Citizen participation, decentralization and inclusive development : a survey on citizen participation and decentralization in South Africa with specific reference to the Eastern Cape c.2005
- Authors: Robino, Carolina
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Local government -- Citizen participation , Decentralization in government -- South Africa , Political planning -- Citizen participation , Community development, Urban -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9084 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/875 , Local government -- Citizen participation , Decentralization in government -- South Africa , Political planning -- Citizen participation , Community development, Urban -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Contemporary debates about development confer a prominent role to citizen participation and decentralization. Growing scepticism about the efficacy of narrowly conceived measures add pressure to reform development both theoretically and in practical terms. There is a greater understanding that ‘traditional’ development approaches and policies need to be reformulated and decentralization and citizen participation have been proposed as remedies to previous development failures. It is frequently argued that citizen participation will improve the efficiency and efficacy of public services. Citizen participation is meant to render local government more accountable and to contribute to deepening democracy, by reinforcing representative democratic institutions with participatory forms. At the same time, decentralization reforms have been proposed as a response to the failures of highly centralized states. From a political perspective, it is argued, decentralization reforms can help the central state gain legitimacy and have been seen as a strategy for maintaining political stability. It has been repeatedly suggested that physical proximity makes it easier for citizens to hold local officials accountable for their performance. From an economic perspective, decentralization can improve the match between the mix of services provided by the public sector and the preferences of the local population. It has also been noted that people are more willing to pay for services that respond to their priorities and that increased competition between local governments generates spaces for more creative responses adapted to local needs. But then, can decentralization and citizen participation live up to the faith and expectations that they have inspired? I argue that the literature commonly over-emphasises the role of citizen participation and decentralization in development and what these processes and reforms can achieve. Much of the evidence is anecdotal in nature and tends to neglect the specific contexts in which these processes take place. Also largely ignored are political economy considerations and a critical exploration of the relationship between these two key words. At best, when their interrelationships are addressed decentralization and citizen participation are conceived as based on a symbiotic relationship. I suggest, however, that the relationship between these two processes is not as straightforward as most of the literature assumes. The meanings of these two key words in current development lexicon are explored and critically assessed. I argue that whether or not the rising prominence of these two words actually means the emergence of a new development agenda is a moot point. It critically depends on the understandings of these ambiguous terms. The thesis adopts a political economy approach. Combined with this is an awareness of the broader historical and socio-economic context in which citizen participation and decentralization take place. The thesis applies these ideas triangulating diverse research methods and data sources. It combines a literature review and documentary analysis, a survey conducted with municipal authorities and civil society organizations in the Eastern Cape as well as structured interviews with Ward councillors and with key informants. From a theoretical perspective, the study lays a foundation for understanding the relationship between development policies outcomes and the nature of citizen participation and decentralization in developing countries. This, in turn, provides a basis from which citizen participation and decentralization in South Africa can be assessed and understood. The thesis presents evidence from a case study of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. By revealing how different dimensions of decentralization and citizen participation operate and intersect, the findings demonstrate, that contrary to common knowledge, citizen participation and decentralization are frequently at odds. Moreover, contrary to frequent statements, the research also shows that opening new spaces for participation in decentralized local governance can result in fewer changes and disappointing results at best, undermining the transformative potential of the concepts of participation and decentralization.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Robino, Carolina
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Local government -- Citizen participation , Decentralization in government -- South Africa , Political planning -- Citizen participation , Community development, Urban -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9084 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/875 , Local government -- Citizen participation , Decentralization in government -- South Africa , Political planning -- Citizen participation , Community development, Urban -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Contemporary debates about development confer a prominent role to citizen participation and decentralization. Growing scepticism about the efficacy of narrowly conceived measures add pressure to reform development both theoretically and in practical terms. There is a greater understanding that ‘traditional’ development approaches and policies need to be reformulated and decentralization and citizen participation have been proposed as remedies to previous development failures. It is frequently argued that citizen participation will improve the efficiency and efficacy of public services. Citizen participation is meant to render local government more accountable and to contribute to deepening democracy, by reinforcing representative democratic institutions with participatory forms. At the same time, decentralization reforms have been proposed as a response to the failures of highly centralized states. From a political perspective, it is argued, decentralization reforms can help the central state gain legitimacy and have been seen as a strategy for maintaining political stability. It has been repeatedly suggested that physical proximity makes it easier for citizens to hold local officials accountable for their performance. From an economic perspective, decentralization can improve the match between the mix of services provided by the public sector and the preferences of the local population. It has also been noted that people are more willing to pay for services that respond to their priorities and that increased competition between local governments generates spaces for more creative responses adapted to local needs. But then, can decentralization and citizen participation live up to the faith and expectations that they have inspired? I argue that the literature commonly over-emphasises the role of citizen participation and decentralization in development and what these processes and reforms can achieve. Much of the evidence is anecdotal in nature and tends to neglect the specific contexts in which these processes take place. Also largely ignored are political economy considerations and a critical exploration of the relationship between these two key words. At best, when their interrelationships are addressed decentralization and citizen participation are conceived as based on a symbiotic relationship. I suggest, however, that the relationship between these two processes is not as straightforward as most of the literature assumes. The meanings of these two key words in current development lexicon are explored and critically assessed. I argue that whether or not the rising prominence of these two words actually means the emergence of a new development agenda is a moot point. It critically depends on the understandings of these ambiguous terms. The thesis adopts a political economy approach. Combined with this is an awareness of the broader historical and socio-economic context in which citizen participation and decentralization take place. The thesis applies these ideas triangulating diverse research methods and data sources. It combines a literature review and documentary analysis, a survey conducted with municipal authorities and civil society organizations in the Eastern Cape as well as structured interviews with Ward councillors and with key informants. From a theoretical perspective, the study lays a foundation for understanding the relationship between development policies outcomes and the nature of citizen participation and decentralization in developing countries. This, in turn, provides a basis from which citizen participation and decentralization in South Africa can be assessed and understood. The thesis presents evidence from a case study of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. By revealing how different dimensions of decentralization and citizen participation operate and intersect, the findings demonstrate, that contrary to common knowledge, citizen participation and decentralization are frequently at odds. Moreover, contrary to frequent statements, the research also shows that opening new spaces for participation in decentralized local governance can result in fewer changes and disappointing results at best, undermining the transformative potential of the concepts of participation and decentralization.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Regulating franchise operations in South Africa : a study of the existing legal framework with suggestions for reform.
- Authors: Woker, Tanya Ann
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Franchise Association of Southern Africa , Franchises (Retail trade) -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , South Africa. Dept. of Trade and Industry , Common law -- South Africa , Commercial law -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3721 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015719
- Description: This thesis analyses the existing legal framework that applies to franchising in South Africa today. The study begins with an examination of the history and nature of the franchise contract, focusing particularly on the nature of the franchise relationship. This study is undertaken in order to substantiate the argument that franchising is a unique method of doing business. There is a need therefore to recognise that the franchise contract is a special contract in its own right, just like contracts of sale, lease, insurance and suretyship. The study then goes on to examine the problems which are experienced in the sector, as well as the law which must provide solutions to these problems. The research will show that in a modern commercial world the existing legal framework, especially the common law, cannot adequately deal with many of these problems. The complex relationship between franchising and competition law is also explored. A common thread that emerges from franchise disputes is the lack of protection afforded to the interests of franchisees. Franchisees tend to be at the mercy of economically stronger franchisors, hence the belief that there is a need for a stronger regulatory framework. The study then shifts to proposals for reform. In 2000 the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) established the Franchise Steering Committee in conjunction with the Franchise Association of South Africa (FASA) to review the regulatory environment. This Committee drafted franchise legislation which aimed to bring the regulation of the sector under the control of the DTI. This legislation has not been implemented and the DTI has changed its strategy. Instead of dealing with franchising independently, franchising will fall within the scope of consumer protection legislation. Both the consumer protection legislation and the legislation proposed by the Franchise Steering Committee are thoroughly examined and explained. Shortcomings in the proposals are highlighted and an alternative approach is recommended. It is proposed that franchise-specific legislation should be introduced but that this legislation should establish a system of co-regulation between the government and the franchise sector.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Woker, Tanya Ann
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Franchise Association of Southern Africa , Franchises (Retail trade) -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , South Africa. Dept. of Trade and Industry , Common law -- South Africa , Commercial law -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3721 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015719
- Description: This thesis analyses the existing legal framework that applies to franchising in South Africa today. The study begins with an examination of the history and nature of the franchise contract, focusing particularly on the nature of the franchise relationship. This study is undertaken in order to substantiate the argument that franchising is a unique method of doing business. There is a need therefore to recognise that the franchise contract is a special contract in its own right, just like contracts of sale, lease, insurance and suretyship. The study then goes on to examine the problems which are experienced in the sector, as well as the law which must provide solutions to these problems. The research will show that in a modern commercial world the existing legal framework, especially the common law, cannot adequately deal with many of these problems. The complex relationship between franchising and competition law is also explored. A common thread that emerges from franchise disputes is the lack of protection afforded to the interests of franchisees. Franchisees tend to be at the mercy of economically stronger franchisors, hence the belief that there is a need for a stronger regulatory framework. The study then shifts to proposals for reform. In 2000 the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) established the Franchise Steering Committee in conjunction with the Franchise Association of South Africa (FASA) to review the regulatory environment. This Committee drafted franchise legislation which aimed to bring the regulation of the sector under the control of the DTI. This legislation has not been implemented and the DTI has changed its strategy. Instead of dealing with franchising independently, franchising will fall within the scope of consumer protection legislation. Both the consumer protection legislation and the legislation proposed by the Franchise Steering Committee are thoroughly examined and explained. Shortcomings in the proposals are highlighted and an alternative approach is recommended. It is proposed that franchise-specific legislation should be introduced but that this legislation should establish a system of co-regulation between the government and the franchise sector.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
A history of the growth and development of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Southern Africa, 1920-1960
- Thompson, Ronald Charles Lloyd
- Authors: Thompson, Ronald Charles Lloyd
- Date: 1979
- Subjects: Seventh-Day Adventists -- South Africa -- History
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1231 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007294
- Description: From Introduction: The most natural divisions of time for this historical survey of the growth and development of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Southern Africa fall into three periods: (1) from 1920, when the African Division of Seventh-day Adventists was organized, to 1931, when it was reorganized under the name Southern African Division; (2) from 1931 to 1945, covering the period years of the Great Depression and Second world War; (3) from 1946 to 1960, the post-war. Attention is given in Chapter I to a certain phase of church development because the church had emerged at the highest level of Adventist organization, i.e. a Division. Although the first group of Adventists adopted the simplest form of organization in 1892 known as the South African Conference, the church was small and little known. The church at Division level therefore embarked on a programme of orientation and adaptation to gain recognition and make itself known everywhere. Closely allied to this was organization. Chapter II defines the organization of the church and explains how it was financed. The history of its organization and reorganization is also traced. Chapters III and IV deal with an era of expansion during the twenties in the establishment of missions, medical missions and training institutions, while new mission fields were entered and old mission fields were further developed. Chapters V and VI continue to trace the development of missions, mission fields, medical missions, and training institutions together with important changes in the medical and educational work. Further reorganization and new developments in the European church and African church are also outlined. The great emphasis on expansion and the development of institutions finally reached a point whereby "institutionalism" overtook "evangelism". Chapter VII discusses this problem and what was done to try and arrest it. Thus the history of the church is brought to an interesting turning point and climax in Part Two. Chapter VIII breaks from the common run of growth and development in missions, medical missions and institutions and traces the development of the principles and practice of the Adventist Church. The Southern African Division set itself the objective of full maturity in the establishment of a self-supporting, self-governing and self- propagating church in Africa. The history of these principles are covered together with the principles governing the reception of government grants-in-aid. Chapter IX deals with the analysis and development of the three-fold ministry of teaching, preaching and healing. These chapters in Part Three do not constitute a conclusion but simply give further insights in the growth and development of the church .
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1979
- Authors: Thompson, Ronald Charles Lloyd
- Date: 1979
- Subjects: Seventh-Day Adventists -- South Africa -- History
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1231 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007294
- Description: From Introduction: The most natural divisions of time for this historical survey of the growth and development of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Southern Africa fall into three periods: (1) from 1920, when the African Division of Seventh-day Adventists was organized, to 1931, when it was reorganized under the name Southern African Division; (2) from 1931 to 1945, covering the period years of the Great Depression and Second world War; (3) from 1946 to 1960, the post-war. Attention is given in Chapter I to a certain phase of church development because the church had emerged at the highest level of Adventist organization, i.e. a Division. Although the first group of Adventists adopted the simplest form of organization in 1892 known as the South African Conference, the church was small and little known. The church at Division level therefore embarked on a programme of orientation and adaptation to gain recognition and make itself known everywhere. Closely allied to this was organization. Chapter II defines the organization of the church and explains how it was financed. The history of its organization and reorganization is also traced. Chapters III and IV deal with an era of expansion during the twenties in the establishment of missions, medical missions and training institutions, while new mission fields were entered and old mission fields were further developed. Chapters V and VI continue to trace the development of missions, mission fields, medical missions, and training institutions together with important changes in the medical and educational work. Further reorganization and new developments in the European church and African church are also outlined. The great emphasis on expansion and the development of institutions finally reached a point whereby "institutionalism" overtook "evangelism". Chapter VII discusses this problem and what was done to try and arrest it. Thus the history of the church is brought to an interesting turning point and climax in Part Two. Chapter VIII breaks from the common run of growth and development in missions, medical missions and institutions and traces the development of the principles and practice of the Adventist Church. The Southern African Division set itself the objective of full maturity in the establishment of a self-supporting, self-governing and self- propagating church in Africa. The history of these principles are covered together with the principles governing the reception of government grants-in-aid. Chapter IX deals with the analysis and development of the three-fold ministry of teaching, preaching and healing. These chapters in Part Three do not constitute a conclusion but simply give further insights in the growth and development of the church .
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1979
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