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Access status: Open Access ,
The effect of supplementation of plant and animal-derived dietary oils in pre- and post-parturition Döhne merino ewes on the growth performance of the lambs
(Central University of technology, 2024-06) Sedupane, Tebogo
The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of sunflower oil, olive oil, fish oil, and palm oil to pre- and post-parturition Döhne Merino ewes on lamb growth performance. Birth weight, post-natal growth rate, and weaning weight of lambs suckling on supplemented ewes were compared. Fifty South African Döhne Merino ewes, 2–4 years old (second parity), weighing 46–55 kg, with a mean body condition score (BCS) of 3.5 ± 0.4, were randomly divided into groups of 10 animals each. Each group (n = 10 per group) received a daily dose of 30 ml of either sunflower, olive, fish, or palm oil, while the control group received no oil. The study was conducted over a period of 210 days (i.e., 7 months). Oestrus was synchronised through the use of controlled internal drug release (CIDR) devices inserted intravaginally for a period of 15 days. Oestrus synchronisation and oil supplementation commenced simultaneously. At CIDR withdrawal, ewes were injected intramuscularly with 200 IU Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotrophin (PMSG). Fixed-time laparoscopic artificial insemination (LAI) was performed with diluted Döhne Merino semen 48 hours following CIDR removal. Two weeks after LAI, follow-up Döhne Merino rams were introduced to all 50 ewes for 2 weeks to mate ewes that exhibited any signs of oestrus, as this is standard procedure of the experimental farm, and it was also importatnt that all selected ewes for the experiment conceive, although not part of the objectives of the present research. The production parameters were expressed as an average per group. The mean conception rate and lambing rate of ewes across all groups were 88%. The olive oil treatment recorded the highest conception rate and lambing rate (100% for both), but did not differ significantly (P> 0.05) from other groups. followed by sunflower oil (90%), fish oil (90%), palm oil (70%); the control group had rates of 90%. post-hoc test using Tukey’s HSD to identify significant differences between treatment groups at specific time points at a 95% confidence interval. The IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 27 software programme was utilised. The shortest gestation length of 150 days was recorded for the control group. The gestation lengths of the sunflower oil, olive oil, fish oil, and palm oil groups were 153, 156, 155, and 156 days, respectively, with no significant differences (P > 0.05) between any groups. The birth weights of female lambs from the control, sunflower oil, olive oil, fish oil, and palm oil groups were 5.41 ± 0.87 kg, 5.70 ± 0.61 kg, 5.8 ± 0.70 kg, 5.8 ± 0.74 kg, and 4.9 ± 0.50 kg, respectively. The birth weights of male lambs from the control, sunflower oil, olive oil, fish oil, and palm oil groups were 5.6 ± 1.19 kg, 4.85 ± 0.70 kg, 5.6 ± 0.84 kg, 5.5 ± 0.49 kg, and 5.4 ± 0.33 kg, respectively. The results indicate no significant difference (P > 0.05) between different treatment groups for birth weights for both male and female lambs. There was improvement or significance (P>0.05) on percentage increment in weight over time in weeks 5,9 and 11. There was significant difference experienced in ADG of lambs among groups in weeks 5,6,10,11 and 13. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) observed in the final body weight at weaning for both males from the control, sunflower oil, olive oil, fish oil, and palm oil groups (28.8 ± 4.93 kg, 25.5 ± 8.13 kg, 29.0 ± 4.88 kg, 30.2 ± 4.59 kg, and 28.8 ± 5.03, respectively) and females from the control, sunflower oil, olive oil, fish oil, and palm oil groups (28.5 ± 4.58 kg, 28.3 ± 3.81 kg, 25.8 ± 6.93 kg, 28.9 ± 4.51 kg, and 27.6 ± 2.46 kg, respectively) for the lambs of ewes supplemented with different experimental dietary oils. There was difference in the effect of plant and animal-derived dietary oils – namely sunflower oil, olive oil, fish oil, and palm oil – on the percentage increment in weight over time and ADG of lambs among groups. The growth performance of the lambs was similar to the control group. It can thus be concluded that, in this study, diets enriched with plant and animal-derived dietary oils pre- and post-mating had an effect on growth performance in Döhne Merino sheep.
Access status: Open Access ,
Enumeration of phyllo-epiphytic and endophytic pathogens on leafy greens from farms and retails as affected by production parameters in the Free State, South Africa.
(Central University of technology, 2025-06) Mohapi, Dineo Attela
Leafy vegetables are a highly variable group of perishable foods that broadly can be defined as vegetables grown for their edible leaves. This study was conducted to investigate the production parameters at the farms and how they influences the end product. The study characterises opportunistic pathogens from various farms and retails and identify the aetiology and how these organisms affect human health and also emphasise the significance of sources that are regarded as microbial hazards or act as resevoirs for pathogenic organisms. Considering one health perspective it is also imperative to pay more attention to the presence of zoonotic pathogens that are resistance to certain antbiotics as it is a public health threat and a challenge that need to be highlighted due to high level of infectious illness caused by zoonotic and opportunistic pathogens. Since various agronomic activities leads to contamination of leafy greens in various stages of minimal processing including distribution, it is thus crucial to address such concerns at small-scale farms to mitigate cross-contaminate to the retails and provide an insight on hygiene and sanitation in both spheres. Minimal process includes many stages which introduces the disruption of tissue including cell integrity resulting in product harbouring of opportunistic pathogens. Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) and cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) are considered staple food in South Africa and are consumed daily, they were chosen due to their minimal processing in production, demand, purchase and their difference compared to intact vegetables regarding their physiology, processing, handling including storage. The study profiles and characterise opportunistic and zoonotic pathogens from both regimens due to processing parameters, hygiene practises and possible succession of pathogens form one niche to the other. The first survey was on the enumeration of microbiota on spinach and cabbage isolates from various farms including their storage crates. Secondly, the objective was to enumerate microbiota from spinach and cabbage from retails and further investigate the extent of these pathogens, the succession at the retail level, observe the proliferation of pathogens introduced along the way due to amplification. Fresh leafy spinach, crates and cabbage samples were analysed for each of the following microorganisms: total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, total coliforms, coagulase-positive Staphylococci, Listeria and Bacillus and further identification of isolates was done by utilisng Analytic Profile Index. Lastly, conduct antimicrobial susceptibility profile of identified opportunistics bacteria from farms and retails, the isolates were evaluated utilising Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method against nine antibiotics from nine categories: penicillin (P; 10_μg), ampicillin (AMP; 10_μg), gentamicin (CN; 10_μg), ceftazidime (CAZ; 30_μg), chloramphenicol (C; 30_ μg), tetracycline (TE; 30_μg), vancomycin (VA; 30_μg), erythromycin (E; 15_ μg) and ciprofloxacin (CIP; 5_ μg). In this study, three farms had the highest number of opportunistic pathogens identified for cabbage with the least number of pathogens observed in the other two farms. With regards to spinach, two farms had the highest number of identified pathogens including Proteus mirabilis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Serratia species and Listeria species and the lowest number was observed in the other two farms. Concerning spinach crates, two farms had the highest number of pathogens identified and the least numbers were observed in the other two farms. This indicate contamination mostly from livestock manure utilised on the crops including insufficient hygiene from workplace. Secondly, three retails had the highest number of pathogens identified for cabbage compared to the other two retails. With regard to spinach, three retails had the highest number of identified pathogens including Bacillus spp., Enterobacter cloacae, Listeria ivanovii and Listeria monocytogenes species compared to the other two retails. The study also highlights additional bacterial species enumerated from both commodities in two different environments. The additional species characterized are a result of proliferation introduced due to agronomic parameters, cold chain supply, and retail activities. The combined result of total coliforms and opportunistic pathogens found on the end-products indicates poor minimal processing, poor hygiene and sanitation standards. Lastly, Enterobacter cloacae, Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus sciuri, Acinetobacter haemolyticus, Burkholderia cepacia, Psuedomona luteola, Escherichia coli, Citrobacter freundii and Serratia marcescens were tested again nine antibiotics. Multidrug resistance was observed with 79% resistance, this is a public health threat that points out challenegs regarding treatment of infections caused by these opportunistic and zoonotic pathogens. Rapid identification of antibiotics is essential and crucial for the development of effective antimicrobial compounds as well as prevention of antibiotic resistance. Necessary measures should be taken to reduce the level of contamination from small-scale farms to reduce antibiotic consumption in humans.
Access status: Open Access ,
Inhibitory effects of South African plants against mycotoxigenic phytopathogens
(Central University of technology, 2024-09) Mariri, Ntagi Gerald
Mycotoxigenic fungal strains pose a significant threat to food crops consumed by humans and animals, leading to reduced yields and compromised food quality as reported in almost 25% of maize products worldwide. The harmful effects following the ingestion of mycotoxin-contaminated food include inducing cancers, mutagenicity, immune suppression, and toxicities to target organs of the digestive, cardiovascular, and central nervous systems. Synthetic fungicides are associated with a high potential for toxic residues in food and the development of fungal resistance. Genetically modified crops can also reduce crop contamination. However, these strategies are inaccessible and expensive resources for most subsistence farmers. To address these issues, the use of plants as potential biopesticides to counter fungal infections on crops emerges as a possible solution to enhance food safety and security. This study aimed to determine the antifungal activities of Bauhinia galpinii N. E. Br., Combretum caffrum (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Kuntze, Markhamia obtusifolia (Baker) Sprague, and Maytenus undata (Thumb.) Blakelock, against mycotoxigenic fungi and potentially develop plant-based bio-fungicides. The leaves of the ethnobotanically selected plants were extracted using methanol and tested for antifungal activity against phytopathogenic strains of Aspergillus parasiticus, Aspergillus nomius, Fusarium verticilloides, Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium oxysporum, Penicillium haloterans and Cladosporium cladospoides. The antioxidant activities of the extracts were tested using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azinobis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-suphonic acid) (ABTS) assays. The MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide) cytotoxicity assay was used to investigate the effects of the extracts on the viability of the African green monkey kidney (Vero) cells and the human colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cells. Additionally, the micronucleus test was used to examine the potential of these plants to induce genotoxicity in Vero cells. The identity and quantity of phytocompounds in the plant extracts were analysed using gas chromatography (GC-ToF-MS) mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-TOF-MS) analysis. The highest percentage extract yield was recorded from Combretum caffrum (23%), while Markhamia obtusifolia yielded 10.7%. Bauhinia galpinii methanol extracts had the lowest MIC value of 0.16 mg/ml against Furasium graminearum, Furasium oxysporum, Penicillium haloterans, and Cladosporum cladospoides at 24-hour incubation period. C. caffrum had a MIC value of 0.31 mg/ml against F. vercitilloides and F. graminearum. C.caffrum had the highest total activity (TA) of 1437.5 ml/g against the fungal pathogen, Aspergillus nomius. In the antioxidant studies, C. caffrum had good antioxidant activity against DPPH with 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 10 μg/ml, while B. galpinii had IC50 value of 50 μg/ml against free radicals of ABTS. Based on the ABTS/DPPH correlations (ADC), M. undata exhibited a notable ADC correlation of 2.33, which is over three-fold that of the ADC of ascorbic acid (control drug). Furthermore, all extracts were assayed for cytotoxicity and genotoxicity using the MTT and micronucleus assays, respectively. In the cytotoxicity studies, B. galpinii, C. caffrum, and M. undata extracts were cytotoxic to Vero cells at 500 μg/ml. C. caffrum and M. undata extracts demonstrated cytotoxic effects on human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells in a dose-dependent manner. C. caffrum extract significantly reduced cell viability by up to 89.61% at the highest concentration of 500 μg/ml. M. undata extract was also cytotoxic at the highest tested concentration of 500 μg/ml. B. galpinii extracts increased the viability of the cancer cells, indicating a potential stimulation of cell proliferation. The extract from M. obtusifolia had no effect on the cells at the tested concentrations of 250 and 500 μg/ml. These findings suggest that C. caffrum and M. undata extracts have potential as cytotoxic agents against colorectal adenocarcinoma cells, while B. galpinii extracts may not be suitable for cancer treatment. All tested plant extracts were genotoxic at the highest tested concentration of 500 μg/ml. C. caffrum showed genotoxicity at 250 μg/ml and reduced cell numbers to less than 50% of the control at 500 μg/ml, indicating its significant cytotoxic potential. Three of the four medicinal plants reported a higher phenolic content (TPC) compared to their total flavonoid compounds. These higher TPC contents may well explain the antimycotoxigenic and antioxidative ability of the medicinal plants selected for the current study. The GC-ToFMS analysis of the selected medicinal plants revealed that all the extracts contained Hexadecanoic acid (HA) and methyl ester. B. galpinii and C. caffrum exhibited the presence of lupeol, while M. obtusifolia and M. undata contained phytol. Kaempferitrin was identified following the LC-TOF-MS analysis of both B. galpinii and M. obtusifolia. Quercitrin was identified from C. caffrum, while rutin and pisumionoside were identified from M. undata. Overall, the study concluded that the strong inhibitory effects against various fungal pathogens shown by some of the tested plants indicate that investigating plants as potential solutions for fungal infections in crops offers a promising avenue to enhance food safety and security in developing and underdeveloped countries. Therefore, it is important to intensify efforts to explore the use of plants as potential biopesticides. To further advance the findings of the current study, continued research and safety assessments of the tested South African plant extracts are essential to fully exploit their potential benefits in agriculture and healthcare while mitigating any risks to human health and the environment.
Access status: Open Access ,
Microbial profiling of food contact surfaces in hospitals at Maseru Lesotho
(Central University of technology, 2025-07) Maliehe, Salmina Mankomane
Food handlers play a key role in ensuring food safety throughout the food production, processing, storage, and preparation chain. In food service establishments, the common sources of microbial contamination reportedly originate from dirty food contact surfaces, poor personal hygiene practices, and inappropriate storage temperatures. Contamination primarily arises from food contact surfaces such as utensils, equipment, and food handler hands or clothing. The overall purpose of this study was to investigate microbial contamination of food contact surfaces in hospital kitchens in the city of Maseru, Lesotho. The objectives were to assess food handlers’ knowledge, attitudes, and hygiene practices and to characterize prevalent hospital foodborne pathogens associated with food contact surfaces. The study also evaluated the efficacy of common disinfectants against microorganisms and investigated the production of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) against Gram-negative bacteria. The study was conducted in five hospitals involving food handlers ranging between 2-7 per hospital. A total of 26 food handlers participated in the study. A structured questionnaire that had been derived from previous studies was used to assess the food handlers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs). The microbial isolates were identified to specie level by use of biochemical test kits (Staph API, RAPID ONE and RAPID NF Plus). The identified Gram-negative bacteria were subjected to a series of antimicrobials in order to determine the susceptibility profile using the Kirby-Baur disc diffusion method. The phenotypic tests for ESBL detection were used to test for ESBL production with subsequent double disc synergy test used as a confirmation method. Isolates were further subjected to the Kirby-Baur disc diffusion method to establish susceptibility to common disinfectants. Subsequently, the minimum inhibitory concentrations and the minimum bactericidal concentrations were determined by using the in-vitro susceptibility test employing 96-well microtiter plates. More female (n=23; 88%) than male (n=3; 12%) food handlers participated in the study. The majority of these food handlers (n=25; 96%) were aware that proper cleaning and sanitization of utensils decreases the risk of contamination. Although 54% (n=14) of the food handlers reported that they had received training, none of the food handlers were could provide formal documentation to verify their training. However, there was general consensus (n=26; 100%) that food safety training is important. Despite the evident lack of knowledge regarding refrigeration and holding temperatures for hot ready-to-eat foods, the food handlers agreed that refrigerators/freezers should be checked regularly to reduce the risk of contamination. The microbial analysis study revealed that food contact surfaces, including food handlers’ hands, yielded high counts of all detected microorganisms (TVC, total coliforms, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus sp., Salmonella sp., and Pseudomonas sp). This indicated a discrepancy between knowledge of food processing and of environmental and personal hygiene. In natural settings, microorganisms can be introduced in various ways by means of people, food, water bioaerosols, and domestic animals. The acquisition of microorganisms such as Stenetrophomonas maltophilia, Sphingomonas paucimobilis, and Myroides odorantum that are predominantly associated with clinical infections was evidence of possible cross-contamination from the hospital wards to the kitchen. The investigation of the extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production of Gram-negative bacteria revealed positive ESBL production in 43% of the microorganisms. This is an important finding given that the ESBL-producing genes can be transferred within niches and the production of these enzymes confers resistance to most commonly used antibiotics. Additionally, there was a 71% multidrug resistance among isolates and none of the microorganisms tested showed susceptibility to current antibiotics. However, a 100% resistance to penicillin was noted which affirms the growing resistance of microorganisms to common antibiotics and the need for new treatment options. The high resistance profile demonstrated by microorganisms in this study can be attributed to personal prescription of antibiotics as these antibiotics are available at pharmacies without a doctor’s prescription. The investigation of the efficacy of the disinfectants against the Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria revealed that both disinfectants 1 and 2 exhibited antimicrobial properties against the tested microorganisms. However, disinfectant 2 was found to have bactericidal effect against only the Gram-positive bacteria. The results therefore indicated that although there was an antimicrobial effect of disinfectant 2 against Gram-negative bacteria, disinfecting surfaces with such a disinfectant will not render the surface free from Gram-negative bacteria.
Access status: Open Access ,
Water quality of the Bloemspruit stream on the outskirts of Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa.
(Central University of technology, 2024) Letsoela, Mahlape Patricia
Introduction: The streams in the Free State play a crucial role in providing water for agricultural, industrial and recreational activities as well as in domestic households for sanitation purposes. These streams also provide a healthy home for numerous aquatic animals and plants. However, in recent years, there has been an upsurge in stream water pollution by anthropogenic activities. These include domestic, agricultural and industrial activities, such as waste water treatment plant (WWTP) that dispose of effluent containing high concentrations of emerging contaminants into the streams. The polluted water may cause illness in and deaths of humans and animals as well as kill less tolerant aquatic organisms resulting in a declined biological diversity of the stream. Therefore, water quality of the Bloemspruit and its tributaries, the Fonteinspruit and the Renosterspruit was assessed to determine the health and deterioration of the stream. Methodology: For water quality assessment, water samples were collected from 11 sampling sites in Bloemspruit stream and its tributaries during four sampling rounds. These water samples were assessed for four physical, seven chemical and two microbiological properties as well as eight emerging contaminants. The impact of pollution on the macroinvertebrate population and the macroinvertebrate habitat was conducted. The calculations of the Water Quality Index (WQI), the South African Scoring System score (SASS), the Average Score per Taxon (ASPT) and the Index of Habitat Integrity (IHI) score were used to determine the health of the Bloemspruit and its tributaries. Results and discussion: The results revealed that of the twenty-one properties of water measured, only five properties, i.e. temperature, pH, sulphate, total hardness and estradiol, were compliant in all the sampling rounds. The measurements of dissolved oxygen were relatively low. However, turbidity, nitrates, phosphates, E. coli, total coliforms, atrazine, metolachlor, terbuthylazine, carbamazepine, estrone, 17a-ethinylestradiol and bisphenol A all demonstrated relatively high measurements when compared with the proposed water quality limits for the protection of aquatic ecosystems. The WQI revealed that none of the sampling sites were of good quality. However, 45% demonstrated a fair condition, 45% were marginal and 10% poor. The SASS and ASPT scores revealed that 44% of the sampling sites were severely impaired with only a few tolerant macroinvertebrate taxa present, while the remaining 56% of the sampling sites were critically impaired. The IHI score demonstrated that 89% of the macroinvertebrates sampling sites had a moderately modified habitat, however, the remaining sampling site, S9, revealed a largely modified macroinvertebrate habitat. Conclusion: This study revealed that the water quality of the Bloemspruit and its tributaries is poor. Several anthropogenic activities along the stream may have attributed to the poor status of the Bloemspruit water quality. These include the waste water treatment plant (WWTP), agricultural farming of animals and pastures as well as formal and informal settlements. Therefore, humans that use the water are at risk of being exposed to water-borne pathogens caused by high levels of E. coli and coliforms in the water. These pathogens can cause gastrointestinal diseases, such as diarrhoea, typhoid fever, cholera and other conditions including ear and eye infections. Additionally, the animals are also in danger of contracting diseases transmitted by this polluted water.
Access status: Open Access ,
Antimicrobial susceptibility analysis of gram-negative ESKAPE organisms at Inkosi Albert Luthuli central hospital and Mahatma Gandhi memorial hospital from 2018 to 2022
(Central University of Technology, 2024-08) Chiliza, Ayanda
Background: Antimicrobial resistance poses a major challenge to the healthcare system globally due to micro-organisms with the ability to produce enzymes such as Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamases (ESBL) and carbapenemase. They have been categorised by the World Health Organisation in 2017 as ESKAPE pathogens, namely Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter species, to emphasise their importance as global multidrug-resistant priority pathogens. Aim: This study assessed the prevalence and sensitivity profiles of gram-negative ESKAPE pathogens at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital and Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital over a five-year period. Methods: Retrospective data were retrieved from the National Health Laboratory service through the Academic Affairs and Research Management Systems. The data was for patients infected by the gram-negative ESKAPE pathogens at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central and Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital, using analysis for five years. The data were analysed using Microsoft 365 Excel, and the results are presented in tables and figures. Results: A total of 4 781 patient samples from the two hospitals were analysed, of which 27.51% belonged to the 19–30 year age group, with a median average of 42 years. Most were females at 55.33%, and males accounted for 44.34%. A small percentage did not specify their sex. Most pathogens were isolated from urine samples (38.38%) and blood cultures (37.36%). Isolated pathogens were identified as K. pneumoniae (57.31%), A. baumannii complex (18.74%), P. aeruginosa (17.30%) and E. cloacae complex (6.66%). Extended-spectrum Beta-Lactamases-producing microorganisms accounted for only 10.73% of all the isolated pathogens. The highest sensitivity was noted in amikacin (>60%) and carbapenem antimicrobial agents, except for A. baumannii complex. Tigecycline sensitivity was >50% for all pathogens except for P. aeruginosa and colistin sensitivity >70% for both P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii complex. Klebsiella pneumoniae was found to be the most isolated pathogen from all the gram-negative ESKAPE pathogens. These results correlate with results obtained in other studies globally, which report the resistance of K. pneumoniae as causing major infections in the ICU. All these microorganisms were mostly isolated in urine and blood culture samples, proving invasive infections. This did not agree with reports from Iran, where only 8% of K. pneumoniae was noted, but high sensitivity to tigecycline, amikacin and carbapenems. The overall ESBL production for all Enterobacteriaceae was 10.71%. Conclusion: Over the five-year period, 2018 to 2022, infections caused by ESKAPE pathogens increased, and their resistance to beta-lactam and carbapenem antimicrobial agents also increased. Tigecycline and amikacin are still effective, but close monitoring will be needed to prevent the loss of the last effective antimicrobial agent.
Access status: Open Access ,
Exploring strategies to improve the academic performance of grade 10 accounting learners in the Lejweleputswa district.
(Welkom: Central University of technology, 2025) Mjone, Kabelo Benedict
This research investigates strategies to enhance the academic performance of Grade 10 accounting students in the Lejweleputswa District, a region grappling with persistent underperformance in accounting education. Accounting, as a foundational subject, equips learners with critical financial literacy and problem-solving skills, making its effective instruction crucial for both individual and societal economic progress. The study adopts a phenomenological research design, leveraging qualitative methodologies to explore the perspectives of students, teachers, and school management teams (SMTs) regarding barriers to and enablers of improved academic outcomes. By entering on lived experiences, this approach ensures that the study captures nuanced insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping learners' performance. Data collection methods include semi-structured interviews conducted with teachers and SMT members, as well as open-ended questionnaires administered to students. These tools facilitate in-depth exploration of key themes such as pedagogical approaches, resource availability, curriculum design, teacher qualifications, and the overall learning environment. Teachers and SMTs provided insights into the structural and systemic challenges impacting performance, while students’ responses illuminated firsthand experiences with classroom dynamics, access to resources, and external factors influencing their academic engagement. Preliminary findings are anticipated to identify several critical factors influencing academic performance in accounting. Among these are the adequacy of teaching methodologies, the accessibility of learning materials, and the alignment of instructional practices with the curriculum’s objectives. Teacher qualifications and continuous professional development also emerge as pivotal in fostering effective instruction. Additionally, the study examines the impact of socio-economic factors, such as household income and parental involvement, on learner outcomes. A holistic understanding of these factors will inform targeted interventions to bridge existing performance gaps. The research underscores the importance of collaborative efforts among educators, policymakers, parents, and the broader community. By fostering an environment where teaching and learning are supported through adequate resources and professional growth opportunities for teachers, the study aims to provide actionable recommendations. These include enhancing teacher training programs, increasing resource allocation to schools, and promoting active parental and community involvement in learners’ education. Policy-level implications also feature prominently, with a focus on developing strategies that address both immediate and systemic obstacles to quality education. The outcomes of this study contribute to the discourse on sustainable academic improvements in the South African educational landscape. By focusing on Grade 10 accounting learners in the Lejweleputswa District, the research offers localized insights that can be adapted to similar contexts facing challenges in accounting education. Ultimately, this research aims to equip stakeholders with evidence-based strategies to enhance learner performance, thereby fostering academic success and promoting broader educational equity. The findings are expected to inform both practice and policy, emphasizing the value of integrated and collaborative approaches to improving accounting education. The study concludes by highlighting the implications of its findings for broader educational practices, particularly in fostering resilience and adaptability within underperforming districts.
Access status: Open Access ,
Strategies improving pedagogical content knowledge of economic and management sciences of teachers in Lejweleputswa district
(Welkom: Central University of technology, 2025-08) Lelimo, Tselane
This study investigates strategies for improving the pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) of Economic and Management Sciences (EMS) teachers in primary schools within the Lejweleputswa District, South Africa. Given EMS's foundational role in equipping learners with financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills, deficiencies in teacher PCK directly affect educational outcomes. Despite its curricular importance, EMS is often taught by underqualified teachers lacking specialised training, which negatively impacts learners’ comprehension and performance. The study addresses this critical educational challenge by examining the barriers EMS teachers face, including limited subject content knowledge, inadequate professional development, and resource constraints. The research is grounded in social constructivist theory and adopts a qualitative methodology within a transformative paradigm to explore contextual teaching experiences. Data were collected using focus group discussions, semi-structured face-to-face and telephone interviews with 11 participants, including EMS teachers, learners, a principal, and a learning facilitator. Purposive sampling was employed to select participants with direct instructional involvement in EMS at the Grade 7 level. Thematic analysis revealed four central themes: resource constraints, professional development and training, strategies for learner academic improvement, and learner support mechanisms. The key findings showed that professional learning communities, targeted CPD, mentorship, and collaborative teaching strategies significantly improved teacher efficacy. Teachers in structured peer training programmes reported higher confidence and better learner outcomes. Policy and practice are affected by these findings. The Department of Basic Education should prioritise EMS-focused teacher development and equitable instructional resource access. Additionally, school-based collaborative frameworks can sustain PCK improvement.
Access status: Open Access ,
Challenges faced in teaching and learning of financial literacy in the economic and management sciences (ems) curriculum
(Welkom: Central University of technology, 2025-10) Mulaudzi, Tshumbedzo Celander
This study explored the challenges encountered in teaching and learning Financial Literacy within the Economic and Management Sciences (EMS) curriculum. This chapter commences with a brief discussion of the significance of the EMS curriculum. Teacher qualifications in EMS, factors hindering effective teaching and learning of EMS, mechanisms to minimise the difficulties faced, assessment in EMS and the influence of EMS on related subjects in the FET phase and academic support are discussed. To address these questions, two data collection instruments were utilised: document analysis and semi-structured interviews, involving the perspectives of 16 participants who were purposively sampled. The study was framed using Cognitive Load Theory which assisted to explain how the cognitive load placed on learners affects their learning in Financial Literacy and Ecological Systems Theory which aided in identifying and addressing the multifaceted challenges teachers face in teaching Financial Literacy by considering the interplay of various ecological factors. The findings indicated that factors hindering learner performance in EMS included inadequate Financial Literacy knowledge among teachers, excessive class size, access to technological resources in the teaching and learning of Financial Literacy, scarcity of educational support materials, impact of curriculum changes in the teaching of Financial Literacy, time constraints, difficult terminologies and concepts in Financial Literacy, and deficiencies in the assessment approaches. Recommendations were made to mitigate these challenges.
Access status: Open Access ,
The effectiveness of computer applications technology as a vehicle to promote 21st-century skills to the learners of the Lejweleputswa district.
(Welkom: Central University of technology, 2025-09) Makhasane, W.M
The Computer Applications Technology (CAT) subject has become essential for promoting learners’ success in the contemporary technology-driven environment. Nevertheless, several challenges arise in implementing this subject, despite its significant advantages. Thus, the aim of this paper is to examine the effectiveness of using CAT to promote 21st-century skills (21CS) in learners within the Lejweleputswa District in the Free State Province of South Africa. The study used Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) as the theoretical framework to achieve this objective. A mixed-methods research design was employed. The sample consisted of the 3 principals supervising schools offering CAT, 16 CAT teachers and 131 CAT learners from secondary schools providing CAT. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews and structured questionnaire. Moreover, the data were analysed using descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, and a chi-square analysis. The study’s major findings revealed that both CAT learners and CAT teachers believe that 21CS are taught through CAT and that CAT learners’ 21CS surpass those of their non-CAT peers. Additionally, CAT teachers observed that CAT learners’ communication skills do not exceed those of their non-CAT peers. Moreover, CAT learners frequently struggle with English. The study also identified several factors that contribute to the successful offering of CAT. Firstly, having adequate resources, such as sufficient computers, printers, and Internet access, is essential for facilitating a smooth teaching and learning process. Additionally, qualified teachers who receive ongoing support from a CAT subject adviser who provides necessary teaching materials to enhance the effectiveness of the subject. However, several challenges that hinder the effective teaching of CAT exist. A major issue is learners’ difficulty in understanding the Language of Learning and Teaching (LoLT). Teachers have noted that many learners struggle with English, which results in incorrect answers during examinations. Additionally, many learners enrolled in CAT have previously failed a grade or have advanced to the next grade despite being inadequately prepared, which negatively impacts their academic performance. Furthermore, the study’s findings revealed that one of the primary challenges associated with effective learning of 21CS through CAT is the financial burden associated with replacing necessary stolen resources. To address the gap between LoLT and understanding, the study recommends that CAT teachers adopt presentation-based learning methods. Specifically, learners should undertake informal, mini-research activities that have CAT-related content, and they should present their findings. This approach may enhance learners’ confidence, improve their English proficiency, and enhance their communication skills. In addition, the study recommends that teachers develop targeted support for advanced learners. The support may include personalised assessments to identify each learner’s preferred learning style, whether visual, auditory, or kinaesthetic. By understanding how advanced learners learn best, teachers can customise their teaching methods using multimedia resources, hands-on activities, or cooperative group work. This tailored approach will not only improve comprehension and retention but will also foster an inclusive environment that addresses the diverse needs of all learners. Furthermore, the study recommends that schools offering CAT enhance their security measures and consider insuring their computer laboratories and equipment. This would help mitigate the frequent need to replace stolen devices, ensuring that learners do not fall behind due to financial limitations.