Academic literature on the topic 'Sekhukhuneland'

Euclea sekhukhuniensis Retief, Siebert A.E.van Wyk. a new species with a restricted range in Sekhukhuneland, South Africa, is described, illustrated and compared with other members of the genus. It is a gregarious geoxylic sufthitex forming large, much-branched colonies. The species is closely related to the small tree/shrub E. linearis Zeyh. ex Hiem from which it can be distinguished by its larger fruits, broader leaves and exclusively suffrutex growth form. Geographical range and habitat preference also differ between the two taxa. E. sekhukhuniensis is endemic to the Sekhukhuneland Centre of Plant Endemism, where it is confined to the calcareous, heavy-metal soils of the Steelpoort River Valley.

Aspidoglossum albocoronatum Bester & Nicholas is a unique species from Sekhukhuneland in Mpumalanga and southern Leolo Mountains in Limpopo, South Africa. In morphological character it belongs to the southern African Schizoglossum complex (which includes the genera Aspidoglossum, Schizoglossum s.s. and Miraglossum). A description, line drawings and a comparative table to its related genera are presented.

The first chapter deals with the concept of mission history, the choice of research method, the phases of mission work in Sekhukhuneland and the establishment of the different congregations in the Presbytery of Burger. The second chapter contains the story of the Pedi and their country, as well as that of other groups like the Swazi and the Ndebele. From Chapter 3 the pioneering mission work of evangelists and missionaries is described. The role that evangelist Phillipus Mantsene played since 1875 until his death in 1915, as well as his supporters, Rev and Mrs AP Burger, laid the foundation for the involvement of the Transvaal Vrouesendingvereniging, which was established on 15th November 1905. This led to the calling of Rev and Mrs AJ Rousseau, who pioneered the first mission station in Sekhukhuneland, called BURGER, which was officially opened in 1929 (Chapter 8). This is followed by a description of the monumental work done by missionary Jacobus Murray Louw at Maandagshoek Mission Station from 1st April 1944 to January 1962. The first black missionary for this area, Rev EM Phatudi, was ordained with him on 27th March 1943 at Mphahlele, and for a few years the two worked together in Sekhukhuneland. Phatudi’s mother, who was the daughter of the late Kgoši Sekhukhune and his father, chief Mmutle III, saw to it that he became a special person in the history of the DRC Mission. He was one of the great leaders of the NGKA, as will be seen in Chapter 10. Since partnership is the theme that dominates in this research, ample space is given to the work of evangelists in the history of the DRC’s support mission in Sekhukhuneland. They were the missionaries’ partners in establishing the Kingdom of God among the Pedi, Swazi and Ndebele of Sekhukhuneland. With the help of Rev MJ Mankoe who served in the congregation of Burger (Chapter 26), I have been able to paint several life-sketches of the early pioneering evangelists who worked diligently and under difficult circumstances, shoulder to shoulder with the missionaries (Chapter 11). The history of each of the mission stations which functioned in Sekhukhuneland is dealt with in Chapters 12 to 14. The missionaries who pioneered these stations and their co-workers made a major contribution to the growth of the mission church and the forming of the Presbytery of Burger. The history of each of these mission stations, as well as the different congregations resulting from these stations, is described. The time came for consolidating the borders and the placing of black ministers. This was the work of the Planning Commission of the Presbytery of Burger in 1965 and 1966. Chapters 16 to 22 describe the borders, different wards and names of the congregations. The strategy behind this was to ensure that the missionaries, white and black, could occupy equal posts. Once this was completed, a new phase of partnership came into being, as described in Chapters 24 to 30. During this time the phasing out of evangelists took place, as is dealt with in Chapter 31. The two legs that carried missionary work up to this stage became weaker and weaker. Firstly, evangelists left or became full ministers, and secondly the need for a white minister or white missionary fell away. It has also been necessary to describe the circumstances, experiences, views and contributions made by missionaries to prepare the step-out and take-over stages of the phasing-out period from Church-Mission partnership towards full independence and Church-Church partnership. In Chapter 33 a bird’s eye view is taken of the phases of partnership in the DRC’s mission work in Sekhukhuneland. One has to conclude that the circumstances and conditions of the members of the NGKA were harsh. They were struggling against poverty, difficult living conditions, sickness and unemployment. The endeavour for unity among churches, the great topics of church growth and the development of their church to full financial independence could not receive their full attention. In conclusion, I reflect on post-1994 developments in a wider context, based on the study of the previous phases. I also look at the DRC since 1994, asking whether the DRC is still serious about mission work and the mission call. Another chapter was added to reflect on partnership, asking whether this was the answer to problems and tensions. A historical journey since Whitby (1947) is taken and the role the Ecumenical Movements have played since then in the young churches in South Africa is summarized. The great concepts of missio Dei, kerygma, diakonia and koinonia are evaluated in the light of partnership and obedience which was the theme of Whitby, but also the theme that caused continual dialogue, especially amongst the Evangelicals and the Ecumenical Movements.<br>Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2011.<br>Science of Religion and Missiology<br>unrestricted

Thesis (M. Tech. Agriculture) -- Central University of Technology, Free state, 2012<br>Small-scale and subsistence farmers in general lack knowledge and information as a result of limited personal contact at grassroots level with extension workers. Therefore, the formation of farmer groups needs to be encouraged in most rural areas as tools of extension delivery. The value of farmer groups for quality decision making and generating of new ideas is well known, and therefore, the use of group contact may accelerate capacity building and empowerment to subsistence farmers. The problem under investigation is the effectiveness of farmer groups as tools of extension delivery in Makhuduthamaga in Sekhukhune District. The investigation seeks to establish the factors that influence the effectiveness of the farmer group in Makhuduthamaga local municipality. This study was conducted in the Makhuduthamaga local municipality in Sekhukhune District. Data was gathered through two questionnaires, one for farmers and one for extension workers. The study applied quantitative methodology, cluster sampling and non-probability sampling methods, and used field interviews with structured questionnaires. The study found that there are many stakeholders involved in the formation of farmer groups, such as NGOs, social welfare and extension workers, and the initiation by the different stakeholders has an influence on the development of the groups. Most of the farmer groups were initiated by NGOs, the reason being the financial support offered. The effectiveness of the selected farmer groups on Makhuduthamaga municipality is influenced by group dynamic factors. These factors include group size and gender composition, updating of the constitution, and the frequency of group meetings. The respondents highlighted the fact that there is a poor relationship within the groups, poor leadership, misuse of funds, lack of knowledge and division in the groups. There is a culture of not believing and/or not trusting the local people, and it is difficult to disclose information. The number of extension workers is still small in relation to the size of the farming population to be served. Stakeholders will learn from the study that the formation of farmer groups should serve the interests of the farmers, not of the institutions. The training institutions should base the training of extension workers on the needs of the farmers. The farmers should strive for self-reliance in order to sustain their farming enterprises. Extension workers should be formally trained on group dynamics, because agriculture in rural areas is about people working together. Government should minimise the top down approach and institutionalise the participatory extension approach methodology.

This MSc (Eng) Investigational Project Report entails the evaluation of the Sekhukhuneland Development Programme (SDP). The SDP is a joint initiative of the Donaldson Trust and the Research Centre for Employment Creation in Construction (WORK). Its objective is: to increase the use of labour-intensive methods in the rehabilitation and maintenance of rural roads and other infrastructure in order to contribute to employment generation, skills development, provision of infrastructure and poverty alleviation. In order to achieve this objective an “Association not for gain” called LITE (Labour Intensive Training and Engineering) was formed; the Donaldson Trust provided the finance, and the expertise was provided by The Research Centre (WORK) but with additional support by Employment Intensive Engineering Consultants (EIEC). As the contracting organisation evolved from nothing into the training and engineering company LITE, the number of employees rose from none to fourteen. The University of the Witwatersrand provided a number of students to the project site at Mohlaletse in Sekhukhuneland where they provided voluntary assistance as part of their studies. Many of these students were from the University of Twente in the Netherlands, and it was largely due to their commitment that the project enjoyed such healthy growth. Considering the meagre resources this growth was a remarkable achievement, and it was made possible, not only through the efforts of the students, but also through the acceptance and support of the community. This support included providing accommodation for both students and site management. With a minimum of resources local community members were trained and employed by the SDP over a prolonged period of three years. The SDP evolved into a new programme, the Mohlaletse Youth Service Programme (MYSP), funded by the Umsobomvu Youth Fund. Of the R1.700.000 donated to the SDP, R1.690.000 was used during the evaluated period. Of this sum approximately 50% was spent directly within the Mohlaletse and Monametse community. The SDP consisted out of three main phases. The organisation evolved during the first two phases from no organisation into LITE Section 21, an organisation that could deal with training and engineering based on a strong labour-intensive focus. During the Pilot Phase the programme focused on establishing contact with the community and proving that labouriii intensive construction method could work. The next phase was the Training Phase where the necessary team leaders were trained to perform a variety of construction techniques. These techniques range from drainage structure to roads and buildings. The last phase is the Construction Phase during which the construction went ahead as planned using fully trained team leaders from the local community. The total setting of the SDP was as follows: SDP Phases SDP Periods Organisation SDP Projects - Pilot Phase: Period 1999H None Period Projects Period 2000A Point-of-Fact (Pty) Ltd Period Projects - Training Phase: Period 2001A Period Projects Mohlaletse Money-Cant-Buy Section 21 Period Projects Monametse Period 2001H Period Projects Mohlaletse LITE - Section 21 Period Projects Monametse Period Project Compound - Construction Phase: Period 2002H Period Projects Mohlaletse Period Projects Monametse Period Project LITE-House and LITE-School The main reason for the success has been the substantial involvement of the local Mohlaletse community and the acceptance of the Site Management within the Community. Within the constraints of the programme definition and objectives, the SDP has been a success to its sponsors and beneficiaries. Major problems were encountered within the fields of Labour-Intensive Construction Methods and the Project Management Areas of Knowledge. These should be taken into consideration when a new Constructing-Training Programme is started in future.

The study has two separate but related aims, which are to explore the social and health experiences of men who are in polygynous relationships and to develop holistic health and social strategies to support men who are in polygynous relationships. Objectives of the study were to identify the different permutations of polygynous relationships that related to health and social issues; to clarify the social status of men who are in polygynous relationship; to explore and describe the health experiences of men in polygynous relationship; to explore and describe the social experiences of men in polygynous relationship; to explore the spiritual experiences of men who are in a polygynous relationship; to describe and to generate holistic strategies to support men who are in a polygynous relationships. Method: In this study, the researcher used descriptive and interpretive phenomenological processes to develop a range of holistic strategies to support men who were in polygynous relationships. The researcher described the experiences and developed interpretations based on the lived experiences that the men reported. Findings: Polygyny remains the reality within the Bapedi tribe in Sekhukhune area. The practice of polygyny is not only for the affluent as indicated in most literature but is also practiced as a corrective strategy for families who are experiencing marital problems. Polygyny is not viewed as abusive to the women and children but rather beneficial to the women. It helps to reduce the risks of the development of cervical cancer that is predisposed by frequency of sexual intercourse. Polygyny promotes the morals within the communities, as children grow up within the two parents’ environment as opposed to the rising numbers of single parent families. Polygyny practice in the Sekhukhune areas is a voluntary choice and not a forced marital arrangement. Conclusions and recommendations: The researcher recommended policy guidance to support health practitioners with strategies to assist members of polygynous families in need of help. The policy also guides employers to recognise and to register the second or third wife as beneficiaries of the working husband.<br>Health Studies<br>D. Litt. et Phil . (Health Studies)

This study explores participatory development methods which may be engaged with a smaller community interest group to create an environment conducive to free and effective participation towards empowering more participants in rural communities. The study was conducted in Makhuduthamaga Municipal area in Sekhukhune District of Limpopo Province. The data was collected through participants observation during application of Participatory Rural Appraisal techniques , community groups, documents reviews, and groups and individual interviews. The study looked into participation procedures and pattern during Participatory Rural Appraisal techniques, groups' institutionalisation and internal participation environment. The study also conducted comparative analysis between community interest groups and organisational linkage structures, in order to establish how free and conducive the groups' internal environments are between the cases. The study found that: interest groups are more common, accessible and empowering in rural communities than organisational linkage structures. People participate and attain self-esteem and selfreliance, making them participate and develop a sense of responsibility and ownership. The findings will therefore inform development agents in government departments and NGOs about the elements to consider in the implementation of development programmes, and to make appropriate choice of partic ipatory models for effective partic ipation and empowerment. The stud y's theoretical contribution is in sustenance participation theory, which argues that for people to effectively participate in their development, they should be made to participate by being given responsibilities which may motivate them to participate in finding solutions, own the outcomes, and participate toward sustaining them.<br>Development Studies<br>D.Phil. (Development Studies)

M. Tech. Business Administration<br>Mining is an economic activity that has the potential to develop areas that are impacted by its operations. However, mining operations may also negatively affect the surrounding communities as a consequence of certain undesired practices which either may damage the environment or disturb existing social structures such as tampering with graves. Despite this destabilisation, mining companies may offer either disproportionately low compensation, or, in some cases, engage in unequal distribution of corporate social benefits. If not planned in a sustainable way, mining activities can damage the landscape resulting in diminishing returns to the communities. Thus the research question is, what benefits accrue to the communities in the Sekhukhune District Municipality as a result of profitable mining operations? The objective of this study was to evaluate community programs driven by mining companies as well as obstacles inherent in the development of sustainable Local Economic Development (LED) projects in areas dominated by mining operations. In completing this research a qualitative method was followed. A case study of the Sekhukhune District Municipality in the Limpopo Province was conducted in order to ascertain the role of mining in contributing towards development of sustainable business ventures. Face to face interviews were conducted with all relevant stakeholders in the district in completing the work. The research revealed discrepancies in as far as mining contribution to the area is concerned. The respondents painted different pictures of the matter. Mining companies believe that they are contributing substantially to the communities in terms of sustainable business development and so forth, whereas the opposite is correct. The local municipalities do not have the capacity to deal with issues relating to community development and negotiating with mining companies. It is recommended that joint participation in the development of programs as well as LED projects by all stakeholders in the area be adequately appreciated and enhanced.

Management entails achieving our goals through other people with the effective use of available resources. This study investigated the influence of the management of teaching and learning on the matriculation results of grade 12 learners in schools under Moroke Circuit in Limpopo Province, having considered the instructional and transformational leadership activities of the school leaders. The literature that has been consulted, explains the concept of the management of teaching and learning, the instructional and transformational leadership of the school principal, approaches used by the school leadership to ensure effective management of teaching and learning, the role of all stakeholders in ensuring effective management systems and positive and/or negative influence of the management of teaching and learning on matriculation examination results. Two schools from the rural area of Limpopo Province were selected for the purpose of gathering information relating to the management activities of the schools, educators’ roles, the roles of the parents and those of learners in ensuring good results in the matriculation examination. Good leadership has a recognisable influence on the performance of learners in their academic work. Therefore, the presence of this was explored in the schools selected as sample for this study. All the above topics have been explained in full taking into consideration data gathered from the two schools selected for the study. The study has revealed that effective management of teaching and learning promotes discipline in the school and impacts positively on the matriculation examination results. However, poor management of teaching and learning affects the performance of learners negatively. The conclusion is, therefore, that effective management of teaching and learning is inevitable in every school that aims at performing high in the matriculation examination every year. Recommendations have also been given as to how the management of teaching and learning can be improved upon in order to influence the matriculation examination results of our schools positively.<br>Educational Management and Leadership<br>M. Ed. (Education Management)

The plight of women who reside around the mining communities has not received the necessary attention from a research perspective. This concern prompted the researcher to compose a qualitative research aimed at exploring the experiences and challenges faced by these women. This was a case study research which was conducted among women who reside around the Driekop mining community in Limpopo province and designed from exploratory, descriptive, contextual and phenomenological in designs. The study was guided by the two theories: the feminist theory and the coping theory of Lazarus and Folkman. Relevant research ethical principles were upheld during the plenary phase wherein the research proposal was subjected to review by the Higher Degrees Committee of the UNISA’s Social Work Departmental Research and Ethics Committee and throughout the duration of the study. The data which was collected through the semi-structured interviews was analysed using Braun and Clarke’s six steps of data analysis, gave rise to several experiences and challenges which are presented in a form of nine themes and 13 subthemes. In striving to assure research quality, Guba and Lincoln’s trustworthiness principles were adopted. Some conclusions are drawn from the process of qualitative research as an approach adopted to guide the study as well as the findings based on the collected and analysed data. Based on the conclusions of the research process and the research findings, the reader’s attention is drawn to some recommendations which are proposed to inform practice, training and policy development.<br>Social Work<br>M.A. (Social Work)