Sustainability of Book Clubs in a Rural Setting in Limpopo Province: A Case of Re-atlegile Book Club

Mousaion ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mamotshabo J Boloka
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Book Club ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Book Clubs ◽  
Limpopo Province ◽  
Rural Setting ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
Reading Materials ◽  
Reading Clubs

The level of illiteracy in South Africa, especially in rural areas, is considered high. Reading clubs are one of the major tools used for improving literacy levels in rural areas. This qualitative study explored the sustainability of reading clubs in rural settings in Limpopo Province, South Africa, with a view to promoting reading. Qualitative data were collected through telephone interviews from five Re-atlegile Book Club members in Dikgale Village of Limpopo Province. Responses were thematically transcribed to obtain an indication of ways in which the reading club is sustained to promote the culture of reading in rural areas. It was found that, despite the large number of learners registered for the book club, there is a lack of reading materials and reading spaces to cater for all children. The participants indicated that they relied extensively on materials received from Nal’ibali, a national reading campaign of the University of Limpopo targeting children and lecturers. It is argued that sustaining book clubs in rural areas requires support from non-governmental organisations (NGOs), but most importantly, from the Department of Arts and Culture (DAC), as it is mandated to provide information services. This study recommends that the DAC, as well as the National Library of South Africa (NLSA), should support book clubs to ensure their sustainability. This could be achieved through book donations, the creation of reading spaces in public libraries, and obtaining funds from outside sources to purchase reading materials for book clubs.

scholarly journals Characterisation of smectite-rich clay soil: Implication for groundwater defluoridation

2016 ◽  
Vol Volume 112 (Number 11/12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rabelani Mudzielwana ◽  
Mugera W. Gitari ◽  
Titus A.M. Msagati ◽  
◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Contact Time ◽  
Clay Soil ◽  
Dental Fluorosis ◽  
Fluoride Concentration ◽  
Limpopo Province ◽  
World Health ◽  
Fluoride Removal ◽  
X Ray

Abstract Groundwater is a widely used and affordable source of drinking water in most of the rural areas of South Africa. Several studies have indicated that groundwater in some boreholes in South Africa has a fluoride concentration above the level recommended by the World Health Organization (1.5 mg/L). Fluoride concentrations above the permissible limit (>1.5 mg/L) lead to dental fluorosis, with even higher concentrations leading to skeletal fluorosis. In the present work, we evaluate the application of smectite-rich clay soil from Mukondeni (Limpopo Province, South Africa) in defluoridation of groundwater. The clay soil was characterised by mineralogy using X-ray diffraction, by elemental composition using X-ray fluorescence and by morphology using scanning electron microscopy. Surface area and pore volume was determined by the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface analysis method. Cation exchange capacity and pHpzc of the soil were also evaluated using standard laboratory methods. Batch experiments were conducted to evaluate and optimise various operational parameters such as contact time, adsorbent dose, pH and initial adsorbate concentration. It was observed that 0.8 g/100 mL of smectite-rich clay soil removed up to 92% of fluoride from the initial concentration of 3 mg/L at a pH of 2 with a contact time of 30 min. The experimental data fitted well to a Langmuir adsorption isotherm and followed pseudo second order reaction kinetics. Smectite-rich clay soil showed 52% fluoride removal from field groundwater with an initial fluoride concentration of 5.4 mg/L at an initial pH of 2 and 44% removal at a natural pH of 7.8. Therefore smectite-rich clay soil from Mukondeni has potential for application in defluoridation of groundwater. Chemical modification is recommended to improve the defluoridation capacity.

scholarly journals Barriers and facilitators to utilisation of rehabilitation services amongst persons with lower-limb amputations in a rural community in South Africa

2018 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 95-103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ugendrie Naidoo ◽  
Liezel Ennion
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Lower Limb ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Lower Limb Amputation ◽  
Barriers And Facilitators ◽  
Rural Setting ◽  
Limb Amputation ◽  
Rehabilitation Services ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
Persons With Disabilities

Background: Persons with disabilities who reside in rural areas experience challenges accessing and utilising health services and rehabilitation. Due to the high prevalence of diabetes mellitus in rural regions, the risk of having a lower-limb amputation is increasing. Comprehensive rehabilitation is vital to mitigate the negative impact that a lower-limb amputation has on a person. Objective: To explore the barriers and facilitators to accessing rehabilitation experienced by persons with lower-limb amputations in a rural setting. Study Design: A qualitative descriptive approach was used to collect and analyse data. Methods: Data were collected from 11 conveniently sampled participants from three sub-district hospitals in the rural iLembe district, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews to explore the barriers and facilitators perceived by persons with lower-limb amputations in a rural region. Results: The three main barriers identified in this study were environmental factors, financial constraints and impairments. These barriers negatively impacted the participant’s utilisation of rehabilitation. The two main facilitators identified were environmental facilitators and personal factors which aided participant’s utilisation of rehabilitation. Conclusion: Access to rehabilitation was mainly hindered by the challenges utilising transport to the hospital, while self-motivation to improve was the strongest facilitator to utilising rehabilitation. Clinical relevance Rehabilitation is essential in preparation for prosthetic fitting. If a person cannot access rehabilitation services, they will remain dependent on caregivers. Highlighting the challenges to utilisation of rehabilitation in rural areas can assist to reduce these barriers and improve the functional status of persons with lower-limb amputations.

The Paradox of (De)politicisation in a Selected South African Municipality: An Afrocentric Ethical Reflection

Politeia ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kgothatso B. Shai
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Local Government ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Local Governance ◽  
African National Congress ◽  
Limpopo Province ◽  
African Culture ◽  
Government Administration ◽  
Traditional Leadership

South Africa’s local government administration is complex in that both traditional leadership and elected municipal councils play a role in it. Traditional leadership occupies an essential position and status in local government administration, in particular in rural South Africa. However, the contemporary administrative jurisdiction of municipalities cuts across both rural and urban areas. In the rural areas, the conflict over the division of roles between traditional leaders and elected councillors is evident. Due to the influence and dominance of the neo-liberal global order, modernists often accuse traditional leadership of being undemocratic and authoritarian. However, the reality is that elected councils’ administration also leaves much to be desired, and the consequences of their poor administration are not uniformly understood. Since South Africa is a democratic state, it is expected that there should be a clear separation in government institutions between party (i.e., the ruling African National Congress) politics and public administration; a phenomenon that some describe as depoliticisation. Nevertheless, the realities on the ground suggest otherwise. This article, which is based on the theory of Afrocentricity, examines a selected rural municipality (Maruleng) in South Africa’s Limpopo province to critically reflect on the ethics and the value system of African culture in the context of local governance vis-à-vis Westernised governance principles. The aim of this research is achieved through interdisciplinary critical discourse and thematic analysis in its broadest form.

scholarly journals Food security in rural areas of Limpopo province, South Africa

Food Security ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 269-282 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. De Cock ◽  
M. D’Haese ◽  
N. Vink ◽  
C. J. van Rooyen ◽  
L. Staelens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Limpopo Province

scholarly journals The experiences of parents of children living with disabilities at Lehlaba Protective Workshop in Sekhukhune district of Limpopo province

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Tigere ◽  
Jabulani C. Makhubele
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Children With Disabilities ◽  
Limpopo Province ◽  
Absent Fathers ◽  
Disabled Children ◽  
Interview Guide ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Life Circumstances

Background: Parents of children with disabilities have faced difficulties in looking after their children, be it socially, economically and financially. Parents in rural areas are mainly left with a huge burden, as there is a lack of services and support from both the state and non-governmental organisations. Parents in Sekhukhune district, a rural area in Limpopo province of South Africa, face challenges in raising their disabled children related to lack of resources and lack of services at their disposal.Objectives: This study focuses on the experiences and life circumstances faced by parents of children living with different types of disabilities at Lehlaba Protective Workshop in Sekhukhune district of Limpopo province, South Africa.Method: The study consisted of 14 participants who are parents of children living with disabilities. An interview guide with a set of questions was utilised to gather data. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data and themes that emerged were grouped together.Results: Themes that emerged from the data showed that most of the participants had varying understandings on the causes of disabilities to their children. The participants also were of the view that a ‘cure’ for disability was available medically, spiritually or through traditional African medicine. The study also brought the notion of absent fathers, as most men do not want to be associated with children who are disabled. Stigmatisation of the parents was also a theme that the study revealed. The parents are subjected to name labelling as they are viewed to be practising witchcraft or to be paying for their sins they committed.Conclusion: Parents of children with disabilities are in their own battle in raising their children. There is a lack of support structures available for parents of children living with disabilities. There is a lack of legislation available for protecting and promoting the rights of children with disabilities. The researchers concluded that raising a child with a disability is expensive, time-consuming and straining.

Book clubs for people with intellectual disabilities: the evidence and impact on wellbeing and community participation of reading wordless books

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 275-283 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheila Hollins ◽  
Jo Egerton ◽  
Barry Carpenter
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Picture Books ◽  
Book Club ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Shared Reading ◽  
Book Clubs ◽  
Community Settings ◽  
Content Type ◽  
People With Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to introduce the social and scientific rationale for book clubs, whose members read wordless books together, and give examples of storytelling with picture books in libraries and other community settings for people with intellectual disabilities and autism. Design/methodology/approach The authors consider the impact of book clubs reading picture books without words, alongside an understanding of the underlying neuroscience (see Table I for search strategy). The authors compare differences in the neuroscience of information and emotion processing between pictures and words. Accounts from book club facilitators illustrate these differences in practice. Findings Many readers who struggle with reading and comprehending words, find pictures much easier to understand. Book clubs support community inclusion, as for other people in society. A focus on visual rather than word literacy encourages successful shared reading. Research limitations/implications No research has been published about the feasibility and effectiveness of wordless books in community book clubs or shared reading groups. There is very little research on the impact of accessible materials, despite a legal requirement for services to provide reasonable adjustments and the investment of time and resources in developing storylines in pictures, or “translating” information into easy read formats. Practical implications Book clubs whose members read picture books without words are growing in number, especially in public libraries in the UK. Expansion is dependent on funding to pay for training for librarians and volunteer facilitators. Social implications There is a shortage of fully accessible activities for adults with intellectual disabilities in mainstream community settings with a primarily social purpose. Originality/value To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper describing the theory and impact of wordless book clubs for people who find pictures easier to understand than words.

scholarly journals Disability-inclusive community development: A case of a community garden in Limpopo province in South Africa

2022 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Tigere ◽  
Theresa Moyo
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Community Gardens ◽  
People With Disabilities ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Limpopo Province ◽  
Persons With Disabilities ◽  
Qualitative Research Design ◽  
Development Face

Background: Persons with disabilities living in rural areas are marginalised and excluded in most developmental initiatives in South Africa. They face many economic, political and social problems; hence, improving their quality of life is a daunting and challenging task which needs interventions from both the state and non-governmental stakeholders.Objectives: This study aimed to examine the role played by community gardens in rural Limpopo province in uplifting the lives of persons living with disabilities as well as their communities as a whole. Its main objectives were to assess the social and economic benefits they have provided to this group of people.Method: A qualitative research design was used for this study. Twenty-one participants were identified through purposive sampling. They were made up of people with disabilities, officials from Departments of Agriculture and Social Development. Face-to-face interviews were used to collect data which was analysed thematically.Results: Key results were that community gardens have contributed to the economic and social well-being of persons with disabilities. They have assisted them with income to supplement their social grants. They also created jobs for their members and contributed to improved livelihoods of their families.Conclusion: The study demonstrated that people with disabilities are capable people who, if given the necessary support, can transform their livelihoods both socially and economically. The study recommends that a disability access audit be conducted to resolve the accessibility challenges of the garden.

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