The study focused on formal and informal non-metropolitan small- to medium sized tourism accommodation (NSMTA) facilities in Limpopo, the challenges relating to their capacity and their potential role in tourism promotion and development in the province. The apparent lack of the use of strategic planning approaches to promote tourism development among NSMTA operators seemed to create three interrelated problems that were deemed necessary to address. First, the developmental problem where operators show no interest in developing their enterprises in a way that could advance provincial tourism growth or development; second, an absence of visible, co-ordinated effort on the part of relevant provincial tourism stakeholders to promote tourism development through strategic planning; and third, the noticeable gap between demand and supply. The main aim of the study was to present a generic strategic plan that could be used to ensure that the accommodation sector would offer a prompt response to any change in tourism demand or supply as well as attending to the ongoing process of adjustment of services. Various approaches to data collection were adopted with the concurrent use of questionnaires and interviews to elicit objective responses being particularly valuable. Several interesting findings came to the fore. The researcher identified a number of the NSMTA enterprises, which had gained strategic locational advantages because of their positioning in proximity to areas like the Kruger National Park, the Bela-Bela warm baths and mineral springs, the Bushveld countryside of the Waterberg and the scenic beauty of the Valley of the Olifants in the vicinity of Hoedspruit, that appeared to give accommodation operators a better chance of success. These locations generally exhibited characteristics that placed NSMTA facilities in relevant and viable settings in terms of convenience, to ultimately contribute to growth in the tourism industry. The long-accepted notion that the majority of small business owners in South Africa had lower socio-economic status was not supported in that many of the respondents were professional people and farmers who had other sources of income. In addition, the study’s findings regarding the development of informal enterprises is contrary to the general perception which assumes that ‘informal sectors develop spontaneously; it revealed that even the smallest of tourism accommodation operators did some kind of planning before the actual establishment of their operation. According to the survey, the nature of formal business planning varied, depending on the type of operation. The less sophisticated, smaller accommodation establishments and tour businesses reflected a personal focus and commitment to the product rather than to selling the service offered. Furthermore, they were less inclined to formalise their business operation, ignoring grading status and interaction with other stakeholders. Single-handed management was common (60%). Two thirds (68%) of the owners/managers who took part in the in-depth interviews justified their decision not to adopt a formal business plan. Uncertainties regarding forecasting business profitability and identifying market tendencies, made projecting future trends difficult. Respondents felt that formal business planning was too rigid for the increasingly dynamic nature of the industry. Other reasons were the sizes of enterprises, lack of time, knowledge and ambition to expand, because businesses were merely supplementary sources of family income not solely a business operation. Tourism promotion efforts were inconsistent throughout all four tourism regions and within the accommodation enterprise categories. Variations were influenced by factors such as visitor demand, regional characteristics, and physical accessibility of the region, the business size the owners/manager’s motivation, management style and marketing strategies. The research findings point to a number of key issues that create a gap between demand and supply. Contextual differences related to contrasting geographical environments, the nature and size of the tourism accommodation operation, its management and ownership structure, the personal characteristics and abilities of the owner/manager and understanding the socio-economic importance of the tourism business. Ultimately the study presents a generic strategic plan geared to reacting to change and the demand conditions in the tourism accommodation market. If implemented, its integrated and long-term approach could enhance tourism development at local, provincial and national levels. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Tourism Management / unrestricted

Please read the abstract in the section 00front of this document / Thesis (DLitt (Linguistics))--University of Pretoria, 2002. / Afrikaans / unrestricted

Pentecostalism is well known for its active involvement in evangelism. But it is true to say as well that questions have been asked about the social upliftment dimension of the Pentecostal mission. This study will focus on the Assemblies of God church. The main reason for this is that, of all the Pentecostal churches in South Africa, the Assemblies of God has probably had the biggest impact in the rural black communities. To undertake the study I will do the following: • Outline the problem that necessitated commencement of this study, formulate hypotheses and identify methods of research in this first chapter. • Attempt, in chapter two, to outline the historical background of the Pentecostal mission in general and the AOG in particular, describing its theology and evangelism and their impact on the socio-political situation in South Africa. • Conduct in-depth Case Studies, in chapter three, of a range of individuals who are converts of the AOG mission. • The fourth chapter will ask whether the Redemption and lift hypothesis throws any light on the study. • The last chapter will consider how other theological models consider the issue of mission. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2003.

Indigenous forests are an integral part of rural communities in Africa, and they are socio-ecologically managed and conserved by customary laws. Most of these forests are important reserves of cultural and ecological values, although they are threatened by modern economic and political developments and often by foreign religious intrusion. Based on this background the Thathe sacred forest in the Zoutpansberg mountains of the Northern Province, in South Africa, was chosen for investigation. The perceptions and conservation attitudes of the rural communities living around the forest were investigated. In addition, the contribution of the traditional ethics of the local people to forest biodiversity management were also assessed. The extent to which the rural communities attach consumptive and/or non-consumptive values to the Thathe forest was examined for insight to the survival of the forest into the future. Data collection included a field survey, interviews with key informants, structured and semi-structured interviews, and a documentary survey (documents or records such as monthly or annual reports of an institution like the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) about its activities, and government gazettes). Responses of 201 interviewees from around the Thathe forest were analysed. Data was arranged by age, sex, educational background and area of residence. The majority of the respondents (76.6%) across the gender categories regarded the forest as sacred, while 20.4% felt it is an area of conservation importance. A strong cultural link between the local people and the forest is inferred from these positive attitudes! in spite of a history of forced removals of the surrounding communities from the Thathe-Vondo forest area. The attitudes of the people around the forest are wide-spread and consistent across the tribal areas. Nevertheless, cultural usage of the forest has waned in recent years (a consequence of restrictions on access to the forest) and few people (13.4%) actively use it for cultural rituals. Based on the research findings it is imperative that an attempt is made to reconcile the local people and the government institution managing indigenous forests and policing forestry in general (DWAF). The relevance of conventional conservation principles must be brought to the attention of the local people! and these ought to be integrated with cultural methods of forest resource management and conservation. This will serve as a foundation for sustainable indigenous forest resource management in Thathe forest. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1999.

With apartheid having left an imprint of spatial fragmentation in the South African urban and rural landscape, there is a major challenge in most places in South Africa to create integrated systems of local governance. Achieving integration of the remnants of selfgoverning territories, independent homelands, old provincial administrations and tricameral structures, is very difficult. The new political dispensation has raised the aspirations and expectations of both the rural and urban areas but more especially poor rural dwellers. Transitional Local Councils, appointed in 1995, inherited the task of integration and service delivery. This was to be achieved, in part, through the fannulation of an Integrated Development Plan for each TLC. This study examines local governance and development planning in the Transitional Local Council area of Greater Louis Trichardt in the Northern Province. The study provides a background to the history of urban planning and changing urban space in South Africa and in Louis Trichardt in particular. Structuration theory, Local Economic Development theory and literature on public participation and local governance, were used to raise questions about the planning and delivery of development in Louis Trichardt. These questions were then answered through an intensive and extensive research process in which both the residents of the TLC area, and the members of the TLC structures, were interviewed about their perceptions. The study found that there are still major constraints to the achievement of effective development, integration and service delivery in the Greater Louis Trichardt Transitional Local Council area. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2000.

Thesis (M.Dev.) --University of Limpopo, 2007 / The study sought to develop guidelines that are aimed at improving Termination of Pregnancy (TOP) services that are rendered by public hospital based midwives. The researcher applied a qualitative and descriptive design. The study targeted midwives in the Bohlabela District, which has three hospitals. A non-probability purposive sampling was used to 6 midwives who are currently conducting TOP services in the hospitals. Data collection was both in-depth and conducted in face-to-face interviews with each participant. The findings of the study were analyzed, categorized into sub-themes, and revealed that midwives who conduct TOP services experience the following challenges, namely: inadequate human resource, poor infrastructure, lack of equipments, poor management support, and lack of support from doctors. Based on the findings of the study, it is imperative that all hospitals be designated centres for TOP services, so as to reduce the workload in the few hospitals that currently are inundated. The infrastructure needs to be improved, information about TOP services to the public has to be disseminated through awareness campaigns, and scarce skills allowances must be introduced. In addition, more staff members need to be employed. The study further recommends that the TOP policy guideline be reviewed in terms of allowing other competent health professionals to perform TOP. Chapter two discusses the literature review regarding the challenges that affect midwives who conduct TOP. In this study, theresearch compares the practice of TOP by the developing and developed countries, looks at related to laws at on TOP; gives an overview of sterilization Act in South Africa; mentions the amendments of laws on TOP; considers other legal restrictions; presents mandatory counseling for TOP clients; focuses on religious, cultural and traditional beliefs. The researcher has consulted different literatures, journals articles and website on challenges that affect midwives in rendering TOP in Limpopo, South Africa and world wild. Chapter three presents research methodology that consists of research design; area of study; population; sampling method; data collection method and procedure; ensuring trust worthiness; and ethical consideration, to be followed by limitation of the study. Chapter deals with data analysis and interpretation. Chapter five presents the researcher’s conclusions and recommendations.

The study sought to explore professional nurses' perceptions of the roles of home and community-based carers in the Capricorn district of the Limpopo province as well as the problems they experienced and make recommendations to improve the quality of home and community-based care. A qualitative approach with non-probability, purposeful sampling was used in this study. The sample consisted of professional nurses serving as focal points for home-based care in the area of the study. The findings indicated that professional nurses believe that carers have a role in providing care to the community and serve as the extended hands of their services. However, challenges exist, which impact on the quality of service delivery. Recommendations included the strengthening of existing elements, such as improving relationships, communication, and the care of carer's programme, carer training, reporting, and monitoring and carer distribution. / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)

The study sought to explore professional nurses' perceptions of the roles of home and community-based carers in the Capricorn district of the Limpopo province as well as the problems they experienced and make recommendations to improve the quality of home and community-based care. A qualitative approach with non-probability, purposeful sampling was used in this study. The sample consisted of professional nurses serving as focal points for home-based care in the area of the study. The findings indicated that professional nurses believe that carers have a role in providing care to the community and serve as the extended hands of their services. However, challenges exist, which impact on the quality of service delivery. Recommendations included the strengthening of existing elements, such as improving relationships, communication, and the care of carer's programme, carer training, reporting, and monitoring and carer distribution. / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)

Thesis (MPA)--Stellenbosch University, 2015. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Local government in South Africa is mandated by legislation to develop an Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and a performance management system to direct and ensure the delivery of services to the communities that the municipalities serve. The implementation of performance management systems to plan, monitor and evaluate service delivery is not a new concept for the public sector. The development of the IDP and performance management system is an integrated process that requires municipalities to be able to align the planning, monitoring and evaluation processes. These processes should be undertaken to ensure that there is improved provision of service delivery. If planning processes fail to integrate performance management in the IDP and Service Delivery Budget Implementation Plan (SDIBP), monitoring and evaluation processes will not inform the affected municipalities on areas that must be improved to achieve better service delivery. In South Africa the importance of implementing a performance management system that is aligned with the IDP is enshrined in local government legislation. The implementation of the legislation to realise alignment is achieved through a systematic approach that starts with the way in which a municipality is institutionally arranged to promote performance, as well as the processes of developing the IDP as set objectives, key performance indicators and targets, and undertaking monitoring and evaluation processes to measure whether the IDP objectives and key performance indicators are achieved. The research is a case study reviewing the alignment of the IDP and performance management system of the Capricorn District Municipality (CDM). The study used purposive sampling and literature review to investigate the extent to which the IDP and performance management systems of CDM are aligned. The study recommends improvements that the CDM can implement to align the IDP and performance management system better based on the policy and legislative framework requirements for integrated development planning and performance management. It also suggests processes to develop the IDP and performance management system of the CDM and assesses the extent to which the CDM performance management system aligns with, and monitors and evaluates the IDP. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Plaaslike regering in Suid-Afrika word deur wetgewing bemagtig om ‘n Geïntegreerde Ontwikkelingsplan [GOP] en prestasiebestuurstelsel te ontwikkel om rigting te gee en sodoende dienslewering aan die munisipaliteite wat hulle bedien, te verseker. Die implementering van prestasiebestuurstelsels om dienslewering te beplan, monitor en evalueer is nie ‘n nuwe konsep in die publieke sektor nie. Die ontwikkeling van die GOP en prestasiebestuurstelsel is ‘n geïntegreerde proses wat munisipaliteite in staat stel om die beplanning, monitering en evaluering in lyn met mekaar te stel. Hierdie prosesse moet onderneem word om verbeterde diensliewering te verseker. Indien beplanningsprosesse faal om prestasiebestuur te integreer met die GOP en die Dienslewering- en Begrotingsimplementeringsplan [DLBIP], sal monitorings- en evalueringsprosesse nie die betrokke munisipaliteit kan inlig rakende areas wat moet verbeter om beter dienslewering te bereik. In Suid-Afrika is die belangrikheid om ‘n prestasiebestuurstelsel te implementer wat in lyn is met die GOP, vasgelê in plaaslike bestuur wetgewing. Die implementering van die wetgewing om inskakeling te realiseer word bereik deur ‘n sistimatiese benadering wat begin by die manier waarop ‘n munisipaliteit institusioneel gerat is om prestasie te bevorder sowel as die prosesse vir ontwikkeling van die GOP as ‘n stel vasgestelde doelwitte, sleutel prestasie indikators en teikens en dan die moniterings- en evaluasieprosesse om te meet of die GOP doelwitte en sleutel prestasie indikators wel behaal is. Die navorsing is ‘n gevalle studie wat die integrasie tussen die GOP en prestasiebestuurstelsel van die Capricorn Distrik Munisipaliteit (CDM) ontleed. Die studie gebruik doelgerigte steekproewe en literêre oorsig om die omvang van integrasie tussen CDM se GOP en prestasiebestuurstels te ondersoek. Die studie beveel verbeterings aan wat die CDM kan implementeer om integrasie tussen die GOP en prestasiebestuurstelsel te verbeter, gebaseer op die beleid en wetgewende raamwerk vereistes vir geïntegreerde ontwikkelingsbeplanning en prestasiebestuur. Verder stel dit ook prosesse voor vir die ontwikkeling van die GOP en prestasiebestuurstelsel by CDM en bereken die omvang waartoe die CDM se prestasiebestuurstelsel inskakel met die GOP en dit ook moniteer en evalueer.

On t.p.: MPhil in Education (Education and Training for Lifelong Learning) / Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2005. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In the South African Schools Act, the principles of partnership and co-operation are strongly emphasised. The community is given authority by the Department of Education to support the school. This research is focused on the role of the community in supporting schools in dealing with community-based problems such as drug abuse and poverty. The aims of this research were to determine ways and means in which the relationship between the community and the school could be promoted, to investigate how the community supports the school in dealing with community-based problems and to find ways and means by which the school can involve the community. In this research quantitative and qualitative methodologies were used to collect the data. Questionnaires were used as quantitative technique while interviews were used as qualitative technique. Questionnaires were completed by the learners from the four selected schools within the Khakhu community, educators from the same four schools, and community members. The respondents for each of the three groups were selected randomly. The quantitative data was processed using the statistical package for the social sciences. The quantitative data was broken down into its constituent parts to enable the researcher to find answers to the research questions. The qualitative data was reduced by breaking it down into categories and by finding trends and clusters of responses. The findings of the research revealed that drug abuse is a problem for both the community and the school. Schools alone cannot deal with drug abuse without the involvement of parents. It has been found that there are parents who do not want to visit the schools even when invited. Most of the community members do not know that the smooth running of a school and good learners' performance result from community involvement in school affairs. If the community could be involved in school activities, some of the community-based problems could be minimised or prevented. The community and the school are two inter-dependent structures, which should support each other. The community and the school should work together. The research indicated that both the community and the school are ready to support each other. A strong relationship between the community and the school is a possible solution to the problems of drug abuse and poverty. The principle of partnership and co-operation are part of the solution to the problem. Educators should encourage the community to participate in the smooth running of the school. They should also recognise the importance of the community in dealing with community-based problems. Sound relationships between the community and the school should be promoted. Some of the recommendations in this research could help the community and the school in dealing with these community-based problems. Therefore, the community should support schools in dealing with community-based problems. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet beklemtoon die beginsels van vennootskap en samewerking baie sterk. Daar word deur die Departement van Onderwys aan die gemeenskap 'n mandaat gegee om die skool te ondersteun deurdat die skool in der waarheid deur die gemeenskap besit word. Die fokus van hierdie navorsing is op die rol wat die gemeenskap kan speel om aan skole ondersteuning te gee om gemeenskapsgebaseerde probleme soos dwelmmisbruik en armoede te hanteer. Die doel van die navorsing is om metodes en middele te vind waardeur die verhouding tussen die skool en die gemeenskap verbeter kan word, om vas te stel hoe die gemeenskap die skool ondersteun in die hantering van gemeenskapsgebaseerde probleme en om metodes en middele te vind waardeur die skool groter gemeenskapsbetrokkenheid kan verkry. In hierdie navorsing is kwantitatiewe en kwalitatiewe metodes gebruik om data te genereer en in te samel. Om kwantitatiewe data te genereer en te versamel is van vraelyste gebruik gemaak terwyl onderhoude gebruik is om kwalitatiewe data te genereer en in te samel. Die teikengroep wat gebruik is om die vraelyste te voltooi het bestaan uit leerders en opvoeders van vier geselekteerde skole in die Khaku-gemeenskap asook lede van daardie gemeenskap. Die respondente vir elk van hierdie drie groepe is ewekansig gekies. Die Statistiese Pakket vir die Sosiale Wetenskappe (SPSS) is gebruik om die data te verwerk. Die kwantitatiewe data is verdeel in verbandhoudende dele ten einde die navorser in staat te stelom antwoorde op die navorsingsvrae te vind. Die kwalitatiewe data wat verkry is uit die onderhoude is gekodifiseer en in verbandhoudende kategorieë verdeel sodat tendense uit die data verkry kon word. Die bevindinge van die navorsing het bevestig dat dwelmmisbruik 'n probleem vir beide die skool en die gemeenskap is. Die skool kan nie alleen teen hierdie euweloptree as die ouers en dus die gemeenskap nie ook betrokke is nie. Ouerbetrokkenheid by die sake van die skool is 'n probleem, want ouers het aangedui dat hulle nie betrokke wil raak by die skool nie, selfs al word hulle genooi. Die bevindinge dui daarop dat die meeste lede van die gemeenskap nie besef dat die gladde funksionering van die skool en goeie prestasie deur die leerders afhanklik is van die gemeenskap se betrokkenheid by skoolaangeleenthede nie. Indien die gemeenskap betrokke kan raak by skoolaktiwiteite, kan sommige gemeenskapsgebaseerde probleme ten minste voorkom of tot 'n minimum beperk word. Die gemeenskap en die skool is interafhanklik en behoort mekaar te ondersteun en saam te werk. Die bevindinge van die navorsing dui daarop dat die skool en die gemeenskap gereed is om mekaar te ondersteun. 'n Gesonde verhouding tussen die skool en die gemeenskap is 'n moontlike oplossing vir die probleme van dwelmmisbruik en armoede. Die beginsel van vennootskap en samewerking maak deel uit van hierdie oplossing. Opvoeders behoort gemeenskapsbetrokkeneheid by die gladde funksionering van die skool aan te moedig en erkenning te gee aan die belangrike bydrae wat die gemeenskap kan lewer in die hantering van gemeenskapsgebaseerde probleme. Gesonder verhoudings van samewerking en ondersteuning tussen die skool en die gemeenskap moet voortdurend aangemoedig word. Sommige van die aanbevelings wat in hierdie navorsing gemaak word, kan die skool en die gemeenskap help om gemeenskapsgebaseerde probleme te hanteer, en die gemeenskap moet die skool bystaan en ondersteun in die hantering van hierdie probleme.