Highlights of ongoing projects initiated by staff of the Population and Health RFA.
There are several projects at different stages of development conducted by entity members, and the list will be updated with new developments. They fall under different sub-programs whose information appeared in other sections.
a) Psychological effects of unplanned parenthood among women in Mafikeng: A Qualitative study. A complete proposal is expected later in the semester. The researchers as Dr Shange and Ms Motshegwa.
b) Exploring the Humanities gendered differences in utilizing instructional technology tools in e-learning in the Humanities. This study employed a sequential explanatory research design to analyze gender-based preferences for collaborative learning and e-learning from various schools in the Faculty of Humanities in Mafikeng Campus. Prof Garutsa is leading the project.
c) Exploring the Gender Differences Determinants of Water Consumption and Conservation in Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, South Africa: An Intersectional Lens. Through a mixed methods approach, this study seeks to explore gendered knowledge on the impacts of climate change on water scarcity in the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality. It examines how factors such as gender. age, income and household type shape adaptation strategies and contribute to community resilience. Additionally, it investigates the different water consumption and conservation strategies employed by various gender groups to understand their role in mitigating water shortages. (Researcher/s: Prof Garutsa)
d) The demography of North West Province.
Using date from the different census and community surveys in South Africa, the study aims to access the quality of date from these sources. (Researcher/s Prof Palamuleni.)
e) The effects of climate change among the Khoisan: Case of South Africa and Botswana.
Using a qualitative research design, the study aims to gain in-depth insights into how climate change has affected the Khoisan groups in Botswana and South Africa and identify strategies used to mitigate its effect. The research is still at the proposal stage and will be presented to the respective Scientific Committees in both universities.
f) Researchers: Dr Mhele, (NWU), Dr Blackie (University of Botswana), and Ms Boipelo Bahule (NWU). The research is still at the proposal stage and will be presented to the respective Scientific Committees in both universities.
g) Book project: Sexual and Reproductive Health Issues among Young People in Southern Africa. The project was initiated following a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Department of Social Development and Population Studies and the Demography subject group. It looks at issues of sexual and reproductive health affecting young people across the different countries in Southern Africa. This book contains ten chapters contributed by various authors from southern Africa, with more than half of the chapters either partially or fully authored by members of the Population and Health Entity. All chapters are currently under review.
h) Assessment of Maphepheni Communal Property Association’s contribution towards its members’ livelihoods. (Prof Molope & Dr Magoasha The purpose of this study was to assess Maphepheni Communal Property Association’s contribution towards its members’ livelihoods. All participants were purposefully selected based on the maximum period of their membership, years of experience, and portfolio. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with the key informants and a questionnaire with open-ended questions which were responded to by ten general members of the Communal Property Association (CPA). All data was analysed thematically.
i) Livelihood experiences during the Covid-19 Pandemic: A study of selected rural communities in Mahikeng. This study used the qualitative research design to explore the survival strategies of the rural people in Mahikeng Local Municipality during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. (Researchers: Prof Molope and Dr Magocha.)
j) The role of the traditional leadership institution in disaster risk reduction: the case of Batlhaping ba-ga Phuduhucwana. Mr. Mmusinyane Flood disasters are increasingly acknowledged as a critical global development issue due to the extensive loss of lives and livelihoods that follows such events. This research aims to explore the role of traditional leadership within Batlhaping ba-ga Phuduhucwana as a vital stakeholder in disaster risk reduction, as highlighted by the Sendai Framework. The study is conducted by Mr Mmusinyane for his doctoral degree.
k) Exploring the role of Somali Social networks in tuck-shop operations in Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality. Stage: Data has been collected and working on transcription. The study is being conducted by Mr. Phake for his doctoral degree.
l) A qualitative inquiry into RDP houses as a source of sustainable livelihoods: Ngaka Modiri Municipality. The project is conducted by Dr Khowa who is currently doing the analysis.
m) Reflecting on a sociology module’s transition to hybrid, hyflex teaching and learning practices: a case study. The study is led by Dr Khowa, and it is currently at the proposal stage. It is expected that and is expected to be presented to the SThe proposal has been completed and will be submitted to the Scientific Committee for approval. Dr Khowa is the head.
Post-Graduate Training The entity has postgraduate training for Master's and doctoral students in Development Studies, Population Studies and Sustainable Development, and sociology.
The Entity has graduated several postgraduate students from these subject groups over the past years. In 2023, 17 students graduated, four of whom were doing PhD, and in 2024, there were 14 graduates from the Entity, and all were registered for Masters. Combined. In 2025, there are already two (2) confirmed doctoral and five (5) Master students. This number is expected to increase later in the year as other pending results from various external examiners are acknowledged.