https://openscholar.ump.ac.za/handle/20.500.12714/201 2026-04-15T12:49:37Z 2026-04-15T12:49:37Z Molapo, Karabo. Malatji, Khashane Stephen. https://openscholar.ump.ac.za/handle/20.500.12714/1042 2026-04-08T09:03:12Z 2025-11-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The implications of language when teaching geomorphological concept and maps: addressing learner-teacher aerticulation gap in secondary schools of South Africa. Authors: Molapo, Karabo.; Malatji, Khashane Stephen. Abstract: Teaching and learning geography in many countries requires qualified teachers who are prepared to teach any geography curriculum prescribed for Secondary schools. However, most of the geography teachers who have undergone all the administrative, academic, and training to become experts in teaching geography are still finding it difficult to comprehend the language of teaching and learning when teaching geomorphology and map work. The purpose of this study was to explore the implications of language teaching and learn geomorphological maps. The study followed a qualitative approach with a case study design. An interpretive paradigm was used to look at the knowledge and practice of teachers on language towards the teaching of geomorphological maps. Purposive sampling was used to select 12 geography teachers who underperformed on geomorphology and map work during academic years 2022 and 2023. Focused group and document analysis were used to collect data. Social Constructivism theory was used to give theoretical grounding to this study. The results of this study revealed that most geography teachers lack language foundational competencies of teaching and learning language to provide a proper linkage of geomorphology and maps. The study concluded that support of language enrichment in teaching and learning geography and local maps to schools as instructional digital materials is needed to promote quality teaching of geography. The study further recommends that geography needs to be paired with English in the university as a specialized subject to enhance pre-service language proficiency and pedagogical skills.

2025-11-01T00:00:00Z Mahlangu, Pertunia Busisiwe. https://openscholar.ump.ac.za/handle/20.500.12714/1020 2025-11-26T09:25:50Z 2025-05-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The impact of service delivery on the development of rural entrepreneurship in Kwamhlanga, Thembisile Hani Local Municipality, Mpumalanga Province. Authors: Mahlangu, Pertunia Busisiwe. Abstract: This study investigates the impact of service delivery on the development of rural entrepreneurship in KwaMhlanga, Thembisile Hani Local Municipality, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. Rural entrepreneurship plays a crucial role in improving livelihoods and driving economic development. However, the success of rural businesses is heavily reliant on the availability and quality of basic services, such as water, electricity, and infrastructure. This research aimed to assess how service delivery challenges affect the sustainability and growth of rural enterprises in KwaMhlanga. The study adopted a qualitative research methodology, using a case study approach, to gather in-depth data from rural entrepreneurs in the area. Fifteen participants were purposively selected based on their dependence on local services for business operations. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore the entrepreneurs’ experiences regarding service delivery and its influence on their businesses. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis, which revealed both positive and negative effects of service delivery on entrepreneurship. Findings indicate inconsistent and inadequate service delivery hampers business development, increases operational costs, and reduces profitability. Rural entrepreneurs frequently face electricity outages, poor road infrastructure, and an unreliable water supply, which limit their ability to scale and remain competitive. Conversely, services enable innovation and diversification when available, contributing to business sustainability. The study’s findings were interpreted through Resource Dependency Theory, which emphasizes how the availability or lack of critical external resources—such as infrastructure and utilities—shapes organizational behavior, decision-making, and survival. The study concludes by recommending enhanced government support, better infrastructure maintenance, and policies prioritizing rural businesses' needs to ensure sustainable growth and development. Description: Dissertation (Master(Development Studies))--University of Mpumalanga, 2025

2025-05-01T00:00:00Z Mashamba, Ronald. Munyai, Linton Fhatuwani. Dalu, Tatenda. https://openscholar.ump.ac.za/handle/20.500.12714/963 2025-05-15T08:59:00Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Spatiotemporal variation in macroplastic abundances along a subtropical Austral river system. Authors: Mashamba, Ronald.; Munyai, Linton Fhatuwani.; Dalu, Tatenda. Abstract: Plastic pollution is a ubiquitous problem that poses a threat to society and the environment. The issue is especially pervasive in the aquatic environment, where large amounts of plastic debris accumulate from numerous anthropogenic pathways. Relatively little is known about the extent of macroplastics in African subtropical Austral rivers, where management strategies are lacking. This study quantifies and compares the variation in macroplastic abundances along the Mvudi River, South Africa, over four sites and four seasons. We observed a non-significant difference in macroplastic abundance and variation across sites and seasons, with pollution therefore widespread across these contexts. However, the diversity of plastic debris (i.e. γ-diversity value) decreased generally along sites, with most macroplastic items being collected during winter, and fewer macroplastic during autumn. We observed high abundances of macroplastic debris on the shoreline compared to the mainstream, with high proportional abundances of plastic bags and film (> 57.8%) macroplastic physical type across all sites and seasons. We also observed a high proportional abundance of the polymer polypropylene (> 25.3%) across seasons. The information derived from this study serves as the baseline for understanding seasonal variations in plastic debris and their driving factors on this and other subtropical Austral rivers. Description: Published version

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z Nkomo, Trust. Machingambi, Severino Gwandure, Calvin. https://openscholar.ump.ac.za/handle/20.500.12714/435 2022-03-14T13:03:26Z 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: First-year student experience of orientation week at a university in South Africa. Authors: Nkomo, Trust.; Machingambi, Severino; Gwandure, Calvin. Abstract: The aim of this cross-sectional quantitative study was to assess the orientation experience of first- year students at a university campus in Mpumalanga. The study is informed by Tinto’s (1997) student integration model that suggests that students’ success is mainly influenced by the degree to which the university integrates the students into its academic and social systems. Participants were recruited from first-year students who had gone through a full-week orientation programme at the university. A questionnaire with 23 items on a Likert scale was used to collect data. The responses of 177 participants were analysed using principal component analysis (PCA). The principal components that emerged were health and wellbeing, academic development, student leadership, academic orientation, residence life and living and learning at the university. Further, multiple regression results showed that perceptions of health and wellbeing, academic development, student leadership and residence life significantly predicted living and learning at the university. It can therefore be concluded that these aspects had an influence on students, making it likely that they further influence a positive attitude and commitment on the part of the students. The study recommends that student integration activities at university should be extended even beyond orientation week, so that students are continuously supported in their learning.

2021-01-01T00:00:00Z