DSpace 7
DSpace is the world leading open source repository platform that enables organisations to:
- easily ingest documents, audio, video, datasets and their corresponding Dublin Core metadata
- open up this content to local and global audiences, thanks to the OAI-PMH interface and Google Scholar optimizations
- issue permanent urls and trustworthy identifiers, including optional integrations with handle.net and DataCite DOI
Join an international community of leading institutions using DSpace.
The test user accounts below have their password set to the name of this software in lowercase.
- Demo Site Administrator = dspacedemo+admin@gmail.com
- Demo Community Administrator = dspacedemo+commadmin@gmail.com
- Demo Collection Administrator = dspacedemo+colladmin@gmail.com
- Demo Submitter = dspacedemo+submit@gmail.com
Recent Submissions
A preliminary, quantitative study on the use of traditional and complementary medicine by cancer patients seen at the Senkatana Oncology Clinic, Maseru, Lesotho
(BMC, 2024-04-01) Sooro, Mopa A; Thoahlane, Thabo S; Ramathebane, Maseabata V; Mputsoe, Kabelo A
Background The use of traditional and complementary medicine (TCM) by cancer patients remains common in
several countries especially in the Sub-Saharan Africa. However, the reasons for use are complex and change with
time and geographic location, they may vary from therapy to therapy, and they are different from one individual to
another. The use of TCM has been associated with active coping behaviour and a way through which patients take
control of their own health. However, cancer patients do not disclose their use of TCM to the attending healthcare
professionals and therefore the effects of these medicines on the patients may not be ascertained.
Aim To investigate the use of traditional and complementary medicines among patients diagnosed with cancer.
Methods A cross-sectional, quantitative study was conducted at Senkatana Oncology clinic in May to June 2023.
Cancer patients underwent standardized, quantitative interviews using structured questionnaires about their use of
TCM. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. Logistic regression analysis was also used to identify factors
associated with satisfaction with the performance of TCM.
Results All interviewed patients (n = 50, 100%) reported to be using TCM. Patients consisted of 24 females (48%) and
26 males (52%) in the age range 14 to 82 years old. The majority of the study population was in the age group 35–44
years old. The most prevalent cancer among participating males was prostate cancer and among females was cervical
cancer. Biological products use was the most prominent with the highest average percentage usage (14.7%). The
majority of patients (66%, n = 33) indicated that they just wanted to try everything that could help. Patients (n = 47,
94%) further reported that they had been using complementary medicine during the same period as they were using
conventional treatment so that both may work to help each other. Neither gender nor age predicted satisfaction with
the performance of traditional and complementary medicine.
Conclusions It is concluded that all interviewed cancer patients use TCM. Patients indicated that one of the reasons
for using TCM was that they wanted to try everything that could help in their cancer care. Patients further reported
Incorporating PICRAT Model to develop geospatial technological skills in Geography learners
(National University of Lesotho, 2024-09) Rantso, Mafane B
In the wake of technology affecting all facets of our lives, development of learners’ technological skills has become more crucial in different countries’ education systems. This study employed passive, interactive, creative, replacement, amplifying and transformative model (PICRAT) to geospatial technological skills of geography students. Purposively, pre and post-tests, interviews, observations were used to generate data from 28 Grade 10 Geography students in one school in Maseru. The data was thematically analysed, and the findings reveal that PICRAT has a positive influence on the development of geospatial skills of learners. The reason being that PICRAT allow learners to passively and actively interact with the technology. The study has discovered that PICRAT enhances students’ motivation, participation and productivity. It is recommended that the Ministry of Education and Training, through the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC), should consider including technology models such as PICRAT in the Lesotho Education Policy as one the approaches that can be used to promote the development of technological skills. In addition, teachers should consider using PICRAT to guide their technology integration practices in classrooms. This may be possible by varying classroom activities when integrating technology in their teaching. Again, as a way of introducing learners to GIS, it is recommended that Geography teachers use google earth and google map in their teaching.
Medicinal cannabis cultivation and rural lielihoods in Bela-Bela, Berea, Lesotho
(National University of Lesotho, 2024-07) Lenkoe, Tsepiso Albertina;
Traditional marijuana cultivators have been largely affected by cannabis legalization. The main
issue is centered on the fact that legalisation of medicinal marijuana in Lesotho came with raised
expectations that it would create opportunities for small illegal growers to enter the legal market
and benefit from it. However, In Lesotho illegal marijuana growers have continued to be
marginalised and the widespread growth linkages that were anticipated have not accrued. This
dissertation presents the study findings on the impacts of medical cannabis cultivation on rural
livelihoods in Bela-Bela.
The research employs a qualitative approach, incorporating data collected through surveys,
interviews and field observations. The study concludes that due to a lack of other options for
employment, traditional marijuana producers in Bela-Bela mostly rely on the production of
cannabis. These local growers have not reaped significant benefits from the medical cannabis
operation, despite it creating some jobs. Rather, it has brought about economic challenges such
as land loss and insufficient payment, which has made their food and economic security worse.
The community's experiences and opinions regarding the Verve Dynamics project were
investigated through the use of the qualitative research method in this study. Additionally, the
study collected data using primary and secondary sources. The data collection approaches
employed in this study included face-to-face interviews, focus groups, and interview schedules
with open-ended questions. The researcher was able to choose and sample the 24 study
participants in order to represent Bela-Bela community with its distinct clusters by using
stratified and purposive sampling approaches.
Democratic education in technology-mediated postgraduate nursing
(ERRC Forum, 2025-05-27) Mahlelehlele, Bokang A; Marittz, Jeanette E; Van Rensburg, Gisela H
This study explores how Master of Nursing Sci-
ence students navigate technology-mediated learning and
institutional support, examining how digital platforms ei-
ther promote or hinder equitable access in resource-lim-
ited contexts through a critical pedagogy lens. A qualita-
tive research approach, specifically constructivist
grounded theory, was used to explore the problem. Data
were collected during three focus group discussions in-
volving 24 Master of Nursing Science students from the
National University of Lesotho. The analysis identified
key structural barriers, including unreliable internet con-
nectivity, inadequate training on digital platforms, and
disparities in technological literacy, which constrained
students’ full participation in online learning. In response
to these challenges, students developed adaptive strate-
gies such as peer support networks, self-directed learning,
and emotional resilience. However, relying on individual
agency rather than systemic transformation underscores
the persistent inequities that postgraduate students expe-
rience in resource-limited contexts. The findings highlight
the need for universities to transition from passive re-
source provision to proactive institutional engagement,
ensuring structured support that fosters meaningful
learning experiences. To achieve equitable access in
technology-mediated postgraduate nursing education, institutions must invest in digital
infrastructure, faculty development, and psychosocial support mechanisms. This study contributes to
the discourse on democratic education by advocating for systemic reforms that promote inclusive and
participatory learning environments in postgraduate nursing education.
Investigating Teachers’ Perceptions Concerning the use of Authentic Assessment in Lesotho Schools
(National University of Lesotho, 2024-09) Tsoana, Mahlape Asnathe
xiv
Abstract
The study investigated teachers’ perceptions of using authentic assessment in Lesotho
primary classrooms. To achieve this, a phenomenological qualitative research design was
used. The data for this research was generated through focus group discussion and semi-
structured interview from the reflexive selection of nine teachers out of a population of 13
within the area of the study. What is more, this study used thematic analysis and the
following themes emerged; teachers’ interpretation of authentic assessment, teachers’
experiences of using authentic assessment, teachers’ experiences influence on their views on
the practicality of authentic assessment in Lesotho schools.The study findings indicate that teachers demonstrated some knowledge about
authentic assessment. It is established that teachers are optimistic of practising authentic
assessment and employ strategies and tasks for authentic assessment. Conversely, they
emphasise that using authentic assessment could only be practical in Lesotho classrooms if
challenges including limited resources and facilities, limited knowledge, learners’ calibre,
and overcrowded classrooms are addressed. As perceived, such challenges hinder teachers’
effort to practice authentic assessment effectively. Based on the assessment strategies
teachers claim to use, it is concluded that teachers’ practices of authentic assessment are
limited and that traditional assessment might be still dominating. Teachers also show concern
that the complex content syllabus and time consuming authentic assessment strategies
influence their perceptions and practices. Therefore, teachers strongly recommend that they
should be equipped with professional development training on authentic assessment,
necessary resources and facilities, and support from the government and educational bodies.
Further, it is recommended that the reforms and educational policies be familiarised through
workshop dissemination