Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Mineralogy – South Africa – Limpopo'

The UG3 at Modikwa Platinum Mine occurs as a platiniferous, planar chromitite seam. It is stratigraphically located in the Upper Critical Zone of the Eastern Bushveld Complex. Field work study comprise of underground mapping, sampling, surface mapping, borehole core logging, microprobing and microscopic investigations carried out at the Rhodes University. The UG3 at the Modikwa Platinum Mine is about 22cm thick chromitite seam underlain by a white fine grained anorthosite and overlain by a brown medium grained feldspathic pyroxenite. It is an incomplete cyclic unit consisting of chromite and feldspathic pyroxenite. The UG3 reef at the Modikwa Platinum Mine lease area represents a Platinum Group Metal resource of 300 million tons of ore at an in situ grade of 2.5g/t. Under the current market conditions the UG3 reef remains unprofitable to mine in an underground operation due to the operational cost involved. However, it has been illustrated that the UG3 chromitite seam can increase profit margins in an open pit operation provided it is mined together with the economic UG2 chromitite seam. The extraction of the UG3 as ore in the four Modikwa UG2 open pits would result in a combined operating cash profit of R330 million. The UG3 chromitite seam is platiniferous. The platinum-group minerals (PGM) range in size from less than 10μm to about 70μm. The PGMs are associated with sulphides and are both located in the interstitial silicates and are concentrated in the chromitite seam. The PGMs show a strong preference to contact boundaries of the silicate grains, the chromite grains and the sulphide phases. In some instances, they are enclosed within the chromite grains in association with sulphides. The general sulphide assemblage comprises pentlandite and chalcopyrite whereas, the PGMs assemblage comprises cooperite, ferroplatinum, laurite, FeRhS and PtRhS.

The Republic of South Africa emerged as 'a product of a historical moment' and also as a reaction against imperialism, colonialism, racial discrimination and domination over the majority of black South Africans by the white minority. The democratic dispensation came into being also for the first time in its life in memorial for a long turbulent history followed by the general democratic elections held on 27th April 1994. The 1994 first general election liberated South Africa from the apartheid system and its subsequent primary objective was “… to transform South Africa into a non-racial and democratic society”. The new democratic government now looks politically different from the racist regime because the current government since 1994 has been, and to date still is, a truly and broadly representative of the South African citizens and also a transparent one, whereas the defunct apartheid government was characterized primarily by, among other things, the violation of human rights, denying black South Africans of any rights of basic services, no rights of owning property or land, no freedom of association and speeches and firmly practised discrimination which was detrimental to the majority of the black population groups in this country. According to the then President Nelson Mandela whilst addressing the ANC masses that were commemorating the eighty-third (83rd) anniversary of the African National Congress on the 8th January 1995, democracy entails “… a thorough-going process of transformation, of overcoming the political, social and economic legacy of apartheid colonialism, of racism, sexism and class oppression.” The government is still grappling with the challenge of ensuringa better life for all the citizens of this country (http://www.anc.org.za/show.php?doc=ancdocs/history/jan8-95html:1).

The hydrology of the Kudumela Wetland, Limpopo Province of South Africa was studied from November 2005 to April 2007, involving both fieldwork and laboratory analyses. This study presents the results of an investigation of the hydrology of the Kudumela Wetland in South Africa, and its contribution to dry season flow in the Mohlapitsi and Olifants Rivers. Initially, 40 Piezometers were installed along seven transects and water levels monitored in order to understand water table level characteristics (fluctuations) with time. Water levels in transects one, three, the right bank portion of transect four and transect six showed fluctuations. Transect two, the left bank portion of transect four and transect five did not show significant temporal changes. The relationships between piezometer water levels, rainfall in the study area and stream flow observed at a river gauging station are not clear. The river within the wetland is a gaining stream because the water table level elevation is above that of the river. This indicates that the wetland is feeding the river. The northern part of the wetland (T1 and T2) is affected by artificial drains and most of the piezometers closest to the river channel showed the lowest variations. The relationships between rainfall, groundwater, and surface water at this site shows that stream flow did not respond quickly to precipitation as expected, even in months when rainfall increased (for example, 74 and 103mm during 08/02/06 and 18/02/06 respectively), and the groundwater levels did not show fluctuations, indicating that groundwater responds gradually to precipitation, and that the relationship between rainfall, groundwater and surface water is complex. The environmental stable isotopes (deuterium and oxygen-18) and the radioactive isotope (tritium) were analyzed, along with field observations of electrical conductivity (EC), pH, total alkalinity (Talka) and some major and minor dissolved ion analyses for tracing water dynamics in the study area. A total of 39 water samples was taken and analyzed from boreholes, auger holes, right bank and left bank drains, various points along the river and springs in four sampling visits to the wetland. The results did not clearly provide a temporal record of isotope and chemical variations in the various sources. Results from the most extensive sampling survey in April 2007 provide the most comprehensive overview of hydrological relationships. Clustering of the stable isotope data suggests that the water samples of upstream and downstream river, auger holes further south and most drains clustered together suggesting a common water source and almost all samples fall above the global (GMWL) and local (Pretoria MWL) meteoric water lines, while some fall between the global and Pretoria meteoric water lines. Six representative water samples were analyzed for major ion concentration. Both cation (Ca, Mg, K, and Na) and anion (HCO3, SO4, Cl, and NO3) analyses in November 2007 confirmed conclusions reached from field observations. The analysis shows that a single type of water (Ca, Mg-HCO3) is involved in the study area. In almost all major ion plots, the right bank drains, upstream river and downstream river samples grouped together in a single cluster. As the means for reliable river flow measurements were not available, except for the gauging station at the outlet of the valley, rough, semi-quantitative estimates were made during several field visits. These, suggest considerable losses of river flow into the gravel/boulder beds at and below a gabion dam at the head of the valley. Three major and several other left bank springs and right bank drains at transects T1 and T2 contributed to the river flow at all times. Along with the isotopic and chemical evidence, these observations have lead to a hypothesis that river water enters the wetland and flows back to the Mohlapitsi River through boulder beds underlying the wetland and through drains on the surface of the argillaceous aquitard covering the more conductive boulder beds. Deeper dolomitic groundwater does not appear to contribute to the water balance at least in the northern half of the wetland. Although environmental isotope and hydrochemistry results may not unequivocally prove this hypothesis they do not contradict it.

This research dissertation investigates the level of Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) housing delivery in Disteneng (Polokwane Extension 44) Township, Capricorn District: Limpopo Province. The post-apartheid South African Constitution indicates that the provision of basic services like formal housing is a basic right for all South Africans. In Limpopo Province and in particular, Disteneng (Polokwane Extension 44) Township, Capricorn District, there is still massive shortage of Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) housing for the poor, despite funding being made to address this need. Millions of poor families are suffering and are still living in shacks in informal settlements. There is a backlog in the provisioning of RDP housing delivery. Low cost housing projects have been identified in Limpopo Province to address the RDP housing delivery backlog. It takes time to complete RDP houses and the communities become impatient and frustrated. The quality of completed houses is often perceived to be of unacceptable standards. This study investigates the level of RDP housing delivery in Disteneng (Polokwane Extension 44) Township, Capricorn District: Limpopo Province. This study also identifies the challenges of RDP housing delivery experienced by Disteneng (Polokwane Extension 44) Township, Capricorn District: Limpopo Province. Recommendations with the view of resolving problems pertaining to Disteneng (Polokwane Extension 44) Township, Capricorn District: Limpopo Province are made. The findings from this research work identified significant challenges of RDP housing delivery experienced by Disteneng (Polokwane Extension 44) Township, Capricorn District: Limpopo Province which needs to be addressed. In its contribution, this study made recommendations with the view of resolving problems pertaining to Disteneng (Polokwane Extension 44) Township, Capricorn District: Limpopo Province. This study in conclusion, emphasizes the need to address RDP housing backlogs and ensure that RDP houses are of good quality and that the government and all South Africans have to join hands and collectively address the problems of RDP housing delivery in South Africa.

Education has been identified as a priority area by the South African government, in particular by the African National Congress as the ruling party. To this end, huge amounts of money are being spent on education as a service that has been approved by the legislators. Rules and regulations have been promulgated, and among others, the South African Schools Act, Act No. 84 of 1996, has been enacted. Rich research has also been funded with the sole intention of providing quality education to the people. Education of unacceptably poor quality has, however, been the result, as postulated by Peterson and Hassel (1998:55). The above are attested to by the findings that the political tensions emanating from the conduct of the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union and the Professional Educators’ Union, leading to class disruptions and general instability, erode the ethos of accountability on the part of educators and therefore impact negatively on service delivery. Furthermore, the Limpopo Department of Education is not immune to the challenges ranging from the elements of corrupt activities that often surface, teacher attrition which in the main is caused by lack of discipline. Winkler, Modise and Dawber (1998) indicate that teaching has never been easy, and many teachers are leaving their jobs because of the many problems with children in classrooms. Some of the problems cited are children who do not want to learn and learning that is becoming too difficult for the students because they do not want to listen. This study adopted sequential mixed methods namely, quantitative and qualitative research methods which are viewed as complementary rather than opposing approaches. Information was amassed from the subjects through interviews, observation, documentary survey and observation and the information has since been triangulated to validate the facts. All the methodologies employed proved to be useful in this study. The study sought to test the hypothesis “Good governance is informed by strong accountability and future-oriented organisation, continuously steering it towards its mission and vision, and thereby ensuring that the day-to-day management and administration are always linked with the organisation’s values and goals and thus eventually bringing about effectual and accelerated service delivery” to the South African populace without compromise. After empirically testing the hypothesis, showing mixed reaction informed by the findings of the study, five recommendations were made, based on the conclusions arrived at.

Community food gardens are regarded as a means through which rural households can improve their livelihoods. This study explores the contribution of community food gardens (CFG) to livelihoods in the Lepelle-Nkumpi local municipality in the Limpopo province. The objectives of this study are, firstly to explore the reason behind CFG participation and the reasons behind the participating possibility. Secondly, the study seeks to identify the socio-economic factors influencing the participation of households in CFG and lastly to determine the influence of CFG and other socio-economic variables on household food security status (HFSS). Descriptive statistical analysis was used to describe the socio-economic characteristics and the reasons behind CFG participation and the reasons behind the participating possibility. The binary logistic regression model was used to analyse the determinants of household participation in community food gardens as well as the contribution of CFG to HFSS on Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software version 21. Through a structured questionnaire, data was collected from a sample of 180 households which was obtained using multistage sampling. Descriptive results on the characteristics of sampled households revealed that there are high levels of food security in the area with 70% being food secure of which around 42.2% are CFG participants and 30% are food insecure. Furthermore the descriptive statistical analysis indicated that participation of households in CFG is mainly to obtain a source of food among the CFG participants and to generate income amongst the non-participants. On the basis of descriptive analysis, this study concludes that source of food and income generation respectively are the main reasons behind CFG participation and the possibilities of becoming a participant. Therefore the study accepts the research hypothesis stating that “There are social and economic reasons behind household participation and the possibilities of participating in CFG”. Binary results for the determinants of CFG participation revealed that socio-economic variables such as household size, farm income, household monthly income, land size, household perception, marital status, agricultural training and homestead gardening significantly influence household decisions to participate in CFG. This is an implication that socio-economic variables tested in this study are significantly influential to the household decision to participate in CFG, leading to the acceptance of the first hypothesis which states that “Socioeconomic factors determine the community food garden ownership or participation”. The results of the contribution made by CFG to HFSS showed that socioeconomic variables such as gender, age, household size, farm income, educational level, household monthly income, marital status, information access, formal employment status and CFG involvement significantly affect household food security status in the study area. The result indicates a positive contribution to HFSS and implies that socio-economic variables tested in this study have a significant influence on HFSS, leading to the acceptance of the second hypothesis which states that “Community food gardens have a positive effect on food security status of household in Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality Limpopo province.” Therefore it is relevant to concluded that in the area of Lepelle-Nkumpi local municipality, social economic factors plays a vital role in the participation of households in CFG as well as improving the state household food security status.

South Africa‟s social, economic and political landscape was shaped by a long and bitter history of land reform and dispossession. It is against this background that the land reform policy was introduced. According to the Department of Land Affairs the objective of land reform was to alleviate poverty and improve the livelihoods of the poor. Since the introduction of the land reform policy in South Africa, there is no empirical evidence that land reform is improving the livelihoods of its beneficiaries and other affected groups such as farm workers. However government focus has been on how much land was redistributed to the previously disadvantaged and dispossessed. The study sought to assess the impact of land reform on the livelihoods of farm workers with specific reference to the Oaks/Willows Citrus farm in Maruleng Local Municipality, Limpopo Province. The study focussed on whether this land reform project achieved its intended objective of improving livelihoods and alleviating poverty. The following groups participated in the study: The farm workers, project committee members, representative of the traditional leader and a representative of the Department of Rural development. The study found that the livelihoods of the farm workers had not improved after the implementation of this land reform project. The study also revealed that government intervention with post settlement support programmes to monitor progress or offer assistance with regard to farm management and extension services, is very important to ensure that land reform projects achieve their intended objective of reducing poverty and improving the livelihoods of the poor.

Thesis (MDF)--Stellenbosch University, 2014.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The South African government continues to provide post-settlement support to emerging farmers, with the objective of improving productivity through targeted funding or conditional grants. The Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP), which came into effect in 2004, provides funding targeted at supporting emerging farmers. CASP has six pillars, of which this study focused on one, which is capacity building and training. The study investigated the assessment of the impact of training on the projects’ beneficiaries who had benefited from the CASP pillar of training and capacity building in the Limpopo Province. The methodology applied was the difference-in-difference technique. Projects that benefited from funding were regarded as the treatment group and those that did not benefit from the programme were regarded as the control group. The justification for the research was that while the government had financed CASP through fiscal allocation since 2004, because CASP is a conditional grant, there was a need to review the programme, focusing on establishing whether the budget allocation had achieved its intended objectives during this time. The objectives of the study were to measure whether there had been an improvement in the beneficiaries’ income levels. It focused on the status of the projects prior to the beneficiaries receiving training and benefiting from capacity building, and what the status was after receiving training through the programme, with the key determinant being an increase in income levels. Not all funded projects had benefited from the particular pillar investigated here. The selection of the beneficiaries to be trained was based on a skills audit which treated the groups as homogeneous, which was found to be inappropriate because of the differences in the prior skills, education levels and the specific interests of individuals. The findings were that there was variation in the increase of income levels. There was a positive relationship between training and reported increase in income levels in some projects, and a negative relationship between training and income levels for other projects. It was interesting that income levels increased for projects that had benefited from the CASP pillar of training and capacity building when the projects were analysed as a group, but when projects were analysed individually, it was revealed that there was a marginal decrease in income levels. There should be a shift in policy. The focus on training and capacity building should be a priority and should occur prior to the projects receiving infrastructure support. The 10% of the total CASP budget allocated for training and capacity building needs to be reviewed, taking into account that low skills levels continue to be the main reason why projects are not sustainable. There is also a need to review the impact of training. The type of training offered should not be generic for all projects, it should be differentiated to suit the both the people and the commodities concerned and should be more biased towards entrepreneurship, as this would enable emerging farmers to grow their business units and realise increased income levels.

This dissertation explored adaptation mechanisms and adaptation options employed by rural small-scale farmers at Dzindi Irrigation Scheme to achieve food security in the midst of climate change as well as reflecting on the role of the state in building capacity of rural small-scale farmers to adapt to climate change. The study employed qualitative research techniques and data was obtained through semi-structured interviews with 40 small-scale farmers at Dzindi smallholder irrigation scheme.Irrigation control, high yielding crop varieties (HYVs), drought resistant crop varieties, drip irrigation are among a host of adaptation strategies successfully employed by farmers at Dzindi. These strategies have been effective in giving the farmers a lifeline in terms of household food supply and income.However, lack of funding, modern infrastructure and equipment has hampered adaptation efforts at the scheme. This has been compounded by lack of support from the Government. Government seemingly has not done enough to capacitate and assist famers to adapt to climate change.

The Townlands iron-rich ultramafic pegmatite is a relatively large pipelike body situated in the western corner of Rustenburg Section, Rustenburg Platinum Mines. It is characterised by a strong negative magnetic signature and transgresses the noritic layered sequence of the upper critical zone of the Bushveld Complex. The layered rocks are downwarped in the vicinity of the pipe and are in sharp contact with the pegmatitic material. The pegmatite varies in composition between dunite and wehrlite, with the marginal zones being more wehrlitic in composition. Olivine (Fo₃₀ - Fo₅₂) and clinopyroxene (Wo₄₅En₃₀Fs₂₅ - Wo₄₅En₃₇Fs₁₈) are the dominant constituents and accessory phases include ilmenite, Ti -magnetite, apatite, amphiboles, chlorite-group minerals, biotite, ilvaite and a host of unusual ore minerals. The Fe-Ti oxides exhibit exsolution textures typically found in slowly cooled igneous rocks and temperatures of formati on are consi dered to be in excess of 800°C. The UG2 chromitite leader layers intersected by borehole TLP.l are enriched in Fe and Ti and exhibit compositions intermediate between chromite and Ti-magnetite. The ore mineral assemblage includes a primary sulphide assemblage consisting of troilite, chalcopyrite, cubanite and pentlandite, and an array of unusual phases formed by late-stage secondary processes. The unusual sulphides mooihoekite and haycockite, that occur in certain parts of the pegmatite, are considered to have formed by partial replacement of the primary assemblage and a possible paragenetic sequence is discussed. Mineral compositions and whole rock geochemical data are consistent with an origin for the pegmatite by crystallization from a fractionated melt. It is suggested that intercumulus fluids, trapped during the crystallization of the noritic layered sequence, accumulated in an area of structural weakness, in response to an increasing overburden pressure and/or tectonic activity. Evidence is also presented that indicates that the Townlands pegmatite may consist of at least two separate, but adjoining pegmatite bodies.
KMBT_363
Adobe Acrobat 9.54 Paper Capture Plug-in

PhDENV
Department of Ecology and Resource Management
Kaolin dominated soils are common in the tropical and subtropical regions. People depend on kaolin-rich soils for agricultural production of food and fiber. The most popular of all South African soils is the Hutton form which accounts for the marvelous redness of the landscape across the Country. The apedal (structureless) soils in the group are characterised by a relatively low CEC (< 11 cmolc kg-1) reflecting oxidic mineralogy with predominantly kaolinitic assemblage. The geochemical and mineralogical composition of soil kaolin has significant implications on soil fertility, geochemical exploration and engineering properties. Despite the dominance of kaolin in these soils, little is known of their properties in the medium. The nature of kaolin minerals in soils varies with parent material, degree of weathering and pedogenic environment. Most studies conducted in South Africa on kaolins are limited to reference kaolins with little or no publication on soil kaolins, hence, this study. This research involved the evaluation of mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of oxidic soils and soil kaolins developed from four (4) selected parent rocks which were basalt, granite, arkosic sandstone, and gneiss. Soils developed from quartzite were selected as control. Representative soil samples collected from profiles developed from the different parent rocks were analysed for physico-chemical, mineralogical, and geochemical data. The mineralogical and geochemical data obtained by x-ray diffractometry (XRD), x-ray fluorescence (XRF), and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS) were used in unraveling the influence of the provenance and degree of weathering on the soil characteristics. The mineralogical and geochemical data for soil kaolins were determined through XRD, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry, XRF, and LA-ICPMS to establish their mineralogical and geochemical properties with respect to their parent rocks. Comparison between the soil kaolins and selected reference kaolins were also conducted. The phosphorus (P) sorption data acquired photometrically were employed to evaluate the relationship between the P sorption capacities of the soils and soil kaolins. The influence of soil properties on the fertility of the soils were assessed based on the physico-chemical (pH, particle size distribution, and electrical conductivity (EC)) and chemical (organic matter (OM) content, cation exchange capacity (CEC), available P, exchangeable cations (Ca, K, Mg, Na, and Al), and P sorption) data. The mineralogical and geochemical data for the parent rocks were obtained by XRD, optical microscopy, XRF, and LA-ICPMS. Multivariate statistical analyses were also conducted. Results showed that the dominant colour in the studied bulk soils was dusky red (31 %) followed by brown (23 %), reddish brown, yellowish red, and yellowish brown (23 %) as well as strong brown, dark brown, reddish grey, very dark greyish brown, and dark red. Soil textures were clayey to sandy loamy with OM contents between 0.41 and 4.76 %. The pH, EC, CEC, exchangeable cations, and available P values generally ranged from 5.22 to 8.38, 10.25 to 114.40 μS/cm, 2.93 to 18.30 cmol/kg, 0.03 to 13.92 cmol/kg, and <0.01 to 54.99 mg/kg, respectively. Kaolinite and quartz were the dominant phases for soils developed from basalt whereas, quartz and plagioclase were the dominant mineral phases in soils developed from granite, arkosic sandstone, and gneiss, respectively. Other minerals present in the soils were microcline, muscovite, hematite, goethite, montmorrillonite, anatase, gibbsite, chlorite, and actinolite. Geochemical compositions of the bulk soils show relative enrichment of Fe2O3, TiO2, CaO, K2O, MgO, MnO, and Na2O (except for CaO, K2O, MgO, MnO, and Na2O in soils developed from basalt). Chemical index of alteration (CIA), chemical index of weathering (CIW), and plagioclase index of alteration (PIA) values varied between 54.92 and 99.81 % which suggest low to high degree of chemical weathering. The ACN-K and A-CNK-FM diagrams for the different soils also support these observations. Trace elements were generally enriched in soils developed from basalt and gneiss (except for Rb, Sr, and Ba in soils developed from basalt), but were depleted in soils developed from granite and arkosic sandstone (except for Cr and Ta). The principal factors responsible for the mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of the soils were the parent rocks and degree of weathering. In the soil kaolins, the dominant clay mineral was kaolinite accounting for 23 to 85 wt % followed by montmorrillonite, chlorite, and gibbsite. The non-clay minerals like quartz, plagioclase, muscovite, microcline, anatase, goethite, hematite, and actinolite accounted for the remaining percentages. The soil kaolins were characterised by thin platy kaolinite particles with partially to poorly-ordered structural order. The platy kaolinite crystals have their longest dimension sizes between 0.06 and 0.25 μm. The dehydroxylation temperatures for the studied soil kaolins ranged from 425 to 475 ˚C. The SiO2/Al2O3 ratio was lowest in soil kaolins developed from basalt and higher in soils developed from granite, arkosic sandstone, and gneiss which is consistent with their mineralogy since the former have more kaolinite. Higher Fe2O3 and CEC values were obtained relative to reference kaolins which could be attributed to the presence of more structural iron in the soil kaolins as well as their smaller crystal sizes. The presence of weatherable and accessory minerals accounted for the enrichment of Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Pb in the soil kaolins. The kaolinite in the soils were formed by leaching and desilication of the primary minerals in the parent rocks under suboxic conditions. H-type P adsorption isotherms obtained for both the soils and soil kaolins indicated their high affinity for phosphorus by chemisorption. The average maximum P adsorption values were in decreasing order of soils developed from basalt > granite > arkosic sandstone > quartzite (control) > gneiss, respectively whereas, for soil kaolins is basalt > granite > quartzite (control) > arkosic sandstone > gneiss, respectively. Relative to other soils developed from different parent rocks, soils developed from basalt (with more clay content) had higher capacity and buffer power for P adsorption. The standard P requirements for the soils ranged from 7.78 to 92.91 mgP/kg and were classified as low based on the Langmuir model. Significant correlation between the P adsorption parameters for the soils and soil kaolins indicated that the later could be taken as a good predictor for P sorption dynamics in the soils. Electrical conductivity of the soils were taken to be negligible in interfering with plant growth. The available P values were generally below the critical level of 12 – 15 mg/kg for soils developed from basalt, gneiss, and quartzite (control) but higher in soils developed from granite and arkosic sandstone. All the soil evaluation factor (SEF) average values estimated were greater than five indicating that they are not of poor soil fertility. The correlation results between the soil properties and P sorption parameters suggest that several variables can influence the P sorption dynamics of the soil. Regression analyses further indicated that CEC, pH, OM, and clay content in the soils account for 99 % bounding P energy variation whereas, Fe2O3 accounts for 76 % P sorption maximum variation in the soils. In addition, variations in Fe2O3 and sand contents in the soils account for 96 % and 95 % maximum buffering capacity and external P requirement (EPR) variations, respectively. Models to advance the interplay between the various soil properties and P sorption parameters in the soils were developed. Mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of the soils were principally controlled by the parent rocks and degree of weathering. The soil kaolins displayed significant differences relative to reference kaolins. Langmuir model is most suited for describing P sorption in soils and soil kaolins developed from different parent rocks within the studied area. P sorption parameters for the soils can readily be obtained from the P sorption parameters of the kaolins present in them. EPR obtained and models for predicting P sorption parameters from selected soil properties developed for the various soils will improve the efficiency of routine P fertilizer applications. Iron oxide (Fe2O3) played the most crucial role in explaining the P sorption dynamics of the soils. The major contributions from this study have been: better understanding of the influence of parent rock characteristics and degree of weathering on the soil characteristics, the nature of soil kaolins and its influence on soil properties as well as P sorption dynamics in soils have been better established, and improvement of the understanding on the relationship between soil properties and P sorption dynamics in the soils.
NRF

MESMEG
Department of Mining and Environmental Geology
Literature indicated that several mineralogical identification studies have been carried out on clays but few have focused on the characterisation of geophagic materials from South Africa. Large quantities of earth materials are consumed daily in Mashau Village, however, their mineral content and geochemical compositions had not been determined. Moreover, though the consumption of geophagic materials is very common in the village, the associated health implications had not been addressed. Thus, the main aim of the research was to mineralogically and geochemically characterise geophagic materials commonly ingested in Mashau Village and infer on possible health implications that could result from their consumption. Questionnaires were administered to geophagists in the study area with the aim of generating data on the prevalence of geophagia and the motivations for the practice. Geophagic soils and their parent rocks (for determination of provenance) were sampled and analysed for mineralogical and geochemical content. Geophagic soil samples were subjected to the following physicochemical analyses: colour, particle size distribution, pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC) and electrical conductivity (EC). An x-ray diffractometer (XRD) was used for mineralogical analysis while major oxides and trace elements abundances were determined using x-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry and laser ablation inductively coupled mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), respectively. Furthermore, provenance of the geophagic materials was determined using data obtained from mineralogical and geochemical analysis. Inferred health implications were based on the physico-chemical, mineralogical and geochemical data obtained. Outcomes of the questionnaire survey revealed craving to be the motivation for geophagia in Mashau Village. Although the practice seemed to be prevalent in females of certain ages, it was certainly not limited to gender, age, educational level or socio-economic status. Out of the 20 geophagic samples, 3 samples were brown, 2 had a strong brown colour and another 2 had a light olive brown colour. Other soil colours were less common, as each colour was only observed in one sample. The sand fraction dominated the samples; the clay content was low, giving the samples a sandy clay loamy texture. The pH of the soil ranged from being slightly acidic (5.4) to being slightly alkaline. The CEC values were very high ranging from 17 t0 109 meq/100 g. vii The EC values were also high (ranging from 11.2 to 245 μS/cm) indicating a high amount of soluble salts. Mineralogical analysis of geophagic soils identified quartz, microcline, plagioclase, hornblende, dolomite, muscovite, kaolinite, smectite, talc, anatase, hematite, ilmenite, chlorite and epidote with quartz and kaolinite being the dominant minerals. Actinolite, augite, chlorite, epidote, forsterite, magnetite, muscovite, plagioclase, quartz, sepiolite and microcline were the minerals identified in rock samples. Geochemical analysis for major oxides content (SiO2, TiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, MnO, MgO, CaO, Na2O, K2O, P2O5 and Cr2O3) indicated that both geophagic soils and parent rocks were mainly composed of silica and alumina. Trace elements geochemistry showed a depletion of LREEs and an enrichment of HREEs in geophagic soils. The results also revealed that the REEs were enriched in the bulk fraction than in the clay fraction. Relative to the Upper Continental Crust (UCC) compositions, the concentrations of trace elements in geophagic soils were generally low. Provenance determination results showed that geophagic soils in Mashau were derived from basalts and sandstones. Majority of the samples were formed as a result of intense weathering while some were as a result of intermediate weathering. The negative health implications of the studied materials could include perforation of the colon, damage of the dental enamel and anaemia. However, geophagic materials could also be a good source of mineral nutrients and beneficial for reduction of nausea during pregnancy.
NRF

MSCAGR (Soil Science)
Department of Soil Science
The effects of tillage on soil structure and associated soil properties such as soil respiration may differ in different soils. The study determined the effects of tillage, soil texture and mineralogy in selected soil properties on different soil types. Soil samples were collected from four different sites in the Limpopo province, South Africa. The soils were classified as Glenrosa with sandy loam texture, Dundee with loamy sand, Hutton with clay, and Shortlands with clay. Glenrosa and Dundee were dominated by quartz, while Hutton and Shortlands with kaolinite. Soil samples were taken from the surface 0 – 20 cm under conventional tillage and no-till land. Soil organic matter, texture, and mineralogy were determined. The soils were wetted to activate the microorganisms and incubated for 70 days at 30℃ and soil respiration was determined using alkali trap method on a weekly basis. The study was conducted in triplicates and arranged in a completely randomized design. Data was subjected to analysis of variance using general linear model procedure of Minitab version 19. Means were compared using paired t-test at (p ≤ 0.05). The Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was used to measure the strength of linear dependence between variables. There was a significant difference in soil organic matter (p≤0.000) among all studied soils. The mean values of soil organic matter were 2.19% in Hutton, 2.0% in Shortlands, 0.54% in Glenrosa, and 0.43% in Dundee. Quartz had a strong negative linear relationship (r = -0.66) with soil organic matter while kaolinite had a strong positive linear relationship (r = 0.96). Soil respiration increased in soils dominated with quartz and decreased in soils dominated with kaolinite. The soil respiration increased by 18.95 g CO2 m-2 d-1 in conventional tillage and decreased by 13.88 g CO2 m-2 d-1 in no-tillage due to increased exposure of soil organic matter under conventional. It was concluded that less intensive tillage such as no-tillage reduces soil respiration.
NRF

MENVSC
Department of Mining and Environmental Gelogy
In the present study, the physico-chemical, applications, mineralogy, geochemistry and stable isotope of Lwamondo and Zebediela kaolin is documented, in order to understand the genesis, paleoenvironmental conditions and possible utilization. Mineral identification studies were conducted using X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR) and scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X-ray micro analysis (SEM-EDX). Major oxides were identified by X-ray Florescence (XRF) whereas trace elements were identified by Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). Hydrogen and oxygen isotopic composition were determined by δ18O and δD isotopic measurements. Kaolinite was dominant mineral in all the kaolin samples whereas muscovite, quartz, goethite, hematite, smectite, anatase occurred in minor to trace quantities. The chemical data show that the kaolins are composed mainly of SiO2 and Al2O3 due to the presence of quartz and kaolinite, with minor to trace amounts of other elements such as Ca, Na, Cr, K, Fe, Mn, Mg, P and Ti which affected the kaolin application negatively. Lower concentration of Ca, Na, K, Fe, Mn, Mg, and Ti show the extent of the kaolinitisation. The samples were enriched in Ni and depleted in some other trace elements. The chondrite-normalised rare earth elements patterns show enrichmnent in Heavy Rare Earth Elements (HREE) than Light Rare Earth Elements (LREE) with slight positive Eu anomaly. The Rare Earth Elements (REE) pattern and the content of other trace elements show evidence of weathering processes related to kaolinitisatioon. Kaolin genesis is explained using kaolin mineralogy, particle morphology, structural order (functional group), major and trace elements geochemical data. The data suggest that kaolin is derived from the intensive chemical weathering of intermediate to mafic rocks deposited in non-marine environment. The stable isotopes were used to determine the paleoenvironmental conditions which influenced kaolinitisation of Lwamondo and Zebediela kaolins. Stable isotopes mean values for kaolinite from both Lwamondo and Zebediela were as follows: δ18O for Lwamondo= +18.57‰ and for Zebediela = +16.67 ‰ vii and δD for Lwamondo = -65‰ and for Zebediela = -64‰. The calculated mean temperatures were 26.94 ⁰C for Lwamondo kaolin and 36 ⁰C for Zebediela kaolin. Low temperatures were inferred from stable isotope values to have been involved in the kaolinitisation wherein hydrothermal processes were eliminated. The data suggests that kaolin was formed in a weathering environment. The kaolin is found to be suitable for brick making and based on the physico-chemical, mineralogical and chemical data it was suggested that the kaolin could also be used in producing low temperature ceramics, refractory materials, pottery and stoneware

M.Sc.
This study has served to expand the geological map of surroundings of the Venetia Mine (Limpopo Province, South Africa) incorporating the area lying south of the kimberlite deposit and bounded in the south by the Dowe-Tokwe fault. The most significant structural conclusion stemming from this mapping project is that the Venetia Synform seems to be tectonically separate from the surrounding area and actually forms a klippe (shallowly dipping thrust) against the Krone Metamorphic terrane and the Gotha Complex. Petrographic descriptions of quartzofeldspathic lithologies found in the Krone Metamorphic Terrane to the west of the Venetia klippe (Mellonig, 2004) are identical suggesting that they belong to the Gotha igneous complex. There are no differences in geochemical compositions of monzogranite to granodiorite, tonalite and quartz diorite from Farms Gotha and Venetia. The rocks are I-type granitoids that generally form in continental magmatic arcs. The amount of U and Th in the igneous rocks of the Farms Gotha and Venetia (contained in minerals found within quartz, plagioclase, amphibole and K-feldspar crystal boundaries and the magmatic zircons of the Farm Gotha samples) and the pattern produced by heat producing elements (Council for Geoscience Radiogenic Map), indicate that that the unexpectedly high concentration of these elements are not the result of regional metamorphism, but is the remnant of the final crystallisation phase of the magma of the area. REE plots of the Venetia Mine samples show negative Eu anomalies, indicating the presence of plagioclase and K-feldspar in the magma source of the Venetia mine samples. The assumption is, that most samples retained their original chemical compositions having experienced only weak deuteric alteration and no dynamic metamorphism.

MENVSC
Department of Ecology and Resource Management
Historically, mining activities have generated vast quantities of abandoned tailings dumps in several regions of South Africa and throughout the world. The management and disposal of huge volumes of tailings dumps has constituted a major challenge to the environment. The current study aims to establish the physicochemical properties and mineralogical characterization of the old copper tailings dump in Musina, to reveal the mobility patterns and attenuation dynamics of potentially toxic or heavy metal species as a function of depth, with a view of assessing their potential environmental impact with respect to surface and ground water systems. This information is crucial in the beneficial utilization of copper tailings in the development of sustainable construction materials as part of reuse approach management system. About twelve tailings samples were collected into polyethylene plastic bags from three established tailings profiles drilled by a hand auger. The collected tailings samples were characterized using standard analytical procedures i.e., X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The transfer of potentially toxic or heavy metal species from tailings to water was evaluated using the standardized batch leaching test (EN 12457) and speciation-equilibrium calculations on the aqueous extracts performed by MINTEQA2. The leachate concentration of cations in the collected tailings samples was determined by inductively coupled mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and the leachate concentration of anions was determined by ion chromatography (IC). A modified sequential extraction scheme was applied on the selected tailings samples of the drilled tailings profiles to further understand the mode of occurrence, the geochemical partitioning and distribution, real mobility, and environmental bioavailability of potentially toxic or heavy metal species in the tailings and tailings-soil interface. The extracted fractions or phases from sequential scheme were as follows: (F1) water-soluble fraction, (F2) exchangeable fraction, (F3) carbonate fraction, (F4) iron and manganese hydroxide associated fraction, (F5) organic matter and secondary sulphide associated fraction, (F6) primary sulphide bound fraction, and (F7) residual or silicate fraction. The results obtained from the seven steps sequential extraction scheme were validated by the determination vi of percentage recoveries from pseudo-total digestion or total metal content of the original sample. The distribution of major elements and potentially toxic or heavy metal species in different leachate fractions obtained after each step of sequential extraction of the selected tailings samples was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The appraised data was used to reveal the impact of atmospheric oxygen and infiltrating rain-water on the chemistry of copper tailings dump by depth profiles. Macroscopic properties revealed that the abandoned Musina copper tailings are fine to medium coarse grained, and range in color from light/dark gray at the upper or shallow depth of the tailings, to dark reddish-brown at the deeper zone where the tailings are mixed with the underlying soil or soil-interface. The drilled respective tailings profiles were uniform and slightly varied in both mineralogical and bulk chemical compositions with tailings depth. Mineralogical analysis showed the following order of mineralogical composition within the respective tailings profiles: quartz> epidote> chlorite> muscovite> calcite> hematite. Chalcopyrite was the only sulphide mineral observed by optical microscopy, although not identified or quantified by XRD and SEM-EDS analysis. The observed discrete chalcopyrite grains were attributed to the primary mined ore (i.e., chalcopyrite, chalcocite and bornite) during past copper mining activities in Musina. The tailings profiles were characterized by a medium alkaline pH (7.97-8.37) that corresponds very well with the tailings leachates or pore-water pH (8.36-8.46). This pH was constant and slightly varied with tailings depth in the respective tailings profiles. The high abundance of alumino-silicate minerals and traces of carbonates as calcite coupled with low sulphide mineral content, suggested a high neutralization capacity of the tailings which was in common agreement with an alkaline nature of the copper tailings dump. The chemical composition of major elements within the respective tailings profiles followed the order: Si>Al>Fe>Ca>Mg>K>Na, and corresponds very well with the mineralogical composition of the tailings, whereby alumino-silicates were the most abundant minerals in the tailings samples. Nevertheless, the solid-phase concentration of metals decreases with increasing tailings depth as Cu>Sr>Zr>Ni>Zn and was incongruent with the mineralogical composition within the respective tailings profiles. The main secondary minerals were calcite and hematite, and their proportion increased with increasing tailings vii depth. In addition, hematite formed coatings on the rims and corners of chlorite as observed from optical microscopy, and retained relatively high amounts of potentially toxic or heavy metals (up to 862 ppm of Cu, up to 36 ppm of Ni, and up to 25 ppm of Zn) at the upper and shallow depth of the respective tailings profiles, where bulk density was high and low porosity. Based on batch leaching tests, the amounts of potentially toxic or heavy metal species released into solution were low (0.27-0.34 μg/L Pb, 0.54-0.72 μg/L Ni, 0.88-1.80 μg/L Zn, and 20.21-47.9 μg/L Cu) and decreases with increasing tailings depth, indicating that, presently, the tailings have a minor impact on heavy metals load transported to the receiving surface and groundwater systems. The low concentration of potentially toxic or heavy metal species in solution is primarily due to their retention by secondary Fe oxide phases (i.e., hematite) and the prevailing medium alkaline pH condition of the tailings leachate or pore-water. The observations are consistent with MINTEQA2 speciation calculations, which predicted the precipitation of secondary phase cuprite (Cu2O) as the main solubility-controlling mineral phase for Cu, Zn, and Ni. Primary factors influencing aqueous chemistry at the site are neutralization and dissolution reactions as a function of pH, precipitation, and sorption into hydrous oxides (hematite and cuprite). Based on sequential extraction results, the leachable concentration of potentially toxic or heavy metal species in the water-soluble, exchangeable and carbonate fractions of the respective tailings profiles was relatively low, except for Cu and Mn. For instance, the leachable concentration of Cu and Mn reached 10.84 mg/kg and 321.7 mg/kg at the tailings-soil interface (3 m) in tailings profile C, respectively. The low concentration of potentially toxic or heavy metal species (Cr, Co, Ni, Zn, Cd, and Pb) in these fractions could be due to the low solubility of minerals bearing these trace elements caused by variations in pore-water pH in the respective tailings profiles. The high concentration of Cu and Mn in these fractions suggests their high mobility and therefore most available for uptake in the environment. Except for Cu>Mn>Cr, the contents of potentially toxic or heavy metal species in the Fe and Mn oxides and organic matter or sulphides bound fractions was low, due to the low viii quantity of these fractions in the tailings, despite their high affinity and sorption capacity for potentially toxic or heavy metal species. Likewise, the residual fraction of the respective tailings profiles contained the highest proportion of potentially toxic or heavy metal species. Although the highest potentially toxic or heavy metal species content was in fractions with limited mobility, care must be taken since any geochemical change or shift in the tailings pH or acidic conditions may cause them to be displaced to more mobile fractions, thereby increasing their mobility and environmental bioavailability. Therefore, physicochemical properties of the tailings including pH and mineralogical composition of the tailings samples were the main substrate controlling the geochemical partitioning and distribution, potential mobility, and environmental bioavailability of potentially toxic or heavy metal species by tailings depth. The knowledge of mobility and eco-toxicological significance of tailings is needed when considering tailings dump disposal or reuse in the environment. The addition of copper tailings at 3 and 28 days successfully improved the compressive strength of cement mortar mixtures incorporating tailings at C5 (5%) and C10 (10%) respectively, although with small margin relative to the control mixture (C0). The maximum strength was 31.15 Mpa attained after 28 curing days, and slightly varied when compared with other compressive strength on copper blended cement mortars mixtures in other countries, used for the development of sustainable construction materials. The chemical composition, physical properties and improved compressive strength on cement mortars mixtures incorporating copper tailings, implies that copper tailings are suitable for the development of sustainable construction materials, thereby ensuring job creation, availability of land for development usage, and the reduction of environmental pollution induced by the abandoned copper tailings dumps.

A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy School of Geosciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 2018
The Waterberg deposit is located north of the Northern Lobe of the Bushveld Complex in South Africa and represents a large, high-grade, new platinum-group element (PGE) discovery. The northeast-oriented lobate arc of ma c to ultrama c rocks extends 24 km from the previously known outcrop of Bushveld rocks. Laser ablation ICP-MS zircon U/Pb geochronology has returned ages of 2059 ± 3 and 2053 ± 5 Ma for the intrusion, ages that are within error of previously published ages for the Bushveld Complex of 2.056 Ga. It is therefore proven that the Bushveld Complex extends further to the north than previously thought. Based on laser ablation ICP-MS zircon U/Pb geochronology, detrital zircons extracted from the sedimentary rocks unconformably overlying the succession have a maximum depositional age of 2045 Ma and abundant peaks of Archean age. It may be argued that the Bushveld Complex now reaching to the Palala Shear Zone to the north indicates that assembly of the Kaapvaal and Zimbabwe Cratons only took place around 2.0 Ga. In detail, theWaterberg succession consists of a basal Ultrama c Sequence of harzburgite and feldspathic pyroxenite, overlain by the Troctolite-Gabbronorite-Anorthosite Sequence and locally Upper Zone, comprising magnetite gabbronorite and gabbro. Logging and geochemical data demonstrate that all samples represent ultrama c to gabbroic cumulate rocks dominated by varying proportions of olivine, plagioclase, clinopyroxene, and orthopyroxene. Mineralization occurs in the T and F Zones located just below the Upper Zone and in the Ultrama c Sequence, respectively. The Waterberg Project is an outstanding discovery with an indicated mineral resource of 25 Moz Pt+Pd+Rh+Au. Detailed geochemistry for the the lower mineralized F-Zone of the deposit indicates that although the Northern Lobe and the Waterberg Project share many geochemical features, there are also signi cant di erences. Sr isotopic data for plagioclase of the succession are di erent from values reported for the Northern Lobe of the Bushveld Complex. Together with geochemical data, the isotopic analyses suggest that a separate magmatic basin exists in the far northern Bushveld Complex. That is, although both intrusions are roughly coeval, the Waterberg succession was at least partially separated from the Northern Lobe and evolved independently. In summary, the Waterberg Project represents a highly mineralized Bushveld Complex-age succession sharing geological characteristics with the Northern Lobe. There are also clear di erences, however, and the two areas cannot be directly linked. Therefore, the project area is interpreted to represent a separate magmatic basin from the Northern Lobe, that is likely to include the rocks at the very northern end of the Northern Lobe of the Bushveld Complex. The results of this work have been published in four scienti c articles and presented at four academic conferences.
MT 2018

Student Number : 9511039F - MSc Dissertation - School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences - Faculty of Science
An estimated 91 % of South Africa’s total land area is considered dryland and susceptible to desertification. In response, South Africa has prepared a National Action Programme to combat land degradation, and this requires assessment and monitoring to be conducted in a systematic, cost effective, objective, timely and geographically-accurate way. Despite a perception-based assessment of land degradation conducted in 1999, and a land-cover mapping exercise conducted for 2000/2001, there are few national scientifically rigorous degradation monitoring activities being undertaken, due largely to a lack of objective, quantitative methods for use in large-scale assessments. This study therefore tests a satellitederived index of degradation for the Limpopo Province in South Africa, which is perceived to be one of the most degraded provinces in the country. The long-term average maximum normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), calculated from a time series (1985-2004) of NOAA AVHRR satellite images, as a proxy for vegetation productivity, was related to water balance datasets of mean annual precipitation (MAP) and growth days index (GDI), using both linear and non-linear functions. Although the linear regressions were highly significant (p<0.005), a non-linear four parameter Gompertz curve was shown to fit the data more accurately. The curve explained only a little of the variance in the data in the relationship between NDVI and GDI, and so GDI was excluded from further analysis. All pixels that fell below a range of threshold standard deviations less than the fitted curve were deemed to represent degraded areas, where productivity was less than the predicted value. The results were compared qualitatively to existing spatial datasets. A large proportion of the degraded areas that were mapped using the approach outlined above occurred on areas of untransformed savanna and dryland cultivation. However the optical properties of dark igneous derived soils with high proportions of smectitic minerals and therefore low reflectance, were shown to lower NDVI values substantially. Overall, there was an acceptable agreement between the mapped degradation and the validation datasets. While further refinement of the methodology is necessary, including a rigorous field-based resource condition assessment for validation purposes, and research into the biophysical effects on the NDVI values, the methodology shows promise for regional assessment in South Africa.

Geochemical, mineralogical and tenor variation studies were carried out on the cores from UMT040, UMT064 and UMT063, located in the Flatreef on Turfspruit, in the southern sector of the Platreef. The investigation comprised three objectives (1) to identify controls on mineralisation in the upper section of the Platreef, (2) to construct a 3D PGE tenor model, and (3) to test whether the new geological interpretation on Turfspruit correlates with the eastern and western limbs of the Bushveld Complex. The above-mentioned holes were used for geochemical analyses of major and trace elements; and UMT064 was also used for orthopyroxene microprobe analyses. For construction of the tenor model, a total of 276 drill holes were used. The distance between drill holes for geochemical studies is 145 m and 175 m respectively; and for the tenor model is approximately 100 m. The outcomes of the study have demonstrated that the upper section of the Platreef comprise at least four lithological units i.e. the topmost portion of T1, lowermost portion of T1, T2 Upper and T2 Lower that can be interpreted to have been formed by four separate pulses of magma. Considering the possibility of the T2 Lower being metamorphosed calc-silicates, this reduces the number of magma pulses to three. This is supported by the mineralogy, geochemical content and tenor variations. The T1 is made up of an orthopyroxenite (feldspathic in places), the T2 Upper comprised a pegmatoidal orthopyroxenite (also feldspathic in places) and the T2 Lower is made up of a harzburgite. High grade PGE, Ni and Cu mineralisation was found to occur within two zones in the upper section of the Platreef i.e. the T1m and T2 (Upper and Lower). Mineralisation occurs in the form of base metal sulphides such as pyrrhotite, pentlandite and chalcopyrite; and PGEs are dominated by amphoterics (PGE-arsenides, tellurides, antimonides and bismuthinides). These amphoterics are associated with base metal sulphides. The sulphides in both the T1m and T2 are interstitial. PGE minerals such as michenerite, sperrylite, hollingworthite and cooperite are present in the study area. In the T2, an increase in sulphide content and PGE grades are generally associated with the presence of the “main” chromitite stringer/ seam at the contact between a feldspathic pyroxenite (T1) and the coarse-grained to pegmatoidal pyroxenite (T2 Upper). Several other chromitites might be present above and below this contact, and it has been noted that not all of those chromitites are associated with an increase in sulphide content and higher PGE grades. PGE grades were found to be higher in T2 Upper than in T2 Lower, whereas, the base metals (particularly Ni) are generally higher in T2 Lower. In the T1m, mineralisation occurs close to the contact between the feldspathic pyroxenite and orthopyroxenite, but only the orthopyroxenite hosts the sulphides. Chromitite stringers rarely occur in the T1m. Where present, they generally occur at the top of the mineralised zone. The sulphides in both the T1m and T2 are thought to have resulted from separate and different processes. Those in the T1m are thought to have resulted from a fractional segregation process, whereas the sulphides in the T2 were thought to have been emplaced in bulk or as a mush. The 3D PGE tenor model has demonstrated that the tenor in both the T1 and T2 are higher than previously thought for the northern limb of the Bushveld Complex. Tenors in the T1 reach up to 700 ppm, whereas tenors of about 1000 ppm were recorded in the T2. These tenors are comparable to the tenors measured from the sulphide melt inclusions elsewhere in the northern limb. Tenors are the highest in the northwestern part of Turfspruit and they gradually decrease towards the southeast. Both the T1 and T2 are dominated by a tenor of about 100 ppm. In the T1, a tenor of 250 ppm is dominant in the northwestern and southeastern parts of the study area, whereas in the T2 it is only dominant in the northwestern part. Vertical variation in tenors has shown that the tenors are the highest in the topmost portion of the T1 and at the top of T2 Upper (below the T1-T2 contact). The T1 has been found to be comparable with the Merensky Reef due to the following: (a) similarities with respect to major and trace element compositions of whole rock analyses; (b) Cr/MgO ratios which are greater than 80; and (c) similarities in the pyroxene content excluding the MgO/((MgO)+FeO) ratio and CaO contents; and in the PGE tenor of the sulphides. In addition, the T1 has many of the characteristics of the model proposed by Naldrett et al (2009) for the formation of the Merensky Reef in the western Bushveld. However, the differences between the T1 and the Merensky Reef were also noted i.e. the MgO/((MgO)+FeO) ratios in this study are lower (averaging 0.71) than the Mg# reported for the Merensky Reef (Mg#78-83), the upper Critical Zone (Mg#78-84) and elsewhere in the Platreef north of Turfspruit. The CaO levels (representing the wollastonite component of the orthopyroxene) at Turfspruit are higher (>2 wt %) compared to the Merensky Cyclic Unit and other parts of the northern limb where the CaO levels are below 2 wt %. This is an indication that the pyroxene composition at Turfspruit is more evolved compared to the Merensky Reef.

MESMEG
Department of Mining and Environmental Geology
Although clay brick manufacturing has been going on for many years in South Africa, informal small-scale clay brick manufacturing enterprises are not officially regulated. Consequently, informal brick makers in the study area do not adhere to the demanding requirements of the South African National Standards for burnt clay masonry. Therefore, their clay bricks lack uniformity in terms of quality. Preliminary work revealed that over time, buildings constructed with these bricks develop cracks, thereby compromising safety. The importance of product quality management is not well understood in the informal brick manufacturing enterprises. As a result, they do not have any product quality management guidelines. The main purpose of this research was to develop the product quality management guidelines for ensuring quality in small-scale brick making enterprises in Dididi area. The specific objectives were to characterize the raw materials for clay brick manufacturing, identify and assess the technical problems of clay brick production, analyse the process of clay brick production and determine areas where product quality improvement is warranted. The research involved fieldwork which included soil sampling, analysis of clay brick production through the use of questionnaires and onsite observation of the production process, collection of samples of burnt bricks which were examined for compressive strength, water absorption as well as dimension measurements. These were then compared with the prescribed quality standards. Laboratory analyses of samples of raw materials were conducted and these included sieve analysis which was conducted in order to establish the particle size distribution of the raw materials; Atterberg limit tests were conducted in order to establish the physical characteristics of the soil. Chemical and mineralogical analyses were carried out to determine the chemical and mineralogical composition of the soil using XRF and XRD respectively. The textural characterisation of the material revealed abundance of sand sized particles and significantly low amounts of clay and silt. The plasticity of the soil used for bricks manufacturing in the study area was found to be ranging from slight to medium plasticity. Chemical analysis showed elevated silica contents with minor amounts of alumina and iron oxide. XRD analysis revealed the dominance of non-clay minerals with the highest concentration of quartz. The average compressive strengths of the tested brick samples for site A was 3.8, and 2.9 and 3.8 MPa for sites B and C respectively. The water absorption of the bricks was 13.5, 15.0 and 16.1% for samples from Site A, B and C respectively. The bricks dimensions met the recommended standards although their sizes were not uniform. v The survey conducted on brick manufacturing process revealed that the technical inefficiencies were mostly influenced by human and mechanical factors as well as the material inappropriateness. The production process was found to be too manual and labour intensive. Selection of the raw materials for brick manufacturing was based on indigenous knowledge and experience and most of the brick manufacturers lacked the prerequisite experience for making quality bricks. On the basis of the results of this research, it can be concluded that the materials used for manufacturing of clay bricks in Dididi are not well suited for making good quality bricks due to the reduced plasticity of the soil and the high concentration of quartz. These render the bricks brittle. It was also concluded that the production process also contributes to the poor quality of the bricks as the nature of the process was too manual. Selection of materials based merely on knowledge and experience and no scientific tests resulted in selection of inadequate materials which in turn affect the quality of the final bricks. It is therefore recommended that plastic clays be added to the raw clay materials to enhance its moulding property. In addition, materials such as internal fuels and anti-shrinkage materials should be incorporated into the process cycle to prevent cracking during drying and firing. Based on the findings of the analysis of the production process, it is recommended that mechanized techniques be employed in the operation and awareness training conducted to improve the understanding and skills of the brick manufacturers and to ensure production of good quality bricks.
NRF

MCur
Department of Advanced Nursing Science
The Department of Education has stated that parents and guardians may not be absolved from their responsibilities regarding their pregnant child, and they should take the lead in working with the school to support and monitor their child’s health and progress. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the role of parents regarding teenage pregnancy and school attendance in the rural village of Thomo in Mopani District Limpopo Province. The study is qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual in nature. The population comprised of the selected parents and caregivers residing at Thomo village of Mopani District. Purposive sampling was used to select 10 parents and 5 caregivers. Sampling size was determined by data saturation. Data was collected through in-depth individual interviews, guided by unstructured questions, data analysis was through open coding. Trustworthiness was ensured through credibility, dependability, conformability and transferability and ethical issues were adhered to. One main theme with four sub - themes emerged from the raw data; namely, parents /caregivers skills and personal factors that affect behaviour change; parents / caregivers intention to change the teenagers’ behaviour; environmental and cultural factors as facilitators/ barriers to pregnancy prevention and parent-school partnerships. Recommendations were made that included the following: awareness campaigns regarding prevention of teenage pregnancy; establishment of the compulsory education subject; review of existing teenage pregnancy policies; engaging parents on youth programs; using churches to strengthen youth education on the dangers of sex before marriage; as well as capacitating parents on effective communication with their children.
NRF

MSCPNT
Department of Nutrition
Introduction: In the year 2012, South Africa had a prevalence rate of stunting in children aged 1- 3, 4 - 6 and 7 – 9 years at 26.5%, 11.9% and 9.4%, respectively (Shisana et al. (2013). The Greater Sekhukhune District Municipality (GSDM) also showed a high rate of stunting (36%) in children aged 13 to 215 months of age (FIVIMS, 2006). The GSDM had a high unemployment rate of 69% to 82.4% (Statistics SA, 2006; Department of Social Development, 2008).). South Africa has adequate food supplies to feed the entire population at the national level (Labadarios et al., 2011; du Toit et al., 2011); however, there is evidence of under-nutrition caused by lack of purchasing power, and not a shortage of food (Rose and Charlton, 2001). Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between the employment status of the mother, household hunger and the nutritional status of children aged one to twelve years (1-12 years) in households of Sekhukhune District in Limpopo Province. Objectives : The objectives of the study were to determine the socio-economic status of the household; to assess the nutritional status of children using anthropometric measurements; to assess dietary patterns of children in households; to determine household food security using food inventories; to determine the prevalence of household hunger using the standardized hunger scale; to determine the coping strategies to food deprivation used in each household and to determine the association between employment status of the mother, nutritional status of children and household hunger. Methodology: The study design was a cross sectional, exploratory and correlational study. The study used both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. A simple random sampling method was used to select nine villages from Makhuduthamaga local municipality and twenty households per village were selected using the systematic random sampling. Data was collected in households and a sample size of 180 children was selected based on the availability of a child within the selected age group. If there were more than one child within the 1-12 years, each child was then allocated a number and the one with the least number was selected. Biological mothers were the preferred participants, however if the mother was unavailable, the primary caregiver was selected and180 mothers or caregivers Results: The majority (92.2%) of mothers were unemployed and 91% of them had an income of less than R500.00 per month, whereas 33.9% of households had total income of less than R1000.00 About 64.4% and 28.4% borrowed food from neighbours/family/friends and bought food on credit from the local shop. The anthropometric status of children indicated a high prevalence of stunting, a medium prevalence of underweight and a low prevalence of wasting. Most caregivers were overweight or obese. About 66% of children ate three meals per day. Almost 44% of households were food insecure, whereas 33.9% were at risk of hunger and only 21.7% were food secure. There was no association between employment status of the mother, household hunger and anthropometric status indicators. Conclusion: Greater Sekhukhune District Municipality has a high rate of unemployment, poor household income and purchasing power and high level of food insecurity. The employment status of the mother was not associated with the level of wasting, stunting and underweight. Furthermore, employment status was also not associated with the level of hunger. Caregivers employed various strategies to cope with periods of food deprivation

MESHWR
Department of Hydrology and Water Resources
In South Africa, inland aquaculture is on the increase, especially among the rural communities. Thus aquaculture is able to provide a source of employment and improve rural incomes. This study assessed algae species and their cyanotoxins in small holder production in Vhembe district, Limpopo, South Africa. Thirteen study sites were selected to assess the algae species and their cyanotoxins. The water samples were collected in four quarters and analysed for water temperature, pH, total dissolved solids, Electrical conductivity, phosphates, nitrates, chlorophyll, cyanobacteria, cyanotoxins, metal species and quality of the water in the fish ponds. In the 1st quarter of the year there was variation in Water Temperature (23.7oC-31.4oC), pH (5.5-9.6), EC (3.82-46.8μS/cm), TDS (2.4-45 mg/L), Phosphate (0.0-1.09mgL-1), Nitrates (0.0-1.00mgL-1), Chlorophyll-a (5.8-11.5mg/m-3). In the 2nd quarter there was variation inwater temperature (22.4-25.0oC), pH (6.6-8.8.9), EC (19.23-21.47μS/cm), TDS (12.5-17.9 mg/L), Phosphate (1.64-1.84mgL-1), Nitrates (1.02-1.88mgL-1), Chlorophyll-a (4.6-15.6mg/m-3). In the 3rd quarter there was variation for water temperature (22.9-25.0oC), pH (7.5-9.1), EC (7.91-293.3μS/cm), TDS (11.7-180.9 mg/L), Phosphate (1.10-1.80mgL-1), Nitrates (1.28-1.84mgL-1),Chlorophyll-a (6.8-15.6mg/m-3). In the 4th quarter there was variation forwater temperature (23.5-30.3), pH (7.1-9.3), EC (18.24-623μS/cm), TDS (23.7-136.4 mg/L), Phosphate (1.45-1.99mgL-1), Nitrates (1.43-1.68mgL-1), Chlorophyll-a (6.6-25.9mg/m-3). The metal content of the fish pond water was variable throughout the year but with moderate levels of Al, Cd, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn and Ba were found. The metal Fe, exceeded the DWAF guideline values during this first quarter. The presence of Cd in the fish pond water could be attributed to rainfall eroding the earthen embankments of the fish pond. The results of physico-chemical parameters promotes the growth of cyanobacteria in the fish ponds. Flow cam and SEM were used to identify the cyanobacteria species and most cyanobacteria identified are hazard to human health, fish and other aquatic organisms. Molecular technologies were used to identify cyanotoxins and there was no cyanotoxins detected which was concluded that during collection of water samples no cyanobacteria produced toxins.
NRF

MA (Psychology)
Department of Psychology
Recidivism refers to re-offending behaviour, and recidivists are usually individuals who were arrested repeatedly for the same or different offences. The aim of this study was to explore the psychological effects of recidivism amongst male youth in Musina. This study employed the qualitative research approach because it required elaborated information which this paradigm promotes. This research adopted an exploratory design. The participants were selected through the use of purposive and snowball sampling. Data was gathered using semi-structured face to face interviews. The researcher used a voice recorder and a note pad to record the collected data. The findings of this study indicated that peer pressure, lack of education and unemployment, substance abuse, poverty, child neglect, parenting and supervision were the most common factors contributing to recidivism. The results of this study indicated that recidivists often commit petty crimes. The participants stated that these crimes included pick-pocketing, mugging, shoplifting and house breaking. Serious crimes were not common amongst the recidivists because only few of them committed serious crimes. The participants also reported that recidivism has negative impacts on their own personal lives, their families as well as on their education.

MSCAGR (Agricultural Economics)
Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness
ABSTRACT This study was carried out to determine how members of households perceive economic benefits of production and marketing of Moringa in the Thulamela Local Municipality. The study adopted the snowball sampling procedure to identify the population of members of households who produce and market Moringa. Simple random sampling procedure was adopted to select 146 participants from the identified population. The Cross tabulations and Probit regression model were used as the analytical tools for this study. The results of the study revealed amongst others, that majority of members of households who were producing Moringa had no access to Moringa markets, and most of them were aware of the economic benefits of Moringa. The statistical significant variables which influenced the perceptions of members of households regarding economic benefits of production and marketing of Moringa were level of education (p < 0.01), Moringa farming experience (p < 0.05), access to market (p < 0.05), as well as the access to information (p < 0.05) about the production and the demand of Moringa produce. The study concluded that majority of respondents perceived that the production and marketing of Moringa would help to achieve sustainable livelihood for people living in Thulamela Local Municipality, while others were of the view that Moringa has the potential to improve nutrition, boost food security and foster rural development. The study recommended that establishment of Moringa markets, formation of Moringa cooperatives and promotional campaigns to educate members of households about the economic benefits of Moringa should be enhanced.
NRF

MESHWR
Department of Hydrology and Water Resources
Lebalelo area of Sekhukhune district is one of many areas in South Africa experiencing portable water scarcity, especially during prolonged dry season. Due to the dominance of low yielding aquifers in South Africa, it is essential to manage groundwater resources in these low yielding aquifers. However, the management of low yielding aquifer is difficult in areas like Labelelo where the hydrogeological characteristics of the aquifers are understudied. This study investigated the hydrogeological characteristics of the aquifers in the area using combined geophysical method and analytical groundwater models. Four newly drilled borehole and five existing boreholes were used for this study. Geophysical survey was carried out using magnetic and electromagnetic methods. The magnetic survey was used to locate the position of magnetic bodies such as dolerite dykes and different lithologies with different magnetic properties. The electromagnetic survey however, was used to determine zones of high permeability associated with the intrusive bodies as well as high permeability zones in fault planes. Step test, constant discharge test and recovery tests were conducted on all the boreholes to stress the borehole. This was used to determine a suitable and sustainable pumping rate of the aquifer. Pumping test data from the pumping period and recovery was evaluated and interpreted using AQTESOLVE. Aquifer transmissivity, storativity, internal and external hydraulic boundaries were determined from the data. The transmissivity in the area ranges from 0.08 to 124.7 m2/day. The aquifer types in the area are double porosity aquifer, radial flow aquifer with single porosity. Inductive Coupled Plasma (ICP-MS) was used to measure heavy metals, trace metals and cations while Ion Chromatography (IC) was used to determine anions in groundwater of the study area. The groundwater in the area is dominated by calcium carbonate as a result of long residence time with dolomite. The hydrochemistry of the water indicates that the chemistry of the groundwater in the area is mainly controlled by rock-water interaction.
NRF

DEd (Curriculum Studies)
Department of Curriculum Studies
Poor learner academic performance is a major problem in South African public schools today. A considerable number of schools in the Vhembe District are dysfunctional. While the Department of Basic Education (DoBE) is attempting to intervene in these schools to address this problem, the interventions and turnaround strategies have not been sustainable. In schools where interventions and turn around strategies are being provided, such interventions have been short lived and were not sustainable. The aim of the study was to investigate the issues affecting teachers in dysfunctional secondary schools in order to develop a model for creating a sustainable teaching and learning environment. This study used both quantitative and qualitative research designs in which questionnaires, interview and observation schedules were used, for data collection processes. Purposive sampling procedure was used to select participants. Quantitative data was analysed using IBM Statistical package for Social Sciences Version 23 (IBM SPSS statistics), and Atlas.ti Version 6 programme for qualitative data. Results showed that conditions in the schools were not conducive to the promotion of quality teaching and learning. Teachers were demotivated resulting in poor performance in all school activities which contributed to rendering the schools dysfunctional. Some teachers even left the profession. A model was developed for the creation of a sustainable teaching and learning environment in dysfunctional secondary schools in the Mutale area.

A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science.
The ‘Makapan Mummy’ (A1081), the Makapan Child and human and animal remains with desiccated tissue attached indicate that the environment inside Historic Cave was dry enough to cause mummification. Environmental studies conducted in 1992 and 2011 suggest that dry air in the well-ventilated cave preserved the soft tissue and mummified the corpse. The aim of this study is to examine desiccated tissue sampled from the ‘Makapan Mummy’ (A1081) and from the human remains excavated at Historic Cave using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and light microscopy. The morphological features of the naturally desiccated tissue from Historic Cave were recorded and described using the microscopic analyses and were then compared to normal and mummified human tissue. Mummified tissue is hard and dry and often embedded with dust and debris. In its hard and dry state, mummified tissue needs to be prepared differently to normal human tissue. In this study, various methods used to clean, rehydrate and stain the desiccated tissue were investigated and compared. Through this comparative analysis it was possible to determine the most suitable method for examining desiccated tissue from Historic Cave. In the SEM analysis, epidermal keratinocytes and vellus hairs were observed on the surface of the skin tissue. Histological analyses demonstrated the exclusive preservation of collagen fibres in the muscle tissue, the connective tissue and the skin tissue. This suggests that the collagen fibres play an integral part in preserving the structure of desiccated tissue that is devoid of cellular elements. The results are consistent with the histology of desiccated tissue remains from the Republic of Korea, Egypt and the Americas.

The observations, data and deductions described in this thesis were collected from the Soutpansberg and surrounding areas over a period of over 20 years. This thesis aims to explain the underlying mechanisms driving the processes in the Soutpansberg that have brought forth its immense floristic diversity. It is envisaged that this thesis could serve as a guide towards the implementation of management policies for this unique mountain range and assist in the proclamation of the Vhembe as a Biosphere Reserve. As an introduction the study area is described in terms of geology, geography, cli-mate, history and previous vegetation descriptions. The floristic diversity was analysed and it is concluded that the area is a hotspot for floristic diversity. The total number of plant species of the area was established at 2693 with 594 tree taxa, one of the highest in southern Africa. Families with the highest number of taxa are the Fabaceae, Poaceae and Asteraceae. The analysis confirmed the area as a Centre of Endemism. The Soutpansberg dis-plays a strong biological interchange with the Blouberg, Chimanimani, Limpopo Valley, Maputaland, Sekhukhune, Strydpoort, Waterberg and Wolkberg. To resolve the problems concerning the definition of their biological interchange, a new interpretation of the concept of near-endemic is proposed. To make sense of interaction between various centres of endemism with the Sout-pansberg centre sensu strictu, a new term namely paraendemic was defined, and the terms protoparaendemic and biparaedemic were introduced for near endemic taxa with a wider distribution between centres of endemism. This resulted in a new interpretation of the Soutpansberg endemic plants. The endemics and paraendemics of the Soutpansberg and the related regions were identified and these are discussed n detail. It was found that most endemic species are restricted to the mist belt and occur on nutrient poor soils derived from quartzite or sandstone. It is concluded that the endemic flora did not arise as a result of a single group diversifying. The immense floristic diversity is attributed to the contribution of several distinct flo-ristic elements acting upon the Soutpansberg. These includes an arid group, a sa-vanna group, a temperate group including forest and grassland elements and a tropical group, being discussed in detail. Copyright
Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2010.
Plant Science
unrestricted

PhDPH
Department of Public Health
There is a growing concern over the rising cases of adolescent pregnancy, drug and substance abuse, poor academic performance, violence, high school dropout rate and HIV/AIDS prevalence among secondary school students. The grounds of these problems are considered to be related to inadequate Life Orientation Education which should equip the learners with psychosocial competencies, but the ability to make informed decision, solve problems, think creatively and critically, communicate effectively, build healthy interpersonal relationships is lacking among the youths (Dash, 2018). The purpose of the study was to develop strategies to facilitate the implementation of existing Life orientation curriculum in secondary schools of Limpopo province, South Africa. An exploratory sequential design was used in this study. This research design had three stages. In the first stage (1a) the researcher collected and analysed quantitative data. Based on the quantitative results, the researcher will then engage a second stage (1b), the qualitative phase, to test and make the general view of the initial findings. This was followed by phase 3, which was the development of the coping strategies and validation of the strategies as outlined. Purposive sampling was employed to select two districts and then four circuits. Phase 1a identified factors influencing implementation of existing Life Orientation curriculum. Eight schools were selected using stratified random sampling. Simple random sampling was used to select 521 grade 10, 11 and 12 adolescent girls. Data was collected through a self-designed and self-administered questionnaire. Data was analysed descriptively using statistical software Stata/IC version 15.0. of the computer program. Validity and reliability were ensured. Phase 1b identified the predisposing, enabling, and reinforcing factors that can affect the behaviours, attitudes, and environmental factors contributing to the implementation of Life skills programmes in schools. A qualitative approach, and explorative, descriptive and contextual designs were applied. The population were all guardians and school teachers. Purposive sampling was used to select guardians for the focus groups discussions and teachers for in-depth interviews. Data analysis employed Tesch open coding method. Phase 2 was the development strategies to facilitate the implementation of existing LO programme in Limpopo province. Results from Structured Interviews, Focused group, Questionnaires were fused together with the use of the Precede Proceed Model. Phase 3 was to validate the developed strategies. The aim of validation was to collect and evaluate data, from the process design stage, the consistency and quality of the product or outcome of the strategies. The objectives to validate the strategies were to: determine the credibility of the strategies. The researcher used the non–experimental, intervention validation design to validated the credibility of the developed strategies. The developed strategies were given to the learners, guardians and Life Orientation teachers Vhembe and Mopani district. To collect data, the researcher used a checklist with 6 questions as outlined by Chin and Kramer (refer to table 6.4). Simple descriptive statistics was use where the data was summarized using the frequency distribution.
NRF

MSCAGR (Plant Production)
Department of Plant Production
Poor soil fertility caused by inadequate supply of nutrients on soil is one of the major constraints limiting crop production especially in the Vhembe District Municipality, Limpopo, South Africa. Therefore, management practices such as application of organic manure to minimize soil infertility is considered as good practice for smallholder farmers. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of macadamia husk compost on selected soil properties as well as the growth and yield of Chinese cabbage on sandy loam soil. A field experiment was carried out during 2018 and 2019 winter season at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) research farm in Levubu. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 4 treatments (control (zero)), inorganic fertilizer (100:60:60 NPK Kg ha-1) and compost at 15t ha-1 & 30t ha-1 replicated 3 times. Soil was analyzed before planting and after harvesting to determine the influence of applied compost on selected physical properties (soil bulk density and water holding capacity) and chemical properties (soil pH, soil organic matter, soil organic C, EC, total N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Al, Zn and Mn). Number of leaves, fresh mass, dry mass and leaf area was collected at three harvests interval (28, 46 and 74 days after transplanting). After each harvest period, leaves were analysed for nutrient content (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, Mn and B). During the final harvest crops were uprooted and root biomass (fresh mass, dry mass and root length) were recorded. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) were conducted on all data using Genstat package 18th addition. Differences between treatment means were separated using the least significant differences (LSD) procedure and correlations analysis was determined using Pearson’s simple correlation coefficient. Macadamia husk compost application had a significant effect on soil bulk density and water holding capacity. Addition of macadamia husk compost significantly increased soil pH, OC, N, C: N K, P, Mg, Ca, Na, Al, Zn, Ca and Mn. In contrast, addition of macadamia husk compost had no effect on soil EC. Yield components (number of leaves, fresh mass, dry mass), root biomass, root length and leaf area increased with application of macadamia husk compost. Yield components, root biomass, root length and leaf area were significantly affected (p<0.01) by harvesting time. Yield components in the second cropping season was greater than yield components in the first season. Macadamia husk compost application showed no significant effect on leaf nutrient content of Chinese cabbage. However, leaf nutrient content was affected by harvesting time. It is evident from the results of this study that macadamia husk compost affects soil fertility and plant production. The results suggest that macadamia husk compost has a potential to be used as a reliable fertilizer by famers especially smallholder farmers who struggle to buy inorganic fertilizer because they are expensive. Since this study was conducted over two seasons and compost effect tend to be long term, further research is needed on application of macadamia husk compost on soil properties and yield of other crops over wide range of soils.
NRF

The research is concerned with how the post-mortem report can be used as a source of information in the investigation of murder cases to identify crime, individual crimes and trace suspects, etc. The understanding of the post-mortem report, and the information which can be obtained from it, will assist the police investigators to handle murder cases in a professional way. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the existing manner in which police investigators use post-mortem reports in their investigations, with the intention of determining its strengths and weaknesses, and considering how the usage can be improved. Secondly, the researcher wanted to explore how investigators use postmortem reports as a source of information in their investigations. To accomplish this, the researcher perused international and national literature in an attempt to explore the field. The researcher wanted to apply the new research knowledge in order to develop good practice in the field. This has been done by recommending new procedures to enhance performance and to improve the conviction rate in court cases.
Police Practice
M.Tech. (Forensic Investigation)

MENVM
Department of Geography and Geo-Information Sciences
Fuel wood is regarded as a major source of energy around the world, particularly in developing nations. Most rural communities around the world, consider forests as the repository of stored energy. The high dependence on forests as a source of fuel wood has a major impact on vegetation because trees take a long time to regenerate to maturity, hence high dependence leads to deforestation. Fuel wood is used for household needs, such as cooking and heating and its uses contribute to the emissions of Green House Gases (GHG) such as CO2, CH4, and Black Carbon amongst others. The study assesses household energy use, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted from the combustion of fuel wood, the extent of de-vegetation and strategies to ensure sustainable energy provisions in the case study areas. Primary and secondary methods were used to collect data. The data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS 21.0), showing the frequency distribution, measures of central tendency and chi-square to determine the extent of fuel wood used in relation to electricity. The primary data were collected through personal observations, field surveys, interviews and questionnaires, while secondary data included the 2011 South Africa Census data and remote sensing images, which with the aid of GIS, were used in mapping the vegetation change.

MSc (Botany)
Department of Botany
Since time immemorial plants have traditionally been used for various purposes in many parts of the world including Vhembe district, Limpopo province of South Africa. The use of C. abbreviata plants at Matsa village of Vhembe district also contributes significantly to the livelihood of the community. However, little work has been made in the past to properly document and promote the knowledge. The purpose of the present study was to record and analyse the ethnobotanical knowledge of C. abbreviata within the people of Matsa village around Nzhelele in Vhembe district. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered on 50 informants from different households selected randomly to gather data regarding the local name of C. abbreviata, the uses and its availability. Significantly higher number of medicinal use was reported by elderly people including both men and women as compared to middle-aged, younger people. Other use categories included firewood, furniture and joinery production and shade for people in the area. Awareness on the importance of the species should therefore be created amongst the people, especially the young ones. Understanding the ethnobotanical knowledge of indigenous species within an area is crucial towards development of its management plan.
NRF

For centuries Traditional Health Practitioners (THPs) used their indigenous knowledge (IK) in conserving medicinal plants and environments to maintain sustainability. With the rapid environmental, social, economic and political changes occurring in many areas inhabited by rural people exist the danger that the loss of biodiversity from habitat destruction and unsustainable harvesting practices will result in some species becoming extinct. The main aim of the study was to determine the natural habitat of extinction-prone traditional medicinal plants combining the insight of THPs with an ultimate goal of guiding research for the conservation, propagation and cultivation of traditional medicinal plants. Despite problems, opportunities and challenges expressed and identified by THPs, the analysis of data from interview schedule and personal observations, show that the THPs' practices are shaped by historical processes and local cultural values, social norms and their management strategies that are influenced by a broad range of factors.
Agriculture, Animal Health & Human Ecology
M.A. (Human Ecology)

D.Ed.
Limpopo Province, in line with other provinces in South Africa, adopted democratic school governance in public secondary schools. Since the inception of this system in 1997 hopes ran high that eventually the culture of teaching and learning in secondary schools will be improved and subsequently schools will be transformed. Contrarily, there has been a mismatch in terms of the provincial education objectives with what is currently happening in secondary schools in the province. Conditions of school governance in secondary schools as regards the physical, social, moral, economic, and academic problems are deplorable albeit democratic school governing bodies are in place. The 1998: 35.2%; the 1999: 37.5%; the 2000: 51.5%; and the 2001: 59.5% matriculation pass rates could partially be attributed to ineffective school governance. Consequently, communities are concerned about SGB's who are not accomplishing their role and functions as mandated by the SASA of 1996. The focus of this research is on democratic school governance in the Vuwani district in the Limpopo Province. The objective of this research was to probe perceptions of the different members of the SGB's regarding diverse aspects of school governance as mandated by the SASA of 1996.

PhDPH
Department of Public Health
Substance use/abuse is a persistent public health problem in tertiary institutions around South Africa. Alcohol and illegal drugs are the most commonly-used substances by youths in tertiary institutions, including student nurses at the Limpopo College of Nursing (LCN). This study sought to develop a model to prevent substance use/abuse by student nurses at the LCN, South Africa. A convergent parallel mixed-method was used to collect and interpret the data. A phenomenological research approach was utilized for gathering data from the lecturers, student affairs officers and student nurses in the qualitative design which was explorative and descriptive in nature. The population comprised of student nurses, lecturers and student affairs officials who were purposefully selected. Data were collected through unstructured in-depth interviews and analyzed through Tesch’s open-coding steps for qualitative empirical research to develop themes and categories. Data generated the following themes: The Consequences of Socialization Factors on the Incidence of Substance Use/Abuse by Student Nurses and The Effect of Environmental Factors on the Incidence of Substance Use/Abuse by Student Nurses. Within each theme, sub-themes emerged. Trustworthiness of the collected data were ensured. A quantitative design was employed to collect data from all student nurses in five campuses of LCN. A stratified sampling technique was used to select respondents and structured questionnaires were used to collect data. A total of 445 questionnaires were collected. Quantitative data were analyzed numerically and through descriptive and correlation statistics using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24. The results showed that substance use/abuse is more prevalent among students of the age group of between 21 and 24 years that represented the majority in LCN. Data were analyzed independently for which a convergent analytic approach was used to merge the data sets. Validity and reliability were ensured. Ethical considerations were adhered to. The overall findings highlighted that substance use/abuse by the student nurses was widespread. Various factors, including behavioural, environmental and student earning stipend, have contributed to the problem. The concept “prevention” was analyzed using Walker & Avant’s (2014) steps. The results of both the empirical study and concept analysis formed the basis for model development. The framework of Dickoff, James and Wiedenbach (1963) was used to develop a model. The developed model was validated by the group using a close-ended checklist, analyzed using simple descriptive statistics. The model was in accordance with the legislative provisions of the LCN lease agreement, Higher Education Act as well as the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA, 2003).
NRF

A research report submitted to the Faculty of Management, University of the Witwatersrand, in 50 per cent fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Management (in the field of Public and Development Management) February 2017
This study examines legislative oversight practice within the Limpopo Legislature (subnational government) in South Arica, over a specific historic period. Legislative oversight and executive accountability are constitutionally mandated responsibilities. This study is focused on the fourth term (2009-2014) of the government of Limpopo, when financial management and policy implementation challenges resulted in five departments being placed under national administration. Semi-structured interviews and document analysis was utilised to understand the practice of legislative oversight and explore the challenges embedded in securing executive accountability. Drawing on the literature, a conceptual framework was used to guide the process for establishing the areas for detailed exploration. These included the legal and institutional framework for oversight; the capacity availed and utilised for oversight; and the informal institutional incentives and challenges that influenced the performance of oversight. The study revealed that oversight by the legislature and accountability by the executive are intertwined mandates and there are numerous contingencies embedded in the relationships they embody. The manner in which mandates unfold and oversight is exercised is affected by the underlying political dynamics within the dominant party. These dynamics impact on the autonomy of the legislature, shape the power relations between the executive and the legislature and creates incentives for practices that impact on legislative oversight and executive accountability. Members of the legislature were junior in party structures and did not have political authority which influenced the extent to which members of the legislature held the executive answerable as well as the extent to which the executive would account. In addition, the capacity of the institution and budget were insufficient to perform adequate oversight effectively and timeously and enable the legislature to develop into an efficient and successful institution. Furthermore, the legislature relied on the executive for information which was not always credible or reliable. This combination of factors led to oversight at times not being effective. The lessons derived from this study can be used to improve oversight effectiveness at a subnational and national governance level. However, given the role that the party plays in the governance system, there is a need for further research on party functioning, party incentives and internal democracy within the party. Key words: legislative oversight, executive accountability, parliamentary system, proportional representation, electoral system, Limpopo
MT2017