This research aims at evaluating the level at which GIS is currently performing as a Decision Support Tool in Land Use Management Systems in KwaZulu Natal. Research was conducted amongst all ofthe district municipalities (in survey format, with a seventy percent response rate), as well as amongst representatives of three local municipalities, and representatives of the only Metropolitan municipality (all in the form of in-depth inten1iews). The results of the research were certainly revealing, and at points, significantly concerning. This research illustrates that despite the fact that the municipal LUMS should be in place, in most instances, the local municipalities have not completed their LUMS, and many districts have not finalised their specific components of the LUMS (namely the Land Use Framework, or LUF). Reasons for the difficulties experienced in developing the municipal LUMS were mainly capacity related, although there were a few additional impediments worth noting. Due to this, it was difficult to successfully evaluate the role that GIS is playing in LUMS as a Decision Support Tool. Despite this difficulty, it was still possible to evaluate the current use of GIS in the development of LUMS, as well as its perceived use in the future. Furthermore, the general perceptions regarding GIS as a Decision Support Tool were open for examination, along with how it will be used as such in LUMS This research confirms that GIS has been used to some extent in the development of the municipal LUMS, and that it will be used extensively in the future, particularly in Decision Support. This research concludes by offering various solutions or recommendations to the problems being experienced by the municipalities. These solutions originate both from points mentioned in the literature review, as well as from the responses to the questionnaires and interviews; and could assist in resolving the noteworthy problems revealed during the research. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2006.

No abstract available. / Thesis (M.T.R.P.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2006.

Not available. / Thesis (M.T.R.P.)-University of Natal, 2000.

Abstract not available. / Thesis (M.T.R.P.)-University of Natal, 2000.

This study is an investigation of the constraints and opportunities in the implementation of the Slums Clearance Programme in the Ethekwini Metropolitan Area (EMA). It embraces a case study method and, as such, uses Quarry Road West Informal Settlement, Welbadagt West and Urnzomuhle Parkgate Relocation Areas. Furthermore, the study has an endeavour to uncover the factors that influence the formation and increase of informal settlements within the city. To realise this fundamental objective, questionnaire surveys (including socioeconomic information) of the beneficiaries and interviews with the Metro Council Officials and others were employed in areas used as case studies to gather as much data as possible regarding the constraints and opportunities of this programme. It has become explicitly clear, moreover, that the majority of people living in the three case studies came from areas outside Durban for employment opportunities. Due to the fact that they were unemployed at the time of this research project and were still looking for jobs, they stated that they had no option but to live in the informal settlements closer to the city to minimise travelling costs. Apparently, some of these informal settlements are located closer to high-risk areas such as flood lines, dumping sites and so on, as a consequence of this, the National Department of Housing in conjunction with the Ethekwini Municipality (Metro Housing Department), are in the process of implementing the Slums Clearance Programme in order, according these bodies to respond to such situation. The Slums Clearance Programme, which basically involves upgrading and relocating the affected informal settlements, is analysed in the light of the past and contemporary experiences within the context of developing countries to broaden the horizons of this project. A relevant theoretical framework and literature review is presented as a support for the study and to put it in a relevant perspective. The results based on the hypothesis indicate that although the Slums Clearance Programme is in deed, at face value, an appropriate response to dealing with the affected informal settlements, it fails to meet the basic needs of the beneficiaries. Such basic needs include, among other things, access to employment opportunities, access to public facilities such as health care, education and others. One of the recommendations highlighted in this study is that holistic development approach should be emphasised to avoid the marginalisation of the project beneficiaries. In conclusion, some of the major challenges when implementing the programme have been mentioned, which include among other things, beneficiaries high unemployment rate, excessive distances between areas of economic opportunities and places of residence and lack of holistic development approach in the implementation of the programme. / Thesis (M.T.R.P.)-University of Natal, 2003.

Planning has evolved from being viewed as a discipline that can be quite technical toone of humanistic and social reproach. Collaborative planning within this same reference claims to be all-inclusive with collaborative planning theorists believing that community forms of planning offer a progressive way forward since they incorporate public participation in the planning issues they face. Public participation is defined by the World Bank as an active process by which beneficiary groups influence the direction and execution of a development project, with a view to enhance their well-being in terms of income, personal growth, self reliance and other values they cherish. Duncan Village is one of the largest and most dense shack settlements' in the Eastern Cape. An Urban Renewal Programme that later became known as the Duncan Village Redevelopment Initiative (DVRI), was designated for the area with the aim of upgrading and were necessary redeveloping section of the township that were hazardous to human settlement. The Flood Line Pilot Project is a sub-section to the overall DVRI with the aim of moving resident living along the Umzonyana River banks within the 1:100 year flood line and experiencing major flood and fire disasters and relocating them while at the same time redeveloping the area as open, green and environmentally friendly space. Public participation models and approaches are being assessed within the flood line pilot to illustrate whether within the planning phase, were one would initially argue for public participation, residents became participants and owners ofthe projects or merely passive receivers of information concerning their areas. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2007.

No abstract available. / Thesis (M.T.R.P.)-University of Natal, 2000.

No abstract available. / Thesis (M.T.R.P.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2006.

No abstract available. / Thesis (M.T.R.P.)-University of Natal, 2002.

Abstract not available. / Thesis (M.T.R.P.)-University of Natal, 2000.