Masters Degrees (Development Studies)

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Understanding real estate development for Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) Policy in South Africa: A case study of the eThekwini Metropolitan area and the KwaDukuza municipal area.
(2009) Parthab, Kiran.
This study explores the policy implications of Real estate Investment Trusts on urban restructuring and attempts to uncover if monitoring and evaluating mechanisms are needed. This issue is relevant to South Africa for competing globally and domestically for real estate investment. Furthermore it is relevant to South Africa given the potential impact of unregulated property development and the implications for the poor. The study also investigates the implications of REIT investing over all types of property types and implications for spatial policy proposals
Determinants of contraceptive use and sexual activity amongst school-going adolescents in Lesotho.
(2009) Nkambule, Vuyelwa Mantombi.; Mturi, Akim Jasper.
This study investigated factors that have an influence on sexual activity and subsequent contraceptive use among school-going adolescent girls in Lesotho, focusing on the districts of Berea, Maseru and Mohale’s Hoek. The factors under investigation from a reproductive health survey included demographic variables (age, district, rural urban residence, class and religion), behavioural variables (drinking alcohol, boyfriend status), and attitude and knowledge variables (including attitude toward sex before marriage, contraceptive use before marriage, and communication with a boyfriend about sex). The methodology comprised a secondary analysis of the 1999 Adolescent Reproductive Health Survey of Lesotho. Bivariate analysis and binary logistic regression were used to establish if significant relationships existed between sexual activity and contraceptive use and the independent factors. A limitation of the study is that the survey instrument contained a limited set of indicators. Thus a number of theories of sexual decisionmaking were excluded from the conceptual framework. Prevalence of sexual activity was lower than expected. This research confirmed that the likelihood of adolescents being sexually active increases with age. A somewhat surprising result was that Catholic adolescents were more likely to become sexually active than adolescents of other religions. Adolescents who live in rural areas, as well as those with a boyfriend were also found to be more likely to become sexually active. Contraceptive use was higher for this Lesotho sample than has been reported for research from other African countries. Nevertheless, the proportion of adolescents not using contraceptives is argued to be a matter of concern. Adolescents in the lowest school class were least likely to use contraceptives, which suggests a lack of control over decisionmaking in this group. Contraceptive use was found to be lower among adolescents who were coerced into their first sexual experience. Adolescents from Mohale’s Hoek, designated the least developed area for this research, were the least likely to use contraceptives. Those adolescents who reported having a boyfriend were more likely to use contraceptives, suggesting a regular partner allows the adolescent some control over decision-making. A positive view of use of contraceptives before marriage was associated with higher likelihood of use. Somewhat surprisingly, use of alcohol was associated with higher likelihood of contraceptive use. The findings suggest adolescent girls can be grouped into different risk categories. Some practice abstinence and some who are sexually active appear to have control over sexual decision-making, specifically in being able to negotiate use of contraceptives. However, there is a group which is sexually active but does not use contraception. This group has a higher rate of coercion as the reasons for sexual activity. The analysis suggests a multi-dimensional set of factors explain sexual activity and associated contraceptive use (or non-use) and that beliefs and attitudes do not always predict an expected behaviour. Interventions should target the most at-risk group and must take into account that belief and attitude does not necessarily predict behaviour.A
A study on the role of old age institutions in the care of elderly people in the context of hyperinflation : the case of Mucheke, Masvingo, Zimbabwe.
(2009) Nhamo, Gwadamirai.; Preston-Whyte, Eleanor.; Ballard, Richard James.
Globally, old age has been identified as one of the key causes of poverty. Governments all over the world have taken the initiative to introduce policies aimed at protecting the elderly from poverty. However in most developing countries, the plight of the elderly often falls on the informal systems of care such as the extended family. This often leaves the elderly more vulnerable to poverty as the informal systems of care are becoming increasingly unreliable. This study explored the impact which an economic crisis characterized by hyperinflation and high unemployment had on the lives of elderly persons in a suburb called Mucheke in Masvingo, Zimbabwe, focusing mainly on their social networks. Most of the literature on Zimbabwe emphasizes that often people who are institutionalized in old age homes in Zimbabwe were those people who had weaker social networks, particularly due to the fact that they were of foreign origin. These individuals did not have an extended family they could rely on in Zimbabwe, whilst at the same time their links with their families had been broken due to a prolonged stay in a foreign country. Black locals rarely sought to be institutionalized in old age homes. However with the economic crisis, many facets of the elderly people’s lives were altered. These alterations included the depletion of the extended family’s capacity to continue its role of providing care to the elderly as resources were limited. The government on its own had been paralyzed by the economic crisis and no longer provided care for the destitute and desperate elderly people as had been the norm. The elderly established different coping strategies to see them through the crisis. The civil society also began to play a more central role in assisting the needy as the crisis worsened.
The quest for good governance through public sector reform and performance measurement.
(2008) Hedderwick, Cailin Leigh.; Stanton, Anne Sylvie.
The study examines the rationale and application of good governance principles in the public sector. For the purpose of this study, the public sector refers to a country’s administrative system or bureaucracy. This paper focuses on public sector reform in developing countries. The initial assumption is that public sector reform brings about efficient government. However, the study argues that only good governance brings about effective government. The argument presented in this study is that public sector reform is indeed conducive to providing efficient and effective service delivery to the citizen. However, it is also argued that it is important to find ways of assessing whether or not this is happening. In this respect, systems of monitoring and evaluation such as performance measurement become necessary tools of assessing how it contributes to good governance.
The political economy of Africa's cyberspace : understanding how South Africa's government policies on digital technologies are appropriated and influence development at grassroots level in Maputaland, KwaZulu-Natal.
(2008) Singh, Sachil.; Odendaal, Nancy.; Witt, Harald Andreas.
Abstract not available.
Assessing banking services for women working in the informal economy : the case of the Mzansi account.
(2008) Peer, Nazish.; Skinner, Caroline.
Rutherford's research demonstrates that "the poor can save, do save, and want to save money" (Rutherford, 1999: 7). Furthermore, if given a formal bank account this correlates with the poor being more likely to save (Porteous and Hazelhurst, 2004: 63). But in 2004, the unbanked made up 54.5% of the South African adult population (FinScope, 2006: 18). In the same year, to draw more people into the realm of the banked the Mzansi account was launched. The account is a first order transactional product and a saving service which targets poor clients from LSM 1-5. Mzansi account holders are found to be significantly more likely to be informally employed or unemployed (Porteous, 2007: 10). Yet there is a research gap about the financial behaviour of those working informally. This study draws on the experiences of women working in the informal economy who utilise the Mzansi account. It aims to determine the limitations and benefits of the account. It also seeks to learn what role the Mzansi account plays in the savings habits of the women and how it influences their livelihood strategies. This is with a view to recommending how the services of the Mzansi account can be improved so as to maximise its support of informal workers. The research suggests that the intrinsic benefits of the Mzansi account are that the account's bank charges are lower compared to other bank accounts, a small initial deposit is needed to open the Mzansi account and a proper address is not required to open the account. The interviewees highlight five day-to-day limitations on the Mzansi account. First, interviewees identify the lack of a bank book to view the transactional activities occurring in the account as a problem. Second, the cap on the account where a maximum of Rl5 000 is only permitted hinders the potential to save money in the account and receIve insurance pay outs. Third, the cost and frequency of bank charges are still expensive. Fourth, the distance to access banks or ATMs for the women in semi-rural areas makes it difficult and costly for them to access their bank account. Lastly the issue of crime is a problem when utilising ATMs. Savings from the Mzansi account influence livelihood outcomes by enabling investment in funeral insurance through debit orders. This investment helps mitigate future vulnerability. In terms of livelihoods and the women's businesses, the savings from the Mzansi account are used for the purchasing of stock. This may not improve livelihood outcomes by generating further income but it maintains the women's business stability. money" (Rutherford, 1999: 7). Furthermore, if given a formal bank account this correlates with the poor being more likely to save (Porteous and Hazelhurst, 2004: 63). But in 2004, the unbanked made up 54.5% of the South African adult population (FinScope, 2006: 18). In the same year, to draw more people into the realm of the banked the Mzansi account was launched. The account is a first order transactional product and a saving service which targets poor clients from LSM 1-5. Mzansi account holders are found to be significantly more likely to be informally employed or unemployed (Porteous, 2007: 10). Yet there is a research gap about the financial behaviour of those working informally. This study draws on the experiences of women working in the informal economy who utilise the Mzansi account. It aims to determine the limitations and benefits of the account. It also seeks to learn what role the Mzansi account plays in the savings habits of the women and how it influences their livelihood strategies. This is with a view to recommending how the services of the Mzansi account can be improved so as to maximise its support of informal workers. The research suggests that the intrinsic benefits of the Mzansi account are that the account's bank charges are lower compared to other bank accounts, a small initial deposit is needed to open the Mzansi account and a proper address is not required to open the account. The interviewees highlight five day-to-day limitations on the Mzansi account. First, interviewees identify the lack of a bank book to view the transactional activities occurring in the account as a problem. Second, the cap on the account where a maximum of Rl5 000 is only permitted hinders the potential to save money in the account and receIve insurance pay outs. Third, the cost and frequency of bank charges are still expensive. Fourth, the distance to access banks or ATMs for the women in semi-rural areas makes it difficult and costly for them to access their bank account. Lastly the issue of crime is a problem when utilising ATMs. Savings from the Mzansi account influence livelihood outcomes by enabling investment in funeral insurance through debit orders. This investment helps mitigate future vulnerability. In terms of livelihoods and the women's businesses, the savings from the Mzansi account are used for the purchasing of stock. This may not improve livelihood outcomes by generating further income but it maintains the women's business stability.
Policy implementation and street-level bureaucrats' discretion, autonomy and coping mechanisms : a case study of national curriculum statements at a school in Pietermaritzburg.
(2009) Mutereko, Sybert.; Lawrence, Ralph Bruce.
The link between public policies and their desired outcomes has remained an important subject among scholars and policy makers. Public policies made at the ‘top’ will have to be implemented at local level by street-level bureaucrats who enjoy a considerable degree of autonomy and discretion in the execution of their duties. The implementation of the National Curriculum Statement (NCS) by teachers (street-level bureaucrats) is one such case. Using Lipsky’s streetlevel bureaucracy as a theoretical framework, this study sought to explore the levels of discretion, autonomy and coping mechanisms employed by school teachers at a private Christian school in Pietermaritzburg in the implementation of the NCS. The study sought to discover if the exercise of autonomy and discretion enhanced the implementation of NCS. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected by the insider participant using interviews with school teachers and observational methods. Analyses revealed that school teachers have considerable discretion in determining the kind of task they assign their learners. However, there were no significant relationships according to the level of discretion and teaching experience or level of professional qualifications. Furthermore, the study shows that most teachers made discretional choices to advance the goals of the Department of Education and to enhance the understating of learners. Factors which forced these teachers to use their discretion are due to poorly defined goals, inadequate resources and excessive workloads. In the face of challenges associated with their work, the teachers employ coping mechanisms which include ‘creaming’, private goal definition, modification of the conception of work, ‘rubber stamping’, referrals and real or psychological withdrawal. The findings of this study also show that school management through routine supervision and the Department of Education’s Common Tasks Assessments (CTAs) as well as national examinations curtail the autonomy and discretion of teachers in the implementation of NCS. The research reveals that the combination of individual decisions made by each street-level bureaucrat in effect constitute the policy of NCS through its implementation at school. The findings also underscore the need for management at all levels to find ways of harnessing the discretion of street-level bureaucrats which enhance the Department of Education’s goals and curb those which hamper policy implementation.
Enhancing the prospects of small scale and informal retailers in fresh produce value chains : an examination of the developmental impact of public sector market facilities on formal and informal retailers in selected KwaZulu-Natal markets.
(2008) Rylance, Andrew.
The aim of the research was to identify the constraints that restrict the development of informal and small formal retailers, and highlight potential opportunities that may assist in strengthening their position within the value chain. It explored the functioning of two municipal-managed static fresh produce markets in KwaZulu-Natal: Durban and Pietermaritzburg. The investigation revealed that informal and small formal retailers have relatively little impact on the fresh produce value chain and that the structure of static markets is not conducive to these groups because of their lack of capital and inability to buy produce in bulk. Predominant constraints to their economic growth include high cost of transport, high prices of produce and competition with other traders. In addition, police harassment was identified in Durban as one of the dominant constraints, but was not reflected in Pietermaritzburg. However, opportunities for small and informal retailers to strengthen their position were identified as increasing the market access for retailers, through the provision of transport, informal training workshops, cold storage facilities in the city, the formation of cooperatives and access to micro-credit. This research argues that attention must be given to enhancing the interests and role of small and informal retailers in governance and operational processes within fresh produce markets. The necessity of the development of social networks (also argued by Meagher 1995) is a critical factor in determining the success of informal and micro enterprises and could contribute to institutional reforms that help address the information and access asymmetries in the fresh produce market environment. Following the completion of this dissertation, it was distributed along with the appended log frames to the management at the Durban and Pietermaritzburg, market agents and informal retailer groups that participated. It will also be disseminated through the Learning, Monitoring and Research Facility, who funded part of the research, and is hoped that the information will aid informal retailers and empower those that were involved.
A study investigating the construction of unemployed men's masculinity.
(2008) Ichou, Claire.; Valodia, Imraan.
In South Africa, the erosion of jobs in the formal economy, the increased role played by the informal economy in people's survival and the high unemployment rate are the main causes of chronic poverty. Between 40% and 50% of the South African population is considered as poor and 25% categorised as ultra-poor. As Von Holdt and Webster wrote (2005:31), "the restructuring of work has a destructive impact on society and social cohesion". This research is interested in finding what the consequences of unemployment on the construction of black men's identities are. The construction of African masculinity was shaped throughout the 20th century by the economic and social policies of the colonial and apartheid regimes. New types of masculinities emerged related to the capacity of African men to earn a salary through employment and provide for their families. This research looks at masculinities in times of economic hardship: how are African men constructing their masculine identities when work has historically been a defining variable of their manhood and that they are now deprived from employment? Do men still abide to the hegemonic norm that they are supposed to provide financially for their families or do they reject this patriarchal model and assert their masculinity differently? This research has found that unemployment and deteriorating working conditions have distressing consequences on men. Some pal1icipants expressed their need for political and economic freedom but abide to the nomlS of patriarchal masculinity and are therefore ashamed of their unemployed situation. Their obedience to this system oppresses them as they cannot provide for their families. They do not allow themselves to talk about their pain. They show self-hatred, lack of confidence, fear and uncertainty. Patriarchal masculinity marginalises them further. On the contrary, participants who have rejected the norms of capitalist patriarchy have a healthier sense of family and community. Although unemployed and unable to provide for their families, those men have refuted the hegemonic norms of masculinity and asserted their manhood positively. They are involved fathers and partners. They share responsibilities and decision-making power within their households. They are not depressed and anxious. Self-actualisation, love and ubuntu are the pillars unemployed men need to work with in order to overcome capitalist patriarchy and reconstruct masculinity. Reconstructing masculinity would not only benefit men but is also a necessity for gender equality.
Support of small enterprises through business linkages, and assessing the role of small business fairs in the eThekwini Municipality, South Africa.
(2010) Thaver, Sivalingum.; Skinner, Caroline.
International evidence demonstrates that Small, Medium and Micro-Enterprises (SMMEs) play a critical role in the growth and stimulation of developed and developing country economies. Within the South African context, the National Framework for Local Economic Development (LED) aims to support the development of sustainable local economies through integrated government action. This Framework will ensure that SMMEs have an element of support from a local government perspective. With greater responsibility being allocated to local government, interrogating what local authorities could do to support SMMEs is important. The dissertation reflects on the eThekwini Municipality’s approach to this issue by focusing on the support of small enterprises through business linkages, and assesses the role played by Small Business Fairs in this regard. The primary empirical component of the research examines the effectiveness of the municipality’s flagship SMME support initiative – the annual SMME Fair. Over 160 small businesses were surveyed. The survey found in general that the stallholders felt the Fair was beneficial. Apart from the usual problems related to the organization of the Fair, the exhibitors also identified a number of weaknesses that hinted at the municipality’s strategic approach. Much of the frustrations of the respondents were linked to not receiving direct benefits from the SMME Fair in relation to business contacts and increased sales and it is argued that the municipality should explore further the benefits of business linkages. The role of local government in stimulating SMME Fairs to establish suitable business linkages with the big businesses may assist in addressing this major weakness that was identified. The SMME Fair has the potential to provide an ideal platform SMMEs from which to create business linkages.
"We don't wait for things to be handed to us" : assessing the effectiveness of a self-help group approach in empowering women in KwaZulu-Natal.
(2007) Donnell, Philip.; Lund, Frances Jane.
The need to empower women responds to the growing recognition that, especially in developing countries, many poor women lack control over resources and the self-confidence or opportunity to participate in decision-making processes. Women use various approaches and systems in order to survive, including self-help practices and kinship networks, informal moneylenders, rotating savings and credit associations, and accessing micro-finance. In South Africa, many rural women and their families would struggle to survive without the social security grants they receive from the government. This research, conducted with five Self-help Groups (SHGs) in rural KwaZulu-Natal, assesses the effectiveness of a Self-Help Group Approach in empowering poor women in rural communities of KwaZulu-Natal, socially and economically, by determining if the elements of resources, agency and achievements were evident within the groups. The main findings from the study suggest that there seems to be a positive relationship between SHG loans and government grants accessed with one complementing the other; and there was evidence, to varying degrees, to suggest that the determinants of empowerment existed in the SHGs involved in the study as well as within the wider SHG programme in KwaZulu-Natal. The study also highlights some weaknesses within the SHG approach that were identified.
Decentralised financial management in South African schools : an examination of implementation by selected primary and secondary schools in the Kwa Ndengezi area of KwaZulu-Natal.
(2009) Mngoma, Sipho S'phiwe Ignatius.; Robbins, Glen.
The purpose of this study was to examine Financial Planning and Management in public schools in the Kwa Ndengezi Ward in Kwa Zulu Natal. According to the South African Schools’ Act No 84 of 1996, the School Governing Body (SGB) is responsible for Financial Planning and management in a public school. Each public school must establish the Finance Committee, composed of the chairperson of the School Governing Body, the principal, the treasurer and the finance officer. This committee reports to the SGB on regular basis. The investigation was based on thirty schools in their respective levels; eleven junior primary, six combined primary, seven senior primary and six high schools. The questionnaires were given to the school principals and the chairpersons of School Governing bodies. The most significant findings of the study were as follows: · 85% of schools were satisfied with the way in which they keep their accounting records although no school had a part time or full time bookkeeper. · 85 % of schools did not keep fixed assets registers. · 70% of schools did not conduct stock-taking on furniture and equipment. · 60% of schools did not keep petty cash. · 75% of schools were not satisfied with the conditions of buildings and furniture. · School fees are the main source of schools’ income. · 60% of school principals were not satisfied with the school financial management training they had. · 60% of chairpersons of governing bodies were satisfied about their working relationships with the school principals. Some of the recommendations from the research are as follows: 1. It is necessary for the schools to have persons with good understanding of finance in the finance committees. 2. It is necessary for schools to acquire school management computer software so that they are efficient. 3. It is important for school principals to upgrade their existing knowledge of financial management 4. In order to improve their financial planning and management skills. 5. Other recommendations include cash management, petty cash, working relationships between governing bodies and school principals, financial reporting, fixed asset management, stock management and fundraising. It is the responsibility of the department of education to provide support to the school governing bodies and principals in matters of governance and management.
NGOs and social development : an assessment of the participants' perceptions of the effects of World Changers Academy's life skills education program, eThekwini Municipality.
(2009) Momo, Gillo Lekane.; Ballard, Richard James.
In South Africa, young people are faced with many challenges such as HIV/AIDS, unemployment, poverty, and access to secure education and skills. In that context, NGOs involved in youth development, through their social intervention programs, can serve as platforms that can help to mitigate some of these social scourges. This research was set out to assess the participants’ perceptions of the effects of World Changers Academy’s life skills program. World Changers Academy (WCA) is a local NGO that operates in the eThekwini Municipality with the aim of empowering young people for life success through life skills-based education. Data were collected through interviews and a focus group discussion at YMCA, Durban and at WCA’s Leadership Centre in Shongweni. According to the findings, many participants perceived that the program was beneficial because it has helped them to increase their knowledge, to develop values and good attitudes, to acquire some job preparation skills, and some other critical skills that will potentially help them to cope better with the challenges they faced regularly.
Exploring the factors affecting HIV prevention interventions for men who have sex with men (MSM) in Cameroon : a case study of Alternatives-Cameroun, an NGO based in the city of Douala.
(2009) Kalamar, Matthew John.; Maharaj, Pranitha.
In the global HIV/AIDS pandemic, men who have sex with men (MSM) have experienced high levels of infection. Consequently, this population is considered a crucial target for prevention, care, and treatment efforts. In sub-Saharan Africa, however, most HIV transmission occurs via heterosexual intercourse, and 60% of HIV cases are women. African HIV epidemics are thus classified as “heterosexual” phenomena, and MSM are rarely targeted by public health programming. Epidemiological studies now show that African MSM often have greater HIV prevalence than the general population. Behavioral research further indicates elevated sexual risk and low prevention-related knowledge levels among these men. Moreover, denial, stigmatization, and criminalization of male homosexual conduct across Africa have created social climates in which MSM remain “hidden,” fearing rejection or arrest. This has heightened their vulnerability to HIV infection. To counteract this trend, public health advocates call for prevention interventions adapted to the needs of African MSM. In a few countries, local NGOs have begun mobilizing around the “MSM issue.” However, little information exists about HIV prevention among MSM in sub-Saharan Africa and the associations undertaking it. Using a case study of one such association – Alternatives-Cameroun – this project aimed to explore the factors affecting design and implementation of HIV prevention interventions for MSM in Cameroon. Homosexual conduct is illegal in Cameroon, and MSM are frequently harassed and arrested. Nonetheless, Alternatives-Cameroun has launched prevention programming that reaches “hidden” MSM and addresses their unique characteristics. Through qualitative research involving stakeholder interviews and personal observation, this project found that local, national, and international factors all influence choices of intervention content and delivery formats. Interventions are designed by Cameroonian MSM, for Cameroonian MSM, but are also informed by empirical research and outreach principles drawn from other contexts. Implementation is a challenge in Cameroon’s hostile and resource-poor environment: stakeholders bear physical, emotional, and financial burdens during outreach. However, internal dynamics and foreign support help Alternatives-Cameroun mitigate these obstacles. This project reveals that understanding local realities and reinforcing multi-sectoral mobilization around MSM issues are important first steps towards launching HIV prevention interventions for MSM in sub-Saharan Africa.
Youth and employment : an analysis of South African government youth policies with a focus on eThekwini Municipality.
(2009) McConnell, Christy.; Lund, Frances Jane.
The youth transition is not just a critical time for an individual but also to one’s family, the greater society and economy. The category “youth” in simple terms can be regarded as the transition in the life cycle from childhood and schooling into adulthood and work. Employment is one of the key factors that guide the youth transition into adulthood – from dependency upon family and community to greater independence and ability to secure one’s own livelihood. If a young person is unable to gain access into the labour market within the first 10 to 12 years, statistically, she will be less likely to have long-term employment throughout her lifetime. These are crucial years to providing mechanisms that actively engage youth in job preparation and employment opportunities. This research explores relevant youth-employment policy and its implementation in a South African local municipality of eThekwini. Research questions were developed to analyse the vertical and horizontal impact of policies at the local level and ask: What measures within national youth policies and strategies have been instituted to address barriers to youth employability in South Africa? Are national youth policies reaching the local level? What approaches have been taken to encourage youth employment at the local level, and what challenges exist in these approaches? The literature review, analysis of policy documents, and semi-structured in-depth interviews with government officials provide a guided yet flexible exploration of information within the context of local implementation of national and local policies for youth employment. Findings reveal an obvious gap between national youth programmes and their connection to municipality departments and programmes. The research process found that in spite of the lack of national services at a local level, the eThekwini Municipality has created its own youth policy and developed its own ways of providing youth services. While the research does unveil a lack of coordination concurrent to the local youth policy outcomes, it can be seen to be taking innovative steps of empowering individuals towards employment opportunities. The study concludes by acknowledging the recent changes in national strategies for youth. It questions whether these national changes will impact youth at the local level or just continue to provide policy that lacks implementation.
Examining consumers perceptions on water supply and sanitation services : a case study of Ohlange Township, Durban, South Africa.
(2008) Kariuki, Paul.
Governments in many developing countries have stepped up efforts to provide water and sanitation services sustainably to as many people as possible. In some instances, time frames for provision of services to all of their citizens have been set. While these are commendable efforts, the question whether these services are provided efficiently remains unanswered. In South Africa, although the government conducts consumer satisfaction surveys, seldom are citizens consulted for their views. While its efforts have been hailed as a success in the postapartheid era, there have been many obstacles in the supply process. The assumption has been that the government knows what the citizens want and gives it them, irrespective of their concerns. This study interrogated this assumption as its overall research objective, aiming to evaluate whether a supply-driven approach is effective in satisfying the demands of the consumers. As such the study sought to gain insight into the perceptions of Ohlange Township residents in Inanda, Durban, regarding water supply and sanitation services. The study found out that many of these residents could not afford to pay for basic services, although they are currently expected to pay for some of the costs of service provision. However, in a resource-constrained environment, the government can no longer sustainably provide these services without recovering costs. In this case, the government faces the challenge of balancing its constitutional mandate of providing all citizens with basic services and the demand by the poor for improved services they cannot afford. In this case, supply-led delivery system is severely limited in fully addressing consumer demands. This approach also results in poor service delivery due to inefficient resource management. It also disempowers communities because they are not involved in decision-making processes. Based on the study findings, the demand-led approach, one that is consumer-driven, is recommended. This approach puts the consumer at the centre of the delivery of basic services; allows consumers to participate in decision-making processes and encourages them to honour their obligations by paying for the services received. 11
Is nutritional priority given to pregnant women? : a case study of intra-household food allocation among the rural poor in the Inchanga area, South Africa.
(2009) Scott, Sarah Lynn.; Posel, Dorrit Ruth.
The premise of this case study research is that nutritional requirements increase when women fall pregnant and that obtaining adequate nutrition is of particular importance for the maternal environment and fetal growth on both short-term and long-term outcomes, impacting everything from individual well-being to Gross Domestic Product of a nation. Nutrition is a complex and multi-faceted area of study. An important part of this study is the nature of intra-household allocation. This study explores the allocation of food and resources within a sample of rural households to identify whether the onset of pregnancy changes a woman’s ability to claim (receive) additional food and resources to meet her increased nutritional needs. Using case study methodology, I collected a combination of quantitative and qualitative data on individual and household level information of 32 pregnant women in the area of Inchanga, South Africa. Almost all pregnant women in this sample report that their absolute needs are met. I also find that a majority of respondents report a relative increase in food, money and/or resources during pregnancy. This indicates that for the greater part of households in this sample, women’s access to nutrition does change because they are pregnant. Where a pregnant woman’s nutritional needs were not met, important individual and household correlates include the pregnant woman’s relationship to the head of household, to other household members as well as to the father of the child, in addition to the woman’s individual access to and control over income.
Public infrastructure : an assessment of the developmental impact of road infrastructure : a case study of the Mzinyathi access road in the Durban Municipal Region.
(2008) Leon, Katambwe Ntambwe.; Valodia, Imraan.
The purpose of this study is to assess the developmental impact of the Mzinyathi access road in Durban (eThekwini) and to establish whether the construction of the road contributes to the poverty alleviation or not. The study begins by focusing on a review of literature on road infrastructure. Of importance is that the literature review provides a foundation for the study through the assessment of the existing literature on road infrastructure. Further, research gaps are presented allowing to this and other future researches to make new contributions to the existing literatures. Fifteen households were surveyed, a number of interviews were organised and two focus groups were organised. The information from all utilised techniques were analysed through the thematic approach. The results of the study indicate that the construction of the Mzinyathi access road has contributed significantly towards poverty alleviation in Mzinyathi area. The conclusion and recommendations drawn from the findings reveal that there is a crucial need for moving away from the former conception or way of thinking that the public works specifically the roads have to be constructed only for job purposes. The road is able to address many more developmental issues than job opportunities.
NGOs and development in the third world : assessing NGO policy orientation in Angola's post-conflict reconstruction and development process.
(2008) Teka, Zeferino.; Ballard, Richard James.
This study explores the role of NGOs in Angola's post-conflict reconstruction and development process. The study was motivated by a perception obtained from a preliminary literature acquaintance and events that pointed to the developing of a centralised, state-led model. As a result, NGOs were facing funding crises and political pressure which were obstructing their participation in the process. Thus, the study sought to investigate the substance of these trends and how NGOs were responding to them. The study finds that the current policy dynamics underlying the process supports the perception that a centralised, state-led model is developing. At the same time, NGOs are shifting their engagement from emergency work to a development paradigm; they are focusing their activities on rural development and civic awareness; and they are lobbying for the opening of the public space. NGOs believe that they can contribute a unique socib-economic and political capital to the process which neither the public sector nor the private sector can. For this, they argue that the process should be participatory to enable openness and accommodate the contributions of all social actors. However, they believe that the government should playa leading role because of the need to create the infrastructural basis the country lacks to rebuild and develop.
Factors underlying fertility transition in Zimbabwe : an examination of proximate determinants using data from demographic and health surveys.
(2008) Choto, Tatenda J.; Maharaj, Pranitha.
Zimbabwe is amongst the few countries in Africa with a low fertility rate. The fertility transition began in the 1980s and has continued in recent years. The total fertility rate (TFR) declined from 5.5 births in 1988 to 4.3 births in 1994 and further declined in 1999 and 2005 to 4.0 births and 3.8 births respectively. Fertility declined by 1.7 births from 1988 to 2005. This study examines and evaluates the proximate determinants responsible for fertility decline in Zimbabwe from 1988 to 2005. The study attempts to address two questions: What are the principal proximate determinants responsible for fertility reduction in Zimbabwe? What is the contribution of each of the proximate determinants to fertility decline at different periods of time in Zimbabwe? This study utilizes data from the Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Surveys (ZDHS) conducted in Zimbabwe from 1988 to 2005. The model introduced by Bongaarts (1978, 1982) and later modified by Jolly and Gribble (1993) will be utilized in this study to evaluate the impact of these proximate determinants on fertility. The results from the study confirm that fertility has declined in Zimbabwe from 1988 to 2005. The decline in fertility was influenced by proportion of women married, contraceptive use and postpartum infecundability. Since abortion is illegal in Zimbabwe, there is no reliable data available to examine its impact on fertility. As a result this determinant was not examined in this study. The results show that contraceptive use is the leading inhibitive factor of fertility from 1988 to 2005 in Zimbabwe. The findings also confirm that postpartum infecundability followed by marriage patterns is also responsible for fertility reduction during the same period. The results also showed that there are no variations in proximate determinants of fertility from 1988 to 2005. A review of the literature suggests that Zimbabwe is amongst the few countries in the subSaharan Africa with a high contraceptive rate. The family planning programmes introduced by the government before and after independence which were well organized and administered influenced fertility levels observed in Zimbabwe. It is hoped that this study will assist policy makers in developing countries especially Africa to reduce fertility rates.

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