A critical analysis of Public Administration policies and strategies towards assisting child headed household, at Amathole District
- Authors: Gola, Nomathemba Leticia
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11744 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1018523
- Description: The purpose of this study was to critically analyze the impact of Public Policies towards assisting of child headed households with a special focus on those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS at Amathole District. The research was aimed at analyzing the impact, gaps and weaknesses of public Policies towards assisting these children and the challenges they experienced on surviving without an adult figure in their lives. The fieldwork exercise was extracted from desktop, documents, newspapers, publications, journals, public speeches departmental reports. The data was gathered using in-depth interviews. In-depth interviews were the most appropriate research method in this research since it is a means of eliciting relevant and valuable details to be raised in order to understand the coping/survival strategies of child headed households (CHHs). Findings indicate that the governments departments should work together to ascertain government objectives. Older siblings become caregivers to the younger sibling, and shoulder the burden of adopting survival strategies which include doing part time jobs, begging only to mention a few. The social grants and the foster grant also act as a safety net to child headed households.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Gola, Nomathemba Leticia
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11744 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1018523
- Description: The purpose of this study was to critically analyze the impact of Public Policies towards assisting of child headed households with a special focus on those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS at Amathole District. The research was aimed at analyzing the impact, gaps and weaknesses of public Policies towards assisting these children and the challenges they experienced on surviving without an adult figure in their lives. The fieldwork exercise was extracted from desktop, documents, newspapers, publications, journals, public speeches departmental reports. The data was gathered using in-depth interviews. In-depth interviews were the most appropriate research method in this research since it is a means of eliciting relevant and valuable details to be raised in order to understand the coping/survival strategies of child headed households (CHHs). Findings indicate that the governments departments should work together to ascertain government objectives. Older siblings become caregivers to the younger sibling, and shoulder the burden of adopting survival strategies which include doing part time jobs, begging only to mention a few. The social grants and the foster grant also act as a safety net to child headed households.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
A critical analysis of service delivery system in the health institutions: a case study of Queenstown Private Hospital in Chris Hani District 2013
- Authors: Zonke, Noncendo
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11709 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015240
- Description: Service delivery challenges have been reported between from the health care industry more especially in the Eastern Cape Province this is due to a number of factors such as job satisfaction, productivity, absenteeism and turnover among healthcare employees and as such it affects employees’ organizational commitment and the quality of healthcare services. The aim of the study was to determine the factors influencing job satisfaction among healthcare professionals at Queenstown Private Hospital in relation to the service delivery. The study was conducted among 30 participants. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data from the participants. Data was then analysed using statistical tools such as pie charts and graphs. The results showed a high level of job satisfaction result in optimum service delivery in the service industry, more especially in the Queenstown private hospital. Almost 90% of participants were satisfied with their jobs, and there was a high level association between job satisfaction and socio-demographic characteristics. Variables such as opportunity to develop, responsibility, patient care and staff relations were found to be significantly influencing job satisfaction and there was a significant positive medium association between job satisfaction and opportunity to develop,responsibility, patient care and staff relations for both clinical and clinical support staff and consequently the employee performance in their jobs, which resulted in the improved delivery of health care in the hospital at all the times. Satisfaction with one’s job can affect not only motivation at work but also career decisions, relationship with others and personal health. Job satisfaction is also an essential part of ensuring high quality care. Dissatisfied healthcare providers give poor quality, less efficient care.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Zonke, Noncendo
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11709 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015240
- Description: Service delivery challenges have been reported between from the health care industry more especially in the Eastern Cape Province this is due to a number of factors such as job satisfaction, productivity, absenteeism and turnover among healthcare employees and as such it affects employees’ organizational commitment and the quality of healthcare services. The aim of the study was to determine the factors influencing job satisfaction among healthcare professionals at Queenstown Private Hospital in relation to the service delivery. The study was conducted among 30 participants. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data from the participants. Data was then analysed using statistical tools such as pie charts and graphs. The results showed a high level of job satisfaction result in optimum service delivery in the service industry, more especially in the Queenstown private hospital. Almost 90% of participants were satisfied with their jobs, and there was a high level association between job satisfaction and socio-demographic characteristics. Variables such as opportunity to develop, responsibility, patient care and staff relations were found to be significantly influencing job satisfaction and there was a significant positive medium association between job satisfaction and opportunity to develop,responsibility, patient care and staff relations for both clinical and clinical support staff and consequently the employee performance in their jobs, which resulted in the improved delivery of health care in the hospital at all the times. Satisfaction with one’s job can affect not only motivation at work but also career decisions, relationship with others and personal health. Job satisfaction is also an essential part of ensuring high quality care. Dissatisfied healthcare providers give poor quality, less efficient care.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
A critical analysis of the implementation of essential service clause of labour relations act by unions: a case study of the Eastern Cape Administration
- Authors: Nokele, Thobile Dumile
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11716 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015355
- Description: Strikes are prohibited in essential services workplace yet they take place on a regular basis. There seems to be no way to curb strikes despite the fact that they should not be happening at all in the essential services as they are designated as such. The rationale behind the prohibition of strikes in essential services is that the communities are adversely affected as they are dependent on these services. Whilst the constitution of the land grants the right to strike, it also limits the right to strike to the designated workplaces which are essential to the communities. The reason to limit the right to strike in these work places is to ensure that the people do not experience hardship during the strike action. However the opposite happens as the people always suffer whenever a general strike takes place. They would be denied access to public hospitals and receive no medication as there would be no one attending them. The strikes in municipality would mean no clear water and electricity for the people. The Labour Relations Act is also clear on the essential services. The question then is why are the strikes allowed to take place in essential services. Why the law is not implemented to ensure that people have access to their constitutional right to service? The other question would be what is done to address the strike in essential services especially with labour organizations which should be aware of the implications in terms of legislation. The research therefore focuses on strikes in essential service and the hardship that caused especially to the poor who are dependent on these services. The literature shows that the constitution read with Labour Relations Act has laid down the framework to the deal with conflict in essential services as well as structures for engagement. Some findings from the research indicate that the workers do not understand the implications of strikes in essential services as well as for the communities. The recommendation would be to work-shop the workers on the implications of strikes in essential services as well as especial arrangements applicable.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Nokele, Thobile Dumile
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11716 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015355
- Description: Strikes are prohibited in essential services workplace yet they take place on a regular basis. There seems to be no way to curb strikes despite the fact that they should not be happening at all in the essential services as they are designated as such. The rationale behind the prohibition of strikes in essential services is that the communities are adversely affected as they are dependent on these services. Whilst the constitution of the land grants the right to strike, it also limits the right to strike to the designated workplaces which are essential to the communities. The reason to limit the right to strike in these work places is to ensure that the people do not experience hardship during the strike action. However the opposite happens as the people always suffer whenever a general strike takes place. They would be denied access to public hospitals and receive no medication as there would be no one attending them. The strikes in municipality would mean no clear water and electricity for the people. The Labour Relations Act is also clear on the essential services. The question then is why are the strikes allowed to take place in essential services. Why the law is not implemented to ensure that people have access to their constitutional right to service? The other question would be what is done to address the strike in essential services especially with labour organizations which should be aware of the implications in terms of legislation. The research therefore focuses on strikes in essential service and the hardship that caused especially to the poor who are dependent on these services. The literature shows that the constitution read with Labour Relations Act has laid down the framework to the deal with conflict in essential services as well as structures for engagement. Some findings from the research indicate that the workers do not understand the implications of strikes in essential services as well as for the communities. The recommendation would be to work-shop the workers on the implications of strikes in essential services as well as especial arrangements applicable.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
A critical analysis of the policies and legislation governing learner discipline: a case study of Kei Road Combined School in King Williams Town (Eastern Cape)
- Authors: Speelman, Luleka Miranda
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: School children -- Discipline
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11701 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015142 , School children -- Discipline
- Description: So many efforts have been made, both at the legislative and policy-making level to ensure that learner discipline is handled more effectively and moves away from corporal punishment, which was the norm before the enactment of the current South African Schools Act. Some of the provisions of the Act stipulates that each school is responsible for setting up its own Disciplinary Code suited to its environment and developed in conjunction with relevant stakeholders like parents and other community leaders. The Act also makes provision for the setting up of structures such as the School Governance Body (SGB) and the School Management Team (SMT). A number of scholars have provided some insights on the issue of school discipline. Several of them have reported that in their research, several schools cited the lack of learner discipline as one of the problems hampering effective teaching and learning. The study, using various literature further attempts to make the distinction between discipline and punishment, stressing that the former is a process that uses teaching, modelling, and other appropriate strategies to maintain behaviour necessary to ensure a safe, orderly and productive learning environment by changing unacceptable behaviour to acceptable behaviour. On the other hand, punishment is a facet of discipline that involves action taken in response to inappropriate behaviour in order to correct or modify it, and to restore harmonious relations. Therefore punishment is a penalty or corrective measure inflicted on a person who has transgressed at school and is guilty of misconduct. The literature also shows that there are many difficulties and problems associated with implementing the discipline policy in South African schools in respect of the code of conduct. As a result, incidences of violence, gangsterism, stabbings, assaults on teachers and the rape of girls are quite common. Other researchers like Harber (2001) shows that such cases are actually increasing. Some findings from the research include the fact that there is no universally understood and clear definition of discipline which means it is interpreted differently 5 page with both learners and educators. Consequently, they perceive problems differently and come up with different solutions. Generally, both parties are of the opinion of the fact that the whole disciplinary process is not working as effectively as it should. The primary recommendation therefore is to review the whole policy and the statutory instrument in which both learners and educators base on the policy so that it reflects the current situation and takes cognisance of the challenges faced.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Speelman, Luleka Miranda
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: School children -- Discipline
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11701 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015142 , School children -- Discipline
- Description: So many efforts have been made, both at the legislative and policy-making level to ensure that learner discipline is handled more effectively and moves away from corporal punishment, which was the norm before the enactment of the current South African Schools Act. Some of the provisions of the Act stipulates that each school is responsible for setting up its own Disciplinary Code suited to its environment and developed in conjunction with relevant stakeholders like parents and other community leaders. The Act also makes provision for the setting up of structures such as the School Governance Body (SGB) and the School Management Team (SMT). A number of scholars have provided some insights on the issue of school discipline. Several of them have reported that in their research, several schools cited the lack of learner discipline as one of the problems hampering effective teaching and learning. The study, using various literature further attempts to make the distinction between discipline and punishment, stressing that the former is a process that uses teaching, modelling, and other appropriate strategies to maintain behaviour necessary to ensure a safe, orderly and productive learning environment by changing unacceptable behaviour to acceptable behaviour. On the other hand, punishment is a facet of discipline that involves action taken in response to inappropriate behaviour in order to correct or modify it, and to restore harmonious relations. Therefore punishment is a penalty or corrective measure inflicted on a person who has transgressed at school and is guilty of misconduct. The literature also shows that there are many difficulties and problems associated with implementing the discipline policy in South African schools in respect of the code of conduct. As a result, incidences of violence, gangsterism, stabbings, assaults on teachers and the rape of girls are quite common. Other researchers like Harber (2001) shows that such cases are actually increasing. Some findings from the research include the fact that there is no universally understood and clear definition of discipline which means it is interpreted differently 5 page with both learners and educators. Consequently, they perceive problems differently and come up with different solutions. Generally, both parties are of the opinion of the fact that the whole disciplinary process is not working as effectively as it should. The primary recommendation therefore is to review the whole policy and the statutory instrument in which both learners and educators base on the policy so that it reflects the current situation and takes cognisance of the challenges faced.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
A critical analysis on underutilization of Ante Natal Care services and identification of legislative implementation challenges. A case study in some health centers of Senqu Health sub-District in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Yekani-Mati, Nokonwaba
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11713 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015248
- Description: Attention has recently focus on improved Ante Natal Care (ANC) Service utilization as one the Department of Health’s strategies in, promoting better health, ensuring safe mothers and babies, reducing HIV/Aids infection of unborn babies , their mothers and their partners, reaching out as many people, who are at the child bearing age as possible and reaching out to those people who are legible for ART during pregnancy so as to put them on ARV treatment if necessary and ensuring that the mothers, babies and partners enjoy support during the pregnancy of mothers and to prepare them for delivery . The idea is to ensure, by antenatal preparation, the best possible pregnancy outcome for women and their babies (Guidelines for MATERNITY CARE in South Africa NDOH 2007: 19).The departmental guidelines through ante natal care seek to ensure that the following take place timorously: Screening for pregnancy problems: women are done physical and examination and blood test are done to identify or exclude pregnancy problems. Assessment of pregnancy risks: Any pregnancy risks that whether physical, medical, psychological and psychosocial are identified and the mother is advised on better pregnancy management. Treatment of problems that may arise during the antenatal period: when there are existing problems that need treatment the mother get managed and is treated as according to the identified problem.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Yekani-Mati, Nokonwaba
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11713 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015248
- Description: Attention has recently focus on improved Ante Natal Care (ANC) Service utilization as one the Department of Health’s strategies in, promoting better health, ensuring safe mothers and babies, reducing HIV/Aids infection of unborn babies , their mothers and their partners, reaching out as many people, who are at the child bearing age as possible and reaching out to those people who are legible for ART during pregnancy so as to put them on ARV treatment if necessary and ensuring that the mothers, babies and partners enjoy support during the pregnancy of mothers and to prepare them for delivery . The idea is to ensure, by antenatal preparation, the best possible pregnancy outcome for women and their babies (Guidelines for MATERNITY CARE in South Africa NDOH 2007: 19).The departmental guidelines through ante natal care seek to ensure that the following take place timorously: Screening for pregnancy problems: women are done physical and examination and blood test are done to identify or exclude pregnancy problems. Assessment of pregnancy risks: Any pregnancy risks that whether physical, medical, psychological and psychosocial are identified and the mother is advised on better pregnancy management. Treatment of problems that may arise during the antenatal period: when there are existing problems that need treatment the mother get managed and is treated as according to the identified problem.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
A critical assessment of the institutionalisation of Performance Management Systems in Local Government: a special focus on political office bearers and senior managers in O.R Tambo District Municipality
- Authors: Ndabeni, Mziwonke
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Performance Management System
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11696 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015109 , Performance Management System
- Description: Service delivery is at the centre of South Africa’s developmental local government. Thus with such a high calling to development, local municipalities play an important role in enhancing development in their areas of jurisdiction. In the area under this study, the Local Government Department has initiated Performance Management as a response to the service delivery hardships and as a bottom up approach to socio economic development of their communities. In the view of Performance Management being used as a tool for enhancing Service delivery, the study therefore sought to discover the role that the Performance Management System is playing in the Local Municipality Development of O.R District. It also sought to find out the extent of support that has been afforded by government and other stakeholders within the context of the cooperative governance. To establish this, the researcher employed the quantitative approach guided by a primary research design. The review of primary data allowed for a close assessment of the Performance Management System in detail. Available data on PMS gave an easier task of assessing the impact of PMS in the district and the constraints they have faced so far. The findings from the study revealed that PMS in the district show a great potential for better performance if performance management systems were to be understood by all staff members of the municipality. It has been also observed that they lack information on performance management, proper finance management, and diversification and value addition for their service delivery so as to increase their competitiveness. It is imperative therefore to recommend further training on good Performance management skills and sourcing for employees and understanding new PMS. This form of support will go a long way in ensuring the sustainability of Performance Management System in the O.R. District Municipality. Keywords: Performance Management System, Political office bearers and Senior Manager O.R District.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Ndabeni, Mziwonke
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Performance Management System
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11696 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015109 , Performance Management System
- Description: Service delivery is at the centre of South Africa’s developmental local government. Thus with such a high calling to development, local municipalities play an important role in enhancing development in their areas of jurisdiction. In the area under this study, the Local Government Department has initiated Performance Management as a response to the service delivery hardships and as a bottom up approach to socio economic development of their communities. In the view of Performance Management being used as a tool for enhancing Service delivery, the study therefore sought to discover the role that the Performance Management System is playing in the Local Municipality Development of O.R District. It also sought to find out the extent of support that has been afforded by government and other stakeholders within the context of the cooperative governance. To establish this, the researcher employed the quantitative approach guided by a primary research design. The review of primary data allowed for a close assessment of the Performance Management System in detail. Available data on PMS gave an easier task of assessing the impact of PMS in the district and the constraints they have faced so far. The findings from the study revealed that PMS in the district show a great potential for better performance if performance management systems were to be understood by all staff members of the municipality. It has been also observed that they lack information on performance management, proper finance management, and diversification and value addition for their service delivery so as to increase their competitiveness. It is imperative therefore to recommend further training on good Performance management skills and sourcing for employees and understanding new PMS. This form of support will go a long way in ensuring the sustainability of Performance Management System in the O.R. District Municipality. Keywords: Performance Management System, Political office bearers and Senior Manager O.R District.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
A critical assessment of the public service commission in fighting corruption in South Africa
- Authors: Gola, Ndumiso Helton
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1078 , vital:26524
- Description: Using a qualitative research design, this study examined the role of the Public Service Commission (PSC) in curbing corruption in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. The Public Service Commission is an independent and impartial body create. Using a qualitative research design, this study examined the role of the Public Service Commission (PSC) in curbing corruption in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. The Public Service Commission is an independent and impartial body created by the Constitution, in 1996, to enhance excellence in governance within the Public Service by promoting a professional and ethical environment and adding value to a public administration that is accountable, equitable, efficient, effective, corruption-free and responsive to the needs of the people of South Africa. The study used a desktop approach whereby data was collected from books, journals, articles, media reports and surveys done by other scholars. The findings of the study highlighted that corruption is rampant in South Africa in different sectors and departments. Corruption in South Africa has reached epidemic levels and threatens the lives of all South African citizens. The role of the PSC has been found to be weaker and not meeting its role of fighting corruption as there are more failures than successes since its inception. This has been attributed to challenges such as human resources and financial constraints. The study however suggests recommendations which include extension and possible employment of dedicated permanent staff with relevant experience to address their capacity needs.d by the Constitution, in 1996, to enhance excellence in governance within the Public Service by promoting a professional and ethical environment and adding value to a public administration that is accountable, equitable, efficient, effective, corruption-free and responsive to the needs of the people of South Africa. The study used a desktop approach whereby data was collected from books, journals, articles, media reports and surveys done by other scholars. The findings of the study highlighted that corruption is rampant in South Africa in different sectors and departments. Corruption in South Africa has reached epidemic levels and threatens the lives of all South African citizens. The role of the PSC has been found to be weaker and not meeting its role of fighting corruption as there are more failures than successes since its inception. This has been attributed to challenges such as human resources and financial constraints. The study however suggests recommendations which include extension and possible employment of dedicated permanent staff with relevant experience to address their capacity needs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Gola, Ndumiso Helton
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1078 , vital:26524
- Description: Using a qualitative research design, this study examined the role of the Public Service Commission (PSC) in curbing corruption in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. The Public Service Commission is an independent and impartial body create. Using a qualitative research design, this study examined the role of the Public Service Commission (PSC) in curbing corruption in the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. The Public Service Commission is an independent and impartial body created by the Constitution, in 1996, to enhance excellence in governance within the Public Service by promoting a professional and ethical environment and adding value to a public administration that is accountable, equitable, efficient, effective, corruption-free and responsive to the needs of the people of South Africa. The study used a desktop approach whereby data was collected from books, journals, articles, media reports and surveys done by other scholars. The findings of the study highlighted that corruption is rampant in South Africa in different sectors and departments. Corruption in South Africa has reached epidemic levels and threatens the lives of all South African citizens. The role of the PSC has been found to be weaker and not meeting its role of fighting corruption as there are more failures than successes since its inception. This has been attributed to challenges such as human resources and financial constraints. The study however suggests recommendations which include extension and possible employment of dedicated permanent staff with relevant experience to address their capacity needs.d by the Constitution, in 1996, to enhance excellence in governance within the Public Service by promoting a professional and ethical environment and adding value to a public administration that is accountable, equitable, efficient, effective, corruption-free and responsive to the needs of the people of South Africa. The study used a desktop approach whereby data was collected from books, journals, articles, media reports and surveys done by other scholars. The findings of the study highlighted that corruption is rampant in South Africa in different sectors and departments. Corruption in South Africa has reached epidemic levels and threatens the lives of all South African citizens. The role of the PSC has been found to be weaker and not meeting its role of fighting corruption as there are more failures than successes since its inception. This has been attributed to challenges such as human resources and financial constraints. The study however suggests recommendations which include extension and possible employment of dedicated permanent staff with relevant experience to address their capacity needs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
A Diagnosis of School Governance in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Ngonzo, Mthunywa Lawrence
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1016 , vital:26518
- Description: This research conducts a diagnosis of school governance in the Eastern Cape Province with the overriding objective of determining the appropriate strategies that can be recommended for improving the effectiveness of school governance in the Eastern Cape Province. In a bid to achieve this overriding objective, the entire research process was guided by the research objectives and questions that examined; factors determining the effectiveness of school governance in the Eastern Cape Province, the effects of effective governance on performance of schools in the Eastern Cape Province, and the strategies which are used for improving school governance in the Eastern Cape Province. Although the secondary research was accomplished through the review and analysis of the relevant literatures and theories, the qualitative research approach was used in the primary research process. The findings of the study indicate that achieving effective school governance in the Eastern Cape Province is far from being attained for the reason that in terms of the applications of the principles for effective governance, the study reveals that the effective implementations of these principles in the Eastern Cape schools is marred by factors that include; lack of clear outline of SGBs, poor briefing of members about the roles of SGBs, poor consultations of members and stakeholders, poor representation of stakeholders, poor support of school’s staff, lack of well defined vision, and poor documentations of SGBs’ roles. Despite the fact that the findings of the study also indicate that the practices in the Eastern Cape schools are inappropriate for enhancing effective school governance, it was noted that there is still ineffective application of the strategies which can be used for improving school governance in the Eastern Cape Province. As the findings indicate, this certainly undermines the effectiveness of school governance in the Eastern Cape Province. While drawing from both the primary and secondary findings of the study, it was recommended that the school governing bodies in the Eastern Cape Province must; apply the six main principles for effective governance, apply the core components or pillars of good governance and consider implementing the strategies encompassing; considering that common interest and core business issues is one of the strategies, ensuring that the roles, objectives, functions and powers of the school council are clearly understood by all council members, effective planning, policy making and reporting, induction and professional development and learning, communication and information sharing, monitoring, evaluation and improvement. It was suggested that the suggested area for further study would be; “The effects of stakeholders’ involvement on the performance of School Governing Bodies.”
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Ngonzo, Mthunywa Lawrence
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1016 , vital:26518
- Description: This research conducts a diagnosis of school governance in the Eastern Cape Province with the overriding objective of determining the appropriate strategies that can be recommended for improving the effectiveness of school governance in the Eastern Cape Province. In a bid to achieve this overriding objective, the entire research process was guided by the research objectives and questions that examined; factors determining the effectiveness of school governance in the Eastern Cape Province, the effects of effective governance on performance of schools in the Eastern Cape Province, and the strategies which are used for improving school governance in the Eastern Cape Province. Although the secondary research was accomplished through the review and analysis of the relevant literatures and theories, the qualitative research approach was used in the primary research process. The findings of the study indicate that achieving effective school governance in the Eastern Cape Province is far from being attained for the reason that in terms of the applications of the principles for effective governance, the study reveals that the effective implementations of these principles in the Eastern Cape schools is marred by factors that include; lack of clear outline of SGBs, poor briefing of members about the roles of SGBs, poor consultations of members and stakeholders, poor representation of stakeholders, poor support of school’s staff, lack of well defined vision, and poor documentations of SGBs’ roles. Despite the fact that the findings of the study also indicate that the practices in the Eastern Cape schools are inappropriate for enhancing effective school governance, it was noted that there is still ineffective application of the strategies which can be used for improving school governance in the Eastern Cape Province. As the findings indicate, this certainly undermines the effectiveness of school governance in the Eastern Cape Province. While drawing from both the primary and secondary findings of the study, it was recommended that the school governing bodies in the Eastern Cape Province must; apply the six main principles for effective governance, apply the core components or pillars of good governance and consider implementing the strategies encompassing; considering that common interest and core business issues is one of the strategies, ensuring that the roles, objectives, functions and powers of the school council are clearly understood by all council members, effective planning, policy making and reporting, induction and professional development and learning, communication and information sharing, monitoring, evaluation and improvement. It was suggested that the suggested area for further study would be; “The effects of stakeholders’ involvement on the performance of School Governing Bodies.”
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
A survey of youth development projects in the Department of Social Development in the province of the Eastern Cape: a management perspective
- Dliwayo, Mziwodumo Archibald
- Authors: Dliwayo, Mziwodumo Archibald
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Youth in development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects , Youth -- Services for
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4429 , vital:20600
- Description: The objective of this research is to establish how non-adherence of Amathole District development projects to the Department of Social Development’s Community Development Systems and Operational Manual has contributed to failure of these projects. The background to this research lies in the deliberate policy efforts of the post 1994 democratic dispensation in South Africa to drive development through community-based development approaches. Explicitly pro-poor public policies, development plans and fiscal frameworks were anchored on the concept of community empowerment. The Reconstruction and Development Programme was the first such policy and strategy framework that sought to enshrine the principles of community empowerment and participation. As such, Provincial and Local government are often seen as key strategic drivers of community empowerment initiatives and interventions. South Africa’s governance model is still evolving, but it is clearly committed to local development and service delivery through a decentralised system of government that espouses community involvement. Government strategy has been heavily focused on speed and delivery in order to deal with the historical socio-economic backlogs it inherited. In the focus area of youth development projects, one recognises that poor management has dramatically reduced the effectiveness of many interventions. This research explores how non-adherence of these projects to policy guidelines set out in the Community Development Systems and Operations Manual has contributed to their failure. The research does this by looking at the various management procedures that are supposed to be undertaken during both the initial planning phases and during the subsequent implementation phases of youth development projects. Actual methodologies are compared against this standard. The research is undoubtedly a contribution to the field of strategic management of youth development initiatives which have as their primary intention the reduction of youth unemployment. Research surveys on this topic are limited, and the objective is to enrich the discourse on effective youth projects management practices.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Dliwayo, Mziwodumo Archibald
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Youth in development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects , Youth -- Services for
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4429 , vital:20600
- Description: The objective of this research is to establish how non-adherence of Amathole District development projects to the Department of Social Development’s Community Development Systems and Operational Manual has contributed to failure of these projects. The background to this research lies in the deliberate policy efforts of the post 1994 democratic dispensation in South Africa to drive development through community-based development approaches. Explicitly pro-poor public policies, development plans and fiscal frameworks were anchored on the concept of community empowerment. The Reconstruction and Development Programme was the first such policy and strategy framework that sought to enshrine the principles of community empowerment and participation. As such, Provincial and Local government are often seen as key strategic drivers of community empowerment initiatives and interventions. South Africa’s governance model is still evolving, but it is clearly committed to local development and service delivery through a decentralised system of government that espouses community involvement. Government strategy has been heavily focused on speed and delivery in order to deal with the historical socio-economic backlogs it inherited. In the focus area of youth development projects, one recognises that poor management has dramatically reduced the effectiveness of many interventions. This research explores how non-adherence of these projects to policy guidelines set out in the Community Development Systems and Operations Manual has contributed to their failure. The research does this by looking at the various management procedures that are supposed to be undertaken during both the initial planning phases and during the subsequent implementation phases of youth development projects. Actual methodologies are compared against this standard. The research is undoubtedly a contribution to the field of strategic management of youth development initiatives which have as their primary intention the reduction of youth unemployment. Research surveys on this topic are limited, and the objective is to enrich the discourse on effective youth projects management practices.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An analysis of change and transformation strategies: the Department of Home Affairs, Province of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Biyase, Sibongiseni Nobert
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: South Africa -- Department of Home Affairs , Civil service reform -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Social change -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8329 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020373
- Description: The South African public sector is important for the sustainable growth and development of the country. One of its major responsibilities is to ensure that all citizens have access to and receive the services they need. The manner in which public sector institutions are structured has an impact on the delivery of effective and efficient services to citizens.Achieving a high degree of productivity is an important objective of public service organisations across the world given the pressure to deliver quality public goods and services within the limits of ever-increasing resource constraints. The South African Public Service is no exception to this global phenomenon. The focus on the public service is therefore continuously to improve performance to meet citizens’ needs. Where as performance is directed at measuring outputs achieved, productivity goes an important step further by measuring the relationship between the resources used to achieve outputs. The focus of this study is the analysis of change and transformation strategies in the Department of Home Affairs, Province of the Eastern Cape. The primary purpose was to assess the current state of service delivery in the Department of Home Affairs and to ascertain how continuous monitoring and evaluation could be factored in to enhance the delivery of services. The target population was the employees and clients of the Department of Home Affairs. Employees were selected randomly and asked to participate in the study. The sample was a convenient-purposive sampling and a quantitative research questionnaire was used.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Biyase, Sibongiseni Nobert
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: South Africa -- Department of Home Affairs , Civil service reform -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Social change -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8329 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020373
- Description: The South African public sector is important for the sustainable growth and development of the country. One of its major responsibilities is to ensure that all citizens have access to and receive the services they need. The manner in which public sector institutions are structured has an impact on the delivery of effective and efficient services to citizens.Achieving a high degree of productivity is an important objective of public service organisations across the world given the pressure to deliver quality public goods and services within the limits of ever-increasing resource constraints. The South African Public Service is no exception to this global phenomenon. The focus on the public service is therefore continuously to improve performance to meet citizens’ needs. Where as performance is directed at measuring outputs achieved, productivity goes an important step further by measuring the relationship between the resources used to achieve outputs. The focus of this study is the analysis of change and transformation strategies in the Department of Home Affairs, Province of the Eastern Cape. The primary purpose was to assess the current state of service delivery in the Department of Home Affairs and to ascertain how continuous monitoring and evaluation could be factored in to enhance the delivery of services. The target population was the employees and clients of the Department of Home Affairs. Employees were selected randomly and asked to participate in the study. The sample was a convenient-purposive sampling and a quantitative research questionnaire was used.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An assessment of financial accountability on social grants at the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), 2011-2012
- Authors: Gcaza, Xolile
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1206 , vital:26535
- Description: This research assesses the nature and extent of financial accountability on social grants at the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). With respect to public funds, strategies and mechanisms, including the effectiveness of these strategies, were analysed to ensure whether SASSA was accountable to both the people and the government. Rabrenovic (2009:22) describes financial accountability as an obligation of the government to assure the citizens that money is spent in the best possible and most effective way. The government has to provide answers and justification for its action and regularly inform the public on how it spends the public funds. The extent to which the public-private partnership model adopted by SASSA for social grant management has enhanced financial accountability and yielded the desired outcome has also been tested. Some of the findings were that the problems facing SASSA were the financial constraints that entailed reduction in new programmes, halting infrastructures and the acquisition and filling only of funded posts from the Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA) and the high costs of administering social grants. This study used the qualitative research approach. The researcher used official document reviews because of the sensitivity of the research problem and opted for a desktop research. The documentary sources include SASSA’s annual reports for the period 2011/12. The recommendations were that people should be trained in financial and performance skills and in terms of accountability the accounting officers should account for lack of transgressions and poor performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Gcaza, Xolile
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1206 , vital:26535
- Description: This research assesses the nature and extent of financial accountability on social grants at the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). With respect to public funds, strategies and mechanisms, including the effectiveness of these strategies, were analysed to ensure whether SASSA was accountable to both the people and the government. Rabrenovic (2009:22) describes financial accountability as an obligation of the government to assure the citizens that money is spent in the best possible and most effective way. The government has to provide answers and justification for its action and regularly inform the public on how it spends the public funds. The extent to which the public-private partnership model adopted by SASSA for social grant management has enhanced financial accountability and yielded the desired outcome has also been tested. Some of the findings were that the problems facing SASSA were the financial constraints that entailed reduction in new programmes, halting infrastructures and the acquisition and filling only of funded posts from the Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA) and the high costs of administering social grants. This study used the qualitative research approach. The researcher used official document reviews because of the sensitivity of the research problem and opted for a desktop research. The documentary sources include SASSA’s annual reports for the period 2011/12. The recommendations were that people should be trained in financial and performance skills and in terms of accountability the accounting officers should account for lack of transgressions and poor performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An assessment of local economic development as a mechanism for poverty alleviation: a case study of Blue Crane Route Municipality in Cacadu District Municipality in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Gqezengele, Ayanda
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11740 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1018517
- Description: Prior to 1991, the development concept and strategy of Local Economic Development (LED) was not part of the development lexicon in South Africa. With the exception of some very limited local government advertising campaigns and the work of NGOs, the concept of locally –based and driven development interventions was an alien one in South African practice. The rigidities of the apartheid state, both in terms of its racial controls and its centralized management of all affairs precluded local development initiatives. What spatial economic development there was, focused on the flawed pre-1991 Regional Industrial Development Programme, which was tainted by failure to promote the former Homelands, corruption and faulty economic logic (Reflections on the Evolving Nature and Prospects of Local Economic Development in South Africa: 1990-2007). The post-apartheid government in its quest to alleviate poverty formulated a number of policies and legislation to guide developmental local government initiatives. Thus local government committed itself to, among others, building local economies and creating jobs for the people. By the end of Apartheid, South Africa’s economy was facing a variety of serious structural problems. The final two decades of the National Party’s regime had been particularly damaging to the economic climate, with stagnant economic growth (the average over the entire period was just 1.7%), declining per capita income (averaging -0.7% annually), increasing unemployment (using the broad definition, up from around 20% at the start of the 1970s to around 30% by 1994) and a spiraling debt problem (under the De Klerk government (1989-1994) alone, debt had increased from less than 3% of GDP to more than 9%, and total government debt more than doubled. Facing this “deep-seated structural crisis”, the government attempted to put together a policy framework that could begin to address the variety of problems being faced both economically and otherwise. The RDP White Paper, presented to Parliament in 1994, identified economic, social, legal, political, moral, cultural and environmental problems that the country faced.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Gqezengele, Ayanda
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11740 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1018517
- Description: Prior to 1991, the development concept and strategy of Local Economic Development (LED) was not part of the development lexicon in South Africa. With the exception of some very limited local government advertising campaigns and the work of NGOs, the concept of locally –based and driven development interventions was an alien one in South African practice. The rigidities of the apartheid state, both in terms of its racial controls and its centralized management of all affairs precluded local development initiatives. What spatial economic development there was, focused on the flawed pre-1991 Regional Industrial Development Programme, which was tainted by failure to promote the former Homelands, corruption and faulty economic logic (Reflections on the Evolving Nature and Prospects of Local Economic Development in South Africa: 1990-2007). The post-apartheid government in its quest to alleviate poverty formulated a number of policies and legislation to guide developmental local government initiatives. Thus local government committed itself to, among others, building local economies and creating jobs for the people. By the end of Apartheid, South Africa’s economy was facing a variety of serious structural problems. The final two decades of the National Party’s regime had been particularly damaging to the economic climate, with stagnant economic growth (the average over the entire period was just 1.7%), declining per capita income (averaging -0.7% annually), increasing unemployment (using the broad definition, up from around 20% at the start of the 1970s to around 30% by 1994) and a spiraling debt problem (under the De Klerk government (1989-1994) alone, debt had increased from less than 3% of GDP to more than 9%, and total government debt more than doubled. Facing this “deep-seated structural crisis”, the government attempted to put together a policy framework that could begin to address the variety of problems being faced both economically and otherwise. The RDP White Paper, presented to Parliament in 1994, identified economic, social, legal, political, moral, cultural and environmental problems that the country faced.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An assessment of the challenges faced by the risk management unit in the public sector: the case of the Eastern Cape department of basic education
- Authors: Daniels, Mandisa Julia
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1030 , vital:26520
- Description: The main purpose of the study was to assess the challenges faced by the risk management of the Department of Basic Education in the Eastern Cape Province. The study revealed that the department is faced with challenges ranging from: Poor internal controls, lack of appropriate capacity, non-compliance with management policies, high rate of employment, ineffective performance from the managers and there were no punitive measures applied, no adequate systems in place to identify and disclose irregularities and highly distributed structure where the department failed to demarcate its districts as per local government demarcation. From the analysis of the study, the study reveals that the following legislative frameworks were used in order for risk management in the Department to be performed in an effectively and efficiently manner but the Department failed to receive a positive audit outcome. Just to mention the few are as follow: Public Finance Management Act (Act 1 of 1999), Treasury Regulations, The Constitution of the Country and Risk Management Framework. The Department must speed up the finalization of its organizational structure so as to hire required staff for all sections, speed up the cleaning of data in schools, learners and personnel. It must improve efficiency and effectiveness of systems, process and procedures to achieve a better audit outcome. Training and capacitation of staff must be number one in their agenda. Ensure that systems are in place and have punitive measures to employees who contravene Treasury Regulations. The Department’s plan to reduce the number of districts in the near future must be speed up so as to assist the Department in addressing effective controls, accountability and monitoring.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Daniels, Mandisa Julia
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1030 , vital:26520
- Description: The main purpose of the study was to assess the challenges faced by the risk management of the Department of Basic Education in the Eastern Cape Province. The study revealed that the department is faced with challenges ranging from: Poor internal controls, lack of appropriate capacity, non-compliance with management policies, high rate of employment, ineffective performance from the managers and there were no punitive measures applied, no adequate systems in place to identify and disclose irregularities and highly distributed structure where the department failed to demarcate its districts as per local government demarcation. From the analysis of the study, the study reveals that the following legislative frameworks were used in order for risk management in the Department to be performed in an effectively and efficiently manner but the Department failed to receive a positive audit outcome. Just to mention the few are as follow: Public Finance Management Act (Act 1 of 1999), Treasury Regulations, The Constitution of the Country and Risk Management Framework. The Department must speed up the finalization of its organizational structure so as to hire required staff for all sections, speed up the cleaning of data in schools, learners and personnel. It must improve efficiency and effectiveness of systems, process and procedures to achieve a better audit outcome. Training and capacitation of staff must be number one in their agenda. Ensure that systems are in place and have punitive measures to employees who contravene Treasury Regulations. The Department’s plan to reduce the number of districts in the near future must be speed up so as to assist the Department in addressing effective controls, accountability and monitoring.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An assessment of the implementation of local economic development: a case study of Nkonkobe Local municipality in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Linake, Nthekeleng
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1151 , vital:26530
- Description: In efforts to alleviate poverty in South Africa, the democratic Government has since 1994 implemented various programs and policies that aim to alleviate income poverty through stimulating employment, developing skills and improving service delivery. One of these policies is Local Economic Development (LED). LED has been adopted by the South African government as a shift from the purely service oriented to developmental local government. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 commits local government to the promotion of social and economic development. Section 152 (1) (b) of the Constitution 1996 further states that local government should ensure that services are delivered in a sustainable manner. The Local Economic Development as a strategy that is aimed at stimulating economic activities at the local sphere has been hailed for its participative nature with communities. Local communities cease to be mere recipients of services; rather they become actively involved in their own economic development. The main objectives of the study were to investigate the effectiveness of the implementation of LED strategies in Nkonkobe Municipality, to find out how Nkonkobe Municipality communities perceive municipal LED efforts and initiatives for poverty alleviation, to determine the challenges which are faced by Nkonkobe Municipality in terms of implementing its LED strategies and to make recommendations on how LED can be strengthened, supported and or improved in Nkonkobe Municipality. Qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis were used in this study. The study findings suggest that there is still a lot to be done in order to implement LED in Nkonkobe Municipality. There are a number of recommendations made by the researcher to assist the municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Linake, Nthekeleng
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1151 , vital:26530
- Description: In efforts to alleviate poverty in South Africa, the democratic Government has since 1994 implemented various programs and policies that aim to alleviate income poverty through stimulating employment, developing skills and improving service delivery. One of these policies is Local Economic Development (LED). LED has been adopted by the South African government as a shift from the purely service oriented to developmental local government. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 commits local government to the promotion of social and economic development. Section 152 (1) (b) of the Constitution 1996 further states that local government should ensure that services are delivered in a sustainable manner. The Local Economic Development as a strategy that is aimed at stimulating economic activities at the local sphere has been hailed for its participative nature with communities. Local communities cease to be mere recipients of services; rather they become actively involved in their own economic development. The main objectives of the study were to investigate the effectiveness of the implementation of LED strategies in Nkonkobe Municipality, to find out how Nkonkobe Municipality communities perceive municipal LED efforts and initiatives for poverty alleviation, to determine the challenges which are faced by Nkonkobe Municipality in terms of implementing its LED strategies and to make recommendations on how LED can be strengthened, supported and or improved in Nkonkobe Municipality. Qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis were used in this study. The study findings suggest that there is still a lot to be done in order to implement LED in Nkonkobe Municipality. There are a number of recommendations made by the researcher to assist the municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An assessment of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality's local government turnaround strategy : a governance perspective
- Authors: Jakoet-Salie, Amina
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Public administration -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Business planning -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (South Africa) -- Politics and government
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8320 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020143
- Description: This study assessed the Local Government Turnaround Strategy (LGTAS), from a governance perspective, in addressing service delivery challenges in local government, with specific reference to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM). The research study comprises six chapters. The research is based on the assumption that one of the biggest challenges facing most municipalities in South Africa is lack of universal access to water and electricity, sanitation, refuse removal systems and local economic development. As a result of these challenges, the NMBM has implemented the NMBM Turnaround Strategy so that it can fulfill its constitutional developmental mandate conferred on it by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996. The research study provided a brief historical background on the development and transformation of local government in South Africa. This research adopted both the quantitative and qualitative approaches. The purpose of the research study was to describe and explore the 2009 Local Government Turnaround Strategy (LGTAS) with specific reference to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM). The evaluation of the LGTAS of the NMBM will therefore be fundamentally descriptive, but highly exploratory in nature. The empirical survey was employed for purposes of the study and the interpretation of the research findings were analysed and described. As a metropolitan municipality, the NMBM has been entrenched with a responsibility to promote developmental progression within its locality (Integrated Development Plan: 2007). This research also identified the strengths and the weaknesses of the LGTAS as it is regarded as critical in successful service delivery. It is envisaged that this research will assist the NMBM, and other municipalities’ country-wide, to identify challenges that they are faced with and deal with it accordingly in terms of the objectives identified in the LGTAS. Furthermore, this research study envisages promoting sustainable development within the NMBM as well as improving the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery that will ensure communities of their well-being and dignity. Various recommendations are presented, based on the findings primarily from the literature review and empirical survey, on how the existing status quo of the NMBM can be changed to enhance service delivery and be aligned to the Batho Pele principles. If these recommendations are adopted, the NMBM will be able to deal more effectively and efficiently with the developmental obstacles it currently faces.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Jakoet-Salie, Amina
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Public administration -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Business planning -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (South Africa) -- Politics and government
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8320 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020143
- Description: This study assessed the Local Government Turnaround Strategy (LGTAS), from a governance perspective, in addressing service delivery challenges in local government, with specific reference to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM). The research study comprises six chapters. The research is based on the assumption that one of the biggest challenges facing most municipalities in South Africa is lack of universal access to water and electricity, sanitation, refuse removal systems and local economic development. As a result of these challenges, the NMBM has implemented the NMBM Turnaround Strategy so that it can fulfill its constitutional developmental mandate conferred on it by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996. The research study provided a brief historical background on the development and transformation of local government in South Africa. This research adopted both the quantitative and qualitative approaches. The purpose of the research study was to describe and explore the 2009 Local Government Turnaround Strategy (LGTAS) with specific reference to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM). The evaluation of the LGTAS of the NMBM will therefore be fundamentally descriptive, but highly exploratory in nature. The empirical survey was employed for purposes of the study and the interpretation of the research findings were analysed and described. As a metropolitan municipality, the NMBM has been entrenched with a responsibility to promote developmental progression within its locality (Integrated Development Plan: 2007). This research also identified the strengths and the weaknesses of the LGTAS as it is regarded as critical in successful service delivery. It is envisaged that this research will assist the NMBM, and other municipalities’ country-wide, to identify challenges that they are faced with and deal with it accordingly in terms of the objectives identified in the LGTAS. Furthermore, this research study envisages promoting sustainable development within the NMBM as well as improving the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery that will ensure communities of their well-being and dignity. Various recommendations are presented, based on the findings primarily from the literature review and empirical survey, on how the existing status quo of the NMBM can be changed to enhance service delivery and be aligned to the Batho Pele principles. If these recommendations are adopted, the NMBM will be able to deal more effectively and efficiently with the developmental obstacles it currently faces.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An assessment of the role of agricultural projetcs in poverty alleviation at Ngqushwa Local Municipality
- Authors: Guzana, Andile
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural development projects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8328 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020351
- Description: This study assessed the role of agricultural projects in poverty alleviation at Ngqushwa local municipality. These projects are very important for poverty alleviation and to fight the growing levels of unemployment in the Eastern Cape. Despite the advantages of these projects, there are challenges that impact negatively on the implementation of these projects such as conflict, lack of resources, market failure and these projects are too disconnected. Consequently, the projects do not achieve their intended objectives and there are high levels of dissatisfaction among project members. The study was conducted in two wards of Ngqushwa local municipality, and two projects were selected from each ward and ten members were selected from each project and the total number of a sample for the study was forty project members. The research utilized both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data was collected through questionnaires, document analysis and observations. The sampling method that was used to select respondents or participants was purposive. The findings of the study indicated that agricultural projects in this area did not bring about any significant reduction in poverty, and they did not bring about any significant economic development. The study also revealed that there was lack of community participation in matters pertaining to community development and lack of support by all relevant stakeholders which resulted in failure at the implementation phase. The researcher also discovered that the poverty alleviation approach was mainly focused on one type of project, other than looking at other avenues to ensure that those who do not have interest in food gardens are given alternative opportunities like cattle farming. In view of these findings, the study recognises a need for empowerment in terms of knowledge and skills, understanding and resource management of agricultural projects. The study thus recommended that community members should be actively involved in community development projects. Additionally, the study recommended for the establishment or formulation of new policies or amendments of the existing policies in order to boost agriculture in rural areas so as to be able to alleviate poverty effectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Guzana, Andile
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural development projects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8328 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020351
- Description: This study assessed the role of agricultural projects in poverty alleviation at Ngqushwa local municipality. These projects are very important for poverty alleviation and to fight the growing levels of unemployment in the Eastern Cape. Despite the advantages of these projects, there are challenges that impact negatively on the implementation of these projects such as conflict, lack of resources, market failure and these projects are too disconnected. Consequently, the projects do not achieve their intended objectives and there are high levels of dissatisfaction among project members. The study was conducted in two wards of Ngqushwa local municipality, and two projects were selected from each ward and ten members were selected from each project and the total number of a sample for the study was forty project members. The research utilized both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data was collected through questionnaires, document analysis and observations. The sampling method that was used to select respondents or participants was purposive. The findings of the study indicated that agricultural projects in this area did not bring about any significant reduction in poverty, and they did not bring about any significant economic development. The study also revealed that there was lack of community participation in matters pertaining to community development and lack of support by all relevant stakeholders which resulted in failure at the implementation phase. The researcher also discovered that the poverty alleviation approach was mainly focused on one type of project, other than looking at other avenues to ensure that those who do not have interest in food gardens are given alternative opportunities like cattle farming. In view of these findings, the study recognises a need for empowerment in terms of knowledge and skills, understanding and resource management of agricultural projects. The study thus recommended that community members should be actively involved in community development projects. Additionally, the study recommended for the establishment or formulation of new policies or amendments of the existing policies in order to boost agriculture in rural areas so as to be able to alleviate poverty effectively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An assessment of the role of Councillors in their oversight mandate: a case of the Chris Hani district municipality: 2011-2013
- Authors: Shweni, Zenzile Raymond
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1023 , vital:26519
- Description: According to the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act 108 of 1996, Local Government is the closest sphere of government to the people and thus regarded as the service delivery mechanism of government. In the same context municipal councils are accorded a legal status and authority of a deliberative legislative body. This is considered critical for the municipal council to establish appropriate structures, processes and systems for effective oversight, particularly, oversight of budget execution and administrative processes. However, indications are that, the current legal and institutional measures need to be strengthened to enable municipal council to exercise oversight of the budget execution. In this study, the researcher conducted extensive literature on the roles and responsibilities of Councillors as prescribed in the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act and Municipal Structures Act respectively. An extensive review of the relevant local government legal provisions highlighted the authority of the municipal council, internal rules, reporting processes, council committees and the research capacity, as key aspects of the institutional measures required for oversight of budget execution. Equally, the review accentuated the ability and willingness of non-executive Councillors to exercise oversight in the affairs of the Municipality. A total of 20 research sample was selected for this research. Research participants were given research questionnaires for them to complete. This was completed and returned to the researcher for analysis. Key findings of the research was that, the municipal council must use its legal authority to reinforce mechanisms for effective oversight of budget execution. In addition, the municipal council needs to provide an enabling leadership and governance environment that encourages and support non-executive Councillors to actively engage in oversight processes and activities of the municipality. Further to the findings of this research, it was strongly recommended the further research in order to unearth the mechanisms that can further enable the Councillors to ensure optimum utilisation of resources.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Shweni, Zenzile Raymond
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1023 , vital:26519
- Description: According to the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act 108 of 1996, Local Government is the closest sphere of government to the people and thus regarded as the service delivery mechanism of government. In the same context municipal councils are accorded a legal status and authority of a deliberative legislative body. This is considered critical for the municipal council to establish appropriate structures, processes and systems for effective oversight, particularly, oversight of budget execution and administrative processes. However, indications are that, the current legal and institutional measures need to be strengthened to enable municipal council to exercise oversight of the budget execution. In this study, the researcher conducted extensive literature on the roles and responsibilities of Councillors as prescribed in the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act and Municipal Structures Act respectively. An extensive review of the relevant local government legal provisions highlighted the authority of the municipal council, internal rules, reporting processes, council committees and the research capacity, as key aspects of the institutional measures required for oversight of budget execution. Equally, the review accentuated the ability and willingness of non-executive Councillors to exercise oversight in the affairs of the Municipality. A total of 20 research sample was selected for this research. Research participants were given research questionnaires for them to complete. This was completed and returned to the researcher for analysis. Key findings of the research was that, the municipal council must use its legal authority to reinforce mechanisms for effective oversight of budget execution. In addition, the municipal council needs to provide an enabling leadership and governance environment that encourages and support non-executive Councillors to actively engage in oversight processes and activities of the municipality. Further to the findings of this research, it was strongly recommended the further research in order to unearth the mechanisms that can further enable the Councillors to ensure optimum utilisation of resources.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An assessment of the role of officials in housings service delivery in the Nelson Mandela bay Municipality
- Authors: Tutu, Jimmy Vuyisile
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Housing -- Protests -- Officials -- Service Delivery , Beneficiary -- Beneficiary Management -- Corruption
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11722 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1017867 , Housing -- Protests -- Officials -- Service Delivery , Beneficiary -- Beneficiary Management -- Corruption
- Description: The purpose of this study was to assess the role of the officials on housing service delivery in the Nelson Mandela by Municipality (NMBM). The role of the officials currently occupies the centre stage in the Public Service and they should be proud to be the servants of the people. Furthermore, they relish the challenge of providing improved services to all by applying the principles of Batho Pele. In order to meet the goals of the study, it was necessary to study the literature on the housing sector, in particular the role of Officials in the Nelson Mandela Municipality and the reasons why people marched and accused Officials of perceived Corruption in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. In order to address the research problem and to fulfill the research objectives, an in depth literature study was done. Empirical studies were done by means of face-to-face interviews and Questionnaires with the Sample population from the Community and the Department of Housing officials in NMBM. The findings of the study suggested that there is ineffective client interface, housing waiting lists are not properly managed, there is a lack of transparency in housing allocations, as well as favoritism by Officials, Councilors and Community leaders on the allocation of houses and there is also a problem of the illegal occupation of houses .The study further suggests that the role of Officials and Councilors needs to be improved if it is to serve as a catalyst for effective housing service delivery to the citizens of NMBM. Recommendations were put forward to assist the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in improving effective and efficiency Housing Service Delivery.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Tutu, Jimmy Vuyisile
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Housing -- Protests -- Officials -- Service Delivery , Beneficiary -- Beneficiary Management -- Corruption
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11722 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1017867 , Housing -- Protests -- Officials -- Service Delivery , Beneficiary -- Beneficiary Management -- Corruption
- Description: The purpose of this study was to assess the role of the officials on housing service delivery in the Nelson Mandela by Municipality (NMBM). The role of the officials currently occupies the centre stage in the Public Service and they should be proud to be the servants of the people. Furthermore, they relish the challenge of providing improved services to all by applying the principles of Batho Pele. In order to meet the goals of the study, it was necessary to study the literature on the housing sector, in particular the role of Officials in the Nelson Mandela Municipality and the reasons why people marched and accused Officials of perceived Corruption in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. In order to address the research problem and to fulfill the research objectives, an in depth literature study was done. Empirical studies were done by means of face-to-face interviews and Questionnaires with the Sample population from the Community and the Department of Housing officials in NMBM. The findings of the study suggested that there is ineffective client interface, housing waiting lists are not properly managed, there is a lack of transparency in housing allocations, as well as favoritism by Officials, Councilors and Community leaders on the allocation of houses and there is also a problem of the illegal occupation of houses .The study further suggests that the role of Officials and Councilors needs to be improved if it is to serve as a catalyst for effective housing service delivery to the citizens of NMBM. Recommendations were put forward to assist the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in improving effective and efficiency Housing Service Delivery.
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- Date Issued: 2014
An assessment of the roles of co-operatives as agents of development in rural areas: a case study of Inkwanca Local Municipality
- Authors: Mtshwelo, Linda Hombisa
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11680 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1013542
- Description: The study assesses the role of co-operative societies in economic development. The study was undertaken to investigate the extent to which co-operatives can act as agents towards sustainable community development. Expectations were that cooperative members can perform better than individuals in terms of working together as a group, sharing responsibilities, contributing larger capital, bringing their skills together, incur lower expenses, generate higher income and therefore earn higher profits to be shared amongst themselves. This would enable members to be able to pay for their families’ basic needs and therefore enhance the standard of living of all members. The overall purpose of the study therefore is to investigate whether cooperatives are the best tools for rural development and poverty alleviation in Inkwanca Local Municipality. The research involves the collection of data from co-operative members in Molteno and Sterkstrooom. The data was analysed in order to establish the performance of cooperatives in terms of their leadership and management structures. The research further looks into the challenges and gaps in the co-operative sector in terms of performance by the members and support by the government and government agencies. The research also investigated the best model that can be used to improve co-operatives so that they can enhance the lives of community members in rural areas. In order to gather information, three different approaches were used in the action research which involved different instruments, such as questionnaires, interviews and observations. In spite of all the challenges facing co-operatives, they have been playing an increasingly important role in facilitating job creation, economic growth and social development. The study concludes by emphasising that for co-operatives to be continuously effective and successful, they must improve their ability to service their members. The study commends government for financial and non-financial support programmes although there is still a room for improvement. In addition, further research is needed o the role played by co-operatives as agents of development in rural areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Mtshwelo, Linda Hombisa
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11680 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1013542
- Description: The study assesses the role of co-operative societies in economic development. The study was undertaken to investigate the extent to which co-operatives can act as agents towards sustainable community development. Expectations were that cooperative members can perform better than individuals in terms of working together as a group, sharing responsibilities, contributing larger capital, bringing their skills together, incur lower expenses, generate higher income and therefore earn higher profits to be shared amongst themselves. This would enable members to be able to pay for their families’ basic needs and therefore enhance the standard of living of all members. The overall purpose of the study therefore is to investigate whether cooperatives are the best tools for rural development and poverty alleviation in Inkwanca Local Municipality. The research involves the collection of data from co-operative members in Molteno and Sterkstrooom. The data was analysed in order to establish the performance of cooperatives in terms of their leadership and management structures. The research further looks into the challenges and gaps in the co-operative sector in terms of performance by the members and support by the government and government agencies. The research also investigated the best model that can be used to improve co-operatives so that they can enhance the lives of community members in rural areas. In order to gather information, three different approaches were used in the action research which involved different instruments, such as questionnaires, interviews and observations. In spite of all the challenges facing co-operatives, they have been playing an increasingly important role in facilitating job creation, economic growth and social development. The study concludes by emphasising that for co-operatives to be continuously effective and successful, they must improve their ability to service their members. The study commends government for financial and non-financial support programmes although there is still a room for improvement. In addition, further research is needed o the role played by co-operatives as agents of development in rural areas.
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- Date Issued: 2014
An assessment of the training of invigilators at Walter Sisulu University
- Authors: Cekiso, Nontuthuzelo
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Students -- Examinations , Educational tests and measurements -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Academic achievement -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Evaluation , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46273 , vital:39542
- Description: The study assessed the training of invigilators at Walter Sisulu University. It covered the period from 2010 to 2011. The purpose of the study was to assess the awareness of invigilators regarding rules and regulations pertaining to their duties; whether there are pertinent differences between invigilators who have been trained and those that have not been trained and investigate the challenges that invigilators face during examinations. Following the literature study on training, a qualitative research methodology was employed in undertaking the empirical study. Through purposive sampling, trained and untrained invigilators as well as some examination section managers were selected for participating in the study. Structured and semi-structured interviews were used for collecting data. The study found that a limited number of trained and untrained invigilators were not aware of the rules and regulations regarding invigilation and this had a negative impact on their work performance. Although the study also found that invigilators were experiencing some challenges during the examination periods, it could not find crucial differences between the trained and untrained invigilators in this regard. The study recommends that the quality of training of invigilators should be improved in order to address the challenges experienced by invigilators and it should include all invigilators.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Cekiso, Nontuthuzelo
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Students -- Examinations , Educational tests and measurements -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Academic achievement -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Evaluation , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46273 , vital:39542
- Description: The study assessed the training of invigilators at Walter Sisulu University. It covered the period from 2010 to 2011. The purpose of the study was to assess the awareness of invigilators regarding rules and regulations pertaining to their duties; whether there are pertinent differences between invigilators who have been trained and those that have not been trained and investigate the challenges that invigilators face during examinations. Following the literature study on training, a qualitative research methodology was employed in undertaking the empirical study. Through purposive sampling, trained and untrained invigilators as well as some examination section managers were selected for participating in the study. Structured and semi-structured interviews were used for collecting data. The study found that a limited number of trained and untrained invigilators were not aware of the rules and regulations regarding invigilation and this had a negative impact on their work performance. Although the study also found that invigilators were experiencing some challenges during the examination periods, it could not find crucial differences between the trained and untrained invigilators in this regard. The study recommends that the quality of training of invigilators should be improved in order to address the challenges experienced by invigilators and it should include all invigilators.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014