ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This dissertation would not have been completed without the contribution of the following special people to whom my sincere appreciation and thanks are due: My supervisor, Prof. Elias R. Mathipa, for his expert guidance, sound advice, inspiration and patience; My editor, Silvia Nyambura, for proofreading the manuscript, as well as for her motivation and friendly encouragement; Dr CDM Tlale for editing the final manuscript; Mom and Dad, for their support, positive expectations, patience and love; My son Leslie, for always being there, watching with interest and enduring with patience; My sisters, brother and nephews, for their unselfish support and unfailing encouragement; My friend Elizabeth, who served as my role model unknowingly, for her undying support, time and tolerance; and All lecturers and students, who participated in this study for their cooperation, and unselfish sharing of information