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targets were in place in the Municipality to manage and monitor productivity and service
delivery in the performance management system (PMS) in the Ulundi Local Municipality.
4.2.3 Data collection
A combination of observation and interviewing techniques were used for the data collection
exercise during the study. The researcher observed the landscape and cultural attributes as
land use and their frequency of use, public interest and possible economic, social and
environmental effects. These data were buttressed by the administration of interviews to
ascertain the level of public awareness of the landscape and cultural attributes and their
prospective developmental effects as well as other suitable and recommendable
options/alternatives. Questions on managing to ameliorate the employment gap in Ulundi
were posed, following the relocation of the legislative capital to Pietermaritzburg.
Employment alternatives were examined, but few of them seemed likely to succeed.
Questions around how this move impacted individuals and the general socio-economic fibre
of the Municipality were explored in interviewing and observation. Finally, the level of
effectiveness and efficiency in the use of landscape and cultural attributes in Ulundi as tools
for development was explored (Refer to Appendix A- Questionnaire).
The data were collected throughout the months of September 2005 through to February 2007
using the various techniques mentioned above. The data were then transferred to a computer­
based data collection sheet and then coded through a coding scheme following a verification
exercise. In order to provide objective data, a matrix of answers to c1osed-ended questions
was used. An in-depth viewpoint from interviewees was sought on broad issues in an open­
ended manner. The open-ended responses were also transferred to a data matrix sheet, where
varied responses were initially grouped into similar response clusters. which were later
designated to represent an emerging viewpoint or response of the subjects. Open-ended
questions were posed on the subject of environmental management and sustainable
development concerns as exemplified in the questionnaire in Appendix A. For instance.
household heads (hh) were asked about their knowledge on the importance of landscape and
cultural attributes in the study area Furthermore, this style of questioning was used to
establish the socio-economic and environmental relevance of these landscapes. land uses and
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