Public Administration

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An exploration of the drivers of vulnerabilities in informal employment: a case study of the agricultural sector in uPhongolo Local Municipality.
(2023) Ndlangamandla, Wiseman Siboniso.; Mubangizi, Betty Claire.; Okem, Andrew Emmanuel.
This study explores the drivers of vulnerabilities in informal employment using the agricultural sector in uPhongolo Local Municipality as a case study. The study is against the backdrop of inefficient enforcement laws governing the relationships between employers. This study employed a qualitative research methodology with 30 purposively selected participants comprising, twenty farm workers, five municipal workers, and five officials of the Department of Agriculture & Rural Development. Data were collected using face-to-face in-depth audio-recorded interviews. The interviews were transcribed, coded thematically, and analysed using the Institutional theory. The study’s findings revealed that informal agricultural labourers have substantial risks and vulnerabilities due to the unpredictability of their working status, the lack of a documented labour contract, and the lack of efficient enforcement of regulations surrounding the terms of their employment. The government's inability to effectively enforce labor regulations in the agricultural sector has resulted in worker vulnerability in this sector. Due to these factors, informal agricultural workers have limited access to good and affordable health care for themselves and their families. Most unprotected agricultural laborers face a variety of difficulties, including significant criminal exposure and a lack of legal and social protection. Lastly, most farm workers are victims of salary deductions without any contractual or verbal agreement, low remuneration including unpaid overtime, and inconsistent working hours. This study recommends that government must review current labour legislation in the agricultural sector, this could be done by creating a single joint interdepartmental collaboration structure. This study also recommended that there is a need for increasing digital communication mechanisms and media coverage on labour issues in the agricultural sector. There is a need for amendment and enforcement of the Labour Relations Act of 1995; and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act of 1997 (Sectoral Determination 13: Farmworker Sector). The government has the mandate to ensure that Determination 13 for Agriculture is applied in agricultural farms. This can be done by maximizing the number of professional labour inspectors. Finally, the study recommended a need for the establishment of a workplace forum to represent farm workers’ labour rights.
Evaluating the impact of governance on service delivery in the Zululand District: towards a good governance efficiency model.
(2024) Zulu, Nkosenye Godfrey.; Nzimakwe, Thokozani Ian.
Municipalities in South Africa face significant governance challenges that undermine service delivery. These challenges arise despite an extensive legal framework that promotes good governance. The Zululand District Municipality exemplifies this local government crisis due to its inefficiencies in financial management, accountability, public participation, and provision of essential services such as water and sanitation. This study investigates how adherence to good governance principles can enhance service delivery efficiency by developing a governance efficiency model tailored to the realities of the Zululand District Municipality. The study employs a qualitative research design and draws on semi-structured interviews with municipal officials, policymakers, and community stakeholders, alongside an analysis of municipal reports and legislative frameworks. Data was analysed using thematic analysis and coding techniques to identify recurring governance challenges and best practices. This approach ensures a comprehensive examination of governance inefficiencies and their impact on service delivery outcomes. Findings reveal that governance failures such as inadequate financial oversight, lack of transparency, and political interference significantly hinder service delivery. The study also identifies public participation and accountability mechanisms gaps and explains how these impede service delivery. The study concludes that addressing these issues requires a structured governance framework that fosters collaboration among key stakeholders, strengthens institutional capacity, and ensures compliance with governance principles. This study makes a novel theoretical contribution by integrating good governance, public value, and agency theories to develop a governance efficiency model. The model proposes a collaborative governance approach that enhances accountability, transparency, and stakeholder participation to improve municipal service delivery. Unlike existing governance frameworks, this model prioritises adaptive governance mechanisms to address the unique challenges of the Zululand District Municipality. The proposed governance efficiency model offers a structured approach for the municipality and its counterparts to enhance operational efficiency, mitigate governance risks, and improve service delivery outcomes. It provides policymakers with actionable insights on fostering accountability and civic engagement while ensuring compliance with governance standards. If adopted, this model has the potential to transform service delivery by promoting institutional resilience and governance sustainability.
Exploring the causes of the delays in the public infrastructure development in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.
(2024) Mkhize, Nondumiso Anita.; Mubangizi, Betty Claire.
The South African Government bears the responsibility for the infrastructural development of the country and its provinces, which entails the implementation of plans, guidelines, policies, and relevant legislation, alongside allocated budgets, to direct infrastructural growth. Despite the existence of these plans and funds designated for infrastructural reform in KwaZulu-Natal province, significant backlogs and slow progress in infrastructure development persist. Various challenges have been reported that hinder the progress of infrastructural projects and exacerbate the backlog. Consequently, many communities struggle to access basic social and economic infrastructure, while existing infrastructure continues to deteriorate. This study aimed to address several key research questions, including the primary causes and consequences of project delays, the differing perspectives of the main stakeholders involved in the provincial government development projects, and the identification of mitigation measures to minimise cost overruns and delays in future projects. Minimising the delays will ensure fast economic growth that will have a positive impact on the alleviating of unemployment and poverty in the province. The research endeavoured to explore the causes of delays in public infrastructure development in KwaZulu-Natal, aiming to uncover the root causes contributing to service delivery backlogs. These backlogs hinder the province and the country from achieving the National Development Plan (NDP) goals of poverty eradication and inequality reduction by 2030. Data for the study was collected through interviews with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Public Works, which oversees provincial infrastructure and government property management. Participants included department officials and selected project teams. Additionally, secondary data was gathered from various sources, including reports from the Auditor General, Public Service Commission, KZN Legislature, as well as the Department Annual Performance Plans, and Annual Reports. The study identified several key themes as factors contributing to the delays in public infrastructure development in KwaZulu-Natal.

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