School of Built Environment and Development Studies

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The 2010 FIFA World Cup and the use of the housing asset for income generation : ǂb a case study of the eThekwini Municipality.
(2013) Goorbhare, Orisha.; Myeni, Wonderboy Vincent.
South Africa was presented with the unique opportunity of hosting the first 2010 FIFA World Cup (FWC) on African soil. This unique opportunity further extended itself to the non-hotel accommodation providers, as it was the first time in history that FIFA agreed to accredit non-hotel accommodation providers for the tournament. The research intended to examine the extent of the use of the housing asset to generate income from the 2010 FWC. The study was conducted in the municipal area of eThekwini Municipality (Durban), South Africa. The case study areas consisted of the lower-middle income, upper-middle income and high-income areas of Umbilo, Manor Gardens and Durban North respectively. The data collection method used in the study areas was a household survey with 30 respondents. The respondents were from the high-income area of Durban North, upper middle-income area of Manor Gardens and lower-middle income area of Umbilo. Interviews were conducted to collect data from financial institutions. Data was collected from conventional and non-conventional financial institutions. The findings of the study revealed that the extent to which the housing asset was used to generate income from the 2010 FWC was not high or considerable. This was due to many home-based enterprise (HBE) owners stating that FIFA would stand to benefit largely from the 2010 FWC, with no institutional support for HBE owners to benefit from government. It was also found that conventional and non-conventional financial institutions were not willing to provide financial assistance to HBE owners specifically for generating income from the 2010 FIFA World Cup, due to the short duration of the event. In conclusion, it was recommended that instruments to drive the implementation of the policies be deployed, to create an enabling environment for the small business sector to grow at a household level. A policy should be developed in eThekwini Municipality that standardises the land use management applications and zoning for accommodation providers and HBEs in line with the eThekwini Municipality’s drive to be the ‘Events Capital of Africa’. Intervention from government at all levels is required to ensure that the HBEs in the small business sector benefit from mega-events such as the 2010 FWC.
A quantitative analysis of public attitudes towards the fourth industrial revolution: an integrated technology adoption model in South Africa.
(2024) Mthombeni, Zama Mabel.; Mtapuri, Oliver.
The impact of technology on society is a multifaceted and intricate issue in a rapidly changing world of constant technological advancements. The emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has sparked a growing debate regarding its potential opportunities and challenges for various societies. While robots have been utilized for over 50 years in previous industrial revolutions, their recent integration into domestic and different work environments through the 4IR is a modern development. Social robots are now deployed to perform tasks that were previously performed by humans and are used in scenarios where they must interact with people. Despite the significance of these changes for human development, there has been limited research on public attitudes towards such advancements of the 4IR in South Africa. This study investigated the relationship between micro-level sociological characteristics and attitudes towards the 4IR using survey data from the South African Social Attitudes Survey (SASAS) among a sample of adult respondents (n=2736) in South Africa. The study adopted a positivist paradigm and a quantitative approach and sought to contribute to the understanding of public perceptions of the 4IR in South Africa. Existing attitudinal adoption models were reviewed, and the study used these to develop an integrated framework that harmonized these theories. This framework incorporated a dimension of micro-sociological indicators and categorized attitudes into two distinct categories. The use of micro-sociological indicators in the technology adoption model was an important approach that allowed for a more comprehensive understanding of public attitudes towards the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) in South Africa at the micro-level. Unlike traditional adoption models that focus solely on macro-level factors such as economic and institutional conditions, micro-sociological indicators consider individual-level characteristics such as race, social class, knowledge, age, and gender. . The study findings revealed a distinct social class effect, highlighting heightened scepticism toward the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) among individuals in lower social classes, those with worker vulnerability, and those lacking internet access. A crucial recommendation is to challenge the prevailing narrative of elitism linked to technological progress and emphasizes targeted investments in historically marginalized communities. South Africa can learn from the experiences of other nations and consider implementing comprehensive strategies involving policy interventions, public-private partnerships, and social initiatives. Exploring the feasibility of universal basic income as a social safety net would be prudent, aligning with global trends in addressing the socio-economic impact of automation and technological advancements.
Access to justice for victims of aggravated robbery in the Tongaat area.
(2013) Zoutenberg, Shinaaz.; Frescura, Franco.
To a large extent, the transition from an Apartheid state to democracy, disrupted state-run agencies such as policing and the criminal justice system, as well as informal institutions of society, thus influencing a breakdown of families, schools and communities. As a result social problems such as poverty, high unemployment rates, and inequality remain rife in South Africa, and contribute to a high level of crime and violence in the country. Tongaat is a dormitory suburb situated on the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal, and it is one of the oldest Indian communities in South Africa. Unfortunately, statistics on violent crime show a strong increase between the years 2003 to 2012 in the area, something which parallels the spread of such crime at a national level. The researcher set out to study the experience of direct and indirect victims of aggravated robbery, particularly in relation to access to justice, and with a specific reference to the services available to them in the area. At first, the research focused upon victims of crime, aiming to provide an in-depth understanding of the challenges they faced, and meeting their overall needs. These included such factors as personal safety, medical assistance, advice, emotional support and trauma counselling, reception of information about cases, the status of an offender and the process of the CJS, availability of compensation, and an ability on the part of victims to provide information and to contribute to decision making. However, in time, the research developed into an evaluation of service delivery. Information was obtained from individuals who had been victims of aggravated robbery at their homes, on the streets, and in their place of business. In addition, information was collected from a range of individuals in relevant government and non-government organisations who are meant to deal with crime victims. Primary data was collected through the use of personal interviews. The findings indicated that there were several problems related to issues of service delivery to victims of crime. Some of which included, amongst others, aspects of police sensitivity, secondary victimization, malpractice, and a general lack of awareness of victim rights and access to services. As part of the recommendations, the researcher has proposed the implementation of a docket checklist which could be used to make government departments, and its relevant personnel accountable to victims and the processes of the criminal justice processes.
Access to sexual and reproductive health services for persons with disabilities : a case study of Clarendon home for persons with disabilities, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
(2013) Mavuso, Sibusisiwe Siphelele.; Maharaj, Pranitha.
Sexual and reproductive health are integral parts of the health and well-being of every human being, however they remain sensitive and controversial issues, particularly when they concern persons with disabilities. Within the legal framework, sexual and reproductive health is recognized as basic human rights. They are also essential components of good health and personal development. Making sure that persons with disabilities have access to sexual and reproductive health services contributes to the fulfillment of their sexual and reproductive rights by providing them with more choices that potentially best suit their reproductive health needs. South Africa has one of the most progressive and liberal sexual and reproductive health laws and policies in the world, yet persons with disabilities still face major barriers in accessing these services. In fact, their sexuality has been largely overlooked or actively suppressed and in turn, their reproductive rights denied. With this background information, the study aims to shed more insights into the experiences and perspectives of persons with disabilities in accessing sexual and reproductive health in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. Following the rights-based approach it assesses their awareness of sexual and reproductive health services and determines the factors that hinder their access to sexual and reproductive health services. The findings from the sample of 16 persons with different types of disabilities suggest that access to sexual and reproductive health services is complex and involve a variety of factors. The majority of respondents revealed that sexual and reproductive health services are a big part of their lives. However, there seemed to be a huge gap between their needs for services and their right to access these services. The general consensus was that persons with disabilities face challenges and multiple barriers to access services. Significantly these barriers are not raised by the disability itself but are related to specific contexts or instances of persons with disabilities trying to access services. From the discussions it was apparent that respondents‟ rights to be treated with dignity and to access sexual and reproductive health services is often overshadowed by social isolation, discrimination and other stereotypical assumptions that the society holds about the sexuality of persons with disabilities. Often, persons with disabilities are percieved as not sexually active hence information on sexual and reproductive health matters is not widely available in formats accessible to them. Health providers appeared surprised that person with disabilities will require assistant with family planning services and they are not given choices about suitable birth control methods rather often the nurses suggested that they terminate their pregnancies or to be sterilized. This reveals a need to address access to sexual and reproductive health services for persons with disabilities especially, through public health facilities in South Africa.
Achieving diversity through collaborative planning in mixed used precincts : a case study of Florida Road, Durban.
(2015) Cele, Desiree Noshipo.; Naidoo, Bashan.
Entertainment precincts are typically packed with a mix of retail, art galleries, nightclubs, restaurants and even places of worship. The mix of people and land uses creates a diverse and dynamic area which has economic and social benefits. However, for an entertainment precinct like Florida Road in Durban there seems to be difficulty in communicating some of the resulting social issues. The unclear role of stakeholder input renders communication inefficient in the precinct. This study therefore sought to understand the social impact of mixed use development using Florida road as the case study. Both quantitative and qualitative research approaches were employed using a sample of 66 respondents to capture firstly; the everyday life perspectives of the residents and the visitors/users of Florida Road, secondly; to examine and clarify the extent of the social impact resulting from the changes in patterns of land use and finally, to understand the processes followed to redevelop Florida Road. A land use survey of the Florida Road corridor which when compared with the land use pattern in 2007 revealed some changes in the land use pattern and the introduction of high intensity land use activity such as nightclubs in close proximity with residential land uses. The results from the surveys and interviews with property owners, business management, precinct manager and municipal officials showed that while precinct management has made commendable physical progress since its inception in 2012 there are underlying challenges. This paper argues for the need for intimate collaboration and examines available knowledge which could assist in guiding and analyze stakeholders, bureaucratic fragmentation and citizen participation in South African spatial planning. The case study appraises consistent collaborative planning in the decision-making processes in order to enable communities and local government to communicate effectively without squandering opportunities to diversify.
Adaptable architecture for an evolving educational system : the design of a facility for adult basic education and vocational training in the Greater Warwick Junction Precinct.
(2008) Hartl, Leigh.; Duncan-Brown, Alethea.; Mthethwa, Majahamahle Nene.
Currently in South Africa there are over 8 million people who have had little or no formal schooling. This has resulted in a large portion of the population that is unable to read and write or participate fully in society. The Adult Basic Education and Training Act of 2000 declares that access to education for adults is a basic human right, and it should therefore be readily available to the population. However, in KwaZulu-Natal there are only a few centres which offer ABET courses, and those that do have mostly not been designed specifically for this function, but are schools and community centres. This has meant that facilities are often inappropriate and inefficient in addressing the needs of the adult learner. It is in response to the current educational shortage that a Centre for Adult Basic Education and Training for Durban has been proposed. Through this study, key aspects relating to the design of a centre for adult education were examined. These included the response to an urban context, movement in the city and buildings, the quality of the learning environment, and the needs of the adult learner. In order to develop the architecture for a Centre for Adult Basic Education and Vocational Training, these principles were analysed and understood in order to make a meaningful response. This research examines some of the complex factors which influence the design of a Centre for Adult Basic Education and Vocational Training in Durban in order to provide a centre that provides all the necessary services in one building. Primary and secondary data collection methods were used, in the form of interviews, case studies, a literature review and precedent studies. The research was then used in order to draw up a design brief, resulting in the design of a Centre for Adult Basic Education and Vocational Training.
Adaptation to the impacts of climate Change on agriculture in eThekwini: a literature review.
(University of KwaZulu-Natal., 2016-09-14) Shezi, Nokubonga.; Ngcoya, Mvuselelo.
The eThekwini Municipality has shown strong innovative strategies and activities on climate change adaptation. Putting the improvement of the quality of life of its urban poor remains the main goal in the official planning systems of the municipality and its counterparts. In this era of the changing climate affecting agricultural activities across the world, both small-scale and commercial farmers are adjusting their practices. Commercially, farming has had to adapt to diversified land use plans as well make choices of inputs which would be resilient and work within forecasted conditions. There is also evidence of shifting public policy to adapt to forthcoming changes. The Municipality has designed a food security strategic plan that intends to complement its climate change policy documents. Certainly, the Municipality’s food security vision declaration aims to guarantee that eThekwini population has a strong and resilient food security status. Urban agriculture is one of eThekwini’s policies supporting urban agricultural programmes and activities, although this policy is complemented with the rural agricultural policy (under the rural area-based management). These include the organic and sustainable agricultural initiatives, essential food sovereignty, food security, economic empowerment and environmental sustainability for eThekwini residents and the Municipality’s green leadership, which is mainly responsible for implementing approaches to aid poor citizens to adapt to climate change.
Adaption and survival: perspectives and experiences of migrants in an urban township in KwaZulu-Natal.
(2022) Mazibuko, Philane Bongumusa.; Maharaj, Pranitha.
South Africa is currently facing a growing number of migrants from other countries. This qualitative study investigates the dilemma of being a migrant in South Africa. The overall objective was to explore the perspectives and experiences of migrants in Newcastle, South Africa. Particular attention is given to exploring how the migrants negotiate the often controversial social, economic, cultural, and political realities in the urban towns of KwaZulu-Natal. The South African case is subject to investigation, particularly regarding the migration system. In this study, the data was collected using in-depth interviews. Interviews were held with 20 migrants, both men, and women, living in Newcastle KwaZulu-Natal. All participants were migrants from various African countries such as Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Congo, Mozambique, Lesotho, and Nigeria. The study found that migrants use different livelihood strategies to survive in South Africa, and their level of education does not allow them to work in the formal sector. This study found that migrants work as street traders to earn income, buy, and sell goods at an affordable price, and they use their skills to make and sell a range of products. Furthermore, migrants work as hairdressers, restaurant waiters, welders, bricklayers, and shopkeepers to earn income. Other migrants have families in South Africa as well as in their home countries. Migrants send home part of their earnings in the form of either cash or goods to support their families, these transfers are known as a worker or migrant remittances. Migrants are vulnerable to crime and xenophobia, they become abused and exploited by the local people since they are not from South Africa, they even call them derogatory names. Most participants observed that they are surviving in South Africa, nevertheless, they are concerned with their safety. The study recommends that there must be a strong awareness among police that everyone has a right and deserves respect and protection, regardless of who they are and whether they have any legal documentation.
Adaptive re-use of university buildings : a case study of four academic buildings on the Pietermaritzburg campus of the University of Natal.
(2003) Howe, Peter R.; Peters, Walter Hermann.
This study investigates the capacity of buildings to be adapted when required by changing circumstances or situations. Furthermore it has special reference to buildings constructed for academic teaching and research purposes. At the outset the author reviews the reasons for buildings outlasting their original functions and identifying the various possible causes for the change . The ability to sustain modifications and the varying extent of the modification is established with examples being cited of both commercial and academic typologies. The thesis then explores some examples of early adaptions of buildings such as basilicas and the influence on the architecture of the early and later Christian churches. In later years cathedrals and monasteries became the precursor of the early universities that were born out of the evolution of secular teaching and education and the need for repositories for books. The architecture and form of these buildings was dictated largely by the development of the towns into cities and the concurrent need to expand these centres of learning . The history of the University of Natal is discussed from the years preceding its formal inception and subsequent interventions relating to the development of the Pietermaritzburg campus . A model upon which a measure may be made of four buildings of differing era's and occupancy are discussed identifying their original plan form and the changes that have ensued over three decades. These modifications are critically evaluated and tabulated graphically thereby indicating the comparative changes as a ratio of the area of the change against the area of the entire building. The notable Old Main Building was found to be a rigid building , built in load bearing brickwork and large high ceilinged spaces that sub-divide with ease while ensuring the retention of its integrity. Conversely the Main Science Building , a reinforced concrete framed structure with brick in-fill, is of an amorphous plan shape that lends itself to modification at the expense of its external character. The Rabie Sanders Building , a formal neo-classical building of framed reinforced concrete construction with face brickwork in-fill and a rigid facade does not, by virtue of its plan form and elevation , have the capacity for external alteration but has the potential for extensive internal. Finally the New Arts Building , a linear five storey precast reinforced concrete structure with free standing continuous modular window provides infinite variability of the interior whilst the exterior remains unaffected and there is no possibility of extending. The changes, varying in complexity and extent, clearly indicate that the buildings are indeed malleable and with creative planning, the changes can have an enhancing impact on the internal spaces. This information should considered as a working guide to provide the institution with pointers for the future design of campus buildings.
Adaptive reuse in context: towards sustainable mixed - use housing in Durban.
(2011) Dobrev, Dimitar Vladimirov.; Luckan, Yashaen.
In this dissertation the process of adaptive reuse – the recycling or rehabilitation of buildings – is analysed in terms of the tenets of sustainability and place theories as construed in the field of architecture, as well as within the context of architectural and urban theory and history. The dissertation demonstrates how different approaches to adaptive reuse result in a sustainable architecture that is responsive to its context. Adaptive reuse is the historically normal practice of recycling buildings. Initially, the research focused on the relationship between old and new buildings; how is the new synthesised with the old, and what are the values of this relationship? It soon became evident that by today’s definition of sustainability in architecture, the practice of recycling buildings, and indeed the partial modification of buildings, came very close to fulfilling the ‘ideologies’ of sustainability. This research paper reconciles the history and practice of adaptive reuse, with the currently popular theories of sustainability and Place Theory. The pursuit of sustainability (Chapter One), in terms of architecture and building, results in part from the forces of rapid urbanisation, impending and/or perceived food, water and resource shortages, and the linear metabolism of the modernist built environment. A detailed review of related concepts and theories in Chapter Two, aim at giving the reader a better understanding of the context of adaptive reuse in this paper. The author has used the concepts and theories as tools for research (in Part I - Dissertation) and analysis (in Part II - Design). Chapter Three looks at three approaches to adaptive reuse – conservation, preservation and demolition – and relates them to the tenets of sustainability, as well as the concepts and theories laid out in Chapter One and Two. Specifically, each approach to adaptive reuse is contextualised in terms of the economic, environmental and social agendas of sustainability, which include both quantitative and qualitative aspects such as eco-efficiency and Place theory respectively. Chapter Four is a case study of the Bartel Arts Trust (BAT) Centre, Durban, South Africa. The study provides the historic, cultural and climatic settings, or contexts, of the conservation project, and relates these contexts to the architect’s approach to adaptive reuse. A carefully designed questionnaire has been used to identify those qualitative aspects which are otherwise unattainable through interview, review or perceptual observation. The case study also integrates the concepts and theories which underpin the topic, thereby contextualising the study in terms of this paper.
The adaptive reuse of lost and wasted spaces within the eThekwini Municipality : a case study of the Durban Esplanade and The Point .
(2012) Gungaparsad, Kelvin.; Greenstone, Clive Alan.
This research study addresses the issues associated with lost and wasted urban spaces. Lost and wasted spaces refer to areas which have no human activity or proper human interaction. They are the leftover unstructured landscape at the base of buildings. They also include abandoned buildings, waterfronts, train yards, vacated military sites, and industrial complexes. The research outlines the causes of lost and wasted urban spaces which occur within the eThekwini Municipality and urbanised spaces in general. Through the use of case studies and precedent studies, the research study investigates the various techniques, technological advances and approaches that could alleviate wasted spaces in the city. The Durban Esplanade and Point Waterfront development constitute the main case study areas; however, to fully understand how and why lost and wasted spaces occur within the urban environment, various other spaces which make up the cityscape were also investigated. For example, the city transport infrastructure and green spaces do not form part of the case studies, but have been included as part of the research into lost and wasted spaces. The research study seeks to take the issue of lost and wasted urban spaces a step further by combining it with issues related to sustainability. Through the use of the case studies, various possible solutions and alternatives to the alleviation of lost and wasted urban spaces are outlined and investigated. Examples of how lost and wasted urban spaces could be transformed from problem areas to spaces of opportunity are also explored. This was achieved by making use of computer-aided design and graphic illustrations to indicate the possible solutions that could form part of a holistic approach to the issues surrounding lost and wasted spaces in the built environment. The current planning legislation is outlined in order to provide a thorough understanding of the interconnection between environmental and sustainability issues which relate directly to the cause of lost and wasted spaces. Furthermore, the research study highlights the involvement of various built environment disciplines, including planners, architects and urban designers and investigates their role in the alleviation of lost and wasted urban space.
Adding value through logistics : a value chain analysis of steel product handling in Durban Port.
(2008) Rasenyalo, Nonduduzo Maureen.; Morris, Michael.
Trade liberalization and globalization have resulted in the free flow of goods, services, capital and people. In this regard ports play a vital role in linking supply chains, as goods flow from the point of inception through the chain up to the customer at the end. This research was conducted to determine and evaluate the role of logistics in the value chain of steel products that pass through Durban Port. The impact of logistics - measured in terms of costreduction, shorter lead times and better customer service - that would contribute to the competitive advantage of businesses was evaluated. Other countries like China and India are also manufacturers of steel products, and it is therefore important for South Africa not to lose international markets due to prices and products that are not internationally competitive. In essence, this paper unpacks the debates surrounding the high prices of steel products from South Africa, and suggests how these prices can be reduced. In this regard the investigation into steel products provided an excellent case study, as steel contributes significantly to the GDP of the country. The study analyses all logistics activities like transportation, warehousing, handling, quality control of goods and a just-in-time management approach. Informal interviews and a case study based on Durban Port highlight the role that logistics activities play in adding value to goods that pass through Durban Port. The implications of the findings are discussed and proposals for redefining the role of logistics in an organization are offered.
Addressing adolescent healthcare environment through responsive architecture : a youth and community health centre for Durban.
(2018) Kajee, Aadila.; Cloete, Magdalena.
Architecture has the capacity to have either a positive or negative impact on its users. Designing architecture which is responsive to the needs of its users is therefore of import and is particularly relevant to healthcare environments which rely on the built environment to provide spaces which promote healing and foster spaces which cater for patients’ physical, psychological and social health needs. However, the importance which architecture holds beyond facilitating functional spaces is often overlooked which has implications on the patients who tend to feel more miserable and uncomfortable in these environments, thereby affecting their healing processes. This is of particular concern to adolescent patients as they fall into a transitional stage of development during which, they experience biological, psychological and social changes which impact their development, decision making and life trajectory. As adolescents may present needs which differ from the child or adult patient, providing healthcare environments which are responsive to their specific needs is therefore necessary to maximize healing and ensure quality healthcare. The purpose of this study is therefore to explore how architecture which is responsive to the adolescent patient can be fully utilised towards creating a healthcare environment which promotes holistic wellbeing. The theoretical framework is made up of socio-developmental theories, environmental psychology theories and place theories, which together with the literature, relevant precedents and case studies highlight the connection between the physical, spatial, social and personal environments of the adolescent patient and healing. A qualitative research methodology approach is taken from a phenomenological perspective, as the research focuses on the experiences and interpretations of participants. Participants include built environment professionals experienced in designing healthcare facilities, healthcare professionals who have provided care to adolescents and young adults and adolescents who have utilised healthcare facilities during their adolescence. Research instruments include interviews which use imagery to convey ideas and which allows for the adolescents to express their own ideas through illustrations. The analysis of research findings further cement ideas brought forward in the theoretical frameworks, literature, precedents and case studies, using the concept of healing and sub-concepts of symbiotic architecture, responsive architecture and generative architecture, as means to connect these aspects. Cumulatively, these inform design guidelines which present ways in which healthcare environments can consider the physical, social and psychological needs of the adolescent patient, towards a youth and community health centre.
Addressing employability and fostering entrepreneurship among university students in South Africa : an analysis of the 'junior enterprise concept'.
(2008) Govender, Kruschen Deenadayalan.; Valodia, Imraan.
Higher education is instrumental in the economic development of any country, as a resource of skilled personnel and knowledge production. In South Africa there is a need for higher education institutions (HEIs) to develop innovative responses to address graduate employability and entrepreneurship education. Moreover, there is a need to catalyse entrepreneurship activity among students in order to cultivate skilled opportunity-orientated entrepreneurs. This study explores the application the ‘Junior Enterprise (JE) concept’ (an international best practice) as a mechanism of improving employability and fostering entrepreneurship. To discern if this practice is appropriate for South African students, the research investigates students’ perceptions. Overall the findings suggest that there is relevant student demand for this type of experiential and cooperative learning practice. However, conflicting studies infer that the widespread implementation of this type of learning practice will face implicit challenges in the indigenous context. To further examine the feasibility of applying the JE-concept in South African HEIs, it is essential to design, implement and evaluate a pilot project.
Addressing the spatial inequality of economic infrastructure through spatial planning: a case of the proposed Edendale town centre in Msunduzi municipality.
(2018) Mkhize, Ntuthuko Brian.; Magidimisha, Hangwelani Hope.
The apartheid planning in South Africa, legislated bias and racialized urban development through the common and notorious ‘apartheid city model’. Central to the apartheid’s spatial planning was unequal distribution of infrastructure, amenities and accessibility and most importantly was the long distance between residential and workplaces within low income residential areas. Therefore, it is still difficult for residents in the former townships to access socio-economic opportunities within their settlements as the necessary infrastructure for that has long remained insufficient. The resultant fragmented spatial form has resulted in widespread spatial inequality while making it difficult for government to integrate those areas spatially. Currently, South African spatial planning is still faced with a huge obligation to integrate the previously fragmented townships through encouraging the development of economic infrastructure to where most people live. This could play a role in integrating the previously disadvantaged areas while also improving the socio-economic status of those areas. The government of South Africa had introduced the National Development Plan (NDP) as the driving tool to address the spatial legacy in the former townships through its Urban Network Strategy (UNS). Henceforth, this study employed a mixed-method approach (both qualitative and quantitative) of data collection to investigate how spatial planning can foster and influence the development of economic infrastructure in the former townships to address the abovementioned spatial inequalities. Based on the findings of this research; it was proven that there is much expected from the Edendale Town Centre initiative in addressing spatial inequality in the study area. As rarely been the case before, the findings reveal that the initiative is likely to stimulate local economic development through the development of the informal traders’ market and the SMME Incubators. The findings also reveal that economic infrastructure planned within the proposed Town Centre such as the proposed mixed-use developments; will effectively address the socio-economic challenges facing Edendale Township and other surrounding areas while also integrating it to the Pietermaritzburg city centre and other better developed neighborhoods within Msunduzi Municipality. The Integrated Rapid Transport Network (IRPTN) which is also planned closer to the proposed Town Centre is more probable to improve public transport in the area. Hence, this will in turn reduce the spatial inequality of economic infrastructure in the area. However, the researcher concludes and recommends that to witness the era with reduced spatial inequality, there must be a link between infrastructure provision and spatial planning.
Addressing xenophobic violence in UMlazi suburb: perceptions of a migrant family.
(2018) Magwaza, Sphelelisiwe.; Ntini, Edmore.
Xenophobic violence is a recurring phenomenon in South Africa, due to the numbers of asylum seekers, immigrants and refugees entering the country. As some black South Africans, believe that African immigrants compete with them for limited opportunities provided for them within the current social stratification. As a means of excluding African immigrants, black South Africans have adopted the negative ideology of ―aMakwerekwere to describe and relate with African immigrants. In this dissertation, violence against black African immigrants is labeled as “Afrophobic and Nergrophobic”. The study adopts the Bio-cultural theory and Relative deprivation theory in order to understand the phenomenon. This study employed a qualitative research method were purposive sample of an African Migrant Family. The study draws on information gathered through in-depth semi-structured interviews carried out in UMlazi from February to March 2018. Research findings were examined through thematic content analysis. Results showed that South Africans are becoming more intolerant of foreigners, Poverty, and political unrest are driving factors for many immigrants coming to South Africa; Xenophobic violence is the attitude, physical and emotional violence perpetrated towards immigrants most especially black immigrants; Violence against foreign nationals operates through a level of physical and cultural appearance and poor black African immigrants living in informal settlements are the victims of these attacks and Negative representations of African immigrants have thus triggered xenophobic violence.
Adolescent risk taking behaviour in an era of HIV/AIDS infection : a case study if youth in Kwazulu-Natal Province, South Africa.
(2000) Dallimore, Anthea.; Ubomba-Jaswa, Peter.
In light of the current HIV/ AIDS epidemic. the sexual risk taking and health seeking behaviour of South African adolescents is of extreme interest to rescearchers and programme implementers. Using a database of adolescents between the ages of 14 and 22 from Durban Metro and Mtunzini Magisterial District in KwaZulu-Natal Province. This paper seeks to investigate which antecedents impact most on adolescent sexual behaviour. Risk taking behaviour of interest is whether or not a condom was worn at last intercourse. The analysis also seeks to test the impact of Life Skills education in school on this behavioural outcome. Although much of the literature has pointed to more distal factors having greater influence on adolescent health seeking and risk taking behaviour. This analysis has showed that issues relating more closely to levels of communication within a relationship, attitudes towards the use of condoms. and previous health seeking behaviour. have the greatest impact on condom use. Those adolescents who wore a condom the first time they had sex. who felt they could confidently convince their partner to use a condom and who maintain high levels of communication with their partner. were found most likely to have used a condom the last time they had intercourse.
Adolescent school drop-out in South Africa : an asset-vulnerability framework.
(2002) Hunter, Nina.; May, Julian Douglas.
This article investigates the impact of poverty and shocks on adolescents, particularly their role in early school drop-out. Data consisting of 3043 adolescent interviews and 1945 household interviews, from a recent survey entitled Transitions to Adulthood among Adolescents in Durban, South Africa, has been used. While conventional explanations of drop-out acknowledge the role of socio-economic factors, this paper attempts to understand, through an asset-vulnerability framework, the explicit contribution of poverty and shocks to drop-out in the South African context. The results indicate that the poverty-based theory of drop-out put forward, while appealing, does not fully account for drop-out. Instead, it would seem that among poor households the education of their children is seen as an asset that is to be protected. It is proposed that school feeding schemes be reconsidered as a social welfare tool to support poor households in their attempts to keep their children in school.
Adolescents' perception of risk of AIDS and condom use.
(2002) Mgwaba, Mbongeleni Thembalihle.; Maharaj, Pranitha.
A significant proportion of people living with HIV/AIDS are aged 15-24. The aim of this study is to investigate adolescent's perception of risk of AIDS and their use of condoms. The study draws on focus group discussions with adolescents in two districts in KwaZulu-Natal. The study found that awareness of AIDS is high. Most adolescents had heard of AIDS. However, there were some common misconceptions about AIDS. African adolescents are more likely to perceive themselves at risk than other race groups. Perception of risk is imp01iant to promote protective behaviour. There are however many barriers to condom use. One of the major barriers to condom use is the association of condoms with lack of trust.
Adverse conditions in the Merebank area and possible urban design interventions.
(2008) Govender, Maveshnee.; Robinson, Peter Spencer.
While, many communities around South Africa have been affected by apartheid planning, some were left worse off than others. Apartheid planning followed a distinct socio-political and economic programme, as well as a particular development approach. Such an approach placed little emphasis on man and the environment (Iyer, 1995). One of the primary principles of the apartheid policy was to racially segregate population groups. In most cases, it created built environments or living spaces that were unsupportive of resident communities. Iyer (1995) suggests that the South African city is not only a result of apartheid policy, but also a product of a modernist development mentality, and reflects the importation of associated planning models and ideals. Modernist planning is premised on technocratic and utilitarian ideals. According to Iyer (1995: 19), such models, which are “based on efficiency, the motor vehicle, engineering and maintenance standards, spatial segregation of land uses, rigid zoning, and so on, have produced environments that lack human quality, expression and identity” (Iyer 1995: 19). The built environment is expected to “provide its users with an essentially democratic setting, enriching their opportunities by maximising the degree of choice available to them” (Bentley & Alcock, 1985: 9). In other words, the built environment needs to be a living space that is responsive to the community it serves. A responsive environment is an environment that allows people to enrich their lives. It creates positive and livable living spaces. Urban design is an approach to design that seeks to establish responsive environments. Urban design interventions may be used to improve the many adverse conditions created by apartheid policy and the modernist way of thinking. The study area in this research, Merebank, is situated approximately 15 kilometres south of the city of Durban and is one of the oldest Indian residential areas in KwaZulu-Natal.See Map 1. Merebank is one of the suburbs particularly affected by the laws of apartheid and modernist planning. It is a highly controversial area having many urban design faults. The aim of this dissertation is to analyse the study area, examining the planning and design problems that negatively affect the area, and to explore possible design interventions that can be used to counteract or improve these conditions.

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