Exploring factors affecting career mobility of female administrative staff at the University of Limpopo South Africa

Thesis (MBA. (Business Administration)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025Most organisations have programmes that facilitate career mobility among the staff to retain valuable employees. Career mobility is often encouraged by the economic push-and-pull factors, as well as the opportunities available in various organisations. As a result, university administrative staff are also affected by the same economic pull-and-push factors prevailing globally. The purpose of this study was to explore the factors influencing the career mobility of female administrative staff at the University of Limpopo, South Africa. The review of the literature for this study showed that numerous South African universities have made significant strides towards gender equity. However, a closer analysis of the data reveals that women are often overrepresented in lower-level positions within these institutions. This research was carried out at the Turfloop Campus of the University of Limpopo, located in Mankweng, Polokwane, in the Capricorn District of Limpopo Province, South Africa. The research used a qualitative approach, using purposive sampling and an interview guide to gather data. Eleven (11) women in administrative roles participated in the study and semi-structured interviews were conducted with the women appointed as administrators at the University of Limpopo. The study revealed significant concerns about the balance of work and home among female administrative staff. The findings indicate a troubling lack of recognition and visibility for female administrative staff within the University. The absence of formal recognition programmes highlights a significant gap in institutional culture, suggesting that efforts to celebrate the achievements of female staff could improve their visibility and encourage a more inclusive environment. In general, the study emphasised the urgent need for the University of Limpopo to implement comprehensive policies that not only promote gender equity, but also actively support the professional growth of female administrative staff. By establishing robust mentoring programmes, improving recognition initiatives, and improving work-life balance provisions, the University can create a more inclusive culture that empowers women to advance in their careers. This transformative approach is essential not only for the individual growth of female staff, but also for the overall success and sustainability of the institution, as diverse leadership is critical to fostering innovation and excellence in higher education

Statistics of extremes with application to extreme floods in Kwazulu Natal Province, South Africa

Thesis (M. Sc. (Statistics)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025Extreme rainfall has become a prevailing natural disaster in the region of Southern Africa. Flooding is one of the natural disasters that pose damage to property, infrastructure, and human lives. This study conducted a comprehensive extreme value analysis of monthly maximum rainfall recorded at five selected meteorological stations in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa; namely Mandini, Mount Edgecombe, Richards Bay Airport, Port Edward, and Virginia, using data spanning from 1952 to 2022 as provided by the South African Weather Service (SAWS). The aimed to compare the performance of advanced extreme value theory (EVT) models, specifically the generalised extreme value distribution (GEVD), generalised extreme value distribution for r-largest order statistics (GEVDr) and the blended generalised extreme value distribution (bGEVD), in modelling extreme rainfall events. Stationarity assessments using the Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF), Kwiatkowski-Phillips- Schmidt-Shin (KPSS), and Phillips-Perron (PP) tests produced mixed results, while the Mann-Kendall (M-K) trend test indicated a monotonic decreasing trend in rainfall. Parameter estimation for the GEVD was performed using maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) and Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods, both yielding positive shape parameters consistent with the Fr´echet class of distributions. Goodness-of-fit evaluations through Anderson-Darling (A-D) and Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K-S) tests, alongside diagnostic plots, confirmed the suitability of the GEVD model for the data. Additionally, the Shapiro-Wilk test demonstrated the non-normality of the rainfall datasets. Optimal block sizes for the r-largest order statistics model varied across stations, with r-values ranging from 2 to 4. Both the standard GEVD and r-largest GEVD models provided consistent return level estimates, suggesting strong model performance. The bGEVD model further revealed a negative time trend in rainfall maxima, resulting in lower return level estimates compared to the other models. Return levels were calculated for return periods ranging from 5 to 250 years, highlighting that extreme rainfall events become increasingly likely with longer return periods. Overall, the findings of the study offer valuable insights into the behaviour of extreme rainfall in KwaZulu-Natal province, with significant implications for risk management, infrastructure planning, and disaster preparedness

Examination of the effects of HIV protease inhibitors (HIV-PIs) on the function of the novel s-DAPK-1 in Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)-related cervical cancers

Thesis (Ph. D. (Biochemistry)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025Cervical cancer treatment continues to be every country’s nightmare due to ineffectiveness and non-specificity of the current therapeutic options, late diagnosis and chemo drug resistance. An escalating resistance of cervical cancer cells to chemotherapy coupled with severe side effects of commonly used cytotoxic drugs has intensified the need to search for new anti-cancer agents. Several drugs initially approved for non-cancerous conditions have recently been found to possess cytostatic effects on cancer cells. Thus, these drugs could be expediently repurposed for use as anti-cancer agents because they have already been tested for safety in animals and humans. In light of this, this study sought to investigate the possibility of adapting pure HIV protease inhibitors (HIV-PIs) and their over-the counter tablets for anti-cervical cancer therapeutic purposes. Additionally, since cervical cancer is viewed as a pathology that is partly driven by genes, it was of interest to understand the expression of short-DAPK-1 known as s-DAPK-1, which remains unexplored in cervical cancer, and the HIV-PI s' mechanisms of action. Therefore, this study was aimed at investigating the effect of HIV-PIs on s-DAPK-1 and other cancer-related genes in HPV-induced cervical cancer cells. To address the aim of this study, the MTT viability and Muse™ Count & Viability assays were used to evaluate the effect of the pure HIV protease inhibitors and their tablet forms on the viability of CaSki and HeLa cervical cancer cell lines, as well as on the non-cancerous cells (HEK-293). To detect the mode of death induced by pure HIV-PIs (lopinavir and atazanavir) and their tablet forms (Aluvia and Ritoataz) in HPV-associated cervical cancer cells, apoptosis was assessed using the Annexin V Assay. Apoptosis-related proteins regulated by HIV-PIs and their tablet forms were detected using the Human Apoptosis Array profiler. In addition, the Muse™ Cell Cycle assay was used to assess the effect of HIV-PIs and their tablet forms on cell cycle progression of the cervical cancer cells. The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used to determine the expression of s-DAPK-1 in HIV-PIs-treated and untreated cervical cancer cells, and to elucidate the effect of pure HIV protease inhibitors and HIV protease inhibitor tablets on its expression. In addition to the use of PCR, the proteome profiler human apoptosis array kit was used to detect other cellular targets of pure HIV-PIs and their over-the counter tablets in HPV-associated cervical cancer cells. Furthermore, various bioinformatics tools such as ProtScale, ProteinPrompt, I-TASSER, PSIPRED, ProtParam, ScooP, Hawkdock, Phyre2, SAVES and PROCHECK along with user-friendly databases such as NCBI, TarBase and Protein Data Bank (PDB) were used to understand s-DAPK-1 regulation, 3D structure, physicochemical and thermodynamic properties. This study demonstrated that lopinavir and atazanavir pure HIV-PIs, as well as Aluvia and Ritoataz tablets did not affect the viability of non-cancerous cells (HEK-293), confirming the safety of the HIV-PIs. However, they have significantly decreased the viability of the CaSki and HeLa cervical cancer cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. It is important to note that, relative to HeLa cells, a higher concentration of lopinavir (IC50=150 μM) and Ritoataz (IC50=180 μM) was required to reduce the viability of CaSki cells by 50%. All the HIV-PIs triggered apoptosis in CaSki and HeLa cervical cancer cells. However, lopinavir (39.925±1.483 in CaSki and 41.583±1.001 in HeLa) and atazanavir (49.092±0.9376 in CaSki and 36.717±1.729 in HeLa) significantly (p ≤ 0.001) exhibited the highest induction of apoptosis. In contrast, the corresponding tablets of Aluvia (24.418± 2.346 in CaSki and 26.795±0.6805 in HeLa) and Ritoataz (25.310±1.323 in CaSki and 28.432±2.374 in HeLa) induced a significantly (p ≤ 0.001) lower levels of apoptosis. In addition, pure HIV protease inhibitors along with their tablet forms significantly (p ≤ 0.05) regulated the activity of various apoptosis-related proteins, including phosphorylation p53 (S392) and Rad17 (S635). The HIV-PIs upregulated SMAC/Diablo, and Bcl-2, suggesting induction of an intrinsic apoptosis pathway, with cervical cells resisting cell death by upregulating Bcl-2. The s-DAPK-1 variant was significantly downregulated in HeLa cells relative to non-cancerous HEK-293 cells, suggesting that it may be a tumour suppressor. In addition, pure HIV protease inhibitors and the HIV protease inhibitor tablets did not influence the expression of s-DAPK-1 in cervical cancer cells. Furthermore, the in-silico approach, to determine s-DAPK-1 regulation, successfully identified several s-DAPK-1-specific microRNAs. In addition, phyre2 database demonstrated that the s-DAPK-1 isoform possesses 40% alpha helices and 4% beta strands, forming a stable 3D structure. Moreover, s-DAPK-1 was discovered to withstand high temperatures and to interact with a variety of proteins involved in tumour progression and gene regulation, including Prion protein and Histone H2B type 2-E (H2B2E). The findings of this study highlight the HIV protease inhibitors as promising anticancer agents, demonstrating significant effects on inducing cell death and suppressing proliferation. Furthermore, this work has discovered more anticancer drug targets that should be exploited for drug development. Moreover, since this is the first study to explore the expression and regulation of s-DAPK-1 by therapeutic agents, there is a pressing need to identify novel compounds that can modulates s-DAPK-1 and to explore its potential tumour suppressor function in cancer cells.New Generation of Academics Programme, (Department of Higher Education and Training

Challenges faced by secondary school teachers in implementing inclusive education in Rakgwadi Circuit, Sekhukhune South

Journal article published in African Perspectives of Research in Teaching and Learning Journal Issue 2, Volume 9, 2025Implementing inclusive education practices and principles remains a significant challenge in many South African secondary schools, particularly within the mainstream system. These challenges must be identified and systematically addressed through a comprehensive, all-encompassing, inclusive education approach. A qualitative case study was employed to explore the challenges faced by teachers in implementing inclusive education in the Rakgwadi Circuit, Sekhukhune South, located in the Limpopo Province. The study was framed within the constructivism paradigm. Purposive sampling was utilised to select participants, comprising four principals and twenty teachers teaching mathematics, mathematical literacy, and languages. Data was collected through individual interviews, focus group discussions, and open-ended questionnaires. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify recurring themes and patterns related to implementing inclusive education. The study revealed several significant barriers to inclusive education, including inadequate teacher training, overcrowded classrooms, lack of support from the Department of Basic Education, insufficient school infrastructure, limited parental involvement, and language barriers. These factors collectively hindered the effective teaching and learning process. The findings highlight the critical need for a comprehensive approach to inclusive education that systematically addresses the identified challenges. The study suggests enhancing advocacy and awareness while improving continuous professional development for all teachers to effectively implement inclusive practices

Pharmaceutical science: new insights and developments Vol. 8

BookThis book covers key areas of pharmaceutical science. The contributions by the authors include herbal cream, Biophytum sensitivum, antibacterial activity, Chronotherapy, chrono-pharmaceutics, pharmacodynamics, equivalent dose modelling, dose justification, liver enzymes, sarkaraikolli, glibenclamide, gestational diabetes mellitus, Nyaope, substance abuse, recreational drug, liver damage, drug utilisation review, emergency department, Mimosa pudica, phytotherapeutic, intestinal infections, medicinal plants, breath analysis, volatile organic compounds, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, non-volatile compounds. This book contains various materials suitable for students, researchers, and academicians in the fields of pharmaceutical science

Clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients with Steven-Johnson syndrome/ toxic epidermal necrolysis at Pietersburg Hospital

Thesis (M. Med. (Dermatology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025Background: Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) are a spectrum of a life threatening illness commonly caused by drugs. There is a paucity of studies on this condition in the country, and to the researcher’s knowledge, no study was ever conducted at Pietersburg Hospital, Limpopo Province. Objectives: To describe the clinical characteristics, evaluate management outcomes and determine associations between demographic factors and clinical characteristics of disease severity and management outcomes of patients with SJS/TEN at Pietersburg Hospital. Methods: The study was a comprehensive retrospective cross-sectional review of medical records of SJS/TEN patients, who were diagnosed by dermatologists, at Pietersburg Hospital from January 2018 to December 2022. Descriptive statistics and statistical tests were used to analyse the data. Results: The sample consisted of 43 African patients, 34.9% were male and 65.1% female, with an average age of 39±23 years. Patients with co-morbidities such as HIV, hypertension, and epilepsy accounted for 34.9% of the participants. Antibiotics and antiretrovirals drug groups commonly caused the disease, each accounting for 19% of cases. Allopurinol (14.3%) was identified as the commonest culprit, followed by trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (9.3%). Most patients (37.2%) had more than 30% and a SCORTEN score of 2 (34.9%). Older age was significantly associated with diabetes mellitus (p=0.003), HIV (p=0.024) and hypertension (p<0.001). Some SCORTEN parameters were significantly associated with age, which was also significantly associated with sepsis, acute renal failure and hyperkalaemia (p<0.05). The mortality rate was 13.9%, with factors such as disease severity, correlating with increased risk. Conclusion: This study provided a comprehensive review of the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients with SJS/TEN. The findings underscore the need for prompt diagnosis, identification of causative agents, and tailored therapeutic approaches to improve patient outcomes

Exploring lived experiences of female students on intimate partner violence at an institution of higher learning

Thesis (M. (Social Work)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) as a form of Gender Based Violence (GBV) is considered a societal problem and it occurs in all settings where there is an intimate relationship. IPV is global concern and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are also affected by this problem including South Africa. Researchers have previously studied IPV but there is still lack of studies on female students’ experiences with IPV at HEIs that were conducted in Limpopo, hence the study was conducted at an institution of higher learning in Limpopo. The study took the form of a phenomenological study aided with exploratory research objectives located within the qualitative paradigm. A total of eight female students from an institution of higher learning were interviewed. Participants were selected based on the fact that they have experienced IPV. The researcher made use of an interview guide and employed semi-structured face-to-face interviews using open-ended questions as a guide and as a data collection method. Data was analysed through deductive thematic content analysis. The findings of the study were centred on the experiences of participants and the role and function of the Gender desk, which highlighted the significance of reporting instances of IPV to the appropriate authorities as a crucial approach in tackling this problem. The findings in the study revealed that participants had experienced a diverse range of IPV such as emotional, sexual and sexual violence in the hands of their intimate partners. The participants were expected to possess knowledge of both the gender desk and the fundamental protocols for reporting cases of intimate partner violence. In addition, the findings discussed the subject of comprehending the protocols for reporting occurrences of IPV. Lastly, the findings focused on the intervention platforms implemented within the institution to tackle the problem of intimate relationship abuse. IPV has a substantial negative impact on the academic achievement of its victims due to the stress and trauma they experience

Analysis of BRICS' response to the socio-economic impact of the GOVID-19 pandemic in South Africa

Thesis (M. A. (International Politics)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025.This study analyses the response of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) to the socio-economic impact of COVID-19 in South Africa. Using a qualitative approach, this study evaluates the effectiveness of BRICS’ cooperation in addressing the economic, social and health consequences of pandemic. The findings revealed a mixed bag of solidarity, limited tangible support, and constrained cooperation due to geopolitical, economic, and institutional factors. Despite some remarkable initiatives, BRICS’ response has been hindered by a lack of coordination and limited engagement with local stakeholders. The study highlights opportunities for enhanced cooperation in health diplomacy, trade, and economic development, emphasising the need for strengthened coordination and prioritisation of local needs. This study contributes to understanding the role of emerging economies in global health governance and crisis respons

Students'perception on the implementation of the marketing strategies by private colleges in Polokwane Local Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Thesis (MBA.) -- University of Limpopo, 2025This study investigates students' perceptions on the marketing strategies implemented by private colleges in Polokwane, Limpopo Province, South Africa. As competition in the higher education sector intensifies, private colleges must adopt effective marketing strategies to attract prospective students. The study aims to identify the marketing strategies employed, evaluate their effectiveness, and recommend areas for improvement. A quantitative research design was utilised, surveying first-year students enrolled in private colleges to assess the impact of various marketing techniques. Purposive sampling was used to obtain 112 respondents who participated in the study and SPSS Version 29 and Microsoft Excel were used to analyse the collected data. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to assess the effectiveness of the marketing strategies and identify trends. The findings reveal that print advertisements, word-of-mouth referrals and scholarships are the most influential marketing strategies. In contrast, methods like television commercials and online advertising show limited effectiveness. Recommendations include enhancing digital marketing efforts and refining personalised communication strategies to better engage prospective students. The study contributes to the understanding of marketing dynamics in the education sector and provides actionable insights for improving student recruitment practice

The effect of berchemia discolor leaf meal (muni tree) on gastrointestinal nematode infections and haematological properties of South African non-descript goats

Thesis (M. Sc. (Animal Production)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025Refere to documen