After decades of optimistic theories of development, increasing global poverty and inequities remain at troublingly high levels. By the close of the twentieth century the development enterprise was accused of having “…reached an impasse, trapped within its own meta-narratives and unable to capture the diversity of the third world in any relevant and constructive manner” (Abrahamsen, 2000: ix). Similar observations have been made by Binns and Nel, (1999), McMichael (1996), Rivero (2001) and Rihani (2002) among others. These observations raise fundamental suspicions on the traditional approaches to development. The emerging consensus tends to favor bottom up approaches to development, anticipating that these might be better equipped to address underdevelopment. Thus the concepts of democratization and decentralization feature centrally in the prevailing literature. Literature seems to suggest that these emergent discourses have absorbed assumptions and contradictions. This in turn has rendered these discourses potentially deficient of meaningful impact. The specific task of this dissertation is to investigate participation issues in integrated planning. This will be achieved through assessing small businesses related LED in eThekwini municipality. Integrated Development Planning is a process through which South African municipalities prepare a strategic development plan, for a five year period. The Integrated Development Plan (IDP) is a product of the integrated development planning process. The IDP is a principal strategic planning instrument which guides and informs all planning, budgeting, management and decision-making in a municipality. Since the IDP involves participation of a number of stakeholders, it is crucial for the municipality to adopt an appropriate approach and also put in place appropriate structures to ensure effective participation. Here are some principles on participation: · The elected council is the ultimate decision-making forum on IDPs. · The role of participatory democracy is to inform, negotiate and comment on those decisions, in the course of the planning/ decision-making process. · Public participation has to be institutionalised in order to ensure that all residents of the country have an equal right to participate.” (Republic of South Africa, undated). Cornwall (2006:63) has already expressed serious worries on the way participation has navigated the development industry. For its part, she argues, “…contemporary participation discourse represents a reflux of strikingly similar policies, sentiments and pronouncements from a barely-remembered colonial past. Alongside the significant continuities in discourse and practice that span the colonial and post-colonial eras, the genealogy of participation in development reveals discontinuities and dissonances, broken records and broken promises” Within Cornwall’s concerns, this research project sought to understand the degree in which tendencies of top down approaches might still thrive in South Africa’s Local Economic Development discourse in regards to small businesses, despite policy commitments to participatory planning and governance. The findings suggest an urgent need to revisit the conceptualization of participation mechanisms. They further suggest this would impact on the approach to LED programs, and in particular those relating to small business development. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2010.

The post 1994 dispensation brought about the introduction of developmental local government whereby municipalities are duty bound by constitutional clauses to enhance their local economies. The development paradigm created a new euphoria in distant localities amongst poor and vulnerable rural and urban communities. The establishment of Local Economic Development units in virtually all municipalities was a direct pursuit of local developmental agenda. This study assesses and critiques the little shortcomings of local economic development in the area. An approach embedded in this study is to examine the role played by various stakeholders in local economic development. The concept of local economic development in this study is not viewed in isolation from infrastructural development. An intensive investigation of infrastructural backlogs was undertaken to determine whether the Umhlabuyalingana municipality has invested enough towards its economic viability. Through rigorous engagement with the IDP, the researcher was able to ascertain whether there is a synergy between local economic development programmes/projects and the integrated development plan of the municipality. The data generated through intensive fieldwork was analyzed and interpreted to give impetus to the discourse of local economic development. The qualitative findings of the study reveal that local entrepreneurs are still faced with daunting problems and obstacles in starting their own businesses. Funding and the lack of support from well established business organizations and political leadership were also cited as the stumbling blocks towards progression. The results also reveal that development in the area is top down as opposed to bottom up and as a result communities do not own decisions. Despite the negatives, there is significant progress noted in the area of projects that are linked to development which are abundant in the area. Lastly, the quantitative results clearly depict that local economic development has had an adverse effect on communities depending on their age, gender, educational qualification and income. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2010.

The study did a systemic analysis of eThekwini Municipality's design for effectiveness looking at community participation in local governance. The study was conducted by using Participatory Action Research methodology. The researcherwas able to determine emergent themes. The findings revealed that firstly, people view the Municipality's system of governance as unresponsive. This is because of lack of effective mechanisms of communication between the councillors, officials and the communities. Moreover, there is lack of delivery of services to the community, resulting in people feeling that their needs are not being addressed; therefore there being no need to participate. Secondly, there is also a general feeling that local government does not consult with the people when taking decisions on crucial matters. Thirdly, there is uncertainty about whether community inputs have any influence on decision-making. This concern was expressed in a variety of ways, including the feeling that their input did not matter because the essential decision 'appears' to have already been made before the participation process commencesor ends. Fourthly, there is overwhelming evidence that there is a direct correlation between participation levels and unhappiness and dissatisfaction around the levels of service delivery of the municipality. Lastly people at the grassroots level do not have knowledge on how government structures function. This makes it difficult for them to have meaningful and effective means of participation. All the undesirable effects outlined above, provide a sound and compelling basis on justification for a Community Participation Policy design. While the legislation prescribing citizen and community abounds, local government authorities have remained indifferent; or they have not been visible in pursuing methods and mechanisms that foster citizen participation in project management and decision making processes. As a result of this study, the Council has made the amendment of Section 12 of the Municipal Structures Act to ensure that eThekwini Municipality becomes a ward participatory type of municipality. Also, community participation policy has been developed to change the present situation or context that invited the problem on ineffective participation. The policy aims at changing mindsets for municipal officials so that they take the issue of involving communities more seriously. / Thesis (M.Com.)-University of Kwazulu Natal, 2005.

Introduction: Garment work is repetitive and detailed and requires constant use of the hands. It is no surprise that garment workers are at high risk for developing repetitive strain injuries (RSI’s) (MFL Occupational Health Centre, 1999). Work-related upper limb disorders, popularly known as RSI’s, affect over 370,000 people in Great Britain with 86,000 new cases recorded in 2010. This costs employers almost £300 million in lost working time, sick pay and administration (The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, 2007). There is however no statistics documented on RSI’s among garment workers found for South Africa. Aim: To determine the prevalence of signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome and de Quervains tenosynovitis. Method: A study using quantitative data was used. A validated questionnaire consisting of open-ended and closed questions was utilized. Data was collected from two hundred subjects of varying age, gender and ethnic group. Information on signs and symptoms and possible risk factors of RSI’s were obtained. The visual analogue scale was used to assess pain, a goniometer to measure active range of movement, the Phalens test, Reverse Phalens test and Finkelsteins test was used to assess the signs and symptoms of the two occupational repetitive strain disorders. Data analysis: All data was captured and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 15). Descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation, proportions, median, mode and interquartile range was used to summarize the data. Pearson’s Chi Square tests and Fishers Exact tests were used to test for association between two categorical variables. Independent Samples t-tests were used for the difference in age distribution between participants that presented with carpal tunnel syndrome and de Quervains tenosynovitis and of those who did not present with them. The level of significance was set at 0.05. Bar graphs, tables and pie charts were used to depict the results. Results/Discussion: The results of this study indicated that 59% of participants presented with signs and symptoms of de Quervains tenosynovitis and 63% of participants presented with signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. The prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome and de Quervains tenosynovitis was 42% and 43% respectively among garment workers in the eThekwini district. In addition, 100% of participants stated that they work under the following conditions, applying weight through the arms, repeated movement, work with their arms in unsupported positions, fast hand movements and holding or grasping for more than 2 hours continuously per day. Seventy two and a half percent of participants stated that their work entailed using vibratory tools for prolonged hours. Pearson’s Chi Square tests showed no association of use of vibratory tools to de Quervains tenosynovitis (P=0.666) or to carpal tunnel syndrome. This is inconsistent with the findings of the study completed by Leclerc et al. (1998) who stated that different dimensions of exposure to physical workload are widely recognised as risk factors. These risk factors include rapid hand motions, repetitive bending and twisting of the hands and the wrist, fast work pace, repetitive grasping with the fingers, mechanical stress at the base of the palm and the palm and the use of vibratory tools (Leclerc et al. 1998). Conclusion: This study has identified the prevalence of signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome and de Quervains tenosynovitis among garment workers. It has also shown that a significant percentage of garment workers presented with symptoms of burning, tingling, itching and numbness in their hands as well as feelings of swollen and ‘useless’ hands. A significant number presented with functional limitations to certain activities of daily living suggestive of the presence of carpal tunnel syndrome. De Quervains tenosynovitis was indicated when a significant number of participants presented with pain, tenderness or swelling over the radial aspect of the wrist as well as functional limitations to certain activities of daily living. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2012.

The research study explored the responsiveness of children's homes to the admission of children with physical and sensory disabilities. The research study was undertaken in the Ethekwini Municipality. Access to appropriate alternate care is enshrined in the Constitution of the country and the provision of residential care is one option for children who are found in need of care. The objectives of the research study were to identify gaps in the provision of residential services for children with disabilities and to explore what challenges are faced by children's homes in admitting children with physical and sensory disabilities. The theoretical framework that was used to guide the study was ecosytems theory. The ecosystems approach provided an understanding of the impact of barriers to inclusion. It also provided an understanding on the reciprocity that exists between children's homes and other systems. A qualitative research approach was used. A sample of ten children's homes was selected in the Ethekwini region, using the non-probability sampling technique. Data was collected using in-depth interviews, observation and a perusal of records. In-depth interviews were conducted with the assistance of an interview guide. The data was recorded and analysed according to common themes and trends. The results of the research study show that children's homes do not have the capacity to respond to the needs of children with disabilities. All the children's homes faced similar challenges, in the form of funding, human resources, building structures and access to resources that hinder the admission of children with physical and sensory disabilities to their facility. One of the major findings was that children with disabilities made up less than one percent of the total population of children in the children's homes. None of the children's home had developed inclusive admission policies for children with physical and sensory disabilities. There was a clear indication that the government would need to strengthen existing residential care facilities to make them more inclusive in nature. / Thesis (LL.M.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2008.

Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2010.

A vegetation survey was conducted at plant community level within the boundaries of Richards Bay Municipal area during 2001 to 2002. Relevés was randomly selected and floristic information was recorded for 310 sample plots and was referenced by GPS. The data were captured in TURBOVEG data base, for vegetation data and classified using the TWINSPAN numerical classification algorithm. Phytosociological tables were compiled using the MAGATAB computerized table management program. Thirteen plant communities were identified, described and characterized by diagnostic and dominant species occurring in them. The study in general showed that vegetation in the Richards Bay Municipal area has deteriorated considerably over the last 30 years. The study indicated that wetland communities occupy a relatively small area and has become relatively degraded within the study area. It is recommended that Richards Bay Town Council plan the Metropolitan Open Space System (MOSS) bringing the ecological areas of importance into consideration and that all new developments in the Richards Bay area be subjected to proper ecological investigation as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment process. Copyright / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2009. / Plant Science / unrestricted

Submitted in fulfillment of the academic requirements for the degree of Master of Technology in Construction Management, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2015. / On-time completion and conformity with assigned cost of every project are the most important factors in the success of project plans. Cost overruns and time overrun (delays) have been critical problems of many projects around the world in general and in South Africa in particular. The main objectives of this research are to assess the dominant causes of cost and time overruns, identifying possible and practical measures that can minimize overruns in office building construction projects around eThekwini Municipal area of Kwazulu-Natal. These objectives are achieved through the implementation of the research methodologies that are mainly literature review and questionnaire survey conducted to identify and evaluate the significant factors contributing to delay and cost overruns within the projects of interest. A review of literature identified eighty-five variables for delay, grouped in nine major categories and nine variables for cost overruns ranked in their order of importance in three sets based on the responses from the professionals working for the client, consultants and contractors. The agreement among the sets of rankings for delay and cost overruns has also been tested using statistical methods. The result indicates that there is strong agreement on ranking the importance of the individual variables of delay and cost overruns between parties. From each of the three sets of rankings, the twenty most important variables of delay and the three most important variables of cost overrun are identified as critical. Based on overall results, the top five most important causes are contractor’s cash flow problems, delay in progress payments by the client, poor site supervision and management by contractor, inefficient quality control by the contractor during construction leading to rework due to errors, and contractor’s difficulties in financing the project. Out of the 20 most important delay causing variables, three are found to be common between all parties. These are delay in progress payments by the client, delay in delivery and late ordering of material, and insufficient skill of labour. Furthermore, the study reveals that all stakeholders of construction parties are deeply involved in contributing to the causes of the problems. Thus, in order to eliminate or minimize cost and time extension of office construction projects in the eThekwini Municipal area, a joint effort based on teamwork is essential through effective project planning, controlling and monitoring which boils down to putting in place best practice construction project management.

MAdmin / Department of Public and Development Administration / The main thrust of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the Public Protector’s office in enhancing ethical conduct: The Case of Vhembe District Municipal Area. After the attainment of democracy in 1994, South Africa established the Public Protector’s office and other institutions to enhance ethical conduct within the public service. Despite the establishment of the Public Protector’s office, ethical challenges remained a big problem to achieve good governance and efficient service delivery to the masses of Vhembe. This study followed a mixed research methods and employed a descriptive case study design with explanatory features characterised by the sequential explanatory model strategy in which the collection and analysis of quantitative data was done, followed by the next phase of collecting and analysing qualitative data. Participants in this study were Public Protector’s officials, Mayors, Municipal Managers, Civic Organizations and the representatives of the private (tendering) companies found in Vhembe. The empirical data were collected through questionnaire and semi-structured interview schedule and analysed using SPSS and thematic (content) analysis. Data collection and analysis followed the objectives of the study as a framework. The major finding of the study is that the Public Protector’s office is not effective enough to enhance ethical conduct due to its inability and lack of constitutional powers to enforce adherence and compliance with its recommendations after conducting investigations. As a result, this renders the Public Protector’s office ineffective and unable to enhance ethical conduct effectively. The study therefore, recommends that the Public Protector’s office needs to be provided with sufficient resources as well as more constitutional powers to enable it to enforce implementation and compliance with its recommendations. / NRF

The study aims to evaluate the Entrepreneurial Seed Fund Programme (ESFP) of the Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM). This Programme aims to provide seed funding to emerging and established businesses in order to start and/or grow their businesses. The Programme provides funding through a grant-in-kind by procuring the goods and equipment that the business needs. The businesses qualifying for the funding are not solely focusing on profit-making; they are addressing social issues through business activities in their communities. The population of the study includes five successful and unsuccessful beneficiaries and a questionnaire was designed in order to determine the contributing factors to the success or failure of the business and if the objectives of the Programme was realised. In conclusion, the ESFP can be regarded as a sustainable programme which contributed to job creation and social upliftment. The ESFP should be strengthened with a small business incubation programme in order to enhance its sustainability. / Public Administration & Management / M. Tech. (Public Management)