Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Department of Water Affairs (DWA)'

Thesis (MScEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2013.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In South Africa a large number of dams owned by the Department of Water Affairs (DWA) need to be rehabilitated. This study investigated the decision process involved in the prioritisation of dams for rehabilitation. DWA developed a risk analysis methodology for defining the risks associated with dam safety, expressed as the combination of the probability and consequences of dam failure. These risks are evaluated usingmultiple acceptability criteria to assess risk to human life and the economic, social, socio-economic and environmental impacts of dam failure. In this study, the criteria used in the decision process to evaluate the acceptability of life safety risks were evaluated by comparing to international best practice methods, where the acceptability of risk to human life is commonly assessed as the expected number of fatalities against life safety criteria presented as FN-criteria on an FN-diagram. Damrehabilitation should reduce the probability of dam failure, thereby reducing the risk to society in terms of the expected lives lost. However, the rehabilitation works come at a cost and the level of these investments are usually large. In addition, the rehabilitation of South African government owned dams are financed by society and these financial resources are limited. Thus investments into dam rehabilitation works should be worthwhile for society. Society’s Willingness to Pay (SWTP) for safety was applied to South African dam safety to determine the acceptable level of expenditure into life safety that is required by society. Investments into improved safety levels are not always dictated by society, but could also be driven by the decision maker or owner requiring an economically optimal solution for the rehabilitation. Economic optimisation accounts for considerations additional to life safety, including economic motivations, damage costs of dam failure as well as compensation costs for lives lost. Often economic optimisation would govern the decision problem. Also, the DWA current evaluation does not take the cost of rehabilitation into account in any way. Thus, FN-criteria that primarily evaluates life safety, but also incorporates a measure of economic efficiency, were suggested in this study.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: In Suid-Afrika moet ’n groot aantal dammewat deur dieDepartement vanWaterwese (DWA) besit word gerehabiliteer word. Hierdie studie het die besluitnemingsproses ondersoekwat toegepasword om damme te prioritiseer vir rehabilitasiewerke. DWA het ’n bestaande metodologie wat gebaseer is op risiko-analise. Die risikos wat verband hou met damveiligheid word deur die metode bepaal en word uitgedruk as die kombinasie van waarskynlikheid en die beraamde gevolge van damfaling. Hierdie risikosword geëvalueer teenoor verskeie kriteriawat die aanvaarbaarheid van risikos teenoor menselewens en die ekonomiese, sosiale, sosio-ekonomiese en omgewingsimpakte van damfalings assesseer. In hierdie studie word die kriteria wat gebruik word in die besluitnemingsproses om die aanvaarbaarheid van risikos teenoor menselewens te bepaal geëvalueer deur die kriteria te vergelyk met metodes wat internasionaal as beste praktyk beskou word. Internasionaal word die aanvaarbaarheid van risikos teenoor menselewens oor die algemeen as die verwagte aantal sterftes teenoor lewensveiligheidskriteria FN-kriteria op ’n FN-diagram geassesseer. Dam rehabilitasiewerke behoort die waarskynlikheid van damfaling te verminder, sodoende verminder die risiko teenoor die samelewing in terme van verwagte sterftes. Die rehabilitasiewerke vereis finansiële beleggings, en hierdie beleggings is gewoonlik groot. Verder word die rehabilitasie van Suid-Afrikaanse damme wat deur DWA besit word deur samelewing gefinansier en hierdie finasiële hulpbronne is beperk. Dus moet hierdie beleggings die moeite werd wees vir die samelewing. Die samelewing se bereidwilligheidomte betaal ("SWTP") vir veiligheid word toegepas in Suid- Afrikaanse damveiligheidomdie aanvaarbare vlak van beleggings vir ’n verbeterde veiligheid teenoor menselewens wat deur die samelewing vereis word te bepaal. Beleggings in verbeterde damveiligheidsvlakke word egter nie altyd bepaal deur die samelewing nie,maar kan ook gedryf word deur die besluitnemer of eienaar wat ’n ekonomies optimale oplossing vir die rehabilitatiesewerke vereis. Ekonomiese optimering neem oorwegings addisioneel tot lewensveiligheid in ag, insluitend ekonomiese motiverings, skade kostes as die dam faal, sowel as vergoedingskostes vir die verwagte sterftes. Ekonomiese optimering beheer dikwels die besluitnemingsprobleem. Verder neem die huidige DWA besluitnemingssproses in geen manier die kostes van rehabilitasie in ag nie. Dus word FN-kriteria wat hoofsaaklik veiligheid teenoor menselewens evalueer,maar wat ook ’n mate van ekonomiese doeltreffendheid insluit, voorgestel in hierdie studie.

This dissertation collates all available data from the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry’s (DWAF’s) National Groundwater Database (NGDB), DWAF’s Groundwater Resource Information Project (GRIP) and tests conducted during the progress of this project in order to evaluate Basement aquifers. The project was commenced at the request of the Water Research Commission (WRC), situated in Pretoria, South Africa. The study area (Limpopo and Luvuvhu-Letaba Water Management Areas, WMA1 and WMA2 respectively) is underlain by fractured, crystalline Basement terrain. The influences of structures (i.e. joints, faults and shear zones) and the neotectonic stress conditions were also studied to address the influence on groundwater flow and occurrence. The aim of the project was to address the determination of the aquifer parameters (essentially transmissivity and sustainable yield) in Basement terrane. Pumping test data was used and analysed via the Flow Characteristic Programme (Institute for Groundwater Studies, University of Free State). The methods of Logan (1964), Theis (1935), Cooper-Jacob (1946) and Birsoy-Summers (1980) were applied for comparative purposes. Statistically, all four methods supplied results within the same order of magnitude, with Theis and Cooper-Jacob correlating extremely well. Results from the Logan and Birsoy-Summers methods correlated very well too, but the T-values calculated via Logan’s method were almost double those obtained from the step-drawdown data analysed via the Birsoy-Summers method. The combined results adhered to a developed model-setting-scenario approach where each borehole can be evaluated based on three parameters. Firstly, the model refers to the potential water-bearing and/or water-barring features. In the study area, it was found that water predominates in the Hout River Shear Zone, and that the neotectonic stress fields have little influence on determining the orientation of favourable water-bearing structures. Geological contacts often resulted in higher yielding boreholes than geological structures. Secondly, the setting refers to the climatic and tectonic setting of the site. This determines the recharge and the orientation of structures. Based on this, supposedly closed structures (due to prevailing neotectonic stress fields) often supplied higher yielding boreholes than the supposedly open structures. Rainfall and climate however had little influence on the results. Finally, the scenario ranks a borehole in terms of high, intermediate or low transmissivity and subsequently potential yield. High T-values typically exceeded 100 m2/d whereas low T-values were generally below 5 m2/d. Significantly low yielding boreholes therefore formed part of the Low T Scenario, and high yielding boreholes of the High T Scenario. Copyright
Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2008.
Geology
unrestricted

Includes bibliographies.
The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) acquired a Geographic Information System (GIS) in 1987. The purpose of acquiring such a system was to aid the department in implementing their water resource management strategy of that time. On acquiring this system it was well recognised that the GIS would need to communicate geo-referenced information, generated by analysis and modelling to decision makers by means of graphic representations or maps (Olivier et al., 1990: 14 73). Towards the end of 1990 it became apparent that the department needed to standardise cartographic output of this system. Maps on the same theme, which were produced at different sites were not comparable and graphic communication was not effective. A consultant was appointed, who, in conjunction with the departmental digital cartographer, established criteria and standards which were flexible enough to accommodate mapping on a wide variety of themes. These standards were implemented, to a limited extent in July 1994. Standards were set for map encoding, map content and map composition. This report investigates how effective these standards have been. The effectiveness of these standards have been measured in terms of the five recognised cartographic design principles that have been identified by Robinson et al. (1984), Wood (1992) and Dent (1990). These include the clarity and legibility of maps, the distinction between figure and ground, the hierarchical organisation of mapped information, the visual contrast of marks on maps and the visual balance or layout of the finished map. A sample of maps made after the implementation of cartographic standards at the department was compared to a sample of comparable maps made prior to the implementation of these standards. In a large organisation like the department the success of such standards do not depend on the standards alone but also on their implementation. Implementation related problems were identified by comparing standardised maps with the standards. The outcome of the investigation proved that the effectiveness of graphic communication had indeed improved albeit to a varying degree. In most cases the standards were adequate and the main problems actually lay with their implementation. Recommendations on the implementation and the few aspects of the standards that require amendment have been included in this report.

Thesis (MBA) --University of Limpopo, 2008
Despite crucial strategic value of fleets, most organizations have relegated the management of their vehicles as being very low on their list of priorities. Consequently, they are entrusting unsuitable people with management of their fleet. Without proper management, huge amounts of money are wasted through fuel fraud and with repairs being done too late or not at all, leaving expensive vehicles idle for months (Barrow 1999).It has been observed that managing fleets with the emphasis on bookkeeping and finance, rather than operational realities, leads to huge and unnecessary costs and massive fraud (Barrow 1998). Efficiency in fleet management is about having a fleet that works directly to support the organizational goals. It is imperative that a study was conducted to analyze the situation of pool cars in the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) in the Limpopo Province to ensure the efficiency in its fleet management

The objective of this study was to evaluate the current recruitment and selection policy of the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) and to determine whether the recruitment and selection practices comply therewith. To establish whether the policy enhances DWAF’s objective to improve its service delivery, a content analysis of the recruitment and selection policy was executed. To determine whether the recruitment and selection practices comply with the written and accepted policy a questionnaire was designed based on the provisions of the policy and best practices. The questionnaire was personally delivered to 50 potential respondents, of which 35 completed it. The completed questionnaires were processed and analysed using Microsoft Excel 2000. The policy was found to be well researched, comprehensive and efficient to DWAF’s missions and objectives. It however showed signs that indicate the danger of being applied inconsistently. Clarity in terms of procedural sequence and conditions for use eluded some policy provisions, making it acceptable to assume and base decisions on the users discretion. Trained human resource managers guide recruitment and selection practices. The study concluded that the policy was being implemented: the recruitment and selection practices within DWAF complied with its accepted policy. There are standardisation on advertising as recruitment method, and interviewing as selection method. The recruitment and selection activities that are not mentioned within the recruitment and selection policy are done at the line manager and human resource manager’s discretion - this is found to be inconsistent and potentially dangerous to the process. DWAF employs recruitment and selection as tool to enhance performance management and effective service delivery. Recommendations are made to assist DWAF in its quest to achieve maximum return on investment from its human capital.

This research study explored the appropriate sustainable governance management systems for South African socio-economic conditions. This was achieved by investigating the current governance and management of water boards in performing their business and water services provisioning at municipal level. Municipalities are the third sphere of government in South Africa and are found at local levels of governance. They are businesses that provide running water as legislated by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. Water boards are public institutions established in terms of the Water Services Act, 108 of 1997 (WSA) and listed as Schedule 3 part B: National Government Business Enterprise in terms of the Public Finance Management Act 29 of 1999. They are accountable to the national government through the Department of Water Affairs. Their responsibility is to support municipalities where water-provisioning challenges are eminent. They report annually to national parliament on their performance within a specific financial year. Water boards are currently able to perform their operations in selected jurisdictions as contracted by municipalities. They are struggling in managing and governing their water business while striving to achieve improvements in water service coverage, operating efficiency and service delivery. The aim of the research study was to investigate areas affecting the sustainability of governance management systems for water boards in relation to the improvement of service delivery in South Africa. The analysis of age and gender factors and the conditions affecting governance are explored. The research used the qualitative and quantitative methods to analyse the research questions. Prior to the commencement of the study, the researcher performed an intensive desktop study involving the use of dated and recently published material related to governance and management of the water institutions in developed and developing countries. During the desktop study, national and international accredited journals were prioritised to obtain related and relevant similar information to the water governance and management of water institutions. In addition, a case study was undertaken in Ficksburg in which water boards provided an intervention in resolving the water crisis, since the provision of water is a basic service at local government. This area experienced both water shortage and a poor quality of water. With regard to qualitative methodology, participatory forums were used to delineate the research context and premise. The study population consisted of individuals who were in the business of water boards with special reference to water management and board of directors for a population of 1 000. Of the 500 questionnaires sent out, 419 were returned. The data were analysed using the statistical software package, Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results and recommendations are presented based on the identified objectives of the study. The study’s findings provide information for transformation and improvement in the performance of water boards in South Africa when striving for sustainability in management and governance. The findings reveal the need for improvements in the involvement of females in the business of the water boards. The findings confirm the outcomes of previous studies regarding the slow implementation of affirmative action and transformation processes as required by legislation. Furthermore, the results reveal that the factors and conditions affecting sustainability of the water boards need to be prioritised to improve the management and governance aspects of water boards. These include the appropriate selection of members of the boards of directors, water boards' committees that are guided by legislation in their operations and the maintenance of proper financial management (collection of revenue, implementation of appropriate financial strategies and striving for positive clean audit). Water boards are encouraged to strengthen their intergovernmental relations in order to make their mandate known across all spheres of government. Service delivery should be approached “from source to tap and tap to source” to promote high-quality provision of water. The water boards should be accountable to the municipalities for the provision of delegated operations. The Department of Water Affairs exercises an oversight role to ensure the sustainable provision of the services. However, the study concludes that without a strong management and a sustainable governance approach, water boards will not be able to carry out its water developmental mandate. The practical framework that was developed in this study provides management and governance tools for sustained provisioning of water to advance transformational and developmental needs and the application of legislations. The results in the study have a direct impact on the codes of practice and regulations on employment equity in implementing the Employment Equity Act of 1998, Intergovernmental Relations Act of 2005, Companies Act of 2008, National Water Act of 1998, and Water Services Act of 1997. Therefore, the practical implementation of this framework will enhance water as a transformational and developmental feature in addressing the social, environmental and economic services.

The South African Constitution ensures the right to adequate water, health services and a healthy environment (Government Gazette, 1996: 1251, 1255). Associated legislation and national strategies require that water resources and water services are rendered in a sustainable manner to ensure the rights enshrined in the Constitution are realised (Trialogue, 2010: 34; Government Gazette, 1998(c):11; Department of Water Affairs (DWA), 2003:9). South Africa is the 30th driest country in the world (DWA, 2013: iii), has impounded most of its surface water resources and has utilised 40 percent of the groundwater resource with remaining groundwater water quality uncertain (DWA, 2013:6-7). Despite achieving the basic water and sanitation Millennium Development Goals approximately 2.2 million and 4.5 million households still require access to basic services respectively (DWA, 2013:28-29). South Africa’s ten water boards play a key role in bulk water service provision. They supply 57 percent of the countries domestic water supply (DWA, 2013:19) and are required to provide sustainable water services (Government Gazette, 1997:35). The Department of Water Affairs (Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) as of June 2014) is mandated to monitor the performance of water boards and monitors of water boards through a Share Holders Compact (SHC) (Government Gazette, 1997: 50). The aim of the research is to achieve the following objectives: 1. Describe best practice for sustainability monitoring frameworks for water services. 2. Outline South Africa’s water services mandatory and voluntary requirements with regards to sustainability monitoring. 3. Evaluate South Africa’s current water services performance monitoring framework for water boards against findings from goals one and two. 4. Develop an improved framework for assessing South African water board’s performance in their compliance and sustainability journey. 5. Demonstrate the improved framework functionality with a sample of water boards audited performance data from the 2012/13 financial year. A qualitative normative theory evaluation research method was utilised to achieve first three objectives of the research. The objectives to first understand current best practice for sustainability monitoring frameworks and the mandatory requirements for water services sustainability monitoring frameworks in South Africa was achieved via an extensive literature review. The evaluation research method was used where South Africa’s current water services monitoring framework for water boards was evaluated for its adequacy to monitor sustainability compared with legislated requirements, national and international best practices (Hall et al, 2004: 55). Data collection for the evaluation research was sourced via documentation analysis. The 2012/13 water board audited annual reports, relevant national water services legislation, national and global water service sustainability monitoring best practices were critically reviewed. The review yielded a “thick description” of sustainability performance monitoring framework requirements that was used to evaluate the SHC (Holliday, 2002: 79). Despite the mandatory participation requirement for successful sustainability performance monitoring being met, the SHC was found to have inadequate aspects. It lacks an outcomes based approach, does not include environmental indicators, does not allow water board sustainability performance comparison and cannot indicate where individual water boards are on their sustainability journey. An improved sustainability performance monitoring framework for South African water boards is therefore proposed. This was developed with the assistance of an expert focus group drawn from multiple disciplines and organizations relevant to water board sustainability (Litosseliti, 2003: 8 and Hall et al, 2004: 51). The functionality of the framework is then demonstrated using 2012/13 audited performance data sourced from the annual reports of Overberg, Amatola, Rand and Umgeni Water boards. The proposed Water Services Sustainability Monitoring Framework (WSSMF) quantifies performance in terms of 10 water utility outcomes that are measured with 88 performance indicators that encompass the financial, social, environmental and governance dimensions of sustainability. The WSSMF demonstrated that the legislated intentions and best practice recommendations can be incorporated into an improved version of the SHC. Further refinement of the WSSMF is required. In depth engagement with DWS and all the water boards would promote the refinement of the indicator set, performance thresholds for indicators and indicator weighting. Further testing through a pilot project initiative would allow the WSSMF to be developed into a robust and adequate sustainability performance monitoring framework for South African water boards (Rametsteiner et al, 2011: 64; Muga and Mihelcic, 2008: 438; McAlphine and Birnie, 2005: 247 and van Leeuwen et al, 2012: 2192).

The challenge of satisfying the demand for basic services in the current dispensation has intensified. It is anticipated that once this initial challenge has been overcome, the tide will turn and secondary services such as transfer of ownership of forestry plantations will become the new challenge. The quest for efficient and effective service delivery is paramount, regardless of whether services delivered are basic or not. This research investigation puts performance management (which focuses on individual and organisational performance), as a necessity for service delivery. The focus was on service delivery within the Chief Directorate: Forestry in the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry. The findings demonstrated that the presence of performance management and other supporting systems does not guarantee automatic improvement in service delivery. The distinction is how effective an organisation can apply performance management in conjunction with a complete set of functional policies, systems and instruments to improve its impact on service delivery.
Public Administation
M.Tech. (Public Management)

M. Tech. Public Management
Young people in South Africa constitute 41% of the population of the country. Therefore, youth development needs to be recognised as a priority by the Government of South Africa. South African youth are faced with many challenges such as a lack of development which may lead to unemployment. Despite the majority of young people in South Africa having completed their tertiary studies and graduated, they still find it hard to get employment. This is a result of a lack of development, as well as skills and training needed to equip young graduates with sufficient practical work experience to enable them to get employment. In this study, an attempt is made to determine whether the Department of Water Affairs Graduate Trainee Programme has the desired impact on the young graduates who have participated in it.

The main focus of this study is to determine how managers assess the implementation of the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 (hereafter referred to as Employment Equity Act) in the Department of Water Affairs.
Public Administration
M. Admin (Public Administration)

Water is life. In South Africa it is a crucial element in the battle against poverty, the cornerstone of prosperity and a limiting factor to growth. As a fundamental and indispensable natural resource, no regional or national development plan can take shape without giving primary consideration to water. Due to water being an essential component to human and ecological life the scarcity has focused the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DW AF) to converge into the protection, use development, conservation, management and control of water resources. The Water Act (Act No. 54 of 1956) encompassed various shortcomings and therefore was replaced with the National Water Act (Act No. 36 of 1998) (NW A). The promulgation of the NW A gave effect to Section 24 of the Constitution, which entitles "everyone to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being". Therefore the government has an obligation to protect the water resources. In order to address this problem, government introduced the Licensing System. Therefore the "polluter pays" concept was introduced, a waste discharge fee is charged to the user. This was introduced to deter users from wasting the resources and to promote sustainable development. The information was presented in the form of a case study between the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry and Mhlathuze Water. An evaluation and assessment was conducted of the current licensing procedure for Mhlathuze Water and recommendations were made for the process to occur efficiently. The License is a legal document between the government and the water user and it stipulates conditions that should be complied with all the time. It is valid for forty years, however will be reviewed every five years by the relevant authority. Monitoring and auditing will be conducted on a regular basis. In the conditions stipulated are not complied with, the license will be revoked.
Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, 2003.

The aims of the study were to find out whether or not outsourcing essential to the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry. The second aim was to establish how can outsourcing improve the Department's cost structure. And the last one was to develop a viable business model for outsourcing services within the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry. The main problem was that the Government opted for outsourcing as a move to save expenditure within the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry. This Department has outsourced car and truck financial services, insurance and management to imperial Group. This venture estimated that it would save the Department and the Government approximately R1 Billion on operational costs. This system is currently operational, but already management in the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry have realized that such a venture with huge financial implications should have been based on carefully planned and executed research findings than mere hypothesis about saving. The study research method that will be used is a case study. All the data gathered in the study, is relevant on to the case being studied. Though conclusions allow for inferences to be made, the cases where such generalizations are made or applied to must be similar in all respect. The study's sample consists of the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry and the Imperial Group. The two organizations were chosen because the outsourcing strategy could serve as a yardstick to measure similar agreements in the future. The specific area of focus is the agreement on car rental between the two organizations. The documents analyzed include the: • Department of Water Affairs and Forestry Outsourcing Strategy and Outsourcing the Billing Process (January, 2001). • Department of Water Affairs and Forestry Outsourcing Strategy and Outsourcing the Billing Process (February, 2001). • Department of Water Affairs and Forestry Procedural Manual for Official Transport with Imperial Vehicles Outsourcing services for the public agencies is a tool that is being used to offload those non-core functions, such as transport for a period of time. According to theory it is more cost effective to outsource peripheral tasks because the alternative, this is, maintain the same service within the organization is expensive. The findings of this study show that service should be outsourced but it is expensive, the individual factors that lead to this conclusion are far beyond this scope of the study and therefore will not be discussed in great detail. [Refer to the abstract within the thesis for the outsourcing model] The outsourcing model above, developed in this study shows that the profile of task or process aligned with the first (left most) column will call for the outsourcing of the task to a supplier.
Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, Durban, 2002.

The aim of the study is to design a needs assessment data collection instrument; administer it to a representative sample of employees in the department; and to analyze the findings in order to make recommendations regarding the design of an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) in the Northern Province. The literature review concentrates on the design and application of needs assessments for EAPs. A data collection instrument, the SAGENA was designed, piloted and then trans,ated into the major languages spoken by DWAF employees in the region, and content is given. Out of the total population of 7,381 employees, a stratified, random sample of DWAF employees was selected for the study. A total of 550 employees completed the questionnaire, which represented a 7,45% sample with a 93% response rate. The findings showed that 97% of employees felt that an EAP would have a positive impact on their well-being and work performance. The majority said they would use counselling for themselves (71%) as well as for referring colleagues and subordinates (67%). The most prevalent problems (financial problems, retrenchment, retiring and HIV fears etc.) and least prevalent problems of employees are reported in the study as well as employees' preferences for various forms of EAP services. Finally recommendations are made regarding the design of an EAP for DWAF: Northern Province.
Social Work
M.A.(Socal Science)

Coastal systems like lagoons and estuaries are faced with severe human developmental endeavours. In South Africa, more than 30% of the population lives along the 3000 kilometer coastline. The Durban bay is no exception especially with the existing Durban harbour taking up the natural expanse of the bay. The bay is burdened with a diversity of anthropogenic endeavours, from port operations to industrial activities, to storm water drainage outlets, through to various recreational ventures. These activities have over the years caused a reduction of the bay‘s mangrove forest, reduced the population of some biota and caused extinction of some indigenous species. Five areas were selected based on the specific activities and infrastructure that occurred there. Samples of water from these pre-selected sites were collected routinely and analysed for their water quality status. The overall water quality within the bay compared with the DWAF water quality guidelines for South Africa was identified as below stipulated standards. The dissolved oxygen contents as well as nutrients in the form of nitrogen content in its assorted forms are some of the most affected water quality indicators. The majority of the sub standard water quality levels, indicators which are critical to the proper functioning, growth and reproduction of biota within the ecosystems of the bay obtained could be linked directly or indirectly to the activities within the area of sampling. The resultant chemical and physical conditions in water quality created as a result of the ongoing activities within the bay are not suitable for proper feeding, growth and reproduction of ecosystems. This has caused many species within the bay to migrate or adapt to the adverse conditions and such situations are likely to worsen if stringent measures are not taken in the near future. It appears that the some species are exhibiting some degree of resilience and are at the moment surviving the relatively harsh conditions within the bay. The long term effect of the ever expanding anthropogenic disturbances on the ecosystems are unpredictable and it is therefore imperative that more stringent environmental management plans, programs and policies, legally binding, are formulated to serve as a check on all who benefit from the bay‘s resources.
Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2010.

M. Tech. Business Administration
Over the past few years, there has been increasing evidence in the literature on performance management of the importance of performance management (PM) as a tool to increase desired employee outcomes. The South African public service is facing significant challenges on several fronts in sustaining its human resource management so that it will be instrumental in providing quality service delivery to all public stakeholders in the 21st century. The continued success of any public institution in the service industry depends on its employees' contribution and commitment. This means that human resources are a vital resource that contributes to a public institution's effectiveness. In order to improve service delivery in the public sector, performance management was introduced as a means of improving employee outcomes in the Water Trading Entity (WTE). The purpose of this study was to investigate how the current performance management practices within the WTE (e.g., providing employees with feedback on strengths and weaknesses; development needs; resources needed by employees; as well as opportunities for monitoring) are related to the achievement of specific desired performance outcomes. The research was undertaken in the WTE that operates within the Department of Water Affairs.

M. Tech. Business Administration
The Department of Water Affairs has implemented the Performance Management and Development System for more than ten years, but every year the Department of Water Affairs Human Resources department has been dealing with various complaints from both supervisors and supervisees which signals some level of dissatisfaction with the system. The difficulty of measuring performance and the involvement of subjective human judgment makes the design of performance management systems challenging. This study was undertaken as an attempt to ascertain the employee perceptions of the procedural, distributive, and interactional fairness of performance assessments in implementing the Performance Management and Development System within the Department of Water Affairs.

This study is non-empirical and its design is based on three forms of analysis: conceptualisation, theoretical justification and strategic considerations for a participatory model in the water services sector in South Africa. In terms of the conceptualisation, the study addresses the old and new paradigms of sustainable development. First, it argues that for many years the concept of sustainable development has long dominated the development discourse. Second, the theoretical justification traces the evolution and meanings of sustainable development and also patterns and trends of the legacies of colonialism and apartheid. The descriptive analysis of apartheid and colonialism suggests a new development path for inclusive people-centred development. The study therefore postulates that in the South African context, sustainable development is both a political and a historical construct. This is the basis within which sustainable development should be understood. Third, the study concludes that context plays an important part in understanding and challenging the immoral and unjust practices of colonialism and apartheid which have militated against sustainable human development. The study further provides a description of the local government and water sectors and their underpinned legislative and policy framework, and notes impressive results in the delivery of basic water supply since 1994. However, the study argues that in order for municipalities to fulfil their constitutional responsibilities as water services authorities, they need to adopt a participatory model towards sustainable development since this is currently lacking. In doing so, the water services sector needs to overcome dangers of parochialism which were more evident from the supply-driven policy of the government. The study therefore draws lessons from three Latin American countries: Chile, Bolivia and Nicaragua, and proposes a new developmental path which conforms to the principles of sustainability. This development path is represented in the form of a dynamic, diagrammatic model for participatory sustainable development. This model displays successive stages and cycles of transaction between stakeholders. The model represents a decision support system which provides a conceptual framework for the diagnosis, consolidation and analysis of information. The model is thus a useful tool which can be applied in the public sector during project or programme implementation.
Development Studies
D. Litt. et Phil. (Development Studies)

This study is non-empirical and is based on the conceptualisations and theoretical foundations that gave rise to the global issue of sustainable development. It also traces the evolution and meaning of sustainable development in the South African socio-cultural context, and shows how the legacies of colonialism and apartheid contributed towards the national policy of sustainable development. This study explains the reasons for the presence (or lack) of sustainable development paradigms in apartheid and post-apartheid South Africa, as well as their implications for the future development of the country as a whole. There is also an analysis of the effects of the liberalisation of the water sector on the citizenry, and how this can disempower millions of poor South Africans. Finally, this study offers solutions for the lack of sustainable use of water in South Africa. Amongst the findings and conclusions are the deleterious effects of employment equity, cut-backs in municipal funding that resulted in the outsourcing of critical services such as water provision, and the deployment of party cadres to local councils.
Human Resources
M.A. (Development Studies)