DEDICATION ( THIS DISSERTATION IS DEDICATED TO MY WONDERFUL PARENTS: OZIAS AND SELLINAH NTIMANE. MY ACHIEVEMENTS ARE DUE TO YOUR VALUABLE SUPPORT. I AM VERY FORTUNATE TO HAVE YOU IN MY LIFE. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the following people who gave me support and assistance during the process of writing this dissertation: • Firstly God Almighty, the pillar of my strength who proved His word to me that through Him I can do all things. • My supervisor Prof. Phil Harrison whose constructive criticism and support were of great value. • To all the Town Planning Staff and my fellow classmates especially my dear sister and friend Thandi and Bheki-'Mkhaya'. I'll never forget you guys you were very supportive, you were always there when I needed you most. • To all my friends especially Sizwe who used to phone and encourage me. Those phone calls kept me going. • To all the people who participated during data collection which include: Nelspruit TLC officials, councillors, all the public and private sectors planners, traditional leaders and residents of Msogwaba tribal area an