A critical analysis of the functionality of School Governing Bodies (SGBS) in selected rural and urban schools in East London district: Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Tetani, Nkosinathi Steven
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: School boards -- South Africa -- East London Education -- Parent participation -- South Africa -- East London
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20834 , vital:29405
- Description: The purpose of this study is to critically analyse the functionality of School Governing Bodies (SGBs) in selected rural and township public schools in the East London Education district in the Province of the Eastern Cape. The study will examine the challenges that limit SGBs in discharging their responsibilities and functions as envisaged in sections 20 and 21 of the South African Schools Act, 1996 ( Act 84 of 1996). Particular attention will be paid to factors that limit SGBs in financial management, procurement, fund raising, policy understanding or lack thereof in regard to school finances, finance policy development and implementation and recommendation to the Head of Department the employment of teaching and nonteaching staff of the school. The central question is whether or not SGBs are able to understand legislative framework that empowers them to discharge their roles, functions and responsibilities in school governance. The study will examine whether or not SGBs are empowered adequately to understand, and therefore implement, for example, the Public Finance Management Act, 1999(Act 1 of 1999) as amended which determines how public finances must be managed. A qualitative study will be conducted by selecting and sampling one rural primary school and one high school, one township primary school and one high school. Sampling will be drawn according to the functional areas and membership of SGB of an ordinary public school as envisaged in section 23 (2) (a) to (d) of the South African Schools Act, 1996. Questionnaires will be developed for data collection from the focus group as data sources. Each SGB from each school will be interviewed separately so that the researcher is able to handle a small sample at a time and to get as much data as possible. It is generally assumed that the levels of literacy in rural areas and townships is at low levels, thus, affecting the SGB in understanding policy and legislative framework that empowers SGBs to function as required by law. The study will therefore examine these assumptions and recommend how the Functionality of the SGBs can be improved. Policy adjustments and amendments will also be suggested.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Accountability of councillors through the batho pele principles in Lukhanji Local Municipality
- Authors: Tshambu, Avela
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Municipal officials and employees -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Local officials and employees -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Leadership
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21384 , vital:29510
- Description: The main objective of the study is to explore the accountability of the ward councillors through the application of the Batho Pele principles in Lukhanji Municipality. Accountability is regarded as the key aspect for any government in which it should be monitored and maintained. The main problem to be addressed by this study is the ways in which the ward councillors can improve accountability applying the Batho Pele principles. To address the research problem and to achieve the aims of this study, an empirical research was done by distributing self-administered questionnaires to the participants in Lukhanji Municipality. The research findings revealed that in Lukhanji Municipality poor accountability of the ward councillors in which it needs improvement. Another finding is that poor accountability is caused by the lack of understanding of the Batho Pele principles, lack of understanding of the accountability mechanisms and poor relations between the community and ward councillors. The research findings of the study pointed to the necessity to make a set of recommendations on improving accountability through the application of Batho Pele principles in Lukhanji Municipality.
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- Date Issued: 2017
An assessment of public participation strategies: the case of Nyandeni Local Municipality
- Authors: Bambeni, Mbulelo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/17470 , vital:28343
- Description: This study assessed the public participation strategies from the perspective of local government governance in encouraging community participation with specific reference to the Nyandeni Local Municipality (NLM). The research was based on the assumption that one of the biggest challenges facing most municipalities in South Africa is the lack of effective public participation strategies which results in service delivery protest actions. As a local municipality, the NLM has been entrusted with the responsibility to promote and encourage community participation.. . The purpose of the research study was to investigate and observe the public participation strategies with specific reference to the Nyandeni Local Municipality. The assessment of the public participation strategies of the NLM will therefore be fundamentally descriptive, but highly exploratory in nature. This research employed the quantitative method. An empirical survey was employed for purposes of the study and the research findings are described, interpreted, and analysed. Data was collected by way of a suitably constructed questionnaire which was administered to the ward committee members. The research has established that there is a good public participation approach in place but its functioning is inadequate, the ward committee members have little understanding of their roles and responsibilities in terms of the implementation of the public participation strategy, and they have failed to facilitate communication between the Municipality and the community. There was also an indication that the service delivery protest actions were fuelled by political motives and certain challenges and not solely by a lack of an effective public participation. In addition, the language used by the Municipality is mostly not understandable to the community as a whole. This research also identifies the strengths and the weaknesses of the public participation strategies as these are regarded as critical in promoting successful local democracy. It is envisaged that this research will assist the Nyandeni Municipality, and other municipalities country-wide to identify challenges with which they are faced and to deal with these accordingly in terms of the objectives identified in the public participation strategies. Furthermore, this research study envisages promoting effective public participation strategies within the Nyandeni Local Municipality as well as improving the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery that will ensure communities of their well-being and dignity. Various recommendations are presented, based on the findings, primarily from the literature review and empirical survey, on how the existing status quo of the NLM can be changed to enhance public participation. If these recommendations are adopted, the Nyandeni LM will be able to develop and implement effective public participation strategies.
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- Date Issued: 2017
An assessment of the implementation of performance management and development system: Department of Sport and Recreation South Africa
- Authors: Zinganto, Nobulali
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Performance -- Management Local officials and employees -- South Africa , Employees -- Rating of -- South Africa Public administration --South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45826 , vital:39220
- Description: Performance management and development in the South African Public Service is a critical aspect that engenders officials and management to be committed to the provision of efficient and effective service delivery. The Public Service Regulations (2001) as amended requires all spheres of government to develop and implement policy parameters that address measurable service delivery aligned to their strategic functions. The imperatives of these policy parameters allow employees’ performance with notch increments. The National Department of Sport and Recreation South Africa (SRSA) developed a performance management system that links Employee Performance Management and Development System (EPMDS) at salary levels 5 – 12 to notch increments and Human Resource Development programmes. This system aims to achieve consideration of the desired outputs; meaning the delivery of work required, which is emphasised in the setting of objectives and looking at the necessary inputs; meaning the knowledge, skills, training and resources needed, which are considered in the appraisal and reviewing of the progress that was made. The performance of Sport and Recreation South Africa has not been commensurate with the aims and objectives of the EPMDS system, as the results are not yielding the best outcome on this system. This study sought to investigate whether the EPMDS contributes to improve performance of the employees and that of the entire organisation in SRSA. It would examine whether the employees do get feedback on their performance after the performance assessment period. The study would establish whether those employees who under-performed do get remedial interventions like training, coaching, mentoring and development on the competencies they lack; so that their performance is improved. The study also sought to determined the perception of the employees regarding the effectiveness of the Performance Management and Development System in SRSA Knowledge of employees' perceptions of the performance management system will assist management to implement such a system more effectively. The findings of this study indicate that managers use performance management as a tool to control and discipline subordinates, whilst subordinates use performance management as a means of getting extra money through performance bonuses. This could be the reason that performance assessment period is viewed as a period of high tension between supervisors and subordinates. The main recommendation on the basis of this finding is that there should be a regular and thorough training of officials at all levels within SRSA about the EPMDS and how it influences productivity. Other additional recommendations include, inter alia, that the identification of gaps on unsatisfactory performance should be made immediately after each performance period. Remedial interventions to address those gaps like training, retraining, coaching and counselling should be formulated, agreed upon and implemented.
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- Date Issued: 2017
An Investigation into learner drop-out and sustainable community development in Kwazakhele Township, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Authors: Lupondwana, Masiza Howard
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: High school dropouts -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Community education -- Development -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Democracy and education -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Community development -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18310 , vital:28617
- Description: The objective of the study was to investigate learner drop-out and sustainable community development. The study was conducted in Kwazakhele Township in Nelson Mandela Bay. This study used qualitative research approach- interviews and structured questionnaires were used to collect data from the participants. The sample consisted of 40 respondents both Females and Males between the age 15 and 35 years. In Kwazakhele Township most of the youth are learner drop-outs who exited educational system before attaining National Certificate (Matric). This had an effect on the acquisition of skills for sustainable development. United Nations report on Sustainable Development requires members of the community to be able to handle matters concerning their own development. This means community members should possess skills that would enable them to cope with constant demands of development. In the same Kwazakhele Township the consequences of the learner drop-out phenomenon is that lot of girls get pregnant at an adolescence stage. In most cases the boys who impregnate these girls are not working, they themselves depend on their parents for living. Because of the poor socio-economic status and high rate of unemployment of households in the area, this result in a situation where both girl child and their babies depends on the old age social grant for basic needs such as food etc. These dropouts are political risks in a sense that they are sometimes being used in community protesting marches which are unnecessarily hindering community development projects aimed at enhancing and promoting general welfare including better life for all. So the study will investigate and examine effect of learner drop-out in the community and recommends on what to be done in order to address shortfalls and challenges faced by the Kwazakhele community members. This will enable local authorities to be proactive in establishing programs that brings directive and solutions to the existing problems.
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- Date Issued: 2017
An investigation of the causes of the housing backlog in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality: 2000 - 2014
- Authors: Soga, Ludwe Sydwell
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Housing -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- 2000-2014 Public housing -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- 2000-2014 , Housing policy -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- 2000-2014 Low-income housing -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- 2000-2014 Housing development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- 2000-2014 Municipal services -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20659 , vital:29369
- Description: The aim of this study was to investigate the causes of the housing backlog in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality from 2000 to 2014. Fifty participants which were two ward councilors and two PR councilors, four community development members, four ward committee members , twenty backyard dwellers from ward 17 and ward 18 and eighteen senior officials (project managers) from the Department of Human Settlement in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality were purposively sampled for the study. A qualitative design was used. In-depth interviews were conducted to collect data to enable the researcher to ask open ended questions and explore the participants’ perspectives about the causes of housing backlog. The study revealed that the factors which are playing a role in this regard include the role played by the Eastern Cape Province in housing, the large portion of land which is privately owned, beneficiary management by municipal officials and political interference on the waiting list Metropolitan subsequently, recommendations for further research were made.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of performance management and development system, Amathole District Municipality
- Authors: Dlelaphantsi, Vuyokazi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Performance -- Management Employees -- Rating of -- South Africa -- Amathole District Municipality , Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa -- Amathole District Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15522 , vital:28266
- Description: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the Performance Management System, since its inception and to date, with regards to the advancement of organisational goals and objectives through employee development, as well as resource allocation for service delivery to the residents of the Amathole District Municipality (ADM). The concept of performance management is key for achieving organisational goals and objectives, since it seeks to develop employees by identifying areas of strengths and weakness. The study is based on the assumption that although municipalities are different, and their approach to performance management particularly individual performance differs. This study therefore is based on the assumption that, levels of poor service delivery, and the consequent service delivery protests experienced in the ADM, can be ascribed to a poor linkage between annual performance planning and the assessment of municipal officials. Annual organisational performance, and individual performance planning and output, is not commensurate. Furthermore, a lack of correlation between these variables has led to the poor implementation of basic services and good governance, which has resulted in low levels of citizen satisfaction with the ADM. The empirical survey and research methodology used in the study is described and explained and followed by the data collection in a form of questionnaires. The research findings from the empirical survey are then analysed and reported accordingly. Recommendations are presented in the last chapter based on the empirical survey findings through the respondent’s inputs in the questionnaire. Recommendations are therefore also presented on how Amathole District Municipality can improve its business to achieve the objectives performance management. The key recommendation that came from the study is that ADM planning should be executed in collaboration with other government departments, government agencies, municipalities, private sector and NGOs, in order to maximize chances of achieving effective and efficient service delivery in communities.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Service delivery protest actions: a case study for Alfred Nzo District Municipality
- Authors: Ngomani, Babalwa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Protest movements -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20053 , vital:29071
- Description: The study focused on the causes of service delivery protests in Alfred Nzo District Municipality. The aim of the study was to identify the challenges and the concerns of protestors and to highlight the underlying reasons behind the protests. This study started by reviewing the constitutional basis for basic service delivery, the legislative framework, background to Alfred Nzo District Municipality, the structural set- up of municipalities and related studies on service delivery protests. Thereafter, the candidate undertook original research on a valid focus group interview consisting of ward committees sampled from the areas considered as “hotspots” in the district of Alfred Nzo District Municipality. The researcher adopted a qualitative methodology for the analysis upon which conclusions were drawn. The study describes the respondents concerns, challenges and reasons for service delivery causes. This study provides evidence that the current challenges confronting the people of Alfred Nzo District Municipality and many citizens of South Africa are the result not only of historical factors, but also “crisis of service delivery”, which in turn is as a result of poor management, corruption, political interference in administration, cadre-deployment, demarcation issues, non- accountability of political and administrative leadership and insufficient funding by the donors and treasury. Furthermore, the results show that the majority of the respondents believe the protests are a result of anger and frustration. In conclusion the study proposes that the South African government must go back to the “Batho Pele” principles as they are regarded as the solution to address the impatience and violent protests.
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- Date Issued: 2017
The implementation of the succession policy and staff retention strategy: Joe Gqabi District Municipality
- Authors: Ramarou, Moleboheng
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Employees Employee retention -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Personnel management -- South Africa -- Government
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19894 , vital:29001
- Description: The aim of this study is to evaluate the implementation of the succession policy and staff retention strategy of the Joe Gqabi District Municipality (JGDM) in the Eastern Cape. Retention and succession are located within a broader understanding of administration and management, and specifically within the New Public Management theory. A qualitative research methodology was used. Semi-structured interviews were primary means of data collection, supplemented by documentary analysis. A non-probability, stratified sample of 12 senior managers, middle managers, supervisors and professionals employed by the district municipality constituted the target group. The findings reveal that both the succession policy and the staff retention strategy were hampered by severe implementation weaknesses, resulting in failure to stem the high rate of turnover and vacancies at the municipality. The study recommends a series of measures to enhance future implementation success.These include, amongst others, implementation action plans with clear deliverables andtimeframes, monitoring and evaluation; employee participation; linking execution to individual performance; and proactively addressing issues of staff satisfaction.
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- Date Issued: 2017
The role of ward committees in enhancing community participation: a South African perspective
- Authors: Peter, Zola Welcome
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Citizen participation Municipal government -- South Africa , Community development -- South Africa Political participation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19938 , vital:29010
- Description: Community participation in municipal affairs is the bedrock of participatory democracy, and it has been hailed as the panacea for most public community programmes in South Africa. High-level public community participation empowers communities, increases self-reliance, self-awareness and confidence in self-examination of problems and seeking solutions for them. Community behavioural changes are promoted and utilisation and support of services is facilitated, which are of great significance to all community efforts, especially in areas where the service delivery rate from municipalities is low. The vehicle for driving community participation is the system of ward committees, legislation that is rooted in the Constitution, the Municipal Structures Act, and the Municipal Systems Act. The study sees community participation as people being involved in government decision-making that affects them directly or indirectly. It involves three types of action, namely facilitating rational deliberation, creating and communicating moral principles, and expressing personal and group affects and needs. This research investigated the role of ward committees in enhancing community participation from a South African perspective. Municipalities are organisations tasked with ensuring the equal distribution of services to local communities. Municipalities were chosen on the basis of commitment to communicate effectively with the community and in turn to encourage the community to participate fully in municipal activities. The study is conducted within the parameters of the Constitution of South Africa (1996), which mandates local government to provide a democratic and accountable local government, and to encourage the involvement of communities in the matters of local government. Section 152(1)(e) of the Constitution stipulates that the objective of local government, amongst others, is to ensure the involvement of communities and community organisations in matters of local government, and section 73 of the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act (Act No. 117 of 1998), further requires municipalities to establish ward committees in a manner that seeks to enhance participatory democracy at the local sphere of government. The study therefore investigated the role of ward committees in enhancing community participation. Ward committees are advisory bodies created at ward level in terms of the Municipal Structures Act (Act No. 117 of 1998), and consist of the ward councillor (who is the chair) and not more than 10 members representing diverse groups within a particular ward. The White Paper on Local Government (1998) further indicates that municipal councils should promote the involvement of citizens and community groups in the design and delivery of municipal programmes. A literature survey was conducted to investigate and conceptualise the role of ward committees in enhancing community participation, and to determine the responsibilities of ward committees in municipalities. A desktop approach was used to track down useful existing pre-published information (also known as secondary research), with the data collection coming from secondary sources, such as municipal records. A number of recommendations regarding the improvement of ward committees were made. Recommendations are provided for enhancing community participation in different municipalities in South Africa. It is envisaged that these changes could impact positively in encouraging community participation and ultimately improve service delivery.
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- Date Issued: 2017
An investigation into the provision of government social grants to people with disabilities in Amathole Distrcit municipality
- Authors: Aplom, Thobeka
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: South African Social Security Agency , Public welfare -- South Africa , Grants-in-aid -- South Africa , Welfare fraud -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Social service -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5754 , vital:20998
- Description: This study seeks to investigate the efficiency and effectiveness of the process for providing government social grants to people with disabilities in the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) Amathole District Municipality in order to determine the need for any improvement measures. Taylor’s scientific management theory and the Total Quality Management (TQM) concept were used to interpret efficiency in the functional activities of the officials working in the Disability Grant Unit in Amathole District. The study also sought to answer the question of whether exit programmes existed that were designed to assist the beneficiaries to support them and cater for their needs related to their disabilities. The study followed a qualitative method. Face-to-face interviews were conducted and the sample of this study consisted of ten participants who are working at Grant Administration. These participants included one General Manager; one District Manager; one SASSA doctor; one Head of Grants Administration in the district and six officials who are at lower levels of the hierarchy at Amathole District Municipality in East London service office. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes from the interviews. The findings of this study revealed that the majority of the respondents experienced challenges such as lack of assessment doctors, turn around-time, corruption, poor consultation, lack of managerial commitment and doctors regarding the assessment of applications. In this regards, the study made a set of recommendations on the measures and strategies that could improve efficiency in the provision of this service.
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- Date Issued: 2016
Public private partnerships for the development of rural commercial beekeeping in the Amathole District Municipality
- Authors: Musisi, Lawrence Ssensalire
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Public-private sector cooperation -- South Africa -- Amathole District Municipality , Bee culture -- South Africa -- Amathole District Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7290 , vital:21315
- Description: Beekeeping and Public Private Partnerships (PPP) are the key words in this study. The study investigates the effectiveness of the use of PPP for the development of commercial beekeeping for the small-scale beekeepers in selected rural areas of the Amathole District Municipality. The small-scale beekeepers do not seem to be achieving the required results of meeting market demands for honey and other bee by-products, due to challenges associated with production and marketing of these products. Significant investment (physical, human and financial) is required to develop the capacity of the small scale beekeepers in order to generate honey for the market and associated revenue in any significant quantity. While job creation and poverty alleviation are key issues on the government’s service delivery agenda, specifically through entrepreneurial development, government alone does not have the capacity to provide all the necessary resources for the establishment of commercial beekeeping to the resource-poor small-scale beekeepers. Based on the results of this study, all respondents (beekeepers and officials) in the study had a general understanding of “Public Private Partnerships”. However, the general interpretation of PPP was where government, business and civil society are working together in areas of mutual interest to achieve common or complementary goals than the regulated PPP arrangements guided by the specialized Treasury PPP Unit, whereby contractual obligation between different role players is paramount. In the context of small-scale beekeeping, all respondents were in support of type of PPP, whereby the association or partnership would involve the transfer of substantial financial, technical and operational risks. Besides the numerous limitations faced by the small-scale beekeepers in the running of their beekeeping operations, the study identified the following as the major factors believed to be compromising and limiting the proper functioning of PPP.
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- Date Issued: 2016
The implementation of a performance management and development system at the Department of Local Government & Traditional Affairs (Eastern Cape)
- Authors: Magqogqo, Ntomboxolo
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Rating of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Performance standards -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8446 , vital:26359
- Description: Performance management and development is the continuous process of reflecting on, negotiating, developing, reviewing and making decisions about an individual’s performance in achieving organizational goals. The Public Service Regulations, 2001, requires departments to develop a performance management system in order to manage performance in a consultative, supportive and non- discriminatory manner. This should result in enhanced organizational efficiency and effectiveness, accountability for the use of resources and the achievement of results. The Department of Local Government and Traditional Affairs is also expected to implement the employees Performance Management and Development System. Furthermore, the study aimed to evaluate the implementation of the performance management and development system in the Department of Local Government & Traditional affairs. To achieve this Likert questionnaire were distributed to employees of Local Government & Traditional Affairs. After previous steps were completed, the finding and recommendations of the study were made. The recommendations were made to assist management as to what need to be done for effective implementation of PMDS. The findings indicate that managers and supervisors lacked the continuous feedback as no regular meeting during the course of the month or year. The employee and his or her supervisor would meet during the annual assessment period at the end of financial year to decide on the final performance. The main recommendation of the research was that there should be regular workshops or awareness of departmental staff about PMDS and how it influences on productivity.
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- Date Issued: 2016
A study of control measures for absenteeism of educators in Libode District
- Authors: Bungeni, Mzinto Cornelius
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Absenteeism (Labor) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- Leaves of absence
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8303 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019917
- Description: The study focussed on the effectiveness of control measures for dealing with absenteeism of educators with specific reference to selected schools at Libode District in the Province of the Eastern Cape. It identified the policy framework including rules and regulations relating to the absenteeism of educators. It assessed the effectiveness of control measures which are currently at the disposal of the selected schools and it also investigated the challenges faced by school principals in addressing the challenge of absenteeism of educators in the selected schools. A qualitative research methodology was used in undertaking the study. Purposive sampling was used to select the schools and participants for the study. Participants were comprised of school principals and Education Development Officers. Data was collected through structured and semi-structured interviews. Literature study showed that the management of educator absenteeism is an important aspect of Human Resource Management in schools. Furthermore, the study found that control measures for dealing with absenteeism are not properly applied in many schools and there is no consistency in the manner in which they are utilised by school principals. The study also found that school principals are struggling to manage absenteeism to the extent that some of them are not sure how to deal with educators who abuse leave. The study recommends that school principals should be empowered on leave management through various forms of training which include workshops.
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- Date Issued: 2015
An assessment of alignment of the intergrated development plan of Amathole District Municipality with those of its selected local municipalities, province of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Magwangqana, Ntsokolo Chris
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: City planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7782 , vital:24284
- Description: The problem investigated by the researcher is that of alignment of the Integrated Development Plan of Amathole District Municipality with those of the selected local municipalities under its area of jurisdiction. The aim of the study was to investigate the extent to which there is or there is no alignment amongst these. The study articulated the background of municipal planning in terms of the provisions of enabling pieces of legislation. It further provided a conceptual and theoretical framework for integrated development planning within the local government sphere. The literature raised critical issues revolving around the importance of the district municipality in achieving congruence of development plans of the district and those of its local municipalities. The data was collected using a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches, to realize the objectives of the research study. The methods used to collect data included, document study, interviews, observation, and questionnaires. The study findings showed that, there is a lot of planning efforts put into achieving alignment of the IDPs of the District and local municipalities under it. The study concluded that, with this good planning by the district municipality a correlating hands on support and monitoring by the municipal unit needs to be firmed up. The recommendations are an evidence that there are processes deliberately put in place by the District municipality to ensure alignment between the IDP of the District and those of its Local Municipalities.
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- Date Issued: 2015
An assessment of community participation in strategic decision-making: the case of Amothole District Municipality
- Authors: Ned, Samora
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Citizen participation , Political participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5742 , vital:20993
- Description: The South African Constitution of 1996, as amended, provides for three spheres of Government, namely National, Provincial and Local Government. The local sphere of government is mandated to provide developmental and accountable local government and to ensure the provision of basic services to communities in a sustainable manner. The Department of Provincial and Local Government Community-Based Workbook and Guide provided that local government legislation has been put in a place to enable South Africa to constructively work towards providing basic services and improving the social and economic lives of citizens. As local government is the sphere of government where delivery takes place at community level, it is important to ensure and secure the support and participation of communities. It is critical to mention that local government faces many challenges in providing services that will contribute to developing a peaceful, stable and healthy environment. In adherence to Local Government legislation, which includes, inter alia, the Municipal Systems Act and the Municipal Finance Management Act, the local authorities are required to provide systems and processes to enable public participation processes in the affairs of the municipalities. This requirement is mandatory to ensure that citizens contribute by making input in the planning of the municipality. Amathole District Municipality adopted a Public Participation and Petitions Policy to ensure that citizens participate in the activities of the municipality. The main purpose of this study was to establish whether those structures are effective and whether the municipality, in its planning processes, considered the views and input of the communities. The study investigated the extent of community participation in municipal planning and performance and also investigated the effectiveness of ADM community participation strategies. Quantitative research methods were used to collect data for the study. The research questionnaire covered a wide range of council related activities ranging from knowledge of local government legislation relating to public participation, understanding of public participation processes by councillors, compliance of the municipality with public participation processes and related legislation and feedback to communities on the input they make to the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and the Budget planning processes. The questionnaires were administered to all Councillors within the municipality to ensure that all municipal programmes were covered, and the Executive Mayor, Council Speaker who ensures that council resolutions are implemented and the Chief Whip of Council, who is responsible for the welfare of all political parties in Council. There was also the inclusion of the Chairperson of the Municipal Public Accounts Committee who is responsible for oversight and monitoring the performance of the Executive. The sample group was carefully chosen to represent a wide range of councillors who serve in the ADM Council. The positive response rate therefore provided an acceptable scientific basis for analysis and objectivity to the study.
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- Date Issued: 2015
An assessment of employee perceptions towards performance appraisal with special reference to statistics South Africa, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mniki, Sicelo
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Employees -- Rating of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Performance standards
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/9935 , vital:26634
- Description: The aim of this study was to assess the perceptions of employees towards performance appraisal (PA) with special reference to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) in the Eastern Cape Province. The research objectives included, inter alia; assessing employee perceptions towards effective administration of PAs, assessing perceptions of employees towards the fairness of the PA process, identifying the motivating factors for the improvement of employee performance and identifying the challenges facing the PA process. To achieve these objectives, a mixed methods research approach was used. The mixed methods approach utilised a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods. The sample was selected using a purposive sampling technique whereby employees with tenure of at least one year and above in the organisation were targeted. Employees who met this criterion were considered to have reasonable understanding of the PA process and practice of Stats SA. The literature review for this study revealed that employee perceptions towards the PA process are crucial in determining the long-term effectiveness of the PA system. It also emerged that the appraisal process can become a source of extreme dissatisfaction when employees believe the system is biased, political or irrelevant. The findings revealed that 65% of employees perceive the administration of PAs as ineffective whilst 35% of employees consider PA administration at Stats SA to be effective. Ineffective administration of PA was further confirmed by 81% of managers who stated that the evaluation process is not integrated effectively with other human resource (HR) processes at Stats SA. Furthermore, 58% of employees are not satisfied with the fairness of the appraisal process. These negative perceptions towards the PA process were reaffirmed by 88% of managers who also indicated that they are not satisfied with the fairness of the PA process. The research showed that the motivating factors for improving job performance include allocation of adequate resources, training, recognition and appreciation, improved communication along with a good working relationship as well as a performance bonus. According to the research findings, 45% of employees consider the current Performance Management System (PMS) at Stats SA as having a motivational effect on staff to improve their performance whilst 42% held a contrary view and 13% were unsure. The respondents identified the challenges facing the PA process at Stats SA, namely; favouritism and bias, dropping of scores by the provincial moderating committee without clarifying the criteria followed, supervisors scoring themselves high whilst scoring those who are doing the work on the ground low, failure by HR to provide guidance and training on performance management (PM), failure by supervisors to provide performance feedback after the appraisal process, failure to comply with PM policies and procedures, the ambiguous role of the provincial moderating committee, and a narrow focus on monetary reward. The findings suggest that the effectiveness of a Performance Management System (PMS) such as the Performance Appraisal System depends on the achievement of various purposes and objectives for which the PMS is designed and implemented in an organisation. This requires managers and supervisors to be fully involved and committed in the day to day management of employee performance in order to ensure that the strategic goals of the organisation are fully achieved.
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- Date Issued: 2015
An assessment of the implementation of employment equity: Department of Transport in the province of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mqingwana, Phelo Zolisa
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Discrimination in employment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11335 , vital:26912
- Description: During the apartheid era black people were systematically excluded from all positions of influence in the state and civil society. The majority of senior posts in government were held by whites, in particular, white males. Women and people with disabilities were similarly disadvantaged and marginalised, particularly those from black communities. With the new post-apartheid dispensation, the democratic government took a conscious decision to change that situation. It is against this background that that the Employment Equity Act (EEA) was introduced in 1998. The two main aims of the Act are: to achieve employment equity by promoting equal opportunity and fair treatment in employment through the elimination of unfair discrimination; and to implement the affirmative action measures, to redress the disadvantages in employment experienced by designated groups in order to ensure their equitable representation in all occupational categories and levels in the workforce. The implement of EEA in the Eastern Cape Department of Transport (ECDOT) has so far not been very successful as the Department still has not managed to meet the set targets. According to their Employment Equity Plan (EEP), the senior management level (SMS) is still dominated by males. Although the situation is slightly better at the middle management level, it is still far from being ideal. The lower ranks are dominated by females. With regard to people with disabilities (PWDs) the Department is still far from meeting their 2% target. The purpose of this research was to determine if the ECDOT has been able to implement the dictates of the EEA. It aims to look at ways in which the EEA can best be implemented in order to ensure that the desired results are achieved. This study was prompted by the fact that the ECDOT has not managed to reach the EEA targets in hiring people with disabilities (PDWs) and elevating women to senior positions. The study explored the views of the employees of the Department regarding the implementation of EE. It was conducted using the quantitative approach. 90 employees were asked to respond to a structured questionnaire designed by the researcher. The findings of the study indicate that although in some areas the Department has been able to successfully implement EE, issues of racial equity, diversity, infrastructure conducive for people with disabilities, recruitment practices, and management commitment still need to be improved on. The study recommends, amongst others, that managers should provide leadership in the implementation process, more recruitment sources should be explored, suitable infrastructure must be provided, diversity issues must be addressed through workshops and training sessions, employee participation needs to be ensured, and that feedback must always be provided to EE beneficiaries in order to keep make sure they remain within the organisation and continue to improve.
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- Date Issued: 2015
An assessment of the records management system with reference to the Amathole District Municipality
- Authors: Ncamani, Nomsa
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Records -- Management Information resources management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Filing systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11353 , vital:26914
- Description: Section 13 of the Eastern Cape Provincial Archives and Records Act, 2003 requires the Amathole District Municipality to manage its records in a well-structured record-keeping system, and to put the necessary policies and procedures in place to ensure that record- keeping and records management practices comply with the requirements of the Act. The study investigated the interventions that can be made to improve and promote the best system (centralised versus a decentralised records system) in terms of space resources through greater co-ordination of information management and storage systems with reference to the Amathole District Municipality. A quantitative research methodology was employed to collect data. The empirical component of the treatise utilised self-administered questionnaires. Purposive sampling was used to identify the target population at the ADM. The researcher specifically selected the users of records, namely; senior manager, mid-managers, supervisors and administration assistants. The need for training, workshops and awareness were identified as the main challenges to records management and to the employees’ understanding of the system in place at the ADM. The findings recommended that the municipality should select the records management system that best supports the conduct of business in an orderly, efficient, and accountable manner. The system should ensure that documents provide evidence of business and contribute to the cultural identity and collective memory of the ADM. Further research on the existing records management system is recommended for the Amathole District Municipality.
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- Date Issued: 2015
An evaluation of the implementation of education training and development policy in the Eastern Cape: the case of Cacadu health district
- Authors: Feni, Monde Ludick
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Employees -- Training of -- Evaluation , Manpower policy -- South Africa , Personnel management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/8261 , vital:26317
- Description: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the implementation of the Education, Training and Development Policy of the Eastern Cape Department of Health: A Case Study of Cacadu District. The Cacadu Health District as with all Districts is the Eastern Cape Department of Health experiences a few challenges with the implementation of the Education, Training and Development Policy. Through observation these problems seem to be stalling progress in the implementation of this policy. The study seeks to investigate whether there can be an improvement in the implementation of the Education, Training and Development Policy. The focus of the study will be the Cacadu Health District. Provision of Education, Training and Development is key to any organisation especially if performance of employees needs to be of high standard. If the performance of employees is of high standard service delivery will improve. Chapter one provided an introduction which gave a brief overview of the study, problem statement, research objectives and questions, preliminary literature review and research methodology to be employed by the study. Chapter two provided a literature review of education, training and development framework and legislative framework for guiding the development and provision of education, training and development in an organisation. The chapter also looked into mentoring and mentoring strategies. Chapter three looked into detail on the training evaluation strategies and what training evaluation entails. It looked at the different approaches that can be used in evaluating training in an organisation. Chapter four provides proposals for the approaches and strategies to improve the implementation of the Education, Training and Development Policy of the Eastern Cape Department of Health in the Cacadu District. The chapter will also provide an analysis of participants’ responses from the questionnaire. Chapter five will give a summary with concluding remarks and recommendations. This chapter came up with conclusions about the study and gave recommendations and way forward on how best to improve the implementation of the education, training and development policy in the Eastern Cape Department of Health: Cacadu District.
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- Date Issued: 2015