The National Credit Act aggressively addresses problems in the South African credit market. The purpose of the NCA is to promote socio-economic and ethical values that will serve to protect consumers, through the application and enforcement of various laws. The research was conducted in the Durban area. Literature was surveyed with the aim to determine the views of Durban consumers concerning the National Credit Act. The study adopted an exploratory and quantitative research method using a survey (questionnaire) as its main data-collection instrument. This was administered via email. The sampling technique used is a non-probability sampling with a target population comprising of natural persons in the Durban area, who have been affected by credit. Data were analysed using the SPSS statistical package, which was appropriate for this research since its nature was quantitative rather than qualitative. Significance and correlations were the basis of the data analysis in this research and cross-tabulations were used in order to enable presentation of results. Only the variables that were relevant to the research questions were used for further analysis after the significance tests were done. The findings on the research reflected that most of the respondents had higher education degrees, which indicated that the research covered well-educated people; most respondents were satisfied with the way the NCA was explained when it was introduced, although the research highlighted a need for further consumer awareness of the Act to eliminate major default. Some recommendations that include the further research on the same topic with a larger sample were made. It is concluded that it is necessary to make improvements on the Act. / MBA. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 2013.

The ending of apartheid and the transformation process in South Africa, the transition to democracy brought with them fundamental changes to the form and function of the State. In particular, they bring a restructuring of co-operative governance and intergovernmental relations. The responsibilities, functions and powers of the three spheres of government (national, provincial and local) were changed and streamlined as stated in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act, 108 of 1996. The system of intergovernmental relations delineated in the Constitution differs significantly from that of the previous dispensation, particularly in its ambitions to advance democracy and to improve service delivery to all South Africans. Of particular significance is the respect in the fact that instead of the inherently conflicting intergovernmental relations that characterises most modern states, the Constitution actively promotes co-operation between different levels of government. The Intergovernmental Relations Framework Act, 13 of 2005 was promulgated on 15 August 2005. The Act provides for an institutional framework for the three spheres of government to facilitate coherent government, effective provision of services, monitoring the implementation of policy and legislation, and realisation of developmental goals of government as a whole. All spheres of government must provide effective, efficient, transparent, accountable and coherent government in order to ensure the progressive realisation of constitutional rights. One of the most pervasive challenges facing the country as a developmental state is the need for government to redress poverty, underdevelopment, marginalisation of people and communities and other legacies of apartheid and discrimination. This challenge can only be addressed through a concerted effort by government in all spheres to work together and integrate as far as possible their actions in the provision of service, alleviation of poverty and development of the communities. Co-operation and integration of actions in government depends on a stable and effective system of intergovernmental relations, one in which each of the spheres respect the relative autonomy of the other whilst appreciating the interrelatedness and interdependence of the three spheres. The study elaborated on the research as well as the research problem. In so doing, it further looked at the historical overview of the transition to a democratic South Africa which brought a significant change in the reconfiguration of the state. The studies further deals with a critique of co-operative governance and intergovernmental relations in the Eastern Cape and discuss the perspective on service delivery. In order to critically evaluate the notion of co-operative governance and intergovernmental relations in South Africa with specific reference to Eastern Cape, the study recommended that intergovernmental planning and budgeting, management of change, support and capacity building, communication and stakeholder engagement and institutional arrangement interventions be embarked upon. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2012.

The study sought to examine the impact of infrastructure on agricultural economic development in Bizana (Mbizana), Eastern Cape. The Eastern Cape Province is one of the poorest provinces in the country. The province consists of predominantly rural areas and rural towns. One of the challenges facing the Eastern Cape Province is inadequate access to infrastructure such as roads. Poor road links keep rural communities “distant” from the mainstream economy. The province requires approximately 12 000km of access roads. Although government has programmes in place aimed at improving access to adequate infrastructure, South Africa has rapidly deteriorating infrastructure and this is due to under-investment. The infrastructure in rural communities is poor, as infrastructure development strategies historically favoured urban areas over rural areas. Although the province is faced by these infrastructure challenges the Eastern Cape Province has great potential agricultural land, and this is evident in the case of Bizana (Mbizana). The farmers are faced with a number of infrastructure challenges and these include access to water and roads. Quality roads enable easy transportation of the agricultural produce from the farms to local and international markets. Bizana (Mbizana) has a high unemployment rate, and the study aims to contribute towards the upliftment of the communities in Bizana (Mbizana) through agriculture. One-on-one interviews and site visits were conducted. The study unveiled some of the challenges that the farmers encounter and these included inadequate access to water, challenges with transportation system, market competition, fencing, drought, etc. Some farmers practise commercial farming individually. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2012.

Abstract not available. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2005.

The current South African labour laws have evolved through decades of transitions. It originated from an autocratic employment relationship to the fight for worker rights and finally, to the equal rights and freedom of workers. However the rights of workers were always regulated by the idiosyncrasies and oppression of the political fabric of this country. One of the greatest contributing factors that enhanced worker confidence is the introduction of the previous Interim Constitution and the now, Final Constitution, which provided for equality for all South African citizens. All such laws have impacted intensely on the South African labour framework. Currently, we exist in a country where there are laws that ensure worker protection. On the face of it, the labour laws are clearly democratic. However, in practice, there exist many gaps in the law. This study is primarily based on identifying the areas of the labour laws where such laws do not adequately cater for the South African population and its diversities, and where it is not consistent with the International Labour standards. Major emphasis will be placed on the application of the law and the intention behind the drafters of such legislation. One area of focus is the application of the law to the HIV/AIDS crisis in South Africa. HIV/AIDS is seen as an epidemic that is adversely penetrating the workforce and a company's productivity. The disease itself is growing at an enormous pace and already, a small percentage of the population is affected by it. The disease inevitably leads to a drop in a company's output through the increase in employee absenteeism and deaths, and it also obligates employers to re-arrange their staff or hire new staff. Companies have been forced to change their policies and to create awareness in the workplace to adequately cater for workers who suffer from this epidemic. The laws itself have not made sufficient provision for applying itself to the growth in the percentage of AIDS employees. With a large percentage of the workforce having the disease, there has not been sufficient protection of such persons and their families. There are three stages in the HIV/AIDS cycle and the last stage weakens employees to the extent that they are unable to work. And with medical costs being as high as it is today, it won't be long before such employees lack the financial means to survive. Hence there is little protection to workers after contracting the AIDS virus. This is merely one of the areas of the HIV/AIDS crisis that requires review of the current labour laws. The labour laws are new to providing protection to workers. Inevitably, it is the responsibility of workers to protect themselves, either through saving on their own or entering into endowment or similar policies. However, with the instability in our current economic climate, it is difficult for employees to invest or to save. Employment Equity has been another area that requires development within the South African labour framework. Such equity is based on rectifying the political ravages of the past, where previously disadvantaged persons were prejudiced in various areas of the employment arena. Affirmative Action has been one area of change that many companies and corporations were forced to deal with. The International Labour Organization (ILO) has always attempted to diversify its laws to cater for the diversities of the world population. South Africa adopted many of its laws, specifically with regards to the HIV/AIDS crisis. However, considering that the labour laws are seen as a rapidly-changing area in the world economy, such areas are making it difficult for the current laws to be consistent with such changes. Emphasis is now placed on the application of the laws to such changes. This study is a very much theoretical to the extent that it identifies the areas of applicable law and the areas that require improvement or change in order to satisfy the "democracy" in a democratic country. / Thesis (M.B.A.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

The role of best practice in delivering Company Strategy-Brand Promise delivering "Escape through Glamour," has become an issue for the management of Ster-Kinekor as the competitive set in the entertainment arena, increases and becomes aggressive. This has compounded by the digital explosion which has made home entertainment sexy and raised the benchmark of picture and sound quality. Prices are extremely competitive and this practice is supported by the criminal element, i.e. Piracy. The increase in live and televised sports entertainment, television entertainment in general and outdoor activities has contributed to the pressure in growing revenue. Ster-Kinekor has identified the new middle income segment as an opportunity for growth and has identified perceived value of the entertainment format as a key barrier. This is true for the Living Standard Measures (hereafter, LSM) 8, 9 and 10 segment of the market as well. The need to increase the perceived value of the brand and the entertainment it offers has been identified as a key issue by senior management. This study will highlight the concepts of branding and best practice within a review of Ster-Kinekor operational (best practice) interventions. This will be followed by a detailed analysis and interpretation of 800 intercept interviews which will inform the study concerning the market impact of the interventions. In addition, informal interviews were held with various members of management. Ster-Kinekor has introduced a number of initiatives, including a number of best practice interventions under a project entitled "Good to Great." This interventions are aimed at installing best practice within the business with the overall intention of improving customer experience and thereby driving the bottom line. The study therefore will analyse the impact of this these initiatives as intended by Ster-Kinekor management. In conclusion, the study will provide recommendations for consideration in order to enhance the perceived value. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2006.