A public safety, participatory crowdsourcing smart city model for a developing country
- Authors: Cilliers, Liezel
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Information Systems)
- Identifier: vital:11144 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015305
- Description: Worldwide the population in cities is increasing. It is the responsibility of local government to provide public safety services in order to ensure the safety of their citizens and, yet, the local government often have inadequate resources to do this. ‘Smart Cities’ is a new and innovative concept that has emerged during the past few years and which involves using current infrastructure and resources more effectively and efficiently. One of the methods used to collect data in a smart city is participatory crowdsourcing but, in order to ensure effectiveness and efficiency, it is essential that a large amount of data be collected from the participants in such a project, who are generally citizens residing in the city. This study was conducted in the city of East London, which is part of the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM). The study made use of a Design Science approach with a mixed method data collection method. The quantitative data collection comprised a questionnaire that was completed by 394 participants, while the qualitative data collection included a detailed literature review, conversational analysis and observations arising from the building of the crowdsourcing system prototype. The design artefact produced by this research is a model based on the literature, conversational analysis and the principles and concepts learnt from the prototype. Thus, this model represents what must be incorporated in the prototype to assist with the implementation of a public safety, participatory crowdsourcing smart city in a developing country. The model includes three areas ‒ the crowdsourcing system, the city (Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality) and the citizens of East London. The crowdsourcing system incorporates factors of information security, specifically the CIA triad, and the usability of the crowdsourcing system. Usability includes characteristics such as the quality of the system and interface, as well as the usefulness of the public safety, participatory crowdsourcing system which was used to measure the confidence of the East London citizens in the system. Three steps were identified in the literature as being necessary for the implementation of a smart city project by a city. These steps include the planning, development and delivery of the smart city project. Finally, the trustworthiness of the public safety participatory crowdsourcing system is determined by the ability, reliability and benevolence of the system. These three characteristics were included in the citizen factor of the model.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Cilliers, Liezel
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Information Systems)
- Identifier: vital:11144 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015305
- Description: Worldwide the population in cities is increasing. It is the responsibility of local government to provide public safety services in order to ensure the safety of their citizens and, yet, the local government often have inadequate resources to do this. ‘Smart Cities’ is a new and innovative concept that has emerged during the past few years and which involves using current infrastructure and resources more effectively and efficiently. One of the methods used to collect data in a smart city is participatory crowdsourcing but, in order to ensure effectiveness and efficiency, it is essential that a large amount of data be collected from the participants in such a project, who are generally citizens residing in the city. This study was conducted in the city of East London, which is part of the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM). The study made use of a Design Science approach with a mixed method data collection method. The quantitative data collection comprised a questionnaire that was completed by 394 participants, while the qualitative data collection included a detailed literature review, conversational analysis and observations arising from the building of the crowdsourcing system prototype. The design artefact produced by this research is a model based on the literature, conversational analysis and the principles and concepts learnt from the prototype. Thus, this model represents what must be incorporated in the prototype to assist with the implementation of a public safety, participatory crowdsourcing smart city in a developing country. The model includes three areas ‒ the crowdsourcing system, the city (Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality) and the citizens of East London. The crowdsourcing system incorporates factors of information security, specifically the CIA triad, and the usability of the crowdsourcing system. Usability includes characteristics such as the quality of the system and interface, as well as the usefulness of the public safety, participatory crowdsourcing system which was used to measure the confidence of the East London citizens in the system. Three steps were identified in the literature as being necessary for the implementation of a smart city project by a city. These steps include the planning, development and delivery of the smart city project. Finally, the trustworthiness of the public safety participatory crowdsourcing system is determined by the ability, reliability and benevolence of the system. These three characteristics were included in the citizen factor of the model.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
A resource management framework for sustainability of rural ICT4D projects in Zimbabwe
- Authors: Mugoni, Hope
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Information Systems)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/689 , vital:26488
- Description: Developing countries are embracing Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) as a tool for alleviating poverty. There are, however, still challenges that developing countries face in trying to establish Information Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D). Among the major challenges is the lack of proper resource management which results in poor sustainability of ICT4D initiatives. If these ICT4D initiatives are to be sustainable for the benefit of current and future generations, proper resource management methods are to be developed and applied. This study proposes a resource management framework that can be applied to the management of ICT4D resources with the aim of achieving sustainability. The framework is informed by theory, and validated through enquiry in the field. Qualitative research methodology was used as a research approach for this study where three rural ICT4D initiatives were used as case studies. The case studies were conducted in rural Zimbabwe to investigate how proper resource management can influence the sustainability of ICT4D initiatives. It was identified from the study that the lack of proper resource management methods adversely affects the initiatives’ sustainability. The proposed resource management framework will guide ICT4D resource management to enhance the initiatives’ sustainability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Mugoni, Hope
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Information Systems)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/689 , vital:26488
- Description: Developing countries are embracing Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) as a tool for alleviating poverty. There are, however, still challenges that developing countries face in trying to establish Information Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D). Among the major challenges is the lack of proper resource management which results in poor sustainability of ICT4D initiatives. If these ICT4D initiatives are to be sustainable for the benefit of current and future generations, proper resource management methods are to be developed and applied. This study proposes a resource management framework that can be applied to the management of ICT4D resources with the aim of achieving sustainability. The framework is informed by theory, and validated through enquiry in the field. Qualitative research methodology was used as a research approach for this study where three rural ICT4D initiatives were used as case studies. The case studies were conducted in rural Zimbabwe to investigate how proper resource management can influence the sustainability of ICT4D initiatives. It was identified from the study that the lack of proper resource management methods adversely affects the initiatives’ sustainability. The proposed resource management framework will guide ICT4D resource management to enhance the initiatives’ sustainability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An analysis of the relationship between bank efficiency and access to banking services in South Africa
- Authors: Maredza, Andrew
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Doctor of Administration (in Public Administration)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/910 , vital:26508
- Description: The primary objective of this study is to investigate the nature of the relationship between bank efficiency gains and access to banking services in South Africa. The importance of making such an enquiry arises from the fact that various studies have identified access to financial services as an important vehicle for lifting the poor out of poverty. In particular, there is concern that banks` appetite for better scores on efficiency has the potential of reducing access to services for consumers particularly the low-income clients. The study attempted to answer two central research questions: Firstly, does the quest for banks to improve efficiency preclude access to banking services for some group of consumers? Secondly, do bank efficiency gains necessarily translate to improved accessibility to banking services? The researcher applied a two-stage methodology approach. In the first stage, the Hicks-Moorsteen aggregator functions were used to generate and decompose total factor productivity (TFP) into several efficiency measures for a panel of eight South African banks. First stage results revealed that the average banking sector total factor productivity efficiency (TFPE) was 59 percent implying that the observed TFP was 41 percent short of the maximum TFP possible using the available technology. A further comparison of performance revealed that large banks were better performing than small banks in terms of TFPE. Apart from estimating and decomposing TFP indices we needed to determine if there was a statistically significant change in the TFPE of South African banking system as a result of the global financial crisis. A general analysis of the generated scores showed that TFPE clearly decreased during 2008-2009, the period that coincided with the global financial crisis. We then used the Fixed Effects Model (FEM) in the second-stage analysis to examine the link between banking sector TFPE and access. The FEM was utilised to take account of bankspecific heterogeneity. The obtained results indicated existence of a positive and significant relationship between banking efficiency and access to banking services. This study suggests that banking sector efficiency plays a crucial role in promoting access to bank services in South Africa. We therefore underscore the need for all banks to attain and maintain high efficiency in order to augment government efforts towards improving accessibility for the unbanked South African people. We also found evidence similar to that reached by Kablan (2010) that an increase in the rural population is associated with a reduction in access to bank services. From this result, we speculated that banks are somewhat biased against providing their services to the general rural populace. Since the rural-population variable exerted the greatest marginal impact on access we suggested that perhaps investment in rural infrastructure would help broaden access and so improve financial inclusion on a larger scale. Finally we also investigated the link between banking sector efficiency and unemployment in South Africa. Of paramount importance in the second stage analysis was that we found a negative and significant association between banking sector efficiency and unemployment indicating that employment is influenced, inter alia, by the efficiency with which banks operate.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Maredza, Andrew
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Doctor of Administration (in Public Administration)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/910 , vital:26508
- Description: The primary objective of this study is to investigate the nature of the relationship between bank efficiency gains and access to banking services in South Africa. The importance of making such an enquiry arises from the fact that various studies have identified access to financial services as an important vehicle for lifting the poor out of poverty. In particular, there is concern that banks` appetite for better scores on efficiency has the potential of reducing access to services for consumers particularly the low-income clients. The study attempted to answer two central research questions: Firstly, does the quest for banks to improve efficiency preclude access to banking services for some group of consumers? Secondly, do bank efficiency gains necessarily translate to improved accessibility to banking services? The researcher applied a two-stage methodology approach. In the first stage, the Hicks-Moorsteen aggregator functions were used to generate and decompose total factor productivity (TFP) into several efficiency measures for a panel of eight South African banks. First stage results revealed that the average banking sector total factor productivity efficiency (TFPE) was 59 percent implying that the observed TFP was 41 percent short of the maximum TFP possible using the available technology. A further comparison of performance revealed that large banks were better performing than small banks in terms of TFPE. Apart from estimating and decomposing TFP indices we needed to determine if there was a statistically significant change in the TFPE of South African banking system as a result of the global financial crisis. A general analysis of the generated scores showed that TFPE clearly decreased during 2008-2009, the period that coincided with the global financial crisis. We then used the Fixed Effects Model (FEM) in the second-stage analysis to examine the link between banking sector TFPE and access. The FEM was utilised to take account of bankspecific heterogeneity. The obtained results indicated existence of a positive and significant relationship between banking efficiency and access to banking services. This study suggests that banking sector efficiency plays a crucial role in promoting access to bank services in South Africa. We therefore underscore the need for all banks to attain and maintain high efficiency in order to augment government efforts towards improving accessibility for the unbanked South African people. We also found evidence similar to that reached by Kablan (2010) that an increase in the rural population is associated with a reduction in access to bank services. From this result, we speculated that banks are somewhat biased against providing their services to the general rural populace. Since the rural-population variable exerted the greatest marginal impact on access we suggested that perhaps investment in rural infrastructure would help broaden access and so improve financial inclusion on a larger scale. Finally we also investigated the link between banking sector efficiency and unemployment in South Africa. Of paramount importance in the second stage analysis was that we found a negative and significant association between banking sector efficiency and unemployment indicating that employment is influenced, inter alia, by the efficiency with which banks operate.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An assessment of financial accountability on social grants at the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), 2011-2012
- Authors: Gcaza, Xolile
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1206 , vital:26535
- Description: This research assesses the nature and extent of financial accountability on social grants at the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). With respect to public funds, strategies and mechanisms, including the effectiveness of these strategies, were analysed to ensure whether SASSA was accountable to both the people and the government. Rabrenovic (2009:22) describes financial accountability as an obligation of the government to assure the citizens that money is spent in the best possible and most effective way. The government has to provide answers and justification for its action and regularly inform the public on how it spends the public funds. The extent to which the public-private partnership model adopted by SASSA for social grant management has enhanced financial accountability and yielded the desired outcome has also been tested. Some of the findings were that the problems facing SASSA were the financial constraints that entailed reduction in new programmes, halting infrastructures and the acquisition and filling only of funded posts from the Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA) and the high costs of administering social grants. This study used the qualitative research approach. The researcher used official document reviews because of the sensitivity of the research problem and opted for a desktop research. The documentary sources include SASSA’s annual reports for the period 2011/12. The recommendations were that people should be trained in financial and performance skills and in terms of accountability the accounting officers should account for lack of transgressions and poor performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Gcaza, Xolile
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1206 , vital:26535
- Description: This research assesses the nature and extent of financial accountability on social grants at the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). With respect to public funds, strategies and mechanisms, including the effectiveness of these strategies, were analysed to ensure whether SASSA was accountable to both the people and the government. Rabrenovic (2009:22) describes financial accountability as an obligation of the government to assure the citizens that money is spent in the best possible and most effective way. The government has to provide answers and justification for its action and regularly inform the public on how it spends the public funds. The extent to which the public-private partnership model adopted by SASSA for social grant management has enhanced financial accountability and yielded the desired outcome has also been tested. Some of the findings were that the problems facing SASSA were the financial constraints that entailed reduction in new programmes, halting infrastructures and the acquisition and filling only of funded posts from the Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA) and the high costs of administering social grants. This study used the qualitative research approach. The researcher used official document reviews because of the sensitivity of the research problem and opted for a desktop research. The documentary sources include SASSA’s annual reports for the period 2011/12. The recommendations were that people should be trained in financial and performance skills and in terms of accountability the accounting officers should account for lack of transgressions and poor performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An assessment of local economic development as a mechanism for poverty alleviation: a case study of Blue Crane Route Municipality in Cacadu District Municipality in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Gqezengele, Ayanda
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11740 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1018517
- Description: Prior to 1991, the development concept and strategy of Local Economic Development (LED) was not part of the development lexicon in South Africa. With the exception of some very limited local government advertising campaigns and the work of NGOs, the concept of locally –based and driven development interventions was an alien one in South African practice. The rigidities of the apartheid state, both in terms of its racial controls and its centralized management of all affairs precluded local development initiatives. What spatial economic development there was, focused on the flawed pre-1991 Regional Industrial Development Programme, which was tainted by failure to promote the former Homelands, corruption and faulty economic logic (Reflections on the Evolving Nature and Prospects of Local Economic Development in South Africa: 1990-2007). The post-apartheid government in its quest to alleviate poverty formulated a number of policies and legislation to guide developmental local government initiatives. Thus local government committed itself to, among others, building local economies and creating jobs for the people. By the end of Apartheid, South Africa’s economy was facing a variety of serious structural problems. The final two decades of the National Party’s regime had been particularly damaging to the economic climate, with stagnant economic growth (the average over the entire period was just 1.7%), declining per capita income (averaging -0.7% annually), increasing unemployment (using the broad definition, up from around 20% at the start of the 1970s to around 30% by 1994) and a spiraling debt problem (under the De Klerk government (1989-1994) alone, debt had increased from less than 3% of GDP to more than 9%, and total government debt more than doubled. Facing this “deep-seated structural crisis”, the government attempted to put together a policy framework that could begin to address the variety of problems being faced both economically and otherwise. The RDP White Paper, presented to Parliament in 1994, identified economic, social, legal, political, moral, cultural and environmental problems that the country faced.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Gqezengele, Ayanda
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11740 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1018517
- Description: Prior to 1991, the development concept and strategy of Local Economic Development (LED) was not part of the development lexicon in South Africa. With the exception of some very limited local government advertising campaigns and the work of NGOs, the concept of locally –based and driven development interventions was an alien one in South African practice. The rigidities of the apartheid state, both in terms of its racial controls and its centralized management of all affairs precluded local development initiatives. What spatial economic development there was, focused on the flawed pre-1991 Regional Industrial Development Programme, which was tainted by failure to promote the former Homelands, corruption and faulty economic logic (Reflections on the Evolving Nature and Prospects of Local Economic Development in South Africa: 1990-2007). The post-apartheid government in its quest to alleviate poverty formulated a number of policies and legislation to guide developmental local government initiatives. Thus local government committed itself to, among others, building local economies and creating jobs for the people. By the end of Apartheid, South Africa’s economy was facing a variety of serious structural problems. The final two decades of the National Party’s regime had been particularly damaging to the economic climate, with stagnant economic growth (the average over the entire period was just 1.7%), declining per capita income (averaging -0.7% annually), increasing unemployment (using the broad definition, up from around 20% at the start of the 1970s to around 30% by 1994) and a spiraling debt problem (under the De Klerk government (1989-1994) alone, debt had increased from less than 3% of GDP to more than 9%, and total government debt more than doubled. Facing this “deep-seated structural crisis”, the government attempted to put together a policy framework that could begin to address the variety of problems being faced both economically and otherwise. The RDP White Paper, presented to Parliament in 1994, identified economic, social, legal, political, moral, cultural and environmental problems that the country faced.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An assessment of the challenges faced by the risk management unit in the public sector: the case of the Eastern Cape department of basic education
- Authors: Daniels, Mandisa Julia
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1030 , vital:26520
- Description: The main purpose of the study was to assess the challenges faced by the risk management of the Department of Basic Education in the Eastern Cape Province. The study revealed that the department is faced with challenges ranging from: Poor internal controls, lack of appropriate capacity, non-compliance with management policies, high rate of employment, ineffective performance from the managers and there were no punitive measures applied, no adequate systems in place to identify and disclose irregularities and highly distributed structure where the department failed to demarcate its districts as per local government demarcation. From the analysis of the study, the study reveals that the following legislative frameworks were used in order for risk management in the Department to be performed in an effectively and efficiently manner but the Department failed to receive a positive audit outcome. Just to mention the few are as follow: Public Finance Management Act (Act 1 of 1999), Treasury Regulations, The Constitution of the Country and Risk Management Framework. The Department must speed up the finalization of its organizational structure so as to hire required staff for all sections, speed up the cleaning of data in schools, learners and personnel. It must improve efficiency and effectiveness of systems, process and procedures to achieve a better audit outcome. Training and capacitation of staff must be number one in their agenda. Ensure that systems are in place and have punitive measures to employees who contravene Treasury Regulations. The Department’s plan to reduce the number of districts in the near future must be speed up so as to assist the Department in addressing effective controls, accountability and monitoring.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Daniels, Mandisa Julia
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1030 , vital:26520
- Description: The main purpose of the study was to assess the challenges faced by the risk management of the Department of Basic Education in the Eastern Cape Province. The study revealed that the department is faced with challenges ranging from: Poor internal controls, lack of appropriate capacity, non-compliance with management policies, high rate of employment, ineffective performance from the managers and there were no punitive measures applied, no adequate systems in place to identify and disclose irregularities and highly distributed structure where the department failed to demarcate its districts as per local government demarcation. From the analysis of the study, the study reveals that the following legislative frameworks were used in order for risk management in the Department to be performed in an effectively and efficiently manner but the Department failed to receive a positive audit outcome. Just to mention the few are as follow: Public Finance Management Act (Act 1 of 1999), Treasury Regulations, The Constitution of the Country and Risk Management Framework. The Department must speed up the finalization of its organizational structure so as to hire required staff for all sections, speed up the cleaning of data in schools, learners and personnel. It must improve efficiency and effectiveness of systems, process and procedures to achieve a better audit outcome. Training and capacitation of staff must be number one in their agenda. Ensure that systems are in place and have punitive measures to employees who contravene Treasury Regulations. The Department’s plan to reduce the number of districts in the near future must be speed up so as to assist the Department in addressing effective controls, accountability and monitoring.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An assessment of the implementation of local economic development: a case study of Nkonkobe Local municipality in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Linake, Nthekeleng
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1151 , vital:26530
- Description: In efforts to alleviate poverty in South Africa, the democratic Government has since 1994 implemented various programs and policies that aim to alleviate income poverty through stimulating employment, developing skills and improving service delivery. One of these policies is Local Economic Development (LED). LED has been adopted by the South African government as a shift from the purely service oriented to developmental local government. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 commits local government to the promotion of social and economic development. Section 152 (1) (b) of the Constitution 1996 further states that local government should ensure that services are delivered in a sustainable manner. The Local Economic Development as a strategy that is aimed at stimulating economic activities at the local sphere has been hailed for its participative nature with communities. Local communities cease to be mere recipients of services; rather they become actively involved in their own economic development. The main objectives of the study were to investigate the effectiveness of the implementation of LED strategies in Nkonkobe Municipality, to find out how Nkonkobe Municipality communities perceive municipal LED efforts and initiatives for poverty alleviation, to determine the challenges which are faced by Nkonkobe Municipality in terms of implementing its LED strategies and to make recommendations on how LED can be strengthened, supported and or improved in Nkonkobe Municipality. Qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis were used in this study. The study findings suggest that there is still a lot to be done in order to implement LED in Nkonkobe Municipality. There are a number of recommendations made by the researcher to assist the municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Linake, Nthekeleng
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1151 , vital:26530
- Description: In efforts to alleviate poverty in South Africa, the democratic Government has since 1994 implemented various programs and policies that aim to alleviate income poverty through stimulating employment, developing skills and improving service delivery. One of these policies is Local Economic Development (LED). LED has been adopted by the South African government as a shift from the purely service oriented to developmental local government. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 commits local government to the promotion of social and economic development. Section 152 (1) (b) of the Constitution 1996 further states that local government should ensure that services are delivered in a sustainable manner. The Local Economic Development as a strategy that is aimed at stimulating economic activities at the local sphere has been hailed for its participative nature with communities. Local communities cease to be mere recipients of services; rather they become actively involved in their own economic development. The main objectives of the study were to investigate the effectiveness of the implementation of LED strategies in Nkonkobe Municipality, to find out how Nkonkobe Municipality communities perceive municipal LED efforts and initiatives for poverty alleviation, to determine the challenges which are faced by Nkonkobe Municipality in terms of implementing its LED strategies and to make recommendations on how LED can be strengthened, supported and or improved in Nkonkobe Municipality. Qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis were used in this study. The study findings suggest that there is still a lot to be done in order to implement LED in Nkonkobe Municipality. There are a number of recommendations made by the researcher to assist the municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An assessment of the role of Councillors in their oversight mandate: a case of the Chris Hani district municipality: 2011-2013
- Authors: Shweni, Zenzile Raymond
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1023 , vital:26519
- Description: According to the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act 108 of 1996, Local Government is the closest sphere of government to the people and thus regarded as the service delivery mechanism of government. In the same context municipal councils are accorded a legal status and authority of a deliberative legislative body. This is considered critical for the municipal council to establish appropriate structures, processes and systems for effective oversight, particularly, oversight of budget execution and administrative processes. However, indications are that, the current legal and institutional measures need to be strengthened to enable municipal council to exercise oversight of the budget execution. In this study, the researcher conducted extensive literature on the roles and responsibilities of Councillors as prescribed in the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act and Municipal Structures Act respectively. An extensive review of the relevant local government legal provisions highlighted the authority of the municipal council, internal rules, reporting processes, council committees and the research capacity, as key aspects of the institutional measures required for oversight of budget execution. Equally, the review accentuated the ability and willingness of non-executive Councillors to exercise oversight in the affairs of the Municipality. A total of 20 research sample was selected for this research. Research participants were given research questionnaires for them to complete. This was completed and returned to the researcher for analysis. Key findings of the research was that, the municipal council must use its legal authority to reinforce mechanisms for effective oversight of budget execution. In addition, the municipal council needs to provide an enabling leadership and governance environment that encourages and support non-executive Councillors to actively engage in oversight processes and activities of the municipality. Further to the findings of this research, it was strongly recommended the further research in order to unearth the mechanisms that can further enable the Councillors to ensure optimum utilisation of resources.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Shweni, Zenzile Raymond
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1023 , vital:26519
- Description: According to the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act 108 of 1996, Local Government is the closest sphere of government to the people and thus regarded as the service delivery mechanism of government. In the same context municipal councils are accorded a legal status and authority of a deliberative legislative body. This is considered critical for the municipal council to establish appropriate structures, processes and systems for effective oversight, particularly, oversight of budget execution and administrative processes. However, indications are that, the current legal and institutional measures need to be strengthened to enable municipal council to exercise oversight of the budget execution. In this study, the researcher conducted extensive literature on the roles and responsibilities of Councillors as prescribed in the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act and Municipal Structures Act respectively. An extensive review of the relevant local government legal provisions highlighted the authority of the municipal council, internal rules, reporting processes, council committees and the research capacity, as key aspects of the institutional measures required for oversight of budget execution. Equally, the review accentuated the ability and willingness of non-executive Councillors to exercise oversight in the affairs of the Municipality. A total of 20 research sample was selected for this research. Research participants were given research questionnaires for them to complete. This was completed and returned to the researcher for analysis. Key findings of the research was that, the municipal council must use its legal authority to reinforce mechanisms for effective oversight of budget execution. In addition, the municipal council needs to provide an enabling leadership and governance environment that encourages and support non-executive Councillors to actively engage in oversight processes and activities of the municipality. Further to the findings of this research, it was strongly recommended the further research in order to unearth the mechanisms that can further enable the Councillors to ensure optimum utilisation of resources.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An assessment of the role of officials in housings service delivery in the Nelson Mandela bay Municipality
- Authors: Tutu, Jimmy Vuyisile
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Housing -- Protests -- Officials -- Service Delivery , Beneficiary -- Beneficiary Management -- Corruption
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11722 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1017867 , Housing -- Protests -- Officials -- Service Delivery , Beneficiary -- Beneficiary Management -- Corruption
- Description: The purpose of this study was to assess the role of the officials on housing service delivery in the Nelson Mandela by Municipality (NMBM). The role of the officials currently occupies the centre stage in the Public Service and they should be proud to be the servants of the people. Furthermore, they relish the challenge of providing improved services to all by applying the principles of Batho Pele. In order to meet the goals of the study, it was necessary to study the literature on the housing sector, in particular the role of Officials in the Nelson Mandela Municipality and the reasons why people marched and accused Officials of perceived Corruption in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. In order to address the research problem and to fulfill the research objectives, an in depth literature study was done. Empirical studies were done by means of face-to-face interviews and Questionnaires with the Sample population from the Community and the Department of Housing officials in NMBM. The findings of the study suggested that there is ineffective client interface, housing waiting lists are not properly managed, there is a lack of transparency in housing allocations, as well as favoritism by Officials, Councilors and Community leaders on the allocation of houses and there is also a problem of the illegal occupation of houses .The study further suggests that the role of Officials and Councilors needs to be improved if it is to serve as a catalyst for effective housing service delivery to the citizens of NMBM. Recommendations were put forward to assist the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in improving effective and efficiency Housing Service Delivery.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Tutu, Jimmy Vuyisile
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Housing -- Protests -- Officials -- Service Delivery , Beneficiary -- Beneficiary Management -- Corruption
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11722 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1017867 , Housing -- Protests -- Officials -- Service Delivery , Beneficiary -- Beneficiary Management -- Corruption
- Description: The purpose of this study was to assess the role of the officials on housing service delivery in the Nelson Mandela by Municipality (NMBM). The role of the officials currently occupies the centre stage in the Public Service and they should be proud to be the servants of the people. Furthermore, they relish the challenge of providing improved services to all by applying the principles of Batho Pele. In order to meet the goals of the study, it was necessary to study the literature on the housing sector, in particular the role of Officials in the Nelson Mandela Municipality and the reasons why people marched and accused Officials of perceived Corruption in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. In order to address the research problem and to fulfill the research objectives, an in depth literature study was done. Empirical studies were done by means of face-to-face interviews and Questionnaires with the Sample population from the Community and the Department of Housing officials in NMBM. The findings of the study suggested that there is ineffective client interface, housing waiting lists are not properly managed, there is a lack of transparency in housing allocations, as well as favoritism by Officials, Councilors and Community leaders on the allocation of houses and there is also a problem of the illegal occupation of houses .The study further suggests that the role of Officials and Councilors needs to be improved if it is to serve as a catalyst for effective housing service delivery to the citizens of NMBM. Recommendations were put forward to assist the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in improving effective and efficiency Housing Service Delivery.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An assessment of the roles of co-operatives as agents of development in rural areas: a case study of Inkwanca Local Municipality
- Authors: Mtshwelo, Linda Hombisa
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11680 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1013542
- Description: The study assesses the role of co-operative societies in economic development. The study was undertaken to investigate the extent to which co-operatives can act as agents towards sustainable community development. Expectations were that cooperative members can perform better than individuals in terms of working together as a group, sharing responsibilities, contributing larger capital, bringing their skills together, incur lower expenses, generate higher income and therefore earn higher profits to be shared amongst themselves. This would enable members to be able to pay for their families’ basic needs and therefore enhance the standard of living of all members. The overall purpose of the study therefore is to investigate whether cooperatives are the best tools for rural development and poverty alleviation in Inkwanca Local Municipality. The research involves the collection of data from co-operative members in Molteno and Sterkstrooom. The data was analysed in order to establish the performance of cooperatives in terms of their leadership and management structures. The research further looks into the challenges and gaps in the co-operative sector in terms of performance by the members and support by the government and government agencies. The research also investigated the best model that can be used to improve co-operatives so that they can enhance the lives of community members in rural areas. In order to gather information, three different approaches were used in the action research which involved different instruments, such as questionnaires, interviews and observations. In spite of all the challenges facing co-operatives, they have been playing an increasingly important role in facilitating job creation, economic growth and social development. The study concludes by emphasising that for co-operatives to be continuously effective and successful, they must improve their ability to service their members. The study commends government for financial and non-financial support programmes although there is still a room for improvement. In addition, further research is needed o the role played by co-operatives as agents of development in rural areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Mtshwelo, Linda Hombisa
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11680 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1013542
- Description: The study assesses the role of co-operative societies in economic development. The study was undertaken to investigate the extent to which co-operatives can act as agents towards sustainable community development. Expectations were that cooperative members can perform better than individuals in terms of working together as a group, sharing responsibilities, contributing larger capital, bringing their skills together, incur lower expenses, generate higher income and therefore earn higher profits to be shared amongst themselves. This would enable members to be able to pay for their families’ basic needs and therefore enhance the standard of living of all members. The overall purpose of the study therefore is to investigate whether cooperatives are the best tools for rural development and poverty alleviation in Inkwanca Local Municipality. The research involves the collection of data from co-operative members in Molteno and Sterkstrooom. The data was analysed in order to establish the performance of cooperatives in terms of their leadership and management structures. The research further looks into the challenges and gaps in the co-operative sector in terms of performance by the members and support by the government and government agencies. The research also investigated the best model that can be used to improve co-operatives so that they can enhance the lives of community members in rural areas. In order to gather information, three different approaches were used in the action research which involved different instruments, such as questionnaires, interviews and observations. In spite of all the challenges facing co-operatives, they have been playing an increasingly important role in facilitating job creation, economic growth and social development. The study concludes by emphasising that for co-operatives to be continuously effective and successful, they must improve their ability to service their members. The study commends government for financial and non-financial support programmes although there is still a room for improvement. In addition, further research is needed o the role played by co-operatives as agents of development in rural areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An evaluation of leadership and governance of school the nutrition programme: a case study of Z. K. Matthews Senior Secondary School in King William’s Town district in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Lindani, Nodumo
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11743 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1018522
- Description: The South African government introduced School Nutrition Programme in 1994 as one of government lead strategies to redress poor educational outcomes and children’s rights in all nine provinces in the Republic. The delivery of this programme require adherence to Constitutional Principles in Chapter 10, Batho Pele White Paper and relevant legislation. Unfortunately, the implementation of the programme experienced challenges which clearly exposed and compromised the basic values. Further the National government resorted in implementation of section 100(1b) in 2010 in the Eastern Cape and Limpopo Provinces. One of the reasons for the intervention was that the service delivery interventions including School Nutrition were flawed (DoE:2010). This study will evaluate leadership and governance of the programme, National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP). Special focus will be Z. K. Matthews Senior Secondary School in the King Williams Town District Eastern Cape. The researcher used a qualitative desktop review-method approach to explore leadership and governance of NSNP.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Lindani, Nodumo
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11743 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1018522
- Description: The South African government introduced School Nutrition Programme in 1994 as one of government lead strategies to redress poor educational outcomes and children’s rights in all nine provinces in the Republic. The delivery of this programme require adherence to Constitutional Principles in Chapter 10, Batho Pele White Paper and relevant legislation. Unfortunately, the implementation of the programme experienced challenges which clearly exposed and compromised the basic values. Further the National government resorted in implementation of section 100(1b) in 2010 in the Eastern Cape and Limpopo Provinces. One of the reasons for the intervention was that the service delivery interventions including School Nutrition were flawed (DoE:2010). This study will evaluate leadership and governance of the programme, National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP). Special focus will be Z. K. Matthews Senior Secondary School in the King Williams Town District Eastern Cape. The researcher used a qualitative desktop review-method approach to explore leadership and governance of NSNP.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An evaluation of the use of Management-By-Objectives (MBO) as a strategic performance improvement measure in the Intsikayethu local municipality
- Authors: Mahlati, Ntombizodwa
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11738 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1018505
- Description: This study examines how the concept of Management-By-Objectives (MBO) can be used by the management of Intsika Yethu Local Municipality to improve the extent to which such prescribed strategic objectives can be easily achieved. It was anticipated that through this exercise, the study would be able to emerge with the measures which could be suggested for enhancing the integration of MBO as one of the performance improvement measures used by the management of Intsika Yethu Local Municipality. In a bid to accomplish this, the entire research process was directed towards the achievement of secondary research objectives that involve; examining the kinds of features that imply that MBO is used as a performance improvement measure by the managers in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality, assessing the kinds of steps that used in the application of MBO as a performance improvement measure by the managers in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality, examining the effects of the application of MBO on the performance of the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality, analysing the factors limiting the successful application of MBO as a performance improvement measure by the managers in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality, evaluating the kinds of strategies that are used for achieving successful application of MBO as a performance improvement measure by the managers in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality, and determining the measures that can be recommended for improving the successful application of MBO as a performance improvement measure by the managers in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality. The interviews with the sample participants that comprised of senior and middle managers as well as ordinary employees of Intsika Yethu Local Municipality revealed that although there is some attempt to use management- by- objectives as a strategic performance improvement measure, its current approach do not meet the kinds of features that the literature indicates to define the kinds of an effective MBO. The study highlighted that the essential features for management- by- objectives include; superior-subordinate participation, joint goal-setting, joint decision on methodology, make way to attain maximum result, and constant and genuine support from superiors. However, it was noted that most of the identified themes indicate that most of the essential features that imply that the managers at the Intsika Yethu Local municipality are effectively using MBO are lacking. In terms of the MBO steps that include; Step 1; Goal setting, Step 2; Manager-Subordinate involvement, Step 3; Matching goals and resources, Step 4; Implementation of plan, and Step 5; Review and appraisal of performance, the study reveals that the accomplishment of MBO in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality is more random and defies the following of such logical steps. Although the study indicates that there are shortfalls in the features and steps that are used in the application of management- by- objectives in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality, it was noted that the little applications of some aspects of MBO has usually impacted positively. On that basis, the study concluded that the strategies that can be adopted to improve the application of MBO as a strategic performance improvement measure in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality include; the application of the appropriate motivational strategies, increasing goal congruence to ensure that the main strategic objectives and goals are aligned with the departmental and individual goals and objectives, increasing investments and training of the employees and managers in order to highlight the importance, processes and techniques that are required in management- by- objectives, and improve employee empowerment and communication. It is pointed out in this research document that the suggested area for further studies would be; “The effects of employee empowerment on management- by- objectives in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality.”
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Mahlati, Ntombizodwa
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11738 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1018505
- Description: This study examines how the concept of Management-By-Objectives (MBO) can be used by the management of Intsika Yethu Local Municipality to improve the extent to which such prescribed strategic objectives can be easily achieved. It was anticipated that through this exercise, the study would be able to emerge with the measures which could be suggested for enhancing the integration of MBO as one of the performance improvement measures used by the management of Intsika Yethu Local Municipality. In a bid to accomplish this, the entire research process was directed towards the achievement of secondary research objectives that involve; examining the kinds of features that imply that MBO is used as a performance improvement measure by the managers in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality, assessing the kinds of steps that used in the application of MBO as a performance improvement measure by the managers in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality, examining the effects of the application of MBO on the performance of the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality, analysing the factors limiting the successful application of MBO as a performance improvement measure by the managers in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality, evaluating the kinds of strategies that are used for achieving successful application of MBO as a performance improvement measure by the managers in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality, and determining the measures that can be recommended for improving the successful application of MBO as a performance improvement measure by the managers in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality. The interviews with the sample participants that comprised of senior and middle managers as well as ordinary employees of Intsika Yethu Local Municipality revealed that although there is some attempt to use management- by- objectives as a strategic performance improvement measure, its current approach do not meet the kinds of features that the literature indicates to define the kinds of an effective MBO. The study highlighted that the essential features for management- by- objectives include; superior-subordinate participation, joint goal-setting, joint decision on methodology, make way to attain maximum result, and constant and genuine support from superiors. However, it was noted that most of the identified themes indicate that most of the essential features that imply that the managers at the Intsika Yethu Local municipality are effectively using MBO are lacking. In terms of the MBO steps that include; Step 1; Goal setting, Step 2; Manager-Subordinate involvement, Step 3; Matching goals and resources, Step 4; Implementation of plan, and Step 5; Review and appraisal of performance, the study reveals that the accomplishment of MBO in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality is more random and defies the following of such logical steps. Although the study indicates that there are shortfalls in the features and steps that are used in the application of management- by- objectives in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality, it was noted that the little applications of some aspects of MBO has usually impacted positively. On that basis, the study concluded that the strategies that can be adopted to improve the application of MBO as a strategic performance improvement measure in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality include; the application of the appropriate motivational strategies, increasing goal congruence to ensure that the main strategic objectives and goals are aligned with the departmental and individual goals and objectives, increasing investments and training of the employees and managers in order to highlight the importance, processes and techniques that are required in management- by- objectives, and improve employee empowerment and communication. It is pointed out in this research document that the suggested area for further studies would be; “The effects of employee empowerment on management- by- objectives in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality.”
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An evaluation on the implementation of Batho Pele Service Delivery Policy: a case of South African Social Security Agency in Amathole District Municipality
- Authors: Matiti, Sibongile
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11710 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015241
- Description: Batho Pele Principles are the most fundamental policy guide-lines of the public sector administration and service delivery. The government uses these principles in improving the service delivery outcomes. The principles are meant to transform the hearts and the minds of public servants and put the citizens at the core of operations. The study succeeded to establish the understanding and implementation of these principles at SASSA Amathole Region. This study was able to determine the level of good governance in the public sector, its transparency, efficiency, effectiveness and accountability. SASSA committed themselves to the agenda of social transformation that is embodied in the principles of Social Justice and Bill of Rights contained in the South African Constitution. The study also looked at other previous literatures that were conducted which sought to better explain the Batho Pele principles and also looked into describing different demographic characteristics and the process of grant application at SASSA. The study looked at the important aspects that the public servants have to know with regards to the understanding and implementation of the Batho Pele principles. These principles came with responsibility and one has to be alert of their vitality in the realisation of rendering a public service that is sound. These principles were measured through grant application at SASSA in Eastern Cape at Amathole District Municipality. The study determined the level of commitment SASSA has in transforming service delivery. Improving service delivery is the ultimate goal of public service transformation programme and every government’s success depends on its effectiveness and efficiency delivery of services to citizens. The study concluded with the emphasis on the need for effective implementation of Batho Pele policy by government agencies such as SASSA.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Matiti, Sibongile
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11710 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015241
- Description: Batho Pele Principles are the most fundamental policy guide-lines of the public sector administration and service delivery. The government uses these principles in improving the service delivery outcomes. The principles are meant to transform the hearts and the minds of public servants and put the citizens at the core of operations. The study succeeded to establish the understanding and implementation of these principles at SASSA Amathole Region. This study was able to determine the level of good governance in the public sector, its transparency, efficiency, effectiveness and accountability. SASSA committed themselves to the agenda of social transformation that is embodied in the principles of Social Justice and Bill of Rights contained in the South African Constitution. The study also looked at other previous literatures that were conducted which sought to better explain the Batho Pele principles and also looked into describing different demographic characteristics and the process of grant application at SASSA. The study looked at the important aspects that the public servants have to know with regards to the understanding and implementation of the Batho Pele principles. These principles came with responsibility and one has to be alert of their vitality in the realisation of rendering a public service that is sound. These principles were measured through grant application at SASSA in Eastern Cape at Amathole District Municipality. The study determined the level of commitment SASSA has in transforming service delivery. Improving service delivery is the ultimate goal of public service transformation programme and every government’s success depends on its effectiveness and efficiency delivery of services to citizens. The study concluded with the emphasis on the need for effective implementation of Batho Pele policy by government agencies such as SASSA.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An investigation into the impact of citizen’s protests on the performance of municipalities: a case of Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality
- Authors: Ncipha, Bukiwe
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11692 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1014677
- Description: The aim of this paper is to establish the impact of citizen’s protests on the performance of municipalities with particular reference to Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality. The basis for this study is the wave of strikes that are directed towards municipalities bearing demands for the delivery of basic services. The protests give an indication that municipalities throughout the country are faced with challenges in carrying out their constitutional mandate of delivering basic services and developing the socio-economic status of their constituencies. It thus becomes crucial to get a grasp of the causal factors and to understand the impact of such protest on the performance of municipalities, in order to develop relevant intervention strategies. The research aims to identify the trends and define the nature of these service delivery protests. In order to preserve democracy government ought to take note of the demonstrations because they are a re-occurrence of the past. During the apartheid regime, non-voting civilians used violent protests to raise their dissatisfaction with the government of the day; primarily the protests were aimed at disorganizing and bringing pressure to the government. The situation is different because nowadays citizens have various platforms to raise their concerns hence it becomes crucial to analyse the protests because they may be an indication that the various platforms are not functional and that people want to raise a vote of no confidence to the reigning party. The research entails an overview of local government, the constitutional mandate and developmental role of local government. The paper will also provide a brief synopsis on the state of affairs with regards to the delivery of basic services in Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality. In conclusion there is going to be a list of recommendation based on the findings of this investigation. The recommendations will assist Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality and other municipalities in developing their strategies of delivering services in an effective and efficient manner thus giving meaning to the objectives of the constitution.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Ncipha, Bukiwe
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11692 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1014677
- Description: The aim of this paper is to establish the impact of citizen’s protests on the performance of municipalities with particular reference to Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality. The basis for this study is the wave of strikes that are directed towards municipalities bearing demands for the delivery of basic services. The protests give an indication that municipalities throughout the country are faced with challenges in carrying out their constitutional mandate of delivering basic services and developing the socio-economic status of their constituencies. It thus becomes crucial to get a grasp of the causal factors and to understand the impact of such protest on the performance of municipalities, in order to develop relevant intervention strategies. The research aims to identify the trends and define the nature of these service delivery protests. In order to preserve democracy government ought to take note of the demonstrations because they are a re-occurrence of the past. During the apartheid regime, non-voting civilians used violent protests to raise their dissatisfaction with the government of the day; primarily the protests were aimed at disorganizing and bringing pressure to the government. The situation is different because nowadays citizens have various platforms to raise their concerns hence it becomes crucial to analyse the protests because they may be an indication that the various platforms are not functional and that people want to raise a vote of no confidence to the reigning party. The research entails an overview of local government, the constitutional mandate and developmental role of local government. The paper will also provide a brief synopsis on the state of affairs with regards to the delivery of basic services in Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality. In conclusion there is going to be a list of recommendation based on the findings of this investigation. The recommendations will assist Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality and other municipalities in developing their strategies of delivering services in an effective and efficient manner thus giving meaning to the objectives of the constitution.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An investigation of the relationship between financial sector development and economic growth in South Africa
- Authors: Lotz, Michael James
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11482 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015285
- Description: This study examines the relationship between financial development and economic growth in South Africa in order to get a better understanding of which direction the causality runs. The study takes a look at the literature on the topic as well as econometric techniques using data from 1990 to 2011. A Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) is used to determine the long run relationship between the variables. The Granger causality tests are done in order to determine the direction of causality between variables. Economic growth is proxied by GDP and financial development is proxied by liquid liabilities, credit to the private sector and turnover of shares traded. After careful evaluation and interpretation, it is determined that there is indeed a relationship between financial development and economic growth. Furthermore, the relationship is bidirectional. Policies should thus take on a balanced approach in that they should pursue both financial development and economic growth in order to maximise growth and development in the country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Lotz, Michael James
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11482 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015285
- Description: This study examines the relationship between financial development and economic growth in South Africa in order to get a better understanding of which direction the causality runs. The study takes a look at the literature on the topic as well as econometric techniques using data from 1990 to 2011. A Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) is used to determine the long run relationship between the variables. The Granger causality tests are done in order to determine the direction of causality between variables. Economic growth is proxied by GDP and financial development is proxied by liquid liabilities, credit to the private sector and turnover of shares traded. After careful evaluation and interpretation, it is determined that there is indeed a relationship between financial development and economic growth. Furthermore, the relationship is bidirectional. Policies should thus take on a balanced approach in that they should pursue both financial development and economic growth in order to maximise growth and development in the country.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Assessing the effectiveness of public participation in Integrated Development Planning processes in the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality, Province of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Makhedama, Mputumeni
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11697 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015110
- Description: In order to eradicate the legacy of the past, the South African democratic government adopted a developmental approach to local government. This necessitated a commitment on the part of local government, through the Integrated Development Plan (IDP), in facilitating community participation by finding sustainable ways of meeting their social, economic and material needs and improving their quality of life. This study sought to assess the effectiveness of public participation in Integrated Development Planning processes in King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality. The objectives of this study were; to identify and assess critical factors that determine the effectiveness of municipal IDP and to assess the effect of poor literacy skills on municipal participatory processes. In this study face-to-face interviews and focus group interviews were used to collect data. The findings revealed that the community had participated only in the first of the five phases of the IDP. The study recommended that the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality should streamline the needs identification and the needs prioritisation phases of the IDP processes so that the community can participate directly. The study also recommended that in order for the community to have an impact on IDP processes, capacity-building workshops be purpose-centred and responsive to any gaps in capacity challenges. The study further recommended that external service providers such as academic institutions should be utilised to capacitate communities to contribute effectively on municipal IDP processes. The study concluded that the municipality had not created an enabling environment for meaningful public participation, and had consequently limited the impact of community engagement on the IDP Guidelines which are proposed for public participation in all the phases of the IDP process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Makhedama, Mputumeni
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11697 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015110
- Description: In order to eradicate the legacy of the past, the South African democratic government adopted a developmental approach to local government. This necessitated a commitment on the part of local government, through the Integrated Development Plan (IDP), in facilitating community participation by finding sustainable ways of meeting their social, economic and material needs and improving their quality of life. This study sought to assess the effectiveness of public participation in Integrated Development Planning processes in King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality. The objectives of this study were; to identify and assess critical factors that determine the effectiveness of municipal IDP and to assess the effect of poor literacy skills on municipal participatory processes. In this study face-to-face interviews and focus group interviews were used to collect data. The findings revealed that the community had participated only in the first of the five phases of the IDP. The study recommended that the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality should streamline the needs identification and the needs prioritisation phases of the IDP processes so that the community can participate directly. The study also recommended that in order for the community to have an impact on IDP processes, capacity-building workshops be purpose-centred and responsive to any gaps in capacity challenges. The study further recommended that external service providers such as academic institutions should be utilised to capacitate communities to contribute effectively on municipal IDP processes. The study concluded that the municipality had not created an enabling environment for meaningful public participation, and had consequently limited the impact of community engagement on the IDP Guidelines which are proposed for public participation in all the phases of the IDP process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Assessing the effectiveness of section 21 schools in public financial management (a case of circuit 13 in King William’s Town district in the Eastern Cape)
- Authors: Mnwana, Vuyokazi
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1133 , vital:26529
- Description: The transformation in the education system of South Africa has led to a series of changes in the manner in which schools function and the manner in which they are managed. The transformation process saw the promotion and devolution of powers to schools and self management whilst at the same time ensuring equal access to education. The South African Schools Act spelt out the regulations that need to be followed towards the achievement of the envisaged goal, coupled with the other regulatory framework such as National Norms and Standards for School Funding. The new dispensation saw schools being classified into two categories: Section 20 and Section 21 with stipulated functions. The Section 21 schools experienced an added responsibility of being expected to manage their funds, allocated by the Department of Education through a paper budget, a function they are not formally trained for. The principals and School Governing Bodies had to ensure that they comply with the framework that governs public financial management so as to ensure that financial resources are managed in an effective, efficient and economic manner. This function prompted schools to acquaint themselves with the laws and regulations such as the Public Finance Management Act and the Treasury Regulations in order to ensure that their financial management practices are compliant with the prescribed framework. Their activities need to be conducted in a manner that promotes transparency, responsibility, equity and accountability, all of which are principles of good governance. To ensure effective financial management, schools have to acquire new knowledge and skills in basic financial management. The aim of the study was to assess whether the schools have the skills needed to render effective public financial management in order to be able to account on their financial activities. The study further attempted to establish the role played by the Department of Education towards facilitating empowerment strategies and the role played by the auditors in terms of the assessment of the school’s financial records. A case study of three schools was conducted, all of which are section 21 schools but differ in terms of their socio-economic backgrounds, location and conditions. The socio-economic backgrounds are described in terms of the quintile system and the location in terms of urban, rural and sub-urban schools. The information was gathered through interviews with the principals of the three schools, chairperson and treasurer of the School Governing Body and the school finance officer or bursar. Other interviews were conducted with the Education Development Officer, who is a representative of the Department of Education at schools and an auditor who conducts the auditing function for schools in terms of financial control. It emerged from the findings that the urban schools are well equipped and capable of managing school finances in an effective manner, whilst the sub-urban and rural schools do not have the necessary skills and knowledge to manage school finances. As it turned out, theirs is a functioning for compliance without proper understanding of the financial processes which include budgeting, funds and income management, expenditure management and financial reporting. Although the Department of Education is employing all means possible to empower stakeholders on financial management it has emerged that the strategies are inadequate to address the problems experienced by these schools. The auditor has identified a series of discrepancies and challenges in terms of financial reporting although they also try to mentor and support schools.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Mnwana, Vuyokazi
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1133 , vital:26529
- Description: The transformation in the education system of South Africa has led to a series of changes in the manner in which schools function and the manner in which they are managed. The transformation process saw the promotion and devolution of powers to schools and self management whilst at the same time ensuring equal access to education. The South African Schools Act spelt out the regulations that need to be followed towards the achievement of the envisaged goal, coupled with the other regulatory framework such as National Norms and Standards for School Funding. The new dispensation saw schools being classified into two categories: Section 20 and Section 21 with stipulated functions. The Section 21 schools experienced an added responsibility of being expected to manage their funds, allocated by the Department of Education through a paper budget, a function they are not formally trained for. The principals and School Governing Bodies had to ensure that they comply with the framework that governs public financial management so as to ensure that financial resources are managed in an effective, efficient and economic manner. This function prompted schools to acquaint themselves with the laws and regulations such as the Public Finance Management Act and the Treasury Regulations in order to ensure that their financial management practices are compliant with the prescribed framework. Their activities need to be conducted in a manner that promotes transparency, responsibility, equity and accountability, all of which are principles of good governance. To ensure effective financial management, schools have to acquire new knowledge and skills in basic financial management. The aim of the study was to assess whether the schools have the skills needed to render effective public financial management in order to be able to account on their financial activities. The study further attempted to establish the role played by the Department of Education towards facilitating empowerment strategies and the role played by the auditors in terms of the assessment of the school’s financial records. A case study of three schools was conducted, all of which are section 21 schools but differ in terms of their socio-economic backgrounds, location and conditions. The socio-economic backgrounds are described in terms of the quintile system and the location in terms of urban, rural and sub-urban schools. The information was gathered through interviews with the principals of the three schools, chairperson and treasurer of the School Governing Body and the school finance officer or bursar. Other interviews were conducted with the Education Development Officer, who is a representative of the Department of Education at schools and an auditor who conducts the auditing function for schools in terms of financial control. It emerged from the findings that the urban schools are well equipped and capable of managing school finances in an effective manner, whilst the sub-urban and rural schools do not have the necessary skills and knowledge to manage school finances. As it turned out, theirs is a functioning for compliance without proper understanding of the financial processes which include budgeting, funds and income management, expenditure management and financial reporting. Although the Department of Education is employing all means possible to empower stakeholders on financial management it has emerged that the strategies are inadequate to address the problems experienced by these schools. The auditor has identified a series of discrepancies and challenges in terms of financial reporting although they also try to mentor and support schools.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Assessing the implementation of performance management policies in the public service: a case study of the Department of Human Settlements in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Sandiso, Mahlala
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1183 , vital:26534
- Description: This dissertation set out to assess the implementation of performance management policies in the public service using the case study of the Eastern Cape Department of Housing known currently as Human Settlements. It examines how monitoring and evaluation policies are important in governance deliverables, such as transparency, accountability and learning, influences public administration practice. The exchange between democracy and monitoring and evaluation was demonstrated by assessing how the country managed democratic transition, the influence of globalization on country practice, and specifically how the developmental state advances governance. It also focused on other focal points of how performance management policies in the public service are being utilized to assist Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements. The study looked at the „new‟ role of performance management systems in meeting „performance information needs‟ of public sector managers as a potential area for further research. This type of research is qualitative in nature as it used documents to elaborate on matters. This study uses documents of the department as a case study to gain more insight about the department as well as the theory of change to guide the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Sandiso, Mahlala
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1183 , vital:26534
- Description: This dissertation set out to assess the implementation of performance management policies in the public service using the case study of the Eastern Cape Department of Housing known currently as Human Settlements. It examines how monitoring and evaluation policies are important in governance deliverables, such as transparency, accountability and learning, influences public administration practice. The exchange between democracy and monitoring and evaluation was demonstrated by assessing how the country managed democratic transition, the influence of globalization on country practice, and specifically how the developmental state advances governance. It also focused on other focal points of how performance management policies in the public service are being utilized to assist Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements. The study looked at the „new‟ role of performance management systems in meeting „performance information needs‟ of public sector managers as a potential area for further research. This type of research is qualitative in nature as it used documents to elaborate on matters. This study uses documents of the department as a case study to gain more insight about the department as well as the theory of change to guide the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Assessing the implementation of the Employment Equity Act in the public service with specific reference to the appointment of women to top management positions: a case study of the Eastern Cape Provincial Administration
- Authors: Mtebele, Nozibele Sweetness
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11704 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015154
- Description: The Employment Equity Act, No 55 of 1998forms part of the transformation legislation aimed at promoting equity, and eliminating discriminatory and unfair treatment in the workplace. The South African government has developed a comprehensive policy framework that promotes equity while supporting the advancement of women to managerial positions.An area of consideration for this study is the representation of women in top management positions in the various departments of the Eastern Cape Provincial Administration.This study examined the legislative framework and progress that has made in the appointment of women to managerial positions in the South African public service and, in particular, the Eastern Cape Province. A comparison between the 2012 and 2013 Eastern Cape employment equity reports shows that there is slow progress in the implementation of employment equity. Although both South African men and women are well represented in the economically active population, women hold a relatively small percentage of top management positions. This study, through an in-depth review of literature, identified barriers to the implementation of employment equity in the Eastern Cape Provincial Administration.The Eastern Cape employment equity reports were analysed. The purpose of this analysis was to find the strengths and weaknesses, and successes and failures in the implementation of the Employment Equity Act and related legislation. The final part of this studyprovided an in-depth discussion and recommendations regarding the barriers and weaknesses of the South African employment equity system that have been highlighted throughout the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Mtebele, Nozibele Sweetness
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11704 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015154
- Description: The Employment Equity Act, No 55 of 1998forms part of the transformation legislation aimed at promoting equity, and eliminating discriminatory and unfair treatment in the workplace. The South African government has developed a comprehensive policy framework that promotes equity while supporting the advancement of women to managerial positions.An area of consideration for this study is the representation of women in top management positions in the various departments of the Eastern Cape Provincial Administration.This study examined the legislative framework and progress that has made in the appointment of women to managerial positions in the South African public service and, in particular, the Eastern Cape Province. A comparison between the 2012 and 2013 Eastern Cape employment equity reports shows that there is slow progress in the implementation of employment equity. Although both South African men and women are well represented in the economically active population, women hold a relatively small percentage of top management positions. This study, through an in-depth review of literature, identified barriers to the implementation of employment equity in the Eastern Cape Provincial Administration.The Eastern Cape employment equity reports were analysed. The purpose of this analysis was to find the strengths and weaknesses, and successes and failures in the implementation of the Employment Equity Act and related legislation. The final part of this studyprovided an in-depth discussion and recommendations regarding the barriers and weaknesses of the South African employment equity system that have been highlighted throughout the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Assessing the role of Walter Sisulu University on economic development in King Sabata Dalindyebo (Eastern Cape)
- Authors: Boti, Z T
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11700 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015138
- Description: This mini-dissertation assesses the role played by Walter Sisulu University in achieving economic development in King Sabata Dalindyebo municipality. The aims of the study were: Assess the role played by Walter Sisulu University in achieving economic development in KSD. Assess the strides and achievements that Walter Sisulu University as an institution for higher learning has achieved in terms of advancing economic development in KSD municipality. In accordance with these aims, an investigation of respondent’s perceptions the role played by WSU was undertaken. The participants were 20 staff members from three faculties and two units in Nelson Mandela Drive campus of Walter Sisulu University. Using purposive sampling to select the research respondents, data was collected. The researcher also used journals, articles and books, both published and unpublished to collect data. A quantitative and qualitative data analysis was used in order to draw conclusions about the strides taken by WSU, and satisfaction of respondents with the existing programmers offered at Walter Sisulu University. Empirical evidence concerning problems with implementation of research initiatives that support community-based research and business research as supported by the mission and vision of the institution has been uncovered. In spite of the clearly articulated mission statement and the vision of this comprehensive university, the research revealed that the institution is lagging behind in delivering its mandate. On the basis of the findings, recommendations for enhancing economic development in KSD were put forward.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Boti, Z T
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11700 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015138
- Description: This mini-dissertation assesses the role played by Walter Sisulu University in achieving economic development in King Sabata Dalindyebo municipality. The aims of the study were: Assess the role played by Walter Sisulu University in achieving economic development in KSD. Assess the strides and achievements that Walter Sisulu University as an institution for higher learning has achieved in terms of advancing economic development in KSD municipality. In accordance with these aims, an investigation of respondent’s perceptions the role played by WSU was undertaken. The participants were 20 staff members from three faculties and two units in Nelson Mandela Drive campus of Walter Sisulu University. Using purposive sampling to select the research respondents, data was collected. The researcher also used journals, articles and books, both published and unpublished to collect data. A quantitative and qualitative data analysis was used in order to draw conclusions about the strides taken by WSU, and satisfaction of respondents with the existing programmers offered at Walter Sisulu University. Empirical evidence concerning problems with implementation of research initiatives that support community-based research and business research as supported by the mission and vision of the institution has been uncovered. In spite of the clearly articulated mission statement and the vision of this comprehensive university, the research revealed that the institution is lagging behind in delivering its mandate. On the basis of the findings, recommendations for enhancing economic development in KSD were put forward.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014