Masters Degrees (Population Studies)

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Parent-adolescent communication on sexual related issues in the HIV/AIDS.
(2009) Mtikrakra, Andiswa.; Maharaj, Pranitha.
HIV prevalence remains a critical health concern particularly amongst the youth of South Africa. The demographic health survey suggests that open communication about sex is essential to delaying the onset of sexual activity, reducing teenage pregnancy and the spread of HIV/AIDS. Previous research has also indicated that parent-adolescent communication has positive influences on sexual behaviours. Further to that studies show that communication is the most effective way of helping teenagers understand their surroundings and make better decisions about sexually related issues. This study investigates the level of parent-adolescent communication about sexual related issues and identifies the main sources of sexuality information for adolescents. The study adopted a qualitative research approach using in-depth interviews with ten adolescents and their parents. This study reveals that both adolescents and parents view communication as important in the era of HIV/AIDS. More mothers than fathers communicate with adolescents about sexual related topics. Mothers viewed sexual communication as one of the ways they were fulfilling parental responsibility. Adolescents viewed growing up in an era of HIV/AIDS as a challenge due to the pressures they received from their peers. As a result adolescents trusted the information obtained from parents and teachers compared to the information from peers. The conclusion drawn from this study is that communication helps to create a bond between the parent and the adolescent. Adolescents felt important and cared for when parents were taking their time to talk to them about sexual related issues. Parent-adolescent communication was important in decreasing early sexual behaviour and preventing HIV/AIDS.
Examining the effect of changing marriage patterns on fertility among African South African women.
(2009) Magagula, Thandi Kuki.; Nzimande, Nompumelelo Barbara.
Recent studies on marriage patterns in South Africa have revealed a clear trend towards decreasing proportions of married women and an increase in age at first marriage (Udjo, 2001; Budlender et al., 2004). Despite marriage being one of the most important proximate determinants of fertility, the role of these nuptiality changes on the country’s decreasing fertility levels has not been adequately explored. Using data from the 1998 South African Demographic Survey, this paper fills this research gap by examining the marriage and fertility trends among African women in South Africa. The decision to focus on African women hinged on two basic factors; (1) available evidence shows that changes in marriage patterns are most notable in this racial group, and (2) African women have the highest fertility level relative to other racial groups. The results show that marriage patterns have been changing over time. The proportions married are low and late among African and rural women. There is an increase in the proportion of women who are cohabiting and never-married. Fertility levels are different for marital status, with the married and widowed women having the highest mean number of children ever born and the least number of children ever born is among the never-married women. Furthermore, the mean number of children ever born is among the highest in the older ages for all women. Kaplan-Meier estimates indicate that half of the divorced and widowed women have their first birth as early as age 18 years, compared to age 20 for the never-married and the cohabiting women, and age 22 for the married women. The mean age at first birth for African women is 19.7 years compared to 21.2 years for non-African women. Overall, socio-economic and demographic factors such as educational attainment, place of residence, marital status, race, and age have a significant effect on the age of a woman at first birth.
Exploring risky sexual behaviours and peoples' response to behaviour change : HIV/AIDS prevention activities : the case of Boksburg Town Central mining community.
(2007) Jamali, Andrew Alfred.; Mzimande, Nompumelelo.
No abstract available.
Communication about family planning on desired fertility among married people in Rwanda.
(2006) Willy, Gasafari Mpabuka.; Dungumaro, Esther W.
Investigating sexual risk behavior among patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
(2006) Leonhardsen, Lene.; Maharaj, Pranitha.
In the last seven to eight years, Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) has received an increasing amount of attention internationally. It has come to be viewed as an important way of preventing new HIV infections and prolonging HIV-positive peoples' lives. In late 2003 the increased attention, amongst other factors, led the South African government to publish a comprehensive health care plan stating that all citizens in South Africa who need ART should receive it by year 2009. Patients' adherence and their sexual behavior are crucial to the success of ART. This thesis focuses on what factors influence patients' sexual behavior after commencing ART. It will especially look at ART patients' perception of their own infectiousness, as studies have suggested that lower viral loads caused by ART will increase their sexual risk behaviour. The research was conducted on patients attending Ithembalabantu Clinic in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Qualitative and quantitative data were used in the study. The quantitative data involved 271 face-to-face interviews based on a survey. The qualitative data involved conducting 20 semistructured interviews. The results indicated that consistent condom use was high among the sample population (72%), and only two females and seven males having multiple partners (7%). However, due to ART just recently having been introduced in South Africa, the average time spent on ART was 14 months. The findings reveal that a partner's attitude to HIV/AIDS and the levels of communication and openness in a relationship influenced consistent use of condoms. The use of condoms was significantly related to knowledge of partners' status. A high level of sexual assertiveness amongst the females in the sample might have made it easier for them to negotiate condom use. The stage at which members of the sample population entered the relationship was also a predictor of condom use. People who were unemployed and over 35 years in age were less likely to use condoms consistently. The study also examined the respondents' perception of their own infectiousness. The results indicate that respondents and participants felt that it was just as, or even more dangerous, to have sexual intercourse without a condom when they are on ART. Few of the participants in the study understood the concept of viral load. They used the same explanation for both viral load and CD4 count.
Determinants of contraceptive use among young women in Lesotho.
(2010) Mabele, Mantoa.; Nzimande, Nompumelelo Barbara.
The study is titled 'Determinants of contraceptive use among young women in Lesotho'. Caldwell and Caldwell (2002:80) assert, "The most serious problem with existing subSaharan family planning programs is their neglect at adolescents' needs". The main objective of the study is to investigate factors influencing the use of modern contraceptives among young women (15-24 years old) in Lesotho and to contribute towards improvements in health care services for adolescents. The study will examine the levels of contraceptive use among young people in Lesotho, and explore social and demographic factors that promote contraceptive use. The study is based on the data from 2004 Lesotho Demographic and Health Survey which is a representative sample. The study showed that young people have high knowledge of modern methods of contraceptive (knowledge ranked up to 91 percent) however use of methods is lower (ranked up to 44 percent). Traditional methods were the least known except for withdrawal which had a plausible percentage (64.7 percent). Most of sexually active young people have ever used contraceptives and injectables were the leading method while condoms were the most generally known. The study also showed that contraceptive use increases with age, level of education, wealth and discussion of family planning with partner. Results of the logistic regression analysis, however, showed unexpected results where adolescents' from the rural areas had a higher likelihood of using contraceptives than those from urban areas. Married young women had a high level of contraceptive use than those never married. Socio-cultural context hinders the establishment of reproductive programs on adolescents as their sexuality is attached to marriage and childbearing. It was recommended that intensive programs informing young people about their reproductive decision-making is needed.
An analysis of the impact of traditional initiation schools on adolescents sexual and reproductive health : a case study of rural Thulamela Municipality.
(2005) Malisha, Lutendo.; Maharaj, Pranitha.
There has been a great deal of focus on young people and how they obtain information about reproductive health matters in the era of HIV/AIDS. However, there has very limited research on role of traditional initiation schools in the era of HIVIAIDS. In some parts of South Africa, young men and women continue to attend traditional initiation schools. The primary aim of these schools is to disseminate information about sexuality and other reproductive health matters in order to ensure that young people are well prepared for their future social growth, societal responsibilities and conjugal matters. Interviews were conducted with young people who had attended traditional initiation schools. The study was conducted in three villages in the Limpopo Province in South Africa where traditional initiations are widely practices. The study examines the impact of traditional initiation schools on adolescent's sexuality and reproductive health behaviour. The findings of the study show that traditional initiation schools have an important role to play in imparting information about sexuality and reproductive health. Traditional initiation schools prepare young people for the transition to adulthood. It is believed that these schools produce men who are independent, brave and courageous and women who are good mothers, wives and daughter-in-Iaws. However, some young men and women feel that they are more likely to engage in sexual activities soon after attending traditional initiation schools. This is because there is massive use of sexually explicit language during the process of initiation. Some young people feel that traditional initiation schools have contributed to the increase in sexual activity and as a result, negative reproductive health outcomes. However, the main conclusion is that traditional initiation schools have an important role to play to shaping the sexual and reproductive health behaviour of Venda young men and women.
Impact of urban livelihoods on women's caregiving behaviors, household food security and nutrition of children in Lesotho.
(2004) Sekhamane, Neo.; May, Julian Douglas.
This dissertation provides a review of the nature of urban environment and livelihoods in an attempt to improve understanding and awareness of challenges facing cities and towns in developing countries, in particular their impact on poor women and children. Some urpan challenges are context-based and cultural, but there are special commonalities found in most developing countries like crime and unhealthy environment per se, that exacerbate poor people's vulnerability. Women and children are identified in series of research to be the most poverty stricken and vulnerable; hence prone to shocks. It is therefore important that factors such as urban poverty that increase their marginalization be explicitly identified if the global reduction of poverty is to be maintained. However, given the increasing global poverty levels and enduring children's malnutrition levels, it is clear that major factors that determine livelihoods such as income, food security and health are still inadequate to meet the challenges that urban areas offer today. Other than the material wealth, complex urban livelihoods have amongst other things, reduced provision of other socio-psychological factors such as caregiving, which are critical for children's development and nutrition. Urban livelihoods force women to participate whole-heartedly in the wage labour. On one hand, this incidence may lead to household's food security, children's nutrition, women's empowerment (socially, economically and psychologically) and optimisation of their autonomy. But on the other hand this can result into reduced women's devotedness and effectiveness to child caring, thereby resulting into child malnutrition and child poverty. It is therefore the aim of this research study to demonstrate that while wage income can be a critical aspect of children's nutrition in urban areas, without adequate caregiving behaviours our goal of reducing children malnutrition is no where near to be reached. This research has used qualitative data owing to the information needed, which is primarily based on opinions, beliefs and perceptions about children's health and nutrition status. The analysis showed that demographic and socio-economic status in the community and household levels are crucial in determining women's ability to sustainable food security, child care and nutrition. Other factors identified as crucial in child's nutritional status were health, education and age of a mothers and people who provide care to children when mothers are at work.
Consequences of gender based violence on reproductive health : a case study of female patients in Lemera Hospital.
(2010) Zihindula, Theo Ganzamungu.; Maharaj, Pranitha.
This study was conducted in order to explore the experiences of survivors of gender based violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The aim was to determine the impact of gender based violence on the reproductive health of women. The study was carried out at a hospital in the eastern province of the country. In-depth interviews were conducted with women survivors of rape and informant interviews with staff at the hospital. A total of twenty one participants participated in the study. The findings show that women suffered humiliation, physical and psychological torture during their rape. Some women were raped by a number of men. The rape also had serious consequences for their sexual and reproductive health. Some of the effects of their rape were long-term: it resulted in an unwanted pregnancy or HIV/AIDS. Many of the women expressed their fears for the future. They were particularly worried about their children, especially those who were divorced following their rape and those who lived with HIV/AIDS.
Trends and determinants of sexual behaviour in Western Cape, South Africa: a study of young adults transitioning to adulthood using the Cape area panel study.
(2009) Letsoalo, Phillip Thabo.; Maharaj, Pranitha.
The transition to adulthood is a significant period in the lives of many young people throughout the world. HIV/AIDS continues to attract much attention from researchers as it is a matter of particular concern for young people. Recent data suggests that the HIV prevalence among females aged 15-24 in South Africa is 12.7%, and 4% among males. Increasingly there has been a major outcry especially among international donor agencies that despite widespread HIV/AIDS campaigns in South Africa behaviour change has not been realised. Given the fact that in South Africa HIV/AIDS is fuelled by heterosexual intercourse, it is imperative to monitor trends in sexual behaviour among young adults in order to be able to identify and understand those sexual behaviours that fuel the epidemic. This study uses the Cape Area Panel Study (CAPS) data conducted in the Cape Town Metropolitan between 2002 and 2005. It tracks trends in sexual behaviour, and determines the predictors of risky sexual behaviour among these young adults. The study reveals that condom use is extremely high among all population groups, except among Coloured males whose condom use actually declined between 2002 and 2005. The study also reveals that the percentage of young adults engaging in risky sexual behaviour, such as having multiple sexual partners has declined between 2002 and 2005. Early sexual onset determines risky sexual behaviour later in life. This suggests that in order to equip young adults to act in a sexually responsible manner later in life, protective factors such as family involvement, schooling, peer influence and selfesteem must be strengthened before sexual onset. The conclusion drawn from this study is that in order to curtail rising trends in inconsistent condom use and multiple sexual partners and to increase the age at first sex, early intervention programs are necessary.
The objective and subjective conditions of poverty amongst the destitute and homeless population of central Durban.
(2003) Roberts, Thorin Magellan.; Waters, Geoff.; May, Julian Douglas.
This study provides a descriptive analysis of the destitute and homeless central Durban. A quantitative and qualitative examination was undertaken to present a description of both the objective and subjective conditions ofthe destitute and homeless population in central Durban. The quantitative analysis was based on survey data gathered by the eThekwini Homeless Forum over 2002. This survey data provided information for 637 respondents, which this study captured and analysed on data editing software. The qualitative data was collected through ethnographic interviews carried out within night shelters in central Durban. The quantitative analysis revealed the existence of a significant youth contingent within the population, with 15-19 year olds being the most represented. Further, the majority of the respondents report to have been on the streets for less than two years. Two interesting hypotheses for future study arise from this; has there been a massive recent influx of members of central Durban's street population; or does the population experience . significant recycling and rehabilitation of new members? The analysis further revealed that the majority of the destitute and homeless population are from KwaZulu Natal, pointing to a population whose members, for the larger part, have not experienced and massive displacement from their place of origin. The qualitative analysis revealed individuals who have had varying life experiences, and who at present have varying levels of aspiration; but nevertheless, would all benefit and react positively to an engagement from external organisations like the eThekwini Homeless Forum.
Establishing and explaining the link between poverty and HIV/AIDS : a South African case study.
(2005) Tladi, Lerato Sonia.; May, Julian Douglas.
The epidemics of poverty and HIV/ AIDS, whether individually or when combined, pose major threats to development both in South Africa and elsewhere in the world. However, it is when these epidemics coexist that major devastation occurs. As such exploration of the relationship between these two epidemics has been the focal point of most research on either poverty or HIV/ AIDS. Through mainly the use of literature based research, studies have indicated how poverty and disease, most specifically HIV/ AIDS are related. Since most of these studies have been literature based, this has resulted in a lack of sufficient empirical evidence arguing for the existence of this poverty-HIV/ AIDS cycle. Providing such evidence forms the main objective of this study. This study uses data collected by the 1998 South African Demographic and Health Survey as well as existing literature on the link between poverty and disease. For purposes of this study, analysis is restricted to women in their reproductive ages (15-49) . The results indicate an increased risk of HIV infection among the poor due to poverty related characteristics of low education and low knowledge of the means of avoiding HIV infection as opposed to the non-p oor. Moreover the poor and the less educated people were found to be more likely to not use condoms than the non-poor. The results do not , however, provide reasons for these relations and as such further research is required. One possible explanation was financial dependence on their partners as it was found that women who received money from their partners as well as tho se who came from households where hunger was a common phenomenon were more likely to not use condoms because their partners disliked condoms than those who didn't receive any money from their partners. The results also hinted on the intricacy of the poverty-HIV/ AIDS relation whereby it was not only low socia-economic status that increased susceptibility to HIV infection but also high socio-economic status. This was indicated by the high odds of non-use of condoms due to low perceived risk of HIV infection among the non-poor and the White population (a race with the minority poor people). These results also hint at the prevailing stigmatization of HIV/ AIDS as a disease of the poor despite efforts by prevention programmes to destigrnatize this disease.
Fertility and its proximate determinants in Lesotho.
(2003) Maseribane, Tsoamathe.; Mturi, Akim Jasper.
There is a belief that economic resources are growing at a slow pace such that they fail to meet the demands made by an increase in population. Because of the critical contribution fertility makes to the high growth rates of a nation it is important to understand factors behind its change. This study seeks to contribute to such an understanding by providing an assessment of fertility and its proximate determinants in Lesotho. It utilises data from the 2001 Lesotho Demographic Survey and the 2002 Lesotho Demographic Survey Supplementary Enquiry. The study reveals a moderate decline in fertility between 1977 and 2002 (from 5.8 to 4.5). This decline in fertility is attributable to a rise in contraceptive prevalence and an increase in non-marriage. The index of marriage declined by 27.5 percent between 1977 and 2002, from 0.69 to 0.50 and the singulate mean at marriage increased from 20 years to 24 years among females. Thus making non-marriage the greatest fertility- reducing factor in 2002. While, the index of contraception decline by 30.1 percent from 0.93 to 0.65 and the national CPR increased from 23.2 percent in 1991/92 to 43.9 percent in 2002. As a result contraception became the second greatest inhibitor of fertility. Though the actual effect of postpartum infecundability could not be determined due to non-availability of data, the study shows that in 1977 and 1991/92 the index of postpartum infecundability had the highest fertility-reducing effect in Lesotho. Moreover, the effect of sterility and abortion on fertility decline in Lesotho was found to be small. However, further research needs to address these factors as their effect could be masked by non-availability of data. It seems that further decline in fertility in Lesotho will be a result of an increase in contraceptive use and age at marriage. To promote these two the government should: 1) show a strong commitment both politically and financially, to limiting population growth through family planning 2) expand women's educational and economic opportunities.
Assessing knowledge, attitudes and practices of boys and young men with regard to the prevention of pregnancy and HIV infection.
(2006) Gqamane, Velile.; Maharaj, Pranitha.
This paper focuses on boys and young men's attitudes, knowledge and practices with regard to pregnancy and HIV infection. The objective of the study is to ascertain how boys and young men perceive the risks of pregnancy and HIV infection. The study further investigates the strategies which the sexually active respondents considered as appropriate, practical and effective in coping with these risks. The study was based on the secondary data which was extracted from the transitions to adulthood survey conducted in KwaZulu Natal during 2001. The analysis was restricted to young men aged 14 to 24 years. The major findings from the study revealed that young men did not perceive themselves at risk of HIV infection. Overall, respondents were fairly knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS and knew where to access condoms, how HIV is contracted or transmitted etc. Findings also indicated that many respondents regarded pregnancy as a matter of great concern. Many respondents perceived pregnancy as highly problematic and were concerned to protect themselves against this risk. The major finding for this study revealed that the majority of sexually active young men used condoms for preventing both pregnancy and HIV/AIDS; while some also used various contraceptive methods to prevent pregnancy. A major factor promoting consistent condom use was the perception of pregnancy as highly problematic.
Perceptions of students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, regarding factors influencing high fertility rates among young people.
(2010) Yunos, Hajira.; Maharaj, Pranitha.
Fertility among young people has increased globally and is a major concern, particularly in developing countries. Sub-Saharan Africa is a region that is greatly affected by poverty; HIV/AIDS and an increasing population. Young people are engaging in unprotected sex and this not only increases their risk of having an unplanned pregnancy, but also increases the risk of them contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. In Southern Africa, pregnancy rates among young people are high even though total fertility rates have declined. Many interventions have been implemented to directly address this issue; however, it is perplexing as to why pregnancy rates among young people are so high. Studies have indicated that there are many factors that influence unplanned pregnancy rates among young people. The aim of this dissertation is to understand the reasons for high fertility rates among young people in South Africa. This study draws on qualitative methodology using in-depth interviews with 20 female students at a tertiary institution in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. Students interviewed presented a number of reasons for the high levels of pregnancy among young people. The study findings highlighted that young women have knowledge of contraception and are aware of the importance of contraception in preventing an unplanned pregnancy; however, contraception is being practiced inconsistently and incorrectly. Students are more afraid of the risk of an unplanned pregnancy than HIV/AIDS. Poor interpersonal relations with health service providers were perceived as a common barrier preventing young women from accessing contraception at the local clinics. Furthermore, the interviews suggest that peers exert an enormous influence over young people.
Women's experiences with the female condom : a case of Lavumisa female commercial sex workers, in Swaziland.
(2010) Mathenjwa, Thulile.; Maharaj, Pranitha.
The female condom has the potential to protect the health of millions of women at risk of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, as well as unwanted pregnancies. Increased use of the female condom and its positive impact on health is therefore substantial, particularly in the context of the growing feminisation of HIV/AIDS epidemic and high maternal mortality as well as high unmet need for contraception. However, female condoms in Swaziland do not seem to have attracted much attention. Using sex workers, this study aimed to explore the factors that facilitates and inhibits use of the female condom. Their main reasons for using the female condom were protection from sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy prevention. The qualitative interviews revealed that women like the female condom and prefer it over the male condom because it offers them more options and moreover they control its use. Other factors that facilitate its use include the fact that it can be inserted up to eight hours before intercourse and that it can be negotiated as a contraceptive. Partner objection, cultural and social beliefs, and limited availability served as barriers to the use of the device. Some women reported secret use, but a majority had to negotiate its use. Although women have to negotiate its use with their sexual partners, the fact that the female condom provides women with an independent method of protection that they can use on their own increases their ability to control their sexual health. The study indicates the potential benefits of female condom use in increasing protected sex acts.
The impact of HIV/AIDS on the health care provision in Lesotho : perceptions of health care providers.
(2011) Koto, 'Masebeo Veronica.; Maharaj, Pranitha.
Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest number of people living with HIV and AIDS in the world. Several studies that were carried out suggest that there is a negative impact of HIV and AIDS on the health sector. This impacts directly on health care providers as they are the first point of contact for ill people. This study seeks to explore the impact of HIV and AIDS on health care provision looking at the perception of health care providers. Qualitative methods were used for collecting data from the health care providers. Two focus group discussions were conducted and ten in-depth interviews were conducted in three health care facilities in Lesotho. Audio tapes were used to record the interviews and thematic analysis was utilized to analyse the data. The results showed that the workload has increased due the increased number of people who seek health care services. There is also a shortage of staff in facilities which leads to health workers having to work extra hours. The study further indicated that there is lack of knowledge among health care providers regarding the management of HIV and AIDS. Consequently, the health care providers fear the risk of contracting HIV from their patients. In addition, the results revealed that the poor infrastructure at the facilities hinder health care providers from performing their duties effectively. The other concern was the lack of support structures from the management. Furthermore, stigma and discrimination emerged as the major problems for providers as work and home. As a result, the health care providers are stressed and suffered from burnout. There is a need for further research on the impact of HIV and AIDS on health providers. Government should take more responsibility for encouraging students to enroll at health training institutes. The curriculum should include an emphasis on HIV and AIDS and workshops on HIV and AIDS should be held.
Workplace HIV and AIDS management : the case of Thetsane industrial area in Maseru, Lesotho.
(2011) T'Seole, Nkeka Peter.; May, Julian Douglas.
The aim of this study was to investigate outcomes of approaches used to mitigate the negative impacts of HIV and AIDS at workplaces in Lesotho using Thetsane Industrial Area as a case study. Garment industries in Lesotho are faced with a serious threat due to the HIV and AIDS prevalence in the country. A huge number of the labour force is leaving firms due to increased morbidity and mortality associated with HIV and AIDS. In view of this, this study investigated approaches used in managing HIV and AIDS in the workplace. In order to optimize the accuracy of the research results, a triangulation research method was utilized. The results indicate production levels to have improved since the advent of the Apparel Lesotho Alliance to Fight AIDS (ALAFA). The findings suggest ALAFA to have taken over the responsibility of HIV and AIDS prevention and management, especially in the garment industries, providing HIV and AIDS victims with all the necessary services needed to keep HIV and AIDS under control. These findings therefore suggest overdependence on ALAFA by the garment industries for HIV and AIDS management. The findings also imply that garment industries had no resources in the form of human capital specializing in the knowledge of HIV and AIDS management from the individual garment industries. Despite the fact that HIV and AIDS still spreads at an alarming rate, the larger implications of this research’s findings, especially relating to the serious challenge faced by the garment industries of losing their labour force to HIV and AIDS, is that the pandemic has lately become manageable given that there are now ARVs and ART to be used as treatment by HIV and AIDS victims.
African immigrants in Durban : a case study of foreign street traders' contribution to the city.
(2011) Sidzatane, Ndumiso Justice.; Maharaj, Pranitha.
This dissertation explores the livelihood activities of Durban's African migrant street traders. The study also seeks to gain insight into the challenges that confront them as well as the perceptions that local street traders have of them. The researcher argues that migrant street traders make a contribution towards the economic development of the city. Migrant street traders are attracted to Durban because of the economic opportunities that the city offers as well as the fact that it has a lower crime rate than cities such as Johannesburg. The concept of livelihood strategy was used to develop the theoretical framework that guides the research. The study makes use of the qualitative research method. Fifteen in-depth interviews were conducted with migrant and local street traders, who were a mixture of male and female. Of the fifteen interviewees, ten were migrant traders (five females and five males) and five were local street traders (three females and two males). The research was conducted in the Central Business District (CBD) in the vicinity of the Workshop Shopping Centre. The findings of the study suggest that migrants make an economic contribution (albeit not a substantial one) to the development of the city. Some of the local street traders recognise this contribution while others do not. Migrant street traders encounter difficulties in accessing the finance and capital necessary to start their entrepreneurial businesses. The other major problems experienced by the migrant traders in the city are to do with crime, the metropolitan police, local government officials, securing of a suitable accommodation, and accessing trading sites, education and healthcare. The research concludes by recommending that the business-training sessions that are arranged by the municipality of local street traders be open to migrant street traders as well. Local communities should also be educated about the positive role of the migrants in the city.
Demographic and socio-economic determinants of female migration in rural KwaZulu-Natal.
(2011) Okumu, Catherine Andayi.; Nzimande, Nompumelelo Barbara.; Herbst, Kobus.; Moreno, Eduardo.
Female migration in South Africa has been on the increase over the years. This thesis attempts to look at the demographic and socio-economic factors that drive this increase using data from the Africa Centre Demographic Information System (ACDIS) during the period 2001 and 2008. Using data that provides for timing of events such as migration and births, the study analyses the time it took females to migrate. Migration was defined as having out-migrated the Demographic Surveillance Area (DSA) and never coming back. Migration levels were found to be high with 28 per cent of the females between 15-49 years of age out-migrating from the DSA. Models were created to explore the demographic and socio-economic factors controlling for other known determinant of migration. In the logistic regression, odds ratios showed that parity and childbearing status were important predicators of female migration. Females with four children were less likely to out-migrate the DSA (a 61 per cent less chance of migrating compared to females without children). Furthermore, pregnant females were not likely to migrate (a 45 per cent less chance of migrating compared to females who are not pregnant or breastfeeding). In a survival analysis, determinants of timing of migration showed that females with high parities had a higher survivorships to out-migration, compared to females who were pregnant. Hazard ratios also showed that females with four children are not likely to migrate compared to females with four children (a 7 per cent less hazard of migrating compared to females with no children). Age, marital status and educational attainment were also found to be predictors of female migration. Older females were less likely to migrate compared to younger females (females in the 44-49 age group had a 70 per cent less hazard of migrating compared to females in the 15-19 age group). Currently married and cohabiting females had a 29 per cent less hazard of migrating compared to never married females. Females with high educational attainment were more likely to migrate compared to females without education (an 18 per cent higher hazard of migrating compared to females without education). The timing of migration showed that pregnant females migrate after five years into the start of their pregnancy (date of conception). In conclusion, females with many children and females who are pregnant or breastfeeding are not likely to migrate.

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