Masters Degrees (Development Studies)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10413/6663

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 425

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.
Rural poverty : subsistence or dependency.
(1984) May, Julian Douglas.; Nattrass, Jill.
The Republic of Transkei, the first of the "Independent" National States has financed a number of research projects which have attempted to establish a data base on which a Five Year Development Plan can be grounded. A important element of this plan has been the suggestion of the creation of a hierarchy of Service Centres in the rural areas of Transkei. From these, it is envisaged that essential services could be distributed to the rural poor. In addition, these Centres are expected assist with the co-ordination of other projects based in the rural areas, and, further, to contain some inherent growth potential which could stimulate development. It was intended that this thesis should provide a critical analysis development planning in for the rural areas of Transkei. Particular attention has been paid to the existing conditions and structures in the rural areas, and the manner in which these might influence the success or otherwise of a Service Centre Approach. In addition, the relationship between rural households in Transkei, and the South African economy has also been examined. Chapter One of this thesis introduces the importance of development studies in Southern Africa. It goes on to examine the important theoretical approaches to Third World economies, notably, the Dualistic and the Dependency paradigms. The Althussarian concept of an articulation of two or more modes of production is discussed in this section. Thereafter, the Southern African development experiance is reviewed, taking into account the Liberal and Radical interpretations, and placing these within the paradigms discussed earlier. The chapter concludes by situating Transkei within the broader Southern African political economy. Chapter Two discusses the Rural Service Centre concept, and the emphasis which has been placed on it in Transkeian planning. The chapter raises a number a crucial questions regarding this concept and posits that a deeper understanding of the conditions in the rural areas might assist in providing the answers for some of these questions. To this end a household survey was conducted in the Umzimkulu District of Transkei, and the chapter concludes with a description of methodology, and of the areas which were selected for survey. Chapters Three to Five present the findings of the survey, and represent the empirical core of the thesis. Chapter Three describes the demographic characteristics of the sampled population. Chapter Four deals at length with the income generating ability of the rural households, taking into account subistence agriculture, local formal and informal employment, welfare payments and remittances. In addition, a wealth index has been created, and the distribution of wealth examined. Chapter Five briefly introduces the Basic Needs Approach to development, and the remainder of the chapter concerns itself with the fulfilment of essential needs in the Umzimkulu District. Finally, chapter Six draws together the dependnecy theory discussed in chapter One, the data presented in chapters Three to Five, and the politio-economic structure of Transkei. The chapter argues that although the Service Centre Approach may appear to be a suitable strategy for development in purely spatial terms, in fiscal terms the approach contains a crucial flaw. Such an approach requires a redistribution of resources from the urban wealthy to the rural poor. In view of Transkei's dependent status viv-a-vis South Africa, and in view of the nature of the Transkeian bureaucracy , it is argued that such a transfer seems unlikely. However, in order to move away from the overall pessimistic tone of the conclusion, it is suggested the Last Word that, ultimately, it appears that the position of the rural poor will only recieve attention once this group becomes important to politicians in Umtata and Pretoria. Consequently, local development projects should seek ways in which they will be noticed by the government.
Black education in South Africa : the case of the Qadi Tribal Area, Inanda Reserve, Kwa Zulu.
(1984) Jarvis, Brian John.; Wellings, Paul.
This thesis is concerned with formal education for black South Africans. Central to the argument is an appreciation of how formal educational systems tend to foster specific ideologies and reproduce particular social relations which protect the interests of the state and those class interests which are most closely reflected by it. This is demonstrated at a general level with reference to colonial and post colonial education in Africa (Chapter 1) before proceeding to the South African situation (Chapter 2). In this context educational inequalities in South Africa have been systematically entrenched by the Nationalist government following its accession to power in 1948 in accordance with apartheid ideology and the perceived needs of capital. Specifically education has been deployed to: a) help maintain the proclaimed unique identity of the Afrikaner - and more generally the white South African; b) to perpetuate the myth of white supremacy; and c) to maintain and reproduce the social relations of racial capitalism. As such, it is a form of discrimination and social control (now drawing an organised and often violent black response) which aims to 'prepare' black South Africans for distinct and inferior roles within society. This is discussed in some depth drawing on both the 'liberal' and 'Marxist' interpretations. Whereas the broad contours of the apartheid educational system have been well sketched by a variety of authors, comparatively little attention to date has been directed towards its impact on the micro level. In view of this a detailed survey of the education that is available to the Qadi tribal area of Kwa Zulu's Inanda Reserve was conducted by the author. This forms the kernel of the thesis (Chapter 3). The survey focused on both 'in-school' and 'in-community' factors to examine educational deprivation in the area. Comparisons were also made with a neighbouring white area to illustrate the depth of the inequalities that obtain under the apartheid framework. In addition, an attempt was made to evaluate the potential for education related unrest in the area by analysing pupils' aspirations and expectations. The results of this survey highlight the urgent need for remedial action. Consequently, Chapter 4 - taking note of the various recommendations of inter alia the HSRC and Buthelezi Commissions - is devoted to a discussion of possible interim measures for alleviating hardship in the educational system. It is stressed that any attempt to adequately rectify inequality is dependent on structural change within the wider political economy. Nevertheless, given that fundamental apartheid structures such as those in education are unlikely to disintegrate in the immediate future, a number of suggestions for improving black education within the present context are considered.
The urban informal sector in South Africa : what options for development? : a case study of KwaMashu, Natal.
(1985) Krige, Dulcie Jean.; Wellings, Paul.
In the past few years there has been a dramatic increase in research on the informal sector in South Africa. Motivating this research, besides academic curiosity, is growing concern over poverty and unemployment amongst South African blacks. The general belief that these factors have contributed significantly to the political unrest now sweeping the country is another encouragement to research. What is being increasingly suggested, not only by academics but also by government officials, businessmen and others, is that the informal sector could be developed in appropriate directions to provide jobs raise living standards and (hence) promote political stability. Attention is now being focused on the question of how best to achieve this objective. In this thesis, proposals for 'developing ' the informal sector in South Africa are examined by a careful analysis of the relevant literature and an in-depth case study of the KwaZulu township, KwaMashu. The first question that needs to be addressed is how to conceptualise the informal sector. There are many interpretations, depending in part on the stage of development attained by the local economy, of what comprises this sector. Does it only consist of the poor, the unlicenced, the untaxed, the unprotected, the harassed? There are many perspectives, too, on whether the informal sector is independent and autonomous or whether it is integrated into the economy in ways that might impede or facilitate its development. It has been argued, for example, that the state and capital determine the parameters of the informal sector at a level most functional to their requirements. These interpretations are critically examined in Chapters One and Two with particular reference to South Africa. Attention is then directed towards the particular case of KwaMashu. The research methodology is discussed in Chapter Three. The approach adopted here combined random-sample questionnaires and case study methods. In order to locate the research in its geographical, temporal and political setting the history of KwaMashu is also briefly reviewed. The research results (which cover the extent, viability, potential and difficulties of the informal sector), are examined in Chapters Four to Six. Chapter Four gives the results of the survey - including three detailed case studies and the findings of the questionnaire survey. In Chapter Five garment makers and retailers (two categories which together make up a large component of the KwaMashu informal sector) are analysed more closely using information obtained from case studies. The field work included interviews, not only with informal sector participants, but also with the officials whose decisions influence the development of the informal sector. The latter is examined in Chapter Six. An important finding particularly relevant for policy decisions - concerned the division in levels of informal sector operation and the policy decisions affecting each level. The concluding chapter combines the findings of literature surveys with the empirical results from KwaMashu in order to assess the opportunities for and the limits to informal sector 'development' in South Africa. Practical and realistic means by which those in this sector might be assisted are also discussed in some detail.
Garbage picking as a strategy for survival : a case study of a sub- sector of the informal sector.
(1987) De Kock, Rachelle Elizabeth.; Nattrass, Jill.
In the past few years there has been a dramatic increase in research dealing with the informal sector in South Africa. This research is often motivated by academic curiosity as well as a growing concern over poverty and unemployment among South Africa's blacks. It has increasingly been suggested by academics, businessmen and government officials that the informal sector be developed and encouraged in appropriate directions in order to provide employment opportunities. This thesis is a case study of a group of people who are officially unemployed, and who work in the informal sector in order to survive. The economic activity they are involved with, represents a subsector of the informal sector namely, garbage picking. The first question that is addressed in the study deals with the problems inherent in the conceptualisation of the informal sector. There are many interpretations of what comprises this sector, depending in part on the stage of development that has been reached by the local economy and on the theoretical perspective used in the analysis. There are also many perspectives on whether the sector is independent and autonomous and on the extent to which it is intergrated into the economy of a country. Chapters 1 and 2 contain critical examination of the literature dealing with these aspects. In chapter 3 the characteristics of the informal sector are studied. Several case studies from different parts of the world are examined. Chapter 4 examines the marginality concept in relation to the garbage pickers with a view to determining the extent to which these people are marginalised in society. Attention is then directed towards the particular case study. The characteristics of garbage picking and the people who do this work, as well as the conditions under which they work, are examined in chapters 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 of the thesis. The results show that there is very little potential for the garbage picker to improve his/her position within the informal sector. The garbage pickers regard formal sector employment as their only way out of their present position and, given present circumstances, it seems that their view is correct. However, since the likelihood of their finding formal wage employment seems very limited, alternatives were examined and it seems that within the garbage industry the potential does exist to create formal sector jobs for the pickers. This potential can, however, only be realised once the garbage industry recognises this and re-organise itself to employ these people on a permanent basis.
An interpretation of political violence in Lamont and KwaMashu.
(1987) Booth, Douglas George.; Wellings, Paul.; Zulu, Paulus Mzomuhle.
The field of political violence is introduced with an overview of anti-State political violence in South Africa between 1 January 1977 and 21 July 1985. Incidents of political violence in that period were classified into one of three categories, each of which reflects different sources of political violence. Subsequently, the research analysed what is referred to 'spontaneous' collective violence in two of Durban's townships Lamont and KwaMashu. The theoretical framework for the analysis of this type of behaviour is provided by T.R. Gurr using the formula: MPV = RD + (RD x JUST x BALANCE) where MPV is the magnitude of political violence; RD is discontent; JUST is the justifications for engaging in violence; and BALANCE is the ratio of support for, and coercive capacity of, dissidents vis-a-vis the State. The weight of each variable (RD, JUST and BALANCE) was assessed in Lamont and KwaMashu through interviews with 25 group leaders from both townships and by various inferential techniques. While discontent was found to be universal in both townships, the justifications for engaging in violence as a strategy to alleviate that discontent and alter existing power relations were found to be a function of ideology. For the purposes of this research two ideological classifications were employed: 'reactionaries' (those organisations operating within government created institutions, including bantustans, e.g. Inkatha); and 'progressives' (those organisations operating outside government created institutions and which are popularly labelled the Left e.g. the United Democratic Front). In Durban there is a specific spatial distribution of ideology which has resulted in support for, and the coercive capacity of, reactionaries' being greatest in bantustan townships ' (e.g. KwaMashu), while among 'progressives' support and coercive capacity are highest in townships in 'white' South Africa (e.g. Lamont). The distribution of ideology has its origins in historical forces which are discussed in detail. The question to be answered thus remains at what point does political violence reach a crescendo? This question was answered by identifying the issues precipitating political violence in Lamont and KwaMashu and then analysing specific incidents. Frequently, the most intense collective violence erupted when resistance to State hegemony was interpreted by the State, or its proxies, as challenging the existing status quo. In Lamont the State has directly intervened to crush resistance through the use of its security forces while in KwaMashu Inkatha vigilantes have acted as proxies for the State.
The public library as a community service in a developing society : case study of Botswana.
(1988) Nkabinde, Thokozile M. N.; Lund, Frances Jane.; Schlemmer, Lawrence.; Zulu, Paulus Mzomuhle.
This study evaluates the purpose and role of the public library in national development in Botswana. Particular attention is focused on the public library as a community resource as well as its sensitivity in meeting the needs of community members and of organizations operating in the community. Chapter 1 introduces the nature of the problem, and brief historical and current developments of the public library in Botswana. Research objectives of the study are also outlined. Chapter 2 attempts to locate the public library in developing countries within development strategies such as the modernization and basic needs approach. Discussions further illustrate how policies emanating from these development strategies have influenced public library policies in these countries, and in Botswana. Attempts are made to show how the public library in Botswana is trying to adjust to shifts in emphasis of government development plans, especially the rural development emphasis. Chapter 3 outlines methods of research used to collect and process data obtained from the village Molepolole in Botswana. There is a brief discussion of the nature of this village as well as that of the community public library. Chapter 4 and 5 present findings of the household survey, and of community organizations and public librarians interviewed. An analysis and interpretation of findings of the household survey based on a sample of 203 readers drawn from the village is also presented. Community organizations interviewed include both government and non-government. Patterns of reading and views on the library of both readers in the survey and public library users, are explored. Chapter 6 presents a brief review of developments of the national campaign to eradicate illiteracy in Botswana, which was launched by the Department of Non-formal Education (DNFE) in 1970. The study shows what role the public library has been, and what it should be, in the provision of effective support for the promotion of literacy and reading. The last chapter gives a summary of findings, and suggests a model that could be adopted to develop an effective rural public library service in Botswana. The model is based on principles of the basic needs approach to development, which emphasizes appropriateness, focus on target groups, accessibility, affordability, integrativeness, participation and assertiveness.
A bibliography of South African short stories in English with socio-political themes between 1960 and June 1987.
(1989) Dubbeld, Catherine Elizabeth.; Verbeek, Jennifer Ann.
This bibliography aims to record socio-political short stories and novellas, written in English by authors born in South Africa or accepted as South African, published in South Africa or overseas in new monograph editions from January 1960 through June 1987, and available from within the country. It is contended that these stories provide a significant fictional account of the experience of socio-political life under apartheid in South Africa during this period. Some various reasons. The material was not available, for bibliography therefore cannot claim to be comprehensive. Short summaries of the major events of each year precede the entries which are arranged chronologically and then alphabetically by collection author or anthology title. Bibliographical description of entries is guided by Anglo-American cataloguing rules (2nd edition, 1978), second level, and includes plot synopses and thematic subject headings. The bibliography includes author, title and subject indexes.
Orientations to development: a comparative analysis in Natal and KwaZulu.
(1990) Geerdts, Penelope Joan.; Schlemmer, Lawrence.; Moller, Valerie.
In the last four decades social scientists have been preoccupied with the process of modernisation and development. Theorists who emphasised a normative perspective distinguished between value systems relating to individuals they termed urban-based and modern, and those they classified as rural-based and traditional. Research for this dissertation was undertaken in order to study value systems as they relate to the development process, and in particular to test assumptions underlying the modernisation theory. Data were collected in two stages; semi-structured, focused group discussions were held in two marginal rural areas of KwaZulu, and personalised interviews were conducted within metropolitan Durban by means of a predesigned questionnaire. Results were content-analysed in order to examine values within the broad categories of work, the family and leadership within the community. In addition, a factor analysis was applied to the urban survey data to assess general patterns of value orientations. The results of the study did not support the widely held views of modernisation theorists, namely that traditional values are not compatible with modern values, that they are mutually exclusive and in conflict with each other. It was found that traditionalism and modernism, as defined by modernisation theorists, were compatible, and coexisted and permeated both rural- and urban-based people. Although traditional reactions appeared to dominate in the sphere of the family, in terms of work and leadership no clear distinction was evident, and the traditional and modern were closely interrelated. In addition, a simple rural-urban continuum of values did not emerge. On the basis of the findings and of criticisms directed at the modernisation theory in general, it was recommended that further research be undertaken in order to develop a more appropriate theoretical framework for development in South Africa. An holistic approach, incorporating not only the existing values of people but also broader factors which impinge on such values, need be taken into consideration in future explanations of underdevelopment and development planning.
The role of non-formal education in development : a perceptual analysis of the KTT's interventions.
(1990) Stewart, Brian.; Lund, Frances Jane.
The total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of sub-Saharan Africa1in 1987 totalled about $135 billion, roughly the equivalent of Belgium with its population of 10 million (World Bank, 1989). Africa's deepening crisis is characterized by weak agricultural growth, a decline in industrial output, poor export performance, climbing debt, and deteriorating social indicators, institutions, and environment" (World Bank, 1989; 2). The World Bank's report (ibid) concludes that ''post independence development efforts failed because the strategy was misconceived. Governments made a dash for "modernization", copying, but not adapting Western Models". These strategies, although often differing on ideological issues resulted in poorly designed government investments in industrial development; a lack of interest or attention to peasant/'grassroots" agriculture and interference by governments in areas where they lacked the managerial, technical and entrepreneurial skills. When the political dimension of the South African government's repressive policies over the decades are superimposed upon the dismal scenario sketched above by the World Bank report, large scale poverty, instability, exploitation, ethnic strife, corruption and inequality, can be expected to exact a high toll on the people of South Africa. This dissertation examines the parameters within which development interventions should be undertaken, given their poor track record in Africa. It also studies the role of non-formal education (NFE) as a development activity,which impacts upon and interacts with, many other development interventions. The importance of this study can be found in the faet that given the extremely hostile environment for sustainable development in South Africa, strategies need to be evaluated against very stringent and exacting criteria. Para-statal organisations (not to mention government agencies) are inclined to reflect the wishes of their masters, thereby often obfuscating the real issues of development i.e. the elimination of political imbalances. Not only does the dissertation therefore come at an opportune time for the KIT but also for the development of the people of the region, in the sense that given the urgent demands for reparation for the sins of the past, new energies and resources are being focused upon the needs of the disenfranchised. The dissertation departs somewhat from a two-dimensional conceptualisation of development which normally sees it as a continuum between underdevelopment on the one hand and modernity on the other (Coetzee, 1989B)The three-dimensional approach applied in both the theoretical and empirical of the research, and which also touches upon time as a fourth dimension, enables the researcher to analyse the inter-dependencies of the various dimensions, thereby creating a different (if not new) mind-set in the evaluation of the KTT's activities. This should consequently raise new issues for development agencies to consider as development is primarily related to the creation of meaning (Coetzee, 1989B). Interventions designed to develop others can thus only be assessed in terms of the totality of people's needs which must include issues such as respect, esteem, freedom and justice. The findings of the dissertation are characterised by a very strong acceptance by the respondents of KTI's interventions. Despite some strong criticisms relating to the KTI's follow-through after training, it is clear that change was brought about in especially the economic dimension. The findings do, however, also indicate that KIT's approach to its development task does not sufficiently take into account the socio-political needs of the people and that its outcomes were focused primarily on the income generating capacity of the target population. Given the theoretical multi-dimensional basis of the study, it is trusted that consideration can now be given by the planners of the KTT to issues relating to a holistic need to create meaning in all dimensions. The dissertation finds that NFE plays an important role in development it also finds that NFE is neglected in the region when assessed against the extent of poverty and inequality. New priorities need to be set in the compilation of a strategic agenda for the 1990's.The World Bank (1989) indicates that: • more account should be taken of social reforms; • increased funding of human resource development is required; • development strategies should be people-centred; • institutional reforms at every governmental level must be pursued; •The nexus of weak agricultural production, rapid population growth, environmental degradation and urbanisation must be overcome by innovative and thoroughly co-ordinated strategies; and • westernisation should be rejected as being synonymous With development. This dissertation adds to the pool of evidence that unless rapid and massive investments in the human resources of the region are made, the capital injected into infrastructure, industrial development, housing etc. will be suboptimised and not lead to sustainable self-reliance.
Motherhood, marriage and career : some liberal feminist and some ultra orthodox Jewish views.
(1991) Tager, Nora.
A comparison is made between the manner in which motherhood is perceived from a liberal feminist point of view within the patriarchal framework of modern western society, and the way in which it is viewed in ultra-orthodox Judaism among middle-class women. In considering some aspects of motherhood and marriage, a comparison is made between the ethics of liberal feminism, rooted as they are in liberal ideology, and the ethics of ultra-Orthodox Judaism. The problem of the exploitation of women during child-rearing and child-bearing years, as a result of financial dependence on an individual man, and the lack of legislation and protection for women in the private sphere regarding physical and mental abuse in marriage, is considered and compared with that of ultra-Orthodox Judaism where the private sphere is religiously legislated.
Re-thinking education in South Africa : case studies of community participation in education in the Durban Functional Region.
(1993) Matsepe, Rosemary Mputsanyane.; Scott, Dianne.; Kitchin, Felicity.; Khosa, M. M.
The inadequacies of Black education have been approached from various angles including government intervention in the form of legislation, socio-economic measures, and others. People have also discovered this inadequacies and are struggling to resolve them in the form of 'alternative schools' or 'people's education' campaigns. The focus of this thesis is on community participation in the provision of education looking at two case studies in the Durban Functional Region. The theoretical framework for the study was threefold: derived from the development literature incorporating community participation; followed by a review of the literature on space; and a discussion on education - people's education. Data was gathered from intensive interviews, group discussions, newspaper articles, school reports and other documents. This assisted in giving an insight into the particular forms that community participation took in the two case studies. The following processes were identified from the study: processes of conflict and opposition and processes of co-operation in sharing a common task. These were analysed based on parameters such as: goals, concerns, students, community involvement, accountability, finance, sustainability and empowerment. The salient yet powerful features of the study were that of 'space' and 'locality' which presented a powerful force explaining the specificity of the processes in each of the case studies. The case studies succeeded in critically illuminating the precise meaning and evolution of community participation, its theoretical consistency, spatial sensitivity and also assessed its practicality. Furthermore, the study emphasised that local and domestic strategies in the provision of education need to be re-enforced through positive national or state interventions. Finally, as demonstrated in the two case studies, context-specificity should be the guiding principle in any community participation efforts.
Kwazulu Natal's institutional environment : its impact on development imperatives.
(1995) Barnes, Justin Raymond.; Morris, Michael.
The study of development in the 1960s and early 1970s was characterised by major struggles between competing ideological positions . Writings were dominated by attempts at getting the ideologies right , hence the proliferation ofNeo-Marxist and Neo-Classical discourses. The vociferous debates between development theorists such as Andre Gunder Frank (1966), Paul Baran (1962), W.W. Rostow (1963) and their followers) were indicative of this period. A fundamental shift occurred in the late 1970s, however, when the focus of development studies shifted to the more technical issue of how to get prices right. World Bank and International Monetary Fund intervention in state affairs were a characteristic of this fundamental shift, with the now notorious Structural Adjustment Programmes (SAPs) of the 1980s being a direct result of this movement. The whole terrain of development studies has once again, however, undergone reconstruction, with the emergence of an entirely new strain of development-oriented thought in the 1990s. The key development problem being identified by social scientists at present is the institutional context in which development takes place. It has finally emerged that this issue surpasses those debates concerning ideology and monetary issues. Development protagonists now acknowledge that they can no longer look at development without considering the institutional environment in which it is to take place. Irrespective of ideology and price factors, then, it has finally been realised that development is highly contingent upon the establishment of a sound development-oriented institutional environment. Although the international development arena has experienced this fundamental shift, very little research has been done , thus far, on the dynamics of KwaZulu Natal 's institutional environment. As such very little is known about its efficacy in supporting or initiating development programmes in the province. If one considers the enormity of the development task in KwaZulu Natal this is an extremely unsatisfactory situation. KwaZulu Natal undoubtedly needs a sound institutional environment that supports development, thus making a study of how the province's institutional environment impacts on development imperatives an extremely important endeavour. It is hoped that this dissertation helps in some small way to fill the research void that is clearly apparent in KwaZulu Natal. It needs to be iterated right at the outset, however, that this dissertation is not meant to be an extensive, all encompassing critique of KwaZulu Natal's institutional environment. It is rather an exploration of those important issues pertaining to its institutional environment that impact so dramatically on development imperatives in the province.
Development frameworks and implementation problems : a study of the Ubombo/Ingwavuma development framework.
(1995) Scholtz, David Ivan.
This dissertation is concerned with the extent to which development frameworks are valid tools to guide development within a region, and makes use of the Ubombo/ Ingwavuma development framework as a case study. Through the use of this case study, the dissertation uncovers factors that influence the implementation of development frameworks. The context of the study is established firstly through the exploration of the literature surrounding regional planning, how it is undertaken, and the reasons for its successes and failures; and secondly, through an examination of implementation problems and lessons learnt from other development frameworks implemented during the same time frame. It is hypothesised that integrated regional development frameworks, like the Ubombol Ingwavuma development framework, are a necessary part of regional planning but by themselves however, are not sufficient to lead to regional development and are inherently flawed by implementation problems. The areas for immediate action which are outlined in the Ubombol Ingwavuma development framework, are systematically examined to ascertain the extent to which specific plans and projects were implemented, as well as to uncover the reasons for non-implementation on the part of implementing agencies and government departments. Both the client and the planners involved in the formulation of the plan, as well as planning experts, are consulted on the reasons for plan failure and lack of implementation. From this research, it can be concluded that regional plans are necessary mechanisms to lead to development of a region per se, but are not sufficient in themselves. Other factors important for the success of regional plans include a high degree of community participation, departmental collaboration, political buy-in, and people motivated to 'drive' the planning process forward, to mention a few.
Economic and spatial impacts of street trading on retail : a case study of West Street.
(1995) Do Rego, Deolinda M. D. O. R.; Todes, Alison Elaine.
No abstract available.
Social policy implications for the care and welfare of children affected by HIV/AIDS in Kwazulu-Natal.
(1998) Harber, Mary Christina.
In the next few years South Africa with be faced with immense socio-economic problems created by the HIV/AIDS epidemic, not least of which will be the impact on children and their families. Evidence from other African countries shows that the presence oflarge numbers of AIDS orphans has major implications for the societies in which they live. Reports from these countries suggest that, even in the midst of high rates of HIV/AIDS, the African extended family system is remarkably persistent. However there is also evidence"that HIV/AIDS affected children face an increased risk of poor health care, of dropping out of school, of abuse and exploitation. The majority of communities affected by HIV/AIDS in South Africa are already poor, yet HIV/AIDS will place a huge strain on available resources. As the epidemic develops, an increasing number of children are likely to fall through the extended family safetynet and pressure will rise on welfare organisations to provide alternative forms of care. The welfare sector must therefore urgently find innovative ways both to support traditional forms of child care, and to develop new models of care. Welfare organisations are being faced with the challenges presented by HIV/AIDS at a time when national welfare policy is in a process of change. The White Paper for Social Welfare (Department ofWelfare, 1997), promotes a major shift of approach to welfare provision. The new approach is based on the principle wof'developmental social elfare'. This is a broad concept incorporating ideas such as 'building human capacity', 'promoting self-reliance', creating 'appropriate' services through 'community development' and the promotion ofincome generating activities. Organisations are encouraged to move away from a concentration on rehabilitative services and institutional care and to develop a preventative approach which relies more on community-based services and 'community' care. This important shift in welfare policy is being introduced within the constraints of the government's macro-economic strategy GEAR (Growth Employment and Redistribution). GEAR aims to create jobs and to link growth to redistribution. This is to be achieved through a tight monetary policy in which reduction of the budget deficit and 'fiscal restraint' are major emphases. Spending on welfare, along with the rest ofthe public sector is thus constrained within tight budgets. This thesis looks at a changing welfare policy in relation to the development of strategies to support children affected by HIV/AIDs. It explores themes contained in the 'developmental social welfare' paradigm and considers the impact ofthe HIV/AIDS epidemic through an examination of the literature and through empirical research. It focuses on the implementation of macro policy change at an organisational level. The following broad questions formed the basis for this research. 1. Given the growing HIV/AIDS epidemic in KwaZulu-Natal, what is being done by welfare organisations, and by whom, to provide care and support for children affected by HIV/AIDS? 2. Are welfare organisations in KwaZulu-Natal devising 'developmental social welfare' approaches to respond to the challenge of HIV/AIDS? If so, how is this approach being developed to assist children affected by the epidemic? What issues are being encountered? 3. In view of the fact that the AIDS epidemic in South Africa is several years behind other sub-Saharan African countries, are there any lessons that can be learned from other African countries about alternative models of care for affected children which have been developed? The research uses a case study approach within a qualitative research methodology. Research methods used were participant observation, interviews, questionnaires and collection of documentary sources. Three case studies are presented which look at different models of care and support for children affected by HIV/AIDS in the Pietermaritzburg district ofKwaZulu-Natal. Each ofthe case studies focuses on themes contained in the 'developmental social welfare' approach. The first case study looks at a community-based project for the support of HIV/AIDS affected children. It focuses on concepts such as community development and community action and at ideas of 'building human capacity' and 'self reliance'. The second case study considers the theme of,appropriateness' through the development an 'appropriate' adoption service for African children. The third case study, considers the issue of maximising resources through a study of a 'cluster' foster care scheme for HIV positive children. This study paints a picture both of potential disaster and of some possible ways forward. It highlights the achievements of the case study organisations. These include the promotion of awareness about the needs of vulnerable children through a community-based approach, as well as the development of new models of adoption for abandoned children and fostering for mv positive children. However, it also highlights the difficulties which faced these organisations, in particular budgetary constraints and the context of poverty within which they were operating. Tensions were found between the slow progress of community development' and the immediate needs of poor children and their carers in a rapidly progressing HIV/AIDS epidemic. The study points to the important role played by state social grants and the need to protect these . benefits. The study provides examples of the gendered nature of 'developmental social welfare' policies, specifically with regard to notions of 'self reliance' and community care. It proposes the need for a better analysis of the concepts contained within the 'developmental social welfare approach'. The need for a closer collaboration between the state and the non governmental sector is seen as critical to the development of a 'holistic' approach to the support of HIV/AIDS affected children.
Women in sex work in the Durban CBD : towards a broader understanding of poverty.
(1999) Leggett, Ted.; Padayachee, Vishnu.
No abstract available.
Evaluating community health projects : the role of social capital.
(1999) Meth, Fiona.; Campbell, Cathy.
No abstract available.
Social capital and women's participation in three land reform trusts : a case of mixed blessings.
(1999) Pharoah, Robyn.; May, Julian Douglas.
Gender equality and the participation ofwomen is emphasised in the South African Land Reform Programme. At the same time, the programme is also premised on the group ownership and management of the land. As such, the land reform is often operationalised through community based legal entities, which usually take the form of Trusts and Communal Property Associations. The Department ofLand Affairs encourages communities to elect women to these bodies, on the assumption that this involvement ofwomen will translate into gender sensitive planning and management on the part of these entities. Through the examination ofthree Land Trusts in KwaZulu Natal, this paper seeks to establish the validity of such an assumption in light of the patriarchy that often exists in rural areas. The focus of the paper is whether the dynamics inherent in these communities, and the entities they have formed, allow women to participate in decision making in a manner sufficient to achieve the ideals of equity inscribed in governmental policy. In addressing this question, the dissertation examines (i) how women are involved in the Trusts (ii) the implications of their involvement (iii) whether the increasingly popular concept of social capital provides a useful tool in understanding the issues that arise around the participation of women in the entities.
The 'managed' co-operative : a case study into the social and economic benefits of participating in rural co-operatives in KwaZulu-Natal.
(1999) Elliott, Lucy M.; Padayachee, Vishnu.
The primary goal of development is to alleviate poverty, and thus improve people's lives. Co-operatives around the world are becoming used more regularly as a vehicle for such development. However, as a result of economic pressures, co-operatives have changed over the years, reflecting a more business-like approach in order to compete in a competitive market. As a result certain types of co-operatives come under the banner of 'new wave' co-operatives. This dissertation examines two such co-operatives and analyses what social and economic benefits accrue to individuals as a result of participating in rural co-operatives. It also reflects upon the 'managed' status of the co-operative and its implication for members.

Browse

Browsing Masters Degrees (Development Studies) by Issue Date