Browsing by Author "Nzimakwe, Thokozani Ian."

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A conceptual framework to address challenges facing female-owned agricultural cooperatives in Pietermaritzburg.
(2023) Ndlovu, Silindile Goodness.; Nzimakwe, Thokozani Ian.
The study investigated challenges encountered by small to medium-scale (primary to secondary level) female cooperatives in the agricultural sector in Pietermaritzburg. This research aimed to assess the challenges encountered by female entrepreneurs in the small to medium-scale agricultural sector in Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal to present a conceptual framework to address the challenges encountered by female owned agricultural cooperatives in Pietermaritzburg. A qualitative methodology generated an in-depth understanding of the phenomenon under study. The researcher’s target population in this study was female owned cooperative enterprises in the agricultural sector in Pietermaritzburg. The sample for the study was selected through the purposive sampling method. Only 20 female-owned cooperatives out of 306 in the agricultural sector in Pietermaritzburg participated in the study. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were used to collect data on the challenges facing female entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector in Pietermaritzburg. Ten primary-level female-owned cooperatives and ten secondary-level female-owned cooperatives were selected to participate. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Study findings revealed that a lack of access to sufficient and productive land for expansion; a lack of skills; a demand for legal and regulatory frameworks; a lack of capital and markets and the issue of collateral availability; a lack of government support, a lack of infrastructure, a gap in understanding business culture; and poor value chain organisation affect female entrepreneurs in the small to medium-scale agricultural sector. These constraints presented a framework of barriers for female entrepreneurs in the small to medium-scale agricultural sector that must be addressed. This conceptual framework can be used towards the empowerment of women as a prerequisite for achieving inclusive growth or for promoting their services from primary to secondary cooperative level within the formal sector of the economy. Iqoqa Lolu cwaningo luhlole izingqinamba izinhlangano zabesifazane ezincane neziphakathi nendawo ngobukhulu emkhakheni wezolimo ePietermaritzburg ezibhekene nazo. Lolu cwaningo lwaluhlose ukuhlola ukuthi zingakanani izingqinamba ababhekene nazo emkhakheni wezolimo osomabhizinisi besifazane abanamapulazi amancane naphakathi nendawo ngobukhulu ePietermaritzburg KwaZulu-Natali, ukuze lwethule uhlaka olucatshangelwe oluzosiza ekubhekaneni nalezo zingqinamba ezihlangabezana nazo izinhlangano zezolimo zabesifazane ePietermaritzburg. Kwasetshenziswa indlela eyikhwalithethivu ukuze kuqondwe kabanzi le ndaba ecwaningwayo. Kulolu cwaningo, umcwaningi ubegxile kubabambiqhaza abangabesifazane emkhakheni wezolimo ePietermaritzburg. Isampula locwaningo bekungolwenhloso. Zingama-20 kuphela izinhlangano zobambiswano zabesifazane kwezingama-306 emkhakheni wezolimo ePietermaritzburg ezibambe iqhaza kulolu cwaningo. Kusetshenziswe izingxoxo ezijulile ezisakuhleleka ukuze kuqoqwe imininingo emayelana nezingqinamba ababhekene nazo osomabhizinisi besifazane emkhakheni wezolimo ePietermaritzburg. Kwakhethwa izinhlangano zobambiswano zabesifazane eziyishumi ezisesigabeni sokuqala kanye neziyishumi ezakhiwa yizinhlangano zabesifazane ezisesigabeni esesithe thuthu ukuba zibambe iqhaza. Kwasetshenziswa ukuhluza ngokwezindikimba ukuhlaziya imininingo. Okutholakale kulolu cwaningo kwembula ukuthi ukuntuleka komhlaba owanele nokhiqizayo ukuze kukhuliswe ibhizinisi; ukuntuleka kwamakhono; izidingo zezinhlaka zezomthetho nezokulawula; ukuntuleka kwezimali nezimakethe okuzodayiswa kuzo nenkinga yokungabi nezibambiso ezingasetshenziselwa ukuboleka; ukuntuleka komxhaso kahulumeni, ukuntuleka kwezingqalasizinda, ukungakuqondi kahle ukuphathwa kwebhizinisi; nendlela yokusebenza kwebhizinisi lezolimo engahleliwe kahle kuba nemiphumela engemihle kosomabhizinisi besifazane abanamabhizinisi amancane naphakathi nendawo ngobukhulu emkhakheni wezolimo. Lezi zithiyo zethula uhlaka lwezingqinamba okumele kubhekwane nazo zosomabhizinisi besifazane bamabhizinisi amancane kuya kwaphakathi nendawo ngobukhulu emkhakheni wezolimo. Lolu hlaka olutuswayo lungasetshenziselwa ukukwenza kube yimfuneko yokuqala ukufukula abesifazane, ukuze kube nokukhula okubandakanya wonke umuntu noma ukuqhakambisa imisebenzi yabo kusukela esigabeni samabhizinisi obambiswano aqalisayo kanye nalawo asethe thuthu ayizinhlangano ezibambisene emkhakheni wezamabhizinisi abhalisiwe.
Access to information for community participation to enhance service delivery in uMshwathi Local Municipality.
(2021) Khanyile, Ralph Mafezwe.; Nzimakwe, Thokozani Ian.; Mthuli, Syanda Alpheous.
In South Africa, access to information, and community participation in local government matters during the Apartheid era, was reserved for the White minority, with all other races excluded. This was owing to the Apartheid laws that only catered for the White minority, while denying most inhabitants of the country, including Indians, Coloureds, and Blacks, their political rights and participation in their own governance. At the end of Apartheid in the 90s, the newly elected democratic government implemented policies whose purpose was to redress the imbalances of the past, with community access to public information amongst the new policies. Even with the new policies which are meant to ensure that communities have access to information, there are still wide gaps that have resulted in endless service-delivery complaints. Such complaints sometimes lead to service-delivery protests, especially at local government level. On closer inspection, these protests and complaints are seen to be a result of lack of information, caused either by insufficient information being provided to members of the public regarding public services, or not being provided at all, and or lack of community participation in decision-making by the municipality regarding public services. This study explores the complexities of access to information that ensure communities within uMshwathi Local Municipality can express their views on the municipal services they receive. The study adopted a qualitative research design. Through this research design, data was collected per interviews and focus group discussions, evaluating the data to achieve a thematic analysis. This study found that technology is key to providing information, while community structures for providing information are weak. There are politics in providing/sharing information about public services; and attention to community concerns is lacking. The cascading of information to the public is politicised, while it is also delayed and outdated. The interaction between ward committees, community members, the elected councillors, and municipal officials is complex, while being challenged by finger-pointing and playing the ‘blame game’. The blame game is mostly about who is responsible for ensuring that members of the community have access to municipal information apropos of public services. Finally, the complaints-management system is egregious, and there is a need for training of ward committees, such being lacking.
Adherence to performance management system framework by the Solid Waste Management Division within the Umdoni Municipality.
(2018) Mkhize, Sibusiso Wycliff.; Nzimakwe, Thokozani Ian.
Municipalities are obliged by the Constitution to provide services in an efficient, effective and accountable manner. However, Local Government in South Africa has been characterised by inefficiency and marred by public service delivery protests. This study argues that Performance Management System (PMS) is one practice of management which significantly improves service delivery in public organisations. The study explored the origin and evolution of management and the models of Public Administration. It is guided by four theories namely: the Scientific Management Theory, Systems Theory, Institutional Theory and the Rational Choice theory. The concept of Adherence was critical to the study, thus the researcher constructed the Adherence Model, illustrating the activities and organisational practices which lead to adherence. The main aim of the study was to assess the adherence of PMS at the Solid Waste Management Division at Umdoni Municipality. This was achieved by examining the perceptions of the management and operational staff of the Solid Waste Management Division at Umdoni Municipality. In order to achieve the objectives of the study, a questionnaire was employed to determine the degree of adherence of PMS by assessing the extent to which the Umdoni Municipality applied the principles of PMS. Rooted from the quantitative research design, closed-ended survey questionnaires were distributed to 115 participants. The results of the study indicated that there was a lack of comprehensiveness in the implementation of the PMS principles in the Umdoni Municipality. The findings also showed that the adherence of PMS was appropriately practised by the middle and top management staff, while the PMS principles were inconsistently imposed on the lower hierarchical staff, such as the Umdoni Solid Waste Management Division Staff.
Analysing the effects of flexible working conditions in the workplace: a case of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of co-operative governance.
(2023) Shandu, Ruth Bhekekile.; Nzimakwe, Thokozani Ian.
Currently, South African government departments face common problems such as punctuality, frequent leave requests, lack of engagement, absenteeism, and poor management of employee wellbeing, resulting in high absenteeism rates. These issues affect the work-life balance, which negatively impacts employee performance, thereby affecting delivery of services to the department and community at large. This study investigated how flexible work arrangements can reduce time management issues while increasing job satisfaction and performance in the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs. Flexible working schedules can increase the level of contentment and performance, which has been discovered to benefit both the employer and the employee. A qualitative research method was chosen for the study because it provided an opportunity to explore the research objectives in greater detail. The sample size and strategy used comprised organising focus group interviews as well as individual interviews, representing the population by using a sample of 10 participants from different levels, namely senior managers to lower levels in the Department. The study reviewed aspects of analysis of the impact of workplace flexibility and its effect on employee performance by looking at previous research on similar topics. This review was designed to explore workplace flexibility in order to delve deeper into the need for it and the benefits it could provide. The findings of the study revealed that offering flexibility could help and support the emotional health of the employees, as well as improving their relationship with the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs. A call for a flexible work strategy is of interest to most employees in the Department, since flexibility provides for a work-life balance that is essential to everybody. The conclusion and recommendations were that the Department should consider implementing and making provision for flexible working arrangements, which can achieve greater job fulfilment, a better balance between work and life and motivate employees, as well as reducing absenteeism and increasing the quality of service delivery at all employee levels.
Analysing the intricacies of performance management systems in the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport and Recreation.
(2020) Mkhize, Langelihle Nkululeko.; Nzimakwe, Thokozani Ian.; Mthuli, Syanda Alpheous.
Since the dawn of democracy in 1994, the first democratic government has been transforming public service delivery. To this end, the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996, and other legislative frameworks, pronounced the significance of performance management systems. The uneven performance of the public service in South Africa has led to the promulgation of set legislations which seek to respond to public needs. There are distinct driving forces that may cause barriers to the PMS execution (Ammons, 2001). Despite such drastic measures made to mitigate poor service delivery, public institutions are still faced with challenges in the implementation of PMS. The study seeks to provide a perspective on the intricacies of PMSs, using the case of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport and Recreation (KZNDSR). The study used a qualitative research design with the intention of obtaining a comprehensive insight into, and opinions on the experience of the study’s participants. The study adopted a phenomenological research strategy. Data was collected using in-depth, one on one, recorded interviews, which include 15 interviewees, with the assistance of an interview guide. The study employed a non-probability strategy and also adopted a purposive sampling technique. Data quality control was ensured through trustworthiness of the data, while data was analysed using thematic analysis. In the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport and Recreation the following challenges were identified by the study: inconsistent and erratic filling of PMS documents, PMS being human-resource driven, lack of strong performance culture (money driven), and lack of perceived fairness in the implementation of the performance management system. This study’s contribution will add value to the existing body of knowledge, thereby providing insight into what needs to be done, in an attempt to improve PMS implementation. Little is known on how PMSs can improve performance (Sanger, 2013). The study seeks to fill this void. In an effort to mitigate the identified challenges, the following recommendations are proposed: continuous training and development, appointment of a PMS specialist, recognition and rewarding of good performers, alignment of the performance management system with other strategic documents supporting service delivery, monitoring and evaluation, and dissemination of feedback.
An analysis of educators' perceptions of the developmental appraisal system: a case study of schools in Richards Bay.
(2017) Mbatha, Misumuzi Felix.; Nzimakwe, Thokozani Ian.; Mutereko, Sybert.
Research has shown that employees engage in Performance Appraisal on an on-going basis to review their current performance and strategize on ways to improve. This view derives from Locke’s conceptualization of goal-setting theory, in which employees set themselves challenging goals to achieve during the appraisal cycle. Educators participate in an appraisal process every year, but unfortunately very little improvement is noticeable in their performance. The pass rates of the learners they teach are not improving. The main aim of this study was to analyse the perceptions of educators regarding the Development Appraisal System as it is constructed within the Department of Education. The study used a mixed-methods approach, which involved survey methods (the administrations of questionnaires to 135 respondents) and in-depth interviews (7) to elicit the views of educators on the implementation of Developmental Appraisal in schools. Through the data analysis this study established that Performance Appraisal is well entrenched in schools. There were, however, challenges related to the quality of its implementation. Educators find the process time consuming and state that there is no time to do justice to the appraisal processes. The data analysis suggests that the training programmes do not respond to the needs of the schools. A further analysis revealed that educators engage in such appraisal largely to fulfil administrative requirements. The consequence is that the scores entered on evaluation instruments and reporting documents are unreliable and misleading, which affects the suitability of the development interventions designed for educators. These findings have critical implications for the Department of Education with regard to monitoring and supporting school managers to run an effective and efficient Developmental Appraisal System.
An analysis of revenue management in water and sanitation in Harry Gwala and Ugu water services authorities.
(2019) Nkabane, Nobuhle Pamela.; Nzimakwe, Thokozani Ian.
Local government municipalities in South Africa are beset by poor revenue collection and management and the Harry Gwala and Ugu WSAs are no exception. In this regard, public finance is a decisive and overriding factor in determining the financial viability of municipalities. Failure to collect revenues properly compromises the quality of service delivery, including the provision of water and sanitation. In general, financial viability of urban and rural municipalities differs respectively. This claim is based on the fact that some municipalities are self-sufficient while others remain dependent on national revenue for survival and the revenue base in most rural municipalities is weak and unsustainable, rendering service delivery ineffective and unsatisfactory. Arguably, the transition to democracy has instilled a culture of non-payment and a culture of entitlement even though households are able to pay for service charges. However, 25 years later the government is still providing free services to such individuals. This study intends to conduct an explorative analysis of revenue management of water and sanitation with specific reference to Harry Gwala and Ugu WSAs. The study explored the communication challenges being experienced by both WSAs in the provision of metered services in water and sanitation service delivery. It assessed the challenges relating to the billing system and to the management of revenue collection for water and sanitation in the Harry Gwala and Ugu WSAs. Furthermore, the study investigated the challenges of compliance management for water and sanitation businesses in Harry Gwala and Ugu WSAs. The research approach uses a qualitative research method. Data collection methods were interviews and questionnaires as the primary data collection strategy. Based on the empirical data collected and analysed, the study further developed and introduced a normative model/new conceptual framework on revenue management for water and sanitation service delivery which the researcher has found as being a gap in the literature. The normative model/conceptual framework will contribute to the body of knowledge and reinforce existing theories, which will assist in determining the financial standpoint of rural and urban water services authorities. The study has recommended how best the WSAs can improve water and sanitation revenue inflows to ensure availability and sustainability of revenue sources in order to operate, maintain and refurbish the existing infrastructure to ensure that the future generation is not deprived an access to this precious ecological resource.
An analysis of the supply chain management process in the KZN department of public works.
(2012) Hlongwa, Nonhlanhla Pamela.; Nzimakwe, Thokozani Ian.
Reforming public procurement has had the objective of making delivery of goods and services more effective and efficient, less expensive and capable of providing a better quality of service. These measures have not always been positively received by those mostly affected. The aim of this study was to determine the critical success factors underlying the efficiency and effectiveness of the Supply Chain Management processes that can provide competitive advantage in the procuring of goods & services and assist the Department to render an effective and efficient service delivery as well as ensure that the process complies with the requirements of the Constitution. At policy level, the dissertation seeks to provide a theoretical framework which will help in understanding the effect of supply chain variables in procuring goods & services, as well as the performance of the entire supply chain management processes. In order to obtain a management and officials perspective on the effectiveness of Supply Chain Management (SCM) processes in the Department, a dual approach was used, where qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection were used with a probability sample of 90 questionnaires distributed to Departmental officials and 50 interviews conducted with senior management with the aim of obtaining more insight information on Supply Chain Management processes in the Department. The study revealed that the Departments SCM policies are in line with the SCM Framework and other Regulatory documents, it further revealed that there are challenges in the implementation of SCM processes. Furthermore the study revealed that supply chain is affected by the quality of the relationship with suppliers and selection criteria. The comparative analysis of chapters that preceded this chapter was provided. Possible constraints were presented as findings. Recommendations that were provided include: the review of policies and processes to address the lead time and other challenges, performance management, supplier selection and support, implementation of electronic system in improvement processes and having the right human skill. Successful procurement management emanates from good planning, execution, monitoring and control processes. Although the department’s procurement function plays a prominent role in the procurement of goods and services, the success of the contract depends largely on the performance of the contractor and its subcontractors. Therefore, it is essential that the contract procured through supply chain management policy is properly monitored and enforced.
An analysis of the theory and practice of governance in the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Authority.
(2005) Nzimakwe, Thokozani Ian.; Singh, D.
South Africa's negotiated settlement and its transition to a democratically elected government has often been referred to as a small miracle. Despite that, the country faces major governance challenges, ie. it has to embark on a comprehensive governance programme. The main aim of this study is to discuss and review the state of governance in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. The concept of governance has a broader relevance than the narrow and traditional term of government. The latter refers conventionally to the actions of a narrow set of government institutions. On the other hand, however, governance encompasses a wider range of issues and actors and the interactions among them. The interest in and importance of governance has followed a longer interest in the concept of civil society. With the advent of democracy, the South African government, together with its nine provincial administrations, has committed itself to maintaining and working with civil society structures. The design and implementation of public sector projects increasingly reflect : a partnership approach between government at all levels, the private sector and civil society. One aspect of governance in South Africa, which this study has also paid some attention to, is what is called good governance. One hallmark of the new Constitution is that a decentralised political system has been created which allows opportunities for wider consultation and participation by civil society, public sector, and the private sector in promoting good governance. This research is motivated by theoretical and practical concerns. It has attempted to cast light on governance issues of KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Authority by identifying some important and common dynamics of governance processes within this province. Further it has attempted to show how general principles of good governance can guide legislators, public officials, the private sector and civil society as they continue to grapple with governance challenges. The study has revealed that essentially there are four suggested properties of governance: Firstly, it is the degree of trust that exists between classes, clans and political elites about the nature, purpose and the rules of sociopolitical interactions and practices. Without trust, individuals and organised interest groups will see no reason to actively engage in public life. The second element is the extent to which there are effective relations of reciprocity in the public realm. Reciprocity exists if associations and parties are allowed to form, to defend and promote stakeholder interests within the public realm via political competition, pressure, negotiations and conflict resolution. The third element is the degree of accountability, i.e. whether the governors can be held accountable by the governed via institutionalised procedures and processes. This cannot be sustained over time without the eventual implementation of structures of accountability and trust across society. Fourthly, the nature of authority, i.e. how political leaders make policies and implement them in a way that resolves the problems of ordinary citizens and promotes the legitimacy of the public realm - what many in South Africa refer to as the capacity to govern. The conclusion drawn from this study is that if a government wants to promote and practise good governance, it must try to involve all stakeholders, namely civil society, public officials and the business sector, when making decisions concerning the delivery of services. This requires consultation with these stakeholders or their representatives. Leaders in politics, government institutions, private sector and civil society should announce good governance as the only option. Given that governance involves a number of new challenges for everyone, the researcher examined how each segment can contribute to the practice of good governance in the province. The study has identified the quest for good governance as the most formidable challenge, not only facing the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Authority, but also the country as a whole. All concerned are urged to find ways and means of reversing the trend towards declining governability and institutional decay. In the final analysis the following recommendations were made: • Good governance must result in better delivery of services; • Good governance programmes must change society for the better; • To promote good governance, the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Authority must consistently implement growth-oriented and market-friendly economic policies; • Legislators must ensure that there are mechanisms for enforcing accountability and transparency; and • Government must encourage citizen participation, and governance must be undertaken to improve the general welfare of a society.
Assessing human resource policies on performance using monitoring and evaluation tools in Durban Transnet National Port Authority.
(2018) Khanyile, Thulile.; Nzimakwe, Thokozani Ian.
Human Resources policies have been playing a character in Durban Transnet National Port Authority institutions for many years. Performance has been one of the critical issues in many organisations. Monitoring and Evaluation remains the significance factor in assessing Human Resource policies into operative institutions that provides on the objectives of Transnet. The main objective of the study was to analyse the role of evaluations of HR Policies in the Durban Transnet National Port Authority. Further the aim was to determine the monitoring of HR policies for improved results and performance in the Durban Transnet National Port Authority, and evaluate the planning for improvements of HR policies in the Durban Transnet National Port Authority. This study used a qualitative method. This approach enabled the researcher to explore concepts in more depth with the research participants and to hear them talk about issues that affect them. Unstructured interviews were employed as they favour lengthy responses and can provide a holistic understanding of the respondents’ views pertaining to the research topic. Thematic analysis was deemed suitable for qualitative data analysis because the technique allowed for concise organisation and detailed description of collected data. The findings of the study indicated that the interpretation of HR policies has not improved, there is no consultation other stakeholders within the organisation before policies are developed. All HR personnel including line managers to be clear with all HR policies so that correct information will be cascaded down, and line managers to take responsibility and be ready to be corrected of changes. As part of the recommendations, the study suggested that there must be a monitoring and evaluation team or specialists in place for line managers and HR to meet regularly to discuss their concerns about the implementation of the HR policies as well to oversee the effectiveness of monitoring and evaluation in an organisation. It is recommended that inductions need to take place where these concerns can be addressed under the supervision of an external facilitator. The emphasis in monitoring is on checking progress towards the achievement of an objective. A good monitoring system will thus give warning, early on in the implementation of a course of action that the end goal will be reached as planned. Keywords: Monitoring, evaluation, human resources, policies, performance, planning, improvements.
Assessing managerial competencies of small enterprises in Okhahlamba Local Municipality.
(2021) Nene, Lindani Rodgers.; Nzimakwe, Thokozani Ian.
Small Micro and Medium Entreprises (SMMEs) are amongst the programmes that were unveiled by government just after first democratic elections in 1994. They were identified by a government as the essential tool to address some socio-economic challenges such as poverty eradication, unemployment and SMMEs were also tipped as a vital tool to address the high level of economic inequalities in the society. In the past 25 years government has initiated number of programmes to support SMMEs, however the failure rate of small businesses is very high especial those SMMEs that are based in rural areas. This study intended to assess the managerial competencies amongst the SMMEs that are based in Okhahlamba Local Municipality. The main objective of the study was to assess whether the SMMEs ownersmanagers do have adequate skills to manage their businesses successfully. The literature looked at all SMMEs support structures, legislations, factors that lead to SMMEs failure and also looked at five managerial competencies in relation to the management of small businesses. The literature revealed that the failure of SMMEs can be attributed to the lack of managerial competencies to its owners-managers. The simple random sampling was used to sample the respondents in this study. A total of 120 questionnaires were distributed to SMMEs ownersmanagers and total of 116 questionnaires were collected from the respondents. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS), hence the descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analysed the data. The key finding was that SMMEs ownersmanagers are aware of managerial competencies that they should have, but the majority of them seem to be lacking these managerial competencies. The study revealed that those SMMEs owners-managers with formal qualifications after matric they seem to be doing well in their business as compared to those who do not have formal qualifications. The study recommended that the Okhahlamba Local Municipality and other agencies that are involved in the SMMEs development should pay more attention on assisting these small businesses owners-managers to develop managerial skills. A close mentorship is also recommended particularly those SMMEs that has been operational for less than two years.
Assessing the factors influencing high turnover amongst doctors and professional nurses in eThekwini Health District.
(2020) Hlongwa, Howard Sihle Kwenzakufani.; Nzimakwe, Thokozani Ian.
Employee turnover is a widely used term in business circles. Most of the researchers focus on the causes of employee turnover but little work has been executed regarding the examining of the sources of employee turnover, the effects and the advisement of different strategies which can be employed by administrators in various organisations to ensure that there exists employee continuity to enhance organisational competitiveness. In order for this objective to be realised, South Africa need doctors and nurses and other related healthcare practitioners. The reality is that public sector institutions are losing many healthcare professionals on a regular basis. In other words, there is a high turnover rate of healthcare professionals. Service delivery of the patients' health is compromised as a result. The main aim of the study was to examine the sources, causes and effects of the employee turnover of doctors and professional nurses in the eThekwini health district. A qualitative case-study design was adopted whereby semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from the sampled participants. The collected data was then arranged, categorised and analysed accordingly using thematic analysis. The empirical survey revealed that healthcare professionals like doctors and nurses have a major role in combating the scourge of the said issue. The challenge is that there is an acute shortage of doctors and nurses which has exposed the KZN Department of Health in terms of the recruitment and retention of this category of human resources. The shortage of doctors and nurses has become a major challenge that needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency. The importance of hiring and retaining healthcare professionals in public sector healthcare facilities cannot be over-emphasised. The conclusion drawn by this study is that strategies on how to reduce employee turnover in organisations must be established. When the job market improves, many employees who have had few opportunities will be looking for and exploring new alternatives. Employee turnover can be very expensive, disruptive and damaging to organisational success. Therefore, key recommendations were made. This, among other factors, is the need for new retention strategies to be developed in order to address the contemporary impasse of the scarcity of the healthcare professionals in question.
An assessment of revenue management of water and sanitation : a case of Harry Gwala District Municipality.
(2016) Nkabane, Nobuhle Pamela.; Nzimakwe, Thokozani Ian.
Rural municipalities in South Africa are beset by poor revenue collection and management and the Harry Gwala District Municipality is no exception. In this regard, public finance is a decisive and overriding factor in determining the financial viability of municipalities. Failure to collect revenues properly compromises the quality of service delivery including the provision of water and sanitation. In general, financial viability of urban and rural municipalities differs respectively. This claim is based on the fact that some municipalities are self-sufficient while others remain dependent on national revenue for survival and the revenue base in most rural municipalities, including the Harry Gwala District Municipality, is weak and unsustainable rendering service delivery ineffective and unsatisfactory. Arguably, the transition to democracy has instilled a culture of non-payment and a culture of entitlement even though households are able to pay for service charges. However, 22 years later the government is still providing free services to such individuals. The study intended to assess the revenue management of water and sanitation in the Harry Gwala District Municipality. The study explored the communication challenges being experienced by this municipality in the provision of metered services in water and sanitation service delivery. The study assessed the challenges relating to the billing system and to the management of the revenue collection for water and sanitation in the Harry Gwala District Municipality. Data collection methods were interviews as the primary data collection strategy. The researcher interviewed 4 focus groups. The instrument that was used was interview guides. Based on the empirical data collected and analysed, the study was able to determine the financial standpoint for the municipality along with the recommendations. The study recommends how best the local authorities or Water Services Authorities can improve water and sanitation revenue inflows to ensure availability and sustainability of revenue sources in order to operate, maintain and refurbish the existing infrastructure.
An assessment of sustainable human settlement strategy in creating a quality living environment: a case of eThekwini Municipality.
(2019) Mvuyana, Bongekile Yvonne Charlotte.; Nzimakwe, Thokozani Ian.
Various factors complicated the process of urban transformation in South Africa – these included the legacy of apartheid, legislation and settlement planning, private sector investment decisions, political and economic transition, and inter-governmental relationships, government capacity, and financial constraints. The lack of service delivery, more particularly, at local government sphere, is one of the conflicts among policymakers and development planners. Different strategies have been implemented by the South Africa government to address this lack and absence of service delivery in housing provision. The main objective of the study was to identify the interventions that the eThekwini Municipality has engaged in, and whether or not they have contributed to improving quality living environments of poor households. The Housing Act of 1997 defines housing development as the establishment and preservation of houses fit for human habitation, and secure and sustainable public and private residential environments to ensure viable households and communities. These houses should be built in areas enabling suitable access to economic opportunities, health, educational and social amenities. The study examined the processes and procedures for promoting integrated housing strategy in local government in order to create a quality living environment in post-apartheid South Africa. The study is in qualitative in nature and data was collected from members of the Cornubia community and officials from the eThekwini Municipality and KwaZulu-Natal Department of Human Settlements. The study was able to indicate problems that the municipality has encountered and strategies embarked on to ensure that the right to adequate housing is fulfilled. The study, through its findings has reflected the challenges that the Municipality is facing in the provision of houses, as some of the houses provided do not have facilities as expected, to complete human settlements. Against this background, the study recommends the need for a change in the processes followed by municipalities in housing provision, in order to ensure that the human settlements mandate is achieved. Hence, the new framework proposes that an appropriate legislative and policy framework for planning be developed to support the operation of an efficient, effective and transparent planning system. This framework can afford departments an opportunity to align their vision, mission, strategic plans and operational plans. The framework further provides for the importance of awareness programmes amongst communities and in building capacity in communities. Housing policy reforms are a key in addressing human settlements problems in South Africa and meeting the current backlog.
An assessment of the efficiency and effectiveness of the management of service delivery: a case study of eDumbe municipality.
(2017) Zwane, Zwelithini Michael.; Nzimakwe, Thokozani Ian.
This study’s purpose was to investigate the extent to which the eDumbe municipality had progressed in providing service delivery effectively with the intention of strengthening good governance. In post-apartheid South Africa, the government is compelled to respond to global and economic changes by investing more on resources that can improve the lives of the people. To respond to these changes, government-formulated policies and legislation as mechanisms to assist local government; to carry out its developmental mandate aim to improve the status of communities and improve lives of the people. This study argues that the initiatives and intervention of local government to out carry its mandate has made limited progress in as far as the provision of service delivery and in upholding the principles of good governance at the eDumbe municipality are concerned. There is a great need to fast-track service delivery at local government level. These initiatives include: community satisfaction surveys; operation clean audit and back-to-basics. This study adopted a mixed methodology, that is, a combination of both the qualitative and quantitative methods and did an assessment of the efficiency and effectiveness of the management of service delivery: A case study of the eDumbe Municipality. A mixed-method-approach means synthesising quantitative and qualitative data. This was seen as suitable for this study because the main purpose of the study was to assess how management of resources influences the effectiveness and efficiency at the eDumbe Municipality. The study commenced with the review of relevant literature, then presented a model developed for factors influencing efficient and effective service delivery and assesses the management of resources against this model. It also interpreted data that had been collected from the respondents. Findings of this study revealed the municipality had poor administrative capacity and infrastructure to carry out its mandate. This was as a result of inadequate financial resource (low tax base) as the municipality relied on a government grant. It is recommended that the managers should be visible to the community they serve and that the municipality must make it its obligation to inform the community about the availability of the financial statements.
An assessment of the influence of urbanisation on informal settlement patterns at Msunduzi local municipality.
(2021) Zuma, Muziwokuthula.; Nzimakwe, Thokozani Ian.
Rapid urbanisation in South Africa is a serious development challenge that needs urgent attention. There are several reasons for the increased migration into urban areas including a search for employment opportunities, search for healthier quality of life, and immigration of foreign nationals both skilled and unskilled. The aim is to assess the main trends, causes and consequences of rapid urbanisation and provide suggestions to improve public urban development and management. The study was informed by the New Urban Sociology Approach that explains that urbanisation is influenced by the interaction of several factors; local, national, and global forces with emphasis on economic activities. The study used an exploratory research design. The study adopted a qualitative research methodology. Qualitative methodology allowed the researcher to collect in-depth data on the influence of urbanisation on informal settlement patterns at Msunduzi Municipality. The target population for this study included Mayor, Municipal Manager, Municipality officers involved in addressing informal settlements, and Councillors at Msunduzi local municipality. Empirical data were collected using semi-structured in-depth interviews and document analysis. The study used thematic analysis. Findings of the study indicated that besides metropolitan areas, secondary cities and major towns are experiencing an increase in the number of households. This study recommended that municipalities should look at the nature, causes and influence of urbanisation on socio-economic development. This will contribute towards understanding dynamics, trends with a view to inform public policy development and management of urbanisation. The recommendations from this study will inform the improvement of urban development and management in Msunduzi Municipality and KwaZulu-Natal province.
Causes and management of stress in the workplace: a case study of the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in KwaZulu-Natal.
(2018) Msimango, Nonhlanhla Prisca.; Taylor, John Derek.; Nzimakwe, Thokozani Ian.
The main aim of the study is to examine the causes and management of stress in the workplace using COGTA-KZN as a case study. The intention is to explore and discover the causes and the effects of work-related stress and to add these findings to the existing body of knowledge. A qualitative research design wa sused to conduct this study. The target population is of levels 2-10, levels 11-12, and levels 13-15 as well as a selection of employees in the office of COGTA-KZN MEC. The researcher scheduled four focus group interviews with the selected study participants, a sample of 20 in total with 5 respondents from each selected category and an in-depth discussion based on the predetermined questions was designed. The respondents included 5 senior managers, 5 middle managers, 5 supervisors in the levels below this category and the other 5 participants were officials in the office of COGTA-KZN MEC. The respondents were purposively selected by the researcher based on their relevance in terms of the study. The results indicated that employee relationships between COGTA-KZN need serious overhauling to improve relations. Therefore, the study recommends that political cadre deployment should further be explored as there seems to be blurred lines that often border on nepotism and favouritism; often undermining existing staff who have been mentored and coached, for years specificaly when new career opportunities pesent themselves. Additionally, the study recommends that further research be conducted to establish strategies that government can employ to re-skill the current cohort of employees in order to implement knowledge management effectively from within the current staff. Currently the high staff turnover from within provincial government seems to affect both the employee and the employer, particularly at a senior level.
The challenges of operating entrepreneurial businesses in restituted land: the case of KwaZulu-Natal.
(2018) Dlamini, Sakhile.; Kunene, Lindiwe Nqobile.; Nzimakwe, Thokozani Ian.
In KwaZulu-Natal, public and private sectors need to increase support for sustainability of Small Medium and Micro Enterprises and or Entrepreneurial businesses. Many SMMEs struggle to overcome failure due to lack of strategic interventions from both government and the private sector. This study focuses on the Land Restitution programme as one of the vehicles that should be used by government to boost SMME development and their business performance. In previous studies, individuals who have received their land back, within the Land Redistribution Programme in KZN have failed to either continue or start viable businesses using the land newly acquired. A total of 76% of the land redistributed has claimants who have not engaged with any business activity using land newly acquired. Attributed to this high level of inactivity is a lack of programmes to assist claimants. Most claimants end up opting for cash instead of land due to fear of failure. Socio-cultural factors, infrastructure and education found to be important elements that add value to small businesses’ behaviour and the way society welcomes them. Methods and strategies employed by the two major sectors in enhancing entrepreneurial businesses were evaluated. Conducted interview sessions with business owners in restituted land contributed to the results of the study. The qualitative research methodology was used and the NVivo programme using thematic analysis was employed for data analyses.
Code of professional ethics in education : a case study of Ilembe District.
(2011) Nzama, Sibongiseni Sylvester.; Nzimakwe, Thokozani Ian.
The failure of the many township and rural schools to improve learner outcomes is not only recognised as a pervasive and insidious social problem affecting those communities, but also entrenches inequalities and militates social cohesion and unity. The study highlights the challenges experienced in the Ilembe District that hamper the effective delivery of a quality education. The study confronts these challenges from a constitutional and human rights perspective, and seeks to unravel whether or not educators grasp the critical nature of their role in facilitating the achievement, not only of the educational goals but of other Constitutional imperatives as well. Given the turbulent nature of the environment in which educators operate, the study also seeks to establish if educators can keep up with the new challenges of teaching in the twenty-first century. In this regard, the role of continuing professional teacher development and the new competencies required of educators were investigated to ascertain whether they lead to improved teaching and therefore more effective learning. The study further investigated the effectiveness of the Code of Professional Ethics in curbing unethical behaviour and thus ensuring the attainment of objectives. Furthermore, the study looked at the various interventions by the Government in an endeavour to facilitate the realisation of the Constitutional ideals. This involved looking at the legislative and policy framework put in place, as well as campaigns and other initiatives that demonstrate the government’s commitment to these ideals. A literature study added another dimension to it, in that it provided the theoretical basis for the study and another perspective on how these matters were dealt with elsewhere. The researcher used an eclectic approach in an effort to get a better understanding of the problem. The choice of methodology and design used in the study was, to a large extent, influenced by the nature and objectives of the study. The study was premised on the fact that the rurality of the Ilembe District should not be used to deprive the learners from this community of a quality education and that, the many policies that seem wonderful on paper are useless if they do not translate to effective implementation.
Community perceptions about climate change in iLembe district municipality.
(2022) Zondi, Nokukhanya Thobeka.; Nzimakwe, Thokozani Ian.
The country has experienced significant climatic shocks over recent years. Water is the primary medium through which the impact of climate change is going to be felt in South Africa. As one of the world’s top CO2 emitters, this reflects a political commitment to ensuring that the country transitions to a low-carbon economy. Successfully navigating this transition will require a nuanced understanding of public opinion and behaviour, in order for policy processes to take account of individual preferences, concerns, and lived realities. This study used political ecology, and the stakeholder engagement theory into understanding and examine the phenomenon of climate change and considered the link between governance. This was highlighted in order to reveal the missing mechanisms of governance that would help public organizations and other stakeholders to take on joint responsibility for the impacts of climate change. The study also focused on the relationship between beliefs about climate change, concerns about climate change as well as personal norms and efficacy beliefs. An investigation into the Ilembe District has been provided and served as a departure point from which to critically examine the governance around water management and climate change attitudes in Noodsburg, Ilembe district municipality. The study employed a qualitative research design. New data on this topic was collected via focus groups which consisted of South Africans 18 years and older living in ward 6 Noodsburg. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with ILembe District municipality officials in the environmental and planning units. The study provides insights into the understanding of Noodsburg community members’ attitudes toward climate change. The findings revealed that the community members in Noodsburg identified a range of expected adverse effects over the coming decades, particularly water shortages and drought, food shortages, and higher temperatures. These findings have relevance to climate change communication in the country, and matter for ongoing policy interventions that are striving to minimise the human development consequences of climate change. The study concludes with a discussion of the implications of these findings and recommendations for crafting effective climate change frameworks and policy interventions in South Africa in the coming years.