Poverty alleviation through employment creation is the focus of the South African government and other developing economies. The SMME sector has been identified as the leading vehicle for the creation of employment opportunities. South Africa in particular went through a phase when economic growth did not translate into employment creation. Consequently the benefits of economic growth did not filter through to the unemployed. In South Africa there is a strong link between unemployment and poverty. Essentially the country experienced jobless growth and it is the poor who missed out on the possible benefits of economic growth. The challenge then for South Africa is to come up with a revolutionary approach to ensure that the country's poor are not excluded from the of benefits economic growth. Almost half of the South African population lives in poverty. Poverty and the consequences thereof are most pronounced among the African population. This is due to the South African history of apartheid which systematically excluded them from accessing economic opportunities. Bringing development to communities is the thinking behind local economic development (LED). The urgency for the country to address poverty lies in the fact that poverty is not a static phenomenon and if left unaddressed it may to lead more people being poor when the numbers are already overwhelming. Government has come up with various strategies for poverty alleviation, employment creation being the chief strategy. The SMME sector is the most prominent employer in South Africa, said to be responsible for over 61 % of all employment. Even given these figures of there are still high levels of unemployment in the country. Growing industries like the tourism sector present a lot of hope for the ambitions of employment creation and poverty alleviation in developing countries including South Africa. The focus of this study will be the South African tourism sector. / Thesis (M.Dev. Studies)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2009.

Background to the study: The Internet is rapidly becoming an important learning tool in academic institutions and workplaces. In academic institutions it plays a pivotal role in meeting information and communication needs of students, academics and researchers. Despite internet becoming an important information gathering and dissemination tool, literature reflects under-utilization both in academic and in practice settings for a number of reasons. This study therefore described the utilization of internet as an academic tool among undergraduate nursing students in a selected University in KwaZulu Natal in order to establish ways of enhancing its utilization. Methodology: A quantitative, non-experimental, descriptive design was used in this study. The population of the study was 222, and the the sample size was 141 of undergraduate nursing students which was calculated using Raosoft sample size calculator. The sample was stratified according to the percentages of the population in the Nursing program and the year of the study of the respondents. However, only 115 agreed to participate in this study and the response rate was rate therefore 81.1%. Data was collected using a survey after obtaining ethical clearance from the university and were analyzed descriptively. Findings: The findings revealed that participants perceived themselves to be at different levels of utilizing the Internet; intermediate level (32.2%) advanced level (19.1%) competent level (29.6%), beginner level (17.4%) and expert level (1.7%). The results reflected traditional university students as better equipped to use the Internet than non-traditional university students. The Internet was used for different purposes including; academic (96.5%); communication (82.6%), pleasure (71.3%), work related activity (53.9%) and shopping (13.9%). Facebook (77.4%) was the most commonly used social network followed by the twitter (24.3%). Challenges cited covered restricted access to certain sites (62.6%), very slow internet connection (55.7%), limited training in the use of the Internet (38.3%), limited number of computers (37.4%). The majority of the participants (89%) singled out training on internet use as priority with specific focus on basic IT skills (72.2%), accessing academic related material (70.4%), using Moodle (51.3%), Turnitin (35.7%) and endnote (33.9%). Conclusion: Contrary to other studies, this study reflected that students do use the Internet for a number of reasons. They however recommend structured support on how to use internet for academic purposes. / Thesis (M.N.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2013.

Password protected which will not allow abstract to be copied. / Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2013.

In 2001 the South African government established the Umsobomvu Youth Fund (UYF) as a national youth development initiative to promote employment opportunities for young people and enhance entrepreneurship amongst them for sustainable livelihoods. The UYF focused on three areas: contact, information and counselling; skills development and transfer, and youth entrepreneurship. This study aimed to explore the relationship between job creation and the UYF's skills development and transfer programme. It investigated the impact of the UYF training programmes in helping youth establish business enterprises and the creation of jobs. Using a nonexperimental approach, qualitative and quantitative data was collected from purposively selected UYF personnel and a sample of UYF beneficiaries. The data was thematically and statistically analysed to determine the programme's role on new firm formation, job creation, and the quality of life of beneficiaries and their families. The study found a positive impact of UYF's entrepreneurship education and training programme on new firm formation (self-employment), disposable income and the quality of life of the beneficiaries and their families. At the same time, there was a negative impact towards reducing unemployment and creating jobs. Also, the entrepreneurship education programme did not attract adequate participation by beneficiaries and its curriculum content did not cover critical entrepreneurship skills. The findings show that more interventions are required to enable to the Umsobomvu Youth Fund to deliver on its skills development and job creation mandate better. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Durban, 2011.

South Africa’s Apartheid legislation divided ‘races’ and ultimately dictated interactions between people. Post-Apartheid children have been born into a society that focuses on the importance of tolerance, diversity and interaction across ‘race’ lines. The schooling system is one such platform that may encourage interaction among children. This study explores the patterns that emerge in the interaction between children of different ‘races’. Ethnographic observation using schedules of interaction was used to investigate patterns of interaction. To focus the observation, a sample of seven ‘Indian’ children, aged between 9-10 years were observed, paying particular attention to their interactions with children around them in various contexts such as structured/formal lessons, unstructured lessons and free time. The research data was then qualitatively analysed using ethnographic descriptions and content analysis. The study found that patterns of (de) racialised interaction between children are affected by: 1) the degree of structure in the context; 2) Gender; 3) Language. Authority figures can facilitate interaction by organising the space in particular ways, increasing cooperation between children on particular tasks. However, most interaction across ‘races’ occurs in unstructured lessons. The form of boys play tends to be physical and facilitates collective play without respect to ‘race’. Girls play in more dependent on talk and given that the children in the study speak different mother tongues, this leads to separate groups forming during playtime. The results of this study also highlight the importance of a renewed focus on contexts, activities and a revisit to the multilingual schools policy to ensure that opportunities for interaction between ‘race’ lines are increased and all barriers to interaction are reduced. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2010.

The objective of this study is to examine whether the effects of stress on University of KwaZulu Natal first year students’ well being depend on the level of perceived social support. First year students are faced with the challenges of leaving the comfort of their homes in search for education and experience that enhance their growth. This life transition can be a stressful experience that requires social support from other people in order for the student to enjoy a healthy wellbeing. Methods; One hundred and fifty survey packages, which comprised of four measures: The Demographic Survey, The Multidimensional Scale of Perceives Social Support, The Perceived Stress Scale and The WHO (five) Wellbeing Index were distributed. Ninety three (62%) survey packages were anonymously completed and returned by the participants. Hypotheses; Four hypotheses were tested in this study: Whether the level of perceived social support will moderate the effects of stress on wellbeing of university students; whether females will perceive themselves to have more social support as compared with male students; whether younger students will perceive themselves to have more social support than their older counterparts. And lastly to find out whether students who live at home with their family perceive themselves to have more social support as compared to those that live away from their families, either in on-campus accommodation or renting accommodation alone or with other students. Results; The results obtained indicate that the level of perceived social support moderates the effect of stress on students’ wellbeing. The second hypothesis was also supported on the basis that females perceived themselves to have more social support than their male counterparts. The third hypothesis which sought to find out whether students who live at home with their family perceived themselves to have more social support as compared to those that live away from their families, either on on-campus accommodation or renting out a flat alone or with other students has not been clearly confirmed, therefore is an implication for further research. Lastly, the results do not indicate that younger students perceive themselves to have more social support than their older counterparts. Conclusions; It is evident that social support plays a very important role in the life of a first year student, as it assists them in moderating the effects of stress on their wellbeing. The availability and the way that individual perceive social support depends on the gender of an individual. Key words: Perceived Stress; Perceived Social Support; General Wellbeing; Moderating effect; First Year University Students. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2011.

The study seeks to assess the impact of community gardening in alleviating poverty in a rural area, namely, KwaNgcolosi, Mahlabathini. The community gardening in this study is used as a coping or defence mechanism which is used to eliminate poverty. Further, the study aimed to answer some research questions. These were: what is the significance of community gardening? Are community gardens effective in alleviating poverty in a rural area? What are economic and social benefits? In achieving this goal, the study relied solely on using a quantitative research method – namely, a questionnaire. For convenience purposes, selfadministered questionnaires were used where the researcher filled in the questionnaires for respondents because a majority of respondents could not read and write, and semi-structured focus group interviews along with individual interviews to investigate this from the members of community gardens and other members of the community who do not participate in gardening activities. The existing literature shows that ‘gardening’, regardless of whether it is home or community, has various benefits that often accrue to the farmers. These include, amongst other things, social, economic, and environmental benefits, respectively. Interestingly, the literature has been underpinned and strengthened by the key findings of the research. Indeed, key findings have pinpointed social and economic benefits as the reliable end products of gardening. Not surprisingly, the key findings also identified several weaknesses of community gardening that ultimately dissuade people from entering. Lack of resources, and support from relevant structures were amongst the key weaknesses identified. More strikingly, the lack of cooperation between local councillor and farmers was also key challenge. Similarly, the study applied the sustainable livelihoods theory because it provides a comprehensive understanding of the situations under which poor people live. The sustainable livelihoods theory places strong emphasis on poor rural people and what they often do in order to survive. Furthermore, there are policies in place that have sought to measure access to food. Food security has been used to further determine what it means to be poor. Despite the existing policies such as food security, people continue to be subjected to poverty particularly in rural areas. The study, therefore, aims to show the significance of community gardening in fighting poverty. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2011.

This study was designed to explore sexuality, parenthood, identity, and relationships among female and male youth living on the streets of Durban CBD. It sprung from my previous engagement on the street, which suggested the striking impact of gender on the lives of the youth. Much literature on children and youth living on the street ignore the gendered nature of street life, and this study filled the knowledge gap about gender constructions and gendered relationships on the street. Framed by critical theory, this study explored how constructions of masculinities and femininities are played out on the street and impact the youth’s relationships. It specifically focused on intersectionalities with socio-economic and other structures in understanding gender. Focus groups and individual interviews were conducted with 37 youth on the street, of which 17 were female. Approximately 50 focus group sessions and individual interviews were conducted. Due to drug use and lack of sleep, the concentration levels of the youth would vary a great deal, and the analysis is mainly based on approximately 25 of the focus groups sessions and interviews, which provided satisfactory depth. My extensive involvement on the street and the study’s embeddedness in practical, therapeutic, and conscientising social work ensured rich material. With the participants’ permission, the sessions were tape-recorded. The material was analysed according to critical discourse analysis. Four themes emerged during the analysis: Men as providers, violence, sex, and sexuality on the street; Girls’ violence and contestations of femininity and masculinity; Gang culture and constructions of masculinity; and Constructions of motherhood and fatherhood. Male provision was a major construction of masculinity among the youth on the street, greatly compromised by their socio-economic marginalisation. Consistent with international literature, poverty`s assault on masculinity was evident, and violence was a means to compensate for a wounded sense of masculinity and to establish male superiority. Girls’ sex work was a major gender role transgression, contesting hegemonic femininity, males’ control over women, and the provider role of boyfriends, and was violently opposed by the males living on the street. Girls worked hard to present themselves according to acceptable constructions of femininity, and framed their sex work according to the mandate of male provision, as caring relationships with wealthier men. Young mothers on the street struggled with the contradiction between constructions of motherhood and sex work. There was a demand for them to not give up custody of their children, yet the conditions of homelessness and the street made adequate caring impossible, and the mothers were almost inevitably doomed to condemnation and failure as ‘good’ women. Though male provision was a dominant construction of masculinity, it was not reflected in the actual lives of the youth on the street, and violence was by far the most important means to establish and confirm manliness. The significance given to violence was, in addition to the significant impact of poverty and consequent male vulnerability, framed by rules of the 26 gang. Conscientising work among the youth to reveal the real sources of their oppressions is called for, as well as practical and therapeutic work. Their lives reflect dominant structure in the larger society, and work towards egalitarian relations among genders in society overall as well as measures to transform the profound socio-economic inequality nationally and globally are called for. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, 2011.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of the internet by the Faculty of Humanities, Development and Social Science third year students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg campus. The study tried to establish how often students used the internet; what did students use the internet for; what internet services did students use the most and why were those services used. Furthermore, the study investigated what information services were relevant and important for students; whether students had the necessary skills to use the internet and what problems they experienced while using the internet. Conclusions were drawn and a set of recommendations were made based on the findings of the study. The study population comprised 330 Faculty of Humanities, Development and Social Science third year students. A total number of 254 undergraduate third year students responded, which gave a very good response rate of 77%. The researcher employed a triangulation approach where both qualitative and quantitative data were collected. For quantitative data collection the researcher used a questionnaire. An interview schedule to obtain qualitative data from the Director of Information Communication and Technology was used. The data from the interview was used to support the data from the questionnaire. The quantitative data was analysed using SPSS and the qualitative data was analysed using thematic content analysis. To maintain validity and reliability the questionnaire was pre-tested to non Faculty of HDSS undergraduate students at the UKZNP. The findings of the study showed that a majority of HDSS undergraduate third year students at UKZNP used the internet on campus with less than half of them also using the internet off campus. The most relevant and important internet services for third year students were e-mail, Web and telnet. However, the most used internet services by third year students were the Web, e-mail, social networks and telnet. A majority of students used GroupWise e-mail even though they had other e-mail accounts. In addition, a majority of students used FaceBook and students preferred Google more than other search engines. There were a number of challenges students experienced regarding the use of the internet. Such challenges included a limited number of computers in the LANs, slow internet connections, restricted access to certain sites and a lack of training on how to use the internet on campus. / Thesis (M.I.S.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2010.

No abstract available. / Thesis (M.Soc.Sci.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1999.