Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Harbors – South Africa – Richards Bay'

Rehabilitation is a dynamic process influenced by factors related to more than one field of ecology. It is therefore necessary to consider all these components when assessing the rehabilitation, although in the initial stages the successful revegetation of the disturbed areas is the most important criterion. Richards Bay Minerals, on whose mining site this project was carried out, is dredge mining heavy minerals on the north coast of Natal, where they have rehabilitated mined areas since 1978. This project has been carried out to establish: 1) The success of their dune forest rehabilitation using quantitative techniques. 2) The available seed bank in their rehabilitation stands. 3) The similarities in the succession taking place in rehabilitation stands compared to the revegetated stands in the vicinity of Richards Bay. 4) The best methods for creating alternative vegetation communities, especially grasslands, with a high species diversity on the mined tailings. This study reviews only the success of rehabilitation of the natural vegetation but other studies focusing on the insect, reptile, mammal and bird populations are also being undertaken by other researchers. No particular method of determining the success of vegetation rehabilitation has been chosen by restoration ecologists. Therefore in this study a broad range of quantitative techniques were used to show whether successional changes are occurring in the vegetation and physical environment. The results obtained from sampling the rehabilitated vegetation have shown that both the species richness and diversity are increasing as the returned vegetation matures. Levels of soil properties such as Sodium, Phosphate, Calcium and percentage organic matter have also risen with increasing stand age. Community complexity is also increasing with stand age, and TWINSPAN and DECORANA plots have separated out the differently aged stands based on their differences. A "pilot" study was done on the seed bank present in the rehabilitation stands. This has shown the presence of large amounts of early successional, mostly herbaceous species. Seeds of later successional and woody species were scarce which may be a result of the sampling intensity used. However seeds of late successional ground cover species were found in the older stands. Comparisons between the natural revegetation of disturbed areas in the vicinity of Richards Bay and the rehabilitation stands revealed similarities in both species composition and complexity. Species richness and diversity values are comparatively similar for the younger revegetated and older rehabilitation stands, and lWlNSPAN and DECORANA analysis techniques clustered the samples recorded from these areas in close proximity on their relative plots. The oldest revegetated sites contain a number of species found in the rehabilitated vegetation but as Acacia karroo has thinned-out in these stands many of these other species are now mature individuals. Attempts at rehabilitating an area of grassland at Richards Bay Minerals has not produced satisfactory species diversity and experimental manipulations were used to try and increase the diversity of the existing Eragrostis curvula dominated community. Of the several treatments used for the manipulation, a combination of burning and further topsoiling was the most successful in reducing Eragrostis importance and in increasing the species richness. Grassland topsoil spread directly onto the bare tailings produced an extensive vegetation covering over a short period but species richness was not significantly greater than for the existing Eragrostis dominated grassland, and further treatments and management needs to continue if this technique is to be employed. Only a limited amount of alien infestation of the rehabilitated areas was evident from the sampling undertaken during this research. As the removal of alien plants is an ongoing process and the rehabilitation stands are continuously monitored to identify any new invaders, this is not expected to become a problem. From the results of work done overseas and the rehabilitation carried out in South Africa it appears that it is possible to return natural vegetation communities on mined areas. That this is a lengthy process is to be expected but by manipulating the vegetation and continuously monitoring the process it may be possible to speed up development. Areas in need of further research have been identified based on the findings of this project. This will help to reinforce the undertaking of management proposals that will enhance the vegetation recovery and the success of the rehabilitation programme.

Thesis (MTech (Public Relations Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2016.
The history of public relations include facets of “publicity” and “press agentry,” and has matured beyond these narrow, tactical functions, rising to accept positioning as strategic communications which can drive corporate social responsibility decision-making that resonate credibly with community stakeholder. The study explored public relations models of communication within stakeholder engagement to establish corporate social responsibility projects in the mining sector in Richards Bay, South Africa. The stakeholder engagement process depends greatly on principles outlined in the King Reports, which includes a stakeholder ‘inclusive approach’ and ethical guidelines for ‘governing stakeholder relationships’ and emphasises ‘sustainable development’. Furthermore, a socially responsibility business integrates the economic, legal, ethical and discretionary obligation of business to society and further recognizes its place in the broader community. Although qualitative research design was chosen for this study, the research used purposive sampling to select individuals and groups for data collection on the stakeholder communication experience. Six Individual in-depth interviews and one focus group interview were conducted with the organisation’s Communities and Corporate Relations team and the community leaders. The research reports that the corporate social responsibility stakeholder engagement process has five stages (consultation, engagement, agreement, decision making and feedback) and there is an evaluation process on community development projects set by the organisation. Consequently, the organisation and the communities both benefit from the corporate social responsibility projects. Additionally, the analysis shows that the model used for stakeholder engagement within corporate social responsibility is the mixed-motive model of public relations. Hence, the relationship between the organisation and its host communities is established and maintained, as well as the social licence to operate and reputation is enhanced. Therefore the research concludes that a public relations’ mixed-motive model of communication is best suited for stakeholder engagement in order to establish corporate social responsibility projects in the host communities that can enhance favourable organisation-community relationships. The model intends to achieve equilibrium between the organisation and the community stakeholder. However, further research is recommended into the development of a new African public relations model of communication that encompasses the concept of ‘Ubuntu’ where the community leader is the final decision maker in consultation with the traditional council.

A thesis submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters in Communication Science at the University of Zululand , South Africa, 2013.
Corporate Social Investment (CSI), a relatively new concept yet fast gaining momentum across the world, defines how corporates have responsibilities towards the environment, local communities and ethical practices. Many organisations have realised that beyond making profits, they are responsible to their various stakeholders and have an obligation towards the improvement of their surroundings. This involves implementing well-structured plans of their corporate social initiatives. It is envisaged that these companies would identify gaps within communities before they implement any social initiatives. Planned initiatives generally tend to appropriately promote social harmony within a target community. The global economic meltdown which has been experienced has caused catastrophic job losses throughout the world. Many companies began cost cutting initiatives. Most companies, unfortunately, began scaling down (or even stopped) their CSI initiatives. This study examines the unemployment situation in Richards Bay (South Africa) and investigates whether the major companies have stepped up or stepped down their CSI initiatives. This takes a close look at how major companies used CSI initiatives to assist communities in overcoming the unemployment crisis. These companies after close scrutiny revealed varying CSI initiatives that cater for diverse areas such as education, environment, and agriculture and skills development. However the communication that exists between the community and corporates needs to be more active and allow the community to be able to provide both input and feedback

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2001.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Historically, the majority of South Africans were denied access to free, compulsory and general education (National Multi-Plan, 1997:1). This means that many citizens did not have access to that educational foundation necessary for further learning, quality employment opportunities or even full and active social and political participation. Various arguments throughout this study imply that the South African education system presented unequal educational opportunities for most of its people. In this case, Black Education failed to produce people with the necessary skills for our economy. To compensate these people, the opportunities for education should be created everywhere in schools, sports clubs, NGOs and more importantly, in workplaces because education is the key for survival. Due to the need for economic growth and the need for skilled workers, large numbers of adults should be provided with extensive adult education. In other words, industries should become educational centres where employees could be equipped with numeracy and literacy programmes which would improve production and basic life-skills necessary to meet the demands of the economy at large. The study sought to find out "what role the two industries play in providing basic life-skills education to unskilled Black employees in the Empangeni/Richards Bay industrial areas". This was an empirical survey involving the target population of unskilled Black employees and facilitators of the adult education programmes of the lllovo Sugar Milling and Spoornet industries. In this study two different types of questionnaires were designed and used to ascertain the respondents' disposition towards adult education programmes. In each industry one questionnaire was administered to the unskilled Black employees and another to the facilitators of adult education progarmnes. The research sample comprised of seven unskilled Black employees from lllovo, twentyfive unskilled Black employees from Spoomet, two facilitators from Illovo and another two facilitators from Spoornet industries. The data collected from the sample attempted to answer the following research questions: ./ What basic day-to- day life-skills are needed by unskilled Black employees in the industries? ./ How effective are these programmes to unskilled Black employees in the industries? ./ How accessible are these programmes to unskilled Black employees? These questions necessitated a literature study and an empirical survey as research tools. It has emerged from the study that adult education is seen as an agent for social change and instrument for social development. The study seeks to assess the extent to which these programmes: .:. Fulfil the day-to-day basic needs of unskilled Black employees, in for example, financial management or identifying and using sources of informatiom like directories and maps . •:. Fulfil the literacy and numeracy needs of unskilled Black employees, in for example, appending signatures, reading newspapers and bank forms . •:. Cultivate good habits in the workplace such as punctuality, time management, safety precautions and proper procedures. The findings reveal that adult education programmes in industries were valuable and useful to employees as they were able to transfer the skills acquired from the programme to the real world situation. These life-skills included counting money, writing names and letters, appending signatures, reading newspapers and safety precautions signs, understanding road signs and making telephone calls. The researcher concludes with a number of recommendations including the following: ~ Each industry should establish a building named a 'college' or 'centre' within its premises where adult education programmes will be presented. ~ Each industry should have its own policy documents regarding the provision of worker life-skills education. ~ All workers have a right to paid education and training leave. This means that skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled workers should be entitled to four or six weeks of paid leave per year for further education throughout their working life.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: As gevolg van die historiese en politieke ontwikkeling in Suid-Afrika is die meerderheid van die bevolking toegang tot vrye, verpligte en algemene onderwys ontsê (National Multi- Plan, 1997: 1). Dit het tot gevolg gehad dat die meerderheid van die bevolking dus ook nie toegang gehad het tot verdere onderwys en gevolglik ook nie tot goeie werksgeleenthede en dus deelname aan die maatskaplike en politieke lewe ontneem is. In hierdie navorsing word minderwaardige onderwysgeleenthede wat aan die meeste swart mense gegee is uitgewys. Dit het tot gevolg gehad dat swart onderwys nie die opgeleide menslike hulpbronne kon lewer wat die ekonomie nodig gehad het nie. Ekonomiese groei is afhanklik van opgeleide menslike hulpbronne en om dit moontlik te maak behoort onderwysgeleenthede in groot getalle vir volwassenes geskep te word. Daarom behoort skoolfasiliteite, sportklubs, nie-regeringsorganisasies en die werkplek benut te word om onderwys aan die ongeletterde volwassene te gee. Dit impliseer dat nywerhede geleenthede vir geletterdheids- en syfervaardigheidsprogramme vir hulle werkers behoort te skep sodat hulle toegerus kan word met basiese lewensvaardighede en sodoende hulle lewenskwaliteit en produktiwiteit verhoog kan word. Met die navorsing is gepoog om vas te stel watter rol nywerhede in die Empangeni- /Richardsbaai-gebied speel in die verskaffing van onderwys in basiese lewensvaardighede aan hulle ongeskoolde swart werkers. Twee verskillende vraelyste en onderhoude is gebruik om data in te samel by 'n steekproef van die ongeskoolde swart werkers en die fasiliteerders van onderwysprogramme aan volwassenes by Illovo Suikermeule en Spoornet. Daar is gepoog om die respondente se houdings ten opsigte van onderwysprogramme aan volwassenes in dié twee nywerhede vas te stel. Die navorsinsteekproef het sewe ongeskoolde swart werkers en twee fasiliteerders van Illovo Suikermeule en vyf-en-twintig ongeskoolde swart werkers en twee fasiliteerders van Spoornet ingesluit. Met behulp van die ingesamelde data van die steekproef is gepoog om die volgende vrae te beantwoord: - Watter basiese lewensvaardighede benodig die ongeskoolde swart werkers in hierdie twee nywerhede? - Watter onderwysprogramme vir volwassenes is deur die twee nywerhede daargestelom in die onderwysbehoeftes in basiese lewensvaardighede van die ongeskoolde swart werkers te voorsien? Hoe toeganklik is hierdie programme vir die ongeskoolde swart werkers? Hoe effektief is die programme vir ongeskoolde swart werkers in die twee nywerhede? Om die vrae te probeer beantwoord was dit noodsaaklik om 'n literatuurstudie te doen, 'n vraelysopname te onderneem en onderhoude te voer. Die doelstellings met die navorsing was om te bepaal in watter mate die onderwysprogramme vir volwassenes in die twee nywerhede: voorsien in die daaglikse behoeftes van ongeskoolde swart werkers byvoorbeeld om hulle finansies te bestuur en om inligtingsbronne soos gidse en kaarte te identifiseer en te gebruik; voorsien in die geletterdheids - en syfervaardigheidsbehoeftes van ongeskoolde swart werkers soos die gebruik van 'n handtekening, die lees van koerante en die invul van bankvorms; lei tot 'n bewuswording en 'n besef van die belangrikheid van onderwys aan ongeskoolde swart werkers; ongeskoolde swart werkers voorberei om akademiese ondersteuning, soos byvoorbeeld hulpverlening met skoolwerk, aan hulle kinders te voorsien; 'n bewuswording skep van die maatskaplike, politieke, kulturele en ekonomiese verband waarin ongeskoolde swart werkers hulle bevind. Dit sluit die verskaffing van onderwys in basiese lewensvaardighede met betrekking tot vigs, gesinsbeplanning en kiesersopvoeding in; en die aankweek van goeie gewoontes in die werksituasie soos stiptelikheid. tydsbestuur, die toepassing van veiligheidsmaatreëls in die gebruik van korrekte procedures tot gevolg het. Die bevindinge van die navorsing dui daarop dat onderwysprogramme aan volwassenes in die nywerhede waardevol en nuttig vir die ongeskoolde swart werkers is aangesien dit hulle in staat stelom die vaardighede wat hulle aangeleer het na die werklike alledaagse lewenssituasie oor te dra. Hierdie vaardighede sluit onder andere in die tel van geld, die skryf van hulle name en briewe, die gebruik van 'n handtekening vir die ondertekening van dokumente, die lees van koerante en kennisgewings i.v.m. veiligheidsmaatreëls, die verstaan van padtekens en die maak van telefoonoproepe. Dit blyk ook uit die navorsing dat onderwysprogramme aan volwassenes as 'n werktuig van maatskaplike ontwikkeling beskou word. Die aanbevelings wat op grond van die bevindinge van die navorsing gemaak word, sluit onder andere die volgende in: Nywerhede wat groot getalle ongeskoolde swart werkers in diens het, behoort 'n beleid ten opsigte van onderwysprogramme in basiese lewensvaardighede aan werkers te hê. Elke nywerheid behoort fisiese fasiliteite vir die aanbieding van onderwysprogramme aan volwassenes op die perseel te hê. Hierdie fisiese fasiliteit kan 'n "kollege" of ,,s»entrum genoem wor d. Alle werkers behoort die reg te hê op vier tot ses weke betaalde onderwys-en opleidingsverlof per jaar.

Thesis (MPhil) -- Stellenbosch University, 2000.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study is aimed at determining whether the Port of Walvis Bay has what it takes to become a future hub port on the south-western coast of Africa. An equally important aspect of this study is to promote Walvis Bay as an economically viable option for trade in and out of Central and Southern Africa, and what proportion of traffic Walvis Bay could expect to capture from competing regional ports, especially the ports of Durban and Cape Town. The conclusions arrived at in this study indicate that the prospects for transforming Walvis Bay into a future hub port will depend on the increased involvement of the private sector, political and industrial stability, as well as regional integration to mention just a few. It is clear that Walvis Bay does not pose a competitive threat to the ports of Cape Town and Durban, and can only perform a complementary role.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van hierdie studiestuk is om te bepaal of die Hawe van Walvisbaai oor die vermoë beskik om ‘n sentrale hawe vir die suidelike en weskus van Afrika te wees. ‘n Belangrike aspek van die studie is om Walvisbaai te bevorder as ‘n ekonomiese alternatief vir handel na en vanaf Sentraal en Suidelike Afrika, en om die verhouding van verkeer te bepaal wat gewen kan word vanaf kompeterende hawens in die streek, veral die Durbanse en Kaapse Hawens. Die resultate bewys dat die moontlikhede om Walvisbaai te omskep in ‘n toekomstige sentrale hawe, alleenlik deur die deelname en samewerking van die privaatsektor, politieke goeie wil, die industriële stabiliteit van die land en integrasie met buurstate bewerkstellig kan word. Walvisbaai hou geen kompeterende bedreiging in vir die hawens van Kaapstad en Durban nie, en kan slegs ‘n komplementerende rol speel.

A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Arts in partial fulfilment of the requirements for Master's degree in Recreation and Tourism, in the Department of Recreation and Tourism at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2011.
The South African tourism industry has largely been designated as the playing grounds for the previously advantaged communities [PACs] where they acquire many benefits, and not in favour of the previously disadvantaged communities [PDCs]. Various tourism-related government policies and strategies have been put in place so as to improve the status and access of the previously disadvantaged communities into the tourism industry. On the one hand, the tourism policies and strategies are viewed as reverse discrimination by some previously advantaged individuals [PAIs], while on the other hand, they are viewed as an outstanding opportunity and justice for many previously disadvantaged individuals [PDIs]. This is more specifically when the policy of skills development, among others, is designed to improve the living status and employment opportunities of the previously disadvantaged communities [PDCs]. This research study has the intention of investigation the status of tourism skills development practices for the previously disadvantaged communities around Richards Bay á Townships. The study also sought to establish whether there are any emerging opportunities of improving the lot of the black people within the areas where they stay. In other words, this study views the tourism policies and strategies as critical for establishing a demographic representation in the tourism industry. Furthermore, the study believes that in order for these policies and strategies to succeed they must adopt principles of skills development practice that are acceptable and well-regarded among the previously disadvantaged communities in the industry. The main objectives of this study seek to reveal the status of tourism skills development practices for the previously disadvantaged communities, in the study area. This goal may be achieved through objective such as: how stakeholders understand the importance of tourism skills development practices; respondents' access to the tourism skills development opportunities; how the Richards Bay tourism authorities facilitate tourism skills development; respondents' perceptions of the implementation of the tourism skills development policies and practices; and establishing whether there are any tourism skills development practice-benefits for the PDCs in the study area. The methodology of this study deals with the selection of the sample, instrument for data collection in 3 Richard Bay Townships and the analysis and interpretation of data. The form of research approach that was used in this research was the survey method. The face-to-face interviews were used where questionnaires were used to collect data from a sample of stakeholders in Townships. The sample size selected was 132 respondents which are not necessarily representatives of the entire population of Richards Bay and Townships. The sample size was categorised into the following stakeholders: tourism officials [15], service providers [20], and local community [97]. The sampling technique selected was the stratified random sampling techniques. In conclusion the study established that, on the whole, the respondents fully understood the meaning and importance of tourism skills development practices. The respondents also felt that the skills development opportunities were inaccessibility in the study area. The findings also indicated that the respondents felt that the provision of tourism skills development practices and policies in the area were not adequate. The respondents were seen to perceive the implementation of the tourism skills development policies and practices as not up to the required standard. Finally, the respondents felt that the tourism skills development practice-benefits were not adequate in the study area. The research study concludes by offering recommendations, which proposed that all the authorities ranging from tourism, labour, education and municipality must investment significantly in skills training and development practices. Finally, the community must be encouraged to learn more about the benefits of tourism.

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2014.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The multifaceted land degradation problem and its associated manifold impacts have attracted research from different disciplines, resulting in varying definitions of the concept. However, most researchers agree that human intervention that deteriorates the state of the environment is the central element. Among the anthropogenic activities that exacerbate land degradation, land cover has been singled out as the salient element. Rapid and unplanned land cover changes are primary manifestations of this problem. UMhlathuze Municipality, the study area which has superior biodiversity richness, is one of fastest growing municipalities in South Africa and is the locale of significant land modifications in recent decades because of a variety of industrial and residential developments. Using Landsat TM imagery acquired for 1984, 1996 and 2004, this study mapped and quantified land cover change and manifestations of land degradation in the uMhlathuze Municipality in conjunction with settlement intensification computed from orthophotographs acquired for 1984 and 2004. Census population statistics were analysed as a reflection of population dynamics and further to gauge related causes of land cover change. Geographical information technology (GIT) was applied as an analytical tool. The results revealed the anthropogenic influences that led to changes in land cover over the 20- year period between 1984 and 2004. The dominant natural cover classes in 1984 declined continuously and human-dominated land categories had increased sharply by 2004. Much of grasslands, forest and wetlands were converted to monotypical agroforestry (sugar cane and forestry plantations), built-up settlement and mining. These changes engendered complete loss of biodiversity (floral and migration of fauna). Bare ground, signifying land degradation, was noticeable although it exhibited a fluctuating trend which could be attributable to differences between the various imagery used. Along with population growth, the area of settlements increased over the study period and spatially sprawled from urban areas. Settlements showed a fairly stable spatial configuration over the 20-year period, but became magnified in medium- and high-density areas. Grassland and wetlands occurring around Richards Bay, as well as indigenous forest near Port Durnford, were identified as critically threatened ecosystems. The proposed industrial development zone and port expansion were recognized as having adverse ecological implications for wetlands. The study concluded that significant land cover changes occurred in the form of natural land cover giving way to monotypical agroforestry, built-up settlements and mining - all to the detriment of pristine natural habitat.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die veelvlakkige probleem van omgewingsdegradasie en die gepaardgaande veelsoortige impakte lok navorsing uit verskillende dissiplines, wat lei tot verskillende definisies van die konsep. Tog is die meeste navorsers dit eens dat menslike invloede die sentrale element is wat die toestand van die omgewing verswak. Van die vele menslike aktiwiteite is grondgebruikverandering uitgesonder as die belangrikste beïnvloeder van agteruitgang van die omgewing. Veral vinnige en onbeplande grondgebruikveranderinge verteenwoordig die primêre manifestasies van hierdie probleem. UMhlathuze Munisipaliteit, die studiegebied met 'n hoë biodiversiteitsrykdom, is een van die vinnigste groeiende munisipaliteite in Suid-Afrika, waar 'n verskeidenheid nywerheids- en residensiële ontwikkelings beduidende grondgebruikverandering oor die afgelope dekades dryf. Met behulp van Landsat TM beelde van 1984, 1996 en 2004, is hierdie studiegebied gekarteer en oppervlaktes gekwantifiseer om grondgebruikverandering en verwante manifestasies van die agteruitgang van landbedekking in die uMhlathuze Munisipaliteit te konstateer. Tesame hiermee is die verdigting van nedersettings ook met behulp van ortofoto’s van 1984 en 2004 aangeteken. Bevolkingsensusstatistieke is ontleed as weerspieëling van die gepaardgaande bevolkingsdinamika en om moontlike oorsake van verandering in grondbedekking te bepaal. Vir hierdie doel is geografiese inligtingstegnologie (GIT ) as analitiese instrument toegepas. Die resultate toon antropogeniese invloede lei tot veranderinge in grondbedekking oor die tydperk van 20 jaar tussen 1984 en 2004. Die dominante natuurlike dekkingsklasse in 1984 het voortdurend verminder en menslik-gedomineerde kategorieë het teen 2004 skerp gestyg. Baie van die grasvelde, woude en vleilande is daadwerklik omskep tot monotipiese agro-bosbou (suikerrieten bosbouplantasies), beboude nedersetting en mynbou. Hierdie veranderinge behels 'n volledige verlies van biodiversiteit (plantegroei en migrasie van fauna). Kaalgrond, wat dui op die agteruitgang van grondbedekking, was ook opvallend, hoewel dit 'n wisselende tendens toon wat ook kan wees as gevolg van die verskille tussen die beeldmateriaal wat gebruik is. Saam met die groei van die bevolking is bevind dat nedersettings oor die studieperiode toegeneem het en in tipiese spreipatrone weg van die stedelike gebiede uitbrei. Nedersettings het 'n redelik stabiele ruimtelike liggingsopset oor die tydperk van 20 jaar getoon, maar het in medium- en hoë- digtheid gebiedeverdeel. Die voorkoms van grasveld en vleiland rondom Richardsbaai, asook inheemse woud naby Port Durnford, is geïdentifiseer as krities-bedreigde ekosisteme. Die voorgestelde nywerheidsontwikkelingsone en hawe-uitbreiding is geïdentifiseer as ontwikkelings met nadelige ekologiese implikasies vir vleilande. Daar is dus tot die gevolgtrekking gekom dat beduidende voortgaande grondbedekkingveranderinge in die gebied voorkom, waarin natuurlike landdekking transformeer tot monotipiese agrobosbou, beboude nedersettings en mynbou - alles tot nadeel van die ongerepte natuurlike habitat.

The South African economy has developed with its strong connection to the minerals extraction and processing industries. Rich endowments of coal and a well-established mining sector in the country enabled the generation and supply of competitively priced electricity to energy and capital intensive processing and chemical industries. Although the minerals industry cluster remains globally competitive at the present time, whether it can be a catalyst for sustainable development, economically, socially and environmentally is in question. Field work was carried out in Richards Bay to analyse the development contributions of the local aluminium industry cluster in terms of two of the five capitals essential for sustainable development, viz. human and social capital. This town is the host of world class aluminium smelters as well as mineral sands mining and smelting, amongst other energy intensive industries such as paper pulp and phosphate production. The analysis interrogates the importance of skills development and of collective action between various stakeholders centred on the Hillside smelter of South 32, and including interviews with representatives of ten further stakeholders. Evidence found shows that the minerals industry cluster has contributed to human capital development, and continues to do so, through well-established in-house training and mentorship programmes as well as their corporate social investment into enterprise and supplier development, education and primary health care. However, a more competitive and environmentally responsible industrial cluster would require continuous improvement through institutional and individual capabilities. Research and training institutions and government intervention have important roles to play in this regard. One of the major challenges is rooted in the lack of social capital development in the past. Although no single accepted definition nor standard for measuring exists, social capital can be defined as the norms and networks that enable people to act collectively. The racially segregated development pattern in the region had left residents with huge disparities and a trust deficit. This mitigated against collective actions within the community except in the few cases of natural disaster responses and crime prevention. This is evidenced in the free-riding of skilled labourers by some companies in the region and the failure of socio-economic development programmes in the past due to the low level of community buy-in. The research highlights that the significance of the local minerals industry cluster remains undoubtedly high; however, a facilitative process of social capital development is necessary to promote collective actions. The process requires accountable formal institutions who can mitigate social distrust, create dialogue and a cooperative environment between different interest groups. This is particularly important as the government resource-based industrialisation policy is centralised in developing linkages from extractive sector (downstream, upstream, and side-stream) but little attention has been paid to the aspect of social capital development. It is expected that the study itself contributes to social capital development and works as a communication platform to further promote studies in applying multidisciplinary learning-by-doing process across academia, policymakers, and practitioners.

Thesis (MScEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2014.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: South Africa presently faces a serious and much-acknowledged energy capacity deficit. The Department of Energy are determined to address this capacity crisis by creating several new power plants between 2010 and 2030, as stipulated in the “Integrated Resource Plan 2010”. A Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power plant is proposed to add 2370 MW of capacity to the national grid. The “new-build” CCGT plant will use natural gas as a feedstock for energy generation. The plant is destined to begin energy generation by 2019, and will ramp up to full capacity by 2030. Following a review of the existing natural gas sources and the nascent gas network in South Africa, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) has been identified as the most suitable immediate source of natural gas feedstock for the CCGT. LNG fuel must be imported into South Africa aboard large, special purpose LNG Carrier (LNGC) vessels. LNGC vessels require a designated marine import terminal in order to offload the super-cooled and potentially flammable cargo. Saldanha Bay, located on the South West coast of South Africa, has been selected by Transnet as a preferred location for LNG terminal development. A review of LNG technology reveals the need for mandatory onshore LNG storage and regasification facilities, land area requirements, demands of different LNGC types and the characteristics of dedicated LNG jetties and terminals. Floating, offshore and traditional LNG terminals are discussed. The objective of this thesis is to review potential terminal sites and conceptual layouts in Saldanha Bay, and via a Multi Criteria Analysis, to present three distinct LNG terminal layout options for further consideration. The conceptual layouts will address technical concerns such as berth orientation and layout, safe navigational access to the terminal, mandatory onshore infrastructure and optimisation of berth operations. Saldanha Bay as a port location is studied and the importance of local environmental features is highlighted. Potential terminal development sites are identified following a review of nautical and terrestrial restrictions. Four conceptual site layouts are proposed, providing jetty locations and orientations in the Bay. The sites are located in North Bay, Hoedjiespunt, and two in Big Bay. Several Key Design Parameters (KDP’s) are identified as having a critical bearing on the ultimate layout, operation and feasibility of an LNG terminal in Saldanha Bay. The sensitivity and influence of the KDP’s at each of the four conceptual sites is investigated. Analysis of KDP effects leads to the development of design variation options at the sites. Twelve terminal layout schemes are ultimately derived. A Multi Criteria Analysis (MCA) is performed to rank the 12 terminal layout schemes in terms of technical efficacy. A sensitivity study is conducted to justify the selection of MCA parameter weights. The three top-scoring schemes are recommended for more detailed pre-feasibility investigation. The three terminal layout schemes, located in Big Bay and Hoedjiespunt, make use of both standard trestle jetties and floating LNG technologies. The thesis has shown that a number of viable sites and layouts for LNG terminals exist in Saldanha Bay and demonstrates a systematic analysis of design issues leading to preferred options. The thesis concludes by outlining the next steps in the process towards a final terminal scheme selection.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Suid-Afrika ervaar huidig ‘n drastiese energie kapasiteit verlies. Die Departement van Energie is vasbeslote om die energie krisis aan te spreek deur verskeie nuwe kragstasies tussen 2010 en 2030 op te rig, soos beskryf in die “Integrated Resource Plan 2010”. ‘n Gekombineerde Siklus Gas Turbine (GSGT) kragstasie is voorgestel om ‘n verdere 2370 MW by te voeg tot die nasionale krag netwerk. Die “nuut-geboude” GSGT kragstasie sal natuurlike gas as brandstof vir kragopwekking gebruik. Die kragstasie is beplan om teen 2019 krag op te wek, en sal teen 2030 volle kapasiteit loop. Na ‘n ondersoek van die bestaande natuurlike gas bronne en gas netwerke in Suid Afrika, is Vloeibare Natuurlike Gas (VNG) geïdentifiseer as die huidiglike beskikbare bron van brandstof vir die GSGT. VNG moet ingevoer word aanboord spesiaal geboude VNG vaartuie. VNG vaartuie benodig ‘n spesifieke mariene invoer terminaal om die vlambare vloeistof mee af te laai. Saldanhabaai, aan die Suid-Westerlike kus van Suid Afrika, is as verkose area vir die VNG terminaal ontwikkeling geïdentifiseer deur Transnet. ‘n Oorsig van VNG tegnologie bevind dat VNG stoorplek en vergassings fasiliteite, land area, verskeie VNG vaartuie en karakteristieke van VNG terminale benodig word. Verskeie VNG terminale word bespreek in hierdie studie. The doel van hierdie tesis is om die potensiële terminaal bou-terrein en konseptuele ontwerpe in Saldanhabaai, deur middel van ‘n multi-kriteria analise (MKA), in drie verskillende ontwerp moontlikhede voor te stel. Saldanhabaai, as hawe, is bestudeer en belangrike omgewings aspekte is geïdentifiseer. Potensiële terminaal bou-terrein is geïdentifiseer na aanleiding van seevaart en land beperkings. Vier konseptuele bou-terreine is voorgestel wat jetty posisies en orientasies aandui. Die bou-terreine is in Noordbaai, Hoedjiespunt, en twee in Big Bay. Verskeie Sleutel Ontwerp Parameters (SOP’s), wat ‘n kritieke rol speel in die uiteindelike orientasie, werking en effektiwiteit van die VNG terminaal in Saldanhabaai, is geïdentifiseer. Die sensitiwiteit van die SOP’s by elk van die vier voorgestelde moontlikhede, is ondersoek. ‘n Ontleding van die effek van die SOP’s het variasie in die ontwerp moontlikhede by die verskillende bouterrein tot gevolg. Twaalf terminaal orientasie skemas is voorgestel. ‘n MKA is uitgevoer om ‘n ranglys van opsies te produseer in terme van tegniese effektiwiteit. Dit is voorgestel dat die top drie opsies verder ondersoek moet word. Die drie terminaal orientasie skemas, wat voorgestel word vir die Big Bay en Hoedjiespunt areas, maak gebruik van standaard jetties en drywende VNG tegnologie. Hierdie tesis bevind dat ‘n aantal uitvoerbare bouterreine en orientasies in Saldanhabaai moontlik is. ‘n Sistematiese analise van ontwerps kwessies wat na verkose opsies lei, word ook in die tesis ge-adresser. Die voorgestelde stappe in die besluitneming van ‘n finale terminaal skema vorm die slot van die tesis.

Based on literature review, statistics of waste management at ports in South Africa is hard to come by. The research critically assessed the current waste management practices at Transnet National Ports Authority. Transnet National Ports Authority, Port of Richards Bay (TNPA RCB) was used as a case study to examine the different types and quantities of waste produced, analysing the current waste management model as well as determining TNPA RCB compliance to pertinent waste legislation. A 10 day waste audit was conducted to obtain quantitative data and to identify the different types of waste generated. The baseline data resulting from the waste audit conducted for the first time since the establishment of the TNPA RCB, found 402 kg of general waste generated, 74 kg of this total is segregated for recycling and the remaining 328 kg is landfilled. The overall conclusion gained during compliance audit was that the TNPA RCB was partly compliant with pertinent waste legislation and obligations. Furthermore, questionnaires about waste were sent to staff members working in offices to get an overview of how they deal with current waste management. A number of barriers to sustainable waste management were identified, including: lack of knowledge and awareness; constraints on facilities and human resources; culture that resists change and contamination. To overcome these, there needs to be education, as well as co-operation between top management, staff and waste service providers to help implement new strategies. The primary conclusions from this dissertation are that there are opportunities to divert waste streams from landfill and to attain a sustainable waste management system at TNPA RCB.
Environmental Sciences
M. Sc. (Environmental Management)

M.Sc.
Richards Bay Harbour is notably one of the fastest growing, economically important harbours in South Africa. However, this economic growth has lead to increased anthropogenic activities surrounding the harbour, which may result in higher contaminant, including metal, concentrations within the harbour. These contaminants may negatively influence the natural ecosystem functioning within the harbour. Consequently, assessment of the extent and effect of contamination, through continuous biomonitoring of Richards Bay Harbour, is essential. In the present study, the main aim was to assess the marine health in Richards Bay Harbour by studying spatial and temporal variation of bioaccumulation and biological responses within the mussel, Perna perna, using an active biomonitoring (ABM) approach. The ABM approach was preferred over the traditional passive biomonitoring of resident mussels since it eliminates several inherent factors that may mask the mussels’ true responses to the ambient environment. This approach entailed the transplantation of reference mussels from a relatively uncontaminated environment into Richards Bay Harbour, which is known to be contaminated by metals. In order to identify the reference mussel population for transplantation purposes, a study was undertaken to assess metal levels in two other P. perna populations within the same ecoregion as Richards Bay Harbour, namely Dawson’s Rocks and Sheffield Beach. The results showed that most metal concentrations were lower at Sheffield Beach, which consequently lead to the selection of this population as a reference. The effect of size differences on metal bioaccumulation was also assessed using the three latter mentioned mussel populations, which showed that, although local conditions strongly influence the relationship between metal bioaccumulation and size, utilisation of a narrow size range would minimise the size effect on bioaccumulation and should be used for ABM studies.
Prof. V. Wepener

A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Arts in the Department of Sociology for the fulfilment of the requirements of the degree MASTER OF ARTS at the UNIVERSITY OF ZULULAND, 1995.
The study deals with African rural urban migration in Empangeni Richards Bay area, where the concern is on the people already in the towns. The purpose of this investigation is to attempt to come up with some possible remedies to the problem of rural-urban migration in South Africa. Therefore, the aims of the study were the following: To discover the reasons for the movement from rural to urban. To discover to what extent are the migrants integrated to their new environment. To get the perceptions of the migrants about the whole process of rural-urban migration. To find out ways and means to alleviate problems encountered by migrants. The conceptual framework of the study is derived from various theories of migration, and the impact on problems encountered by migrants. The population of the study comprises of the heads of the families. The sample which was drawn from the population was 25 subjects from each area, i.e, Empangeni and Richards Bay. The survey method was used to collect data in this study, and two research instruments were used viz. interviews and questionnaires. Ethical implications: consent from the subj ects was obtained after the purpose of the study had been fully , explained including what would happen to the results, and how would the subjects benefit from the findings of the study. The analysis of data was both qualitatively and quantitatively. Qualitative analysis was done to verify data obtained quantitatively. In the light of the findings of the study the investigator offered several recommendations and suggestions.
The Educational Opportunities Council (EOC)

A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Arts For the degree of Master of Arts, Department of Geography and Environmental Studies University of Zululand, 1998.
The gaming practice or activity commonly known as gambling has become a major force in the tourism industry and an important money earner in the economy of many countries. It has always been a popular form of recreation yet gambling remains a controversial issue in many societies. The Empangeni-Richards Bay urban environment has been confronted with the emerging debate whether or not to introduce casino gaming or not in the area. This study examines the local residents' perceptions of the proposed establishment of a casino gambling resort in their locality. The study has revealed two opposing perceptions, the group lobbying for and the group lobbying against the casino. The group in favour of the casino proved to be in the majority, emanating from the poor Black population whose members hope for job opportunities and increased tourism activity. The anti-casino lobbying group was found to be in the minority and comprised the higher income people from the prestigious residential areas of Richards Bay, who fear the disadvantages associated with commercial gaming. The study makes several recommendations relating to what would be best for both groups in the study area. Some of these include that: (a) the gaming casino is to be located away from both prestigious and lower income residential areas; (b) the casino should be established for purposes of promoting eco-tourism, where its location assumes a balance between natural wildlife and modernised African cultural artefacts and facilities for attracting tourists. (c) a gaming studies and research institute should be established at a local provincial university, so as to facilitate tourism education among the populace, as well as gaming-based skills and professional training. In conclusion, the study found that there was significant support for the establishment of the gaming casino, with the hope that its negative social, economic and environmental impacts could be well managed and minimised.
KwaZulu-Natal Sustainable Tourism Research Programme

Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts (Counselling Psychology) at the University of Zululand, 2006.
The problem of career development in disadvantaged communities in South Africa is a product of historical discriminatory practices that have resulted in large numbers of young people not having access to appropriate career guidance services. As a solution to mass career guidance needs, a non-profit, self-help career guidance program serves as a supplement to curriculum based school programs and provides people with the opportunity to access career guidance services in an empowering environment. This case study qualitatively describes the development and evaluation of a career guidance centre as a resource for large numbers of learners, educators and unemployed youth. Specifically, the role that the hands-on permanent career exhibition plays in a self-help career choice model is discussed, together with the subjective experience of the centre by a number of people who used the services provided by the Zululand Career Centre in Richards Bay, South Africa. A logic model provides a view of the resources, influencing factors, implementation activities and outputs that make up the development of the centre. The design of the career centre embodies several relevant psychological theories and is essentially a self-help exhibition-led process. Its development provided an opportunity for the innovative application of existing trait and type, life-span, constructivist, social learning, decision-making and socio-economic approaches within the South African context. The life-span and decision-making approaches provided the theoretical background for the problem-solving exploration processes used in the centre, while the trait and factor theories provided techniques for self-knowledge acquisition and career information classification. Social learning theory provided insight into the pivotal role the staff members of the centre would have to play in the learning processes, while the constructivist theories led to an understanding that users of the centre would be able to construct their knowledge of careers from their experiences with the centre displays and their own lived experiences. The importance of up-to-date, contextually relevant information was highlighted by the socio-economic approaches. The centre provided insights into how exhibition-led learning is able to assist a large number of people to access career and labour market information and actively participate in the career decision-making process.
National Research Foundation

Dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree in Masters of Technology: Nursing, Durban University of Technology, 2012.
In South Africa, HIV and AIDS workplace programmes have been implemented for more than two decades without any audited and certifiable standards. In 2007, the South African National Standard launched South African National Standard (SANS 16001) 16001 to assist, encourage and support companies to implement minimum standards for HAMS. Companies are now expected to use this standard to improve HIV and AIDS Management System. It therefore, becomes imperative for companies to establish workplace HAMS in line with the set standard. To determine to what extent the company‟s HAMS has been aligned to the SANS 16001, an evaluation of the current management system in relation to the new SANS 16001 system is needed. Aim of the study The aim of the study was to evaluate the implementation of the HIV and AIDS Management System in a Richards Bay Company. Methodology A single case study using a quantitative research design was used to evaluate HAMS in a Richards Bay Company. The sample consisted of all consenting participants who were selected from key position holders in accordance with the requirements of SANS 16001: 2007 and the general workers. These key position holders were comprised of senior managers, middle managers and those employees who play an important role in implementing HAMS. Two different sets of questionnaires were used to collect data. One questionnaire was used to collect data from the managers because they were key role players in HAMS. The second questionnaire was used to collect data from the general workforce. The data from the questionnaire was captured and subsequently analysed using the version 9 of SPSS. Results There was evidence that the company was committed to continuous improvement regarding HIV and AIDS management as indicated by both key position holders and the general workforce.

Freshwater of acceptable quality is crucial for certain needs and uses such as recreational, domestic and industrial activities (Bartram and Balance, 1996). Water contamination and excessive use and abuse of the fresh water environment, threaten development as well as a variety of other life aspects and make water assessment necessary for safe drinking water delivery. It has been proven that water of good quality is important to sustain development (Karolina et al., 2011). South African freshwater resources such as lakes, rivers and groundwater, undergo intense stress owing to a rapidly expanding population, a growing economy, severe pollution from various industries, a possible effect of global warming and an increase in droughts (Oberholster et al., 2008). A study done by Boyd (2010), further confirmed the decline in water quality of these resources due to excessive contamination caused by urban development, human activities, industrialisation, forest establishment, agriculture and mining operations. For this project, the analysis of physical, chemical and biological parameters of the water from Lake Nsezi was used to assess the water quality of the lake. Results from the analysis were compared to Target Water Quality Range (TWQR) of the Water Quality Guidelines for the Aquatic Environment (WQG/AE) and for Domestic Use (WQG/DU). A further comparison was done between data from the current study and available historical water quality data of Lake Nsezi. From the results for this project and historical data, it was evident that parameters such as total dissolved solids (TDS) and chloride, metals such as aluminium, cadmium, copper, lead and manganese, and total coliform counts were above the TWQR for the WQG/AE and WQG/DU at most of the sampling sites.
Environmental Sciences
M. Sc. (Environmental Science)

There is increasing recognition of the links between air pollution and human health. Epidemiological studies have shown that there are numerous air pollutants that are associated with indoor energy use and with the production processes of industries, and most represent some sort of health implication. However, in-depth and fundamental knowledge of the health impact relationship of most pollutants is limited. This research evaluates the socio-economic and spatial aspects of the health implications of air pollution in Richards Bay (located 200 km north of Durban), KwaZulu-Natal. The research explores community perceptions and complaints relating to human health impacts emanating from air pollution in Richards Bay. The research is informed by a multi-conceptual framework (political economy incorporating political ecology, place perspectives and environmental justice) which influenced the methods chosen in conducting the research. Standard quantitative and qualitative methods were employed in the study to generate data relating to the research objectives. The process of triangulation which is the use of multiple methods that cuts across the qualitativequantitative divide was used. The various sources of information validate and clarify data by deepening and widening an understanding of the main issues under examination. The research was implemented in various communities in Richards Bay that reflect socioeconomic differences, which contributes significantly to ascertain whether health impacts are differentially experienced by different socio-economic groups. Furthermore, the research cross-tabulated experiences, perceptions and coping strategies of different socio-economic groups in the area, especially in relation to upper, middle and lower income clusters. The spatial aspect of the research (mapping of key social and health variables) is a major contribution of this research, which draws from the field of medical geography. Information on the main residential areas was illicitied from documents providing background details on Richards Bay. A purposive sampling approach was adopted to identify the seven communities, namely, Alton, Aquadene/ Brackenham, Arboretum, Meer-en-See, Empangeni Rail, Nseleni and Umhlathuze. Simple random point sampling was used to identify the households within the communities. The number of households in each community was determined using proportionate sampling. Four hundred and seventy nine housholds (479) were interviewed which was deemed to be a statistically relevant sampling size at a 95% confidence level. The study findings indicate that the lower income areas (Nseleni, Empangeni Rail and Umhlathuze) and the middle income areas (Aquadene/ Brackenham and Arboretum) have a more youthful population with a significant number being children, while the upper income areas (Alton and Meer en See) have a more elderly population. A similar trend was also found in relation to household size. There are clearly major variations in household income and employment types in Richards Bay, linked in part to the geographical location of communities based on economic and racial groups. Lower earning respondents were located mostly in the lower status areas which were classified as predominantly African populated areas as per the historical race classification and apartheid segregated areas. More than half of the respondents indicated that industrial smoke was the cause of their present health conditions. Other stated reasons were wide ranging and therefore there was no discernible pattern that emerged in relation to the causes for poor health experienced by the affected household member. However, the data did show that more respondents living in middle/ upper income areas identified causes. Reported health conditions include allergies (30.9%), coughing (29.8%), wheezing (25.5%), chest pains (18.4%) and asthmatic bronchitis/ asthma (17.7%). With regards to health care, the findings from the study show that the economically better off communities (Alton, Aquadene/ Brackenham, Arboretum and Meer en See) used the private, more expensive health care sector while generally households in lower income areas tend to rely on public or traditional health care facilities. An interesting finding was that most respondents rate their general health status as either excellent, good (more respondents from the middle/ upper income areas than the lower income areas) or satisfactory (more respondents from Umhlathuze). A large majority of the respondents reported air pollution as the main problem that is associated with industries in Richards Bay while the health impacts of pollutants from the industries manufacturing processes was the second main cause. The areas deemed to be the most polluted were generally in or in close proximity to the industrial area or the port area. Lower income areas tendered to be most polluted, according to respondents residing in these areas or who lived in similar low income areas. The majority of respondents were found to be living in dwellings/ households made from dwellings constructed with brick and asbestos, brick and zinc, stone and other traditional materials which is indicative of housing in the poorer communities who live in informal dwellings/ households and may be a causal contributing factor of the poor health status of these communities. The participatory mapping exercise conducted during the focus group discussion revealed that participants identified the industrial areas (including the port and surrounds) as the most polluted areas. Areas outside Richards Bay were considered to be the least polluted areas. The research findings indicate that there are a complex mix of socio-economic, environmental and spatial dynamics that influence air pollution and health impacts. Thus, health issues in the context of widespread air pollution concerns are linked to social, political and environmental aspects that require urgent attention. Air pollution and health impacts remain major concerns in many parts of the world, especially in areas of high levels of industrial development such as Richards Bay. The results of this research, therefore supports the findings of other researchers who reveal that communities/ neighborhoods of lower income status are most likely to bear the brunt of negative impacts and that air pollution from indoor uses of energy, behavioral factors such as cigarette smoking and industrial processes contribute to an individual’s/ community’s quality of life.
Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2013.

Submitted in compliance with the requirements for the Master's Degree in Technology: Human Resources, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2017.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has been recognised as a weapon to survive in global competitive environment. This research paper evaluated the impact of Richards Bay Mineral’s (RBM) corporate social responsibility on communities in the northern region of KwaZulu-Natal. The factors that influence and those that hinders the implementation of CSR initiatives were identified. Strategies that can be applied by CSR managers at RBM in improving stakeholder engagement and communication have been suggested. A quantitative research method was applied in the study. The research sample was selected randomly, using a cluster sampling method and consisted of 250 participants required to complete a Likert scale questionnaire. The questionnaire we distributed to the participants and were collected after two weeks by the researcher. The data was analysed using the statistics package SPSS version 21.0, with the results presented by figures developed in Microsoft Excel and cross tabulation tables. The results of the findings identified factors that influenced CSR initiatives as lack of feedback, communication and stakeholder engagement. Commitment from senior management must be demonstrated at a local level to facilitate community engagement, feedback and monitoring, because the logic of CSR is towards seeing its impact in community socially, environmentally and economically.
M

This research critically examines the process of public participation in the politically contested arena of environmental impact assessment (EIA) in two case studies: the Ekati diamond mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories and the Richards Bay Minerals project in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Each case offers the chance to examine and compare the potentialities of expanded public participation in EIA and the promise of deliberative environmental decision-making. The concept of deliberative public participation has become the new normative standard for citizen engagement in numerous planning and policy-making processes, including EIA. It calls for increased participation by previously disadvantaged communities in the decisions that affect them through multi-stakeholder dialogue. Addressing the need for a realistic assessment of deliberative democratic practice, this study explores the limits of deliberative process by looking at specific examples of EIA, bringing into focus political processes, power relations and the structural conditions affecting citizen engagement.

The study explored factors that affect academic achievements in Grade 6 mathematics classrooms in a case of solving word problems. It investigated empirically the causes and perceptions that lead to difficulties in solving word problems and eventually identified strategies for teaching them. The constructivist philosophy was adopted. The study used the mixed-method design with quantitative data complementing the qualitative information. In gathering data, a word problem task, questionnaires, a class observation schedule, face-to-face and focus group interviews were used, focusing on SFS (pseudo) school learners and their teachers as a convenient sample. Data analysis was done in an integrated fashion where concurrent triangulation was followed. The statistics results illustrate that factors such as English language proficiency adversely affect the academic achievements of Grade 6 learners when solving word problems. Reading instructions aloud repeatedly and explaining key mathematical concepts have emerged as key strategies in understanding and solving word problems in mathematics.
Inclusive Education
M. Ed. (Inclusive Education)