D.Ed. (Educational Management) / The learner teacher ratio is one of the factors that affects the quality of education provided in schools the national department of education (1992:6) indicated that one of the problems adversely affecting the overall quality of education in south Africa was, among others, not the shortage of educators but their unequal distribution. This unequal distribution of educators in schools was mainly due to the massive discrepancies in the amounts spent by the apartheid government on education departments (National Department of education, 1992:6 Coutts, 1996:131; University of Witswatersrand, 1997: 1)...

This research is presented in three sections. Section 1 presents the research report in an Academic Paper format. Section 2 provides a comprehensive literature review and Section 3 describes the research methodology and methods employed. Sustainable management of natural resources is a global imperative. It is particularly significant in a country like South Africa that is blessed with an abundance of biological diversity but faces many socio economic challenges that are associated with developing nations. Toward addressing these issues, diver permit fees were implemented in South Africa in 2005, making it a legal requirement for all scuba divers undertaking a dive in a Marine Protected Area (MPA) to purchase a permit. This pilot study is the first attempt since the inception of the dive permit fees to determine their impact on the demand for diving and the diving industry in the Aliwal Shoal MPA, one of the premier dive destinations in the country. In order to address key questions, qualitative data was gathered during interviews with 12 dive operators active in the MPA and 28 divers that utilised the operators to dive. In addition, independent quantitative data on the number of dive boat launches during the past 20 years was used in conjunction with mean paying diver data obtained from the operators to ascertain the demand for diving at the Aliwal Shoal during the past two decades. Results indicate that were no significant differences (at the 5% level of significance) between paying divers during 2005 compared to 2004 and 2006 [H =.1923366, N= 36, p =0.9083]. Paying diver data for the period 2000 - 2004 were compared to 2005 - 2010 and no significant differences were found at the 5% level of significance (U= 2040, Npost = 72, Npre= 60, p = 0.584981). Diver interviews revealed that only 36% of divers had paid for a permit, representing a loss of R7 438 499 during the past five years, enough to support the current budget of the MPA for 10.6 years. Operator interviews revealed that alternative destinations, economic climate and local competition had the most impact on their businesses, with permit fees having no impact on the 50% of the operators’ businesses. Operators also reported that there was little or no enforcement of the permit fees, 9 of the operators indicated that there has been no improvement in the MPA or its management since the inception of the fees and all were dissatisfied with the current management MPA. Operators and divers complained about the current purchasing and handling practices associated with the permits. Despite offering a world class diving opportunity, the dive operators currently have no incentive to enforce the permit system and due to price pressure in the local market, and have adopted a mute stance on diver permits. Consequently, there has been no significant impact on the demand for diving since the inception of the permits in 2005. The initial hypothesis that the increased costs to divers as a result of the permits would drive down the demand for diving is therefore rejected. If the permits are more strictly enforced, it is likely that more divers may seek alternative destinations due to the perception of poor value as a result of the Sappi Saiccor effluent discharge, existence of shark nets and poor management, in accordance with existing literature. The resultant decrease in demand will be detrimental to the diving industry at Aliwal Shoal. The second hypothesis, that the costs associated with the better enforcement of the MPA regulations-in terms of impacts on the diving industry- might outweigh the benefits, is therefore accepted. All the results produced by this study suggest that authorities may have been too enthusiastic to have all the boxes ticked in order to meet deadlines for international targets for marine conservation and paid little or no attention to lessons learnt from MPAs globally. Every negative aspect highlighted by existing international literature as symptomatic of MPA failure is occurring at Aliwal Shoal MPA, albatrossing it with “paper park” status. Due to the size and scope of this study, the results should be interpreted with caution and not be utilised to guide policy but rather encourage further research.

The long-beaked common dolphin, Delphinus capensis (Gray 1828), is one of the most enigmatic predators feeding in the annual sardine run (Sardinops sagax) off the coast of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. In recent years, unpredictable inter-annual variations in the timing, spatial extent and intensity of the sardine run have been documented, possibly resulting in changes in the suite of prey available to the common dolphin during winter. Although the diets of a number of predators during the sardine run have been studied in detail (e.g. sharks and flying seabirds), little is known about the diet of long-beaked common dolphins during this period. Each year, a low number of common dolphins are incidentally caught in the anti-shark nets in the waters of KwaZulu-Natal. These captures provide a valuable source of data on selected aspects of the ecology of the long-beaked common dolphins along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline. The objective of this study was to provide new dietary data for the common dolphins feeding in the waters of KwaZulu-Natal during winter over the period 2000 to 2009, as well as to determine if any dietary changes had taken place since the common dolphin diet was last assessed, over 15 years ago. Stomach contents from 95 common dolphins (55 females, 40 males) caught between 2000 and 2009 were analysed and compared to historical data from dolphins caught between 1974 and 1992. Mesopelagic fish and squid dominated the diet, with 23 fish and 5 squid species represented in adult dolphins. Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) indicated that there was no resource partitioning between adult male and female dolphins. Numerical analyses indicated that there was a shift in the principal prey species consumed by the dolphins over the past decade, particularly during the winter. Prior to 1992, sardine comprised up to 49% of the total stomach contents, while chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus) was the dominant prey item (66% by mass) recorded in the stomach contents over the period 2000 to 2009. The shift in the relative contributions of sardine and mackerel in the diets of the dolphin appeared to correspond to fluctuations in the availability of the two principal prey species. Between 2000 and 2009, the diversity of the dolphins' diets was highest during the sardine run, reflecting the presence of a wide suite of predatory teleosts in the waters of KwaZulu-Natal during the annual sardine run. Conversely, prior to 2000, the diet was dominated by sardine during the peak of the sardine run, whilst diet diversity increased after this period. Apart from sardine and chub mackerel, elf (Pomatomus saltatrix), maasbanker (Trachurus delagoa), strepie (Sarpa salpa) and flying fish (Exocoetid sp.) also formed important components of the diet both prior to 1992, and over the last decade. Blubber thickness was assessed as an indicator of animal condition. No significant change in blubber total weight (R² = 0.0016, N = 185), nor dorsal, lateral or ventral blubber thickness (R² = 0.3146, R² = 0.0003, and R² = 0.0003 respectively, N = 78) was seen over the last 30 years (1970 to 2009). Results of stable isotope analyses conducted on tissue derived from the teeth of D. capensis indicated that there has been no significant shift in the trophic position (δ¹⁵N) and potential prey consumed (δ¹³C) over the corresponding period. These data would suggest that the long-beaked common dolphins along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline can be considered as opportunistic predators generally consuming the most abundant prey species available locally. As common dolphins feed opportunistically, this dietary shift appears to indicate changes in the shoaling characteristics of the most abundant fish prey in KwaZulu-Natal during winter. Given the “Data Deficient” status of the long-beaked common dolphin on the IUCN Red Data List, and the strong climatic forcing of the sardine run, such dietary data have important implications for their conservation in the light of expanding fisheries and climate change.

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Masters in Management Sciences (Marketing), Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2016. / Small to medium enterprises (SMEs) are known to be important for the development of economies in developing countries. This is so because SMEs create jobs therefore reducing unemployment and alleviating poverty. The South African government has done a lot to help SMEs grow and become established businesses. They offer, among other things, financial assistance and expert advice in the field of marketing, technology and venturing into foreign markets (SEDA, 2014). However, it seems that it is difficult for SMEs to establish themselves in the different sectors such as the Manufacturing, Retail, Service, Financial and Agricultural sectors. They complain among other things, of financial constraints and the global economic crisis (NCR report 2011). Olawale and Garwe (2010) go on to say that, SMEs in South Africa have a high failure rate compared to other countries and only about 7% of new SMEs become fully established firms. The reason for this might be the inability of those firms to utilise marketing and in particular branding to market their firms. Branding is the process of stamping a product, which the marketer offers with some identifying name, mark or a combination of both (Sawant 2012). Thus branding creates individuality in the product or service offered facilitating it to be distinguished and recognised in the market from competitors. For this reason different aspects of branding especially brand dimensions will be explored to identify shortcoming of SMEs branding practices to assist them survive the dynamic business environment. The study involved SMEs in KwaZulu Natal in the manufacturing, retail, agriculture and financial services sectors. To address the research problem a combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches were used. Participants, more specifically those from the very small SME category, were selected and questionnaires were distributed to them. Those participants who responded to the questionnaire, in depth interviews were held with them. In both approaches a convenient samplings technique were used to select participants. The data will be analysed by using normal descriptive statistics and content analysis. The problem under investigation in this study is that SMEs in KZN may lack the ability to harness branding in support of their business survival. SMEs are limited financially when it comes to creating a brand. Randall (2000) says that companies face a number of challenges when it comes to creating a brand such as mature markets, brand proliferation, consumer revolt, management failure, fragmentation of media and retailer power. The contribution of the study is to help SMEs in KZN to understand branding and especially brand dimensions to assist them survive the dynamic business environment. The study found that SME owners have an understanding of brand creation and management. However, they agreed that more needs to be done when it comes to creating strong brands. SMEs express the brand dimension of sincerity and competence when branding their products. They face financial constraints, lack of creativity and competition as some of the challenges when it comes to creating brands. / M

This study aimed to analyse the potential and challenges for ecotourism development and how it can be applied as an integrated tool to provide economic incentives and better opportunities for community development, while improving natural resource management and conservation in Isimangaliso. The capital assets, the context of vulnerability of the local communities along with other significant attributes of the supply side were investigated in-depth. In addition, the potentials and challenges for ecotourism development in the selected Isimangaliso, Khula Village were studied. The impacts of ecotourism on local livelihood improvement, biodiversity resources and natural environment, and management and conservation of the area were also explored through sustainability concepts. However, the focus of the study was not only on ecotourism potentials and opportunities but was also on the development of sound guiding principles for planning and management of ecotourism development in Isimangaliso in a sustainable manner. It was found that community‟s willingness to participate in local development and natural resource management remains a questionable issue to be achieved. This is because local communities are strongly influenced by vertical network of the state administration. The study reveals that there is a strong interaction and interdependency between local livelihoods or poverty and the status and effectiveness of natural resource management in Isimangaliso. The study indicates that the area has plenty of potential natural and cultural resources. These resources signify three fundamental elements for ecotourism destination: quantity, quality, and fascination. The natural attractions consist of vital and sensitive biological and scenic values of the destination area.

Rural-urban migration appears to be an ongoing process in South Africa. This is attributed to various reasons. In itself, the process contributes towards an ongoing demand for services such as housing, water, sanitation and transportation systems. Rural – urban migration plays a key role in urbanization. The living conditions in rural areas appear to be the main contributing factors towards rural-urban migration. This indicates that the challenges facing rural communities include the creation of conducive environments within those communities. Hence, the issue of rural-urban migration should be addressed from the spatial and socio – economic perspectives. In an attempt to address human settlements needs, South Africa has a policy framework which supports the right to housing as it has been accorded to South African citizens by their Constitution. The objective is to ensure that there is adequate housing for South Africans. This study investigated and analysed the relationship between rural-urban migration and housing delivery in Clermont Township in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal. The participants included the residents of Clermont Township and the representatives of the eThekwini Municipality. Among others, the study found that rural-urban migration is an ongoing process which affects housing delivery in urban areas. As a result it continues to make the objective of ensuring that there is adequate housing for South Africans unattainable. Hence, attention should be paid to the effects of rural-urban migration in housing delivery.

Dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF EDUCATION in the Department of Educational Planning and Administration at the University of Zululand, 2004. / The research examined the instructional leadership role of school principals in the Lower Tugela Circuit of the I-lembe District in KwaZulu-Natal. The study made use of questionnaires to determine whether principals perform their responsibilities effectively as instructional leaders. On the basis of the views from respondents, the study concludes that principals in the areas researched are perceived as performing their duties as instructional leaders in such areas as school supervision and facilitating curriculum development.

English: Submitted to the Department of IsiZulu naMagugu for the degree of Master of Arts at the University of Zululand, 2006. Siswati: Kwetfulwa kwenelisa tidzingo teticu te-MASTER OF ARTS Etikweni LesiZulu Nemagugu Enyuvesi YakaZulu, 2006. / Lomsebenti ubuka kubaluleka, indzabuko nekusetjentiswa kwetaga tesiSwati. Kubukwa kunotsa kwelulwimi lokweyamele etageni njengemicambo yesive. Lulwimi IwesiSwati kuba lulwimi sibili ngetaga ngobe tingumgogodla walo. Sehluko sekucala sikhombisa kuhleleka kwelucwaningo ngekuveta setfulo, tinhloso, tindlela, umkhawulo nebudlelwano betaga naleminye imibhalo yakadzeni noma bucikomlomo. Sehluko sesibili sigcamisa kucambeka kwetaga lokutsintsa titfoluvelo, tento tebantfu, inkholelo, inkholo, umlandvo, tinganekwane, tilwane letihucutelako naletihambako, tilwane tasendle netasekhaya, timila nemifula. Sehluko sesitsatfu sibuka tingcikitsi letehlekene letilandzelako: yekuganana, yekucaphelisa ngengoti, yekusonga, yekufa, yebuwula, yenkhani, yemashwa, yekungabi nebuntfu, yekutigcabha, yekukhuliswa, kwebantfwana, yekungabi nebuntfu, yekutigcabha, yelufuto, yekwehluleka, yelunya nekuphatsana kwebantfu. Sehluko sesine sikhombisa kwakheka kwetaga ngekwetinongo tenkhulumo, titfo tenkhulumo nekusebenta kwato ngaphasi kwelubumbomisho (syntax). Sehluko sesihlanu sigcamisa imiphumela yelucwaningo (research findings) ngaphasi kwemvelaphi yetaga, ingcikitsi yetaga nekwakheka kwetaga. Kubuye kugcame netincomo letiyewusita labanye bafundzi bacwaningi nabosotilwimi.

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Social Work in the Faculty of Arts at the University of Zululand, 2004. / This stucly set out to investigate the possibility of school social work intervention as an institutional structure in South African schools with special reference to the Durban, Empangeni and Pietermaritzburg education areas where the writer carried out the empirical observation. The justification or the investigation was strengthened by the double factors of globalisation and fast increasing technology transfer throughout the world- The study regarded the multiplicity of social, financial and other problems plaguing communities in South Africa as a given. Against this background, the question asked was whether, given the reality of these factors inhibiting the intellectual and vocatipnal development of school going children, educational provision for social work intervention as it obtains at the moment, was adequate to equip the younger generation to fit gainfully in a highly competitive and fast changing global market. ln terms of methodological orientation, the study was both exploratory and descriptive in nature. It employed both qualitative and quantitative methods including interviews and focused groups. The sample was divided into two phases. The respondents in phase one were educators and education managers. The respondents in phase two were social workers and social work managers from the Department of Welfare as well as non-governmental organizations CNGO's). For this study two interview schedules were used to obtain data. One was for Educators and Education Managers and the other was for Social Workers and Social Work Managers. The findings of this study are revealing in their disclosure. They reveal that the child could benefit from a developmental perspective in school social work, as this perspective would discourage dependency, and promote parental involvement and that of other sections of the community having a vested interest in the school. The findings of this study give ample indication that given the situation of South Africa within a fast changing global economy, the introduction of, as well as adequate provisioning for school social work intervention would be a well placed structural improvement in the South African schooling system. Somewhat disturbing though was the finding that educators were not making adequate use of social Work services (where available in referring children with social problems to social work agencies). In turn the agency social workers were'unable to attend speedily to children's social problems because of their heavy case loads. With this in the background, the recommendation for the insti'tutionalisation of school social work is no longer of legislative choice but an existential imperative.

A mini dissertation submitted in partial fulfillments for the degree of master of Environmental Education in the department of Comparative and Science Education at the University of Zululand, 2006. / Most tribes in South Africa still make use oftraditional medicines and use prescriptions ofherbs and other natural materials (Matsiliza and Barker 2001). Medicinal plants from Northern KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), particularly areas such as UIundi, Empangeni, Eshowe Mtubatuba and Nongoma are no exception and are a constituent of a traditional culture. The informal trade in indigenous plants for medicinal use (umuthi) is growing constantly (Mander, 1998). There are many reasons for this, including an expanding population coupled with modernisation of society that is hastened by the development of roads, improved communication methods and the migration of people from villages to cities. The prohibitive cost of modern medicines, together with the high rate of unemployment is forcing many people to revert to traditional medicines and even to gather and sell medicinal plants as a living. This results in over-exploitation of some plant species, sometimes to the brink ofextinction (Matsiliza and Barker 2001). This study aims at investigating the implications of plant harvests that are sold at bus ranks in northern KwaZuluNatal, and at identifYing target species for threatened plant programmes with the help of data gathered via direct interviews with medicinal plant sellers. It also aims at identifying and remedying knowledge gaps that may exist among plant gatherers about propagation techniques applicable to the medicinal plants they harvest.