A Study of grade 3 teachers' practices of developing learners' comprehension skills when teaching reading of isiXhosa in one selected junior primary school at Mdatsane in the Eastern cape: a case study
- Authors: Filita, Mandisa
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Reading comprehension , Xhosa language , Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26448 , vital:65318
- Description: The problem of reading in South African schools has attracted the growing attention of researchers in South Africa and the entire world. Learners’ inability to read isiXhosa with understanding has become of major concern to the teachers, parents and the DoE. The root of the problem has been identified as the ineffective teaching of reading of isiXhosa in the schools, which result in learners’ consequent inability to independently apply comprehension skills to learn from reading across the curriculum. Furthermore, systemic barriers that exist in the education system seem to be another reason for learners’ reading problems in isiXhosa. Also there is the problem of the inadequately trained teachers in the home language of learners (isiXhosa) as they seemingly lack capacity to develop learners’ literacy to effective levels. In addition, many learners come from deprived print environments where texts are seldom part of their daily experience. The main aim of this study was to interrogate the practices undertaken by teachers in trying to develop comprehension skills of learners when reading in isiXhosa and the value they attach to reading generally and to the reading of isiXhosa in particular. The support teachers get from relevant stakeholders was also considered. The overall approach used was a qualitative approach. The study was structured according to the case study mode of enquiry, using the interpretive paradigm. The sampling used was purposive as I purposefully selected grade 3 teachers, as grade 3 is an exit grade in foundation phase. Furthermore, convenience sampling was also used for easy access, as the research site was the school where I work. The instruments used for data collection were semi-structured interviews and observations that were conducted in one junior primary school in a township context with four grade 3 teachers. It was found that as much as teachers’ practices have a contributing effect on learners’ inability to read isiXhosa with understanding, there are also various other factors which multiply the problem. The study reveals the following main findings: Firstly, the teachers believe that reading is a very important skill that needs to be developed with learners as all other learning is based on it. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, 2014
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Filita, Mandisa
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Reading comprehension , Xhosa language , Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26448 , vital:65318
- Description: The problem of reading in South African schools has attracted the growing attention of researchers in South Africa and the entire world. Learners’ inability to read isiXhosa with understanding has become of major concern to the teachers, parents and the DoE. The root of the problem has been identified as the ineffective teaching of reading of isiXhosa in the schools, which result in learners’ consequent inability to independently apply comprehension skills to learn from reading across the curriculum. Furthermore, systemic barriers that exist in the education system seem to be another reason for learners’ reading problems in isiXhosa. Also there is the problem of the inadequately trained teachers in the home language of learners (isiXhosa) as they seemingly lack capacity to develop learners’ literacy to effective levels. In addition, many learners come from deprived print environments where texts are seldom part of their daily experience. The main aim of this study was to interrogate the practices undertaken by teachers in trying to develop comprehension skills of learners when reading in isiXhosa and the value they attach to reading generally and to the reading of isiXhosa in particular. The support teachers get from relevant stakeholders was also considered. The overall approach used was a qualitative approach. The study was structured according to the case study mode of enquiry, using the interpretive paradigm. The sampling used was purposive as I purposefully selected grade 3 teachers, as grade 3 is an exit grade in foundation phase. Furthermore, convenience sampling was also used for easy access, as the research site was the school where I work. The instruments used for data collection were semi-structured interviews and observations that were conducted in one junior primary school in a township context with four grade 3 teachers. It was found that as much as teachers’ practices have a contributing effect on learners’ inability to read isiXhosa with understanding, there are also various other factors which multiply the problem. The study reveals the following main findings: Firstly, the teachers believe that reading is a very important skill that needs to be developed with learners as all other learning is based on it. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, 2014
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Aggregate stability, crust formation, steady state infiltration and mode of seedling emergence in soils with various texture and mineralogy
- Authors: Nciizah, Adornis Dakarai
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Crop Science)
- Identifier: vital:11871 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015539
- Description: The general objective of this study was to quantify the interactive effects of soil texture and mineralogy on soil crusting, infiltration and erosion and the subsequent effects on maize seedling emergence and early development using soils collected from 14 ecotopes in the Eastern Cape Province. The specific objectives were to determine; i) particulate organic matter, soil texture and mineralogy relations, ii) aggregate stability and breakdown mechanisms as affected by soil texture and organic matter, iii) crust formation and steady state infiltration, iv) rainfall pattern effects on crusting, infiltration and erodibility and v) rainfall intensity effects on crusting and mode of seedling emergence. Particulate organic matter (POM) was fractionated into litter POM, coarse POM and fine POM. Both total soil organic matter (SOM) and the POM in each fraction were determined using the weight loss on ignition procedure. Most ecotopes were either sandy loam or sandy clay loam and primary minerals especially quartz dominated the soil mineralogy. The clay content was significantly related to the total SOM (r = 0.78), hematite (r = 0.83) and quartz (r = -0.74). Aggregate stability was determined following methods described by Le Bissonnais (1996) i.e. fast wetting (FW), slow wetting (SW) and wet stirring (WSt). Aggregate breakdown followed the order; slaking < mechanical breakdown < micro-cracking for most ecotopes except Lujiko Leeufontein and Amatola Jozini where SW and WSt resulted in the least MWD respectively. Aggregate stability was significantly correlated to POM only for FW and SW and only positive but not significant for WSt. To study crust formation, aggregate sizes <2, 2 to 3, 3 to 5 mm were exposed to 60 mm hr-1 simulated rainfall. Sieving structural crusts, ~0.2 to ~0.8 mm thick with a surface layer of loose grains overlying a thin plasmic layer, formed in all ecotopes. Crusts with strengths between 0.25 and 3.42 10-4 kg m-2 developed on the <2 mm compared to <2.23 10-4 kg m-2 in the >2 mm aggregates. The reverse occurred in Alice Jozini, which had relatively low clay content of 120 g kg-1. Two significantly different groups of the SSIR were observed. The SSIR was between 1.24 and 3.60 mm hr-1 in the group of ecotopes dominated by primary minerals and relatively lower clay content. In the second group, consisting one ecotope dominated by kaolinite and relatively higher clay content, the SSIR was 15.23 mm hr-1. Rainfall pattern i.e. rainfall applied either as an eight minute single rainstorm (SR) or four-two minute intermittent rainstorms (IR) separated by a 48 h drying period significantly (p < 0.05) affected crust strength, SSIR and erosion. The IR resulted in higher crust strength and SSIR than SR. The effect of rainfall pattern on SSIR was mostly influenced by the primary minerals namely, quartz. Three maize seeds of equal size were planted in plastic pots, pre-wetted by capillary action and then subjected to simulated rainfall at three intensities for 5 min. Rainfall intensity (30, 45 and 60 mm h-1) significantly (P < 0.05) affected crust strength and mean emergence day (MED) but not emergence percentage (EMP) and shoot length (P > 0.05). The 60 mm h-1 rainfall intensity resulted in the highest crust strength and MED.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Nciizah, Adornis Dakarai
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Crop Science)
- Identifier: vital:11871 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015539
- Description: The general objective of this study was to quantify the interactive effects of soil texture and mineralogy on soil crusting, infiltration and erosion and the subsequent effects on maize seedling emergence and early development using soils collected from 14 ecotopes in the Eastern Cape Province. The specific objectives were to determine; i) particulate organic matter, soil texture and mineralogy relations, ii) aggregate stability and breakdown mechanisms as affected by soil texture and organic matter, iii) crust formation and steady state infiltration, iv) rainfall pattern effects on crusting, infiltration and erodibility and v) rainfall intensity effects on crusting and mode of seedling emergence. Particulate organic matter (POM) was fractionated into litter POM, coarse POM and fine POM. Both total soil organic matter (SOM) and the POM in each fraction were determined using the weight loss on ignition procedure. Most ecotopes were either sandy loam or sandy clay loam and primary minerals especially quartz dominated the soil mineralogy. The clay content was significantly related to the total SOM (r = 0.78), hematite (r = 0.83) and quartz (r = -0.74). Aggregate stability was determined following methods described by Le Bissonnais (1996) i.e. fast wetting (FW), slow wetting (SW) and wet stirring (WSt). Aggregate breakdown followed the order; slaking < mechanical breakdown < micro-cracking for most ecotopes except Lujiko Leeufontein and Amatola Jozini where SW and WSt resulted in the least MWD respectively. Aggregate stability was significantly correlated to POM only for FW and SW and only positive but not significant for WSt. To study crust formation, aggregate sizes <2, 2 to 3, 3 to 5 mm were exposed to 60 mm hr-1 simulated rainfall. Sieving structural crusts, ~0.2 to ~0.8 mm thick with a surface layer of loose grains overlying a thin plasmic layer, formed in all ecotopes. Crusts with strengths between 0.25 and 3.42 10-4 kg m-2 developed on the <2 mm compared to <2.23 10-4 kg m-2 in the >2 mm aggregates. The reverse occurred in Alice Jozini, which had relatively low clay content of 120 g kg-1. Two significantly different groups of the SSIR were observed. The SSIR was between 1.24 and 3.60 mm hr-1 in the group of ecotopes dominated by primary minerals and relatively lower clay content. In the second group, consisting one ecotope dominated by kaolinite and relatively higher clay content, the SSIR was 15.23 mm hr-1. Rainfall pattern i.e. rainfall applied either as an eight minute single rainstorm (SR) or four-two minute intermittent rainstorms (IR) separated by a 48 h drying period significantly (p < 0.05) affected crust strength, SSIR and erosion. The IR resulted in higher crust strength and SSIR than SR. The effect of rainfall pattern on SSIR was mostly influenced by the primary minerals namely, quartz. Three maize seeds of equal size were planted in plastic pots, pre-wetted by capillary action and then subjected to simulated rainfall at three intensities for 5 min. Rainfall intensity (30, 45 and 60 mm h-1) significantly (P < 0.05) affected crust strength and mean emergence day (MED) but not emergence percentage (EMP) and shoot length (P > 0.05). The 60 mm h-1 rainfall intensity resulted in the highest crust strength and MED.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Alternative methods used by small-holder farmers to control ticks and bovine dermatophilosis and the impact of a changing interface of Amblyomma ticks on dermatophilosis in Zimbabwe
- Authors: Ndhkovu, Daud Nyosi
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Ticks -- Control -- Africa, Southern , Dermatophilosis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11830 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019764 , Ticks -- Control -- Africa, Southern , Dermatophilosis
- Description: This study was carried out to document the ethno-veterinary plants and non-plant remedies that farmers used to control dermatophilosis and ticks, and validate these in vitro and in vivo, as well as determine how the interface of Amblyomma variegatum and A. hebraeum affected the epidemiology of bovine dermatophilosis at selected small-holder areas in North-West Zimbabwe. A structured questionnaire survey was used to collect information on the control methods used by farmers for the control of bovine dermatophilosis and ticks. A total of 39 plants were used by farmers for various diseases, eleven of these plants were used for the control of dermatophilosis while three were for tick control. Across the study sites, dermatophilosis was controlled using eleven plants. Among these plants; six plants; Cissus quadrangularis, Catunaregan spinosa, Pterocarpus angolensis Carica papaya, Manihot esculenta and Blumea decurrens which were frequently used were selected for further studies. In vitro and in vivo studies were conducted to validate the efficacy of these plants. The minimum inhibitory concentration and bactericidal concentration assays were used for the in vitro validation of C. quadrangularis, C. spinosa and P. angolensis. Dermatophilus congolensis was more sensitive to P. angolensis average MIC = 0.63 mg/ml than to C. quadrangularis average MIC = iii 1.25 mg/ml and C. spinosa average MIC = 2.08 mg/ml. Cissus quadrangularis was selected for in vivo studies as this plant was the one most frequently used by farmers. Its therapeutic efficacy was compared to conventional antibiotics that farmers used to treat dermatophilosis infection. In the in vivo trials C. quadrangularis did not lead to appreciable reduction in clinical disease compared to the conventional drugs. The larval packet assay was the in vitro assay used to validate the efficacy of Carica papaya, Manihot esculenta and Blumea decurrens against larvae of A. hebraeum and Rhipicephalus appendiculatus. Manihot esculenta at 20 % w/v exhibited the highest larvicidal activity against R. appendiculatus. In the in vivo study, efficacy of the plants were investigated on naturally tick-infested cattle. Mannihot esculenta exhibited the largest tick load reduction compared to the other two plants but its performance was lower than that of conventional acaricides. The effect of A. variegatum and A. hebraeum on bovine dermatophilosis was investigated by evaluating how the presence or absence of these ticks and other herd level risk factors predicted clinical dermatophilosis and its prevalence at herd level. A structured questionnaire survey was carried out to collect data on potential risk factors. At the same time, cattle were physically examined for the presence of bovine dermatophilosis, according to a pre-defined case definition, and presence or absence of Amblyomma ticks was also recorded. The multivariable binary logistic model was developed with disease status as outcome, tick presence and infestion and herd level risk factors as predictors. Of the herds examined clinical bovine dermatophilosis was detected in 45% (84/185; 95% CI: 38.2, 52.6%) of them. Herds infested with Amblyomma variegatum were associated with higher odds (OR= 6.8; iv 95% CI: 1.71, 27.10) of clinical dermatophilosis while the association was not significant (P > 0.05) in A. hebraeum infested herds. It was concluded that management practices aimed at movement and tick control would help reduce the prevalence of clinical dermatophilosis in herds.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Ndhkovu, Daud Nyosi
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Ticks -- Control -- Africa, Southern , Dermatophilosis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11830 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019764 , Ticks -- Control -- Africa, Southern , Dermatophilosis
- Description: This study was carried out to document the ethno-veterinary plants and non-plant remedies that farmers used to control dermatophilosis and ticks, and validate these in vitro and in vivo, as well as determine how the interface of Amblyomma variegatum and A. hebraeum affected the epidemiology of bovine dermatophilosis at selected small-holder areas in North-West Zimbabwe. A structured questionnaire survey was used to collect information on the control methods used by farmers for the control of bovine dermatophilosis and ticks. A total of 39 plants were used by farmers for various diseases, eleven of these plants were used for the control of dermatophilosis while three were for tick control. Across the study sites, dermatophilosis was controlled using eleven plants. Among these plants; six plants; Cissus quadrangularis, Catunaregan spinosa, Pterocarpus angolensis Carica papaya, Manihot esculenta and Blumea decurrens which were frequently used were selected for further studies. In vitro and in vivo studies were conducted to validate the efficacy of these plants. The minimum inhibitory concentration and bactericidal concentration assays were used for the in vitro validation of C. quadrangularis, C. spinosa and P. angolensis. Dermatophilus congolensis was more sensitive to P. angolensis average MIC = 0.63 mg/ml than to C. quadrangularis average MIC = iii 1.25 mg/ml and C. spinosa average MIC = 2.08 mg/ml. Cissus quadrangularis was selected for in vivo studies as this plant was the one most frequently used by farmers. Its therapeutic efficacy was compared to conventional antibiotics that farmers used to treat dermatophilosis infection. In the in vivo trials C. quadrangularis did not lead to appreciable reduction in clinical disease compared to the conventional drugs. The larval packet assay was the in vitro assay used to validate the efficacy of Carica papaya, Manihot esculenta and Blumea decurrens against larvae of A. hebraeum and Rhipicephalus appendiculatus. Manihot esculenta at 20 % w/v exhibited the highest larvicidal activity against R. appendiculatus. In the in vivo study, efficacy of the plants were investigated on naturally tick-infested cattle. Mannihot esculenta exhibited the largest tick load reduction compared to the other two plants but its performance was lower than that of conventional acaricides. The effect of A. variegatum and A. hebraeum on bovine dermatophilosis was investigated by evaluating how the presence or absence of these ticks and other herd level risk factors predicted clinical dermatophilosis and its prevalence at herd level. A structured questionnaire survey was carried out to collect data on potential risk factors. At the same time, cattle were physically examined for the presence of bovine dermatophilosis, according to a pre-defined case definition, and presence or absence of Amblyomma ticks was also recorded. The multivariable binary logistic model was developed with disease status as outcome, tick presence and infestion and herd level risk factors as predictors. Of the herds examined clinical bovine dermatophilosis was detected in 45% (84/185; 95% CI: 38.2, 52.6%) of them. Herds infested with Amblyomma variegatum were associated with higher odds (OR= 6.8; iv 95% CI: 1.71, 27.10) of clinical dermatophilosis while the association was not significant (P > 0.05) in A. hebraeum infested herds. It was concluded that management practices aimed at movement and tick control would help reduce the prevalence of clinical dermatophilosis in herds.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Alternative remedies used by resource-limited farmers in the treatment and manipulation of the reproductive system of non-descript goats in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Authors: Rwodzi, Maxwell
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Goats -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Traditional veterinary medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11831 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019767 , Goats -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Traditional veterinary medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study was carried out to determine alternative approaches used by resource-limited farmers to enhance fertility and in the treatment of reproduction ailments of goats in Mount Frere area, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Furthermore, information on farmer perceptions pertaining to these practices was also gathered. A questionnaire survey was conducted to determine materials used by resource-limited farmers to enhance fertility and treat reproductive ailments. The survey revealed 10 plant species that were commonly used for reproductive health in goats. Elephantorrhizza elephantina (37.1%) and Rhoicissus tomentosa (25.7%) were the most frequently cited plant species. Elephantorrhiza elephantina and R. tomentosa recorded the highest Fidelity Level (FL) values of 92.86% and 75% respectively, for their use in the treatment of reproductive ailments and these were the plants on which further studies were conducted. The study also revealed that farmers had different perceptions on the effectiveness of the traditional medicines. An in-vivo assessment was done to determine efficacy of E. elephantina and R. tomentosa using serum estradiol and progesterone profiles. The highest (P<0.05) serum estradiol and progesterone concentration was observed in animals administered with aqueous extracts of E. elephantina and R. tomentosa mixture while the least (P<0.05) concentrations were observed in the negative control group. Does administered with a mixture of aqueous E. elephantina and R. tomentosa extract had the highest (P<0.05) body weight (65 kg) as well as body condition scores, while the negative control which were administered with distilled water had the least body weights (54 kg) and body condition scores. Does that were administered with a mixture of E.elephantina and R. tomentosa were all pregnant with twins (100%), confirmed by a doppler ultrasound scan.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Rwodzi, Maxwell
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Goats -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Traditional veterinary medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11831 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019767 , Goats -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Traditional veterinary medicine -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study was carried out to determine alternative approaches used by resource-limited farmers to enhance fertility and in the treatment of reproduction ailments of goats in Mount Frere area, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Furthermore, information on farmer perceptions pertaining to these practices was also gathered. A questionnaire survey was conducted to determine materials used by resource-limited farmers to enhance fertility and treat reproductive ailments. The survey revealed 10 plant species that were commonly used for reproductive health in goats. Elephantorrhizza elephantina (37.1%) and Rhoicissus tomentosa (25.7%) were the most frequently cited plant species. Elephantorrhiza elephantina and R. tomentosa recorded the highest Fidelity Level (FL) values of 92.86% and 75% respectively, for their use in the treatment of reproductive ailments and these were the plants on which further studies were conducted. The study also revealed that farmers had different perceptions on the effectiveness of the traditional medicines. An in-vivo assessment was done to determine efficacy of E. elephantina and R. tomentosa using serum estradiol and progesterone profiles. The highest (P<0.05) serum estradiol and progesterone concentration was observed in animals administered with aqueous extracts of E. elephantina and R. tomentosa mixture while the least (P<0.05) concentrations were observed in the negative control group. Does administered with a mixture of aqueous E. elephantina and R. tomentosa extract had the highest (P<0.05) body weight (65 kg) as well as body condition scores, while the negative control which were administered with distilled water had the least body weights (54 kg) and body condition scores. Does that were administered with a mixture of E.elephantina and R. tomentosa were all pregnant with twins (100%), confirmed by a doppler ultrasound scan.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An analysis of the relationship between bank efficiency and access to banking services in South Africa
- Authors: Maredza, Andrew
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Doctor of Administration (in Public Administration)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/910 , vital:26508
- Description: The primary objective of this study is to investigate the nature of the relationship between bank efficiency gains and access to banking services in South Africa. The importance of making such an enquiry arises from the fact that various studies have identified access to financial services as an important vehicle for lifting the poor out of poverty. In particular, there is concern that banks` appetite for better scores on efficiency has the potential of reducing access to services for consumers particularly the low-income clients. The study attempted to answer two central research questions: Firstly, does the quest for banks to improve efficiency preclude access to banking services for some group of consumers? Secondly, do bank efficiency gains necessarily translate to improved accessibility to banking services? The researcher applied a two-stage methodology approach. In the first stage, the Hicks-Moorsteen aggregator functions were used to generate and decompose total factor productivity (TFP) into several efficiency measures for a panel of eight South African banks. First stage results revealed that the average banking sector total factor productivity efficiency (TFPE) was 59 percent implying that the observed TFP was 41 percent short of the maximum TFP possible using the available technology. A further comparison of performance revealed that large banks were better performing than small banks in terms of TFPE. Apart from estimating and decomposing TFP indices we needed to determine if there was a statistically significant change in the TFPE of South African banking system as a result of the global financial crisis. A general analysis of the generated scores showed that TFPE clearly decreased during 2008-2009, the period that coincided with the global financial crisis. We then used the Fixed Effects Model (FEM) in the second-stage analysis to examine the link between banking sector TFPE and access. The FEM was utilised to take account of bankspecific heterogeneity. The obtained results indicated existence of a positive and significant relationship between banking efficiency and access to banking services. This study suggests that banking sector efficiency plays a crucial role in promoting access to bank services in South Africa. We therefore underscore the need for all banks to attain and maintain high efficiency in order to augment government efforts towards improving accessibility for the unbanked South African people. We also found evidence similar to that reached by Kablan (2010) that an increase in the rural population is associated with a reduction in access to bank services. From this result, we speculated that banks are somewhat biased against providing their services to the general rural populace. Since the rural-population variable exerted the greatest marginal impact on access we suggested that perhaps investment in rural infrastructure would help broaden access and so improve financial inclusion on a larger scale. Finally we also investigated the link between banking sector efficiency and unemployment in South Africa. Of paramount importance in the second stage analysis was that we found a negative and significant association between banking sector efficiency and unemployment indicating that employment is influenced, inter alia, by the efficiency with which banks operate.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Maredza, Andrew
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Doctor of Administration (in Public Administration)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/910 , vital:26508
- Description: The primary objective of this study is to investigate the nature of the relationship between bank efficiency gains and access to banking services in South Africa. The importance of making such an enquiry arises from the fact that various studies have identified access to financial services as an important vehicle for lifting the poor out of poverty. In particular, there is concern that banks` appetite for better scores on efficiency has the potential of reducing access to services for consumers particularly the low-income clients. The study attempted to answer two central research questions: Firstly, does the quest for banks to improve efficiency preclude access to banking services for some group of consumers? Secondly, do bank efficiency gains necessarily translate to improved accessibility to banking services? The researcher applied a two-stage methodology approach. In the first stage, the Hicks-Moorsteen aggregator functions were used to generate and decompose total factor productivity (TFP) into several efficiency measures for a panel of eight South African banks. First stage results revealed that the average banking sector total factor productivity efficiency (TFPE) was 59 percent implying that the observed TFP was 41 percent short of the maximum TFP possible using the available technology. A further comparison of performance revealed that large banks were better performing than small banks in terms of TFPE. Apart from estimating and decomposing TFP indices we needed to determine if there was a statistically significant change in the TFPE of South African banking system as a result of the global financial crisis. A general analysis of the generated scores showed that TFPE clearly decreased during 2008-2009, the period that coincided with the global financial crisis. We then used the Fixed Effects Model (FEM) in the second-stage analysis to examine the link between banking sector TFPE and access. The FEM was utilised to take account of bankspecific heterogeneity. The obtained results indicated existence of a positive and significant relationship between banking efficiency and access to banking services. This study suggests that banking sector efficiency plays a crucial role in promoting access to bank services in South Africa. We therefore underscore the need for all banks to attain and maintain high efficiency in order to augment government efforts towards improving accessibility for the unbanked South African people. We also found evidence similar to that reached by Kablan (2010) that an increase in the rural population is associated with a reduction in access to bank services. From this result, we speculated that banks are somewhat biased against providing their services to the general rural populace. Since the rural-population variable exerted the greatest marginal impact on access we suggested that perhaps investment in rural infrastructure would help broaden access and so improve financial inclusion on a larger scale. Finally we also investigated the link between banking sector efficiency and unemployment in South Africa. Of paramount importance in the second stage analysis was that we found a negative and significant association between banking sector efficiency and unemployment indicating that employment is influenced, inter alia, by the efficiency with which banks operate.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An assessment of financial accountability on social grants at the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), 2011-2012
- Authors: Gcaza, Xolile
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1206 , vital:26535
- Description: This research assesses the nature and extent of financial accountability on social grants at the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). With respect to public funds, strategies and mechanisms, including the effectiveness of these strategies, were analysed to ensure whether SASSA was accountable to both the people and the government. Rabrenovic (2009:22) describes financial accountability as an obligation of the government to assure the citizens that money is spent in the best possible and most effective way. The government has to provide answers and justification for its action and regularly inform the public on how it spends the public funds. The extent to which the public-private partnership model adopted by SASSA for social grant management has enhanced financial accountability and yielded the desired outcome has also been tested. Some of the findings were that the problems facing SASSA were the financial constraints that entailed reduction in new programmes, halting infrastructures and the acquisition and filling only of funded posts from the Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA) and the high costs of administering social grants. This study used the qualitative research approach. The researcher used official document reviews because of the sensitivity of the research problem and opted for a desktop research. The documentary sources include SASSA’s annual reports for the period 2011/12. The recommendations were that people should be trained in financial and performance skills and in terms of accountability the accounting officers should account for lack of transgressions and poor performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Gcaza, Xolile
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1206 , vital:26535
- Description: This research assesses the nature and extent of financial accountability on social grants at the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). With respect to public funds, strategies and mechanisms, including the effectiveness of these strategies, were analysed to ensure whether SASSA was accountable to both the people and the government. Rabrenovic (2009:22) describes financial accountability as an obligation of the government to assure the citizens that money is spent in the best possible and most effective way. The government has to provide answers and justification for its action and regularly inform the public on how it spends the public funds. The extent to which the public-private partnership model adopted by SASSA for social grant management has enhanced financial accountability and yielded the desired outcome has also been tested. Some of the findings were that the problems facing SASSA were the financial constraints that entailed reduction in new programmes, halting infrastructures and the acquisition and filling only of funded posts from the Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA) and the high costs of administering social grants. This study used the qualitative research approach. The researcher used official document reviews because of the sensitivity of the research problem and opted for a desktop research. The documentary sources include SASSA’s annual reports for the period 2011/12. The recommendations were that people should be trained in financial and performance skills and in terms of accountability the accounting officers should account for lack of transgressions and poor performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An assessment of local economic development as a mechanism for poverty alleviation: a case study of Blue Crane Route Municipality in Cacadu District Municipality in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Gqezengele, Ayanda
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11740 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1018517
- Description: Prior to 1991, the development concept and strategy of Local Economic Development (LED) was not part of the development lexicon in South Africa. With the exception of some very limited local government advertising campaigns and the work of NGOs, the concept of locally –based and driven development interventions was an alien one in South African practice. The rigidities of the apartheid state, both in terms of its racial controls and its centralized management of all affairs precluded local development initiatives. What spatial economic development there was, focused on the flawed pre-1991 Regional Industrial Development Programme, which was tainted by failure to promote the former Homelands, corruption and faulty economic logic (Reflections on the Evolving Nature and Prospects of Local Economic Development in South Africa: 1990-2007). The post-apartheid government in its quest to alleviate poverty formulated a number of policies and legislation to guide developmental local government initiatives. Thus local government committed itself to, among others, building local economies and creating jobs for the people. By the end of Apartheid, South Africa’s economy was facing a variety of serious structural problems. The final two decades of the National Party’s regime had been particularly damaging to the economic climate, with stagnant economic growth (the average over the entire period was just 1.7%), declining per capita income (averaging -0.7% annually), increasing unemployment (using the broad definition, up from around 20% at the start of the 1970s to around 30% by 1994) and a spiraling debt problem (under the De Klerk government (1989-1994) alone, debt had increased from less than 3% of GDP to more than 9%, and total government debt more than doubled. Facing this “deep-seated structural crisis”, the government attempted to put together a policy framework that could begin to address the variety of problems being faced both economically and otherwise. The RDP White Paper, presented to Parliament in 1994, identified economic, social, legal, political, moral, cultural and environmental problems that the country faced.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Gqezengele, Ayanda
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11740 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1018517
- Description: Prior to 1991, the development concept and strategy of Local Economic Development (LED) was not part of the development lexicon in South Africa. With the exception of some very limited local government advertising campaigns and the work of NGOs, the concept of locally –based and driven development interventions was an alien one in South African practice. The rigidities of the apartheid state, both in terms of its racial controls and its centralized management of all affairs precluded local development initiatives. What spatial economic development there was, focused on the flawed pre-1991 Regional Industrial Development Programme, which was tainted by failure to promote the former Homelands, corruption and faulty economic logic (Reflections on the Evolving Nature and Prospects of Local Economic Development in South Africa: 1990-2007). The post-apartheid government in its quest to alleviate poverty formulated a number of policies and legislation to guide developmental local government initiatives. Thus local government committed itself to, among others, building local economies and creating jobs for the people. By the end of Apartheid, South Africa’s economy was facing a variety of serious structural problems. The final two decades of the National Party’s regime had been particularly damaging to the economic climate, with stagnant economic growth (the average over the entire period was just 1.7%), declining per capita income (averaging -0.7% annually), increasing unemployment (using the broad definition, up from around 20% at the start of the 1970s to around 30% by 1994) and a spiraling debt problem (under the De Klerk government (1989-1994) alone, debt had increased from less than 3% of GDP to more than 9%, and total government debt more than doubled. Facing this “deep-seated structural crisis”, the government attempted to put together a policy framework that could begin to address the variety of problems being faced both economically and otherwise. The RDP White Paper, presented to Parliament in 1994, identified economic, social, legal, political, moral, cultural and environmental problems that the country faced.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An assessment of the challenges faced by the risk management unit in the public sector: the case of the Eastern Cape department of basic education
- Authors: Daniels, Mandisa Julia
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1030 , vital:26520
- Description: The main purpose of the study was to assess the challenges faced by the risk management of the Department of Basic Education in the Eastern Cape Province. The study revealed that the department is faced with challenges ranging from: Poor internal controls, lack of appropriate capacity, non-compliance with management policies, high rate of employment, ineffective performance from the managers and there were no punitive measures applied, no adequate systems in place to identify and disclose irregularities and highly distributed structure where the department failed to demarcate its districts as per local government demarcation. From the analysis of the study, the study reveals that the following legislative frameworks were used in order for risk management in the Department to be performed in an effectively and efficiently manner but the Department failed to receive a positive audit outcome. Just to mention the few are as follow: Public Finance Management Act (Act 1 of 1999), Treasury Regulations, The Constitution of the Country and Risk Management Framework. The Department must speed up the finalization of its organizational structure so as to hire required staff for all sections, speed up the cleaning of data in schools, learners and personnel. It must improve efficiency and effectiveness of systems, process and procedures to achieve a better audit outcome. Training and capacitation of staff must be number one in their agenda. Ensure that systems are in place and have punitive measures to employees who contravene Treasury Regulations. The Department’s plan to reduce the number of districts in the near future must be speed up so as to assist the Department in addressing effective controls, accountability and monitoring.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Daniels, Mandisa Julia
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1030 , vital:26520
- Description: The main purpose of the study was to assess the challenges faced by the risk management of the Department of Basic Education in the Eastern Cape Province. The study revealed that the department is faced with challenges ranging from: Poor internal controls, lack of appropriate capacity, non-compliance with management policies, high rate of employment, ineffective performance from the managers and there were no punitive measures applied, no adequate systems in place to identify and disclose irregularities and highly distributed structure where the department failed to demarcate its districts as per local government demarcation. From the analysis of the study, the study reveals that the following legislative frameworks were used in order for risk management in the Department to be performed in an effectively and efficiently manner but the Department failed to receive a positive audit outcome. Just to mention the few are as follow: Public Finance Management Act (Act 1 of 1999), Treasury Regulations, The Constitution of the Country and Risk Management Framework. The Department must speed up the finalization of its organizational structure so as to hire required staff for all sections, speed up the cleaning of data in schools, learners and personnel. It must improve efficiency and effectiveness of systems, process and procedures to achieve a better audit outcome. Training and capacitation of staff must be number one in their agenda. Ensure that systems are in place and have punitive measures to employees who contravene Treasury Regulations. The Department’s plan to reduce the number of districts in the near future must be speed up so as to assist the Department in addressing effective controls, accountability and monitoring.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An assessment of the challenges facing the Eastern cape Nkonkobe Municipality in the provision of Adequate housing for the poor (2010- 2012)
- Authors: Mkiva, Nkosohlanga Matthew
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Municipal services , Housing policy -- South Africa , Housing -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25766 , vital:64477
- Description: The purpose of this study was to asses the challenges facing the Eastern Cape Nkonkobe Municipality in the provision of adequate housing for the poor. The study also aimed at suggesting mechanisms or strategies that could be applied to remedy the situation. It became evident throughout the study that the government has tried its best to fight against homelessness, but there are still thousands of people who do not have houses. The study was conducted through the use of a combination of the qualitative and quantitative research methods. Multiple methods were used with a view to increasing the reliability of observations. Twenty questionnaires were distributed to people at grassroots and ten questionnaires were distributed to the municipal officials. It has been noted in the study that community participation at all government levels is not taken seriously thus the housing problem in Nkonkobe Municipality. It is evident in the study that all the peoples’ projects in this municipality should be people-driven. It has also been pointed out that the service providers take a big slice of the municipal budget. The National Department of Human Settlement must also increase the budget that is allocated to the local municipalities so as to be able to spearhead housing delivery. This study will make a great contribution to the society in that all stakeholders will devise mechanisms to fight against housing challenges in the Nkonkobe Municipality. The municipal officials will devise workable solutions to the housing problem in Nkonkobe. This will change peoples’ lives and human dignity will be restored. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2014
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Mkiva, Nkosohlanga Matthew
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Municipal services , Housing policy -- South Africa , Housing -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25766 , vital:64477
- Description: The purpose of this study was to asses the challenges facing the Eastern Cape Nkonkobe Municipality in the provision of adequate housing for the poor. The study also aimed at suggesting mechanisms or strategies that could be applied to remedy the situation. It became evident throughout the study that the government has tried its best to fight against homelessness, but there are still thousands of people who do not have houses. The study was conducted through the use of a combination of the qualitative and quantitative research methods. Multiple methods were used with a view to increasing the reliability of observations. Twenty questionnaires were distributed to people at grassroots and ten questionnaires were distributed to the municipal officials. It has been noted in the study that community participation at all government levels is not taken seriously thus the housing problem in Nkonkobe Municipality. It is evident in the study that all the peoples’ projects in this municipality should be people-driven. It has also been pointed out that the service providers take a big slice of the municipal budget. The National Department of Human Settlement must also increase the budget that is allocated to the local municipalities so as to be able to spearhead housing delivery. This study will make a great contribution to the society in that all stakeholders will devise mechanisms to fight against housing challenges in the Nkonkobe Municipality. The municipal officials will devise workable solutions to the housing problem in Nkonkobe. This will change peoples’ lives and human dignity will be restored. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2014
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An assessment of the challenges to housing delievery in the Engcobo Municipality - Eastern Cape
- Authors: Jiyose, L
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Housing policy -- South Africa , Public housing , Low-income housing
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25613 , vital:64342
- Description: The intention of this study was to examine the challenges facing housing service delivery and its impact in Ngcobo Municipality. The study was also focusing on the factors that prevent/hinder the delivery of houses in Ngcobo. In this process the role of the different stakeholders has been identified and it became apparent that the spheres of government do not always complement each other or plan together. There was not a single window of co-ordination and this has resulted in a lack of support by National and Provincial government to the local sphere. The role of politicians and government officials and their lack of understanding of government policies has led to poor housing service delivery. In some instances their inability to work as a collective created tension and a lack of trust on the part of the community. This study has adopted both qualitative and quantitative research methods which are regarded as complementary. The findings that emerged from the study was that this housing service delivery project lacked integrated planning by the stakeholders. It is crucial and would make a significant difference if the Ngcobo Municipality were to review the results of the study and consider implementing its recommendations. The recommendations by the researcher relate to the areas of integrated planning, budgeting, execution, monitoring and evaluation. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2014
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Jiyose, L
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Housing policy -- South Africa , Public housing , Low-income housing
- Language: English
- Type: text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25613 , vital:64342
- Description: The intention of this study was to examine the challenges facing housing service delivery and its impact in Ngcobo Municipality. The study was also focusing on the factors that prevent/hinder the delivery of houses in Ngcobo. In this process the role of the different stakeholders has been identified and it became apparent that the spheres of government do not always complement each other or plan together. There was not a single window of co-ordination and this has resulted in a lack of support by National and Provincial government to the local sphere. The role of politicians and government officials and their lack of understanding of government policies has led to poor housing service delivery. In some instances their inability to work as a collective created tension and a lack of trust on the part of the community. This study has adopted both qualitative and quantitative research methods which are regarded as complementary. The findings that emerged from the study was that this housing service delivery project lacked integrated planning by the stakeholders. It is crucial and would make a significant difference if the Ngcobo Municipality were to review the results of the study and consider implementing its recommendations. The recommendations by the researcher relate to the areas of integrated planning, budgeting, execution, monitoring and evaluation. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2014
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An assessment of the impact of animal traction on rural household food security: a case of Damane rural community of Cofimvaba in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
- Authors: Manzana, Sihle
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Animal traction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11208 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016162 , Animal traction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This dissertation assesses the impact of animal traction on rural household food security. Since rural communities do not have sufficient agricultural capital to purchase improved agricultural technologies for better crop production, and often lack knowledge and skills to apply improved technologies low-cost alternatives must be sought. For these reasons, animal traction has been seen by researchers as an affordable, easy-to-use, sustainable and appropriate operation for crops production in rural areas. Animal traction has been long used and it continues to be used in rural areas to improve food insecurities. But the system confronts a number of constraints that impede the development of its full potential and these should be addressed in order to reap the full benefits of agricultural restructuring in the rural areas. A study was carried out in Damane rural village under Ntsika Yethu Municipality in the Eastern Cape where animal traction is very popular. A total of 80 small-scale farmers were interviewed by means of structured questionnaires to collect data from adopters and non-adopters of animal traction. A wide range of analytical techniques were employed to assess the impact of animal traction on household food production. Descriptive statistics was employed for analyses of demographic, agricultural production process of the surveyed households and challenges encountered by households. Multiple Linear Regression was applied to determine the factors affecting animal traction use and the extent to which they contribute to gross farm production. The results of the multiple linear regressions showed that animal traction played a significant role in the total output of all the crops produced last season. The results of the t- tests showed that animal traction was the most effective technology compared to the simple hand-tools such as fork, fork spade and hoes. The binary logistic regression was employed to test the probability that resource poor households would adopt animal traction technology. It is therefore recommended that government should support animal traction users by providing all the necessary resources for development of animal in rural South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Manzana, Sihle
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Animal traction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11208 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016162 , Animal traction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This dissertation assesses the impact of animal traction on rural household food security. Since rural communities do not have sufficient agricultural capital to purchase improved agricultural technologies for better crop production, and often lack knowledge and skills to apply improved technologies low-cost alternatives must be sought. For these reasons, animal traction has been seen by researchers as an affordable, easy-to-use, sustainable and appropriate operation for crops production in rural areas. Animal traction has been long used and it continues to be used in rural areas to improve food insecurities. But the system confronts a number of constraints that impede the development of its full potential and these should be addressed in order to reap the full benefits of agricultural restructuring in the rural areas. A study was carried out in Damane rural village under Ntsika Yethu Municipality in the Eastern Cape where animal traction is very popular. A total of 80 small-scale farmers were interviewed by means of structured questionnaires to collect data from adopters and non-adopters of animal traction. A wide range of analytical techniques were employed to assess the impact of animal traction on household food production. Descriptive statistics was employed for analyses of demographic, agricultural production process of the surveyed households and challenges encountered by households. Multiple Linear Regression was applied to determine the factors affecting animal traction use and the extent to which they contribute to gross farm production. The results of the multiple linear regressions showed that animal traction played a significant role in the total output of all the crops produced last season. The results of the t- tests showed that animal traction was the most effective technology compared to the simple hand-tools such as fork, fork spade and hoes. The binary logistic regression was employed to test the probability that resource poor households would adopt animal traction technology. It is therefore recommended that government should support animal traction users by providing all the necessary resources for development of animal in rural South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An assessment of the implementation of local economic development: a case study of Nkonkobe Local municipality in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Linake, Nthekeleng
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1151 , vital:26530
- Description: In efforts to alleviate poverty in South Africa, the democratic Government has since 1994 implemented various programs and policies that aim to alleviate income poverty through stimulating employment, developing skills and improving service delivery. One of these policies is Local Economic Development (LED). LED has been adopted by the South African government as a shift from the purely service oriented to developmental local government. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 commits local government to the promotion of social and economic development. Section 152 (1) (b) of the Constitution 1996 further states that local government should ensure that services are delivered in a sustainable manner. The Local Economic Development as a strategy that is aimed at stimulating economic activities at the local sphere has been hailed for its participative nature with communities. Local communities cease to be mere recipients of services; rather they become actively involved in their own economic development. The main objectives of the study were to investigate the effectiveness of the implementation of LED strategies in Nkonkobe Municipality, to find out how Nkonkobe Municipality communities perceive municipal LED efforts and initiatives for poverty alleviation, to determine the challenges which are faced by Nkonkobe Municipality in terms of implementing its LED strategies and to make recommendations on how LED can be strengthened, supported and or improved in Nkonkobe Municipality. Qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis were used in this study. The study findings suggest that there is still a lot to be done in order to implement LED in Nkonkobe Municipality. There are a number of recommendations made by the researcher to assist the municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Linake, Nthekeleng
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1151 , vital:26530
- Description: In efforts to alleviate poverty in South Africa, the democratic Government has since 1994 implemented various programs and policies that aim to alleviate income poverty through stimulating employment, developing skills and improving service delivery. One of these policies is Local Economic Development (LED). LED has been adopted by the South African government as a shift from the purely service oriented to developmental local government. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 commits local government to the promotion of social and economic development. Section 152 (1) (b) of the Constitution 1996 further states that local government should ensure that services are delivered in a sustainable manner. The Local Economic Development as a strategy that is aimed at stimulating economic activities at the local sphere has been hailed for its participative nature with communities. Local communities cease to be mere recipients of services; rather they become actively involved in their own economic development. The main objectives of the study were to investigate the effectiveness of the implementation of LED strategies in Nkonkobe Municipality, to find out how Nkonkobe Municipality communities perceive municipal LED efforts and initiatives for poverty alleviation, to determine the challenges which are faced by Nkonkobe Municipality in terms of implementing its LED strategies and to make recommendations on how LED can be strengthened, supported and or improved in Nkonkobe Municipality. Qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis were used in this study. The study findings suggest that there is still a lot to be done in order to implement LED in Nkonkobe Municipality. There are a number of recommendations made by the researcher to assist the municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An assessment of the role of Councillors in their oversight mandate: a case of the Chris Hani district municipality: 2011-2013
- Authors: Shweni, Zenzile Raymond
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1023 , vital:26519
- Description: According to the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act 108 of 1996, Local Government is the closest sphere of government to the people and thus regarded as the service delivery mechanism of government. In the same context municipal councils are accorded a legal status and authority of a deliberative legislative body. This is considered critical for the municipal council to establish appropriate structures, processes and systems for effective oversight, particularly, oversight of budget execution and administrative processes. However, indications are that, the current legal and institutional measures need to be strengthened to enable municipal council to exercise oversight of the budget execution. In this study, the researcher conducted extensive literature on the roles and responsibilities of Councillors as prescribed in the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act and Municipal Structures Act respectively. An extensive review of the relevant local government legal provisions highlighted the authority of the municipal council, internal rules, reporting processes, council committees and the research capacity, as key aspects of the institutional measures required for oversight of budget execution. Equally, the review accentuated the ability and willingness of non-executive Councillors to exercise oversight in the affairs of the Municipality. A total of 20 research sample was selected for this research. Research participants were given research questionnaires for them to complete. This was completed and returned to the researcher for analysis. Key findings of the research was that, the municipal council must use its legal authority to reinforce mechanisms for effective oversight of budget execution. In addition, the municipal council needs to provide an enabling leadership and governance environment that encourages and support non-executive Councillors to actively engage in oversight processes and activities of the municipality. Further to the findings of this research, it was strongly recommended the further research in order to unearth the mechanisms that can further enable the Councillors to ensure optimum utilisation of resources.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Shweni, Zenzile Raymond
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1023 , vital:26519
- Description: According to the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act 108 of 1996, Local Government is the closest sphere of government to the people and thus regarded as the service delivery mechanism of government. In the same context municipal councils are accorded a legal status and authority of a deliberative legislative body. This is considered critical for the municipal council to establish appropriate structures, processes and systems for effective oversight, particularly, oversight of budget execution and administrative processes. However, indications are that, the current legal and institutional measures need to be strengthened to enable municipal council to exercise oversight of the budget execution. In this study, the researcher conducted extensive literature on the roles and responsibilities of Councillors as prescribed in the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act and Municipal Structures Act respectively. An extensive review of the relevant local government legal provisions highlighted the authority of the municipal council, internal rules, reporting processes, council committees and the research capacity, as key aspects of the institutional measures required for oversight of budget execution. Equally, the review accentuated the ability and willingness of non-executive Councillors to exercise oversight in the affairs of the Municipality. A total of 20 research sample was selected for this research. Research participants were given research questionnaires for them to complete. This was completed and returned to the researcher for analysis. Key findings of the research was that, the municipal council must use its legal authority to reinforce mechanisms for effective oversight of budget execution. In addition, the municipal council needs to provide an enabling leadership and governance environment that encourages and support non-executive Councillors to actively engage in oversight processes and activities of the municipality. Further to the findings of this research, it was strongly recommended the further research in order to unearth the mechanisms that can further enable the Councillors to ensure optimum utilisation of resources.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An assessment of the role of officials in housings service delivery in the Nelson Mandela bay Municipality
- Authors: Tutu, Jimmy Vuyisile
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Housing -- Protests -- Officials -- Service Delivery , Beneficiary -- Beneficiary Management -- Corruption
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11722 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1017867 , Housing -- Protests -- Officials -- Service Delivery , Beneficiary -- Beneficiary Management -- Corruption
- Description: The purpose of this study was to assess the role of the officials on housing service delivery in the Nelson Mandela by Municipality (NMBM). The role of the officials currently occupies the centre stage in the Public Service and they should be proud to be the servants of the people. Furthermore, they relish the challenge of providing improved services to all by applying the principles of Batho Pele. In order to meet the goals of the study, it was necessary to study the literature on the housing sector, in particular the role of Officials in the Nelson Mandela Municipality and the reasons why people marched and accused Officials of perceived Corruption in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. In order to address the research problem and to fulfill the research objectives, an in depth literature study was done. Empirical studies were done by means of face-to-face interviews and Questionnaires with the Sample population from the Community and the Department of Housing officials in NMBM. The findings of the study suggested that there is ineffective client interface, housing waiting lists are not properly managed, there is a lack of transparency in housing allocations, as well as favoritism by Officials, Councilors and Community leaders on the allocation of houses and there is also a problem of the illegal occupation of houses .The study further suggests that the role of Officials and Councilors needs to be improved if it is to serve as a catalyst for effective housing service delivery to the citizens of NMBM. Recommendations were put forward to assist the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in improving effective and efficiency Housing Service Delivery.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Tutu, Jimmy Vuyisile
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Housing -- Protests -- Officials -- Service Delivery , Beneficiary -- Beneficiary Management -- Corruption
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11722 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1017867 , Housing -- Protests -- Officials -- Service Delivery , Beneficiary -- Beneficiary Management -- Corruption
- Description: The purpose of this study was to assess the role of the officials on housing service delivery in the Nelson Mandela by Municipality (NMBM). The role of the officials currently occupies the centre stage in the Public Service and they should be proud to be the servants of the people. Furthermore, they relish the challenge of providing improved services to all by applying the principles of Batho Pele. In order to meet the goals of the study, it was necessary to study the literature on the housing sector, in particular the role of Officials in the Nelson Mandela Municipality and the reasons why people marched and accused Officials of perceived Corruption in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. In order to address the research problem and to fulfill the research objectives, an in depth literature study was done. Empirical studies were done by means of face-to-face interviews and Questionnaires with the Sample population from the Community and the Department of Housing officials in NMBM. The findings of the study suggested that there is ineffective client interface, housing waiting lists are not properly managed, there is a lack of transparency in housing allocations, as well as favoritism by Officials, Councilors and Community leaders on the allocation of houses and there is also a problem of the illegal occupation of houses .The study further suggests that the role of Officials and Councilors needs to be improved if it is to serve as a catalyst for effective housing service delivery to the citizens of NMBM. Recommendations were put forward to assist the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality in improving effective and efficiency Housing Service Delivery.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An assessment of the role South African Social Security Agency on poverty alleviation and reduction: a case study of the Eastern Cape province
- Authors: Manzi, Siphokazi
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Public welfare -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Social security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Social service -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Admin
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1579 , vital:27480
- Description: Poverty, unemployment and inequality constitute the three main challenges to the attainment of universal socio-economic development within the Republic of South Africa. The government is the Republic of South Africa is grappling to alleviate and eradicate poverty since the dawn of freedom in April 1994. Further, poverty and inequality is historically racially biased due to the segregation which non-whites suffered during the pre-freedom era. The Eastern Cape Province has been regard as the poorest of all the nine provinces in South Africa. The war on poverty in the province has been intensified through the utilisation of social grants as social safety nets under an inclusive social security system. Despite of this poverty alleviation intervention, the prevalence rates of poverty the province remains alarmingly high.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Manzi, Siphokazi
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Public welfare -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Social security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Social service -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Admin
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1579 , vital:27480
- Description: Poverty, unemployment and inequality constitute the three main challenges to the attainment of universal socio-economic development within the Republic of South Africa. The government is the Republic of South Africa is grappling to alleviate and eradicate poverty since the dawn of freedom in April 1994. Further, poverty and inequality is historically racially biased due to the segregation which non-whites suffered during the pre-freedom era. The Eastern Cape Province has been regard as the poorest of all the nine provinces in South Africa. The war on poverty in the province has been intensified through the utilisation of social grants as social safety nets under an inclusive social security system. Despite of this poverty alleviation intervention, the prevalence rates of poverty the province remains alarmingly high.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An assessment of the roles of co-operatives as agents of development in rural areas: a case study of Inkwanca Local Municipality
- Authors: Mtshwelo, Linda Hombisa
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11680 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1013542
- Description: The study assesses the role of co-operative societies in economic development. The study was undertaken to investigate the extent to which co-operatives can act as agents towards sustainable community development. Expectations were that cooperative members can perform better than individuals in terms of working together as a group, sharing responsibilities, contributing larger capital, bringing their skills together, incur lower expenses, generate higher income and therefore earn higher profits to be shared amongst themselves. This would enable members to be able to pay for their families’ basic needs and therefore enhance the standard of living of all members. The overall purpose of the study therefore is to investigate whether cooperatives are the best tools for rural development and poverty alleviation in Inkwanca Local Municipality. The research involves the collection of data from co-operative members in Molteno and Sterkstrooom. The data was analysed in order to establish the performance of cooperatives in terms of their leadership and management structures. The research further looks into the challenges and gaps in the co-operative sector in terms of performance by the members and support by the government and government agencies. The research also investigated the best model that can be used to improve co-operatives so that they can enhance the lives of community members in rural areas. In order to gather information, three different approaches were used in the action research which involved different instruments, such as questionnaires, interviews and observations. In spite of all the challenges facing co-operatives, they have been playing an increasingly important role in facilitating job creation, economic growth and social development. The study concludes by emphasising that for co-operatives to be continuously effective and successful, they must improve their ability to service their members. The study commends government for financial and non-financial support programmes although there is still a room for improvement. In addition, further research is needed o the role played by co-operatives as agents of development in rural areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Mtshwelo, Linda Hombisa
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11680 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1013542
- Description: The study assesses the role of co-operative societies in economic development. The study was undertaken to investigate the extent to which co-operatives can act as agents towards sustainable community development. Expectations were that cooperative members can perform better than individuals in terms of working together as a group, sharing responsibilities, contributing larger capital, bringing their skills together, incur lower expenses, generate higher income and therefore earn higher profits to be shared amongst themselves. This would enable members to be able to pay for their families’ basic needs and therefore enhance the standard of living of all members. The overall purpose of the study therefore is to investigate whether cooperatives are the best tools for rural development and poverty alleviation in Inkwanca Local Municipality. The research involves the collection of data from co-operative members in Molteno and Sterkstrooom. The data was analysed in order to establish the performance of cooperatives in terms of their leadership and management structures. The research further looks into the challenges and gaps in the co-operative sector in terms of performance by the members and support by the government and government agencies. The research also investigated the best model that can be used to improve co-operatives so that they can enhance the lives of community members in rural areas. In order to gather information, three different approaches were used in the action research which involved different instruments, such as questionnaires, interviews and observations. In spite of all the challenges facing co-operatives, they have been playing an increasingly important role in facilitating job creation, economic growth and social development. The study concludes by emphasising that for co-operatives to be continuously effective and successful, they must improve their ability to service their members. The study commends government for financial and non-financial support programmes although there is still a room for improvement. In addition, further research is needed o the role played by co-operatives as agents of development in rural areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An evaluation of leadership and governance of school the nutrition programme: a case study of Z. K. Matthews Senior Secondary School in King William’s Town district in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Lindani, Nodumo
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11743 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1018522
- Description: The South African government introduced School Nutrition Programme in 1994 as one of government lead strategies to redress poor educational outcomes and children’s rights in all nine provinces in the Republic. The delivery of this programme require adherence to Constitutional Principles in Chapter 10, Batho Pele White Paper and relevant legislation. Unfortunately, the implementation of the programme experienced challenges which clearly exposed and compromised the basic values. Further the National government resorted in implementation of section 100(1b) in 2010 in the Eastern Cape and Limpopo Provinces. One of the reasons for the intervention was that the service delivery interventions including School Nutrition were flawed (DoE:2010). This study will evaluate leadership and governance of the programme, National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP). Special focus will be Z. K. Matthews Senior Secondary School in the King Williams Town District Eastern Cape. The researcher used a qualitative desktop review-method approach to explore leadership and governance of NSNP.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Lindani, Nodumo
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11743 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1018522
- Description: The South African government introduced School Nutrition Programme in 1994 as one of government lead strategies to redress poor educational outcomes and children’s rights in all nine provinces in the Republic. The delivery of this programme require adherence to Constitutional Principles in Chapter 10, Batho Pele White Paper and relevant legislation. Unfortunately, the implementation of the programme experienced challenges which clearly exposed and compromised the basic values. Further the National government resorted in implementation of section 100(1b) in 2010 in the Eastern Cape and Limpopo Provinces. One of the reasons for the intervention was that the service delivery interventions including School Nutrition were flawed (DoE:2010). This study will evaluate leadership and governance of the programme, National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP). Special focus will be Z. K. Matthews Senior Secondary School in the King Williams Town District Eastern Cape. The researcher used a qualitative desktop review-method approach to explore leadership and governance of NSNP.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An evaluation of the effects of land tenure security in on-farm investment and on-farm productivity: a case of the smallholder farmers in the Amathole District of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
- Authors: Zwelendaba, Vincent Vusumzi
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Land tenure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural productivity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11230 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021282 , Land tenure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural productivity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Smallholder agriculture contributes to poverty alleviation through food price reduction and employment creation. Smallholder farmers have the potential of creating employment because they are labour-intensive. Most small holder farmers in the Amathole District practices dual farming system i.e. crops and livestock production. However these farmers are faced by a number of constraints amongst these are land tenure security, lack of capital, drought, diseases, lack of access to markets and production inputs. The objectives of this study were: to investigate land tenure security impact on-farm investment and on-farm productivity by the smallholder farmers; to assess constraints encountered by the smallholder farmers, to identify factors influencing on-farm investment by the smallholder farmers and to identify factors influencing on-farm productivity by the smallholder farmers. Eighty smallholder farmers were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentages) and regression analyses. Data was for coded and processed for analysis using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results revealed that generally, the household demographic characteristics have an influence on the decision to investment in the farm thus on farm productivity. These included age, gender, marital status, educational level and household size of the smallholder farmers. However the findings revealed that smallholder farmers were not much concerned with the land tenure security of the land as they see themselves as owners of these lands. The reason being that they always had access to their land and there were no perceived tenure insecurity threats. The majority of the smallholder farmers were not worried that they might lose their land in the future as they felt that their land tenure was secured. Although, the majority of farmers had some sense of security they still preferred a freehold tenure system as form of land tenure security. This suggests that there was a sense of insecurity among some of the smallholder farmers caused by their current tenure forms. Majority (66%) of the farmers held their land under freehold whilst leasehold and communal hold farmers constituted 5 % and 29 % respectively. Even though majority had freehold tenure system, they could not use their land as collateral when required for funding from the lending institutions because the title deeds were not registered in their names but those of deceased family members. As a result the majority was constrained by lack of credit and had low income. Lack of cash suggests that the farmers have difficulties in purchasing farm of the survey suggest that the household demographics and socio-economic variables may have an influence on the on-farm investment and on-farm productivity by the smallholder farmers. Furthermore, besides the challenges with land tenure, there are other factors that are likely to influence on-farm investment and on-farm productivity. The results of the survey revealed that smallholder farmers were faced with lot of challenges. These included lack of access to markets, grazing land, credit, farm implements, productions inputs and irrigation water. In addition to this the smallholder farmers were faced with both crops and livestock production constraints. Crop production constraints included lack of access to labour, transport, capital, storage facilities, pests, diseases, lack of management skills and severe drought. Livestock production was constrained by diseases, theft, attack by wild animals, lack of fence in the camps, labour, vaccines, dipping facilities too far and severe drought. For both crop and livestock production diseases and drought were major concerns for smallholder farmers since they were dependent on rainfall for their farming activities. With regards to improvements and investment there was little or not much investment that has been made by the smallholder farmers. One of the reasons mentioned by the farmers as the main cause for little or no investments is the lack of capital to make such improvements or investments. The study also employed empirical analysis through employing on-farm investment and on-farm productivity models of the study on the factors influencing the on-farm investment and on-farm productivity by the smallholder farmers in the study area. In both models, the independent variables were tested for their significance and it was found that some variables were significant whilst others were not. With regards to the dependent variable on-farm investment, household socio-economic factors such as household size, educational levels and farm size, had a positive influence in on-farm investment and were also statistically significant. On the other side, factors such as land tenure security, age, gender, household income and access to markets did not have any influence and were not statistically significant. From the perspective of on-farm productivity variables such as farm size, access to credit and access to extension services had a positive influence. However, variables such as land tenure security, age, household income, educational levels, access to implements, were negatively influencing onfarm productivity by the smallholder farmers. Key words: Land tenure security, smallholder farmers, on-farm investment & on-farm productivity
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Zwelendaba, Vincent Vusumzi
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Land tenure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural productivity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc Agric (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11230 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1021282 , Land tenure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural productivity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Smallholder agriculture contributes to poverty alleviation through food price reduction and employment creation. Smallholder farmers have the potential of creating employment because they are labour-intensive. Most small holder farmers in the Amathole District practices dual farming system i.e. crops and livestock production. However these farmers are faced by a number of constraints amongst these are land tenure security, lack of capital, drought, diseases, lack of access to markets and production inputs. The objectives of this study were: to investigate land tenure security impact on-farm investment and on-farm productivity by the smallholder farmers; to assess constraints encountered by the smallholder farmers, to identify factors influencing on-farm investment by the smallholder farmers and to identify factors influencing on-farm productivity by the smallholder farmers. Eighty smallholder farmers were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentages) and regression analyses. Data was for coded and processed for analysis using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results revealed that generally, the household demographic characteristics have an influence on the decision to investment in the farm thus on farm productivity. These included age, gender, marital status, educational level and household size of the smallholder farmers. However the findings revealed that smallholder farmers were not much concerned with the land tenure security of the land as they see themselves as owners of these lands. The reason being that they always had access to their land and there were no perceived tenure insecurity threats. The majority of the smallholder farmers were not worried that they might lose their land in the future as they felt that their land tenure was secured. Although, the majority of farmers had some sense of security they still preferred a freehold tenure system as form of land tenure security. This suggests that there was a sense of insecurity among some of the smallholder farmers caused by their current tenure forms. Majority (66%) of the farmers held their land under freehold whilst leasehold and communal hold farmers constituted 5 % and 29 % respectively. Even though majority had freehold tenure system, they could not use their land as collateral when required for funding from the lending institutions because the title deeds were not registered in their names but those of deceased family members. As a result the majority was constrained by lack of credit and had low income. Lack of cash suggests that the farmers have difficulties in purchasing farm of the survey suggest that the household demographics and socio-economic variables may have an influence on the on-farm investment and on-farm productivity by the smallholder farmers. Furthermore, besides the challenges with land tenure, there are other factors that are likely to influence on-farm investment and on-farm productivity. The results of the survey revealed that smallholder farmers were faced with lot of challenges. These included lack of access to markets, grazing land, credit, farm implements, productions inputs and irrigation water. In addition to this the smallholder farmers were faced with both crops and livestock production constraints. Crop production constraints included lack of access to labour, transport, capital, storage facilities, pests, diseases, lack of management skills and severe drought. Livestock production was constrained by diseases, theft, attack by wild animals, lack of fence in the camps, labour, vaccines, dipping facilities too far and severe drought. For both crop and livestock production diseases and drought were major concerns for smallholder farmers since they were dependent on rainfall for their farming activities. With regards to improvements and investment there was little or not much investment that has been made by the smallholder farmers. One of the reasons mentioned by the farmers as the main cause for little or no investments is the lack of capital to make such improvements or investments. The study also employed empirical analysis through employing on-farm investment and on-farm productivity models of the study on the factors influencing the on-farm investment and on-farm productivity by the smallholder farmers in the study area. In both models, the independent variables were tested for their significance and it was found that some variables were significant whilst others were not. With regards to the dependent variable on-farm investment, household socio-economic factors such as household size, educational levels and farm size, had a positive influence in on-farm investment and were also statistically significant. On the other side, factors such as land tenure security, age, gender, household income and access to markets did not have any influence and were not statistically significant. From the perspective of on-farm productivity variables such as farm size, access to credit and access to extension services had a positive influence. However, variables such as land tenure security, age, household income, educational levels, access to implements, were negatively influencing onfarm productivity by the smallholder farmers. Key words: Land tenure security, smallholder farmers, on-farm investment & on-farm productivity
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An evaluation of the role of child and youth care centres in the implementation of South Africa’s children’s act
- Authors: Agere, Leonard Munyaradzi
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: South Africa. Children's Act, 2005 , Children's rights -- South Africa , Child care services -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M SW
- Identifier: vital:11770 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015406 , South Africa. Children's Act, 2005 , Children's rights -- South Africa , Child care services -- South Africa
- Description: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role played by CYCCs to provide support and protection to children who have been found to be in need of care, according to the criteria given in the Children’s Act No. 38/2005 as amended. The study made use of a qualitative approach and the research design was provided by the case study. Data was gathered by means of semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. The most important findings to emerge from the study were that the factors which affect the operation of CYCCs are either institutional, or else challenges arising from issues pertaining to infrastructure and human resources. However, it was also acknowledged that, despite the challenges which affect their ability to provide their services to young people, the CYCCs had also made progressive steps to halt the suppression of the fundamental rights of children. It has been recommended that the government should apply comprehensive funding to the objectives of the Children’s Act, which would entail increasing the subsidies to CYCCs. It has also been recommended that the Policy on Financial Rewards should call for the same benefits and salary scales to apply for professional staff working in the government and to those working in the CYCCs. The repercussions from failing to adjust to these recommendations will inevitably lead to the employment of a remedial model of care.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Agere, Leonard Munyaradzi
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: South Africa. Children's Act, 2005 , Children's rights -- South Africa , Child care services -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M SW
- Identifier: vital:11770 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015406 , South Africa. Children's Act, 2005 , Children's rights -- South Africa , Child care services -- South Africa
- Description: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role played by CYCCs to provide support and protection to children who have been found to be in need of care, according to the criteria given in the Children’s Act No. 38/2005 as amended. The study made use of a qualitative approach and the research design was provided by the case study. Data was gathered by means of semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. The most important findings to emerge from the study were that the factors which affect the operation of CYCCs are either institutional, or else challenges arising from issues pertaining to infrastructure and human resources. However, it was also acknowledged that, despite the challenges which affect their ability to provide their services to young people, the CYCCs had also made progressive steps to halt the suppression of the fundamental rights of children. It has been recommended that the government should apply comprehensive funding to the objectives of the Children’s Act, which would entail increasing the subsidies to CYCCs. It has also been recommended that the Policy on Financial Rewards should call for the same benefits and salary scales to apply for professional staff working in the government and to those working in the CYCCs. The repercussions from failing to adjust to these recommendations will inevitably lead to the employment of a remedial model of care.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An evaluation of the use of Management-By-Objectives (MBO) as a strategic performance improvement measure in the Intsikayethu local municipality
- Authors: Mahlati, Ntombizodwa
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11738 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1018505
- Description: This study examines how the concept of Management-By-Objectives (MBO) can be used by the management of Intsika Yethu Local Municipality to improve the extent to which such prescribed strategic objectives can be easily achieved. It was anticipated that through this exercise, the study would be able to emerge with the measures which could be suggested for enhancing the integration of MBO as one of the performance improvement measures used by the management of Intsika Yethu Local Municipality. In a bid to accomplish this, the entire research process was directed towards the achievement of secondary research objectives that involve; examining the kinds of features that imply that MBO is used as a performance improvement measure by the managers in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality, assessing the kinds of steps that used in the application of MBO as a performance improvement measure by the managers in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality, examining the effects of the application of MBO on the performance of the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality, analysing the factors limiting the successful application of MBO as a performance improvement measure by the managers in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality, evaluating the kinds of strategies that are used for achieving successful application of MBO as a performance improvement measure by the managers in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality, and determining the measures that can be recommended for improving the successful application of MBO as a performance improvement measure by the managers in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality. The interviews with the sample participants that comprised of senior and middle managers as well as ordinary employees of Intsika Yethu Local Municipality revealed that although there is some attempt to use management- by- objectives as a strategic performance improvement measure, its current approach do not meet the kinds of features that the literature indicates to define the kinds of an effective MBO. The study highlighted that the essential features for management- by- objectives include; superior-subordinate participation, joint goal-setting, joint decision on methodology, make way to attain maximum result, and constant and genuine support from superiors. However, it was noted that most of the identified themes indicate that most of the essential features that imply that the managers at the Intsika Yethu Local municipality are effectively using MBO are lacking. In terms of the MBO steps that include; Step 1; Goal setting, Step 2; Manager-Subordinate involvement, Step 3; Matching goals and resources, Step 4; Implementation of plan, and Step 5; Review and appraisal of performance, the study reveals that the accomplishment of MBO in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality is more random and defies the following of such logical steps. Although the study indicates that there are shortfalls in the features and steps that are used in the application of management- by- objectives in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality, it was noted that the little applications of some aspects of MBO has usually impacted positively. On that basis, the study concluded that the strategies that can be adopted to improve the application of MBO as a strategic performance improvement measure in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality include; the application of the appropriate motivational strategies, increasing goal congruence to ensure that the main strategic objectives and goals are aligned with the departmental and individual goals and objectives, increasing investments and training of the employees and managers in order to highlight the importance, processes and techniques that are required in management- by- objectives, and improve employee empowerment and communication. It is pointed out in this research document that the suggested area for further studies would be; “The effects of employee empowerment on management- by- objectives in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality.”
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Mahlati, Ntombizodwa
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11738 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1018505
- Description: This study examines how the concept of Management-By-Objectives (MBO) can be used by the management of Intsika Yethu Local Municipality to improve the extent to which such prescribed strategic objectives can be easily achieved. It was anticipated that through this exercise, the study would be able to emerge with the measures which could be suggested for enhancing the integration of MBO as one of the performance improvement measures used by the management of Intsika Yethu Local Municipality. In a bid to accomplish this, the entire research process was directed towards the achievement of secondary research objectives that involve; examining the kinds of features that imply that MBO is used as a performance improvement measure by the managers in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality, assessing the kinds of steps that used in the application of MBO as a performance improvement measure by the managers in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality, examining the effects of the application of MBO on the performance of the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality, analysing the factors limiting the successful application of MBO as a performance improvement measure by the managers in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality, evaluating the kinds of strategies that are used for achieving successful application of MBO as a performance improvement measure by the managers in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality, and determining the measures that can be recommended for improving the successful application of MBO as a performance improvement measure by the managers in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality. The interviews with the sample participants that comprised of senior and middle managers as well as ordinary employees of Intsika Yethu Local Municipality revealed that although there is some attempt to use management- by- objectives as a strategic performance improvement measure, its current approach do not meet the kinds of features that the literature indicates to define the kinds of an effective MBO. The study highlighted that the essential features for management- by- objectives include; superior-subordinate participation, joint goal-setting, joint decision on methodology, make way to attain maximum result, and constant and genuine support from superiors. However, it was noted that most of the identified themes indicate that most of the essential features that imply that the managers at the Intsika Yethu Local municipality are effectively using MBO are lacking. In terms of the MBO steps that include; Step 1; Goal setting, Step 2; Manager-Subordinate involvement, Step 3; Matching goals and resources, Step 4; Implementation of plan, and Step 5; Review and appraisal of performance, the study reveals that the accomplishment of MBO in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality is more random and defies the following of such logical steps. Although the study indicates that there are shortfalls in the features and steps that are used in the application of management- by- objectives in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality, it was noted that the little applications of some aspects of MBO has usually impacted positively. On that basis, the study concluded that the strategies that can be adopted to improve the application of MBO as a strategic performance improvement measure in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality include; the application of the appropriate motivational strategies, increasing goal congruence to ensure that the main strategic objectives and goals are aligned with the departmental and individual goals and objectives, increasing investments and training of the employees and managers in order to highlight the importance, processes and techniques that are required in management- by- objectives, and improve employee empowerment and communication. It is pointed out in this research document that the suggested area for further studies would be; “The effects of employee empowerment on management- by- objectives in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality.”
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014