This thesis examines the problem of skills shortages in the workplace by reviewing macro-policies, such as the Skills Development and Employment Equity Acts. It also looks at the impact of economic strategies in South Africa that seek to redress past injustices whilst stimulating growth. This study endeavours to provide a greater understanding of the development of skills in the South African workplace in general. It also attempts to determine whether or not skills acquired by employed workers help to sustain them when they become unemployed. Furthermore, it assesses the impact of changes in the workplace chosen for this study, whether it experienced segmentation and casualisation of the workforce and the manner in which it is affected by technological change. In conducting this study, a triangular approach has been adopted in order to collect more data on skill shortages; it adopted the qualitative and quantitative methods. In-depth interviews and semi-structured questionnaires were utilised to collect data from Durban Botanic Gardens’ Parks Department employees. The study found that previously disadvantaged workers face almost the same working conditions as during the days of apartheid. It also shows that progressive skills policies adopted by Government have not been appropriately implemented by various management structures. This study will assist the government, researchers and scholars in general in gaining a clearer understanding about skills development in South Africa. It also recommends that there is a need for the government to come up with mechanisms to ensure that all policies that are adopted are implemented effectively and monitored at all levels. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2008.

This thesis is an examination into the problem of land disputes between villages in the highland (kebessa) area of Eritrea. Through a case study of the dispute between the villages of Guaquat and Goddele, which are located in the district of Mereta Keih, Southern Zone, this study explores the causes, nature and consequences of land disputes and the mechanisms by which they are settled. It interprets the land dispute by placing it within its historical, social, and political contexts and in the land tenure systems in the area, establishing the complex nature of the case study in particular and land disputes in the highland in general. In this area of the country, where the society is made up of settled peasant cultivators, the village is the basic land owning-community in which land is communally owned. For almost all of rural Eritreans land remains the sole means of subsistence, hence the means of life. Yet, over the decades, because of high population density land resource became extremely scarce. As a result land became a source of competition and struggle for existence. It is a kind of property that must be jealously defended. While scarcity of land is the underlying cause of land disputes, other immediate causal factors have been identified, which result from tenural arrangements, unclear boundaries between villages, trespassing, etc. The disputes manifest themselves through endless litigation processes and with clashes between disputant villages. The long-established permanent village settlements, which go back for centuries, created a strong and inextricable link between land and communities. Land is, thus, a source of dignity and identity. Over the years this strong link between land and society intensified people's attachment to land, which in tum resulted in the development of significant social and cultural value to land. All these factors added fuel to the struggle for the vital resource of land. The study also shows that the new land proclamation, which puts land in the hands of the state , cannot eliminate land disputes between communities to the extent is expected, but, rather adds another dimension to the problem of land disputes. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2004.

For decades UNHCR and refugee hosting governments have been looking for strategies to deal with the problem of mass exodus. Depending on the nature of the problem, various approaches have been exercised to address the problem of the displaced people. Recently, there has been a remarkable alteration of approaches in the way the international political community and refugee-hosting governments deal with forced migrants. Returning refugees to their "homes" has been the most favoured approach. Though voluntary repatriation as an "ideal" solution to the refugee problem has been exercised since the 1970s, it is with the end of the post-cold war era, circa 1991, that it came to be seen as the most desirable and preferred approach towards ending the plight of exilees (Winter, 1994: 159; Rogers, 1992:1112; Toft, n.d:3). For a number of reasons, the 1990s have added more colour towards adopting this approach as the most preferred "durable solution." To give more colour to voluntary repatriation as the best alternative strategy to refugee problems, the United Nations Commissioner for Refugees, Sadako Ogata, has gone so far as to declare the 1992 to be "the first year in a decade of repatriation." Since then, repatriation as a desirable approach and a viable solution to the world refugee problem has gained much prominence in the UN arena, refugee hosting countries and refugee generating countries (Allen, 1996; Chimni, 1999; Barnet, 2001)' This study discusses the issue of organised voluntary repatriation in a newly-born tiny African county, Eritrea. In brief, it examines the overall process of socio-economic rehabilitation, repatriation and re-integration of refugee returnees in selected returnee resettlement sites located in the Western lowlands of Eritrea. The study is descriptive-cumanalytic in its nature and has employed a triangulation approach in its data collection (namely, open- and semi-structured interview, focus group discussion and archival documents). The aim of the analysis is to understand refugee repatriation processes by exploring how participative the returnees were in the decision-making process of reintegration that enormously impacts in their lives back at 'home.' Post-repatriation social relationships between repatriates and 'stayees/locals' as well as returnees' economic conditions are also scrupulously examined. By so doing, the study attempts to address the 'research gap' in refugee studies by shedding light regarding the complicated nature of refugee repatriation endeavour as a 'durable solution.' In investigating the socio-economic condition of Eritrean refugee returnees, the study looks at the dynamics of power-relations and variations in interests among various stakeholders (particularly between the returnees, the government of the refugees' origin and UNHCR) within the repatriation process. It asserts how home- and hosting governments as well as UNHCR operate as "technologies of power," that dictate the behaviour of their "clients." Eventually, the thesis calls for 'working with' rather than 'working for' or 'working to' the end-beneficiaries of the repatriation project that have great deal of impact in the livelihood of refugee returnees as end-beneficiaries of repatriation programs. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2004.

This research explores how formal employment outside the household affects the gendered identity of married women. A comparison of ten married white women who are not gainfully employed and ten married white women who are gainfully employed has been used to determine whether or not formal employment has an impact on gender identity. Tajfel's social identity construction theory argues that member of devalued social groups will strive to construct positive self-concepts by either reinterpreting the prevailing beliefs surrounding social categories or by challenging these beliefs. I focus on the division of women and men into the private and public spheres according to 'innate' abilities. Patriarchal ideology has devalued the social category 'women' and the domestic sphere. This research aimed to determine whether or not these gainfully employed married women were challenging patriarchal ideology and therefore renegotiating their gendered identities. This study focuses on three aspects: the role of work in the formation of a positive self concept; the experience of motherhood; and the double-shift. It was found that gainful employment although not altering a woman's gendered identity did result in a more positive self-concept because of public recognition and financial rewards. However, the experience of motherhood for employed married women remains integral to their gendered identity as women and they experience guilt and anxiety because they do not remain at home. Lastly, the household chores remain primarily a woman's responsibility, even when she is employed outside the household, resulting in a double-shift. The interviews for this study demonstrate that married women who are employed ful-time outside the household do not challenge the patriarchal ideology which shapes their gendered identity. / Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1999.

Infant mortality rates are used as indicators of a group or population's well being. A high rate indicates poor access to social services such as health care provision, and other socioeconomic factors. Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest infant mortality rates in tne world. Compared to the region as a whole, South Africa's rates are lower. However, a sudden increase in rates was noted from early 1990s (Department of Health, Medical Research Council, Macro International, 1998). Since household is the first environment that infants are exposed to, it is thus the environment that strongly influences development and survival chances of this group. The study aims at taking a closer look at several aspects of the structure of the household and how they impact on infant mortality. The study is based on data from the South African Demographic and Health Survey (SADHS) administered by the Department of Health in 1998. Aspects of household structure that are viewed as affecting infant mortality are: sex of the household head, his/her age, number of household members, and number of children under 5 years old in a household. Estimating infant mortality rate and its probability by using ordinary life tables and multiple logistic regression modeling respectively, the study found that sex of the household head does no have an impact as a determinant of infant mortality in South Africa. However, other aspects of the household structure (number of household members and number of younger children under 5 years of age) were found to determine the survival of infants. Larger households are better off in securing infant survival than smaller households. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2002.

No abstract available. / Thesis (M.Soc.Sci.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1999.

The intervention of Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is rapidly gaining ground as an essential component in the health care system in an effort to combat and confront the spread of this disease. In South Africa where this intervention is gradually being introduced the application of VCT and the benefits and consequences likely to ensue from the application of the procedure were evaluated in-depth using a grounded theory and quantitative approach to describe the psychosocial dynamics. The interactive transfer of information embodied in VCT forms an integral part of the intervention and will continue to do so even when antiretroviral dnugs are uniformly available throughout the South African healthcare service. The way in which the women who will undergo this procedure internalise and respond to the information imparted to them during the counselling is highly significant from an educational and empowering perspective, regardless of the outcome of the test result. The aim of the counselling is primarily to promote a rising consciousness amongst patients and subsequently within their communities in an endeavour to move away from what is termed 'exceptionalism' and towards 'normalisation' of the treatment of HIV/AIDS. Communicating the facts about HIV will help to dispel the myths and stigma which still surround the disease. A convenience sample of one hundred and twelve women were interviewed whilst attending antenatal clinics at four different sites in KwaZulu-Natal. In addition a small cross-sectional sample of service providers and key informants in communities situated near to the chosen sites were interviewed to explore the perceptions of VCT and HIV in the current health service and community environment. The findings revealed that there is to date no mandatory policy which offers VCT routinely at any of the health centres primarily due to the cost of testing, lack of posts for trained counsellors and timeous laboratory facilities. Confusion amongst health personnel regarding current policies of treatment regimens for HIV/AIDS patients, as well as differing opinions about feeding options for infants, can undermine counsellors' confidence to handle complex issues competently from an informed position. Recommendations are that trained counsellor posts with opportunities for updating of current policies, easily accessible laboratory facilities and suitable space for confidential counselling (both oral and visual) be implemented as a priority in the health service. A more comprehensive service should be universally implemented, not just in antenatal and communicable disease clinics for ethical reasons of equity between all members of society. In the same vein the networking and cumulative energy of NGOs, religious groups and health professionals must be harnessed to work synergistically to provide sustainable solutions for those living with HIV and those at risk of becoming infected. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2001.

Infant mortality is generally regarded as an indicator of the standard of health and it is probably one of the best measures of the general socio-economic conditions in a society. There are indications world wide (including South Africa), of slowing down in the decrease of infant mortality rate, and a continued existence of wide variation in infant mortality levels. Conversely, it has also been noted that some relatively poor countries have managed to achieve low levels of infant mortality as often experienced by wealthier nations. The case for more attention to be paid to understanding the changing dynamics of infant mortality is compelling. Using the Demographic and Health Survey, which was conducted in Transkei in 1987, this study has looked into levels and patterns of infant mortality in Transkei and factors influencing them. The accuracy of the data was determined by using the Myers' Blended Index and Life Table Model. Response errors usually arise in developing countries from omission of vital events and misstatement of dates and age. A direct method of estimation was used to determine the level of infant mortality, in Transkei, during the period 1984-1986. Socio-economic and medical factors influencing infant mortality levels were identified using univariate analysis and multiple logistic function. The results of this study indicate that these factors significantly influence infant mortality in Transkei. In particular, income, womens' employment, duration of breastfeeding, age of the mother when giving birth, spacing of births and vaccination are important factors influencing infant mortality in the region. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1992.

South Africa does not currently have a strong bicycle culture, as most cycling is of a recreational nature. At the same time, inadequate and expensive transport, particularly for many rural individuals and groups, is one of the significant features of poverty in South Africa's rural areas. Many people do not have easy access to vital social and economic activities and opportunities. Because of transport limitations, attempts to promote bicycle transport, by establishing micro bicycle retail outlets in identified rural communities have been in place since the year 2000 in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). Cycling is viewed as a relatively cheap and efficient means of transport, which has the potential to reduce the transport burden of groups and individuals designated under the term the 'rural poor'. This study is an exploratory qualitative investigation. Its main aim was to uncover and understand (through observation and interviews), the perceptions of identified rural groups and individuals about the potential of bicycle transport in improving rural travel of up to 20 kilometres. The study sought to identify factors influencing bicycle ownership and use, and whether or not this has become the prerogative of both male and female members of rural communities. The key issues which emerged from the collected data, point to the following: that household economic status; cultural prohibitions; self interests of key stake holders; lack of credit facilities and or subsidies, are the main obstacles for many rural inhabitants with interest in undertaking investment in bicycle transport resources. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2003.

No abstract available. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of Durban-Westville, 1983.