Masters Degrees (International and Public Affairs)

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African identity and an African renaissance.
(2000) Jili, Philani.; Jones, Alison Rae.; Sithole, Dennis Jabulani.
Abstract not available.
Examining the extent of participation by non-governmental organizations in the KwaZulu-Natal legislature since 1994.
(2001) Vilakazi, Cynthia.; Lawrence, Ralph Bruce.
This study entails an examination of the extent of participation by the non-governmental organisations in the legislative process of the KwaZulu Natal legislature. It aims to explore how far these NGOs have taken advantage of the new South African polity based on transparency, openness and accountability. It is hypothesised that organised groups such as these have been very much involved in government decision- making process, since the start of the new democratic South Africa in 1994. This study, however, proves, that there is very minimal public participation and especially NGO participation in the KwaZulu-Natal legislature and in government in general. It further uncovers are various problems experienced by these NGOs in trying to participate in the legislative process. The legislature's inaccessibility was seen as one of the major inhibiting factors. Apathy and lack of interest in the legislative process was also identified as a problem among these NGOs. This study has raised many issues that both the NGO sector and the KZN legislature itself have to address in order that our newly founded democracy can be truly nurtured. This study is divided into two parts in which Part One explores literature on democracy, the policy making process and civil society to help give a clear indication on what various authors think should be the input of civil society in the policy making process of any democratic country. The second part looks at the South African situation and the findings of this study.
An analysis of the growing need for municipalities in South Africa to develop sound informal trading policies.
(2002) Khoza, Makhosi B.; Lawrence, Ralph Bruce.
Despite numerous research efforts and a number of 'friendly' national policies on the field of the informal economy in South Africa, there does seem to be a continuous public policy conflict at local government level in this country. The evolution of the informal economy and the policy crisis at local government level seem to be largely shaped by the legacy of colonialism and racial capitalism. This study focuses on three critical policy areas of informal trading, namely; the taxi industry; the shebeens that belong to the category of home based economy; and street traders. These three are the oldest form of informal economic activities pursued by the Africans (indigenous people). The study will investigate the progress of informal trading as a critical policy area for municipalities made thus far since the democratisation of South Africa in 1994. It confronts the lack of progress by this sphere of government. It concludes by exposing the neglect of the three types of informal trading. It also concludes that the development of sound informal economic policies at municipal level is a prerequisite as there are national policies and legislation that need to be adhered to. The study recognises that despite the development of sound informal economic policies being obligatory, there is an underlying social, political, environmental and economic need for this important process. It finally identifies the specific critical areas that need to be addressed and recommends a policy process that is participatory, credible and progressive.
A policy analysis of cleaner technology : a case study of Mondi Limited.
(2003) Mokoena, Kgauta Sylvester.; Stanton, Anne Sylvie.
The pollution problems resulting from industrial production activities result in the deterioration of our natural environment. That is why something needs to be done in order to preserve our environment. Conservation alone is not enough. Development is needed. Waste minimisation through applying Cleaner Technologies can help the country in the reduction of waste production and improve industry's environmental management processes. This study was based on an investigation into the adoption of Cleaner Technology. The study argues that elements of Cleaner Technology and the application of tools and strategies to practice Cleaner Technology are very useful for any industry. The costs of Cleaner Technology to companies cannot be compared with the benefits they can get from adopting Cleaner Technology. Mondi Limited concentrates on the product element of Cleaner Technology. It applies the recycling and re-use strategies in or~er to achieve product modification and input substitution. The organisation and knowledge elements are very strong and supportive to the technique element that is used at the Mondi Paper Mill. These three elements contribute to the increased efficiency, improved quality of intended products and waste minimisation through re-use and recycling. The question emerges about what government can or should do in return to companies like Mondi since they contribute towards the sustainability of our natural resources.
The challenges of forest policy implementation on small-scale commercial timber growers : a case study of Forestry South Africa in the Midlands region, KwaZulu-Natal.
(2004) Ndlela, Nkosinathi Erick.; Stanton, Anne Sylvie.
Timber forms an essential element of people lives especially those residing in rural areas. Most wood is used for fuel, building purpose; industrial uses include construction; mine props and paper products. Through commercialisation timber is sold and exported to different countries out of South Africa for great returns. Most of commercial plantations are located primarily in the Northeast and in KwaZulu-Natal; most timber plantations produce pine and eucalyptus trees. This case study examines the challenges of forest policy implementation on small-scale timber growers. The study was based on smallscale commercial timber grower committees and chairpersons of the mentioned committees. The study was carried out in mid September and October 2004. A quantity survey through face-to-face interviews of chairpersons of small growers committees was undertaken. Also a focus group interviews of committee members was carried out. The result showed that chairpersons and committee members do not know the Forest Act NO.84 of 1998. The forest policy implementation poses great challenges for small growers as there is a lack of information between government and growers in the respective area of operation about forestry and how it should be sustained.
Appropriate policy education in the South African context: a study of the Public Policy Partnership.
(2004) Jackson-Plaatjies, Madeleine Chantal.; Lawrence, Ralph Bruce.
This study deals with appropriate policy education in the South African Context, using the Public Policy Partnership (PPP) as a case study. The first part of this portfolio is a theoretical framework, which looks at the evolution of public policy as an academic field of study and the study of public policy in a changing, global environment. This section highlights the challenges in terms of public policy within governments and the skills that policy practitioners need to be equipped with in order to address these problems. Part Two of this study looks at the PPP as a case study. The PPP was chosen as a case study as it is a current example of a public policy training and education programme within the new South African dispensation. The PPP is a programme based on partnership. It is the goal of the PPP programme to create a new breed of public policy practitioners who are able to make a meaningful contribution to policy-making, implementation and analysis in post 1994 South Africa. The PPP is a long-term policy training programme which consists of various programme components, namely: Winter Institutes, internship, and postgraduate study. These components are all dealt with in detail in Part Two. Part Three is a final report which discusses the current context of policy-making in South Africa in terms of the challenges that are discussed in Part One. It is important to address these challenges within a local context, as these are the problems that public policy practitioners in post 1994 are faced with. Accordingly, these public policy practitioners need to be equipped with specific skills and competencies in order to deal with such challenges effectively. This section also looks at some of the key issues that arise out of Part Two (case study) in terms of the PPP approach to public policy education in South Africa., namely: the student of public policy, an interdisciplinary approach to public policy education, skills and competencies acquired through the PPP programme, and the sustainability of the PPP programme. Public Policy Partnership (PPP) as a case study. The first part of this portfolio is a theoretical framework, which looks at the evolution of public policy as an academic field of study and the study of public policy in a changing, global environment. This section highlights the challenges in terms of public policy within governments and the skills that policy practitioners need to be equipped with in order to address these problems. Part Two of this study looks at the PPP as a case study. The PPP was chosen as a case study as it is a current example of a public policy training and education programme within the new South African dispensation. The PPP is a programme based on partnership. It is the goal of the PPP programme to create a new breed of public policy practitioners who are able to make a meaningful contribution to policy-making, implementation and analysis in post 1994 South Africa. The PPP is a long-term policy training programme which consists of various programme components, namely: Winter Institutes, internship, and postgraduate study. These components are all dealt with in detail in Part Two. Part Three is a final report which discusses the current context of policy-making in South Africa in terms of the challenges that are discussed in Part One. It is important to address these challenges within a local context, as these are the problems that public policy practitioners in post 1994 are faced with. Accordingly, these public policy practitioners need to be equipped with specific skills and competencies in order to deal with such challenges effectively. This section also looks at some of the key issues that arise out of Part Two (case study) in terms of the PPP approach to public policy education in South Africa., namely: the student of public policy, an interdisciplinary approach to public policy education, skills and competencies acquired through the PPP programme, and the sustainability of the PPP programme.
A policy analysis of the merits of policy networks in policy-decision making : a case study of the Premier's Office, KwaZulu-Natal.
(2004) Mpanza, Bongani.; Stanton, Anne Sylvie.
This study is a policy analysis of the merits of policy networks in policy-decision making: A case study of the Premier's Office, KwaZulu-Natal. This study aims to identify some of the merits of policy networks as identified by the literature. It is also aimed to understand what some of challenges are that face policy networks, and also to determine what type of policy networks are within government, more particularly the Premiers Office in KwaZulu-Natal. This study proves that in theory policy networks allow for participation and coordination between different stakeholders across different levels of government. In practice the time available to members to meet is limited. The absence of key members because of multiple meetings simultaneously. This study is divided into four parts in which part one explores literature on policy networks. The second part looks at the policy issue. The third part looks at the findings and the forth part looks at what has been learned from the literature.
A critical policy of some of the policy issues facing the Department of Transport, and some of the implementation challenges experienced. A study of three programmes/strategies initiated by the Department of Transport: the Arrive Alive campaign, the points demerit system and the Road to safety 2001-2005 strategy.
(2004) Joubert, Lionel.; Stanton, Anne Sylvie.
This study is a critical policy analysis of some of the policy issues facing the Department of Transport, and some of the implementation challenges experienced. The policy analysis concludes that one cannot assess whether or not the Department of Transport's policies: and programmes are successfully implemented, because they have not considered or designed measures of evaluation or impact of any of their policies. Some of the policy issues and problems facing the Department of Transport still exist despite the various policy proposals, strategies or programs which they have designed and implemented.
A critical policy analysis of the Land Redistribution for Agricultural Development Programme in KwaZulu-Natal : a case study of the Sibonginhlanhla Communal Project.
(2004) Chatikobo, Stanslous.; Lawrence, Ralph Bruce.
This research project examines the Land Redistribution for Agricultural Development Programme (LRAD) in the province of KwaZulu-Natal in terms of a public policy framework, which includes policy implementation. In analyzing the nature of the LRAD Programme the project investigates the issues of governance, development, the policy agendas, policy actors and policy subsystems in South Africa (the executive; the legislature; the appointed officials; research organizations; the labour; civic organizations; the mass media; and the electorate). The relationship between the national government and provincial government has also been discussed. The reasons for adopting the land reform policy have also been examined which include the need to address the past legacies of apartheid; to demonstrate democracy and good governance as a way of upholding the human rights principles; to develop the previously disadvantaged poor communities through acquisition of land as property; to address the unemployment problem. through agricultural development; and to broaden the base of agricultural industry in South Africa. The project further investigates the history of land in South Africa. The author has given an analysis of the new Government's LRAD policy; the systems of land acquisition in South Africa; the beneficiaries and their contribution; and the problems encountered in the implementation of the Land Redistribution for Agricultural Development Programme. In understanding the progress of the LRAD Programme an area of Moshesh in Loteni (in KwaZulu-Natal) which has a Communal Association Project known as Sibonginhlanhla Communal Project has been studied. Issues such as the objectives, the financing, the nature, the management of the project, and the project evaluation and monitoring systems have been considered. The project critically analyzes the LRAD Programme in KwaZulu-Natal where some issues of good governance and development have been looked at including elements of good governance in South Africa, such as being a responsive government, coordination and network, transparency, efficiency and accountability, the exercise of discretion, and the challenge of policy implementation. The writer has also looked at elements of development in South Africa, namely, women empowerment, youth participation, the collaboration of national and provincial government. Finally, the project proposes areas of further research. These are: effective and efficient implementation of the LRAD Programme to ensure that more people are engaged in agricultural development; transparency in the allocation of land to project participants to ensure that the programme benefits more people; and training programmes in various areas of need should be established for the benefit of upcoming farmers. The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Department of Agriculture and Land Affairs should coordinate and implement the training programmes before the projects start. There is need to encourage cooperation between government and some NGOs that are involved in land reform and farmer support programmes, especially in the area of training, to drive and to give priority to the youth in agricultural development programmes, and to empower women. Finally, there is a need for capacity development through institutional reforms, human resource development and organization strengthening.
A policy analysis of conservation and development : a case study of policy implementation in Ezemvelo KZN wildlife.
(2005) Buthelezi, Sipho Bruce.; Stanton, Anne Sylvie.
The study explores the ways in which the nature conservation policy of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife enhances the promotion and implementation of community development. This study is partially informed by the United Nations conferences on the Environment and Development, especially the latest one of these conferences. the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) which was held in South Africa in 2002. The conference reinforced the need for the integration of the social, political, economical and ecological elements in conservation and development initiatives. As South Africa is a developing country, it is understandable that development is a central issue in the policy agenda of all spheres of government. Government and public entities are identified as some of the key role players responsible to champion and drive the course of development. Provincial government in South Africa is tasked with environmental management as well as conservation alongside development. This relationship informs the essence of this study. It identifies that national environmental policy now requires conservation authorities to have a more developmental focus. This study is important because it examines the changing policy perspectives and implementation strategies of conservation and development. The study will focus on how Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife's (which is KwaZulu-Natal 's nature conservation authority) policy addresses integration of issues of community development and development in KwaZulu-Natal. The theoretical basis of this project is found on theories of public policy and policy implementation. The crux of the study is to determine the extent to which Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife's nature conservation policy seeks to implement development-led-conservation. The findings show a broad policy commitment to community development. However, when one takes a closer look at the implementation of their policies at one particular reserve (Ithala Game Reserve) then a number of implementation gaps become clear.
The free basic electricity policy : a case study of policy implementation in the Msunduzi Municipality.
(2006) Chetty, Indrasen.; Stanton, Anne Sylvie.
No abstract available.
Managing public policy implementation : a critical review of the implementation of the child support grant in South Africa between 2000 and 2004.
(2006) Mtshali, Yvonne Lungile.; Manicom, Desiree Pushpeganday.
Policy implementation is an important aspect of service delivery. It is a process that requires all the involved parties to work together. In addition, the policy to be implemented has to be preceded by extensive planning and capacity to ensure effective implementation. According to Parsons (1995:465), "effective implementation requires a good chain of command and a capacity to co-ordinate and control...". The Child Support Grant (CSG) is one of the social security grants created by the South African Government to offer financial support to children in need. The CSG is the one that is widely accessed by children. This grant has reached millions of children in South Africa since its initial implementation; however a large number of children still do not receive this grant due to administration problems (Skweyiya 2005:2). This research project provides a critical analysis of the implementation of CSG between the years 2000 and 2004. A conceptual analysis (content analysis) of secondary studies on the implementation of the Child Support Grant is the scope of this investigation. The study analysed the manner in which the CSG had been implemented by the Department of Social Development (DSD) between the years 2000 and 2004. The findings show that there were many problems that related to the administration of the CSG. The problems ranged from lack of capacity (human as well as organizational) by government officials, to the mode (top-down) of implementation, the employment of bureaucratic methods of implementing policy, lack of system upgrade, street level bureucrats methods of implementing policies and insufficient monitoring and evaluation by the National Department of Social Development. The DSD neglected to provide infrastructural support to facilitate the additional number of beneficiaries that resulted from the extension of the CSG to children under 14 years old. These organizational capacity development problems manifested in the lack of sufficient equipment in welfare offices. Many welfare offices did not have essential equipment (such as chairs, working computers and working telephones) needed to perform their duties. Technical resources such as working computers and telephones are an essential part of implementation. Lack of proper monitoring and evaluation of the administration of the Grant has created loopholes in the system that have cost the Department about R1.5 billion each year from 2000 to 2004. Another problem was that there were staff shortages in most areas. In areas where staff was available they lacked the capacity to administer the Grant. As a result, wrong information was disseminated to the public concerning the eligibility for the CSG. The data capturing system the Department uses, Social Pension System (SOCPEN), had not been upgraded to handle greater numbers of applicants. This has led to applicants not being processed, thus affecting service delivery. The study has shown the impacts these problems can have on policy. Due to the manner in which policy was implemented the DSD ended up losing money, which was intended for beneficiaries, through fraud and maladministration. In addition to money lost, potential beneficiaries could not access the Grant due to obstacles created by government officials as their way of implementing policy effectively. According to Lipsky (1980:149), low ranking street level bureaucrats create ways of coping with their duties through simplifying their authority. This enables them to utilise their authority and impose their job restrictions for reasons of lack of service delivery on their clients . Due to the scope of "allowed" discretion that street level bureaucrats can exercise, fragmentation of policy is most often experienced during implementation.
A critical review of public-private partnerships in the management of water services delivery : the case of Nelspruit.
(2006) Mukuka, Dominic Mulenga.; Manicom, Desiree Pushpeganday.
This study sought to investigate the complexities and challenges posed by the adoption of a Private-Public Partnership (PPP) as a mechanism for delivering services in a South African local government context. The rationale of using PPP is to be effective, efficient, accountable and transparent. The study highlights the post-apartheid government's efforts to transform water services delivery through introducing various policies and legislation in order to provide water services to communities that were previously denied access to reliable and portable water supplies. This study looks at both positive and negative aspects of public service management in general and has identified New Public Management (NPM) as a theory that seeks to address the inadequacies commonly attributed to classic public service management. PPP is an example of emerging model of service delivery from the New Public Management school of thought. New Public Management, the study's adopted theoretical framework, is concerned with reformation in a public sector organization (in this case the local government), so that it can perform effectively and efficiently. Another area of concern in New Public Management is ensuring that the public sector organizations provide decision makers with sound advice on all aspect of policy: conceptualization, review, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. The research methodology that this study used was a qualitative approach. Secondary sources of data were employed, while the method of data analysis was content analysis. Themes emerging from the data formed the basis for analysis in line with the adopted theoretical framework. The findings were based on the four sets of objectives of the study, using research questions as a guide. The process involved applying New Public Management (NPM) concepts to the case study. An examination of the manner in which networks have been managed in Nelspruit. Also examined is the legislative and policy framework that allowed and accommodated the inclusion and operation of PPP. Opportunities and threats surrounding the Greater Nelspruit Utility Company (GNUC) Concession were also identified. Finally, lessons and implications in the usage of the PPP approach as a mechanism of water services delivery concludes the discussion on the findings.
The Health Systems Trust and the integrated nutrition programme : a case study of policy implementation.
(2007) Gumede, Hlengiwe.; Stanton, Anne Sylvie.
The South African government has a constitutional obligation to provide health care services to all South Africans. The Department of Health (DOH) has been tasked with delivering health care services to a country which is still recovering from the inequities of the past where unemployment, lack of education, and poverty rates are high. Poverty contributes to food insecurity in many households. Household food insecurity contributes to malnutrition, morbidity, and mortality, particularly in children. Policies are made to tackle a particular identified social problem. In 1995, the DOH introduced the Integrated Nutrition Program (INP) to deal with malnutrition in this country. The Health Systems Trust (HST) is an independent NGO which was established in 1992 to support the transformation of the South African healthcare system. The HST implements the community component of the INP with the aim to contribute to household food security and health status of children under the age of 5 years (INP Progress Report 2002/3: 3). The purpose of the study is to identify policy implementation issues as identified by the literature, particularly the literature on policy networks, while analyzing the implementation of the INP. The key focus of this study is policy implementation. It particularly looks at policy networks as forums for policy making and implementation. It looks at interactions between government and non-governmental organisations, more particularly the DOH and HST and their networking with other organisations. A qualitative methodology was used because, as Marlow (1993:67) argues, a qualitative approach may be more effective because the answers can provide a detailed description of the program. Primary and secondary data was collected from the DOH as well as the HST. Purposive sampling was applied where participants were selected on the basis of their relevance to the study. Interviews were held with key informants. A structured questionnaire was designed for the key participants at the HST as well as the key participants of the DOH. The implementation of the INP by the DOH and HST is an illustration of a policy network in action. The study on the HST's implementation of the INP emphasizes that government cannot afford to ignore the contribution NGOs have made and continue to make in service delivery 'because of their cost effectiveness and ability to engage people at the grassroots level, especially in remote areas' (Taylor, cited in Camay and Gordon, 2002:37). Factors which contribute to network failure, according to Kickert et al (1997:9) include: a lack of incentives to cooperate and the existence of blockades to collective action; proposed goals may be vague; important actors may be absent, while the presence of other actors may discourage the participation of necessary actors; crucial information about goals, means and actors may be lacking; discretionary power may be absent; and the absence of commitment of actors to the common purpose. All the above were evident in the implementation of the INP. The implementation of the INP is for the most part successful. The issue is about whether it is a relationship which will be able to endure and overcome its existing weaknesses thereby sustaining the delivery of an integrated nutrition program.
"From rowing the ship to steering it" : reforming the public sector through the tender process : the Msunduzi Municipality as a case study.
(2007) Singh, Sansha.; Trotter, Kirsten.; Manicom, Desiree Pushpeganday.
It is the following quote by E.S Savas (1992) that truly conceptualises and forms the backdrop of this study "the word government is from a Greek word, which means 'to steer.' The job of government is to steer, not to row the boat. Delivering services is rowing, and government is not good at rowing" (Osborne and Gaebler 1992:25). Government has experienced a reformation of the way it operates, particularly in the way it achieves its policy objectives and delivers services. Governments have discarded the old style of governing and public administration in favour of New Public Management (NPM) and an entrepreneurial spirit. Both NPM and entrepreneurial government are based on the premise that governments must seek the most innovative, efficient and effective way of providing services and must do so under circumstances of fiscal constraints and scarce resources. This has resulted in Alternative Service Delivery (ASD) and Public Private Partnerships (PPPs). Local government, being at the heart of service delivery, has entered into Municipal Service Partnerships (MSPs). Public sector procurement has been used as a means of entering into these partnerships and introducing competition, thereby getting the best "value for money". The aim of this research study was to determine how the tender process has contributed to the reformation of the public sector in terms of improving service provision. The study was carried out by employing formal social science research methods. Qualitative methods have been adopted, using the Msunduzi Municipality as a case study. As part of the research methodology of this study, basic interviewing was conducted with officials within the Msunduzi Municipality. The first finding of this study was that government procurement injects competition into the market, thus reducing the cost of services delivered. Secondly, the procurement of goods and services aids government in acquiring much-needed skills, which the public sector often lacks from the private sector. Thirdly, that public procurement in a South African context has a dual purpose. Not only is government procurement aimed at reducing government expenditure, but also at redressing the equalities of the past by empowering "historically disadvantaged individuals". A fourth finding of this study is that Alternative Service Delivery (ASD) and Municipal Service Partnerships (MSPs), which are entered into through the procurement process at local government, are very controversial. While, on the one hand, ASD and MSPs are advocated by some for assisting government in acquiring much-needed financial and technical resources from the private sector which the public sector often lacks, on the other hand the private sector is often criticised by others for being motivated solely by profit-making. Thus, analyses of the findings of this study suggest that government procurement introduces competition into the market, thereby reducing the cost of services delivered, increases service delivery coverage and introduces much-needed skills that are required by the private sector. Public procurement has been employed as an important policy tool which fosters job creation and empowers once discriminated against groups such as women and the disabled. South Africa has reformed itself and has become more entrepreneurial and what was once a solely public function is now being delegated to the private sector. Therefore it can be deduced that ASD and MSPs, through procurement, has transformed the public sector in terms of service delivery and has greatly improved it.
An agenda setting analysis : the application of Kingdon's framework to the Road Accident Fund (RAF).
(2008) Ndlovu, Lindokuhle Angel.; Manicom, Desiree Pushpeganday.; Cloete, Kirsten.
This study aimed at exploring the agenda setting process of the Road Accident Fund (RAF), a road accident compensation system operating in South Africa using Kingdon's model of Agenda Setting. This study focused on the period between 1996 when the RAF was introduced to 2005 when the focus in the Fund was put mainly on how to deal with fraud and corruption issues. When the RAF was put into place, the main aim was to establish a compensation system that will be able to deal with the effects of road accidents that the people suffer. These are mostly the vulnerable road users and public transport passengers who account for most of the road casualties. However there has been a shift in the focus of the Road Accident Fund Act of 1996, hence the majority of the people who were meant to be beneficiaries ended up not benefiting from the Fund due to corruption. A theoretical framework based on the work of John Kingdon (1995) is used to explore the developments in the RAF that led to the Road Accident Benefit Scheme (RABS) as a proposed system. Qualitative research method was used in order to trace the unfolding of the events and action of participants in the RAF in order to see whether the developments in the Fund can be explained using Kingdon's framework of agenda setting. Historical documents were used to collect data and to trace the chronology of events. These include formal records, including Annual Reports on the RAF and media articles, including newspapers. Content analysis method was done on material such as: Annual Reports on the Road Accident Fund, Meeting Minutes, Parliamentary Proceedings, Newspaper Articles and Speeches, primarily from the Department of Transport in order to analyse data. The findings of this study revealed that using Kingdon's theory of agenda setting, it is possible to come to a better understanding of the agenda setting process that led to a current state of the RAF. In the RAF case study, the three policy streams proposed by Kingdon namely: problem stream, policy stream and political stream, were identified. In the problem stream, the financial 'crisis' together with feedback from the formal as well as the media reports that indicated that the financial condition of the RAF was getting worse served as an indication that there was a problem in the Fund. Several ideas were generated in the policy stream of the Fund. Amongst other things, studies, discussions, hearings, meetings and conferences conducted by the RAF Commission for the purpose of investigating the Fund and come up with alternative solutions, created pressure for policy change. While RABS which incorporated in it a "no fault" system of compensation was proposed as a solution by the RAF Commission, liquidation of the Fund was also a concern. In the political stream, the national mood, change of administration and interest group pressure were evident and contributed to the agenda setting of the RAF. Media reports also contributed to the whole agenda setting process of the Fund. The implications of the analysis for future processes are drawn.
An evaluation of the implementation of construction learnerships on the expanded public works programme : a case study of eThekwini Vuk'uphile I, KwaZulu-Natal
(2009) Mayombe, Celestin Busare.
This study was based on the findings of an evaluation of the implementation of construction learnerships in the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). The learnership programme in the EPWP (or Contractor Learnership Programme) forms construction firms which include one learner contractor and two site supervisors. The research focused on the eThekwini Vuk’uphile I Learnership Programme. This was aimed at developing sustainable emerging contractors and job creation. The overall purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the implementation of the eThekwini Vuk’uphile I Learnerships Programme. A survey design was used for this research, using questionnaires to gather data and which sought both quantitative and qualitative (or triangulation) information from the sample in order to bring out views from a variety of key stakeholders. The research found positive results reflecting well on the training providers involved in the implementation of the eThekwini Vuk’uphile I. The programme reached three-quarters of the target populations who were youths, women and historically disadvantaged. The local newspapers were the most effective source of knowledge about the existence of the eThekwini Vuk’uphile I Programme. Finally, the study found that the overall implementation was successful. This is because the contractors were able to sustain their firms beyond the learnership programme. However, as a pilot project, eThekwini Vuk’uphile I experienced considerable challenges. The main problems concerning the implementation were availability of suitable projects in time, commitment and buy-in of stakeholders, mentors in short supply, and learner contractor/ learner supervisor disputes on profits. The findings suggest that these problems need to be dealt with by (1) refining recruitment and selection, (2) involving key stakeholders during the planning stage, (3) identifying projects prior learnership implementation, (4) improving the adversarial relationship between contractors and supervisors, and (5) designing and implementing monitoring and evaluation framework.
A critical analysis of public participation in the integrated development plans (IDP) of selected municipalities in some provinces (Gauteng, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape) in South Africa.
(2009) Njenga, Thembela Miranda.
The dawn of democracy in South Africa saw a commitment from the African National Congress (ANC) government to address the ills of apartheid through establishing policies that would transform local government (Republic of South Africa (RSA) 1998). The transformation of local government was seen as ensuring the inclusion of citizens, and particularly communities and groups, in society that were previously excluded in policy and decision-making processes of the country (RSA 1998). The Integrated Development Plan (IDP), which is the planning tool of local government (RSA 2000) was seen as one of the ways to ensure this inclusion. This study critically analyses how some municipalities promoted public participation in the IDP process. In so doing, it critically explores the understandings and conceptualisations of public participation by municipalities. It also analyses organisational structures and institutional mechanisms used by municipalities to promote public participation in the IDP process. The study explores the nature of public participation used through these mechanisms and in these structures. The study employed a qualitative research methodology, relying mainly on secondary written sources of data, which reported on public participation and IDP processes. These sources include journal articles, books, internet sources, government legislation, IDP documents of selected municipalities, research and theses. The focus of the study was on some provinces (Gauteng, Eastern Cape, Kwa-Zulu Natal and Western Cape) in South Africa. The studies of municipalities explored in the Gauteng province are the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, Emfuleni Local Municipality, Midvaal Local Municipality, Kungwini Municipality, West Rand District Municipality and Mogale City. In the Western Cape, the study analysed studies done in the Stellenbosch Municipality, City of Cape Town Municipality, Breede Valley Municipality and Boland Municipality. In the Eastern Cape, the study looked at studies done in Amathole District Municipality, Buffalo City District Municipality and Makana Municipality. In Kwa-Zulu Natal studies done in Msinga and Hisbicus Municipalities in the Ugu District Municipality, Ugu District Municipality, eThekwini Metro Municipality, and Sisonke Municipality were utilised. Limitations with the availability of information restricted this study to only these municipalities. To analyse the data, the study used qualitative and data analytical techniques. In particular, content analysis was used. One of the emerging conceptualisations of public participation by municipalities in this study is the commitment towards involving communities in the decision-making processes of municipalities. Another conceptualisation of public participation in the IDP process associates public participation with democracy and governance. Ward Committees were used by municipalities in this study as structures for public participation in the IDP process at local community level. These structures were faced with challenges that rendered them ineffective as structures of public participation. In this regard, Ward Committees in some municipalities were established late after the IDPs were already drafted. In others, they were either dysfunctional or by-passed as structures of participation. The IDP Representative Forums were used as the main structures for public participation in the IDP process. Like Ward Committees, these structures were faced with challenges, such as lack of decision-making powers by role-players, partial functioning of IDP Representative Forums and capacity problems for some role-players. These structures at times accentuated the socio-economic inequalities inherent in society. Municipalities in this study established mechanisms to facilitate public participation in the IDP process, such as public meetings/workshops, public hearings, Mayors‟ Listening Campaigns, road shows and ward-based meetings. While some of these mechanisms yielded benefits for communities, such as promoting access to government, some of these mechanisms were not accommodative of the marginalised groups of society, thus hindering participation of such groups in the IDP process. Municipalities in this study used low levels of participation, with limited power by citizens to influence decisions in the IDP process. Based on these findings, this study makes the following recommendations:  Municipalities must clarify their conceptualisation of who the public is to help them identify appropriate mechanisms for public participation.  Municipalities must find ways of mitigating the challenges inherent in Ward Committees to ensure that they better facilitate public participation in the IDP process.  IDP Representative Forums must accommodate the less-organised groups of society.  Municipalities must devise mechanisms for participation that are accommodative of all kinds of people and their realities.  Lastly, municipal officials are advised to move away from low levels of participation such as consultation and tokenism, to higher levels of participation that will ensure that the public have a real say in decisions that affect their lives.
An implementation analysis of the graduate internship programme of the South African Department of Public Service and Administration.
(2010) Koma, Nneileng.; Rieker, Mark Ivan.
The advent of democracy in South Africa has opened up a window of opportunity for issues or social ills to be brought forward to the attention of policy makers. South Africa is faced with a high number of unemployed graduates and one factor attributable to this is their lack of experiential training which is a requisite for entering the highly competitive labour market making it difficult for them to access employment. The government, in one attempt to address this policy issue, adopted internships as a remedial initiative in 2002. The youth make up a very high percentage of the South African population and therefore it is detrimental to the country if this high percentage of the population remains unlinked to the economy. It is now imperative also to understand that the assembling of what seems a good corrective measure of an issue does not guarantee success. The reality in South Africa indicates that there is a major problem around the implementation of policies and programmes by government. The implementation phase of the internship programme plays a very crucial part in ensuring an effective delivery of programme benefits, thus the importance of continuously evaluating implementation processes in implementing departments like the Department of Public Service and Administration. The findings of the study reveal that there are flaws in the implementation of the Internship Programme in the DPSA, relating to access strategy, the target population and the relevance of on the job training provided to interns.
The challenges and benefits of policy networks : a case study of labour policy implementation at the Centre for Criminal Justice.
(2010) Aduojo, Obaje Timothy.; Rieker, Mark Ivan.
This study investigates the challenges and benefits of policy networks. It focuses specifically on the experiences of the Centre for Crimlnal Justice, examining the challenges and benefits it experiences in its networks. In spite of the widely applauded benefits of networks in this study and in other publications, findings from this study still highlight the challenges of networks in labour policy implementation. The study reveals that the element of diversity and the complicated nature of networks' management threaten networks' ability to realize their objectives. The lack of binding regulations and managerial structures in certain networks reveals the drawback in networks' management. Firstly, it raises questions about the legitimacy of any self-initiated coordination in networks since such might not be formally accepted by network members. Secondly, the thesis argues that the lack of binding regulations in some networks deepen the likelihood of uncooperative attitude among actors, especially when it suits them, given that there are no defined consequences for their actions. Other findings in this study draw attention to the operational conflict between the vertical and lateral-minded members of a network. This discusses the question of methodological disagreement between actors of contrasting view points in the execution of certain tasks. Finally, the thesis looks at the question of actors' autonomy in a network. It argues that threats to actors' autonomy or dignity could promote lack of commitment from network members, neglect of responsibility and the possible breakdown of the network if such issues are not properly addressed. In summary, though networks are ideal tools for policy implementation and service delivery in contemporary society, they nevertheless have their challenges. Hence the study concludes with an invitation for proper acknowledgement of the challenges in the process of networks and the need for further studies in this field to enhance the effectiveness of networks in implementation processes.

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