Thesis submitted in accordance with the requirements for the award of the Degree of the Master of Arts in Social Work At the University of Zululand, Department of Social Work Faculty of Arts, 2011. / The major objective of this study was to assess the impact of socio-economic status of the people at uMhlathuze municipality on participation in developmental programmes. A qualitative and quantitative mixed method was applied to investigate perception and attitude on participation of people in development programmes. To guide and direct this study four research questions were formulated and transformed into research hypotheses. The multi-stage random sampling technique was used to sample sixty respondents from eight communities in the research area who completed all the questionnaires items were actually used in the analyses. The hypotheses formulated were tested using the Statistical Programme for Social Science, version 18.0 (SPSS), the Pearson Chi-square test and minimum likelihood expected count ratio analysis were used. Results revealed that income level have significant impact on participation of people in developmental program in the study area; also that alternative income in terms of incentives or stipends provided by the facilitators improves participation in development programmes. Employment statuses have not contributed towards participation in development programmes and that time constraints were a major factor. Prior occupational status and prior satisfaction of previous programmes enhances participation. Small family sizes have impacted significantly to participation. Educational attainments have impacted significantly towards participation. The study found out that, programmes such as the SMMES on skill acquisition, Craft, Tourism and Housing development, have not contributed to alleviate poverty in that people are not aware or well informed of such programs. The study recommended that information dissemination, political tolerance, formation of pressure groups, regular meeting attendance, and provision of supportive policies were factors that would encourage and enhance participation in developmental programmes. Further studies should be geared towards policies that should enhance workers and business peoples’ participation in development programmes.