by Lam Heung Sang. / Thesis (M.Ph.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1987. / Bibliography: leaves [175]-[183]

Thesis (M. Soc. Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 1986.

This thesis recognises that quantitative research distances the researcher from the people who form part and parcel of squatter settlements. Therefore, in the course of analysing whether upgrading is a realistic option for the Ntchaweni squatter settlement, this qualitative study has not concerned itself with the activities of the inhabitants alone, or only with the buildings which house squatters, but investigates those units of experience within which physical form, activities and the degree of attachment that squatters have for the settlement of Ntchaweni are amalgamated to form place. A contention of this thesis if we are to plan successfully for squatter areas, it is necessary to understand that squatters have the potential to think and plan ahead for themselves. Squatter settlements are not necessarily the domain of criminals and unemployed people. The Ntchaweni squatter settlement is a complex place in which the inhabitants exhibit a strong attachment to the place.This validates the methodological emphasis on a people-place study of the squatter settlement, as does the acknowledged importance of community participation in upgrading schemes. In contrast, the "top-down" re-organising of squatter settlements into idealistic settlements conforming rigidly to some grand theory developed by technocrats cannot possibly help to alleviate the severe physical and social problems experienced in squatter areas. It is therefore necessary to arrive at a realistic option for the improvement of the Ntchaweni squatter settlement by analysing what the squatters perceive to be a suitable living environment. Any upgrading option for the Ntchaweni squatter settlement must also take into account the system which perpetrated the poor conditions evident in the study area. Within this context, the areal expansion of the Ntchaweni squatter settlement into its present size qualifies the notion that this place has an important function from a social, cultural and economic perspective. The historical development and the present political situation in the study area are both important considerations in a study which aims at investigating the betterment options for the area, be it site and service schemes or in situ upgrading. In order to gain a better understanding of squatter settlements, we must record both objective and subjective aspects of place. Together, these investigations put us into a position to discuss the possibilities for generating realistic options for designing and producing places suitable for human habitation in Ntchaweni. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1992.

Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 1986. / Also available in print.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Urban Studies and Planning, 1980. / MICROFICHE COPY AVAILABLE IN ARCHIVES AND ROTCH. / Bibliography: leaves 216-245. / by Tim E. J. Campbell. / Ph.D.

Thesis (M.Dev.) -- University of Limpopo, 2007 / Apartheid land policy and its constitution as a whole conceptualized and structured South African in a way that encouraged inequalities in terms of land ownership, job opportunities and access to education and recreational facilities. The privileged few (whites and a few black elites and whosoever summarized with the former apartheid regime) got richer and richer while the less privileged people, (in this case, the majority of the black people of South Africa) got poor. They were even denied reasonable access to land and quality education. This investigative study examines the state in which they lived and how they are still living in Squatter Camp as an attempt to make qualitatively justifiable recommendations. Informal settlement is as old as the origin of urban settlement, which existed through industrialization process worldwide. A need for peace, jobs, security, housing and land ownership resulted in the establishment of informal settlement near big towns and mines. The most disadvantaged people, those characterized by poverty due to unemployment, lack of land ownership due to one reason or another move to informally settle nearer to areas in which there are possibilities for employment opportunities and better standard of living. Specifically, this study examines the deficiencies associated with the existing informal settlement through its assessment and evaluation. In this regard all aspects of assessment techniques of the way in which inhabitants of Disteneng informal settlement live i.e. interviewing processes (both structured and informal), observation through site visit, checking of documented information with regard to informal settlement etc have been used. The gaps that exist between urban life and the living conditions of people from squatter camp have been investigated and reflected. Vii The focus of the argument in this study is that the less job opportunities and access to land that people have, the more they live in squalid conditions and move to towns in search of work. This means that the problems they face have to be addressed positively and effectively by the relevant departments of South African Government. Alternative well-serviced living conditions have to be developed and provided to these people (people living in Disteneng squatter camp). Timeously, the department of housing should take statistics of the number of people who are without houses and employment as well as those who are illiterate, so as to develop better responsive policies for addressing these problems before they are out of control. As a mean of addressing these problems the life in Disteneng squatter camp has been investigated. The results from the data analysis, including the views of the inhabitants of Disteneng squatter camp have been reflected and recommendations were spelt out in the last chapter of this study.

M.Sc. (Environmental Management) / Please refer to full text to view abstract

M.A. / Squatter settlements have mushroomed all over South Africa. The Government no longer can turn the blind eye on this phenomenon. There is an urgent need to develop policy to deal with this matter and also to intervene in a manner that is not only going to control the problem but also bring satisfaction to all the parties involved. This study was undertaken to, investigate the needs of communities in squatter settlements. This study was based on literature and research from South Africa and KwaZulu-Natal. The respondents of the study were people who are involved with settlements, Community leaders, Social workers and Community Workers. Qualitative design of exploratory nature was conducted. Thirteen people participated in focus groups. Three focus group interviews were conducted. The sample was representative of the population under study. One limitation was that some interviews were conducted in Zulu and later translated into English, which might have resulted in a loss of meaning in some instances since there are some Zulu words that do not exist in English. The results showed that most of the needs of squatter settlements are basic. Valuable results emerged as how those needs can be met, to the satisfaction of the communities. Conclusions and recommendations for further research were discussed according to results from the study.

Ph.D. (Sociology) / Please refer to full text to view abstract

Thesis (MA (Psychology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / Informal settlements exist all over South Africa and are expanding and multiplying as people seek better jobs close to urban areas. The close proximity of the thousands of shacks has enabled the rapid spread of massive fires in informal settlements. The purpose of this study was to identify resilience characteristics in families who have lost their home in a shack fire. Family resilience refers to the family’s ability to achieve normal family functioning despite having experienced a traumatic event. The focus of this study was on 38 families from an informal settlement just outside Stellenbosch in the Western Cape. The study was conducted from a mixed methods approach and made use of a cross-sectional survey research design. Data was collected through the use of a biographical questionnaire, an open-ended question, and self-report questionnaires based on the Resilience Model of Stress, Adjustment and Adaptation. The results from the qualitative data indicate that the families indicated working together as a family as being vital to resilience. Material support from the municipality and extended family, shelter provided by members of the extended family and financial support from the extended family were also indicated as essential in overcoming a crisis. The results from the quantitative data indicate a significant positive correlation between family adaptation and: (i) the quality of communication within the family, (ii) the fortitude and durability of the family unit, (iii) the family’s sense of internal strengths, dependability, and ability to work together, and (iv) the family’s sense of being in control of family life rather than being shaped by outside events and circumstances.