Category: News Blog

SARChI PhD Student, Ms Ayanda Tshabalala was recently in the news for her Master’s dissertation research after her work was mentioned in the UKZN Ndaba (12 April 2016, Vol 4, Issue 10).

(Photo Credit:  UKZN – M Mungroo)

Her work was also mentioned in Isolezwe newspaper (IOL) in isiZulu, the Times online, SAFM (radio) and Power FM (radio). To understand more about her research, here is a blog post she wrote when she presented her research at the University of Leeds in 2015.  Congratulations also to our SARChI staff (current and former) who also graduated from their UKZN Master’s or PhD programme on Monday 14 April 2016:  Dr A Okem, Ms N Mbarathi, Miss M Mthembu, and M P Shezi.

SARChI’s PhD student Mr F Mazwi will be presenting his PhD proposal to the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s School of Built Environment and Development Studies on Monday, 25 April 2016.  The title of his presentation is:

“Changing patterns of Agricultural Financing following the Fast Track Land Resettlement Programme: An interrogation of Contract Farming in Sugar and Tobacco; Zimbabwe”

 

SARChI’s resident post-doctoral fellow, Dr Celestin Mayombe, presents his PhD research at the African Academic Research Forum (AARF) 28-29 April 2016 in Pretoria, South Africa. Under the theme, “Transforming adult and continuing education practices”, his topic title is “Adult non-formal education and training for employment: what can be learnt from practice in South Africa”?

ABSTRACT

Adult Non-formal Education and Training (NFET) in South Africa was adopted in 1990 to address the problem of unemployment of non-educated and unskilled adults. The concern that informed this paper is that adults who face long-term unemployment due to a lack of marketable skills, remain unemployed after completing NFET programmes. The paper reports on a study conducted to investigate what constitutes NFET enabling environments for employment. The paper focuses on assessing the effectiveness of the internal delivery environments of NFET centres fostering skills utilisation in the wage- or self-employment of the graduates. The findings show that there is a relationship between the types of the centre (whether public or private), trainees’ courses and employability. Based on the effectiveness on overall employment which is 52.37% of the graduates after graduation, the author concludes that if the NFET  aims at  self-employment by linking the training programme to income-generating activities in micro-enterprises or co-operatives, NFET presents as a relevant tool to foster employment, and hence reduce poverty in south Africa.

Various SARChI team members presented on 5-6 April 2016 at the eThekwini University Research Symposium (EURS 2016) under the theme: “Durban: a city in Transformation”.

From the Durban Firm Survey analysis research project, Myriam Velia presented on behalf of her team and the presentation was titled, “Skills constraints in medium and large manufacturing establishments in the eThekwini Metro: evidence from a firm survey.”

Audrey Moyo and Jana Rogoll presented “Industrial estates in Durban:  challenges and opportunities” under the symposium sub-theme of “the transformation challenge:  addressing economic, finance, anti-corruption, poverty & inequality”.

 

 

Andrew Okem, Senior Researcher at SARChI had a presentation titled, “A stakeholder analysis of the social acceptability of domestic effluent in agriculture, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.”

 

Glen Robbins also presented on behalf of their authors (the other author being a former SARChI scholar) ‘highlighted findings from the 2014 WIEGO Informal Economy Budget Analysis (IEBA) of eThekwini Municipality’

[Photo credit:  M Mungroo]

This article was also published under the UKZN Ndaba:  17 March 2016, Volume 4, Issue 6.

Article written by A E Okem and K Diga

The College of Humanities hosted a two-day workshop to facilitate the formation of an international collaboration on capacity building and poverty reduction.

The overall purpose of the workshop was to review and develop plans for a partnership between UKZN and the Comparative Research Programme on Poverty (CROP) – a programme of the International Social Science Council (ISSC) hosted by the University of Bergen, and the Council for the Development of Social Science Research (CODESRIA) in Africa, headquartered in Dakar, Senegal.

Among those at the workshop, facilitated by the office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, were the DVC of the College of Humanities, Professor Cheryl Potgieter as well as the Acting Dean of the School of Arts, Professor Donal McCracken; the Dean of the School of Social Sciences, Professor Stephen Mutula; the Interim Dean of the School of Built Environment and Development Studies, Professor Betty Mubangizi, and the College’s Acting Dean of Research, Professor Pholoho Morojele.

Providing valuable input to proceedings were researchers, Dr Andrew Okem and Ms Kathleen Diga of the South African Research Chair initiative (SARChI) in Poverty Reduction; Dr Sharmla Rama of Sociology, and Professor Oliver Mtupuri of Development Studies.

The workshop allowed participants the opportunity to brainstorm on the best approach for establishing a Pan-African epistemic community of young scholars passionate about issues of poverty and sustainable development.

Welcoming everyone, Potgieter said: ‘The College of Humanities has a number of strategic Memorandums of Understanding with universities around the world and the current partnership is in line with the College’s strategic goal of collaborative research.’ She added that the College was committed to addressing challenges of poverty from a transdisciplinary approach.

Director of CROP, Professor Alberto Cimadamore, said he was excited about the partnership as it would enable partners to work in collaboration with knowledge networks, institutions and scholars, while CODESRIA’s Deputy Executive Secretary, Professor Sozinho Franscisco Matsinhe, stated that his organisation was committed to filling the research gap in social science and humanities in Africa.

Professor Sarah Bracking, the South African Research Chair in Applied Poverty Reduction Assessment, highlighted the poverty reduction research initiatives being implemented by the Chair and expressed confidence the partnership would contribute to furthering the frontier of poverty reduction research in Africa.

The workshop ended with parties agreeing to some tangible outcomes, including the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for the establishment of the partnership as well as plans for a meeting in Dakar later in the year and a workshop in 2017.

There were also discussions on the contribution of a summer school and further commitment by the Director of the Library, Ms Joyce Myeza, who will help develop a virtual library platform to allow for access to resources and materials in the area of poverty studies.

 

Small-scale Farming- a Scoping Mission on Agricultural activities in eThekwini

By Precious Shezi

Small-scale farming is known for its significant role in reducing poverty especially in rural areas. However, with the increasing level of unemployment in rural, urban or peri-urban areas even metropolitan municipalities like eThekwini have to deal with a number of people confronted by poverty on daily basis. The 2011 census indicated that about 30,2% of the metro’s population is unemployed.

Currently, there has been increasing interest in urban agriculture as among the significant activities positioned to buffer against poverty in urban and peri-uban scenery. Like most of the municipalities located within the KwaZulu-Natal province, eThekwini comprised of high agricultural potential areas. However, there are limited agricultural activities that are taking place in the eThekwini Municipality. This is generally associated with the lack of access to arable land. As I have observed kwaNdengezi and Impola urban areas, ownership of land is amongst the main issues affecting farming thus, most farmers rely on limited spaces available on schools premises or municipal land.

[photo: Some of farming activities at KwaNdengezi and Impola communities, credit P. Shezi]

It is also important to note the reach of government in these agricultural spaces. The eThekwini municipality serves as the main contributing institution to farming in these urban areas as there are no signs of other actors such as NGO interventions. Service provision ranges from working materials, compost, seeds, water and professional advice. While these are significant, farmers claim very limited knowledge on issues pertaining to climate change and adaptations to it. When I had a brief conversation with the agricultural extension officer, she confirmed that there have been no trainings or educational services on climate change. This poses limitations to the climate change adaptation since people have little understanding of the problem they are facing. Even so, there are potentials for improvement since some of their farming techniques resemble those of climate-smart agriculture.

Lastly, some farmers pointed out that there are promising channels for food markets around the area, therefore crops are not only produced for subsistence or own consumption but for income generation as well. Thus, according to the centre for development support (2010), urban agriculture plays a small yet has a significant role in addressing poverty.

 

Author’s Bibliography

Precious Shezi is a University of KwaZulu-Natal graduate, obtained a Bachelor of Social Sciences degree in Geography and Environmental Management. She further studied her Honors degree in Agriculture where she got her background in the inclusive processes of post-colonial research methods which are foundational to the BAgric Extension and Rural Resource Management. Feeling the need to broaden her horizons in development issues, she studied her Masters Degree in Development Studies and has just completed the programme. Her research largely focuses on the local economic development, poverty reduction and agriculture. She currently work as a research assistant in the South African Research Chair Initiative (SARCHi) in Applied Poverty Reduction under the School of Built Environment and Development Studies.

by Audrey Chiedza and Jana Rogoll

Staff and students from Development Studies were active participants in the recent 5^th annual Regional and Local Economic Development (RLED) Summit that took place in Durban from the 19th-20th October 2015.  The theme of the summit was “Fast Tracking Sustainable Inclusive Growth and Development”. The summit was hosted by the provincial KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs in partnership with Co-operative governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Agriculture and Rural Development as well as the South African Local Government Association. The aim is to create a platform for the exchange of information, and to build awareness as well as partnerships amongst various stakeholders from business, labour, government and the civil society. The end goal would be to generate a common vision to foster growth, investment, job creation and people centred development.

The opening session consisted of speakers such as Mr MP Duze, Senior General Manager at COGTA, Councillor Loganathan Naidoo, eThekwini Municipality speaker, and Honourable C Xaba, MPL. MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development. There was a question and answer session, and three think-tank conversations that offered more detailed information on the issues of effective regional and local economic development implementation, manufacturing and industrialization and the agrarian revolution.

Presentations within the field of Manufacturing and Industrialization came from a wide variety speakers including UKZN’s Mr Glen Robbins.

Glen Robbins presented on the Durban Large and Medium Manufacturing Firm Survey (2014) which he conducted together with Dr. Myriam Velia.  Glen and Myriam are currently involved in a European Union funded project titled “Analysis of 2014 firm survey data, from the greater Durban area, in order to contribute evidence to local, provincial, and national policy for manufacturing firms to contribute to inclusive growth” which is run under the second phase of the Programme to Support Pro-Poor Policy Development (PSPPD II).   This 12 month project is run under the South African Research Chair initiative (SARChI) in Applied Poverty Reduction Assessment.

Under the heading “Durban Manufacturing Survey – what can eThekwini and KZN learn?” he addressed in his presentation the various challenges faced by manufacturing firms in Durban and its surrounding areas. He posed the question how these challenges enhance or hinder a firm’s performance. The survey focuses on the opinions of CEOs or managing directors of medium and large scale manufacturing establishments in eThekwini municipality. Moreover, the research also covered spatial issues with regard to infrastructure.

The information gained from the survey will help to improve the understanding of the conditions that influence firms output/performance. When the conditions are well understood, the evidence can be used to enhance the manufacturing sector in Durban/ KZN. This information is especially important given the role that manufacturing sector plays as a contributor to the province economy (16% of GDP) and the employment sector (20% of provincial employment) (EDTEA, 2015).

The presentations were followed by questions and rich discussion in the audience.

Mr Nhleko presented on “Entrenching Industrialisation through Industrial Economic Hubs” and Mr Mduduzi Phahla shared his thoughts on “Aligning of Enterprise Development in the manufacturing sector”.  Mr Nhleko focused on manufacturing and industrialization and stated that the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission was working tirelessly to create a variety of industrial hubs in the KZN region. The primary focus is to create employment as well as to ensure economic growth. KZN is at an advantage with regards to trade due to the seamless link from sea to road, from road to rail and from rail to air. Thus taking this into consideration, manufacturing industries can bring economic activity and help curb unemployment in KZN. The hubs or manufacturing parks are expected to be in full swing by March 2016.

Population projections have revealed that approximately 2.5 billion people will be added to the current world population hence there is a need to maximize on food production. It is also important to note that half the clothes in South Africa are imported compared to those that are exported. Likewise three quarters of the leather and tanning goods used in handbag and shoe manufacturing companies are also imported. Hence to curb this strain of procuring imported goods from distant market there has been a need to invest in local based markets and retaining of resources from local stakeholders and upcoming infant industries. There has been further promotion of each other’s manufactured goods as well as implemented mechanisms to cut costs. Of interest was the particular need to invest in agro-processing, or in other words, the processing of vegetables as well as setting up the processing of traditional medicines and herbs. Some of the medicines and herbs that people are buying at exorbitant prices are locally grown. If enough investment is channelled towards mechanisms of processing, it would be helpful in terms of affordable goods to most communities that run homeopathy clinics as well as for some populations that highly value the use of traditional medicines in their daily lives.

Unemployment could be further curbed by engaging the local community so that they can participate in the various economic projects.  For instance, there is a need to shift towards appreciating the skills and talent of craftsmen and “bush mechanics” who did not necessarily get their qualifications at educational institutions, but happen to have the ability to do their jobs well. Valuing local skills and the input of the local people enables every individual to have an equal opportunity to participate in community development projects.

Four SARChI research assistants also attended the summit and had an overall positive impression of the day in terms of learning experiences.

One research assistant, Jana said, “Attending the summit was a good opportunity to get a better understanding of current and potential future economic development in KwaZulu-Natal. We (research assistants) however also felt that there is a stronger need to include academia into such platforms. The manufacturing survey shows politicians that they can learn a great share from academic research.”

Another research assistant, Audrey stated, “Attending the summit was an eye-opening experience particularly when the floor was open for debate at the think tanks. The summit enabled me to see the practical side of what I have learnt over the years in university – It cannot be denied that wealth creation and economic growth is simultaneous with accelerated industrial expansion which may also come with harm to the environment and affect the social lives of people in the region. For instance, the need to invest in furniture manufacturing by tapping into the wood reserves can come with detrimental effects. Bearing in mind the oscillating debates on climate change this may be a noble idea for trade and economic growth but it might be a matter of creating or worsening one problem to solve another. More so, people residing in a 5km radius to the said industrial sites suffer from respiratory problems thereby revealing that economic development.”

Reflecting on the 9^th Annual UKZN Teaching & Learning in Higher Education Conference

21-23 September 2015

 

By Siyabonga Ntombela

Background

Recently, the UKZN teaching and learning office hosted international, regional and national academic delegates of higher education at the 9th Annual Teaching and Learning in Higher Education Conference. Hosted at the Elangeni Hotel, Durban, this year’s conference theme was titled, “Re-imagining Higher Education Policy Implementation: Can Policy Learn from Practice?” Delegates were tasked to unpack this theme, and more specifically they were challenged to drill down the bedrock around the complexities, challenges and possibilities in higher education policies and practices. Amongst those who were tasked with a responsibility of setting the conference tone, and leading the engagement as keynote speakers were none other than the following: Professor Adam Habib (Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University of the Witwatersrand); Professor William Tierney (Co-director of the Pullias Centre for Higher Education at the University of Southern California); Professor Narend Baijnath (Pro Vice Chancellor of the University of South Africa); and Professor Herbert Chimhundu (Zimbabwe’s foremost Linguist and Corpus Lexicographer and Senior Fulbright Research Scholar at the University of Florida).

This auspicious event brought a humbling moment for a township product like me, to especially meet in person such world renowned scholars in their own academic specialisations. I was amazed by their grounded humour which they portrayed even in their highest status. Having been entrusted with the responsibility of receiving the keynote speakers for the duration of the conference, I found it easy to converse with them as I ushered them into the keynote venue. Minuscule as this may seem, it was one of those opportunities that one ought not to take lightly for they may happen once in a lifetime. As an intern at the UTLO (UKZN Teaching and Learning Office), opportunities are never concealed, but rather they are created. This is by no means to say opportunities are handed over or made readily available. Instead, the academic prospects are brought closer so they even they can be accessible to the interns.

 

Project under study

When I first joined UTLO at the end of April 2015 I was awarded with a mammoth task of working on a project called, the ECA2 (Early Career Academics 2). This is a continuation of ECA1 (Early Career Academics 1). The ECA2 focused specifically on the teaching experiences of Developmental Lecturers (DLs). The title of the pilot study that was carried-out by UTLO interns was “Conduction and Induction Experiences of UKZN Developmental Lecturers: A Pilot Study”. The purpose of the study was to understand how DLs are recruited into the academy and socialised into their teaching profession. The study aimed to ascertain available forms of teaching support for the DLs. During the research, it became evident that such a study is by no means foreign to my own experiences as I see early career academia within my own path.

 

Conference Proceedings

The preliminary results of this study were presented at a workshop within the main conference. For about 2 hours, there was intense dialectical engagements and comments. Presenting the findings were myself (Development Studies student) and Ms Nolwazi Nzama (Population Studies student), both of whom have a background within SoBEDs (School of Built Environment and Development Studies). I found myself in such a volatile space as a novice researcher and presenter and the experience gave me mixed feelings of anxiety and excitement. The audience did not make it easy either; they were ‘testing us with fire like gold’. It was not a matter of emerging victoriously for any of us from the experience. Rather, we challenge conventional ideas of teaching and we hope to push the epistemological boundaries in academia. Such an exercise exposed me to the ‘eye of academic storm’.

The most important aspect of this exercise was that it gave me an opportunity to re-evaluate my position in academia as an aspiring academic. I asked myself, ‘If this is part of what academia is about, am I ready to be an academic?’ After experiencing the rigour that comes with conducting research and defending my findings in the presence of those who are leading in their respective areas, it was a blessing. Now that I think about it, I guess it is the reason why I decided to pursue postgraduate studies. The most remarkable thing is the support and nurturing environment that I receive from both departments / units (UTLO and SARCHi) where I work. I would like to think of it as ‘shaping my being like clay in the hand of a potter’. I can safely say that I am experiencing UKZN’s transformation under a constructive inter-departmental assemblage geared towards a mission of empowering young black aspiring academics. Therefore, I plan to seize any opportunity that seeks to develop me academically and personally as this conference has. In conclusion, presenting at the conference gave me exposure to the real world of academia as well as what it means to be a researcher.

Brief Author’s bio

Siyabonga Ntombela is a graduate from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, holding a Bachelor of Social sciences degree in Geography and Environmental Management. He is in a process of completing his two year Masters degree in Development Studies. Apart from being a research assistant with the South African Research Chair Initiative (SARCHi) in Applied Poverty Reduction overseen by Prof Bracking, he also interns for UKZN Teaching and Learning Office (UTLO) under the DVC of Teaching and Learning (Prof Vital). Perhaps, it is his love for assisting students with their studies as he had tutored undergraduate modules that keeps him drawn to the teaching environment. Although he remains rooted in climate change and poverty reduction related research work with the SARCHi. Possibly, in 2016 his area of interest will be unveiled as he pursue a PhD.

Contact Details

e-mail: ntombelas@ukzn.ac.za

siyabonganto@gmail.com

By Mbali Mthembu

The UKZN SARChI in applied poverty reduction assessment and Project Preparation Trust (PPT) have come together to explore the challenges faced by Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres located within informal areas in eThekwini municipality. This research is supported by the Programme to Support Pro-Poor Policy Development II (PSPPD II) and is called Informal early childhood development centres – a new area-based approach for improved and up-scaled ECD services for the urban poor. The research project assesses the elements faced by operators in establishing and running ECD centres for poor and marginalised groups located in under-resourced areas. The whole project will be undertaken by quantitative and qualitative methods and the study will specifically use a survey; questionnaire and focus group discussions.

The SARChI team is specifically involved in two main aspects: the literature review and the focus group discussion. The team has been involved in compiling a literature review on the concept ECD. The task was to update and expand on an existing document titled “A new approach for supporting informal early childhood development centres: Main findings and recommendation” done in 2014 by the Project Preparation Trust (PPT) in partnership with the Housing Department Agency.

Literature Review

This literature review explores the impact of poverty and policy on ECD centres and I provide a small insight to the current literature on policy. The review shares the importance of infrastructure of the ECD centres. In summary, child development in the early years is considered as the most crucial in the child’s life due to the education’s long term benefits towards a productive life. Poor children, disadvantaged societies and children with disabilities lack access to quality Early Childhood Development facilities and this may hinder these groups from reaching equitable opportunities in future.

Informal ECD centres do not receive adequate support from government due to the lack of meeting the minimum standards and requirements indicated by Department of Social Development (DSD). According to the latest audit report on the status of ECD centres, for an ECD to be registered, the infrastructural conditions should be according to the set DSD requirements. Some of ECD facilities in informal settlements lack this proper minimum infrastructure. Nationally, very few provinces have all their ECD centres meet these requirements. For example, in KwaZulu-Natal, the quality of ECD infrastructure is among the poorest in all provinces and is classified among those that need urgent attention.

Presently, the Government of South Africa through the Ministry of Social Development presented a draft ECD policy in March 2015, which is currently under public review prior to its ratification.

Pilot study debrief

The UKZN SARChI team was involved in a pilot study that took place on the 16^th of September 2015 in one of the informal ECD centre located in an informal settlement under eThekwini municipality. The pilot trip involved a few personnel from different institutions: two from PPT; one woman from eThekwini’s Department of Health, one woman from TREE, and me from the UKZN- SARChI team.

The objective of the pilot study was to test the questionnaire, the main research survey tool to be used amongst all ECD centres in this particular area.

In this site visit, all individuals involved in the pilot study were quite aback by the dire situation that was found at the centre. Everything about this applied research project became real- everybody had a first-hand experience about the concept of an informal ECD centre. The experience was quite interesting or rather shaking for me and the others. Before everybody began, the questionnaire went through some of the infrastructural elements. We were shocked by some of the aspects in the centre; the building structure, its location and the running of the centre. One of the researchers was not satisfied or rather disappointed with the situation that she found at the centre and she could not hide some of her thoughts around the conditions of the centre.

We (the individuals involved in the pilot study) were welcomed by one of ECD practitioners/ teachers. The teacher was a young female who take cares of children two years old and above (up to preschool level). She mentioned that she take cares of 33 children total. The educator answered some of the questions on the questionnaire while the supervisor was on her way to the centre to meet with us.

The pilot study found that this informal ECD centre was established in the year 2009. It has been operating in that area for six years. The centre is owned by a private individual. The supervisor who is the owner (or principal) of the centre indicated that the centre was previously located in another area, and then they had to move (but she did not share the reasons for the move). She shared that parents urged her to find another location. She indicated that she currently rents the centre’s building and she is searching for a location that she could own. The centre is unregistered and does not receive funding or any form of support from the department of social development. Parents pay a monthly fee to the centre. The enrollment is fairly big; this in itself indicates a need for the ECD centre.

The pilot study did not only test the survey research tool, it also informed the significance of the study. We as researchers found out that there is practically a strong need for supporting the improvement of such informal ECD centres. All individuals involved in the study look forward for commencement of the entire study.

Final note to this blog

Programs supporting informal centres would be a great advancement for children, households and societies. This would not only improve children’s or households’ livelihoods, it would also have a prosperous future of South Africa. Parents could be involved in their economic activities when there is child care. Children would be taken care of in a proper, safe and healthy environment. They would grow and learn in a progressive; cognitive stimulating environment which has a positive impact on mental, social and economic status. Proper and sustainable ECD centres are significant for sustainable human development.

Short author bio

Mbali Mthembu is a graduate from the University of KwaZulu Natal. She holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences degree (Psychology and Sociology), Honours  in Policy and Development Studies and has recently completed a Masters degree in Development Studies (graduation ceremony will take place in April 2016). Her research interests encompass social and human development issues ranging from poverty alleviation, public health to early childhood development. She has a strong desire of becoming a change agent in areas such as social policy for South Africa. She is currently working as a graduate research assistant for Prof. Sarah Bracking under the South African Research Chair Initiative (SARChI) in applied poverty reduction assessment.

Contact details:
Email: mbalizam@yahoo.com
Twitter: @mbali_zam

Sarah and Mvu recently presented a conference paper related to the PSPPD II research project: Climate change adaptation and poverty reduction co-benefits: human capabilities towards green micro-enterprise. 

[photo credit: M. Mungroo]

The UKZN Ndaba (Volume 3, Issue 44, 23 Sept 2015) provides an overview of the College of Humanities panel at the 2015 World Social Science Forum in Durban, South Africa.  The panel was titled, “Knowledge, Power, Space: Narratives from Africa presented by a panel of UKZN academics” and Ms Mungroo writes the co-presented paper:

Academic Leader for Development Studies, Dr Mvuselelo Ngcoya, and SARCHi Chair in Applied Poverty Reduction Assessment, Professor Sarah Bracking, presented on their ongoing research on Climate Change Adaptation, Poverty Reduction and Food Sovereignty. They looked at global policy agendas, including the Green Climate Fund, Green Bonds, the assembly of the “entrepreneurial self” and the financialisation of climate change, noting that a new power knowledge system was needed.

The conference paper falls under the new Programme to Support Pro-Poor Policy Development II (PSPPD II) project which involves the examination of the full portfolio of current climate change and poverty reduction co-benefits projects in eThekwini. This portfolio includes both government and non-government supported (global and local) projects dealing with climate change adaptation, biodiversity and community livelihood interventions.  This is a 18 month project which commenced 23 May 2015.