Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements of the degree in Masters of Technology in Nursing, Durban University of Technology, 2014. / Background The rapid growth in information and communication technology (ICT) in the 21st century has impacted all spheres of human activity, including the health sector. The change introduced by ICT requires educational institutions to relook at the way in which they develop and implement their education programmes. In contemporary clinical practice environments, ICT skills are providing benefits for nurses as well as for the patients they care for. Aim The aim of the study was to investigate the status of usage of ICT by academic staff, students and administrators within campuses of the KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing which consists of 11 main campuses and 14 sub-campuses. Methodology A quantitative, cross sectional study was conducted which included academic staff, administrative staff, and students (R425 and R212) of the KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing. A random sample of 576 individuals participated in the study consisting of academic staff (176); administrative staff (30) and students (340). Participants completed a questionnaire that established their demographic data and ICT usage. Results The questionnaire response rate was academic staff (80%), students (89%) and administrative staff (93%). The findings showed that while respondents were able to manage work related activities; they experienced poor access to computer training with 66% indicating they had access to computer training. The access to computer training for the administrative staff was 50%, with 8% of rural and 1% of urban students having access to training. The majority of academic staff have access to desktop computers with there still being a divide in terms of rural access as compared to urban access p=0.24. Significantly more administrative staff had access to desktop computers than those who do not p<.0005. The access to desktop computers for students was low, with 22% of respondents in both rural and urban campuses indicating that they have access. Access to the internet was low for all respondent groups with a significant difference between those who have access compared to those who do not have access p=<.0005, for both the academic and student groups. There is a low use of ICT for the purposes of teaching and learning with the majority of respondents (60%) indicating that they do not use ICT for teaching compared to those who do p=.0007. All respondent groups have experienced poor ICT support with the majority indicating that they do not receive ICT support p=<.0005. The usage of the online library was low for all groups, with 61% of academic staff, not accessing the online library for reasons of access, or knowledge about the library, 23% of urban students and 20% of rural students have indicated ever using the online library. Conclusion The study highlights the need for the KZNCN to be on par with higher education institutions globally in access to and usage of ICT. Benchmarking with higher education institutions in the health and other sectors is essential, in order for the KZNCN to benefit from the trend in incorporating technology into the teaching and learning process. Strong collaboration is necessary between the KZNCN as an academic institution and clinical health facilities to ensure that the developments in ICT within both sectors are reflected in the teaching and learning process, so that graduating nurses are able to function effectively. Clear policy documents and guidelines are required for the KZNCN which reflect the norms required for both ICT equipment and systems to enable functioning of the institution within an increasingly technological environment.

The overall aim of the study was to study the relevance of educational provision in KwaZulu-Natal. There have been no vocationally orientated alternatives available in the schools of this province. The poor performance of our matriculants results in wide-spread media coverage. A further consideration in the formulation of the aims of this study was the decline in the socio-economic development of this province. It was postulated that the problems of high youth unemployment were related to the perceived irrelevance of educational provision. A basic needs approach for human development was adopted as the theoretical foundation for the study. The aims included a comparative examination of a selection of international systems of education from high and low-income economies of the world. Primary analysis was vis-a-vis a historical, legal, socio-economic, and structure of education analytical framework .. The secondary analysis was visa- vis a framework that included trends, critical issues and anticipated future developments or reforms in education. The analytical framework was applied stringently through-out the study. Consequently the data reduction process was cyclical and on-going. Data gathering process was done by means of a process of document collection supplemented by interviews with stakeholders and educators. Two questionnaires were designed for implementation at a critical stage of the study .. These two surveys focused on critical areas of relevant education in the region. Data reduction took place systematically the context of Chapters 3, 4 and 5. The emerging themes were concluded in a final summarising chapter. The findings indicated that the problems of relevance in KwaZulu-Natal were linked to a fragmented historical past. The perpetuation of irrelevance in education was however, associated with neo-ideological considerations. The study suggested that the provincial education department did not have the capacity to provide relevant education. A decline has taken place in the standards of education in the public school sector. The strength of the private sector of this province was concluded to be a factor of relevance. Further research in human resources development was critical for the future development of the province. / Educational Studies / D. Ed. (Comparative Education)

Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN) is mainly composed of small-scale farmers with low production capacity and knowledge (ISRADS, 2004). The general problem is the performance of smallholder irrigation schemes, issues that cause low productivity; whereas the cost of purchasing machinery is too high. In the rural areas the majority of the people are unemployed due to different reasons such as lack of employment opportunities available to them, lack of skill, and low level of education and mostly they are inexperienced. This study identifies theperformance of irrigation projects amongst smallholder sugarcane farmers in KwaZulu Natal in order to uplift the livelihood of smallholder sugarcane production as well as its sustainability.This was done on the basis of demographics, historical background and agricultural potential. This dissertation will discusses all approaches used to conduct the study. The dissertation also describes the analytical framework used in this study, namely: The research design, sampling, sample size, data, data collection procedures, model description and the specific analyses carried out to address the study objectives. The results of net values of irrigated and non-irrigated lands, the irrigating households indicated13% of sugar cane production per hector more than non-irrigators. It is clearly indicated that water/ irrigation can contribute on maximizing sugarcane yield and promotes sustainability. Improving the technology from small scale growers’ point of view, extension officers from different areas that produce sugarcane should be scheduled to attend Refresher Courses at SASRI to train them on different aspect of irrigation management and sugarcane production. When there is newly established technology, such as invention of a new variety of sugarcane that is resistant to drought and diseases. It would be more essential for agricultural development to encourage government investment on more irrigation schemes facilities.

A total of 120 structured questionnaires were administered to analyse marketing channels used by smallholder crop farmers, at Abaqulusi Municipality, Vryheid and KwaZulu Natal Province, South Africa. Research methodology consisted of research design, sample frame, sampling procedure, data collection and data analysis which were used in the study. Descriptive statistics analysis was used, where frequencies and percentages of the variables were indicated. Variables which were measured included demographic socio-economic profile of survey household heads where age, marital status, educational level, occupation other than farming, land ownership, household size and gender of the household heads.The results show that the statistically significant variables (gender, household size) at 5% level positively affect smallholder crop farmers’ access to market information, expertise on grades and standards, availability of contractual agreements, existence of extensive social capital, availability of good market infrastructure, group participation and reliance on tradition. These findings suggest that an adjustment in each one of the significant variables can significantly influence the probability of participation in either formal or informal marketing, and hence their marketing channels. In the light of the foregoing research findings, several policy options were suggested. These include encouraging collective action, promotion of contract farming, ensuring the availability of market information to all farmers, encouraging value addition and investment in rural infrastructure.

Submitted in partial fulfilment for the Degree of Master of Technology: Food Technology, Durban Institute of Technology, 2003. / Leafy vegetables provide valuable nutrients to humans. Indigenous or traditional vegetables are rapidly being replaced by exotic plants. These vegetables are often costly and not easily available to communities. This study was undertaken to determine the nutritional composition of the leaves of twenty traditional leafy vegetables namely Solanum nigrum, Physalis viscosa, Cucumis metuliferus, Momordica balsamina, Amaranthus spinosus, Amaranthus hybridus, Amaranthus dubius, Asystasia gangetica, Justicia flava, Emex australis, Oxygonum sinuatum, Bidens pilosa, Cleome monophylla, Portulaca oleracea, Wahlenbergia undulata, Senna occidentalis, Chenopodium album, Ceratotheca triloba, Galinsoga parviflora and Centella asiatica from different locations in Kwa-Zulu Natal. The leafy vegetables were analysed for protein, moisture, fat, fibre, carbohydrates, ash, energy values and nutritionally valuable mineral elements (Ca, P, Na, Zn, Mg, Mn and Fe). / M

M.A. (Development Studies) / This study examines water service provision models in KwaZulu-Natal and asks to what extent the intention behind the implementation of a specific model of water service provision correlates with residents’ experiences of the service delivery model that is implemented within their township? Using a case study method this question was examined in two poor communities in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa that were characterised by different models of water service delivery. In the first case, namely Kwadukuza, municipal service provision is the operating model, whilst in the second case, Etete, a Public-Private Partnership governs water service delivery. In examining the different models of water service delivery in the two communities and how they are perceived and experienced by stakeholders, this research primarily expands on existing literature on water service provision within South Africa. It furthermore contributes to broader discussions on decentralisation and citizen participation, whilst building on scholarly debates on water privatisation and partnerships in the context of townships in South Africa. The study begins with a consideration of relevant literature, examining the growing impetus of decentralisation globally, as well as the concurrent emergence of neoliberal thinking and New Public Management strategies. Thereafter, debates on water privatisation are explored, before moving on to a consideration of the policy and practice of water provision in the South African context. At this juncture, the study draws on in-depth interviews as it considers the two models of water service provision within the Ilembe District Municipality – the factors that influenced their implementation and, thereafter, the relationships between and experiences of stakeholders (both implementers and beneficiaries alike) of the service delivery model that operates within their municipality. The study submits that the proposed benefits of decentralisation in the South African context are questionable, specifically as they relate to the delivery of services to the poorest of the poor. It is argued that this is owing considerably to inadequacies at the level of local government. In this respect, it is suggested that existing participatory mechanisms are falling short of the mark. In light of this, the study advances the manifold advantages of multiple stakeholders and partnership arrangements for service delivery models in the South African context. At its core, the study highlights residents’ experiences of water service delivery into their townships in an attempt to measure these against other reported experiences.

The primary purpose of CTG is to detect early signs of intrapartum hypoxia and improve foetal outcomes. Intrapartum hypoxia remains the major cause of perinatal deaths mainly in monitored labours. This is attributed to the midwives’ lack of skills in the foetal implementation and interpretation of CTG. Midwives interpret foetal heart rate patterns erroneously hence they fail to detect early signs of severe foetal compromise. Accurate interpretation of CTG is the cornerstone for clinical decision during intra-partum foetal surveillance. Therefore, it is mandatory that midwives are competent in CTG. The purpose of the study was to explore and describe the perceptions of midwives in KwaZulu-Natal public hospitals regarding their level of competence related to the CTG. The purpose of the study was to explore and describe the perceptions of midwives in KwaZulu-Natal public hospitals regarding their level of competence related to the CTG. The objectives of this study were: -to explore and describe the perceptions of the midwives regarding their level of competence relating to cardiotocography. -to establish the levels of competence of midwives in relation to CTG. -to develop clinical guidelines that could be utilised by midwives in the implementation and interpretation of the cardiotocograph. The study utilised a quantitative non-experimental comparative descriptive research design. A self-developed and self-administered questionnaire was developed under the supervision of a statistician and was to collect data from a purposively selected sample of midwives who work in labour wards in Kwa-Zulu Natal public hospitals. A sample of 226 practicing midwives working in labour wards of the nine KZN public hospitals was selected using a non-probability convenience sampling method; only 125 responded. Data were collected on an excel spread sheet and analysed under the supervision of the statistician and research supervisor. The researcher assured of validity and reliability of the data collection method and data as well as of the data collection instrument. The findings revealed that the midwives in KZN public hospitals perceived themselves as being competent regarding CTG tasks; however they lack knowledge and skills in the implementation and interpretation of CTG. It was also evident that the midwives’ years of midwifery clinical experience, labour ward experience, possession of additional post basic midwifery qualification and the perceived level of competence related to CTG tasks number of years of the midwives did not influence their level of competence in the implementation and interpretation of CTG. Literature control supported these findings and there was consistency with that literature. Recommendations were made and clinical guidelines were developed to assist midwives with the assessment of foetal heart rate and the interpretation of the cardiotocograph results.

South Africa has been experiencing a continuous bout of service delivery protests since the late 1990s. Protests are a public manifestation of conflict and therefore this study uses the term conflict and protest interchangeably. The cost of the damage which results from these protests is immense. It is critical that solutions to this protest ensure that the underlying factors leading to the protest are addressed, in order to reduce the probability of its reoccurrence. This study seeks to investigate whether or not service delivery conflict could be prevented through improved implementation of government services in all spheres. The provision of basic service delivery is critical for the livelihood of any community and even more so for previously disadvantaged communities. It is important to verify if the lack of, or poor, service delivery can lead communities to revolt against each other or the governing authority. The challenge with any conflict situation is that when it erupts into destruction, only the visible symptoms are addressed, because addressing the underlying factors is a long-term process which requires a holistic understanding of the conflict. Previously disadvantaged communities are experiencing a backlog of service delivery, the exploitation of their plight by different agencies and mismanagement by public servants, which further delays service delivery. The Ezakheni community has been one of those communities who were previously disadvantaged and expected different levels of government to meet their service delivery needs, from land ownership to the building of houses. This community expected that the process of improving their livelihood would be fast-tracked instead it was delayed by community conflict. The conflict started as a revolution against agencies that were against the community’s process of acquiring land, but ended up as community members fought each other and government departments in order to survive. The Ezakheni community conflicts date back to 1998 and subsided during late 2005. Any conflict after that was latent, although there were still killings, but they were sporadic and sometimes not linked to the conflict but categorised as criminal behaviour. The present study takes the reader through the process of evaluating whether or not there is a logical relationship between Ezakheni community conflict and service delivery. Chapter One gives an overview of the study and the processes that were followed during this study. Chapter Two opens up theoretical debates that influence the epistemology of this study. Chapter Three gives the reader a detailed overview of the profile of the case study. Chapter Four describes the methodology that has been utilised in the study. Chapter Five presents the data and interprets it. Chapter Six concludes the study.

A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Arts in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Centre for Recreation and Tourism at the University of Zululand, 2007. / It has been observed that the tourism industry is facing many challenges in KwaZulu-Natal. First and foremost, the ownership of tourism resources still does not reflect the demographics of the population of the province. Second, indigenous Zulu culture remains under-packaged for tourism purposes. The little that is packaged generally lacks cultural authenticity and the dignity associated with it. This research study has therefore, identified that Zulu culture is one of the most important reasons for patronage of foreign tourists. This was evident in comments coming from the filling-in of visitors' records at each of the tourist attractions. It became apparent that there is a general desire out there to learn more about Zulu culture and heritage. The fundamental objectives of this research inquiry are three-fold: (a) to identify the levels of engagement in systematic alignment between policy formulation and policy implementation in the tourism sector in KwaZulu-Natal; (b) to reveal the various recreation and tourism practices taking place and experienced at the three case-study sites of Impi YaseNcome Museum, the Spirit of eMakhosini Valley and the Inanda Heritage Route, all in KwaZulu-Natal; and (c) to determine the extent to which international benchmarking in tourism policy formulation has been adopted in the study area. To achieve these objectives the research adopted both a qualitative and quantitative approach, each of these approaches was expected to address the intangible and tangible aspects of the tourism attractions and resources in the study area. Analysing the materia! and non-materials facets of tourism is a challenge on its own, because the fields of recreation and tourism, are a fairly virgin field of study. The qualitative and quantitative approaches as applied in the empirical investigation of cultural and heritage tourism phenomena, are utilised and married in chapters five and six of this thesis. The findings of the study reveal that, although the tourism promotion strategies in KwaZulu-Natal centre around the concept of the Zulu Kingdom brand, there is general under-development of the very tourist attractions which would maximise the presence of Zulu culture on the ground. At Impi YaseNcome Museum, there is a static permanent exhibition. At the Spirit of eMakhosini, there is a misrepresentation of Zulu symbolism to be antiquated. The Inanda Heritage Route was found to be exceedingly underdeveloped. Considering that the study has found a deficiency in the systematic alignment between policy formulation and policy implementation in KwaZulu-Natal, it has nonetheless succeeded to put forward a theoretical model that seeks to align policy and practice in the context of achieving a broad based black economic development in the tourism sector. The model proposes the integration of policy, resources and the industry towards developing the community. The study has focused on the development and promotion of cultural tourism in KwaZulu-Natal, for the benefit of communities, through utilising cultural, heritage and historical resources. Moreover, the study has strongly recommended that the economic and development value of cultural tourism ought to be taken seriously by those involved with tourism policy development in the province, so as to be of benefit to one and all. In this regard the study raises many possibilities for further research. / University of Zululand

A dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master in Communication Science at the University of Zululand, 2004. / In this dissertation the researcher uses cognitive science and communication science to develop an integrative motivational learning framework for teaching intermediate phase learners to solve problems in the subject domains of mathematical literacy, language literacy, natural science, economic and management sciences, social sciences, technology, arts and culture and life orientation within the South African Outcomes-based Education curriculum.