Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Social Work in the Faculty of Arts at the University of Zululand, 2004. / This stucly set out to investigate the possibility of school social work intervention as an institutional structure in South African schools with special reference to the Durban, Empangeni and Pietermaritzburg education areas where the writer carried out the empirical observation. The justification or the investigation was strengthened by the double factors of globalisation and fast increasing technology transfer throughout the world- The study regarded the multiplicity of social, financial and other problems plaguing communities in South Africa as a given. Against this background, the question asked was whether, given the reality of these factors inhibiting the intellectual and vocatipnal development of school going children, educational provision for social work intervention as it obtains at the moment, was adequate to equip the younger generation to fit gainfully in a highly competitive and fast changing global market. ln terms of methodological orientation, the study was both exploratory and descriptive in nature. It employed both qualitative and quantitative methods including interviews and focused groups. The sample was divided into two phases. The respondents in phase one were educators and education managers. The respondents in phase two were social workers and social work managers from the Department of Welfare as well as non-governmental organizations CNGO's). For this study two interview schedules were used to obtain data. One was for Educators and Education Managers and the other was for Social Workers and Social Work Managers. The findings of this study are revealing in their disclosure. They reveal that the child could benefit from a developmental perspective in school social work, as this perspective would discourage dependency, and promote parental involvement and that of other sections of the community having a vested interest in the school. The findings of this study give ample indication that given the situation of South Africa within a fast changing global economy, the introduction of, as well as adequate provisioning for school social work intervention would be a well placed structural improvement in the South African schooling system. Somewhat disturbing though was the finding that educators were not making adequate use of social Work services (where available in referring children with social problems to social work agencies). In turn the agency social workers were'unable to attend speedily to children's social problems because of their heavy case loads. With this in the background, the recommendation for the insti'tutionalisation of school social work is no longer of legislative choice but an existential imperative.

A mini dissertation submitted in partial fulfillments for the degree of master of Environmental Education in the department of Comparative and Science Education at the University of Zululand, 2006. / Most tribes in South Africa still make use oftraditional medicines and use prescriptions ofherbs and other natural materials (Matsiliza and Barker 2001). Medicinal plants from Northern KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), particularly areas such as UIundi, Empangeni, Eshowe Mtubatuba and Nongoma are no exception and are a constituent of a traditional culture. The informal trade in indigenous plants for medicinal use (umuthi) is growing constantly (Mander, 1998). There are many reasons for this, including an expanding population coupled with modernisation of society that is hastened by the development of roads, improved communication methods and the migration of people from villages to cities. The prohibitive cost of modern medicines, together with the high rate of unemployment is forcing many people to revert to traditional medicines and even to gather and sell medicinal plants as a living. This results in over-exploitation of some plant species, sometimes to the brink ofextinction (Matsiliza and Barker 2001). This study aims at investigating the implications of plant harvests that are sold at bus ranks in northern KwaZuluNatal, and at identifYing target species for threatened plant programmes with the help of data gathered via direct interviews with medicinal plant sellers. It also aims at identifying and remedying knowledge gaps that may exist among plant gatherers about propagation techniques applicable to the medicinal plants they harvest.

Submitted in accordance with the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the subject Sociology at the University of Zululand, 2003. / This study investigates the effects of unemployment on the rate of crime in South Africa with specific reference to KwaZulu-Nata! Province. In assessing the major impact of unemployment on the rate of crime, the work of key thinkers such as, Durkheim, Merton, Marx and Keynesian classical theories, had a tremendous influence in this research. Other theories used are considered as contributory to this study. The hypotheses that were formulated for statistical testing revealed that unemployment contribute greatly to the high rate of crime in South Africa. This research also showed that the low level of education is responsible for the high rate of unemployment, and bears a direct relationship with the high rate of crime. Furthermore, this research showed that the minimum wage legislation by government contribute to the high rate of unemployment. fn the light of the above findings, the study recommends the following.- the co-ordinated effort and assistance of the diverse organizations such as prisons, business, trade unions, welfare agencies, schools and religious institutions in combatting the problem O' crime. This study also recommends a need for a strong relationship between the anti-crime programme and the Reconstruction and Development Programme. There is also a need for educational programmes aimed at reducing vulnerability to crime in South Africa. Furthermore, it is recommended that, rural areas in particular, be prioritized for special job creation projects and skills development programmes. Finally, a Parscnian analysis of our findings revealed 3 need for the integration and co-operation between the two social structures - the Ministry of Labour and the Department of Correctional Services units, which have earlier been highlighted by sociologists as the functional aspect of the social structure that keeps the social system stable.

Submitted in accordance with the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Education in the Department of Educational Planning and Administration at the University of Zululand, 2003. / Wide scale demands for the introduction and management of holistic changes in schools across South Africa have positioned principals in the unprecedented occupational position of transformational leaders who are accountable for renewing schools in accordance with national policy mandates, provincial proclamations and regional edicts. Added to the complex nature of this position, is the imperative to develop mandatory partnerships with the community via school governing bodies. The South African Schools Act No. 108 of 1996 places School Governing Bodies (SGB) in the position of trust to make effective policy decisions and to oversee Whole School Development (WSD) on behalf of their respective communities. Thus, curiosity has been aroused about the effectiveness and efficiency of school managers and governors in developing structures and strategies to facilitate changes for WSD. A literature study and an empirical investigation were conducted. From the literature reviewed a theoretical framework was provided for the study, which elucidates the policies, philosophy and principles underpinning WSD. Four WSD approaches are discussed. Collectively, these approaches provide a pioneering way in which school managers and governors can promote effective schools. The empirical study pursues both a quantitative and qualitative investigation into the problem being researched. A case study was conducted in a rural school on the south coast of KwaZuIu-Natal in an attempt to investigate first hand, the roles of the school manager and the school governing body in facilitating WSD. Furthermore, a survey, via questionnaires administered to educators, was conducted in three regions across KwaZuIu-Natal, namely North Durban, Durban South and Port Shepstone to verify findings that emanated from the case study. In the analysis, the above-mentioned research paradigms complement each other. While the scores on the questionnaire provided quantifiable data, the case study provided qualitative, subjective elements such as attitudes, beliefs and values relative to the problem under investigation. Additionally, a t-test, which is a statistical tool, was employed to add significance to the study. The study reveals that school principals are grappling in their leadership roles to promote WSD. It also reveals that school governors have not fully taken ownership of their powers to support the principal in WSD. The following are reflected as key findings, which emanated from the empirical investigations: • School principals are grappling in their roles as transformational leaders and have not significantly transformed their schools from mechanistic organizations to organic systems. • The management approach adopted by principals is predominantly task-oriented thus, hindering holistic developments in schools. • Teamwork among stakeholders, which is a critical component of WSD, has not been effectively established. • Principals have not been effective in developing innovative management intervention programmes to create a climate conducive to WSD where the principles of trust, transparency, open communication and a high morale among stakeholders are nurtured and valued. • Parents are complacent in their roles as school governors and reflect ineffectiveness in holding schools accountable for transformation. The research provides a unique contribution to in terms of highlighting the philosophical as well as generic factors facilitative of WSD. Its major strength lies in its originality whereby WSD is perpetuated as a transformational exercise. The study makes a valuable contribution to educational stakeholders in that it highlights the interdependent and inclusive roles of the individual and the institution both at a policy and philosophical level. This study concludes with a consideration of recommendations, which if considered and applied, could lead to the development of effective transformational leaders (principals) and efficient co-partners (governors) to introduce, manage and oversee changes imperative to facilitate WSD. The recommendations are succinct and easy to implement and has significance to all educational stakeholders. It draws different stakeholders into the equation of WSD, such as principals, educators, governors and SMTs.

Submitted to the Faculty of Education in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Education in the Department of Educational Psychology and Special Education at the University of Zululand, 2007. / This study was concerned with analysing the school context for factors that promote or impede resilience among middle adolescent learners. The study aimed to find out if black high school learners perceive themselves as resilient or non-resilient: It also investigated the aspects perceived by learners as retarding or enhancing resilience within the school context and to identify qualities of the school that enhance or impede resilience in learners. Four schools within the Pinetown district in KwaZulu Natal were chosen as a sample. Random sampling procedure was used to ensure that any of the schools falling within the four wards of Pinetown district had the same probability of being selected. All grade 10 learners, mostly those falling within the ages of 15 to 20 were asked to participate in data collection. The self-evaluation instrument that was used to collect data about whether learners perceived themselves as resilient was specifically designed to measure this variable. This instrument was designed at the University of Pretoria as part of a research project aimed at making a comparative study of middle adolescent perception of resilience (ranked high or low). The research instrument was statistically proven to have demonstrated content validity and construct validity. This instrument has statistically demonstrated its reliability in terms of internal consistency. The questionnaire had to be translated into isiZulu as most learners were first language Zulu speakers. Learners first had to undergo a self-evaluation process to test how resilient they perceived themselves to be. The second aspect of the questionnaire was to rate, in order of importance, those factors within the school environment that they perceived either enhanced or impeded resilience. A 5-point Likert-type scale Was used with a series of levels of degree expressing positive or negative response to the questionnaire. The researcher used at least 3-5 items in the instrument measured similar idea. All items were interspaced to avoid predictability of questions. The learners indicated the extent to which they agreed or disagreed with each statement. No numbers were given as learners might have mistaken them as values that are used for grading learners. Learners had to express their own views on Structured open-ended questions in order for the researcher to better understand the use of resilience. Data collected was integrated and analysed collectively to give a comprehensive understanding of resilience. The majority of learners rated themselves as resilient despite the many difficulties faced in their environment. They also affirmed all the resilience promoting factors as important to their life at school. The main characteristic of a good school highlighted by black South African adolescents in this study, was an appreciative, caring and supportive environment where respect for self and others prevails. Good schools in this study provided opportunities for learners to engage in a variety of extra-curricular activities and the resources needed by the learners were made available. The adolescents in this study appreciated a well organised school where rules and regulations were consistently followed. A good physical environment was seen also as conducive to teaching and learning. Educators who offered relevant information and empowered learners to deal with the challenges of life were viewed as great assets according to the findings of this study

A family is a basic unit of society. Among the many functions that are performed by a family, is the task of providing for its children's needs while simultaneously transmitting the society's way of life. The functioning of the family takes place through a parent-child relationship. It is therefore significant for the family to carry out parental tasks in order to give a sense of security, a sense of companion and belonging, a sense of responsibility, sense of purpose and direction to its members. Although there are many factors that pose a threat to family functioning, the scourge of the HIV/AIDS pandemic cannot be underestimated. As the disease has advanced over time, it has negatively impinged on the children's lives. Children are losing their parents to HIV/AIDS opportunistic illnesses and this has resulted in the burgeoning of child-headed households. The phenomenon of a child-headed household presents a shift from a structural family since a significant subsystem of a family (i.e the parental subsystem) is non-existent. The study presents an in-depth investigation into the social functioning of a child-headed household. The aim was to come to a better understanding about issues that surround households that are headed by children. The social institutions with whom the household co-exists have been scrutinised in order to determine the ways in which these institutions impact upon the social functioning of child-headed households. The study highlights that child-headed households are a deviation from the norm and they create a situation where needs of children are unmet and their rights are eroded. The role of social work in mobilising resources to meet the unmet needs and championing for the rights of the children has been investigated. Case studies of ten families were conducted in the three districts of KwaZulu-Natal an area in South Africa that has widely been reported as hardest hit by the pandemic. A research team was constituted which designed a protocol for conducting case studies and collected data. Social workers also participated in the study with an aim of exploring guidelines for social service delivery with regard to a child-headed household. The study found that children are increasingly exposed to aspects of multiple care-giving through lack of parental care and a changing family structure. It was also revealed that the HIV/AIDS pandemic is shattering children's lives and reversing many hard won children's rights. In spite of the transition in the family life cycle, the family remains the central institution in the children's lives. The scourge of HIV/AIDS poses a great challenge to society. Children are left on their own without visible means of support. The problems of children develop into great magnitude in spite of policies that are in place. The findings of the study point to implications for a practice model that is aimed at co-ordinating services for effective service delivery. The researcher has presented suggested guidelines based on the findings of the study. These guidelines include the role of social work in ensuring that the social functioning of the children in child-headed households is enhanced and that social justice for these children is promoted. A protocol for intervention in child-headed households is provided. This would ensure that interventions in bringing about desired change in the lives of the children, produce sustainable results on a significant scale. / Social work / D. Phil.(Social Work)

A family is a basic unit of society. Among the many functions that are performed by a family, is the task of providing for its children's needs while simultaneously transmitting the society's way of life. The functioning of the family takes place through a parent-child relationship. It is therefore significant for the family to carry out parental tasks in order to give a sense of security, a sense of companion and belonging, a sense of responsibility, sense of purpose and direction to its members. Although there are many factors that pose a threat to family functioning, the scourge of the HIV/AIDS pandemic cannot be underestimated. As the disease has advanced over time, it has negatively impinged on the children's lives. Children are losing their parents to HIV/AIDS opportunistic illnesses and this has resulted in the burgeoning of child-headed households. The phenomenon of a child-headed household presents a shift from a structural family since a significant subsystem of a family (i.e the parental subsystem) is non-existent. The study presents an in-depth investigation into the social functioning of a child-headed household. The aim was to come to a better understanding about issues that surround households that are headed by children. The social institutions with whom the household co-exists have been scrutinised in order to determine the ways in which these institutions impact upon the social functioning of child-headed households. The study highlights that child-headed households are a deviation from the norm and they create a situation where needs of children are unmet and their rights are eroded. The role of social work in mobilising resources to meet the unmet needs and championing for the rights of the children has been investigated. Case studies of ten families were conducted in the three districts of KwaZulu-Natal an area in South Africa that has widely been reported as hardest hit by the pandemic. A research team was constituted which designed a protocol for conducting case studies and collected data. Social workers also participated in the study with an aim of exploring guidelines for social service delivery with regard to a child-headed household. The study found that children are increasingly exposed to aspects of multiple care-giving through lack of parental care and a changing family structure. It was also revealed that the HIV/AIDS pandemic is shattering children's lives and reversing many hard won children's rights. In spite of the transition in the family life cycle, the family remains the central institution in the children's lives. The scourge of HIV/AIDS poses a great challenge to society. Children are left on their own without visible means of support. The problems of children develop into great magnitude in spite of policies that are in place. The findings of the study point to implications for a practice model that is aimed at co-ordinating services for effective service delivery. The researcher has presented suggested guidelines based on the findings of the study. These guidelines include the role of social work in ensuring that the social functioning of the children in child-headed households is enhanced and that social justice for these children is promoted. A protocol for intervention in child-headed households is provided. This would ensure that interventions in bringing about desired change in the lives of the children, produce sustainable results on a significant scale. / Social work / D. Phil.(Social Work)

Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for D.Tech: Nursing in the Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, 2009. / BACKGROUND In South Africa, Integration of Services Policy was enacted in 1996 with the aim of increasing health service utilization by increasing the accessibility of all services at Primary Health Care (PHC) level. However, the problem with the policy arises in the implementation of integrated PHC (IPHC) as there is no agreed upon understanding of what this phenomenon means in the South African context. Hence, there is a need for shared views on this phenomenon. METHODS A cross-sectional study, using a qualitative approach was employed in this study in order to analyze IPHC in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). A grounded theory approach was selected as it is a method known for its ability to make the greatest contribution in areas where little research has been done and when new viewpoints are needed to describe the familiar phenomenon that is not clearly understood. Policy makers and co-ordinators of PHC at national, provincial and district levels as well as PHC nurses at functional level participated in the study. The data was collected by means of observations and interviews. The sample size for interviews was comprised of 38 participants. RESULTS It emerged that there were three core categories that were used by the participants as discriminatory dimensions of IPHC in South Africa. These core categories were (a) comprehensive health care, (b) supermarket approach and (c) one stop shop. Based on the findings of the study, it was concluded that the phenomenon, IPHC meant different things in different contexts. / Durban University of Technology, Research Post Grad Development and Support Departments

Dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Technology: Emergency Medical Care, Durban University of Technology, 2012. / Introduction The safe transfer of neonates from one healthcare facility to another is an integral component in the process of neonatal care. Neonates, a term applying specifically to infants during the first 28 days of life, are transferred from medical healthcare facilities which do not have specialist care or intensive care management to more specialised facilities in order to improve their clinical outcome and chance of survival. The transfer system is thus an important aspect of the overall care provided to neonates. The transfer process, however, poses a threat of aggravating the clinical condition of the neonate. Inter-healthcare facility transfer of a neonate requires careful planning, skilled personnel and specialised equipment to maintain the continuum of care, as this directly impacts on the morbidity and mortality of the neonate. Purpose of the study The purpose of the study was to undertake a descriptive analysis of the current neonatal inter-healthcare facility transfer system in the eThekwini Health District of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). This service is provided by the public sector ambulance service known as the Emergency Medical Rescue Service (EMRS). The study, based on 120 consecutive transfers, assessed the clinical demographics of the neonates, the time taken to complete the transfers, including time sub-intervals, the equipment that was necessary for the transfers and the qualifications and procedures performed by the transfer team. The study also identified any adverse events that were encountered during the transfers. Methodology The study was conducted from 19 December 2011 to 30 January 2012. It used quantitative methodology and a non-experimental prospective design to undertake a descriptive analysis of 120 inter-healthcare facility transfers of neonates within the eThekwini Health District of KwaZulu-Natal. Data collection relied upon two types of questionnaires. A descriptive survey method incorporated logistic and deductive reasoning to evaluate the objectives of this study. Frequency distributions were generated to describe data categories. Bivariate analysis was conducted using chi- square. Results During the study period there were a total of 120 neonatal inter-healthcare facility transfers. All referrals were undertaken by road ambulances. Eighty-three (62.2%), transfers were undertaken by the operational ambulance units, 35 (29.2%) by the obstetric unit and 2 (1.7%) by the planned patient transport units. Thirty one (28.5%) transfers were on Fridays, followed by 24 (20.8%) on Mondays and 20 (16.6%) on weekends. Ninety seven (80.8%) were during the hours of dayshift (07h00-19h00) and 23 (19.2%) were during nightshift (19h00-07h00). Of the 120 neonatal transfers, 29 (24.2%) were specialised transfers, of which 22 (75.9%) were ventilated. With reference to the gestational ages of the neonates being transferred 90 (76.7%), were pre-term, 26 (21.7%) were term and 2 (1.7%) were post-term. There were 11 (9.2%) newborns (from birth to 4 hours), 56 (46.7%) early neonates (from 4 hours to 7 days) and 53 (44.2%) late neonates (from 7 days to 28 days). Of the 120 neonatal transfers, 90 (75.0%) were pre-term having associated co-morbidities and 49 (40.8%) had respiratory problems. The mean time ± standard deviation (SD), taken by EMRS eThekwini to complete an inter-healthcare facility transfer was 3h 49min ± 1h 57min. The minimum time to complete a transfer was 55min and the maximum time was 10h 34min. The mean time ± SD from requests to dispatch was 1h 20min ± 1h 36min. The delays in dispatch were associated with no ambulances being available 70 (58.3%), no ALS personnel available 48 (40.0%), no equipment available 23 (19.2%) and no ILS personnel available 7 (5.8%) to undertake the transfers. Junior or inexperienced personnel in the communication centre also contributed to the time delays by dispatching ALS personnel for non-specialised transfers and requesting neonatal equipment when it had not been requested by the referring personnel for the transfer. The mean time ± SD from the referring hospital to the time mobile to the receiving hospital was 43min ± 26min. Six (5.0%) neonates were clinically unstable at the referring facility for transfer. For 15 (12.5%) transfers, neonates had been inappropriately packaged for transport by the hospital staff, which added to the delays, p. value = 0.018. The necessary equipment was unavailable for 37 (30.8%) of the transfers. The lack of equipment was due to problems such as poor resource allocation, and malfunctioning, inappropriate, insufficient and unsterile equipment. The pre- departure checklist had not been completed in 50 (41.67%) of the transfers. The study identified 10 (8.3%) adverse events related to the physiological state of the neonate and included 1 (0.8%) mortality. Nine (7.5%) neonates suffered serious life threating complications during transportation, 8 (6.7%) of which were due to desaturation, 6 (5.0%) due to respiratory deterioration, 3 (2.5%) due to cardiac deterioration and 1 (0.8%) due to temperature related problems. Eighteen (15.0%) of 120 transfers experienced equipment related adverse events of which 9 (7.5%) were associated with ventilators, 9 (7.5%) with incubators, 3 (2.5%) with the ambulance, 2 (1.7%) with the oxygen supply and 1 (0.8%) with arterial cannulation. Five (33.3%) of the 15 equipment related adverse events contributed directly to life threatening physiologically related adverse events, p. value = 0.007. Conclusion and recommendation The Emergency Medical Rescue Service (EMRS) is involved in the transportation of a significant number of neonates between various healthcare facilities in the eThekwini Health District, some requiring intensive care and some not. This descriptive, prospective study has identified numerous shortfalls in the service provided by the EMRS in the eThekwini District. Inter-healthcare facility transfer of neonates can be safely performed by the transport services if the operations are well co-ordinated and there are dedicated, specialised and trained transport teams armed with appropriate equipment and medication, together with the guidance of policies and quality assurance. Transport teams must be trained to provide this specialised care in various environments, including ground and air ambulances and understand the multiphase neonatal transfer processes. There must be good communication and co-ordination by all role players, which is underpinned by good team work to improve the standards of neonatal care and monitoring. Only then can clinical excellence be achieved when transporting neonates between healthcare facilities.

Dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Masters in Technology: Business Administration, Durban University of Technology, 2013. / Leadership is defined as a process by which an individual attempts to influence other group members towards achieving group goals. Leadership is also viewed as a process which people use to bring out the best in themselves and others. National culture is said to play a pivotal role in determining the effectiveness of leadership styles. Literature on leadership identifies transformational leadership, transactional leadership and laissez-faire leadership as the three common leadership styles in the current climate, with transformational leadership and transactional leadership being the most dominant. Literature suggests that an employee’s job satisfaction is strongly influenced by leadership style. Current leadership styles are related to job satisfaction by varying degrees. Several studies have indicated that transformational leadership results in higher levels of job satisfaction than transactional or laissez-faire leadership. The overall aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between leadership styles and employee job satisfaction levels within the organisation. A quantitative study was conducted to accomplish the objectives of the study. Questionnaires were administered to employees within the selected target population in the organisation. The data received were analysed using statistical packages. The results of the study show that there are statistically significant relationships between overall transactional leadership and job satisfaction, overall transformational leadership and job satisfaction and laissez-faire leadership and job satisfaction. However, two attributes of transformational leadership best explain job satisfaction. Intellectual stimulation contributed most to explaining job satisfaction, followed by individualised consideration. The remaining attributes of transformational leadership, transactional leadership and laissez-faire contribution to job satisfaction.