Makhado Municipality Research Articles

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.

The Perception of Emerging Cattle Farmers on Extension and Advisory Services in Improving the Welfare of Cattle in Sinthumule-Kutama Areas of Makhado Municipality, Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Livestock farmers in the Limpopo Province benefitted from the land reform projects. This led to an increase in the number of emerging cattle farmers who desired to move from small-scale to commercial cattle farming. These emerging cattle farmers had high expectations for government support through extension and advisory services to improve the welfare of their cattle. However, the study aimed to investigate the perceptions of 80 emerging cattle farmers concerning the importance of agricultural extension and the impact of extension advisors in improving the welfare of their cattle. The study was conducted in 18 villages of the Sinthumule-Kutama areas under Makhado Municipality. The study used quantitative and qualitative methods and simple random sampling. Questionnaires were used to collect primary data. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) tool was used for analysis, and the mean score was produced to address the study’s objectives. The results indicated that farmers agreed on the importance of cattle welfare and that they are knowledgeable about it, and methods used by extension workers are essential. Furthermore, they decided that the extension activities contribute to their knowledge of cattle welfare. The paper concludes by making the following recommendations. Extension workers should collaborate with some of the farmers who are leaders within the community to manage cattle welfare when extension workers are not around. Cattle farmers of Sinthumule-Kutama are expected to be trained on livestock welfare.

Indigenous sexual and reproductive health practices by girls in Makhado Municipality: A qualitative study.

Cultural practices are passed from one generation to the other. There has been limited evidence of willingness to use indigenous practices to enhance sexual and reproductive health among the youth in resource-constrained settings. This study aimed to explore the possibilities of reintroducing indigenous practices to enhance sexual and reproductive health education among girls. The study adopted a qualitative approach through participatory action research. Non-probability, purposive sampling was used to recruit girls aged 9-18. Data were generated through focus group discussions and key informant interviews. The study findings revealed that indigenous practices were beneficial in delaying sexual debut and nurturing self and peer respect. Additionally, girls appreciated indigenous knowledge and preferred introducing innovative approaches to promoting it. Youth involvement in indigenous knowledge and practices on sexual and reproductive health practices is paramount. The need to introduce critical dialogue to introduce innovative approaches to promoting indigenous practices to enhance sexual and reproductive health is imperative.

Predictors and Barriers Associated with Non-Adherence to ART by People Living with HIV and AIDS in a Selected Local Municipality of Limpopo Province, South Africa

Introduction: The partial success of Anti-Retroviral treatment remains a challenge, therefore, contributory factors need to be addressed for treatment success. For instance, issues leading to ART non-adherence, that can be prevented, must be identified and addressed. Prevention of HIV has remained the best approach to controlling the spread of HIV, as there is no definitive cure yet. This study aimed at identifying predictors and barriers associated with ART non-adherence amongst HIV patients attending an adult antiretroviral clinic in Makhado Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with patients who were on antiretroviral treatment, were attending HIV and AIDS clinics, and whose ages ranged from 18 years and above; structured questionnaires were distributed to these respondents. Results: A total of 225 respondents participated in the study. There were more female (68%) respondents; most respondents (72%) were unemployed. They travelled more than 15 km to the treatment centers and over half (65%) of the respondents have been on ART treatment for less than five years. The financial cost, the long distance travelled, and forgetfulness were identified as some of the barriers to ART adherence. Respondents mentioned the provision of health education as one of the strategies that might assist in improving adherence. Conclusion: Non-adherence to ART poses a significant challenge in the study area. The study concluded that lack of knowledge regarding the urgency of follow-up and financial constraints were contributing to ART non-adherence, therefore, HIV education should form part of the curriculum in the basic education syllabus.

Reconfigured securityscapes in Louis Trichardt: Possibilities, limitations, and contradictions

Insecurity, violence, and xenophobia manifest at different geographic scales of the South African landscape threatening to compromise, reverse, derail, and contradict the envisaged democratic processes and gains in the country. Since the dawn of the new democracy in 1994, the South African landscape has witnessed surges of different scales of violence, protests, riots, looting, criminality, and vigilantism in which question marks have been raised with respect to the right to the city or urban space and the right to national resources and opportunities, i.e., access, use, distribution and spread of social, economic, environmental, and political resources and benefits. Louis Trichardt is a small rural agricultural town located in the Makhado municipality of Vhembe District in Limpopo Province, South Africa. In the study, this town is used as a securityscapes lens of analysis to explore urban conflict and violence. The relative importance index (RII) was used to measure the barriers and solutions to advance safe neighborhoods' settlements and built environment areas in the study area. In this way, issues influencing the performance of reconfigured securityscapes in Louis Trichardt were explored by highlighting how new town neighborhood securityscape initiatives and activities are contributing to space, place, and culture change management transitions. The discussion pressure and pain points revolve around the widening societal inequalities, deepening poverty, influx of (ll)legal migrants and migrant labor, lingering xenophobia, and failure to embrace the otherness difficulties in the country. Findings highlight the options for urban (in)security, social (in)justice, and (re)design in post-colonies possibilities, limitations, and contradictions of securityscapes in (re)configured spaces of Louis Trichardt. Policy and planning proposals to improve safety and security spatial logic and innovation are explored. The critical role of community and local neighborhood watch groups in complementing state security and private registered security systems is one way of tackling this matter.

Perceptions of Caregivers Regarding Malnutrition in Children under Five in Rural Areas, South Africa.

Children under five depend on the caregivers to provide them with nutritious food to combat malnutrition. Several studies have been conducted about malnutrition in children, yet limited attention has been paid to the caregivers. Thus, the study investigated the perceptions of caregivers with regard to non-nutritious foods in rural areas in South Africa. This study explored caregiver's perception regarding non-nutritious food in children below five. This was done in primary health care clinics of Tshilwavhusiku local areas of Makhado Municipality in Vhembe District, South Africa. A qualitative approach was adopted. Nine caregivers were sampled randomly. In-depth individual interviews were conducted, and Tesch's analytical approach was adopted to analyze the data measures to ensure trustworthiness and ethical considerations were adhered to throughout the study. The study revealed that caregivers were lacking knowledge regarding nutritious food to be given to their children and signs of malnutrition were also not known. It is imperative to ensure the improvement of caregivers' knowledge regarding nutritious food and children's nutritional status in order to reduce the malnutrition rate.

Factors affecting the level of commercialization among households owning cattle. A case study of Makhado Municipality of Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa

This study analyzed the factors affecting the level of commercialization among households owning cattle. The study was conducted at the Makhado Local Municipality of Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa. The study sampled 150 households owning cattle from five villages within the municipality. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire that was administered face-to-face to the respondents. For empirical reasons, the study used two analytical techniques, namely; Household Comecialisation Index and Multinomial Logistic Regression Model. Empirical results reveal that eight variables were significant in affecting the level of commercialization among households owning cattle. These variables are the marital status of household head, the age of the household head, source of income, the occupation of household, access to market information, distance to the nearest market, membership to farmer organization, and land size. Based on the findings of the study, several policy recommendations were proposed, namely; Encouragement of youth participation in agriculture in general and in cattle production in particular, promotion of gender equality in decision-making, households’ farmer organization, encouragement of market-orientation in cattle production, and establishment of cattle input support programs (e.g., feed, water and disease control).

A quantitative assessment of the level of knowledge, attitude and practices of farmworkers regarding schistosomiasis in a rural community in South Africa.

BackgroundSchistosomiasis is associated with agriculture and water development schemes, and farmworkers are particularly vulnerable to this disease because of their regular contact with water.AimTo determine the level of knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of farmworkers regarding schistosomiasis.SettingThis study was conducted in Vuvha, a rural community under Makhado municipality, Vhembe district, Limpopo Province, South Africa.MethodsA quantitative, cross-sectional design was used. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection, and data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques.ResultsThe majority were knowledgeable about the cause of schistosomiasis (84.3%), knew the mode of transmission of the disease (90.2%). However, about half of the participants knew the symptoms of schistosomiasis. Sixty-eight (33.4%) believed that schistosomiasis was not a problem in their community. The majority (77.9%) agreed that it was abnormal to pass blood in urine, while 85.8% agreed that medical consultation was the right thing to do when symptoms are observed. Fifty-five participants (27.0%) reported ever passing bloody urine. Among those who passed bloody urine, 43 (78.2%) consulted a doctor. Fifty-two (26.0%) participants reported ever being treated for schistosomiasis.ConclusionThe level of knowledge about the cause of schistosomiasis is high among the participants; similarly, there are positive attitudes and good practices shown in this study, but there are some gaps that need to be addressed. Efforts should be made to continue to educate farmworkers because they are at an increased risk for contracting schistosomiasis.

An assessment of flood vulnerability and adaptation: A case study of Hamutsha-Muungamunwe village, Makhado municipality.

This study assesses flood vulnerability, levels of vulnerability, determinants of flood vulnerability and coping strategies for flood hazards. The vulnerability and resilience of the local communities are key concepts in this study. Most households are vulnerable to flood hazards. It is therefore important to measure their levels of vulnerability and assess their responses for current and future planning. A flood vulnerability index was used to measure the extent of flood vulnerability. Key informant interviews, field surveys and household questionnaires were used to collect the data. The results show that vulnerability to flood in this community is determined by the nature of soil, dwelling type, employment, education and amount of rainfall in a season. Social and economic components scored higher than the physical environment, while social factors are higher than the economic factors. Contextual coping strategies in this community were temporary relocation, evacuation to a safe area and waiting for government and neighbours to help. The study recommends that public awareness campaigns, early warning systems and improved disaster management strategies must take into consideration differentiated levels of vulnerability and community coping mechanisms and preferences.

Investigation of medicinal plants for management of malaria at Tshakhuma community, Makhado Municipality, Vhembe District, Limpopo province, Republic of South Africa

Investigation of medicinal plants for management of malaria at Tshakhuma community, Makhado Municipality, Vhembe District, Limpopo province, Republic of South Africa

Administrative and managerial patterns on the RtHC in the Makhado municipality rural clinics

This paper investigates the administrative and managerial pattern on the Road to Health Chart (RtHC) among clinics in the Makhado municipality. Retrospective observations of the processes of recordings the nurses performed on the RtHC (?=36) were carried out to collect data. A checklist was used to aid the observations. Furthermore, face-to-face interviews were administered on participant nurses in collaboration with document review. The results of this paper revealed considerable omissions on the administration and management of the RtHC instrument. Crucial information was also incorrectly recorded while some was never recorded at all. Clinic managers should continuously monitor the nurses on the administration and management of the RtHC to ensure quality.

Male partners' views of involvement in maternal healthcare services at Makhado Municipality clinics, Limpopo Province, South Africa.

BackgroundMale partners have a strong influence on pregnant partners’ health and their access to care. Their involvement is critical in the delivery and uptake of maternal healthcare services and improving maternal and child health outcomes.AimThe study sought to determine male partners’ views on their involvement in maternal healthcare services.SettingThe Makhado Municipality’s Kutama, Madombidzha and Vleifontein clinics.MethodsA qualitative study design, which is exploratory, descriptive and contextual in nature, was used. The population comprised 15 men whose partners had been pregnant within the last 2 years. A non-probability, purposive sampling procedure was used. Data were collected via in-depth individual interviews using a voice recorder and an interview schedule guide. Tesch’s open coding method was used to analyse data.ResultsThe findings revealed one major theme, namely that maternal health issues are viewed as a woman’sdomain; and three sub-themes: culture and participation in childbirth, male partners’ employment status, and male partners’ unwillingness to participate in maternal health issues.ConclusionsThe involvement of male partners in maternal healthcare services, and further research in promoting this activity, should be proposedto policymakers.

Awareness of prevention of teenage pregnancy amongst secondary school learners in Makhado municipality.

BackgroundSexuality plays a very significant role in the lives of both boys and girls. It is, therefore, considered important for schools to recognise and accept sexuality as part of the development process of the child. Professor Kader Asmal (previous South African Minister of Education) suggested that the earlier the school begins to teach learners about sexuality, the better because they can be easily misled by their peers if proper guidance regarding their sexuality is not given.AimThe current study was conducted to assess the awareness of teenagers on the prevention of teenage pregnancy (TP) in six secondary school learners situated in the Soutpansberg-West circuit, Makhado Municipality in Limpopo province.SettingThe study was conducted at six secondary schools situated in the Soutpansberg-West circuit, Makhado Municipality in Limpopo province in 2014.MethodologyA quantitative descriptive survey study was conducted where data were collected, using self-administered questionnaires, from 381 systematically sampled participants from six secondary schools situated in the Soutpansberg-West circuit, Makhado Municipality in Limpopo province. Data were analysed descriptively using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 22.0. Necessary approval procedures and ethical clearance were obtained prior to data collection.ResultsNinety-four percent of participants agreed that TP can be prevented through abstaining from sex, whilst 65% of participants agreed that TP could be prevented by using contraceptives such as pills and injections. Eighty-three percent of participants agreed that TP could be prevented through the use of condoms. Seventy-four percent participants disagreed that bathing after sex prevents teenage pregnancies. Furthermore, 28% participants agreed that TP can be prevented by oral sex.ConclusionThe conclusion drawn was that learners are aware of the measures for preventing TP.

The Challenges of Name Change in South Africa: The Case of Makhado Town

This was a descriptive and qualitative case study that investigated the processes involving citizen participation in the course of the attempts to replace the name Louis Trichardt with the name Makhado. I conducted qualitative and descriptive investigation based on data from literature. The data were collated from the literature, i.e. articles, policies, government legislations, municipal- reports, attendance registers and reports. The data were collected and captured in excel and analyzed with results shown in tables and figures. In terms of results the study has found that Makhado municipality has widely invited the participation of residents through various platforms. It further revealed that only 6.7% participated in the renaming process. It was also found that 51% of residents participated in ward 20 while 49% participated in ward 21. Finally, the study concluded by revealing that the majority of the residents did not participate in the consultation process. In conclusion, the study revealed that the majority of the people failed to participate in the renaming process to change the name Louis Trichardt to Makhado. Low participation by residents rendered the proposed name illegitimate. While wards 20 and 21 are predominantly comprised of whites, only a few come out to participate. Low participation by whites suggests that they still want to defend racial identity because the name Louis Trichardt is that of an historical Afrikaans leader. Whites launch court challenges against the new names to protect white names. The study recommends 1) use of the names of people must be prohibited; 2) double-barrel renaming must be encouraged so as to incorporate old names with new names and 3) procedures for name-changing need to be widely publicized so as to ensure that the public is properly informed.

The Use of Rainfall Forecasts as a Decision Guide for Small-scale Farming in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Purpose: New innovative ways of communicating agrometeorological information are needed to help farmers, especially subsistence/small-scale farmers, to cope with the high climate variability experienced in most parts of southern Africa. Design/methodology/approach: The article introduces an early warning system for farmers. It utilizes short messaging system (SMS) to convey weather information and basic agronomic advice to 12 small-scale farmers in Makhado Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa. This case study demonstrates the usefulness of incorporating weather information on day-to-day farm management activities. Coded rainfall forecasts for light (0–5mm), medium (5–20mm) and heavy rainfall (>20mm) were distributed three times a week to individual farmers and extension officers. Accompanying the forecasts were possible agricultural activities for the week. Findings: Extensive training of the farmers and extension officers is a pre-requisite for full comprehension of the coded SMS early warning system. The recommendations on farming conditions are not always adhered to due to farmers' indigenous knowledge and other factors like access to labour. Practical implications: Weather and climate information distributed to farmers has the potential to add value to the farming methods employed, hence positively impacting on rural food security. Originality/value: The article demonstrates that agrometeorological information must be packaged in such a way as to assist farmers and should be disseminated timeously and appropriately to maximize its utility or adoption.

Making youth voices count in development programming in Makhado municipality, Limpopo province

In South Africa, there is an increasing realization of the need for engaging youth when developing programmes meant to positively nurture them. Current youth development practices fail to reflect youth aspirations because of dearth of appropriate approaches of engaging them. This exploratory study sought to fill this gap and obtain the perceptions of school-going and out of school youth in Makhado Local Municipality on various dimensions of their own development. 241 youth, comprising 89 out of school and 152 school-going youth from 47 villages in the municipality participated in a youth development-focused workshop. Focus group discussions and semi-structured interview guides were used to obtain youth perceptions. Both categories of youth perceived involvement in sporting activities, pride in own country, better education and employment as the most critical determinants of youth development. Inadequate access to reliable information, involvement of youth in crime, alcohol and drug abuse, and lack of support from communities, among others, also hampered youth development. This information is useful when crafting strategies for youth development. Key words: Youth development, indicators, challenges, focus group, school-going, out of school.

University-rural community partnership for people-centred development: Experiences from Makhado Municipality, Limpopo Province

Children, youth, women, the elderly, men and their leaders are integral components of rural communities. It is important to ensure that their unique needs and perceptions shape development programming. However, despite having various policies and legal frameworks introduced to deepen democracy in South Africa, current rural development programming approaches rarely create effective platforms that amplify this true community voice. Also, although Universities must serve as catalysts of rural development through appropriate community engagement, most of them are still unclear about how to realise this. This article presents a step by step community engagement approach that the University of Venda’s Centre for Rural Development and Poverty Alleviation has followed since May 2006 to facilitate people-centred rural development processes in 47 villages of Makhado Municipality, Limpopo Province. About 60 students and nine academic staff members from various University departments are involved. Central to the work are more than 200 village-based ‘Foot Soldiers’. To date, vibrant village-level community engagement platforms have been established. Also, Ward development plans have been crafted with active involvement of grassroots communities.