ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

To my study leader, Professor Michael J Newcosmos, whose gentle admonitions, patience, friendship, support and encouragements spurred me on whenever I was unable to move on. I thank him for bearing with me through many changes of the proposals. To Dr Tjart A. Coetzee, for having opened the doors of Pretoria University for me. To Dr Elísio Macamo, who, from overseas, not only gave me ideas and encouragement, but also for the linguistic clean up. To Dr Armindo Ngunga for having corrected one of the versions of the study. To Dr Ana Vilela for moral support. To FDC – Fundação para o Desenvolvimento da Comunidade –, especially to Dr Graça Machel, for having sponsored my studies. To Dona Sara and Professor Sozinho Matsinhe. I cherish the affection you gave me during all the time I spent in Pretoria. To my late dad, professor (his title in Portuguese) Eugénio, who wanted to see me progress as far as possible academically, even though he himself died without having accomplished that. To my mother, Isaura, who stoically endured my absence. To Vilma, my wife, to Cáceres, Edmilson and Isaura, my children, who felt and suffered the absence of the husband and the father