13/05/2026
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๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐
Congratulations to ๐๐ซ ๐๐ข๐ค๐ก๐จ ๐๐ฐ๐๐ญ๐๐ค๐๐ง๐, a lecturer in our Department of Ecotourism, who was conferred with a Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Management Sciences Specialising in Hospitality and Tourism.
She was the first graduate to walk across the stage as the Durban University of Technology (DUT)โs DUT Faculty of Management Sciences ' (FMS) Autumn Graduation ceremonies kicked off in Pietermaritzburg on 12 May 2026.
The title of her thesis is โ๐จ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐
๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
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This study explored how collaborative governance in protected areas can better balance biodiversity conservation with the livelihood needs of surrounding communities. Using a qualitative approach, the research gathered insights from conservation authorities, local communities, and governance stakeholders through interviews, focus groups, and document analysis.
The findings showed that although collaborative governance can improve conservation efforts and create socio-economic benefits, challenges such as unequal power relations, limited community participation, weak institutional capacity, and poor policy implementation reduce its effectiveness.
The study developed a framework that combines collaborative governance and social-ecological systems perspectives to strengthen institutional structures, encourage inclusive participation, and promote fair benefit-sharing. Overall, the research emphasises the need for adaptive and inclusive governance to ensure sustainable protected area management and improved community livelihoods.
๐๐ซ ๐๐ ๐๐ก๐ข๐ฅ๐ข was the research supervisor.
We are incredibly proud of her outstanding achievement and the dedication she has shown throughout her doctoral journey. Her journey also included the honour of representing South Africa at the 8th Annual BRICS Expert Council International School in Moscow, Russia.
๐ป๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐, ๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐
๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ญ๐ด๐บ ๐๐๐๐๐๐.
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