The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of the internet by the Faculty of Humanities, Development and Social Science third year students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg campus. The study tried to establish how often students used the internet; what did students use the internet for; what internet services did students use the most and why were those services used. Furthermore, the study investigated what information services were relevant and important for students; whether students had the necessary skills to use the internet and what problems they experienced while using the internet. Conclusions were drawn and a set of recommendations were made based on the findings of the study. The study population comprised 330 Faculty of Humanities, Development and Social Science third year students. A total number of 254 undergraduate third year students responded, which gave a very good response rate of 77%. The researcher employed a triangulation approach where both qualitative and quantitative data were collected. For quantitative data collection the researcher used a questionnaire. An interview schedule to obtain qualitative data from the Director of Information Communication and Technology was used. The data from the interview was used to support the data from the questionnaire. The quantitative data was analysed using SPSS and the qualitative data was analysed using thematic content analysis. To maintain validity and reliability the questionnaire was pre-tested to non Faculty of HDSS undergraduate students at the UKZNP. The findings of the study showed that a majority of HDSS undergraduate third year students at UKZNP used the internet on campus with less than half of them also using the internet off campus. The most relevant and important internet services for third year students were e-mail, Web and telnet. However, the most used internet services by third year students were the Web, e-mail, social networks and telnet. A majority of students used GroupWise e-mail even though they had other e-mail accounts. In addition, a majority of students used FaceBook and students preferred Google more than other search engines. There were a number of challenges students experienced regarding the use of the internet. Such challenges included a limited number of computers in the LANs, slow internet connections, restricted access to certain sites and a lack of training on how to use the internet on campus. / Thesis (M.I.S.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2010.

Dragonfly assemblages and their biotope preferences in the National Botanical Gardens, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa were investigated. The information served as background for increasing public awareness and education by designing a dragonfly observation trail. Multivariate analyses of data, classified 20 a priori selected sampling units into four ecologically meaningful biotope types, each with characteristic dragonfly assemblages. These biotopes were: 'waterfall', 'forested river', 'shaded pond/stream' and 'open ponds/dam'. Species-environmental variables correlations were significantly high for six out of twelve, measured environmental variables: pH, percentage shade, vegetation (structural and compositional), ambient temperatures, water temperatures, and water depth. Sunlit ponds/dam had higher species richness and diversity than the other water bodies. The months of November to April were significantly high in species richness and diversity, and were characterized by both rare and abundant, and both localized and widespread species. The winter months (May to October), in contrast, were characterized by only the widespread and abundant species. Questionnaire responses were used to test the popularity of the concept of a dragonfly trail, and showed a high level of awareness and commitment on the part of respondents (visitors to the botanical gardens) across all age groups. There was a strong response to knowing more about dragonflies (using a trail) and to become involved in conserving them. The scientific results, the responses to the questionnaire, and practical feasibility, all indicated that the instigation of a trail was possible. After some preliminary trials, a full trail was designed, which is now being installed by the National Botanical Gardens for the benefit of a wide sector of the public and for heightening public awareness of the need for dragonfly and other invertebrate conservation. This study was partly in response to the IUCN Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan: Dragonflies, and to widen the value and appeal of the botanical gardens, which are an already well-established public asset. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1999.

A study of carabids and cicindelids was carried out in eastern South Africa using the same methodology as has been used in the northern hemisphere to obtain a southern hemisphere perspective. The study used the macroecology approach to compare patterns and responses of these animals to anthropogenic disturbances in visually similar habitats (forests, grasslands). Although this is essentially a local component of a larger macroecological study, it is shown that even though species and identities differ between the north and southern hemispheres, the general patterns of community response to anthropogenic disturbances are surprisingly similar. Changes in carabid assemblages were assessed across eight sites or landscape elements experiencing a range of disturbance types, both regular and irregular (such as mowing, fire, irrigation, fertilizers, pesticides, forestry). Direct comparisons were made with similar studies in the Palaearctic. Species diversity, seasonal population variations, population phenology, spatial patterns and mean body size of species assemblages relative to the landscape elements are described. As in the north, intensively disturbed biotopes were impoverished, and natural patches of moist forest acted as habitat sources for these disturbed sinks. Roadside verges were species-rich analogues of natural habitats. The mean body size of carabid assemblages in forest and grassland sites decreased with increasing intensity of disturbance. One contrary comparison with the north was that a plantation, in this case macadamia, was exceptionally rich in carabid species and individuals. Classification and ordination methods identified and characterised the eight sites to six ecological meaningful biotopes for carabids and cicindelids. This also allowed inferences as to how the various landscape disturbances in natural forests, planted pine forests, macadamia plantation, recreational park, road verge grasslands and hayfields affect carabid and cicindelid species richness and abundance. Species assemblages that responded to these anthropogenic impacts were potential indicator groups that can assist in the planning and management of forest and grassland landscapes for conservation of biodiversity. Some management recommendations for these landscapes are given. Individual species-environment relations were investigated using both univariate and multivariate analyses. The solutions to these analyses were then used to describe how species are distributed along major environmental gradients. It was shown that soil characteristics (pH, moisture, twig and/or leaf litter) determine carabid and cicindelid assemblages. Land-use and management regimes influence these patterns. The effect of altitude is masked by the presence of soil characteristics in a multivariate analysis, and more so in the presence of pH and moist soil-sand gradients with changing altitude. In the absence of soil characteristics and in univariate analysis, altitude becomes very important. Altitude has therefore an indirect effect in that it determines climate, which, in turn, determines soil and vegetation type which then determines species presence and abundance. It is concluded that the macroecological approach has great potential for teasing apart local effects from global ones, and can contribute to the conservation of biodiversity at both small and large scales. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1998.

This study's aim was to solicit the beliefs, attitudes and perceptions of the teachers to the implementation of the road safety education programme in the context of curriculum change in five primary schools in the Pietermaritzburg Region. It is the beliefs and the attitudes of the teachers that imply assumptions about curriculum change and implementation that was the major focus of this study. The implementation of the road safety education programme was studied in the context of curriculum change. This was done by using a qualitative research methodology. A case study research method was employed to gather data. Through semi-structured teacher interviews, classroom observations and learner administered questionnaires, the researcher was able to answer the three critical questions of the study. For the analysis of the data, interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used. The analysis of the data revealed that despite the teaching and learning constraints that teachers experience in the classroom with implementing curriculum change, they do the best that they can. They implemented the road safety education programme in very innovative and interactive ways. Feedback from teacher interviews regarding the implementation of the road safety education programme, indicated that it was a good programme which was well developed and aligned to the Revised National Curriculum Statement. It was informative and provided learners with a wide range of age appropriate knowledge and expertise to make them safe and responsible road users. This study also revealed the gaps in the literature where road safety education and its implementation, is concerned. This study makes a number of recommendations for successful curriculum implementation in the context of change. Because of the qualitative nature of the data collected it was difficult to establish whether there was, in fact behavioural changes regarding safe and responsible road user behaviour. Therefore the study recommends that more research must be carried out on the implementation of the road safety education programme because this study only represented five primary schools. This study also emphasized the importance of implementing road safety education from grade R to Grade 12 to enhance safe and responsible road user behaviour. This may be useful in reinforcing safe and responsible road user behaviour. Twelve years of road safety education will definitely have a cumulative effect which will be beneficial to the learner. A permanent space must be found in the CAPS school curricula to deliver appropriate and effective road safety education from Grade R to Grade 12. The basic epistemological approach of the research reflects the importance of moving beyond universal truths about implementation as a complex and highly contingent enterprise in which variations is the rule rather than the exception. This study subsequently concluded that the successful implementation of the road safety education programme was dependent on the teacher‟s beliefs, attitudes and perceptions of the innovation. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2012.

A study of the odonate fauna was carried out at the edge of a major escarpment, in eastern South Africa, using the same methodology as has been used in the temperate regions to obtain a sub-tropical perspective. The study used the macroecology approach to compare patterns and responses of these animals (at the developmental stages of larva, tenerals and adults) to seasonal, topographical and anthropogenic disturbances. The habitats used were small, but well-established reservoirs located at five elevational gradients: Stainbank Nature Reserve (100 m), Krantzkloof Nature Reserve (450 m), National Botanical Gardens Pietermaritzburg (790 m) Cedara (1050 m) and Mondi Goodhope Estate (1350 m). Although this is essentially a local component of a larger macroecological study, it is shown that even though species and identities differ between temperate, tropical and sub-tropical ecoregions, the general pattern of community response to these variables is similar. Odonate species phenologies in this sub-tropical study showed great similarity to their tropical counterparts by reason of their adults being highly elevation-tolerant, with long flight periods and over-lapping generations. Yet they also show temperate characteristics by over-wintering principally as larvae and eggs. The Libellulidae, followed by the Coenagrionidae were the most abundant, elevationtolerant families, with national endernics constituting only 6.5% of the total species sampled. Classification and ordination methods identified and characterised sub-sites to ecologically meaningful biotopes for odonates . This also allowed inferences as to how the various landscape disturbances at the five elevations affect species richness and abundance. Species that responded to these impacts were potential indicator groups that can assist in the planning and management of the landscape for conservation of biodiversity. Some management recommendations for these landscapes are given. Individual odonate species developmental stages and their environmental relations were investigated using both univariate and multivariate analyses. The solutions to these analyses were then used to describe how odonate species are distributed along major environmental gradients. It was shown that regional processes e.g. elevation and insolation alongside local variables e.g. pH, marginal grasses, percentage shade, exposed rock, marginal forest, marsh and flow greatly accounted for adult (aerial stage) assemblage variation and distribution. Turbidity, floating/submerged vegetation and water depth (also influenced by regional factors), highly explained larval (aquatic stage) variation. Elevation has therefore, an indirect effect in that it determines climate, which in turn, determines soil and vegetation types which then determine species presence and absence. Also, although these artificial water bodies do not increase the 'extent of species occurrence', they are important in increasing their 'area of occupancy'. Dragonflies play a major role in conservation. The Japanese culture has strongly illustrated how dragonflies feature in everyday life more than any other country in the world. While many parks and Botanical Gardens feature dragonfly trails in their nature trails in Britain, this does not necessarily cater for threatened species . Conservation of invertebrates in urban environments in South Africa for example by ecological landscaping designed to encourage dragonflies has been particularly rewarding. A core of regularly occurring odonate species occupied the dragonfly trail at the National Botanical Gardens in Pietermaritzburg, while other species visited the study site at irregular periods . This is likely to be the case for a longer term, say ten years or more. Also, the trail, with updated information on species phenologies, variability and habitat preferences continues to play a valuable role in sensitising an increasingly urbanised population to biodiversity and conservation issues. Odonates remain a major component when assessing ecological components of aquatic biotopes, with the assemblage composition at anyone locality capable of changing over time. This has been extensively illustrated in the northern hemisphere. Medium to longer term changes in odonate population at established reservoirs as demonstrated in this study at the National Botanical Gardens in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, makes it possible to determine whe[t]her a species in a conservation area is being given enough protection from local anthropogenic impacts and effects of unpredictable weather conditions. This in turn enables one to understand how concepts of residency and succession underpin conservation management decisions. In conclusion, this study has addressed some salient aspects of species inventory, monitoring and conservation practice at a local scale that also play a central role in conventional biodiversity conservation practice of a global nature. Information on species phenologies enhances their awareness-raising in addition to providing valuable insights into their population dynamics and conservation, especially for those under threat. In addition, baseline data from this study and similar ones is useful in conserving biodiversity (as subjects) or in multi-taxa studies (as tools) in conserving ecosystems and/or landscapes. Finally, the macroecological approach employed in this study has great potential for teasing apart local effects from regional and/or global ones, and can contribute to the conservation of biodiversity at both small and large scales. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2004.

Unemployment is a massive and rapidly growing problem in the world as a whole and in South Africa in particular. Its consequences have assumed proportions comparable to those of disasters caused by tornados and hurricanes. Social commentators believe it should be treated the same way as HIV/AIDS in the South African context. Yet policy makers and decision makers have not given enough attention to the problem of unemployment in relation to its devastation effects. Economics and its theories seem unable to provide coherent understanding as to the mechanism leading to unemployment on such a massive scale. The response of the Church to this problem have been indifference; either due to ignorance or to a spiritualised faith and emphasis has been on personal virtues and vices such as industriousness and initiative over and against laziness and lethargy. This thesis aims to give an indication of the extent and urgency of the problem of unemployment, investigate the impact of the phenomenon on the youth in Pietermaritzburg, and the role befitting the Church in helping people deal with the problem. This study attempts to present to the public the contribution of theology, especially Industrial Mission, to the understanding of unemployment. Most research in the field of unemployment has been done by economists and the availability to an audience outside the community of economists is extremely limited. Economists generate their ideas and research results in technical journals where emphasis is on the methodology used and established scientific terminology. This vast technical literature fails to reach the wider public debate about work. This study tries to avoid both jargon and oversimplification in the belief that the research effort must become widely known amongst the employed and unemployed alike. / Thesis (M.Th.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2007.

This thesis focuses on the challenges posed by the refugees from the Great Lakes Region to the ministry of the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Nativity in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. It intends to inform the Christian world in general and specifically the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Nativity of the current refugee situation and its causes. Furthermore, this study shows that understanding the refugees' livelihood strategies is a prerequisite to improved interventions. Using the Sustainable Livelihood Framework, this study describes some of the positive and negative outcomes from the mechanisms and strategies developed by refugees in order to stabilize and enhance their situation. Looking at the livelihood challenges faced by the Great Lakes Region refugees, this study shows how UNHCR (United Nations High Commission for Refugees) has been in a weak position to challenge the policies of its funders and host governments even when those policies fail to respond adequately to refugee problems. / Thesis (M.Th.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2007.

This study investigates the capacity of buildings to be adapted when required by changing circumstances or situations. Furthermore it has special reference to buildings constructed for academic teaching and research purposes. At the outset the author reviews the reasons for buildings outlasting their original functions and identifying the various possible causes for the change . The ability to sustain modifications and the varying extent of the modification is established with examples being cited of both commercial and academic typologies. The thesis then explores some examples of early adaptions of buildings such as basilicas and the influence on the architecture of the early and later Christian churches. In later years cathedrals and monasteries became the precursor of the early universities that were born out of the evolution of secular teaching and education and the need for repositories for books. The architecture and form of these buildings was dictated largely by the development of the towns into cities and the concurrent need to expand these centres of learning . The history of the University of Natal is discussed from the years preceding its formal inception and subsequent interventions relating to the development of the Pietermaritzburg campus . A model upon which a measure may be made of four buildings of differing era's and occupancy are discussed identifying their original plan form and the changes that have ensued over three decades. These modifications are critically evaluated and tabulated graphically thereby indicating the comparative changes as a ratio of the area of the change against the area of the entire building. The notable Old Main Building was found to be a rigid building , built in load bearing brickwork and large high ceilinged spaces that sub-divide with ease while ensuring the retention of its integrity. Conversely the Main Science Building , a reinforced concrete framed structure with brick in-fill, is of an amorphous plan shape that lends itself to modification at the expense of its external character. The Rabie Sanders Building , a formal neo-classical building of framed reinforced concrete construction with face brickwork in-fill and a rigid facade does not, by virtue of its plan form and elevation , have the capacity for external alteration but has the potential for extensive internal. Finally the New Arts Building , a linear five storey precast reinforced concrete structure with free standing continuous modular window provides infinite variability of the interior whilst the exterior remains unaffected and there is no possibility of extending. The changes, varying in complexity and extent, clearly indicate that the buildings are indeed malleable and with creative planning, the changes can have an enhancing impact on the internal spaces. This information should considered as a working guide to provide the institution with pointers for the future design of campus buildings. / Thesis (M.Arch.)-University of Natal, 2003.

In this study I set out to critically evaluate the B.Ed 'Analysing Education' module, one of the first OBE programmes to be implemented at a South African academic institution in the Department of Education, at the University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg. I took as my starting point the belief that 'Analysing Education' was a response to the new OBE paradigm, hence it should have been an exemplar of OBE. It should therefore reflect OBE philosophy in its structure; design, implementation and assessment methods and strategies. These are the areas which were evaluated in this research programme. The purpose of the study was two-fold: on one hand, it was to explore the extent to which the module was guided by OBE principles; on the other hand it was intended to evaluate the effectiveness and constraints of the module in implementing OBE principles. In evaluating the module, I consulted the sources which I perceived relevant for the study. 'Analysing Education' learning material, lecturers who designed the module, tutors who implemented the module, and learners of the module were the relevant sources for this study. A naturalistic 'qualitative' and 'descriptive' approach was used to collect and analyse data from all the stakeholders who were involved in this module. The findings indicated that some strengths and weaknesses existed in the module's attempt to implement OBE principles. The strengths were discovered in the use of tutorial methods where learners engaged in group discussions and debates and where they acquired skills of interaction. The success of the module in introducing OBE concepts explicitly to the learners, was another strength. A weakness was discovered in the strategies used to assess the progress of the learners in the module. The findings indicated that this weakness emanated from the module's development strategy - the involvement of external forces such as SAIDE and the Ministry of Education confused the purpose of the module. The confusion of the purpose brought about the failure of the module to address certain OBE principles such as criterion-referenced assessment, and continuous progress assessment. Assessment was found to be a non-formative linear process. The module eventually had to meet three diverse needs: those of SAIDE , of the National Ministry of Education, and of the B.Ed students in the department. At the end of the module students had made good progress towards understanding OBE as a system, but had made considerably less progress in developing skills of analysis, interpretation and argument, which were purported to be the fundamental outcomes of the module. / Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1999.

It is suprising that many people, especially in rural areas, remain illiterate despite efforts by the government to have all people of South Africa literate. This study examines factors that make it impractical or unattractive for people who live in rural areas to attend public adult literacy classes. These conditions relate to their cultural and socio-economic background, and have a direct effect on their apathetic attitude towards adult schooling. The study further looks at illiterate people's perceptions, motivations and expectations in relation to adult education. This is very important since once their needs and aspirations regarding provision of adult education have been optimally addressed, they could be interested to attend adult classes. Thus, the high rate of illiterate rural people could be reduced. The researcher, who is also a member of the Luthuli rural community, has a very good understanding of the cultural background of the people of KwaLuthuli. This made it possible for him to comprehend each and every piece of information that was presented during interviews. / Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2007.