An assessment of the system of billing for basic services in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Authors: Ntenge, Nolukhanyo Dorothea
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Municipal finance -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Accounting -- Data processing Municipal services -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Local government -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22881 , vital:30120
- Description: The study focussed on the system of billing for basic services in the Nelson Mandela bay Municipality. The role of the municipality in the provision of basic services to the community and how communities are supposed to be billed for the basic services is explained. The research problem has also been identified and explained. The study reviewed the literature on the system of billing for basic services. In that processes, municipal by-laws, relevant books and internet sources were consulted. The researcher used qualitative research methodology: face to face and telephonic interviews were used during the research. 4 meter readers from the NMBM as well as 3 meter readers from each of the 3 contractors were interviewed. The researcher also interviewed 15 consumers whose accounts have been billed on estimations, 2 prebilling and 2 post billing clerks as well as one administration worker from each of the three contractors. The Assistant Director of Meter Services and the Director of Revenue Management and Customer Care were also interviewed. Research findings revealed that meter readers were trained and only a few felt that they needed more training in meter reading. Various challenges were revealed by meter readers as the causes of the incorrect billing of consumers’ accounts. Incorrect meter linkage and inaccessibility of water and electricity meters to meter readers were also reasons for the unending queues on the enquiry counters in the Nelson Mandela Bay Customer Care Centres. It has been highly recommended that the NMBM review the meter reading function and ensure that every meter reader is highly trained and equipped with the equipment needed to perform the function. It has also been recommended that those electricity meters that are inside houses, be placed outside or in an accessible place. The keys can be given to meter readers with a spare key to be kept by the owner of the property. All water meters should be placed outside the yard so that they are easily accessible to the meter readers at any given time.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Ntenge, Nolukhanyo Dorothea
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Municipal finance -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Accounting -- Data processing Municipal services -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Local government -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22881 , vital:30120
- Description: The study focussed on the system of billing for basic services in the Nelson Mandela bay Municipality. The role of the municipality in the provision of basic services to the community and how communities are supposed to be billed for the basic services is explained. The research problem has also been identified and explained. The study reviewed the literature on the system of billing for basic services. In that processes, municipal by-laws, relevant books and internet sources were consulted. The researcher used qualitative research methodology: face to face and telephonic interviews were used during the research. 4 meter readers from the NMBM as well as 3 meter readers from each of the 3 contractors were interviewed. The researcher also interviewed 15 consumers whose accounts have been billed on estimations, 2 prebilling and 2 post billing clerks as well as one administration worker from each of the three contractors. The Assistant Director of Meter Services and the Director of Revenue Management and Customer Care were also interviewed. Research findings revealed that meter readers were trained and only a few felt that they needed more training in meter reading. Various challenges were revealed by meter readers as the causes of the incorrect billing of consumers’ accounts. Incorrect meter linkage and inaccessibility of water and electricity meters to meter readers were also reasons for the unending queues on the enquiry counters in the Nelson Mandela Bay Customer Care Centres. It has been highly recommended that the NMBM review the meter reading function and ensure that every meter reader is highly trained and equipped with the equipment needed to perform the function. It has also been recommended that those electricity meters that are inside houses, be placed outside or in an accessible place. The keys can be given to meter readers with a spare key to be kept by the owner of the property. All water meters should be placed outside the yard so that they are easily accessible to the meter readers at any given time.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
An exploration of the effects of government financial subsidies on the performance of schools and learners in the OR Tambo District Municipality
- Mtyida, Thembani Justice Zolisa
- Authors: Mtyida, Thembani Justice Zolisa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: School budgets -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape School management and organization Education -- South Africa -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9198 , vital:34304
- Description: An exploration of the effects of government financial subsidies on the performance of schools and learners in the OR Tambo District Municipality Under the Direction of: Prof EOC Ijeoma. As much as the awarded fiscal resources have been critical for improving the quality of learning and education as well as the performance of schools, there are still often inhibitors that affect the extent to which such fiscal packages are able to induce achievement of the desired educational outcomes. Thematic analysis of the interview findings revealed the limitations undermining the extent to which the allocated fiscal resources are able to influence the achievement of the desired positive educational outcomes and these are linked to poor school financial management, poor planning and budgeting, poor school governance and corruption and theft of funds. The other limitations that mar the effective performance of certain schools to achieve the desired educational outcomes were also noted to arise from the shortage of teachers for critical subjects, poor motivation of teachers in rural areas, poor learners’ welfare and poor infrastructure. To respond to these challenges, it is argued that the OR Tambo District Department of Education must develop special fiscal packages for teachers in the rural areas, develop special fiscal packages for teachers of special subjects such as science and mathematics, invest in the educational infrastructure and facilities, and proactively develop school managers. Future research can explore a framework for monitoring and evaluation of the effects of educational fiscal grants on the performance of schools and learners.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mtyida, Thembani Justice Zolisa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: School budgets -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape School management and organization Education -- South Africa -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/9198 , vital:34304
- Description: An exploration of the effects of government financial subsidies on the performance of schools and learners in the OR Tambo District Municipality Under the Direction of: Prof EOC Ijeoma. As much as the awarded fiscal resources have been critical for improving the quality of learning and education as well as the performance of schools, there are still often inhibitors that affect the extent to which such fiscal packages are able to induce achievement of the desired educational outcomes. Thematic analysis of the interview findings revealed the limitations undermining the extent to which the allocated fiscal resources are able to influence the achievement of the desired positive educational outcomes and these are linked to poor school financial management, poor planning and budgeting, poor school governance and corruption and theft of funds. The other limitations that mar the effective performance of certain schools to achieve the desired educational outcomes were also noted to arise from the shortage of teachers for critical subjects, poor motivation of teachers in rural areas, poor learners’ welfare and poor infrastructure. To respond to these challenges, it is argued that the OR Tambo District Department of Education must develop special fiscal packages for teachers in the rural areas, develop special fiscal packages for teachers of special subjects such as science and mathematics, invest in the educational infrastructure and facilities, and proactively develop school managers. Future research can explore a framework for monitoring and evaluation of the effects of educational fiscal grants on the performance of schools and learners.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Challenges emanating from non-payment for municipal services in Bitou Municipality
- Authors: Noholoza, Malungisa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Evaluation , Debts, Public -- South Africa -- Western Cape Collecting of accounts -- South Africa -- Western Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33453 , vital:32875
- Description: Local Government has an obligation to provide access to basic services in an economical, effective and efficient manner within their limited financial resources and capacity. However, municipalities are struggling to provide these services because of non-payment by the communities. The non-payment for municipal services dates back to the apartheid regime, where non-payment of services was a means of protesting the apartheid government but that protest is becoming a thorny issue in the current democratic government of South Africa. Municipalities are currently facing increasing challenges with regard to service delivery due to insufficient revenue collection. The South African legislative framework provides for municipalities to collect revenue but it has been shown in this study that municipalities have not been effective in dealing with the revenue collection and as a result, municipalities’ constitutional mandate is in dire straits. Revenue collection needs to be addressed for municipalities to be successful. With the use of qualitative methodology, this study found that the Bitou Municipality is struggling to decrease the current rate of outstanding debt and the attempts undertaken by the municipality to address revenue collection have not yielded the intended results. The study was aimed at identifying the challenges behind non-payment for basic services, identifying the debt and credit control strategies employed by the municipality in revenue collection and their effectiveness or non-effectiveness and assessing the municipality’s methods of credit and debt control. The theoretical data in the study was analysed in order to answer the objectives of the study and the challenges emanating from the non-payment for municipal services in the Bitou Municipality. The study found that non-payment for municipal services is an on-going problem.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Noholoza, Malungisa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Evaluation , Debts, Public -- South Africa -- Western Cape Collecting of accounts -- South Africa -- Western Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33453 , vital:32875
- Description: Local Government has an obligation to provide access to basic services in an economical, effective and efficient manner within their limited financial resources and capacity. However, municipalities are struggling to provide these services because of non-payment by the communities. The non-payment for municipal services dates back to the apartheid regime, where non-payment of services was a means of protesting the apartheid government but that protest is becoming a thorny issue in the current democratic government of South Africa. Municipalities are currently facing increasing challenges with regard to service delivery due to insufficient revenue collection. The South African legislative framework provides for municipalities to collect revenue but it has been shown in this study that municipalities have not been effective in dealing with the revenue collection and as a result, municipalities’ constitutional mandate is in dire straits. Revenue collection needs to be addressed for municipalities to be successful. With the use of qualitative methodology, this study found that the Bitou Municipality is struggling to decrease the current rate of outstanding debt and the attempts undertaken by the municipality to address revenue collection have not yielded the intended results. The study was aimed at identifying the challenges behind non-payment for basic services, identifying the debt and credit control strategies employed by the municipality in revenue collection and their effectiveness or non-effectiveness and assessing the municipality’s methods of credit and debt control. The theoretical data in the study was analysed in order to answer the objectives of the study and the challenges emanating from the non-payment for municipal services in the Bitou Municipality. The study found that non-payment for municipal services is an on-going problem.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Gender mainstreaming in local governance: a case of O.R. Tambo District Municipality
- Authors: Mongoato, Boiketlo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Women in development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Women -- Political activity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32334 , vital:32024
- Description: The purpose of this study is to establish the extent to which the OR Tambo District Municipality is able to implement gender mainstreaming to eliminate gender bias in governance and service delivery in order to improve the lives of the women in the district and to develop the community. This study is specifically concerned with the effect of leadership and staff capacity on the implementation of gender mainstreaming. The study was aimed at improving how the local government approaches gender mainstreaming and shed light on how it can be used as an all-inclusive developmental strategy. The data for this study were collected through document analysis and purposively selected in-depth interviews. The subjects of the study were selected from strategic units within the municipality which were identified to be the key stakeholders in gender mainstreaming in terms of the institutional arrangements. The results illustrate that despite a commitment to gender mainstreaming in the OR Tambo District Municipality, the institution still faces many challenges in its implementation. These challenges are linked to the absence of an institutional gender mainstreaming policy, poor understanding of gender mainstreaming and sectoral institutional arrangements that hinder the process of implementation. The data confirmed that a lack of skilled human resources hinders the implementation of gender mainstreaming.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mongoato, Boiketlo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Women in development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Women -- Political activity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32334 , vital:32024
- Description: The purpose of this study is to establish the extent to which the OR Tambo District Municipality is able to implement gender mainstreaming to eliminate gender bias in governance and service delivery in order to improve the lives of the women in the district and to develop the community. This study is specifically concerned with the effect of leadership and staff capacity on the implementation of gender mainstreaming. The study was aimed at improving how the local government approaches gender mainstreaming and shed light on how it can be used as an all-inclusive developmental strategy. The data for this study were collected through document analysis and purposively selected in-depth interviews. The subjects of the study were selected from strategic units within the municipality which were identified to be the key stakeholders in gender mainstreaming in terms of the institutional arrangements. The results illustrate that despite a commitment to gender mainstreaming in the OR Tambo District Municipality, the institution still faces many challenges in its implementation. These challenges are linked to the absence of an institutional gender mainstreaming policy, poor understanding of gender mainstreaming and sectoral institutional arrangements that hinder the process of implementation. The data confirmed that a lack of skilled human resources hinders the implementation of gender mainstreaming.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Implementation of facilities management strategy for Amathole District Municipality
- Authors: Sibefu, Mawonga Edwin
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Facility management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Building management Real estate management Housing management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35740 , vital:33796
- Description: Facilities management is a profession that encompasses multiple disciplines to ensure the functionality of the built environment by integrating people, places, processes and technology. It combines management and business with the most current professional and technical knowledge to provide a people-oriented and effective work environment. The study has the following objectives: to determine whether pro-active planning in order to optimise sustainable physical infrastructure is currently being carried out; to determine whether the cost structure of facilities management is being analysed to ensure proper planning that is aligned with the budget and to determine whether the organisational structure of facilities management (FM) is developed and fully staffed with qualified officials and that it is being operated from the correct department. This will ensure that facilities management carries out its mandate of creating jobs. The mixed research methodology was used in this study as both quantitative and qualitative techniques were employed in gathering, organising and analysing information obtained from the participants. Pilot questions were distributed to all relevant managers within the Amathole District Municipality. The primary data was gathered from Directors, Heads of Departments (HODs), general managers, senior managers, unit managers and assistant managers with a view to ascertaining their level of understanding of the importance of facilities management (FM) within the Amathole District Municipality. The secondary data for this study was obtained from a literature review of relevant publications from various sources, such as reports, books, the internet and articles. From the respondents’ responses, it can be noted that facility management is of benefit to the organization in that it provides for cost value benefit, the development of policies, safety, good property management and an efficient security system. One of the main drawbacks is the lack of a facilities manager in the department. No Senior Manager has been appointed with the facilities management portfolio, which would assist the top management in making informed decisions. As a result, there is no facilities management strategy, policy or framework to guide the portfolio in the right direction.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Sibefu, Mawonga Edwin
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Facility management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Building management Real estate management Housing management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35740 , vital:33796
- Description: Facilities management is a profession that encompasses multiple disciplines to ensure the functionality of the built environment by integrating people, places, processes and technology. It combines management and business with the most current professional and technical knowledge to provide a people-oriented and effective work environment. The study has the following objectives: to determine whether pro-active planning in order to optimise sustainable physical infrastructure is currently being carried out; to determine whether the cost structure of facilities management is being analysed to ensure proper planning that is aligned with the budget and to determine whether the organisational structure of facilities management (FM) is developed and fully staffed with qualified officials and that it is being operated from the correct department. This will ensure that facilities management carries out its mandate of creating jobs. The mixed research methodology was used in this study as both quantitative and qualitative techniques were employed in gathering, organising and analysing information obtained from the participants. Pilot questions were distributed to all relevant managers within the Amathole District Municipality. The primary data was gathered from Directors, Heads of Departments (HODs), general managers, senior managers, unit managers and assistant managers with a view to ascertaining their level of understanding of the importance of facilities management (FM) within the Amathole District Municipality. The secondary data for this study was obtained from a literature review of relevant publications from various sources, such as reports, books, the internet and articles. From the respondents’ responses, it can be noted that facility management is of benefit to the organization in that it provides for cost value benefit, the development of policies, safety, good property management and an efficient security system. One of the main drawbacks is the lack of a facilities manager in the department. No Senior Manager has been appointed with the facilities management portfolio, which would assist the top management in making informed decisions. As a result, there is no facilities management strategy, policy or framework to guide the portfolio in the right direction.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Implementing primary health care services at an urban clinic: perceptions of key stakeholders in Ginsberg and Sweetwaters clinics, King William’s Town, South Africa
- Authors: Mokoena, Nomangaliso Eunice
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Primary health care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Clinics -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Nurses -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Attitudes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32284 , vital:32003
- Description: The purpose of this study was to develop a deeper understanding on how health care personnel deal with a certain policy and to explore and describe the experiences of staff working at clinics in King William’s Town (Eastern Cape) regarding Primary Health Care delivery. The objective was to explore health care personnel’s perceptions on how the implementation of the Primary Health Care policy has influenced the provision of Primary Health Care Services. To propose recommendations that can be used to improve service delivery at the clinics. Methods used were semi structured interviews were used to clarify concepts, problems and allow for the establishment of a list of possible answers or solutions to the problems experienced by the health care personnel. Analysis began with open coding where transcribed interviews were read and coded line by line to identify descriptions of thoughts and actions. A systematic coding framework was developed; this included grouping the data into key themes. The study concluded that although the challenges that exist in implementing primary health care are clearly understood, Primary Health Care nurses should be well equipped with the tools and equipment they need to successfully execute their duties. The improvement of their working conditions is of paramount importance
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mokoena, Nomangaliso Eunice
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Primary health care -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Clinics -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Nurses -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Attitudes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32284 , vital:32003
- Description: The purpose of this study was to develop a deeper understanding on how health care personnel deal with a certain policy and to explore and describe the experiences of staff working at clinics in King William’s Town (Eastern Cape) regarding Primary Health Care delivery. The objective was to explore health care personnel’s perceptions on how the implementation of the Primary Health Care policy has influenced the provision of Primary Health Care Services. To propose recommendations that can be used to improve service delivery at the clinics. Methods used were semi structured interviews were used to clarify concepts, problems and allow for the establishment of a list of possible answers or solutions to the problems experienced by the health care personnel. Analysis began with open coding where transcribed interviews were read and coded line by line to identify descriptions of thoughts and actions. A systematic coding framework was developed; this included grouping the data into key themes. The study concluded that although the challenges that exist in implementing primary health care are clearly understood, Primary Health Care nurses should be well equipped with the tools and equipment they need to successfully execute their duties. The improvement of their working conditions is of paramount importance
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Investigation into factors affecting water provision in Eastern Cape Municipalities, with specific focus on OR Tambo district Municipality
- Authors: Santi, Sifiso Kanyo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Water-supply, Rural -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water-supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Water resources development -- Economic aspects Sustainable development -- Economic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/34810 , vital:33454
- Description: The provision of basic water services to all South African communities is one of the biggest challenges that many local municipalities are currently facing. The objective of this study was to investigate factors affecting water provision in Eastern Cape municipalities, with specific focus on OR Tambo District Municipality. As a Water Service Authority it has the responsibility to ensure that all communities at the district have access to basic water supply. The study evaluated the participant’s views who are municipal officials responsible in water services delivery. The study shows that there is a serious challenge of backlogs in water delivery and these will be difficult to overcome due to financial limitation, lack of personnel capacity. It also revealed that some of the areas in the district are not serviced due to the aging of infrastructure, Data collection was done by using the interview methods which involved direct interactions with the participants from the Water and Sanitation department at the OR Tambo District Municipality who provided answers to the questions of the researcher. The study recommends that the municipality should prioritise looking at other integrated water cycle management strategies that will ease the delivery of water to the citizens. Awareness campaigns for efficient and effective use of water should be launched. Water supply and management must be one of the areas that the municipality prioritise in terms of budgeting on establishing programs to prevent water losses in the system. Maintenance and effective use of the already available resources must be effected at the municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Santi, Sifiso Kanyo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Water-supply, Rural -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water-supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Water resources development -- Economic aspects Sustainable development -- Economic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/34810 , vital:33454
- Description: The provision of basic water services to all South African communities is one of the biggest challenges that many local municipalities are currently facing. The objective of this study was to investigate factors affecting water provision in Eastern Cape municipalities, with specific focus on OR Tambo District Municipality. As a Water Service Authority it has the responsibility to ensure that all communities at the district have access to basic water supply. The study evaluated the participant’s views who are municipal officials responsible in water services delivery. The study shows that there is a serious challenge of backlogs in water delivery and these will be difficult to overcome due to financial limitation, lack of personnel capacity. It also revealed that some of the areas in the district are not serviced due to the aging of infrastructure, Data collection was done by using the interview methods which involved direct interactions with the participants from the Water and Sanitation department at the OR Tambo District Municipality who provided answers to the questions of the researcher. The study recommends that the municipality should prioritise looking at other integrated water cycle management strategies that will ease the delivery of water to the citizens. Awareness campaigns for efficient and effective use of water should be launched. Water supply and management must be one of the areas that the municipality prioritise in terms of budgeting on establishing programs to prevent water losses in the system. Maintenance and effective use of the already available resources must be effected at the municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The child support grant on mother’s labour market participation: a case of New Brighton and Kwazakhele townships
- Authors: Maqubela, Vuyokazi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Child support -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Income maintenance programs -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Women in development -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Blacks -- Women -- Employment -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22640 , vital:30042
- Description: The study examined the impact of non-labour income, in the form of the Child Support Grant, on a mother's labour market participation. The key question aimed to determine whether the Child Support Grant had a positive or negative impact on grant beneficiaries in accessing paid work and income. The primary focus of this study is on the impact that cash transfers have on recipients’ labour market participation. The focus is on these women, mainly to identify the causal effect of receiving a child support grant on their labour market participation. Location of focus was the New Brighton and Kwa Zakhele townships, since they have the highest number of social grant beneficiaries in Nelson Mandela Metro Municipality. An analysis of 101 questionnaires reveals that most of the grant recipients are either unemployed or underemployed. These beneficiaries do understand that the grant is meant to provide for the needs of the child concerned; however, because of their socioeconomic circumstances, the beneficiaries utilize the grant for other household purposes. Many of the respondents are actively job seeking but do not utilize the money for job seeking purposes; they mostly utilize it for household expenditure like groceries and electricity. The descriptive method was used to analyze the data and to find responses to the research questions and objectives. The results showed that the determinants of labour market participation by this group are multiple: for example, behavioral, loss of hope of ever finding a job, skills shortage or lack of work experience, lack of qualifications, and so on. Secondly, lack of government support for those who are keen to start self-generating projects leads to further despondency among those trying to find ways and means of generating income.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Maqubela, Vuyokazi
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Child support -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Income maintenance programs -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Women in development -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Blacks -- Women -- Employment -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22640 , vital:30042
- Description: The study examined the impact of non-labour income, in the form of the Child Support Grant, on a mother's labour market participation. The key question aimed to determine whether the Child Support Grant had a positive or negative impact on grant beneficiaries in accessing paid work and income. The primary focus of this study is on the impact that cash transfers have on recipients’ labour market participation. The focus is on these women, mainly to identify the causal effect of receiving a child support grant on their labour market participation. Location of focus was the New Brighton and Kwa Zakhele townships, since they have the highest number of social grant beneficiaries in Nelson Mandela Metro Municipality. An analysis of 101 questionnaires reveals that most of the grant recipients are either unemployed or underemployed. These beneficiaries do understand that the grant is meant to provide for the needs of the child concerned; however, because of their socioeconomic circumstances, the beneficiaries utilize the grant for other household purposes. Many of the respondents are actively job seeking but do not utilize the money for job seeking purposes; they mostly utilize it for household expenditure like groceries and electricity. The descriptive method was used to analyze the data and to find responses to the research questions and objectives. The results showed that the determinants of labour market participation by this group are multiple: for example, behavioral, loss of hope of ever finding a job, skills shortage or lack of work experience, lack of qualifications, and so on. Secondly, lack of government support for those who are keen to start self-generating projects leads to further despondency among those trying to find ways and means of generating income.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The effect of the relationship between traditional leaders and municipal councillors on service delivery: a case of Polokwane Local Municipality, Limpopo Province
- Authors: Ramolobe, Kutu Sam
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Traditional government -- South Africa -- Limpopo , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Limpopo Municipal services -- South Africa -- Limpopo Local government -- South Africa -- Limpopo Municipal officials and employees -- South Africa -- Limpopo
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35103 , vital:33624
- Description: The study examined the effectiveness of the relationship between traditional leaders and municipal councillors regarding service delivery in Polokwane Local Municipality. The introduction of municipalities in rural areas brought about two kinds of leadership in rural communities, namely, traditional leaders and municipal councillors. Traditional leaders are representatives of their traditional communities and municipal councillors are elected to represent the municipality in traditional communities. The problem for the research deals with the relationship between traditional leaders and municipal councillors and the effect it has on service delivery. The role and place of the institution of traditional leadership in democratic local government system have been fraught with tension, confusion and contradictory practices. The Constitution of the South Africa 1996 is not clear on the role of traditional leaders in local government although section 156 defines the powers and functions of elected councillors, which largely overlaps with those exercised by traditional leaders. The difficulties encountered in the relationship between traditional leaders and municipal councillors and challenges that contribute to service delivery in local government were analysed. The desktop analysis method was applied by the study to collect information from the municipal documents that incorporated the nature and place of traditional leaders in local government municipality, and the pieces of legislation that focuses on the affairs of local government. The data collected was analysed by use of a qualitative approach. Polokwane Local Municipality is predominantly rural including considerable land under traditional authority. The analysis of data indicate that municipal council are required to consult traditional leaders in matters of local government. What is not clear is whether the traditional leaders form part of decision making. The study recommends a clear specification of the roles of traditional leaders in Polokwane Local Municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Ramolobe, Kutu Sam
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Traditional government -- South Africa -- Limpopo , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Limpopo Municipal services -- South Africa -- Limpopo Local government -- South Africa -- Limpopo Municipal officials and employees -- South Africa -- Limpopo
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35103 , vital:33624
- Description: The study examined the effectiveness of the relationship between traditional leaders and municipal councillors regarding service delivery in Polokwane Local Municipality. The introduction of municipalities in rural areas brought about two kinds of leadership in rural communities, namely, traditional leaders and municipal councillors. Traditional leaders are representatives of their traditional communities and municipal councillors are elected to represent the municipality in traditional communities. The problem for the research deals with the relationship between traditional leaders and municipal councillors and the effect it has on service delivery. The role and place of the institution of traditional leadership in democratic local government system have been fraught with tension, confusion and contradictory practices. The Constitution of the South Africa 1996 is not clear on the role of traditional leaders in local government although section 156 defines the powers and functions of elected councillors, which largely overlaps with those exercised by traditional leaders. The difficulties encountered in the relationship between traditional leaders and municipal councillors and challenges that contribute to service delivery in local government were analysed. The desktop analysis method was applied by the study to collect information from the municipal documents that incorporated the nature and place of traditional leaders in local government municipality, and the pieces of legislation that focuses on the affairs of local government. The data collected was analysed by use of a qualitative approach. Polokwane Local Municipality is predominantly rural including considerable land under traditional authority. The analysis of data indicate that municipal council are required to consult traditional leaders in matters of local government. What is not clear is whether the traditional leaders form part of decision making. The study recommends a clear specification of the roles of traditional leaders in Polokwane Local Municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The public-private partnership: narrative literature review
- Authors: Senti, Lizeka
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Public-private sector cooperation , Economic development Municipal finance -- Management Public administration
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23230 , vital:30463
- Description: Nowadays, customer services throughout the globe are mostly produced and provided through Public-Private Partnership and this industry continues to. The aim of this study was to review literature on Public-Private Partnership. A desktop method was undertaken in this study in order to present literature that focused on critical elements associated with Public-Private Partnership. In this way, secondary data regarding Public-Private Partnership was analysed. The sample of literature used in this study ranged from the year 2007 to year 2017. Through the search, 199 articles were identified by. Out of the 199 identified articles, 78 were duplicate articles hence were excluded. The literature review revealed that the articles that refer to Public-Private Partnerships covered the benefits, challenges as well as factors leading to PPP. The recommendations brought forward for this study were: The use of technological skills expertise should not be single sided; there should be mutual learning between the private sector and the public sector; both sectors ought to invest in technology upgrades and skill advancement for their employees in order to be aligned with the global needs; both sectors need to be politically stable before they engage on a partnership to enhance the success of Public-Private Partnership; Although service delivery is cheaper and faster in PPP’s, the quality of the service should not be compromised; the PPPs stakeholders should analyse the current environment to check feasibility before international strategies are adopted; both sectors should engage in an agile scrum meeting to discuss response to possible clashes before partnership commences.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Senti, Lizeka
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Public-private sector cooperation , Economic development Municipal finance -- Management Public administration
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23230 , vital:30463
- Description: Nowadays, customer services throughout the globe are mostly produced and provided through Public-Private Partnership and this industry continues to. The aim of this study was to review literature on Public-Private Partnership. A desktop method was undertaken in this study in order to present literature that focused on critical elements associated with Public-Private Partnership. In this way, secondary data regarding Public-Private Partnership was analysed. The sample of literature used in this study ranged from the year 2007 to year 2017. Through the search, 199 articles were identified by. Out of the 199 identified articles, 78 were duplicate articles hence were excluded. The literature review revealed that the articles that refer to Public-Private Partnerships covered the benefits, challenges as well as factors leading to PPP. The recommendations brought forward for this study were: The use of technological skills expertise should not be single sided; there should be mutual learning between the private sector and the public sector; both sectors ought to invest in technology upgrades and skill advancement for their employees in order to be aligned with the global needs; both sectors need to be politically stable before they engage on a partnership to enhance the success of Public-Private Partnership; Although service delivery is cheaper and faster in PPP’s, the quality of the service should not be compromised; the PPPs stakeholders should analyse the current environment to check feasibility before international strategies are adopted; both sectors should engage in an agile scrum meeting to discuss response to possible clashes before partnership commences.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The role of the school management team in ensuring quality education: a case study of the iQonce high school in the Buffalo City Metro Education District in Eastern Cape
- Authors: Fudam, Noluthando
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: School management teams School management and organization|
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13348 , vital:39636
- Description: Since 1994, South Africa has undergone drastic fundamental changes in almost every sphere of society. Within education, the change has seen the significant transformation of the education system. One of the primary aims for the transformation of the education system was to provide quality education to all the children of the Republic of South Africa. The School Management Teams (SMTs) were introduced in order to increase accountability within a transformed education system. The aim of the study was to investigate the role of SMTs in ensuring quality education, with the aim of finding sustainable ways of improving the quality of education at the Iqonce high school at the Iqonce high school and the department of Education in the Eastern Cape Province. The objectives of the study were: a) To assess the role played by SMT in enhancing quality education at Iqonce high school in King Williams Town. b) To assess the role played by SMTs in enhancing quality education. c) To assess the challenges faced by the SMT in managing quality education and the functionality of the school. d) To identify training needs for SMTs to operate in their full capacity educational leadership and management. e) To explore an alternative policy framework that will help the SMTs in enhancing quality education. A qualitative research approach was employed and included an interview guide. Participants included four (4) SMT members, six (6) educators and six (6) parents drawn from the SGB of the Iqonce high school in the Buffalo City Metro Education District. Research findings indicated that the Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDoE) does not fully support the SMT members at Iqonce high school in their role of ensuring quality education. The study made numerous recommendations which included training of SMT members on how to manage the school. The ECDoE must work very closely with SMT members at Iqonce high school, also listens to their concerns. The teachers must understand that in order for SMTs to work effectively they need their support, even other stakeholders must support SMTs. There needs to be sound annual plans with targets that show how the annual target will be achieved.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Fudam, Noluthando
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: School management teams School management and organization|
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13348 , vital:39636
- Description: Since 1994, South Africa has undergone drastic fundamental changes in almost every sphere of society. Within education, the change has seen the significant transformation of the education system. One of the primary aims for the transformation of the education system was to provide quality education to all the children of the Republic of South Africa. The School Management Teams (SMTs) were introduced in order to increase accountability within a transformed education system. The aim of the study was to investigate the role of SMTs in ensuring quality education, with the aim of finding sustainable ways of improving the quality of education at the Iqonce high school at the Iqonce high school and the department of Education in the Eastern Cape Province. The objectives of the study were: a) To assess the role played by SMT in enhancing quality education at Iqonce high school in King Williams Town. b) To assess the role played by SMTs in enhancing quality education. c) To assess the challenges faced by the SMT in managing quality education and the functionality of the school. d) To identify training needs for SMTs to operate in their full capacity educational leadership and management. e) To explore an alternative policy framework that will help the SMTs in enhancing quality education. A qualitative research approach was employed and included an interview guide. Participants included four (4) SMT members, six (6) educators and six (6) parents drawn from the SGB of the Iqonce high school in the Buffalo City Metro Education District. Research findings indicated that the Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDoE) does not fully support the SMT members at Iqonce high school in their role of ensuring quality education. The study made numerous recommendations which included training of SMT members on how to manage the school. The ECDoE must work very closely with SMT members at Iqonce high school, also listens to their concerns. The teachers must understand that in order for SMTs to work effectively they need their support, even other stakeholders must support SMTs. There needs to be sound annual plans with targets that show how the annual target will be achieved.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The role of the state-owned enterprises in the developmental state of South Africa: a case study of Transnet
- Authors: Mayedwa, Vuyile Arthur
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Government business enterprises -- South Africa , Government corporations -- South Africa Economic development -- Political aspects -- South Africa Developing countries
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32375 , vital:32028
- Description: The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, together with the National Development Plan (which is a government policy for the country), envisions the achievement of a developmental state (DS). In 2012 the African National Congress (ANC) Government brought a guiding document of national importance into being, known as the National Development Plan, which refers to South Africa as a developmental state. Developmental states are usually associated with development in a number of sectors of the country’s industries as well as high economic growth. This model has been successful in the East Asian countries of Japan and Singapore and could be emulated by South Africa. The National Development Plan (NDP) categorically expresses that South Africa is a developmental state (DS) and this research builds on that premise, citing inroads made and challenges faced by the country in the realization of the developmental mandate and the role performed by SOEs. Fourie (2014:30) holds that in South Africa, state-owned enterprises (SOEs) contribute significantly towards the economic development of the country, the Southern Africa region and international communities, as they attract capital equipment, finance and cooperative partnerships. This treatise investigates the role of the state-owned enterprises in the developmental state of South Africa. This treatise comprises five chapters and is based on the assumption that South African SOEs are ineffective in their contribution to the country’s transformation and socio-economic development mandate. The problem may be misalignment with the mandate set out by the Constitution and the NDP. This study provides a brief historical background on the evolution of SOEs in South Africa and a discussion regarding developmental states and the role of SOEs in developmental states. SOEs face a number of challenges and solutions need to be found. This study discusses two possible solutions, namely privatization and restructuring. The study surmises that the call to privatize is brought to the fore by the numerous failures of a number of SOEs, such as SAA. Restructuring SOEs is discussed as well as the new mandate for SOEs. Lastly, there is a discussion on the extent to which state-owned enterprises have succeeded in complying with South Africa’s developmental mandate. A literature review was conducted of previous and related research material. This study utilised a qualitative research method and the researcher ensured the validity and reliability of the secondary data that was referenced in this study. Due attention was paid to all ethical considerations and any form of harm, manipulation and malpractice was avoided. Chapter 4 includes the presentation and analysis of the data and the study’s findings are discussed in relation to the research questions and objectives that guided the study. The main problem under investigation was whether state-owned enterprises (SOEs) were responding to South Africa’s developmental agenda. This study found that the State must perform a leadership role in creating an enabling environment to drive the performance of SOEs in delivering their mandate and ensuring that SOEs are aligned with the mandate of the National Development Plan. The final chapter presents a number of recommendations that evolved from the results of the study. If adopted, these recommendations could enable the SOEs to deal with the developmental mandate given to them, ultimately assisting the SOEs to become more efficient and effective agents for development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Mayedwa, Vuyile Arthur
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Government business enterprises -- South Africa , Government corporations -- South Africa Economic development -- Political aspects -- South Africa Developing countries
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32375 , vital:32028
- Description: The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, together with the National Development Plan (which is a government policy for the country), envisions the achievement of a developmental state (DS). In 2012 the African National Congress (ANC) Government brought a guiding document of national importance into being, known as the National Development Plan, which refers to South Africa as a developmental state. Developmental states are usually associated with development in a number of sectors of the country’s industries as well as high economic growth. This model has been successful in the East Asian countries of Japan and Singapore and could be emulated by South Africa. The National Development Plan (NDP) categorically expresses that South Africa is a developmental state (DS) and this research builds on that premise, citing inroads made and challenges faced by the country in the realization of the developmental mandate and the role performed by SOEs. Fourie (2014:30) holds that in South Africa, state-owned enterprises (SOEs) contribute significantly towards the economic development of the country, the Southern Africa region and international communities, as they attract capital equipment, finance and cooperative partnerships. This treatise investigates the role of the state-owned enterprises in the developmental state of South Africa. This treatise comprises five chapters and is based on the assumption that South African SOEs are ineffective in their contribution to the country’s transformation and socio-economic development mandate. The problem may be misalignment with the mandate set out by the Constitution and the NDP. This study provides a brief historical background on the evolution of SOEs in South Africa and a discussion regarding developmental states and the role of SOEs in developmental states. SOEs face a number of challenges and solutions need to be found. This study discusses two possible solutions, namely privatization and restructuring. The study surmises that the call to privatize is brought to the fore by the numerous failures of a number of SOEs, such as SAA. Restructuring SOEs is discussed as well as the new mandate for SOEs. Lastly, there is a discussion on the extent to which state-owned enterprises have succeeded in complying with South Africa’s developmental mandate. A literature review was conducted of previous and related research material. This study utilised a qualitative research method and the researcher ensured the validity and reliability of the secondary data that was referenced in this study. Due attention was paid to all ethical considerations and any form of harm, manipulation and malpractice was avoided. Chapter 4 includes the presentation and analysis of the data and the study’s findings are discussed in relation to the research questions and objectives that guided the study. The main problem under investigation was whether state-owned enterprises (SOEs) were responding to South Africa’s developmental agenda. This study found that the State must perform a leadership role in creating an enabling environment to drive the performance of SOEs in delivering their mandate and ensuring that SOEs are aligned with the mandate of the National Development Plan. The final chapter presents a number of recommendations that evolved from the results of the study. If adopted, these recommendations could enable the SOEs to deal with the developmental mandate given to them, ultimately assisting the SOEs to become more efficient and effective agents for development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A critical analysis of the functionality of School Governing Bodies (SGBS) in selected rural and urban schools in East London district: Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Tetani, Nkosinathi Steven
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: School boards -- South Africa -- East London Education -- Parent participation -- South Africa -- East London
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20834 , vital:29405
- Description: The purpose of this study is to critically analyse the functionality of School Governing Bodies (SGBs) in selected rural and township public schools in the East London Education district in the Province of the Eastern Cape. The study will examine the challenges that limit SGBs in discharging their responsibilities and functions as envisaged in sections 20 and 21 of the South African Schools Act, 1996 ( Act 84 of 1996). Particular attention will be paid to factors that limit SGBs in financial management, procurement, fund raising, policy understanding or lack thereof in regard to school finances, finance policy development and implementation and recommendation to the Head of Department the employment of teaching and nonteaching staff of the school. The central question is whether or not SGBs are able to understand legislative framework that empowers them to discharge their roles, functions and responsibilities in school governance. The study will examine whether or not SGBs are empowered adequately to understand, and therefore implement, for example, the Public Finance Management Act, 1999(Act 1 of 1999) as amended which determines how public finances must be managed. A qualitative study will be conducted by selecting and sampling one rural primary school and one high school, one township primary school and one high school. Sampling will be drawn according to the functional areas and membership of SGB of an ordinary public school as envisaged in section 23 (2) (a) to (d) of the South African Schools Act, 1996. Questionnaires will be developed for data collection from the focus group as data sources. Each SGB from each school will be interviewed separately so that the researcher is able to handle a small sample at a time and to get as much data as possible. It is generally assumed that the levels of literacy in rural areas and townships is at low levels, thus, affecting the SGB in understanding policy and legislative framework that empowers SGBs to function as required by law. The study will therefore examine these assumptions and recommend how the Functionality of the SGBs can be improved. Policy adjustments and amendments will also be suggested.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Tetani, Nkosinathi Steven
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: School boards -- South Africa -- East London Education -- Parent participation -- South Africa -- East London
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20834 , vital:29405
- Description: The purpose of this study is to critically analyse the functionality of School Governing Bodies (SGBs) in selected rural and township public schools in the East London Education district in the Province of the Eastern Cape. The study will examine the challenges that limit SGBs in discharging their responsibilities and functions as envisaged in sections 20 and 21 of the South African Schools Act, 1996 ( Act 84 of 1996). Particular attention will be paid to factors that limit SGBs in financial management, procurement, fund raising, policy understanding or lack thereof in regard to school finances, finance policy development and implementation and recommendation to the Head of Department the employment of teaching and nonteaching staff of the school. The central question is whether or not SGBs are able to understand legislative framework that empowers them to discharge their roles, functions and responsibilities in school governance. The study will examine whether or not SGBs are empowered adequately to understand, and therefore implement, for example, the Public Finance Management Act, 1999(Act 1 of 1999) as amended which determines how public finances must be managed. A qualitative study will be conducted by selecting and sampling one rural primary school and one high school, one township primary school and one high school. Sampling will be drawn according to the functional areas and membership of SGB of an ordinary public school as envisaged in section 23 (2) (a) to (d) of the South African Schools Act, 1996. Questionnaires will be developed for data collection from the focus group as data sources. Each SGB from each school will be interviewed separately so that the researcher is able to handle a small sample at a time and to get as much data as possible. It is generally assumed that the levels of literacy in rural areas and townships is at low levels, thus, affecting the SGB in understanding policy and legislative framework that empowers SGBs to function as required by law. The study will therefore examine these assumptions and recommend how the Functionality of the SGBs can be improved. Policy adjustments and amendments will also be suggested.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Accountability of councillors through the batho pele principles in Lukhanji Local Municipality
- Authors: Tshambu, Avela
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Municipal officials and employees -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Local officials and employees -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Leadership
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21384 , vital:29510
- Description: The main objective of the study is to explore the accountability of the ward councillors through the application of the Batho Pele principles in Lukhanji Municipality. Accountability is regarded as the key aspect for any government in which it should be monitored and maintained. The main problem to be addressed by this study is the ways in which the ward councillors can improve accountability applying the Batho Pele principles. To address the research problem and to achieve the aims of this study, an empirical research was done by distributing self-administered questionnaires to the participants in Lukhanji Municipality. The research findings revealed that in Lukhanji Municipality poor accountability of the ward councillors in which it needs improvement. Another finding is that poor accountability is caused by the lack of understanding of the Batho Pele principles, lack of understanding of the accountability mechanisms and poor relations between the community and ward councillors. The research findings of the study pointed to the necessity to make a set of recommendations on improving accountability through the application of Batho Pele principles in Lukhanji Municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Tshambu, Avela
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Municipal officials and employees -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Local officials and employees -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Leadership
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21384 , vital:29510
- Description: The main objective of the study is to explore the accountability of the ward councillors through the application of the Batho Pele principles in Lukhanji Municipality. Accountability is regarded as the key aspect for any government in which it should be monitored and maintained. The main problem to be addressed by this study is the ways in which the ward councillors can improve accountability applying the Batho Pele principles. To address the research problem and to achieve the aims of this study, an empirical research was done by distributing self-administered questionnaires to the participants in Lukhanji Municipality. The research findings revealed that in Lukhanji Municipality poor accountability of the ward councillors in which it needs improvement. Another finding is that poor accountability is caused by the lack of understanding of the Batho Pele principles, lack of understanding of the accountability mechanisms and poor relations between the community and ward councillors. The research findings of the study pointed to the necessity to make a set of recommendations on improving accountability through the application of Batho Pele principles in Lukhanji Municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Action Plan to 2014 (Reviewed to 2019): evaluating the implementation of Goal 11. The case of Cofimvaba education district, 2010 - 2012
- Authors: Makasi, Nomonde Sakhiwe
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Philosophy Education, Primary -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Preschool children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12993 , vital:39414
- Description: This study involved evaluating the extent to which universal access to quality grade R was realised by 2012 in Cofimvaba education district in the Eastern Cape Province. The evaluation was done through the implementation of goal 11 of the Education Sector Strategy - the Action Plan to 2014, revised to 2019. It further sought to find out whether universal access to grade R occurred to all learners who registered for grade 1 and whether the quality of grade R had improved between 2010 and 2012 in Cofimvaba education district. Improving the quality of grade R in this study included an assessment of the level of qualification of grade R practitioners and an improvement of the quality of grade R tuition through the use of textbooks, workbooks and resource packs supplied to grade R by the Department of Basic Education (DBE). The study used both the qualitative and quantitative methods. Questionnaires were used as data collection methods from grade R practitioners and grade 1 teachers. The respondents in this study consisted of twelve grade R practitioners, ten grade 1 teachers and two officials from Cofimvaba district office. The findings of this study revealed that the universal access to grade R, calculated from grade 1 learners who received formal grade R, was not achieved over the three-year period 2010-2012; albeit the target of grade 1 learners who should have received formal grade R by 2012 was a mere 50 percent. The percentage of grade R learners who received access to the required textbooks fell below the expected target of 100 percent. Although 77.61 percent does not signify bad performance, the non-attainment of 100 percent access to the required textbooks could not be acceptable because the absence of textbooks meant that effective teaching and learning could not have taken place. However, these findings uncovered that the supplied textbooks and workbooks were high quality learning and teaching materials. The findings also uncovered that the ECD-grade R practitioners, at the time, had the necessary work experience and limited qualifications as a means to teach the grade R classes. A pressing matter for the Department was the improvement of conditions of service for practitioners; their professionalisation as well as further improvement of their qualifications. It was revealed, through this study, that there was a slight improvement in the universal access to grade R; however, the quality of grade R still needed attention especially in so far as the provision of suitably qualified practitioners is concerned.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Makasi, Nomonde Sakhiwe
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Philosophy Education, Primary -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Preschool children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12993 , vital:39414
- Description: This study involved evaluating the extent to which universal access to quality grade R was realised by 2012 in Cofimvaba education district in the Eastern Cape Province. The evaluation was done through the implementation of goal 11 of the Education Sector Strategy - the Action Plan to 2014, revised to 2019. It further sought to find out whether universal access to grade R occurred to all learners who registered for grade 1 and whether the quality of grade R had improved between 2010 and 2012 in Cofimvaba education district. Improving the quality of grade R in this study included an assessment of the level of qualification of grade R practitioners and an improvement of the quality of grade R tuition through the use of textbooks, workbooks and resource packs supplied to grade R by the Department of Basic Education (DBE). The study used both the qualitative and quantitative methods. Questionnaires were used as data collection methods from grade R practitioners and grade 1 teachers. The respondents in this study consisted of twelve grade R practitioners, ten grade 1 teachers and two officials from Cofimvaba district office. The findings of this study revealed that the universal access to grade R, calculated from grade 1 learners who received formal grade R, was not achieved over the three-year period 2010-2012; albeit the target of grade 1 learners who should have received formal grade R by 2012 was a mere 50 percent. The percentage of grade R learners who received access to the required textbooks fell below the expected target of 100 percent. Although 77.61 percent does not signify bad performance, the non-attainment of 100 percent access to the required textbooks could not be acceptable because the absence of textbooks meant that effective teaching and learning could not have taken place. However, these findings uncovered that the supplied textbooks and workbooks were high quality learning and teaching materials. The findings also uncovered that the ECD-grade R practitioners, at the time, had the necessary work experience and limited qualifications as a means to teach the grade R classes. A pressing matter for the Department was the improvement of conditions of service for practitioners; their professionalisation as well as further improvement of their qualifications. It was revealed, through this study, that there was a slight improvement in the universal access to grade R; however, the quality of grade R still needed attention especially in so far as the provision of suitably qualified practitioners is concerned.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An assessment of asset based community development as a paradigm to promote ownership to communities of Nkonkobe Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Kapayi, Nceba Isaac
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- Research -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/17788 , vital:28454
- Description: Local economic development has received a lot of attention as a mechanism of community empowerment and poverty alleviation globally. However, great concerns still exist due to the limited sustainability of some of the community-based projects. This study investigates the application of the Asset Based Community Development approach in the Nkonkobe Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province. The study examines the access and utilisation of assets and skills by members of the community. Adopting a qualitative research design, data was collected through questionnaire collected through questionnaire.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Kapayi, Nceba Isaac
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- Research -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/17788 , vital:28454
- Description: Local economic development has received a lot of attention as a mechanism of community empowerment and poverty alleviation globally. However, great concerns still exist due to the limited sustainability of some of the community-based projects. This study investigates the application of the Asset Based Community Development approach in the Nkonkobe Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province. The study examines the access and utilisation of assets and skills by members of the community. Adopting a qualitative research design, data was collected through questionnaire collected through questionnaire.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An assessment of municipal performance assessment system as a tool to improve performance in Ngqushwa local municipality in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Batayi, Nokuthula
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Performance -- Evaluation Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13436 , vital:39661
- Description: Monitoring and evaluation is a key contributing factor in the accomplishment of the vision, mission and strategic goals of the department. It is an on-going communication, undertaken in partnership between employees and their immediate supervisors. This research study focused on assessing the performance management system as a tool to improve performance in Ngqushwa Local Municipality. It has been found that Ngqushwa Local Municipality has undertaken measures to implement the performance management system which is aligned with legislative frameworks i.e. Republic of South African Constitution of 1996, Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000, Municipal Structures Act 117 of 1998, Municipal Finance Management Act 56 of 2003, Public Service Regulation 2001, and Monitoring and Evaluation Frameworks. However, the research findings showed that such efforts were not sufficient in terms of implementation of Performance Management System. The study suggested that 1) the system should also accommodate employees who are in lower levels as way to strengthen the implementation of the system; 2) Involvement of stakeholders should be prioritised so as to promote ownership of the system 3) Continuous training of employees and feedback should also be considered.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Batayi, Nokuthula
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Performance -- Evaluation Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/13436 , vital:39661
- Description: Monitoring and evaluation is a key contributing factor in the accomplishment of the vision, mission and strategic goals of the department. It is an on-going communication, undertaken in partnership between employees and their immediate supervisors. This research study focused on assessing the performance management system as a tool to improve performance in Ngqushwa Local Municipality. It has been found that Ngqushwa Local Municipality has undertaken measures to implement the performance management system which is aligned with legislative frameworks i.e. Republic of South African Constitution of 1996, Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000, Municipal Structures Act 117 of 1998, Municipal Finance Management Act 56 of 2003, Public Service Regulation 2001, and Monitoring and Evaluation Frameworks. However, the research findings showed that such efforts were not sufficient in terms of implementation of Performance Management System. The study suggested that 1) the system should also accommodate employees who are in lower levels as way to strengthen the implementation of the system; 2) Involvement of stakeholders should be prioritised so as to promote ownership of the system 3) Continuous training of employees and feedback should also be considered.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An assessment of public participation strategies: the case of Nyandeni Local Municipality
- Authors: Bambeni, Mbulelo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/17470 , vital:28343
- Description: This study assessed the public participation strategies from the perspective of local government governance in encouraging community participation with specific reference to the Nyandeni Local Municipality (NLM). The research was based on the assumption that one of the biggest challenges facing most municipalities in South Africa is the lack of effective public participation strategies which results in service delivery protest actions. As a local municipality, the NLM has been entrusted with the responsibility to promote and encourage community participation.. . The purpose of the research study was to investigate and observe the public participation strategies with specific reference to the Nyandeni Local Municipality. The assessment of the public participation strategies of the NLM will therefore be fundamentally descriptive, but highly exploratory in nature. This research employed the quantitative method. An empirical survey was employed for purposes of the study and the research findings are described, interpreted, and analysed. Data was collected by way of a suitably constructed questionnaire which was administered to the ward committee members. The research has established that there is a good public participation approach in place but its functioning is inadequate, the ward committee members have little understanding of their roles and responsibilities in terms of the implementation of the public participation strategy, and they have failed to facilitate communication between the Municipality and the community. There was also an indication that the service delivery protest actions were fuelled by political motives and certain challenges and not solely by a lack of an effective public participation. In addition, the language used by the Municipality is mostly not understandable to the community as a whole. This research also identifies the strengths and the weaknesses of the public participation strategies as these are regarded as critical in promoting successful local democracy. It is envisaged that this research will assist the Nyandeni Municipality, and other municipalities country-wide to identify challenges with which they are faced and to deal with these accordingly in terms of the objectives identified in the public participation strategies. Furthermore, this research study envisages promoting effective public participation strategies within the Nyandeni Local Municipality 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 NLM can be changed to enhance public participation. If these recommendations are adopted, the Nyandeni LM will be able to develop and implement effective public participation strategies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Bambeni, Mbulelo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/17470 , vital:28343
- Description: This study assessed the public participation strategies from the perspective of local government governance in encouraging community participation with specific reference to the Nyandeni Local Municipality (NLM). The research was based on the assumption that one of the biggest challenges facing most municipalities in South Africa is the lack of effective public participation strategies which results in service delivery protest actions. As a local municipality, the NLM has been entrusted with the responsibility to promote and encourage community participation.. . The purpose of the research study was to investigate and observe the public participation strategies with specific reference to the Nyandeni Local Municipality. The assessment of the public participation strategies of the NLM will therefore be fundamentally descriptive, but highly exploratory in nature. This research employed the quantitative method. An empirical survey was employed for purposes of the study and the research findings are described, interpreted, and analysed. Data was collected by way of a suitably constructed questionnaire which was administered to the ward committee members. The research has established that there is a good public participation approach in place but its functioning is inadequate, the ward committee members have little understanding of their roles and responsibilities in terms of the implementation of the public participation strategy, and they have failed to facilitate communication between the Municipality and the community. There was also an indication that the service delivery protest actions were fuelled by political motives and certain challenges and not solely by a lack of an effective public participation. In addition, the language used by the Municipality is mostly not understandable to the community as a whole. This research also identifies the strengths and the weaknesses of the public participation strategies as these are regarded as critical in promoting successful local democracy. It is envisaged that this research will assist the Nyandeni Municipality, and other municipalities country-wide to identify challenges with which they are faced and to deal with these accordingly in terms of the objectives identified in the public participation strategies. Furthermore, this research study envisages promoting effective public participation strategies within the Nyandeni Local Municipality 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 NLM can be changed to enhance public participation. If these recommendations are adopted, the Nyandeni LM will be able to develop and implement effective public participation strategies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An assessment of public-private partnerships as a strategy for effective delivery of primary health care in the Eastern Cape - the case of Frere Hospital
- Authors: Gqobana, Sicelo Hamilton
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Frere Hospital Public-private sector cooperation Primary health care
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12892 , vital:39388
- Description: The development of public-private partnerships (PPPs) around the world has urged governments to look at alternative service delivery methods because of increased pressures on government budgets. Public-private partnerships present governments with means of generating private funds for health service delivery whilst government manages the relationship via a negotiated PPP agreement to monitor the quality of services rendered. Different PPP models are applied all over the world depending on the specific needs of countries. Different factors impact on the success of these partnerships and it is essential that government shares knowledge and best practices. This study has showed that in order for basic primary healthcare to be effective in terms of service delivery, PPPs should be considered. The legislative framework is a critical factor in the advancement of PPP procurement and the allocation of risk as an important consideration when pursuing this type of procurement. In the health sector of the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa, there are PPPs that exist; they were the first of their kind. The study examined a tertiary hospital in East London which does not necessarily provide basic healthcare but needs to improve service delivery, although there has been some improvement from 2013 to date. The hospital in question was the Frere Hospital and the study assessed a public-private partnership as a strategy for effective delivery of basic primary healthcare in this hospital in the Eastern Cape. Interviews with the sample participants comprising mainly of managers at Frere Hospital, revealed that Frere had been ‘in tatters’ with a bad reputation before 2013, and even though there were improvements afterwards, some targets were still not met. The study came up with the following recommendations: there should be training of managers and other officials on the importance of PPPs in improving service delivery at Frere; there should be some kind of a PPP at Frere to improve productivity; officials and not only managers must understand the importance of PPPs; certain methods/processes and mechanisms need to be developed to overcome challenges in terms of service delivery that the Department of Health and Frere are still facing; officials must understand that through a PPP service delivery can improve significantly; and a need exists for sound annual plans with targets that show how the annual targets will be achieved.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Gqobana, Sicelo Hamilton
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Frere Hospital Public-private sector cooperation Primary health care
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12892 , vital:39388
- Description: The development of public-private partnerships (PPPs) around the world has urged governments to look at alternative service delivery methods because of increased pressures on government budgets. Public-private partnerships present governments with means of generating private funds for health service delivery whilst government manages the relationship via a negotiated PPP agreement to monitor the quality of services rendered. Different PPP models are applied all over the world depending on the specific needs of countries. Different factors impact on the success of these partnerships and it is essential that government shares knowledge and best practices. This study has showed that in order for basic primary healthcare to be effective in terms of service delivery, PPPs should be considered. The legislative framework is a critical factor in the advancement of PPP procurement and the allocation of risk as an important consideration when pursuing this type of procurement. In the health sector of the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa, there are PPPs that exist; they were the first of their kind. The study examined a tertiary hospital in East London which does not necessarily provide basic healthcare but needs to improve service delivery, although there has been some improvement from 2013 to date. The hospital in question was the Frere Hospital and the study assessed a public-private partnership as a strategy for effective delivery of basic primary healthcare in this hospital in the Eastern Cape. Interviews with the sample participants comprising mainly of managers at Frere Hospital, revealed that Frere had been ‘in tatters’ with a bad reputation before 2013, and even though there were improvements afterwards, some targets were still not met. The study came up with the following recommendations: there should be training of managers and other officials on the importance of PPPs in improving service delivery at Frere; there should be some kind of a PPP at Frere to improve productivity; officials and not only managers must understand the importance of PPPs; certain methods/processes and mechanisms need to be developed to overcome challenges in terms of service delivery that the Department of Health and Frere are still facing; officials must understand that through a PPP service delivery can improve significantly; and a need exists for sound annual plans with targets that show how the annual targets will be achieved.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An assessment of the implementation of performance management and development system: Department of Sport and Recreation South Africa
- Authors: Zinganto, Nobulali
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Performance -- Management Local officials and employees -- South Africa , Employees -- Rating of -- South Africa Public administration --South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45826 , vital:39220
- Description: Performance management and development in the South African Public Service is a critical aspect that engenders officials and management to be committed to the provision of efficient and effective service delivery. The Public Service Regulations (2001) as amended requires all spheres of government to develop and implement policy parameters that address measurable service delivery aligned to their strategic functions. The imperatives of these policy parameters allow employees’ performance with notch increments. The National Department of Sport and Recreation South Africa (SRSA) developed a performance management system that links Employee Performance Management and Development System (EPMDS) at salary levels 5 – 12 to notch increments and Human Resource Development programmes. This system aims to achieve consideration of the desired outputs; meaning the delivery of work required, which is emphasised in the setting of objectives and looking at the necessary inputs; meaning the knowledge, skills, training and resources needed, which are considered in the appraisal and reviewing of the progress that was made. The performance of Sport and Recreation South Africa has not been commensurate with the aims and objectives of the EPMDS system, as the results are not yielding the best outcome on this system. This study sought to investigate whether the EPMDS contributes to improve performance of the employees and that of the entire organisation in SRSA. It would examine whether the employees do get feedback on their performance after the performance assessment period. The study would establish whether those employees who under-performed do get remedial interventions like training, coaching, mentoring and development on the competencies they lack; so that their performance is improved. The study also sought to determined the perception of the employees regarding the effectiveness of the Performance Management and Development System in SRSA Knowledge of employees' perceptions of the performance management system will assist management to implement such a system more effectively. The findings of this study indicate that managers use performance management as a tool to control and discipline subordinates, whilst subordinates use performance management as a means of getting extra money through performance bonuses. This could be the reason that performance assessment period is viewed as a period of high tension between supervisors and subordinates. The main recommendation on the basis of this finding is that there should be a regular and thorough training of officials at all levels within SRSA about the EPMDS and how it influences productivity. Other additional recommendations include, inter alia, that the identification of gaps on unsatisfactory performance should be made immediately after each performance period. Remedial interventions to address those gaps like training, retraining, coaching and counselling should be formulated, agreed upon and implemented.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Zinganto, Nobulali
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Performance -- Management Local officials and employees -- South Africa , Employees -- Rating of -- South Africa Public administration --South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45826 , vital:39220
- Description: Performance management and development in the South African Public Service is a critical aspect that engenders officials and management to be committed to the provision of efficient and effective service delivery. The Public Service Regulations (2001) as amended requires all spheres of government to develop and implement policy parameters that address measurable service delivery aligned to their strategic functions. The imperatives of these policy parameters allow employees’ performance with notch increments. The National Department of Sport and Recreation South Africa (SRSA) developed a performance management system that links Employee Performance Management and Development System (EPMDS) at salary levels 5 – 12 to notch increments and Human Resource Development programmes. This system aims to achieve consideration of the desired outputs; meaning the delivery of work required, which is emphasised in the setting of objectives and looking at the necessary inputs; meaning the knowledge, skills, training and resources needed, which are considered in the appraisal and reviewing of the progress that was made. The performance of Sport and Recreation South Africa has not been commensurate with the aims and objectives of the EPMDS system, as the results are not yielding the best outcome on this system. This study sought to investigate whether the EPMDS contributes to improve performance of the employees and that of the entire organisation in SRSA. It would examine whether the employees do get feedback on their performance after the performance assessment period. The study would establish whether those employees who under-performed do get remedial interventions like training, coaching, mentoring and development on the competencies they lack; so that their performance is improved. The study also sought to determined the perception of the employees regarding the effectiveness of the Performance Management and Development System in SRSA Knowledge of employees' perceptions of the performance management system will assist management to implement such a system more effectively. The findings of this study indicate that managers use performance management as a tool to control and discipline subordinates, whilst subordinates use performance management as a means of getting extra money through performance bonuses. This could be the reason that performance assessment period is viewed as a period of high tension between supervisors and subordinates. The main recommendation on the basis of this finding is that there should be a regular and thorough training of officials at all levels within SRSA about the EPMDS and how it influences productivity. Other additional recommendations include, inter alia, that the identification of gaps on unsatisfactory performance should be made immediately after each performance period. Remedial interventions to address those gaps like training, retraining, coaching and counselling should be formulated, agreed upon and implemented.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017