Thesis (MPhil (Sustainable Development Planning and Management))--University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / The study evaluated co-operative governance in integrated development planning (IDP), with a focus on local economic development (LED). Literature review, survey questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were data gathering instruments. Co-operative governance entailed mutual understanding with inclusive decision-making between government spheres and government, business and communities. This was unsuccessful in IDP because of national government dominance, complex tools for co-operation, expert-controlled co-operative governance, finance-dominated planning, a lack of proactive municipal planning and dominance by empowered role-players. Four LED models, namely, a Western, Latin American, African and South African emerged. South Africa’s model is multi-sectoral with land management policy, investor promotion, institutional development, financial and social investment strategies and sufficient policy and legislation. However, co-operative governance in IDP (LED) is dis-functional because of assumed equality of stakeholders. The study recommends a ‘Quilted Co-operative Development Planning Model’, which has a streamlined policy framework, efficient and effective management tools and organisation that promote bottom-up planning.

Thesis (MPhil (School of Public Management and Planning))--University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / The word ‘ecovillage’ is evocative of a kind of human settlement that exists in complete harmony with nature and examples of such settlements are indeed in existence almost everywhere in the world, some nearly half a century in the making. The Gqunube Green Ecovillage near East London can hardly be described as one of a proliferation of such settlements in South Africa, but it is anticipated that an examination of that project will contribute to the limited academic literature on the topic of sustainable human settlement. In Chapter 1, this thesis introduces the Gqunube Green Ecovillage and, in the following six chapters, traces its origins and demonstrates how models for ‘ideal’ human settlement developed. It explains how and why an international ecovillage movement reached South Africa and how Reverend Roger Hudson responded to that movement by starting the Gqunube Green Ecovillage in South Africa. The conclusion is that Reverend Hudson has achieved his primary objective, namely the establishment of an ecovillage, but the challenges described in this thesis have been significant. One of the most significant potential stumbling blocks to the future smooth management of Gqunube Green is its own regulatory environment that dictates the relationship between the settlers and their ecovillage. The proposed sociocratic management style, combined with a strongly spiritual, eco-theological objective, is driven by a strongly worded and rule-orientated ecovillage constitution that is shown in Chapters 2 and 3 to have the potential to both alienate and unite the inhabitants of the Gqunube Green Ecovillage – depending on how it is interpreted and enforced. The external regulatory environment, both enabling and restricting development, is analysed in Chapter 4. National, provincial and local government legislation, policies and guidelines intersect to influence the progress of the Gqunube Green Ecovillage, creating opportunity for controversy between conservationists and developers. However, the debates between the various interest groups over the appropriateness of various development options for the east bank of the Gonubie Estuary were largely incidental and somewhat irrelevant to the delays in the development of the Gqunube Green Ecovillage that are described in Chapter 5. Although bureaucratic delays in the formal process of development have restrained the full rollout of the ecovillage project, the Gqunube Green Ecovillage was eventually established at the end of 2005 and the chronology leading to this milestone is described in Chapter 5. Chapter 6 of this thesis examines the timing of the Gqunube Green Ecovillage project within a changing and enabling paradigm shift, enabled by cooperative local government and efforts at the integration of legislation and policy to align with the constitutional aims of sustainable development. The concept of an ecovillage is not always acceptable to everyone as the ideal development model, especially when big business has a stake. However, it has been argued that the very fact that the establishment of an ecovillage has succeeded where big business was about to establish itself is a victory in itself for the founders of the Gqunube Green Ecovillage.

Thesis (MPhil (Sustainable Development Planning and Management))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / Despite our best planning and Environmental Impact Assessment (“EIA”) efforts we seem to be failing in our pursuit of Sustainable Development. In South Africa we find ourselves confronted with the harsh reality that after 14 years of democracy, more than a decade of compulsory EIA, and 12 years of legislated Integrated Development Planning (“IDP”), poverty remains widespread and persists alongside affluence, while inequalities are also growing. In addition South Africa’s life-supporting ecosystems continue to deteriorate at an alarming rate. Critically reflecting on what is going wrong, it is clear that there is an emergent consensus in the discourse that points towards the inadequate consideration of alternatives. A literature review of the historical development and social construction of the concept of “sustainable development”; a theoretical analysis of sustainable development, planning and EIA; as well as an analysis of the legislative and policy framework for EIA and IDP in South Africa, shows that the consideration of alternatives is the “heart” and “soul” of EIA and IDP, and therefore of the pursuit of sustainable development in South Africa. A content analysis of a sample of EIAs and IDPs undertaken and produced in the Western Cape Province of South Africa, however, indicates that alternatives are not being adequately considered during the current practice of EIA and IDP in South Africa – resulting in only slightly less unsustainable development and a perpetuation of the unsustainable and unjust “business-as-usual” development types and patterns of the past. EIA and IDP can never be, and were never supposed to be completely separate processes. EIAs must be considered within the context to be provided by the sustainable development vision, goals and objectives to be formulated in, and the desired spatial form and pattern of land use to be reflected in an area’s IDP and Spatial Development Frameworks (“SDF”). Properly informed Strategic Environmental Assessment based IDPs and SDFs, refined by Environmental Management Frameworks, should therefore provide the strategic context and decision-making framework for the consideration of need, desirability and alternatives; with the actual and potential socio-economic and ecological impacts of a specific proposal to be considered during the project-level EIA. Project-level EIAs in turn providing “feedback” to the planning processes to ensure reflexivity and continued improvement. The improved integration and convergence of IDP and EIA decision-making methodologies and practice are therefore paramount to the adequate consideration of alternatives and the pursuit of sustainable development in South Africa. While the challenges to be addressed by EIA and IDP in South Africa are complex and ‘wicked’, and the pursuit of sustainable development solutions is therefore also a complex and ongoing process, the need for fundamental alternatives that will lead to drastic and urgent change for the better are, however, just as real. The urgency and importance of the sustainable development challenge for South Africa calls for bold decisions and the search for sustainable alternatives that will deliver urgent and fundamental change for all South Africans. The practice of EIA and IDP should be driven by these realities and reflect the need for urgent and fundamental change.

Thesis (MA (School of Public Management and Planning))--University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / It is generally agreed that the concept of sustainability should play an increasing role in future urban development world-wide. In order to ensure ecological sustainability, cities around the world have to decrease their environmental footprint. Two aspects are important in this regard: the decrease of energy consumption and the decrease of waste products and its subsequent management.

Study project (MS en S)--Stellenbosch University, 2002. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study is to determine a framework for integrated and sustainable development in the Cape Agulhas area. The researcher focussed on the policy context and the opportunities and constraints for development in the study area. The relevant policy documents concerning development activities in the study area, were analysed. These policies contain key concepts for development. This includes concepts such as sustainable development, equity, public participation, Co-operative Governance and integrated coastal management. Development must aim to realise these concepts and the policies prescribe processes and procedures accordingly. Firstly, coastal management and control is necessary because coastal areas are multidimensional and vulnerable to development activities. Secondly, the inequalities in society as a result of Apartheid must be demolished. Legislation must prescribe active measures to promote equality. Lastly, coastal management and control is necessary to promote cooperation between the different participants for development and to enforce it, if necessary. The main participants for the study areas are Co-operative Governance, the private sector and the local community. The Overberg Distriiet Municipality and the Cape Agulhas Municipality are of utmost importance. Municipalities have been identified as the facilitators for development at local level. They must bring together the different participants for development to co-operative and integrate development actions. Legislation prescribes Integrated Development Planning (IDP) to promote co-operation and integration between participants. It is a strategic planning process and integration is the essence of the process. The IDP process for Cape Agulhas Municipality contains a number of mechanisms for public participation. Opportunities and constrains for development in study area also determine which development activities will be possible or not possible. The unique vegetation presents opportunities for tourism but constrains development because it must be conserved as well. The wildflower industry also offers economic opportunities. Marine resources present opportunities for example fishing and abalone farming. Tourism however is the industry with the greatest development potential for the study area. It can serve as catalyst for the development of the region as a whole. The socio-economic reality of communities in the area and the insufficient physical infrastructure are the main constraining factors for development. The case study focuses on the development priorities for Struisbay/L' Agulhas according to the IDP and the Agulhas CoastCare Project. It is an example of the projects in the study area with the aim to realise the development priorities mentioned above. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van die studie is om 'n raamwerk vas te stel vir geïntegreerde en volhoubare ontwikkeling in die Kaap Agulhas gebied. Die navorser het gefokus op die beleidskonteks en die geleenthede en beperkinge vir ontwikkeling in die studiegebied. Die relevante beleidsdokumente rakende ontwikkelingsaktiwiteite in die studiegebied, is ontleed. Hierdie beleide bevat sleutelkonsepte vir ontwikkeling. Dit sluit konsepte in soos volhoubare ontwikkeling, gelykheid, publieke deelname, Regering van Samewerking en geïntegreerde kusbestuur. Hierdie konsepte moet nagestreef word en die beleide skryf prosesse en prosedures voor in die verband. Kusbestuur en kontrole is eerstens nodig omdat kusgebiede multi-dimensioneel is en kwesbaar is vir ontwikkelingsaktiwiteite. Tweedens salongelykhede in die samelewing as gevolg van Apartheid nie vanself uitgewis word nie. Wetgewing moet aktiewe stappe voorskryf om gelykheid te bevorder. Laastens is kusbestuur en kontrole nodig om samewerking tussen die verskillende rolspelers in ontwikkeling aan te moedig en af te dwing indien nodig. Die hoof rolspelers vir die studiegebied is die Regering van Samewerking, privaatsektor en die plaaslike gemeenskap. Die Overberg Distriksmunisipaliteit en die Kaap Agulhas Munisipaliteit is veral belangrik. Munisipaliteite is geïdentifiseer as fasiliteerders vir ontwikkeling op plaaslike vlak. Hulle moet die verskillende rolspelers vir ontwikkeling bymekaar bring om samewerking en integrasie van ontwikkelingsaksies te bevorder. Geïntegreerde Ontwikkelingsbeplanning (GOP) word deur wetgewing voorgeskryf om samewerking en integrasie tussen rolspelers te bevorder. Dit is 'n strategiese beplanningsproses met integrasie wat die kern van die proses vorm. In die GOP proses vir Kaap Agulhas Munisipaliteit is 'n aantal meganismes vir publieke deelname vasgestel. Geleenthede en beperkinge vir ontwikkeling in die studiegebied bepaalook in 'n groot mate watter ontwikkelingsaktiwiteite moontlik sal wees en watter nie. Die unieke plantegroei hou geleenthede in vir toerisme, maar beperk ook ontwikkeling deurdat ditbewaar moet word. Die Veldblomindustrie bied ekonomiese geleenthede. Mariene hulpbronne bied ook geleenthede byvoorbeeld visindustrie en perlemoenboerdery. Toerisme is egter die industrie wat die grootste ontwikkelingspotensiaal inhou vir die studiegebied. Dit kan dien as katalisator vir die ontwikkeling van die gebied as geheel. Die sosio-ekonomiese realiteite van gemeenskappe in die gebied en die gebrekkige fisiese infrastruktuur is die hoofbeperkende faktore vir ontwikkeling. Die gevallestudie fokus op StruisbaaiIL'Agulhas se ontwikkelingsprioriteite uit die GOP, asook die Agulhas CoastCare Projek. Dit is 'n voorbeeld van die projekte in die studiegebied met die doelom die bogenoemde ontwikkelingsprioriteite te realiseer.

Thesis in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Master for Philosophy in Community and Development at the University of Stellenbosch / Thesis (MPhil (Sociology and Social Anthropology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Mining industries significantly influence the societies within which they operate. They have been responsible for causing a wide range of negative environmental and social impacts at local, regional and global levels. Disruption of river flows, degradation of land and forest resources, negative impacts on the livelihoods of local communities near mines and disturbance of traditional lifestyles of indigenous people are some examples. Historically, the mining industry has taken a ‘devil may care’ attitude toward the impacts of its operations, inter alia by operating in areas without social legitimacy, by causing local devastation, and by leaving when an area has been exhausted of its economically valuable resources. Cost benefit language has often been used to justify damage caused in one place by arguing that it is outweighed by overall financial benefits. In recent years however the global mining industry has started to address its social and environmental responsibilities, visible in current debates about social and environmental sustainability. As a result, various mining companies have launched corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes that tend to focus on local community initiatives as their impact in economic, social and environmental terms, they believe, is felt most at local level. Yet the question remains, can CSR on its own make a substantial contribution to local sustainable community development? The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) defined CSR as “…the continuing commitment by business to behave ethically and contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of the workforce and their families as well as the local community and society at large...” (WBCSD, 2003). Despite this clear definition, there is still great diversity within the mining sector in perceptions of what CSR constitutes and what its key tenets should be. Without a consistent definition or understanding of CSR and sustainable community development, planned efforts and programmes will do little to contribute to the overall improvement and well-being of the intended beneficiaries. The research focuses on defining sustainable community development and how it relates CSR. It identifies three characteristics of sustainable community development and uses these to assess the CSR programmes of Anglo American Plc, as case study company, to determine whether the company’s programmes have the potential to contribute to the sustainability of the communities associated with its operations. The research results in three main conclusions drawn from the case study – in a phrase that CSR is able under certain conditions to contribute positively to community sustainability. The conclusion also offers a few suggestions regarding ways companies can increase the contribution their CSR programmes make to local sustainable development. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Mynbou industrieë het ‘n definitiewe en sigbare impak op die gemeenskappe waar mynbou aktiwiteite bedryf word. Hierdie industieë is verantwoordelik vir ’n groot hoeveelheid negatiewe omgewings- en sosiale impakte op plaaslike, distriks en provinsiale vlak. Die versteuring van tradisionele lewenswyses van inheemse bevolkingsgroepe, natuurlike vloei van riviere, grond en water besoedeling, asook tradisionele bestaans praktyke is almal areas wat negatief deur mynbou industrieë beïvloed is. Die mynbou industrie het deur die geskiedenis nie baie aandag gegee aan die negatiewe impakte wat mynbou aktiwiteite op gemeenskappe het nie. Die positiewe ekonomiese impak is afgespeel en as belangriker en van meer waarde beskou, as die negatiewe sosiale en omgewingsimpakte wat dit veroorsaak. Dit is maar onlangs dat die mynbou industrie begin het om die negatiewe impakte wat mynbou aktiwiteite op gemeenskappe en die omgewing het aan te spreek. Dit is ook ’n onderwerp wat meer prominent geraak het in huidige internasionale debatte rakende volhoubare ontwikkeling en die impak wat mynbou op die volhoubaarheid van die omgewing en sy mense het. Verskeie mynbou maatskappye het korporatiewe sosiale investerings (KSI) programme in plaaslike gemeenskappe begin om as mitigerende aksie vir die negatiewe impakte dien. Die vraag is egter of hierdie programme enigsins sal kan bydrae to die langtermyn volhoubare ontwikkeling in hierdie geaffekteerde gemeenskappe? Die Wêreld Besigheids Forum vir Volhoubare Ontwikkeling beskryf KSI as die voortgesette onderneming deur die besigheidsektor om te alle tye besigheidaktiwiteite op ’n etiese wyse te bedryf om ‘n daadwerklike bydrae tot die ekonomie te lewer en daar deur nie net ’n positiewe impak te hê op die lewens kwaliteit van hul werknemers nie, maar ook die van die plaaslike en ander gemeenskappe. Alhoewel die definisie baie eenvoudig en self-verduidelikend is, is daar nog baie verskillende interpretasies binne die mynbou industrie oor wat presies korporatiewe sosiale investering is en wat die kern aktiwiteite binne die veld moet wees. Sonder ’n konstante definisie en die eenvormige interpretasie daarvan, wat ook die begrip volhoubare gemeenskapsonwikkeling (VGO) insluit, sal initiatiewe en programme wat ten doel het om die lewenskwaliteit van geïdentifiseerde begunstigdes te verbeter, weinig effek hê. Die navorsing fokus op daarop om VGO beter te definieer, asook die verwantskap daarvan met KSI. Dit identifiseer drie kern eienskappe van VGO en gebruik dit as basis om die KSI programme van Anglo American Plc, as gevalle studie maatskappy, te evalueer om te bepaal of die betrokke programme wel ’n bydrae lewer to VGO in die gemeeskappe in en om die maatskappy se myne wat deur die mynbou aktiwiteite beïnvloed word. Die navorsing lewer drie kern gevolgtrekkings vanuit die gevalle studie – KSI onder seker omstandighede kan wel ’n positiewe bydra lewer tot VGO. Die gevolgtrekking word verder toegelig met ’n paar aanbevelings aan maatskappy rakende moontlike aksies om die impak van KSI programme op VGO te vergroot.

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2003. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study is titled "Community participation and sustainable development in the establishment of the IAi-IAis/Richtersveld Transfrontier Conservation Park". lt encompasses the area and stakeholders on the South African side of the Transfrontier Conservation Park (TFCP), which falls within the Richtersveld municipal area. lt covers the whole process of the development of the IAi-IAis/Richtersveld TFCP, from its Conceptual Phase to the signing of the International Treaty to formally establish the IAi-IAis/Richtersveld TFCP1 . This development is expected to hold numerous benefits for the stakeholders that are involved in its process, especially job creation through increased tourism. lt is an exceptional project, as the main stakeholders are the communities who are the legal landowners of the Richtersveld National Park. The management structure of the IAi-IAis/Richtersveld TFCP allows full participation by the local communities through elected members from the four towns in the surrounding area (Khuboes, Eksteenfontein, Lekkersing and Sanddrift) as well as local pastoralists. The theoretical approach that will be used in this study is that of sustainable development. The key components required for sustainable social, economic, and environmental development will be discussed, and are used as yardsticks against which the actual process of establishment of the TFCP will be 'measured'. Participation is regarded as a main aspect of sustainable development and is highlighted in this study. The methodology that was employed included interviewing and participant observation as well as an in-depth documentary analysis of aspects of the TFCP. The benefits and value of the methods used is discussed, as well as the limitations of the study. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die titel van die studie is "Community participation and sustainable development in the establishment of the IAi-IAis/Richtersveld Transfrontier Conservation Park". Dit omvat die area en rolspelers aan die Suid-Afrikaanse kant van die oorgrenspark, wat binne die Richtersveld Munisipale area val. Dit dek die volledige proses van die ontwikkeling van die oorgrenspark, vanaf die Konsepsuele Fase tot en met die ondertekening van die lnternasionale Verdrag om die IAi-IAis/Richtersveld Oorgrenspark formeel tot stand te bring2 . Die verwagting is dat hierdie ontwikkeling veelvoudige voordele sal inhou vir diegene wat in die proses betrokke is, veral deur middel van werkskepping as gevolg van toenemende toerisme. Dit is 'n besondere projek aangesien die hoofrolspelers, die gemeenskappe, die wettige grondeienaars van die Richtersveld Nasionale Park is. Die bestuurstruktuur van die oorgrenspark laat volle deelname deur die gemeenskappe toe deur verkose lede van die vier dorpies in die area (Kuboes, Eksteenfontein, Lekkersing en Sanddrift) asook plaaslike veeboere. Die teoretiese benadering wat in hierdie studie gevolg word is 'volhoubare ontwikkeling'. Die hoofkomponente wat vereis word vir volhoubare sosiale, ekonomiese, en omgewingsontwikkeling word bespreek en word as maatstawwe gebruik waarteen die werklike proses van die totstandkoming van die IAi-IAis/Richtersveld oorgrenspark 'gemeet' word. Deelname word beskou as die hoofkomponent van volhoubare ontwikkeling en word uitgelig in hierdie studie. Die metodologie wat toegepas is, sluit onderhoudvoering, deelnemende waarneming en indiepte dokumentere analise van aspekte van die oorgrenspark in. Die voordele en waarde van hierdie metodes word bespreek, asook die beperkinge van die studie.

Thesis (MScEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Since 1994 the government of South Africa has spent substantial amounts of money on the development and expantion of infrastructure to include the previously disadvantaged. Each year the amount spent on infrastructure increased, and still the poor is marginalised. The title proposes that there should rather be a focus on creating a sustainable environment to deliver infrastructure. The economy, unemployment, people living in poverty and level of human resources determine the environment in which infrastructure is delivered. South Africa is on a growth path towards 2030 that aims to reduce unemployment by aproximately 10% and increase the economic growth rate 5% per annum. Key challenges that inhibits economic growth were identified by the National Planning Commision (NPC). These key challenges such as poverty, poor education, unsatisfactory public tranport and a divided society represent the environment that South Africa is currently operating in. If these key challenges could be addressed and nullified a sustainable environment could be reached. The purpose of this thesis is to investigate a sustainable environment to deliver infrastructure. Existing models will be analysed and the key principles will then be incorporated in the development of the proposed Infra-Connect Model. Strategic Planning and decision-making tools will also assist in the process towards developing the Infra-Connect Model. The theoretical results that are obtained are positive. It conforms to the goals that are set out based on the key challenges presented by the NPC. The financial resources are found to be distributed more effectively and the poor is empowered to take part in the economic activities and hence a sustainable environment to deliver infrastructure is created. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Sedert 1994 is daar aansienlike bedrae bestee op die opgradering en uitbreiding van infrastruktuur. Steeds is die huidige infrastruktuur nie voldoende nie en onontwikkeld. Die behoeftiges is steeds uitgesluit uit die ekonomiese aktiwiteite en gemarginaliseer. Hierdie verhandeling beoog om die fokus te plaas op die skepping van ‘n volhoubare omgewing wat die ontwikkeling van infrastruktuur tot gevolg het. Die omgewing verwys na die ekonomie, die behoeftiges, vlak van werkloosheid, en die kwaliteit van onderrig en mense ontwikkeling. Suid Afrika is in die proses om ‘n groeiplan saam te stel vir 2030. Onbevredigende dienslewering, ‘n verdeelde samelewing, en onvoldoende onderrig is onder andere faktore wat die groei van Suid Afrika verhinder om ‘n positiewe, kompeterende land teen 2030 te wees, soos geïdentifiseer deur die National Planning Commision. Hierdie faktore verhoed dat Suid Afrika positiewe ekonomiese groei ervaar. Die doel van die verhandeling is om die skepping van ‘n volhoubare omgewing wat infrastruktuur lewering tot gevolg sal hê, te ondersoek. Bestaande modelle word geanaliseer en gebruik om ‘n model vir munisipaliteite saam te stel wat sal help om fondse reg aan te wend en die druk rondom infrastruktuur lewering te verlig. Die teoretiese uitkomstes is positief en daar is gevind dat die model die bepalende faktore aanspreek. Die behoeftiges is na afloop van die model beter af waar hul bemagtig is en ‘n werksgeleentheid gebied word. Die gevolg is dan ‘n verlaging in die werkloosheidskoers en ‘n verwagting dat Suid Afrika se ekonomie positief sal groei. Voldoende lewering van infrastruktuur en dienste word dan ook verwag. Sodoende word ‘n volhoubare omgewing geskep vir effektiewe ontwikkeling en lewering van infrastruktuur en basiese dienste.

Submitted in fulfilment of the requirement for the Degree of Masters in Technology: Marketing, Durban University of Technology, 2007. / The sardine run event has been hailed as a big tourism event, yet little is known about how the sardine run affects the economy as a tourism event. Although there are numerous articles to be found on the role of tourism events in economic upliftment, very little research has been done in South Africa on this particular event, especially relating to the indigenous community involvement and the financial gain achieved from the sardine run. The study was conducted in KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa) in the Ugu districts of Hibberdene and Margate, using qualitative and quantitative research methods. The sample for the study consisted of three hundred and twenty nine respondents above the age of 16. The respondents were selected using convenience sampling and had to complete a questionnaire with the assistance of an interviewer. The objective of the research was to determine the extent to which the indigenous community's services are being marketed during the sardine run events, and how the run contributes to the economic well-being of the inhabitants of the area. The results of the research revealed that a large percentage of the respondents knew about the sardine run, with males generally having a higher awareness level than females. This finding is important because females often play a major role as breadwinners in their families. The fact that females take a less active role in the sardine run indicates an opportunity that can be exploited by those involved in the sardine run, and by local governmental and non-governmental organisations whose task it is to improve the social and economic well being of the community. The main issue was that of participation, which is low. A low participation rate has implications for skills development and reflects an opportunity for central and local government, training and educational institutions, organisations involved in the sardine run and local businesses to provide training for unemployed or under-employed youth. / M

A dissertation submitted to the faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science Johannesburg 1997 / South Africa has recently begun a number of conservation Initiatives which link conservation with the development of people This follows a worldwide trend in which it is acknowledged that conservation cannot be undertaker without the participation of local communities who are most affected by the establishment of protected areas The Thukela Biosphere Reserve In KwaZulu/Natal South Africa iS such an Initiative The research provides an assessment of the potential of the TBR to successfully introduce a sustainable land use strategy in the region This assessment is achieved through an investigation of the historical situation as well as local communities perceptions and attitudes toward the TBR and environmental degradation These attitudes are compared to a more scientific analysis of land degradation The research made use of participatory methodologies to assess these perceptions Findings indicate that local Afrrcan communities are intensely aware of environmental degradation in the TBR A number of factors however prevent them from accepting the TBR as an effective land use option These include oppressive historical polices leading[Abbreviated [ Abstract. Open document to view full version]