Dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Technology: Public Management, Durban University of Technology, 2012. / The Batho Pele principles provide a framework about how public services should be provided for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the Public Service. Adherence to these principles will guarantee the provision of excellent services that meet the people’s needs and expectations, enhance customer satisfaction, while upholding the government’s promise that access to decent public services is no longer a privilege to be enjoyed by a few, but the rightful expectation of all citizens. From the literature review, it was evident that improved public service delivery depends on several aspects ranging from Human Resource Development (HRD) to performance measurement and accountability. The need for improving efficiency and effectiveness of the Public Service is emphasised throughout the various pieces of legislation. Interviews and questionnaires were used to gather data and to get an understanding of data from the point of view of the participants. Analysis of collected data revealed that there is above average compliance to the principles evidenced by the modernised queuing system at the office of study. Batho Pele principles should be incorporated in the performance contracts of all employees in the department so that periodic performance against them is assessed and ultimately all employees will become Batho Pele champions. The findings of this study is not only beneficial to the case study institution, but to all public sector institutions.

Submitted in compliance with the requirements for the Masters of Engineering degree, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2016. / The department of Mechanical Engineering at the Durban University of Technology currently offers a National Diploma (ND) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Technology (BTech), as well as a MEng. and a DEng. This thesis details four areas of study that were undertaken in an attempt to identify potential impediments to student success in the department, using readily available data. The universities’ management information system (ITS) was the primary source of data, but limited data was also obtained from courses that the author taught, as outlined in section (4) below. A grounded action research framework was selected as the methodological framework for these studies as it allowed the freedom to refine an investigation as it progressed as well as to implement potential solutions and determine their efficacy. The four areas covered were: (1) Analysis of trends in student success rates. A number of changes were made to the National Diploma over a five year period including the introduction of supplementary examinations, the removal of elective offerings, the change in the sequence of subjects offered and a reduction in contact time. This same period also coincided with the first cohort of students entering with the new NSC matric qualification. This study examined the success rates within subjects, across four semesters of study, from 2007 until 2010 and attempts to show the effects, either positive or negative, that these changes have had. The success rates of subjects within the BTech programme were also interrogated for this same period. These results were also categorised according to whether students obtained their diploma at DUT or at another institution allowing a comparison between the two cohorts. (2) Workplace Learning (WPL). Anecdotal evidence suggested that the manner in which the WPL components were offered had a negative effect on student throughput as well as not providing substantial opportunity for the integration of experience gained in industry with the academic programme. This study, utilising WPL registrations from 2007 to 2010, examined the average time taken to complete the WPL components, the percentage of the academic component completed before and during the WPL period as well as the dropout rate. (3) Relationship between NSC results and success in Mechanical Engineering. The purpose of this study was to determine if relationships could be found between student’s NSC results and success within the programme. This would inform if the departmental entrance requirements were of an appropriate level to ensure prospective students a reasonable chance of success. Results of selected NSC subjects were correlated with those of selected diploma subjects. The distributions of success in these subjects were tabulated against the NSC results allowing a better understanding of the relationship between them. (4) Investigation into causes of poor performance in Hydraulic Machines III. This study was undertaken to better understand the competencies and learning practices of the students in the author’s class. This involved the interrogation of the performance of students over a number of assessments, the tracking of usage of online resources and the tracking of lecture attendance, and subsequent correlation with performance. These studies have led to a better understanding of the programmes offered and have put the department in a position to make informed decisions regarding interventions aimed at increasing student success. The work covered in this thesis was presented in two full papers (Graham and Walker, 2011, Graham and Walker, 2015) and two extended abstracts (Graham and Walker, 2013, Walker and Graham, 2013). / M

Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Technology: Entrepreneurship, Durban Institute of Technology, 2011. / This study focused on a feasibility analysis of establishing entrepreneurs in the Bangladesh area of Chatsworth. Ute purpose of the research was to investigate strategies that would enable the development and promotion of entrepreneurship in the area, The researcher has noted from experience, living in an area contiguous to Bangladesh, that there is a serious shortcoming with regard to-entrepreneurial skills among people in depressed communities. The researcher needed to consider strategies of empowering them to earn a decent living. This research project looked at the Bangladesh area, which is indeed a very poor region in Chatsworth. Moreover, -the statement of purpose was to examine theoretical constructs related to entrepreneurship which would enable and empower depressed communities to become economically self-sufficient. In addition, the key objective of the study was to undertake an empirical investigation in the area of Bangladesh to determine the needs of the community with respect to development of entrepreneurship and to make recommendations for the economic upliftment of the community. The findings suggest that the people in the Bangladesh area want to embrace entrepreneurship. However, their main concerns are accessto finance, education and training. The existing small businesses in the area need financial assistance to grow and the people who want to start businesses need to have access to affordable finance. The present Government policy is to encourage the development of entrepreneurship both at community level and in educational provision. / M

Abstract: I have chosen to design an urban wellness public space in Durban Blue Lagoon. The aim of this research is to understand and find out the use and spatial qualities of public urban spaces that work well. The idea behind this research is to explore how this space can activate and reconnect the Durban Blue Lagoon site, by re-imagining the boundaries of the Umgeni River and how this space can connect to the city. The primary theme for my project is looking at the urban public spaces, buildings and cultural activities on the site that encourage and can attract a diversified public through an environment that enhances social and physical wellbeing. The most effective public spaces are multi-use destinations with many planned activities that create a platform of exchange and where citizens can find common ground and activity zones to relax, gather, learn and play. This theory has informed the design. The proposed site for the programme is in the city, the Durban’s Blue Lagoon recreation area, between the main road and the shoreline. The Blue Lagoon and Umgeni River junction site is close to the city and proposes opportunities for connection and engagement with the Beachwood Mangrove reserve. It is surrounded by water systems on the edges of the site, where the Indian Ocean and Umgeni River meet. Twill reflect on the Umgeni River as a conceptual starting point. The concept for the Urban Wellness Public Facility will reflect on the Umgeni River as a conceptual starting point. The site is surrounded by natural landscapes and greenery, which would further enhance the essence of enjoyment which adds to social and physical wellbeing. The programme integrates an urban wellness public facility with the principal idea of leisure, health and wellbeing spaces coming together. The programme will include an educational centre, urban wellness space, viewing platform and river taxi stop that bring awareness of social and physical wellbeing with leisure and recreational facilities. There are existing jogging, cycling, skating and fishing activities on the site and the existing jogging route will run through the urban wellness space and educational centre. The users will be the general public and tourists who will engage with exhibits, public talks and will enjoy leisure and recreational spaces. / EM2017

Texte remanié de: Th. doct.--Géogr., 2000. / Bibliogr. p. 253-263.

No abstract available. / Thesis (M.T.R.P.)-University of Natal, 1998.

No abstract available. / Thesis (M.T.R.P.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2001.

Abstract not available. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2005.

This thesis is an investigation into the undocumented migration of Malawians to the city of Durban, and the influences on their livelihoods, identities and continued links to Malawi. In this context the thesis raises the issue of migration and citizenship. In the past Malawians were involved in contract migration system tightly controlled by the mining industry and the state, and in which their freedom of movement and association was circumscribed. This thesis argues that there is a new, emerging new form of migration, which may be termed transnational migration that has taken root since the early 1990s. It involves a web of links and networks created by transmigrants between Malawi and Durban. For a variety of reasons this transnational migration pattern is less visible, and largely hidden from the official gaze of the state. The reasons for migrating to Durban are mainly, through not exclusively economic ones, that is, about creating a livelihood, or multiple livelihoods. Malawian migrants become enmeshed in a series of livelihood itineraries as part of the chain of migration from towns and villages en route to, and in Durban. In pursuing their livelihood itineraries they begin to use their networks and other resources such as their ethnic and religious identities, family and friendship ties, nationality, accumulated experiences, skills and entrepreneurship to insert themselves in the city, and in the process, seek, find or create work in both the formal and informal sectors of the local economy. In this context they develop a sense of belonging to and being part of the city and begin to institutionalise their presence, contributing in many ways, both socially and economically to the city. The thesis argues that their presence, practices, dispositions and accomplishments in the city of Durban, and continued links to Malawi raise pertinent issues around the question of citizenship and migration. / Thesis (Ph.D)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2004.

This study investigates DRC refugees' economic activities in the Durban area in order to understand why some DRC refugees adapt and integrate in the local economy whereas others fail and migrate to refugee camps outside South Africa. We use various migration theories, and the concept of social exclusion to understand refugee action, and highlight the importance of social networks as a form social capital among refugees. Social networks form the cornerstone of DRC refugees' source of income through vital information sharing, financial, material and psychological support. These networks constitute a social net for newcomers and provide important support during random events such as unemployment, illness and death. However, access to the benefit of these networks is often subject to class, gender and age differentials which can have negative effects on both members and non-members. DRC refugees are subject to diverse forms of exploitative practices both from locals and from economically stable refugees including those from the Congo. Key officials and the voluntary sector play different roles at different times. These are mainly negative but are occasionally positive. These negative effects limit Congolese refugees' ability to successfully voice their concerns. Social exclusion and xenophobic attitudes from some key officials and ordinary people worsen the already precarious situation of the refugee communities. Yet, the research findings indicate that xenophobia is not something fundamental. It is fuelled by political manipulation and competition over scarce resources. Further research over time is necessary to confirm or reject this hypothesis. DRC refugees take whatever opportunities they can to establish their livelihoods and increase their resilience to shocks and uncertainty in Durban. Thus their incomes originate from different economic activities. Incomes also come from social support including remittance from other countries and provinces of South Africa, ethnic-based NGOs, political parties and churches, and manipulation from South African NGOs for individual's benefit. Yet, mistrust and social exclusion both within the DRC refugees and between this community and South Africans negatively affect their livelihoods. / Thesis (M.Dev.Studies)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2005.