Public Policy

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Evaluating the role of business incubators in South Africa.
(2015) Khuzwayo, Sithabiso Siyabonga.; Johnson, Belinda.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of business incubators and business incubation programmes in South Africa. Worldwide, business incubation programmes are aimed at promoting economic development by supporting emerging entrepreneurs or start-up companies by cushioning them in their nascent phase of business development. South Africa only adopted business incubation as a strategy for promoting entrepreneurship and supporting SMMEs about two decades ago. This route was taken in order to build an inclusive economy whilst addressing a number of the country’s multifaceted challenges; therefore business incubation as a strategy had to yield rapid results. The study’s conceptual framework centred around how business incubators, through organisation and providing certain contingencies, cushioned SMMEs; and on how, through agglomeration, SMMEs were able to exploit the economies of scale and networking effects, as well as how they benefited from the positive externalities. The research methodologies adopted in this study comprise a multi-pronged approach made up of both secondary and primary research methods. The primary research methods include surveys, questionnaires and interviews with business incubation programmes based in KwaZulu-Natal. The study used small- micro- and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) or entrepreneurs as the unit of analysis, six were randomly selected from each of the fifteen business incubators in the province to take part in the survey questionnaire. The main findings of the study were firstly that South African entrepreneurs were faced with quite a number of challenges and these challenges were acting as a deterrence for a lot of people that wanted to consider entrepreneurship as a career path. Secondly, business incubators in South Africa were failing to fill in the gaps by mitigating against the challenges entrepreneurs faced. At best a number of these business incubators served duplicate roles as office parks with little value-added services. This study discovered that South Africa still needs to do a lot of groundwork if wanted to promote entrepreneurship and stimulate economic growth, but in the main, it was seemingly in the right direction policy-wise.
An assessment of students' attitudes and perceptions towards medical male circumcision on Howard College Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal.
(2015) Khawula, Wandile Rynie.; Okem, Andrew Emmanuel.
In recent years, the positive correlation between male circumcision (MC) and reduced risks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have been increasingly recognised. Although MC has been practiced for centuries in traditional settings in South Africa, it is fraught with challenges including loss of penis, sepsis and deaths resulting from botched circumcisions. In recognition of the challenges associated with traditional male circumcision (TMC) and the need to increase VMMC as an STI prevention strategy, the South African Department of Health is promoting VMMC which targets males aged 15 years and above. Since 2014, the Department has been implementing the (VMMC) programme in higher education institutions (HEIs). This paper investigates implementation of the voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) campaign and programme on Howard College Campus, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal. We implemented a mixed research method with 88 purposively selected students. The study found that the VMMC programme was highly inclusive of relevant stakeholders resulting in 88% reported awareness of the programme among study participants. The study participants reported that VMMC is safe and reliable (85%), reduces the risks of STIs (78.8%), provides positive health benefits (85%), is safer compared to traditional male circumcision (85%), enhance sexual satisfactions (27.5%), and gives a boy a status of being man (33.8%). Despite these positive perceptions, there is a potential for risk compensation given that 33.8% of participants reported that a condom use was not required after undergoing VMMC. The need to adhere to traditional practices was found as a key barrier to the adoption of VMMC. The findings of the study show high positive attitude towards VMMC which calls for a concerted effort in the implementation of VMMC campaigns in HEIs. In addition, there is a need to work closely with traditional health workers to increase health and safety of MC in tradition settings since this is the preferred option for some people. Lastly, VMMC programmes need to be cognisant of the potential of risk compensation associated with VMMC and communicate these to target audience.
Policy formulation in the Ministry of Development Planning in the government of Lesotho.
(2015) Lesia, Lelokoana Eric.; Mngomezulu, Bhekithemba Richard.
This research study aimed at investigating policy formulation in the Ministry of Development Planning in Lesotho. It was driven by the conviction that public policy formulation in Africa is considered to be very conservative and restricted, with very little public involvement and no input from the general public. Lesotho as a country (and the Ministry of Development Planning in particular) is not immune to this practice. Authentic public participation - as opposed to rubberstamping - in the policy formulation process has been the subject for considerable research in academia. Decision-making in policy formulation is supposed to be grounded on public participation. However, the realisation of authentic public participation in decision-making in policy formulation remains a challenge for many countries including Lesotho. In this study, I examined the process of policy formulation in the Ministry of Development Planning of Lesotho. I employed the monitoring and evaluation theoretical framework to guide the study. The qualitative research methodology which comprised semi-structured interviews and document analysis was adopted. Four key questions were explored in the study: (i) How are policies formulated within the government of Lesotho by the Ministry of Development Planning? (ii) To what extent are various stakeholders included in the policy formulation process? (iii) How does public participation in policy formulation influence decision making within the government of Lesotho? (iv) Do party politics influence the policy formulation process in the government of Lesotho? The research findings of this study indicate that the majority of the citizens in Lesotho do not actively participate in policy decision-making processes in the Ministry of Development Planning. Civil society organizations are not functioning as they are expected to in policy formulation processes. The study further revealed that public participation on issues of policy formulation process in the Ministry is influenced by political affiliation of the citizenry. These findings led to the conclusion that public participation in policy decision-making processes in Lesotho is not done properly. The recommendation, therefore, is that the process should be detached from party politics so that policies could resonate with societal needs and enhance the process of community development.
An exploration of students' perception of the implementation of language policy : a case study of the Cultural and Heritage Tourism Programme at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College.
(2015) Khali, S'phelele.; Narsiah, Inbersagran.
People communicate ideas and information through language. Communication is very important for people to understand each other, and language plays an important role in disseminating information and cooperation between individuals. This study explored the perceptions of the first year students at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Howard College Campus regarding the implementation of Language Policy in the Cultural and Heritage Tourism (CHTM) program. This study employs Policy Implementation Theory. Both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies were applied to explore the perceptions of students. It provides a descriptive analysis of the students’ perceptions of the implementation process used by the university. The findings revealed that the majority of students are dissatisfied with the language policy that is in place. Drawing from the findings, the inclusion of students and dissemination of information to students is recommended.
Factors that influence university student throughput and dropout : an analysis of the University of KwaZulu-Natal, College of Humanities.
(2014) Nkontwana, Siyabonga Salatien.; Mngomezulu, Bhekithemba Richard.
This study was an investigation into the Factors that Influence University Student Throughput and Dropout focusing on the University of KwaZulu-Natal, College of Humanities. The study focused on students who dropped out even though they did not owe the university and were also in good standing academically. It must be noted though that the literature of this study did not reveal much about the students in good academic and financial standing as the university data revealed that all types of students (those performing poorly and owe the university and those in good academic and financial standing) do drop-out for different reasons. There were two theoretical frameworks guiding this study, namely: the Theory of students Integration by Tinto (1975) and the Pathway Study by Letseka (2009). These two theories advocate for good integration of students in both the institutional and social culture of the university. The Integration theory broadly articulates this view in a global perspective whilst the Pathway Study articulates this view from a South African perspective. This study utilized both the Qualitative and the Quantitative methodologies. This was done through the snowball sampling and the document analysis methods respectively. The study population was the students who dropped-out, the UKZN management, the SRC and the Counselling Department. These participants provided informative and interesting insights on the issue at hand. This study identified numerous factors that influence students to drop-out and these factors are similar to those that obtain in the literature of this study. Notably, there were also new factors that influence students to drop-out which were established by this study. One such factor is the issue of sicknesses requiring serious traditional intervention. Lastly, the study concluded by recommending that the institutional support mechanism at UKZN be reviewed towards the development of specific policies that can address the issue of drop-outs.
The effects of tertiary students' financial problems on academic performance: the case of Motheo Technical Vocational Education and Training in Bloemfontein.
(2016) Mofoka, Khabane Grace.; Marschall, Sabine.; Olatokun, Wole Michael.
Students from disadvantaged backgrounds experience difficulties when making a transition from their backgrounds into a challenging and diverse multi-cultural education institutions environment. Due to their disadvantaged backgrounds these students are faced with enormous financial challenges that have adverse impacts on their academic performance. They therefore need solid support structures to help them make adjustments to meet the demands of higher education. This study investigated financial problems faced by students at Motheo Technical Vocational Education and Training and aims to come up with support interventions to enhance academic performance in order to positively contribute to the overall student experience and throughput rates. Using a qualitative approach in collecting data, the study tried to find out the experiences of students and effects of financial problems on academic performance. Social capital theory and social justice framework provided the theoretical underpinning for the study. Social capital theory helped the researcher to find out students’ experiences and how they cope. Social justice focuses on policy, national and institutional efforts in eliminating the identified financial problems faced by disadvantaged students at tertiary institutions. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of 10 students and the head of the department of business studies. A further sample of 36 purposively selected students was drawn for a questionnaire survey to triangulate findings from the personal interviews. Results of the study show that due to financial problems, the students encounter problems such as inability to cope with the high standards of studying as well as difficulty in paying fees and accessing basic needs. Data gathered from the interviews and surveys insinuates that financial problems have adverse effects on students’ academic performance, but contrary to the study’s assumptions, and review of secondary data, no correlation could be found between financial need and poor academic performance or outright failure. In conclusion, it is recommended that, more policy research is needed to come-up with alternative policy solutions and to make adjustments to existing measures intended to cater for the needs of students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The impact of university students’ perception of mathematics on their curriculum choices: a case study of the University of KwaZulu Natal - Howard College Campus.
(2016) Madela, Noxolo, P.; Mngomezulu, Bhekithemba Richard.
Mathematics is one of the most important subjects in ensuring the stability of the country’s economy. There is a general perception that mathematics is a difficult subject, this perception has led to a decline in the number of students taking mathematics and pursuing careers related to it. The South African science industry is highly affected by poor performance in mathematics by learners and poor mathematics education delivered to students. The aim of this study is to present the key factors shaping the general perception of mathematics being difficult in South Africa, focusing particularly on the introduction of mathematical literacy learning subject. The key objective of this study is to assess how the students' perception has landed them to where they are today, in terms of studies. This is a survey research study; the researcher used interviews and distributed survey questionnaires to collect qualitative and quantitative data. The main population of this study was the students from the University of KwaZulu Natal. They were randomly selected from the College of Agriculture, Science and Engineering and College of Humanities. This study found that many students intended to or left mathematics for mathematical literacy. This study also found that teachers exert the most influential role on students’ perception, attitude and performance in mathematics. Students’ perception of mathematics has been explored showing that it is affected by various factors including the school capacity to deliver - that covers up for the teachers’ competency and level of qualification- , the availability and unavailability of resources and education policies related to mathematics curriculum. This study recommends that mathematics and science teachers should be screened thoroughly before their appointment. In addition to that, they should be trained continuously to improve the standard of their competency in teaching subjects of this nature.
Public participation in the Blue Lagoon beach project, Durban North.
(2016) Zulu, Mcebo Goodman.; Narsiah, Inbersagran.
After the demise of apartheid the inner city of Durban faced a degeneration problem because of rapid inward migration. To facilitate integration and transformation the Durban Municipality embarked on a number of projects focusing on inner city and coastal revitalisation, inner city redevelopment, and the creation of new mixed nodes to integrate the buffer zones which separated different races during the apartheid era. With the FIFA Soccer World Cup event in South Africa in 2010, there was a need for the transformation of public spaces such as Durban’s beaches. The South beach and Front beach now known as New beach were revamped for the World Cup. Blue Lagoon beach was the last beach to be revamped, and just like the beaches revamped before, it generated protests. The complexity of many planning projects and more importantly, the commitment of the planners themselves obstructed citizens from being actively involved in the decision-making. The Durban North Blue Lagoon beach project which started in 2012 took much longer than the others to complete. It was the aim of this study to investigate where, when, and how public participation was considered during this project. This study argues that the protests which started after the project was implemented can be attributed to a lack of public participation during the project planning stage. This study assesses the public policy process followed in consulting or alerting the community regarding the project. It is prevalent that just like most development projects; a ‘top-down’ approach was adopted and implemented by the developers as a way of communicating with the community.
Success or failure? Student experiences of the Extended Curriculum Programme (ECP) in the College of Humanities, University of KwaZulu-Natal.
(2017) Johnson, Uduak Friday.; Narsiah, Inbersagran.
South African Universities have responded to the global trend towards massification of higher education by public policy imperative to redress the legacies of apartheid. Extended Curriculum Programmes (ECPs) are used to implement this policy to remedy the limitations of disadvantaged primary and secondary schooling. This serves to improve both participation and success rates of those from these backgrounds who demonstrate potential. Dwindling government funding of tertiary education, high dropout rates, increasing numbers of black students gaining access into the universities, and the threat of a declining quality tertiary education have popularized suggestions in favour of the cancellation of ECPs. While the success of ECPs is being questioned, its value cannot be undermined. Some studies even suggest the expansion of such support to all tertiary students. The imperative to generate strong evidence on the value of ECP to inform policy decisions motivated the current study to target the voices of the ECP students in the College of Humanities, University of KwaZulu-Natal as a case study. The Social Constructivist paradigm was used to inquire into ECP students’ experiences of success and failures, using the Attribution theory to assess their beliefs and how they understand and relate to their experiences of learning as affected by the ECP. The Study Process Questionnaire was also used to test how ECP students’ learning motives and studying strategies determine their approaches to learning. This mixed methods with emphasis on the qualitative approach was used to collect data. Students from different levels on, within and through the programme were sampled to give a representative view. Twenty-two face-to-face semi-structured interviews, two focus group interviews and 170 responses from the Study Process questionnaire were used to collect the different kinds of data. Thematic content analysis was used on qualitative data, while data from the SPQ was analysed using STATA statistical analysis software. Students’ approaches to learning were correlated and presented in graphical and tabular formats as determined by their motives and strategies. The discussion chapter used statistical graphs and tables to support themes derived from the qualitative data on students’ attributions. The study found that students attribute the outcome of their studies to a variety of factors that are worth considering in empowering students when implementing the ECP and in policy adjustments on how student underpreparedness can be addressed. The academic and computer literacy skills and other foundational skills from the programme empower ECP students to assist mainstream students. It also facilitates their social construction of university life and enables their adjustment by positively affecting their motivations while preparing them to succeed. The attribution theory was found to have the reflective-tool to enable students understand themselves and their learning habits. Such self-awareness equips students to learn and adopt more productive approaches to learning; a useful tool for student counsellors. The study suggested that opening the ECP up to all students may boycott a vital element of cooperation and competition that the programme evokes between its students and mainstream student when they compare their performances. Nevertheless, instead of discontinuing the programme due to funding constraints, its foundational modules could be open as compulsory to all students based on the outcome of a university entrance test to determine readiness and skills level in important cognate areas. These modules are to be based in the ECP to demonstrate that all students need support of some sort and to enhance equal socialization between ECP students and mainstream students. This would contribute towards eliminating the stigma on the ECP, and sustain the programme through mainstream students’ registration without much recourse to external funding. Nevertheless, financial constraints, difficulty of exiting the programme, and the lack of transparency about its admission criteria remain threats to the programme, but the programme does contribute towards constructing a positive university learning environment.
Education policy reforms and the quality of rural education in South Africa : perceptions of Ndwedwe communities.
(2017) Khuluse, Nompumelelo.; Vilakazi, Fikile Mabel.
The year 2016 marks 40 years since the June 16, 1976 student uprising where school children from Soweto marched against the introduction of Afrikaans as the language of instruction in schools. The police responded by firing the protesting students with teargas. This resulted in widespread protests across the country where students revolted against the government up until the following year. During that time there were 19 education departments serving different populations. After a protracted struggle, the Government of National Unity under the leadership of the African National Congress came into power in 1994. This saw the passing of the new constitution which included education in the bill of rights under section 29. This dissertation focused on determining how far the country has gone in improving the education of previously disadvantaged sectors of the population since 1994. The study was premised on that opening the doors of education to all would be the first step in leveling the playing field, given the institutionalized inequality in the education system under the previous dispensation. The main objective was to determine the extent to which rural schools are in a position to provide quality education. Specifically the study sought people’s perceptions about the quality of education in rural areas including policy and experiential factors that facilitate or inhibit the provision of quality education in rural areas. A qualitative research approach was adopted using a case study of Ndwedwe Education Circuit and thematic analysis was used to analyze data. The results show that most rural schools lack basic infrastructure such as running water; electricity; proper ablution facilities; computers; and libraries. Students are strongly aggrieved by shortage of teachers which leads to teachers teaching subjects they are not qualified for. Furthermore students in rural schools are demotivated and they don’t seem to have big aspirations for the future. These were identified as some of the factors that inhibit the provision of quality education. The dissertation concluded that the quality of education remains poor in most schools in rural areas. As a result these schools qualify as small and non-viable schools which have been conceded by the department of education as a category of schools that are unable to provide quality education in South Africa. The recommendation is that small and non-viable schools in rural areas be merged to create mega schools which could be better resourced and able to retain teachers and enhance performance.
Perceptions of academic staff and students on the implementation of the language policy at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College Campus.
(2016) Shandu, Balungile Nokuzola Gcinekile.; Rieker, Mark Ivan.
Language policy in South Africa has been one of the burning issues in the country. Language policies have existed from 1996, but there are still impediments to the implementation of these policies to date. There have been a number of perceptions and debates around this topic from the public which further impacts on the implementation of the policy. Various studies have looked at the perceptions of teachers and parents on multilingualism, however, the perceptions of students are often ignored. As pointed out by Ruddick (1991: 30) students’ views are often regarded as “our blind spot”. Smith (1973) further states that tension may exist between the expectations and demands of the target group and the ideal policy component. Policymakers expect target groups to welcome policies, however, that is normally not the case as every so often the reception is a hostile one. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to assess the perceptions of the students and the staff members on the implementation of the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s current Language Policy. In this paper, I argue that for a successful policy implementation, the target groups need to be part of the decision-making processes as they need to be receptive to the policy. Thus, focus group discussions were held for students; interviews were conducted for Deans; and survey questionnaires for students and staff members were distributed. This study employed the 5C Protocol Model by Brynard to understand the complexity of the implementation process. Consequently, gathering such information will assist the policymakers of the policy with essential information which will be useful. At the same time there have been numerous debates nationally on the Language Policy; therefore, this study will be useful to the UKZN’s policymakers and will also be of interest to the national policymakers.
Tuberculosis Screening for Pregnant Women Living with HIV in UThungulu District, in 2011/2012.
(2016) Mnqayi, Sthandwa Octavia.; Voce, Anna Silvia.
Tuberculosis (TB) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) co-infection in pregnancy are risk factors that affect both maternal and perinatal outcomes. TB is preventable in pregnant women living with HIV by initiating Isoniazid (INH) prophylactic therapy (IPT) if there are no TB symptoms upon screening. This study analysed health system factors associated with TB screening of pregnant women living with HIV, in 2011/2012, in antenatal care services in UThungulu District, in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal. Purpose To analyze health system factors associated with TB screening of pregnant women living with HIV in Basic Antenatal Care (BANC) services in UThungulu District. Objectives To determine the proportion of pregnant women living with HIV screened for TB at initiation of BANC in health facilities in UThungulu District and to analyze health system factors associated with the TB screening. Methods An observational cross-sectional study design, with descriptive and analytic components was carried out in health facilities in UThungulu District. Multi-stage sampling was used to select health facilities and then to select pregnant women living with HIV initiating BANC. An interviewer-administered structured questionnaire and data extraction tools were used to collect data. Data was analysed using descriptive and analytic statistics using mixed effect logistic regression with cluster vii effect, and doer and non-doer analysis, with Fischer’s exact analysis. The level of statistical significance was set at p=0.05. Results The results of the study showed that pregnant women living with HIV were 3 times more likely to be screened for TB in clinics where personnel had been trained on TB management, on Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) for pregnant women, and on the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV; and in clinics with a full-time enrolled nurse. Furthermore, clinics where ALL pregnant women living with HIV were screened for TB were more likely to have: a full-time midwife; personnel at all levels trained on TB management, on ART for pregnant women, and on PMTCT; and a policy to trace pregnant women who do not adhere to their scheduled subsequent visit. Conclusion Clinics with appropriate, and trained personnel, with a policy to follow-up pregnant women who do not adhere to scheduled appointments, are health system factors associated with the implementation of the National Department of Health Guideline and World Health Organisation recommendation for the screening of TB in pregnancy for women living with HIV
Governmentalities and the politics of transformation: a critique of the post-1994 South African teacher education policy implementation process, a case of KwaZulu-Natal Province.
(2014) Ndhlovu, Zandile Noxolo Emma.; Buthelezi, Thabisile M.
The influences of the ruling party in South Africa have had immense impact on the national policies formulated and implemented during the apartheid regime as the policies complimented the ruling National Party’s principles. Under the apartheid regime, education was used as a tool to contain and maintain segregation. The transformation into a new elected democratic party in 1994 meant change in many aspects in South Africa including the political, social, economic spheres and education was one field that experienced a huge amount of change, as it was a driver of the apartheid ideology. Thus, the study determined the ideology and principles that drove the newly elected democratic government (ANC) post-1994 as it supported change, equality, and equal distribution of wealth and drew many of its ideas from the Freedom Charter of 1953. The study also determined the extent those democratic principles and ideology influence education policies post-1994, particularly, the teacher education policies, and whether the teacher-education policy implementation process reveals coherence with the ruling party’s principles/ideology. Using a qualitative approach, this research study adopts a different perspective to analysing educational policies in context of the apparent political milieu of the apartheid regime and the independent democratic regime in South Africa, including the impact of the ideologies upheld in each regime. The findings reveal the use of technologies of power in a top-down approach but within a democratic context. Furthermore, the findings highlight the implications of the ruling party’s governmentality and their perpetuation of ideological principles through national policy development and implementation with negative consequences, especially in teacher education.
Implementing the free basic water service policy : perceptions from the Ingquza Hill Municipality.
(2017) Matha, Qaqamba Precious.; Sayeed, Cheryl Mohamed.
Free Basic Water Service Policy is part of the water service delivery provision, where municipalities are mandated to provide such services to the people (DWAF 2002:32).The purpose of the study was to investigate the implementing of the Free Basic Water Service Policy in Ingquza Hill Local municipality. In doing so, the study obtained the perceptions from the Department of Infrastructure and Engineering services within Ingquza Hill Local Municipality, ward councilors and Executive Committee members, to identify the challenges in policy implementation that the municipality under study experiences. Prior to 1994, the Republic of South Africa was divided administratively as a result of its policy of eleven homelands, four independent states “Transkei, Bophuthatswana, Venda and Ciskei (TBVC) states, six self-governing territories, and the rest of South Africa itself” (Alessandro 2015:113). This situation resulted in a fragmented approach to service provision, with limited or no services being available in the former "black" urban and rural areas (DWAF Report 2002:2). According to the DWAF Report (2002:3), these problems were partly symptomatic of a lack of coordination and responsibility due to the proliferation of institutional structures that existed at that time. Post 1994, the African National Congress (ANC) government has prioritized the integration of basic service delivery. However, twenty-three years post 1994, access to basic services such as basic water services and sanitation still remains a priority. Much of these challenges arise out of the backlogs in the delivery of these services. The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) compiled a White Paper on Water Supply and Sanitation Policy (DWAF 1994) to address the backlogs in basic water and sanitation services. This strategy formed the basis of the Community Water Supply and Sanitation (CWSS) programme, which primarily focuses on service delivery in the rural poor and to extend access to basic water supply and sanitation services to all South African citizens in general. According to Mahlatsi (2010:56), the problem is that there are no specific guidelines as to how they would carry out their responsibilities. Since municipal councils play an active role in implementing policies (Mahlatsi 2010:56). This is a case study, with a qualitative approach. The methodology applied to explore the perceptions of Ingquza Hill Local Municipality included interviewing 13 participants over a period of 4 weeks. Thematic analysis was be used which, according to Cooper (1994:56) is the type of analysis mostly used in qualitative research because of the pattern it follows in pin-pointing and recording patterns within data. The findings revealed that the municipality does not understand the importance of implementing this policy: this was evident by the lack of policy implementation elements in place. This is also evident in the findings from the data collected, that the municipality does not have policy implementation frameworks for water service delivery. A strategic policy direction is recommended in order to tackle the issues of poor policy implementation in the municipality.
Public participation in the development of one stop development centres : a case study of the Mboza one stop development centre in Umhlabuyalingana Local Municipality.
(2017) Zungu, Mazwendoda Thandokuhle.; Mutereko, Sybert.
The study is an assessment of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government’s policy approach regarding the introduction of the Mboza One Stop Development Center (OSDC), an endeavor which is being spearheaded by the Provincial Department of Social Development (DSD). The focus of the study is on the Mboza OSDC, which is based at Mboza (in the uMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality). The study asked numerous questions on topics significant to the development of OSDCs with the aims of speeding up integrated service delivery and decentralizing essential services to poor communities. The study also explored the broad theoretical framework, public participation and policy implementation in context. Public participation is at the center of this enquiry. The study employed both, qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection including fieldwork, interviews and surveys. The data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 and Microsoft Excel was used to create diagrams. The findings of the study in relation to the key issues investigated revealed the relevance of the OSDCs, mostly in the rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal. It was further found that stakeholders had a significant role to play during the development of the Mboza OSDC. The investigation of the levels of participation concentrated on the degree of citizen power exercised and the degree of tokenism. The communities with OSDCs, such as Mboza, enjoy the benefit of having services offered locally at minimal cost. Thus, public participation proved to be fruitful in the development of the Mboza OSDC.
The informal sector and public participation in policy formulation in the informal economy: a case study of eThekwini metropolitan municipality.
(2017) Jiyane, Anele Fortunate Cebile.; Misgun, Biniam Tesfamariam.
The concept of public participation in policymaking is a complex phenomenon. The term has been used for different purposes, which extends its complexity in public sector. The complexity is experienced at different levels of engagement, contexts, and activities. Local government is central in facilitating public participation. The Constitution of South Africa and other legislative documents affirm the significance of public participation for accountability and transparency in government spheres. However, public participation with regard to policy related to informal trading exists in principle but its implementation is complicated. This study investigates street traders’ engagement in policymaking processes. The study employs a qualitative approach to examine informal sector actors’ participation in public policy-making in Durban. The empirical data were collected from in-depth interviews and through observation of Municipal Business Unit officials and street traders and through literature reviews. The total number of participants were twenty street traders, two government officials and one civil society participant. The data was interpreted and discussed thematically through a deductive approach. The study has three major findings. Firstly, we argue that street traders are not considered alone in decision-making processes. Secondly, this study claims that power dynamics contribute to shop owners and formal businesses receiving preferential treatment from the city council, at the expense of street traders. Lastly, the demand for urban public space for commercial trading is limited, while the role of the informal sector in income generation for poor and middle class households is increasing. This study finds that, if public participation is to be more sustainable, it must move beyond rhetoric to include integral inclusive participation measures.
Persistent economic inequalities in higher education policies of South Africa. Should fees fall? A case study of the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
(2019) Xulu, Noeline.; Vilakazi, Fikile Mabel.
1. Introduction Looking at the policies drafted in 1994 when South Africa became a democratic state, the aim of the study was to investigate if it was feasible to have free higher education when government had already failed the country on the existing policy or promise of free basic education. The question was: If fees were to fall, would this rectify the persistent inequalities of South Africa’s higher education system? 2. Aims and objectives The case for free higher education depends on two principle premises: (a) social equity: expanding advanced education access for poor people, particularly recently underestimated networks, notwithstanding expanding educational cost charges, and (b) development externalities. Given South Africa's abnormal amounts of abilities deficiencies, free higher education is deemed important to get human capital speculation to productive dimensions. The aim of the study was to establish the extent to which South Africa was ready to provide free higher education. The main objective was to find out if such a policy would address endemic inequalities in the country. 3. Methods This is a mixed methods study which employed primary qualitative data collected via desktop research and a bit of field work with the use of surveys and interviews. The decision to use a mixed methods approach was predicated on the understanding that no method is perfect. Secondly, it was to further enrich the study’s findings. Qualitative methodology allows the researcher to explore the nature of the case and to get in-depth understanding of different issues that might involve people’s actions, experiences and attitudes of implementing agents. 4. Results Free education in South Africa is an objective worth seeking after. It is important, particularly for those who are poor and need access to tertiary education but have no means to do so, as well as individuals who accurately consider it to be a privilege and a basic right for the nation. Germany has achieved this goal but unfortunately there is no African country which offers free higher education. There are countries that have tried it, but the expense of it all was far too much. The tremendous test is to make the trademark of “free higher education” attainable. vii 1. Recommendations Flowing from the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made: -We have to agree that poor students must be prioritized in terms of free education. - There should be a formula where parents and the state share costs. Parents must pay what they can afford while the state fills in the rest. In this formula, private sector contributions can be included to subsidize the scheme through corporate bursaries. -There should be a reduction in spending in other priority areas so as to be able to fund free higher education. Although this will impact people negatively, any investment in education is good investment. -Those in positions of power should refrain from corrupt activities so that government would have enough money to invest in higher education. -For the dream of free higher education to be realized all stakeholders should come on board (including the private sector). Government alone cannot deliver free higher education to the nation.
The challenges that come with the delay in collecting community garbage bags. The case study of Umlazi (Q-section).
(2019) Dlamini, Sanele Niceboy.; Zondi, Nompumelelo Bernadette.
The relevance of this study was embedded in knowing that the South African government through its local councilors exists to safeguard that residents within their demarcated wards live in a clean, healthy and hazard-free environment as supported by the South African Constitution (Act 108 of 1996) and the Municipality Systems Act (32 of 2000). Using theoretical standpoints of the Welfarist theory and the Modernisation theory as well as the qualitative research design as a principal method of data collection, this thesis examined the challenges that come with the delay in waste collection in Umlazi Township (Q-section) and the policy implications therein. The study reveals that the usage of open dumps is the most viable option of solid waste disposal in the study area. Open dumping will continue to be the most widely adopted technique of disposing waste by most towns in Durban due to the inadequate infrastructure which makes it difficult for the municipal truck to collect the solid waste. Secondly, the study reveals that unmaintained dump side encourage communicable diseases which detriments people’s health. The study reports that communicable diseases have conditioned some community members who are also breadwinners to have chronic diseases. This has cost them to lose jobs and deepens them into rife poverty that is confirmed in most people in South Africa. Children of this community are now deprived the right to play outside which benefits their physical growth as parents protect them from contaminated litter. The study concluded that this community is not liberated as it is still oppressed by an unaccountable local sphere of government which does not prioritize adequate sanitation for its people. The study recommends the establishment of a sanitation network or committee which will look at issues of sanitation as a service delivery concern. It contributes in sensitizing people that they must make use of public participation gatherings to discuss or express issues of sanitation in lieu of being passive beneficiaries. The study recommends a sectoral approach which should be steered by the Department of Health and the eThekwini Municipality through which the said population can be empowered in reducing, reusing as well as re-cycling their own litter for health and economic reasons. These findings can be utilised to broaden people’s comprehension of the significance and impact of effective solid waste management or lack thereof.
NGO accountability in Lesotho: a governance perspective of the societies (amendment) act 2001.
(2018) Khati, Kekeletso Jane.; Sayeed, Cheryl Mohamed.
Non- Government Organizations (NGOs) have become very popular since the 20th century in developing countries because of the role they play in the enhancement of socio-economic development. The prevalence of NGOs in most developing countries is linked to the availability of foreign aid and a modernization agenda for developed countries to invest in the development of the global south countries. For these reasons, the governments of developing countries have embraced the existence and importance of NGOs towards the improvement of the livelihoods of the poor people within their region. NGOs have played prominent roles in poverty reduction, economic advancement, social alteration and democratization programmes in Lesotho. The growing reputation of NGOs has resulted in the global call for improved accountability of NGOs. In Lesotho, the Societies Amendment Act 2001 was enacted with the purpose to register organisations, including NGOs, with the hope of standardizing the way in which registered organisations in Lesotho operate. The Act also seeks to establish one law for non- profit organisations and regulate the registration of civil society organisations. The purpose of the study was to assess the accountability of NGO in Lesotho through the governance perspective as contained in the Societies (Amendment) Act 2001. The study adopted a qualitative approach, as such; secondary sources of information were relied upon. Relevant books, journals, government publications and institutional reports were consulted for vital information that formed the crux of the argument of the study. Thematic content analysis was used for making sense of the information gathered from texts to articulately present arguments and reach a logical conclusion. Creation of themes was guided by the principle of good governance such as public-sector management, accountability, a legal framework for development and transparency and information. The preliminary results of this study showed that although there are policies that regulate the operations of NGOs in Lesotho like the Societies (Amendment) Act 2001 which is implemented in conjunction with the Cooperative Societies’ Act 2000, and the Labour Law Code of 1992.Notwithstanding, there are no provisions for accountability in the Societies (Amendment) Act 2001as regards the operation of NGOs. This vacuum has resulted in the autonomous operation of NGOs without checkmate. Key words: Accountability, Governance and Good Governance, NGOs, Societies (Amendment) Act 2001.
The impacts of a coalition government on investment opportunities and socio- political development in Lesotho.
(2018) Buti, Palesa Lylian.; Ndlovu, Joram.
The recent political instability in Lesotho has led to a breakdown and collapse of two consecutive coalition governments in the past five years. Amongst other factors that have contributed to the conflict is the insufficient legal support or governance frame-work, internal conflicts within political parties and a polarized political environment. The continued instability has placed the country at the risk of losing lucrative investment deals such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Lesotho has been perceived as a risky investment destination. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of a coalition government on investment opportunities and socio-political development in Lesotho. The objective was to evaluate the functionality of coalition governments in effective policy implementation and assess the challenges that may hinder investment opportunities in Lesotho. Marxist theorist Antonio Gramsci’s theory of cultural hegemony as well as the policy monitoring and policy evaluation models were utilized in this study as a measure of understanding and examining a coalition type of government and its impacts on socio political development and investment opportunities in Lesotho. The study employed a mixed- method approach in which 200 questionnaires were distributed to different business sectors and three in-depth interviews were conducted with key informants. The results show that a coalition government is problematic in Lesotho, stakeholders have no clear understanding of the context and content of the coalition type of government has the collapse of two such governments before their respective end of term. The political unrest fueled by conflict between political parties and the killing of two army commanders within the space of three years arose as a result of conflicting interest between coalition partners and has made coalition unsustainable. The country has found itself embroiled in a series of unfortunate incidents that have led to numerous social and economic hardships. As a result, the mayhem has not only created an environment that is inconducive for businesses to thrive and for investors to invest but it has also tarnished the image of the country globally. Furthermore, the study established that there is a lack of civic education and a lack of political maturity amongst political parties and their leaders. The study recommends that a more detailed frame-work on the functioning of a coalition government with clearly defined goals, objectives and guidelines be formulated to ensure future success for a coalition type of government in Lesotho.

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