The rapid changes in the world of work today have resulted in the paradigm shift from standard to non-standard types of employment. These changes are intimately connected with the world of the economy that has brought extreme inequalities between rich and poor in the world. First, the primary objective of this thesis is to discuss the concept of work in the context of the paradigm shift using Karl Marx's concept of alienation manifested within a capitalist society driven by the institutions of economic globalization. This paradigm shift has seen an increase in casualization of work across the globe. The thesis provides an analysis of the contemporary changes in countries like Brazil, Argentina, Japan and South Africa. These changes have influenced the International Labour Organization (ILO) to reflect on the alternative types of work that are dignified hence its call for the adoption of decent work by affiliated countries. Second, the thesis explores the concept of decent work as proposed by the ILO. The thesis deals comprehensively with the four components of decent work analysing its relevance to the world of work today. In addition, the thesis critically analyses South Africa‟s New Growth Path as a policy framework designed to ensure the realization of decent work. Third, the thesis proposes a theology of decent work as an alternative to a paradigm shift from standard to non-standard type employment. Using the Contextual Bible Study (CBS) as a tool for liberation theology the thesis argues vehemently for an alternative type of employment. It provides the tools for churches and ecumenical organizations to speak theologically and prophetically about work today. Economic Globalization Casualization Decent Work Contextual Bible Study (CBS) and Theology. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2012.

The special focus ofthe thesis is the ministry of healing and caring during the present HN/AIDS pandemic in Kwazulu-Natal. Hence the purpose of this thesis is to investigate Isaiah Shembe's Nazareth Church's healing and caring ministry to people living with HIV/AIDS and the affected members of their families in greater Pietermaritzburg area in Kwazulu-Natal. Healing and caring for the sick is the primary mission of this church. It is therefore important to investigate this church's healing and caring ministry to HIV/AIDS patients. This is important especially because it is generally believed that this disease is incurable. Does this church really heal or just care for these patients? In general this Church utilizes the healing and caring methods of both Jesus and African healing systems. Hence this study is a theological reflection on the effectiveness of the healing method that combines Jesus and African healing systems with special reference to HIV/AIDS. The study is therefore inspired by the assumption that the congregants of Shembe's Nazareth Church play an important role in fighting this killer disease in greater Pietermaritzburg area. Further the study reflected on both the successes and failures of this Church's ministry .The healing and caring ministry of iBandla lamaNazaretha makes a substantial contribution to the war against HIV/AIDS by the church and society. This exercise will hopefully help us to learn more as we strive to be relevant and true to the gospel even now in the time ofHIV/AIDS. / Thesis (M.Th.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2003.