Browsing by Author "Manicom, Desiree Pushpeganday."

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An agenda setting analysis : the application of Kingdon's framework to the Road Accident Fund (RAF).
(2008) Ndlovu, Lindokuhle Angel.; Manicom, Desiree Pushpeganday.; Cloete, Kirsten.
This study aimed at exploring the agenda setting process of the Road Accident Fund (RAF), a road accident compensation system operating in South Africa using Kingdon's model of Agenda Setting. This study focused on the period between 1996 when the RAF was introduced to 2005 when the focus in the Fund was put mainly on how to deal with fraud and corruption issues. When the RAF was put into place, the main aim was to establish a compensation system that will be able to deal with the effects of road accidents that the people suffer. These are mostly the vulnerable road users and public transport passengers who account for most of the road casualties. However there has been a shift in the focus of the Road Accident Fund Act of 1996, hence the majority of the people who were meant to be beneficiaries ended up not benefiting from the Fund due to corruption. A theoretical framework based on the work of John Kingdon (1995) is used to explore the developments in the RAF that led to the Road Accident Benefit Scheme (RABS) as a proposed system. Qualitative research method was used in order to trace the unfolding of the events and action of participants in the RAF in order to see whether the developments in the Fund can be explained using Kingdon's framework of agenda setting. Historical documents were used to collect data and to trace the chronology of events. These include formal records, including Annual Reports on the RAF and media articles, including newspapers. Content analysis method was done on material such as: Annual Reports on the Road Accident Fund, Meeting Minutes, Parliamentary Proceedings, Newspaper Articles and Speeches, primarily from the Department of Transport in order to analyse data. The findings of this study revealed that using Kingdon's theory of agenda setting, it is possible to come to a better understanding of the agenda setting process that led to a current state of the RAF. In the RAF case study, the three policy streams proposed by Kingdon namely: problem stream, policy stream and political stream, were identified. In the problem stream, the financial 'crisis' together with feedback from the formal as well as the media reports that indicated that the financial condition of the RAF was getting worse served as an indication that there was a problem in the Fund. Several ideas were generated in the policy stream of the Fund. Amongst other things, studies, discussions, hearings, meetings and conferences conducted by the RAF Commission for the purpose of investigating the Fund and come up with alternative solutions, created pressure for policy change. While RABS which incorporated in it a "no fault" system of compensation was proposed as a solution by the RAF Commission, liquidation of the Fund was also a concern. In the political stream, the national mood, change of administration and interest group pressure were evident and contributed to the agenda setting of the RAF. Media reports also contributed to the whole agenda setting process of the Fund. The implications of the analysis for future processes are drawn.
An analysis of the perceptions of the implementers and beneficiaries of the child grants programme. A case study of selected regions in Lesotho.
(2024) Khiba, Mankuebe Bernice.; Manicom, Desiree Pushpeganday.
This study investigates the implementation of the Child Grants Programme (CGP) which is a social assistance programme implemented by the government of Lesotho to meet the needs of vulnerable children. Implementation theory forms the basis for understanding how this programme is delivered. The approaches and models of implementation have been considered to assess the potential for programme success and the associated challenges. Policy implementation involves various actors, and in the case of the CGP, networks and partnerships have been formed with private companies. Policy networks and partnerships are commended for their efficiency and effectiveness. The success of the policy depends on several factors that the implementers need to take cognisance of. These factors hamper or affect the implementation of the CGP. The delivery or payment modes are a vital component of any grant transfer programme. This concerns the manner in which the beneficiaries access the grant, the cost of access and appropriateness of the payment mode. Other issues include security, reliability and the potential or ability of the payment mode to allow the beneficiaries the opportunity to use the modern financial systems. Social protection is defined and articulated to acknowledge its significance as a basic human right enshrined in various international, regional and domestic legal and policy frameworks. It serves various purposes which are generally concerned with uplifting the poor and vulnerable to restore their dignity, address issues of social inequality and injustice as well as economic exclusion. The CGP systems and processes of implementation are explored to provide an understanding in terms of how the programme is delivered. Systems and processes include issues of targeting; eligibility and enrolment as well as the delivery or payment modes, and the implementation networks and partnerships. Targeting is an important aspect of most social assistance programmes especially in poor countries. The CGP uses a means testing criteria through the national household database called NISSA. Several suggestions for targeting and enrolment emerge in this study. Qualitative research methodology was used to conduct this study; in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect the data. Purposive sampling was used to select the respondents, the various programme implementers, government and non-government officials and the beneficiaries. The programme is appreciated by the beneficiaries; however, criticisms are inevitable. The unpredictability and irregularity of the payment dates and the low value of the grant diminish the goals of this programme. The implementers commend the partnerships formed, however, there are challenges. The overall impression from the results of this study suggests that this programme still need a lot of improvement in different areas to increase its credibility as well as ensuring sustainability.
An implementation analysis of the Child Justice Act 75 of 2008 with specific focus on child justice courts in South Africa.
(2022) Chikukula, Hope Mhango.; Manicom, Desiree Pushpeganday.
Children committing crime is a major issue throughout the world, as a result, societies came to agreement that children in conflict with the law must be respected in line with the signed treaties through formulating a child justice system that handles cases of child offenders. In South Africa, the Child Justice Act 75 of 2008 was introduced to protect the rights of child offenders as stated in the Constitution. After examining the official figures from annual reports on the implementation of the Child Justice Act 75 of 2008, it indicated that from the total number of children arrested, some children did not go through the child justice courts. The study aimed at investigating the implementation of the Child Justice Act 75 of 2008 to see whether child justice courts are operating in accordance with the Act and attempts to find out the roles and experiences of street-level bureaucrats and children in conflict with the law to uncover any other issues related to the implementation of the Act in the courts. Regarding research design, the study employed a qualitative secondary analysis of primary and secondary data, making it desktop research. The researcher collected and analyzed existing documents, legislations, previous research studies and reports involving issues around implementation of the Act and the use of child justice courts in South Africa as its case study. After analyzing the data given and linking up with the theories of the study, the research established that despite the existence of the Act, barriers related to the implementation of the Act included lack of capacity building, lack of commitment and lack of an integrated management system due the lack of co-operation between stakeholders. The findings revealed challenges faced by the implementers were lack of resources and working in a stress loaded working environment where the demand for services is high. The findings also revealed that the child offenders have access to legal representation but find challenges in getting to know information about their court trials, lengthy period of trial and detention in prison, and in receiving restorative programs. Due to the inadequate resources and structures available, there still need for adjustments to be made in the provision of child justice and this can work if the government adjusts its policies and putting more efficiency in implementing the Child Justice Act whereby child rights will be recognized and promoted.
An implementation analysis of the special covid-19 social relief of distress (SRD) grant in KwaZulu-Natal (2020-2022).
(2023) Nkabinde, Mthobisi Mduduzi.; Manicom, Desiree Pushpeganday.
The implementation of policy or programme is a crucial step in public policymaking despite its complexity. Implementation can be regarded as policy in action or how policy is carried out. Moreover, the quality of its implementation determines the effectiveness and success of any policy. Essentially, there is a policy gap when policy expectations and perceived outcomes differ during the implementation process. The study, therefore, seeks to investigate the SRD programme implementation issues, including accessibility, the application process, payment processes, and the distributional impact faced by the Department of Social Development in delivering SRD grants in KwaZuluNatal. The study also focuses on beneficiaries’ experiences in accessing the relief fund and the experiences of implementing agents (Department of Social Development and SASSA) in delivering SRD grants in KwaZulu-Natal between May 2020-December 2022. A desktop qualitative approach to research is used to collect data in this study. Moreover, the study uses content analysis as a data collection method. The sample for this study is a selection of primary documents, including the Social Relief of Distress, Social Assistance Act (No 13 of 2004) and the South African Social Security Agency Act (No 9 of 2004). Moreover, secondary studies related to the topic and research questions will be selected, such as reports, online news articles, and academic journals. The study found that the emergence of the Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in South Africa in 2019, its corresponding impacts simultaneously posed a global health and socio-economic crisis. To curb the spread of Covid-19, South Africa implemented a five-tier lockdown strategy, with level 5 being the most drastic in terms of restrictions. The Covid-19 crisis and regulations restricting social mobility and interaction have led most governments worldwide to expand their social protection systems to provide relief to vulnerable individuals and household members. Notably, digital technology has become integral to many social security systems worldwide. The implementation of the SRD grant in South Africa faced numerous challenges, resulting in some beneficiaries being excluded. Issues included a lack of digital access and literacy, inefficiencies in cash payments by the Post Office, and difficulties for rural and peri-urban residents. Government databases with outdated information also caused some applications to be rejected without a chance for appeal. Those receiving bank deposits experienced withdrawal vi | Page fees and inconsistent payment schedules. Additionally, poor service delivery, bribery, and corruption were reported at Post office branches where grants were collected. It was established that public policy programs fail if there is a lack of direction and unclear goals. A consequence of these limitations is that most adopted policies include vague language and ambiguous, contradictory, or unfeasible policy goals. Furthermore, the goals of the newly gazetted regulations of the SRD grant are unrealistic, as hundreds of thousands of people receiving the grant were disqualified. The evidence further suggests how SASSA failed to update its outdated, limited databases and inadequate verification systems leading to an influx of applications from public servants.
An analysis of the implementation of a monitoring and evaluation system : the case of the NGO SaveAct.
(2013) Honu-Siabi, MacCarthy Kofi.; Manicom, Desiree Pushpeganday.
The importance of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) during programme implementation has driven many governments, organisations and donors to invest substantial means in developing comprehensive M&E and tools. However, research reveals that, while some of these comprehensive M&E systems have been successfully implemented, others could not be used to achieve the purposes for which resources were utilised in designing them. Some writers have explained that, even though great effort is invested in the development of M&E systems, not all of them actually get implemented, or even if they do, they are only partially implemented. One reason cited was the complexity of M&E systems, which makes implementation difficult. The Non-Governmental (NGO) sector in its implementation of social programmes, uses M&E systems and frameworks to monitor programmes for various reasons, including accountability and organisational learning purposes. A case study approach, using in-depth qualitative methods, was used to analyse the implementation of the M&E systems in SaveAct, an NGO based in Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal. A semi-structured interview guide was used to collect primary data. Interviews were conducted with various role-players within the system to gather information about their experiences of implementing M&E systems. Documents and reports were analysed to investigate the nature of the M&E systems, and their purposes and uses and implementation successes and challenges. The findings of the study revealed that in SaveAct the M&E is done for the purpose of accountability to donors and for organisational learning and improvement in programmes. Two previous frameworks were designed for intensive evaluation purposes, but could not be fully implemented. Challenges that emerged include the comprehensive nature of the frameworks, lack of human capacity and limited finances for implementation. However, regular data collection for monitoring was being successfully undertaken. Some of the success factors identified include the simple and easy-to-understand data collection tools and the inclusion of M&E activities in the routine work of staff (mainstreaming). M&E systems that have simple tools which clearly outline the goals and where the functions are included in the daily routine of the staff, are more likely to be implementable. The conclusions of the study were that M&E systems can be made more implementable if they are designed with an understanding that the system components are interrelated and an attempt is made to see to it that each component is functional, to ensure the mode of action of the entire system. M&E systems and frameworks should be designed to be simple and clear. They should contain fewer tools and should be easily understood by the people who do the actual data collection. The tools with fewer questions were easier to implement than those with many questions. M&E functions in SaveAct were more successful when included in normal routine work of the staff, or mainstreamed, and not undertaken as a separate activity and also when they are located within planning and budgeting functions of the organisation.
An analysis of the purposes and uses of monitoring and evaluation within NGOs : a case study of the Centre for Criminal Justice (CCJ).
(2011) Johnson, Uduak Friday.; Manicom, Desiree Pushpeganday.
This study aimed to critically analyze the purposes and uses of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) within NGOs. It proceeded from the criticisms often levelled against M&E with regards to its relevance and its numerous failures. Moreover, if development programme interventions are already justified through useful services rendered to beneficiaries, what impact does development assistance projects like M&E have in the lives of individual beneficiaries of these programmes, especially considering the fact that significant resources and time are expended on M&E? Prompted by this question, the study investigated the strengths and challenges experienced by NGOs in using M&E in programme implementation. Given the numerous and diverse definitions of M&E and its diversity in practice among organizations, it was necessary to carry out the investigation through a case study; using a qualitative research method. The Centre for Criminal Justice (CCJ) was chosen for the case-study, given its history of the use of M&E in its outreach programme implementation. A semi-structured interview was used to gather data from a sample of seven members of the organization from different levels, ranging from management, the evaluator, head office staff and implementation staff who are either directly or indirectly involved in a vital way in the M&E process. This was to solicit diverse and in-depth responses from different perspectives on the purposes and uses of M&E within the organization. Findings revealed that the organization has institutionalized a well-structured, top-down and ongoing monitoring process to gather data daily from the services provided by the implementation staff. It also boasts an ongoing M&E system that follows the three-year cycle of the programme. This is besides other M&E related research carried out in the organization. The study found that some of those involved in the M&E process within CCJ have little or no understanding of the role of M&E within the organization. The implementation staff, for instance, who gather routine monitoring data, were found not to understand the full significance of their services to the M&E and development process as a whole. Beneficiaries were found not to understand the role of M&E within the organization and the impact it has on the services which they receive. The implications of such lack of knowledge to the development process is based on the assertion that the ‘objectives of social development programmes should be to help the indigenous communities or underprivileged groups (such as women, landless labourers, ...) develop the organizational capacity and knowledge needed to identify and satisfy their own needs’ (Valadez & Bamberger 1994: 9). In other words, if their participation should have more relevant outcomes, they need to be aware of what they are engaged in. This is a precondition for sustainable development and ownership of the development process. When this is lacking, there can be resistance or poor participation in the process and the threat of paternalism. The dilemma is that M&E is very technical.
Civil society and social grants: a case study of civil society organisations and the child support grant during the COVID-19 lockdown in South Africa.
(2023) Mchunu, Nicollette Sindiswa.; Manicom, Desiree Pushpeganday.
The COVID-19 lockdown regulations promulgated by the Disaster Management Act, 2002 (No.57 of 2002) Amendment of Regulations issued in terms of Section 27 (2) has led to a dramatic loss of income and presents an extraordinary challenge to the livelihoods of the vulnerable. The level 5 lockdown was implemented to prevent the virus from spreading through the regulations, which included the closure of businesses and schools, restrictions on travel and transportation, and orders to remain at home, causing overwhelming economic and social disruptions mostly affecting children and caregivers as beneficiaries of the Child Support Grant (CSG). The study seeks to explore the impact of the COVID-19 level 5 lockdown regulations on CSG beneficiaries and the role played by Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on the CSG during the lockdown. The study adopted an interpretative approach whilst using a qualitative methodology to explore the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown regulations on CSG beneficiaries, and the role played by CSOs in the CSG programme. The study is a desktop research; therefore, non-probability purposive sampling and theoretical sampling for documents was used to select relevant primary and secondary studies with sufficient data to address the research questions. The study uses a qualitative content analysis data collection method to collect data from books, journals, government legislation, newspaper articles, reports from government departments and Non-Governmental Organisation (NGOs), and relevant websites to provide in-depth descriptions of the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on CSG beneficiaries and CSOs' advocacy role in the CSG programme. Therefore, qualitative content analysis is used to analyze and organise data extracted from primary and secondary sources into themes related to the conceptual framework and the research questions of this study. The implementation of the CSG programme, as the focus of the study, was analyzed within the conceptual framework of public policy implementation which comprises numerous actors’ involvement. Additionally, the study uses the conceptual framework of civil society, which involves policy advocacy to understand the involvement of CSOs, the advocacy role and strategies of CSOs in the CSG. The findings of this study portray that CSOs influence the implementation of the CSG programme, and play both advocacy and watchdog roles. Furthermore, invented spaces of participation through virtual platforms such as media campaigns, evidence-based research, online petitions, lobbying through litigation, and submissions were utilised by CSOs to pressure the government to top up the CSG and for the public to contribute to the design of the social assistance policy response during level 5 lockdown. The CSOs proposed the CSG top-up of R500 per recipient. However, government implemented the CSG top-up or R500 per caregiver from June to October. Whilst CSOs contributed to the social assistance policy response during lockdown, they experienced challenges such as lack of advocacy capacity, lack of public awareness of online petitions, the digital divide, and lack of data and lack of communication between respective stakeholders and the public in executing advocacy activities.
A civil society organisation's engagement in collective action to access basic services: the case of the electricity action group in Pietermaritzburg (EAG).
(2015) Mbanjwa, Nokwanda.; Manicom, Desiree Pushpeganday.
Basic services are defined in the Constitution of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996) as services that include the provision of housing, education, health care, social welfare, transport, electricity and energy, water, sanitation, refuse and waste removal. Of these basic services, electricity and energy, water and sanitation, refuse and waste removal are considered to be the most critical in improving the lives of people. The South African national government has committed itself to providing a basic amount of free water, which is 6000L per household (Water Services Act, 108 of 1997), and electricity, which is 50kWh (Electricity Basic Services Support Tariff Policy Framework, 2003) to poor residents, as they are deemed essential basic needs (Dalton, 2000:48). This provision is facilitated by indigent policies which are adopted by each municipality. Each municipal indigent policy is case specific and is thus customised to the specific needs of the municipality concerned. In instances where municipalities do not adopt the Indigent Policy Framework or fail to implement it, indigent citizens have the right to demand the municipality to recognise theirs status as per the provisions of the National Indigent Policy Framework, 2006. This can be done through civil society organisations advocating for the rights of their members and/ those of citizens in general. In a democratic country, civil society may hold government accountable to the electorate, not only during election times, but at all times, thus ensuring that government fulfils its roles, including that of service provision. The aim of the present study was to investigate how the Electricity Action Group (EAG) and other civil society organisations engage the Msunduzi municipality through collective action to gain access to their constitutional right to free basic, affordable and adequate electricity. This study made use of an interpretative research methodology. The researcher collected primary data through semi-structured focus group discussions. Two focus group discussions were conducted with the members of the EAG. A total of 10 members participated in the focus group discussions. A non-probability sampling technique, convenience sampling, was used to identify respondents, because the group was only accessible when they met for their scheduled meetings. Secondary data consisted of data from minutes of meetings, organisational reports, letters, memorandums, media statements and newspaper articles. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the collected data. Thematic analysis was most ideal to this study because it emphasises key points through pinpointing and recording patterns from the data presented. This study used themes such as collective action rationale; aims and objectives of collective action; civil society partnerships; and collective action strategies, to examine the relationship between what must be done according to legislation and what indeed happens, in practice. The findings of the study showed that the EAG, in its engagement with the municipality, had employed various strategies of collective action which included writing letters to the municipality, making written submissions and oral presentations to the municipality, holding marches and pickets where memorandums were handed over and having sit-ins in municipal offices. These actions were informed by: 1) the municipality’s response or lack thereof to the demands of the EAG; 2) the number of people participating in the collective behaviour. The study revealed that the EAG had employed both destructive and non-destructive tactics of collective action in engaging the Msunduzi municipality. The study showed that, although the collective action strategies employed by the EAG did not always yield the desired results, it produced valuable unintended consequences such as to conscientise and educate its members on basic services and constitutional rights. Two important findings which played an important role in explaining the collective behaviour of the EAG were that, firstly, although there were policies in place for the provision of basic services and free basic service provision for the indigent, they have not been provided adequately due to non-implementation. Secondly, the study found that binding decisions taken by the municipality were documented but not implemented.
A critical analysis of social regulatory policy: the case of female genital mutilation legislation in Nigeria.
(2008) Isike, Efe Mary.; Manicom, Desiree Pushpeganday.
The practice of female genital mutilation is a global problem and it is prevalent in Africa. According to the United Nations Children's Education Fund (2005), each year about three million women and girls are subjected to female genital mutilation, predominantly in parts of Africa and a few Asian and Middle East countries. The situation is the same in Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, where a large number of women and children have undergone and continue to undergo female genital mutilation. According to a UNICEF study, over 32% of Nigeria's female population has endured female genital mutilation and its attendant negative health and human rights consequences (UNICEF 2003: 2).Though Nigeria does not, at present, have a federal law banning female genital mutilation, the process of introducing one has been set in motion by the House of Representatives (lower house), which passed the HB22 Bill in 2007 (Deen 2008:1), which is still awaiting ratification by the Senate (Upper House) and acceptance by the Executive. However, eight out of the thirty-six states in Nigeria have passed laws prohibiting the practice of female genital mutilation (Jimoh 2005). The broad focus of this study was to explore the implementation of social regulatory policy, using the case of the implementation of female genital mutilation legislation in Nigeria. A policy analysis of social regulatory policy was investigated, with secondary studies on the implementation of female genital mutilation legislation in Nigeria. The broad issues investigated in the study include identifying the main aims and objectives of social regulatory policy; the policy instruments employed in the implementation of social regulatory policy; the implementation process of social regulatory policy; and the challenges and successes experienced by implementors in implementing social regulatory policy. The key issues the study sought to investigate include identifying the aims and objectives of female genital mutilation legislation in Nigeria; the policy instruments employed to implement female genital mutilation legislation; the implementation process of female genital mutilation legislation; and the challenges and successes experienced by implementors in implementing female genital mutilation legislation. The findings of social regulatory policy analysis showed that public participation is critical to the effective implementation of social regulatory policies, as they may encounter implementation difficulties if there is no provision for public participation during policy formulation. This in itself can give the government a better understanding of the socio-cultural issues at stake. These studies also showed that the wrong combination of policy instruments can hinder the effectiveness of social regulatory policy. Out of the varying policy instruments employed for policy implementation, government must choose the right combination of instruments that suits the intended policy outcome, in order to produce different effects. In order for social regulatory policies to be effective, implementers responsible for implementing social regulatory policy need to understand policy goals and be committed to its objectives. Adequate resources, both capital and human, must be invested in employing and training implementing agents. Finally, building and fostering networks and collaboration with civil society are critical to the successful implementation of social regulatory policies. In terms of application to this case study, the present investigation revealed that the implementation of female genital mutilation legislation in Nigeria has been difficult, and crippled with challenges, due to a number of factors that hinder effective policy outcome. These challenges are not unrelated to the fact that democracy is still nascent in Nigeria. First, there was a lack of public participation in the policy formulation process, which had negative consequences for effective implementation. Second, policymakers did not employ suitable policy instruments and this has hindered the implementation of female genital mutilation legislation. Third, a lack of common goal definition between implementing agents and policymakers has led to problems during the implementation of the policy. Other problems which have hindered the effective implementation of the policy include lack of skilled adequate resources, both capital and human, needed for the implementation of the policy. Finally, this study showed that government's failure to involve and collaborate with other actors/stakeholders through building networks with non-governmental organizations negatively affected the policy process. Building networks encourages the exchange of skills and information which can bring about effective policy implementation. The study concludes that these problems are pertinent to social regulatory policies, in general. Public participation in the policy formulation process must be encouraged, through active collaboration with civil society; employing the right policy implementation instruments and building institutional capacity (manpower) and providing adequate funding remain critical to the effective implementation of female genital mutilation legislation, not only in Nigeria, but in other places where such practices are deeply rooted in cultural beliefs. Also, for legislation to be effective, it must comprise the appropriate legal measures (that is, creating proper legal structures and legislation that will constrain and guide the behaviour of targets), regulatory measures (this involves the use of enforcement measures in order to compel the desired behavioural change) and policy measures (which encourages the participation of the targets in the policy process).
A critical review of public-private partnerships in the management of water services delivery : the case of Nelspruit.
(2006) Mukuka, Dominic Mulenga.; Manicom, Desiree Pushpeganday.
This study sought to investigate the complexities and challenges posed by the adoption of a Private-Public Partnership (PPP) as a mechanism for delivering services in a South African local government context. The rationale of using PPP is to be effective, efficient, accountable and transparent. The study highlights the post-apartheid government's efforts to transform water services delivery through introducing various policies and legislation in order to provide water services to communities that were previously denied access to reliable and portable water supplies. This study looks at both positive and negative aspects of public service management in general and has identified New Public Management (NPM) as a theory that seeks to address the inadequacies commonly attributed to classic public service management. PPP is an example of emerging model of service delivery from the New Public Management school of thought. New Public Management, the study's adopted theoretical framework, is concerned with reformation in a public sector organization (in this case the local government), so that it can perform effectively and efficiently. Another area of concern in New Public Management is ensuring that the public sector organizations provide decision makers with sound advice on all aspect of policy: conceptualization, review, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. The research methodology that this study used was a qualitative approach. Secondary sources of data were employed, while the method of data analysis was content analysis. Themes emerging from the data formed the basis for analysis in line with the adopted theoretical framework. The findings were based on the four sets of objectives of the study, using research questions as a guide. The process involved applying New Public Management (NPM) concepts to the case study. An examination of the manner in which networks have been managed in Nelspruit. Also examined is the legislative and policy framework that allowed and accommodated the inclusion and operation of PPP. Opportunities and threats surrounding the Greater Nelspruit Utility Company (GNUC) Concession were also identified. Finally, lessons and implications in the usage of the PPP approach as a mechanism of water services delivery concludes the discussion on the findings.
Delivery of social services through state owned enterprises : the case of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) in Pietermaritzburg.
(2016) Ngwenya, Thobeka Nomcebo.; Manicom, Desiree Pushpeganday.
The apartheid regime influenced the high inequality levels, which perpetuated poverty rates particularly amongst black Africans. The democratic government thus inherited a society that consisted of majority of its Black citizens who were labelled as “poor”. It is within this context of discriminatory practices by social welfare services during the apartheid period, that the South African government committed itself to redressing issues of poverty, and restructuring the social security system to be inclusive. This study aimed to investigate the challenges and successes of implementation in the delivery of social services through state-owned enterprises, as a mechanism to deliver services in South Africa. It entails a case study of the South African Social Security Agency as an example of a state owned enterprises, delegated to deliver social services. The study focused on the SASSA office in Pietermaritzburg, which is situated within Mgungundlovu District, in KwaZulu Natal. This study, therefore, proved that SASSA in PMB as a state owned enterprise has successfully been able to deliver social services, effectively and efficiently. The delivery of social services through state owned enterprises has fundamentally improved as compared to before the inception of SASSA. However, it further uncovers that there are still various challenges in the delivery of social services that impede further progress. The challenge of incapacity in the administration of social grants was seen as one of the challenges. Secondly, the biometric system of payment opened up to other corruptive actions, such as illegal deductions of the social grant. This research study took a qualitative study approach by using in-depth structured interviews to collect primary data from respondents (SASSA, Black Sash, CINDI, PADCA, and Youth For Christ). The study also used primary data from official government documents; as well as secondary data. The sample consisted of a total of nine participants for the study, SASSA officials and members of NGO’s, namely Black Sash, PADCA, CINDI and Youth For Christ. Data was analysed using the thematic content analysis, using manual coding according to the themes. The research study used word for word transcription.
An exploration of the implementation of the individual performance management system within local government : a case study of uMngeni municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
(2013) Mkhize, Nonhlanhla S'thabile.; Manicom, Desiree Pushpeganday.
The transition to a democratic state brought many challenges for managing public finances in South Africa. One of the challenges was the critical political commitment by the new government to improve coverage and quality of public service delivery to the majority of the population. This was done in order to redress the racially based distortions of the past (Folscher & Cole, 2006:2). The Constitution of the Republic of South African (Act 108 of 1996), section 152 (1)(b), mandates local government to ensure provision of services to communities in a sustainable manner. Through various legislation, Acts and Regulations, the South African local government began implementing performance management systems, as mandated by the national government. According to Williams (2006:24), performance management is defined by the National Department of Provincial and Local Government as, “a strategic approach to management, which equips leaders, managers, workers, and stakeholders at different levels with a set of tools and techniques to regularly plan, consciously monitor, periodically measure and review performance of the organisation in terms of indicators and targets for efficiency, effectiveness and impact”. Performance management is an approach of the new public management (NPM). NPM is said to be the use of private management ideas such as the provision of more responsive and efficient services, performance agreements, including service standards, greater autonomy and flexibility for managers and new financial techniques (Cameron, 2009:3). Performance management was thus introduced to the public sector as a way of cutting through the red tape and the rigidity associated with old-style public administration. It was seen as a way of improving efficiency and service delivery. This qualitative study was not aimed at exploring service delivery achievements, failures or citizens’ opinions on service delivery, but, rather, to reveal senior managers’ conceptions of IPMS as well as their experiences in implementing IPMS and/or challenges. This study therefore focused on conceptions and experiences of the senior managers in implementing the Individual Performance Management System (IPMS) of uMngeni Municipality, as part of the national government-wide monitoring and evaluation (GWME) system. Non-probability, purposive sampling was used to collect primary data through in-depth interviews conducted with the senior managers of uMngeni Municipality (municipal manager and three general managers of departments) and a representative from the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Performance Management Unit. Secondary data was used and this included government legislation and policies and uMngeni municipality’s annual reports. Content analysis was used to analyse the primary and secondary data. The analysis was based on the theoretical framework on public policy implementation, monitoring and evaluation, new public management and individual performance management. The research findings were categorised into the following themes: conceptualisation of the performance management system within uMngeni Municipality, the roles and responsibilities for implementation of the performance management system, mechanisms and support structures for implementation of performance management system in uMngeni Municipality and challenges encountered in implementing the performance management system within uMngeni Municipality.
"From rowing the ship to steering it" : reforming the public sector through the tender process : the Msunduzi Municipality as a case study.
(2007) Singh, Sansha.; Trotter, Kirsten.; Manicom, Desiree Pushpeganday.
It is the following quote by E.S Savas (1992) that truly conceptualises and forms the backdrop of this study "the word government is from a Greek word, which means 'to steer.' The job of government is to steer, not to row the boat. Delivering services is rowing, and government is not good at rowing" (Osborne and Gaebler 1992:25). Government has experienced a reformation of the way it operates, particularly in the way it achieves its policy objectives and delivers services. Governments have discarded the old style of governing and public administration in favour of New Public Management (NPM) and an entrepreneurial spirit. Both NPM and entrepreneurial government are based on the premise that governments must seek the most innovative, efficient and effective way of providing services and must do so under circumstances of fiscal constraints and scarce resources. This has resulted in Alternative Service Delivery (ASD) and Public Private Partnerships (PPPs). Local government, being at the heart of service delivery, has entered into Municipal Service Partnerships (MSPs). Public sector procurement has been used as a means of entering into these partnerships and introducing competition, thereby getting the best "value for money". The aim of this research study was to determine how the tender process has contributed to the reformation of the public sector in terms of improving service provision. The study was carried out by employing formal social science research methods. Qualitative methods have been adopted, using the Msunduzi Municipality as a case study. As part of the research methodology of this study, basic interviewing was conducted with officials within the Msunduzi Municipality. The first finding of this study was that government procurement injects competition into the market, thus reducing the cost of services delivered. Secondly, the procurement of goods and services aids government in acquiring much-needed skills, which the public sector often lacks from the private sector. Thirdly, that public procurement in a South African context has a dual purpose. Not only is government procurement aimed at reducing government expenditure, but also at redressing the equalities of the past by empowering "historically disadvantaged individuals". A fourth finding of this study is that Alternative Service Delivery (ASD) and Municipal Service Partnerships (MSPs), which are entered into through the procurement process at local government, are very controversial. While, on the one hand, ASD and MSPs are advocated by some for assisting government in acquiring much-needed financial and technical resources from the private sector which the public sector often lacks, on the other hand the private sector is often criticised by others for being motivated solely by profit-making. Thus, analyses of the findings of this study suggest that government procurement introduces competition into the market, thereby reducing the cost of services delivered, increases service delivery coverage and introduces much-needed skills that are required by the private sector. Public procurement has been employed as an important policy tool which fosters job creation and empowers once discriminated against groups such as women and the disabled. South Africa has reformed itself and has become more entrepreneurial and what was once a solely public function is now being delegated to the private sector. Therefore it can be deduced that ASD and MSPs, through procurement, has transformed the public sector in terms of service delivery and has greatly improved it.
Funding dilemmas in tertiary education institutions: The case of internally generated revenue (IGR) in public universities in Ghana.
(2019) Mensah, Paul Kwasi.; Manicom, Desiree Pushpeganday.;
Tertiary education institutions in Ghana have been enjoying full financial support from the state. However, recent national financial challenges have made fully-funded tertiary education unsustainable. The decision of the state to cut funding to tertiary education institutions was further fueled by the implementation of the Structural Adjustment Program (SAP) policy of the World Bank and its affiliate Bretton Woods institutions, as a condition for attracting international financial assistance to manage its fiscal imbalances. Public universities in Ghana which had enjoyed full state financial support were severely hit by the state subvention cuts. The aim of this study was to examine: ―funding dilemmas in university education institutions, with a focus on the management of internally generated revenue for the effective mandate delivery of public universities in Ghana. Using non-probability sampling, the following four public universities were involved in this study: the University of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Education and University for Development Studies. This survey study used a mixed method approach whereby self-administered questionnaires and in-depth interviews were the techniques used for data collection. The four main theories which underpinned this study were: neo-liberal ideology, human capital theory, new public-management paradigm and resource dependence theory. The findings revealed that government appreciates the relevance of university education in the national development agenda. Subvention cuts to the universities however were informed by the national financial crisis coupled with competing demands for social services and infrastructural goods; and not because university education yields less productivity while promoting divergent views unacceptable to government, as compared to basic education. Since a university degree is perceived to enhance employment prospects that guarantee a middle-class life, parents are willing to contribute through cost-sharing to fund their children‘s university education. The acceptance of cost-sharing has led government to focus its financial responsibility on the payment of workman‘s compensation in the universities, with fund allocations inadequate to cover the salaries of all categories of staff. There are also delays in subvention payments which force some universities to contract with banks for loans at high interest rates in order to pay staff, and government does not pay the accrued interest. The universities‘ engagement in extensive Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) mobilization for supplementary funds has expanded the workload of its staff without corresponding direct benefits to the staff. The university profession has therefore become less attractive to many quality professionals who only accept temporary engagements at a higher cost to the universities, and government subvention does not cover such temporary engagement costs. The extensive IGR drive often shifts the universities‘ cost burden to their students, most of whom are funded by their parents. The results have been a reduction in university access to prospective students from poor family backgrounds which perpetuates inequalities in Ghanaian society. Furthermore, the findings reveal that state policy directives are issued to restrict the IGR mobilization efforts of the universities. Also, at different phases of leadership, the government has made several efforts to categorize universities among the revenue mobilization agencies. Consequently, in the 2017 fiscal year, the government issued directives requesting universities to pay 34 percent of its IGR into the consolidated funds to finance government projects. The adverse impact of the state funding cuts and extensive IGR drive has been increasing student enrollment in favour of the few more wealthy persons in society, and large class sizes with inadequate lecturers resulting in graduates with poor quality training. Finally, the IGR drive has eroded specialization in the universities who mount similar programs attractive to students who have the resources to pay. This has resulted in the training of more arts/humanities than science/technical graduates in the ratio of 60:40 percent respectively instead of the state policy of 60:40 percent for science and humanities respectively. The study recommends that the universities should lobby the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education to have government subvention payments for workman‘s compensation released at the beginning of every quarter to eliminate the necessity for contracting bank loans and accruing interest for workman‘s compensation. Government should insist that a specified percentage of IGR in the universities should be invested in academic infrastructure, including more lecture theatres for manageable class sizes to ensure quality delivery, instead of its decision to access funding from the universities for other government projects. The universities should take advantage of their existing large markets and team up with the private sector for public-private-partnership ventures in commercial farming, estate management, commercial consultancies and other activities to improve upon their IGR. This will minimize the rate at which their financial burden is pushed onto students which deprives many suitable prospective students of access to university education. The study concludes that the National Council for Tertiary Education (NCTE) Act 454, 1993 should be reviewed by government to equip it to be able to enforce its directives and sanctions appropriately instead of having the mere advisory role that it currently plays. This will be beneficial for the supervision of tertiary education institutions in Ghana.
Gender essentialism : a conceptual and empirical exploration of notions of maternal essence as a framework for explaining gender difference.
(2010) Manicom, Desiree Pushpeganday.; Stilwell, Christine.; Marcus, Tessa.
The study sought to explore gender essentialism conceptually and empirically, and to specifically examine the concept of maternal essence as a framework for explaining gender difference. Gender, gender difference, gender essentialism, mothering and motherhood are individual fields of study however this thesis provides a sociological exploration of the intersections between these different fields. A selection was made of gender theorists: Simone de Beauvoir (1972), Shulamith Firestone (1970), Nancy Chodorow (1978, 1989, 1994) and Sara Ruddick (1989). I characterise these theorists as essentialist and analysed their contributions to explore their notions of gender difference. All four theorists commonly located gender difference in a maternal essence residing in individual women and their experiences. This essence was characterised as being biological, social or psychological. I came to the conclusion that women’s maternity was seen to be determined and reduced to biological essence (reproductive functions) or psychological essence (emotional drives and cognitive attributes) or social essence (mothering activity). All four theorists also read off micro social structural formations (family) from either individual biology or individual practice or individual psyche. In the writings of these theorists individuals are conceived of as discrete objects separated from the macro social structural context in which they exist. The study took the view that conceptions of gender can only be held to be true based on their power to represent social reality. To this end the study explored the extent to which the selected theorists’ notions of gender essentialism illuminate the social reality of individual men and women. Their essentialist conceptions of gender difference were subjected to empirical and/ or discursive examination against the maternal realities of women in South Africa. The study used data from already existing studies and policy, legislation and programmes from South Africa which report on findings and reflect notions of gender differences which are located in mothering and defined in women’s reproduction, mothering capacity and maternal practice/thinking. The empirical and discursive evidence examined in this study showed that the four theorists’ essentialist characterisation of gender difference is useful as it draws our attention to the significance of maternity for women’s individual experiences and identity as well as for society in general. However, the empirical and discursive evidence also revealed that external macro social structures, institutions and state discourse and practices influence the significance of maternity for women and society in general. The study therefore points to both the limits and the possibilities of essentialist notions, specifically maternal essence as an individual attribute, in explaining gender difference. This leads me to the view that there is a need for an approach that takes into account the complex, dialectical interaction between individual mothers and their social context to explain mothers’ experiences, behaviour, actions, capacities, attitudes, thinking, desires and activities. This study provides examples of how secondary empirical studies and policy discourse can be used to explore the usefulness of essentialist notions of gender difference. It offers a way in which the power of essentialist accounts of gender difference can be tested conceptually and empirically. It also provides evidence which can be used to extend investigations on essentialist notions of gender difference.
Gender mainstreaming in the South African national department of social development : a policy analysis.
(2010) Ntakumba, Bongwe Dumezweni.; Manicom, Desiree Pushpeganday.
Gender inequality remains the greatest challenge for many societies and this has implications for the sustainable development and well-being of societies. There exists gender inequalities with regards to access to resources such as land, healthcare, credit, information, education and decision-making power between races and between the sexes. The advent of democracy brought freedom for all South Africans and the new government understood gender inequality as a deterrent to the achievement of sustainable development for all and the building of a democratic state. The National Policy Framework for Women‟s Empowerment and Gender Equality provides a roadmap through which gender should be mainstreamed within government and elsewhere towards achieving the goal of gender equality. It stresses that the shift from inequality to equality requires the transformation of government and civil society. The efforts of the Department of Social Development towards gender mainstreaming are premised in this national framework. The purpose of the present research is to ascertain whether and how gender is being mainstreamed in the National Department of Social Development (DSD), specifically looking at the conceptualization, management and structures in place for gender mainstreaming. This is a qualitative research analysis, using in-depth interviews as primary data collection methods, as well as a review of official gender mainstreaming documents of the DSD. Eighteen officials in middle management from all the different branches (reflected in the organogram in Figure 1) of DSD were selected. Middle management refers to staff that have the rank of Assistant and Deputy- Director. These are members of staff who are directly involved in policy implementation and, in many instances, contribute to the development of policies. The findings indicate that the implementation of gender mainstreaming is varied in the Department, with considerable success towards the attainment of employment equity target of 50/50 women representation in senior management. According to the DSD Employment Equity Report 2007/2008, women constituted 48% of senior managers. The official reports of the DSD point to progress being made in gender mainstreaming within the Department. This includes working towards approving a range of service delivery policies that address concerns of women and men, in intensifying service provision to respond to people‟s vulnerabilities and to ensure sustainable development of communities. The respondents in this study argued that policy commitments to gender equality are not supported by political and administrative will and necessary resources. The majority of the respondents did not know that there was a Gender Focal Point, whose responsibility is the facilitation of gender mainstreaming in the Department. They struggled to define basic gender concepts with gender mainstreaming, mainly understood to be employment equity. The respondents were also not conversant with the Gender Mainstreaming Guidelines and did not know what is needed in implementing gender mainstreaming. The gap between the official reports of the Department on successful gender mainstreaming implementation and the negative perspectives of the respondents needs further investigation.
Health sector transformation : an investigation of community participation in public health policy formulation at a local level in Mpumuza, KwaZulu-Natal.
(2007) Ngcobo, Sibusisiwe Maureen.; Lawrence, Ralph Bruce.; Manicom, Desiree Pushpeganday.
The basis of my study is the belief that governance of the local delivery of health could usefully include full and wide community representation and participation by the stakeholders and the larger community. The study was initially carried out in 2003 and now the same clinic has been targeted to carry out an update to see whether the perceptions have changed; if so why and if not what the status is. This study investigates the proposition that if communities do not participate in policy formulation processes, implementation is crippled. The case study is of free health-care policy in a small area of Pietermaritzburg, the Mpumuza area. This area is chosen because it has a local clinic that is being used by the local people to get free primary health care services, covered by the national policy. My interest in the study is influenced by the role I played as a public servant within the district Department of Health one and a half years ago. I dealt, on a daily basis, with service delivery (with a focus on facilitation of the process of service delivery). My interest is to know how the processes of policy development unfold in practice. The study will be examining what the different writers allude to in relation to policy formulation and implementation, the legislative framework pertaining to health policy, the actual case study and finally the conclusions drawn and recommendations, which are open for further exploration in other studies. The study looks at the impact of lack of involvement of the community members (who are at the receiving end) and the role of service providers (who for the purposes of this study will be confined to the nurses that offer the health services at the specific local clinic). Basically the study found that the subject of involving communities in policy formulation is a crucial one if the policy is to be successfully implemented and these are detailed later in the document.
An implementation analysis of e-learning: a case study of Kwapata Secondary School, Dambuza township.
Mkhize, Samukelisiwe Nicole.; Manicom, Desiree Pushpeganday.
The use of information communication technologies (ICTs) is being re-introduced in the South African public schooling system as a development tool used to improve the quality of education and expand access to equal educational opportunities to all learners and teachers including previously disadvantaged schools and communities for full participation in education and society. The implementation of e-learning is guided by the White Paper on e-Education 2004 which was published as the South African governments’ symbol of commitment to ensure that all learners are ICT capable and ICTs are used optimally for teaching and learning purposes. The efforts to harness the potential of ICT use through implementation of e-learning programmes in SA public schools have been met with the reality of limited government capacity in terms of ICT funding, investment and expertise to deliver ICT skills training and infrastructure to remote, over populated, ill-resourced schools in rural and township schools. This issue prompted the investigation into, the implementation of e-learning at KwaPata Secondary School, Dambuza Township in order to discover the factors that hinder or facilitate the implementation process. Findings revealed that there is limited understanding of the purpose of e-learning amongst teachers and learners which is reflected in the teachers limited use of ICTs to information presentation which in turn diverts from the role of e-learning which is to create a learner-focused learning environment. The main barrier affecting teachers and learners ability to implement e-learning at KwaPata Secondary School is the lack of sufficient ICT resources and maintenance of ICT equipment for e-learning to take place in a structured way instead of the ad hoc manner. Consequently, the extent of e-learning implementation is restricted, resulted in only certain subjects being able to use the ‘e-learning room’ and ICT resources available at KwaPata Secondary School. However, this is not simply an issue of physical access, it is further complicated by teachers’ lack of appreciation and motivation to use and develop coping strategies to overcome access challenges. In terms of the partnership, Dimension Data suffers from a lack of financial and human resource capacity to deliver alone, efforts to overcome these challenges are undermined by lack of co-ordination and communication amongst other relevant stakeholders. The partnership was established to overcome social and economic obstacles tasked with implementing e-learning, however, the study shows that the service provider is faced with the same problem of lack of adequate capacity, funding and support as government to effectively deliver ICTs alone.
An implementation analysis of sectoral determination seven (SD7) of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act 75 of [1997] (BCEA): a case study of domestic workers in uMsunduzi Municipality.
(2017) Mabaso, Zamatungwa.; Manicom, Desiree Pushpeganday.
This study examines the issues related to the implementation of Sectoral Determination 7 (SD7). The study investigates domestic workers’ experiences of their working conditions, in order to establish the extent to which SD7 is effective in affording them labour rights, and improving their working conditions. SD7 was promulgated in 2002 by the Minister of Labour in order to regulate domestic work in the country. The promulgation of SD7 came about as a result of the shortfalls of the existing legislation such as sections 23(1) and (2) of the Constitution and the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995, as well as the Basic Conditions of Employment Act 75 of 1997 being insufficient to respond to the challenges of exploitation, oppression and abuse which shape the domestic worker sector, not only in South Africa, but globally. Over the years it became apparent that there needed to be an intervention to combat the oppression and exploitation faced by domestic workers globally. Hence, in 2011 the ILO ratified Convention No. 189 which set the international standards for the regulation of domestic work internationally. Further, Recommendation 201 was passed by the ILO which aims to stipulate the guidelines for the strengthening of policies on domestic work and national law. Despite national and international policies on the regulation of domestic work being passed, previous studies have shown that these policies have not resulted in the working conditions of domestic workers improving, and them being empowered with labour rights like their counterparts in other labour sectors. This study uses implementation theory, and the implementation of regulatory policy in particular, as well as power and street-level bureaucracy to analyze the implementation challenges of SD7 of the BCEA 75 of 1997. The study used qualitative data analysis and content thematic analysis to analyze the data. The main themes which emerged from the findings were: conceptualizations of SD7, access to provisions of SD7 and the challenges experienced with the implementation of SD7. The findings of the study supported the argument that domestic workers are unable to access these rights as a result of the power imbalance between them and their employers. Further, the study found that the policy design of SD7 does not take into consideration the intricacies of the domestic worker sector, therefore SD7, for the most part, has not improved the working conditions of domestic workers. Moreover, a poor monitoring system on the part of DoL does nothing to deter non-compliance by employers.
An implementation analysis of the Immigration Act 13 0F 2002 (Study permit): A case study of foreign African postgraduate PhD students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg campus.
(2019) Ntinzi, Lwazikazi.; Manicom, Desiree Pushpeganday.
Post-apartheid South Africa has experienced a sharp increase in all categories of migration. South Africa has become the destination for migrants such as asylum seekers, traders, entrepreneur as well as students. Migrants moving from one country to the other to pursue a career have become a worldwide phenomenon. There has been an increase in the number of foreign (the term “international” is also used in the literature and in this study the terms are used interchangeably) students crossing borders to study in higher education institutions. Even though foreign students could choose the more developed countries to pursue their studies, developing countries such as India and South Africa are attracting these students. The majority of foreign students who choose South Africa as their destination country are usually students from neighboring African countries such as Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Congo, Kenya, Swaziland and Lesotho. There is also a small contingent from Europe and North America. This study aimed to investigate the experiences of foreign African postgraduate (PhD) students coming to study in South Africa particularly at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Pietermaritzburg (PMB) Campus. It also sought to analyse the policies which enable foreign students to study in South Africa, the challenges they face when applying for, and renewing, their study permits as well as the experiences of government and university administrators in administering foreign students’ applications. The study sought to answer the following questions: 1. What are the reasons for foreign African postgraduate (PhD) students coming to study in South Africa? 2. What are the application processes and policies for foreign African postgraduate students to study in South Africa? 3. What are the systems and structures at UKZN PMB for foreign African postgraduate students to facilitate their studies? 4. What are the challenges that UKZN PMB foreign African postgraduate students face in accessing study permits? 5. What are the experiences of UKZN administrators in dealing with foreign African postgraduate student applications? The study used a qualitative research approach, namely, a case study. In-depth interviews were used to collect primary data from key informants comprising two assistant directors from the Department of Home Affairs, two UKZN administrators (with one being from the International Office), and 14 foreign African postgraduate (PhD) students. The latter were interviewed via two focus groups, with seven students per group. The study used thematic analysis to analyse the data. The themes were derived from the literature review and theoretical framework and were as follows: Conceptions of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002, policy implementation and programme delivery; managers and administrators’ experiences in relation to assisting foreign African postgraduate students; and, thirdly, the experiences of foreign African postgraduate students themselves. The study found that when the Department of Home Affairs implemented the above legislation it encountered various challenges including the submission of fraudulent documentation by foreign students. It also revealed that the street level bureaucrats, as policy actors, clearly understood the roles that they have to play in providing services to the beneficiaries of this legislation. Findings showed that foreign African students choose to study in South Africa as it is one of the countries closer to their country of origin and is well-known to have the best higher education institutions on the African continent. It was also found that foreign students are attracted by academic programmes available in South Africa which they do not have access to in their country of origin. This study revealed that most foreign African students experience numerous difficulties when applying for a study permit in their home country and also renewing them in South Africa. These challenges include standing for long hours in queues at the different embassies. Foreign African students also faced challenges of being denied a visa because they did not produce all the documents required as well as the experience of xenophobic attacks in the host country.