Over the last two decades the impact of power in communicative planning has gained prominence in discussions about meaningful planning, i.e. planning that achieves the goals as set out in the plan and also has wider socially desirable environmental, social and economic outcomes. This study aims to examine the influence of power on communication in the compilation of municipal Integrated Development Planning in South Africa, specifically as it affects intra- and intergovernmental relations in the IDP preparation process in local municipalities. This dissertation is the result of a historical study into the 2000/2001 and 2001/2002 Integrated Development Plan process in the local governments of Kungwini Local Municipality, and Klerksdorp Local Municipality as study areas. The time lapse between the events that took place in these municipalities and the completion of this study assists in providing a more objective view of the power relations at play. Throughout the study emphasis is placed on certain concepts that influence the outcome of planning processes and the planning processes itself, as summarised in the final chapter. They are: <ul> <li> The quality of inter- and intra-governmental relationships;</li> <li> The awareness and use of power in planning;</li> <li> The concept and nature of “meaningful communication”; and</li> <li> The role and impact of power on such communication.</li> </ul> As an exploratory historical study into the power interface in IDP, it provides an interesting perspective on the dynamics of compiling an IDP and opens up the opportunity for more such studies in other local governments in South Africa with the influence of power on communication in intergovernmental planning processes (specifically IDP in local municipalities) and general studies regarding the effect of power in communicative planning as focus. This study also provides an indication of the pressures planners face in the pursuit of meaningful/useful planning results. / Dissertation (MT&RP)--University of Pretoria, 2009. / Town and Regional Planning / unrestricted

No description available.

La protéine NS5A est essentielle pour la réplication et l'assemblage du virus de l'hépatite C (VHC), et elle constitue une cible thérapeutique prometteuse pour le développement d'antiviraux. Cependant, aucune fonction claire n'a encore été décrite pour NS5A, et les connaissances structurales restent limitées. Ainsi, nous avons caractérisé l'état intrinsèquement désordonné des domaines D2 et D3 de NS5A en décrivant leurs espaces conformationnels et leurs potentialités de repliement en combinant différentes méthodes biophysiques. Nous avons aussi mis en évidence la variabilité structurale du domaine D2 au sein des génotypes du VHC, ce qui pourrait être en rapport avec les différences de pathogénie et d'efficacité des thérapies observées selon les génotypes. L'interaction de D2 et D3 avec la cyclophiline humaine A (CypA) a été étudiée par résonance plasmonique de surface (SPR). Bien que des mutations au sein du domaine D2 rendent la réplication du VHC moins dépendante de la présence de CypA, ces mutations n'empêchent pas la liaison entre D2 et CypA. En revanche, elles induisent des perturbations structurales qui pourraient affecter la cinétique d'interconversion des conformères de D2. Nous avons montré par SPR que D2 et D3 interagissent avec le domaine de fixation à l'ADN du récepteur nucléaire FXR. Cette interaction pourrait inhiber la fixation de FXR sur sa cible ADN, suggérant une implication de NS5A dans la modulation de l'activité transcriptionnelle de ce récepteur nucléaire. L'ensemble de ces informations, nous a permis de proposer un modèle de la structure globale de NS5A permettant une meilleure compréhension des propriétés structurales et fonctionnelles de cette protéine énigmatique / NS5A is essential for HCV replication and particle assembly, and constitutes a very promising drug target. However, no clear function has yet been described for NS5A, and structural knowledge remains limited. We characterized the intrinsically disordered nature of NS5A domains D2 and D3, and describe their folding propensity and their overall conformational behaviour by combining different biophysical methods. We also highlighted the structural variability of D2 domain in HCV genotypes, which might be correlated with the disparities observed between genotypes in terms of pathogenesis and efficiency of therapies. The interactions between D2 and D3 with human cyclophilin A (CypA) was analysed by surface plasmon resonance (SPR). We showed that mutations in the D2 domain conferring resistance of HCV replication to CypA inhibitors did not prevent the interaction between D2 and CypA. However, they induce structural perturbations that may affect the kinetics of conformers interconversion of D2. We also showed by SPR that D2 and D3 interact with the of DNA-binding domain of the nuclear receptor FXR (farnesoid X receptor alpha). This interaction reduce the binding of FXR to its DNA target, suggesting an involvement of NS5A in the modulation of the transcriptional activity of FXR. All this data led us to propose a model of the overall structure of NS5A, which provides a useful template for a better understanding of structural and functional properties of this enigmatic protein

In South Africa, democracy has brought transformative improvement in the system of governance. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (1996) implemented in the post-apartheid era, has raised the status of the lowest sphere of government, by granting these authorities delegated responsibilities. This sphere of governance is known as local government (municipal government) and in the present context developmental local government is both democratically elected and decentralized. The restructuring of local governance requires municipalities to serve the communities within their areas of jurisdiction. This has brought capacity challenges for the municipalities. They are charged with delivering acceptable standards of services to the residents. The current lack of deliverance is evident in the widespread protests, with community members showing their dissatisfaction with sub-standard service delivery and backlogs. Furthermore, municipalities are required to formulate their own by-laws improve the lives of community members, and to implement their legislative mandates satisfactorily. In order for the municipalities to perform more effectively, a transformative model is necessary. The quality of services currently delivered at municipal level must be reviewed. Monitoring and evaluation are the key elements of assessment which must be undertaken. The rationale behind this monitoring and evaluation is to make the system of governance more effective through an even-handed assessment of policies, programmes, projects, strategies, performance of personnel, and the organization as a whole. For the purpose of this study, the researcher explored the challenges regarding monitoring and evaluation and its impact on sustainable development in Sedibeng District Municipality utilizing the quantitative research approach. A model is proposed for improvement called as Monitoring and Evaluation for Sustainable Development (MESD). / PhD (Public Management and Governance), North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2014

In South Africa, democracy has brought transformative improvement in the system of governance. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (1996) implemented in the post-apartheid era, has raised the status of the lowest sphere of government, by granting these authorities delegated responsibilities. This sphere of governance is known as local government (municipal government) and in the present context developmental local government is both democratically elected and decentralized. The restructuring of local governance requires municipalities to serve the communities within their areas of jurisdiction. This has brought capacity challenges for the municipalities. They are charged with delivering acceptable standards of services to the residents. The current lack of deliverance is evident in the widespread protests, with community members showing their dissatisfaction with sub-standard service delivery and backlogs. Furthermore, municipalities are required to formulate their own by-laws improve the lives of community members, and to implement their legislative mandates satisfactorily. In order for the municipalities to perform more effectively, a transformative model is necessary. The quality of services currently delivered at municipal level must be reviewed. Monitoring and evaluation are the key elements of assessment which must be undertaken. The rationale behind this monitoring and evaluation is to make the system of governance more effective through an even-handed assessment of policies, programmes, projects, strategies, performance of personnel, and the organization as a whole. For the purpose of this study, the researcher explored the challenges regarding monitoring and evaluation and its impact on sustainable development in Sedibeng District Municipality utilizing the quantitative research approach. A model is proposed for improvement called as Monitoring and Evaluation for Sustainable Development (MESD). / PhD (Public Management and Governance), North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2014

Thesis (MA)--University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The study examines the Western Cape municipal Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) and questions whether these IDPs include Information and Communication Technology (ICT) initiatives that promote development. IDPs are used by municipalities as multi-sectoral plans that provide situation analyses of municipal areas and determine development priorities in municipal areas. These development priorities must be met within certain budget and time constraints. Globalisation and the technological revolution have led to the rapid development and convergence of technology. Technology, such as the Internet and cellular telephones, has had various influences on society. One of these influences includes the possible application of ICT for the purpose of development. Therefore both IDPs and ICT can be applied for developmental purposes. The study thus brings together two seemingly unrelated concepts, namely Integrated Development Plans and Information and Communication Technology and aligns them with one another through the concept of development. The study includes three main objectives. Firstly, the Integrated Development Plans of the municipalities in the Western Cape were examined to ascertain whether these municipalities address ICT in their IDPs. Secondly, the nature of the ICT initiatives was determined. This refers to whether the ICT initiatives are for use in the community or for use in the municipality. Finally, a framework was developed, which includes the classification of the different types of municipalities, together with the different types of ICT initiatives. Recommendations were made based on this framework. The various theoretical issues discussed in this study include the transformation of local government in South Africa and the establishment of developmental local government. Various issues concerning the use of ICT for development are also discussed and they include the ‘Information Society’, the ‘Digital Divide’ and ICT for development. This discussion emphasises that success of ICT initiatives for development depends on the nature of the underlying policy agenda; this agenda must be demand-driven and pro-poor. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie ondersoek die Wes-Kaap munisipale Geintegreerde Ontwikkelingsplanne (GOP’s) en bevraagteken of dié GOP’s Inligting en Kommunikasie Tegnologie (IKT) inisiatiewe wat ontwikkeling bevorder, insluit. GOP’s word deur munisipaliteite as multi-sektorale planne gebruik wat toestandsontledings van munisipale gebiede voorsien en die ontwikkelingsprioriteite in munisipale gebiede bepaal. Hierdie ontwikkelingsprioriteite moet binne sekere begrotings- en tydsbeperkings bevredig word. Globalisering en die tegnologiese revolusie het tot die spoedige ontwikkeling en samevoeging van tegnologie gelei. Tegnologie, soos die Internet en selulêre telefone, het verskeie uitwerkings op die samelewing teweeggebring. Een van die uitwerkings sluit die moontlike aanwending van IKT vir ontwikkelingsdoeleindes in. Beide GOP’s en IKT kan dus vir ontwikkelingsdoeleindes aangewend word. Die studie bring daarom twee oënskynlik onverwante onderwerpe, naamlik Geintegreerde Ontwikkelingsplanne en Informasie en Kommunikasie Tegnologie deur die konsep van ontwikkeling by mekaar uit. Die studie bevat drie hoof doelwitte. Eerstens om die Geintegreerde Ontwikkelingsplanne van die munisipaliteite in die Wes-Kaap te ondersoek om vas te stel of hierdie munisipaliteite IKT in hul GOP’s aanspreek. Tweedens is die aard van die IKT inisiatiewe vasgestel. Dit verwys na IKT inisiatiewe wat binne die gemeenskap óf binne die munisipaliteit plaasvind. Laastens is ’n raamwerk ontwikkel. Dit sluit ’n klassifikasie van die verskillende soorte munisipaliteite, asook die verskillende soorte IKT inisiatiewe in. Aanbevelings wat gemaak word, word op hierdie raamwerk gegrond. Verskeie teoretiese kwessies word ook verder in hierdie studie bespreek. Dit sluit die transformasie van plaaslike regering in Suid-Afrika en die totstandkoming van ontwikkelingsgerigte plaaslike regering in. Verskeie kwessies wat die gebruik van IKT vir ontwikkeling betref, word ook bespreek. Dit sluit die ‘Inligting-gedrewe Samelewing’, die ‘Digitale Gaping’ en IKT vir ontwikkeling, in. Hierdie bespreking beklemtoon dat die geslaagdheid van IKT inisiatiewe vir ontwikkeling van die aard van die onderliggende beleidsagenda afhang; dié agenda moet aanvraag-gedrewe en ten gunste van armes wees.

Across the world, war has been declared against poverty because of its devastating effects on local communities. The world has made a concerted effort to fight the effects of poverty through developmental agencies and regional integration bodies such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Trade Organisation (WTO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). In an effort to complement the efforts of the above–mentioned agencies and bodies, the South African government has developed its own poverty alleviation strategies, policies, initiatives and Acts that focus primarily on alleviation of poverty on the level of local government. The Constitution of South Africa, 1996 provides the guidelines to several regulations and Acts (such as the Development and Facilitation Act, 67 of 1995, the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, 32 of 2000, and the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act, 117 of 1998.) that support the alleviation of poverty on the local sphere of government. The Integrated Development Planning programme was formulated and implemented to alleviate poverty at this level. The purpose of this study was to determine how the level of poverty within the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality could be alleviated through effective integrated development planning. A quantitative approach was followed because the target population response rate was expected to be large. In addition, the research design for this study included a literature review, analyses of official documents, observation and data sampling through questionnaires and scientific analysis of the responses. The study found that IDP objectives aligned to service delivery targets were unclear and did not depict the aspirations and needs of the community. The programmes aimed at the infrastructure coupled with skills development programmes and job creation initiatives could assist in the alleviation of poverty. / M Development and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

L’objectif de cette thèse est d’explorer les rôles de la religion dans le processus pour faire face à une situation potentiellement traumatique de violence organisée ; et ce dans un contexte culturel, socio-économique et politique précis, à savoir celui de la Colombie. La Colombie est un pays où culturellement la religion occupe une place importante dans la société. Elle connaît depuis plusieurs décennies un conflit armé ayant comme conséquence le déplacement forcé massif des populations à l’intérieur du pays. Cette recherche a une approche de psychologie culturelle, et se sert d’une méthodologie qualitative, avec des entretiens semi-structurés. Les participants comprennent 51 adultes déplacés (26 hommes et 25 femmes), et deux informants clés. Quatre thèmes sont explorés : a) le déplacement b) la religion au quotidien, c) les changements dans leur religion suite au déplacement, et d) les rôles de la religion dans l’expérience du déplacement. Les résultats montrent que la religion est importante pour les déplacés. Catholiques pour la plupart, leur religion est centrée sur une relation personnalisée et directe à Dieu, malgré les rituels collectifs pratiqués. Les déplacés vivent une religion culturellement ancrée, résistante à l’adversité : après le déplacement elle est soit restée inchangée, soit s’est renforcée. Concernant le déplacement, les aspects les plus marquants sont l’intensité des violences infligées, le caractère imminent des départs et la précarité à laquelle les déplacés sont confrontés en arrivant à Bogota. Malgré ces conditions et la souffrance éprouvée, il faut remarquer leur capacité à composer avec les ressources disponibles, et ce de manière active, souple et diversifiée. Plusieurs rôles de la religion ont été repérés dans ce processus. Ils ont été regroupés par leur fonctionnalité, en cinq groupes : a) pourvoyeur de sens, b) conservateur d’une stabilité, c) catalyseur de transformations, d) source de soutien social, et e) aspects potentiellement nocifs. La religion semble être pour cet échantillon une ressource salutaire, capable de s’articuler harmonieusement avec des ressources non religieuses, pour potentialiser leurs capacités et favoriser l’adaptation. Seule la culpabilité semble avoir un effet nocif, dont la fonctionnalité reste à explorer. La discussion des résultats souligne la pertinence d’étudier la religion d’un point de vue fonctionnel et fait le lien entre la relation à Dieu observée et la théorie de attachement. De plus, elle évalue les limites de l’étude et propose des pistes pour les futures recherches. / The purpose of this study is to explore the roles of religion in coping with a potentially traumatic situation of organized violence, in a particular cultural, socio-economic and political context, such as the Colombian one. In Colombia, religion as a cultural aspect has a significant place in Colombian society. It also deals with an armed conflict which lasts for several decades now and has resulted in the phenomenon of massive internal displacement of populations. This research has a cultural psychology approach and uses a qualitative methodology with semi-structured interviews. Participants include 51 adults, internally displaced people (IDP), (26 men and 25 women), and two key informants. Four topics are explored: a) their displacement, b) religion in every-day life, c) changes in their religion following displacement, d) the roles of religion during their displacement experience. Results show that religion is important for Colombian IDP’s. Mostly Catholics, their religion is centered on a direct and personalized relationship with God, in spite of the collective rituals they practice. In this sample, displaced people experience religion as a culturally anchored pattern, resistant to adversity: after displacement their religion remained either unchanged or reinforced. Concerning the displacement, the most salient aspects are the intensity of violence they went through, the imminence of departures, and the precariousness they have to deal with at arrival. In spite of these conditions and all the suffering they undergo, IDP’s show a remarkable capacity to cope with the available resources in an active, flexible and diversified way. Several roles of religion have been identified. They have been gathered according to their functionality into five categories: a) meaning provider, b) stability conservator, c) transformations catalyst, d) social support source, and e) potentially harmful aspects. Religion seems to be, for this sample, a constructive resource, capable of articulating itself harmonically with other non religious resources in order to enhance individuals skills and facilitate their adjustment. Only guiltiness seems to have a harmful effect in this process and its functionality is to be explored. Discussion of results underlines the pertinence of studying religion in a functional way and it links data to attachment theory. Finally, it evaluates the limits of this study and proposes some clues for future research. / El objetivo de esta tesis doctoral es explorar los roles de la religión en el afrontamiento de una situación potencialmente traumática de violencia organizada, en un contexto cultural, socio-económico y político específico, como el de Colombia. Colombia es un país donde culturalmente la religión ocupa un lugar importante en la sociedad. Este país vive, desde hace varias décadas, un conflicto armado que ha traído como consecuencia el desplazamiento interno forzado y masivo de la población. La investigación tiene una orientación de psicología cultural y utiliza una metodología cualitativa, con entrevistas semi-estructuradas. Los participantes incluyen 51 adultos desplazados por la violencia (26 hombres y 25 mujeres), y dos informantes clave. Cuatro temas son explorados: a) el desplazamiento, b) la religión en la vida cotidiana, c) los cambios en la religión causados por el desplazamiento, y d) los roles de la religión en la experiencia del desplazamiento. Los resultados muestran que la religión es importante para los desplazados. Católicos en su mayoría, su religión está centrada en una relación personalizada y directa con Dios, a pesar de los rituales colectivos practicados. Los desplazados viven una religión culturalmente arraigada, resistente a la adversidad: después del desplazamiento, ésta siguió igual o se reforzó. En cuanto al desplazamiento, los aspectos que sobresalen son la intensidad de la violencia, la inminencia de la partida y la precariedad que deben afrontar al llegar a Bogotá. A pesar de estas condiciones y del sufrimiento que viven, es de notar la capacidad de manejar los recursos disponibles de manera activa, flexible y diversificada. Varios roles de la religion fueron identificados: a) fuente de significado, b) conservador de una estabilidad, c) catalizador de transformaciones, d) fuente de apoyo social, y e) aspectos potencialmente nocivos La religión parece ser, para esta muestra, un recurso saludable, capaz de de articularse armoniosamente con recursos no religiosos, para potencializar sus capacidades y favorecer la adaptación. Sólo la culpabilidad parece tener un efecto nocivo y su funcionalidad debe ser explorada. La discusión de los resultados resalta la pertinencia de estudiar la religión desde un punto de vista funcional y establece un lazo entre la relación con Dios observada y la teoría del apego. Por último, se evaluán los límites del estudio y se proponen algunas pistas para futuras investigaciones.

Le déplacement interne forcé est un phénomène ancien et récurrent dont la communautéinternationale a tardé à se saisir. Ce n’est qu’en 1992 que le Secrétaire général des NationsUnies a nommé un Représentant spécial chargé des personnes déplacées internes. Dès sanomination, ce dernier a entrepris un important travail d’analyse et de compilation des normesinternationales afin d’étudier l’applicabilité de celles-ci aux personnes déplacées internes.L’aboutissement de ce travail a permis l’élaboration et la présentation des « Principesdirecteurs relatifs au déplacement de personnes à l’intérieur de leur propre pays » en 1998.Ces Principes directeurs sont par la suite devenus un cadre de référence pour ledéveloppement d’instruments internationaux conventionnels de portée régionale dont ledernier en date est la Convention de Kampala adoptée en 2009 par l’Union africaine.Cette étude a un double-objet. Tout d’abord, mettre en évidence l’évolution normative qu’aconnue la notion de personne déplacée interne et la protection juridique internationale relativeà cette notion. Ensuite, de se questionner sur l’émergence d’un statut juridique internationalen faveur des déplacés internes à travers l’analyse du concept de responsabilité de protéger etl’examen de l’utilité et de l’intérêt de ce statut juridique international dont l’émergencepourrait être entravée par d’éventuels obstacles juridiques. / Forced internal displacement is an old and recurring phenomenon that the internationalcommunity has been slow to grasp. It was not until 1992 that the United Nations GeneralSecretary appointed a Special Representative on internally displaced persons. Upon hisappointment, the Special Representative undertook a major work of analysis and compilationof international norms in order to study their applicability to internally displaced persons.The culmination of this work has enabled the development and presentation of the “GuidingPrinciples on internal displacement” in 1998. These guidelines have subsequently become animportant framework for the development of international treaties with regional impactwhose latest is the Kampala Convention adopted in 2009 by the African Union.This study has a double-object. First of all, it is to underline the important evolution of thenotion of internally displaced person and of the international legal protection regarding thisnotion.Secondly, it is to question about the emergence of an international legal status dedicated tointernally displaced persons through the analysis of the concept of responsibility to protectand through the review of the usefulness and the significance of this international legal statuswhose emergence could be hampered by possible legal obstacles.

Disasters due to war and conflict or natural forces are responsible for the 26 million people displaced across the world today. The crisis extends into the temporary, yet indefinite, displacement camps where people live in congested living arrangements, vulnerable to an increased risk of disease, death, and social violence (spousal abuse, rape). Even when chaos subsides, social and physical networks have frayed rendering the temporary displacement camp a permanent home for some. Often, despite this “permanence”, access to adequate services and infrastructure and hence social and economic growth remains in a state of emergency. This thesis proposes that water infrastructure is the key social catalyst for developing these displacement camps into permanent sustainable communities. An urban displacement camp in the town of Gulu, Northern Uganda, is the case study location for a speculative design intervention. During rebel activities from 1996 to 2004, the town of Gulu more than tripled in size, absorbing almost 100,000 displaced people forced to flee their land. These people settled in displacement camps next to, and within the wetlands that border the town on all sides. The urban metabolism of the town has become polluted as the displaced people use, alter and degrade the wetlands because they have no other alternatives. Following the instigation of a peace process in 2006, some people have begun the journey home. However, it is estimated that just over half of these people will continue to live in the squalid camps, without an opportunity to prosper. A strategy is proposed for addressing and subsequently re-defining this urban metabolism. By synthesizing the existing urban fabric with strategies for harnessing the natural landscape, varying scales of water infrastructure are proposed. New opportunities for agricultural production is supported, while the spatial relationships created by the physical structuring of the water infrastructure renews the influence that water collection and distribution has in creating the social locus of a community.