Browsing by Author "Zondi, Sakhile Isaac."

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Assessment of oversight mechanisms to enhance good governance in local government: a case study of Okhahlamba Local Municipality.
(2021) Malinga, Service Nkosingiphile.; Zondi, Sakhile Isaac.
The 1996 Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (RSA, 1996) establishes chapter 9 institutions as mechanisms to safeguard good governance and quality service delivery in the public sector. The main objective of the research reported in this study was to assess the roles of oversight mechanisms in enhancing good governance in local government with specific reference to oKhahlamba Local Municipality in the KwaZulu-Natal province (KZN). The main aim was to contribute to theoretical knowledge in terms of the roles that are played by the oversight structures to regulate and increase service delivery impact in local government. Qualitative data methodology was considered in collecting data from the sample of 12 municipal officials. The findings suggested that the oKhahlamba Local Municipality has successfully implemented oversight structures, however the lack of public participation in the municipal affairs was a concerning matter. The findings further confirmed that oversight structures at oKhahlamba Local Municipality were imperative to assist the municipality manage resources effectively in order to benefit maximum service delivery to the local populace. These findings were also confirmed by Public Value Theory that was adopted in the· study. In terms of this theory (Public Value), oversight mechanisms enhance the value and entrench good governance in the public sector and entrench. The study submitted recommendations that are instrumental to boost service delivery capacity of the local government sphere and general, and uKhahlamba Local Municipality in particular. For example, the study recommended the monitoring and evaluation of service delivery systems in local government in order to mitigate violent service delivery protests. It also recommended the renovation of public participation strategies at Okhahlamba Locai Municipality.
Assessment of service delivery planning in local government with specific reference to Ndwedwe Local Municipality.
(2021) Mngadi, Sithembile.; Zondi, Sakhile Isaac.
The current study assessed the state of service delivery planning in the South African sphere of local government with particular reference to the local municipality of Ndwedwe in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Province. The general aim of the study was to investigate the commitment of the municipality towards inclusive service delivery planning that involves a wide range of role-players, including communities who are the main beneficiaries of government services, non-government actors and municipal functionaries. The study adopted a mixed method approach, in which a set of 50 questionnaires were administered to community members in Ward 12, 14, 17. and 19 and a total of 15 qualitative interviews conducted with municipal officials. The quantitative findings were analysed using Social Package of Social Sciences (SPSS), and qualitative findings through thematic analysis. The outcomes of the study discovered that the community members lack knowledge about service delivery processes and the Integrated Development Planning (IDP) process which serves as a strategic guideline for service delivery planning. Furthermore, due to various institutional challenges that faced the municipality, communities were unable to access quality service delivery that constitutes the vision of Basic Human Rights (BHR) as envisioned by the 1996 Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. Finally, the study recommended a strong service delivery planning initiative in the municipality that is informed by the municipal IDP, policy implementation, and the continuous engagement of municipal stakeholders in service delivery planning. The encouragement of the culture of public participation was also considered a valid instrument in transforming municipal service delivery systems.
Assessment of the implementation of local economic development in local government: a case study of uThukela District Municipality.
(2020) Hlomuka, Siphosihle Emmanuel.; Zondi, Sakhile Isaac.
Abstract available in PDF.
An evaluation of eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality low-cost housing delivery with specific reference to Umlazi Township.
(2020) Hlophe, Wellington Bhekumuzi.; Zondi, Sakhile Isaac.
Abstract available in PDF.
The impact of land reform on rural women in South Africa: the case of Mkhwanazi Land Restitution Programme.
(2021) Dlamini, Mnyamezeli Derrick.; Zondi, Sakhile Isaac.; Mthuli, Syanda Alpheous.
Land is considered a vital instrument that is used in the empowerment and disempowerment of people for a wide assortment of reasons as justification. For example, during apartheid in South Africa, land was used to disempower Black people. The country’s first majority rule election, which took place in 1994, carried with it an obligation to address the shameful acts perpetrated by colonialism and apartheid. One of those was the introduction of the land reform programme which focusses more on the country’s majority population disowned land and disadvantaged women who are mostly found in rural areas. The community of Mkhwanazi, like many other communities across South Africa was disowned land in the past. Studies have shown the benefits associated with land reform in empowering women in rural areas. Land is a valuable asset in rural areas because it holds the key to women empowerment and security, gives them more influence over finances and household decisions. Indeed, empirical evidence shows that where land reforms are implemented, rural women have indeed been empowered. It is for this reason that the policy document on land reform which was adopted as the White Paper in 1997 placed considerable emphasis on gender equity regarding women’s access to land and meaningful participation in decision-making procedures. Land restitution is being implemented in South Africa post-apartheid. This study’s focus is on the Mkhwanazi land restitution claim settlement. It explores the extent to which the settlement of the land restitution claim benefitted women empowerment at Mkhwanazi Land Restitution project in Umhlathuze City Municipality of the King Cetshwayo District. Adopting a qualitative research design and a case study strategy, data was collected through interviews with trustees of the community trust, administrating the restituted land and focus groups interviews with women beneficiaries of the Mkhwanazi community. The findings show that despite evidence showing how land reform benefits and empowers rural women elsewhere, women beneficiaries of Mkhwanazi have not benefitted directly and not empowered. Barriers and challenges that prohibit women empowerment were identified which limit the benefits of the reformed land.
Implementation of the national policy framework for women empowerment and gender equality in iMpendle Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal.
(2023) Khonjelwayo, Mthunzi Sfiso.; Zondi, Sakhile Isaac.
Abstract available in PDF.
Investigating the contributions of SMMEs toward economic development in Nongoma Local Muinicipality.
(2017) Zulu, Vusumuzi Patrick.; Nzimakwe, Thokozani Ian.; Zondi, Sakhile Isaac.
Since 1994, the South African government has recognised the important role of fostering an enabling environment for the creation and growth of the Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs). The purpose has been to ensure that small businesses progressively increase their contribution to economic growth, and strengthen the South African economy in critical areas such as job creation, equity and poverty alleviation. In light of this background, this study is designed to determine the extent to which the Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) contribute to the economic development of local communities in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal in general, and more specifically in the Nongoma Local Municipality. Although SMMEs are regarded as an economic breakthrough for local communities and the backbone of a second economy, the contemporary literature on economic development is awash with topics detailing challenges affecting the survival and sustainability of this economic development strategy. Despite the challenges facing SMMEs, this study argues that job creation through SMMEs is particularly important for South African communities which are plagued by high levels of unemployment. However, a concerted effort should be made in this regard to uplift their influence at community levels. Furthermore, the literature review has described SMMEs as efficient and prolific job creators, the seeds of big businesses and the fuel of national economic engines. Even in developed industrial economies, it is the SMME sector rather than the multinationals that is the largest employer of workers. In conducting this study, the researcher used a mixed methods approach to solicit information about factors affecting SMMEs, from the emerging entrepreneurs as well as the officials of the Nongoma Local Municipality. The qualitative study was conducted with the municipal officials who provided their input in terms of developing entrepreneurial skills with the Nongoma Municipal Area. In addition, the quantitative study was conducted with the members of the community who participate in one or more entrepreneurial activities. The research findings point to a need for active engagement between various municipal stakeholders and communities in cementing a role that can be played by the SMMEs in creating maximum employment opportunities. Since funding is the main factor affecting the sustainability of SMMEs, the study recommends a financial support model which will be sensitive to the needs of the SMMEs, which should be coordinated by National Department of National Department of Economic Development.
Public participation and service delivery with particular reference to iLembe District Municipality.
(2015) Zondi, Sakhile Isaac.; Reddy, Purshottama Sivanarain.
The adoption of effective and efficient service delivery systems by South African municipalities remain the only means through which the basic social and economic needs of local communities can be addressed. Municipalities are the primary vehicles for the delivery of basic services as they are mandated by section 152 of the Constitution of South Africa (1996) to ensure the provision of services in a sustainable manner; provide democratic and accountable government for all communities; promote social and economic development; and most importantly encourage public participation on matters of local governance. The study sought to assess the quality of service delivery by using iLembe District Municipality – one of the ten district councils in KwaZulu-Natal as a local case study. It argues that basic municipal service delivery is imperative for the realisation of human rights in South Africa as it has been constitutionalised, and more importantly it enhances the quality of life of the local populace. Using the mixed method approach, this study explored more broadly the extent to which local government restructuring and transformation has impacted on iLembe District Municipality in executing the developmental mandate of municipalities as enshrined in Chapter 3 of the Constitution. This was particularly important in meeting one of the objectives of the study which sought to understand the strides, rationale, significance and relevance of the South African local government restructuring and transformation process to the majority of previously disadvantaged communities. This was done through the synthesis of various public administration theories on issues of service delivery and public participation. Amongst these theories are the Batho Pele principles which are regarded as a significant milestone in terms of government’s commitment to reversing the tide of poverty, inequality and underdevelopment. The study also argues that despite the current complexities in service delivery, which is evident with the recent wave of service delivery protests in most local authorities in South Africa, municipalities should as a matter of urgency align their developmental plans with the new legislation of local government to make informed and considered decisions in the broader context of good local governance and enhanced service delivery. The extensive empirical survey of the study through questionnaires and interviews has indicated that while the iLembe District Municipality has achieved its developmental mandate, particularly in the delivery of services such as water, sanitation and electricity, there is still a backlog with regard to housing provision and the entrenchment of comprehensive public participation strategies. Participatory structures such as councillors, ward committees and traditional leaders need to revise their systems of networking with citizenry in the quest for enhanced and inclusive local democracy. In addition, research findings presented in the study shows a huge disjuncture between the alignment of municipal strategic planning and the real issues affecting local communities. For example, the rationale of public participation in IDP processes has not yet been explored in the wider context of participatory local democracy. With regard to municipal management, there is a need for a total transformative agenda and a strong political leadership to be guided by a clear coherent vision in enabling municipal functionaries to make informed policy decisions. This will ultimately contribute to the efficient and effective service delivery systems and will ensure the realisation of the objectives of the National Development Plan (NDP) by 2030. In the concluding remarks, the study notes that despite numerous endeavours to improve municipal service delivery through various initiatives such as the Local Government Turn-Around Strategy, Project Consolidate, and Operation Clean Audit and the Five-Year Strategic Plan for Local Government, the lack of, or mediocre service delivery continues to plague the majority of communities in iLembe District Municipality. This has contributed to the unprecedented wave of service delivery protests in the District in 2012 and 2013 respectively. The study therefore recommends that the municipality should promote strong citizenship and a participatory governance culture within the District. For example, councillors, ward committees, traditional leaders and other leadership structures within the district municipality should play a constructive role in enhancing community development through comprehensive public participation systems. Furthermore, the Provincial Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (GoGTA) should play a strong oversight role in monitoring and evaluating the strategic goals for municipalities, thus ensuring that they are in line with the aspirations of local communities. The study also recommends an enhanced level of expertise for local government functionaries in addressing service delivery and public participation challenges, as the provision of quality municipal services has been singled out as the key element for successful local governance in the District Municipality. Finally, the study proposed a normative model which is aimed at fostering best practices in iLembe District Municipality for the enhancement of efficient and effective service delivery and public participation strategies. It is hoped that the findings of this study would contribute to the knowledge base in local governance in terms of understanding the challenges of local government service delivery and public participation strategies more specifically in relation to iLembe District Municipality and more broadly to local government in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.
The role of the human resource development unit of the department of Arts and Culture in promoting a culture of reading in the Edendale community.
(2018) Gumede, Abednego Babayi Ntokozo.; Zondi, Sakhile Isaac.
The investment in education will go a long way in addressing challenges of high levels of illiteracy, inequality, poverty and unemployment among poor communities. The contemporary literature indicates that high levels of illiteracy is responsible for the high levels of poverty mainly in the developing nations. Against this background, the study investigated the role of the Human Resource Development Unit of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Arts and Culture (HRD Unit of the KZN-DAC) in building learning societies through the development of reading habits in the Edendale community which falls under the Umsunduzi Local Municipality. The literature reviewed for the study pointed to the fact that the Sub-Saharan African region has the lowest rate of literacy of all the world regions, and that the public library system in Africa is beset by numerous challenges, particularly a lack of human resources, financial constraints and low levels of awareness for the role of libraries within communities. The study used Human Capital Theory to argue that the creation of much needed human capital for economic growth in South Africa depends mainly on a strong culture of reading. In this regard, the three elements of Human Capital Theory, namely: investment in education; advancement of population; and efficiency and productivity of employees are discussed in relation to the current study. The empirical survey was conducted through the mixed methods approach in which data collecion was conducted in a two-folded manner. Firstly, the semi-structured interviews (qualitative study) were conducted with officials from the KZN-DAC and Georgetown Public Library to solicit their views and opinions about the role of library services in the Edendale community. Secondly, the questionnaires were administered (quantitative study) to the community members of the Edendale community in order to draw statistical conclusions about their understanding of how libraries should be managed in order to produce positive results for community development. The findings of the study demonstrates that, due to resource constraints, the HRD Unit of the KZN-DAC is not playing a meaningful role in equipping the librarians with skills necessary for the promotion of a culture of reading in communities. Instead, this role is to some extent, played by the Msunduzi Municipality Library Services. The findings of the study also demonstrates that the HRD Unit of the KZN-DAC is not budgeting for the training of public librarians to equip them with requisite skills and knowledge for promoting a culture of reading. The recommendations of the study points to the need for exploring ways of closing the gap between the Municipality Library Services, the Library Information Association of South Africa (LIASA), the HRD Unit of the KZN-DAC and the Library Services Directorate of the KZN-DAC with regard to the initiatives geared towards the promotion of a culture of reading.
Towards a model for improving municipal service delivery: a comparative study of Umzumbe and Ray Nkonyeni local municipalities.
(2020) Ngcobo, Mondli Erasmus.; Zondi, Sakhile Isaac.
Abstract available in PDF.