MAGISTER EDUCATIONIS

I wish, hereby, to express my profound gratitude to the following people for the assistance they gave me during my period of study for this dissertation: Dr N. J. L. Mazibuko, my supervisor, for his motivation and expert guidance, and for setting me high standards to aspire to and for his encouragement and his personal interest in my work and in my life, especially in moments where I needed encouragement. To my husband, Sidwell Chauke, for his love, understanding and support even when dark clouds were gathering strong and for being there for me when I wanted to give up. To my daughters, Shongi and Khani, for their understanding and love through while I spent hours on end on my studies devoiding them of motherly care. To my son. Dave, who often missed bedtime stories and games because of my studies. Now my attention is fully yours. To my brothers and sisters for their encouragement and moral support