isahluko 1 - UKZN ResearchSpace - University of KwaZulu-Natal

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Numerous people have played a vital role during the development and completion of this
thesis. I wish to express my heart-felt gratitude to the following people:
1. All the staff members of my doctoral cohort namely: Prof. Renuka Vithal, Prof.
Michael Samuel, Dr Murthy Maistry, Dr Alan Pillay, Dr Nyna Amin, Dr Betty
Govinden, Dr Farida Patel, and Dr Busie Alant - words cannot express my
gratitude for what you have done for me. You know how much you have
contributed to this journey. You never gave up even when I became ineffective;
you were always encouraging, guiding and making me feel strong and hard
working. You ensured that I climb this mountain, regardless the challenges.
Without you, nothing would have been possible. That is why today tears of joy
and sorrow follow each other. You know how much I suffered in this journey,
since the beginning and right to the end. Thank you so much.
2. All my doctoral cohort peers; namely, Saras, Dudley, Ted, Jaya, Vino, Vuyo and
Rajen; you know how much you have contributed to this work. You became my
‘supervisors’ as well. You did not want to leave me stuck in the dark bush and
run away. Instead, you carried me until we all reached the destination. Your love,
care, motivation and perseverence is appreciated. Thank you so much.
3. My husband, Eric Nkosi, for all the support, motivation and love you always
demonstrate to me. You made me feel I was not alone in the struggle, and
indeed we were always together, even at night on campus when it called me not
to sleep, you were always with me. Your presence and support added much
flavour to this work. You know that I am complete when I am with you, seeing
you, ‘my other half’. I am very proud to have such a husband who is always next
to me all the time. Thank you very much for being so understanding. Also, thanks
that you are also not relaxed...you are following my footsteps. Just go!
4. The National Research Foundation (NRF) for the financial assistance when I was
doing this study. Thank you very much.
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