http://hdl.handle.net/10386/11 Fri, 17 Apr 2026 10:43:03 GMT 2026-04-17T10:43:03Z http://hdl.handle.net/10386/5404 Determinants market price of indigenous veld goats in Limpopo Province, South Africa Mugwabana, Thinawanga Joseph Market price is a key factor that determines revenue generation and the potential profitability of the enterprise. The aim of this study was to analyse determinants of market price in indigenous veld goats in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The study had three objectives: (1) to determine the socio-economic characteristics of indigenous veld goat farmers in Limpopo Province, (2) to analyse the determinants of market price of indigenous veld goats in Limpopo Province, and (3) to describe conditions that will lead to high market price for indigenous veld goats in Limpopo Province. The study was conducted in the five districts of Limpopo Province, namely: Vhembe, Mopani, Capricorn, Sekhukhune and Waterberg. The study used a quantitative approach that followed a cross-sectional design where the data was collected once from IVG farmers. The study targeted all the 86 active members of the Limpopo IVG farmers’ club, however, only 35 voluntarily participated in the study, representing a response rate of 41%. The data was analysed using SPSS (version 28) and the results presented using descriptive (frequencies) and inferential (t-test and regression) statistical techniques. The descriptive study results found that male farmers dominate (85.7%) in the goat farming sector in Limpopo Province. The majority (28.6%) are retirees that farm with goats on a part-time basis (54.3%). While most of the IVG farmers (65.7%) have tertiary education, only a quarter of them (25.7%) had formal training on goat production. Land ownership by IVG farmers is predominantly communal (62.9%) with private ownership being less common (37.1%). The main source of capital for acquiring goats is through savings (85.7%) and the most number of goats owned (34.2%) averages between 21-49 goats per herd. The inferential study results identified five key independent variables that significantly influence the market price of indigenous veld goats, namely: body condition score, female physiological state, herd size, distance to the market and iv | P a g e type of farming system. These independent variables significantly positively influence the market price with the exception of the female physiological state. However, for optimal market price in IVG it is important to consider all other factors despite their significant status, for as long as they have an influence in the market price of goats. This research contributes to the body of knowledge on determinants of market price in indigenous veld goats in Limpopo Province and to some extend throughout South Africa. Thesis (MBA.) -- University of Limpopo, 2025 Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10386/5404 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10386/5391 The effect of electricity consumption, price and coal exports on economic growth in South Africa Chuene, Natasha Tlhologelo Coal, recognized as a significant energy source, is a mineral commodity that is traded among countries. As a developing nation, South Africa is among the wealthiest and most dependent on coal as an input for electricity generation. Electricity consumption is a crucial contributor to GDP, and conversely, GDP plays a pivotal role in driving electricity consumption. However, the country faces a critical issue with electricity rationing and escalating electricity prices, sparking growing concerns as tons of coal are being exported. The study analyzed the effect of electricity consumption, electricity price, and coal exports on South Africa’s economic growth using quarterly data from 2016 to 2023. Through the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL), the study examined the long-run along with the short-run relationships. Secondly, to further inform policy, the Granger causality test was incorporated to evaluate the variables' causal relationship. Lastly, upon detecting existing causality, the economy's future path was forecasted through the Impulse Response Function (IRF) and Variance decomposition. In the long run, electricity consumption and price positively correlate with GDP at a 1% significance level, while coal exports negatively correlate with GDP at a 5% significance level. Electricity consumption aids productivity enabling seamless operations in various sectors. High electricity prices can drive businesses and households to invest in energy-efficient technologies and practices. This can lead to innovations and advancements in energy-saving solutions, fostering new industries and job creation. The export of coal in South Africa contradicts the export-led growth hypothesis as it has not resulted in significant economic benefits which is questionable due to the dire state of the country of having loadshedding. And as seen, load shedding has been detrimental to the economy. Thus, the findings of this study will provide policymakers with useful insights for making strategic decisions to enhance long-term economic growth and strengthen South Africa's energy sector. Thesis (M. Com. (Economics)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025 Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10386/5391 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10386/5367 The relationship between employment policies, employment levels and local development in South Africa : a case of Polokwane Local Municipality in Limpopo Province, South Africa Mashabela, Chungu Mamahlodi The study investigated the relationship between employment policies, employment levels, and local development in South Africa, using the Polokwane municipal area as its case study. The objectives of the study were to analyse the employment legislative framework and its influence on employment growth in South Africa; examine the relationship between employment policies and employment levels in South Africa; examine the impact of employment policies on local development in Polokwane Local Municipality; analyse the impact of employment levels on local development in Polokwane Local Municipality and to develop a local development model that has the potential to increase employment levels and enhance local development in South Africa. The study adopted a mixed-methods research design, integrating both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data were collected through structured interviews and questionnaires, with sampling conducted using both probability and non-probability techniques. Data analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel 2010 for quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative responses. The study found that employment policies influence employment growth. While some regulations aim to protect workers' rights and promote fair labour practices, overly rigid regulations can sometimes discourage hiring and increase labour costs, potentially leading to lower employment levels. Conversely, flexible regulatory frameworks enable businesses to adapt more efficiently to market fluctuations, potentially stimulating job creation. Additionally, the study identified challenges in policy compliance among employers, as well as enforcement difficulties faced by the Department of Labour. These compliance and enforcement gaps undermine the effectiveness of employment policies, limiting their potential to drive meaningful employment growth. Furthermore, the findings indicate that both employment policies and employment levels exert considerable influence on local development. On one hand, well-structured employment policies foster an inclusive labour market, enabling broader workforce participation. On the other hand, persistently high unemployment exacerbates socio-economic disparities, increasing reliance on government welfare programmes. This dependency reduces municipal revenue streams, constraining service delivery and impeding local development. To address these challenges, the study recommends regulatory streamlining and simplifying complex labour regulations, which could enhance compliance and reduce administrative burdens on businesses. This can make it easier for companies to navigate the legal landscape and focus on creating jobs. Additionally, the study recommends investment in skills development, bridging the skills gap through targeted education and vocational training programmes, which is critical to improve workforce employability. Moreover, the study recommends supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and fostering an entrepreneurship culture. SMMEs are significant job creators in many economies. Assisting SMMEs by providing access to financial resources, business development services and streamlined regulations can help them grow and create more jobs. This can significantly improve employment levels and ultimately enhance local development in South Africa. The study underscores the pivotal role of employment policies and employment levels in shaping local development outcomes. Higher employment rates correlate with increased household incomes, greater local expenditure, and strengthened municipal revenue bases, which contribute to sustainable economic growth. By implementing the proposed recommendations, policymakers can foster a more dynamic labour market, ultimately advancing both employment and local development in South Africa. Thesis (Ph. D. (Public Administration)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025 Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10386/5367 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10386/5360 Lessons learned from community-based resilience strategies applied to mitigate inconsistent potable water supplies in a selected village in Lepelle Nkumpi Local Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa Muroa, Mmatseke Portia The objective of the study was to investigate the mitigation strategies developed by residents of Mashite village in Limpopo Province to build resilience to the ongoing inconsistent potable water supply. The study involved an exploratory qualitative research approach collecting data from 15 participants using a semi-structured interview guide. The study employed an inductive thematic analysis based on face-to-face interviews. The findings of the research indicate that the participants have adopted several resilience strategies including household water storage facilities; sharing of water between households and purchasing water from local vendors. The participants also expressed their frustration with Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality’s inability to deliver potable water especially that they are not informed when the potable water supply is on which means that they are unable to fill their water storage facilities. It is recommended that the Municipality communicates appropriately with residents to reduce this frustration. Thesis (M. Dev. (Planning and Management)) -- University of Limpopo, 2025 Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10386/5360 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z