: 1.2-1.6); having high systolic blood pressure (OR=1.4, 95%CI=1.1-1.7) were the independent determinants of DR. The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy was 34%. DR was determined by high systolic blood pressure, old age, and employment. Although not statistically significant, gender, hyperglycemic state, poor glycemic control, smoking, and increased body mass index (BMI) were associated with increased risk of developing DR.

The socio-economic impacts of COVID-19 on selected mining companies in Limpopo Province, South Africa

This study explores the socio-economic impacts of the pandemic on mining value chains, using a mixed-methods approach. A thematic analysis, based on open-ended survey questions and interviews, was performed to determine the impacts on value chains and employee welfare and determine the coping mechanisms. The survey data, gathered from 408 respondents in Limpopo Province of South Africa, provided quantitative information. Bivariate statistical analysis was used to discern variations in responses between various occupational groups. The results indicate differentiated impacts among occupational groups, including loss of revenue, disruptions of the value chain, and welfare disruptions. Despite these challenges, the study found that some new safety measures helped the mining industry better handle the impacts of COVID-19. In conclusion, the study highlights the importance of taking proactive steps to make the mining industry more resilient. It emphasises the need for support, especially for communities that are vulnerable in times of crisis. The findings suggest that, moving forward, the mining industry should be prepared for future challenges by adopting innovative solutions and ensuring the well-being of its workers.

Sunflower Growth and Grain Yield under Different Tillage Systems and Sources of Organic Manure on Contrasting Soil Types in Limpopo Province of South Africa

A field study was conducted to assess the effect of tillage systems (TSs) and manure rates (MRs) on sunflower growth and yield at the University of Limpopo Experimental Farm (Syferkuil) which is on sandy loam soils and University of Venda Experimental Farm (UNIVEN) clayey soils, both located in Limpopo Province of South Africa for 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 cropping seasons. The experimental design was a split plot with three replications. The main plot was the tillage treatments: conventional (CON) and in-field rainwater harvesting (IRWH), while the subplots were the manure treatments: viz. poultry and cattle manures at rates of 20 and 35 t ha−10, plus a control (no manure application). The IRWH is a tillage technique that collects rainwater on a 2 m wide runoff strip into the 1 m wide basin where it infiltrates deep into the soil beyond the evaporation zone but is available for crop use. The results revealed that at Syferkuil IRWH had a significant increase (p &lt; 0.05) on grain yield, head diameter, head dry matter and aboveground dry matter yield in both cropping seasons, whereas at UNIVEN, the significant increase was obtained on grain yield, head diameter, aboveground dry matter, plant height and stem girth during both cropping seasons. The effect of manure rate significantly increased with the application rate, with poultry manure at the highest rate of 35 t ha−1 significantly recording high mean values of grain yield, head diameter, head dry matter, aboveground dry matter, plant height and stem girth at both sites during the two cropping seasons. The increase in leaf area index and 100 seed weight by IRWH and manure rate application varied across the growing stages and cropping seasons with no consistent trend. At Syferkuil, TS and MR interaction was significant on head diameter and on aboveground dry matter at flowering stage in the first cropping season, whereas at UNIVEN, it was significant on head diameter in the first cropping season. Therefore, these results suggest that IRWH combined with poultry manure (35 t ha−1) can be adopted to improve sunflower crop yield under similar management and environmental conditions. In the absence of poultry manure, farmers may opt to use cattle manure at a rate of 35 t ha−1 for better improved yield.

Perceptions, Knowledge, and Invasion Extent of Lantana camara on Household Yards in Rural Communities in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Studies on human perceptions of Lantana camara invasion are needed to inform management. This study used a two-pronged approach to assess perceptions, knowledge, and uses of L. camara in rural communities as well as evaluate its invasion extent in household yards of the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, Limpopo province of South Africa. Results from 300 face-to-face household interviews and household ecological surveys showed that most villagers know of L. camara but are not aware that it is an invasive alien plant. Both people’s responses and ecological household yard surveys show that the plant is on properties and is expanding. Few benefits compared to negative impacts were mentioned. Local communities are implementing control measures; however, they need assistance from the government. The results highlight the need to incorporate local and individual clearing initiatives into the current broader national control programmes, such as the Working for Water clearing programme.

Ethnolinguistic vitality in Thulamela Local Municipality: A case of Xitsonga

The use and status of a language in a given speech community can reveal the prospects of its elevation or lack thereof. Furthermore, one can determine whether a language will be elevated or undermined in a community by exploring the perceptions of its speakers towards its status and use. Hence, this article investigated the status and use of Xitsonga at the Thulamela Local Municipality (TLM) in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, with particular interest in the Vatsonga’s perceptions of the ethnolinguistic vitality of Xitsonga in the TLM. Guided by the Ethnolinguistic Vitality Theory, this article probed the demographics of Xitsonga in the TLM, explored the role played by the TLM authorities in promoting Xitsonga as a language, and highlighted the implications of the perceived ethnolinguistic vitality of Xitsonga in the TLM. The study employed a qualitative method to collect data through face-to-face semi-structured interviews from 13 Xitsonga L1 speakers who participated in the study. It was found that Xitsonga speakers preferred to be addressed in their language during the municipality’s formal gatherings – a courtesy they believe is both effective in and necessary for the preservation and promotion of Xitsonga at the TLM. Also noteworthy, despite Xitsonga being dominated by Tshivenḓa in the TLM, Xitsonga speakers nevertheless maintained positive perceptions towards their language. This is commendable, considering that the TLM is located in Ṱhohoyanḓou, the economic hub of Vhembe District, where there is a university, malls and shopping complexes – spheres that encourage acculturation and language shift.Contribution: The findings of this study may contribute to the ongoing discourse on the equal use, preservation, and promotion of indigenous languages in South Africa.

Association of Plant-Parasitic Nematodes and Soil Physicochemical Properties in Tomatoes in Turfloop, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Turfloop constitutes an area in Mankweng, situated in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, where several villages are home to smallholder farmers who specialize in vegetable farming. Among the most crucial crops cultivated in this region is tomato, a fruit that has gained significant commercial importance due to its high demand and versatility in various culinary applications. To determine the relationship of plant-parasitic nematodes and soil physicochemical properties, soil samples were collected from tomato fields. Overall, our results showed that seven nematode genera were in the tomato fields. There was a significant positive correlation between the number of Meloidogyne and potassium (r = 0.903) and a negative correlation with Na (r = −0.684). In contrast, there was no association between the number of Meloidogyne spp. and the pH and texture of the fields. The number of Criconema in the field was negatively correlated with pH (r = −0.732). Soil texture percentages, including clay (r = 0.744), sand (r = −0.744), and silt (r = 0.706), were only correlated with the number of Criconema. The number of dagger nematodes, Xiphinema, was only correlated negatively with NH4+ (r = −0.589) and positively with boron (B) (r = 0.779). None of the soil variables were correlated with the number of Pratylenchus. The principal component analysis (PCA) placed soil samples of tomatoes together, in which the number of Meloidogyne was not correlated to any soil sample site. In conclusion, plant-parasitic nematodes that were associated with tomatoes are of high economic importance as they can reduce the yield. Criconema was found to be sensitive to the soil’s physicochemical properties. In addition, Helicotylenchus was found in all soil samples. Our results suggest that the plant-parasitic nematodes in tomatoes have high diversity with the potential to reduce crop production.

Parents’ Perceptions on Parental Involvement in Their Children’s Education in Giyani Municipality Rural-based Schools, Limpopo Province, South Africa

The importance of parental involvement in children’s education cannot be overemphasized. This study aimed to explore the role that parents play in the education of their children in the Giyani Municipality, Limpopo Province South Africa. The study followed Epstein's model of school-parent-community partnerships to understand the participation of parents in the education of their children. A qualitative approach was employed to guide the gathering and analysis of the data. Fifty-eight parents that were purposively selected from the four rural schools participated in the focus group discussions that were audio-recorded. Inductive qualitative thematic analysis was used, and the ethics were observed. The findings revealed the role of parental involvement in their children’s education as working with schools, home-schooling, modelling positive attitudes, emotional support, and career counselling. This study has implications for policy and practice in a parent-teacher relationship in rural schools by suggesting that parents should be involved in policy development such as when the curriculum changes.

The effects of habitat and climate on tick abundance and diversity on a game reserve in the Limpopo Province, South Africa

ABSTRACT The livelihoods of local farmers and game ranchers in Africa – and the communities these businesses support – are threatened by tick-borne diseases that kill and weaken livestock. Understanding the local ecology of ticks may inform cost-effective and sustainable techniques for controlling tick populations. Our objective was to describe differences in tick abundance, species richness, and community structure in three different habitats from June-July 2022 on a game reserve in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Ticks were sampled using the drag method, in 54 30 m × 5 m transects evenly distributed across bushveld, long grass, and short grass habitats. Total tick abundance and species richness were significantly greater in long grass than in bushveld and short grass. Although there were no significant differences among the habitats in Simpson’s diversity, the composition of the communities did vary significantly, with the relative abundances of Rhipicephalus appendiculatus and R. evertsi evertsi peaking in long grass, Amblyomma hebraeum peaking in bushveld, and R. decoloratus peaking in short grass. Differences in habitat suitability for ticks and habitat use by ungulate hosts may explain the significant effect of habitat on tick abundance, species richness, and community structure.

Rural tourism in South Africa: A local economic development strategy

This study aims to assess the potential of rural tourism as a strategy for local economic development in three rural villages in the Thulamela Local Municipality, which falls under the Vhembe District Municipality in the Limpopo province of South Africa. Rural tourism is considered a promising industry for rural development and a popular approach to local economic growth. Sustainable rural tourism is recognised as a crucial component of rural development and is particularly important in developing nations, such as South Africa, where substantial rural populations and limited economic activity exist. The study utilised a qualitative research approach, drawing on an exploratory design and interpretive paradigm. A purposive sampling technique was adopted to select participants. Focus group discussions were conducted with the participants, and content analysis was used to analyse the collected data. The study indicates that rural tourism could effectively promote local economic growth in the three rural villages by providing residents with employment opportunities, thereby reducing poverty rates in rural areas. However, challenges remain, including the lack of funding to support small tourism businesses and the need for human capital development in local communities. The study recommends a gradual approach to knowledge and skills development within local communities to support the business aspects of rural tourism development, as well as the provision of funding assistance.

The Biodiversity, Food Security, and Poverty Nexus in the Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone of South Africa

Wild-sourced foods are entrenched among African women as a survival resource, with the potential to be expanded. Instead of optimising food security, current linear economic growth models in South Africa favour large environment-degrading projects, such as special economic zones and mining, that increase the gap between the wealthy and poor sectors of society. The contentious Chinese-funded Musina–Makhado Special Economic Zone (MMSEZ) planned for the Limpopo province of South Africa is used as a case study in this paper. The MMSEZ case demonstrates the failure of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to consider alternative land use suited to a biodiverse economy and existing livelihood strategies. Notably, the availability of a popular edible insect, the mopane worm, was not surveyed at a time when it might have been visible. Despite a local and global interest in insect protein, this opportunity was not considered as a means to improve food security and income streams for local unemployed African women.

Setting up classroom libraries in rural areas: The case of Mogodumo circuit in Limpopo

There is an urgent need to establish classroom libraries, especially in rural areas where learners hardly come across any reading material. The purpose of this study was to investigate how teachers set up classroom libraries in rural areas of the Mogodumo circuit in the Limpopo province of South Africa. The study was qualitative in nature. Fifteen English First Additional Language (EFAL) teachers from 12 schools participated in the study. Observation and semi-structured interviews were employed to collect data. It was found that while all participants recognised the importance of reading for their learners, only 7 of the 15 teachers managed to establish classroom libraries. The study revealed that teacher self-efficacy (TSE) played a crucial role in setting up classroom libraries, given the serious challenges of funding, resources and support experienced by rural schoolteachers. Teachers with high TSE managed to establish classroom libraries by using their own time, money, and resources, while those with low TSE failed to establish classroom libraries. We recommend that school managers should make time and resources available to rural schoolteachers to enable them to establish classroom libraries.

Setting up classroom libraries in rural areas: The case of Mogodumo circuit in Limpopo

There is an urgent need to establish classroom libraries, especially in rural areas where learners hardly come across any reading material. The purpose of this study was to investigate how teachers set up classroom libraries in rural areas of the Mogodumo circuit in the Limpopo province of South Africa. The study was qualitative in nature. Fifteen English First Additional Language (EFAL) teachers from 12 schools participated in the study. Observation and semi-structured interviews were employed to collect data. It was found that while all participants recognised the importance of reading for their learners, only 7 of the 15 teachers managed to establish classroom libraries. The study revealed that teacher self-efficacy (TSE) played a crucial role in setting up classroom libraries, given the serious challenges of funding, resources and support experienced by rural schoolteachers. Teachers with high TSE managed to establish classroom libraries by using their own time, money, and resources, while those with low TSE failed to establish classroom libraries. We recommend that school managers should make time and resources available to rural schoolteachers to enable them to establish classroom libraries.

Assessing a potential conflict associated with the production of Moringa oleifera in the Limpopo Province of South Africa: A systems thinking approach

The increased movement of humans throughout the world allowed the transportation of several species, such as Moringa oleifera Lam. (moringa), into biomes far away from their native habitation. Native to India, moringa is a versatile, drought-tolerant, and fast-growing tree that is easily adaptable to wide-ranging tropical and sub-tropical conditions around the world. It is used in cosmetics, as food and medicine for humans, livestock feed, crop biostimulant, and green manure. Even though moringa is an alien species to South Africa, its production is increasing, and its numerous uses are recognised by communities. Moringa forms part of a highly complex (social, ecological, and economic) system. This is because it is on the Species Under Surveillance for Possible Eradication or Containment Targets (SUSPECT) list under the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (NEM:BA) of South Africa. Listing species that are regarded as beneficial to communities on national regulations can cause conflicts and uncertainties among various stakeholders (i.e., environmental policymakers, farmers, rural communities, and government bodies). In this paper, a systems thinking approach was applied to address complex and conflicting issues linked to the production and overall status (economic, ecological, legal, and social) of moringa in South Africa. The Causal Loop Diagram (CLD) was developed to present a broad insight into the complexity of moringa in South Africa and assist in underscoring the feedback mechanisms within the system. Moreover, the CLD indicated that the position of moringa within the country comprised a variety of interdependent variables of government policies, environment, and society, which are interconnected into a multifaceted system. The potential conflict dimensions and types associated with allocating moringa an impact category within the South African context were identified, and this may serve as a useful tool for facilitating engagements and decision-making processes among stakeholders in resolving the status of moringa in South Africa.

Immigrant learners traversing the prospects of mastering destination languages: a perspective of globalisation and linguistic competencies

The article adopts a qualitative method to explore and demonstrate the impact of a lack of local language proficiency in a multinational classroom. It contributes to a better understanding of the extent of the language barrier to effective teaching and learning. It also demonstrates how a lack of inclusivity in a multilingual classroom could have negative consequences on a learner's performance and the quality of teaching and learning in general. Despite the extensive literature on how the lack of language proficiency impairs quality teaching and learning in a classroom, further research should be carried out on promoting equal access to quality teaching and learning. The ongoing globalised migration makes it imperative that this study be carried out with much focus on a multinational classroom, Xitsonga in particular. Over the last decade, South Africa has emerged as the major destination for people leaving Zimbabwe. For this qualitative study in one of Xitsonga classroom settings with an unnoticeable number of Zimbabwean migrant learners in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, two Grade 11 immigrant high school learners whose home language is Shona, enrolled in the Further Education and Training (FET) phase, were used as respondents. The researchers used conversation analysis to collect data. The results revealed that teacher-to-learner and learner-to-learner interactions are important in learning an additional language. Besides, all learners have immeasurable prior knowledge, gained from schooling and life experiences, and additional language teachers can build on those experiences. Also, translation, code-switching and translanguaging are necessary for developing broader inter-linguistic and intercultural skills when learning an additional language. The study recommends inculcating in the learners the belief that languages are intertwined and that they all have a social orientation

Sustainable tourism development activities and planning systems in Vhembe district, Limpopo province, South Africa: A comprehensive eco-touristic and sustainability perspective

PurposeThis study aims to examine Musina municipality’s tourism development status and plans with existing documents and respondents’ responses on their envisaged implications on tourism development and sustainability initiatives in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa.Design/methodology/approachSurveys, interviews and focus group discussions, supplemented by field observation and document reviews, gray literature alongside published literature, were applied. Subsequently, Microsoft Excel and cross-tabulation analysis orchestrated the analysis of the data.FindingsThe policy and strategy aspects contributing to the previous and actual tourism statuses in Musina municipality are defined. The study concludes that Musina Municipality has rich tourism possibilities but lacks a better tourism strategy to empower local communities. Nonetheless, it dwells in the most tourism-based landscape within the Vhembe District of Limpopo.Originality/valueMusina Municipality is one of the driest areas in the north of Limpopo Province in South Africa. It is also marked by impoverished rural communities. Studies on sustainable tourism and development have increased in recent years. However, rare studies specialize in synergies within various forms of tourism. Also, significant resources to advance local communities in rural areas are not sufficiently appreciated.

Influence of Farming Experience and Knowledge on Selection of Climate Change Resilient Strategies among Female Agripreneurs in the Mopani of Limpopo Province South Africa

The study examined the influence of farmers’ farming experience and knowledge on their selection of climate change resilient strategies among female agripreneurs in the Mopani of Limpopo Province, South Africa. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27. Frequency and percentage were used to gain insight into the distribution of their socio-economic characteristics. A multinomial logistic regression model was used to determine the influence of farming experience and knowledge in selecting climate change resilience strategies among female agripreneurs. The study revealed that female agripreneurs with a vast farming experience of more than ten years were well-capacitated in adopting biological, chemical, and environmental resilient strategies. Furthermore, it was noted that all groups of agripreneurs had incorporated environmentally resilient strategies for their reliability, cost-friendliness, familiarity, and workload. The study also revealed that female agripreneurs who opted for technological and biological knew pest and disease control and pest scouting, respectively. The study recommends that farmers with vast farming experience be climate change resilience champions within their regions, as their experience is instrumental.

Smallholder Irrigation and Rural Livelihoods in Limpopo Province of South Africa: What is the Contribution to Household Food Security and Income?

Smallholder Irrigation and Rural Livelihoods in Limpopo Province of South Africa: What is the Contribution to Household Food Security and Income?

Evaluation of Pre-service Teachers’ Digital Competence in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Digital technology can potentially improve the quality of education in rural communities by creating conducive conditions for collaboration among learners, providing interactive learning tools and offering opportunities for personalised learning experiences. The pre-service teachers are a critical human resource in improving the quality of education. Therefore, this study investigated the perceptions of pre-service teachers’ technical, pedagogical, attitudinal and ethical digital competence and their readiness to use digital technologies to enhance their teaching practices in Limpopo Province in South Africa. The theoretical framework that guided the study was the Pedagogical, Ethical, Attitudinal and Technical model (PEAT). This descriptive study used a quantitative approach by employing a cross-sectional survey design. A conveniently selected sample of 123 pre-service teachers participated in the study. The research instrument used to collect data was a Questionnaire of Pre-service Teachers’ Digital Competence. The quantitative data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics. The study's findings were that preservice teachers had positive attitudes towards digital technologies, perceived themselves as having high technical digital competence and perceived ICT use in school as contributing positively to learning. They had lower perceptions regarding their competences in using specific digital technologies in teaching and their knowledge of ethical issues. They had the lowest perceptions in the university's role in preparing them for integrating digital technologies into teaching. These findings underscore the necessity of teacher educators to explore new strategies to enhance student teachers' digital competences.

The Association between Long-Term DDT or DDE Exposures and an Altered Sperm Epigenome-a Cross-Sectional Study of Greenlandic Inuit and South African VhaVenda Men.

The organochlorine dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) is banned worldwide owing to its negative health effects. It is exceptionally used as an insecticide for malaria control. Exposure occurs in regions where DDT is applied, as well as in the Arctic, where its endocrine disrupting metabolite, -dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (-DDE) accumulates in marine mammals and fish. DDT and -DDE exposures are linked to birth defects, infertility, cancer, and neurodevelopmental delays. Of particular concern is the potential of DDT use to impact the health of generations to come via the heritable sperm epigenome. The objective of this study was to assess the sperm epigenome in relation to -DDE serum levels between geographically diverse populations. In the Limpopo Province of South Africa, we recruited 247 VhaVenda South African men and selected 50 paired blood serum and semen samples, and 47 Greenlandic Inuit blood and semen paired samples were selected from a total of 193 samples from the biobank of the INUENDO cohort, an EU Fifth Framework Programme Research and Development project. Sample selection was based on obtaining a range of -DDE serum levels (). We assessed the sperm epigenome in relation to serum -DDE levels using MethylC-Capture-sequencing (MCC-seq) and chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP-seq). We identified genomic regions with altered DNA methylation (DNAme) and differential enrichment of histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) in sperm. Differences in DNAme and H3K4me3 enrichment were identified at transposable elements and regulatory regions involved in fertility, disease, development, and neurofunction. A subset of regions with sperm DNAme and H3K4me3 that differed between exposure groups was predicted to persist in the preimplantation embryo and to be associated with embryonic gene expression. These findings suggest that DDT and -DDE exposure impacts the sperm epigenome in a dose-response-like manner and may negatively impact the health of future generations through epigenetic mechanisms. Confounding factors, such as other environmental exposures, genetic diversity, and selection bias, cannot be ruled out. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP12013.

Qualitative Study on the Voices of Adolescents Living with Perinatally Acquired HIV in Selected Clinics in the Limpopo Province of South Africa.

The disclosure of HIV status among adolescents living with perinatally acquired HIV (APHIV) has become one of the core challenges in the management of APHIV. Disclosure is a challenge that undermines positive advances and achievements in HIV management. There is limited literature on the voices of APHIV on disclosure of their status. This study aims to explore the current disclosure process and how it affects APHIV. A qualitative exploratory design was employed to conduct one-on-one in-depth interviews using a semi-structured interview guide. Purposive sampling was used to sample 21 APHIV in 16 selected health facilities in the Vhembe district of Limpopo Province, South Africa. Data were analyzed using Tesch's qualitative data method. The findings of this study reflect the gaps in the current disclosure process and guidelines while acknowledging the importance of disclosure to APHIV. A notable finding in this study is that most APHIV, especially those in early adolescence, did not want to know their HIV status due to the stigma attached to an HIV-positive diagnosis. This study suggests that proper training and support of parents and/or guardians in the disclosure process are needed, as they are the primary caregivers of APHIV. The disclosure of HIV status must be a comprehensive part of the management and care of HIV for APHIV. Furthermore, dedicated support programs should be developed and implemented to improve their lives post-disclosure.