A dissertation of limited scope submitted to the Faculty of Arts in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the course-work degree of Masters of Recreation and Tourism in the Centre for Recreation and Tourism at The University of Zululand, 2003. / This study is conducted with a view that the provision of tourism and recreation attractions contributes greatly to the social, physical and economic development in the Stanger-Mthunzini Districts. The study is also carried out with a view that tourism has a great potential of boosting the economy of the study area and the entire country of South Africa. The study has therefore operated with the following objectives in mind: • To determine the adequacy of tourist attractions and service facilities in the study area. • To investigate the extent to which members of the local community are aware of the existence of the tourist attractions. • To find out the nature of tourist participation patterns within the study area. • To establish the extent to which members of the local community benefit from the availability of tourist attractions. • To examine if there is any co-operation between the managers of attractions, developers and the members of the local community. • To establish the level of involvement of the local community in tourism related decision-making Pursuant to the listed objectives, this study identified related hypotheses towards finding answers to the research question. The method of collecting, analysing and interpreting data involved computer manipulation of data utilising the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings of this study reveal that most of the stated objectives were met. The study revealed that most members of the local community do not associate the development initiatives with their immediate needs. They see the presence of the existing attractions as not benefiting them in any significant manner. It was also established that the members of the local community do not use local attractions extensively, due to the lack of exposure to them and the fact that most of the people in the study are not highly educated. Respondents revealed that most of them are employed to do manual work in the sugar-cane plantations. The conditions under which they work, leave them with neither adequate financial resources nor time to participate in recreation activities. In terms of behaviour and attitudes, the study indicated that the members of the local community have negative feelings towards the provision of tourist recreation. The reasons usually given were that they were not invited to participate in decision-making. Other respondents claimed that they were driven away from the land they originally occupied and owned, for purposes of constructing some of the tourist attractions. Some recommendations have been made to improve the way in which the members of the local community perceive the attractions in their locality. These include doing public awareness of these attractions, involving the members of the local community in decision-making, providing them with employment. The government should play a role in developing and empowering the youth and women by equipping them with skills required in the tourism industry.

A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Arts in partial fulfillment of the requirements for Master's degree in Recreation and Tourism, in the Department of Recreation and Tourism at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2011. / The study on the Environmental Management Plan as a tool for Tourism Development within uMkhanyakude District Municipality was conducted in consideration of tourism industry being the tourists' destination as well as the major source of income in the region. There are various factoid that contributed immensely toward the growth of tourism in the study area. This study has identified that Environmental Management Plan (BMP) as one of the factors that played a significant role in ensuring authenticity of natural environment which forms the basis for tourism development. The objectives of the study are an important component of this research because they paved the direction that this study followed. The objectives of the study were as follow: • Objective 1: To investigate the strategies used for protection and conservation of environment and natural resources for tourism development; • Objective 2: To find out if the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) serves as tool for tourism development; • Objective 3: To establish the status quo of tourism development within uMkhanyakude District Municipality; • Objective 4: To investigate the level of implementation of Environmental Management Plan (EMP) of uMkhanyakude District Municipality. Data were collected through the use of questionnaires which had both open and close ended questions. After the data were collected, it was analysed using SPSS. This programme was used to fomiulate frequency tables, graphs and related analysis. There were vanous findings that were deduced from the responses of the interviewees. The findings of the study depicted that strategies and methods for protection and conservation of environmental resources exist in the study area. The strategies linked the importance and value of environmental resources towards tourism development. It prevailed that the inhabitants of uMkhanyakude District Municipality value the nature and its role in providing tourism related opportunities as well as other benefits to the local people. There are organisations and departments that played a major role in ensuring that the environment remains the first priority in the operations of local communities. According to respondents' perceptions, organisations such as Reperial Reforestation, WWF, WESSA, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, DEAT, Water Affairs and Forestry have played a significant role in inculcating the essence of the environment in the local communities of the study area. The findings of the study led to several recommendations that would assist in enhancing the implementation of BMP. The proper implementation of BMP will positively influence tourism development and directly contribute to economic growth of the study area. Recommendations included the following: (a) that methods and strategies to protect and conserve the environment should be reinforced, (b) that stakeholders (including government, private sectors and community) should be involved in developing and implementing BMP in their local municipality, (c) that the EMP should be developed taking into cognizance both environmental and tourism issues, as these two aspects are assumed to be intertwined, (d) uMkhanyakude District Municipality should provide personnel that will monitor the implementation of the EMP in the local municipalities and finally (e) that tourism as a subject should be introduced and promoted in schools.

Dissertation presented in fulfilment of requirements for the degree of Masters of Industrial Sociology, in the Department of Sociology at the University of Zululand, Faculty of Arts, 2002. / This study focuses on the problems facing the development of the small-scale business industries at Esikhawini in Kwazulu Natal Province. The first chapter brings forth the primary information about the small-scale business as it started in other countries does. It came to South Africa with the missionaries from Europe. Via the Mediterranean Sea as their route until eventually reached Africa exchange of commodities begun. The African continent has generally poor infrastructure and because of illiteracy Europeans came to exploit African minerals and took Africans into slavery. All that missionaries introduced was their concern with literacy and religious instructions Missionaries failed to develop an African entrepreneur class. In chapter two-literature review shows that there are many problems that hinder the development of the small-scale business industries that could not be developed the government. Other authors reveal that the government failed to attend some of the problems because of the lack of skills for running the small-scale business. The geographical location of the business, as some of the business is located far from the source of raw material is another factor. The competition among the small -scale business further made them not to support the communities. Thus resulted in the decline of the small-scale business industries. Chapter three of the study reveals the purposive sampling method that was used in this study. It is because of its appropriateness to the study, that the data collection was done using self -administered questionnaires. The questionnaires comprises both close and open-ended questionnaires. They were distributed among the workers and the owners of the small -scale business industries In chapter four the data collected was analyzed using tables and the pie charts, in the data analysis the researcher found that the small scale business industries at Esikhawini were owned by the single untrained people, which contributes to their decline. Most of them know nothing about the running of the business and there is a lot of competition among these business which is a further hindrance to the development of this industry. In Chapter five, the researcher recommens and concluded that the problems feeing the development of the small -scale business industries is the global problem, because it is not centered at Kwazulu-Natal Province only, but all the small-scale industries in the world suffer from similar problems. The researcher suggests that the government's intervention through forming a department that would deal with small-scale industries could make small-scale business industries to develop to some considerable level.

A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree MA (Counseling Psychology) in the Department of Psychology Faculty of Arts University of Zululand, 2004. / This is an exploratory study aimed at uncovering the personality dynamics of sexual offenders at Qalakabusha prison hi Empangeni. Various theories were reviewed in relation to the present study. The study was earned out focusing on the offenders who have been convicted for committing rape. With the assistance of officials at Qalakabusha prison, the researcher was able to use the purposive sampling technique hi selecting the respondents. Data was collected hi a series of individual interviews. In addition, the researcher also administered the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory Test (MCMl-IJI) and the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) to assess the personality dynamics of sexual offenders. From the themes that emerged from the oral interviews with the research participants, it became evident that many beliefs about rape exists in the form of myths. It also became evident from the personality tests administered, as well as from the themes that emerged from the oral interviews, that through the process of socialization, males are taught to be strong, aggressive and sexually assertive. Females are taught to be submissive, passive and weak. Spurred on by this, males may resort to rape as a method of showing their power over women. The elevations from the MCMI-III suggest that the personality dynamics of sexual offenders is characterized by delusional disorder. Clinical syndromes that were devoted were alcohol dependence, anxiety, somatoform and dysthymia with basic aggressive and antisocial, schizoid, avoidant and depressive, personality patterns. They are also dominated by schizotypal and paranoid personality pathology. It was interesting to note similarities between the themes that emerge from the oval interviews and the scales that were elevated on the MCMI-III Test. These were aggressive outbursts and poor social relations. With regard to the TAT test, the participant's mood and tone were characterized by hesitancy, uncertainty, conflicted anxiety, guilt and self contemptuous. The main hero was an initiator (man), who was powerful. The main theme was that of anger towards females. Similarities also existed between the themes that emerged from the oval interviews and the TAT test administered. In both these, women were perceived as objects to be exploited, and their main needs were those of dominance, sex, aggression and recognition. The study then made the following recommendations: "There is a need for educational programs and public campaigns aimed at reducing the vulnerability to crime in all communities around South Africa, as well as rehabilitation programs, since the research has revealed some of the personality dynamics of sexual offenders. Such programmes would be cost effective and will help to reduce the cost of court hearings, should the offender be brought to trial. Incarceration of the offender whether in state hospital or prison, poses financial burden to the taxpayers. It is also recommended that there is a need for a co-ordinated effort and assistance of the diverse organizations and institutions such as prisons, business, trade unions, welfare agencies, NGO's. schools, and religious organizations to work together in combating crime in South Africa. While less research has been conducted on male rape. This study recommended future research on male (victim) rape, since males also experience the many reactions that females experience (National Victim Center, 1991). In the light of the above recommendations, the study concluded that rape is a crime that not only needs to be prevented but once committed, the involvement of a number of individuals, groups and organizations is needed to resolve the consequences it generates. The research also concluded that the present study made valuable contribution to our understanding of the world of the sexual offenders and was a success despite a few limitations. The understanding of the personality dynamics of sexual offenders through interviews and psychological tests, has indeed formed the basis for the development of an effective integrated prevention program at all levels, i.e. primary (preventing incidence). secondary (preventing prevalence) and tertian' levels (rehabilitation). / National Research Foundation (NRF)

Submitted in fulfilment for the degree Master of Arts in the Department of Isizulu namaGugu at the University of Zululand, 2006. / Lona ngumsebenzi wocwaningo ohlelwe ngokwezahluko eziyisithupha. Leso naleso sahluko sizinze emgomeni munye ogqamile ngeqhaza elibanjwe ukulwa nezimpi ekukhuliseni ulimi IwesiZulu. Isahluko sokuqala sethula zocwaningo, ukuveza inkinga, kanye nomdiyo wocwaningo. ucwaningo jikelele ngokuxwaningisisa izinjongo incazelo yamagama, izindlela zokuqhuba ucwaningo Isahluko sesibili sijule ngemvelaphi yokulwa kanye nezimpi okususwa ukucasuka okuthile. Lokhu kuthinta impi ozalweni, ukulwa okusegazini lomuntu, ukulwa okususelwa ekusetshenzisweni kwemithi, impi yezwe kanye nempi yempilo. Isahluko sesithathu sibuka izikhali zokulwa nendlela yokuzisebenzisa. Kulezo zikhali kukhona ezokushaya ezithinta izinhlobonhlobo zezinduku. Kuthintwa izinhlobo zezinduku ngokwamagama emithi kanye nokusetshenziswa kwegama induku ngokuyimfihlo. Kubuye kwathintwa nemikhonto ngezinhlobo zayo, izikhali zokugenca, nezokudubula. Isahluko sesine sicwaninga ngomnikelo wezimpi nokulwa ekukhuliseni ulimi kusukela ngaphambi kwesikhathi seNkosi uShaka, ngesikhathi seNkosi uShaka nangemuva kwesikhathi seNkosi uShaka. Lapha kungena amagama, izisho, izaga, amahubo, izigiyo nemichwayo. Isahluko sesihlanu siphuza ekuthuthukisweni kolimi ngenxa yezifengqo zempi. Izifengqo ezithintiwe yisifaniso, yisingathekiso nefanamsindo. Isahluko sesithupha siyahlaziya ebese siphothula. Ngamafuphi kuhlonzingwa ngononina konke okutholakale ocwaningweni kusukela esahlukweni sokuqala kuze kuyofika esahlukweni sesihlanu ebese kwephethwa imbenge

Submitted to the FACULTY OF ARTS in partial fulfillment of the requirements for MASTERS DEGREE IN SOCIAL WORK (Community work) in the Department of Social Work at the University of Zululand, 2005. / In 1996, the South African National Welfare Department estimated that countrywide 67% of female headed-households lived in poverty and that 75.2% of children under 5years were exposed to conditions of poverty. The government planned its developmental programs of women and children under 5years, which was targeted at this high risk group, in order to reduce their potential dependency on the state through child support grants (Social Work Practice Vol 2.96: 3) These pilot programs which were initiated in nine provinces were referred to as flagship programs and Bambanana flagship program in Northen KwZulu/Natal was one of them. Skills development and economic empowerment would be strategies utilized to develop and sustain these programs. The consortium consisting of NGO's and Government departments had initially negotiated with provincial hospitals to purchase the products from the various projects of the flagship programs, thus ensuring a viable market for the products. Eight years have since elapsed following the initiation of these flagship programs. The research investigation undertaken by the researcher aims at evaluating the relevance, efficiency and effectiveness of the Bam banana flagship program in Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal.

Adissertation submitted to the Faculty of Education in fufillment or partial fufilment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Education (Research Methodology) in the Department of Educational Psychology and Special Education at the University of Zululand, 2006. / The purpose of this study was to investigate the nature of educators' attitudes towards teenage pregnancy in Secondary Schools of the Lower Tugela Circuit of KwaZuIu-Natal. Subjects were educators (N=97) from twenty secondary schools. These educators were of different ages; races: religious affiliation, educational levels teaching experience and gender. The study, further, investigated the relationship (if any) that exist between their attitudes towards teenage pregnancy and various educators' characteristics such as age, gender, race, religious affiliation, educational level and their teaching experience. The study was conducted in response to the KZN Circular Number 116 of 2000 which seem to give more rights to pregnant learners . The findings indicated that educators have positive attitudes and are sympathetic towards pregnant teenagers, but displayed reservations about the level of skills they have with regard to helping teenagers in the times of emergency (like delivery) in the classroom. The study formulated some recommendations that the researcher hope (believe) will strengthen the relationship between educators and pregnant teenagers in schools.

Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree MASTER OF EDUCATION in the Department of Educational Planning and Administration of the Faculty of Education at the University of Zululand, 2006. / This study examines the leadership role of School Management Teams (SMTs) in marketing schools in the Lower Tugela Circuit in KwaZulu-Natal. School managers currently face the major challenge of finding innovative ways of attracting learners to their institutions. With at least part of their budget derived from school fees and private donors, they need to ensure solid learner enrolment numbers and good pass rates. To address this issue, SMTs are expected to employ business and marketing principles in their management plans. SMTs are faced with the task of changing educators' mindsets and perceptions with regard to marketing. They are required to inculcate a competitive spirit among educators and create partnerships with industries to attract sponsorships. Furthermore, SMTs need to ensure that the needs of their learners are satisfied. An empirical investigation was undertaken to assess and evaluate the role of SMTs in marketing their schools. Data was solicited from a sample of SMTs by means of questionnaires. Both open and closed-ended questions were used. The following are key findings of the study: • Some schools lack teacher development programmes to capacitate educators to market their schools effectively. • School Governing Bodies (SGBs) are not sufficiently involved in school marketing decisions. • Some schools have not established partnership with business and industry. On the basis of these findings, the following recommendations were made: • SMTs must be tasked with developing programmes to capacitate educators to market their schools effectively. • SGBs should be involved in a greater capacity in school marketing decisions. • SMTs should bridge the gap between schools as education service providers and business/industry as the ultimate consumer of these services, by marrying the business/industry knowledge and skills requirements with relevant school curriculum design.

Thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Master's Degree of Technology: Information Technology, Durban University of Technology, 2008. / Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) allows for the wireless transfer of data between a small electronic transmitting tag and a reader without the necessity of line-of-sight. A feature of RFID, is that this read operation may occur over long distances and that multiple reads may occur. The aim of this study is to analyse the nature and extent of RFID adoption in the KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa. The study fits within the theory of innovation diffusion and is concerned with issues around technology diffusion, adoption rates, and its associated critical success factors. The estimation of RFID diffusion rate in the study is based on a telephonic survey of 140 companies. The respondents were chosen from a marketing database that had extensive information on South African companies. Size was determined to be the selection criterion as the literature indicates that size is the most compelling concomitant to innovativeness. In this study, size was deemed to be companies that had more than 50 PC’s in one geographic unit, of the company, in KwaZulu-Natal. The key research result locates the RFID diffusion rate in KwaZulu-Natal to be around 19% which corresponds to points beyond the “chasm” as defined by innovation diffusion theory. The second phase of the study comprised the administration of a questionnaire to two groups of IT professionals with the aim of comparing perceptions and other characteristics between the two groups. The 140 respondents were asked to submit as many professional staff as they could for an in-depth interview. The result was that 21 companies submitted 30 candidates. This yielded the two groups: the Adopter sample with 14 respondents, and the non-adopter sample with 16 respondents. The analysis of results shows the two groups have similar views on many strategic factors such as privacy, security, cost and standards etc. Adopters perceive that the following factors impacts RFID adopting decisions more (than non-adopters): Turnover, Having labour cost savings, RFID ubiquity, It will take as long for my company to adopt RFID as it did for barcode, RFID cost awareness. On the other hand non-adopters felt that the following factor impacts non-adoption of RFID Technology unproven or immature, Human skills non-availability, Implementation costs, Corporate resistance, and, Support Concerns.

Submitted in fulfillment for the requirements of the Degree of Doctor of Technology: Education, Durban University of Technology, 2010. / In this critical reflective self study I have examined the Family Literacy Project (FLP) to determine the influences that contributed to the development of an approach to family literacy. This study responds to the question What influences contributed to the development of an approach to family literacy relevant to the needs of families in rural KwaZulu Natal? By identifying and exploring and critically reflecting on these influences I provide insights that can inform policy and practice in the adult education and early childhood development sectors in South Africa. The study includes my critical reflections on finding a voice within a self study and how this has contributed towards the development of a methodology. In the process, I have developed a deeper understanding and appreciation of what has been achieved in the FLP during the first eight years under my directorship, and why. In the study, I report on these insights. The FLP project in this study is situated in deeply rural KwaZulu Natal, where the existing extensive knowledge base is almost exclusively oral, and informed by well established insights, understandings and values. In this context, I have examined the roles of families, adult literacy and early childhood development to establish their impact on the development of literacy in families. Through critical reflection, I then identified the principles – active learning, holistic development, community and children‟s rights – underpinning the FLP and was able to establish how these impacted on the development and success of the project. I then examined the roles, practices and characteristics of the FLP facilitators, and the experiences of facilitators and those who engaged in the project. I also looked at the roles played by the community, the external evaluators, and the effect of exposure of the project in the public domain through attendance at iv conferences, publication of journal articles, and awards made to the project because of its successes. I conclude the study by suggesting how the insights from the study might provide support for others engaged in such initiatives and indicating how the topic may be further investigated. / National Research Foundation.