Masters Degrees (Public Governance)

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Interviewing in public personnel administration.
(1985) Penceliah, Yoganandee.; Coetzee, W. A. J.
No abstract available.
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.
Local government and administration for blacks in the urban areas of the Republic of South Africa, with special reference to the areas under the jurisdiction of the Natalia Development Board.
(1985) Ndlovu, Aaron Mseshi.; Coetzee, W. A. J.
No abstract available.
Verdienstelikheidbepaling as 'n administratiewe hulpmiddel in die openbare sektor.
(1986) Rademan, Daniel Johannes.; Coetzee, W. A. J.
No abstract available.
Stores financial administration at three South African universities.
(1987) Moodley, Sathiasiven.; Coetzee, W. A. J.; Sing, Deoram.
No abstract available.
A study of the process of professionalisation of teacher educators at colleges of education, with special reference to public policy, organisation and professional association.
(1987) Nicholls, Gordon Charles.; Coetzee, W. A. J.; Behr, Abraham Leslie.
The last decade has seen an increase in the institutionalised professionalisation of the White teachers in the Republic of South Africa. In 1981 the de Lange Commission called for the professionalisation of teacher educators and this was accepted by the Government in the White Paper of 1983. Subsequently teacher educators have been compelled by the National Education Policy Amendment Act (House of Assembly), 1986 (Act 103 of 1986) to register with the Teachers' Federal Council and financial pressure was brought to bear under the Act for teacher educators to associate with recognised teacher organisations. The outcome of this requirement appears to be greater control of the profession by the Government. It is timely to investigate precisely what is understood by professionalisation vis-a-vis teacher educators, as the professionalisation of teacher educators cannot be accomplished by statutory fiat alone. Nor have teacher educators held a particularly professional position within education. The colleges of education have been hemmed in by the provincial authorities on the one hand and by the powerful university lobby on the other. Colleges of education have historically been associated with secondary education and still are, in that they are controlled by the provincial authorities and have not been accorded full tertiary status and standing within the educational organisational structures. The colleges of education per se have no representation and no direct input into policy making and planning for education in South Africa. It is relevant and urgent to ask questions such as "What is meant by the professionalisation of teacher educators?", "What process is involved in professionalisation?" and "How can the increased professionalisation of teacher educators be realistically accomplished in the Republic of South Africa?" To this end, a full exposition of the concept of professionalisation is derived from the literature. The phenomenon and process of professionalisation are thoroughly considered, mainly from a theoretical sociological perspective. A relatively recent history of important events in Education within the Republic of South Africa is considered in the light of the possibilities for furthering the process of the professionalisation of teacher educators in this country,. In particular, the implications of the recommendations of the De Lange Commission (1981) and the Government's reaction to this Commision, as contained in the White Paper (1983), are considered. The South African Teachers' Council for Whites and its impact is assessed, and the implications of the 1983 Constitution are considered, as they affect teacher education in the Republic of South Africa. All the facets and factors implicit in the process of the professionalisation of teacher educators are critically reviewed via the attributive and process paradigms of professionalisation as explicated by Ozyga and Lawn. Recommendations are generated based on the insights obtained. In particular two facets of paramount importance emerged : (i) The need for an organised professional teacher educator association, to promote professional concerns and to represent professional interests in educational provisioning, is essential; and (ii) The need for the Government to reorganise its educational structures, so as to afford teacher educators a channel of professional representation, is evident. These facets would be of mutual value to the profession and the Government alike. Current education structures are sketched and futuristic idealistic models of organisational structures are proposed. On the basis of these studies a number of recommendations are proposed, including, inter alia, the following primary facets : Teacher education should be occupationally delineated, its members should be incorporated in a distinct and discrete professional registration category and statutory recognition should be given to this profession and its members; Teacher educators should form a fully developed national professional association to promote individual and corporate interests and to negotiate on matters of interest and concern; The teacher education profession should be rationalised and coordinated nationally, be accorded a greater degree of professional autonomy and be formally involved in national policy making in a unitary general affairs body; Teacher education should be upgraded to a fully degreed profession, with specialised post graduate degrees being made available with a specific bearing on teacher education, including the opportunity for research; and The courses offered by colleges of education should be upgraded via establishing the option of degree courses at colleges, concentrating all teacher training at colleges of education, providing enhanced facilities for serving teachers to upgrade their qualifications at colleges, promoting a wider acceptance and implementation of integrated teacher training degree courses and promoting the esteem of teaching degree and diploma courses as professional and academic qualifications of repute.
Collective bargaining at local government level with particular reference to Natal.
(1987) De Wet, Leonardus.; Coetzee, W. A. J.
Selection and placement of personnel at local government level with special reference to the municipality of Newcastle.
(1987) Govender, Poobalan Thandrayen.; Coetzee, W. A. J.
No abstract available.
Administration of the valuation of property at the local government level with special reference to the Durban Municipality.
(1987) Garbharran, Hari Lall.; Coetzee, W. A. J.; Reddy, Purshottama Sivanarain.
In this dissertation, a study is undertaken of the administration of the valuation of property at the local government level with special reference to the Durban Municipality. The establishment of local authorities is a direct result of the Government's policy to provide goods and services for local communities. Consequently, it is significant to locate the place of local authorities in the constellation of public institutions, and to examine their rapidly increasing number of functions. Past legislation, authorising the establishment of local authorities, coupled with a discussion of the Regional Services Councils Act, 1985 (Act 109 of 1985), provide the necessary insight required for the understanding of the property valuation function by local authorities. The principles pertaining to the theory of valuation are explored, with particular emphasis on the impact of supply and demand on the valuation of property. The valuer, who performs numerous functions, is an important cog in the valuation process. Since the valuation of property is a prerequisite to the rating of property, it is also useful to examine the latter aspect to appreciate the interaction between valuation and rating. Legislation pertaining to valuation is voluminous. At the Central Government level, the Department of Public Works and Land Affairs is responsible for the valuation of property. The Expropriation Act, 1975 (Act 63 of 1975), has played a significant role over the judicial influence of property valuation. The valuation profession has taken a significant step forward since 1982, with the promulgation of the Valuers' Act, 1982 (Act 23 of 1982), which emphasizes the necessity of raising the standard of the valuation of immovable property throughout the Republic of South Africa. At the provincial level, separate ordinances, pertaining to property valuation, exist for each province. Finally, local authorities promulgate bylaws to regulate the property industry. There is an abundance of literature on the methods of property valuation. The different methods of valuation are the Direct Sales Comparison Method, the Income Method, the Land Residual Method and the Cost Method. The aforementioned Methods of valuation are particularly suitable to the estimation of the value of vacant land, flats, townships and schools, respectively. The scope of the functions o f the Durban Municipality's Estates Department has grown so vastly since 1914 that there are ten clearly demarcated valuation zones presently. The aforementioned Department's intricate organisational structure, with clearly defined functions delegated to the divisions, sections and subsections, ensure that tasks pertaining to property valuation are concluded efficiently and effectively. The degree of subjectivity in the valuation of residential properties has been drastically reduced with the introduction of the computer at the Estates Department. The work procedures pertaining to the drawing up of the Valuation Roll and the functioning of the Valuation Appeal Board, respectively, ensure efficient and effective control in property valuation. In the light of the aforementioned observations, the following recommendations are made: (i) amend the Valuers' Act, 1982 (Act 23 of 1982), to reserve specific valuation tasks for valuers; (ii) that the valuer should persevere in his studies on property valuation; (iii) that the valuer should adhere rigidly, at all times, to the guidelines of public administration; (iv) the designation of 'building valuer' should be changed; (v) the Durban City Council's rate of investment in property should be accelerated; (vi) the training and orientation of valuers should be an ongoing process. (vii) separate terms of reference should be assigned to the Estates Department; (viii) separate departments should be created for valuations and estates, respectively; (ix) a simply worded and uniform valuation ordinance should be implemented in the Republic of South Africa; (x) a uniform method of valuation, for a particular type of property, should be introduced; (xi) land and buildings should be estimated at market value; (xii) the services of a full-time Senior Legal Adviser are essential; (xiii) the unearned increment of the capital value of land should also be taxed; (xiv) the frequency of valuations should increase during periods of accelerated expansion; (xv) a uniform rating system should be implemented throughout the Republic of South Africa; (xvi) the negotiation process should be used as a cross-check to enhance the validity of valuations; (xvii) the fees paid to the members of the Valuation Appeal Board should be increased; and (xviii) larger pieces of vacant land should be taxed at a higher rate.
Financial administration of the road network in Natal.
(1988) De Sousa, Manuel Salvador.; Coetzee, W. A. J.
Man has always been a traveller and in the early days he followed the familiar and well-trodden routes. But man was always in search of the easiest route by following a direct line across a plain, the contours in hilly country or the course of a river. As the traffic developed, so did the function of the road for which the gradient and surface soon became important. Roads were provided as a means of moving people and goods, and as a means of communication. Throughout history, roads have been closely linked with conquest and with social and economic progress. The road infrastructure forms an integral part of the economic development of the country. The problems facing the road authorities can be summed up in one word - money. This problem became serious in 1973 with the initial oil crisis and was followed up by the rapid escalation of costs due to an adverse economical and political environment. As a result there was a reduction in the progress of new roads and a deterioration in the level of service provided by this facility. The aforementioned problem facing the provincial road authorities of a lack of funds to finance the provision and maintenance of the road network, provides a rationale for the area of study, namely the financial administration of the road network, which forms an integral part of the transport infrastructure, with specific reference to Natal. The provincial road network in Natal is funded and controlled by the Roads Branch of the Natal Provincial Administration, whilst the Department of Transport is responsible for the national road network. As a necessary prelude to the area of study, numerous preliminary details are investigated. Initially the development of Provincial Government is investigated. Thereafter the nature of public financial administration is discussed to provide an insight into the functions and processes of this administration. A theoretical perspective is provided on the budgeting systems which are currently in use. The development and classification of the road network in Natal is discussed and is followed by how the rural road network is administered. The current policies from a financial perspective, of the provision and maintenance of the provincial and national road network, is determined. It shows that there is a lack of adequate funds being provided to enable the road authorities to maintain a satisfactory level of service of the road network that is both economical and safe for the road user. The study is concluded with a few recommended strategies which will aid public administrators responsible for the provision and maintenance of the road network to gain an insight into making the most out of the limited resources. The recommended strategies cover the aspects of funding sources, financing policy, road network policy, budget control, and privatisation and deregulation. It is preferable for road financing to be attuned to what the country can afford, and the available road funds should be equitably and rationally distributed according to the physical planning needs. The most advantageous means of collecting money for the funding of road programmes is by means of a dedicated road fund which should be administered by a central road authority, namely the proposed South African Roads Board. It would be this Board's task to execute strategic and financial planning, and also monitor and co-ordinate the provision of roads, of the total road infrastructure in South Africa. The provincial road authorities will continue to execute the provincial road programmes, that is to design, construct and maintain the road network, and would include the national road network.
Promotion of effective counselling of employees in the South African public service.
(1988) Ibrahim, Goolam Sabar.; Coetzee, W. A. J.
No abstract available.
The training of Blacks at local government level in Natal.
(1988) Macdonald, Cynthia Elizabeth.; Coetzee, W. A. J.
It is a hypothesis of this dissertation that the establishment of fully operational, autonomous Black local authorities will contribute to the peace and stability of South Africa and would ultimately have far reaching effects. This hypothesis is based on the postulation that the original establishment of proclaimed Black residential areas was cardinal to the policy of apartheid. This residential separation and other aspects of community life, e..g. employment and mobility, were maintained by legislation and institutions devoted to the application and administration of the legislation were created. This policy extended over a period of nearly four decodes during which the internal and external resistance to an apartheid policy increased with dramatic socio-economic effect. In 1985 Dr Piet Koornhof, South African Ambassador to the United States of America, announced at the press conference in Washington, D.C. that ·apartheid was dead: During the period prior to this statement, 1982 to 1986, enactments viewed as the cornerstone of the separation policy were repealed or amended by new legislation such as; Abolition of Influx Control Act, 1986 (Act 66 of 1966), Abol1tion of Development Bodies Act, 1986 (Act 75 of 1986), Black Communities Development Act, 1964 (Act 4 of 1984). Internally radical elements violently opposed to the government launched a campaign of destruction and intimidation largely confined to the Black residential areas. Generally this has been a Black on Black violence and led to the declaration of a state of emergency on 9 May 1986 which has continued to the present time. An examination of these unfortunate circumstances has led the writer to believe that there must be support in the Block communities for the reform process. It is held that the organisations opposed to any participation in this process have recognised that it could succeed. The ·soft under-belly· is the conditions prevailing in the Black towns and residential areas within the Republic. Official announcements have been made acknowledging that the earlier policy had failed and that a developmental backlog existed which is to be eliminated. The strategy of the subversive elements is to prevent~ or delay~ the improvements so as to exploit the dissatisfaction of the people most affected, the Black communities. Despite the very violent tactics applied under this strategy many Black communities and their leaders participated in the system~ serving on community councils et al. Within Natal there are eighteen formally established Black towns and in the three ye~rs prior to 1968 only three did not have properly functioning community councils. On the announcement that local government elections would be held on 26 October 1988 throughout the country for all local government bodies, predictions were made that these would not succeed, certainly not in the Black areas. These predictions proved to be false and the situation in Natal was that 132 candidates were nominated against a total of 108 vacancies. This and subsequent events showed that there was a willingness to participate. In the period between nominations and election day there was constant and close contact with all eighteen towns and the following impressions were gleaned. 1. The electorate generally was prepared to participate but did not ful1y understand the democratic system of nominations and elections. At many private and public meetings the view was aired that nomination was infact~ the selection of leaders and that no further action was required. The people themselves maintained that the nomination of an unopposed candidate was the total endorsement of that candidate and he could take office immediately. 2. Candidates who had served as community councillors were prepared to accept nomination~ and were supported by their communities~ but did not understand the differences between community councils and local authorities. 3. Both the public and the candidates were sceptical about the real powers and duties of local authority bodies. 4. The attitude was often challenging in that the public and the candidates made it known that they would participate on the basis that after the elections the "government of the people by the people for the greatest good of the greatest number" would have to be demonstrated. One subsequently successful candidate stated that if this did not occur he would step aside for the "forces of revolution". In the event~ the elections in Natal took place without any incident. The highest percentage poll was over 68% and only one of the qualifying towns did not participate. The stage is now set for the further development of Black local authorities. Successful local authority administration will further confound those who 'seek advantage from chaos and anarchy. Efficient and effective administration can only be achieved through the efforts of dedicated officials and members who have the skills to perform their function well. It is not denied that local government per se is the most important level of government because it affects the daily lives of a11. It is accepted that it is in the interest of 011 that all local government bodies be given every assistance to develop , end improve. Historically instability and violent resistance to local government has been experienced on I y in the Black communities. This violence and instability has been exploited and widely publicised overseas in an ongoing campaign to overthrow the government. Clearly the highest priority is the improvement of the Black local authorities and this improvement must involve the people themselves. The long term effects of the development~ training and guidance of the Black people in a system of -government of the people by the people- will be peace and stability nationally. This dissertation deals with the identification of the needs for training~ the support for this training and on indication of what should be done in this regard for the Natal Black local authorities.
Administration of social pensions and grants for Indians in the Phoenix regional area.
(1988) Govender, Devageeranee.; Coetzee, W. A. J.
No abstract available.
The performance appraisal function in selected South African local authorities.
(1993) Sookdew, Saguna.; Sing, Deoram.; Moodley, Sathiasiven.
In this dissertation a study is undertaken of the performance appraisal function in South African local authorities. Local authorities in South Africa are the third tier of government and are subordinate to the other two tiers, namely, the central and provincial authorities. They are established to render a variety of goods and services to the local community and to contribute to the national goal of community welfare. In the light of changing circumstances in South Africa, communities are becoming more advanced and complex and are placing new demands on local authorities everyday. Therefore, local authorities must ensure that their limited human resources are utilised as efficiently and effectively as possible to achieve an acceptable quality of life for the local community. Thus, municipal personnel administration plays an important role in contributing to the welfare of the local community. Municipal personnel administration comprises of several component activities such as personnel provisioning, support functions, training and development, and personnel utilisation functions. Performance appraisal falls within ambit of the personnel utilisation function and plays a pivotal role in promoting the improved· productivity of municipal personnel. In view of the aforementioned, this study investigates the implementation of the performance appraisal function in South African local authorities. The research was necessitated by the fact that local authority employees make up 14,8 percent of public sector employment and up to 70 percent of a local authority's operating budget is allocated for staff expenditure. Therefore, it is important that local authorities have an efficient and effective work force, and one of the ways this can be achieved is through the implementation of the performance appraisal function. Furthermore, very little research has been undertaken on the performance appraisal function as an activity within municipal personnel administration. Municipal employees must ensure that all activities constituting the performance appraisal function be implemented in terms of the dictates of the generic administrative, management, functional and auxiliary and instrumental activities. They must also adhere to the normative guidelines which have direct bearing on the performance appraisal function, such as legislative supremacy, maintenance of public accountability, efficiency and effectiveness, respect for community values and ethical standards. The study undertaken on the performance appraisal function in South African local authorities is viewed from a theoretical and operational perspective as follows: performance appraisal and municipal administration; theoretical perspectives of the performance appraisal function; nature and content of performance appraisal systems; the performance appraisal function in South African local authorities; and developing an acceptable performance appraisal system for South African local authorities. The performance appraisal systems at local authorities studied, are primarily viewed within an administrative frame of reference. Particular attention is focused on the generic administrative, management, functional and auxiliary and instrumental activities, as well as the normative factors of public administration. The efficient and effective utilisation of municipal personnel resources, especially in regard to their placement, development and promotion through the use of the performance appraisal function, is stressed. In the light of the aforementioned the following recommendations are made: (i) that municipal councils and high-ranking officials give due regard to the importance of the performance appraisal function within the context of municipal personnel administration; (ii) introduction of the performance management and development programme as postulated in chapter 6; (iii) review of performance appraisal on an ongoing basis (at least once a year) within an administrative frame of reference with particular attention to the following: legislative measures; policy directives; organising; financing; staffing; determining systems and procedures; and exercising control; (iv) that supervisors (appraisers) in municipal departments undergo training to implement the appraisal system and to keep abreast with the latest developments in the field; and (v) the creation of a separate department or section to deal specifically with the performance appraisal function.
A normative model for evaluating lecturing personnel at tertiary educational institutions with special reference to the Port Elizabeth Technikon.
(1993) Ferreira, Ignatius Wilhelm.; Bayat, Mahomed Saheed.; Wissink, Henry Frank.
In this dissertation a study is undertaken of personnel evaluation of lecturing personnel at tertiary educational institutions. References are made to other tertiary educational institutions, but for reasons of confidentiality specific references are made to the Port Elizabeth Technikon in the text of the research document. This dissertation is based on the assumption that no uniform method exists for personnel evaluation for lecturing personnel at the Port Elizabeth Technikon. This assumption was strengthened during conversations with various academic personnel members on different post levels on the subject of personnel evaluation for lecturing personnel at tertiary educational institutions and during which a degree of negativity was detected about this subject. As it is known that various authors in the field of Personnel Administration regard personnel evaluation as an essential part of the personnel administration process, it was decided to embark on a research project on the subject of personnel evaluation for lecturing personnel at tertiary educational institutions. The complexity of the subject of personnel evaluation of professional employees, such as lecturing personnel, was duly recognised from the outset, and as a result thereof it was decided in consultation with the supervisors to do a normative study only, and to design and propose a normative model for evaluating lecturing personnel at tertiary educational institutions. In view of the importance of personnel evaluation in the development and motivation of personnel in organisational structures, it was decided to utilise the potential respondents currently available at the Port Elizabeth Technikon for an empirical study in order to research current attitudes on personnel evaluation at the Port Elizabeth Technikon. Firstly, however, a literature search was embarked upon, describing a theoretical framework for personnel evaluation. Certain normative criteria were extracted from the literature surveyed, and those were used in the empirical survey among lecturing personnel at the Port Elizabeth Technikon that followed the literature search. The research findings of the empirical survey were statistically analysed and reported, and a normative model for evaluating lecturing personnel at tertiary educational institutions was constructed. Certain recommendations were made regarding the research, and possibilities for further study into the subject under discussion were pointed out.
Functioning of the Kwa-Zulu Natal Joint Executive Authority : a generic administrative analysis.
(1993) Ntsele, Christopher Ernest Mandlenkosi.; Sing, Deoram.
This study was concerned with the analysis of the JEA using the generic view of public administration. It comprised of the study of reading material on the JEA, Kwa-Zulu Natal Indaba, Buthelezi Commission, NPA and Kwa-Zulu, and interviews held with public officials of JEA, NPA and Kwa-Zulu. The results revealed that JEA is not a usual regional administration with identified land of its own, However , in its unique position of being a part of two separate regional administrations, it is a fully fledged public institution endowed with all activities of public administration, namely: functional activities, generic administrative processes, auxiliary functions, and intra-generical phenomena. Most of all, the study revealed that in its unique position, JEA is a second phase in a process where the third and last phase is a strong single regional administration in Region E. To pave the way for this final phase the recommendations urge the JEA: * to broaden the Ministers' Forum to include three "own affairs" Ministers who , if still existing, will be affected by the move to a strong single administration in this region; to be pro-active in bringing closer liaison rendering similar functions among in the region * to include research into a Future strong single regional administration as one of the JEA goals; * to gear the secretariat to the Ministers' Forum to undertake this research ; * to finance the research From the Joint Revenue Fund or to approach both the Republic and Treasury and Kwa -Zulu Treasury to authorise over-spending on research ; and * in filling the remaining vacant: posts, to consider public officials knowledgeabIe in research work * to streamline existing procedures of different regional administrations in order to determine uniform procedures best suited for a strong single regional administration of the future in Region E.
Environmental administration in city-status local authorities in South Africa.
(1994) Reddy, Vimla.; Sing, Deoram.
In this dissertation a study was undertaken of environmental administration in city-status local authorities in South Africa. Local authorities in South Africa constitute the third tier of government. They are established to provide essential goods and services to the community and to contribute to the national goal of community welfare. The services rendered by a local authority affects the quality of life of its inhabitants. South Africa is presently undergoing a period of transition and there are demands placed on local authorities to improve the quality of life of its inhabitants. Local authorities have become increasingly sensitive to environmental matters. Environmental administration plays a pivotal role in improving the quality of life of the community. In order that local authorities carry out their environmental functions efficiently and effectively, it is essential that the enabling generic administrative processes, managerial, functional, auxiliary and instrumental activities be instituted and executed. The enabling administrative processes include policy-making, organising, financing, staffing, determining methods and procedures and exercising of control. In the execution of these duties it is imperative that the normative factors, namely respect for environmental rights, ethics of environmental conservation, requirements of administrative law, maintenance of public accountability, fairness and reasonableness, efficiency and effectiveness and transparency and freedom of information be taken cognisance of. Attention was focused on the policy-making process emphasising environmental concepts and applications, environmental projects, pressing environmental issues, environmental awareness and external participation. Organisational structures in the form of committees are regarded essential to ensuring effective environmental administration. Appropriate and specific financial allocations are necessary for the environmental administration function. Well defined staffing practices are basic to ensuring that municipal functionaries involved in environmental administration achieve their objectives. Methods and procedures have to be constantly reviewed in the light of overall changes in environmental administration. The exercising of control is vital to ensure that the processes of environmental administration are performed within the context of the normative factors. The recommendations contained in the dissertation are directed at continuous review of environmental administration in local authorities within a conceptual framework which constitutes the following functions, policy-making, organising, financing, staffing, determining methods and procedures and exercising of control. Focus was placed on processes such as : (i) the formulation of environmental policy; (ii) designing separate organisational structures; (iii) specific budgetary allocations; (iv) the need for staffing practices to ensure that objectives are achieved; (v) the need for uniform and constant review of methods and procedures; and (vi) establishing codes of conduct relevant to environmental administration.
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.
Information privacy rights of the individual versus the public's right to freedom of information.
(1995) Pillay, Pregala.; Sing, Deoram.; Bayat, Mahomed Saheed.
No abstract available.
Administrative and management functions of welfare officers.
(1995) Dlamini, Sibusiso Moffat.; Sing, Deoram.
The study which is documented in this dissertation was undertaken to portray primarily, the involvement of welfare officers in the performance of administrative and management functions. The period during which the study was conducted, that is, prior to the postapartheid era, was very significant. The significance of the research period was in the sense that welfare officers of the former KwaZulu Government who were interviewed, were already critically evaluating their functions and work situation. The study provided a medium whereby welfare officers expressed the perceptions of their real and present, as well as their ideal and envisaged work situation, in the context of the post-apartheid environment. The study took cogmsance of the welfare officers' performance of their functions as public servants in the field of public administration. In the above context, the study viewed public administration as a vast field of work consisting of a number of main function-groups namely: (i) The generic administrative functions each of which has two dimensions that is: (a) the conceptual (initiatory and innovative) and directive dimension and (b) the managerial dimension. (ii) The auxiliary functions (iii) The line functions - also referred to as functional activities. Although the study focused on administrative and management functions which are reported separately, it should be noted that like in any public institution, both dimensions of generic administrative functions of welfare officers are performed along with the functional, auxiliary and instrumental activities. The ultimate aim of public administration, which is also recognised by this study, is the promotion of the general welfare of the community. The study has realised the fact that welfare officers were significant promoters of the community's welfare. For being promoters of the welfare of the community, welfare officers have the responsibility and the obligation to commit themselves to the observation of normative guidelines to ensure that their service delivery is effective and efficient. In line with the above statement, the welfare officers' observation of current and future normative factors features prominently in this study. Although responses on current and future normative factors are presented separately in this report, this study acknowledges the significance of welfare officers integrated approach to the observation of and commitment to both current and future normative guidelines. Apart from the listed examples of interviewees' involvement in performing their functions, and advantages of observing normative guidelines, detailed accounts of what were perceived as obstacles are also presented. Responses, remarks and ideas expressed by interviewees provided adequate information on which the researcher based his conclusions and recommendations. The apparent merit of this study is in its depiction and revelations of the extent and magnitude of welfare officers' functions, responsibilities, commitments and obligations. Another favourable and notable feature of the study is the fact that it was conveniently timed at an opportune transitional period whereby both the current and future work environments of welfare officers could be critically assessed, evaluated, and possibly amended.

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