No abstract available. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1993.

This thesis explores the material and non-material impacts of private game farming for a group of farm dwellers in KwaZulu-Natal. The thesis is located within the context of an increasing trend whereby farm dwellers are being relocated in order to provide farm owners with the economic opportunity that commercial game farming entails. The thesis emphasises the marginalised position of the farm dwellers and points to the fact that the farm dwellers themselves often have little control and knowledge regarding their legal rights. It further emphasises the lack of protection that this group receives from the authorities. Even though legislation has been implemented to address tenure insecurity, in reality this legislation has made little difference to the lives of farm dwellers. The thesis concludes that as a direct consequence of the relocation the farm dwellers were affected materially, but perhaps more important were their ‘invisible’ non-material losses. Their non-material losses include loss of self-esteem, increased social marginalisation and the cutting of their ties to their ancestral land. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2011.

The focus of this study is on the occurrence of mass violence in Durban's settlements in the 1980s. Mass violence is defined as the violent reaction of crowds against targets, which may be people and/or objects - for example the stoning of buses or administration buildings, schools, etc. The theoretical framework for the study derives from recent realist philosophy emerging from prominent British social theorists. The method of analysis is based on a framework developed for the analysis of the UK inner city 'riots' of the 1980s. The theory emphasizes the nature of the relationship between the contending groups with particular attention paid to the presence of contingent factors. The analytical method was broadened so as to incorporate rebellion rather than simply 'rioting', as it was developed for in the UK context. Data was gathered in the first instance through an analysis of news reports of 'unrest' for the period 1980-85. Due to restrictions on the press from 1985, the Indicator SA unrest chronologies were used extensively for the period 1985-87. This extensive analysis provides an overview of mass violence, organizational developments, and government response for the period under consideration. Case studies were selected for the more intensive analysis presented in Chapter 4. These are based on published and unpublished reports of 'unrest', interviews, and group discussions. The extensive/intensive dualism of method assisted in giving both an overview of mass violence for the area, and an insight into the particular form it took in specific areas. Finally, the case studies were placed in their regional context, and further reasons sought for the particular nature of 'unrest' in Durban and Natal during the period. The conclusion assesses the explanatory power of the theory and methodology employed in relation to the South African situation. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1989.

In the past, protected natural areas have excluded local communities from the land and denied them access to valuable natural resources. However, it is becoming accepted practice to ensure that neighbouring communities benefit from the conservation of these areas. In accordance with their neighbour relations programme, the Natal Parks Board initiated a study to establish the need for indigenous wood in the region of the Thukela Biosphere Reserve (TBR), particularly for the woodcarving industry, and to determine sustainable methods and levels of harvesting. Part of this study was to determine the socio-economic issues surrounding the woodcarving industry and other users of indigenous trees, and these are addressed in this thesis. A multidisciplinary approach was adopted to address as many aspects of natural resource use as possible. The principle of sustainable development was employed to explore the nature of the often complex relationships between local communities and protected areas, and local communities and natural resource use. This principle calls for the integration of social, economic and ecological issues, with special attention to the notions of futurity, equity and the environment. The biosphere reserve is considered to be an appropriate vehicle for achieving sustainable development and the sustainable utilisation of resources, both internationally and in the South African context. However, in practice there are many obstacles to overcome as was observed in the case of the TBR, where security of land tenure and the associated control of and access to natural resources are a source of major conflict in the area. In view of this conflict, a flexible and sensitive methodology that promoted rapport-building was selected, namely Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA). Mainly verbal RRA techniques were used to gather information on the use of and demand for indigenous trees by the local communities residing within and surrounding the TBR. This information included species names, species uses, estimations of quantities harvested, perceptions of the resource base, conservation practices and harvesting techniques, economic relations, constraints, and relationships between the resource manager and the resource user. Indigenous trees were found to be an important resource for fuel, construction, medicine, carving, and to a limited degree, food, to local people living within and surrounding the TBR. The predominant uses of wood were for fuel and construction materials. Access to these resources varied, depending on the area or farm where people resided. People living in degraded areas outside of the TBR experienced great difficulty in harvesting wood for fuel or building, and either harvested it illegally off privately-owned land or purchased it at great cost. Generally, it was found that on farms where there were very few families present, residents were allowed greater access to wood compared to those living on farms where many families resided. There were also specialist users living in the area, namely traditional healers and woodcarvers. Limited information was collected on the medicinal use of trees. However, the preliminary data suggests that there is a great need for this resource. It was found that there are very few woodcarvers present in the study area. As the carving industry was the original focus of the study, detailed information was collected from these men. It was found that carved products are largely produced for local markets and included traditional weapons and traditional household implements such as meat trays and spoons. Carvers were finding it increasingly difficult to access wood, and the income they derived from this trade was supplementary. Although it is not perceived possible that the indigenous wood requirements of all local people in the area can be met by the resources within the TBR on an ongoing basis, management of bush encroachment may increase the supply of firewood and construction materials, especially to those farm residents who were experiencing difficulty in this regard at the time of the study. Through partnerships with more specialist users of indigenous trees such as woodcarvers and traditional healers, access to these resources too may be improved. Although more detailed and participative research is needed before substantiated management plans can be formulated, it is hoped that through this study a foundation will be laid to direct future research efforts, dispel misunderstandings, and be part of the effort required to ensure sustainable development of natural resources. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, 1996.

This thesis provides an overview of the history of urbanisation in South Africa) showing how the resultant fragmented) sprawling spatial form serves to degrade the environment as well as aggravate the plight of the poor. It is argued that science has played a significant role in affecting the way in which planning interacts with the environment. Science has allowed for the domination over) and the manipulation of the natural environment. The popularity of positivism has served to entrench a dualism between the natural world and people - resulting in both entities being planned for separately. This control over the ' natural environment is most apparent in cities. In an attempt to alleviate the marginalisation and domination of the natural environment) a number of radical approaches towards the environment have gained popularity internationally) including ecofeminism and ecosocialism. It is argued however) that these radical approaches are inappropriate within a South African context) as they serve to politicise the environment) and are in fact inherently reductionistic and dualistic. This thesis suggests that sustainable development is an appropriate paradigm to bridge this duality) as it addresses the long term needs of people and the natural environment. A sustainable development approach for cities takes its lead from Local Agenda 21) which encourages cities throughout the world to develop strategies to ensure an improved quality of life for all their inhabitants) without depleting the natural resource base upon which city functioning depends. South Africa is currently undergoing a period of dramatic political and social change. Associated with this transition) new ways of reconstructing cities to increase the quality of life of all South Africans) especially the poor and marginalised are envisaged. This would necessarily include increasing the efficiency of the present urban form. The redevelopment of Cato Manor is used as a case study) illustrating its potential to contribute towards a model for sustainable urban development. This is done through a critique of the planning process as it is unfolding presently. The period of transition provides scope for the introduction of a sustainable development model within planning for low income communities in the Cato Manor project. However) the development has been plagued with 1I1 a number of challenges including institutional, legal, financial, environmental, capacity and public awareness. These challenges have thus far hindered the successful introduction of a sustainable development model, as the development does not appear to meet a primary objective of sustainable development - alleviating poverty and increasing the quality of life of all people, without imposing unsustainable demands on the natural environment. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, 1995.

This research project explores the relevance of the available urban political geographic literature to understanding mobilization that occurred in opposition to rent increases,and the proposed alteration of a national political boundary in the urban black township of Lamontville. A theoretical extension to the available literature was proposed. The choice of methods of investigation, was informed by the need for geography to be more relevant to the present political climate evident on the urban terrain, as well as the theoretical necessity to interact with individual intellectuals of the organization. As such direct and indirect methods of investigation and data gathering were utilized. These included Participant Observation, In-depth Focus Interviews and a Content Analysis of the media. In the course of investigation it proved enlightening to move beyond the conventional subject/object dichotomy to engage in the moment of reflexive activity (Willis, 1976). The research clarified that the theoretical and methodological innovations suggested were necessary; if the process embodied by the organization was to be understood; if geography was to be capable of contributing to such an understanding; and if this understanding was to be relevant and informative to the investigated organization. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1986.

This research aims to map and represent whiteness for the purposes of proposing how whiteness might be included in a critical geographical agenda. An extensive literature review is represented alongside a limited amount of personal reflection and examples from public discourse. This research tells the story of the diverse ways in which the set of social ordering processes here called whiteness, works within systems of social relations and spatial configurations to shape our experiences of and practices in space and place. These are important considerations if whiteness is to be effectively challenged in both geography as a discipline and in social and spatial relations in post-apartheid South Africa. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2003.

Water temperature is a critical factor affecting the abundance and richness of freshwater stream aquatic macroinvertebrate communities. Variable seasonal river temperature patterns are a critical factor in maintaining temporal segregation in aquatic invertebrate communities, allowing for resource partitioning and preventing competitive exclusions, while spatial differences in water temperatures permit zonation of species. This research investigated whether the degree of predictability in a stream’s water temperature profile may provide some indication of the degree of structure and functional predictability of macroinvertebrate communities. Quarterly aquatic macroinvertebrate sampling over a single year along the longitudinal axes of two river systems, Keurbooms River in the southern Cape, and the Kowie River in the Eastern Cape, were undertaken as the core component of this research. The two river systems shared similar ecoregions and profile zones, however were expected to differ in their thermal variability, based on the hydrological index and flow regimes for their respective quaternary catchments. Hourly water temperature data were collected at each sampling site from data loggers installed at five paired sites on each stream system. The aquatic biotopes sampled were in close proximity to the loggers. Multivariate analysis techniques were performed on the macroinvertebrate and water temperature data. Macroinvertebrate taxon richness was greater on the perennial Keurbooms than the non-perennial Kowie River where, on a seasonal basis, taxon richness increased from winter to autumn on both systems. Macroinvertebrate species turnover throughout the seasons was higher for sites having lower water temperature predictability values than sites with higher predictability values. This trend was more apparent on the Keurbooms with a less variable flow regime. Temporal species turnover differed between sites and streams, where reduced seasonal flows transformed the more dominant aquatic biotopes from stones-in-current into standing pools. Findings included aquatic macroinvertebrates responding typically in a predictable manner to changing conditions in their environment, where water temperature and flow varied. The findings of this research demonstrate that macroinvertebrate taxa do respond in a predictable manner to changes in their environment. This was particularly evident in relation to variability in water temperature and flow. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2011.

Unpaved forestry roads can significantly affect surface runoff and sediment production, with consequential impacts for stream water quality. The potential impact of road runoff on stream water quality is mitigated by the redistribution of runoff into the forest compartments through road drains. The objective of this study was to assess runoff and the associated nutrient loads from unpaved forest access roads, and to evaluate the effectiveness of road runoff redistribution onto the forest compartments. Unpaved road segments in Mondi Forest Plantation in Seele Estate, New Hanover, South Africa were instrumented for runoff measurement in response to natural rainfall. Two road segment classes were investigated for water quality from unbounded runoff plots: steep sloped road segments of road gradients of 9.5° and 7.5°, and gentle sloped road segments of road gradients of 1.6° and 2.0°. Water quality was also assessed by monitoring road runoff, and stream water quality was analysed for water quality parameters including; pH, Nitrates, Nitrites, Phosphates, Total dissolved Oxygen, Oxygen consumption, Ammonium and temperature upstream and downstream of the Estate. The effectiveness of road runoff redistribution into the forest compartments was evaluated through relating water distribution to tree breast height diameter. Two sets of road drains corresponding to the plots of different road gradients were selected as for runoff, and sampled, and corresponding plots or allotments were established to determine tree breast height diameter measurements. The results of the study revealed that, as might have been expected, runoff production increases with the increasing road gradient. The quality of road runoff water was lower than the stream water. There were no significant differences observed in nutrient levels upstream and downstream of the road stream crossings. The nutrient concentrations however, were higher upstream of the estate than downstream. Significant differences in tree breast height diameter were noted between plots of different road gradients. This suggested that the gradient determines the infiltration of redistributed runoff and hence the availability of the water that can be used by the trees within a compartment. The results of the study suggest that unpaved roads are important in the generation of nutrient loads. Much of the nutrient value is redistributed within the compartment itself rather than being transferred to the stream. This suggests that, provided that road runoff can be contained within the compartments, the potentially negative impact of road runoff can be mitigated and may enhance tree growth. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2011.

Fire is a major disturbance force that affects global ecosystems and associated biomes and plays a pivotal role in the determination of ecosystem structure, functionality and dynamics. Anthropogenic environmental disturbances have resulted in shifts in fire regimes and the biogeochemical processes of these ecosystems are thus unable to function as they have done in the past, impacting both floral and faunal species. Therefore there is a need for anthropogenic management. Prescribed burning is one of the few beneficial fire management options available to decrease the severity of wildfires, decrease the associated costs in suppressing these fires and restore fire-dominated ecosystems. The uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site (UDP-WHS) is predominantly managed for water resource and nature conservation, and fire hazard reduction. It is divided into management compartments in which prescribed management burns are conducted, (i.e. manager’s burn by compartment). These compartments are subdivided by three altitudinal belts (alpine, sub-alpine and montane). Each of these belts contains different vegetation communities and therefore requires different fire regimes. However these compartments do not coincide with the natural contours and consequently, the altitudinal belts of the Park. This is problematic for management as a certain percentage per altitudinal belt is required to be burnt annually. When burning a compartment that falls within two or more belts, the total area of that compartment needs to be sub-divided into its respective altitudinal belts as a whole compartment can be prescribed to burn not a sub-division thereof. A fire management environmental decision support system (EDSS) was developed to achieve prescribed burning objectives in the UDP-WHS. The system is based on ecologically ideal fire regimes and fire management objectives of the heritage site, using GIS and associated graphs to visually display the required fire regimes. The EDSS data preparation, statistical analysis and modelling was completed using ESRI ArcGIS suite (ArcMap, Scene and Catalog). Its main components are two models, an excel spreadsheet and an ArcMap document. The spreadsheet contains the historical burning data of the management compartments based on the compartment codes, with each compartment being not burnt or having a burning treatment. Years Since Last Burnt (YSLB) was calculated from these data and joined to the management compartments in the ArcMap document. The Intermediate output model was developed to create numerous temporary outputs allowing decision makers to decide which compartments to treat with prescribed burning by re-running the model with required alterations. The second model (Final Output model) is then run to export the selected burning treatment in table format to update the original historical data, and consequently YSLB, in the excel and ArcMap document. The ArcMap document contains the user interface housing the graphs for each altitudinal belt showing the percentage area selected to be burnt per YSLB compared to the minimal, maximum and ideal fire regimes. The fire management EDSS for the UDP-WHS consists of an ArcMap document, geodatabase, excel document and folders, which are all housed in one single folder. The use of GIS and EDSSs in environmental management improves the efficiency and accuracy of the decision making process and provides the ability to validate outputs. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2011.