This study, Women's participation in housing delivery in South Africa: the extent of empowerment in post 1994 era, with specific reference to case studies in KwciZulu-Natal, begins with the premise that post-apartheid housing policies, compared to those of the apartheid era, have provided women with greater access to housing. In 1994 the housing backlog was estimated to be about 3.5 million units, with the majority of those in need of shelter being African women. This backlog was due to past policies that largely excluded women from ownership and access to capital or resources to build formal housing. The changes wrought by the democratic dispensation, such as constitutional provision for gender equality, promised women greater participation in the social , political and economic spheres of the country. The recognition of gender equality and housing as rights protected within the constitution was reinforced by pronouncements in various policy documents, such as the housing White Paper that underlined the need for women's involvement in shelter development. The aims of this study are to examine women's participation in housing delivery and to assess the extent of empowerment arising from their involvement in post-1994 housing development. The emphasis in this study on empowerment arises from the fact that housing development.is set within a participatory and empowerment paradigm in the current housing policy. The study discusses participation in "shelter" as embodied in notions of self-help and as appl ied by implementing agencies such as the World Bank, local government municipals and non-governmental organisations. The analysis indicates that to understand women's role in the housing process, there is a need to move beyond the project approach used by implementing agencies, to a multi-relational approach that focuses on the relationships, processes, and levels of involvement at the implementation and post-implementation stages. The scope of empirical material is confined to KwaZuluNatal , although South African national past and present policy is analysed in the earl y chapters. The question this study raises is whether women will be able to make substantial improvements to the core structure provided through the subsidy, due to their weak economic position. Through a gender analysis of the participation process, the study sheds light on women's roles and examines the extent to which women, in particular, have been empowered. Both qualitative and quantitative research instruments were employed to gather data on women's involvement in housing development in the KwaZulu-Natal region chosen for the case studies. The specific areas studied were Nthutukoville, Glenwood II and Thembalihle in Pietermaritzburg and Luganda and Ezilweleni in Durban. The findings of this study show that women were involved at various levels in the housing delivery process and at varying degrees. The findings of this study yielded different levels of participation which were taken to be indicators of the level of empowerment. These were for instance, decision-making, implementation, post-implementation activities and small business development. In all the areas studied, all the top leadership positions were held by men; in the lower levels the gender representation was equal. In two areas, women played a central role in decision-making and this appears to have been influenced by the high level of consultation with the community. In three areas, women played a marginal role in decision-making, an issue that appears to have been influenced by their roles in the household as well as the influence of the local authorities in the projects. In all the areas except one, women held their stereotypical position of secretary. Where they held the position of treasurer, it was based on the stereotypical notion that they were more trustworthy in money matters than men. The representation of women in decision-making did not challenge the gender ideology that entrenches their subordination, an area that has to be addressed in housing projects if women are to take control of their lives. Few women compared to men were trained in construction. The reasons for this point to both a strong male bias as well as societal attitudes about gender roles in society. Both men and women learnt skills such as plumbing, plastering, and painting, on the job through their involvement in providing labour. The role of women in housing delivery extended to the post-implementation level where they were involved in urban greening and microenterprises. Women were also involved in the production and distribution of bricks in three communities but they did not benefit from selling to the subsidy beneficiaries, a situation that calls for government support of their activities through the awarding of supply contracts. The elements of these indicators point to the level of women's empowerment as shown in the areas studied. These indicators combined to form what this study refers to as the multi-relational linkages approach to women's participation in shelter delivery. Although various factors are shown to constrain women's involvement at the different levels, the model highlights the role of women and the sustainability of their empowerment as well as the gaps, and points to ways in which these can be addressed. This study therefore recommends the adoption of the multi-relational linkages approach in understanding women's empowerment in shelter delivery and future policy framing . The conclusion argues that women's participation in shelter development cannot be understood by examining their role in one aspect of delivery; the role of women in various aspects is what constitutes their empowerment. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2002.

"A significant number of households in need of housing in South Africa can afford to access housing credit, provided that this is available. Such credit is currently not readily accessible by most of such home seekers. Unlocking housing credit is therefore seen as a fundamental requirement in order to facilitate the ongoing improvement of the housing circumstances of such households" (Housing White Paper, 1994). Restricted access and unavailability of housing end-user finance is one of the critical challenges which faces the government in general, and the Department of Housing in particular. Access to end-user finance is limited due to many reasons which the study will identify. This study primarily looks at the access and availability of housing end-user finance to the low income earners. Basically it attempts to explore the impact of Non-Traditional Lenders in the provision of end-user finance to the poor. Non-traditional lenders refer to any lender who is not a traditional retail finance lender/company. The study looks at the National Housing Finance Corporation (NHFC) and the National Urban Reconstruction and Housing Agency's (NURCHA) attempts to mobilise housing credit. It closely pays special attention to the strategies used to mobilise the much-needed credit, their impact and the problems they encounter. This is done with the sole purpose of establishing whether or not it is possible to extend their scope to cater for the low income housing market. To realise this purpose, the study follows the path undertaken by these two institutions in terms of impacting to the poor. Agishana Credit Company's activities were investigated in order to determine Nurcha's impact, and Ithala Development Finance Corporation for the NHFC. Further, a path will be established to determine the impact of these retail lenders on the poor. Thus, Pioneer Park housing project is surveyed to determine Ithala's lending activities as well as Thembalihle (Glenwood 2) housing project for Agishana. It is paramount to indicate that both the NHFC and Nurcha do not lend to a man on the street, but deal with retail lenders. In essence, the NHFC attempts to open the floodgates of housing credit by funding intermediary lenders that on-lend to individual beneficiaries, while on the other hand, Nurcha guarantees activities by these intermediary lenders. This study is divided into five chapters. Chapter one broadly gives an overview of problems regarding access and availability of housing end-user finance and also outlines the research methodology employed. Chapter two identifies and discusses the different housing delivery systems, as well as gives a vivid picture on the functioning of non-traditional lenders. It provides both international and national experiences that proves that it is feasible to provide housing loans to the poor. Chapter three aims at offering historical background of the four institutions. It identifies their missions, sources of funds, nature of clientele, key activities and the strategies they employ with regards to defaults. Chapter four provides the finding and analysis of the surveys conducted. Firstly, a brief background of the case study areas is outlined. Then findings of the study reveal that it is safe to lend to low income households. This proves that there is a potential to successfully lend to this market without running at a loss. Chapter five is a summary of the research findings, conclusions and recommendations. The findings of the study point out that there is a place for provision of housing credit to the poor. To that end, the study recommends that, what is needed to significantly provide housing loans to this market is the amalgamation of the NHFC and Nurcha's activities; establishment of more lending institutions; encouragement of savings for housing purposes; as well as commitment to innovatively devise and introduce new lending products to cater for this market, which is equally met with strategies to level the play field in terms of legislation so that lending institutions can participate in this housing market at scale. / Thesis (M.Arch.)-University of Natal, 2000.

No abstract available. / Thesis (M.T.R.P.)-University of Natal, 2001.

This dissertation is concerned with the extent to which development frameworks are valid tools to guide development within a region, and makes use of the Ubombo/ Ingwavuma development framework as a case study. Through the use of this case study, the dissertation uncovers factors that influence the implementation of development frameworks. The context of the study is established firstly through the exploration of the literature surrounding regional planning, how it is undertaken, and the reasons for its successes and failures; and secondly, through an examination of implementation problems and lessons learnt from other development frameworks implemented during the same time frame. It is hypothesised that integrated regional development frameworks, like the Ubombol Ingwavuma development framework, are a necessary part of regional planning but by themselves however, are not sufficient to lead to regional development and are inherently flawed by implementation problems. The areas for immediate action which are outlined in the Ubombol Ingwavuma development framework, are systematically examined to ascertain the extent to which specific plans and projects were implemented, as well as to uncover the reasons for non-implementation on the part of implementing agencies and government departments. Both the client and the planners involved in the formulation of the plan, as well as planning experts, are consulted on the reasons for plan failure and lack of implementation. From this research, it can be concluded that regional plans are necessary mechanisms to lead to development of a region per se, but are not sufficient in themselves. Other factors important for the success of regional plans include a high degree of community participation, departmental collaboration, political buy-in, and people motivated to 'drive' the planning process forward, to mention a few. / Thesis (M.T.R.P.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1995.

Housing built by local authorities for low income housing has gone a long way towards providing a range of housing options for the varying needs of those who are forced through circumstances to rely on the public sector for their housing. Selling off the rented housing stock to sitting tenants has enabled large numbers of families to become homeowners. The sale of rental housing stock has been long viewed by theorists with much scepticism. Therefore much research has gone into, amongst other things the government policy of "load-shedding" in order to decrease the welfare burden of the state. Few studies however have been able to capture the perceptions and attitudes of the beneficiary families. A major thrust of the National Housing Policy is to increase the access of housing to previously disadvantaged individuals. One such method is that of privatisation and the sale of public rental stock to sitting tenants. The study will attempt to investigate the process of privatisation as adopted by the Metropolitan Council and resistance that it has faced. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, 2000.

The shopping centre phenomenon in South Africa received more attention as the number of shopping malls increased significantly in the townships in the mid-1990s. The increase in shopping centres led to a change in consumer behaviour. It became important for retailers and developers to understand the effects of consumer behaviour when structuring the retail system. As such this study explores the changes in consumer behaviour in South African townships in relation to the emergence of Mega City shopping centre in Umlazi Township in the city of Durban. The study is based on in-depth interviews with randomly selected customers at Mega City shopping centre and also household surveys conducted in the Umlazi V section to determine the change in consumer behaviour induced by the introduction of shopping centres. These interviews were also conducted with shopkeepers from various service shops within shopping centre and other key informants from Umlazi V section. The study reveals that shopping experiences in South African townships have drastically changed due to the introduction of shopping malls as the consumers can now access a variety of services within their communities. This is due to the possibility of shopping within a short distance as it reduces costs both in time and money. The study highlights that the development of shopping centres in South African townships in the mid-90s changed consumer behaviour both quantitatively and qualitatively. The key factors that were identified by the study as playing a big role in influencing consumer choices and experiences due to the development of shopping centres include location, accessibility, services offered, competition and affordability of products and services.

The rationale for the adoption and the promotion of Local Economic Development (LED) strategies within rural areas is largely based on the premise that South Africa is a developmental state with a dual economy - where the impacts of the countrys’ historical legacy of inequality and poverty is rife, especially in rural areas. In this regard, the implementation of successful Local Economic Development programmes within the countryside has the potential to remedy the injustices of the past and to help with the upliftment of the lives and socio-economic standards of rural dwellers. Thus, this dissertation has sought to deconstruct the barriers for sustained Local Economic Development within the countryside. It argues that a number of factors hinder this process include; the lack of a clear understanding of Local Economic Development concept, coupled with policy confusion as well as the roles of the different sectors in government, infrastructural backlog, inadequate or shortage in skills and resources, lack of communication and guidance from government and stakeholders that are key role players in Local Economic Development, mal-administration and the duplication of projects. These factors amongst others have been found to be the most profound in preventing the realization of sustained Local Economic Development within Umzumbe-Phungashe Sub-Region located in southern part of the province of KwaZulu-Natal. / Thesis (M.T.R.P.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2013.

A variety of factors are responsible for the degeneration and decay of an urban area. A neglected urban area rife with decay, negatively affects the economic, social and environmental sustainability of a neighbourhood. A direct link can be established between the state of an urban area and the quality of life the residents of that area may experience, the performance of the local economy and the condition of the surrounding natural environment. This study examined whether Clare Estate has experienced urban decay, what the possible causes are that have contributed towards the decay are, how the existing decay can be addressed and whether or not Clare Estate requires and can benefit from urban renewal intervention. Through various methods of research such as conducting questionnaire surveys, interviews, observation studies, mapping and analysis of Clare Estate it was deduced that the suburb is experiencing economic, social and environmental decay. It was found that Clare Estate is experiencing frictional, functional, physical and economic blight. The abandoned and neglected buildings, vacant sites, illegal landJ uses, lack of public open spaces and exceedingly high crime levels have all contributed to the decay of the area. The overwhelming amount of informal settlements within Clare Estate and the location of the Bisasar Road landfill are also both significant contributors to the deterioration of the area. They have created an unappealing aesthetic environment, which has consequently created an unpleasant environment for residents, patrons and community members. Clare Estate has experienced years of neglect and mismanagement, which can be attributed to poor coordination and communication between stakeholders. In order to reverse the effect years of decay has had on Clare Estate; the implementation of urban renewal initiatives is required. The community of Clare Estate will gain a stronger local economy, reinforced and intensified community bonds and a healthier and safer environment, through the use of urban renewal intervention. The recommendations made for the renewal of Clare Estate involves an approach that requires input from all stakeholders. In order for the renewal of Clare Estate to occur in a sustainable manner, a publicJprivate partnership that encourages and supports the involvement of the community members of Clare Estate was seen as the most fitting method of urban renewal. Addressing the issue of high crime rates, informal settlements, landfill rehabilitation and road maintenance is instrumental in the renewal process. The use of an onJgoing urban management programme is essential in ensuring the community of Clare Estate continues the proper maintenance and upkeep of their surrounding environment as this will ensure the longevity of Clare Estate. / M.T.R.P. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 2014.

In common with other South African cities, the greater Pietermaritzburg region, which is in the Msunduzi Municipality, has faced many challenges, but has made concerted efforts to tackle the legacy of apartheid imbalances. Since 1994, the pattern of planning in Msunduzi Municipality has shifted to a more neoliberal economy. In many instances, this has focused on improving and promoting economic development in townships situated on the urban periphery. This form of development is driven by the need to integrate the overcrowded central business district (CBD) of Pietermaritzburg and the Edendale-Northdale Corridor (ENC). Edendale, Northdale and the Central Area developed individually in isolation; some segments were well-planned, while others were underdeveloped. This research study investigated the effectiveness of the ENC in fostering economic development and the extent to which the corridor helped to attract investment adjacent to this corridor to create job opportunities for the high numbers of unemployed people in the city. It is argued that the structure of the city has created a high poverty rate within the suburbs or townships and has encouraged unnecessary mobility in search of economic opportunities. The study found that areas that struggled to attract economic development in the past showed some signs of improvement, with increased investor confidence. However, investment was hampered by the perception that doing business in Msunduzi Municipality is expensive. This study employed a multi-pronged approach to generate data; this includes qualitative data in the form of interviews with municipal officials, two groups of beneficiaries comprising of businesses and local inhabitants, and other stakeholders. Local inhabitants of the three nodes along the ENC were engaged in group discussions. Field observations/ground-truth checks were also carried out to compare the data collected and to gain an understanding of development along the ENC. Finally, GIS was applied to demonstrate the trend of development that has taken place in this corridor. One of the major findings of this study was the need for an efficient transport system. Furthermore, some respondents argued that the Edendale section of this corridor will need further highway access to foster industrial development that can create a large number of jobs. The land ownership challenges confronting the Greater Edendale area were also seen as a barrier to the development of this corridor, especially with regard to economic investment. / Thesis (M.Sc.U.R.P.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2013.

This dissertation concentrates on the subject of migration from the less researched angle of the rural areas losing migrants. This dissertation is premised upon the hypothesis that emigration of skilled people stifles development in rural areas and this in turn leads to the lack of development. The lack of development causes emigration. I am arguing that this vicious cycle must be broken down through leadership committed to achieving development goals and through personal sacrifices of skilled people remaining in rural areas. Therefore, this dissertation seeks to establish the impact that migration has on rural development. It looks at the case of eMabhuqwini as the study’s focal point. There are two arguments that are advanced by the thesis: (1) Migration negatively impacts on development in the area of eMabhuqwini. The more able‐bodied, skilled and capable people emigrate, the higher the likelihood that the area they leave will stay underdeveloped. This is because people who have the capacity to drive development in the area will have left. At the same time, if the area is underdeveloped, people are likely to leave it and seek greener pastures – especially in terms of better living conditions and employment opportunities – elsewhere, particularly in more developed urban areas. (2) Political infighting between political parties appears to be the main cause of the slow (if any) pace of service delivery and development in the area. This is so because of growing political intolerance among political parties in South Africa. This political intolerance is also characterised by an unwillingness to accept political defeat. As such, this process has dictated the terms of and speed of service delivery as there is little will on the part of political leaders to spearhead development in an area governed by the opposition. I further provide a comprehensive conceptual framework on migration theory, a detailed presentation of the case study area, a three‐pronged empirical study consisting of interviews with thirty‐two households, household in‐depth survey (6 respondents) as well as three focus groups. Quantitatively, 32 respondents answered a semi‐structured research questionnaire. Six of the same people were also requested to respond to an open‐ended research schedule that sought to gain answers to open‐ended questions. The questions themselves were divided into two sections, a closed‐ended part as well as an open‐ended part. Quantitative questionnaires were analysed using the SPSS computer program, while the others were analysed thematically. In terms of conclusions and recommendations, it was observed that the two arguments were confirmed: that migration does have a negative impact on development; and that, to minimise this impact, or to reverse the process, an intensive effort must be put into encouraging the government, together with traditional and local leadership, to deliver services to the people so as to develop the area and minimise the impact of migration. / Thesis (M.T.R.P.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2013.