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The assessment of public participation as a model to enhance development in local government: the case of Raymond Mhlaba local municipality in the Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Kapayi, Nceba Isaac
  • Date: 2023-04
  • Subjects: Local government , community development
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61431 , vital:70641
  • Description: The notion of public participation in decision-making processes is one of the mechanisms that seek to entrench equality and transform social coherence between government and citizens. This view relates to the provision of quality and sustainability of goods and services. The individuals, both in their capacity as citizens and consumers of public goods and services should be allowed to participate in the development that affect in terms of the regulatory frameworks. They should be permitted and encouraged to express their views on governance and development matters pertaining to them. Nevertheless, there are number of factors that impede the participation of the local communities in development planning processes, such as a communication gap between government officials and communities, socio-economic inequalities, poor service delivery, unemployment, a lack of capacity building and transparency to mention a few. The planning and implementation of municipal projects should be accepted only after considerable discussion and consultation with communities. This process is seen as allowing deprived groups and individuals to have voices in future development initiatives. As such, public participation enables for full involvement of ordinary members of the community in decision making, planning, designing, organising and executing development initiatives that affect them. The Researcher decided to embark on a study entitled: The assessment of public participation as a model to enhance development in local government. The case of Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape. Adopting the quantitative research design, data was collected through questionnaires for the key informants consisting of 3 participants, 3 officials from Raymond Mhlaba Municipality. Data was also collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with members of the communities from Kataga in Adelaide, Gaga Village in Alice and Magaleni location in Fort Beaufort. Eighteen (18) community members were selected to participate in the study from both communities inclusive of ward councillors. Community members were organised into 1 focus group participants in each location (comprising of 6 people per group).To support the data obtained from focus group 3 key informants from Raymond Mhlaba Municipality participated in the investigation. A heterogeneous population of 21 respondents participated in this study. The thematic analysis was vii used to analyse data. The findings consistently show that the ability of a local government to work effectively dependent on inclusive planning, implementation and decision making processes. This means that local government development is also required for the impartial and efficient operation of public institutions. Public confidence in local municipalities is expressed as one of the main factors that determine the government‘s competitiveness. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
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  • Date Issued: 2023-04

Public-private partnerships as an alternative mechanism for effective public service delivery in Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, Gauteng Province, Republic of South Africa

  • Authors: Madziro, Emmanuel Kudzanai
  • Date: 2016-11
  • Subjects: Public-private sector cooperation , Municipal services , Local government
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22990 , vital:53396
  • Description: Public-Private Partnerships developed in the 1980`s mainly associated with privatising and laissez faire concept and it emerged with the leadership of Regan in the USA and Thatcher in the UK. During this period the role of national governments was intensely debated (Deloitte, 2010). These debates generated the notion of New Public Management theory, that tried to use competitive techniques and certain free market principles within government entities that considered the involvement of the free enterprise in the provision of government service delivery (Kaberuka, 2011). Public-Private Partnerships are a vital component; it is the main reason why they were recognized significantly particularly during the 1990s, predominantly in first world countries and subsequently in developing countries. Basically a Public Private Partnership (PPP) denotes a legal agreement between the public sector and a private enterprise (Kaberuka, 2011). It aims to unite the ability of both public and private sector in manner that will ensure that neither of the side execute the plan on its own. Under this binding agreement, the expertise and wealth, assets of both public and private sector procedure of decision-making are used mutually during the provision of public services or facilities. Both of these parties carry the risk associated, as well as the benefits that will be accrued from the projects. There are particular reasons why the public sector prefers PPPs. These include reduction of the total costs and the primary expenditure that will allow the private sector to help in the elimination of the expenditures to be incurred. (Reynaers et al, 2014). Some of the reasons include the lack of government managerial competencies and certain technical expertise. Furthermore, efficient and novelty in the delivering of public services and goods mainly due to the ability of private sector to have leadership and managerial competencies that allow the provision of supplementary benefits in the PPP in contradictory to conventional projects. (Reynaers et al, 2014). PPPs also ensure competitiveness between the private and public sector entities, which encourage the elimination of unnecessary expenses and the provision of standard services. One of the main characteristics of PPPs is the amalgamating and generation provision of particular public services (Raja et al, 2011). This mean that the particular private entity will execute both projects. Hence therefore, it will have less commitment pertaining to the prioritization of the construction phase, given the fact that it will accrue rewards in the future, particularly during the operation stage. (Raja et al, 2011). This mechanism is pragmatic if the magnitude of service that has to be provided when the quality of service that has to be provided can be precisely be depicted and examined during the course of contractual legal discussion between the two parties. Facilities are usually transferred to the public sector after a pre-determined period. The responsibilities of public and private sector must be specified during the discussion of the contractual agreement. The public participant should the assume the responsibility for establishing social benefit of a project, facilitating with influential decision makers, evaluation of standards, guaranteeing the interests of the public, consequently it should also assume the financial unprofitability of investments, the approximation of the expenditure and sup ply of fundamental information pertaining the projects (Heald et al, 2011). Public-private partnership is a relationship that necessitates the inclusion of both stakeholders which include the private and public sector. PPPs are perceived as solution for effective provision of social infrastructure that is vital for economic development and consistency in both developing and developing worlds (Heald et al 2011). The fiscal, expertise, and lack of competency personnel in public sector can be resolved through engaging the concept of PPPs. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2016
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  • Date Issued: 2016-11

Improving decision making through analysing the economic impact of budget allocation at the city of Cape Town

  • Authors: Kaiser, Gisela Noelle
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Cape Town (South Africa) -- Politics and government , City planning -- South Africa --Cape Town , Budget -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Local government
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: vital:9684 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008305 , Cape Town (South Africa) -- Politics and government , City planning -- South Africa --Cape Town , Budget -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Local government
  • Description: Local government is at the forefront of engagement between the government and South Africa’s people, delivering basic services to communities. Following the transition to a democratic government in 1994, the country was demarcated in a manner that provides complete coverage by local government. Annually, managing the administration of service delivery implementation at local government level costs the country many billions. Much of the revenue used by local government in providing services is derived from income from sale of basic services and property rates, augmented by allocations from national and provincial government, equitably shared amongst municipalities. Local government has autonomy in its operations, but is strictly governed by a collection of cascading legislation, introduced to protect the interests of the people. The primary objective of the research was to investigate the efficacy of budget expenditure in local government, in particular the City of Cape Town as a metropolitan municipality. With an annual budget approaching R30 billion, the aim was to establish how the budget was determined and allocated to the service menu provided by the City, and to investigate whether better methods of allocating expenditure could be developed. A mixed research methodology was followed, relying on quantitative methods for analysing survey data statistically, while providing for detailed qualitative methods in interviewing and studying the specific case in detail. The theoretical perspective most suited to this research was found to be that of pragmatism, for its flexibility of interpretation, practicality and space for multiple perspectives. A constructivist epistemology was adopted to provide for the interplay between object and subject in constructing meaning. This research focused on examination of applicable legislation, secondary data in reports, and statistical analysis of opinion surveys of municipal officials involved in budgeting at different levels and interviews with key stakeholders. The findings indicate that budget allocation can be improved upon in a number of ways, despite complying with a myriad of restrictive and onerous regulations applicable to local government. It was found that the administration is fragmented in its operations and that the structure of necessity favours isolated service delivery rather than integration. Further, that compliance impacts negatively on time spent in planning and pursuit of strategic intent to the extent that Reporting often becomes a more important deliverable than basic services. The size of the City hinders common understanding, and introducing any change in political vision requires particular attention.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

The employment relationship of employees employed in terms of section 56 and 57 in the local government sector

  • Authors: Kruger, Willem Adriaan
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Employees -- South Africa , Local government
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
  • Identifier: vital:10272 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018634
  • Description: Since the democratisation of South Africa in 1994, new emphasis was placed on therole of structures of authority put in place by government. As in most other countries these structures operate on national, provincial and local levels. Particular prominence was placed on local authorities, responsible to act as custodians of the communities they serve by rendering essential services and products, upholding the local democracy and complying to the democracy’s developmental role within their jurisdiction. Management of local authorities are highlighted because of the direct and visual delivery of essential services to the communities they serve. The prominence of their responsibilities, more than in other spheres of government, are emphasised by the fact that its efficacy is critically and directly tested on an on-going basis by the communities within its boundaries – it affects the life and often the quality of life of almost everybody. Local authorities derive their status and power from the Constitution which states, inter alia, that the executive and legislative authority of municipalities is vested in their municipal council. Furthermore municipalities have the right to govern on own initiative the local government affairs of their communities subject to national and provincial legislation but with the proviso that these levels of government are not allowed to compromise or impede on the municipality’s ability or right to properly perform its functions or exercise its rights. In terms of the Constitution the municipal councils are democratically elected bodies based on the multiparty political dispensation of the community. In accordance the governance of a municipality is vested in the politically convictions and preferences of the council who, by virtue of legislation applicable to local authorities, is entitled to appoint the Municipal Manager and Managers reporting directly to it. Since councils are term bound elected bodies – which in addition may change its composition due to interim and by-elections and the transient nature of political expediencies – the appointment of municipalities’ senior executives are for limited duration only, with terms linked to those of the councils.This treatise will focus on the effect of the above on these managers and their ability to fulfil their constitutional duties with professionalism, fairness and objectivity whilst endeavouring to juggle community needs, political preferences, and self-preservation without impacting negatively on the provision of service of excellence. Specific attention will be given to practices that evolved within the sphere of local authorities pertaining to this type of employee and the compliances and conflicts of such with existing and proposed amended labour legislation – both factual and within the spirit and intent of the Constitution. Due to the intricate relationship between the different spheres of government and legislation involved, it was necessary to first deal with the background against which senior municipal managers are employed in order to discuss the employment relationship per se.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

The implementation of local economic development projects in Amathole District Municipality

  • Authors: Dunga, Sipokazi
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Amathole District Municipality (South Africa) , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:8265 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013256
  • Description: The study investigated the problems and challenges facing the Amathole District Municipality when implementing Local Economic Development (LED) projects. The aim of the study was to evaluate the factors affecting this implementation. The other major challenge is the number of different institutions and agencies that are involved in LED. Consequently, the desired results cannot be achieved, thus the communities continue to live in poverty, the local economy cannot improve and there will be a high rate of unemployment. In order to address the research problem and to achieve the research objectives, available literature on Local Economic Development was reviewed. Empirical data was also collected making use of face-to-face interviews. The research revealed that the implementation of LED projects has not been entirely effective, mainly caused by the lack of capacity within the municipality to fully provide support in the implementation of LED projects; limited funding; shortage of personnel; political and administrative instability; problems regarding to social facilitation; and LED not being prioritised by the municipality and also seen as an unfunded mandate. From the investigation, the findings indicate that the effective implementation of these projects require strengthened capacity which needs more funding, more skilled personnel to drive the process, de-politicised development and the municipality to prioritise high impact projects that yield sustainability as opposed to smaller projects that unsustainable.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

Community participation in rendering local government services in the Capricon District Municipality

  • Authors: Selematsela, Lebogang Eunice
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Public administration -- Citizen participation , Community development , Local government
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:9185 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020191
  • Description: This study sought to assess community participation in the rendering of services in the Capricorn District Municipality. The concept of community participation is central in underpinning successful development programmes. However, this is usually undermined in communities where cultural factors and political factors influence decision making. The study was premised on the review of literature and documents as the Researcher believed that more research on the subject matter has been done extensively. Personal interviews were done with officials within the Public Participation units in both the Capricorn District Municipality and its Local Municipalities so as to gain insight as to how implementation of public participation processes is done in the CDM‟s area of jurisdiction. Literature was reviewed in terms of the legislative requirements with regard to the implementation of public participation methods in the Local Government sector. Various documents were reviewed so as to understand what other scholars have written about the subject matter. Personal interviews were done with officials within the Public Participation units in both the Capricorn District Municipality and Its Local Municipalities so as to gain insight as to how implementation of public participation processes is done. An assessment of how Capricorn District Municipality implements public participation methods was done in line with what the legislation provides for as well as what the scholars said about public participation. Gaps in the implementation of such were also identified, wherein recommendations were made on how best Capricorn District Municipality can improve on the public participation processes so as to comply with the legislative requirements.
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  • Date Issued: 2012

The performance of O R Tambo district municipality regarding water service delivery

  • Authors: Xala, Zandile
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Public administration|zSouth Africa , Local government , Government accountability
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: vital:16141 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1009318 , Public administration|zSouth Africa , Local government , Government accountability
  • Description: Access to water services in South Africa still remains a dream for most people, especially those who live in remote areas. The poverty stricken communities of the former Transkei in the Eastern Cape are in need of water and sanitation services. The findings of the study reveal that most community members are dissatisfied with the water service delivery. During an interview with ward 6 residents who reside in an urban area of the OR Tambo District Municipality (ORTDM), they revealed that pipe bursting is one of the main causes why from time to time they do not have water. The other factor is when there is no electricity; the water system depends on the availability of electricity. The South African local government has been mandated to consult with its citizenry in respect of the processes relating to water service delivery. South Africa has developed a wide range of legislation that ensures community consultation on a continuous basis with regard to how water services should be delivered. It is the community‟s right to be consulted and to give input on issues that directly affect them. The researcher used a qualitative research method since it would provide the reader with more insight into how water services are delivered in the ORTDM. Both community members and municipal officials were interviewed. A number of findings have been made during the research. Some community members are of the view that constant community consultation could reduce service delivery protests. Political intervention needs to be made by the leadership with regard to service delivery and more resources need to be committed toward those processes. This study was conducted from April 2012 to November 2012 and was aimed at assessing the performance of OR Tambo District Municipality regarding water service delivery. According to OR Tambo DM (2011/12: 3), the communities through the consultation processes conducted throughout five (5) local municipalities made it clear that ensuring increased access to water and sanitation services is still the main priority.
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  • Date Issued: 2012

An investigation of the empowerment needs of councillors with reference to the King Sabata Dalindyebo local municipality, province of the Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Gqamane, Zukiswa
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: Employee empowerment -- South Africa , Municipal officials and employees , Employee empowerment -- Dissertations , Local government
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:8234 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1010168 , Employee empowerment -- South Africa , Municipal officials and employees , Employee empowerment -- Dissertations , Local government
  • Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the empowerment needs of councillors in a municipality. The main focus was to assess the successes or inadequacies of the empowerment programmes previously offered to councillors by the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality. In order to achieve the research objectives an in-depth literature study was undertaken. A survey was also conducted to examine the level of empowerment being offered by the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality to its councillors and the data was collected by means of self-administered questionnaires. The literature study proved the hypothesis to be correct, which stated that empowered councillors could enhance effective public participation, effective communication which could result in effective service delivery. The empirical study revealed that certain councillors require adequate training in areas such as communication skills, council’s rules of procedures and new developmental mandate assigned to local government. The empirical survey also revealed that there is limited mutual trust between councillors and the senior officials, immediate intervention is required to restore trust between councillors and officials. It has been recommended that King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality should not only provide regular “in house” training, but also training conducted by outside agencies is required. In certain instances, one may find that municipalities may not have fully capacitated persons for “in house” training. Thus, outside agencies which possess the relevant expertise such as universities and SALGA should be encouraged to also facilitate capacity training for councillors.
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  • Date Issued: 2011

Impact pf provincial local government support for effective implementation of PMS in municipalities (Lukhanji municipality)

  • Authors: Sidinana, Ngenanimazizi Orsmond
  • Date: 2010
  • Subjects: Benchmarking (Management) , Local government
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: vital:9159 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020000
  • Description: One of the more frequently heard criticisms of local government is that it is not delivering the required services or it is not delivering an efficient standard of service. Performance management for local government contributes to creating a performance culture in the public service at municipal level. Performance management is a mechanism that is used to ensure that the municipality is doing its work and delivering on its mandate. The SALGA HRD Policy Conference held in March 2003 endorsed the spirit of the relevant legislation on performance management in municipalities. As the employee body and the only recognized voice of municipalities in the country, SALGA has been of the view that the legislative imperative placed on municipalities to be developmental and performance orientated cannot be overly emphasized. Concomitant with the legislative imperative has been the political will or unwavering political commitment to ensure that municipal administrations are accountable to their respective councils, and by extension, the communities they serve. The successful implementation of the Performance Management System at all municipalities will certainly serve as a yardstick in objectively measuring the performance of municipal and provincial local government officials. It is believed that the ongoing measurement of performance will inevitably lead to better delivery of services to our people. The Constitution of South Africa places a developmental mandate on local governments, with the express purpose of them providing effective and efficient services to their communities and to promote local social and economic development. Further to this, the Municipal Systems Act of 2000 provides a legislative framework for municipalities to embark on integrated development planning. Thus all municipalities require an Integrated Development Plan (lDP) to be in place in order to fully realize their objectives as set out in Section 152 of the Constitution. In the interpretation of the legislation, it is clear that the Council (the political body of the municipality) is held responsible to ensure that its municipality has an lDP and PMS in place. Thus both the political principal and the leadership of a municipality are, by law, required to fulfil their obligations in implementing the PMS, while the provincial local government department is charged with the obligation to ensure that such objectives by municipalities are realized by way of providing financial and human capital assistance. Since the lDP and PMS have been legislated in such a manner, it thus becomes legally imperative that municipalities comply with the legislation. The Auditor General is thus required to audit a municipality within this context. Failure to comply may entail certain legal repercussions. Generally, there has been a drive to inculcate improved performance in all three spheres of government. However, it becomes integral that municipalities are performance oriented, especially since it is the sphere of government closest to the grass-roots levels where the real impact of service delivery is experienced. There is undoubtedly a link between lDP and PM. However, it has been observed that both in municipalities and provincial local government there is no synergy between these two components and they tend to operate in isolation of each other. Logically, the scorecards of the organisation and individuals should be derived from the municipality's IDP; however this is not always the case. It is also evident that both the municipality and provincial local government approaches the two issues as different disciplines. Having said this, it is important for SALGA and Provincial Local Government to encourage and ensure better alignment of lDP and PMS in both the province and municipalities.
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  • Date Issued: 2010

Interaction and transaction: a study of conciliar behaviour in a Black South African township

Utawala mha, Witori

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