Limpopo Province Research Articles

Evaluating the spatiotemporal patterns of drought characteristics in a semi‐arid region of Limpopo Province, South Africa

Drought is a complex phenomenon resulting from below-average rainfall and is characterized by frequency, duration, and severity, occurring at a regional scale with dire consequences, especially in semiarid environments. This study used the Reconnaissance Drought Index (RDI) to assess drought severity in two district municipalities in Limpopo Province. Rainfall and air temperature data from 12 stations covering 1970–2020 were obtained from the Agricultural Research Council. The calculation of RDI relies on the monthly accumulation ratio of total rainfall to potential evapotranspiration (PET). For this study, PET was estimated using the Hargreaves and Samani temperature-based approach. The RDI results showed a high spatial–temporal variation in drought characteristics over the study area. All stations experienced extreme drought conditions in different years, with the maximum drought severity (-3.40) occurring from 2002–2003 in the western parts of the study area, indicating extreme drought. Furthermore, the results revealed continuous drought conditions over various periods, including severe droughts between 1995 and 1998 and between 2014 and 2016, with the severity varying between mild and moderate drought conditions. The results reveal notable but nonuniform drought patterns as the climate evolves, with potential implications for water availability and livelihoods. The study's findings underscore the significance of adopting multidimensional approaches to drought assessment that encompass meteorological and hydrological factors to inform strategies for adaptive water management and policy formulation in the face of a changing climate.

A Critical Exploration of Women’s views about Indigenous Aphrodisiacs: The Case of Mpesu in Venda, South Africa

Mpesu is an indigenous Venda aphrodisiac, originating in the area of Thohoyandou in South Africa (Limpopo province). Mpesu helps empower penile erection for men, and it is commonly available in informal market stalls around Venda. Surprisingly, women know much more about Mpesu than men, who buy it for use at home and to combat erectile dysfunction during intimacy with their sexual partners. This paper explored women’s views on the use of Mpesu to empower penile erection as they advertise and sell it to both men and women. An analytical theoretical framework was used as the lens to academically investigate the women’s understanding and their perspectives on the use of Mpesu in this explorative study. A purposive sample of four women who sell Mpesu in Tshakuma was observed as they advertised and sold Mpesu at their stalls. Data were collected using observations. In addition to Analytic Theory, thematic analysis was adopted in this study to adequately assess women’s perspectives on the use of Mpesu by men as the indigenous South African aphrodisiac. Additionally, three YouTube videos of interviews about Mpesu were used during the conceptualization of this study. This study adopted the observation method for data collection, and the researchers found that the use of Mpesu is more known and welcomed by women than by men in Venda, South Africa. Additionally, this study contributes empirical evidence to the existing body of literature, providing practical recommendations on the use of indigenous aphrodisiacs in Venda and similar settings globally. Keywords: Traditional Aphrodisiac, Mpesu Medicine, Penile Erection, Women’s Support, Indigenous Medicine

The Influence of Materialism on Student’s Lifestyle: A Case Study of a Rural-based University in Limpopo Province, South Africa

The Influence of Materialism on Student’s Lifestyle: A Case Study of a Rural-based University in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Investigating the Synergistic Effect of Tillage System and Manure Application Rates on Selected Properties of Two Soil Types in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Sustainable agricultural practices are needed to find a solution to the problem of soil erosion and decreased soil quality. A study was conducted during the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 cropping seasons to evaluate the synergistic effect of the tillage system (TS) and manure rates (MR) on selected soil properties at the University of Limpopo Experimental Farm (Syferkuil) and University of Venda Experimental Farm (UNIVEN). The experiment had a split plot design with three replications. The main plots used conventional (CON) and in-field rainwater harvesting (IRWH) tillage systems, while subplots used poultry and cattle manure at rates of 0, 20, and 35 t ha−1. Bulk density (BD), aggregate stability (AS), pH, total N, organic carbon (OC), available P, and exchangeable cations (Ca, Mg, and K) were determined. IRWH significantly increased AS in the 0–20 cm soil layer at Syferkuil. TS × MR interaction significantly influenced AS and total N in the 20–40 cm soil layer during the 2022/2023 season at Syferkuil. IRWH significantly increased Mg content in the 2021/2022 season and total N, OC, and Mg content in the 2022/2023 season at Syferkuil over CON. At UNIVEN, CON significantly increased total N, whereas IRWH increased available P in the 2022/2023 season. MR significantly increased AS, exchangeable Ca, Mg, and K at both sites. At Syferkuil, MR significantly increased total N, OC, and available P during both seasons, whereas at UNIVEN the significant increase was observed on OC and available P during both seasons and total N in the 2021/2022 season. It was found that IRWH and poultry manure (35 t ha−1) improved most soil properties at both sites; however, this study recommends long-term experiments to investigate the combined effect of IRWH and manure rate on soil properties to validate the findings observed in this study.

Using key and critical biodiversity areas to identify gaps in the protected area network in the Limpopo Province, South Africa

AbstractThe Kunming‐Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) commits signatories to expand the global protection of land and sea by 30% in 2030. Additionally, in South Africa, a local target set in 2016 aims to conserve 16% of terrestrial areas using protected areas within a two‐decade time frame. Concurrently, it is crucial to recognize and prioritize sites where biodiversity must be protected immediately. This recognition has given rise to global Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) and South Africa's Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs). KBAs are sites of significance for the global persistence of biodiversity. In South Africa, CBAs delineate primarily or partially natural areas needing management. Despite their significance, an assessment of KBAs and CBAs in South Africa's Limpopo province, specifically the Vhembe District, is lacking. Employing GIS techniques, our evaluation focused on the coverage, size, and distribution of protected areas in the Vhembe District. Our analysis revealed that protected areas cover an impressive 38% of the Vhembe District. Critical Biodiversity Areas cover 9465 km2 (36%) of the region. Alarmingly, 70% (6809 km2) of these CBA sites lack protection. Additionally, KBAs cover 30% of the region, with 39% of sites covering approximately 3273 km2 and laying outside the protected area network, rendering them entirely unprotected. Sluggish protected areas establishment rates and a deficiency in the strategic targeting of significant sites have resulted in over 10,000 km2 of land warranting protection, particularly along the Soutpansberg Mountain Range. Moreover, South Africa's national target, established in 2016, which aims to protect a mere 16% of terrestrial areas by 2036, falls short of the global KMGBF target, reinforcing the urgency for an update in national policy and embracing other conservation methods. These findings suggest that, despite the commendable 38% protection of the district, setting a precedent for the rest of the country, there is a crucial need for municipalities, districts, and provinces to draw insights from the shortfalls of the Vhembe District.

Understanding the local implications of climate change: Unpacking the experiences of smallholder farmers in Thulamela Municipality, Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Climate change is experienced locally. However, climate change impact assessments are often done at the international, regional and national levels. Local level impacts are less prolific. When international, regional and national level predictions are applied to the local level, they are out of context. Therefore, it is important to understand the local impact of climate change to enhance formulation of suitable adaptation strategies. This study aimed to understand the local impacts of climate change on smallholder farmers in Thulamela Municipality, Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa. The actual experiences of smallholder farmers were unpacked. Face-to-face interviews with farmers in the region were conducted to solicit data on the climatic changes experienced, the impacts on crop and livestock production and social wellbeing. Data on the intensity of the impacts was also solicited. Results show that the experienced climatic changes emanated from temperature changes and shifts in rainfall patterns. The impacts on crop and livestock production as well as social wellbeing are all negative. Farmers indicated that the impacts were mostly average to high. It is concluded that smallholder farmers are aware that climate change impacts are negatively affecting their livelihoods. Investments towards building the capacity of smallholder farmers are pertinent.

Enhancing education: the role and perceptions of assistant teachers in South African secondary schools

The concept of Assistant Teachers is new in South Africa. This concept was brought to South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic. The introduction of assistant teachers in South Africa was an intervention in teaching and learning and in curbing youth unemployment. The assistant teachers are viewed as strangers in a school setting. Teachers and learners need to figure out their roles. South African teachers need assistance in classrooms to provide high standards of education. Using a qualitative research method, the study investigated the perceptions of principals, teachers, and learners of assistant teachers in secondary schools at Maleboho Central Circuit, Capricorn District, in Limpopo Province. The study used purposive sampling as a non-probability sampling technique procedure to select participants. The study sample comprised six learners, six teachers and three principals from three schools. Data were collected through interviews and document analysis. Collected data were analysed thematically. The study found that the presence of assistant teachers in a classroom has been documented as an asset to teachers. The assistant teachers play essential roles in the school. They manage and provide their skills in different departments of the school. Assistant teachers also learn and develop themselves into productive members of the school. Assistant teachers seemed to increase learners' enthusiasm for their academics. The study may assist the Department of Basic Education in providing the necessary support for having assistant teachers in respective schools.

Exploring the job search journey: unemployed graduates in Vleifontein, Makhado Municipality

The study explored the experiences of unemployed graduates at Vleifontein Village Elim in Makhado Local Municipality in Limpopo Province, South Africa. To achieve the mandate of the study, the researcher adopted a unique qualitative research approach, which gathered in-depth data from the participants. This approach, distinct in its focus on understanding the experiences of unemployed graduates, aided in the elevated understanding of the research problem. The study adopted an exploratory qualitative research design to gather or collect data from the participants, and the researcher used semi-structured interviews consisting of open-ended questions administered face-to-face to observe gestures, emotions, feelings, or even how they react to the questions. Furthermore, purposive sampling was used to select the sample that formed part of the interviews. Additionally, the study adopted the Conflict theory by Karl Marx to integrate with the study. Therefore, the findings of the study deduced that most of the participants understood the meaning of unemployment as their current socio-economic state, both from a financial and psychological perspective. Moreover, on the issue of the challenges, the findings deduced that they are not experienced and skilled enough for the jobs they are applying for. In that light, the study emphasizes the need for increased employment opportunities to minimize the negative impacts faced by unemployed graduates, which includes specialized training of graduates to render services that would make it easier for the graduates to find employment.

Forecasting Short- and Long-Term Wind Speed in Limpopo Province Using Machine Learning and Extreme Value Theory

Forecasting Short- and Long-Term Wind Speed in Limpopo Province Using Machine Learning and Extreme Value Theory

Per-recruit analysis and proposed sustainable harvest strategy for rednose labeo Labeo rosae and Mosambique tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus in Flag Boshielo Dam, Olifants River, South Africa

Inland fisheries development in South Africa has been proposed to improve rural livelihoods and food security. However, inland fisheries are susceptible to collapse through overfishing. Therefore, establishing biological reference points for these fisheries is essential for long-term sustainability. Here, spawner-biomass-per-recruit (SBR) analysis was used to set biological reference points for a gillnet fishery targeting the rednose labeo Labeo rosae and Mozambique tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus at Flag Boshielo Dam on the Oliphants River in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Both species are currently exploited at the impoundment by subsistence fishers that keep their entire catch. The current yields are estimated at 59 and 172 g yr−1 for L. rosae and O. mossambicus, respectively. The per-recruit analysis showed that age-at-first-capture for both species should be 4 years, at minimum lengths of 280 mm TL and 250 mm TL for L. rosae and O. mossambicus, respectively, with fishers using a minimum mesh size of 100 mm to reduce the risk of stock collapse. To maintain a SBR value greater than 25% of a pristine population, the L. rosae yield could be increased to 98 g yr−1, while the O. mossambicus yield could be increased to 176 g yr−1, following implementation of the recommended mesh size and size limits. A per-recruit analysis for O. mossambicus that includes recruitment variability and error to accurately calculate the biological reference points is recommended.

The sociocultural import of Northern Sotho place names in the Molemole District of Limpopo province in South Africa

The sociocultural import of Northern Sotho place names in the Molemole District of Limpopo province in South Africa

Awareness of middle ear pathologies in South Africa: Towards a primordial preventive audiology

Background: Public awareness of auditory pathologies, has been explored in the literature. However, there is limited evidence regarding public awareness of middle ear pathologies and their risk factors in South African communities.Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe public awareness regarding middle ear pathologies and their associated risk factors in the community of Giyani, Limpopo province, South Africa.Method: A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was conducted among 94 adults aged 18 years and older living in Giyani, Limpopo province. A questionnaire was used to collect data. Descriptive statistics was used to summarise the data, while a Chi-squared test was used to determine if there is any association between awareness and independent variables with categorised outcomes.Results: Adults aged between 18 and 65 years participated in this study. Most participants were aware of aural itchiness (71.3%) and pain (35%) as symptoms related to middle ear pathologies. The use of cotton buds (51.1%) and other illnesses (35.5%) were primarily reported as risk factors for middle ear pathologies. There were varied responses with regard to awareness of which professionals manage middle ear pathologies, indicating a general lack of awareness. No statistically significant association was found between the dependent and independent variables (p 0.005).Conclusion: The study indicated a general lack of public awareness regarding middle ear pathologies and their associated risk factors among Giyani community.Contribution: The study raises implications for public awareness campaign that educates communities about middle ear pathologies, risk factors and social determinants of health associated with these pathologies.

Misconceptions and Errors Among Grade 12 Students When Learning Differentiation Rules: A Case Study

t is an established fact that some grade 12 students learning differentiation in calculus are found struggling with the rule of differentiation and these rules include power rule, quotient rule, chain rule and product rule. Because of these, some students came up with some misconceptions which eventually resulted to the students having multiple errors when learning rules of differentiation. The reason associated with these common errors are not far from their failure to model some prerequisite knowledge in the laws of logarithm into their learning of the laws of differentiation. And this has resulted to the poor performance of some students in mathematics (calculus) since calculus carries about 40% in the overall grade in mathematics as a subject at grade 12 level. On this note, this paper presents an analysis of students’ errors and misconceptions in learning differentiation rule. The study was conducted among grade 12 students preparing for NSC examination in a high school in Limpopo province in South Africa. And the data was initially collected using 35 test scripts of grade 12 on the topic of differentiation and differentiation rule. A qualitative approach was considered, and the data collected was analysed, focusing on product rules, quotient rules and chain rules and the errors committed. The result of the study indicated that some grade 12 students make some errors and misconceptions in differentiation rules. And these were because of poor conceptual understanding, poor mathematics language understanding, and some other error. It was confirmed that the results of this study highlight the common mistakes and errors students make when learning differentiation rules, and these errors are; conceptual, systemic, language, and generalization errors.

Coping strategies adopted by caregivers of children with autism in the Limpopo Province, South Africa

Background: Emotion- and problem-focused coping strategies are frequently employed by caregivers of autistic children to increase their general well-being and resilience to the stress of raising the child. Although these strategies cannot directly address the situation, it is useful for handling stressful situations that cannot change.Objectives: The study seeks to explore and understand the emotion- and problem-focused strategies that caregivers use to cope with the challenges of raising a child with autism.Method: This was a qualitative, exploratory and descriptive research study. Twenty-eight caregivers were purposive-convenient sampled from the public special schools where their autism spectrum disorder (ASD) children are schooling. Semi-structured interviews were used to gather data, which were then transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis.Results: Positive emotion-focused strategies include positive reappraisal, reframing and acceptance. Negative emotion-focused strategies include denial, emotional release, cognitive distortion, self-isolation, overprotection, negative self-talk, punishment and religion. Problem-focused coping strategies include active and adaptive coping, peer group, professional support and social support.Conclusion: The coping methods that have been identified can be integrated into intervention programmes and serve as a guide for specialised institutions that offer more extensive knowledge and assistance to families who are caring for children with ASD.Contribution: The study contributes to understanding the emotion- and problem-focused strategies adopted by rural caregivers in managing their emotions, interpretation of the situation and adjusting to the demands of raising an autistic child.

Comparative Study of Solid Waste Management in gaMothapo and Seshego in Polokwane Local Municipality Limpopo Province, South Africa

Comparative Study of Solid Waste Management in gaMothapo and Seshego in Polokwane Local Municipality Limpopo Province, South Africa

Unraveling the Relationship between Soil Nutrients and Maize Leaf Disease Occurrences in Mopani District Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Maize is a staple crop important for food security that millions globally depend upon as an energy source, primarily due to its high starch and fat content. For growth and disease resistance, maize production requires a balanced intake of essential nutrients, including nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). This study investigated the relationship between soil nutrient levels and maize disease occurrences in the Mopani District Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Soil and maize leaves were collected using a systematic sampling approach. Grids of 10 × 10 m were created, covering a maize field. Forty soil samples were collected a day before the planting date and sent to the laboratory for analysis of N, P and K. During the tasseling stage of the maize plant, 40 maize leaf samples were collected and sent to the laboratory for disease identification. Maize leaves were classified as healthy, southern corn leaf blight (Bipolaris maydis), northern corn leaf blight (Exserohilum turcicum), maize streak disease (Maize streak virus), nitrogen-deficient or phosphorus-deficient. Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) with a corrected Akaike Information Criterion (AICc) showed a significant relationship between low soil nutrient levels of N, P and K and maize disease occurrence (p < 0.0001). The interaction of the N*P*K model had the lowest AIC value (AICc = 28.53), indicating the necessity of considering synergistic effects in maize disease management. All the model performances had a delta AICc = 0. These findings highlight the significance of comprehensive soil management strategies in enhancing the disease resistance, well-being and yields of maize crops.

Impact of Progression on Secondary Schools Learners’ Performance in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Progression is good for promoting learners from one stage to another and for career development. Secondary schools in Limpopo Province, South Africa, use progression. The study investigated the impact of progression on Grade 12 learners’ performance in Capricorn District, South Africa. A phenomenological design was employed to identify the impact of the progression of learners. Study participants were purposively selected from three schools because they had valuable information regarding the impact of learners’ progression on learning outcomes in Capricorn District. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, document analysis and focus group interviews. Data were analysed thematically. The results show that stakeholders' perceptions suggest that the progression of learners resulted in poor performance in Grade 12 final examinations in the study area. Teachers' lack of skills in dealing with academic challenges led to low pass rates. The findings have implications for the implementation of progression policies in secondary schools

The Realities of Caring for a Person with a Mental Disorder in Rural and Remote Capricorn District of South Africa: A Qualitative Study.

In rural African communities, family caregivers shoulder the responsibility of caring for loved ones with mental disorders, often without professional support. This qualitative explorative study, conducted in Limpopo Province, South Africa, aimed to explore the realities of caring for a family member with a mental disorder in rural and remote Capricorn District, in order to uncover insights that can inform support systems, the academic community, interventions, and policies. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to ensure the reproducibility and validity of the results by focusing on participants who are actively involved in caregiving, living in the rural and remote of Capricorn District, in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of their experiences, and this resulted in 15 participants (13 females, 2 males). Data saturation determined the sample size, with data collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using Tesch's open-coding method. The findings revealed that cultural and spiritual beliefs strengthen caregivers, who exhibit resilience and resourcefulness, yet face financial strain, career setbacks, social isolation, and health declines. The study underscores the critical role of healthcare professionals in recognizing and addressing the challenges faced by family caregivers, while also advocating for the academic community to prioritize the development and dissemination of educational programs focused on safe and ethical coping strategies for caregivers and for policymakers to develop comprehensive mental health services that are accessible and culturally sensitive to rural and remote communities. This is essential because the well-being of caregivers directly influences the rehabilitation and community integration outcomes for individuals with mental disorders.

Comorbidities of Obesity in a Rural African Population Residing in Limpopo Province, South Africa: A Comparison between General and Central Obesity

Comorbidities of Obesity in a Rural African Population Residing in Limpopo Province, South Africa: A Comparison between General and Central Obesity

Clinical learning of nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic in Limpopo province, South Africa.

The Nursing Education Programme was affected during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, resulting in nursing students being unable to participate in the clinical experiential learning required by the South African Nursing Council. The study seeks to explore and describe nursing students' experiences of clinical experiential learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. A qualitative, explorative and descriptive, research design was used in the study. A non-probability purposive sampling method was used, and 55 nursing students participated in the study. Data were collected through six focus group discussions, consisting of 8-12 nursing students in each group. Data were analysed following Tesch's open coding method. Three themes emerged from the study's findings: The impact of COVID-19 on the clinical experiential learning of nursing students, the effects of COVID-19 on the mental well-being of nursing students, and nursing students' experiences of support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, 11 sub-themes emerged. The findings of this study reveal that the COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted the Nursing Education Programme, highlighting the challenges of inadequate clinical hours, restricted clinical access and the significant psychological impact on students.Contribution:This study adds to the literature on students' experiences during clinical experiential learning in South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic.