Browsing by Author "Soni, Dhirajlal Vallabh."

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The geography of health in the Durban Metropolitan Area.
(2002) Moodley, Vadivelu.; Soni, Dhirajlal Vallabh.
In presenting a Geography of Health of the Durban Metropolitan Area, the researcher has chosen a conceptual framework within which to sharply challenge the definition of health in a perfunctory/ functionalist way. Thus, the Geography of Health is, at the outset, locationally positioned in a socio-economic and environmental context of society. This argument is developed through a multi-conceptual approach that leads the thesis into building a framework with the central arching principles of biomedicine, social and humanistic philosophy in three randomly selected informal settlement contexts. The specific focus of this approach is on the growing poverty and homelessness, the inadequate health delivery system and the relationship between disease, physical, social and residential environments and structural inequalities. Thus, this study is embedded in numerous related contexts, the most important of which is the spatial! geographical and the social context in which health and health care is seen in relation to the nature of society and everyday life. To some extent this research endeavour is concerned with health and health care issues amongst specific categories of people within marginalized communities rather than some homogenous, non-existent category called "poor people". The key questions raised in the study relate thus to several variables that impact informal dwellers with the specific objective of determining socio-economic profiles, housing and environmental circumstances; the location and nature of health services; health status of people; the ways in which people conceptualise and prioritise health and the need for and possibility of community involvement in health and health care. In dealing with the above issues, a multi-faceted methodological approach allowed for the generation of 155 tabulations from the quantitative empirical data to be triangulated with the qualitative data produced through focus group interviews and also with the secondary data obtained. The most significant finding emerging from the study was the fact that the relationship between health and abject poverty is bi-directional. Respondents identified numerous factors that affected their health, the most important of which was poverty in respect of poor dwellings, lack of basic services, access to certain health services and the prevalence of disease. It is hardly surprising that a biomedical perspective largely prefaced the respondent's understanding of health. This can be attributed to locational factors but more specifically to the overriding socialising influence of biomedicine in South African society. In the focus group interviews with informal dwellers, the ranking exercises demonstrated that high health risks emerge from multiple and complex factors related to personal, economic, social, environmental and political factors. It is the contention of this thesis that health status improvement and the reduction of health risks of disadvantaged individuals and communities needs a multi-pronged approach with multiple solutions drawing on resources from international, national and local agencies and organisations. Finally, the study concludes by presenting an extensive pool of more concrete systematic and holistic interventions that would not only improve the quality of public health care, but also redefine the Geography of Health in South Africa. These, it is argued are seldom attainable in the short term as it is a continuous process underpinned by priorities, possibilities and planning.
An investigation into residential desegregation : a case study in the Durban Functional region.
(1996) Naidoo, Reubendra.; Soni, Dhirajlal Vallabh.
A number of mechanisms were used in the past to racially divide South Africa's population, among them, the most notable being the Group Areas Act. Apartheid was more than just the physical separation of race groups. It was supported by an apparatus designed to inequitably provide and distribute social amenities, education, housing etc. In addition, it was a psychological exercise designed to enforce the notion of white superiority on the people. Now that the Group Areas Act has been repealed, the racio-spatial patterns of the South African city are expected to change as the doors of the previously prohibited residential areas become "open" to all South Africans. The following dissertation is concerned with the residential desegregation process. Its central argument is that the practice of segregation stretches far beyond the limits of the law. Informal processes will replace formal legislation so that the segregation of the South African population will continue. The main focus of the argument is that in the post-apartheid period, disadvantages based on income will have the same effect as the differences based on race did, in the old South Africa. Affordability will play a major role in determining who gets access to the housing stock in the "White" residential areas of the old South Africa. Estate agents, the state, and the development companies will be amongst the key actors in determining not only who gets access to middle income housing but also in the new racio- spatial patterns that are likely to develop in the residential areas of South Africa's cities. Lastly, desegregation is about getting people of different cultures, religions, and ethnic backgrounds together to live as a single integrated community - a difficult task in a society in which decades of separation have made us virtual strangers. The study, which was conducted in the Borough of Queensburgh and the Bellair-Sea View-Hillary areas,has revealed that ,as a result of the reasons mentioned in the preceding paragraphs, the rate of residential desegregation has been slow. Also the old forms of segregation are being replaced by new forms in the shape of ethnic pockets within the former "white" residential areas.
The meaning and expression of tourism among urban blacks : a geographic perspective.
(1999) Mkhize, Isidore Bandile.; Butler-Adam, Joann Camille Ellis.; Soni, Dhirajlal Vallabh.
This study was designed to investigate the meaning of the concept of tourism among black South Africans in general and black urban dwellers in particular. The aims of the study were as follows: (a) To look at how black urban dwellers engage in tourist activities. (b) To look at what black urban dwellers understand by the concept of tourism. (c) To find out what places and tourist destinations black people prefer to patronise. (d) To establish the distances black people travel to reach tourist destinations. (e) To focus on the quality of the experiences black people gain at tourist destinations. (f) To gain knowledge about the modes of transport black people use to reach tourist destinations. The dimensions, which pertain to the expression of tourism, were connected. This connection was done in such a way as to reflect on those features of tourism experience which are common amongst urban blacks, and those, which differ for a variety of social and economic reasons. The data presented and analysed in this investigation was gathered from two sources. Quantitative data was collected from a sample of 580 urban black dwellers from several black townships. Qualitative data was collected from 30 families who reside at Esikhawini township. The principal hypothesis of the study is that tourism is not popular among black South Africans mainly because of economic constraints, and a legacy of discriminatory legislation, discriminatory attitudes, as well as the unattractiveness to black tourists of tourist destinations. The sub-hypotheses are as follows: (a) Blacks prefer to visit places where they can be accommodated by friends and relatives. (b) Blacks regard visits to friends and relatives who stay long distances from them as part of tourism. (c) Black people's experience of tourism is more regional than national. (d) Black people prefer to visit urban destinations than rural areas. (e) There are clearly identifiable dimensions of black people's participation in tourism and tourist experience which are common amongst urban blacks. The most important conclusions of the study are: (a) Black urban dwellers understand tourism to mean the practice of travelling for recreation. (b) Black urban dwellers prefer to visit destinations where they can be accommodated by friends and relatives. (c) Black urban dwellers' experience of tourism is more regional than national. (d) Black urban dwellers are mostly attracted to urban destinations than rural areas. (e) Black urban dwellers' tourist experiences have been grossly affected by the policy of apartheid which prohibited them from visiting certain destinations and deprived them of disposable income. The study sheds light on the perceptions and involvement of black urban dwellers in tourism. The investigation of the meaning and expression of tourism among urban blacks is a valuable exercise if tourism is to be made accessible to all South Africans regardless of race, colour and creed. Key words: Tourism, Tourist, Urban Black, Tourist Attraction, Tourism Experience, Tourism Destination.
Residential satisfaction as an indicator of quality of life : a case study of Briardale-Newlands West.
(1996) Ramjugernath, Chanderpal.; Soni, Dhirajlal Vallabh.; Moodley, Vadivelu.
The issue of residents' satisfaction with their dwelling units and their neighbourhoods is one of the growing interests in many arenas. The aim of this dissertation was to examine the quality of life of residents in Briardale, Newlands West. The prime intention was to investigate the influence of various life domains on quality of life of the sample populations. The sample population was stratified into three groups, viz. Dwellers in single cottages, semi-detached and duplex units and the flats sector. It has been revealed in the final analysis that neighbourhood deficits influenced neighbourhood satisfaction. It was further established that in addition to dwelling and neighbourhood deficits, socio-economic characteristics influenced the quality of life of residents. The flat dwellers were dissatisfied with their environment and being renters, this influenced their quality of life. Unemployment was highest among this sector. The salient reason for dissatisfaction amongst most residents was the lack of recreational and entertainment facilities, cultural and neighbourhood organizations and the poor quality of the flats and duplex units. The greatest degree of interaction with the neighbours was amongst the flat dwellers and the lowest level of community participation was also among this group. The residents had no confidence in the local civic groups since these groups had done very little in the last decade to improve their quality of life. A great degree of dissatisfaction arose because none of the residents were consulted about their housing needs prior to occupying their dwellings. In spite of the dissatisfactions expressed, most of the residents preferred to remain in this area because of its easy accessibility. In the light of the above, various suggestions and recommendations are tendered in the hope that all stakeholders (planners, policy makers, civic movements and consumers) can utilize this information to improve the quality of life of all residents in the country.
A social and economic geography of Umzinto North.
(1981) Soni, Dhirajlal Vallabh.; Smout, M. A. H.; Greyling, J. J. C.
An attempt is made in this dissertation to ascertain current land use structure and to analyse the development potential of Umzinto North. A comprehensive socio-economic and land use survey was undertaken to establish housing needs, to assess the employment potential, to determine the need for urban amenities and services and to investigate additional, land requirements. The dissertation also tested land use needs in Umzinto North in respect of the cultural perspectives of the Indian community. Final, analysis revealed a range of land use types. There were, however, certain amenities and services which were lacking in terms of their provision and quality. Recommendations regarding these issues have been made. In respect of the issue of land use and cultural values, it was found that the community in Umzinto North is increasingly becoming westernized in its lifestyle and no special, land use needs are required. However, it is suggested that the rigidity in the application of planning regulations must be substituted by a more flexible approach to accommodate the specific requirements of individual, househollds, particularly, in the lower economic strata. It is also strongly recommended that planning authorities encourage public participation in any further planning proposals for the town. In the final assessment it was found that Umzinto North had very limited potential, for growth. Inability to generate employment opportunities could encourage further out - migration which could result in decreased growth rates within the town.
Traditional and nucleated settlements in Inkanyezi : a socio-economic evaluation
(1987) Shongwe, John Pempela.; Soni, Dhirajlal Vallabh.
An attempt is made in this dissertation to evaluate the quality of life of communities living in traditional settlements and planned betterment schemes. A comprehensive socio-economic survey was undertaken to assess the developmental potential of both areas. The dissertation also drew a comparison between the two settlements in terms of their physical and human capabilities. Final analysis revealed that there are significant environmental differences between the two settlements. The communities differ markedly in terms of their land use patterns, agricultural productivity, access to amenities and services, social organization and environmental perception. Both settlements have strengths and deficiencies and the latter beg serious attention. In this respect, several policy statements and recommendations are made in order that the lives of people in the rural areas of KwaZulu are improved.
Women in management : a comparative study of the public (education) and private (banking) sectors in Durban.
(2005) Bob, Roshini.; Soni, Dhirajlal Vallabh.
This study utilises a multi-conceptual framework to critically and comparatively examine central issues and concerns relating to women in management generally and more specifically in the public and private sectors. The case studies of the banking and education sectors in the Durban area form the focus of this effort. Specifically, the main aspects of the primary research undertaken pertain to: perceptions of employees (both at management and non-managerial staff levels) in the banking and education sectors towards women in management; an appraisal from a management perspective, of existing policies and programmes aimed at eliminating gender discriminatory practices within the private and the public sectors; an examination of the impact that gender equity practices has on human resource planning, especially at the management level, in the private and public sectors; and an assessment of training and support programmes in place to assist women managers. Questionnaire surveys were undertaken with 50 female managers from each sector, 25 male managers from each sector and 25 non-managerial staff from each sector. Therefore, in total 200 interviews were conducted. Additionally, participatory focus group discussions were conducted with groups of both female and male managers and non-managers. The study reveals that women form an integral part of human resources in the banking and education sectors. For several decades women have entered jobs in these sectors and many women have moved up to managerial levels. However, most of these positions remain at lower and middle-management levels. Additionally, there are several problems that women in management experience. The main conclusion is that there are no notable and significant differences between women in management in the public and private sectors. This reinforces ILO's (1998) position that the challenges faced by women in management are ongoing and widespread. Problems facing women in management are complex and multidimensional. There are numerous factors that contribute to existing trends and explain the poor participation and performance of women in leadership positions. No single strategy or initiative can address the challenges faced by women in management and increase women's presence in leadership positions in both the public and private sectors. It is therefore imperative that issues pertaining to women in management be addressed from a range of perspectives: policy aspects, raising awareness of key considerations, improving skills and competencies of women (especially creating conditions and opportunities for development and capacity building), changing institutional and corporate structures and procedures as well as changing attitudes of men and women towards women in management and leadership positions. In essence, it is necessary to create a more enabling, women-friendly environment.