The problem this study addresses is the key factors which have played an important role in the growth of small Indian retailers situated in some of the previous Group Areas of Pietermaritzburg. More particularly, the intention was to examine what role marketing played in this growth. The main reason for undertaking this study is that it seems that many small Indian retailers appeared to have exhibited growth despite having been affected by Apartheid and other problems commonly associated with being small. This study is unique in that it studies growth ie. a positive phenomenon amidst difficult situations ie. Apartheid and problems that are inherent in being small. This problem is explored by firstly analysing literature on the history of small Indian retailers in South Africa with the intention of identifying possible factors which may have played an important role in their growth. Stemming from this exploratory study into the history of small Indian trade in South Africa were the following factors which seemed to have played an important role in their growth: a. business experience and skills, b. hard work and support especially from family members, c. good knowledge of the needs of Indian customers, d. superior service, e. competitive prices, f. keeping overheads low, g. adequate capital possessed particularly by small Passenger Indian retailers, h. effectively identifying and exploiting opportunities. Secondly, the literature was once again explored to ascertain and examine factors which have been known to play an important role in business and more specifically small business growth. Having examined the literature, it was found that such growth factors could be grouped under six broad headings viz. Personal, Marketing, Financial, Technical, Management, and General. Relating what seemed to have played an important role historically in South Africa in the growth of small Indian retailers to what has been known to play an important role in small business growth generally, it was found that there were a number of common associations. Hence, this allowed for the generation of the following hypotheses: The growth of small Indian retailers in some of the previous Group Areas of Pietermaritzburg was because of: Hypothesis I (HI) - Personal Factors, Hypothesis 2 (H2) - Financial Factors, Hypothesis 3 (H3) - Marketing Factors, Hypothesis 4 (H4) - Management Factors, Hypothesis 5 (H5) - Technical Factors, Hypothesis 6 (H6) - General Factors. A survey was conducted in two areas which were part of the previous Group Areas of Pietermaritzburg and are often referred to as the 'hub' of Indian retailer activity in Pietermaritzburg with a high concentration of small Indian retailers. The areas in question were the 'bottom end of town' which included all those businesses in Church Street between East and Retief Streets; the other area included businesses in Old Greytown Road between Naidoo and Allandale Roads. A total of 67 small retailers were interviewed who survived for at least three years, were in business during the Apartheid era, and exhibited some form of growth during this period. Cluster/area samples were chosen on the basis of convenience and judgement to suit the financial and time constraints of the study; and elements were included in the sample randomly but in proportion to the size of their clusters/areas in the total cluster/area population. The 67 businesses studied were classified as low, medium, and high growth using Hatten's (1997) and Walker's (1988) growth models. There were 31 low growth, 32 medium growth, and 4 high growth businesses. The most important factors in this study were found to be in order of importance: personal, financial, marketing, management, and technical. In addition, the results of the qualitative study revealed that Culture and Religion, Group Areas, and past business experience also played an important role in business growth, in this study. The 'top ten' sub factors in this study were found to be: Honesty, Hard Work, Commitment, Involvement, Common Sense, A belief in Superior Quality and Service, Learning from Failure, Knowledge of Business and Market, Adequate Capital, Price. In testing the hypotheses, using the Chi-squared test, it was found that there were significant relationships between business growth and personal, financial, marketing, management, and technical factors, at the 95% confidence level. For all factors, using the Chi-squared test, significant differences, and high frequency counts were apparent at levels of importance thus suggesting that all factors studied were at least important in the growth of small Indian retailers situated in some of the previous Group Areas of Pietermaritzburg. The results of this study may be useful to: a. prospective small business people wanting to increase their chances of growth, b. those small businesses that want to increase their growth, c. those small businesses experiencing growth problems, d. small business operators from disadvantaged backgrounds, e. organisations involved in small business development, support, and training. The limitations of this study include: a. the lack of a pre-prepared sampling frame, b. unique results which may not be applicable to other small businesses, c. lack of literature on small business growth and the history of Indian trade in South Africa, d. inapplicability of the chi-square test for businesses in the high growth category due to a small cell size, e. restricted response from the Likert scale measurement used. / Thesis (M.Comm.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1999.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is an airborne pathogen that is easily transmitted from person to person. An intact immune system prevents the organism from causing disease in most individuals. In South Africa, the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has reached astronomical levels and is now fuelling the tuberculosis (TB) epidemic. Drug resistant MTB strains combined with a weakened host immune system is a lethal combination. Multi-drug resistant (MDR) including extensively drug resistant (XDR) tuberculosis is on the increase, with Tugela Ferry in KwaZulu-Natal South Africa, reporting the largest cluster of XDR cases in the world. It is unknown whether a single clone of the drug resistant strain is circulating in this area or whether there are multiple strains at play. Using 2 complementary genotyping methods, we showed that the MDR strains present are the result of clonal spread associated with the F28 family, as well as de novo resistance which manifests as unique patterns. The XDR epidemic in Tugela Ferry is the result of clonal spread of a strain belonging to the F15/LAM4/KZN family. / Thesis (M.Med.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2011.

Introduction. The use of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) has shown to reduce the morbidity and mortality and prolongs survival, improving quality of life restoring and preserving immunologic function, maximizing antiretroviral activity and durably suppressing viral load and further preventing vertical HIV transmission. However, their use in Critical Care Units CCU is still controversial as there are still no set standards for how HAART should be applied in these settings (Anderson, 2009). This study was aimed at exploring the perceptions of critical care nurses towards their educational preparedness in managing HIV/AIDS patients admitted to CCU in KwaZulu-Natal. Methodology. Quantitative descriptive research design was used and data collection included a structured questionnaire and open ended questions. Results. The findings of this study indicate that of the critical care nurses who were sampled for this study and had undergone training in HIV/AIDS management, 45% and 25% respectively perceived that they were not educationally prepared to provide services for people living with HIV/AIDS admitted to CCUs. Almost all N=50 (94%) critical care nurses reported that HIV/AIDS management should be incorporated into the critical care nursing programme. Their universal perception N=42 (75%) is that this will improve the standards of nursing care in the critical care field. Over and above lack of training and updated information reported by the respondents, they are still challenged by factors such as advanced level of HIV disease, confidentiality about the disease, knowledge about a HIV/AIDS treatment regimen and emotional challenges. However, there are guiding policies within critical care settings for nurses to utilise in the management of HIV/AIDS and in the care of people who have already been infected. Conclusion and recommendations. In conclusion, more research with a larger scale sample is required to provide appropriate generalisation of the findings of the study. Alternatively a qualitative research study which may provide richer data on the lived experiences of the critical care nurses regarding care of people living with HIV/AIDS is suggested. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2012.

This study investigated the preventive and promotive health care in the practice of indigenous healers. It focussed on specific aspects of primary health care. The objectives of the study were to describe the current practice of indigenous healers with regard to preventive and promotive health care. The study also identified specific areas in which indigenous healers practices with regard to preventive and promotive health care can be enhanced. It also intended to describe the effect of a short training course for indigenous healers based on the assessment, with regard to their knowledge, beliefs and practice. The study was a qualitative multi-phased research project which ircluded three phases. The researcher's target population ccnsisted of indigenous healers in Region D of KwaZulu-Natal. The researcher targeted indigenous healers living at Vryheid District Under Hlahlindlela tribal Authority. Sisters at the clinics in Vryheid and Pietermaritzburg participated in the present study as well as western medical practitioners and nurses at Edendale hospital. Focus group discussions and individual interviews were conducted. A template method of data analysis was used. Results revealed that indigenous healers practices were claracterized by preventive and promotive health measures which were, to a greater extent African -culture related. Areas of concern where indigenous healers practices would be enhanced were intensified by the formal health care workers. A short training course was designed and implemented by the researcher. Evaluation of the training course revealed that it was to a greater extent effective. / Thesis (M.N.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the educational shortcomings as evident in the literature reviewed with the intention of developing intervention/s thus contributing to practice, management, research and education. Background: Literature identifies many limitations in psychosocial support to families of patients in ICU. Little is known about the continued educational support the ICU nurses receive, formally and informally, to empower them to provide psychosocial support to the families of ICU patients. Methodology: The mixed method (concurrent triangulation design), was adopted using the survey for both the quantitative and qualitative approach. In-depth interviews, conversations, participative observation and the review of documents were used to collect data. Collection of data occurred simultaneously. A research instrument and guide were used to obtain quantitative and qualitative data respectively. Setting: Purposive sampling was used for the selection of hospitals within which the chosen ICUs were located and the educational institutions which provided the formal education and training to ICU nurses who worked in these hospitals. Participants: The qualitative arm involved interviews with a purposively selected sample of critical care nurses. Saturation was reached after nine interviews. A sample size of 34 (n=34) was used in the quantitative arm of the study. Convenience sample was used. Data Analysis: A mixed method approach was adopted. The study applied a thematic analysis according to the qualitative analysis described by Creswell 2007. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data and findings were presented in tables and graphs. The SPSS version 15.0 and STATA statistical package calculate non – parametric tests between selected study variables. Findings: The main themes derived from the qualitative analysis and confirmed by the statistical data demonstrated the manner in which continued education preparation was inadequate, the lack of specific clinical accompaniment, the lack of direction in terms of the philosophy of the units, ICU nurses being left on their own to obtain educational preparation. The results indicated that the lack of continued informal education at the unit and hospital level influenced the ICU nurses’ lack of implementation of psychosocial support to families of ICU patients. Statistical results and qualitative themes were converged and integrated during data analysis. Jamerson et al.’s (1996) model of family experience was used to contextualise the findings. Recommendations: Recommendations arising from the study were made for improvements in nursing practice, nursing management, nursing education and future nursing research. A practice checklist was formulated and expert opinion was sought using the Nominal Group Technique. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2012.

Black Sparrowhawks (Accipiter melanoleucus) are a medium-sized raptor found across much of sub-Saharan Africa. Within South Africa their distribution has historically been across most of the east with no distribution across the west of the country. Recently, however, the Black Sparrowhawks of South Africa appear to have undergone a range shift with their range expanding into the west, and in particular into the Cape Peninsula. Much of their new range appears to be into urban and peri-urban areas. The aim of this thesis was to analyse reproductive characteristics as well as range changes and dynamics of Black Sparrowhawks along a rural urban gradient in KwaZulu-Natal. In particular what influences range changes, reproductive success, nest site selection and home range of Black Sparrowhawks was determined. Urbanisation is one of the fastest changing and growing land uses worldwide, generally impacting negatively on fauna and flora community composition, species density and species ranges. Despite this the Black Sparrowhawk is one raptor species that appears to be thriving in urban habitats and has seemingly undergone recent range expansion, largely into urban areas. It was investigated whether Black Sparrowhawks have changed their range over recent years in South Africa. This was determined using data from both of the South African Bird Atlas Projects (SABAP1 and 2) and showed a definite shift and increase in the Black Sparrowhawk distribution. Black Sparrowhawk habitat use in terms of indigenous forest, commercial plantations and urban areas in South Africa were compared. Data from the SABAP2 project was analysed together with land cover types using generalized linear models with binomial errors and a logit link function. These results showed a positive relationship between the probability of encountering a Black Sparrowhawk in areas with tree plantations and in urban areas. However, no significant relationship was found between the probabilities of encountering a Black Sparrowhawk in areas of indigenous forest. Black Sparrowhawks appear to be a common urban species, however it seems they are limited to certain land use areas and this could affect their persistence in the future, particularly in urban areas. Black Sparrowhawks appear to be thriving in urban habitats. Typically known as a shy forest species, they are now frequently seen and heard in urban areas in South Africa during the breeding season. The spatial and environmental factors that influence Black Sparrowhawk nesting sites in urban and peri-urban areas were investigated in KwaZulu-Natal. Our data suggest that Black Sparrowhawks appear to be very selective in nest site selection particularly with respect to nest tree species, tree and nest height, area of greenspace’ surrounding the nest, and associations with water sources, roads and buildings. Black Sparrowhawks show a significant preference for a particular tree height class (20 – 29 m) as well as a significant preference for a specific nest height class (10 – 19 m). Similarly the preference of distance classes to the nearest water sources, buildings and roads all showed a significant selection by Black Sparrowhawks. Nest sites appear to be associated with the alien Eucalyptus sp. Due to ever changing urban habitats and human altered landscapes, as well as the removal of alien tree stands within urban areas, the availability of nest sites and foraging habitats may decline. It is therefore important that we understand the specific needs of such a species in order to monitor their success and initiate management programmes where necessary for their persistence. Black Sparrowhawks appear to be increasing in human altered landscapes, however little is known about their breeding success and characteristics. Consequently their reproductive and resource requirements and trends, as well as overall reproductive success along a rural/peri-urban urban gradient in KwaZulu-Natal were investigated. Over the 2011 and 2012 Black Sparrowhawk breeding seasons the majority of successful nests raised two nestlings. In 2011 Black Sparrowhawk nests had a success rate of 74 % while the success in 2012 was only 41 % which yielded a higher number of unsuccessful breeding attempts, these results were determined by nest observations during the breeding seasons. Nest preparation was done predominantly by the male with incubation then predominantly by the female. An increase in fresh leaf material being brought to the nest as the chick aged suggested that this is more likely due to parasite control rather than showing nest occupancy as has been previously speculated. There is little known about the movements and home range of Black Sparrowhawks, particularly in an urban environment. Consequently the home ranges of both an adult breeding female and a juvenile male Black Sparrowhawk were determined during the 2012 breeding season in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. Transmitters were attached to the individuals recording their locations at regular intervals between 6h00 and 18h00. An adult female was trapped and had the transmitter placed approximately a week prior to the chicks fledging the nest. Her breeding season home range remained within close proximity to the nest. A juvenile male from the same nest was trapped approximately two weeks after fledging at the point of starting to learn to hunt independently. The data produced a minimum convex polygon (MCP) for the adult female of 0.0025 km2 while the young male remained within an MCP of 0.4554 km2. This pilot study has allowed us to determine a viable method which can be used to obtain Black Sparrowhawk home range information. This method can now be applied to numerous pairs within a population to determine home range overlap, territoriality as well as post natal dispersal. Despite the fact that Black Sparrowhawks appear to be increasing in human altered landscapes and expanding their range, further studies should be built on this pilot study in order to identify the degree of threat this species faces. This will allow for long term management plans to be establish which will facilitate their persistence in South Africa. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2014.

Introduction: Due to limited research within KwaZulu-Natal there is a deficit in the knowledge base and understanding surrounding the dynamics of caring for a child diagnosed with Down syndrome. The study aims to inform health professionals who adopt a psychosocial approach, such as occupational therapist, in an effort to improve the therapy and handling of the caregivers and children. Methodology: A sequential explanatory mixed method approach with an interpretive phenomenological perspective was utilized. Sampling utilized non-probability methods from the Down syndrome Association (KwaZulu-Natal) database. An initial quantitative descriptive survey (n=57) guided the subsequent qualitative phase encompassing focus groups and interviews (n=18). Quantitative data was statistically analyzed using SPSS (version 21) and the transcribed quantitative data utilized thematic analysis with in vivo, emotions and descriptive coding. Results and Discussion: Experiences were primarily influenced by initial reactions of the participants; their level of knowledge of the syndrome and reactions to informing their family and community. Thereafter the positive and negative aspects of raising the child affected their perceptions. Conclusion: Many factors contributed to the participants‟ perceptions of raising a child with Down syndrome, namely: community and family attitudes; support structures available; positive factors such as personal growth as well as negative factors such as the erratic health of the child and difficulties with inter-personal relationships. However; an overall positive perception was reported by the participants, with an emphasis on advice to other caregivers based on lived experience. / Thesis (M.O.T.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2013.

This study represents an integrated and holistic assessment of the eziMbokodweni Estuary’s water and sediment quality. The estuary was once relatively un-impacted but now flows through a highly anthropogenically-modified catchment, comprising industrial and residential developments (formal and informal), and the eziMbokodweni Wastewater Treatment Works, furthermore the floodplain has been completely transformed to accommodate the Amanzimtoti golf course. Flow from the highly degraded Isipingo River and Estuary is occasionally diverted into the eziMbokodweni and the Southern Sewage Works Outfall, one of the largest deep sea sewage outfalls in the eThekwini Municipality, is located at sea, approximately 1.5 km south of the estuary mouth. Estuarine health can be studied on various fronts, in this study, the following variables were monitored in the water and sediment columns, seasonally for spring and neap tides: heavy metals, nutrients, bacteria and selected physico-chemical parameters. The results demonstrated that the eziMbokodweni catchment was a major contributor of heavy metals and nutrients to the estuarine system. The quantity of the majority of heavy metals and nutrients transported by the river at the upper estuary exceeded the amount exported to sea at the estuary mouth-nearshore interface, resulting in the estuary accruing large quantities of material seasonality. It was noted that the nearshore waters are enriched, as a variety of heavy metals and nutrients entered the estuary mouth during flood tide episodes. A range of heavy metals were detected within the sediment profiles obtained from the estuary, with fine to medium grained sediment exhibiting greater heavy metal content, in some cases, multi-fold higher than that detected in medium to coarse grained sediment. Geochemical indices were employed to ascertain the extent to which these metals constituted a pollution threat to the environment. The contamination factor calculated for all sediment layers and sampling sites implied low contamination. The enrichment factor calculated for the majority of heavy metals alluded to natural causes while some heavy metals exhibited significant to extremely high levels of enrichment thus implicating anthropogenic causes as likely sources of these heavy metals. The degree of contamination of the estuary was classified as low. Overall, the heavy metal and nutrient content detected in the sediments were low as compared to the large quantities detected from the budget. This indicates that natural mechanisms exist which facilitate the utilization or removal of these heavy metals and nutrients from the estuary. It is proposed that the most significant manner by which these heavy metals and nutrients are eliminated from the estuary is through episodic flood events that scour and strip fine grained sediment from the estuary bed. The pH assessment of the estuary revealed that this environment was slightly basic through most of the year with mildly acidic conditions noted during winter. The average Dissolved Oxygen levels were within acceptable levels, with the exception of winter when levels were very close to hypoxic conditions. The average Total Dissolved Solid content indicated that the estuary was compliant with the target water quality range for domestic use on selected seasonal-tidal cycles, and the average Electrical Conductivity levels were compliant with the ideal target water quality range for aquatic ecosystems and domestic use as per the South African water quality guidelines (DWAF, 1996a-e). A salinity gradient was evident in the estuary, as salinity levels decreased with distance from the estuary mouth. The saline nature of the lower estuary provided for the flocculation of material, which was alarming as large quantities of heavy metals and nutrients were detected in the estuary. The lower estuary is therefore susceptible to contamination due to the salinity regime and the dominance of fine grained sediment. The demand for oxygen in the estuary was high during summer, autumn and spring, and within acceptable levels for natural waters during winter. Extremely high levels of Chemical Oxygen Demand were recorded in the estuary which provides prime growth and survival opportunities for bacteria. This correlated with the results from microbiological investigations as high levels of bacteria were noted within the estuary, in both the sediment and water columns. The detected quantities of Total Coliforms, Faecal Coliforms and Escherichia Coliforms exceeded the target water quality thresholds for domestic and full contact recreational use. While at selected sites, the recorded Faecal Coliforms and Escherichia Coliforms levels were deemed compliant for intermediate contact recreational use. However, these sites were not compliant throughout the sampling period. Overall, the upper and mid-estuary exhibited greater counts of bacteria, in both the sediment and water column, than the estuary mouth and was attributed to factors such as flushing, sediment particle size, salinity and the ‘dilution effect’. Furthermore, the sediment of the eziMbokodweni Estuary is serving as a reservoir for bacteria. A number of options have been proposed to improve the degraded state of the eziMbokodweni Estuary and are ultimately aimed at curbing the anthropogenic input of these contaminants. The insight gained from this study provides the database from which more integrated and holistic estuarine management strategies can stem, that are applicable not just to the eziMbokodweni Estuary but estuaries in general. / M.Sc. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 2013.

The study sought to explore six women from Ilembe District who are managing in different levels within their organisations. The study focused on Principals, Deputy Principals and HOD‟s from different schools. The aim of the study was to find out whether Professional self-advancement has embraced women in Education Leadership with skills that would help them withstand the challenges mostly faced by women leaders that are imposed by the patriarchal gendered background. This qualitative study was set in the interpretive paradigm. It used semi structured interviews and documents analysis, as its method of data collection. The findings revealed that women were reluctant at some point to improve themselves professionally because there is lesser advancement of women into leadership positions, as compared to their male counterparts. It transpired that some women believed that the employment of feminine characteristics of managing embraced women with a sense of worth and responsibility in their organisations. On the other hand some women were pre-conditioned that in order to be recognised as a good leader one had to employ masculine character traits to be acceptable. To most participants professional self-advancement has empowered them to be confident, knowledgeable and be resilient to withstand all negative misconceptions towards them as women leaders. In large majority, women believed that their exposure to management courses has helped them deal with conflicts and improve inter-relations within their organisations. They see themselves as approachable, nurturing, supportive and relational to all their subordinates and this bring meaning to them as women that they have a major role to play to help shape our education. Grogan (2010) hinted that studies pursued by Shakeshaft and Grogan on US women leaders have noted five different characteristics portrayed by women managers which are; leadership for learning, leadership for social justice, relational leadership, spiritual leadership and balance leadership. The study recommends that both the victims and perpetrators of gendered situations should work collaboratively to re-socialise both women and men so as to help women find their self worth within the education system. This could be done by assisting women improve themselves through engaging with institutions of higher learning, attending seminars, motivational talks, enhance networking, have mentors and attend departmental programmes that focus on enhancement of leadership skills. Lastly, for outstanding performance, women should be accepted as they are, to regain their self confidence and exhaust all their capabilities, but not to disregard their mothering flair. Lumby and Azaola (2013) in their study on women principals in South Africa said that, their „mothering identity‟ develops skills even in areas where they report there is considerable doubt about their competence, for example in disciplining boys. In their study they picked that as mothers, they are better able than men to discipline boys. Through exposure to management studies, some participants have found that they use both feminine and masculine style of leadership. Coleman (1996) as cited in Pace and Pace (2005) found that female head teachers exhibit both feminine and masculine qualities, and hence could be identified as androgynous leaders. It is therefore, important that women are exposed to skills development workshops; nurture their studies, engage in networking, and advance their knowledge in every way possible to become better leaders in education. / M. Ed. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 2013.

HIV and AIDS is still a major problem especially in Sub Saharan Africa. The levels of new infections are still relatively high which implies that the numerous national and international efforts to curb the transmission of HIV are not having the desired effect. Furthermore, the accelerated rate of teenage pregnancy is also indicative of the failure of these efforts. The high teenage pregnancy rate suggests that many teenagers do not practise safe sex. This could be attributed to the many pressures teenagers experience regarding sex and sexuality. Teenage mothers are likely to experience the same or double, the pressure and I was curious to understand their stance on unsafe sex practises especially after having a baby. This research study elicits an understanding of how these young mothers construct, present and negotiate their sexuality within the context of the HIV and AIDS pandemic. Issues of sex and sexuality in relation to gender roles, gender identities, constructions of sexuality and teenage motherhood were investigated. The findings reveal two key points: regret inspires determination to succeed and that love and romance are dominant discourses in the construction of sexual risk among teenage mothers within the context of the HIV and AIDS pandemic. All the teenage mothers in this research study indicated that completion of their studies should have taken priority to motherhood. Even though most of the participants in this study acknowledge that love and romance are essential, they are now more cautious and either abstains from sex or practise safe sex. This research study has found that the hardship and responsibilities associated with motherhood have served to motivate these participants to change their risky sexual behaviour and verifies Burr’s (2003) social constructionist perspective by showing how identity is fluid and context dependent, relying on social interactions and experiences. / Theses (M.Ed.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2012.