This dissertation is concerned with the extent to which development frameworks are valid tools to guide development within a region, and makes use of the Ubombo/ Ingwavuma development framework as a case study. Through the use of this case study, the dissertation uncovers factors that influence the implementation of development frameworks. The context of the study is established firstly through the exploration of the literature surrounding regional planning, how it is undertaken, and the reasons for its successes and failures; and secondly, through an examination of implementation problems and lessons learnt from other development frameworks implemented during the same time frame. It is hypothesised that integrated regional development frameworks, like the Ubombol Ingwavuma development framework, are a necessary part of regional planning but by themselves however, are not sufficient to lead to regional development and are inherently flawed by implementation problems. The areas for immediate action which are outlined in the Ubombol Ingwavuma development framework, are systematically examined to ascertain the extent to which specific plans and projects were implemented, as well as to uncover the reasons for non-implementation on the part of implementing agencies and government departments. Both the client and the planners involved in the formulation of the plan, as well as planning experts, are consulted on the reasons for plan failure and lack of implementation. From this research, it can be concluded that regional plans are necessary mechanisms to lead to development of a region per se, but are not sufficient in themselves. Other factors important for the success of regional plans include a high degree of community participation, departmental collaboration, political buy-in, and people motivated to 'drive' the planning process forward, to mention a few. / Thesis (M.T.R.P.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1995.

Housing built by local authorities for low income housing has gone a long way towards providing a range of housing options for the varying needs of those who are forced through circumstances to rely on the public sector for their housing. Selling off the rented housing stock to sitting tenants has enabled large numbers of families to become homeowners. The sale of rental housing stock has been long viewed by theorists with much scepticism. Therefore much research has gone into, amongst other things the government policy of "load-shedding" in order to decrease the welfare burden of the state. Few studies however have been able to capture the perceptions and attitudes of the beneficiary families. A major thrust of the National Housing Policy is to increase the access of housing to previously disadvantaged individuals. One such method is that of privatisation and the sale of public rental stock to sitting tenants. The study will attempt to investigate the process of privatisation as adopted by the Metropolitan Council and resistance that it has faced. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, 2000.

The shopping centre phenomenon in South Africa received more attention as the number of shopping malls increased significantly in the townships in the mid-1990s. The increase in shopping centres led to a change in consumer behaviour. It became important for retailers and developers to understand the effects of consumer behaviour when structuring the retail system. As such this study explores the changes in consumer behaviour in South African townships in relation to the emergence of Mega City shopping centre in Umlazi Township in the city of Durban. The study is based on in-depth interviews with randomly selected customers at Mega City shopping centre and also household surveys conducted in the Umlazi V section to determine the change in consumer behaviour induced by the introduction of shopping centres. These interviews were also conducted with shopkeepers from various service shops within shopping centre and other key informants from Umlazi V section. The study reveals that shopping experiences in South African townships have drastically changed due to the introduction of shopping malls as the consumers can now access a variety of services within their communities. This is due to the possibility of shopping within a short distance as it reduces costs both in time and money. The study highlights that the development of shopping centres in South African townships in the mid-90s changed consumer behaviour both quantitatively and qualitatively. The key factors that were identified by the study as playing a big role in influencing consumer choices and experiences due to the development of shopping centres include location, accessibility, services offered, competition and affordability of products and services.

The rationale for the adoption and the promotion of Local Economic Development (LED) strategies within rural areas is largely based on the premise that South Africa is a developmental state with a dual economy - where the impacts of the countrys’ historical legacy of inequality and poverty is rife, especially in rural areas. In this regard, the implementation of successful Local Economic Development programmes within the countryside has the potential to remedy the injustices of the past and to help with the upliftment of the lives and socio-economic standards of rural dwellers. Thus, this dissertation has sought to deconstruct the barriers for sustained Local Economic Development within the countryside. It argues that a number of factors hinder this process include; the lack of a clear understanding of Local Economic Development concept, coupled with policy confusion as well as the roles of the different sectors in government, infrastructural backlog, inadequate or shortage in skills and resources, lack of communication and guidance from government and stakeholders that are key role players in Local Economic Development, mal-administration and the duplication of projects. These factors amongst others have been found to be the most profound in preventing the realization of sustained Local Economic Development within Umzumbe-Phungashe Sub-Region located in southern part of the province of KwaZulu-Natal. / Thesis (M.T.R.P.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2013.

A variety of factors are responsible for the degeneration and decay of an urban area. A neglected urban area rife with decay, negatively affects the economic, social and environmental sustainability of a neighbourhood. A direct link can be established between the state of an urban area and the quality of life the residents of that area may experience, the performance of the local economy and the condition of the surrounding natural environment. This study examined whether Clare Estate has experienced urban decay, what the possible causes are that have contributed towards the decay are, how the existing decay can be addressed and whether or not Clare Estate requires and can benefit from urban renewal intervention. Through various methods of research such as conducting questionnaire surveys, interviews, observation studies, mapping and analysis of Clare Estate it was deduced that the suburb is experiencing economic, social and environmental decay. It was found that Clare Estate is experiencing frictional, functional, physical and economic blight. The abandoned and neglected buildings, vacant sites, illegal landJ uses, lack of public open spaces and exceedingly high crime levels have all contributed to the decay of the area. The overwhelming amount of informal settlements within Clare Estate and the location of the Bisasar Road landfill are also both significant contributors to the deterioration of the area. They have created an unappealing aesthetic environment, which has consequently created an unpleasant environment for residents, patrons and community members. Clare Estate has experienced years of neglect and mismanagement, which can be attributed to poor coordination and communication between stakeholders. In order to reverse the effect years of decay has had on Clare Estate; the implementation of urban renewal initiatives is required. The community of Clare Estate will gain a stronger local economy, reinforced and intensified community bonds and a healthier and safer environment, through the use of urban renewal intervention. The recommendations made for the renewal of Clare Estate involves an approach that requires input from all stakeholders. In order for the renewal of Clare Estate to occur in a sustainable manner, a publicJprivate partnership that encourages and supports the involvement of the community members of Clare Estate was seen as the most fitting method of urban renewal. Addressing the issue of high crime rates, informal settlements, landfill rehabilitation and road maintenance is instrumental in the renewal process. The use of an onJgoing urban management programme is essential in ensuring the community of Clare Estate continues the proper maintenance and upkeep of their surrounding environment as this will ensure the longevity of Clare Estate. / M.T.R.P. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 2014.

In common with other South African cities, the greater Pietermaritzburg region, which is in the Msunduzi Municipality, has faced many challenges, but has made concerted efforts to tackle the legacy of apartheid imbalances. Since 1994, the pattern of planning in Msunduzi Municipality has shifted to a more neoliberal economy. In many instances, this has focused on improving and promoting economic development in townships situated on the urban periphery. This form of development is driven by the need to integrate the overcrowded central business district (CBD) of Pietermaritzburg and the Edendale-Northdale Corridor (ENC). Edendale, Northdale and the Central Area developed individually in isolation; some segments were well-planned, while others were underdeveloped. This research study investigated the effectiveness of the ENC in fostering economic development and the extent to which the corridor helped to attract investment adjacent to this corridor to create job opportunities for the high numbers of unemployed people in the city. It is argued that the structure of the city has created a high poverty rate within the suburbs or townships and has encouraged unnecessary mobility in search of economic opportunities. The study found that areas that struggled to attract economic development in the past showed some signs of improvement, with increased investor confidence. However, investment was hampered by the perception that doing business in Msunduzi Municipality is expensive. This study employed a multi-pronged approach to generate data; this includes qualitative data in the form of interviews with municipal officials, two groups of beneficiaries comprising of businesses and local inhabitants, and other stakeholders. Local inhabitants of the three nodes along the ENC were engaged in group discussions. Field observations/ground-truth checks were also carried out to compare the data collected and to gain an understanding of development along the ENC. Finally, GIS was applied to demonstrate the trend of development that has taken place in this corridor. One of the major findings of this study was the need for an efficient transport system. Furthermore, some respondents argued that the Edendale section of this corridor will need further highway access to foster industrial development that can create a large number of jobs. The land ownership challenges confronting the Greater Edendale area were also seen as a barrier to the development of this corridor, especially with regard to economic investment. / Thesis (M.Sc.U.R.P.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2013.

This dissertation concentrates on the subject of migration from the less researched angle of the rural areas losing migrants. This dissertation is premised upon the hypothesis that emigration of skilled people stifles development in rural areas and this in turn leads to the lack of development. The lack of development causes emigration. I am arguing that this vicious cycle must be broken down through leadership committed to achieving development goals and through personal sacrifices of skilled people remaining in rural areas. Therefore, this dissertation seeks to establish the impact that migration has on rural development. It looks at the case of eMabhuqwini as the study’s focal point. There are two arguments that are advanced by the thesis: (1) Migration negatively impacts on development in the area of eMabhuqwini. The more able‐bodied, skilled and capable people emigrate, the higher the likelihood that the area they leave will stay underdeveloped. This is because people who have the capacity to drive development in the area will have left. At the same time, if the area is underdeveloped, people are likely to leave it and seek greener pastures – especially in terms of better living conditions and employment opportunities – elsewhere, particularly in more developed urban areas. (2) Political infighting between political parties appears to be the main cause of the slow (if any) pace of service delivery and development in the area. This is so because of growing political intolerance among political parties in South Africa. This political intolerance is also characterised by an unwillingness to accept political defeat. As such, this process has dictated the terms of and speed of service delivery as there is little will on the part of political leaders to spearhead development in an area governed by the opposition. I further provide a comprehensive conceptual framework on migration theory, a detailed presentation of the case study area, a three‐pronged empirical study consisting of interviews with thirty‐two households, household in‐depth survey (6 respondents) as well as three focus groups. Quantitatively, 32 respondents answered a semi‐structured research questionnaire. Six of the same people were also requested to respond to an open‐ended research schedule that sought to gain answers to open‐ended questions. The questions themselves were divided into two sections, a closed‐ended part as well as an open‐ended part. Quantitative questionnaires were analysed using the SPSS computer program, while the others were analysed thematically. In terms of conclusions and recommendations, it was observed that the two arguments were confirmed: that migration does have a negative impact on development; and that, to minimise this impact, or to reverse the process, an intensive effort must be put into encouraging the government, together with traditional and local leadership, to deliver services to the people so as to develop the area and minimise the impact of migration. / Thesis (M.T.R.P.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2013.

Thesis (MS en S)--Stellenbosch University, 2000. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: South Africa has a long history of social and physical segregation, which is also reflected in issues pertaining to the discipline of planning. In the past Apartheid policy and laws could be blamed for this, but today difficulties in uniting the different cultures and in addressing everyone's needs still exist. To date, the planning discipline has adopted a Western European top down approach, largely ignoring the fact that the country comprises a number of different cultures with different needs. In terms of a wide range of legislation, notably the Constitution of 1996, South Africans are bound to address and accommodate this diversity. Public participation is seen as a way to address these problems, as a result of which a number of different laws and regulations pertaining to procedures broaden the extent of public participation. Despite this, there is little visible evidence that the diversity of participants has any real influence on planning processes or their end results. Public workshops and seminars are frequently criticised because they are time-consuming and because participants have different agendas. Although a good deal of research has been done on the streamlining of procedures, not much attention has been given to the communication process and the nature of constructive dialogue. It follows that a significant part of confusion could be attributed to a lack of mutual understanding during the communication process and to faulty decoding or interpretation of message content. In this study project research was undertaken on the different aspects of communication and the effect of it on interpretation. It was found in a case study of the Stellenbosch Integrated Development Program (IDP), that disruption often occurred due to differences in multicultural communication. Solutions, as presented by the participants and other writers, are offered and discussed. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Suid-Afrika het 'n lang geskiedenis van sosiale en fisiese segregasie, wat ook in die beplanningsdisipline waarneembaar is. In die verlede kon blaam gelê word op apartheidsbeleid en wetgewing, maar daar is tans nog steeds probleme om die verskillende kultuurgroepe te verenig en om almal se behoeftes aan te spreek. Tot op hede is daar 'n sterk Westers-Europese benadering gevolg, wat die feit ignoreer dat die land saamgestel is uit verskillende kulture met verskillende behoeftes. In terme van 'n wye reeks wetgewing, veral die Grondwet van 1996, word Suid-Afrikaners verplig om hierdie diversiteit aan te spreek en te akkommodeer. Publieke deelname word gesien as 'n manier om hierdie probleme aan te spreek, soos aanbeveel deur wetgewing. Ten spyte hiervan, is daar min sigbare bewyse dat die diversiteit van deelnemers wel enige invloed op die beplanningsproses of die eindresultate het. Publieke werkswinkels en seminare word gekritiseer omdat dit so tydrowend is en omdat deelnemers opdaag met verskillende agendas. Baie navorsing is reeds gedoen om die prosedure meer vaartbelyn te maak, maar min aandag is gegee aan die kommunikasieproses en die aard van konstruktiewe dialoog. Hier word aangevoer dat 'n groot gedeelte van die verwarring toegeskryf kan word aan 'n gebrek aan gesamentlike begrip tydens die kommunikasieproses en aan verkeerdelike dekodering van die boodskap se inhoud. In die studie is navorsing gedoen oor die verskillende aspekte van kommunikasie en die effek daarvan op interpretasie. Daar is gevind tydens 'n gevallestudie van die Stellenbosch Geïntegreerde Ontwikkelingsprogram (GOP) dat ontwrigting voorkom as gevolg van verskille in multikulturele kommunikasie. Oplossings word aangebied en bespreek soos voorgestel deur sommige van die deelnemers en ander skrywers.

Thesis (MS en S)--Stellenbosch University, 2000. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Environmental impact assessments have become increasingly popular over the past few years, by necessity and due to the general increase in environmental awareness. By definition, environmental impact assessment is a process having the ultimate objective of providing decision makers with an indication of the likely consequences of their intended actions. First popularized in the United States of America in the seventies, environmental impact assessments have since evolved worldwide into an effective decision making tool. In South Africa, environmental impact assessments became legally enforceable in 1998 under the Environment Conservation Act (Act 73 of 1989) and presently serves as an effective tool in facilitating decision making for sustainable development. A large number of impact assessments are at present being produced for all categories of activities, but questions arise about the effectiveness of these assessments in fulfilling their intended purpose. The present study aims to answer these questions and provide insight into the nature, content and standard of environmental impact assessment in South Africa by examining the foundations and application of the concept. The main method of research was the analysis of various assessments, already submitted to regional authorities, on the basis of content, methods used, depth of analysis, degree of public input and their overall contribution to the better understanding of the problem at hand. During the analysis many inadequacies and merits of these impact assessments were revealed. The quality of reports ranged from good (about one third) to average and poor (about one third). Shortcomings identified related inter alia to data collection; ignorance of socio-economic factors; ignorance of cumulative effects; and analysis and evaluation problems. The benefits that these impact assessments could bring about, were also analysed. It was deduced that there were inherent benefits the most practical being that the good reports assisted the decision making process considerably. Sustainable development was also promoted. It was found that the implementation of the concept still needs more stringent management and monitoring with improved application and incorporation into the present planning approach / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: In die afgelope paar jaar het omgewingsimpakstudies (OIS) toenemend populêr geword as gevolg van noodsaaklikheid en die algemene toename in omgewingsbewustheid. By definisie is OIS 'n proses met die uiteindelike doel om besluitnemers in te lig oor die waarskynlike gevolge van hul handelinge. OIS het wêreldwyd ontwikkel in 'n effektiewe besluitnemingshulpmiddel sedert dit aanvanklik tydens die sewentiger jare in die Verenigde State van Amerika gepopulariseer is. Omgewingsimpakstudies is wetlik afdwingbaar in Suid Afrika sedert 1998 onder die Wet op Omgewingsbewaring (Wet 73 van 1989). Dit dien as 'n effektiewe middel in die fasilitering van besluitneming oor volhoubare ontwikkeling. 'n Groot aantal impakstudies word tans opgestel vir alle kategorieë van aktiwiteite, maar die effektiwiteit van hierdie studies in die vervulling van hul doelstellings word bevraagteken. Die doel van hierdie studie is om hierdie vraag te beantwoord en insig te verskaf oor die aard, inhoud en standaard van impakstudies in Suid Afrika deur grondslae en toepassing van die konsep te ondersoek. Die hoof metode van navorsing was die ontleding van verskeie studies reeds ingedien by plaaslike owerhede, op grond van inhoud, metodes gebruik, diepte van ontleding, graad van publieke deelname en hul algehele bydrae tot 'n beter begrip van die probleem. Tydens die ontleding is verskeie beperkings en meriete van impakstudies ontbloot. Die kwaliteit van verslae het gewissel van goed (omtrent een derde) tot gemiddeld en swak (omtrent een derde). Tekortkominge geïdentifiseer hou verband met o.a. data insameling, onkunde van sosio-ekonomiese faktore, onkunde van kumulatiewe effekte en ontleding-en evalueringsprobleme. Voordele van impakstudies is ook geanaliseer. Die belangrikste was dat goeie verslae besluitnemingsprosesse aansienlik kan bystaan. Volhoubare ontwikkeling is ook bevorder. Daar is gevind dat die implementering van die konsep steeds strenger bestuur en beheer benodig, met verbeterde integrasie in die beplanningsproses.

Thesis (MS en S)--Stellenbosch University, 2002. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The urban designer works within an environment characterized by constraints. Control mechanisms are part of these constraints. They were created out of necessity because the control of the urban environment became strained as cities grew in size. In the beginning control mechanisms regulated the urban environment to create better public safety. This objective evolved to include aesthetics and sustainability of the environment. Controls, however, tended to become standardized and were often blindly applied irrespective of changed circumstances and contexts. Control mechanisms include inter alia height, density, bulk, and aesthetic controls, which can be applied to regulate form, space and behavioural or activity patterns. These control mechanisms generally embrace a system of codes embodied in legislation enforceable in law. Urban designers should realize and take full advantage of the potential of the law as an urban design control element. This study examines the nature of control mechanisms as applied to town planning in general and urban design in particular and their efficacy in achieving and maintaining a range of human and social objectives. To this end, attention is paid to examining historical precedent, examples reflecting different cultures and approaches and resultant urban forms. On the basis of the aforementioned this study aims to identify a range of urban design principles and to propose suggestions as to how control mechanisms as part of a system of law can best be applied. A case study of central business district sites in Durbanville, Western Cape is researched. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die stadsontwerper funksioneer binne 'n omgewing wat gekenmerk word deur beperkings. Beheermeganismes maak deel uit van hierdie beperkings. Dit het ontwikkel uit noodsaak, want die beheer van die stedelike omgewing het onder druk gekom soos stede in grootte toegeneem het. Aanvanklik het die beheer-maatreëls die stedelike omgewing gereguleer om sodoende openbare veiligheid te verseker. Hierdie doel het egter ontwikkel om estetiese ontwerp en volhouding van die omgewing in te sluit. Maatreëls het egter geneig om gestandardiseer te raak en is dikwels blindelings toegepas ongeag die omstandighede en konteks. Beheermeganismes sluit inter alia hoogte, volume en estetiese kontrole in wat aangewend kan word om vorm, ruimte en gedrags- of aktiwiteitspatrone te reguleer. Hierdie beheermeganismes omsluit gewoonlik 'n stelsel van kodes wat vervat is in wetgewing, afdwingbaar deur die wet. Stadsontwerpers behoort die potensiaal van sodanige wetgewing te besef en tot hul voordeel te benut as 'n beheer element in stedelike ontwerp. Hierdie studie ondersoek die aard van beheermeganismes soos aangewend in stadsbeplanning oor die algemeen en stedelike ontwerp in die besonder en hul doeltreffendheid in die bereiking en handhawing van 'n reeks menslike en sosiale doelstellings. Aandag word in die studie gegee aan die ondersoek van historiese voorbeelde, voorbeelde wat verskillende kulture weerspieël en verskillende benaderingswyses en gevolglike stadsvorme. Gebaseer op die voorafgaande, wil hierdie studie 'n reeks van stedelike ontwerp beginsels identifiseer en voorstelle aan die hand doen hoe beheermeganismes as deel van die wetgewingstelsel, op die mees doeltreffende wyse aangewend kan word. Persele in die sakekern van Durbanville, Wes- Kaap word as gevallestudie nagevors.