This dissertation concentrates on the subject of migration from the less researched angle of the rural areas losing migrants. This dissertation is premised upon the hypothesis that emigration of skilled people stifles development in rural areas and this in turn leads to the lack of development. The lack of development causes emigration. I am arguing that this vicious cycle must be broken down through leadership committed to achieving development goals and through personal sacrifices of skilled people remaining in rural areas. Therefore, this dissertation seeks to establish the impact that migration has on rural development. It looks at the case of eMabhuqwini as the study’s focal point. There are two arguments that are advanced by the thesis: (1) Migration negatively impacts on development in the area of eMabhuqwini. The more able‐bodied, skilled and capable people emigrate, the higher the likelihood that the area they leave will stay underdeveloped. This is because people who have the capacity to drive development in the area will have left. At the same time, if the area is underdeveloped, people are likely to leave it and seek greener pastures – especially in terms of better living conditions and employment opportunities – elsewhere, particularly in more developed urban areas. (2) Political infighting between political parties appears to be the main cause of the slow (if any) pace of service delivery and development in the area. This is so because of growing political intolerance among political parties in South Africa. This political intolerance is also characterised by an unwillingness to accept political defeat. As such, this process has dictated the terms of and speed of service delivery as there is little will on the part of political leaders to spearhead development in an area governed by the opposition. I further provide a comprehensive conceptual framework on migration theory, a detailed presentation of the case study area, a three‐pronged empirical study consisting of interviews with thirty‐two households, household in‐depth survey (6 respondents) as well as three focus groups. Quantitatively, 32 respondents answered a semi‐structured research questionnaire. Six of the same people were also requested to respond to an open‐ended research schedule that sought to gain answers to open‐ended questions. The questions themselves were divided into two sections, a closed‐ended part as well as an open‐ended part. Quantitative questionnaires were analysed using the SPSS computer program, while the others were analysed thematically. In terms of conclusions and recommendations, it was observed that the two arguments were confirmed: that migration does have a negative impact on development; and that, to minimise this impact, or to reverse the process, an intensive effort must be put into encouraging the government, together with traditional and local leadership, to deliver services to the people so as to develop the area and minimise the impact of migration. / Thesis (M.T.R.P.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2013.

Schools within South Africa are not performing as they should be due to a variety of issues within the school system. It is for this reason that there has been an increased interest in the field of school improvement. This research study is an articulation of a case for school improvement. In the Rorke‟s Drift / Isandlwana area of KwaZulu-Natal the David Rattray Foundation (DRF) implements school improvement projects at partner schools within the area with an aim to bring about school improvement. This qualitative study entailed the researcher conducting semi-structured interviews, a document analysis, non-participant observation with the use of a checklist, a preference analysis, and Participatory Action Research (PAR) to formulate a case study of the David Rattray Foundation (DRF). There were three main themes that emerged from the data of this research, namely (a) school improvement, (b) partnerships and (c) wider system issues. Within this study the researcher identified a shift from a charismatic approach to school improvement to one that is more systematic and business like on the part of the foundation. An interesting approach to whole school improvement is articulated by the manner in which the foundation operates. With the complexity of the school system, the researcher has identified that the DRF uses business principles to counter the problems that arise with the implementation of school improvement interventions, thus within this study the researcher presents a business model of school improvement. / Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2013.

This study is an examination of services in previously disadvantaged rural areas of South Africa with special reference to health and education. The case study approach was used in this study and Okhombe Ward of the Amazizi area in Northern Kwazulu-Natal was selected for this research project. The purpose of the study was firstly to determine the socio-economic profile of the people in Okhombe. Secondly, the study intended to identify whether services that enhance well-being are available in the Okhombe. Thirdly, the study aimed at assessing the quality and adequacy of the services that are available. Fourthly, the study aimed at ascertaining the concerns, problems and needs of people. Fifthly, the study intended to establish whether power dynamics compete with each other in the acquisition and accessibility of services and; lastly to forward recommendations based on findings from this research. The research found that the people were happy with the manner in which decisions were taken regarding the village. Meetings are called up at the community hall and every household is invited. There is consultation and negotiation with the people. This study found that, the health needs of the people are being catered for by the many traditional healers in the area and a mobile clinic that visits the Okhombe Ward on two Wednesdays a month. The main clinic that services the Okhombe Ward and entire Amazizi area is located some ten kilometers from Okhombe. There are no emergency and hospital services available in the area. While the people are happy with services of the many traditional healers in the area, they are not satisfied with the present health provisions by the Department of Health. It is recommended that a full tinle clinic be established in Okhombe to replace the mobile clinic and that provisions be made for hospital and emergency services in the Amazizi area. There is a primary and a high school that caters for the educational needs of the children. The high school lacks electricity, water supply and an administration building. The Principal and the heads of departments at the high school make use of space in the adjacent community hall. Both schools did not have their full complement of educators in January 2001. The primary school has electricity and a standpipe for water. Further, the schools did not have resources such as properly maintained sports fields, laboratories, libraries and good toilet and sanitation facilities. There also was a shortage of desks and chairs at both schools. The Okhombe community places great stress on education and this is borne by the fact that they would like both boys and girls to be educated. They would like a skills training centre for school leaving children to be established in the area. The people believe that education and skills training would enable the youth to secure employment in the competitive labour market. The community also wants Adult Basic Education to be reintroduced in the area. The Department of Education must provide the necessary infrastructure in terms of furniture, administration buildings, ablution facilities, libraries and equipped specialist rooms. It must also provide a full complement of educators for the schools at the beginning of each year in order that the schools function at an optimal level. Schools must offer subjects like woodwork, agricultural science, metalwork, computer studies, etc. that will help prepare youth for later employment. To this end schools must be equipped with the necessary workshops, specialist rooms and qualified educators. A traditional hierarchical system exists in Okhombe. At the local level, the Induna is in charge. Above the Induna is the Chief. The chief is the most powerful person in the area under his control and all disputes are taken to the Chief's court. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of Durban-Westville, 2002.

Rural community participation in tourism-based developments in and around protected areas has emerged as a major trend in the Developing world during the last three decades. The basic design of rural community participation in tourism-based developments involves the empowerment of rural communities to participate in such a way in the planning and management of these developments that they have a greater level of control on the effects that these developments have on them and on their environment. The motivation behind the popularity of the approach towards participatory development stems from the dissatisfaction with the centrally driven, top-down type of development that originated during the previous century and out of a desire to purposefully involve rural communities to the extent where they can effectively and sustainably develop and manage their resources. The research of this study presents an analysis of the participation of the Mbila community of the Sodwana Bay National Park in the tourism-based developments of the region. The literature in the study revealed that the principal fundamentals of rural community participation in tourism-based developments reside in the empowerment of the community to be able to involve themselves sufficiently in the tourism-based developments of their region. The focus of the research was therefore on determining the quality of the empowerment that the Mbila community enjoy and on the subsequent levels of control that this empowerment provides them with. The research results revealed however, that although the community seems to be sufficiently empowered to legally participate in the tourism-based developments of their area, they are still not involved to the degree that this participation generates meaningful changes to their overall livelihood. The reasons for these low levels of participation include aspects such as the harshness of the physical environment and the subsequent limited development opportunities in the area; the prevalence of insufficient levels of education and training; difficulties experienced in the communication between some of the institutions and the presence of certain forms of restrictive legislation. The study argues that satisfactory levels of participation can only be achieved if these difficulties are overcome to the extent where they permit community participation that achieves the enhancement of the quality of life for the Mbila community. Copyright / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorology / MSc / Unrestricted

The purpose underpinning the study was to establish the prospect of developing a supplementary Internet-based information exchange system for the Natal Midlands Rural Development Network (MIDNET) and to propose a model of operation for the anticipated system. The study intended to propose, based on findings, steps and strategies that need to be taken on how best to integrate an Internet based information exchange system into the requirements and capacity of MIDNET members. To accomplish the objectives of the study, both primary and secondary sources of data were used. Literature on cooperation and networking and application of the Internet for information exchange networking were reviewed, analyzed and conceptualized to establish feasibility dimensions for an Internet-based information exchange system in a network environment and to plan a model of operation for the system. Original research was carried out using a self-administered questionnaire to MIDNET members during July through November 2001. Out ofthe questionnaires distributed to all 32 members, 18 (56.8%) were returned and used. Data collected was related to current information exchange activities; general information needs; availability of information resources in terms of ICTs infrastructure, organization and human resources and funding; and opinions on establishing an Internet based information exchange system. Supplementary information was also collected through observation of some aspects of the information exchange and dissemination activities of MIDNET members. Document analysis was done mainly to establish the contents ofthe information products of MIDNET members, MIDNET and interest groups of MIDNET. Based on general information needs established in the present study, MIDNET members were found to have similar objectives, activities and disciplines of work geared toward similar goals within rural development, the thematic boundary of the network. MIDNET was found to draw in, within its membership, geographical and thematic boundary, like-minded organizations and individuals that have similar information seeking behavior. Members, when motivated by five reasons, were found to exchange information using nine kinds ofcommunication media and mechanisms and 16 categories ofinformation products and activities which reflected 27 information content categories. The information products of members, MIDNET and interest groups of MIDNET were largely in the category of grey literature. Most members were found to have a good state oflCTs infrastructure in terms of owning computers, computer networks, Internet connectivity and development of Internet-based information exchange and dissemination systems. Most members do not have information support services backed by conventional information units and professionals. Ad hoc arrangements of responsibility for information work were used in most instances. Findings concerning funding infonnation exchange activities were inadequate to examine the trend in funding. Findings concerning problems and factors that impeded current information exchange activities and solutions suggested by members reflected the need to improve current communication and information delivery interfaces and to establish an Internet-based information system as a supplementary interface. Members indicated an overwhelming desire to participate in and contribute to the anticipated system, although there was a reluctance in terms of system inputs other than information. Analysis of the study findings in terms of fundamental feasibility dimensions showed that the Internet, if appropriately and effectively used, has the prospect to facilitate communication and information exchange in MIDNET by way of replicating current interfaces. The study proposes a model plan for the establishment of an Internet-based information exchange system that would suit the requirements and capacity of members. The plan is proposed based on findings of the present study and valid reflections from a review of the literature in terms of prerequisites for networking, basic requirements and general principles. Other aspects considered were models of cooperation on the Internet and methodological approaches for the development and impact assessment ofan Internet-based information exchange system in the development sector. / Thesis (M.I.S.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2002.

This thesis is an analysis of the social, economic and ecological impacts of commercial Eucalyptus woodlots beign promoted by a private timber company in certain parts of northern KwaZulu, South Africa. The impacts are considered from the perspective of the rural farmers themselves via a qualitative methodology consisting of semi-structured, in-depth individual interviews and focus group discussions. The results of the study show that these woodlots would offer only supplementary income to the majority of the growers. There is little opportunity cost in terms of land or labour, and ecological impacts can be minimised through a programme of education and responsibility on behalf of the company. However, the growers involved feel alienated from the whole tree-growing process occurring on their land. The potential for rural development and empowerment does exist, but will require a fundamental paradigm shift and long-term commitment on the part of the company promoting the woodlots. Commercial woodlots have an important role to play in the 'new' South Africa by showing that the aspirations of the rural poor need not be compatible with the profit-orientated motives of private companies. A model is proposed which consists of training, strengthening existing institutional structures, and initiating ongoing, on-farm research. Following such a model would allow commercial woodlots to form part of an appropriate social forestry land-use system for the region. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1994.

To strengthen democracy, the South African government established the ward committee system in accordance with Sections 72-78 of the Municipal Structures Act, 1998. The objective was to improve service delivery by bridging the gap between the respective communities and the municipal structures. Ward committees should be able to enhance participatory government. Public participation is essentially a process that engages communities from the planning to the implementation and the evaluation phases of a particular activity or a project. The ward committee structure should focus on increasing the involvement of the municipal communities when decisions are made within the local government sphere. The primary objective of this research was to establish the role of ward committees in enhancing local governance, with particular reference to Maphumulo Municipality. The objectives of the study were to provide an overview of the new mandate for future ward committees and trends in local governance affairs; review the roles of ward committees and transformation processes with particular reference to Maphumulo Municipality; and evaluate the concept of ward committees in the context of participatory developmental local government and the mandate enshrined in the Constitution. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches to understand the scope and nature under which ward committees operate to enhance local governance. The research has established that there are still important aspects regarding the roles of ward committees and community participation on which Maphumulo Municipality has still to improve. The municipality structures, particularly the Public Participation Unit, should work closely with the ward committees so that they will be able to drive community initiatives. / Thesis (MPA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2011.

South Africa is faced with the challenge of delivering priority community services. Research shows that past development policies and practices were "top down" with the planners planning and implementing projects without involving communities. Community participation was generally of a token nature and limited to tHe early phases of the project. It was this lack of interaction between the professionals and the community that was often blamed for project failure. Also planners often produced documents or plans that technically appeared right but were not a priority for the communities. The extensive use of technical terminology and planning jargon resulted in the plans often being inaccessible to the communities for which they were prepared. Due to such failures, the process of community participation in development has become a major influence upon development thinking and practice. It is the subject of continuing debate in modern society. Community participation has been recognised as an effective way of helping rural and urban people to focus energy and resources in solving community problems. This is because, when community members organise, plan or share tasks with the professionals, it contributes financially to the projects and helps them take decisions about formulating activities that affect their lives which better meet their needs. / Thesis (M.T.R.P.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2005.

No abstract available. / Thesis (M.T.R.P.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1998.

The primary goal of development is to alleviate poverty, and thus improve people's lives. Co-operatives around the world are becoming used more regularly as a vehicle for such development. However, as a result of economic pressures, co-operatives have changed over the years, reflecting a more business-like approach in order to compete in a competitive market. As a result certain types of co-operatives come under the banner of 'new wave' co-operatives. This dissertation examines two such co-operatives and analyses what social and economic benefits accrue to individuals as a result of participating in rural co-operatives. It also reflects upon the 'managed' status of the co-operative and its implication for members. / Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1999.