Masters Degrees (Information Studies)

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The effects of teacher-librarianship training at the colleges of education in the former Transkei on school libraries.
(1994) Pholosi, Tsosane Jonas.; Horton, William H.; Radebe, Thulisile Eddista.
This study investigated whether there is any significant difference between the training of teacher-librarians with the use of library facilities and the training which does not use library facilities. The study was based on the colleges of education in the former Transkei where the training of teacher librarians is mostly conducted with the use of very little or no library facilities. The research sample of 50% was selected from second year teacher-librarianship students who do the course as part of their teacher training at one of the colleges of education in the region mentioned above. This college was chosen on the basis that it has the best library facilities of all of them, and also that the teacher-librarianship programme offered in all these colleges is the same. A test was used as a method of gathering data. The statistical testing of the data indicated a significant difference between the two methods of instruction mentioned above, thus leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis in favour of the research hypothesis. The major conclusion drawn was that: The use of school modelled college library facilities in the training of teacher-librarians is the basic and useful tool towards the provision of functional school libraries.
An investigation into the effects of closed market book distribution on libraries in Kwazulu Natal.
(1994) Vahed, Laila.; Horton, William H.
The usual route for purchasing a book is for an end user, eg. a library to place an order with a bookshop, eg. Mast. The bookshop places the order for that book directly with the publisher, who may be overseas or local. There are however, some overseas publishers who do not supply their books directly to bookshops in South Africa. Their books are available through one wholesale distributor of books in South Africa who is given an exclusive contract for the supply of that imprint to the local market. The route for an order therefore is from the end user to the bookshop, from the bookshop to the book distributer, and then from the book distributor to the publisher. The book is shipped from the publisher to the book distributor, from the book distributor to the bookshop, and finally from the bookshop to the end user. This is closed market book distribution. The market has effectively been closed to all but one supplier for South Africa. A contract to this effect exists between the book distributor and the publisher.
An analysis of the curricula of school librarianship programmes in colleges of education in Transkei, Venda, Bophuthatswana and Ciskei.
(1994) Majaja, Vatiswa Violet.; Horton, Weldon J.
Abstract available in PDF.
The impact of the Economic Structural Adjustment Programme on small and medium-sized special libraries in Zimbabwe.
(1995) Chanetsa, Bernadette.; Verbeek, Jennifer Ann.
Abstract available in PDF.
Information seeking patterns among natural scientists, social scientists, and Humanities scholars at the University of Transkei.
(1995) Jacobs, Daisy.; Kaniki, Andrew M.
Abstract available in PDF.
An investigation of the reading interests of Zulu speaking standard two children in the Department of Education and Training (DET) in Pietermaritzburg 1 circuit.
(1995) Radebe, Thulisile Eddista.; Stilwell, Christine.
The reading interests of black Standard Two children in Pietermaritzburg were tested in the study. This was in response to the need, expressed by parents, teachers, information workers, media-teachers and publishers, for information and guidance regarding reading interests of black children in South Africa. Two opposing trends were identified in the international literature (including South Africa) on the reading interests of children. The literature is reviewed and the two trends are discussed. A sample of children was selected from a sample of primary schools in the Pietermaritzburg 1 Circuit of the former Department of Education and Training. A sample of children's books was selected and presented to the children to test their interests. Some of the findings were: The children did not necessarily prefer settings and situations which were familiar to their own circumstances; they did not necessarily prefer books which were written in their vernacular; reading emerged as an individual matter regardless of ethnicity or race; children's preferences had no significant relationship to the ethnic origin of the story. From the children's preferences of books and from their responses to questions regarding their reading involvement, conclusions are drawn and suggestions are made.
A performance evaluation of the Pietermaritzburg Cluster of Theological Libraries (PCTL) in order to determine whether it meets the demands of its users.
(1996) Van Rooyen, Karen M.; Kaniki, Andrew M.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of the Pietermaritzburg Cluster of Theological Libraries, a network of theological libraries in an around Pietermaritzburg. The Pietermaritzburg Cluster of Theological Libraries is an association of the libraries of the Evangelical Bible Seminary of Southern Africa, St. Joseph's Theological Institute, the University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, the Evangelical House of Studies, Anglican House of Studies and the Las Casa Dominican Community. The library network is a component of the Pietermaritzburg Cluster of Theological Institutions (PCTI). An analysis of literature related to resource sharing between libraries and the evaluation of information services was conducted. The performance of the Pietermaritzburg Cluster of Theological Libraries was evaluated primarily from the viewpoint of the users of the network. The research problem addressed in the study was: "Does the Pietermaritzburg Cluster of Theological Libraries meet its objectives and satisfies the needs of its users?". The research problem was broken down into three subproblems, namely: 1. Awareness of the target population of the existence of the Pietermaritzburg Cluster of Theological Libraries. 2. How much use is made of the Pietermaritzburg Cluster of Theological Libraries? 3. Overall performance of the Pietermaritzburg Cluster of Theological Libraries in meeting objectives. Site visits, document review, transaction records, questionnaire survey and interviews were used for data collection. A questionnaire, accompanied by a cover letter, was the main tool used in data collection. The questionnaire was administered to the primary targets, the theological students from the various institutions, to obtain data related to their awareness and understanding of the Pietermaritzburg Cluster of Theological Libraries (PCTL), whether they use the facility and the reasons for use of non-use, as well as the overall perception of and attitude towards the service by the users. Interviews were conducted with staff members from the various institutions to determine their usage of the library network. Major findings of the questionnaire survey were: a high awareness of the PCTL among the respondents, the majority of the lending were by the users from the University of Natal; the main reason for non-use of the network was that the home library is sufficient; majority of the respondents were satisfied with the regularity of the service, found the lending polices satisfactory or good and requested material usually or most often available; the service was generally seen as an advantage by the respondents because they have access to more materials; the long waiting period and the process of acquiring material were identified as problems; and a user education programme, interavailability of borrower cards and streamlining the process were suggested by the respondents. The transaction records reflected that the users of the University of Natal use the service most heavily. Of the requests submitted by the University of Natal, 40,32 % was for national interlending via SABINET. The delivery rate of the network is 86,58 %. It was determined that the users, although they have complaints about the network, are satisfied with the network and view it as an asset. The study proposed a combined user education on the activities of the library network, the inter-availability of tickets and/or a more regular service and improved access to the online union catalogue at St. Joseph's Theological Institute and the Evangelical Bible Seminary of Southern Africa.
An evaluative study of the psychology collection at the University of Transkei.
(1997) Breakfast, Kholeka.; Kaniki, Andrew M.
The study focused on the evaluation of the psychology book collection at UNITRA library. In particular, the study investigated the adequacy of the psychology book collection in terms of accessibility, availability, and pertinence. A sample of 264 respondents was selected from a population of 1123 students. A proportionate random sampling was used to select respondents from each stratum. The survey method was used, and questionnaires were administered to the sample of 1995 registered psychology students at UNITRA from Year 1 to Honours level. The questionnaire focused on the research questions, relating to accessibility , availability, and pertinence of the psychology collection. The data was analysed by means of a statistical package, SAS. The results were interpreted in relation to the variables. The findings revealed that accessibility and availability were affected by: the attendance of the first library orientation programme which is usually offered at the beginning of the year; the availability of library services at high school; the number of copies of the same title in the library; library opening hours; attitude of the librarians; procedure for locating books; number of borrower cards; and the age of books in the library. The identification of entries representing books on the catalogue, and the location of books on the shelves were found to be easier for those users who had attended library orientation and those who had libraries at their high school. It was recommended that lecturers and librarians should encourage students to also use the subject catalogue in order to get more books on the same subject. A number of other recommendations were suggested taken from the findings and other authorities on the subject to improve the accessibility, availability and pertinence of the psychology collection. The development of a written collection development policy would make the implementation of the above recommendations easier.
Mangosuthu Technikon Resource Centre and its involvement in the Umlazi community with particular reference to high schools : 1991-1997.
(1998) Msimango, Highness Lucy.; Stilwell, Christine.
Academic libraries are concerned about being involved in the communities in which they exist by rendering library and information services. In order to maintain effective community involvement, academic libraries find it is important to find ways in which they can serve the community. The study investigated the Mangosuthu Technikon Resource Centre's (MTRC) involvement in the community. The intention was to determine the extent of usage of the MTRC services by Umlazi high school teachers and to identify problems which these teachers experienced with regard to the MTRC services. Umlazi high school teachers as users of the MTRC services and MTRC staff as providers of the services, were the two groups chosen for the study. Two questionnaires, one for external respondents, the Umlazi high school teachers, and another for the internal respondents, MTRC staff: were hand delivered to and collected from the respondents. The results of the survey indicated a very low percentage of usage of the MTRC services by Umlazi high school teachers and a high percentage of interest in and lack of knowledge of the MTRC services by Umlazi high school teachers. There was agreement of opinions between Umlazi high school teachers and MTRC staff on the reasons for non-use of the MTRC services by Umlazi high school teachers. Reasons indicated were that teachers did not know they could use the MTRC. There was a lack of promotional brochures and newsletters, and teachers obtained what they needed elsewhere. It was recommended that MTRC staff be educated on the MTRC's responsibility to community involvement; that the MTRC provide library user education to Umlazi high school teachers; that the MTRC base its services on community needs assessment; that marketing practices be injected into the MTRC services; that consultation with the community during planning stages of community services be maintained; that MTRC provide the community only with services not provided elsewhere; and that the MTRC take initiative in establishing a multitype area network with Umlazi Public Library and Umlazi high schools.
Public secondary school libraries in Nairobi and the satisfaction of the curriculum needs among history teachers.
(1999) Kimotho, James.; Kaniki, Andrew M.
The aim of this study is to investigate the level of awareness of history teachers in public secondary schools in Nairobi, Kenya, of the benefits of library use for the curriculum. The availability of school libraries in public secondary schools in Nairobi provided a context for this investigation into teacher library use. In order to establish if libraries are used effectively, or used at all, for curriculum purposes, literature on this was searched and little came from Nairobi or even Kenya. This lack of information in this area formed a justification for investigation because libraries exist in many public schools in Nairobi and they have the potential to have a positive influence. A survey of literature internationally illustrates the degree of the serious attention both history as a discipline, and library and the curriculum receive. History is given attention because of its role in both maintaining and revolutionising order in a country. In the case of resource-based learning, many countries have shifted to a child-centred approach. This requires much more use of libraries than traditional teaching methods. The evaluation of teacher and librarian views was undertaken by means of a survey. In the survey questionnaires were used. The population was that provided by the Director of Education in Nairobi and a corresponding list of schools where teachers and librarians were employed is given. The findings of the survey established the level of awareness of history teachers to resource based education that took account of library-curriculum partnership. The study established the need for greater attention towards school libraries in the allocation of budgets, building resources that are needed, and management. Staff development of both teachers and librarians was suggested in order to promote resource-based education. To achieve this, a written policy on the management of school libraries is suggested.
Preserving electronic memory : an investigation into the role played by the National Archives of South Africa in the management of electronic records of central government.
(1999) Abbott, Brad Steven.; Kaniki, Andrew M.
This study sought to investigate the role of the National Archives of South Africa in terms of the management of the electronic records of central government. The research methodology selected for this study was descriptive research, utilising the case study approach. Two data gathering techniques were employed, that of the record and the interview methods. In utilising the record method extensive use was made of a variety of documents ranging from legislation to the manuals and internal circulars of the National Archives. After the documentary evidence had been analyzed, three nonscheduled-structured-interviews were carried out with National Archives staff. In the process of the investigation a number of findings were generated. It was established that the National Archives is responsible for managing the electronic records of governmental bodies. In order to fulfill this responsibility the National Archives has developed an electronic records management programme. This programme aims to involve the National Archives in the design and maintenance of electronic records systems, to allow the early transfer of electronic records into archival custody, and to facilitate the identification of those archival electronic records that should remain in the possession of the creating body. As a result of the literature reviewed and the interviews conducted, a number of challenges were identified with regards to the National Archives' management of the electronic records of central government. Among these were issues such as the lack of staff resources that the National Archives currently faces, the perceived low status of the National Archives within the Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology, and the lack of cooperation and communication between the National Archives and its client bodies or components thereof. The National Archives is attempting to deal with a number of these challenges, but it would appear as if they are adopting a reactive and overly cautious approach to the management of electronic records. While they are well informed in terms of the theory of electronic records management, they are greatly lacking in terms of practical experience. It was recommended that the National Archives address the issue of staff resources as a priority. It was further recommended that the National Archives emphasise the business benefits to be gained by governmental bodies implementing records management practices, and that the National Archives become a more active player in the broader discipline of information management.
Collection development and use of non-book materials in university libraries in South Africa.
(1999) Ntuli, Nomaxabiso Claribel.; Kaniki, Andrew M.
Non-book materials have a unique role to play in university libraries of South Africa, as they re-inforce what has been learnt and facilitate presentation of subject matter to fulfil the needs of teaching and learning of institutions. The key problem of the study was that non-book materials though very important as sources of information like books, appear to be little or not used in South African university libraries. This may be caused by unclear policy presented in formal or informal collection development policies. The general aim of the study was to find out collection development practices, policies and use of non-book materials in South African university libraries. To this end the specific objectives were: To find out how non-book materials in university libraries are collected and maintained as part of teaching, learning and research. To get some understanding on the policies and patterns the university libraries follow in the development of non-book materials. To find out the manner in which non-book materials are funded and acquired. To find out the extent to which library orientation, instruction and user education cover non-book materials. The study therefore examined the collection development and usage of nonbook materials in university libraries of South Africa. All the South African university libraries except University of Zululand where the researcher works and is the AV-librarian were included in the study. The major method of study chosen was the survey method and the questionnaire was used for data collection. The methods of analysis used were the univariate and bi-variate methods and the basic type of statistics, the descriptive statistics. Libraries surveyed showed that they favoured non-book materials, and above all they do have the most NBM that are available in all formats. The study guided the researcher in making the following recommendations: The need for improvement of the NBM information services in libraries. That clear policies, whether written or not, for selection and acquisition of NBM be reviewed in libraries in South Africa. The role of NBM specialist is important and needs to be redressed. That the academic staff, library staff and students work together as a team and devise a program of library user education integrated with curriculum.
An exploratory study of the information needs of secondary school students in MdantsaneTownship, Eastern Cape.
(1999) Rubushe, Bulewa Promotia.; Radebe, Thulisile Eddista.; Stilwell, Christine.
The Study investigates the information needs of high School students in the Mdantsane Township,in the Eastern Cape and is based on the view that high School Students have information needs other than their School-related needs.The building of a Library in the Township made the investigation of this substantial group's,information needs was important in establishing what sort of information service was required.
Sexuality and sexual health information needs and seeking patterns of school-going teenagers in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.
(2000) Nsengiyumva, Anne-Marie Mukaneza.; Kaniki, Andrew M.
Abstract available in pdf.
An investigation into the possibility of mainstreaming library user education into the curriculum of the Engineering Faculty of the M.L. Sultan Technikon.
(2000) Webster, Lucille Elizabeth.; Bell, Fiona Ruth.; Leach, Athol Brian.
This study investigated whether it is possible to include user education in the curriculum of the Engineering Faculty at the M.L. Sultan Technikon. Although the user education programme is offered to all students at the Technikon, it is based on an informal arrangement between the lecturer and the librarian. The programme is not time-tabled or credit-bearing, and many students regard it as a course outside the curriculum which has little, if any, impact on their studies. In a bid to assess the feasibility of including user education in the curriculum, the study sets out to establish the views of the academic 1 staff of the Engineering Faculty and the librarians from the Library as well as those the Department of Library and Information Studies, regarding the inclusion of user education. A further objective of the study is to determine what type of skills both groups of respondents think should be taught in user education and who should be teaching the course. A description of the M.L. Sultan Technikon and the origins of its establishment and the impact of the recent inclusion of outcomes-based education in educational institutions in South Africa provide an introduction to the research. User education and its origins in tertiary institutions are discussed and the literature dealing with the inclusion of user education in international and local institutions is reviewed. The population of this study consisted of ninety-one respondents, eighty from the : lecturing staff of the Engineering Faculty, six librarians from the Library and five from the Library and Information Studies Department. Two population-specific questionnaires were designed and the method and data collection technique used in this study was the survey and the self-administered questionnaire. Thirty-two (40 %) questionnaires were returned from the Engineering Faculty and seven (64 %) from the librarians. Of the 7 responses from the librarians 4 were from the practicing librarians and 3 from the librarians from the Department. The findings of the survey reveal that the majority of both groups of respondents support the possible inclusion of user education into the curriculum of the Engineering Faculty. The ability to use the online public access catalogue (OPAC}, computer literacy and information in electronic format were rated as important skills by-the Engineering Faculty, while the librarians rated the ability to use the OPAC and indexes and the ability to find journals as important skills that should be taught in the user education programme. Conclusions, recommendations and suggestions for further research are made in the light of the results of the survey.
An investigation into staff development activities at the University of Natal libraries on the Durban campus.
(2001) Mabengu, Mabel Ncumisa.; Bell, Fiona Ruth.
Abstract available in a PDF.
An evaluation of the Russell High School's library collection in meeting the curricula needs of learners.
(2001) Atagana, Favour Ogochukwu.; Kaniki, Andrew M.
The purpose of the dissertation was to evaluate the Russell High School library collection in meeting the curricula needs of learners. A study population consisting of 150 learners, 13 teachers, the librarian and Principal was surveyed by means of questionnaire and interview. Three types of questionnaires were used, one each for the learners, the teachers and the librarian. The Principal's interview was based on a checklist. Results were discussed in terms of frequencies and cross-tabulations of responses were made. Results are graphically displayed in the form of tables, pie charts and bar charts. The present situation of the library and its problems are discussed with regard to resources, the availability and suitability of the present collection, types of materials used, and satisfaction with the library by users as well as encouragement from teachers and the librarian to learners in the use of the library. The discussion was situated within the current requirements of Outcomes-Based Education as guided by Curriculum 2005 and 21. The study findings indicated that learners and teachers were satisfied with the library stock although a need for books, especially new titles, was identified. Learners and teachers felt that more books and better infrastructure for example, computers, television sets, and more space were needed. It was also revealed, however, that the budget was severely limited. These findings are discussed within the framework provided by a review of international, African and local school libraries. Recommendations for possible future services are made in the light of this discussion.
First level library and/or information science qualifications at South African universities and technikons : a comparative study of curricula.
(2002) Raju, Jayarani.; Kaniki, Andrew M.
The general purpose of the research was to do a comparative study of first level library and/or information science (LIS) qualifications offered at South African universities and technikons. These qualifications included the National Diploma: Library and Information Studies (ND: LIS), the Bachelor of Technology: Library and Information Studies (B.Tech.(LIS)), the Post-graduate Diploma in Library and/or Information Science and the Bachelor of Library and Information Science (B.Bibl.) or equivalent four-year university degree. Self-administered questionnaires were used to survey the views of employers, past students and educators in the LIS field regarding these qualifications and their relevance to the LIS services work environment. Descriptive statistics as well as content analysis were used to analyse the data collected. Discussion of findings based on analysis of data and in the context of related literature, resulted in a number of conclusions. The study supports the view that general education as provided by a university bachelor's degree distinguishes between professional and paraprofessional LIS education and training. The study confirms that the university Post-graduate Diploma in Library and/or Information Science and the B.Bibl. (or equivalent four-year university degree) are established professional LIS qualifications in South Africa. While the technikon ND: LIS is generally viewed as a paraprofessional qualification, LIS services employers are not using this qualification in its paraprofessional context with paraprofessional post designations and career progressions. The technikon B.Tech.(LIS) cannot be viewed as a professional LIS qualification as it lacks general education. Furthermore, it is a qualification in the hierarchy of paraprofessional LIS qualifications that runs parallel to the professional LIS career path and thus the B.Tech.(LIS) is not a step in the direction of LIS professionalism. It is part of an alternative career direction. A further conclusion is that in view of the traditional purpose of technikon education and training vis-a-vis university education and training, limited general education and not extended general education is necessary in the technikon LIS curriculum. The study suggests that the professional LIS body, educators, employers and graduates and diplomates in the LIS field in South Africa have specific roles to play in ensuring understanding that LIS professionalism and paraprofessionalism are alternative or parallel career paths each with its own career progressions and with valuable roles to play in LIS services. However, there should be possibilities for articulation between LIS professionalism and paraprofessionalism at the education and training level.
Establishing an internet-based information exchange system for the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands Rural Development Network (MIDNET), South Africa.
(2002-02-02) Setegn, Amare Molla.; Kaniki, Andrew M.
The purpose underpinning the study was to establish the prospect of developing a supplementary Internet-based information exchange system for the Natal Midlands Rural Development Network (MIDNET) and to propose a model of operation for the anticipated system. The study intended to propose, based on findings, steps and strategies that need to be taken on how best to integrate an Internet based information exchange system into the requirements and capacity of MIDNET members. To accomplish the objectives of the study, both primary and secondary sources of data were used. Literature on cooperation and networking and application of the Internet for information exchange networking were reviewed, analyzed and conceptualized to establish feasibility dimensions for an Internet-based information exchange system in a network environment and to plan a model of operation for the system. Original research was carried out using a self-administered questionnaire to MIDNET members during July through November 2001. Out ofthe questionnaires distributed to all 32 members, 18 (56.8%) were returned and used. Data collected was related to current information exchange activities; general information needs; availability of information resources in terms of ICTs infrastructure, organization and human resources and funding; and opinions on establishing an Internet based information exchange system. Supplementary information was also collected through observation of some aspects of the information exchange and dissemination activities of MIDNET members. Document analysis was done mainly to establish the contents ofthe information products of MIDNET members, MIDNET and interest groups of MIDNET. Based on general information needs established in the present study, MIDNET members were found to have similar objectives, activities and disciplines of work geared toward similar goals within rural development, the thematic boundary of the network. MIDNET was found to draw in, within its membership, geographical and thematic boundary, like-minded organizations and individuals that have similar information seeking behavior. Members, when motivated by five reasons, were found to exchange information using nine kinds ofcommunication media and mechanisms and 16 categories ofinformation products and activities which reflected 27 information content categories. The information products of members, MIDNET and interest groups of MIDNET were largely in the category of grey literature. Most members were found to have a good state oflCTs infrastructure in terms of owning computers, computer networks, Internet connectivity and development of Internet-based information exchange and dissemination systems. Most members do not have information support services backed by conventional information units and professionals. Ad hoc arrangements of responsibility for information work were used in most instances. Findings concerning funding infonnation exchange activities were inadequate to examine the trend in funding. Findings concerning problems and factors that impeded current information exchange activities and solutions suggested by members reflected the need to improve current communication and information delivery interfaces and to establish an Internet-based information system as a supplementary interface. Members indicated an overwhelming desire to participate in and contribute to the anticipated system, although there was a reluctance in terms of system inputs other than information. Analysis of the study findings in terms of fundamental feasibility dimensions showed that the Internet, if appropriately and effectively used, has the prospect to facilitate communication and information exchange in MIDNET by way of replicating current interfaces. The study proposes a model plan for the establishment of an Internet-based information exchange system that would suit the requirements and capacity of members. The plan is proposed based on findings of the present study and valid reflections from a review of the literature in terms of prerequisites for networking, basic requirements and general principles. Other aspects considered were models of cooperation on the Internet and methodological approaches for the development and impact assessment ofan Internet-based information exchange system in the development sector.
Knowledge sharing and distribution in an open system : a case study of the Eastern Cape Estuaries Management Programme.
(2003) Mosia, Lucky Nomusa.; Kaniki, Andrew M.; Ngulube, Patrick.
Knowledge management is largely a social process. It is more about the community‘s understanding, skills and values in relation to their practices than technology. Knowledge is generated and shared through social interaction of people. Exploring the community‘s acts of communication and interaction can help to understand the knowledge they have as well as the knowledge gaps that are apparent. It can also aid in discovering ways in which their practices are shaped and constrained by the knowledge they have. The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal means of knowledge sharing and knowledge distribution in an open system using the Eastern Cape Tyolomnqa Estuary as a case study. Different scholars stated in their different works that sharing knowledge is problematic in most organizations, whether they are formal or informal organizations. There are several reasons that have been identified as to why people do not want to share their knowledge. To achieve the objectives of this study, both secondary and primary sources of data were used. This included literature from various sources, such as books, journal articles and information from the Internet that has been reviewed and analyzed. Interviews and focus groups were used to collect data. Interviews were conducted with 16 people who were purposively selected from the Buffalo City Council, Tyolomnqa Conservancy, Tyolomnqa Estates, Tyolomnqa Forum, and Phozi, Ncera, Sandile and Xhama communities. The key informants were people with management positions, and community leaders. The interviews were unstructured. After collecting data by means of face-to-face interviews focus groups, workshops were convened with the Tyolomnqa Forum, and Phozi, Ncera, Sandile and Xhama communities. The self-administered questionnaire was additionally used as a data collection technique for researchers. Data were analyzed through content analysis and the use of SPSS, and presented in the form of tables and figures. It was identified that their knowledge sharing was fragmented and there was no formal organisational structure to bring communities along the Tyolomnqa Estuary to work together as one would do in bureaucratic organizations like companies. The Tyolomnqa Estuary Forum, which has vested interests in estuary management, could be used as model to provide the organisational infrastructure to facilitate the acquisition and sharing of knowledge on the management of estuaries. It is envisaged that such forums can be a viable mechanism of facilitating the harnessing and sharing of knowledge on the sustainable use of estuaries at the local level.

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