No abstract available. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2011.

Air pollution, health and poverty convey overtones of moral dereliction of our people by the confederacy of perpetrators. It is true that a cocktail of chemical emissions pollute the Durban South area and the residents paying an enormous price to survive. With poverty abound, the people feel disenfranchised as their plea for a better environment fails to improve their standing. This short treatise looks at the role of people and the business as one part and the inclusion of the government on the other part. A comparison of covert techniques and manipulations used by business to circumvent the system. Legislation although adequate but lacking enforcement together with legal remedies as a way to stop this incursion to our Constitutional right. A paradigm shift to sustainability in exploring the many facets of invaluable 'practical solutions' to save and sustain our existence and our intergenerational society. The government authorities saddled with internal strife and the under-funded NGOs who are buoyed by media support still prove ineffective. The conglomerates with all their abundant resources covertly or otherwise propagate their maliciousness unchecked. The enforcement authorities, the judicial officers, the NGOs and the people must work harmously to stem this unacceptable moral degradation before it reaches abysmal proportions. / Thesis (LL.M.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

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. / Thesis (M.T.R.P.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2008.

This study reviews some of the trends in the theory and practice of public participation processes as an element of policy development. It attempts to locate public participation within a theoretical framework for policy development based on the work of Kingdon (Agendas, Alternatives and Public Policies, 2nd ed. 1995) on policy streams, and that of Roe (Narrative Policy Analysis. 1994) on the use of discourse analysis. It uses the KwaZulu-Natal Waste Management Policy process as a case study and shows that it is possible to combine these two theories to come to a better understanding of the way in which policy is arrived at. The policy streams proposed by Kingdon are identified in the case study and the 'crisis', which moved the issue of waste management onto the decision agenda, is described. Two dominant narratives that emerge from a series of interviews are discerned, together with two counter narratives. By comparing and contrasting these a metanarrative is developed that meets Roe's criteria for telling a better story and so becomes the basis for the final policy. Public participation is shown as being a useful way of ensuring that alternative 'stories' are included in the shaping of policy and so allowing a metanarrative to emerge. Some conclusions about the implications of the analysis for future processes are drawn. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2002.

Partnerships are a recognized tool for addressing local level environmental problems. They involve knowledge-sharing and decision-making by both local authorities and communities. Two different partnerships developed in Durban's KwaMashu Township with a view to addressing environmental problems associated with a degraded small stream viz, the KwaMashu Development Association (KDA) and the KwaMashu Development Initiative (KDI). This thesis describes a study carried out on these two partnerships, comparing their efficacy in resolving the problems and the factors that contributed to the pollution of the stream. Specific environmental circumstances conducive to the degradation of the stream, as well as measures put in place to address them, were identified during a field survey. Semi-structured questionnaires were then used to interview members of the two partnerships to obtain information on how they developed and functioned as a unit. Information was also obtained from respective individuals, regarding their perception of the factors that contributed to the stream degradation and the effectiveness of their rehabilitation efforts. Although the study found both partnerships to be of the leverage type, there were significant differences between the socio-economic profile and political affiliations of members. The KDA partnership received funding for the project whereas the KDI received no funding, but had a vision. The Keep Durban Beautiful Association created an awareness relating to waste and open space management which was imparted to the KDT members and this enabled them to achieve the goals of the project. These different baselines clearly contributed to the differences in the effectiveness of the partnerships. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2002.

ant national legislation on the disposal of waste and waste disposal sites has been promulgated to regulate the dumping of unwanted materials. This development poses major legal compliance problems for the South African National Defence Force (S.A.N.D.F.) deployments in rural areas. The absence of municipal services to these areas and the unavailability of municipal dumpsites do not facilitate adherence to legislation. The development of an integrated waste management system for Defence represents an attempt to ensure compliance with national legislation. An overview and assessment of current waste management practices in the S.A.N.D.F. is provided in this document. The literature review focussed on the theory of waste management, the current situation with regard to sanitation in rural areas and a review of pertinent legislation, and provided the foundation for the development of questionnaires. The study then explored aspects of waste management and sanitation that were taken into consideration in preparing for operations . Data collection entailed interviews with senior members of the S.A.N.D.F. who are responsible for the planning of such projects. Thereafter an investigation was conducted into the waste management practices employed during deployments to rural areas. Data collection in this respect involved the administration of questionnaires to soldiers at temporary bases and during patrols, as well as an audit of the waste generated at the temporary bases, noting how refuse was managed under these conditions. These methods of primary data collection included interviews with various government and non-government officials. Interviews with senior members of the S.A.N.D.F. revealed that the planning and preparation for operations are core-function focused and that the integration of waste management and sanitation in the planning process is minimal and inadequate . The data obtained from questionnaires administered to the soldiers revealed that current waste management practices at the temporary bases and during patrols are considered to be satisfactory to the soldiers, as they are of the opinion that "we are doing the best we can under such circumstances". The waste audit revealed that ninety-eight percent of the waste generated in the study area is recyclable. Consequently, this study recommends that waste management methods be integrated into the planning process. Furthermore it is recommended that environmental education be included as a compulsory module during basic training and re-training for all members of the S.A.N.D.F., i.e. from senior management down to the most junior level. A long-term solution to improve on the current waste management practices is recycling. With regard to sanitation, the Director of Sanitation of the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (D.W.A.F.) suggested that relevant members of the S.A.N.D.F. meet with members of D.W.A.F. and the Umkhanyakude Regional District Council, to discuss the inclusion of the S.A.N.D.F. in the current sanitation-provision projects in the study area. Short-term solutions were that the S.A.N.D.F. liaise with the G.I.S. section at D.W.A.F. This section will be able to provide the S.A.N.D.F. with information on the location of boreholes and hand-pumps (the only source of drinking water for the local population). The S.A.N.D.F. must ensure that waste disposal sites and field toilets, commonly referred to as go-karts, are located away from these water sources and, whenever possible, on higher ground. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal,Durban, 2004.

Environmental management systems (EMSs) have been advanced as a tool for successful adoption and implementation of environmental management initiatives in organisations. As with any management system, an EMS needs to be integrated into corporate management so that it may operate in congruence with the other management systems present in an organisation. One framework that has been widely recognised for fostering the process of management systems integration in organisations is Mckinsey's 7-S model of business elements. This model has been used to understand and foster integration in mainstream management and business circles. However, it was the researcher's considered view that the model could be usefully applied in organisations to foster EMS integration. Hence, the study set out to explore the efficacy of Mckinseys 7-S model using a case study, namely Hulett Aluminium. Data collection included reviewing related literature, interviewer administered questionnaires and open-ended interviews. The study had a total of 41 respondents, most of whom were questionnaire respondents. Simple coding sheets and content analysis were used to-analyse the data. It is clear from the study that Mckinsey's 7-S model is useful to understanding EMS integration in organisations. However, the model does not adequately provide for human aspects in the process of dealing with change. The model's inclusion of human aspects seems to be confmed to skills (i.e. capacity and knowledge), with an inclination towards technical imperatives. However, non-technical factors such as the way the employees perceive of the change and how it affects them are also important. Positive perceptions, especially those arising from personal results could serve to reinforce the change process, which apparently is at the heart of EMS adoption and implementation. This study does not present statistically definitive conclusions, but interesting trends and views emerge. It should be regarded as exploratory, providing directions to researchers for further, more in-depth research into the theme of the study. The study also makes recommendations as well as suggestions for further research. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2001.

KwaZulu-Natal’s Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park has historically been prioritized for biodiversity conservation but it also has the oldest protected wilderness area in the country. For 50 years, conservation management, tourism and education within the Imfolozi Wilderness Area have generally been carried out using non-mechanized wilderness principles. The validity of the Imfolozi Wilderness is constantly questioned in terms of efficiency, equity and aesthetics and is consequently subject to a variety of pressures that those different ideologies can exert. The historical development and applicability of the wilderness concept is examined here against evolving South African social and environmental circumstances. Whilst this investigation confirms the findings that colonialism and apartheid resulted in the exclusion of local peoples from protected areas, it also takes note that Imfolozi’s history is characterized by organizations and individuals who ignored the racist laws of the time. Nevertheless, management structures pertaining to both politics and conservation tended to be top-down, such that the Imfolozi Wilderness retained an air of elitism, regardless of attempts to be racially inclusive. Modern trends in protected area management expose the necessity of refining the justification of wilderness areas, to simultaneously recognize localized priorities and the importance of such areas to the planet’s ecological wellbeing. Without attempting to resolve philosophical debates but, at the same time, recognizing their validity, protected area management requirements for the Imfolozi Wilderness are examined in terms of the legal mandate handed to the management agency. This leads to the selection of the Limits of Acceptable Change planning and management system which is implemented as an action research project in conjunction with the Imfolozi Management Team, over a three year period. This involved: defining legal mandates and area issues; defining the zonation categories for the wilderness area; selecting the indicators to measure human impact; compiling an inventory of conditions in the wilderness area; specifying standards; examining alternative zonation category allocations from stakeholders and selecting a preferred alternative. The desired outcome was the establishment of a system in which managers could receive ongoing collaboration from stakeholders and consultatively develop a defendable wilderness management strategy that would meet the legal requirements of the area’s proclamation. Through a descriptive narrative, this dissertation provides an account of the implementation process and discusses to what extent this has been achieved. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2009.