Masters Degrees (Geography)

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An experiment in land use mapping in the Three Rivers District, Natal.
(1965) Christopher, Anthony John.; Davies, Ronald John.; Biesheuvel, H.
No abstract available.
Residential growth in Durban : a spatial analysis.
(1978) McCarthy, Jeffrey J.; Davies, Ronald John.
No abstract available.
Spatial concept development and the teaching of geography in primary schools.
(1980) Ballantyne, Roy Randal.
Until recently educational geographers have concerned themselves largely with questions regarding those parts of the discipline which should be included in school and university curricula (Fitzgerald, 1969; Thomas, 1978). The advent of the quantitative and more recently the behavioural approaches to geography have focused attention on the nature of the discipline and educationalists faced with the change in emphasis from a regional to quantitative approach have incorporated new areas of study into the school curricula, without (in many cases) considering the needs of school children and their stages of conceptual development. The emphasis in geography teaching has in this manner moved away from a factual basis towards the teaching of concepts. Geographic concepts which are important for children to acquire have been defined by academic geographers (Hagget, 1975) but unfortunately little research has been undertaken into the teaching of these concepts. Only recently have geographers begun to show an interest in the way in which concepts are acquired by young pupils. In particular, the works of Blaut and Stea (1973, 1974), Catling (1978, 1978b, 1979), Balchin and Coleman (1973), Naish (1977), Cole and Beynon (1968, 1969), Rushdoony (1971) and Cracknell (1976) have focused attention on the need for geographic educators to understand the way in which pupils develop spatial concepts so that teaching strategies can be correctly planned. Deep seated prejudices regarding what children can understand at primary school are being subjected to careful analysis with sometimes surprising results (Blaut and Stea, 1974). Research into spatial concept formation and the teaching of geography is still in its infancy and more research is needed to enable geography at the primary school level to play a meaningful part in the total development of the child. In this regard the emphasis placed on the teaching of graphicacy needs special attention and mapwork skills need to be improved (Balchin and Cole, 1973). In this thesis an attempt is made to analyse and discuss the major theories of spatial concept development and to apply the ideas of the theorists to the practice of geography teaching in senior primary schools. The research into childrens' spatial concepts in two Natal primary schools, and into ways in which mapwork concepts can be utilised to aid spatial concept development, should help to improve the effectiveness of geography teaching at this level.
A social geography of Merebank, with special reference to access and amenities.
(1983) Naidu, Ramchandra Appal.; Smout, M. A. H.
The main aim of this study is to provide a social geography of one of the less privileged communities in South Africa. The township of Merebank, about 15 km west of Durban was chosen as the study area.In order to assess social well being of residents conventional social indicators relating primarily to economic well being were used. Furthermore,access to opportunities was evaluated to determine social well being in a broader context. All aspects of quality of life cannot bemeasured in monetary terms alone and the degree of access a person may have to an amenity or service may often be a far more meaningful measure of social well being. The study also provides useful information about socio-economic conditions in Merebank, attitudes of residents, and positive and negative features of the residential environment. A number of recommendations are suggested which if implemented by planners, can help amelioriate problems and improve the quality of life in Merebank.
A socio-spatial study of recreation in Metropolitan Durban.
(1985) Franke, Alison Frances.; Butler-Adam, Joann Camille Ellis.; Smout, M. A. H.
No abstract available.
Rents and urban political geography, the case of Lamontville.
(1986) Reintges, Claudia M.; McCarthy, Jeffrey J.
This research project explores the relevance of the available urban political geographic literature to understanding mobilization that occurred in opposition to rent increases,and the proposed alteration of a national political boundary in the urban black township of Lamontville. A theoretical extension to the available literature was proposed. The choice of methods of investigation, was informed by the need for geography to be more relevant to the present political climate evident on the urban terrain, as well as the theoretical necessity to interact with individual intellectuals of the organization. As such direct and indirect methods of investigation and data gathering were utilized. These included Participant Observation, In-depth Focus Interviews and a Content Analysis of the media. In the course of investigation it proved enlightening to move beyond the conventional subject/object dichotomy to engage in the moment of reflexive activity (Willis, 1976). The research clarified that the theoretical and methodological innovations suggested were necessary; if the process embodied by the organization was to be understood; if geography was to be capable of contributing to such an understanding; and if this understanding was to be relevant and informative to the investigated organization.
Gender, geography and urban form : a case study of Durban.
(1987) Friedman, Michelle.; McCarthy, Jeffrey J.; Beall, Josephine Dianne.
This research project is primarily a theoretical work which critiques androcentric knowledge in general and androcentricism in South African human geography in particular . It therefore has relevance both for local geographers and local feminists . The project as a whole has been informed by feminist politics at a theoretical , practical and personal level . The lack of gender-consciousness in the local radical geography tradition is challenged and local geographers are provided with specific pointers for moving beyond a gender-blind impasse . Furthermore , it is argued that the majority of the local gender-conscious literature has inadequately theorised patriarchal gender relations and that such a theorisation would have crucial bearing on developing strategies for social change . It is suggested that a materialist feminist theoretical framework offers the most sophisticated tool yet developed for understanding the oppression of women . Hence , a variety of contemporary materialist feminist work is reviewed, and a realist perspective is offered as a way of theorising the complex interconnections between the social relations of race, class and gender . This materialist approach has thus far had the greatest impact on feminist geographers. A selection of the latter 's work is therefore presented in order to illustrate how they have expanded our understanding of urban processes . Finally, empirical data pertaining to Durban is used to illustrate a) how gender is socially constructed: b) how gender meanings change over time and c) the way in which patriarchal gender relations have been expressed in the local context. It is ultimately asserted that geographers must take it as implicit that the categories and forces of the processes of urbanisation are dependent upon a specific construction of gender . The study of this, must in consequence become an integral part of human geographical analysis .
Traditional and nucleated settlements in Inkanyezi : a socio-economic evaluation
(1987) Shongwe, John Pempela.; Soni, Dhirajlal Vallabh.
An attempt is made in this dissertation to evaluate the quality of life of communities living in traditional settlements and planned betterment schemes. A comprehensive socio-economic survey was undertaken to assess the developmental potential of both areas. The dissertation also drew a comparison between the two settlements in terms of their physical and human capabilities. Final analysis revealed that there are significant environmental differences between the two settlements. The communities differ markedly in terms of their land use patterns, agricultural productivity, access to amenities and services, social organization and environmental perception. Both settlements have strengths and deficiencies and the latter beg serious attention. In this respect, several policy statements and recommendations are made in order that the lives of people in the rural areas of KwaZulu are improved.
Environmentalism in education - the missing link.
(1989) Galanos, Gary Arthur.; Scott, Dianne.
One of modern society's most pressing problems today is the environment with which it interacts. Though this interaction is inseparable, the environment has been treated as a separate entity. This lack of a symbiotic relationship between the society and its environment has produced certain pathologies such as increasing economic growth, excessive exploitation of resources, socio-economic inequalities, consumerism and environmentally insensitive planning and decision making. Education is deemed in this thesis, as a determinant and potential transformer of existing socioeconomic, environmental and administrative ideologies. With education/conscientization being regarded as the catalyst for societal change, Gramscian social theory is used to conceptualize societal functioning. Society has a hegemonic and counter-hegemonic realm. The' organic' intellectuals (leaders) within these realms will determine the nature and extent of political, socio-economic and environmental changes in society. A third grouping - the semi-hegemony - is recognized in this thesis. This group which includes tertiary educative institutions, plays a pivotal role between the hegemony and counter-hegemony in determining the nature of societal change. Universities could adopt a critical environmental paradigm. The environmentally conscientized intellectuals from these institutions can permeate the broader society bringing about gradual environmental, economic and societal transformations. For this reason, the research sets out to gauge the extent to which environmentalism has permeated into some South African universities. The nature and quantity of environmental content in disciplines, the predominant ideological trends and interdisciplinary potentials are assessed. Though experiencing many shortcomings, it is found that these universities had the potential to foster an holistic environmental paradigm. In conclusion, a set of models are proposed that could strengthen the: university's semi-hegemonic role; ensure the integration of an holistic environmental paradigm (via at' Integrated University Environmental Programme); establish links between the semi- hegemony and the broader society; and allow universities to play a role in regional cooperation as regards the promulgation of an environmentally based set of socio-economic and development policies and strategies.
Mass violence in Durban's settlements in the 1980s.
(1989) Byerley, Mark Alan.; McCarthy, Jeffrey J.
The focus of this study is on the occurrence of mass violence in Durban's settlements in the 1980s. Mass violence is defined as the violent reaction of crowds against targets, which may be people and/or objects - for example the stoning of buses or administration buildings, schools, etc. The theoretical framework for the study derives from recent realist philosophy emerging from prominent British social theorists. The method of analysis is based on a framework developed for the analysis of the UK inner city 'riots' of the 1980s. The theory emphasizes the nature of the relationship between the contending groups with particular attention paid to the presence of contingent factors. The analytical method was broadened so as to incorporate rebellion rather than simply 'rioting', as it was developed for in the UK context. Data was gathered in the first instance through an analysis of news reports of 'unrest' for the period 1980-85. Due to restrictions on the press from 1985, the Indicator SA unrest chronologies were used extensively for the period 1985-87. This extensive analysis provides an overview of mass violence, organizational developments, and government response for the period under consideration. Case studies were selected for the more intensive analysis presented in Chapter 4. These are based on published and unpublished reports of 'unrest', interviews, and group discussions. The extensive/intensive dualism of method assisted in giving both an overview of mass violence for the area, and an insight into the particular form it took in specific areas. Finally, the case studies were placed in their regional context, and further reasons sought for the particular nature of 'unrest' in Durban and Natal during the period. The conclusion assesses the explanatory power of the theory and methodology employed in relation to the South African situation.
An investigation into some aspects of the relationship between diabetes mellitus and male sexual dysfunction.
(1990) Pillay, Veniela.; Vawda, A. I.
This investigation reports the effects of diabetes mellitus on some aspects of the male reproductive system. When compared to non-diabetic controls, human diabetics indicated a 35% reduction in gross sperm motility, a 13% decrease in progressive sperm motility and a 49% reduction in rapid sperm motility. Sperm viability also decreased by 35% in this group. Semen carnitine and acid phosphatase levels were elevated by 47% and 13% respectively, whilst the circulating testosterone level decreased by 20%. Semen pH and volume, sperm concentration and sperm morphology did not differ significantly between the diabetic and non-diabetic control patients. Circulating LH, FSH and prolactin, as well as seminal zinc, fructose and citric acid levels were found to be similar in the two groups. In a human infertility group, the number of morphologically normal sperm was 46% lower in comparison to the control group. Gross sperm motility decreased by 21%, progressive motility by 11% and sperm viability by 9%. Carnitine concentration in semen was 38% higher and fructose levels 27% lower than that of the control group. There were also significant reductions in circulating testosterone and LH levels (16% and 28% respectively). other parameters investigated, but which were not significantly different from the control, were semen pH and volume, sperm concentration, seminal zinc, acid phosphatase and citric acid concentrations, and circulating FSH and prolactin levels. streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats maintained on insulin for 90 days, were also assessed for testicular function. Extracts from the cauda epididymis indicated a 39% decrease in sperm motility and a 19% reduction in viability. Unlike the human diabetics, a 59% reduction in sperm number per cauda was also noted, together with an 86% rise in morphologically abnormal sperm. Measurements of the accessory organ weights indicated a 44% loss in prostate weight only. The testicular weight and testicular cell size and number did not differ significantly between the two groups. Circulating testosterone levels also remained unchanged. Reduced fecundity in these animals was displayed by the reduction in the number of pups sired. Collectively these results indicate that diabetes adversely affects the male reproductive system. The profile of the human diabetes group was similar to that of a group of infertile males, indicating a severe loss in reproductive potential in these patients. The results obtained from the streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats complimented the investigation on human diabetics. The animal studies further indicated reduced fecundity and a compromised accessory organ function, as suggested by the weight loss of these organs.
The regional services council debacle in Durban c. 1984-1989.
(1990) Pillay, Udeshtra.; McCarthy, Jeffrey J.; Bekker, Simon.
This research project explores the restructuring of local government in the Durban Metropolitan Area (DMA) and, in particular, the delay in the implementation of Regional Services Councils (RSCs) in this region. During the late 1980's, both as an ongoing process of implementing apartheid and in response to various crises, the South African state has reformulated and restructured legislation and policies which have a regional dimension. The reform and restructuring of local and regional government have emerged as some of the central components of this strategy. The development which has changed the face of local government most obviously in recent years has been the introduction of RSCs. These bodies have been established in all the major metropolitan regions in South Africa, except Durban. While the Durban area was expected to host South Africa's first operational RSC, a protracted stalemate has developed over the implementation of these bodies. Informed by a theoretical conceptualisation of the research problem, which was found to lie at the interface of the concepts of local government restructuring and questions on the nature of the region, and the direct and indirect methods of investigation and data gathering, the study documents and seeks to explain the RSC impasse in the region. The practical import and significance of the conclusions reached from this study extend beyond the explanation of the RSC debacle in Durban . They offer insights into the power and influence that locality-based structures can wield in defining and redefining concepts of the metropolitan region. In addition, they enhance an understanding of the Natal/KwaZulu region, its proclaimed 'specificity', and the way in which this specificity has impacted on political developments here.
Butterworth : a growth pole.
(1991) Sarpong, Emmanuel.; McCarthy, Jeffrey J.; Willis, Geoffrey A.
In recent times much attention has b een focussed on the spatial development of countries, especially in those countries of the world referred to as the Third World. Many factors have given rise to this interest. It has arisen due in part to the important position of development today both as a means of enhancing the wealth of man's environment, and as a means of raising living standards. It is also a result of the problems being experienced by many countries due to the large spatial inequalities in development that has arisen in these countries. In Transkei a history of racial discrimination and the impact of its close relationship to its former colonial power, South Africa, have combined to produce a spatial pattern of development in which inequalities have become evident. Unfortunately, meaningful efforts have not been evolved to manage the inequalities in such a way as to achieve a balance in spatial development. The need therefore exists to study the factors causing variations in spatial development in Transkei and to suggest methods through which the evolving pattern can be adapted to conform to, if a balance in spatial development is to be obtained from the present pattern of inequalities. Arising from the background given, this study set out within the growth pole framework to examine the linkages between Butterworth, the most industrial region in Transkei and the rest of the space economy. Forty nine industries and a total of 645 industrial employees of various categories were selected for the study. Linkages were measured with respect to sources of raw materials, destination of finished goods, origin of industrial employees and the destinations of remittances by industrial employees. Through the use of techniques such as percentage concentration, correlations, and regression analysis among others for the analysis of the data, the following information emerged from the study: (i) agglomeration economies for the industries in Butterworth are minimal. (ii) Linkages between Butterworth industries and the rest of the Transkeian space economy are minimal. The minimal agglomeration economies and linkages have been due to the fact that industries are set up in Butterworth neither because a market exist for its products nor that raw materials exist that are to be utilised in production. This implies that industrial developments as at present is not being properly guided to ensure the attainment of a balanced spatial pattern of development. From the above findings, it has been proposed that programmes geared towards the establishment of linkages such as the production of raw materials for the industries will be more beneficial than the present regional development strategy. The need for support measures for the industries in Butterworth has also been proposed as a method of raising their economic efficiency and hence their ability to transmit developmental impulses to other regions in Transkei.
Multivariate regionalization of economic development in Transkei.
(1992) Acheampong, Kofi Owusu.; Willis, Geoffrey A.
In recent years, increasing attention has been devoted to the inequalities in development of countries, especially the third world countries, in formulating national development plans. Geographers interested in the regional dimension of development, now take greater cognisance of issues related to inequalities in development. This thesis is a contribution to the growing area of regional development. It investigates the spatial dimension of development and its associated variations. Transkei has been selected for this study because of its historical past as a "child" of separate development policy of South Africa and as a third world country. The separate development policy and its dependence on its former colonial power, have contributed in evolving inequalities in the spatial pattern of development. Past development plans have failed to produce balanced development. There is, therefore, a need to evaluate the existing factors that have produced these inequalities to see if a different strategy can be adopted to correct the existing inequalities. Transkei's 28 districts were used in this study, based on 19 variables. Factor and Cluster Analyses were the analytical techniques used. The investigation's results are as follows: 1. The factors underlying the relationships between the 19 variables were found to reflect three broad factors: Agglomeration, Industrialization and Education factors, with contributions of 72.36%, 8.24% and 6.47% respectively, to the total variance. 2. These factors were observed to owe their existence to institutional and traditional factors with their particular spatial patterns. The districts associated with the agglomeration and industrialization factors were found to be relatively more developed, forming patterns similar to the letter Y. The districts associated strongly with the education factor, have little development potential and forms a continuous belt running from the north west through central to the eastern coast and a compact block to the south. 3. Five major development groups obtained from the application of cluster analysis, represent a broad framework within which the inequalities of development in Transkei could be discussed. From the findings, it has been proposed that the institutional and traditional factors would have to undergo major changes, if considerable balance in the spatial development of Transkei could be achieved.
Upgrading? : a realistic option for the Ntchaweni squatter settlement.
(1992) Karodia, Mahomed Sayeed.; Robinson, Jennifer.
This thesis recognises that quantitative research distances the researcher from the people who form part and parcel of squatter settlements. Therefore, in the course of analysing whether upgrading is a realistic option for the Ntchaweni squatter settlement, this qualitative study has not concerned itself with the activities of the inhabitants alone, or only with the buildings which house squatters, but investigates those units of experience within which physical form, activities and the degree of attachment that squatters have for the settlement of Ntchaweni are amalgamated to form place. A contention of this thesis if we are to plan successfully for squatter areas, it is necessary to understand that squatters have the potential to think and plan ahead for themselves. Squatter settlements are not necessarily the domain of criminals and unemployed people. The Ntchaweni squatter settlement is a complex place in which the inhabitants exhibit a strong attachment to the place.This validates the methodological emphasis on a people-place study of the squatter settlement, as does the acknowledged importance of community participation in upgrading schemes. In contrast, the "top-down" re-organising of squatter settlements into idealistic settlements conforming rigidly to some grand theory developed by technocrats cannot possibly help to alleviate the severe physical and social problems experienced in squatter areas. It is therefore necessary to arrive at a realistic option for the improvement of the Ntchaweni squatter settlement by analysing what the squatters perceive to be a suitable living environment. Any upgrading option for the Ntchaweni squatter settlement must also take into account the system which perpetrated the poor conditions evident in the study area. Within this context, the areal expansion of the Ntchaweni squatter settlement into its present size qualifies the notion that this place has an important function from a social, cultural and economic perspective. The historical development and the present political situation in the study area are both important considerations in a study which aims at investigating the betterment options for the area, be it site and service schemes or in situ upgrading. In order to gain a better understanding of squatter settlements, we must record both objective and subjective aspects of place. Together, these investigations put us into a position to discuss the possibilities for generating realistic options for designing and producing places suitable for human habitation in Ntchaweni.
Ozone maxima off the East Coast of South Africa : the role of biomass burning.
(1993) Pillay, Yogesveri.; Diab, Roseanne Denise.
No abstract available.
Work and life of women in the informal sector : a case study of the Warwick Avenue Triangle.
(1993) Naidoo, Kibashini.; Scott, Dianne.; Preston-Whyte, Eleanor.
This thesis presents a case study of women working in the informal sector in the Warwick Avenue Triangle of Durban. It documents and analyses the ways in which twenty women experience and contribute to recent changes in the urban informal sector. The women in this study are seen as knowledgeable agents who actively participate in their changing social and spatial worlds. In order to do this structuration theory, as a general philosophy of society, has been drawn on and linked to substantiative bodies of theory on the informal sector and feminist theory in geography. Field methods, appropriate to the investigation of meanings the informal sector were employed. The data collected was qualitatively interpreted in the light of the theory. The thesis concludes with a summary of the main findings and suggestions are made for policy and areas of future research on women in the informal sector.
An investigation into the nature of gully erosion at Golden Gate Highlands National Park.
(1993) Brady, Helen Mary.; Beckedahl, Heinrich Reinhard.
The general aim of this study was to gain an insight into the nature of gully erosion at Golden Gate Highlands National Park. In order to achieve this the spatial and temporal characteristics of six gullies were investigated by examining their typological and morphological characteristics, the relationship between their morphometric properties and their increase in extent over a 39 year period (1952-1991). Where possible these findings and observed gully forms were related to initiating factors. Extensive field surveys and measurements were carried out to ascertain the typological and morphological characteristics of each gully. The results of the field measurements were then statistically analyzed using linear regression analysis, principal component analysis and canonical variate analysis. These methods of analysis were used to get an indication of the relationships taht exist between the morphometric properties of the gullies as well as to highlight the similarities and differences that exist between them. These results showed that the morphometric varaibles of the gullies are strongly interrelated. Furthermore they revealed that the six gullies could be divided into three broad groups on the basis of their morphometric and sediment properties. The gullies within two of the three groups were found to be similar not only in terms of the above mentioned but they also occur on same facing slopes of similar gradients and appear to have been initiated by similar processes. Differences occurring within and between the gully groups were attributed to varying combinations of initiating factors. Aerial photographs from 1952 and 1984 were used together with surverys to map the extent and development of five of the six gullies - teh remainign gully was only initiated in 1988. The 1952 and 1984 photographs were selected as they represented the earleist and most recent photographs to be taken of the area. The maps show the gullies to have experienced a greater amount of growth during the 1984 - 1991 period than during the 1952 - 1984 period. This finding was attributed to the sporadic nature of gully growth. The spatial location of the gullies in relation to one another appears to have had little influence on their typological and morphological characteristics. However, their spatial location within the landscape has undoubtedly influenced these properties. In general the research described has shown that the spatial and temporal differences of the gullies occurring in the park are the result of various combinations of endogenous and exogenous factors that governed the initiation and development of each gully.
Real-time analysis of atmospheric pollution and its implications in Pietermaritzburg.
(1994) Simpson, Andrew John.; McGee, Owen Selby.; Southway, Collin.
Abstract available in PDF.
Pietermaritzburg: in search of a local economic development strategy.
(1994) Sapsford, Peter.; McCarthy, Jeffrey J.
Abstract available in PDF.

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