Public Administration

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Access to information for community participation to enhance service delivery in uMshwathi Local Municipality.
(2021) Khanyile, Ralph Mafezwe.; Nzimakwe, Thokozani Ian.; Mthuli, Syanda Alpheous.
In South Africa, access to information, and community participation in local government matters during the Apartheid era, was reserved for the White minority, with all other races excluded. This was owing to the Apartheid laws that only catered for the White minority, while denying most inhabitants of the country, including Indians, Coloureds, and Blacks, their political rights and participation in their own governance. At the end of Apartheid in the 90s, the newly elected democratic government implemented policies whose purpose was to redress the imbalances of the past, with community access to public information amongst the new policies. Even with the new policies which are meant to ensure that communities have access to information, there are still wide gaps that have resulted in endless service-delivery complaints. Such complaints sometimes lead to service-delivery protests, especially at local government level. On closer inspection, these protests and complaints are seen to be a result of lack of information, caused either by insufficient information being provided to members of the public regarding public services, or not being provided at all, and or lack of community participation in decision-making by the municipality regarding public services. This study explores the complexities of access to information that ensure communities within uMshwathi Local Municipality can express their views on the municipal services they receive. The study adopted a qualitative research design. Through this research design, data was collected per interviews and focus group discussions, evaluating the data to achieve a thematic analysis. This study found that technology is key to providing information, while community structures for providing information are weak. There are politics in providing/sharing information about public services; and attention to community concerns is lacking. The cascading of information to the public is politicised, while it is also delayed and outdated. The interaction between ward committees, community members, the elected councillors, and municipal officials is complex, while being challenged by finger-pointing and playing the ‘blame game’. The blame game is mostly about who is responsible for ensuring that members of the community have access to municipal information apropos of public services. Finally, the complaints-management system is egregious, and there is a need for training of ward committees, such being lacking.
Access to justice : the role of community-based paralegals in community restorative justice in rural KwaZulu-Natal.
(2014) Martins, Busiwana Winnie.; Ruffin, Fayth Anese.
Access to justice in rural KwaZulu-Natal is wholly inadequate, particularly where domestic violence is concerned. Despite the enactment of post-1994 criminal justice statutory frameworks, the majority of women living in rural areas experience barriers to justice. Yet the fight against injustice cannot be left solely to the police, lawyers and courts. Rather, there is a need to involve other stakeholders, such as ordinary people, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and traditional authorities. This research study investigates whether and how community-based paralegals (CBPs) facilitate access to justice. It explores the role of paralegals in community restorative justice through four rural community-based advice offices under the umbrella of the Centre for Community Justice and Development (CCJD), an NGO in Pietermaritzburg. The four community advice offices under study in rural KwaZulu-Natal are Bulwer, Ixopo, Madadeni and New Hanover. The study examines the interrelationship between restorative justice, community-based paralegals and domestic violence with specific reference to the Domestic Violence Act (No. 116 of 1998). Underlying the domestic violence lens adopted to explore the role of CBPs in community restorative justice are philosophical worldviews of pragmatism to determine what works under the circumstances and advocacyparticipation to give voice to the study participants. The study employs a socio-legal, qualitative research design supported by statistical case intake and outcome data. A meta-conceptual framework allowed a multiple-case study strategy that applies several units of analysis and draws upon multiple sources of evidence. The research findings reveal the connection between the engagement of paralegals by rural community members and the role of paralegals in handling domestic violence cases in an environment of legal pluralism. Furthermore, findings show that while paralegals straddle criminal, traditional and informal justice systems to address the legal needs of rural women, contrary to mainstream literature, domestic violence cases can be resolved through community restorative justice. Findings demonstrate that the Domestic Violence Act fails to meet the needs of victims of domestic violence who seek family sustainability. The community restorative justice practices of CBPs directed toward domestic violence fill a justice gap created by contradictions between rule of law orthodoxy and customary law. Based upon the role of CBPs in advancing access to justice through community restorative justice, the study concludes with process theory-building for forum shopping and communication pragmatism and suggests a private-based conceptual model for community-based paralegals addressing domestic violence cases through community restorative justice. Practical implications for law and policy and a way forward for community restorative justice in rural areas are also presented along with visions of future research.
Access to municipal markets by agro-smallholder producers in eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality: a public administration perspective.
(2020) Nyawo, Jabulani Christopher.; Mubangizi, Betty Claire.
The government's inability in South Africa to ensure that both local and national markets adequately accommodate smallholder producers is hindering the sector’s ability to grow and develop. Minimal research has focused on how local government interacts with other spheres of government to improve and ensure accessibility to municipal markets for agro-smallholder producers, and limited studies have been conducted that explore the influence of municipal markets on agro-smallholder producers. Therefore, this study aimed to critically examine municipal markets' influence on agro-smallholder growth within a decentralised state. This study employed a qualitative exploratory research methodology using semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. The researcher utilised a non-probability, purposive sampling method—the sample comprised participants from government departments and agrosmallholder producers falling under the eThekwini Municipality’s jurisdiction. The researcher conducted seven individual face-to-face interviews with government officials and 15 focus group discussions with agro-smallholder producers. The data collected were analysed using the thematic analysis technique. The study results show that the municipal markets and the extension services do not provide substantial support to agro-smallholder producers who are seeking access to markets. Furthermore, the study found that there is no integration or relationship between the eThekwini Municipality and the KZN Agriculture and Rural Development on the issues related to the promotion and development of agro-smallholder producers. Through the application of administrative theory, the study recommends that the government institutions incorporate stakeholders’ insights, lay a policy foundation for a whole-of-government approach to planning, and set the direction for agrosmallholder's planned future. The creation of a coherent planning and coordination system could assist government institutions in ensuring that better outcomes are achieved to deliver support services to agro-smallholder producers. Furthermore, the government institutions will be more effective if they have sufficient human resources who are qualified and able to ensure their departments' effective management and smooth functioning.
The administration of metropolitan police services in South Africa: a case study of eThekwini Municipality.
(2020) Naidoo, Rubandra Deenadaya.; Reddy, Purshottama Sivanarain.
Section 206 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa makes provision for the establishment of a municipal police force. The Police headquarters houses the Chief of Police as well as the 2 Deputy Heads (Operations and Logistics). The purpose of the municipal police is to enforce bylaws, traffic control and crime prevention within the municipal jurisdiction. As the population is growing, there are more vehicles on public roads, with an increase in motor vehicle accidents. Crime rates are increasing continuously, and bylaw infringements are occurring daily. The onus lies with the municipality to ensure that law and order is always maintained. This includes the enforcement of municipal bylaws. This research was conducted to examine the management of the Durban Metropolitan Police Services due to the constant negative publicity and lack of service delivery highlighted in the media. This negative publicity has consequently demoralised staff and policemen have become less interested in serving the community. This research used a qualitative narrative design and open-ended questions to get in-depth information from the respondents, who work in the operations and management of the Durban Metropolitan Police Service. Data was collected in the form of interviews, with 6 Senior managers including the head and deputy head, as well as 2 focus groups consisting of 15 inspectors and captains. Findings showed that political interference in daily operations and as an influence in promotions, led to low staff morale, which in turn led to a decline in service delivery. Political interference has created high levels of discord amongst police officers, and this has also affected the private lives of the police officers as this has increased their levels of stress. The research concluded by recommending a framework to improve service delivery and staff morale. It recommended that key vacancies be filled with competent people who are passionate about service delivery. This will alleviate a lot of the problems that the Durban Metropolitan Police Service is facing i.e. the shortage of uniformed police officers. The appointment of additional staff will alleviate the pressure on the current workforce. The research also found that political inference in the administration of the Municipality has created divisions amongst the staff who lose focus on their primary function and this also leads to a decline in service delivery. Nepotism is also prevalent in the police force. It was recommended that more stringent checks be done prior to recruitment. The research showed that the current policies are not followed stringently when employing or promoting individuals.
The adoption of the e-procurement system by the eThekwini Municipality for SMME owners: the views of Small Medium and Micro Enterprise (SMME) owners.
(2018) Duma, Perfect Siphelele.; Mubangizi, Betty Claire.
The South African public-sector procurement system has a good legal framework based on Section 217 of The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (1996) aimed at rectifying the imbalances of the past. The laws and regulations are in place, but the challenge is human interference, which has seen political office bearers often extending their power to influence the work of the supply chain management officials resulting in allegations of collusion and corruption. The purpose of the study was to explore and describe the views of SMME owners following the adoption of e-procurement system by the eThekwini Municipality, in order to determine the influence that the system might have had on SMME owners’ business relationships with the Municipality. A qualitative, descriptive and explorative study was employed to collect data from eight participants, using semi structured interviews. Data was analysed using thematic content analysis. Four themes emerged from data as follows (i) English as a Business language and the importance of SMME owners’ level of education (ii) The importance of access to computer technology with internet for the utilization of the Supplier Self-Service System (iii) The importance of computer skills for SMME owners and (iv) The legality of e-procurement system transactions. It is recommended that the Municipality should consider using both English and IsiZulu in its e-procurement system based on the extent to which the IsiZulu language is spoken and understood within the eThekwini Municipal boundaries.
Advancing rural infrastructure for quality education: perspectives of Umzumbe Local Municipality.
(2020) Zondi, Samukelisiwe Purity.; Qwabe, Bongani Reginald.
Background: In South Africa, efficient, effective and responsive delivery of basic services has always been one of the yardsticks of good governance and development. As such, government is mandated by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (1996) to promote the achievement of equality and other measures intended to advance and protect the marginalised and disadvantaged. This mandate necessitates the commitment of local government, as the sphere that is at the centre of service delivery, to promote rural infrastructure development to ensure inclusive and quality service delivery, particularly in education. Objective: This research focused primarily on the impetus of rural infrastructure on quality education for the rural populace, drawing on the case study of Umzumbe Local Municipality (ULM) in the KwaZulu-Natal Province. In this regard, the study aimed to determine how the development of rural infrastructure affects the quality of education in schools within ULM. Methodology: The study used the qualitative research methodology to collect the primary data using focus group discussions and semi-structured in-depth interviews with the target population of 35 participants from ULM. The research adopted the non-probability approach by using purposive sampling to conduct the enquiry. The interview schedules were designed and used as a data collecting tool for the study. Findings, analysis and discussion: The findings of the study pointed to the marginalisation of rural communities and rural infrastructure inadequacy as mitigating factors that limit accessibility of quality basic education in ULM. The study further showed poor institutional capacity and limited revenue as major bottlenecks in the provision of rural infrastructure to fulfil the constitutional mandate of inclusive and quality basic education. As a result, the study concluded that ULM is struggling to meet the increasing rural infrastructure demands to upscale the quality of education. Recommendations and Conclusion: Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations were made that could assist rural local municipalities to advance rural infrastructure for quality education: Firstly, Intergovernmental Relations need to be fostered to boost the capacity of ULM to fund the increasing rural infrastructure demands; secondly, the frequent use of community consultation platforms must be encouraged to help local government identify the realistic rural infrastructure prerequisites that may address the plight of rural learners in accessing quality basic education; and lastly, local government should introduce policies that regulate monitoring and evaluation practices in order to uphold feedback mechanisms that are aligned to their performance targets and indicators. The study concluded that the rural infrastructure development policies and institutional arrangements in ULM are not context specific and do not address the unique characteristics and needs of rural communities and rural learners, in particular.
An exploration of the drivers of vulnerabilities in informal employment: a case study of the agricultural sector in uPhongolo Local Municipality.
(2023) Ndlangamandla, Wiseman Siboniso.; Mubangizi, Betty Claire.; Okem, Andrew Emmanuel.
This study explores the drivers of vulnerabilities in informal employment using the agricultural sector in uPhongolo Local Municipality as a case study. The study is against the backdrop of inefficient enforcement laws governing the relationships between employers. This study employed a qualitative research methodology with 30 purposively selected participants comprising, twenty farm workers, five municipal workers, and five officials of the Department of Agriculture & Rural Development. Data were collected using face-to-face in-depth audio-recorded interviews. The interviews were transcribed, coded thematically, and analysed using the Institutional theory. The study’s findings revealed that informal agricultural labourers have substantial risks and vulnerabilities due to the unpredictability of their working status, the lack of a documented labour contract, and the lack of efficient enforcement of regulations surrounding the terms of their employment. The government's inability to effectively enforce labor regulations in the agricultural sector has resulted in worker vulnerability in this sector. Due to these factors, informal agricultural workers have limited access to good and affordable health care for themselves and their families. Most unprotected agricultural laborers face a variety of difficulties, including significant criminal exposure and a lack of legal and social protection. Lastly, most farm workers are victims of salary deductions without any contractual or verbal agreement, low remuneration including unpaid overtime, and inconsistent working hours. This study recommends that government must review current labour legislation in the agricultural sector, this could be done by creating a single joint interdepartmental collaboration structure. This study also recommended that there is a need for increasing digital communication mechanisms and media coverage on labour issues in the agricultural sector. There is a need for amendment and enforcement of the Labour Relations Act of 1995; and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act of 1997 (Sectoral Determination 13: Farmworker Sector). The government has the mandate to ensure that Determination 13 for Agriculture is applied in agricultural farms. This can be done by maximizing the number of professional labour inspectors. Finally, the study recommended a need for the establishment of a workplace forum to represent farm workers’ labour rights.
Analysing the effects of flexible working conditions in the workplace: a case of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of co-operative governance.
(2023) Shandu, Ruth Bhekekile.; Nzimakwe, Thokozani Ian.
Currently, South African government departments face common problems such as punctuality, frequent leave requests, lack of engagement, absenteeism, and poor management of employee wellbeing, resulting in high absenteeism rates. These issues affect the work-life balance, which negatively impacts employee performance, thereby affecting delivery of services to the department and community at large. This study investigated how flexible work arrangements can reduce time management issues while increasing job satisfaction and performance in the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs. Flexible working schedules can increase the level of contentment and performance, which has been discovered to benefit both the employer and the employee. A qualitative research method was chosen for the study because it provided an opportunity to explore the research objectives in greater detail. The sample size and strategy used comprised organising focus group interviews as well as individual interviews, representing the population by using a sample of 10 participants from different levels, namely senior managers to lower levels in the Department. The study reviewed aspects of analysis of the impact of workplace flexibility and its effect on employee performance by looking at previous research on similar topics. This review was designed to explore workplace flexibility in order to delve deeper into the need for it and the benefits it could provide. The findings of the study revealed that offering flexibility could help and support the emotional health of the employees, as well as improving their relationship with the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs. A call for a flexible work strategy is of interest to most employees in the Department, since flexibility provides for a work-life balance that is essential to everybody. The conclusion and recommendations were that the Department should consider implementing and making provision for flexible working arrangements, which can achieve greater job fulfilment, a better balance between work and life and motivate employees, as well as reducing absenteeism and increasing the quality of service delivery at all employee levels.
Analysing the intricacies of performance management systems in the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport and Recreation.
(2020) Mkhize, Langelihle Nkululeko.; Nzimakwe, Thokozani Ian.; Mthuli, Syanda Alpheous.
Since the dawn of democracy in 1994, the first democratic government has been transforming public service delivery. To this end, the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996, and other legislative frameworks, pronounced the significance of performance management systems. The uneven performance of the public service in South Africa has led to the promulgation of set legislations which seek to respond to public needs. There are distinct driving forces that may cause barriers to the PMS execution (Ammons, 2001). Despite such drastic measures made to mitigate poor service delivery, public institutions are still faced with challenges in the implementation of PMS. The study seeks to provide a perspective on the intricacies of PMSs, using the case of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport and Recreation (KZNDSR). The study used a qualitative research design with the intention of obtaining a comprehensive insight into, and opinions on the experience of the study’s participants. The study adopted a phenomenological research strategy. Data was collected using in-depth, one on one, recorded interviews, which include 15 interviewees, with the assistance of an interview guide. The study employed a non-probability strategy and also adopted a purposive sampling technique. Data quality control was ensured through trustworthiness of the data, while data was analysed using thematic analysis. In the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport and Recreation the following challenges were identified by the study: inconsistent and erratic filling of PMS documents, PMS being human-resource driven, lack of strong performance culture (money driven), and lack of perceived fairness in the implementation of the performance management system. This study’s contribution will add value to the existing body of knowledge, thereby providing insight into what needs to be done, in an attempt to improve PMS implementation. Little is known on how PMSs can improve performance (Sanger, 2013). The study seeks to fill this void. In an effort to mitigate the identified challenges, the following recommendations are proposed: continuous training and development, appointment of a PMS specialist, recognition and rewarding of good performers, alignment of the performance management system with other strategic documents supporting service delivery, monitoring and evaluation, and dissemination of feedback.
An analysis of educators' perceptions of the developmental appraisal system: a case study of schools in Richards Bay.
(2017) Mbatha, Misumuzi Felix.; Nzimakwe, Thokozani Ian.; Mutereko, Sybert.
Research has shown that employees engage in Performance Appraisal on an on-going basis to review their current performance and strategize on ways to improve. This view derives from Locke’s conceptualization of goal-setting theory, in which employees set themselves challenging goals to achieve during the appraisal cycle. Educators participate in an appraisal process every year, but unfortunately very little improvement is noticeable in their performance. The pass rates of the learners they teach are not improving. The main aim of this study was to analyse the perceptions of educators regarding the Development Appraisal System as it is constructed within the Department of Education. The study used a mixed-methods approach, which involved survey methods (the administrations of questionnaires to 135 respondents) and in-depth interviews (7) to elicit the views of educators on the implementation of Developmental Appraisal in schools. Through the data analysis this study established that Performance Appraisal is well entrenched in schools. There were, however, challenges related to the quality of its implementation. Educators find the process time consuming and state that there is no time to do justice to the appraisal processes. The data analysis suggests that the training programmes do not respond to the needs of the schools. A further analysis revealed that educators engage in such appraisal largely to fulfil administrative requirements. The consequence is that the scores entered on evaluation instruments and reporting documents are unreliable and misleading, which affects the suitability of the development interventions designed for educators. These findings have critical implications for the Department of Education with regard to monitoring and supporting school managers to run an effective and efficient Developmental Appraisal System.
Analysis of post-secondary correctional education: case of Brandvlei Correctional Centre, Cape Town.
(2018) Miselo, Amanda.; Mutereko, Sybert.
The main aim of this study is explore the provision of PSCE to reduce recidivism amongst offenders studying through NSFAS. Violence in South Africa justifiably ignites anxiety as well as tension and issues about the government’s reaction to crime and violence have turned out to be exceptionally politically charged. The vision of the Department of Correctional Services is to provide the best correctional services for a safer South Africa and more specific to the study, the vision of their formal education department is to be one of the world’s leading providers of formal educational programmes, delivered with respectability and commitment to perfection, to persons assigned to their care. Literature primarily revealed that accumulation of educational achievements may improve employability and income. Secondly, an increase in the educational accomplishments of parents, may positively impact the educational achievements of their children. This may help to curtail the increase of intergenerational crime amongst the segments of the offender population, who were the most likely to reoffend. Research studies increasingly revealed that training levels of guardians were a solid indicator of the educational accomplishments of their children. The study employed a mixed-method approach, involving both quantitative and qualitative methods, utilising in-depth interviews (six), documentary analysis and survey methods (16 questionnaires) to elicit the views of offenders, Department of Correctional Services officials as well as their formal education management unit about the effectiveness of post-secondary correctional education at their centre. The study revealed that offenders felt that the Department of Correctional Services was not investing in improving ways to attract additional offenders into the post-secondary correctional education space. Consequently, offenders sourced information for themselves and registered for their studies to obtain admission into higher education institutions. This finding, also reported in the literature, emphasised that higher education institutions were moving towards online delivery of courses and fewer universities would offer an education to offenders, since it was deemed to be troublesome and tedious. Based on the findings, it is recommended that the Department of Correctional Services have a comprehensive awareness programme to emphasise the importance of post-secondary correctional education, in increasing the chances of offenders finding employment upon release, thereby decreasing recidivism. Furthermore, the Department of Correctional Services should afford offenders with the opportunity to work within correctional centres in areas where their skills and qualifications are required.
An analysis of revenue management in water and sanitation in Harry Gwala and Ugu water services authorities.
(2019) Nkabane, Nobuhle Pamela.; Nzimakwe, Thokozani Ian.
Local government municipalities in South Africa are beset by poor revenue collection and management and the Harry Gwala and Ugu WSAs are no exception. In this regard, public finance is a decisive and overriding factor in determining the financial viability of municipalities. Failure to collect revenues properly compromises the quality of service delivery, including the provision of water and sanitation. In general, financial viability of urban and rural municipalities differs respectively. This claim is based on the fact that some municipalities are self-sufficient while others remain dependent on national revenue for survival and the revenue base in most rural municipalities is weak and unsustainable, rendering service delivery ineffective and unsatisfactory. Arguably, the transition to democracy has instilled a culture of non-payment and a culture of entitlement even though households are able to pay for service charges. However, 25 years later the government is still providing free services to such individuals. This study intends to conduct an explorative analysis of revenue management of water and sanitation with specific reference to Harry Gwala and Ugu WSAs. The study explored the communication challenges being experienced by both WSAs in the provision of metered services in water and sanitation service delivery. It assessed the challenges relating to the billing system and to the management of revenue collection for water and sanitation in the Harry Gwala and Ugu WSAs. Furthermore, the study investigated the challenges of compliance management for water and sanitation businesses in Harry Gwala and Ugu WSAs. The research approach uses a qualitative research method. Data collection methods were interviews and questionnaires as the primary data collection strategy. Based on the empirical data collected and analysed, the study further developed and introduced a normative model/new conceptual framework on revenue management for water and sanitation service delivery which the researcher has found as being a gap in the literature. The normative model/conceptual framework will contribute to the body of knowledge and reinforce existing theories, which will assist in determining the financial standpoint of rural and urban water services authorities. The study has recommended how best the WSAs can improve water and sanitation revenue inflows to ensure availability and sustainability of revenue sources in order to operate, maintain and refurbish the existing infrastructure to ensure that the future generation is not deprived an access to this precious ecological resource.
Analysis of rural local economic development in the Mthonjaneni local municipality.
(2013) Zulu, Khulekani Calalabo.; Mubangizi, Betty Claire.
Local government has a constitutional mandate to promote social and economic development for its citizens within the available financial capacity. The sphere of local government is therefore charged with the responsibility of influencing the shape and direction of local economic development (LED) in its area if the government in general is to attain the national objectives and service delivery targets aimed at creating more job opportunities and eliminating poverty. Effective and constructive local economic development initiatives are needed especially in rural areas to deal with unemployment and poverty that have an adverse effect on society. The rural people of Mthonjaneni Municipality are also affected by these socio-economic challenges hence the study analyses the municipality’s role and capability in assisting its communities. The study indicates that with the advent of democracy people within all communities of South Africa wish to see evidence of local government changing their lives for better through LED projects. This expectation becomes a challenge and a perfect opportunity for local government to make meaningful impact by developing LED strategies aimed at improving the standard of living for its citizens. The LED strategy is a locally driven process through which all LED stakeholders work to create a conducive and sustainable environment that enhance economic stability. The research looks at the concept of rural LED as defined by many scholars and investigate its implementation with the Mthonjaneni Municipality as well as the impact it has on its community. The study provides a background of the Mthonjaneni Municipality by looking at the demographic factors and its geographic location; the current state of rural LED in the municipality together with any other future LED initiatives. Further, by using qualitative research methods, the study analyses whether rural LED initiatives especially municipal funded projects, are successful in alleviating poverty in the Mthonjaneni Municipality. The study established that there are gaps requiring special attention by the Mthonjaneni Municipality in terms of deploying more financial and human capital resources.
An analysis of systemic thinking in decision-making processes in the municipalities within the province of KwaZulu-Natal.
(2015) Ntuli, Mbuyiseni Goodlife.; Lekhanya, Lawrence Mpele.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the understanding, application and effectiveness of systemic thinking in decision-making processes in the municipalities within the province of KwaZulu-Natal. This study was based on the premised that the success or failure of the municipality is, among other factors, the product of the decision-making processes of its leadership-politicians, administrators and relations between them. These relations derive not only from conflict or cooperation, but also from the power and influence each side wields over strategic decision-making processes. A mixed method approach was used to collect data from 61 municipalities within the province of KwaZulu-Natal to test a plethora of theoretical paradigms of different erudite scholars on the discourse of systemic thinking in decision-making processes. A sample size of 183 senior managers from the population of 305 senior managers was chosen through the stratified random sampling techniques. The participants were Chief Financial Officers, Director Corporate Services and Municipal Managers. A response rate of 83% was attained. The key results indicated that the majority of respondents (88.1%) do not believe that the conventional ways of thinking are still relevant in resolving management challenges in municipalities, and the majority of the respondents (89.4%) believe that systemic thinking would be a better approach in managing the municipalities. This study contributes to the existing theory of systemic thinking in decision-making processes in the municipalities within South Africa, as a whole. The conclusions made out of this study, is that, there is a need for a development of a user-friendly manual on systemic thinking that will empower senior managers in municipalities with relevant systemic thinking skills and expertise, and this study further recommended that institutions of higher learning must incorporate systemic thinking in their management or leadership curriculum.
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.
An analysis of transformation initiatives to promote development: a case study of uMhlathuze Local Municipality.
(2018) Mhlongo, Bongani Mzwakhe.; Sibanda, Mabutho.
With the advent of democracy in 1994, the South African government made a commitment to deliver services to all citizens irrespective of race. To achieve this objective, service delivery was decentralized to local government. However, the wave of service delivery protests in South Africa raises questions around the successful implementation of this strategy. The journey to transform the South African local government system has not been an easy one. While the vision set out in the Constitution (1996) is clear, implementation is confronted by significant challenges. Scholars present conflicting results on decentralization. Some contend that decentralization resulted in substantial achievements in some regions and countries, but partial developmens with less positive impacts in others. The study sought to investigate the effects and impact of decentralization on governance, closely examining community participating in budgetary and policy-making activities. It further sought to establish if there is any correlation between audit outcomes and service delivery using the uMhlathuze Local Municipality as a case study. Finally, the study sought to establish factors that drive/impede the implementation of transformation initiatives. To realize the objectives of the study, the researcher utilized decentralization model as a lens to investigate whether governance practices are effective in improving service delivery through responsive, accountable, and efficient democratic participatory local government. For purposes of this study, the researcher adopted a quantitative research approach because of its objectivity and its ability to draw inferences. The researcher utilised purposive and convenience sampling. Convenience sampling was utilized to identify key informants. The results are presented using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. The SPSS analysis made it possible to formulate propositions. The study found that participatory democracy is present within the uMhlathuze Local Municipality but has not spread across all the areas within the municipality’s jurisdiction. Most of the study participants were of the view that the Municipality consults through ward councillors and/or headmen (izinduna), suggesting that ward committees are active. However, some areas still lack adequate services, especially peri-urban and rural areas. Party-political conflict is said to be the cause for concern. The study participants felt strongly that audit outcomes have a positive correlation with the service delivery and the quality thereof. In the last five financial year periods, the uMhlathuze Local Municipality has received clean audit opinions consecutively. At the same period, the municipality is reported to have achieved great strides in service delivery. These findings raise some doubt of the authenticity of the claims that local government is over-legislated, thus resulting in municipalities spending more time complying with the law than delivering services. It is however, concluded that participatory democracy in the local government is witnessed mostly during the run-up to elections, during budget and IDP processes. Endemic corruption, inadequate community participation, and undue political interference in local government are some of the reasons for the failure to implement good governance through decentralization.
An application of corporate turnaround strategies to overturn the declining business in sugar industry: a case study of a factory in Central Mozambique.
(2018) Dlamini, Ephraim Mafika.; Pelser, Theuns.
Abstract Sugar industry is one of those traditional industries which have antiquated strategies to conduct business. These strategies are however narrow as they tend to focus on one problem at a time. They lack multi-dimension and often consume time and resources. Business turnaround is a multi-disciplinary or functional approach which has a global view into the whole situation. This approach has been in existence for many decades. Literature has however showed no evidence of it being formally applied in sugar industry in Southern Africa. The study addresses the literature gap on turnaround strategies in sugar industry. It also provides a diversified approach and flexibility in problem solving for the industry. This study was looking at testing the impact of corporate turnaround strategies in sugar industry. An opportunity presented itself to the researcher to apply turnaround strategies to upturn the declining performance of one of the factories in a sugar manufacturing organisation. After application of turnaround strategies an evaluation was done to measure the impact on performance and quality. An experiment research strategy was used to test the cause and effect of turnaround strategies on both factory performance and product quality. This quantitative study used the secondary data of quality and factory performance parameters to test hypothesis. A comparison of data for seasons before and after turnaround project was done using statistics analysis tools to measure significance. Testing causal effect was the first objective of the research. The results of the statistical analysis showed a null hypothesis in 3 out of 5 tested parameters. This study was done while the last part of the project was being commissioned. That could be the contributing factor to the results, of which the literature suggests that some organisational turnarounds can take even years before yielding positive results. Season to season comparison showed positive trends of change. It was therefore recommended that this project should be given time and re-evaluated after few seasons. After the cause and effect test, a turnaround model was developed for the use by any other factory which might experience multi-effect problems and that was the second objective. Based on the available literature and the experiment, a suggestion was made on when to embark into turnaround strategies in a sugar factory as a third objective. This study presented opportunities for future work. There are 4 recommended future studies that can be expanded in relation to this study.
An approach to transformational cost reduction in a private hospital.
(2017) Moodley, Thirumalay Vino.; Kader, Abdulla Dawood.
The National Healthcare system in South Africa has reached a point of intensifying costs due to increases in escalation of at least 15% year on year. The South African Government‟s imminent roll out of the National Health Insurance (NHI) programmes is going to cost R69 million rand and currently, the government is uncertain as to where the funds are going to come from – in all probability increased taxes. The government and public sector health have failed to deliver quality, affordable healthcare services to the South African population, with more than 80% of the population still having no healthcare coverage or insurance or medical aid. The government‟s current management of the public healthcare sector has confirmed that government is unable to control healthcare costs in the public sector. Culture and behaviour that have been in existence for over 30 years cannot have change forced upon them. There have to be many discussions, forums and role modelling with the evidence-based results as the catalyst for the transformation. Management will have to make their staff and doctors comfortable to be receptive to the transformational cost reductions, highlighting that technology is forming a blueprint of all recordable activities which are being measured and monitored by many of the stakeholders from medical aids and managed care organisations. Based on this information, Insight actuaries in South Africa are able to extract data for the medical aids to dispute hospitalisations, doctor behaviour, and treatment patterns with cost per event as a benchmark forming the basis for increased healthcare costs by service providers. These cost efficiency reports are given to hospitals to control doctor behaviour, healthcare spending resulting in the current decreased occupancies, decreased margins, poor profitability and impact on long-term sustainability.
Assessing of community involvement in strengthening road safety strategies within Umhlathuze Municipality.
(2018) Moloi, Edith Nompumelelo.; Subban, Mogesperie.
Road accidents are one of the primary causes of increased deaths in South Africa, more so for the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Province, including the uMhlathuze Municipality area. Research shows that South Africa and Nigeria account for more than half of the total number of road fatalities on the continent. This indicates that there is a need for an effective road safety strategy. This study, therefore, investigated community involvement strategies used by the uMhlathuze Municipality working with the Department of Transport to strengthen road safety strategies. The main concern of the study was to establish how the uMhlathuze Municipality and the Department of Transport engage with the communities to be part of road safety awareness and thereby enhance service delivery in this context. Furthcm1orc, the study investigated strategies to involve relevant stakeholders when developing road safety strategies, as well as channels of communication, including the encouragement of community participation in road safety as applied by uMhlathuzc Municipality and the Department of Transport respectively. The study provides insights into stakeholder engagement for road safety within the uMhlathuzc Municipality jurisdiction. The stakeholder engagement in this study advocate for community involvement in road safety strategies. The rationale for community involvement in road safety lies in the identification of local road safety problems and issues that require the participation of the surrounding communities in the development of counter-measures to reduce the incidence of road traffic crashes. The literature of the study highlights the strength of the stakeholders' approach to community involvement for road safety, though it is not simple to manage stakeholders due to differences that might arise. However, the principles that underpin the stakeholder involvement provides the guidelines on various processes that ought lo be adhered to for an effective stakeholder relationship. The study adopted a qualitative approach as a strategy of inquiry, and interviews were conducted using the convenience-sampling technique with the selected municipality officials, selected transport department officials, as well as selected Amakhosi within uMhlathuze Municipality. The findings of the study indicate that there are various ways in which both uMhlathuze Municipality and the Department of Transport engage communities about road safety, although it is not sufficient. Whilst these institutions indicated that they are engaging the communities about road safety matters, such findings could not be confidently collaborated by the Amakhosi. It can be assumed then, that community engagement strategies by both uMhlathuze Municipality and the Department of Transport are not effective to yield the desired results. In this case, more communities would remain excluded from the mainstream information about road safety. This further gives an indication that communities do not have a role to play as such when it comes to matters of road safety. According to the research, the value of community involvement in programmes that affect them is that they take ownership of such programmes. The same can be said, about community involvement in the road safety strategy within the uMhlathuze Municipality's tactical plans to include them in matters that concern their well-being.
Assessing the factors influencing high turnover amongst doctors and professional nurses in eThekwini Health District.
(2020) Hlongwa, Howard Sihle Kwenzakufani.; Nzimakwe, Thokozani Ian.
Employee turnover is a widely used term in business circles. Most of the researchers focus on the causes of employee turnover but little work has been executed regarding the examining of the sources of employee turnover, the effects and the advisement of different strategies which can be employed by administrators in various organisations to ensure that there exists employee continuity to enhance organisational competitiveness. In order for this objective to be realised, South Africa need doctors and nurses and other related healthcare practitioners. The reality is that public sector institutions are losing many healthcare professionals on a regular basis. In other words, there is a high turnover rate of healthcare professionals. Service delivery of the patients' health is compromised as a result. The main aim of the study was to examine the sources, causes and effects of the employee turnover of doctors and professional nurses in the eThekwini health district. A qualitative case-study design was adopted whereby semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from the sampled participants. The collected data was then arranged, categorised and analysed accordingly using thematic analysis. The empirical survey revealed that healthcare professionals like doctors and nurses have a major role in combating the scourge of the said issue. The challenge is that there is an acute shortage of doctors and nurses which has exposed the KZN Department of Health in terms of the recruitment and retention of this category of human resources. The shortage of doctors and nurses has become a major challenge that needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency. The importance of hiring and retaining healthcare professionals in public sector healthcare facilities cannot be over-emphasised. The conclusion drawn by this study is that strategies on how to reduce employee turnover in organisations must be established. When the job market improves, many employees who have had few opportunities will be looking for and exploring new alternatives. Employee turnover can be very expensive, disruptive and damaging to organisational success. Therefore, key recommendations were made. This, among other factors, is the need for new retention strategies to be developed in order to address the contemporary impasse of the scarcity of the healthcare professionals in question.

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