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A thesis submitted to the Faculty Arts in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Masters of Arts in Development Studies in the Department of Anthropology and Development Studies at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2017 / The study set out to obtain information on the nature and level of participation of community members in the implementation of Operation Sukuma Sakhe (OSS). A case study research design was adopted. A sample of 125 respondents was selected using the purposive sampling method for the key informants such as the traditional leadership, officials deployed by the government to the programme, fieldworkers and CSO. A convenience sampling method was also used for focus groups and to select participants from the community. An interview schedule which had both structured and unstructured questions, was used to gather the required data. For data analysis, the thematic analysis method was used. It was discovered that there are various methods used to engage the community in the programme, namely: mass community meetings, door-to-door visits, household visits and participation of the community as walk-ins. The most commonly used method to engage community members was found to be the door-to-door visits where the CCGs were actively involved. The respondents participated only in the identification of issues affecting them and not in identifying possible solutions to the problems. The decisions were seemingly taken by external members, something which has negative implications on community development of projects. The participation of community members in the form of ‘walk-ins’ raised concern, as this is taken as a sign of lack of commitment, which could result in people not viewing the programme as a learning process which could lead to growth and change. The method cannot be considered as a reliable or effective way of ensuring adequate participation in any service delivery or community development programme. It basically suggests low levels of participation and that the actual implementation does not encourage the development of what is referred to as the ‘we feeling’ or ownership of the programme in participation circles. It is also concluded that gender-specific capacitation and empowerment programmes have to be instituted, because the programme predominantly comprises women. The group that was found to be actively involved is usually characterised by inadequate access to assets and productive resources, and a lack of knowledge or skills. Among the officials in the WR, limited knowledge on roles and responsibilities was noted in certain wards, and this has implications for service delivery and may be somehow responsible for the lack of participation in WR activities.

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Food security is a global concern, experienced at a household level in South Africa (SA). The country experiences income inequality with a high unemployment rate. Many that are employed live under the international poverty line. The Potchefstroom area in the North-West Province of SA has a high unemployment rate. The Student Rag Community Service (SRCS) is a student driven non-profit organisation (NPO) of the North-West University (NWU) that is actively involved in socio-economic development of communities within this area. Some community programmes attempt to address food security, but it was uncertain which SRCS projects address such programmes. Unsustainable programmes may lead to greater food insecurity. Much funding has been used for SRCS projects and if unsustainable, funds were not optimally utilised. Archived documentation of implemented SRCS projects were not stored in a system that supported easy reference. Programmes were not assessed against clear sustainability indicators (SI), thus the sustainability thereof was uncertain. Thus, the research question was: Which of the SRCS projects addressed food security through their activities and programmes and were these projects sustainable? The study aimed to assess the food security-related SRCS community projects to promote sustainable development. A case study was done to assess this in its real-life content. The mixed methods strategy was used through the three data collection phases. Further, a non-probability sampling method and the triangulation design were used to compare data. Firstly, the available archived documentation (September 2007 until August 2011) was compiled in an electronic database. Data from the most recent term were scrutinised (September 2010 until August 2011) and food security-related projects (21/48) were identified and those with feeding schemes (5/21). These projects mostly address the themes: food and nutrition, hygiene and infrastructure. Secondly, these projects were visited and community project members were interviewed to assess their experiences with the SRCS’s project involvement and their opinions towards sustainability. Lastly, the SRCS project leaders’ (n=20), of the previous term (September 2012 until August 2013), knowledge and understanding of project sustainability were assessed through a group administered questionnaire. Qualitative data were thematically analysed and quantitative data were statistically analysed. Results indicated positive and negative expectations of community project members. Students indicated that community project members always or often participate and have sufficient skills and competences, but this was not indicated by community project members. Exposure or awareness was believed to increase project capacity. Available funds influenced the ownership and participation of community project members. Statistical analysis indicated a relationship between capacity building, empowerment and production of own food sources. Although some community project members and SRCS project leaders were able to define sustainability and agreed upon SI, these were not implemented or measured at projects. Within the study, SI based on the livelihood assets from literature, were used to assess projects. Some activities created dependence without focusing on the development of assets. Study limitations included a language barrier between the SRCS and the community, and the accessibility of project leaders after the ending of the annual SRCS term. The study might improve current and innovative SRCS projects to overcome poverty and promote food security. / M Consumer Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Food security is a global concern, experienced at a household level in South Africa (SA). The country experiences income inequality with a high unemployment rate. Many that are employed live under the international poverty line. The Potchefstroom area in the North-West Province of SA has a high unemployment rate. The Student Rag Community Service (SRCS) is a student driven non-profit organisation (NPO) of the North-West University (NWU) that is actively involved in socio-economic development of communities within this area. Some community programmes attempt to address food security, but it was uncertain which SRCS projects address such programmes. Unsustainable programmes may lead to greater food insecurity. Much funding has been used for SRCS projects and if unsustainable, funds were not optimally utilised. Archived documentation of implemented SRCS projects were not stored in a system that supported easy reference. Programmes were not assessed against clear sustainability indicators (SI), thus the sustainability thereof was uncertain. Thus, the research question was: Which of the SRCS projects addressed food security through their activities and programmes and were these projects sustainable? The study aimed to assess the food security-related SRCS community projects to promote sustainable development. A case study was done to assess this in its real-life content. The mixed methods strategy was used through the three data collection phases. Further, a non-probability sampling method and the triangulation design were used to compare data. Firstly, the available archived documentation (September 2007 until August 2011) was compiled in an electronic database. Data from the most recent term were scrutinised (September 2010 until August 2011) and food security-related projects (21/48) were identified and those with feeding schemes (5/21). These projects mostly address the themes: food and nutrition, hygiene and infrastructure. Secondly, these projects were visited and community project members were interviewed to assess their experiences with the SRCS’s project involvement and their opinions towards sustainability. Lastly, the SRCS project leaders’ (n=20), of the previous term (September 2012 until August 2013), knowledge and understanding of project sustainability were assessed through a group administered questionnaire. Qualitative data were thematically analysed and quantitative data were statistically analysed. Results indicated positive and negative expectations of community project members. Students indicated that community project members always or often participate and have sufficient skills and competences, but this was not indicated by community project members. Exposure or awareness was believed to increase project capacity. Available funds influenced the ownership and participation of community project members. Statistical analysis indicated a relationship between capacity building, empowerment and production of own food sources. Although some community project members and SRCS project leaders were able to define sustainability and agreed upon SI, these were not implemented or measured at projects. Within the study, SI based on the livelihood assets from literature, were used to assess projects. Some activities created dependence without focusing on the development of assets. Study limitations included a language barrier between the SRCS and the community, and the accessibility of project leaders after the ending of the annual SRCS term. The study might improve current and innovative SRCS projects to overcome poverty and promote food security. / M Consumer Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Poverty is a big problem and has a huge impact on South Africa. The problem of poverty is multi-dimensional and has many facets and levels. One of the strategies used to alleviate poverty is through income-generating community projects. This study focuses on the Holding Hands income-generating community projects in the North-West Province. Sustainability indicators have previously been developed for these projects. The aim of this study was the evaluation of the sustainability indicators used in the projects. The evaluation focused on a quantitative analysis of the new and previously identified sustainability indicators. The entire population was included in the study. The research instrument consisted of a semi-structured quantitative questionnaire that had been specifically designed for this study. The frequency distribution provided the researcher with a profile of a typical member of the Holding Hands community projects, a definition of sustainability for these projects and a ranking of the importance of the different sustainability indicators in the Holding Hands projects. Tests for correlation were conducted among the variables age and level of education and the definitions of sustainability, as well as the sustainability indicators. T-Tests were conducted to evaluate if the different geographical areas answered the questions differently. The open-ended questions provided insight into the views of the participants on the sustainability of the projects. The results of the evaluation process indicated that the top five sustainability indicators in the project now focus on the evaluation and development of human capital in the projects. The results of the evaluation process differ substantially from the previously developed sustainability indicators and this suggests progress towards the sustainability of the projects. The results of the evaluation process would be used to plan and develop future interventions in the Holding Hands income-generating projects. The limitations of the study included the lack of research on the topic, as well as the language and literacy barriers in the data collection process. This study contributes to the relief of poverty in South Africa through research on the sustainability of income-generating community projects. / Thesis (MBA)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

Poverty is a big problem and has a huge impact on South Africa. The problem of poverty is multi-dimensional and has many facets and levels. One of the strategies used to alleviate poverty is through income-generating community projects. This study focuses on the Holding Hands income-generating community projects in the North-West Province. Sustainability indicators have previously been developed for these projects. The aim of this study was the evaluation of the sustainability indicators used in the projects. The evaluation focused on a quantitative analysis of the new and previously identified sustainability indicators. The entire population was included in the study. The research instrument consisted of a semi-structured quantitative questionnaire that had been specifically designed for this study. The frequency distribution provided the researcher with a profile of a typical member of the Holding Hands community projects, a definition of sustainability for these projects and a ranking of the importance of the different sustainability indicators in the Holding Hands projects. Tests for correlation were conducted among the variables age and level of education and the definitions of sustainability, as well as the sustainability indicators. T-Tests were conducted to evaluate if the different geographical areas answered the questions differently. The open-ended questions provided insight into the views of the participants on the sustainability of the projects. The results of the evaluation process indicated that the top five sustainability indicators in the project now focus on the evaluation and development of human capital in the projects. The results of the evaluation process differ substantially from the previously developed sustainability indicators and this suggests progress towards the sustainability of the projects. The results of the evaluation process would be used to plan and develop future interventions in the Holding Hands income-generating projects. The limitations of the study included the lack of research on the topic, as well as the language and literacy barriers in the data collection process. This study contributes to the relief of poverty in South Africa through research on the sustainability of income-generating community projects. / Thesis (MBA)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

Thesis (M.DEV.) --University of Limpopo, 2013 / Recent changes in Modimolle Local Municipality have placed new external pressures and challenges on project managers change their ways of managing community projects in their sphere of operation. The above challenges had necessitated the researcher to investigate the challenges faced by managers in managing community projects in Modimolle Local Municipality of Limpopo Province. The management of community projects in Modimolle Local Municipality is fraught with challenges such as financial resources, lack of focus on economic development, improvement of livelihood, community participation, sustainability, delegation and also not adhering to Public Financial Management Act and Municipal Financial Management Act. To understand the total context of the challenges faced by managers in managing community projects, an in-depth study of this problem was done by means of relevant literature review, empirical study and variety of other suitable research techniques. Data was collected by means of questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, from project managers who had an experience of community work in the area of the study. The studies have revealed that the management of community projects is not determined by one factor. It emerged that there are various factors that prohibit managers to manage community projects in their sphere of operation, hence the recommendations for improvement stated in chapter five.

This specific study entitled: "Health Promotion Projects as part of Education'', consists of a theoretical part containing the voices of various authors on the issue of health promotion in schools. Firstly, the basic concepts that are contained in the body of my work were explained and thanks to this, the reader will be better acquainted with these. In the following chapter I described characteristics of health promotion projects and gave several examples. The principles of health promotion in schools was also dealt with because they are closely related to the topic. Since my primary focus was on how projects in schools are actually implemented, I covered this in a subsequent chapter by giving concrete examples of projects that have already been implemented in schools. It was also important to mention the implementation process of health education into the primary school curriculum and thus I finished the theoretical part of the work and followed it up with a practical part. I used interviews as a research method and these were conducted at primary schools where one of the health promotion projects had been implemented in the past. The thesis also has a practical component. It included my own proposal of a health promotion project. The aim of it was to evaluate efficiency of initiating the health...

The potential of communities for sustainability learning and governance has generated substantial interest in sustainability discourses, but their specific roles and remits are not always critically examined. This thesis' original contribution to these discourses lies in the analysis of community projects as liminal spaces for pro-sustainable change that are limited in scope within wider political landscapes that do not sufficiently address wider challenges of an unravelling biosphere. The particular manifestation of community projects which emerges in Scotland as a result of Climate Challenge Fund funding made available by the Scottish Government is one example of sustainability governance at a local level. The present study draws upon data from field notes of eleven months of fieldwork, and semi-structured interviews with fifty-two informants, constructing two case studies with references to a third one. A transdisciplinary analysis of findings examines leadership and organisational structures and their implication for governance, and similarities and differences in practices and values identified within the case studies. Community projects are described as liminal spaces which facilitate the learning, practice-based and theoretical knowledge of sustainable practices (such as food growing or energy efficiency), and stimulate thinking on behalf of the group of participants or wider community. Community projects may also build temporary spaces demonstrating sustainable solutions visible to passers-by (such as raised vegetable beds in community gardens, or second-hand clothing in a swap shop). However, the longevity of these solutions is uncertain once the grant funding has come to an end. It is argued that in wider Scottish society, high-carbon lifestyles, inequalities and economic growth are the norm, and sustainable practices, community sustainability governance of tangible assets, and Education for Sustainable Development need to become less marginal and more widely embedded across all social and economic institutions.