M.Sc., Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, 1992

Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 2001. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The study traces some of the causes and effects of land degradation in Mutale since it is an environmentally challenging issue associated with depletion of resources. The degradation conditions identified by the Provincial Department of Agriculture in the Northern Province support the aims of this study. Based on information obtained from the physical survey of the area and through questionnaires and interviews with the local people, it is evident that the environmental conditions of Mutale district have worsened due to the influence of land usage. From the survey made, the physical conditions are shown to be in a state of decline and to impact negatively on the soil and vegetation. The perceptions of the local community regarding physical change revealed that a variety of activities such as gathering fuel wood, fencing, stocking, and cultivating fields, influence each other and exacerbate the encroachment of degradation conditions. Stock worsens the conditions through uncontrolled grazing associated with lack of grazing camps, trampling, and overgrazing. Extension of fields, residential areas, and inescapable massive harvesting of bush for different purposes are seen as further causes of the worsening state of the environment. In the past attempts were made to curb the environmental decline, but such conservation measures were not fruitful enough as they changed from time to time and land users were alienated from land on which they depended. The present study recommends the implementation of LandCare, a programme that the Department of Agriculture has adopted in other parts of the country, as a possible solution to some of the environmental problems, and as a conservation measure. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die studie ondersoek sommige van die oorsake en gevolge van omgewingsdegradasie by Mutale, omdat dit 'n omgewings-uitdagende kwessie is wat met die uitputting van hulpbronne in verband staan. Die degradasietoestande wat deur die Provinsiale Landboudepartmente in die Noordelike Provinsie geïdentifiseer is, bied ondersteuning aan die doelstellings van hierdie studie. Vanuit die inligting wat deur middel van 'n empiriese ondersoek in die gebied en deur vraelyste en onderhoude met die plaaslike mense verkry is, is dit duidelik dat omgewingstoestande in die Mutale distrik vanweë die manier van grondgebruik verswak het. Vanuit die ondersoek wat gedoen is, word aangetoon dat fisiese toestande agteruitgaan en 'n negatiewe impak op die grond en plantegroei het. Waarneming deur die plaaslike gemeenskap met betrekking tot fisiese verandering dui aan dat 'n verskeidenheid aktiwiteite, soos die versameling van brandhout, bou van heinings, aanhou van vee en bewerking van landerye mekaar affekteer en die toename van die degradasietoestande veroorsaak. Vee vererger verder die toestande deur onbeheerde weiding wat verband hou met die gebrek aan weidingskampe. Die onafwendbare en grootskaalse afkap van die bos vir 'n verskeidenheid doeleindes word beskou as verdere oorsake van die toestand waarin die omweging verkeer. Pogings is in die verlede aangewend om die agteruitgang van die omgewing te keer, maar die bewaringsmaatreëls het nie genoeg vrug afgewerp nie, daar hulle van tyd tot tyd gewysig IS en die grondeienaars vervreemd geraak het van die grond waarvan hulle afhanklik was. Hierdie ondersoek beveel aan dat "LandCare", 'n program wat deur die Departement van Landbou vir ander dele van die land goedgekeur is, as ' n moontlike oplossing vir sommige van die omgewingsprobleme en as bewaringsmaatreël toegepas word.

This is a report on research conducted in Lebowa (Northern Province) Primary Mathematics Project schools. In view of the high failure rate of matric students, the researcher believes that it is necessary that ways should be devised to improve mathematics understanding from the first level of schooling. A research study was made of constructivist and investigative teaching and learning methods as employed by teachers in a number of primary schools in the area. The researcher believes that investigative and constructivist teaching approaches produce better results than the traditional approach. He further believes that children learn better in a co-operative non-threatening classroom environment. A pilot study was made with two experimental schools and two control schools. The schools were selected from both urban and rural areas. The experimental schools are operating under the PMP and the control schools are not. The experimental schools are also supported by expert teachers called key teachers. Many of these key teachers have attended courses at Leeds University, while others have been trained locally in the theory and practice of constructivist and investigative teaching and learning. Chapter 3 illustrates clearly what is done in the Project schools. The methodology employed in the research included qUestionnaire responses from 174 teachers. Written tests by four schools (350 pupils), and interviews with 55 people, including directors of education, inspectors, principals, teachers and parents. Observations in classes were also done. Another questionnaire was given to 484 pupils. The tests were mitten on two occasions: an initial test was written during November 1993, the second year of the PMP project, while a second test was written the following year. Data collected was analysed and positive results obtained. The results from the tests indicated that pupils in experimental schools where constructivist and investigative approaches are used, perform better than those from schools where the traditional approach is still used. They indicated that children in PMP schools develop a better understanding of mathematics. This would seem to indicate that the constructivist and investigative approach to teaching produces better results than the traditional approaches. The reader will find graphs indicating the results and their analysis in Chapters 4 and 5. It is recommended by the researcher that: - Constructivist and investigative teaching and learning methods be introduced to all schools. - The services of key teachers be supported by the Department - The Department should equip all schools with the necessary materials for proper teaching and learning, or provide materials for schools to make their own teaching aids. - Teachers be involved with materials production where they are given guidance on how teaching aids can be made. - The curriculum for primary school mathematics be revised and changed, especially in view of the fact that at present it does not cater for local needs. It was planned by whites and it caters mainly for those with an European cultural background.

M.A. / The aim of this study was to explore and describe participation in community development projects and the factors that affect participation. Projects experience problems with regard to participation which in turn has an impact on the success and sustainability of these projects. Projects in the far North region, Northern Province were targeted as the population and 30 respondents were interviewed from 3 sampled projects. Purposive sampling, which is a non-probability sampling method, was utilised to select sample. Interview schedule was utilised to collect data from respondents to measure 3 elements, i.e. demographic data, project formulation and role performance, and project management with specific reference to participation. The researcher discovered that participation in development projects is influenced by the level of involvement by project members in decision making and project management and their involvement in project roles and responsibilities. Availability of financial resources and the project's ability to meet abstract and material needs of members also influence participation in projects.

M.A. / The complexity and nature of South Africa's socio-economic problems have stirred the need for an innovative approach and strategy towards development. The African National Congress's Reconstruction and Development ProgramMe (RDP) has therefore been adopted by the Government of National Unity in 1994 to redress injustices and imbalances in our society, many of which have been created by apartheid. The past saw the formation of 'homelands' and the subsequent establishment of development corporations which were meant to drive 'development' in these areas. The new democratic dispensation therefore calls for these institutions to appreciate the shifts in development thinking, thus aligning themselves with the RDP. This study therefore looks at the role which the development corporations can play in the implementation of the RDP. This however, does not suggest that they are the only institutions able to do so, but that their transformation could result in them making a positive contribution to this Programme. Specific reference to the Northern Province, being comprised of three former homelands, is made in the study. Much emphasis is placed upon how the provincial development corporation (established through the merging of the three former corporations), can apply the principles of the RDP, as well as contribute towards the implementation of its key programmes. Strategies and approaches are proposed in this regard.

D.Ed. / This research study set out to determine parents' expectations regarding public schooling in the Northern Province of the Republic of South Africa. This was done based on the fact that education in the country has undergone tremendous changes. As parents are, undoubtedly, stakeholders in the field of education, it was important to determine as to whether the present set up is what they expect. Further, it was also important to determine as to whether parents' expectations are in line with policy; and if not, to suggest what should be done. It was impossible, however, to look at all facets of public schooling. As a result, attention was given only to the following: adulthood, culture, moral development, sexuality education, discipline, parents' participation, citizenship, employment and cognitive development. To provide a theoretical background of the aspects mentioned above, a literature survey was conducted. The connection between each aspect and the schooling system was highlighted. After this review, question items were drawn and compiled into questionnaires which were used as data collection instruments. Such questionnaires were administered to parents of learners in five secondary schools in the Province. Stratified random sampling was used in the selection of schools taking into account language representation. Further, questions were drawn based on the literature review and administered to departmental officials in the form of structured interviews. A factor analysis was conducted on the question items and the following dimensions were arrived at: Providing learners with skills and knowledge to become independent. Helping learners in the acquisition of moral and ethical values for selffulfilment. The development of responsible socio-cultural conduct. The research came up with the following findings: Parents' expectations of the school's involvement are high on the following aspects: career and employment issues, development of potential and citizenship. The following aspects were ranked very low in terms of the level to which parents expect schools to be involved: involvement of parents in school administration and curriculum design, sexuality issues, participation in the politics of the state and following up issues of discipline beyond the school. Parents and departmental officials are in agreement with regards to the level of the school's involvement regarding the following issues: career and employment issues, development of potential, moral issues and citizenship. Parents and departmental officials do not agree on the level of the school's involvement regarding the following: parents' involvement in education, sexuality matters, development and transmission of culture as well as participation in the politics of the state.

The aim of the study is to design a needs assessment data collection instrument; administer it to a representative sample of employees in the department; and to analyze the findings in order to make recommendations regarding the design of an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) in the Northern Province. The literature review concentrates on the design and application of needs assessments for EAPs. A data collection instrument, the SAGENA was designed, piloted and then trans,ated into the major languages spoken by DWAF employees in the region, and content is given. Out of the total population of 7,381 employees, a stratified, random sample of DWAF employees was selected for the study. A total of 550 employees completed the questionnaire, which represented a 7,45% sample with a 93% response rate. The findings showed that 97% of employees felt that an EAP would have a positive impact on their well-being and work performance. The majority said they would use counselling for themselves (71%) as well as for referring colleagues and subordinates (67%). The most prevalent problems (financial problems, retrenchment, retiring and HIV fears etc.) and least prevalent problems of employees are reported in the study as well as employees' preferences for various forms of EAP services. Finally recommendations are made regarding the design of an EAP for DWAF: Northern Province. / Social Work / M.A.(Socal Science)

Thesis (PhD)--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / The aim of the study was to assess the importance of spatial and temporal variation in diet quality and abundance for determining sustainable stocking rates on commercial, communal and game ranches in a semi-arid savanna, with the ultimate goal of avoiding land degradation in the long term, to provide sustainable livelihoods in rangelands and to make policy that will help in managing the available natural resources in the rangelands. Thus, firstly the effects of grazing, fire, nitrogen and water availability on nutritional quality of grass in semi-arid savanna was assessed. Secondly, spatial and temporal variation in plant quantity and quality among management (commercial, communal and game) types and habitat types (open savanna, rocky, shrubby and pans) and stocking rates in different management types were determined. Thirdly, the quality and quantity of variation inside and outside herbivore exclosures among commercial, communal and game management and habitat types in the semi arid savanna were estimated. Fourthly, faecal profiling was used to assess the effects of different management types on diet quality in semi-arid savanna. Lastly, policy based on the results of the present study was formulated.

Thesis (MSc)--University of Stellenbosch, 2000. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Formal systems of environmental management and certification for activities associated with extensive land use, relate mainly to forestry. The emergence of forest certification largely originates from the issue of tropical deforestation and the associated boycott campaigns against tropical timber. At the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, a new set of international norms were set in the form of Forest Principles. These were non-binding and together with international initiatives, such as the Tropical Forestry Action Programme and the International Tropical Timber Organisation have failed to decrease deforestation. New efforts to encourage sustainable forestry through forest certification were made by Non Governmental Organisations which collaborated with the private sector in developing new policy instruments. They followed the trend of eco-labelling in an attempt to link green consumers to producers whose aim it is to improve management practices. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) was established. The FSC system relies on forest management principles and criteria approved by itself and is based on performance standards. The International Standards Organisation (ISO) also developed a management standard based on the principle of continuous improvement. ISO developed the ISO 14001 standard for the certification of Environmental Management Systems which is applicable to any industry concerned with the environment. From questionnaire surveys carried out among a sample of private game ranch owners/managers in the Northern Province, current standards of management were established. It was found that private owners/managers rely mostly on their own experience and knowledge. Information about management on game ranches is rarely available and only major concerns and most visible problems are attended to. Guidelines with standards for an Environmental Management System (EMS) according to the ISO 14000 series were drawn up from the results of the surveys and a literature review. A checklist of principles and criteria which could be used for the certification process was also developed. The final objective is to attain quality game ranch management which is environmentally sensitive, socially aware/beneficial and economically viable. This is crucial for the conservation and preservation of the natural systems in South Africa in which private land owners playa major role. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Formele omgewingsbestuursisteme en sertifisering vir aktiwiteite wat geassosieer word met ekstensiewe grondbenutting, word hoofsaaklik gekoppel met bosbou. Die konsep van sertifisering het tot stand gekom as gevolg van die omstredenheid rondom ontbossing en die gassosieerde sanksies teen tropiese hout. By die Verenigde Nasies Konferensie oor Omgewing en Ontwikkeling in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 is 'n nuwe stel internasionale norme daargestel in die vorm van Bosbeginsels. Hierdie was nie-bindend en saam met internasionale inisiatiewe soos die Tropiese Bos Aksie Program en die Internasionale Tropiese Hout Organisasie het hulle gefaal om ontbossing te verminder. Nuwe pogings om volhoubare bosboupraktyke aan te moedig is aangewend nadat Nie-Regering Organisasies en die privaatsektor saamgewerk het om nuwe beleidsinstrumente te ontwikkel. Hulle het die neiging vir die "eko-etiket" nagevolg in 'n poging om omgewingsbewuste verbruikers in kontak te bring met produseerders wat gemoeid is met verbeterde bestuurspraktyke. Die Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) het tot stand gekom en hulle sisteem sluit bosbestuursbeginsels en kriteria in wat deur hulleself goedgekeur is en gebaseer is op werkverrigtingstandaarde. Die Internasionale Standaarde Organisasie (ISO) het ook 'n bosbestuurstandaard opgestel gebaseer op die beginsel van kontinue verbetering. ISO het die ISO 14001 standaard opgestel vir Omgewingsbestuursisteme wat van toepassing gemaak kan word op enige industrie wat gemoeid is met die omgewmg. Na afhandeling van vraelys opnames onder privaat wildsplaas eienaars/bestuurders, is daar vasgestel wat die standaard van bestuur tans in die Noordelike Provinsie is. Privaat eienaarsIbestuurders maak meestal staat op hulle eie ondervinding en kennis. Inligting oor die bestuur van die wildsplase is nie geredelik beskikbaar nie en slegs die mees sigbare en grootste probleme word bestuur. 'n Riglyn met standaarde vir 'n Omgewingsbestuursisteem volgens ISO is opgestel vanaf resultate van die opnames en 'n literatuurstudie asook 'n "Checklist" wat beginsels en kriteria insluit wat gebruik kan word in die sertifiseringsproses is ook ontwerp. Die finale doel is om kwaliteit bestuur te bewerkstellig wat omgewingsensitief, sosiaal bewus/voordelig en ekonomies lewensvatbaar is. Laasgenoemde is uiters belangrik aangesien privaat grondeienaars 'n sleutelrol speel in die bewaring en preservering van die natuurlike sisteme in Suid-Afrika.

This research investigated whether local economic development interventions necessarily improve the livelihoods of poor communities. More specifically, the goal of this thesis was to explore some of the reasons why land-based economic development interventions often struggle to meet their main objective of improving the livelihoods of local poor people.