Doctoral Degrees (Public Administration)

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Women in management : a comparative study of the public (education) and private (banking) sectors in Durban.
(2005) Bob, Roshini.; Soni, Dhirajlal Vallabh.
This study utilises a multi-conceptual framework to critically and comparatively examine central issues and concerns relating to women in management generally and more specifically in the public and private sectors. The case studies of the banking and education sectors in the Durban area form the focus of this effort. Specifically, the main aspects of the primary research undertaken pertain to: perceptions of employees (both at management and non-managerial staff levels) in the banking and education sectors towards women in management; an appraisal from a management perspective, of existing policies and programmes aimed at eliminating gender discriminatory practices within the private and the public sectors; an examination of the impact that gender equity practices has on human resource planning, especially at the management level, in the private and public sectors; and an assessment of training and support programmes in place to assist women managers. Questionnaire surveys were undertaken with 50 female managers from each sector, 25 male managers from each sector and 25 non-managerial staff from each sector. Therefore, in total 200 interviews were conducted. Additionally, participatory focus group discussions were conducted with groups of both female and male managers and non-managers. The study reveals that women form an integral part of human resources in the banking and education sectors. For several decades women have entered jobs in these sectors and many women have moved up to managerial levels. However, most of these positions remain at lower and middle-management levels. Additionally, there are several problems that women in management experience. The main conclusion is that there are no notable and significant differences between women in management in the public and private sectors. This reinforces ILO's (1998) position that the challenges faced by women in management are ongoing and widespread. Problems facing women in management are complex and multidimensional. There are numerous factors that contribute to existing trends and explain the poor participation and performance of women in leadership positions. No single strategy or initiative can address the challenges faced by women in management and increase women's presence in leadership positions in both the public and private sectors. It is therefore imperative that issues pertaining to women in management be addressed from a range of perspectives: policy aspects, raising awareness of key considerations, improving skills and competencies of women (especially creating conditions and opportunities for development and capacity building), changing institutional and corporate structures and procedures as well as changing attitudes of men and women towards women in management and leadership positions. In essence, it is necessary to create a more enabling, women-friendly environment.
Pathways and barriers to inclusion: a case study of a girls' only school of industry in South Africa.
(2001) Hortop, Mark.; Muthukrishna, Anbanithi.
Since 1994 all education policy documents that have emerged in South Africa have stressed the principles of social justice and inclusion by foregrounding issues of equity, redress, quality education for all, equality of opportunity, and nondiscrimination. This study examined inclusionary and exclusionary attitudes and practices at a School of Industry for Girls in South Africa. The research was conducted in the qualitative research paradigm, and took the form of a small-scale ethnographic case study. The data collection techniques included observations and used observations, document analysis, questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The findings revealed that learners experience various barriers to learning and participation that are clearly embedded in the ethos, curriculum and cultures of the school. Various discriminatory attitudes and practices play themselves out and reflect an intersection of racism, gender discrimination and ableism. The study points towards the need for management and staff in collaboration with learners to interrogate and work towards minimising these exclusionary attitudes and practices prevalent at the school.
An analysis of the theory and practice of governance in the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Authority.
(2005) Nzimakwe, Thokozani Ian.; Singh, D.
South Africa's negotiated settlement and its transition to a democratically elected government has often been referred to as a small miracle. Despite that, the country faces major governance challenges, ie. it has to embark on a comprehensive governance programme. The main aim of this study is to discuss and review the state of governance in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. The concept of governance has a broader relevance than the narrow and traditional term of government. The latter refers conventionally to the actions of a narrow set of government institutions. On the other hand, however, governance encompasses a wider range of issues and actors and the interactions among them. The interest in and importance of governance has followed a longer interest in the concept of civil society. With the advent of democracy, the South African government, together with its nine provincial administrations, has committed itself to maintaining and working with civil society structures. The design and implementation of public sector projects increasingly reflect : a partnership approach between government at all levels, the private sector and civil society. One aspect of governance in South Africa, which this study has also paid some attention to, is what is called good governance. One hallmark of the new Constitution is that a decentralised political system has been created which allows opportunities for wider consultation and participation by civil society, public sector, and the private sector in promoting good governance. This research is motivated by theoretical and practical concerns. It has attempted to cast light on governance issues of KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Authority by identifying some important and common dynamics of governance processes within this province. Further it has attempted to show how general principles of good governance can guide legislators, public officials, the private sector and civil society as they continue to grapple with governance challenges. The study has revealed that essentially there are four suggested properties of governance: Firstly, it is the degree of trust that exists between classes, clans and political elites about the nature, purpose and the rules of sociopolitical interactions and practices. Without trust, individuals and organised interest groups will see no reason to actively engage in public life. The second element is the extent to which there are effective relations of reciprocity in the public realm. Reciprocity exists if associations and parties are allowed to form, to defend and promote stakeholder interests within the public realm via political competition, pressure, negotiations and conflict resolution. The third element is the degree of accountability, i.e. whether the governors can be held accountable by the governed via institutionalised procedures and processes. This cannot be sustained over time without the eventual implementation of structures of accountability and trust across society. Fourthly, the nature of authority, i.e. how political leaders make policies and implement them in a way that resolves the problems of ordinary citizens and promotes the legitimacy of the public realm - what many in South Africa refer to as the capacity to govern. The conclusion drawn from this study is that if a government wants to promote and practise good governance, it must try to involve all stakeholders, namely civil society, public officials and the business sector, when making decisions concerning the delivery of services. This requires consultation with these stakeholders or their representatives. Leaders in politics, government institutions, private sector and civil society should announce good governance as the only option. Given that governance involves a number of new challenges for everyone, the researcher examined how each segment can contribute to the practice of good governance in the province. The study has identified the quest for good governance as the most formidable challenge, not only facing the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Authority, but also the country as a whole. All concerned are urged to find ways and means of reversing the trend towards declining governability and institutional decay. In the final analysis the following recommendations were made: • Good governance must result in better delivery of services; • Good governance programmes must change society for the better; • To promote good governance, the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Authority must consistently implement growth-oriented and market-friendly economic policies; • Legislators must ensure that there are mechanisms for enforcing accountability and transparency; and • Government must encourage citizen participation, and governance must be undertaken to improve the general welfare of a society.
Management and development of cricket in South Africa with special reference to Natal.
(1993) Naidoo, Loganadhan Dalyiah; Bayat, Mahomed Saheed.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the management and development of cricket in South Africa with particular reference to Natal. The objectives of this evaluation included Highlighting the period of cricket prior to unification; Describing the unification process and the conditions necessary for unity; and Evaluation of the development programmes at national and provincial levels. The extensive area of investigation and the vastness of the area of study, restricts this research to specific aspects that are pertinent to the topic. The objectives of the study therefore focus on the following : To provide a theoretical foundation and analysis of administration, organisation and structure, and development, in order to establish whether the current situation did in fact meet with the objectives of the unification process; To investigate the effects of the apartheid policy on sport in South Africa; and To provide a critical appraisal of existing development programmes in order to enhance the knowledge and literature-base of cricket administration in South Africa. Within the framework of this research, and the theoretical foundations of cricket administration and development, the effects of the government's policy of "Apartheid", the emergence of the non-racial sports struggle, the unification process, and the structure of cricket with particular emphasis on the development programmes both at national and provincial levels, are discussed. The conclusion, which draws inferences from each chapter, provides certain recommendations pertaining to the following: The establishment of a National Sports Coordinating Body; The development of a National Development Policy; The establishment of a National Development Fund; The Development of Talented Players; The Development of Officials; The Development of Clubs; The Provision of Facilities; The establishment of School Cricket Unification; and Control and Accountability. It is hoped that the recommendations and suggestions made address some aspects of the various issues raised about the unification process in cricket in South Africa.
Primary health care delivery : a case study of KwaZulu-Natal with special reference to physiotherapy.
(2009) Nadasan, Thayananthee.; Penceliah, Yoganandee.
The delivery of primary health care (PHC), as promulgated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and in South Africa, is of fundamental importance. Physiotherapy is an essential component of the health care delivery system and must promote PHC during clinical training and practice. In KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), PHC service delivery has been a problem for various reasons such as the history of the country (apartheid era pre- 1994), financial constraints, lack of human resources, physical infrastructure and time constraints. Service delivery within the health sector is reported frequently in the media as physiotherapists and radiographers embarked on a strike latter part of 2009 in KZN due to a discrepancy in the Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD). Physiotherapists have highlighted that they were overworked, carrying the strain of vacancies, due to frequent resignations to migrate to the private sector. The aim of the research was to explore the promotion of PHC delivery in KZN. The objectives explored the empowerment of students and staff in the Health Science Disciplines to PHC service delivery. In addition, managers at provincial and local levels were included in the study. Barriers and factors that enhance the promotion of PHC were identified. The research design comprised of a survey, a quantitative and qualitative case study of KZN, using questionnaires or semi-structured interviews. The findings indicated that the physiotherapy staff lacked PHC training (p=0.000) and 48.7% of the Disciplines in Health Sciences indicated that the rural needs were not being addressed with regards to PHC service delivery (p=0.018). Each discipline operated within its own silo, without any consultation and inter-disciplinary collaboration, to the detriment of effective delivery of PHC services. Fragmentation and duplication of PHC services existed between Provincial and Local Governments as indicated by 46% of the managers, which is disconcerting post 15 years of democracy in South Africa. The main objective of the National Health Plan and Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) was to readdress the inequalities and fragmented health services. Numerous recommendations are made which will improve the journey towards transformation, comprehensive PHC service delivery, and the quality of life of all citizens
Studies of the nests of the fungus-growing termite Macrotermes natalensis (Isoptera: Macrotermitinae)
(1997) Kitto, Stephen Michael.; Miller, Raymond Martin.; Atkinson, P. R.
Monthly sampling of 71 laboratory nests, each with a pair of adults, revealed that eggs and first-instar larvae were observed in the third month, minor workers in the fourth month and minor soldiers in the seventh month. Mortality of the pairs was high, with only five pairs surviving over the 10 month period. Laboratory nests did not develop further than the copularium. Excavation of 30 nests, of differing sizes, revealed that five were juvenile nests, consisting of only thin shelving with a few flattened fungus combs scattered throughout, and all, even the youngest nest (3 to 5 years), had a small mound. The queens from these young nests were small and had white pleural and intersegmental membranes. Twenty mature nests had a medium to large mound with large air passages and a medium to large hive with a well defined fungus garden containing large fungus combs. The queens from these nests were medium- to large sized, with white to brown pleural and intersegmental membranes. The remaining five nests had mounds often covered with grass, and a hive that contained less fungus comb than expected. The mounds of these nests were classified using their sandy pediment or crumbly texture. These were senescent or declining nests. The queens had pale brown pleural membranes and brown intersegmental membranes, and were often flaccid. The royal cell was commonly found in the middle to upper part of the nursery (20 nests), but sometimes was found at the edge of the nursery (five nests). The royal cells of five nests were not found or had been destroyed during excavation. The "youngest" mound was one to two years old and the "oldest" was more than 25 years old. The youngest queen was estimated to be three to five years old and the oldest queen more than 27 years. The nest seems to remain subterranean for two or less years before producing a mound. Thirteen nests were vigorous and five declining. The remaining 12 nests could not be classified as no fungus comb was collected from the nests.
The scope and applicability of total quality management (TQM) to the public schooling system.
(2003) Govender, Sithambaram.; Sing, Deoram.
Total Quality Management (TQM) is an industrial or manufacturing theory that has greatly assisted business to transform to become more competitive in the global market. The South African public education system is currently facing various challenges and obstacles that must be overcome in order to cater for the demands of the 21 51 century. Much of the focus thus far has been on addressing the imbalances and inequities of the past. Now that the battle for equality is slowly being won, the focus is changing to quality in education provision. Total Quality Management offers an opportunity to attain quality in the education sector. Many writers abroad have adapted the principles of TQM to the education environment. Case studies in the United States of America and United Kingdom in particular, point to the success of TQM. Given the South African education scenario, this study explores the scope and applicability of Total Quality Management to the South African public schooling system. In February 2000, President Thabo Mbeki expressed the need to pay special attention to the improvement of the quality of management of our schools. The practice of TQM offers an opportunity to improve the quality of management in our schools. In addition, there has been much discussion and debate around whether schools are preparing learners for the real world. It is the express desire of the Minister of Education, Professor Kader Asmal, to create an education system for the 21 51 century. One of the cardinal principles of TQM is giving the customer what the customer needs- the customer in this case being the learner, the parent, tertiary institutions, commerce and industry and society at large. Currently there is ample evidence to suggest that there is a huge gap between what society expects and what schools and tertiary institutions are providing. Today, it is becoming increasingly evident that customer choice and customer perception of quality is of paramount importance. Therefore, schools that can offer quality in terms of product and customer service will survive and prosper. TQM is about meeting and exceeding customer expectations of service. There is ample evidence to suggest that TQM has carried the burden of being responsible in many cases for improving quality and productivity. Schools are constantly faced with rising costs. Parents are being called upon to pay increasingly more for the education of their children. Schools are constantly searching for innovative ways of cutting costs without compromising quality. TQM helps to systematically identify sources of error, and eradicate costly waste. This study explores whether TQM can do for the public schooling system what it has done for business. The scope and applicability of TQM to the public schooling system is investigated through carefully structured questionnaires administered to school-based personnel at different ranks, working in rural and urban schools, as well as ' advantaged' and 'disadvantaged' schools. In addition, chairpersons of school governing bodies/members and departmental officials are interviewed. The research carefully examines the many concerns around implementing TQM in public schools. There is concern that the principles of industry would not find favour in an education environment. A business-like approach to education may result in many meaningful aspects of schools and schooling being compromised or lost. The study ascertains whether some of the basic ingredients for quality management are present in our schools. Despite certain concerns, the majority were optimistic that TQM can be implemented. The conclusions arrived at and the recommendations made indicate that the theory, principles and practices of TQM can be adapted and applied to the South African schooling system. The argument that the vast backlogs in education do not favour the application of quality management in education is challenged. It is concluded that TQM offers the best possible opportunity to address inferior quality learning in certain quarters. Based on the success stories, a carefully structured implementation plan for TQM is suggested. Applying TQM will ensure a high quality public education.
A distributed knowledge-based support system for strategic management.
(1990) Ram, Vevekanand; Finnie, Gavin R.
Abstract available in pdf file.
Evaluating public sector service delivery at KwaZulu-Natal provincial hospitals : a case study of the Durban Metropolitan and Ilembe region.
(2012) Ndlovu, Simphiwe Emmanuel.; Kader, Abdulla Dawood.
The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa,1996 (Act 108 of 1996) and the Patients’ Rights Charter (Patients’ Rights Charter: Online) guarantee all citizens the right to basic health care services (South Africa, 1996: chapter 3). Furthermore, the White Paper on the Transformation of the Public Service (South Africa, 1997) states that the delivery of healthcare should be guided by the principles contained in the framework of Batho Pele, a Sotho term meaning “People First”. Hospitals play an important role in delivering healthcare. However, strong allegations have been made about the inability of various provincial hospitals to provide health care in line with the Constitution and the Patients’ Rights Charter. Customer satisfactionis a vital measure of performance for firms, industries and national economies (Anderson et al., 1994).The growing health care literature suggests that patient satisfaction should motivate strategic decisions in the healthcare sector (Andaleeb, 2001). Research has indicated that the services provided by a company or institution can be measured by determining the inconsistency between what the customer wants (expectations) and how the customer experiences the service (perceptions). Little research has been conducted to date in KwaZulu-Natal provincial hospitals to evaluate the progress made in improving service delivery of healthcare; the healthcare system and the administration thereof, which is a major cause of poor service delivery in the provincial hospitals. This research study aims to contribute towards the identification of health care requirements by articulating the expectations of patients. Following a literature review which provided insight into the conceptual and contextual framework of public administration and the role of knowledge management in enhancing public sector service delivery, empirical data were gathered by means of questionnaires administered to patients, nurses and doctors at three hospitals in iLembe region and eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal – Addington, King Edward VIII and Stanger Hospitals – that serve urban, rural and semirural communities. The study’s findings revealed that there is indeed, reason for concern with regard to the identified service delivery goals and with regard to improving the health care system in general. The findings show that there is a weak, non-significant, negative linear relationship between the services offered at the three provincial hospitals compared with the expectations of patients who were admitted to these hospitals during the time the research was conducted. There is a need for further research regarding the interface between public sector provincial hospital services and service delivery, and the quality of services offered by hospitals in order to comply with Batho Pele Principles. It is anticipated that the study’s recommendations will assist hospitals in the eThekwini Metro and iLembe region in dealing with the challenges they face with regard to hospital service delivery and the monitoring and evaluating of Batho Pele Principles in the quest for a more efficient and effective delivery mandate.
Implementing the national curriculum statement : a case study of FET history educators in the Umlazi District, KwaZulu-Natal.
(2012) Pillay, Gengatharen.; Penceliah, Yoganandee.
The study focused on education within a public administration paradigm. It highlights the development of curriculum policy in South Africa after 1994 by detailing the theories and models used in analysing public policy. Specific reference is made to the implementation of education policy, inter alia, the National Curriculum Statement: A case study of FET History in the Umlazi District, KwaZulu-Natal. An attempt at transforming South Africa’s education policy post-1994 came with the implementation of the policy model known as Curriculum 2005 (C2005), which was officially launched on 24 March 1997. The principles of C2005 signalled a new era for education policy-making and implementation in South Africa. During the implementation of the C2005 policy, there was a groundswell of disconcert among educators regarding the complexities and the concomitant difficulties in effecting the new modes of assessment. In 1999, former Minister of Education, Professor Kader Asmal, embarked on a ‘listening campaign’ out of which emerged his ‘Call to Action’. A Review Committee was subsequently appointed to investigate the structure and design of C2005. It recommended a policy shift referred to as the Revised National Curriculum Statements (RNCS) for the General Education and Training (GET) and Further Education Training (FET) phases. In 2006, the interim policy referred to as Report 550, was replaced with the new policy known as the National Curriculum Statement (NCS) for the FET phase. The essence of the NCS emphasised the development of a high level of knowledge and skills for all learners. The training of educators and implementation of the NCS policy occurred between 2006 and 2008 across all public schools in the Republic of South Africa. The first cohort of learners matriculated under the new NCS in 2008 and the results were less than satisfactory, leading to widespread criticism. Arguably, the implementation of the NCS led to a decline in the percentage pass rates of learners writing the National Senior Certificate examinations (Grade 12). In 2009, the national pass percentage was 60.6% while in KwaZulu-Natal the pass percentage was 61.1%. Education stakeholders complained about the inadequate subject-specific training and the demanding administrative workload. The primary aim of this study was to ascertain the levels of efficacy of the implementation of the NCS policy with specific reference to FET History in the Umlazi District, KwaZulu-Natal. In order to corroborate the hypothesis of this study an empirical investigation was undertaken which consisted of quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. Data gathered was analysed using the Predictive Analytic Soft Ware (PASW) Statistics version 18.0. The findings of the research study reveal specific trends and scenarios. Generally, FET History educators and Curriculum Specialists from the Umlazi District and from other districts within the province of KwaZulu-Natal, indicate the NCS was not effectively implemented because of the following key reasons: · All role players were not adequately consulted. · The FET training workshops lacked depth, were inadequate and often poorly co-ordinated. · There were far too many and often-contradictory policy documents which led to an increased administrative burden on FET educators. · The lack of effective monitoring and evaluation of the NCS implementation across the grades in the FET band. · Inadequate provision of relevant resource materials such as textbooks, and where available, these were not effectively used. · Content overload, especially in Grade 12. · Ambiguous and unattainable assessment requirements. · Insufficient and poorly trained Curriculum Specialists. The job description of Curriculum Specialists needs urgent and swift clarification. Based on these findings several detailed and practical recommendations were suggested. In addition, a curriculum implementation model has been developed to assist FET History educators specifically with any further curriculum-related matters.
Road entry point management systems and and regional integration : the case of Zimbabwe.
(2016) Zimano, Felistas Ranganai.; Ruffin, Fayth Anese.
Regions face integration impediments, yet despite statistics showing some regions making significant strides toward integration, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) lags behind. The management and administration of road entry points between national borders is critical for regional integration (RI), despite entry points being associated with safeguarding state sovereignty. SADC’s intraregional trade is predominantly undertaken by road, thus an empirical inquiry into road entry point management systems (REPMS) is necessary, as little research has been done on them. REPMS and public administration support or hinder trade facilitation; non-tariff barriers (NTBs) tend to hinder RI, particularly administrative disincentives to export which translate into cost of doing business. Through the lens of Zimbabwe, this study aims to determine the relationship between REPMS and NTBs by comparatively examining the Zambia-Zimbabwe Chirundu one-stop-border-post (OSBP) and three two-stop-border posts (TSBPs) between Zimbabwe and Botswana, Mozambique and South Africa. Critical realism philosophy is used to interrogate the extent to which neo-functionalist and modernisation theories explain the relationship between RI, NTBs, REPMS and state sovereignty. The participants in this mixed method research study included a total of 12 interviewees who were drawn from various Zimbabwean ministries, namely Industry and Commerce; Finance/Revenue Authority; Small and Medium Enterprises and Development. Truck drivers and small and mediumsized entrepreneurs made up the 378 survey respondents, and secondary data were also used. The combined sampling strategies included subgroup census, convenience and purposive. The qualitative data were analysed through a thematic and matrix analysis, whilst the quantitative data were analysed with Stata 11.0. The findings suggest that NTBs at TSBPs lead to delays, corruption, and increased costs, yet inefficient management systems at OSBPs cause the latter to be as administratively ineffective as the former. Statistically significant relationships were found to be between REPMS, NTBs and trade encouragement; and single clearance processes conducted by the country of exit or entry. Neither the neo-functionalist nor the modernisation theories adequately explained the relationships between variables. The data showed that state sovereignty impedes RI; that colonial legacies bedevil the region; and that harmonisation of administrative procedures, whether OSBPs or TSBPs, could help facilitate trade and RI. Recommendations and conclusions are thus proffered, and a new theoretical model beyond the neo-functionalist or modernisation approaches to RI is presented.
Determinants of public policy implementation in a decentralised state : the case of the language policy in Kwazulu-Natal.
(2015) Mpungose, Bongumenzi Emmanuel.; Mubangizi, Betty Claire.
This research project is based on the challenges that arise when a policy formulated by one level of government has to be implemented by a different (lower) level of government. This research project explored policy implementation in a decentralised state and did so through the lens of the National Language Policy (NLP) and its implementation in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal as its case study. The South African government adopted the NLP in 2003 which, inter alia, recognised eleven official languages of the country. The NLP gave implementation responsibilities to government at national, provincial and local level and identified various structures and mechanisms that were crucial for the effective implementation of the Policy. Despite the existence of the policy framework it is clear that it is fraught with implementation problems and that some languages have not been given the prominence as envisaged by both the Constitution and the NLP. What then is the problem? To answer this question, the study drew on the 5-C protocol on policy implementation. Provincial government departments; district municipalities; universities and select representatives of stakeholder organisations which are recipients of language services in the Province were identified as the study‟s population. Appropriate sampling techniques to select respondents from the identified population were used. Data was collected through mailed questionnaires and interviews augmented by documentary analysis. The qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis based on the conceptual framework developed for the study. Findings of the study suggest, inter-alia, that factors relating to content, context, commitment, communication and client and coalitions were fundamental to successful policy implementation within a decentralised state. Commitment to policy implementation (or the lack thereof), as this research established, does not only refer to the implementers in public service for a lot is dependent on political will to provide that much needed drive. It also depends on stakeholders and coalitions that have an interest in a given policy. The study further noted that, for a re-distributive policy as the NLP is, it is important to have the commitment of the citizenry who are the true beneficiaries of such policies. The study noted the centrality of policy content conceptualisation by officials in the implementing level of government. The ability to comprehend the role of the policy and its relevance to work circumstances, coupled with an intrinsic level of flexibility together with the leeway to adapt the policy to local content, appeared to have a great impact on policy implementation in a decentralised state - as evidenced by vertical and horizontal adaptability. The study drew conclusions from data received. One of the major conclusions was that there was lack of coordination of structures that could be used effectively to promote the use of official languages in an equitable manner. The study also concluded that, although the KwaZulu-Natal government had adopted its own language policy, it had failed to legislatively regulate the use of official languages because of the soft nature of the policies which made them not enforceable. Finally the study made recommendations on how the areas of weakness in the implementation of the policy could be addressed. It also commented on how the areas of success can be maintained and used as bench-mark for effective policy implementation in a decentralised state. Some of the major recommendations made by the study were that the policy content should be clear, unambiguous for vertical and horizontal adaptation, that there should be effective institutionalization of policy implementation, improving the capacity and budget for proper implementation, and that there should be proper monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the language policy.
A phenomenological investigation into the use of incentives to solicit community participation in heritage policy implementation in post 1994 South Africa.
(2016) Mnculwane, Vikinduku Victor.; Wissink, Henry Frank.
This study seeks to explore the extent to which incentives as policy instruments intended to assist implementation are used by public managers in the post 1994 South Africa. It begins by providing the theoretical background within which the study will be conducted. This is preceded by outlining the scope of the inquiry highlighting not only its relevance but the specific objectives that it seeks to achieve; thus setting the foundation of the investigation. Having unravelled the evolution of the different paradigms of public policy implementation which has taken place over time, the thesis interrogates the phenomenon of incentives and their respective usage in various policy fields including heritage. Premised on the underlying aim of highlighting the deployment of incentives contemporaneous with the various phases of heritage policy development in the country, the thesis further explores the evolution of heritage policy in South Africa since the advent of formalised heritage management in the colonial era. Informed by this theoretical background provided thus far, the study explores the question of how incentives are deployed by heritage managers in the public sector and result in findings, whose implications are summarised in specific conclusions and recommendations, aimed at guiding the use of inducements in the implementation of heritage policy in the post 1994 South African heritage management model.
An analysis of systemic thinking in decision-making processes in the municipalities within the province of KwaZulu-Natal.
(2015) Ntuli, Mbuyiseni Goodlife.; Lekhanya, Lawrence Mpele.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the understanding, application and effectiveness of systemic thinking in decision-making processes in the municipalities within the province of KwaZulu-Natal. This study was based on the premised that the success or failure of the municipality is, among other factors, the product of the decision-making processes of its leadership-politicians, administrators and relations between them. These relations derive not only from conflict or cooperation, but also from the power and influence each side wields over strategic decision-making processes. A mixed method approach was used to collect data from 61 municipalities within the province of KwaZulu-Natal to test a plethora of theoretical paradigms of different erudite scholars on the discourse of systemic thinking in decision-making processes. A sample size of 183 senior managers from the population of 305 senior managers was chosen through the stratified random sampling techniques. The participants were Chief Financial Officers, Director Corporate Services and Municipal Managers. A response rate of 83% was attained. The key results indicated that the majority of respondents (88.1%) do not believe that the conventional ways of thinking are still relevant in resolving management challenges in municipalities, and the majority of the respondents (89.4%) believe that systemic thinking would be a better approach in managing the municipalities. This study contributes to the existing theory of systemic thinking in decision-making processes in the municipalities within South Africa, as a whole. The conclusions made out of this study, is that, there is a need for a development of a user-friendly manual on systemic thinking that will empower senior managers in municipalities with relevant systemic thinking skills and expertise, and this study further recommended that institutions of higher learning must incorporate systemic thinking in their management or leadership curriculum.
Public participation and service delivery with particular reference to iLembe District Municipality.
(2015) Zondi, Sakhile Isaac.; Reddy, Purshottama Sivanarain.
The adoption of effective and efficient service delivery systems by South African municipalities remain the only means through which the basic social and economic needs of local communities can be addressed. Municipalities are the primary vehicles for the delivery of basic services as they are mandated by section 152 of the Constitution of South Africa (1996) to ensure the provision of services in a sustainable manner; provide democratic and accountable government for all communities; promote social and economic development; and most importantly encourage public participation on matters of local governance. The study sought to assess the quality of service delivery by using iLembe District Municipality – one of the ten district councils in KwaZulu-Natal as a local case study. It argues that basic municipal service delivery is imperative for the realisation of human rights in South Africa as it has been constitutionalised, and more importantly it enhances the quality of life of the local populace. Using the mixed method approach, this study explored more broadly the extent to which local government restructuring and transformation has impacted on iLembe District Municipality in executing the developmental mandate of municipalities as enshrined in Chapter 3 of the Constitution. This was particularly important in meeting one of the objectives of the study which sought to understand the strides, rationale, significance and relevance of the South African local government restructuring and transformation process to the majority of previously disadvantaged communities. This was done through the synthesis of various public administration theories on issues of service delivery and public participation. Amongst these theories are the Batho Pele principles which are regarded as a significant milestone in terms of government’s commitment to reversing the tide of poverty, inequality and underdevelopment. The study also argues that despite the current complexities in service delivery, which is evident with the recent wave of service delivery protests in most local authorities in South Africa, municipalities should as a matter of urgency align their developmental plans with the new legislation of local government to make informed and considered decisions in the broader context of good local governance and enhanced service delivery. The extensive empirical survey of the study through questionnaires and interviews has indicated that while the iLembe District Municipality has achieved its developmental mandate, particularly in the delivery of services such as water, sanitation and electricity, there is still a backlog with regard to housing provision and the entrenchment of comprehensive public participation strategies. Participatory structures such as councillors, ward committees and traditional leaders need to revise their systems of networking with citizenry in the quest for enhanced and inclusive local democracy. In addition, research findings presented in the study shows a huge disjuncture between the alignment of municipal strategic planning and the real issues affecting local communities. For example, the rationale of public participation in IDP processes has not yet been explored in the wider context of participatory local democracy. With regard to municipal management, there is a need for a total transformative agenda and a strong political leadership to be guided by a clear coherent vision in enabling municipal functionaries to make informed policy decisions. This will ultimately contribute to the efficient and effective service delivery systems and will ensure the realisation of the objectives of the National Development Plan (NDP) by 2030. In the concluding remarks, the study notes that despite numerous endeavours to improve municipal service delivery through various initiatives such as the Local Government Turn-Around Strategy, Project Consolidate, and Operation Clean Audit and the Five-Year Strategic Plan for Local Government, the lack of, or mediocre service delivery continues to plague the majority of communities in iLembe District Municipality. This has contributed to the unprecedented wave of service delivery protests in the District in 2012 and 2013 respectively. The study therefore recommends that the municipality should promote strong citizenship and a participatory governance culture within the District. For example, councillors, ward committees, traditional leaders and other leadership structures within the district municipality should play a constructive role in enhancing community development through comprehensive public participation systems. Furthermore, the Provincial Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (GoGTA) should play a strong oversight role in monitoring and evaluating the strategic goals for municipalities, thus ensuring that they are in line with the aspirations of local communities. The study also recommends an enhanced level of expertise for local government functionaries in addressing service delivery and public participation challenges, as the provision of quality municipal services has been singled out as the key element for successful local governance in the District Municipality. Finally, the study proposed a normative model which is aimed at fostering best practices in iLembe District Municipality for the enhancement of efficient and effective service delivery and public participation strategies. It is hoped that the findings of this study would contribute to the knowledge base in local governance in terms of understanding the challenges of local government service delivery and public participation strategies more specifically in relation to iLembe District Municipality and more broadly to local government in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.
Access to justice : the role of community-based paralegals in community restorative justice in rural KwaZulu-Natal.
(2014) Martins, Busiwana Winnie.; Ruffin, Fayth Anese.
Access to justice in rural KwaZulu-Natal is wholly inadequate, particularly where domestic violence is concerned. Despite the enactment of post-1994 criminal justice statutory frameworks, the majority of women living in rural areas experience barriers to justice. Yet the fight against injustice cannot be left solely to the police, lawyers and courts. Rather, there is a need to involve other stakeholders, such as ordinary people, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and traditional authorities. This research study investigates whether and how community-based paralegals (CBPs) facilitate access to justice. It explores the role of paralegals in community restorative justice through four rural community-based advice offices under the umbrella of the Centre for Community Justice and Development (CCJD), an NGO in Pietermaritzburg. The four community advice offices under study in rural KwaZulu-Natal are Bulwer, Ixopo, Madadeni and New Hanover. The study examines the interrelationship between restorative justice, community-based paralegals and domestic violence with specific reference to the Domestic Violence Act (No. 116 of 1998). Underlying the domestic violence lens adopted to explore the role of CBPs in community restorative justice are philosophical worldviews of pragmatism to determine what works under the circumstances and advocacyparticipation to give voice to the study participants. The study employs a socio-legal, qualitative research design supported by statistical case intake and outcome data. A meta-conceptual framework allowed a multiple-case study strategy that applies several units of analysis and draws upon multiple sources of evidence. The research findings reveal the connection between the engagement of paralegals by rural community members and the role of paralegals in handling domestic violence cases in an environment of legal pluralism. Furthermore, findings show that while paralegals straddle criminal, traditional and informal justice systems to address the legal needs of rural women, contrary to mainstream literature, domestic violence cases can be resolved through community restorative justice. Findings demonstrate that the Domestic Violence Act fails to meet the needs of victims of domestic violence who seek family sustainability. The community restorative justice practices of CBPs directed toward domestic violence fill a justice gap created by contradictions between rule of law orthodoxy and customary law. Based upon the role of CBPs in advancing access to justice through community restorative justice, the study concludes with process theory-building for forum shopping and communication pragmatism and suggests a private-based conceptual model for community-based paralegals addressing domestic violence cases through community restorative justice. Practical implications for law and policy and a way forward for community restorative justice in rural areas are also presented along with visions of future research.
A systematic thinking exploration of the challenges facing maritne education & training : the case of public higher education institutions in KwaZulu-Natal.
(2018) Mthuli, Syanda Alpheous.; Nzimakwe, Thokozani Ian.
The maritime environment from the beginning of this century has had a great socio-economic impact on countries as well as the broader global economy. This has resulted in the need for various stakeholders such as the government and business to play an active role in addressing challenges such as safety and security for example. In the aspect of education and training, the challenges have included the decreasing numbers of youth taking up Maritime Education and Training (MET), technological advancements, the cost, standards, and quality of MET globally. Some of these issues have been identified in developing countries such as the Republic South Africa (RSA). RSA possesses an education and training system which has transformed immensely post its democratization in 1994 and World University Rankings placing its public higher education institutions at the top in African continent, offering an array of programmes from social sciences and natural sciences to those that border on the two, such as MET. However, these institutions still remain confronted by numerous problems, such as the decline in State funding, slow academic succession and transformation, and the increasing demand for institutional capacity, etc. This study, through a Systems Thinking lens explores the challenges facing MET in public higher education institutions, in the province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) in RSA. Informed by an interpretivist worldview, a qualitative design, a phenomenological strategy and purposive sampling with the assistance of an interview guide, data was analysed into themes which suggested that MET faces numerous challenges both internal and external of its environment and some of these included limited stakeholder involvement, as well as scarcity. Key stakeholders continue to play an active but limited role by developing partnerships facilitating the provision of MET in attempting to address the challenges facing MET and also close the skills gaps in KZN’s maritime industry. The study contributes to a holistic understanding which illustrates how the development of MET institutions fit into the picture of the maritime industry in KZN and how one is not divorced from the other; rather, they reinforce each other, influencing each other’s state of being.
Human resource mangemnet: recruitment, selection and retention of public healthcare specialist in selected hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal.
(2018) Mtshali, Bongani Joseph.; Penceliah, Yoganandee.
This study focuses on the recruitment, selection and retention within the context of human resource management (HRM) in the South African Public Service focusing on the Ngwelezane Regional Hospital, the Lower Umfolozi War Memorial Regional Hospital/Queen Nandi Regional Hospital and the Stanger Regional Hospital. The development of HRM post-1994 in South Africa was highlighted by explaining the statutory and regulatory context that support the implementation of human resource (HR) practice. The introduction of the White Paper on HRM in the Public Service (WPHRMPS) (1997) outlined the need for a change in HRM. The need for change contained the transformation agenda which compelled a transition from Personnel Management (PM) to HRM. The main aim of this study was to determine the factors that influence the recruitment, selection and retention of public healthcare specialists in the selected hospitals. To realise the aim of this study, a conceptual and theoretical framework that influences this HR activity was adopted. A mixed methods research (qualitative and quantitative) was used to addressing the study’s research questions, expanding and strengthening the study’s conclusions and recommendations, consequently contributing to the body of knowledge. Applying a simple random sampling method enabled the study to secure a sample size of 119 (79.3%) for quantitative research. From this figure, five (5) participants were selected through purposive sampling to complete the qualitative instruments. Quantitative data was analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics (2015) and one-way analysis of the variance (ANOVA) method was used. Qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis process to identify the connection between the variables associated with the research aims. Data analysis involved the coding process (themes and concepts). The findings of the study reveal that these hospitals used traditional bureaucratic processes and procedures when conducting recruitment, selection and retention, thereby overlooking an array of legislation governing this HR practice as well as international best practice models. Based on the findings of this study, the development of a model and checklist to assist the hospitals to attract, recruit, select and retain public healthcare specialists, was deemed essential. The study concludes with recommendations for further research into recruitment, selection and retention of public healthcare specialists.
The impact of a performance management system on service Delivery: a case study of Mtubatuba local municipality.
(2018) Dladla, Ningi Hlalakahle Mable.; Reddy, Purshottama Sivanarain.
This research investigated the impact of performance management on service delivery at Mtubatuba Local Municipality. Mtubatuba Local Municipality (MLM) is one of the local municipalities classified as a Category B Municipality and falls under uMkhanyakude District in the far-north of KwaZulu-Natal province. This municipality has experienced a series of instances of public discontent due to sub-standard provision of services; hence the study aims to establish if the proper implementation and cascading of a performance management system (PMS) to all personnel will any way help in improving municipal service delivery and thus assist the institution to regain the public’s trust. Employee performance management is defined as the process of evaluating employees’ performance to reward their performance based on the required standards and the identification of gaps where sub-standard performance is identified. Performance management can be used to measure employee performance as well as to train employees who have failed to achieve the expected results. The success of an organisation centres on the effective advancement as well as proper execution of performance management system (PMS) (Lawler, 2003:9). The emphasis of this research is to review the effect that the performance management system has on service delivery (SD) to ensure officials’ accountability in the case of the Mtubatuba Local Municipality. It also critically reviews the correlation between performance management and provision of services. So as to accomplish this, several research questions and objectives are outlined in Chapter 1. For Mtubatuba Municipality to be able to regain the public trust on service delivery and at the same time have disciplined and accountable personnel, it needs to hold both its administrative and political wings accountable. This can be realized by the effective execution and cascading of the performance management system to all its employees ensuring that they are held accountable for the time they spend at work and for political leadership to play an oversight role over the Administration. The success of performance management system lies in understanding the relationship that exists between employer and the employee. Both these parties entered into an employment contract mainly because the employer needed the services of the employee and the employee is expecting reward for availing his/her services to the employer.
Women and social protection in South Africa post 1994: a case study of eThekwini Municipality.
(2019) Duma, Nomusa Catherine.; Mubangizi, Betty Claire.
This study focused on women and social protection in South Africa post 1994. It drew on organizational theories to understand and explain the realities on the ground as experienced by female beneficiaries of government’s social protection policies in selected areas of Kwazulu-Natal province. The primary objective of the study was to establish whether the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government of South Africa has social protection programmes in place and whether these are sustainable and strategically aligned to the promotion of women empowerment. In addition, the study assessed the government’s processes of policy and programme implementation and the extent to which they sustainably nurture social protection and empowerment of women beneficiaries. Further, the study sought to understand and explain the extent to which public policy makers and public administrators engaged in monitoring and evaluation of social protection programmes in the pursuit of women empowerment. The study was of a qualitative nature thus, a case study method was employed. The study found that women remain economically disempowered and unable to fend for themselves post 1994. The study revealed a profound fragmentation in terms of the social protection programmes as the empowerment and economic development elements were found lacking. This was particularly due to a lack of targeting mechanisms in the conceptualization and implementation of social protection programmes. The study recommends that the Department of Social Development, which is the custodian department, should strengthen its research thrust to establish adequate, responsive, and women-specific programmes. Specifically, a conscious and concerted effort to integrate empowerment in social protection programmes is more likely to yield results and will ultimately result in the unlocking of the economic potential, thus, the economic empowerment of women headed-households.

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