No abstract available. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1996.

Wild mustard is an indigenous leafy vegetable. Its use is limited by a lack of knowledge of its agronomy. However, it is a rich source of nutrients and other minerals. Nowadays, the use of indigenous crops has been replaced by exotic crops. Climate change is affecting agricultural productivity. South Africa is a water scarce country with uneven rainfall distribution. Therefore, studies on water stress effects on plant growth were promoted by the Water Research Commission and the University of KwaZulu-Natal to understand plant responses to water stress for commercial and subsistence farming. The objective of the study was to characterise local wild mustard cultivars morphologically and physiologically with respect to production, and for the purposes of identifying their drought tolerance. Three experiments were conducted at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in order to evaluate the responses of local wild mustard cultivars to water stress. Seeds of wild mustard cultivars were characterised according to seed coat colour. Seed quality was determined by a standard germination test. Vigour was then tested using electrolyte conductivity. Seeds were sown in seedling trays under two water regimes of 25% field capacity (FC) and 75% (FC) on pine bark growing media. The experiment was terminated at 21 days when root and shoot lengths were measured. The effect of water stress on protein content and seedling growth parameters was determined. Soil was collected from the University of KwaZulu-Natal Research Farm for a pot trial. Seeds of wild mustard were sown in 81 pots, each filled with 2 kg of soil, under three water regimes (25% FC, 50% FC and 75% FC). Pots were maintained at the corresponding field capacity level by re-weighing the pots, three times a week. Measurements of plant height and leaf number were recorded weekly. The experiment was terminated at the flowering stage. At the end of the experiment, plant growth parameters (plant height, leaf area and number, dry and fresh mass) were measured in order to evaluate the effects of water stress at the vegetative stage. A field trial was conducted at the University of KwaZulu-Natal Ukulinga Research Farm in Pietermaritzburg. The experiment was conducted during the winter and spring of 2009. A completely randomised design was used for non-irrigated and irrigated (25 mm/week) trials. Emergence was measured as well as plant height and leaf number. Plant growth parameters were also measured at the end of the experiment. Leaf samples were taken for proline determination. There was a significant interaction (p<0.05) between seed colour, landraces and days to germinate with respect to germination capacity. Isaha and Masihlalisane landraces showed higher germination percentages than Kwayimba. There was also a significant interaction (p<0.05) between landraces and seed colour with respect to electrolyte conductivity. Lighter seeds of wild mustard landraces showed higher solute leakage. Isaha and Masihlalisane had higher solute leakage than Kwayimba. Significant interactions (p<0.05) between landraces and field capacity with respect to emergence, leaf number, root and shoot length and total proteins were also observed. Isaha and Masihlalisane showed higher emergence than Kwayimba. Leaf number was reduced for all landraces under water stress. Total protein content was high in black seeded landraces under water stress. There was a significant interaction (p<0.05) between landraces and field capacity with respect to seedling fresh and dry masses. Under moderate water stress conditions, Isaha and Masihlalisane showed increased biomass accumulation. There were highly significant differences (P<0.001) in plant height, leaf area, fresh and dry mass with respect to planting date. Plants performed significantly (p<0.05) better in spring than in winter. Isaha and Masihlalisane performed significantly (p<0.05) better than Kwayimba. There was a highly significant interaction (p<0.001) between landrace and irrigation treatments with respect to proline accumulation. Under water stress, Kwayimba black seeded landrace accumulated more proline. It is concluded that light-coloured seeds of wild mustard landraces were associated with good seed quality. Masihlalisane brown seeds have good early seedling establishment. Kwayimba black seeds showed tolerance to water stress through accumulation of proteins. Isaha and Masihlalisane showed an increase in biomass accumulation under moderate water stress. Water stress tolerance in some of wild mustard landraces was negatively correlated with proline accumulation. Masihlalisane brown type can grow well, with good yields, under water stress. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2010.

No abstract available. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2007.

The aim of this study was to explore burial alternatives, cemeteries crisis and perceptions of African urban communities around the issue of cremation as an alternative to burial. The researcher felt that it is important to do this research since there have been so many debates about cremation. The sample used, comprised of males and females from different townships around eThekwini Municipality. The researcher used both qualitative (focus group) and quantitative (self-administered questionnaires) methods. The researcher manually analysed the data that was 0 btained during t he study. The results of the study are presented in the form of quotes together with the discussion of the result by the researcher. The findings show that culture and religion play a very important role in the lives of African people. Although there are other burial alternatives, many African people still see traditional burial as the best way of decomposing the body. At the end of the study the researcher presented the conclusions and recommendations. The findings and recommendations made in the present study are of great help not only to the Department of Cemeteries and Crematoria within the eThekwini Municipality but also to other municipalities in South Africa. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2005.

This study explores the dynamics of employment and poverty in South Africa. Specifically, it is aimed at understanding, over time, the change in household well-being that occurs as a result of the employment types of household members. Secondly, the study explores the relationship between household worker combination and self employment activities, in other words, what are the odds of a household getting better as a result of income accrued from self-employment activities and how is this linked, if at all, to employment of other members of the household. This study will contribute to the debate on poverty and the labour market and that on the relationship between the formal and informal economies. The study relied on secondary data analysis from the KwaZulu-Natal Income Dynamics Survey. Instead of establishing a poverty line, the entire distribution was ranked on the basis of deciles. Decile transitions were then established with respect to household worker combinations and participation in self-employment activities. The analysis of the data revealed a range of worker types. The dominant household worker combinations have workers in regular employment, casual employment, selfemployment, and the unemployed. The number of people following the self-employment route is generally low despite the substantial number of people who remain unemployed. Seemingly, self-employment is not a desirable destination. The period 1993-1998 saw little variation with respect to household worker type. Though the number of regularly employed workers increased during the same period, there were an equally considerable number of unemployed people. The general trend shows few people assuming regular or formal work employment. This trend could not bring about a significant change in total income decile transition and hence a change in household wellbeing. With respect to self-employment, most activities are associated with households with at least a regularly employed member. In a majority of cases, there is a close association between self-employment and workers in the formal economy. The relationship suggests an intra-household transfer of resources to self-employment initiatives or the fact that households participate in self-employment activities in an effort to supplement income from regular employment that is inadequate to meet household needs. There was little variation in household rank order between the two years. It was therefore increasingly difficult for households to experience a change in income, at least, as expressed by their decile transitions. Households with regularly employed members had a greater chance of improving their decile transition. Income from labour earnings therefore played a substantial role in determining the change in household welfare. Though households engaged in a range of self-employment activities, income from these activities had little impact with respect to decile transitions. Income from selfemployment is therefore inadequate to bring about a meaningful change in total household income. In conclusion, the study notes that household welfare and its improvement is dependant upon the employment types of its members. It therefore calls into question the expectation that the unemployed and those in unstable employment should subsist on their own. Secondly, there is a close linkage between the informal economy (i.e. selfemployment) and the formal economy. In light of the links between the two economies, the analysis of the informal economy as a separate entity needs revision. / Thesis (M.Dev. Studies)-University of Natal, Durban, 2004.

Governments in many developing countries have stepped up efforts to provide water and sanitation services sustainably to as many people as possible. In some instances, time frames for provision of services to all of their citizens have been set. While these are commendable efforts, the question whether these services are provided efficiently remains unanswered. In South Africa, although the government conducts consumer satisfaction surveys, seldom are citizens consulted for their views. While its efforts have been hailed as a success in the postapartheid era, there have been many obstacles in the supply process. The assumption has been that the government knows what the citizens want and gives it them, irrespective of their concerns. This study interrogated this assumption as its overall research objective, aiming to evaluate whether a supply-driven approach is effective in satisfying the demands of the consumers. As such the study sought to gain insight into the perceptions of Ohlange Township residents in Inanda, Durban, regarding water supply and sanitation services. The study found out that many of these residents could not afford to pay for basic services, although they are currently expected to pay for some of the costs of service provision. However, in a resource-constrained environment, the government can no longer sustainably provide these services without recovering costs. In this case, the government faces the challenge of balancing its constitutional mandate of providing all citizens with basic services and the demand by the poor for improved services they cannot afford. In this case, supply-led delivery system is severely limited in fully addressing consumer demands. This approach also results in poor service delivery due to inefficient resource management. It also disempowers communities because they are not involved in decision-making processes. Based on the study findings, the demand-led approach, one that is consumer-driven, is recommended. This approach puts the consumer at the centre of the delivery of basic services; allows consumers to participate in decision-making processes and encourages them to honour their obligations by paying for the services received. 11 / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2008.

This study identifies and describes the implications of new policy and legislation on non-formal adult education and training focusing on the KwaZulu-Natal Poultry Institute (KZNPI) Five Months Poultry Management Programme. This is a non-formal residential course during which the learners assume full responsibility of a small modern diversified school farm. Learners apply the theoretical and practical knowledge they acquire during the course in order to advance their practical skills. Poultry management forms an important component of the knowledge and skill pool within the poultry industry. The development and implementation of effective programmes that educate and train managers are therefore necessary and an absolute requirement. Effective management skills and knowledge of the poultry-related operations add significant value to productivity in the workplace. It is a valuable set of skills required in the industry and it needs ongoing revision in light of changing technology, new working operations and the generation of new knowledge. In 1997 the South African government declared new policy in education with the intention to transform education systems and to improve the quality of education provided to learners in a variety of settings. The most important policies and legislation include the Further Education and Training Policy, Skills Development Act, Skills Development Levies Act and the South African Qualifications Authority Act. Policy and legislation in Further Education have been implemented over the last three years. This study investigates the impact of policy on the KZNPI Management Course. The study suggests that the new legislation poses significant changes to non-formal education programmes as well as the way in which providers of non-formal programmes operate. The legislations have not only affected the course design, provision and delivery, but the funding of non-formal providers as well. This is a case study of a non-formal programme provided by a non-governmental organizations located in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. This case study included an in-depth examination of the key policies and legislation, related literature and the use of interviews as the key methods of investigation. Data analysis involved a comparison of policy and legislation requirements to practices by non-formal adult education and training programmes. South Africa has embarked on a particular process of systems transformation in education and training with emphasis being placed on programme design and delivery based on nationally recognised qualifications and standards. Systems of accreditation and quality assurance are unfolding based on standards and this has contributed to the formalisation of non-formal programmes. The study shows that non-formal programmes, such as the KZNPI management course, require significant re-development and design in order to meet the requirements set in policy and legislation. The KZNPI is expected to redevelop its courses and have them registered and accredited. The implications of new policy and legislation also pose profound challenges for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as the KZNPI. Although the impact on the organizational requirements was not the focus of this study, it is intricately linked to policy reform and it is impossible to ignore them because they are directly linked to the organizational capacity and the way programmes are designed and delivered. This study therefore also describes briefly the implications of policy and legislation on the organization. Funding of non-formal education programmes is one of the key determinants and is intricately linked to the registration and accreditation of education and training programmes. It poses significant challenges to the future of non-formal education and training in the country. / Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, [2007]

This is a study of the incidence of failure in Indian secondary education in Natal, in which academic performance was considered against the background of a number of variables such as socio-economic factors, family size, birth order, IQ, health, absenteeism, study and reading habits, parents' level of Western education, family income, participation in extra-curricular activities and certain behaviour and personality traits. A random sample of 1 787 pupils (1 092 boys and 695 girls) who wrote the Standard VII Academic Course examination in 1974 was selected from 16 Indian secondary schools in Natal. Data were obtained by administering a set of questionnaires to the pupils and the form-teachers. Data processing was done by the lCL computer service. The Chi-square statistical techniques was used to test for significance. The findings suggest that: (i) there are significant relationships between academic performance and the following variables: parents' level of Western education, religion, birth-order (especially among first-born boys) IQ and absenteeism; (ii) certain of the variables tested influenced the academic performance of the boys differently from those of the girls. These variables are family income, physical handicaps, reading habits and participation in extra-curricular activities. The trend was that these variables influenced the boys' performance more than the girls' performance. (iii) there were certain variables which were not significantly related to academic performance. These were: health of pupils, use of the library for borrowing books, fathers' occupation, having one's own room, family size, language commonly spoken at home and the number of times the pupils were transferred from one school to another Finally certain recommendations are suggested with a view to reducing failure at school. / Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of Durban-Westville, 1978.

No abstract available. / Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Edgewood, 2010.

In this study the challenges faced by a rural Further Education and Training (FET) college to deliver education are investigated. The FET sector uses the same curricula for colleges in both rural and urban settings but conditions in rural areas are very different. For example, few industries are situated in these areas, resulting in unemployment and/or the migration of youth to the urban areas. Long distances between campuses and a lack of employment opportunities in the rural areas suggest that it is difficult to manage rural colleges in the same manner as urban colleges. The education and training sector in South Africa has experienced significant changes during the last 11 years. Since 1998, the FET sector has faced mergers, the introduction of new governance structures, curriculum changes, relationship changes with both communities and the business sector and the introduction of new funding formulae. The FET College studied is situated in the Northern Region of KwaZulu-Natal and covers a vast area served by 11 municipalities. The campuses of this College are spread over a wide geographical area. This particular FET College is historically a state-funded merged institution of former Technical Colleges and Skills Centres. The merger was intended to deliver a better service by avoiding duplication of programmes at the colleges. Data gained from interviews with relevant role players identified challenges such as lack of infrastructure, poverty, poorly resourced campuses, high turnover of staff, limited course offerings, lack of policies and lack of financial assistance for disadvantaged students as key challenges faced in the rural areas. Most of the challenges faced by staff at campuses are related to the centralisation of services. Poor management is blamed for most of the challenges experienced by central office staff. Challenges faced by students are poverty, lack of infrastructure, unemployment and transport. Based on the findings of this study, recommendations are made relating to the challenges faced by the various role players. / Thesis (M.Ed)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2010.