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Access status: Open Access ,
The impact of necessity entrepreneurship on the survival of hair salons in Mangaung metropolitan area
(Central University of Technology, 2023-08) Kibuya, Bilonda
Despite the South African government’s effort to reduce unemployment, joblessness continues to increase. Some jobless people establish their own businesses in the face of adversity. Out of necessity and desperation, jobless people venture into establishing their own businesses despite the fact that they might not have the relevant resources. Often they lack funds. They venture into own business to accumulate money for survival purposes. One such business that has proliferated out of necessity are small hair salons. Many see this as quick and easy to initiate and run. However, no empirical evidence has been confirmed yet to substantiate the rationale for establishing hair salons and the impact thereof on the survival of the business. The objective of the study was, therefore, to establish whether hair salon owners start their businesses out of necessity or opportunity in the Mangaung Metropolitan area. Drawing from a positivist approach, this study adopted a quantitative research design with a sample size of 144 salon owners. A structured questionnaire with standardised questions was used to collect data. The findings show a statistically significant relationship between necessity entrepreneurship and business creation, business stakeholders and business creation business stakeholders and business survival and a minimal relationship between necessity entrepreneurship and business survival. The study concludes that necessity entrepreneurship is moderately related to business survival. The main recommendation is that necessity entrepreneurs need relevant information on small service business to achieve success. It is also recommended that government establish programs to support SMMEs by supporting innovation in small businesses and tax transparency.
Access status: Open Access ,
Exploring the mode of communication used by the stakeholders of the water service sector of the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality (MMM)
(Central University of Technology, 2024-02) Kusakana, Musukali Nanousha
Mangaung City has been affected by water shortages, which at times last for extended periods of time. Ageing infrastructure is one of the main causes. The consequences of ageing infrastructure include poor water quality and poor service delivery. The Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality (MMM) is the Water Service Authority (WSA), as well as the Water Service Provider (WSP), that works in collaboration with Bloem Water. The latter is the WSP to a part of Mangaung consumers on behalf of the MMM. Water provisioning and quality challenges seem to emanate from the two organisations that are responsible for providing water. These challenges are mainly because of communication issues. There seems to be a communication gap between the two WSPs. Conflicts result from the fact that the roles of the WSA and the WSP are not clearly specified. The communication failure stems from a lack of distinguishing between the functions of the WSA, the WSP, and the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), as well as a lack of devoted skills and capacity. The DWS is not financially independent. The income derived from water and sanitation services is paid into the municipal account, and the MMM’s DWS obtains its budget allocation from Bloem Water’s water board. This means that the DWS competes with the MMM for budget allocations (South African Local Government Association [SALGA], 2011). Water commerce is a critical component of the economic viability and sustainability of the municipality; a lack of efficient management and adjustments therefore places the institution at risk. The provision of water requires the capacity and ability to regulate; however, most municipalities lack the knowledge and skills to maintain the function of a WSP (SALGA, 2011). Communication challenges between those responsible for water have consequences; among which the provision of poor water quality by the municipality. Communities have developed a negative perception of the MMM and the DWS, which is caused by the current communication challenges. The community expects the MMM to provide high-quality services and to be informed at the correct time of any challenges or difficulties that may affect them. Furthermore, if the local government applied an efficient communication strategy, the reputation and relationship would not break down if a crisis occurs. This study sought to explore and understand how the MMM communicates with its stakeholders, both internally and externally, what method of communication it uses for external communication with its consumers, and whether the communication is effective at all levels. This study employed the qualitative research approach with an interpretivist perspective to address the research questions and objectives. The research found that the majority of communication is carried out internally via emails, meetings, and telephone calls, while external communication is mostly conducted via social media, followed by emails, radio, WhatsApp groups via the corporate body, and traditional word of mouth. The study found that the communication is not effective, based on the feedback of the respondents who participated in the study. Many of them raised complaints of an absence of communication between them and those responsible for water, which means that the communication is one way and that it is only those responsible for communication that sends the information, and not vice versa. The community complains about the MMM’s call centre telephones going unanswered, unavailability to the community, as well as a lack of feedback. Due to the size of the sample, this study’s research results cannot be generalised.
Access status: Open Access ,
The perceived impact of the national school nutritional programme in the selected rural and urban primary school in Mahwelereng circuit
(Central University of Technology, 2022-02) Lebese, Tenyeko Gladys
Nutrition is a basic human right for all humans, including children, as stated in the Convention on the Rights of the Child and other human rights agreements. The government introduced this in 1994 to meet the nutritional needs of undernourished school learners. To date, the National School Nutrition Programme reaches almost all schools in the poorest quintiles nationwide. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the demand for the National School Nutrition Programme in schools far beyond expectations, even in other schools outside quintiles 1, 2, and 3. The maintenance and improvement of the National School Nutrition Programme have become mandatory, hence the need to understand the impact of the National School Nutrition Programme in schools. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of the National School Nutrition Programme in the primary schools in Mahwereleng Circuit, Limpopo Province. Primary teachers’ views on the impact of the National School Nutrition Program on schools were gathered using semi-structured interviews. A qualitative study within an interpretive research paradigm was employed to explore the impact of the National School Nutrition Programme on schools in this study. Interpretive studies attempt to generate an understanding of the phenomenon under investigation by analysing the meaning provided by the participants in the study. Interpretive research is an investigation that relies heavily on researchers defining and redefining the meanings of what they see and hear. The researcher, through non-probability convenience sampling, selected a total of 12 primary school teachers from 4 primary schools in Mahwereleng Circuit. Data from semi-structured interviews was thematically analysed and interpreted to draw conclusions that answered the research questions. Findings indicated that the National School Nutrition Program has a positive impact on learners’ welfare and academic performance in schools. The National School Nutrition Programme motivates learners to attend school; however, teachers must take advantage of the presence of learners in the school to engage learners more in classroom learning. The study appreciates the prescribed measures of food for each learner by the Department of Education, as overeating at break time negatively affects learners’ concentration. Generally, teachers regarded the implementation of the National School Nutrition Programme in South African schools as successful, given that the Department of Education maintained the supply of food to schools. However, challenges of delayed food supply by contracted suppliers and poor quality of food items supplied to schools are some of the challenges faced in schools.
Access status: Open Access ,
Assessment of heavy metal concentration in agricultural land near heavy industrial areas in Welkom, Free State
(Central University of Technology, 2024) Letsitsa, Lebohang Klaas
Background: Food safety concerns arise from heavy metal contamination in the environment. This contamination comes from anthropogenic sources like urban and industrial waste, mining, and metallurgy. Through food consumption, toxic trace metals such as lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury can enter the human diet, causing health problems with prolonged exposure. People collecting vegetables near waste sites are at greater risk. Crops like maize, which are staples for millions worldwide, can absorb heavy metals from soil contamination from industrial pollution, mining, and contaminated fertilizers and pesticides. This study aims to assess the level of heavy metal exposure and potential health risks associated with consuming maize grown on agricultural land near mines in the Welkom area. Methodology: A human health risk assessment was conducted to determine the hazard quotient and hazard index for the non-carcinogenic effects of the selected maize crops. This was achieved through an experimental method that helped to determine the exposure limits of the detected heavy metals in the selected samples. A quantitative research technique was applied to prioritize quantification in data collection and analysis. Sixteen maize samples were collected separately from four distinct groups of farmlands, and an ICP-OES Spectrometer was used to determine the target metals in the maize samples. Results: The health risk assessment was conducted using EDI and THQ to assess the potential health risks associated with heavy metal exposure. The Hazard Index estimate indicates that consuming maize poses a non-carcinogenic risk. The concentration of Arsenic (As) in maize was above the maximum limit of 0.1 mg/kg in all farm groups. The concentration of Cadmium (Cd) in maize was below the maximum limit for all farm groups except one. The Lead (Pb) concentration in Farm Group 2 slightly increased, which may have been caused using fertilizers and pesticides. The average HQ of heavy metals in all farm groups was lower than 1, indicating no potential adverse carcinogenic health effects. This may be due to good agricultural practices, location away from heavy industries and polluted land, and the use of treated water, environmentally friendly fertilizers, and pesticides. Conclusion: This study has both experimental and theoretical implications. The study can guide government policymaking, inform farming practices, and educate consumers about food safety, thereby promoting public health and sustainable agriculture. It serves as a call to action for researchers, practising Environmental Health Practitioners, and environmentalists to delve deeper into environmental exposures, particularly focusing on food safety at the early stages of the food production chain. Furthermore, assessing heavy metal exposure in maize crops grown on agricultural land near heavy industrial areas is a critical issue that demands attention.
Access status: Open Access ,
Developing strategies for sustainable groundwater management in the b60d quaternary subcatchment of the Olifants water management area
(Central University of Technology, 2023-03) Letuka, Retshedisitswe
Water supply in rural areas has changed dramatically over the past years, especially in the northern parts of the Mpumalanga province of South Africa. The role of hydrogeology and the understanding of groundwater has increased to a degree where groundwater is now prioritised over bulk water from rivers and dams. This is evident in the Leroro, Matibidi and Moremela villages in the northern areas of the Thaba Chweu Local Municipality (TCLM). In the past, groundwater was considered as an emergency, short-term solution to water needs. Boreholes were usually sited and drilled in the proximity to the demand. An example is where a water reticulation system is constructed first, and then the hydrogeologist is tasked to find water near the water reticulation reservoir. This practice has resulted in low-yielding boreholes with little or no recharge, and as a result, boreholes are drying up. In this dissertation, the B60D quaternary subcatchment of the Olifants water management area has been studied as a paradigmatic case of a catchment area with human pressure on its groundwater resources, as well as a region with a failing water supply system. The hydrogeological system of the Olifants basin was described using hydrological, geophysical and hydrogeochemical characterisations of the geological formations taken from the different field surveys. The objective for these techniques was to show the effects of groundwater exploitation on the hydrodynamics of the system and also on consumers. In addition, this study highlighted the principal water-related problems such as identifying existing water shortages using SWOT analysis. The study further developed strategies such as the monitoring of groundwater level, water quality and maintenance of groundwater facilities and other management strategies for a sustainable utilisation of the water. In conclusion, this dissertation described the monitoring and management system for the infrastructure of the B60D subcatchment groundwater system. From a broader point of view, this explication highlights the value of having monitoring strategies to alleviate the excessive pumping of groundwater resources and mismanagement of groundwater infrastructure.
Access status: Open Access ,
Preparation and characterizaton of maize stalk fiber/calcium carbonate/polylactic acid hybrid biocomposites for advanced applications
(Central University of Technology, 2023-12) Magunga, Lwazi Glen
Maize holds a crucial position as a vital food crop, playing a significant role in both the economy and food security of South Africa. Given its status as a stable food, the production of maize is notably high, resulting in a substantial amount of maize stalk waste. Effectively addressing this waste has become a pressing concern, sparking the development of various solutions. One particularly promising approach involves the integration of maize stalk waste with polymers to bolster the mechanical properties of polymers. Among the plethora of polymers available, PLA stands out as one of the most widely utilized polymers, renowned for its biodegradability, and low toxicity. Its inherent limitations however include: restricted heat resistance, brittleness, and susceptibility to moisture absorption, and thereby present an opportune scenario for reinforcement to enhance its overall properties. This study investigates the potential of using maize stalk fiber (MSF) and Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) as a reinforcing filler in a PLA matrix. The properties of interest in this study were morphology, flammability properties, dynamic mechanical analysis, rheological properties, and thermal stability. 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% of the fiber dosages were incorporated into the in the PLA matrix. Higher filler dosages (i.e 20%) resulted in high fiber pullouts in the PLA matrix. The incorporation of CaCO3 further improved dispersion and enhanced fiber-polymer interactions. Incorporation of 20% MSF increased the peak heat release rate (pHRR) of PLA from 554.5 kW/m2 to 697.4 kW/m2 whilst the incorporation of calcium carbonate reduced the pHRR to 483.3 kW/m2. Increasing CaCO3 dosage improved the thermal stability of PLA. Higher storage modulus was observed for hybrid composites containing 15 and 20% MSF. The results of the study showed that the CaCO3 and MSF fillers have the potential to be used as reinforcing agents in PLA biocomposites for various applications.
Access status: Open Access ,
Grade 12 learners’ misconceptions associated with the rate of chemical reaction: a case study of Capricorn south district in the Limpopo province.
(Central University of Technology, 2023-01) Matseba, Marome Bester
This study examined Grade 12 learners‟ misconceptions associated with the rate of chemical reaction at schools located in Capricorn South District in the Limpopo Province. Learner performance in Physical Sciences remains a critical area of concern for various key stakeholders with vested interest in education within the broader South African context. There is a critical need to develop meaningful conceptual understanding of Physical Sciences topics in particular to ensure sustainable development of scientific literacy and coherent inculcation of requisite scientific skills. Reaction rate is a fundamental chemistry part which forms a basis for comprehension of subsequent chemistry areas. A Reaction Rate Concept Test was developed in the form of a questionnaire and administered to a group of physical sciences learners, to collect data and statistically analyzed. This study was based on conceptual change approach as the strategy which will be used in the teaching and learning contexts to minimize or eliminate misconceptions (alternative conceptions) held by most learners at high school level. The results showed that only few (about 34%) of the learners mastered certain concepts while the majority (about 66%) of the learners struggled to deal with the same concepts. This means that most learners do not understand the effect of factors affecting the reaction rate. There were serious misconceptions from the learners that have a significant impact on their academic performance. These misconceptions shown to have a high resistance to change, and the teachers should always guard against and be vigilant enough to deal with them as soon as they emerge.
Access status: Open Access ,
The issues of parental involvement and academic performance: A case of Grade 9 learners in Potgietersrus Circuit
(2023-02) Mautjana, Makgwale David
The study explores the issues of parental involvement and academic performance among Grade 9 learners at Potgietersrus Circuit. The location of the study is Mogalakwena District in Limpopo Province. Learners find the academic demands of Grade 9 more difficult and complex than what they experienced in primary school. Their academic performance plays a significant role in many of the choices and decisions they are asked to make regarding their field of study and extracurricular activities. Parental involvement in their children's education is still a challenge in closing a large gap. Issues of parental involvement offer the opportunity to develop new strategies to increase involvement at secondary schools serving a similar demographic population. The study followed a qualitative approach with a case study research design. The population of this study consists of parents, teachers, and principals, and purposive sampling was used to select 12 parents of Grade 9 learners at the selected secondary schools, 3 Grade 9 class teachers, and 3 principals. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews designed specifically for this study. The study adopted an interpretive qualitative approach to closely interact with the participants to gain more insight and understanding of parental involvement. The data was analysed and grouped into meaningful themes using a thematic approach. The findings indicate that the biggest challenge a parent faces is assisting their children with homework that requires the use of the internet when they have no funds to buy data. Most parents use public transportation, which makes it impossible for them to attend school meetings in the evenings. The study recommends that schools should establish positive parental involvement by improving the methods of updating parents with new learning areas, especially where research is needed by surfing the internet. From the conclusions drawn, it is recommended that parental workshops be organised for principals, educators, and parents. Schools should encourage parents to play an active and important role in their children‘s academic performance.
Access status: Open Access ,
A comparative investigation of the phytochemical profiles and bioactivities of selected agave species in Kwa-zulu Natal, South Africa
(Central University of Technology, 2024-07) Mkhize, Ntombikayise Gloria
In northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, as informed by indigenous knowledge, local people use different species of Agave plants for cosmetic and therapeutic purposes. Various kinds of the Agave genus are claimed to have comprehensive traditional uses, such as treating health disorders such as inflammations and wound infections. There is also a growing number of cosmetic products incorporating plant extracts that are claimed to alleviate specific ailments and ease skin conditions (such as dryness/ itchiness, acne, etc.). Small businesses are producing Agave-enriched cosmetic products, which claim soothing and nourishing properties, yet there is no substantiation of their claims. Hence, this study investigated the phytochemical profile, efficacy, and safety use of Agave angustifolia Haw. var. angustifolia and Agave sisalana Perrine leaves in the cosmetic industry. Fresh wild Agave leaves were collected and transported to the laboratory, where they were cleaned, chopped, dried, and cold macerated in four solvents of different polarities, starting from the non-polar to the polar solvent. The extracts were then subjected to phytochemical screening, UV analysis, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and vitro cytotoxicity studies. All plant extracts contained flavonoids, glycosides and saponins, while alkaloids were not found in all A. angustifolia extracts. All A. sisalana plant extracts were found to be non-cytotoxic, and this plant can be used to manufacture cosmetic products. The results proposed the possible use of oil-extracted Agave leaves from both plants in the manufacture of cosmetic products intended for use in the reduction of the appearance of symptoms associated with S. pyogenes infections, as well as products claiming antioxidant, anti-ageing, anti-inflammatory, and broad-spectrum anti-microbial activity. Agave angustifolia has the potential to be used in antitumor studies.
Access status: Open Access ,
Assessment of mycotoxin contamination in traditional leafy vegetables sold in the Free State, South Africa.
(Central University of Technology, 2023-11) Mohale, Liako
Traditional leafy vegetables (TLVs) are an essential supplement to grain-based diets. They are a valuable source of nutrition in rural areas where exotic species are unavailable and contribute substantially to protein, mineral and vitamin intake. However, they are seasonal and highly perishable, making them susceptible to contamination. This study conducted a market survey for TLVs in the Free State Province, South Africa, to determine the most consumed TLVs, preservation methods, packaging and storage conditions. Fungal contaminants and associated mycotoxins were identified. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data from formal and informal markets in the Free State's rural and urban areas. Interviews were conducted with 60 vendors that sold TLVs used either as food or medicines using semi-structured questionnaires. Data collected from the interviews were analysed using descriptive statistics. The interviews mentioned ten traditional leafy vegetables, but six species, Urtica dioica L., Rorripa nudiuscula Thell., Lepidium capense Thunb., Amaranthus hybridus L., Chenopodium album L. and Cucurbita maxima, were readily available and collected for mycological contamination tests. Nine fungal species; Epicoccum sorghinum, Alternaria alternate, Phoma sp., Cladosporium sp., Rhizopus oryzae, Nothophoma quercina, Fusarium sp., Didymella glomerata and Didymella macrostoma, were present on the vegetable samples evaluated. To further assess the safety of TLVs, mycotoxin analysis and quantification were carried out using a rapid and sensitive ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS/MS). The samples were tested for Aflatoxin B1, Deoxynivalenol, Nivalenol, Ochratoxin A, Zearalenol, Fumonisin B1, Fumonisin B2, and Fumonisin B3. Of the tested vegetable samples, only Amaranthus hybridus L. and Chenopodium album L. had traces of the mycotoxins; Fumonisin B1 and Fumonisin B2. The results obtained in this study showed that TLVs are safe for consumption. Nevertheless, as much as the mycotoxins detected were below set limits, cumulative exposure may pose a health risk to consumers. Consequently, TLVs traders and consumers must be made aware of the risks associated with mycotoxins and educated on the importance of proper hygiene, preservation and storage practices.