The informal economic sector is a very important part of the economy for any developing country; it is a growing employment sector for the less skilled people living in both rural and urban areas. Organizing the informal sector and reorganizing its role as a profitable activity may contribute to local economic development. This can also build the capacity of the informal workers to meet their basic needs by increasing their incomes and strengthening their legal status. Municipal support for the informal business sector may play an important role in achieving these objectives. The problem statement of this research report highlights the problems of poverty and unemployment in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, which has resulted in the growth of informal business sector. In order to improve economic development, local authorities are expected to give support to any sector that provides employment and incomes for the poor, including the informal sector. The overall aim and objectives of the research were to investigate the role of Local Economic Development strategies in the informal sector in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. To discover whether there is any support programme employed by Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Local Economic Development Unit to boost the informal sector economy. To, assess the impact of the informal sector, in generating income for the unemployed. To identify Local Economic strategies employed in the area to develop the local economy. An overview of the literature on the informal sector provided a basis for the research into the problems facing street traders in Mdantsane, a large township adjacent to East London in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods have been used in the study. The use of data collection tools such as interviews, questionnaires and observation helped to solicit the required information. An analysis of the findings confirmed that the informal sector plays an important role in in generating an income for the unemployed particularly for unemployed women. It appears that the informal traders have some basic requirements that would make a difference to their survival and working conditions, but that minimal support is received from the municipality. These findings recommend that in the absence of formal job opportunities in Buffalo City, the Municipality should develop strategies to support the informal sector participants to survive and thrive in difficult economic times.

Urban Renewal which originates in the concept of Local Economic Development (LED) has in recent years gained much global acceptance as a strategy to improve certain areas that are poorly developed in order to improve the quality of lives of the local residents. South Africa have adopted the Urban Renewal approach and ever since, a number of national centres have been targeted for urban renewal activities. The Buffalo City Municipality (BCMM) implemented the Mdanstane Urban Renewal Programme (MURP) which is essentially the case study of this research. Despite the government instituting the Integrated Development Planning (IDP), Buffalo City still remains one of South Africa’s poorest metropolitan areas, with a relatively high unemployment and crime rate compared to other metropolitan cities in the country (Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality,2012). The study, therefore, sought to empirically analyse the effectiveness of the URP as an initiative of Integrated Development Planning (IDP) particularly on how it has addressed socio-economic pathologies such as poverty and inequality rampant in the area of study. The Mdantsane Urban Renewal Programme was used to monitor and evaluate the impact it had on the communities and the municipality. The study used a mixed methods or triangulation approach as both qualitative and quantitative techniques were used in determining the effect of the MURP on local development as well as in exploring the different perceptions and challenges facing the programme. The data that was gathered was analysed both quantitatively using frequency tables and graphs, and qualitatively based on the key themes that emerged. The research established that whilst the MURP has scored some gains in refurbishing the area of study, there are still various challenges inherent in the MURP such as its non-inclusiveness, lack of transparency, accountability and the lack of real benefits accruing in the local communities. Thus, this research recognised a need for a more inclusive and pro-poor urban development framework that promotes local citizen participation, accountability, sustainability and equity in resource distribution and allocation, in order to improve the livehoods of the local people in Mdantsane.

Governments all over the world cannot downplay the economic role of small businesses. It is accepted world-wide that this sector of the economy alleviates unemployment, creates wealth, encourages innovation and the entrepreneurial spirit. Various factors, both internal and external, make it difficult for small businesses to reach their true potential or realise their objectives. Internal factors would refer to areas such as lack of financial acumen, operational management expertise and marketing skills. External factors such as the business environment, competition, legislation, commercial institutions, amongst others, also contribute to the downfall of small businesses. The support that small businesses require is vital at the start-up phase of the business as it lays a solid base from which to proceed. The research emanates from a high failure of Small Black Businesses in the country, with the focus being on the Buffalo City Municipality (BCM). This section of the business community has a vital role to play in the well-being of this region. According to the South African Cities Network, BCM has a high rate of unemployment. The success of Small Black businesses in the area could offer many opportunities for productive people who would otherwise be condemned to unemployment. The literature review revealed a plethora of factors that hinder the success and development of small businesses. It has therefore become important to research these factors and come up with recommendations that are going to assist small businesses and society at large. There is an outcry against insufficient government support in assisting small businesses. Due to the research being qualitative in nature, date collection was by means of a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was designed in such a manner as to provide responses that would assist in addressing the challenges faced by small businesses. Data analysis entailed its transcription in order to allow the researcher to make notes. The next step was to do a preliminary data analysis in order to highlight emerging issues, identify relevant data and to give direction for seeking more data. A summary all the issues was subsequently prepared for interpretation. The study revealed that the problems experienced by small businesses are both internally and externally influenced. Small businesses have it within themselves to manage and control the internally influenced problems, contrary to the externally influenced factors. The study recommends additional governmental support in terms of providing skills development, financial support, removal of red tape, eradication of corruption and so on. Commercial financial institutions also have a vital role to play by removing some of the requirements that make it difficult for small businesses to access funding.

The present study was conducted to assess selected heavy metal levels (Cu, Fe, Zn, Ni and Pb) in soil and plants that are irrigated by mixed industrial and domestic wastewater in the Buffalo City region. Three types of samples were studied: soil, water and vegetables (spinach and beetroot). Soil analysis showed that most of the heavy metals were found to be acceptable within the SEPA limits. Most of the heavy metal concentrations found in the wastewater indicate that the water is not suitable for irrigation or for livestock use, according to guidelines from the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry of South Africa. The level of copper in the wastewater effluent exceeded the level specified by SEPA limits. In the wastewater the lead concentration averaged 3.24 and 1.98 ppm in Tshatshu (TS) and Mlakalaka (ML) respectively, which shows that both sites are not suitable for both irrigation and livestock usage. The heavy metal levels (Ni, Pb, and Cu) in both spinach and beetroot samples exceed the criteria specified by the WHO and SEPA standards. The study recommends terminating the usage of effluent for irrigation and further investigation or monitoring in these water sources.

Adolescents have become focal points of discussions and debates regarding sexuality and reproductive health matters. However, little research has been done particularly in South Africa to examine their knowledge concerning abortion and emergency contraception. Research indicates that a substantial proportion of adolescent pregnancies are unintended or unwanted. Abortion and emergency contraception are both time-sensitive services. Thus having accurate and comprehensive knowledge about both abortion and emergency contraception is pivotal, in the case of unintended or unwanted pregnancy or when engaging in unprotected sex or experiencing contraceptive failure that could lead to pregnancy. The 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) defined reproductive health rights for both men and women as the right to "decide freely and responsibly the number, spacing and timing of their children and to have the information and means to do so" (p. 60). That is, men and women should "have the right to make decisions concerning their reproduction free of discrimination, violence and coercion" (ICPD, 1994, p.60). Based on these definitions, it is rather evident that comprehensive and accurate knowledge are at the core of one's ability to make an informed consent. This is confirmed by Adler's (1992, p. 289) definition of informed consent or choice "a) access to sufficient information b) understanding the information c) competence to evaluate potential consequences d) freedom to make a choice and e) the ability to make and express that choice". It is from this framework that this study emerged. The aim of this study was to examine adolescents' knowledge concerning abortion and emergency contraception. The participants were Grade 11 learners between the ages of 15-24 years from five different schools in the Buffalo City Municipality. A sample of 514 was achieved. Data were analysed using descriptive cross-tabulation, chi-square and qualitative methods where appropriate. The results revealed that most of the participants did not have sufficient accurate knowledge concerning the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act, consequences of legal abortion and emergency contraceptive pills to make informed decisions. Furthermore, data also revealed that the participants' schools playa role in their sexual activity, their knowledge about the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act and about emergency contraceptive pills. Although this method made it feasible for the researcher to make general assumptions, non-responses were one of the limitations of the study. Similar research in various municipalities/cities in and outside the Eastern Cape is recommended so as to increase further awareness concerning the level of knowledge that adolescents have about contraceptive pills particularly emergency contraceptive pills, the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act and abortion in general.

Globally, ecosystems provide services of almost twice the value of global gross national product (Costanza et al., 2006). The Buffalo City Municipality (BCM), South Africa contains biodiversity of national and international importance (Pierce, 2003; Pierce et al., 2005). Despite this, the municipality continues to experience loss of both urban and rural biodiversity (Buffalo City Municipality, 2006a). This study sought to determine the status of biodiversity, and the potential for ecosystem services to contribute to conservation, within the BCM. Biodiversity features, including ecosystem type, species of special concern and biodiversity processes, were identified and mapped using a GIS to produce a biodiversity priority index for the BCM. Current transformation status was then mapped to determine the level of ecosystem degradation within the BCM. Priority biodiversity areas as well as individual biodiversity features were spatially overlain against current transformation status and protected areas and analysed using a GIS to determine the level of degradation and protection of BCM biodiversity. In total 3.5 % of total BCM biodiversity was protected. Of the 24 ecosystem types, 11 (45%) had less than 1% under protection, while 16 (67%) had less than five percent protected. Not restorable areas, thus completely lost to biodiversity conservation, comprised just less than a quarter of the total BCM area while un-impacted areas comprised just 12.3%. Twenty five ecosystem services were identified as being provided by intact natural ecosystems within the BCM. The natural capital providing these services was identified and mapped to produce an ecosystem service index (ESI) using a GIS. This ecosystem service index and the biodiversity priority index were overlain to determine their level of correlation. Overall ESI correlation with priority biodiversity was weak although several individual ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration, showed correlation. Using the above data layers an implementation plan and conservation framework was proposed to assist the coordination of local conservation action within the BCM. It is concluded that ecosystem services are a potentially useful tool for conservationists at the local level seeking to ensure that biodiversity has relevance to and receives protection from broader society.

This research is about the life and material conditions of existence of Xhosa people living in three informal settlements of East London (now part of Buffalo City) in South Africa. Most observers see such unplanned settlements as a radical shift away from the groups' traditional rural homestead, some describing them as "neo-vernacular" since---like the vernacular dwelling---these are built from the materials coming from the surrounding environment. The research went beyond this perception and rather proposed that despite changes in the building forms, materials and techniques, the informal Xhosa urban settlements are still---consciously or not---governed by Xhosa traditional rules. / To demonstrate this hypothesis, the study attempted to understand the culture of the group through the review of the literature dealing with the Xhosa life and customs in the group's traditional rural setting. Then, it established the evolutionary process of the Xhosa architecture, which was also (re)integrated not only in the history of South African architecture but also in the whole architecture history's continuum. Next, followed the description of the elements that have been found in the three informal settlements as well as in the dwellings and plots that have been selected for the case study. Finally, from the comparison between the elements found in the three squatter settlements selected and the traditional Xhosa setting it is concluded that the traditional Xhosa culture has survived in the three informal settlements of East London. Its persistence has been confirmed in the rituals and everyday activities, the objects, spaces and buildings created, as well as in the way they are constructed, used or lived in.

This study investigated the role of selected ward committees 29 and 32 of Nompumelelo and Tsholomnqa respectively in the Buffalo City Municipality (BCM) in enhancing basic service delivery. In terms of the White Paper on Local Government (1998:4), developmental local government promotes a system that centres on working with local communities to find sustainable ways to meet their needs and improve the quality of their lives. The study on that basis examines the nature and extent to which wards 29 and 32 committees enhanced basic service delivery within BCM. The study is premised on the assumptions that: The involvement of party-elected Councillors in ward committees inhibits members of ward committees from playing an active role in their communities; Ward committees are not clearly communicating municipality programmes to their communities; BCM is biased in favour of urban wards in service delivery; If the committees of wards 29 and 32 were given more powers to play a much wider role in providing leadership and make decisions in their communities (being elevated from an advisory role to ward management structures), they would make an impact in enhancing basic service delivery; and, With additional decision-making powers ward committees could play a more effective role in local government matters. The perceived slow pace of service delivery by municipalities has resulted in growing impatience and dissatisfaction, in particular among poor communities. This has been demonstrated by the spontaneous protests and unrests directed at municipalities that have been taking place nationally since 2003. The uprisings explain two aspects, namely local government is considered by communities to be the delivery arm of government in South Africa and poor communities feel betrayed because their active participation in government-provided spaces for participation such as municipal elections, ward committees and IDPs did not yield the result of promised development (Theron, 2008:36). iv The study employed the qualitative research design using an interview survey as a method of data collection and the reviewing of existing study material and documents to test the validity of the afore-mentioned assumptions. Lastly, with the aim of assisting BCM in nurturing the potential of ward committees operating in its area of jurisdiction, the following recommendations based on the findings of the study are made: BCM considers subjecting ward committees to structured formal and accredited training; BCM delivers services in a legally compliant manner; BCM delegates sufficient powers to ward committees; Ward committees be trained together with officials that drive the CBP process when BCM starts implementing the process; and, BCM provides support to ward committees.

No description available.

Since the advent of democratic dispensation in 1994, the local sphere of government has had a significant role to play in the achievement of the South African government's goal of facilitating the social and economic development of communities. This development manifests itself in improving the lives of women, who have for the most part been excluded from taking part in the economy, politics and business. While accomplishments have been made in improving the lives of women post 1994, with reference to the increased participation and representation of women in all three spheres of government, the situation of women has degenerated especially in the local sphere. Women are threatened with problems such as gender-based violence, poverty, HIV and AIDS, the lack of provision of basic services, illiteracy and unemployment. This situation has drawn attention to analyse the issues municipalities are tackling in implementing government polices in their communities, in this research the policy that will be utilised is the Gender Policy Framework for Local Government Framework established to improve the lives of men and women. Challenges associated with implementing a gender policy are aligned with local government authorities making an allowance for gender as an auxiliary issue and not as precedence and the lack of capacity; financial, human resource and institutional in all municipalities in South Africa to implement gender policies. The premise of this research is to construct a comparative investigation of the progress that the Buffalo City and the Amahlathi Local Municipalities have made in the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of the Gender Policy Framework for Local Government Framework. / Dissertation (MPhil)--University of Pretoria, 2011. / School of Public Management and Administration (SPMA) / unrestricted