This qualitative study critically analyzes the extent to which the Career Pathing Policy (2006) of the Msunduzi Municipality reflects the requirements of the national government frameworks. The study further explores the parallels between the Msunduzi Municipality's experience of drafting a Career Pathing Policy (2006) and international experiences. International experiences were used to explore similarities and differences with a view to draw conclusions about the Msunduzi Municipality's Career Pathing Policy's (2006) potential for success. The international experience shows that career pathing is not a new phenomenon. Various organizations both in the public and private sector have embarked on career pathing projects, influenced by very similar issues experienced by the Msunduzi Municipality. The study further critiques the proposed implementation strategy of this policy. In so doing, it explores how the policy was created and assesses the likelihood of its failure or success in the light of the public policy theories, organizational context itself and the national government's legislative requirements on career pathing. The study established that the level of public participation was minimal during the policy making process; thus jeopardizing the final policy document and effective involvement of role players at the implementation stage of the policy. The study concluded that the implementation strategy of the Career Pathing Policy (2006) is weak in the light of the public policy theory, international experience and the organisational context. Indeed recommended polices need to be developed, resources allocated, interdepartmental relations strengthened and care taken that all the stakeholders understand and declare their support for the policy. Recommendations are offered as to the likelihood of the successful implementation of the Career Pathing Policy (2006) in the Msunduzi Municipality. / Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2007.

This thesis explores issues of contraceptive use among members of both male and female genders. Although research has been conducted on teenage pregnancy, abortion, sexual behaviour, and contraceptive use with particular focus on the female population, a gendered study has yet to be conducted on contraceptive use among young adults, male and female that have just gone beyond their teenage years and are on the verge of entering into adulthood. Hence, this thesis reviews contraceptive use among young adult students (aged 18-25) of both genders using quantitative (survey) and qualitative (interviews) research methods. This study was based at the University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg. A total of forty students (n=40) were sampled using the convenience sampling method. Twenty of the students were male, while the remaining twenty were female. The thesis adopts a theoretical approach that attempts to conceptualise the influence of patriarchy on contraceptive use among members of the female gender. Also, societal reproductive role fixing is contemplated by examining the ways through which societal construction of male and female roles and stereotypes affect contraceptive use among members of both genders. In this study, it is affirmed that societal attitudes, and misconceptions about contraceptive use play an important role in young adult, male, and female contraceptive use and attitudes towards. Evidence of this, from the survey and interviews conducted in the study, is the high use of the condom, amongst both male and female students compared with other available methods. Among female students, the use of the pill is at twenty-three percent (n=6), use of injectable methods is at thirty-one percent (n=8), while the use of the condom is considerably higher at fortysix percent (n=12). While among male students, the use of the withdrawal method is at nineteen percent (n=4), while condom use is at eighty-one percent (n=17). Both male and female reported that they were satisfied with their choice and use of contraception. The response rate for satisfied female clients was eighty-five percent (n=22), while among male clients, it was seventy-six percent (n=16). The high use of the (male) condom among female students was highly attributed to personal convenience and comfort with condom use as unmarried young women. While with both genders, with the male especially, it was attributed to the function of the condom as a safe sex method, rather than for pregnancy prevention Gender is, and will remain a relevant issue in sexual/reproductive health matters globally. This work represents a contribution to knowledge in this field. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

This thesis documents and presents a critical study of an adversary tradition of culture in South Africa. Through a detailed study of the Pietermaritzburq Community Arts Project, analysing cultural activities developed in opposition to established forms, themes and techniques, the writer documents the growth and development of a concept of popular culture which posits conscious cultural challenges to white hegemony as well as the conventional notion of bourgeois culture of, for example, "going to the theataah." (Tomaselli, 1987 :2) In addition, this thesis explores the potential of culture as a weapon in the liberation struggle in South Africa, in terms of mobilising and conscientising people. Chapter One focuses on the theoretical framework, rationalising salient features of contemporary materialist critical theory. The chapter goes on to posit a critical strategy which analyses the discourses of culture in relation to ideology. Chapter Two tackles the problem of 'cultural hegemony,' using the Gramscian concept of hegemony, where the ruling classes are able to induce the masses to consent to their subordination. Chapter Two is also a discussion of the much contested question of a "working class culture". We have seen, for example, that opera and poetry as specific facets of culture have often been dismissed as a ruling class indulgence (German, 1991 :12). Yet the relationship between culture and class is rather complex. Nor is it one that socialists can afford to ignore. Questions of culture have often been central to revolutionary politics. Hence Chapter Two will explore the Marxist tradition in attempting to ascertain whether there is such a thing as a specific working class culture. In particular, the ideas and writings of Leon Trotsky will be heavily drawn upon when debating the question. Chapter Three provides an historical overview of the Pietermaritzburg Community Arts Project, and explicates the modus operandi of the project. A brief consideration is also provided of two other cultural projects that have been singled out for mention as they are of particular significance to this study. This chapter also provides an analysis of the actual study conducted. Here the methodology, findings and results will be discussed. Finally, Chapter Four summarises the preceding sections and attempt to arrive at certain conclusions. This thesis attempts to contribute to the advancement of cultural studies in South Africa by focusing on a particular cultural project that is currently in operation in Pietermaritzburg. This thesis also shows that historians, social scientists as well as political activists can benefit by supplementing their work with some knowledge of the manner in which culture is linked both to social consciousness and strategies of resistance in a country where normal channels of communication have long been suppressed. / Thesis (M.Soc.Sci.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1993.

This study was undertaken to explore the challenges experienced by non- specialist educators teaching in special schools for the intellectually impaired learners in one of Pietermaritzburg special schools. The theoretical and conceptual framework is underpinned by two theories, Jean Piaget’s cognitive development theory and Vygotsky’s theory of social constructivism. A qualitative research design was chosen with a descriptive, contextual and explorative research focus, giving a true reflection of the participants’ situation. Purposive sampling was used to select participants, a homogenous group of non- specialist educators. A case study method was used. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and observations using pre-designed interview and observation schedules. The main findings of the study were that the following factors contributed to the challenges experienced by non- specialist educators teaching the intellectually impaired learners and are fully discussed within chapter five that are: • Curriculum; • Different levels of intellectual ability and; • Lack of specialized training. The study concludes that non-specialist educators need specialized training. In addition, more support is necessary in the form of class assistants and bursaries to support further study. Without adequate and relevant staff development programs, the quality of teaching and learning in such schools will continue to be compromised. / Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2012.

This study investigates the nature and extent of sexual harassment of girls in four coeducational secondary schools in Pietermaritzburg. It focuses on how boys sexually harass girls; how it manifests itself; the way it is perceived by the girls and the language they use to describe it; the strategies they use to deal with it; and the effects the behaviour has on their schooling. School policies and procedures in dealing with sexual harassment, or lack thereof, will also be analysed and recommendations made for policies and strategies for educators and learners. The study locates sexual harassment as a form of gender-based violence against females and asserts that all the incidents of sexual violence, both in the public and private spheres, both overt and subtle forms, are linked because all these incidents are a manifestation of gender power inequalities. Sexual harassment at school is only part of the continuum of violence that females constantly face. The concept of a continuum enables the exploration of experiences that are subtle and covert, which are not easy to recognise, but are a key issue to be addressed if the problem of genderbased violence is to be tackled effectively. The methods used in this research process are reflective of the ethnographic case study and acknowledge the complexities of the issues involved in the research problem. Thus, it develops a complementary relationship between qualitative and quantitative components so that tools necessary for deep exploration can be provided and the perspectives of the central subjects of the study can be brought in. In-depth group interviews were conducted with at least 10 girls, from diverse backgrounds aged between 16 to 18 years, from each school and questionnaires were administered to 150 girls from the four schools to investigate the nature and effects of sexual harassment on them. School managers were interviewed about school policy on sexual harassment and procedures that have been adopted to address the problem. An analysis of the data reveals that despite the pervasiveness of the problem, it is surrounded by silence because the girls have difficulties in recognising and articulating their experiences of sexual harassment. It shows that the sexually harassing behaviour is rationalised as 'normal' whilst at the same time controlling the girls educationally, socially and emotionally Further, it shows that when gender intersects with race and class it can produce greater negative treatment for black, working class girls. The perpetrators, who are mostly males, act with impunity because the power relations inherent in the schools are gendered and, therefore, the schools are complicit in producing the inequalities in gender and power relationships that underpin sexual harassment. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

No abstract available. / Thesis (M.B.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2006.

Language and literacy are of central importance to communication for most people in the world today. This case study investigates the language and literacy practices amongst African immigrant families in Pietermaritzburg. There are many immigrant families from different countries with different home languages and different backgrounds. This study examines the languages used in these different immigrant homes, and what factors lead to the choice of the languages. It investigates what literacy practices these families are engaged in. The study further examines the effects that the choice of languages used in these homes and the literacy practices engaged in have on the education of both the parents and their children. The literature reviewed for this study focused on six major themes on literacy, namely; (i) literacy as social practice, (ii) literacy networks, (iii) literacy domains, (iv) literacy events, (v) language, literacy acquisition and social identity and (vi) second language socialization. To collect the data necessary to for the study, three methods were used: group interviews, home observation and participant observation. Data was examined using Street’s ideological model of new literacy studies as theoretical framework. The findings for this study show that there are different languages used in each home but that the use of English is common in all the homes. The findings show that the literacy practices that these families are engaged in are similar despite coming from different countries. The study found that texts using cell phones play a major role during communication. This shows that electronic technology plays a vital role in both the children’s and adults’ language and literacy development. / Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2014.

Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the Degree of Master of Technology: Biomedical Technology, Durban University of Technology, 2013. / The purpose of the study was to evaluate knowledge and effects of Haemolytic Disease of the Newborn (HDN) in postnatal women from the Umgungundlovu District. Although the prevalence of HDN has declined because of prophylaxis from 45 cases per 10,000 births to 10.2 cases per 10,000 births but it is still a cause of infant and neonatal morbidity and mortality. The effects of the disease range from jaundice, kernicterus and in severe cases death. Methodology : An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information about the knowledge and effects of HDN amongst postnatal women. The incidence rate was calculated using the number of cases that were found divided by the total number of deliveries during the study period. A total of 300 women were interviewed. SPSS version 19.0 was used to analyse data. Findings : Fifteen (15) of the 300 women had babies with confirmed HDN and only four of the 15 (26%) women had knowledge of HDN. Two hundred and eighty five women had babies with jaundice but were not affected by HDN and, of these women, 12 (4.2%) of them knew what HDN was. Overall, only 16 (5.3%) knew what HDN was. All 15 women who had babies with HDN indicated financial and emotional effects because of HDN. The total incidence was 0.09% for the first 12 months of the study period. Conclusion : Postnatal women with jaundiced babies lack knowledge of HDN and HDN has financial and emotional effects on these women. Although the incidence rate of HDN was found to be even smaller than previously reported, it still exists and threatens the lives of infants and neonates.

Introduction This research was a descriptive study into the cold chain management of childhood vaccines by nurses in Primary Health Care Clinics in the uMgungundlovu District. It is imperative for health professionals to follow the procedures and policies set out by the immunisation and health manuals by of the World Health Organization. The success of any childhood vaccination programme depends on how well nurses and health professionals are able to adhere to the laws, regulations and procedures. There is also a need for clinics and health institutions to be flexible enough to deal with certain constraints so that the vaccination programmes are not interrupted for extended periods of time but rather run efficiently and benefit the intended population. As a result pandemics are easily avoided and a healthy generation of children will bring about a better society. Methodology The study was carried out in two phases i.e. an observational study and a self-administered questionnaire. In the first phase, the observational study was carried out at 14 different clinics in the uMgungundlovu District. In the second phase, the cold chain management of vaccines by nurses was explored by means of a self-administered questionnaire. Results The key findings of the observational study include that on most occasions policy was not being implemented. Furthermore there were no contingency plans to deal with equipment and electricity issues, no monitoring and evaluation systems, poor recording keeping, poor management of the cold box, access to stock and the actual management of the cold chain for vaccines. The self-administered questionnaire was completed by 276 nurses via a simple random sample from the different clinics. The most salient aspects of the research in this phase of the study revealed that education and experience of the nurses are crucial to the sustainability of the childhood immunisation programme. Not surprisingly, some of the findings were similar to that of the observational study. Issues surrounding equipment and electricity, monitoring and evaluation systems, poor recording keeping, poor access to stock and ordering of stock were prevalent in this phase of the research as well. Conclusion Recommendations have been made for ongoing communication between the Department of Health, the District Office of Health and clinics so that the short and long term problems identified are solved.

The objective of the study was an evaluation of the Tembaletu Resource Center within the Tembaletu Community Education Center. The Resource Center was evaluated in terms of its objectives. Each objective formed the basis for the subsequent research questions. The evaluation was from the perspectives of the three major user groups namely the teachers, the registered students and outside users. A survey was conducted whereby information was obtained from each group by means of a semi-structured questionnaire. Major findings in terms of the objectives were: many teachers, students and the general users use the Resource Center to read books and study, teachers read literacy books, many users have never bought literacy books for sale as many were unaware of this service, resource-based work has been given to students by teachers and this was seen to be a worthwhile exercise, more than half of the users had not borrowed educational videos, users had found information that helped them solve their personal problems although many users had never used the computer to access information. Lack of awareness of many of the services by users was indicated and was regarded as the stumbling block to the full use of the Resource Center. Recommendations based on the findings of the evaluation were made and this was followed by suggestions for further research. / Thesis (M.I.S.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1998.