Submitted in partial fulfillment of the re q uirements for the de gr ee of Masters in Educational Ps y cholo gy , in the School of Education at the University of KwaZulu-Natal Se ptember 2005 DECLARATION I, Sihle Nhlanhla Mbanjwa, hereby declare that this dissertation entitled "Factors Impacting on Career Choices of Technikon Students from Previously Disadvantaged High Schools", is the result of my own investigation and research and that it has not been submitted in part or in full for any other degree or to any other University.Sible Nhlanhla Mbanjwa Date DEDICATION This dissertation is dedicated to my family: my mother, Thelma Nontuthuzelo Mbanjwa, my sister Sthabisile Phililc Mbanjwa, my brother Musawenkosi Mfundo Mbanjwa, and in loving memory of my late father Christopher Bheka Mbanjwa, my late brother Mbuso, my grandparents: the late Esther Khanyisile and Zita Mbanjwa. To uMaZulu (Violet) N gu bo and aU my family from my mothers side. Nakuwo onke amaMbanjwa: oGalaza, oMzekwa, oMbuzikazi abasaphila nabangasekho. This is also dedicated to my children "may you all be inspired to study,,.iii
ACKNOWLEDGMENTSThe author wishes to thank the following people who contributed toward the success of this study:First and foremost, all praises and thanks to (The most High) God without Whom none of this would have been possible, thank you my Lord.My family: Super-Mom: Mrs. Nontuthuzelo Thelma Mbanjwa (thanx for being the best mother in the whole world, "I could never have asked for a better mother"), Siblings: my big sister Thabie (for your assistance with the questionnaires and all the support), my young brother Musa (for being a true brother and having the wisdom that God has blessed you with). "I love you guys with my everything."To my supervisor, Prof 0. Bojuwoyc, for his patience, and guidance.To Clare Chester, Fathima Haffajee, Nonto Mhlongo, Goodness Khumalo and all the staff (especially Sboniso from the residence) and students (Zola and Ndumi) of DIT (Riverside and Indumiso Campuses) who supported and made this study a success.To my lecturers, Dr E.A. Chohan, Mrs. E. Clark, and Dr Zaaiboonnisha Naidoo (for your guidance, professionalism and patience, 'very few are calJed into the profession and you ate some of them, thanks a lot').A very special thank you to Mr. Henry Muribwathoho, 'than.ks for the encouragement, sensitivity and your humane manner of approach, you are the best'.To Colin Reddy, Anisha Ingrid and Juliet, 'you guys are real and I'll never forget you'.To Chand, from the Department of Statistics, 'thank you man'.To all those who participated in the study 'thank you all for your co-operation and tolerance of my trespassing your lives'.To, many family and friends who remain unnamed, and whose lives have criss crossed mine during this period of intellectual growth and maturation, my humble thanks to you all! Last but not least to my beautiful future wife "Mimi" Bulelwa Ngombane for her undying love, support and friendship, 'I owe you my life'.