No abstract available. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Durban-Westville, 2000.

Many African countries have embarked in the process of decentralising the decision making process to local bodies. Decentralisation is an ambitious and a difficult goal for countries such as African ones, that suffer from a lack of resources and a tradition of dirigism or centralism. In the context of the current African State crisis, devolution of power to elected bodies closer to people (decentralisation) is considered to be one of the answers, which can promote democracy, increase the legitimacy of the State and bring development. Decentralisation in South Africa is all the more interesting because what is at stake there , is the rehabilitation of the State and the creation of a South African identity through a democratic praxis. Because of apartheid, South Africa has been a puzzle of territories and identities. The State apparatus with all its bodies (including the other spheres) has to make out of each South African a South African citizen . It is at the local level where problems are concrete and where communities are divided because they belong to a specific area. It is at the local level that a South African citizenry will emerge (or not), through the consciousness of the inter-dependence which exists between the groups. So, studying the decentralisation process in the 90s in South Africa, is looking at a country trying to (re)invent by itself; new ways of creating a nation , a citizenship, a sense of common belonging, through economic development, symbols; popular participation etc. In KwaZulu-Natal, the extent of the transformation of local government during the past 6 years has been impressive. New territories, new councillors, new organisation of the bureaucracy, new consultation processes and an emphasis on the disadvantaged, all these are necessary conditions to address global needs and create a sense of local citizenry. But in practice, there is always a limit to the capacity of adaptation of minds and systems to novelty. After 6 years of turmoil , one can reasonably say that the framework is set up but that councillors and officials have still to find their place in the system. They have to define their respective roles. But what is even more important, they have to integrate the " revolutionary" meaning of decentralisation and try to apply their minds to changing the structures they are heading in order to enable significant interactions with the population, a coherent development of their jurisdiction and their hinterland and an identity which goes beyond divided interests. Besides, local councillors have to become real sources of authority and have the courage to find their place amidst other spheres of government, competing powers and people who have technical knowledge. They have to frame strong policies backed by their constituencies. If not, local government will only become a place where conflicting interests reconcile, and not a source of power on its own. But maybe this will be demanding enough, although the process will be more akin to a new power relationship inside the same system with the same rules, than a revolutionary process. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2000.

During 1990s, the 'renaissance' of civil society in the Third World and the birth of thousands ofNGOs provoked a debate about their critical role, linked to the end of the Cold War and the 'triumph' of the Westernized, capitalist system, which has steadily expanded its model throughout the world, proclaiming the merits of democratization and the free market system. According to Commins (1999) "the major global institutions and most powerful bilateral donors want NGOs to serve as the front line for global welfare". Donors offered funds, and thousands of NGO were born worldwide. Through their projects and the movement of expatriates to developing countries, many replicated Western culture and acted as welfare providers, losing sight of their independence and critical position unto both market and state. Development apparatus have been institutionalized globally. A high concentration of development assistance exists in the Third World. "One finds identical development institutions, a common discourse, way of defining problems and pool of 'experts' ... " (Ferguson 1990: 8). At least theoretically, many organizations are moving toward a more participatory development, recognizing indigenous knowledge. Yet, the complexity of the relationships between donors, organizations and partners, and the rigidity of the bureaucratic procedures imposed, oftentimes exclude the voice of the locals (Marsden 2004). In Mozambique, relationships with international financial institutions emerged in 1987 with the Structural Adjustments Programs (SAP). Subsequently, it experienced a rapid economic growth while inequalities and foreign debt increased. Yet, in contrast to the birth of numerous NGOs, human rights organizations and civil society groups in other African countries during the 1990s, civil society was still non-existent there. This dissertation explores crucial issues identified in the functioning of development projects in the local context. Once identified, these can be integrated into future projects, strengthening their impact and increasing their efficiency. Some are: participation in the decision-making processes before and during project implementation, program evaluation, relationships between NGOs and the public sector, and the integration of local culture and values in adapting the programs to the regional context. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2008.

Inadequate demographic data in Lesotho inhibits demographic research. Nonetheless, indirect demographic techniques have proven to be useful tools in the developing world, as their application to census and survey data has greatly expanded knowledge of the demographic situation in data deficient countries (Brass, 1996). The different techniques are based on specific assumptions and robustness of available data, thus deserves caution in application. Failure to adhere to these methodological specifications results in generation of more errors (Feeney, 1996). The impetus of this research was to assess the applicability of the P/F ratio method in estimating recent fertility levels in Lesotho. In particular, the data was evaluated to verify the following P/F ratio assumptions; (1) constant fertility; (2) accurate reporting of fertility by younger women; and (3) correct age pattern of fertility. In order to obtain optimal fertility estimates, the research undertook extensive data assessment, and corrections where possible, of individual variables employed in the P/F ratio method. In line with previous studies, the magnitude and pattern of the P/F ratios represented strong evidence of fertility decline in Lesotho. This evidence rendered the Brass P/F ratio method inappropriate for estimation of recent fertility levels in the country. Therefore, this research presents the Relational Gompertz model faring better in indirectly estimating fertility levels in Lesotho. Not undermining the Bureau of Statistics, the current study challenges the Bureau's estimates, and declares own estimates as more likely precise estimates of recent fertility levels in Lesotho when using the P/F ratio method. This assertion is grounded on the basis that compared to the Bureau, the study undertook and presented detailed data evaluation and adjustments, as well as adhering to the P/F ratio methodological assumptions. Nonetheless, the research also concludes that indirect techniques do not necessarily provide an utopia to demographic estimation in poor data countries. Even when the robust measures were employed, the quality of the 1996 data yielded implausible estimates as the method could not account for the degree of unreported births. This calls for caution during data collection and processing in order to minimise the reporting errors. / Thesis (M.Dev.Studies)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2006.

Chapter one lays the foundation by givmg an overview of what this thesis contains. It begins by stating the rationale of the study, addresses the problem statement, and shows why the study is significant. It also covers the theoretical framework, research questions and the chapter outline. Chapter two, on methodology, gives the reader information on how the research was conducted, the organisations interviewed and why these organisations were chosen. Chapter three covers secondary literature while chapter four focuses on secondary material on the Zimbabwe perspective of civil society. The fifth chapter is on data analysis and chapter six gives the findings, recommendations and a conclusion. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2005.

This dissertation provides an empirical analysis of the correlates of long-term unemployment in South Africa using national survey data from 2001 and 2007. Within the South African context, very little research relating to the length of unemployment spells has been conducted. The negative implications of long-term unemployment necessitate a clearer understanding of the factors that affect this phenomenon. Of particular interest to this study is the impact of human capital variables, measured by education and previous work experience, on the length of unemployment spells. The results indicate that in 2001 a degree or diploma was the only level of education that reduced the probability of long-term unemployment amongst the strictly unemployed. By 2007, no level of the education had an effect on the probability of long-term unemployment. These results raise serious questions about the ability of formal South African education qualifications to act as a proxy for human capital and thus the productive capacity of individuals. In contrast, having previous work experience significantly reduced the probability of long-term unemployment amongst the strictly unemployed in both 2001 and 2007. These results suggest that relative to education, previous work experience is a more accurate and thus acceptable measure of an individual’s productive potential amongst prospective employers. Finally, given the variety of negative effects associated with long-term unemployment such as crime, poverty as well as human capital depreciation, it is important that steps are taken to reduce the phenomenon. A short discussion is provided on the implementation of a wage subsidy which could be targeted towards the unemployed most prone to long-term unemployment; this would help these individuals to secure employment and thus gain valuable work experience. It is this work experience which will play a critical role in determining the future employment prospects of individuals within the South African economy. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2009.

This study focuses on the impact of unemployment in rural areas at Kwa- Nxamalala. The study shows how the people of Kwa-Nxamalala survive since most of them are unemployed. According to the finding of the study, unemployment rural areas creates lot of problems like, crime deviant behaviour particularly among the youth. Bad relationship particularly between husband and wife. Children are also affected by the situation both from school and at home. Many people in the community are engaged on different activities in order to survive. / Thesis (M.Dev.Studies)-University of Durban-Westville, 2002.

In South Africa, the erosion of jobs in the formal economy, the increased role played by the informal economy in people's survival and the high unemployment rate are the main causes of chronic poverty. Between 40% and 50% of the South African population is considered as poor and 25% categorised as ultra-poor. As Von Holdt and Webster wrote (2005:31), "the restructuring of work has a destructive impact on society and social cohesion". This research is interested in finding what the consequences of unemployment on the construction of black men's identities are. The construction of African masculinity was shaped throughout the 20th century by the economic and social policies of the colonial and apartheid regimes. New types of masculinities emerged related to the capacity of African men to earn a salary through employment and provide for their families. This research looks at masculinities in times of economic hardship: how are African men constructing their masculine identities when work has historically been a defining variable of their manhood and that they are now deprived from employment? Do men still abide to the hegemonic norm that they are supposed to provide financially for their families or do they reject this patriarchal model and assert their masculinity differently? This research has found that unemployment and deteriorating working conditions have distressing consequences on men. Some pal1icipants expressed their need for political and economic freedom but abide to the nomlS of patriarchal masculinity and are therefore ashamed of their unemployed situation. Their obedience to this system oppresses them as they cannot provide for their families. They do not allow themselves to talk about their pain. They show self-hatred, lack of confidence, fear and uncertainty. Patriarchal masculinity marginalises them further. On the contrary, participants who have rejected the norms of capitalist patriarchy have a healthier sense of family and community. Although unemployed and unable to provide for their families, those men have refuted the hegemonic norms of masculinity and asserted their manhood positively. They are involved fathers and partners. They share responsibilities and decision-making power within their households. They are not depressed and anxious. Self-actualisation, love and ubuntu are the pillars unemployed men need to work with in order to overcome capitalist patriarchy and reconstruct masculinity. Reconstructing masculinity would not only benefit men but is also a necessity for gender equality. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2008.

A small proportion of American charitable donors give to international causes. Aid to developing countries constitutes a large part of this charitable sector. By studying donors who make contributions to causes outside the US, we may better understand the factors which shape public concern for global poverty and inequality, and which influence the will for redistribution. While a substantial amount of research has investigated the determinants of overall giving in the US, little is known about the determinants of giving to specific causes, especially international causes. With the data set, “Giving and Volunteering in the United States 2001,” this study uses econometric regression analysis to estimate the predictors of giving to international causes and compares them to the determinants of giving to other causes such as health, education and the arts. My main hypothesis is that educational and religious institutions influence people to identify with and donate to individuals and causes in the developing world. This is based on the theory in altruism studies that people behave prosocially when they identify others’ interests as indistinct from their own. The results of econometric analysis support the idea that education and religiosity are significant predictors of giving to international causes, but suggest that other mechanisms are more influential. Of the predictors included in the regression model, youth volunteering has the largest effect on the likelihood that someone gives internationally, both compared to other predictors in the model, and compared to the effect of youth volunteering on giving to other causes. The size and significance of the effect of each variable vary by cause, confirming that there are unique determinants for giving to different charitable sectors. For giving to international causes, the results suggest that being foreign born, having volunteered in one’s youth, belonging to a non-religious group, attending religious services frequently and having a four-year college degree or more are all significant factors. These variables may represent mechanisms for identification, as well as other factors that motivate charitable giving such as individual personality characteristics. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2009.

Zimbabwe is amongst the few countries in Africa with a low fertility rate. The fertility transition began in the 1980s and has continued in recent years. The total fertility rate (TFR) declined from 5.5 births in 1988 to 4.3 births in 1994 and further declined in 1999 and 2005 to 4.0 births and 3.8 births respectively. Fertility declined by 1.7 births from 1988 to 2005. This study examines and evaluates the proximate determinants responsible for fertility decline in Zimbabwe from 1988 to 2005. The study attempts to address two questions: What are the principal proximate determinants responsible for fertility reduction in Zimbabwe? What is the contribution of each of the proximate determinants to fertility decline at different periods of time in Zimbabwe? This study utilizes data from the Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Surveys (ZDHS) conducted in Zimbabwe from 1988 to 2005. The model introduced by Bongaarts (1978, 1982) and later modified by Jolly and Gribble (1993) will be utilized in this study to evaluate the impact of these proximate determinants on fertility. The results from the study confirm that fertility has declined in Zimbabwe from 1988 to 2005. The decline in fertility was influenced by proportion of women married, contraceptive use and postpartum infecundability. Since abortion is illegal in Zimbabwe, there is no reliable data available to examine its impact on fertility. As a result this determinant was not examined in this study. The results show that contraceptive use is the leading inhibitive factor of fertility from 1988 to 2005 in Zimbabwe. The findings also confirm that postpartum infecundability followed by marriage patterns is also responsible for fertility reduction during the same period. The results also showed that there are no variations in proximate determinants of fertility from 1988 to 2005. A review of the literature suggests that Zimbabwe is amongst the few countries in the subSaharan Africa with a high contraceptive rate. The family planning programmes introduced by the government before and after independence which were well organized and administered influenced fertility levels observed in Zimbabwe. It is hoped that this study will assist policy makers in developing countries especially Africa to reduce fertility rates. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2008.