International debates in the field of development have redefined housing as sustainable housing. Thus, housing no long refers to the delivery of physical products. The introduction of the concept of sustainability has far reaching consequences for the delivery of housing, which now amounts to the creation of viable communities. Moreover, the delivery of housing now takes place within the context of a policy framework that is indicative of a complete reversal of past policies towards developmentally-oriented, integrated approaches aimed at bringing about the long term sustainability of a vibrant and organic civil society. Significantly, the conception of housing as a process prioritises community control of projects at the local level with the assistance of external role players. Unfortunately, this long awaited component of housing projects is often marred by capacity constraints on the part of beneficiary communities who cannot participate and lor negotiate with other stakeholders in the delivery of housing. Therefore, the level at which this investigation is focused is on the mediation of community participation by all the relevant stakeholders in order to unravel the influence that this has on the quality of the housing products that are received. In this respect, an inquiry into the concepts of participation is tested against a case study of a community involved in a housing project and concludes that community participation is indeed mediated by many role players and that their influence has a determining effect on the quality of the social and physical products received. / Thesis (M.Sc.U.R.P)-University of Natal, Durban, 1996.

Disabled people live in a complex world encompassing the same interests and desires that motivate the balance of the earth's population. We have always known this, but as is often the case, society often plans without considering the needs of disabled people. Progress toward the acceptance of disabled persons as total human beings has not come about because equality is not a reality for disabled people. A point of departure for this research is therefore that disablement is a relation to the surrounding world, not a static phenomenon. It should perhaps be emphasized that this “relation” applies not only to the physical but also social environment. It is hoped that this study will demonstrate the inequalities that disabled people have to contend with, with reference to services such as housing, transportation, education, employment and recreational opportunities. The attitudes, value judgments and expectations of society and the disabled themselves contribute to the creation or breakdown of barriers to full participation and equality. It is recommended that a great deal more be done to achieve the equality that disabled individuals so rightly deserve especially in regard to the promotion of self-dependent life leading to enhanced quality of living. / Thesis (M.T.R.P.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2008.

This dissertation assesses the role of small-scale farming in reducing poverty in rural areas using household data collected from Kanyayo and interviews with Department of Agriculture, Bizana Local Municipality and other key community members. The reviewed literature confirmed that small-scale farming has a potential to reduce poverty if well supported. This support includes the eradication of problems facing small-scale farming, while at the same time empowering small-scale farmers through connecting them to reliable market outlets. The findings of the study indicated that small-scale farming in Kanyayo is faced by many problems. These problems include: labour shortage which is attributed to lack of youth involvement, laziness and sicknesses; insufficient rainfall; poor infrastructure and inadequate access to services; lack of connectedness to market outlets; lack of farming information. These obstacles to small-scale farming tend to constrain smallscale farming potential and thereby exacerbate poverty levels. Arising from the research several recommendations were put forward. These include: development of the labour force; irrigation schemes and construction of dams; delivering of services and infrastructure; market arrangements; accessible to farming information center. The study concludes that small-scale fanning has a power to reduce poverty in rural areas but that power is based on removal of barriers to small-scale farming. / Thesis (M.T.R.P.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2010.

This dissertation looks at the possibility of using a development, like a retirement village, to stimulate the economic development of small towns. Following on from this, the question of whether or not a retirement village could be used as a model for Local Economic Development (LED) of small towns is also explored. The case study chosen, is that of the small town ofHowick (situated in the Midlands ofKwaZulu-Natal) and Amberfield Retirement Village which is located there. The study examines the economic impact that Amberfield Retirement Village has had on the small town ofHowick, as well as le>oking at the extent to which its success is locationally specific (and what implications this wou}d have in terms of replicating the retirement village). The findings of the study reveal that Amberfield Retirement Village has had a significant impact on Howick, especially in terms ofthe linkages it creates and the large injection of capital that it brought to the small town. The unique locational aspects and specificity of both Howick and Amberfield Retirement Village also form part of the findings of the study, and which affect the conclusion drawn in terms ofthe replicability ofthe retirement village. It is concluded that the retirement village could be used as a model for LED of other small towns, however, the location and the setting of the retirement village are all important. / Thesis (M.T.R.P.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1997.

No abstract available. / Thesis (M.T.R.P.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1995.

No abstract available. / Thesis (M.T.R.P.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1999.

The desire of modern democratic governments is to provide basic amenities for its citizenry and the present South African Government has indicated this in several of its documents including the document on Reconstruction and Development. The question of adequate shelter has been identified as one of the burning issues that require urgent and immediate attention. However, the question still remains: "Is the state the best organ of society to be directly involved in the actual provision of housing or is this function best left to the private sphere of society, above all, private society and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)?". This dissertation considers the methods and other related ways in which to assist the poorest of the poor in meeting their housing needs through the intervention of Non-Governmental Organisations. In attempting to do this, the study looks at a case study of an NGO that has been involvedin housing provision. The aim is to find out whether this sphere of housing activity is best suited for NGOs especially where the issues of the poorest of the poor are concerned. The thesis reviews various international as well as local cases pertaining to housing provision and contribution towards finding interventionist approaches to be adopted in order to realise the desires of the new democratic government in housing for all. / Thesis (M.Sc.U.R.P.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1997.

No abstract available. / Thesis (M.Sc.U.R.P.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1998.

The mini-bus industry has been hailed as a major breakthrough in public transport. It fills a much needed void in the hierachy of public transport. However, despite its success story the industry is facing problems. This study attempts to examine and understand the dynamics of the mini-bus industry in South Africa, with specific reference to mini-bus operations in the study area of Overport. The aim is to examine and highlight the problems in the industry and to formulate solutions and/or policy options for recommendations through the identification of appropriate planning interventions to enable the mini-bus to make a more efficient contribution to public transport. / Thesis (M.T.R.P.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1996.

No abstract available. / Thesis (M.Sc.U.R.P.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1999.