Academic literature on the topic 'Bronkhorstspruit'

Introduction: The escalation of HIV/AIDS infections in the last decade has increased the need for palliative care community organizations to care for orphans and vulnerable children, who are in dire need of support. Many of these organizations depend on the services of lay community health workers to provide constant care to those in need of it in their local communities. The focus of this study is to explore the role of lay health workers in a community organization located in rural Bronkhorstspruit, Gauteng Province of South Africa. That provides palliative care for orphans and vulnerable children diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. Their roles were analysed critically through a job-demands and job-resources theoretical framework.Methods: A descriptive phenomenological case study design was employed to collect data through twenty five individual interviews, two separate focus groups consisting of ten participants in one group and eleven participants in the other group, observations and document analysis. Data were processed through a rigorous thematic analysis.Results: The findings pointed out specific knowledge and skills these lay community health workers needed in order to be satisfied with, and successful in, their administration of palliative care to orphans and vulnerable children. Participants identified the following organizational challenges that were deemed to be impacting negatively on their work experiences: the lack of career pathing processes; sufficient career guidance; and inadequate employment processes, such as staff retention, succession planning, and promotion.Conclusion: Through the findings, a framework for enhancing the work experiences of the lay community health workers was developed. The uniqueness of this framework is that the focus is on improving the work lives of the lay community health workers, who have serious skills-resourcing needs. There were specific concrete strategies that the organization could adopt to support the knowledge and skills requirements of the lay community health workers in relation to the needs and challenges that will enhance their efficiency in the palliative care environment. The findings and framework that emanated from this study could be used to support lay community health workers in their respective organizations to be more effective in the support they provide to orphans and vulnerable children. Because South Africa is afflicted by the HIV/AIDS epidemic, this framework can be used in similar organizations that are working with lay community health workers with skill-resourcing needs not only in the health sector, but also in other sectors, such as in education and agriculture.

A growing concern about the decline in the number of non-Black patients making use of the Bronkhorstspruit Clinic exists.
 
 Opsomming
 Toenemende kommer bestaan oor die afname in die getal nie-Swart pasiënte wat van die Bronkhorstspruit Kliniek gebruik maak.
 
 *Please note: This is a reduced version of the abstract. Please refer to PDF for full text.

Summer thunderstorms in Gauteng are often dramatic, noisy, wet events. They can appear suddenly on exceptionally hot sunny days travelling fast across the province. With such dramatic arrivals, people often flock to social media sites such as Twitter to comment on the rain, wind, hail, lightning and thunder. This paper investigates the possibility of mapping the track of Gauteng thunderstorms by using crowdsourced data from Twitter. This paper describes a model (entitled the ThunderChatter Model) and instantiation of that model which extracts data from Twitter, analyses the textual information for thunderstorm information and plots the appropriate data on a map. For evaluation purposes, these generated maps are then compared against lightning-stroke maps provided by the South African Weather Service. The maps are visually compared by independent people using Content Analysis techniques ensuring unbiased and reproducible results. The results of this research are mixed. For thunderstorms which traverse the strip of land between Soweto and Pretoria more or less correlated to the N1 highway (and representing the most heavily populated area of Gauteng and the area with the highest percentage of home Internet facilities), the results are excellent. However, in outlying areas of Gauteng such as Carletonville, Heidelberg, Hammanskraal and Bronkhorstspruit, the thunderstorms are only trackable using crowdsourced Twitter data in the case of extreme storms which damage property. The results imply that data obtained from social media could be used in some cases to supplement geographical data obtained from traditional sources.

Understanding the potential impacts of climate variability/change on soil moisture is essential for the development of informed adaptation strategies. However, long-term in-situ soil moisture measurements are sparse in most countries. The objectives of this study were to develop and analyse the temporal variability of a long-term soil moisture data set in South Africa. In this study, a water balance model was used to reconstruct long-term soil moisture data sets from 1980 through 2018, in three sites that represent the diverse agroclimatic conditions of South Africa. Additionally, long-term changes and variability of soil moisture were examined to investigate the potential impacts of climate variability on soil moisture. The results of the Mann–Kendall test showed a non-significant decreasing trend of soil moisture for inland stations at a rate between -0.001 and -0.02 mm per annum. In contrast, a statistically significant (at 5% level of significance) increasing trend of soil moisture for a coastal station at a rate of 0.1131 mm per annum was observed. The findings suggest that the Bainsvlei and Bronkhorstspruit stations located in the inland region are gradually becoming drier as a result of decreasing rainfall and increasing air temperature. In contrast, the Mandeni station located in the coastal region is becoming wetter as a result of increasing rainfall, despite the increase in air temperature. The findings indicate that climate variability is likely to change the soil moisture content, although the influence will vary with region and climatic conditions. Therefore, understanding the factors that affect soil moisture variability at the local scale is critical for the development of informed and effective adaptation strategies.

Essay writing is a stepping stone to broaden the learner s intellect because it helps him or her to think logically, to plan, create and synthesize information which has to be clearly understood by the reader. Brown (2002:1) asserts that it cannot be written haphazardly without following a specific structure and consolidating its ideas with its supporting ideas so that they adhere to the chosen topic . This puts a great challenge to the Grade 10 Sepedi speaking learners who as it has been established in this research do not have the skill to write meaningful essays as evidenced by their incoherent introduction, poor word choice, wrong sentence constructions and illogical paragraphing which all result in poorly structured body paragraphs and concluding paragraphs. The study investigated the challenges which the Grade 10 Sepedi learners are facing in their essay writing and proposes ways to eliminate common errors so that learners would be able to face their educational future and corporate world with confidence. The investigation was also based on how different types of essays were taught; how essay pre-writing activities were taught to the learners by the educators before a full-fledged essay is written and how learners were taught to write a full-fledged essay. The significance of this study is that learners and educators will be empowered with essay writing skills which will also improve performance. An in-depth review of the literature related to essay writing skills was presented. The literature review emphasized how some authors interpreted essay writing skills. Different types of essays were unpacked for the learners and educators to make them aware of their differences and their different approaches. Different skills for essay writing were also discussed which included the spider web diagram. Duncan and Clearly (1997:97) concur that writing an essay has to begin with one idea and related ideas that sprout threads to other ideas, which become their own webs . The method for research included both qualitative and quantitative research. Data was collected from the learners and educators in the form of questionnaires, observations and essays which had already been written by learners. The data was analysed and interpreted in order to give tangible feedback and recommendations. The theoretical framework that underpins this study is based on constructivism. Constructivism is a theory based on observation and scientific study about how people learn. People construct their own understanding and knowledge of the world through experiencing things and reflecting on those experiences (@ 2004 Educational Broadcasting Corporation). Data from the questionnaires, which consisted of twenty questions, proved that skills for essay writing are not taught by educators to the learners. Data further showed that teachers do not explain the different types of essays and their approach to the learners. Learners were also not taught how to implement process writing, the purpose of which, as endorsed by Murray and Johnson (1994:1) is the gathering of ideas, organisation of ideas, drafting, revising, and editing drafts until the final version is presented for marking . Analysis from the Grade 10 learners written essays brought to light that skills for essay writing are not used by learners during essay writing because they are not familiar with them. Important aspects such as spelling mistakes like legodu instead of lehodu and proper use of pronouns and nouns were some of the findings that needed attention. The recommendations from the findings will help the teachers to realise that skills for essay writing can be effectively and efficiently imparted to the learners by the educator in the teaching and learning situation in order to empower the learners in essay writing.<br>Mini Dissertation (MA)--University of Pretoria, 2015.<br>African Languages<br>MA<br>Unrestricted

Food insecurity in South Africa has been found to be affecting both the informal and formal settlements both in the rural areas and urban areas (Oxfam, 2014). However, the level of food insecurity in South Africa halved since 1999. Though, it was reported that the level of food insecurity did improve in 2008 and remains at 26% (SAHANES-1, 2013). Hidden hunger is often led by a lack of essential vitamins and minerals where signs of under-nutrition and hunger are less visible (Kennedy et al, 2007). The aim of this research was to determine the nutrition knowledge, attitudes and behaviour as well as perceptions of hunger and food security of caregivers in a resource limited community in Bronkhorstspruit. A descriptive cross-sectional study in the quantitative research paradigm was done to collect data from caregivers (N=50) who were responsible for preparing and buying food for school aged children, residing in different households in Bronkhorstspruit in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. The caregivers were selected non-randomly. Informed consent was obtained from the caregivers. Caregivers were individually interviewed using structured questionnaires (socio-demographic, Hunger Scale, nutrition knowledge, attitudes and behaviour as well as the 24 hour recall questionnaires respectively). The majority (68%) of the caregivers had good nutrition knowledge but they did not know how to apply the knowledge in their dietary lifestyle. The socio-economic status and nutrition knowledge and attitudes of the caregivers were found to be possible factors that influenced dietary intakes of the households. Correlations were not assessed. Hunger assessment revealed that 68% of the households consumed on a limited number of foods in the previous month, and of these 36% of the households had a shortage of food because they depended on the few number of foods to feed their children for five days or more in that month. The mean Household Food Variety Score (FVS) was 4.38 (± 1.0) and the Household Dietary Diversity Score (DDS) was 4.28 (±1.0). The results illustrated that the food variety in this research demonstrated an average of eight food items were consumed in the households during the 24hr period of the maximum of 24 food items, identified by the 24 hour recalls. There seems to be a need for a nutrition intervention programme that will focus on nutrition education of caregivers on how they can improve their dietary intake even under constrained circumstances. This study showed that there is a limited food access by the households due to low incomes. Communities should participate more in government initiated projects in the community; this would help in improving incomes of the caregivers.<br>Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2015.<br>Animal and Wildlife Sciences<br>MSc<br>Unrestricted

A vegetation survey, based on plant communities, was conducted on the Ezemvelo Nature Reserve. The aim of the study was to identify, describe and classify plant communities of Ezemvelo Nature Reserve, and interpret them ecologically. The information derived from this study can then be used in the management of the Reserve. The floristic composition and habitat information were recorded in 210 sample plots. The data was captured in the TURBOVEG database and classified using the TWINSPAN numerical classification algorithm. The resulting phytosociological tables were compiled and organised using the MEGATAB computerised table management programme according to Braun-Blaunquet procedures. The data was also subjected to a Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DECORANA), processed by the PCOrd numerical ordination programme, to confirm the results of the classification. The ordination also illustrates any environmental gradients controlling the existence and distribution patterns of the different plant communities. Twenty-two major plant communities and 4 sub-communities were identified, described, and ecologically interpreted. The localities of the plant communities are indicated on map, compiled by using GIS. The plant communities on the Reserve are distributed in a mosaic of woodlands, grasslands and wetlands, based on the heterogeneous habitats created by the variations in topography, which is typical of Bankenveld vegetation.<br>Dissertation (MSc (Botany))--University of Pretoria, 2007.<br>Plant Science<br>MSc<br>unrestricted

M.Ed.<br>Orphans living in child-headed households within underprivileged communities are amongst the most vulnerable children, and protection of their rights deserves to be the main focus of all individuals, governments and agencies dealing with such children. There is a need to stimulate broad-based discussion, heightened awareness of, and sensitivity to their plight, special needs and ... rights.

Farm workers in South Africa have limited access to health care and health-related information. In this qualitative study, the implementation of a workplace HIV/AIDS policy was evaluated using data gathered through interviews and observation. It was found that, although the farm workers were knowledgeable about HIV and AIDS, this knowledge was insufficient. It was found that the lives of farm workers are deeply affected by HIV and AIDS. It is also suggested that the agricultural sector is not yet able to deal effectively with HIV and AIDS and that, in this regard, urgent planning is needed in respect of HIV and AIDS policies and interventions<br>Social Work<br>M.A. (Social Behaviour Studies in HIV/AIDS)

M. Tech. Architecture (Professional)<br>The proposal attempts the design of a permaculture hub and community support centre within the Sokhulumi rural area, situated next to the R25, between Bronkhorstspruit and Groblersdal, Mpumalanga. The aim is to investigate a proposed model for a sustainable rural settlement, based on the principles of permaculture. This project proposes an exploratory model that could replace the current unsustainable livelihoods in rural areas, with a more holistic approach, which would possibly create a sustainable rural settlement. This proposal aims to include social, economic and environmentally sustainable solutions.

M.Ed.<br>Early pregnancy and unplanned childbirth may have far-reaching physical, psychological and social consequences for the adolescent girl and her offspring and are therefore public health issues of concern. This study initially proposed to provide guidelines and support to help pregnant adolescents cope with their mental health. Ten pregnant adolescents were interviewed. All ten of them were black. Instead of dropping out of school, they were all staying in. The data were collected by means of observation and phenomenological interviews. The researcher followed a qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual method. In the second chapter the researcher describes the research design and method of the research. The approach to data collection, analysis and report writing to achieve the goal of this research study are also indicated. The third chapter focuses mainly with the phenomenological interviews that were conducted and the central themes that have been identified and categorised. The fourth chapter indicates guidelines to help and support pregnant adolescents to cope with the situation they are experiencing and also to cope with their mental health. The research ensured trustworthiness to the participants during the research process. The researcher gained confidence of the participants by spending time with them informally. The researcher ensured credibility of the research study by audio-taping the interviews conducted with the participants. The independent coder was given the transcribed interviews. Thereafter a consensus discussion was held with the independent coder. The researcher ensured that the research study was credible, transferable, dependable and confirmable. The participants were also informed about the advantages and disadvantages of participating in the research. The researcher received informed consent from the parents of the participants. Consent was also obtained from the participants. All participants were informed about their privacy, benefits, withdrawal and the procedure to be followed. Ethical measures were also applied throughout the research. The research ensured that the participants would not be harmed, either physical or emotionally. The researcher ensured the participants of their anonymity. This was done by giving the participants pseudonyms and also made sure that the setting was not identifiable. The researcher’s results revealed that special attention should therefore be paid to adolescent sexual and reproductive health service needs. These should include contraceptive counselling in order to prevent pregnancy at a young age and also to improve their sexual and reproductive health status.<br>Prof. C.P.H. Myburgh

A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Science, University (If the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science. Johannesburg, 1997<br>The felsic rocks ofthe Bushveld Complex are host to abundant, small polymetallic mineralisation. The study involved mapping and metallogenic characterisation of an area north of Bronkhoratspruit, in the acid phase of the Bushveld Complex. The upper Rooiberg Group shows an evolution from rhyodacites of the Kwaggasnek Formation to rhyolites of the Schrikkloof'Formarion. The Rooiberg Group formed from the same magma that formed the underlying granophyres. The granites represent further fractionation of the same parental magma, evolving from grey hornblende-rich granites at the base of the sheet to red biotite-rich granites at the top. Mineralisation is derived from highly fractionated granites that evolved to water saturation. Structural controls also influenced hydrothermal fluid flow. The mineralisation progresses from a magmatic Sn assemblage through a Cu-Pb-Zn assemblage to a late meteoric Fe-U-F assemblage superimposed on earlier assemblages. Progressive fluid mixing from magmatic to meteoric characterised the development of the paragenetic sequence.

Introduction: Nutrition education (NE) is one of the most enduring, effective and economic interventions to fight malnutrition and food-related diseases through the impartation of nutrition knowledge and skills on healthy eating. The school remains a viable platform for NE with teachers playing significant roles. Aim: To develop and implement a Nutrition Education Programme (NEP) for primary school teachers in order to improve teachers skills to teach nutrition effectively. Setting and population: The study setting was the Bronkhorstspruit district, east of Pretoria, involving eleven primary schools. The study population was teachers who taught nutrition to learners in Grades 4 to 7 and learners in Grades 5 and 6. Methodology: The study was an intervention, comprising qualitative and quantitative research methodology in three phases. In the needs assessment (phase 1), qualitative and quantitative data on the nutrition knowledge, attitudes and dietary practices (KAP) of teachers and learners were obtained. The findings of phase 1, in conjunction with selected constructs of the Social cognitive theory (SCT) and the Meaningful learning model (MLM), the existing curriculum of the Department of Basic Education (DoBE) were used to develop a contextual NEP with supporting materials for teaching nutrition topics to Grade 5 and 6 learners (phase 2). In phase 3, the NEP was implemented in two of the eleven schools, allocated as the treatment and control schools. The NE materials were used by the teachers in the treatment school to teach nutrition to Grade 5 and 6 learners; while in the control school, the teachers taught nutrition in the usual manner. The implementation stretched over eight months and was assessed through a process evaluation with the teachers. The impact of the NEP on the teaching of nutrition and on the nutrition KAP of the teachers and the learners were assessed. The thematic framework approach was used to analyse the qualitative data. The quantitative data were analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was done with adjustment for pre-implementation scores to test the changes between schools in nutrition KAP from pre- to post-implementation. A random effects Generalised Least Squares (GLS) was used to compare overall change between the schools from pre- to post-implementation and to estimate within school differences in nutrition KAP from pre- to post-implementation. The level of significance to test the hypotheses was set at 0.025 for a one-tailed test. The NEP consisted of the developed NE materials comprising the teacher s manual, the picture book, posters, learner s work book; the implementation of the NEP to the teachers and the learners; and the evaluation of the impact of the NEP. Results: The needs assessment (phase 1) revealed that the mean nutrition knowledge and mean nutrition attitudes scores for the teachers were good albeit with deficits in certain nutrition topics and in the method of teaching nutrition. There was an unavailability of up to date instructional materials, lack of in-service nutrition training for the teachers and limited time for teaching nutrition. The mean nutrition knowledge (58.8 ± 23.9%) and mean nutrition attitudes (58.4 ± 18.6%) for the learners were low and needed to improve. The impact of the NEP (phase 3): Twenty teachers and 644 learners completed the post-implementation assessment. Results indicated a significantly higher mean score (85.5 ± 8.2% versus 73.4 ± 10.3%, P = 0.003) in the total nutrition knowledge of the treatment school teachers compared with the control school. There was a non-significant higher mean score (84.2 ± 16.4% versus 75.8 ± 17.3%, P = 0.531) in dietary attitudes of the treatment school teachers compared with the control school. The teachers in the treatment school showed no significant improvement in the mean scores on any of the categories of dietary practices compared with the control school. However, the personal dietary practices of the teachers in both schools revealed improvement in healthy eating practices, and their views regarding school wide food practices were in support of healthy eating. The teachers reported satisfaction with the use of the NE manual as well as their improved skills to teach nutrition and would like to continue to use the manual to teach nutrition. However, time constraint was a major challenge in the implementation fidelity of the NEP by the teachers. Regarding the learners assessment, there was a significant higher mean score in the total nutrition knowledge (53.2 ± 16.9% versus 53.1 ± 17.6%, P = 0.001) and a significant higher mean score (63.9 ± 19.7% versus 56.8 ± 19.6%, P = 0.002) in nutrition attitudes in the treatment school compared with the control school. The dietary practices of the learners in the treatment school showed a non-significant lower mean score (60.0 ± 19.7% versus 62.2 ± 16.8%, P = 0.24) compared with the control school. Conclusion: Implementing a theory based context specific NEP in line with the existing school curriculum holds the potential for programme sustainability as the teachers implemented the programme. In this way, the aim of the DoBE at enabling the learners to benefit their lives with their knowledge could be realised. The NEP enhanced the teachers skills in teaching nutrition and improved the teachers and the learners , nutrition knowledge and attitudes. The findings emphasise the value of a contextualised NEP consisting of theory based NE materials for primary schools as recommended in the literature.<br>Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2016.<br>tm2016<br>Animal and Wildlife Sciences<br>PhD<br>Unrestricted