Public Governance

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Inclusive education policy and practice : investigating the educational rights and needs of learners and students with visual impairments in South Africa
(2008) Sukhraj-Ely, Praveena.; De Kadt, Raphael.
Focus This thesis investigates inclusive education policy and practice in South Africa. In this context, particular focus is given to the rights and needs of visually impaired learners and students. Background Due to the dual segregated education system, as at 2001, approximately 280 000 disabled children did not have access to education at school. The special schools system fostered inequality and discrimination of disabled learners from an early age. This stood in tension with the South African Constitution and was not in line with international trends. This ‘normative tension’ and lack of alignment with evolving international practice led to a shift towards an inclusive education system as a policy preference. Policy In 1996 the Constitution and the South African Schools Act prescribed that everyone had the right to basic education and should not be discriminated against on any grounds. Mainstream schools catered for able-bodied learners, and existing legislation did not automatically equip schools and teachers with resources and training to accommodate disabled learners. To enable directives to obtain these objectives, Education White Paper 6 was passed in 2001. This policy documented Government’s intent to implement an inclusive education system by 2021. Investigation The educational needs of visually impaired learners were identified and discussed. An analysis of White Paper 6, highlighting its strengths and limitations in light of the identified specialised educational needs, was conducted. Research was undertaken in mainstream schools, special schools and universities to assess the progress of the implementation process. Challenges impeding the process including untrained educators, insufficient funding, and no established provisioning norms were identified. Inclusive education has its foundations within social rights theory. Education, like other basic social rights is a justiciable right which the State must uphold. However, like all normative wish lists of rights, limited resources, competing claimants and policy trade-offs are inevitable, more especially in a developing country. As a result budgets, utilisation of funds and accountability of the Department of Education were also investigated. Conclusion Following an analysis of the contents of the policy and findings on the progress of the implementation process, policy recommendations- informed by the researchwere proposed.
Poor community struggling to give their children the gift of knowledge : policy pertaining exemption on payment of school fees at Dassenhoek schools.
(2006) Bhengu, Sifiso Marcus.
No Abstract available.
An evaluation of the housing policy in KwaZulu-Natal : a case study of the Durban metropolitan area.
(2005) Ngwadla, Nomalady M.; Reddy, Purshottama Sivanarain.
Abstract not available.
Globalisation and its impact on the governance of local authorities : a case study of the eThekwini Municipality.
(2004) Ramlachan, Premlall Kissoonchand.; Moodley, Sathiasiven.
This study focuses on globalisation and its impact on the governance of local authorities, with particular reference to the eThekwini Municipality. The research is topical and relevant to the times. Currently, local government and administration in South Africa is undergoing restructuring and transformation in accordance with key national policies and recent legislative mandates. The restructuring of local government has been driven by the process of democratization and re-distribution. This drive has changed local government boundaries, introduced new structures and systems and re-orientated planning and the general environment. This phase in the transformation represents a fresh and final opportunity for local government to transform itself in a manner that will achieve sustainable and a developmental local government that will improve the quality of life of all South Africans economically, politically, socially, culturally and technologically. New conceptual frameworks, and new ways of dealing with problems and challenges have been introduced and the process of giving effect to the changes is bound to continue for some time into the foreseeable future. As South Africa confronts critical domestic challenges of economic growth and job creation, meeting basic needs, alleviating poverty, developing its people and ensuring a safe and secure environment, it continues to deliberate in international forums such as Southern African Development Community (SADC) and New Partnership on Africa's Development (NEPAD), and perform other global responsibilities. Globalisation is commonly portrayed as a multi-faceted phenomenon with trends in trade, technology, international capital movements and multi-national organizations all moving towards the creation of a new autonomous and homogenous global economic realm. In simple terms it demands that trends being developed by Local xvm Government keep abreast of what is happening in other countries throughout the World. Globalisation has brought into sharp focus the rapidly evolving functions of "regionalisation" in the World. The ease with which goods, services and finances are sourced has impacted on how the world operates. On a negative level, it has resulted in growing inequalities and polarization between more localities and regions that are able to engage and compete within the global economy and those who are unable to. Within the current political framework in South Africa's core principles, basic systems, and procedures are designed to encourage and facilitate community participation and strengthen local governance, management and development. This would allow for progressive steps towards social and economic upliftment of communities as envisaged in the White Paper on Local Government. Good governance and democracy are essential to ensure maximum participation and ownership of the decision making process at the local level. Moreover, key pillars of the strategy at the eThekwini Municipality are meeting basic needs, strengthening the economy and building skills and improving technology. In local government the emergence of a uniquely South African organization and leadership culture that recognizes the values and skills inherent in our cultural diversity is fundamental in sustaining the trends of globalisation. This holistic differences in approach should be viewed as a unique competitive advantage that improves the quality of decisionmaking. This study recognizes that South Africa needs to participate positively within the global community as a key player while addressing a multitude of domestic challenges. The study was conceptualized within a framework of globalisation and its fit into the paradigm of local governance. It also focuses on the traditional, innovative and global xix approaches to public administration and focuses on the impact and relevance to globalisation. The positive and negative implications of globalisation are highlighted and recommendations are made on the basis that South Africa and more particularly the eThekwini Municipality cannot ignore globalisation. Globalisation is here to stay and South Africa must plat its role within the global context. The study attempts to bridge the gap between theory and practice of globalisation. As South Africa deliberates within the African Union and embarks on the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) while confronting domestic challenges, it also has to perform global responsibilities. The research instruments and techniques used in this study consisted of theoretical search, empirical survey and data interpretation. The empirical survey captures the understanding of globalisation, responses within the core themes of each hypotheses, overall objectives and relationship between core themes. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were used. The study proposes and makes valuable recommendations for globalisation and its impact on the governance of local authorities. For the eThekwini Municipality to conform to these domestic and global trends the following recommendations should be considered: • Embrace globalisation as a fact and view it as a challenge for Africa. • Develop effective public-private partnerships, which will sustain the impact of local governance. • Enhance information technology, knowledge, skills and competencies. • Develop regional agreements for local and global cities. • Provide training to improve capacities to contribute towards organizational effectiveness. • To make the global economy more sustainable and inclusive in the developing countries. xx • Develop local leadership to meet the globalisation challenge. • Institute structural and institutional adjustment for developmental local government. • The eThekwini Municipality must emulate best practices of global cities. • Establish globalisation committee to keep abreast of the globalisation issues. • Use cultural diversity to improve the quality of decision-making. • Although the eThekwini has a generally well-developed infrastructural system, it is largely concentrated within the urban core and its principal development corridors. This system needs to be extended, maintained and upgraded if the core and periphery areas of eThekwini are to become integrated, support internationally competitive partners and attract new alliances. • Twinning of cities is an important measure to monitor global trends and alliances. • Further research and studies into the trends and influences of globalisation as applied with local authorities needs to be undertaken.
Leadership versus organisational performance within the Department of Foreign Affairs.
(2005) Naidoo, Dhanalutchmee.
The process of leading and managing the worldwide network of Embassies and High Commissions within the South African Department of Foreign Affairs is extremely challenging. It requires knowledge of globalisation and the utilisation of information technology. This knowledge would enable leaders to respond more rapidly and across geographic boundaries, thereby enhancing efficiency within the Department of Foreign Affairs. The speed, accuracy and efficiency of the staff will, however, depend increasingly on leadership as a guided process, which brings out the best in subordinates, exposing their creative talents, skills and qualities that will enhance the image of South Africa, internationally. In this study, an overview of public administration will be given, as the Department of Foreign Affairs is a public institution and is governed by the normative guidelines of public administration. The theories of leadership will be outlined and evaluated. These theories date from the 1950's up to contemporary studies in leadership, which illustrates the changing patterns of leading with changing times and the utilisation of technology in task accomplishment. An overall structure of the Department of Foreign Affairs is outlined, tracing South Africa's foreign policy from the apartheid era to post 1994. The study also demonstrates the effects of changed government policy and its impact on the functioning and makeup of the Department. Theories of organisational performance and quality management, as well as the principles of "Batho Pele" zie. outlined, and their relevance to the functioning of the Department of Foreign Affairs, is given impetus. In this study, research was conducted among sixty officials of different ranks at ten different South African Missions across the world. The results of the survey indicate the dire need for leaders who understand the importance of leadership, and how their leadership styles impact on organisational efficiency and service delivery. A range of recommendations are proposed for diplomatic leaders to personally take responsibility for creating an environment where routine jobs become more meaningful, where the human spirit becomes liberated, and where people are transformed from positions of working to live to living to work!
A critical evaluation of the impact of transformation on the staff at primary health care clinics : a case study of eThekwini Health Department.
(2004) Zuma, Bhekabakubo Mbhekisiswa.
No abstract available.
Devolution and empowerment through the local government system in Uganda : a case study of Hoima District local Government.
(2004) Patrick, Isingoma Mwesigwa.; Reddy, Purshottama Sivanarain.
Decentralisation has not only transformed the structure of government but has also fundamentally altered the political landscape in Uganda. Since 1986, the country has witnessed a gradual but comprehensive transfer of power, responsibilities and resources from the centre to local governments. The exercise began as a shift from appointed to elected councillors and leaders, initially of resistance committees, and then later of local councils that have been formed in rural areas and urban wards as vehicles for local government and popular participation. Decentralisation has also appeared in the form of devolution of major functional responsibilities such as primary education, health, water and sanitation, and rural feeder roads from the centre to local governments. Indeed scholars and planners who subscribe to the ideology of centrifugalism as a prominent management and planning discourse have seen this level of decentralization as a fundamental point of departure towards institutionalization of a level of reform which seeks to transfer political, administrative, financial and planning authority from the centre to local governments. Many have also seen it as the right direction towards the promotion of popular participation, empowering local people to make their own decisions and generally enhancing the levels of accountability and responsibility within the local communities. Nevertheless the process of decentralisation has not entirely been a bed of roses. Despite the existence of abundant goodwill on the part of the national political leadership, lack of civic competence, apathy, disillusionment and fatigue are some of the debilitating factors that have combined to render citizen participation generally unattainable. Moreover, because decentralisation has tended to be a top-down approach, participation has largely been seen as a government obligation rather than as a people-driven process. Lack of both financial and human resources have compounded the situation. Districts have consistently lacked sufficient financial resources to run decentralised functions because of a tax base, which is so narrow that revenue to districts is basically limited to graduated personal tax and grants from the Central Government. Inspite of the existence of the above shortcomings, democratic decentralisation remains the only viable answer in the quest for good _governance, active local government and an empowered local population. This study analyses the process of devolution in Uganda with the aim of identifying the underlying constraints that continue to impinge on it, and proposing ways and means of ameliorating them. Using Hoima district local _government as a case study and results from the national service delivery survey conducted by the Uganda Ministry of Public Service in the year 2000, the study highlights most of these constraints, prominent among which are poor service delivery, lack of community participation, inadequate financial and human resources, a narrow local tax base, a weak civil society, and underscores the need to ameliorate them if devolution is to attain the anticipated results. The first part of the study examines some of the theories, concepts and views that underpin the policy of decentralisation and sets the pace for its contextualisation. The second part looks at the deeper process of decentralisation by analyzing the structures and institutionalization of local government in Uganda and highlighting critical issues that are pertinent in local government management and development. The study argues that while enormous goodwill exists on the part of the national political leadership, devolution in Uganda and local government development generally are still beset by a range of factors that include weaknesses within the institutional structures mandated to actualize the policy. Centric tendencies are still pervasive with the unfortunate results of stalling the pace of transformation especially in the financial sector. The third part dwells on the research methodology used, the nature and extent-of data collected, the sampling techniques applied and how these affected the outcome of the study. This part also highilg!lts the findings of the study, which are discussed and the-causative factors analyzed. The fourth and last part focuses mainly on recommendations arising out of the conclusions, with particular emphasis on key areas that require urgent action. It also identifies areas for further research and suggests how such research would assist in expanding the scope and understanding of the subject under study. This study cautions against the tendency to .romanticise devolution as the new-found solution for past and current institutional and socio-economic distortions and argues that devolution itself can make state institutions more responsive to the needs of the communities, but only if it allows local people to hold public servants accountable and ensures their participation in the development process.
An analysis of the theory and practice of leadership in education with particular reference to superintendents of education (management) in the eThekwini region of KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education.
(2004) Nobin, Brian Edward.; Sing, Deoram.
Approaches to management have varied radically in their purposes and have altered significantly over time. Hierarchies of authority, divisions of labour, adherence to rules and spans of control are now regarded as denying the flexibility and responsiveness that provide the necessary conditions for effective leadership. In the past, some theorists viewed leadership as a fixed set of skills and techniques, often aimed at controlling subordinates' behaviour. In the recent past, however, leadership theory tends to emphasize the need for leaders to reflect on themselves, their subordinates' needs, different modalities and approaches, at different times. One such theoretical model, which can begin the process of explaining variations in systems of management and leadership, is the situational theory. An important step in the evolution of knowledge about leadership was the creation of the contingency or situational theory. According to this theory of leadership, the situation determines the best style. The four most influential contingency models of leadership used in this study are Fiedler's contingency model, Hersey and Blanchard's situational model, House's path-goal model, and the Vroom-Yetton-Jago leader-participation model. In this study, the four situational models were used to ascertain whether superintendents of education (management) in the eThekwini Region can and do use different leadership styles in different situations. The researcher identified three variables in the work situation that help determine which leadership style will be effective, namely leader-subordinate relations, task structure and the leader's position power. As the researcher gathered more data from a variety of survey methods such as participant observation, an attitudinal questionnaire, and semi-structured interviews, it was found that effective superintendents not only managed downward but were also effective in lateral relationships with subordinates. The aim of the study, therefore, was to discover whether the participants were adept at recognizing the requirements of the situation and the needs of their subordinates, and then adjusting their own leadership style accordingly. A basic feature of the situational or contingency theory of leadership, envisaged in this study, is that it seeks to emancipate superintendents from their dependency on practices that are the product of precedent, habit and tradition by developing modes of analysis and enquiry that are aimed at exposing and examining the beliefs, values and assumptions implicit in the theoretical framework through which superintendents organize their experiences. The study shows that it is only by challenging the adequacy of conventional theories of leadership practice that the observations, interpretations and judgments of superintendents will become more rational and coherent and their practices will be conducted in effective ways. By subjecting the beliefs and justifications of existing and ongoing practical traditions to rational analysis, theory transforms practice by transforming the ways in which practice is experienced and understood. Superintendents of Education (Management) based in the eThekwini Region are operating in one of the most dynamic and complex educational enviromnents in KwaZulu-Natal, one where many variables have an enormous influence on their main task, namely to achieve the goals and objectives of the Education Department. In this context, a whole new vista of leadership can be explored. Leadership is fundamentally the task of these superintendents to direct the activities and performance of subordinates, such as principals of schools, so that the objectives of the Department can be attained. In its simplest form, leadership is the relationship and interaction between the superintendent and his or her subordinate. In setting up the study, the researcher provided for the participation of superintendents and principals. The new political dispensation in South Africa is characterized by a host of variables that can be classified under what is known as 'transformation', In an educational landscape that is undergoing fundamental change, superintendents no longer have the luxury of relying on generic administrative approaches, technical skills, and management functions. To this end, this study makes the point that the success of the current education system is not necessarily due to the superintendents' competence as managers but rather to their ability as leaders. Turning superintendents into educational leaders so that they can become better managers is one of the underlying principles behind this study. The real challenge facing superintendents is to combine strong leadership and strong management and use each to balance the other. Research on leadership is moving in many directions and new lines of enquiry are opening up in an effort to construct the ultimate leadership model. International research shows that high impact leaders do not rely solely on the structural approach. These leaders consciously reflect on, study and develop their leadership practices to meet the demands of today's evolving education enviromnent. Recent studies suggest that effective superintendents take time and effort to manage their relationships with their subordinates. For multiple leadership roles to work together,the actions of superintendents must be carefully coordinated by strategies that differ from those coordinating traditional management roles. Such strategies, the researcher believes, help create a corporate culture where superintendents value strong leadership and strive to create it. Institutionalizing a leadership-centred culture is the ultimate act of leadership. The researcher believes that this study has the potential to challenge superintendents to play a more meaningful and appropriate role in the transformation of educational leadership. It was with this in mind that an analysis of the theory and practice of leadership in education with a particular reference to superintendents of education (management) in the eThekwini Region of KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education and Culture was visited by the researcher.
A case study of environmental health in the South Durban basin.
(2005) Niranjan, Ivan.; Subban, Mogesperie.; Moodley, Sathiasiven.
No abstract available.
The implementation of the Department of Education's policy on regulating private higher education.
(2002) Naicker, Tholsiavellie Socklingum.; Sing, Deoram.
Education in South Africa, in the times of the national government, had been regulated and controlled. During the 1990's, however, with the emergence of the new democratic government, the degree of control and regulation eased to allow a spirit of free enterprise. This provided entrepreneurial opportunities to engage in the provisioning of education. These opportunities proved very successful resulting in good business options. This development was not matched with any regulation or standards, consequently no mechanisms were in place that provided guidelines on personal and academic quality. In most cases private providers were not of an academic background and therefore based their practice strictly along business lines. Private providers sought accreditation from international partners. This had reciprocal benefit in that it added a sense of legitimacy and credibility to the private provider while at the same time providing financial benefit to international universities. Over time, as a result of lack of research and development in this sector it was assumed that the private sector was responsible for the loss of student numbers in the public sector. This together with the findings of the task group delegated by the Minister of Education highlighted the urgent need to regulate this sector. This resulted in a sequence of events that gave rise to the regulation policy. The policy required that private providers report on their quality assurance mechanisms. The process was two pronged namely, the application for accreditation and the application for registration. The Department, as a result of lack of capacity, had engaged SAQA (South African Qualifications Authorities) to implement the accreditation process. This was an interim process till such time the Higher Education Quality Council is fully set up. The process proved complex, the document to apply for accreditation, termed the "blue book" was not a user friendly document. This coupled with the lack of academic experience in quality assurance on the part of private providers, resulted in severe implementation problems. This study addresses the implementation process by the Department of Education. It looks at the responsibility and participation of all stakeholders in the process and attempts to identify what factors had contributed to the poor implementation. The study probes the responses from private providers in Kwa-Zulu Natal and from the regulatory authorities. The study is grounded in the literature survey. One must be mindful that this regulation process is a new development. The work of the HEQC and the Council on Higher Education is new. Currently there are web sites that outline clearly their aims, objectives, process and procedures. However, at the time of the first implementation in 1998, little information was available. The documentation was developed after the process had been implemented. This coupled with understaffing from SAQA and the DoE exacerbated the problem. This study therefore explores the implementation process. This process is now improved and changed now the Council on Higher Education has implemented the quality assurance mechanisms.
An evaluation of the outcomes-based education policy in public schools in the Empangeni region.
(2002) Ngubane, Mpilo Brilliance.; Sing, Deoram.
This thesis aimed at evaluating Outcomes-Based Education (OBE) policy in public schools in the Empangeni Region. Although South Africa is now a free and democratic country with a new system of education, some inequalities still exist among public schools which make it very difficult for them to implement OBE policy in the same way. It is therefore necessary to evaluate how educators view OBE policy. This research aimed at finding out (a) the policy measures that apply to OBE as a policy, (b) the extent to which normative factors apply in the implementation of education policy, (c) factors that hinder or promote effective implementation of OBE policy in public schools and (d) the model that can be recommended for the effective implementation of OBE policy. For purposes of orientation of the study it had to be located within its background which motivated it. The field of education in South Africa has always experienced problems especially with its policies. Some of these problems motivated the researcher to undertake this study and because of their significance they had to be stated in this research. The statement of the problem provided a foundation within which the aims of the study were explained. The significance of any research cannot be overemphasized. However, this one becomes even more significant because it comes up at a crucial period in South African education. This is a period when policies that were implemented in the country after 1994 should be evaluated. It is true that not all problems that relate to education policy can be solved at once. This therefore necessitated that delimitation of the study be clearly stated. There is virtually no study without its limitations, especially if it has to be done in public schools. These limitations were stated. For the purposes of clarity the terms that were constantly used in the study were defined and explained. The demarcation of the study provided a clear picture of the outline of chapters. The study had to be contextualized within the existing theoretical and conceptual perspectives that apply to public policy, policy-making process and OBE policy. Theory had to be drawn from different sources to find out whether OBE policy does adhere to the expectations of public policy in general. The policy-making process is one area that plays a very important role in the success of the implementation process. This necessitated that OBE policy be evaluated in terms of whether it followed necessary policy processes before and during its implementation. It also became necessary to present critical viewpoints on OBE policy as understood by its critics. This criticism culminated in the Revised National Curriculum Statement which was also discussed in great details in this study. This study had to outline the research methods and techniques used. The nature of the study necessitated the use of only questionnaires and interview schedule to elicit information from educators. It is true that there is no single research instrument without its limitations. It is for this reason that information obtained through the questionnaire had to be validated through the interview schedule. The researcher presented, analyzed and discussed research findings at the same time. The nature of the study enabled the use of tables and frequency distribution to present data. Because there was a lot of information to analyze, it sufficed to use descriptive statistical analysis. Discussion of data entailed interpretation and integration of data based on its presentation and analysis. In drawing conclusions the researcher realized that the present South African education system still has problems. To obviate these problems recommendations were made to the government, the education department in KZN and schools. This research culminated into a model of implementation which is the researcher's own creation intended to help all stakeholders have a clear direction in the implementation of OBE policy. The researcher did not only experience challenges inherent in the research process but also professional development. This learning experience is discussed as reflections on learning.
Training of Indian teachers in Natal with special reference to selection procedures for admission to teacher training institutions and the financing of these institutions : an administrative perspective.
(1985) Gounden, Thavarajh.; Coetzee, W. A. J.
It is the objective of this dissertation to highlight the legislative and administrative aspects of teacher training for Indians in Natal. However, because the field which could be covered was so extensive, it was decided to focus attention primarily on those aspects pertinent to teacher training for Indians in Natal. Attention by way of example is invited to the following fields which had to be explored as they serve as the basis for teacher training of Indians in Natal: 1) A synopsis of the history of teacher training with special reference to recent developments. In this regard the survey inter alia, reveals that teacher training gained momentum during the last few decades. Prior to that, commencing from the close of the last century, the problem of an adequate corps of qualified teachers arose mainly as a result of historical circumstances. It was only during the 1950's that the Department responsible for Indian Education made concerted efforts to tackle the Indian teacher training problem in all seriousness. Thus, for almost six decades little was done to alleviate teacher training facilities for Natal's Indian community. 2) An overview of the basic legislation for teacher training in the South African context. The rapid growth of the South African population and to a lesser extent the effects of the Second World War prompted the South African Government to introduce numerous legislative and administrative measures to meet the teacher training needs of prospective students. National legislation presently places most of the responsibility for providing adequate teacher training facilities for the different population groups on the shoulders of the different education departments. 3) An overview of the financing of teacher training institutions and trainee teachers with special reference to the Springfield College of Education. It is the responsibility of the Central Government to fund education. Since the financial means of the Government are limited, it is not possible presently to provide all the population groups with adequate facilities for teacher training. A larger percentage of the national budget will have to be spent on teacher training than at present. Incentives, such as, inter alia, bursaries, are awarded to successful candidates for teacher training. On the financing of the tertiary educational sector, the Universities advisory council has completed an investigation into a revised subsidy formula for universities. A subsidy formula for technikons has been designed and will be adapted to the basic formula for universities. 4) A description of the administrative framework and basis for selecting prospective students for admission to teacher training institutions. No other single factor is as decisive in determining the quality of education in a country as the quality of the corps of teachers, lecturers and instructors. The recruitment and selection methods employed by the Department of Education and Culture (House of Delegates) are comparable to those employed by other education departments in South Africa. Since supply exceeds demand in the case of the number of applicants for teacher training in the Indian education department, applicants are carefully screened and the best are obviously selected. 5) An overview of teacher training and practice in essence with special reference to the University of Durban-Westville. Teaching practice forms an integral part in the moulding of a prospective student for teaching. Teaching practice is basically in two forms, that is, school-based and campus- based. A detailed study of the teaching practice programme implemented by the University of Durban-Westville indicates that students are subjected to almost all aspects of a teacher's normal work. Furthermore, if students are successful in following all aspects of teacher training as offered, the possibility exists, that they could be successful teachers The following recommendations are, inter alia, made, viz. that - i) an investigation into a more cost-beneficial system of financing of the tertiary education sector be undertaken; ii) a broad model for recruitment and selection of trainee teachers be drawn up by the Education Authorities; iii) facilities for continued education be carefully planned in terms of accessibility; and iv) that training institutions be geographically and demographically well placed.
An evaluation of the new developmental appraisal system in the Department of Education and Culture.
(2000) Thabane, Edgar Molupe.; Wallis, Malcolm.
No abstract available.
Evaluation of the long-term development framework (LTDF) : a case study of eThekwini municipality's integrated development plan.
(2008) Subban, Mogesperie.; Reddy, Purshottama Sivanarain.
The research study emphasizes the significance of public participation in integrated development planning at the local level of government in South Africa. The introduction of a democratic dispensation highlighted the idea of public participation and placed it in the spotlight. The typology is described and presented within the locus and focus of municipal strategic management, and the context and operation of development planning in the current local government dispensation. The literature review presents a theoretical analysis of the local government systems and processes necessary for enhanced citizen participation, and further examines integrated development planning as a strategic communication tool that emphasizes the social praxis of ongoing dialogue with local communities. Furthermore, a concentration on public administration within municipal strategic governance, integrated development planning and public participation will facilitate an in-depth coverage of materials relating to developmental governance within the current context in South Africa. Much has happened to affect the field of local government in South Africa. Of significance, is the impact of public participation via integrated development planning. An integrated development plan is therefore regarded as a strategic management tool that serves as a guideline and informs all planning activities, outcomes, outputs and impact of a municipality. The emphasis, therefore, of this research is centred around an evaluation of eThekwini Municipality's strategic plan focusing on public participation in its integrated development plan which feeds into its Long Term Development Plan (LTDF) for 2020, an analysis of the roles of key stakeholders in the political-management interface between the Council and local communities, and the integration of municipal resources in its long-term planning activities and developmental outcomes. This enquiry therefore culminated in an extensive literature review of municipal strategic planning in eThekwini Municipality within KwaZulu-Natal. Citizen participation through the integrated development plan ought to be viewed as simple and uncomplicated, and is aimed at increasing levels of education and literacy amongst local communities. To this end, the Municipality focuses its integrated development plan on Umsebenzi (Keeping You Informed). Through its strategic approach that "citizens are the centre of the focus, and not an add on through mere political rhetoric", the integrated development plan can serve as an archetype of strong civic-focused leadership. Moving beyond urban pathologies and local bureaucracies and despite a promising and sophisticated institutional framework for public participation, there is still a lack of participation in the local government structures. One of the factors that help to make the public participation cliché move beyond mere lip service is active engagement or holistic integration. The research examines and analyzes some of the factors for poor or non-performance in the municipal dichotomy, and the dynamics of public participation in integrated development planning amidst metropolitan urban management. The research arrays the study in a framework that leads to some key recommendations, and brings the following observations to light: • Ensure that the municipal functionaries and the local communities are oriented for more constructive and robust engagement of civil society issues; • Investment in strengthening local governing capacities because municipalities need increased emphasis on strategic planning as opposed to master-planning mechanistic models; • Focus on pragmatism and the promotion of joint learning through genuine interaction with local communities using the bottom-up approach as opposed to a top-down approach; • Undertake research and take proactive steps to manage dynamic climate change in response to economic and socio-environmental needs and sustainable development; • Facilitate social programmes which will emphasis and illustrate the potential development axis, and serve as connexions aimed at addressing grassroots issues and delivering visible and practical outcomes via the integrated development plan, and • Establishing a co-operative community culture invoked by civic pride and public involvement. From the afore-going discussion, the research emphasizes that each trait and focus of development is a distinct variable, and can lead to a new kind of experimentalism when working with local communities, which can contribute to mutual enrichment for urban efficiency and community satisfaction. The outputs of strategic interventions by municipalities affect the communities and help shape their subsequent inputs. Finally, the satisfaction of public desires depends on aspirations, as well as achievements.
A comparative review of programs for adult education in Lesotho and the lessons that South Africa can learn from them
(1995) Ramsamuj, Shamnath.; Wallis, Malcolm.
The dissertation is a review and comparison of the programmes for adult education (AE) in South Africa and Lesotho. The two countries share some historical affinities and are geographically contiguous. Thus much can be learnt from a comparative analysis of the two. An extensive description of the two countries' strategies of AE is made and how these have evolved over the years. Much library-based research was carried out with respect to the position of AE in South Africa. In addition, some field work was also undertaken. This focussed mainly on the valuable role played by the South African Committee for Higher Education (SACHED). Interviews with the Director: Kwazulu Natal - South Africa (lan Mkize), shed light on the work done by SACHED in the past and the direction it would be following in the future. It is a fact that this body is the foremost Non-Government Organisation (NGO) in South Africa in the field of AE. SACHED has also played an important role by making submissions which assisted with the drawing up of the Government White Paper on Education and Training. One of the important programs that SACHED is engaged in currently with is ASECA (A Secondary Education Curriculum for Adults). In conversations with the then ASECA Regional Co-ordinator, Dhaya Sewduth, the success of the implementation of ASECA was already evident. It seems clear that since the program has been so well received, the number of students enrolled is set to exceed all expectations. The researcher obtained a great deal of information from the NEPI Reports - especially those concerning Adult Education and Adult Basic Education. These Reports have been the result of great debate and research by some of the best academics and practitioners in the field. All the resources, whether primary or secondary, enable one to make a few generalised conclusions: - black education has suffered from centuries of neglect by the government of the day - as a result, huge backlogs exist in schools, equipment and personnel - although there is some disagreement as to the exact figure, the illiteracy rate among the adult population (i.e. in the age group 20 years or older) is very high - 31% according to the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) (1993; 6). - present provision is grossly insufficient - greater funding is urgently required from state, the corporate sector and NGO’s - the current poor state of education with the resultant high drop out rate means that AE will remain a priority for some years to come - AE can be a valuable way of affirming the previously disadvantaged communities enabling them to take their rightful places in mainstream society The AE experience in Lesotho was examined from a different perspective. Much time was physically spent in Lesotho and information was obtained from a wide spectrum of service providers and role players. The Institute of Extra Mural Studies (IEMS) of the National University of Lesotho (NUL) is one of the main role players in AE. Thus much time was spent here collecting information and interviewing the key personnel. It became clear from these interactions that IEMS has direction and foresight and is clearly focussed on its central task - it sees itself not only as a trainer of AE but it also trains the trainers. One of the main drawbacks is the lack of funds. A most encouraging feature is that the rural areas are not neglected and receive their fair share of attention. The situation in South Africa is opposite to that in Lesotho and rural areas suffer from abject neglect. The Lesotho Distance Teaching Centre (LDTC) is mainly concerned with preparing students to pass exams on a part-time basis (Std 6, Std 8 and Cambridge Overseas School Certificate - COSC). However, it is also involved in AE and literacy work. Although the Centre clearly does sterling work in its chosen field, it does suffer from certain handicaps - the chief of these being insufficient funds to carry out all its desired projects and a very high staff turnover (mainly because of poor salaries). As a result, staff use the Centre as a starting point to obtain better paying portions in other departments of the public service. The Lesotho Association for Non Formal Education (LANFE) has a large number of affiliates from different parts of the country. The Organisation survives completely on funding provided by DVV (German Adult Education Association). Although LANFE does provide some training and a window for goods produced by members, it is completely at the mercy of donor funding and is unable to find ways of generating funds on its own in any other way. A matter of immediate concern is that DVV is currently to end its funding in 1996. A characteristic feature of Lesotho is the large variety of NGO's operating in Lesotho because of the great poverty of the country. Greater co-ordination is necessary to prevent duplication of infrastructure and services. Such resources are sadly wasted in a country where this should not be allowed to happen. The poor state of full time schooling, especially primary education, is such that there will be high drop out rates for some time to come. Thus the provision of AE will be a continuing necessity. Lesotho has a wide diversity of service providers in the NGO sector. A strong point in favour of positive results from AE is the hemogenous nature of the population who speak a common language. South Africa on the hand has a wide diversity of people of different tribes, languages and cultural persuasions. Some of the main lessons that South Africa can learn from Lesotho are : - greater commitment from government regarding AE. - greater amount of improvement attached to AE so that it features more permanently in the agendas and budgets. - greater penetration of AE programs in the rural areas. - increased funding. - AE should be given greater prominence in the RDP budget. - AE could become an important tool to affirm the previously disadvantaged and correct some its worst excesses. Lesotho can also benefit from the South African experience. One way could be by the establishment of Departments of Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET). The AE experience in South Africa up to date has been a sad saga of grossly insufficient provision on a small scale for a potential number running into many millions. Finally, greater commitment and resources are necessary from the state and the donor communities. However, there must be better co-ordination to prevent duplication and to allow for economies of scale.
The management of change in local government : a case study of the north local council.
(1999) David, Joseph Edward.; Reddy, Purshottama Sivanarain.
In this dissertation a study of the management of change in local government is undertaken with specific focus on the North Local Council area of the Durban Metropolitan Council. In the previous era municipalities were structured to coincide with the system of separate development under apartheid. The new democratic order in South Africa at national and provincial levels ushered in the need to transform municipalities in various ways as follows: From a system of apartheid to a system of democracy. From being financially unsustainable to being sustainable. From merely providing basic services to being developmental in nature. From being tiny enclaves to covering broader catchment areas. From doing isolated land use planning to undertaking integrated development planning holistically. From being the sole service provider of municipal services to being service facilitators in certain instances. From being the regulator of development to being the facilitator of development. The above challenges were presented to all the roleplayers in municipal government to transform municipalities to meet these challenges. Change impacts on everyone in one way or another within the system that has changed. In a public environment this could mean millions of people. Municipal government was programmed to change over three phases, namely, the pre-interim phase, the interim phase and the final phase of transformation. Municipal government is currently in the interim phase of transformation and will reach the final phase of its transformation after the next municipal elections which are expected to take place any time between November 2000 and February 2001. During the apartheid era municipal government had numerous failings. The system of separate development saw the White minority having the best land which was close to economic activities and tourist facilities much to the detriment of the Black majority who were only allowed to occupy land that was far from any economic activity. Based on this method of land allocation there were wealthy White municipalities and poor Black municipalities. Blacks, mainly the labourer class, contributed to the economic growth of White municipalities whilst the areas in which they lived lacked the infrastructure and other municipal services some distance away from where they worked. The challenge to transform municipalities means that the basic needs of people ought to be linked to economic activities. This is quite a challenge given the innumerable constraints in the environment. Separate developments coupled with abject poverty the majority of people suffered from, will take time to overcome. The Indians in Chatsworth, Whites in Umhlanga Rocks and the Africans in Kwa-Mashu will be with us for a long time to come. It must be accepted that real change to overcome the effects of apartheid will not happen overnight. It will take time. However, every effort must be made to speed up the process of change to enable South Africans to benefit sooner rather than later from its chosen course of democracy. The key to achieving this would be to integrate development for which integrated development planning is a prerequisite. This dissertation provides a historical overview of municipal government in South Africa during the apartheid era and thereafter proceeds to document the post apartheid transformation of municipalities, with special focus on the North Local Council of the Durban Metropolitan region. The study also documents and evaluates new legislation that will set municipalities on the 'final phase' in its transformation. The penultimate chapter is dedicated to 'change management' which includes the theory of change and the final chapter make's general conclusions and offers several recommendations. RECOMMENDATIONS: The following recommendations have been made at the end of the study. These include: ? Municipalities must be democratic and transparent Democracy and transparency must be prevalent at the local sphere of government before South Africans can claim that their country has transformed from the legacy of apartheid to a fully fledged democracy. The way municipalities are structured is therefore important to the measure of transparency and democracy that could be achieved. If, for example, they are too large, with vast areas that are inaccessible, democracy and transparency could be compromised. ? Municipalities must be financially viable For municipalities to be effective they must be financially viable. Many of the apartheid structured municipalities relied on the national government for their funding which was grossly insufficient. This position needs to be remedied in the restructuring and demarcation of municipalities so as to ensure their financial viability. ? Promote mixed use zoning of land wherever feasible Bringing people closer to their places of employment will reduce travelling time and costs as well as improve their social well-being. ? Recognise that each town or area will have features that are unique and must be taken into account in any transformation The legislature is required to establish a framework for the orderly transformation of municipalities from apartheid to democracy. In so doing the legislation must be flexible to enable people to live out their new found democracy. ? Change must be processed in manageable portions To enable change to be managed properly it must be processed in manageable portions to enable resources allocated to manage change cope. ? Any new system must be given adequate time to settle Change and especially major change takes time. It must be afforded the time to settle. For example, the Durban Metropolitan Council started to reap the benefits of its transformation in 1999 although the transformation process began in 1994 and took effect in 1995 with the establishment of the transitional councils. However, in March 1998 the national government pronounced that the transformation of municipalities across the country was inadequate and embarked on a new transformation process. ? Senior management must be made part of the change process The technical expertise and experience of senior management must be utilised by their councils during the transformation of municipalities. ? The organisation must fit reality on the ground Municipalities must be able to meet the requirements of its citizens and consumers. When municipalities are being transformed the realities on the ground must be taken into account. ? A process for change must be determined and then change must be implemented according to that predetermined process Change must be planned and managed and must be recognised as a process and not an event. ? Avoid organisational change that is ineffective Change is instituted to improve any given situation. If change does not improve the situation or makes it worse than it already is, then such change must be avoided.
Organisational culture and values in the South African social security agency : a Batho Pele perspective.
(2011) Dayaram, Vanitha.; Pillay, Pregala.
Abstract not available.
New spaces for participation in South African local government.
(2008) Govender, Jayanathan Perumal.; Reddy, Purshottama Sivanarain.
The study is a monograph on participation in local government in South Africa. Participation is framed within the theoretical perspectives of representative democracy and its off-shoot, deliberative democracy. The research draws from three conceptual aspects: the main theories of democracy and participation contemplating the local sphere of government; the policy framework staging the interactions between the key participants, namely, local government and civil society formations; and the institutional spaces, values and attitudes involved therein. The problematique of the research in terms of the three conceptual aspects are: to show that representative democracy has declined in favour of participation praxis; to assess policy coherence for effective participation at the local sphere; and to examine the accommodation of new participative spaces. To this end, the research undertook an extensive literature review and an empirical study of the eThekwini Municipal Area, in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The literature review indicated three learnings. Firstly, there was a decline in representative democracy, with decreasing emphasis on the electoral mode of politics. Rather, the tendency shifted towards supplementation with forms of public participation. Public participation and engagement developed into an off-shoot of representative democracy, now known pervasively as deliberative democracy and discursive democracy. The basis of these new democratic approaches means that citizens ought to have a hand in, and influence public decisions. Secondly, participation has taken new democratic forms that could be viewed alternatively as space; dialogue and deliberation; rights; development; decentralization; and accountability. Thirdly, new spaces for participation could be viewed in the form of political society and social capital vis-a-vis international agreements; poverty eradication; public administration; and the combined import of administrative law and judicial review. In terms of the aims of the study, the work revealed that the participatory framework is based upon extensive theoretical and policy understandings. Participation is adequately captured in constitutional and legislative instruments in South Africa. The Draft National Policy Framework for Public Participation, 2005 is a concrete outcome of South African local government preparedness to engage in meaningful participative discourse and praxis. In terms of the research problems of the study, the work concluded the following: • there is agreement on the part of stakeholders for engagement in parallel representative and participative forms of governance; • local government participative policy appears sound but there is a need for convergent understanding on the part of the different participants, namely, municipal councillors; community stakeholders; and actors within the municipality; and • there is evidence of contrasting debates on aspects of participatory praxis, but on the whole, participants have taken a knowledgeable and practical approach to new spaces for participation. The study makes six recommendations: •Brief and consult councillors, community stakeholders, and municipal actors on the findings of the study. (This exercise will serve two purposes, namely, to verify the findings of the study; and to develop a concrete programme for participation in the eThekwini Municipal Area, including a code of best practice). •Develop a capacity building programme on judicial review for the three categories of stakeholders, namely, municipal councillors, municipal officials, and community stakeholders. •Undertake further research on democratic participative forms at the local government level with particular focus on effective praxis through administrative justice. •Initiate developmental programmes and case studies based upon participation praxis to address the most acute problems experienced by select local communities in the eThekwini Municipal Area. •Make input into the review of provincial and local government policy processes initiated by the South African government and co-ordinated by the Department of Provincial and Local Government. • Triangulate and establish the theoretical relationships of participation, democracy and governance. The conclusions of the study reflect positively on the ideational foundations of participation and willingness of stakeholders to adopt new forms of discursive politics. The six recommendations of the work can serve to advance research and policy planning in the local government sphere in South Africa.
A strategic approach to the management of the national archives of South Africa.
(2001) Mtshali, Simon Felumbuzo.; Singh, D.; Ntuli, V.
When the first democratic government came into power in 1994, it was faced with a number of challenges. One of these challenges was to ensure that the public service is transformed in order to redress the imbalances of the past. The National Archives of South Africa as a branch of the public service was therefore no exception. Prior to the 1994 elections, this branch was known as the State Archives Service. It was converted into the National Archives of South Africa through the passing of the National Archives of South Africa Act (Act No. 43 of 1996). It is important to note that before the 1994 election the exercise of hegemony by the government was through the control of social memory, and this control involved remembering and forgetting. Furthermore, this control demonstrated an extraordinary capacity to secure the support of most white South Africans and the minority of blacks who collaborated with this system. Therefore, the promulgation of the National Archives of South Africa Act (Act No. 43 of 1996) was of crucial significance in South Africa, since it portrayed the death knell for archival legislation moulded by apartheid. This Act converted the State Archives Service into the National Archives of South Africa with the new mandate of serving all the people of South Africa. This study examines a strategic approach to the management of the National Archives of South Africa. Firstly, the National Archives of South Africa Act (Act No. 43 of 1996 is discussed in detail, with emphasis on its formulation and implementation. This act came into operation on 1 January 1997. Secondly, the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats experienced by the National Archives of South Africa during its conceptualisation and launching are discussed. Thirdly, the transformation of the National Archives of South Africa was examined and discussed using the public management functions, namely, policy-making, organising, planning, leadership, motivation, control and evaluation. The strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats experienced by the National Archives of South Africa are focused on. Lastly, conclusions and recommendations end the study.
The impact of Batho-Pele principles at King Edward VIII Hospital.
(2001) Mpulo, B. M. K.; Wallis, Malcolm.
Abstract not available.

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