A dissertation of limited scope submitted to the Faculty of Arts in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in the Center for Recreation and Tourism at the University of Zululand, 1998. / This study has been designed to investigate the detrimental effects that may result from the minimal provision of recreation facilities for the youth in Umlazi The theme that has been addressed by the study is: "The constant growth of anti-social behaviour among the black youth in black townships is associated with the lack or neglect of provision, location and accessibility of recreation facilities and programmes in these townships'". The study, therefore, seeks to inform stake holders who provide youth recreation opportunities about the role that recreation participation plays in positively contributing to youth character building. More than one tool has been employed in the study for the collecting the data. These tools are questionnaires, interviews, field observation and available data. For soliciting the information about the youth's recreation participation and their opinions towards the provision of recreation facilities and programmes in Umlazi, questionnaires were used (n =226). Other methods mentioned above assisted the researcher in collecting data pertaining to the Umlazi youth total population, the number of provided recreation facilities, as well as the types of recreation programmes that are found in Umlazi. The collected data were manually analyzed using the available statistical methods of analyzing data. The operational hypotheses of the study are: (a) The inadequate provision of recreation facilities for the youth in the Umlazi township has a negative impact on their behaviour; and (b) The lack of recreation programmes for the youth ofUmlazi township leads to the youth neglecting the existing recreation facilities. The study has 6 chapters. The first four chapters of the study orientates the reader about the research, its rationale and significance; the theory behind research of this nature; the history, and the present state of affairs of the provision of recreation facilities and programmes in the study area; and the detailed discussion of the methods that the study has employed in the collection and analysis of data. In chapter five the actual analysis and interpretation of data is fully treated. The last chapter, chapter six an overall summary, a conclusion and recommendations of the study are presented. The broad findings of the research are the following: (a) The youth like to participate in multi-faceted recreation activities but the recreation facilities and programmes in Umlazi are unavailable; and (b) The provision of "new" recreation facilities for the youth in Umlazi must be accompanied by relevant recreation programmes. The availability of these recreation programmes will ensure the correct and constant usage of the recreation facilities. The recommendations that are presented by the study take into consideration the following: (a) For the provision of recreation facilities and programmes in Umlazi, a needs survey to be conducted among the youth is needed; (b) A recreation office manned by qualified and experienced staff to see to it that youth recreation programmes that are relevant to the needs of the youth are being conducted must be established in Umlazi or in the Durban South Central Local Council. (c) The location of recreation facilities and programmes must take into consideration accessibility to the clientele intended to be served; and (d) Private agencies as providers of recreation opportunities and facilities must be encouraged to invest in the recreation field in Umlazi. The study implies that the once neglected field of the youth recreation among the blacks must be re-addressed. In re-addressing this field thorough surveys need to be conducted about the clientele needs, and how these needs must be addressed using the basic economic principle of demand and supply. / Centre for Science Development in South Africa

A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Arts in partial fulfilment of the requirements for Master's degree in Recreation and Tourism, in the Department of Recreation and Tourism at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2011. / The South African tourism industry has largely been designated as the playing grounds for the previously advantaged communities [PACs] where they acquire many benefits, and not in favour of the previously disadvantaged communities [PDCs]. Various tourism-related government policies and strategies have been put in place so as to improve the status and access of the previously disadvantaged communities into the tourism industry. On the one hand, the tourism policies and strategies are viewed as reverse discrimination by some previously advantaged individuals [PAIs], while on the other hand, they are viewed as an outstanding opportunity and justice for many previously disadvantaged individuals [PDIs]. This is more specifically when the policy of skills development, among others, is designed to improve the living status and employment opportunities of the previously disadvantaged communities [PDCs]. This research study has the intention of investigation the status of tourism skills development practices for the previously disadvantaged communities around Richards Bay á Townships. The study also sought to establish whether there are any emerging opportunities of improving the lot of the black people within the areas where they stay. In other words, this study views the tourism policies and strategies as critical for establishing a demographic representation in the tourism industry. Furthermore, the study believes that in order for these policies and strategies to succeed they must adopt principles of skills development practice that are acceptable and well-regarded among the previously disadvantaged communities in the industry. The main objectives of this study seek to reveal the status of tourism skills development practices for the previously disadvantaged communities, in the study area. This goal may be achieved through objective such as: how stakeholders understand the importance of tourism skills development practices; respondents' access to the tourism skills development opportunities; how the Richards Bay tourism authorities facilitate tourism skills development; respondents' perceptions of the implementation of the tourism skills development policies and practices; and establishing whether there are any tourism skills development practice-benefits for the PDCs in the study area. The methodology of this study deals with the selection of the sample, instrument for data collection in 3 Richard Bay Townships and the analysis and interpretation of data. The form of research approach that was used in this research was the survey method. The face-to-face interviews were used where questionnaires were used to collect data from a sample of stakeholders in Townships. The sample size selected was 132 respondents which are not necessarily representatives of the entire population of Richards Bay and Townships. The sample size was categorised into the following stakeholders: tourism officials [15], service providers [20], and local community [97]. The sampling technique selected was the stratified random sampling techniques. In conclusion the study established that, on the whole, the respondents fully understood the meaning and importance of tourism skills development practices. The respondents also felt that the skills development opportunities were inaccessibility in the study area. The findings also indicated that the respondents felt that the provision of tourism skills development practices and policies in the area were not adequate. The respondents were seen to perceive the implementation of the tourism skills development policies and practices as not up to the required standard. Finally, the respondents felt that the tourism skills development practice-benefits were not adequate in the study area. The research study concludes by offering recommendations, which proposed that all the authorities ranging from tourism, labour, education and municipality must investment significantly in skills training and development practices. Finally, the community must be encouraged to learn more about the benefits of tourism.

Submitted to the Faculty of Education in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Education in the Department of Educational Psychology and Special Education at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 1999. / In essence The study revolved around the following: • The level of illiteracy of black Natal Parks Board employees. • . actors which contribute to the level of illiteracy of Natal Parks Board employees. • To determine in the light of the findings obtained, certain guidelines towards the route to be followed by illiterates and semi-illiterates, in attaining a state of literacy. The research was specifically directed at the problems confronting adult illiterates and semi-illiterates in their striving for literacy. Both the factors influencing educational progress and the best route to be taken to attain to literacy were studied. For the purpose of the empirical investigation a self-structured questionnaire was utilised. The respondents were selected at random from rural areas throughout KZN, from the learners from seven classes who have graduated from the basic Zulu, advanced Zulu and basic English classes and from people who are still awaiting incorporation into the adult literacy programme. A summary was presented and based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations were made: • Although there is already an ABET system and a bursary scheme currently operating in the NPB, it is nevertheless recommended that the NPB and other like-organisations should: reprioritise their goals from conservation of species to the development of staff, draw up clear education policies, identify current educational levels, all skills training courses should comply with the National Qualification Framework and that the individual's current knowledge, skills and experience should be recognised and certificated. • In order to fully update staff on educational and training possibilities in the NPB and other similar organisations it is recommended that employees should have a say in educational and skills training and courses should be regularly advertised throughout the organisation and education and training needs should be discussed with individual staff members. In a climate where the employer realises and accepts his obligations, the organisation's budget should reflect that education and skills training have a very high priority rating.

South African health systems are struggling to cope with the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Home based care has become an invaluable resource that relieves overburdened and under-resourced hospitals. Home based carers provide basic nursing care and support to patients and their families, in the patient's home. Little is know about what motivates home based carers. Minimal research has been undertaken to investigate the expectations and experiences of these noble voluntary helpers. This study was conducted with a sample of home based carers at Community Outreach Centre, St Mary's, Mariannhill. Being field focused it used a qualitative research approach and participatory action research methodology. Focus group discussions were conducted with home based carers to explore their needs, motivations and expectations of Community Outreach Centre. The study enlightens us about issues related to home based care that directly affect them. Despite the painful realities of their lives, they appeared positive about serving as volunteer home based carers. / Social work / M.A. Social Science (Social Work)

no abstract available / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)

Dealing with HIV and AIDS and parental illness and death are realities many teenagers have to face, yet little is known about their psychosocial well-being. This study gauged the psychosocial well-being of teenaged orphans in a rural area in KwaZulu-Natal. Using a narrative approached, data were collected by means of interviews. The study examined the nature of social support available to teenaged orphans and their subjective experiences of well-being. Findings suggest that these teenagers were confronted with drastic changes before and after the deaths of their parents. The ramifications of these and the different ways of coping with orphanhood were explored. Foster parents and other care-givers were found to provide differentially in the needs of the teenagers and this impacted on their well-being and coping. This study extends the literature on children made vulnerable by HIV and AIDS by considering the specific experiences of teenagers. / Social Work / M.A. (Social Behaviour Studies in HIV/AIDS)

The illegal trade in endangered animals in KwaZulu-Natal, with an emphasis on rhino poaching, is tactically addressed in this dissertation. The aim is to expose the nature and extent of these crimes; the victims, offenders and modus operandi involved; the adjudication of wildlife offences; the causes and consequences concerned; the relevant criminological theories to explain these crimes; and recommendations for prevention. This research intends to examine the contemporary pandemic of rhino poaching in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and offer potential techniques for intervention. Furthermore, one of the main goals of the study is to reveal and enhance the extremely neglected field of conservation criminology. A general disregard by society for the environment, as well as the overall ineffectiveness and corruption of criminal justice and conservation authorities, comes to the fore. The purpose of the research is therefore to suggest possible prevention strategies in order to protect the rights of endangered species. / Criminology and Security Science / M.A. (Criminology)

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Technology: Education, Durban University of Technology, 2013. / This study investigated the management of inclusive education in the four selected junior primary schools in the Empangeni District, KwaZulu-Natal. Despite the fact that the White Paper 6 on Special Needs Education and Training: Building Inclusive Education and Training System was released in 2001, aiming at providing quality education for all learners, the implementation and management of inclusive education in schools still remain a challenge. This research, therefore, investigated possible challenges and suggested solutions that could be used for the effective implementation and management of inclusive education in schools. This study was conducted to answer the following questions: i. What are the challenges at school level that delay the implementation of inclusive education? ii. What skills do teachers and principals have or acquired in order to identify and support learners who experience barriers to learning and development? iii. What are the teachers’ perceptions regarding the inclusion of learners who experience barriers to learning and development? iv. Does our education system provide teachers with relevant training to meet the challenges that come with inclusive education? An ethnographic research was conducted in four junior primary schools at the Empangeni District, KwaZulu- Natal to find out what happens in their school setting. Fifteen foundation phase teachers from four junior primary schools, four principals and six final year university student teachers participated in the study. The findings of data collected from teachers, principals and student teachers regarding their views on inclusion of learners who experience barriers to learning were used to make recommendations. The findings from the study revealed the need for schools to effectively implement the White Paper 6 on Special Needs Education and Training: Building Inclusive Education and Training System (2001). Inclusion of learners who experience barriers to learning and development is an international initiative, which aims to provide quality education for all learners. The success of inclusion is based on the adoption and implementation of the international, national and provincial inclusive education policies, declarations and guidelines. In this study, it became evident that there is a shortage of teachers who have specialization in Special Education: Barriers to Learning. In- service teacher training and special education element should be included in all courses of initial teacher training. Ongoing professional development of teachers on inclusive education issues is also crucial. Teachers need to be provided with necessary skills to identify developmental delays and barriers to learning early. This study highlighted the importance of the establishment of the functional support structures, Institutional Level Support Team and District Based Support Team so that inclusive education is effectively managed in the education system. Provision of skills that will assist teachers to provide relevant support to learners who experience barriers to learning, lies on the existence of the support structures. The findings also revealed that schools or any other stakeholder cannot address barriers to learning in isolation. Linkages with Tertiary Institutions, Department of Health, Department of Social Development, Non-Governmental Organizations, parents/ caregivers and teacher unions need to be prioritized, in order to ensure that diverse needs of learners are met and barriers to learning and development are addressed. The positive response from the National Department of Education to the international initiatives for promoting single inclusive education system that is responsive to the diverse needs of all learners, resulted to the release of the White Paper 6 on Special Needs Education and Training: Building Inclusive Education and Training System in 2001. The need to close the gap between theory outlined in all the policies and guidelines that promote inclusive education and practice becomes evident in this study. The management of inclusive education in schools, therefore requires the School Management Team to facilitate, amongst other things, human resource development and establishment of the Institutional Level Support Team.

Dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Health in partial compliance with the requirements for the Masters Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Durban University of Technology, 2009. / Objectives: To determine the prevalence and risk factors of amateur outdoor and indoor volleyball players in a KwaZulu-Natal North Coast region. Methods: The location of the study was the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast region, which includes two of its districts, viz, Tongaat (Indoor) and Kwa Dukuza (Outdoor). A total of 115 out of a possible 160 volleyball players participated in this study which comprised of 68 outdoor and 47 indoor players. The answering of the questionnaires was done on separate days for both the districts. On the allocated days, they were given a letter of information (Appendix B) to read and the questionnaires (Appendix C) to answer. Participation in the study was voluntary and consent was given by filling in the questionnaire. The researcher was present on this day to supervise and to collect the completed questionnaires immediately after the session was completed. Results: Out of a total of 115 participants, 79 (68.7%) of the participants sustained an injury due to volleyball. According to results found in this study, the knee, ankle and shoulder were the most frequently injured sites. 79 Participants reported to have sustained an injury, 67 participants reported to have a present injury and 60 participants reported a worst injury. The knee was found to be the most injured site in both the outdoor and indoor participants, followed by the ankle. The results in this study show that the use of protective gear can help minimise injury rates. 6 Conclusion: The prevalence and risk factors of amateur outdoor and indoor volleyball players in a KwaZulu-Natal North Coast region has been discussed in this study. With regards of number of injuries, the results have shown that there is no significant difference between outdoor and indoor volleyball players. In terms of the site of injuries, the lower limb was affected the most in comparison to the rest of the body. Results in this study have shown that outdoor players sustained more knee injuries whilst indoor players showed a high number of ankle injuries.

Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters in Business Administration (MBA), Business Studies Unit, Durban University of Technology, 2008 / The pharmaceutical industry is in the midst of a fundamental transformation. Time and cost constraints are forcing marketers to search for new ways to maintain and grow brand awareness. The amount of time that doctors allow for representatives to market their products is becoming less and less and as a result products are not getting the exposure they used to. Organisations that find innovative ways to maintain exposure of their products may gain a competitive advantage over those organisations that rely on traditional marketing methods. The prolific increase in the use of the internet may provide pharmaceutical organisations with a complementary channel to market their products. The objective of this study is to determine the levels of internet technology adoption among general practitioners. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) is one of the most influential research models in studies of the determinants of information systems/ information technology (IS/IT) acceptance. In TAM, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use are hypothesised and empirically supported as fundamental determinants of user acceptance of a given IS/IT. Using TAM, this study sets out to determine general practitioners’ intention to use the internet as a source of pharmaceutical information. The literature review provides an extensive evaluation on the development of TAM and its application in different technologies. Based on these findings, the researcher developed this study to investigate internet technology acceptance in the pharmaceutical industry. Use is made of the descriptive survey method and data is retrieved from a sample of 105 general practitioners in Kwazulu-Natal. The observation is made via the benefit of a questionnaire. The process of sampling is that of convenient sampling. The analysis is quantitative and makes use of statistical analysis appropriate for the data. Analysis of the survey results produces useful insights into the factors influencing internet technology adoption by general practitioners. When analysing the independent variables, respondents were not in strong agreement about the perceived usefulness nor the perceived ease of use of internet technology as a source of pharmaceutical information. However, positive results from the relationships between the independent (perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use) and dependent variables (attitude and intention to use) provide valuable data with which organisations may develop internet-based marketing strategies. Based on the survey findings, recommendations using the Beynon-Davies (2004) Internet Adoption Model are suggested.