Public Administration

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Women in management : a comparative study of the public (education) and private (banking) sectors in Durban.
(2005) Bob, Roshini.; Soni, Dhirajlal Vallabh.
This study utilises a multi-conceptual framework to critically and comparatively examine central issues and concerns relating to women in management generally and more specifically in the public and private sectors. The case studies of the banking and education sectors in the Durban area form the focus of this effort. Specifically, the main aspects of the primary research undertaken pertain to: perceptions of employees (both at management and non-managerial staff levels) in the banking and education sectors towards women in management; an appraisal from a management perspective, of existing policies and programmes aimed at eliminating gender discriminatory practices within the private and the public sectors; an examination of the impact that gender equity practices has on human resource planning, especially at the management level, in the private and public sectors; and an assessment of training and support programmes in place to assist women managers. Questionnaire surveys were undertaken with 50 female managers from each sector, 25 male managers from each sector and 25 non-managerial staff from each sector. Therefore, in total 200 interviews were conducted. Additionally, participatory focus group discussions were conducted with groups of both female and male managers and non-managers. The study reveals that women form an integral part of human resources in the banking and education sectors. For several decades women have entered jobs in these sectors and many women have moved up to managerial levels. However, most of these positions remain at lower and middle-management levels. Additionally, there are several problems that women in management experience. The main conclusion is that there are no notable and significant differences between women in management in the public and private sectors. This reinforces ILO's (1998) position that the challenges faced by women in management are ongoing and widespread. Problems facing women in management are complex and multidimensional. There are numerous factors that contribute to existing trends and explain the poor participation and performance of women in leadership positions. No single strategy or initiative can address the challenges faced by women in management and increase women's presence in leadership positions in both the public and private sectors. It is therefore imperative that issues pertaining to women in management be addressed from a range of perspectives: policy aspects, raising awareness of key considerations, improving skills and competencies of women (especially creating conditions and opportunities for development and capacity building), changing institutional and corporate structures and procedures as well as changing attitudes of men and women towards women in management and leadership positions. In essence, it is necessary to create a more enabling, women-friendly environment.
Pathways and barriers to inclusion: a case study of a girls' only school of industry in South Africa.
(2001) Hortop, Mark.; Muthukrishna, Anbanithi.
Since 1994 all education policy documents that have emerged in South Africa have stressed the principles of social justice and inclusion by foregrounding issues of equity, redress, quality education for all, equality of opportunity, and nondiscrimination. This study examined inclusionary and exclusionary attitudes and practices at a School of Industry for Girls in South Africa. The research was conducted in the qualitative research paradigm, and took the form of a small-scale ethnographic case study. The data collection techniques included observations and used observations, document analysis, questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The findings revealed that learners experience various barriers to learning and participation that are clearly embedded in the ethos, curriculum and cultures of the school. Various discriminatory attitudes and practices play themselves out and reflect an intersection of racism, gender discrimination and ableism. The study points towards the need for management and staff in collaboration with learners to interrogate and work towards minimising these exclusionary attitudes and practices prevalent at the school.
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.
Management and development of cricket in South Africa with special reference to Natal.
(1993) Naidoo, Loganadhan Dalyiah; Bayat, Mahomed Saheed.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the management and development of cricket in South Africa with particular reference to Natal. The objectives of this evaluation included Highlighting the period of cricket prior to unification; Describing the unification process and the conditions necessary for unity; and Evaluation of the development programmes at national and provincial levels. The extensive area of investigation and the vastness of the area of study, restricts this research to specific aspects that are pertinent to the topic. The objectives of the study therefore focus on the following : To provide a theoretical foundation and analysis of administration, organisation and structure, and development, in order to establish whether the current situation did in fact meet with the objectives of the unification process; To investigate the effects of the apartheid policy on sport in South Africa; and To provide a critical appraisal of existing development programmes in order to enhance the knowledge and literature-base of cricket administration in South Africa. Within the framework of this research, and the theoretical foundations of cricket administration and development, the effects of the government's policy of "Apartheid", the emergence of the non-racial sports struggle, the unification process, and the structure of cricket with particular emphasis on the development programmes both at national and provincial levels, are discussed. The conclusion, which draws inferences from each chapter, provides certain recommendations pertaining to the following: The establishment of a National Sports Coordinating Body; The development of a National Development Policy; The establishment of a National Development Fund; The Development of Talented Players; The Development of Officials; The Development of Clubs; The Provision of Facilities; The establishment of School Cricket Unification; and Control and Accountability. It is hoped that the recommendations and suggestions made address some aspects of the various issues raised about the unification process in cricket in South Africa.
Primary health care delivery : a case study of KwaZulu-Natal with special reference to physiotherapy.
(2009) Nadasan, Thayananthee.; Penceliah, Yoganandee.
The delivery of primary health care (PHC), as promulgated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and in South Africa, is of fundamental importance. Physiotherapy is an essential component of the health care delivery system and must promote PHC during clinical training and practice. In KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), PHC service delivery has been a problem for various reasons such as the history of the country (apartheid era pre- 1994), financial constraints, lack of human resources, physical infrastructure and time constraints. Service delivery within the health sector is reported frequently in the media as physiotherapists and radiographers embarked on a strike latter part of 2009 in KZN due to a discrepancy in the Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD). Physiotherapists have highlighted that they were overworked, carrying the strain of vacancies, due to frequent resignations to migrate to the private sector. The aim of the research was to explore the promotion of PHC delivery in KZN. The objectives explored the empowerment of students and staff in the Health Science Disciplines to PHC service delivery. In addition, managers at provincial and local levels were included in the study. Barriers and factors that enhance the promotion of PHC were identified. The research design comprised of a survey, a quantitative and qualitative case study of KZN, using questionnaires or semi-structured interviews. The findings indicated that the physiotherapy staff lacked PHC training (p=0.000) and 48.7% of the Disciplines in Health Sciences indicated that the rural needs were not being addressed with regards to PHC service delivery (p=0.018). Each discipline operated within its own silo, without any consultation and inter-disciplinary collaboration, to the detriment of effective delivery of PHC services. Fragmentation and duplication of PHC services existed between Provincial and Local Governments as indicated by 46% of the managers, which is disconcerting post 15 years of democracy in South Africa. The main objective of the National Health Plan and Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) was to readdress the inequalities and fragmented health services. Numerous recommendations are made which will improve the journey towards transformation, comprehensive PHC service delivery, and the quality of life of all citizens
Grievance and disciplinary procedures at the local government level.
(1992) Maharaj, Pamela.; Singh, Deoram.; Moodley, Sathiasiven.
No abstract available.
The role of organised labour in dispute resolution in the eThekwini Municipality.
(2010) Pakkiri, Vadival.; Subban, Mogesperie.
This research expounds on the impact of Organised Labour in Dispute Resolution at eThekwini Municipality. The research will identify the positive and negative aspects of the stakeholders within the environment of labour relations. The necessity of this research is that very little research has been conducted in the dispute resolution environment at eThekwini Municipality. In any labour contract, there will always be disputes between the stakeholders concerned. In some instances, the conclusion of the dispute is a win-win situation or winner takes all. In the open market, the engaging of the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration is the forum available to resolve disputes. In the local government sector, however, organised labour caters for the needs of its members by taking their grievances to the bargaining council under the auspices of the South African Local Government Bargaining Council. Local government is the sphere that is closest to the public at which delivery of services takes place. The manner in which this is conducted depends largely on the Municipality's institutional capacity. The institutional capacity also influences its regulatory role. The co-operative governance approach encourages multiple stakeholder arrangements to deal with labour relations issues. These arrangements will provide an illustration of the role of various stakeholders in achieving peace and harmony in the workplace. Organised Labour will always have a profound effect on the economy, politics and social services. Its contribution and development to society is highly influential and ensures its recognition. The challenge is to develop systems and procedures that will serve the labour relations environment. This research will set out to explore the dispute resolution mechanism that exists currently, and the effect it has in the Municipality. In this way there will be a definitive significance on the approach to formalise the roles employed by management and organised labour.
Studies of the nests of the fungus-growing termite Macrotermes natalensis (Isoptera: Macrotermitinae)
(1997) Kitto, Stephen Michael.; Miller, Raymond Martin.; Atkinson, P. R.
Monthly sampling of 71 laboratory nests, each with a pair of adults, revealed that eggs and first-instar larvae were observed in the third month, minor workers in the fourth month and minor soldiers in the seventh month. Mortality of the pairs was high, with only five pairs surviving over the 10 month period. Laboratory nests did not develop further than the copularium. Excavation of 30 nests, of differing sizes, revealed that five were juvenile nests, consisting of only thin shelving with a few flattened fungus combs scattered throughout, and all, even the youngest nest (3 to 5 years), had a small mound. The queens from these young nests were small and had white pleural and intersegmental membranes. Twenty mature nests had a medium to large mound with large air passages and a medium to large hive with a well defined fungus garden containing large fungus combs. The queens from these nests were medium- to large sized, with white to brown pleural and intersegmental membranes. The remaining five nests had mounds often covered with grass, and a hive that contained less fungus comb than expected. The mounds of these nests were classified using their sandy pediment or crumbly texture. These were senescent or declining nests. The queens had pale brown pleural membranes and brown intersegmental membranes, and were often flaccid. The royal cell was commonly found in the middle to upper part of the nursery (20 nests), but sometimes was found at the edge of the nursery (five nests). The royal cells of five nests were not found or had been destroyed during excavation. The "youngest" mound was one to two years old and the "oldest" was more than 25 years old. The youngest queen was estimated to be three to five years old and the oldest queen more than 27 years. The nest seems to remain subterranean for two or less years before producing a mound. Thirteen nests were vigorous and five declining. The remaining 12 nests could not be classified as no fungus comb was collected from the nests.
The scope and applicability of total quality management (TQM) to the public schooling system.
(2003) Govender, Sithambaram.; Sing, Deoram.
Total Quality Management (TQM) is an industrial or manufacturing theory that has greatly assisted business to transform to become more competitive in the global market. The South African public education system is currently facing various challenges and obstacles that must be overcome in order to cater for the demands of the 21 51 century. Much of the focus thus far has been on addressing the imbalances and inequities of the past. Now that the battle for equality is slowly being won, the focus is changing to quality in education provision. Total Quality Management offers an opportunity to attain quality in the education sector. Many writers abroad have adapted the principles of TQM to the education environment. Case studies in the United States of America and United Kingdom in particular, point to the success of TQM. Given the South African education scenario, this study explores the scope and applicability of Total Quality Management to the South African public schooling system. In February 2000, President Thabo Mbeki expressed the need to pay special attention to the improvement of the quality of management of our schools. The practice of TQM offers an opportunity to improve the quality of management in our schools. In addition, there has been much discussion and debate around whether schools are preparing learners for the real world. It is the express desire of the Minister of Education, Professor Kader Asmal, to create an education system for the 21 51 century. One of the cardinal principles of TQM is giving the customer what the customer needs- the customer in this case being the learner, the parent, tertiary institutions, commerce and industry and society at large. Currently there is ample evidence to suggest that there is a huge gap between what society expects and what schools and tertiary institutions are providing. Today, it is becoming increasingly evident that customer choice and customer perception of quality is of paramount importance. Therefore, schools that can offer quality in terms of product and customer service will survive and prosper. TQM is about meeting and exceeding customer expectations of service. There is ample evidence to suggest that TQM has carried the burden of being responsible in many cases for improving quality and productivity. Schools are constantly faced with rising costs. Parents are being called upon to pay increasingly more for the education of their children. Schools are constantly searching for innovative ways of cutting costs without compromising quality. TQM helps to systematically identify sources of error, and eradicate costly waste. This study explores whether TQM can do for the public schooling system what it has done for business. The scope and applicability of TQM to the public schooling system is investigated through carefully structured questionnaires administered to school-based personnel at different ranks, working in rural and urban schools, as well as ' advantaged' and 'disadvantaged' schools. In addition, chairpersons of school governing bodies/members and departmental officials are interviewed. The research carefully examines the many concerns around implementing TQM in public schools. There is concern that the principles of industry would not find favour in an education environment. A business-like approach to education may result in many meaningful aspects of schools and schooling being compromised or lost. The study ascertains whether some of the basic ingredients for quality management are present in our schools. Despite certain concerns, the majority were optimistic that TQM can be implemented. The conclusions arrived at and the recommendations made indicate that the theory, principles and practices of TQM can be adapted and applied to the South African schooling system. The argument that the vast backlogs in education do not favour the application of quality management in education is challenged. It is concluded that TQM offers the best possible opportunity to address inferior quality learning in certain quarters. Based on the success stories, a carefully structured implementation plan for TQM is suggested. Applying TQM will ensure a high quality public education.
A distributed knowledge-based support system for strategic management.
(1990) Ram, Vevekanand; Finnie, Gavin R.
Abstract available in pdf file.
Evaluating public sector service delivery at KwaZulu-Natal provincial hospitals : a case study of the Durban Metropolitan and Ilembe region.
(2012) Ndlovu, Simphiwe Emmanuel.; Kader, Abdulla Dawood.
The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa,1996 (Act 108 of 1996) and the Patients’ Rights Charter (Patients’ Rights Charter: Online) guarantee all citizens the right to basic health care services (South Africa, 1996: chapter 3). Furthermore, the White Paper on the Transformation of the Public Service (South Africa, 1997) states that the delivery of healthcare should be guided by the principles contained in the framework of Batho Pele, a Sotho term meaning “People First”. Hospitals play an important role in delivering healthcare. However, strong allegations have been made about the inability of various provincial hospitals to provide health care in line with the Constitution and the Patients’ Rights Charter. Customer satisfactionis a vital measure of performance for firms, industries and national economies (Anderson et al., 1994).The growing health care literature suggests that patient satisfaction should motivate strategic decisions in the healthcare sector (Andaleeb, 2001). Research has indicated that the services provided by a company or institution can be measured by determining the inconsistency between what the customer wants (expectations) and how the customer experiences the service (perceptions). Little research has been conducted to date in KwaZulu-Natal provincial hospitals to evaluate the progress made in improving service delivery of healthcare; the healthcare system and the administration thereof, which is a major cause of poor service delivery in the provincial hospitals. This research study aims to contribute towards the identification of health care requirements by articulating the expectations of patients. Following a literature review which provided insight into the conceptual and contextual framework of public administration and the role of knowledge management in enhancing public sector service delivery, empirical data were gathered by means of questionnaires administered to patients, nurses and doctors at three hospitals in iLembe region and eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal – Addington, King Edward VIII and Stanger Hospitals – that serve urban, rural and semirural communities. The study’s findings revealed that there is indeed, reason for concern with regard to the identified service delivery goals and with regard to improving the health care system in general. The findings show that there is a weak, non-significant, negative linear relationship between the services offered at the three provincial hospitals compared with the expectations of patients who were admitted to these hospitals during the time the research was conducted. There is a need for further research regarding the interface between public sector provincial hospital services and service delivery, and the quality of services offered by hospitals in order to comply with Batho Pele Principles. It is anticipated that the study’s recommendations will assist hospitals in the eThekwini Metro and iLembe region in dealing with the challenges they face with regard to hospital service delivery and the monitoring and evaluating of Batho Pele Principles in the quest for a more efficient and effective delivery mandate.
Implementing the national curriculum statement : a case study of FET history educators in the Umlazi District, KwaZulu-Natal.
(2012) Pillay, Gengatharen.; Penceliah, Yoganandee.
The study focused on education within a public administration paradigm. It highlights the development of curriculum policy in South Africa after 1994 by detailing the theories and models used in analysing public policy. Specific reference is made to the implementation of education policy, inter alia, the National Curriculum Statement: A case study of FET History in the Umlazi District, KwaZulu-Natal. An attempt at transforming South Africa’s education policy post-1994 came with the implementation of the policy model known as Curriculum 2005 (C2005), which was officially launched on 24 March 1997. The principles of C2005 signalled a new era for education policy-making and implementation in South Africa. During the implementation of the C2005 policy, there was a groundswell of disconcert among educators regarding the complexities and the concomitant difficulties in effecting the new modes of assessment. In 1999, former Minister of Education, Professor Kader Asmal, embarked on a ‘listening campaign’ out of which emerged his ‘Call to Action’. A Review Committee was subsequently appointed to investigate the structure and design of C2005. It recommended a policy shift referred to as the Revised National Curriculum Statements (RNCS) for the General Education and Training (GET) and Further Education Training (FET) phases. In 2006, the interim policy referred to as Report 550, was replaced with the new policy known as the National Curriculum Statement (NCS) for the FET phase. The essence of the NCS emphasised the development of a high level of knowledge and skills for all learners. The training of educators and implementation of the NCS policy occurred between 2006 and 2008 across all public schools in the Republic of South Africa. The first cohort of learners matriculated under the new NCS in 2008 and the results were less than satisfactory, leading to widespread criticism. Arguably, the implementation of the NCS led to a decline in the percentage pass rates of learners writing the National Senior Certificate examinations (Grade 12). In 2009, the national pass percentage was 60.6% while in KwaZulu-Natal the pass percentage was 61.1%. Education stakeholders complained about the inadequate subject-specific training and the demanding administrative workload. The primary aim of this study was to ascertain the levels of efficacy of the implementation of the NCS policy with specific reference to FET History in the Umlazi District, KwaZulu-Natal. In order to corroborate the hypothesis of this study an empirical investigation was undertaken which consisted of quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. Data gathered was analysed using the Predictive Analytic Soft Ware (PASW) Statistics version 18.0. The findings of the research study reveal specific trends and scenarios. Generally, FET History educators and Curriculum Specialists from the Umlazi District and from other districts within the province of KwaZulu-Natal, indicate the NCS was not effectively implemented because of the following key reasons: · All role players were not adequately consulted. · The FET training workshops lacked depth, were inadequate and often poorly co-ordinated. · There were far too many and often-contradictory policy documents which led to an increased administrative burden on FET educators. · The lack of effective monitoring and evaluation of the NCS implementation across the grades in the FET band. · Inadequate provision of relevant resource materials such as textbooks, and where available, these were not effectively used. · Content overload, especially in Grade 12. · Ambiguous and unattainable assessment requirements. · Insufficient and poorly trained Curriculum Specialists. The job description of Curriculum Specialists needs urgent and swift clarification. Based on these findings several detailed and practical recommendations were suggested. In addition, a curriculum implementation model has been developed to assist FET History educators specifically with any further curriculum-related matters.
Water service delivery in eThekwini municipality: perceptions and processes in Johanna/Boxwood Road informal settlement.
(2016) Malakoana, Mandla Saul.; Qwabe, Bongani Reginald.
Government is expected by its citizens to deliver services with the highest degree of quality and of suitable standards. This results in citizens’ satisfaction and positive perceptions of their government. Any failure of government to meet citizens’ expectations results in dissatisfaction and protests. In line with this assertion, the study primarily aimed at analysing the perceptions of the Johanna/Boxwood Road Informal Settlement’s dwellers, in relation to the provision of water services by the eThekwini Municipality. It also sought to propose policy recommendations at a strategic level in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to advance quality waterservice delivery beyond 2015. The study was grounded on the Expectation-Perception and Core- Value theories. The two theories centre their perspectives on the customer’s view and on the ethos of customer service. These aspects accentuate the essence of organisations, including government, measuring the perceptions and expectations of customers. Their constructs are premised on reliability, assurance, tangibility, empathy, and responsiveness when services are delivered. One hundred units of analysis were drawn as the sample from the Johanna/Boxwood Road Informal Settlement, using a random sampling technique for the quantitative research method. Fifteen senior officials were interviewed from eThekwini Municipality’s Water and Sanitation Unit, deploying the qualitative research method. The data collected was analysed using SPSS Version 23 for the quantitative research method, and Nvivo Version 10 for the qualitative research method. A huge percentage of the Johanna/Boxwood Road Informal Settlement dwellers surveyed believed that the quality of water delivered by eThekwini Municipality was high, and the delivery of water was reliable. They further asserted that the municipality was empathetic when delivering water services for them, expressing confidence in it. However, the results also stressed the importance of developing a policy that would be responsive to the needs of the citizens, and which would positively affect the lives of the common people. The findings further underscored the essence of enhancing communication between the municipality and the community when services such as water were delivered. The monitoring and evaluation tools were also identified by the study as being critical to measuring the progress when delivering services, particularly water. The major recommendations of the study are that: 1) eThekwini Municipality should improve communication with the community, 2) eThekwini Municipality should develop response strategies on how to efficiently deliver water services to areas, such as Johanna/Boxwood Road Informal Settlement, 3) more work needs to be done in order to understand how the water is collected and stored at household level, 4) more relationship building with the community should be undertaken by eThekwini Municipality, and 5) eThekwini Municipality should evaluate uts incentive programme at lower levels in order to encourage more productivity. Collectively, the recommendations of the study suggest the transformation of developmental local government, such as eThekwini Municipality in improving service delivery and good governance. This serves to fulfil the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) espoused by the United Nations, 2015, in terms of Goal 6 which places emphasis on ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation to all by 2030. The model proposed in the last chapter of the dissertation should therefore be adopted to enhance water delivery and management at local government level.
Equitable share formula and fiscal capacity in municipalities with particular reference to Msunduzi Municipality.
(2015) Mpumela, Xolile.; Subban, Mogesperie.
The apartheid regime left its imprint on South Africa's municipalities with systematic under-investment in municipal infrastructure in black areas. Deprivation of communities with limited access to basic services including water, sanitation, refuse collection and roads created skewed settlement patterns as one of ‘enduring planned and deliberate’ poverty. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 established ‘wall-to-wall’ local government with municipalities to address past inequalities. There was no equally corresponding increase in the tax base of communities within municipalities. As a result, they are faced with fiscal imbalances in raising adequate funds to meet mandated functions with municipalities heavily dependent on intergovernmental transfers from national government. Twenty one years into democracy, municipalities continue facing infrastructural disparities evidenced by significant increases in service delivery protests. A suitable redistributive approach is envisaged as current local government funding arrangements may not be addressing objectives of development and redistribution adequately. National Treasury recently completed a review of the 2008 LGES formula and introduced a new formula for the equitable distribution of funds to municipalities. The purpose of the study was to assess the appropriateness of the new LGES formula as a resource allocation and mechanism for equitable resource sharing in government, deemed a focal point in addressing municipal fiscal challenges, using Msunduzi Municipality as reference. Underpinned by the pragmatic paradigm or philosophical worldview, the study used mixed methods research design which included review of documented data, as well as questionnaires for empirical data. The key research question was if the current Local Government Equitable Share formula fiscally capacitates municipalities such that they are able to provide basic services to communities? The study revealed that there is insufficient data available at the local government level to support the design of an appropriate LGES formula. The formula is unable to accurately quantify fiscal structural gaps in municipalities, and therefore fails to respond to basic service needs of municipalities. Furthermore, the LGES formula cannot be effective if the restraints on municipal own revenue sources are unresolved. National government must identify constraints to revenue generation and collection in municipalities to provide appropriate and sustainable financial support whilst promoting economic development, good governance and social progress for all financially ‘ailing’ municipalities.
The role of democratically elected coucillors and traditional leaders in service delivery : the case of Ubuhlebezwe municipality.
(2016) Vezi, Nkosiyezwe Cyprian.; Raga, Kishore.; Subban, Mogesperie.
The dawn of a free society and first democratic election that were non-racial elections in the mid-nineties resulted in the birth of a new epoch of leadership at the local level of government. The Constitution of South Africa, Act 108 1996, stipulates that municipalities should be established throughout the country, including the rural areas. As a result, Councillors were elected in the areas of jurisdiction previously governed by Traditional Leaders. The development of municipalities in rural areas resulted in two kinds of leadership: democratically elected Municipal Councillors and Traditional Leaders, which has caused tension between these two forms of leadership. The tensions experienced between traditional and government leaders are mainly fuelled by the overlap of the roles and responsibilities of democratically elected Councillors and Traditional Leaders. In addition, there is no set structure for the governing of relations between Traditional Leaders and democratically elected Councillors. This study explored the relationship between Traditional Leaders and democratically elected Councillors and their role in the provision of service delivery at Ubuhlebezwe Municipality. In addition, the study set out to explore the ways in which the relationship between Traditional Leaders and ward Councillors could be managed so as to harmonise the relationship between them in order to improve service delivery in Ubuhlebezwe Municipality. A case study design was used in this research and a qualitative methodology underpinned the study. Purposive sampling technique which is part of non-probability sampling method was employed to select Traditional Leaders and members of the ward committees of Ubuhlebezwe Municipality. Focus - group discussions and in-depth interviews were used to gather data from the twelve participants in the study. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data. The study found that the management of the relationship between Traditional Leaders and Councillors in respect of service delivery is poor. Traditional Leaders felt that the democratic dispensation has given a great deal of power to Councillors in decision-making and implementation of most service delivery programmes. There is no discussion or consultation between Traditional Leaders and ward Councillors, and also no agreement regarding the implementation and evaluation of service delivery strategies.. The study found that there is poor recognition of Traditional Leaders by ward Councillors, thus Traditional Leaders are not actively participating in service delivery. Consequently, there is an urgent need for interventions to be put in place to delineate the roles and responsibilities of ward Councillors and Traditional Leaders in the provision of service delivery and also to promote greater consultation between the two, not only in Ubuhlebezwe Municipality but also in South Africa more broadly.
Child support grant and poverty alleviation in Umlazi ward 84: an impact assessment.
(2016) Ngcongo, Thulisile Pearl.; Qwabe, Bongani Reginald.
In South Africa, social security forms part of the government‟s poverty-alleviation programme. Section 27(c) of the Constitution of South Africa of 1996 states that everyone, including children, has a right to social security. The Child Support Grant (CSG) was introduced in 1998 as part of social security to address poverty among children in South Africa. The CSG replaced the State Maintenance Grant (SMG) which benefited only certain racial groups. This study was conducted to assess the impact of the CSG in alleviating poverty. Ward 84 within Umlazi Township was selected as the study site. The study was undertaken using a quantitative approach. A probability sampling was conducted, using a random sampling method, wherein only beneficiaries of the CSG were sampled. One hundred participants completed the questionnaire. Collected data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Various studies have indicated that the CSG has a positive impact on ensuring that poor children have an adequate standard of living. Although positive impacts were evident, some children were reported as lacking basic needs, while other needy children were not in receipt of the CSG. The study was undertaken to assess whether the CSG has any impact on various dimensions that contribute to childhood poverty. The findings supported literature; the CSG was demonstrated as having a significant positive impact on the lives of the beneficiaries within Ward 84 in Umlazi Township. CSG impacts positively on indicators such as nutrition, education, early childhood development, health and safety, as well as children‟s material and living environment. Whilst the CSG has been proven to have a positive impact on alleviation of poverty of indigent children, the study also discovered that some needy people still have difficulties in accessing the grant. A number of recommendations were made, included continuous awareness offered to the community, monitoring and evaluation of the utilisation of the grant money, integration of basic services, and sustainable development.
Road entry point management systems and and regional integration : the case of Zimbabwe.
(2016) Zimano, Felistas Ranganai.; Ruffin, Fayth Anese.
Regions face integration impediments, yet despite statistics showing some regions making significant strides toward integration, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) lags behind. The management and administration of road entry points between national borders is critical for regional integration (RI), despite entry points being associated with safeguarding state sovereignty. SADC’s intraregional trade is predominantly undertaken by road, thus an empirical inquiry into road entry point management systems (REPMS) is necessary, as little research has been done on them. REPMS and public administration support or hinder trade facilitation; non-tariff barriers (NTBs) tend to hinder RI, particularly administrative disincentives to export which translate into cost of doing business. Through the lens of Zimbabwe, this study aims to determine the relationship between REPMS and NTBs by comparatively examining the Zambia-Zimbabwe Chirundu one-stop-border-post (OSBP) and three two-stop-border posts (TSBPs) between Zimbabwe and Botswana, Mozambique and South Africa. Critical realism philosophy is used to interrogate the extent to which neo-functionalist and modernisation theories explain the relationship between RI, NTBs, REPMS and state sovereignty. The participants in this mixed method research study included a total of 12 interviewees who were drawn from various Zimbabwean ministries, namely Industry and Commerce; Finance/Revenue Authority; Small and Medium Enterprises and Development. Truck drivers and small and mediumsized entrepreneurs made up the 378 survey respondents, and secondary data were also used. The combined sampling strategies included subgroup census, convenience and purposive. The qualitative data were analysed through a thematic and matrix analysis, whilst the quantitative data were analysed with Stata 11.0. The findings suggest that NTBs at TSBPs lead to delays, corruption, and increased costs, yet inefficient management systems at OSBPs cause the latter to be as administratively ineffective as the former. Statistically significant relationships were found to be between REPMS, NTBs and trade encouragement; and single clearance processes conducted by the country of exit or entry. Neither the neo-functionalist nor the modernisation theories adequately explained the relationships between variables. The data showed that state sovereignty impedes RI; that colonial legacies bedevil the region; and that harmonisation of administrative procedures, whether OSBPs or TSBPs, could help facilitate trade and RI. Recommendations and conclusions are thus proffered, and a new theoretical model beyond the neo-functionalist or modernisation approaches to RI is presented.
The effectiveness of the Code of Good Practice in handling the occurrences of sexual harassment in a selected South African Higher Education Institution.
(2016) Miranzi, Khanyisile Pearl.; Dassah, Maurice Oscar.
The study, which examined the effectiveness of the Code of Good Practice in handling sexual harassment in the selected higher education institution (mI), had three main objectives: to ascertain the main provisions of the Code of Good Practice in handling sexual harassment, determine the level of awareness among staff of the existence of the Code of Good Practice and to understand how the policy deals with preventing the occurrence of sexual harassment in the HEI. Participants in the study included male and female academic and support staff of the HEI. Interviews were conducted with senior human resource managers and a questionnaire was distributed to the other staff. Thematic analysis was used in analysing participants' understanding and knowledge of the Code of Good Practice in handling of sexual harassment. It was found that participants had little knowledge of the role of the Code of Good Practice in handling sexual harassment. Many felt that training programmes should be implemented to enable them to gain knowledge and awareness of their rights regarding sexual harassment in the workplace. Further, the study revealed why sexual harassment is an issue in the workplace; information concerning the Code communicated to staff is inadequate. Based on the study, recommendations were made to initiate interventions aimed at minimising the incidence of sexual harassment at the FIEI. These include: training and educational programmes for staff, distribution of the Code of Good Practice to all employees, formulation of a clear policy on sexual harassment that is proactive and has preventative measures and the issuing by the IIEI of a zero tolerance policy statement on sexual harassment.
An investigation of the implementation of the training and development programme in the department of arts and culture, head office: KwaZulu-Natal.
(2016) Mohlomi, Nolufefe Matyholo.; Mutereko, Sybert.
Training and development of employees is encouragedby the Skills Development Act (97 of 1998) which encourages organisations to develop employees and to instill a culture of learning in the workplace. To further ensure that training and development is achieved, organisations should have systems and strategies in place that are linked to the highlighted strategies. This study aims to investigate and to get the insights of employees into the overall implementation of training and development in the Department of Arts and Culture, which seems to be lacking. There is no systematic training and development process that is followed to guide the overall impementation and evaluation of the programme. Training needs for employees are conducted in this Department. However the implementation and allocation of thetraining programme is not clear. People at lower levels are complaining that they do not get training programmes allocated to them and, because of this, they are not productive. The main objective of this study was to investigate the Implementation of training and Development in the KZN Arts and Culture Department. The objectives of the study include: To examine how the training needs are identified in the Department of Arts and Culture and to prioritise the training and development of employees. To determine how the allocation and implementation of training programmes are conducted at the KZN Department of Arts and Culture and to ensure that all employees get access to training. To assess whether or not there are any challenges encountered by employees and the Human Resource Manager in the delivery of training in the KZN Department of Arts and Culture. To establish whether or not training and development programmes in the KZN Department of Arts and Culture get evaluated to assess their success or failure. This study used both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Stratified purposive sampling was utilised in this study. The research sample included thirty-eight participants. The study used questionnaires to collect data. Quantitative data was analysed through the application of the SPSS 23. Qualitative data was also analysed using thematic analysis. Thereafter, findings of the study were analysed, interpreted and discussed. This study has shown that there is overwhelming evidence to substantiate the claim that training and development is not adequately provided for in the KZN Arts and Culture division. Whilst training - needs analysis is conducted, the findings revealed that training programmes are rarely provided for the respondents. Additionally, the findings have shown that there is no systematic training and development model used by the KZN Department of Arts and Culture. This study revealed that there are challenges that negatively impact on the implementation of training and development, including lack of budget and delays in supply - chain logistics. Further to that, the findings have shown that training and development is not evaluated in the KZN Department of Arts and Culture. Therefore, these results indicate that the policy and strategies of the Department regarding training and development should be reviewed. Failing which, the Department is going to continue to have unskilled labour or incompetent workers. The Human Resource Practitioners should ensure the provision of systematic training and development of the workers.
The processing domestic of violence cases by the department of justice and constitutional development: the case of Ntuzuma Magistrate Court in KwaZulu-Natal.
(2016) Mbambo, Nonhlanhla Cynthia.; Ruffin, Fayth Anese.
Domestic violence is a universal experience faced in most parts of the world. Many years ago domestic violence was considered a private matter therefore perpetrators were not necessarily brought to justice for their abusive behaviours. In 1998, however, the South African government enacted the Domestic Violence Act (DVA) to provide a public justice forum to address domestic violence. The DVA provides victims with an accessible legal tool to stop certain abuses taking place within their domestic relationships. This study aims at determining whether the processing of domestic violence cases is effective at the Ntuzuma Magistrates Court. This study seeks to determine the factors that facilitate or hinder the processing of domestic violence (DV) cases in Ntuzuma Magistrates Court while exploring the experiences of the Inanda/Ntuzuma/KwaMashu (INK) community regarding the services from the DV section in the Ntuzuma Magistrates Court. Through interviews of court personnel and a focus group of community members, stakeholder perceptions on application of the DVA and administration of DV case processing at Ntuzuma Magistrates Court are examined. The role of cultural competency in DV case processing is also considered from the perspectives of study participants. Data were analysed using a combination of thematic, content and matrix analysis. Findings reveal a problem of what appears to be ineffective administrative processing of domestic violence cases with reference to the finalisation of DV cases, case withdrawals and insufficient personnel to operate court administration. Lastly, the study concludes with recommendations for the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development to undertake as a way of improving court administration. These recommendations include increasing court personnel, rearranging division of work, and taking justice to the people through outreach programmes or community Izimbizos where community members would be educated about administration and court services to improve access to justice for domestic violence matters.

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