Masters Degrees (Policy and Development Studies)

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Agenda setting analysis of hydraulic fracturing in South Africa : an application of Kingdon's agenda setting theory.
(2016) Koetlisi, Nthabiseng Gertrude.; Rieker, Mark Ivan.
This dissertation unpacks the agenda setting process of energy as a policy issue from 2008 to 2015. It explores how and why hydraulic fracturing emerged and developed as a policy alternative in this regard. The agenda setting theory of John Kingdon is applied to guide this analysis. Agenda setting examines how problems gain the attention of government so that policy alternatives can be examined and identified. Kingdon explained this process through three analytical streams: the problem stream, the policy stream, and the political stream, and discussed how their convergence can result in a policy window wherein an issue comes to the attention of policy makers and policy alternatives can be developed and decisions can be taken. A qualitative research methodology was employed to explore all the events and the participation of different actors which led to the identification of hydraulic fracturing as a policy alternative. Data was collected through documentary analysis and was analysed using qualitative thematic analysis. The findings of this study have reflected the agenda setting theory of John Kingdon. As Kingdon has argued, when the three streams are coupled together, it is an appropriate time to address the problem and for a policy change. This is applicable in this study: the energy problem was recognised, and a suitable policy solution was attached to problem, accompanied with a change in the political stream. The window opens when the three streams are coupled together. The window opened in 2008 when the energy problem became intense, during the period when the country experienced load shedding. This was when the energy problem was considered a crisis that demanded attention. Policy entrepreneurs advocating for hydraulic fracturing saw the window of opportunity and pushed for their proposals to government decision makers. A change in the political stream was also experienced. Important government decision makers like the President and other administrators were interested in solving the energy crisis and were in support of hydraulic fracturing. They considered hydraulic fracturing as a feasible solution to the energy crisis.
An implementation analysis of the Child Justice Act 75 of 2008 with specific focus on child justice courts in South Africa.
(2022) Chikukula, Hope Mhango.; Manicom, Desiree Pushpeganday.
Children committing crime is a major issue throughout the world, as a result, societies came to agreement that children in conflict with the law must be respected in line with the signed treaties through formulating a child justice system that handles cases of child offenders. In South Africa, the Child Justice Act 75 of 2008 was introduced to protect the rights of child offenders as stated in the Constitution. After examining the official figures from annual reports on the implementation of the Child Justice Act 75 of 2008, it indicated that from the total number of children arrested, some children did not go through the child justice courts. The study aimed at investigating the implementation of the Child Justice Act 75 of 2008 to see whether child justice courts are operating in accordance with the Act and attempts to find out the roles and experiences of street-level bureaucrats and children in conflict with the law to uncover any other issues related to the implementation of the Act in the courts. Regarding research design, the study employed a qualitative secondary analysis of primary and secondary data, making it desktop research. The researcher collected and analyzed existing documents, legislations, previous research studies and reports involving issues around implementation of the Act and the use of child justice courts in South Africa as its case study. After analyzing the data given and linking up with the theories of the study, the research established that despite the existence of the Act, barriers related to the implementation of the Act included lack of capacity building, lack of commitment and lack of an integrated management system due the lack of co-operation between stakeholders. The findings revealed challenges faced by the implementers were lack of resources and working in a stress loaded working environment where the demand for services is high. The findings also revealed that the child offenders have access to legal representation but find challenges in getting to know information about their court trials, lengthy period of trial and detention in prison, and in receiving restorative programs. Due to the inadequate resources and structures available, there still need for adjustments to be made in the provision of child justice and this can work if the government adjusts its policies and putting more efficiency in implementing the Child Justice Act whereby child rights will be recognized and promoted.
An implementation analysis of the special covid-19 social relief of distress (SRD) grant in KwaZulu-Natal (2020-2022).
(2023) Nkabinde, Mthobisi Mduduzi.; Manicom, Desiree Pushpeganday.
The implementation of policy or programme is a crucial step in public policymaking despite its complexity. Implementation can be regarded as policy in action or how policy is carried out. Moreover, the quality of its implementation determines the effectiveness and success of any policy. Essentially, there is a policy gap when policy expectations and perceived outcomes differ during the implementation process. The study, therefore, seeks to investigate the SRD programme implementation issues, including accessibility, the application process, payment processes, and the distributional impact faced by the Department of Social Development in delivering SRD grants in KwaZuluNatal. The study also focuses on beneficiaries’ experiences in accessing the relief fund and the experiences of implementing agents (Department of Social Development and SASSA) in delivering SRD grants in KwaZulu-Natal between May 2020-December 2022. A desktop qualitative approach to research is used to collect data in this study. Moreover, the study uses content analysis as a data collection method. The sample for this study is a selection of primary documents, including the Social Relief of Distress, Social Assistance Act (No 13 of 2004) and the South African Social Security Agency Act (No 9 of 2004). Moreover, secondary studies related to the topic and research questions will be selected, such as reports, online news articles, and academic journals. The study found that the emergence of the Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in South Africa in 2019, its corresponding impacts simultaneously posed a global health and socio-economic crisis. To curb the spread of Covid-19, South Africa implemented a five-tier lockdown strategy, with level 5 being the most drastic in terms of restrictions. The Covid-19 crisis and regulations restricting social mobility and interaction have led most governments worldwide to expand their social protection systems to provide relief to vulnerable individuals and household members. Notably, digital technology has become integral to many social security systems worldwide. The implementation of the SRD grant in South Africa faced numerous challenges, resulting in some beneficiaries being excluded. Issues included a lack of digital access and literacy, inefficiencies in cash payments by the Post Office, and difficulties for rural and peri-urban residents. Government databases with outdated information also caused some applications to be rejected without a chance for appeal. Those receiving bank deposits experienced withdrawal vi | Page fees and inconsistent payment schedules. Additionally, poor service delivery, bribery, and corruption were reported at Post office branches where grants were collected. It was established that public policy programs fail if there is a lack of direction and unclear goals. A consequence of these limitations is that most adopted policies include vague language and ambiguous, contradictory, or unfeasible policy goals. Furthermore, the goals of the newly gazetted regulations of the SRD grant are unrealistic, as hundreds of thousands of people receiving the grant were disqualified. The evidence further suggests how SASSA failed to update its outdated, limited databases and inadequate verification systems leading to an influx of applications from public servants.
Analysis of hazardous waste management policy and its implementation in South Africa
(2005) Maseko, Zandile Faithful.; Stanton, Anne Sylvie.
The primary aim of the research study was to investigate the regulation and implementation of Hazardous Waste Management policy in South Africa, with particular focus in policy implementation problems in the South Durban Basin of the eThekwini Municipality. The South Durban Basin is a geographical area in the eThekwini Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal where communities live in close proximity to one of South Africa's busiest intense industrial base. The findings revealed that communities in the South Durban Basin face harmful public and environmental health impacts which have been proven to be caused by polluted air as a result of weak hazardous waste management policy implementation. The study demonstrates that the implementation of hazardous waste management policy in the South Durban Basin is characterized by policy gaps, lack of enforcement capacity and resources of local government to effectively implement the policy. The lack of capacity and resources has made compliance on environmental regulations insignificant. Current compliance on hazardous waste management and environmental policy regulations is happening on a purely voluntary and self-regulatory basis and it proven to be ineffective. The study also showed that to realise efficacy in the management of hazardous waste management, a combination of both top-down and bottom-up approaches to policy implementation is crucial. The reason being that a top-down national framework ensures consistency in a national policy framework while the bottom-up approach promotes elements of community participation and empowerment as is evident in the South Durban communities. A key finding of the study is the significance of community activity and pressure in the making and implementation of hazardous waste management policy. It illustrates the significance of networks in the policymaking and implementation process. The involvement and partnerships formed by different environmental justice organizations availed operational capacity and resources to engage the eThekwini Municipality to take action on issues of hazardous air pollution. The challenge remains for the eThekwini Municipality to find methods to attain economic development and simultaneously protect its citizens and the environment. This raises a question, whether sustainable development can be a reality where there is lack of capacity and resources to actualize it. Does economic development have to be achieved at the expense of the general public and the environment?
Civil society and social grants: a case study of civil society organisations and the child support grant during the COVID-19 lockdown in South Africa.
(2023) Mchunu, Nicollette Sindiswa.; Manicom, Desiree Pushpeganday.
The COVID-19 lockdown regulations promulgated by the Disaster Management Act, 2002 (No.57 of 2002) Amendment of Regulations issued in terms of Section 27 (2) has led to a dramatic loss of income and presents an extraordinary challenge to the livelihoods of the vulnerable. The level 5 lockdown was implemented to prevent the virus from spreading through the regulations, which included the closure of businesses and schools, restrictions on travel and transportation, and orders to remain at home, causing overwhelming economic and social disruptions mostly affecting children and caregivers as beneficiaries of the Child Support Grant (CSG). The study seeks to explore the impact of the COVID-19 level 5 lockdown regulations on CSG beneficiaries and the role played by Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on the CSG during the lockdown. The study adopted an interpretative approach whilst using a qualitative methodology to explore the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown regulations on CSG beneficiaries, and the role played by CSOs in the CSG programme. The study is a desktop research; therefore, non-probability purposive sampling and theoretical sampling for documents was used to select relevant primary and secondary studies with sufficient data to address the research questions. The study uses a qualitative content analysis data collection method to collect data from books, journals, government legislation, newspaper articles, reports from government departments and Non-Governmental Organisation (NGOs), and relevant websites to provide in-depth descriptions of the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on CSG beneficiaries and CSOs' advocacy role in the CSG programme. Therefore, qualitative content analysis is used to analyze and organise data extracted from primary and secondary sources into themes related to the conceptual framework and the research questions of this study. The implementation of the CSG programme, as the focus of the study, was analyzed within the conceptual framework of public policy implementation which comprises numerous actors’ involvement. Additionally, the study uses the conceptual framework of civil society, which involves policy advocacy to understand the involvement of CSOs, the advocacy role and strategies of CSOs in the CSG. The findings of this study portray that CSOs influence the implementation of the CSG programme, and play both advocacy and watchdog roles. Furthermore, invented spaces of participation through virtual platforms such as media campaigns, evidence-based research, online petitions, lobbying through litigation, and submissions were utilised by CSOs to pressure the government to top up the CSG and for the public to contribute to the design of the social assistance policy response during level 5 lockdown. The CSOs proposed the CSG top-up of R500 per recipient. However, government implemented the CSG top-up or R500 per caregiver from June to October. Whilst CSOs contributed to the social assistance policy response during lockdown, they experienced challenges such as lack of advocacy capacity, lack of public awareness of online petitions, the digital divide, and lack of data and lack of communication between respective stakeholders and the public in executing advocacy activities.
A civil society organisation's engagement in collective action to access basic services: the case of the electricity action group in Pietermaritzburg (EAG).
(2015) Mbanjwa, Nokwanda.; Manicom, Desiree Pushpeganday.
Basic services are defined in the Constitution of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996) as services that include the provision of housing, education, health care, social welfare, transport, electricity and energy, water, sanitation, refuse and waste removal. Of these basic services, electricity and energy, water and sanitation, refuse and waste removal are considered to be the most critical in improving the lives of people. The South African national government has committed itself to providing a basic amount of free water, which is 6000L per household (Water Services Act, 108 of 1997), and electricity, which is 50kWh (Electricity Basic Services Support Tariff Policy Framework, 2003) to poor residents, as they are deemed essential basic needs (Dalton, 2000:48). This provision is facilitated by indigent policies which are adopted by each municipality. Each municipal indigent policy is case specific and is thus customised to the specific needs of the municipality concerned. In instances where municipalities do not adopt the Indigent Policy Framework or fail to implement it, indigent citizens have the right to demand the municipality to recognise theirs status as per the provisions of the National Indigent Policy Framework, 2006. This can be done through civil society organisations advocating for the rights of their members and/ those of citizens in general. In a democratic country, civil society may hold government accountable to the electorate, not only during election times, but at all times, thus ensuring that government fulfils its roles, including that of service provision. The aim of the present study was to investigate how the Electricity Action Group (EAG) and other civil society organisations engage the Msunduzi municipality through collective action to gain access to their constitutional right to free basic, affordable and adequate electricity. This study made use of an interpretative research methodology. The researcher collected primary data through semi-structured focus group discussions. Two focus group discussions were conducted with the members of the EAG. A total of 10 members participated in the focus group discussions. A non-probability sampling technique, convenience sampling, was used to identify respondents, because the group was only accessible when they met for their scheduled meetings. Secondary data consisted of data from minutes of meetings, organisational reports, letters, memorandums, media statements and newspaper articles. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the collected data. Thematic analysis was most ideal to this study because it emphasises key points through pinpointing and recording patterns from the data presented. This study used themes such as collective action rationale; aims and objectives of collective action; civil society partnerships; and collective action strategies, to examine the relationship between what must be done according to legislation and what indeed happens, in practice. The findings of the study showed that the EAG, in its engagement with the municipality, had employed various strategies of collective action which included writing letters to the municipality, making written submissions and oral presentations to the municipality, holding marches and pickets where memorandums were handed over and having sit-ins in municipal offices. These actions were informed by: 1) the municipality’s response or lack thereof to the demands of the EAG; 2) the number of people participating in the collective behaviour. The study revealed that the EAG had employed both destructive and non-destructive tactics of collective action in engaging the Msunduzi municipality. The study showed that, although the collective action strategies employed by the EAG did not always yield the desired results, it produced valuable unintended consequences such as to conscientise and educate its members on basic services and constitutional rights. Two important findings which played an important role in explaining the collective behaviour of the EAG were that, firstly, although there were policies in place for the provision of basic services and free basic service provision for the indigent, they have not been provided adequately due to non-implementation. Secondly, the study found that binding decisions taken by the municipality were documented but not implemented.
Cooperative governance in South Africa : a case study of intergovernmental relations in the provision of housing.
(2014) Zulu, Thembinkosi Sizo Simo.; Stanton, Anne Sylvie.
The struggle for adequate housing is among the key features of life in South Africa. One of the key questions posed in this dissertation is how does the system of intergovernmental relations and cooperative governance in South Africa enable or hinder the provision of housing. This dissertation considers the challenges facing the respective spheres of government, and considers what cooperative governance entails in a system of intergovernmental relations. It is argued here that an extensive legislative and policy framework for intergovernmental relations and cooperative governance exists. However, the relationship between the three spheres of government do not always promote the constitutional objectives of cooperative governance which impacts on how socio- economic rights such as the provision of adequate housing are implemented. This study identifies some of the systemic and structural aspects of intergovernmental relations that impact on cooperative governance, especially with regards to how other spheres of government relate to local government. It is argued here that the provision of housing is not a basic service delivery function of local government, yet national and provincial governments have delegated many of their responsibilities to local government. This study shows that such delegation of functions adds to the already existing strenuous basic service delivery obligations of local government (such as that of water and sanitation). The study concludes that the successful delegation of functions to other spheres of government in a system of intergovernmental relations requires good cooperative governance.
Delivery of social services through state owned enterprises : the case of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) in Pietermaritzburg.
(2016) Ngwenya, Thobeka Nomcebo.; Manicom, Desiree Pushpeganday.
The apartheid regime influenced the high inequality levels, which perpetuated poverty rates particularly amongst black Africans. The democratic government thus inherited a society that consisted of majority of its Black citizens who were labelled as “poor”. It is within this context of discriminatory practices by social welfare services during the apartheid period, that the South African government committed itself to redressing issues of poverty, and restructuring the social security system to be inclusive. This study aimed to investigate the challenges and successes of implementation in the delivery of social services through state-owned enterprises, as a mechanism to deliver services in South Africa. It entails a case study of the South African Social Security Agency as an example of a state owned enterprises, delegated to deliver social services. The study focused on the SASSA office in Pietermaritzburg, which is situated within Mgungundlovu District, in KwaZulu Natal. This study, therefore, proved that SASSA in PMB as a state owned enterprise has successfully been able to deliver social services, effectively and efficiently. The delivery of social services through state owned enterprises has fundamentally improved as compared to before the inception of SASSA. However, it further uncovers that there are still various challenges in the delivery of social services that impede further progress. The challenge of incapacity in the administration of social grants was seen as one of the challenges. Secondly, the biometric system of payment opened up to other corruptive actions, such as illegal deductions of the social grant. This research study took a qualitative study approach by using in-depth structured interviews to collect primary data from respondents (SASSA, Black Sash, CINDI, PADCA, and Youth For Christ). The study also used primary data from official government documents; as well as secondary data. The sample consisted of a total of nine participants for the study, SASSA officials and members of NGO’s, namely Black Sash, PADCA, CINDI and Youth For Christ. Data was analysed using the thematic content analysis, using manual coding according to the themes. The research study used word for word transcription.
Digital Literacy among Grade 12 Learners at Centocow High School at Harry Gwala District, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.
(2021) Gamede, Thandeka Precious.; Olasina, Gbolahan.
Digital literacy practices involve social networking, web pages, and include visual elements and communication within chat rooms. However, there are several contextspecific barriers to the acquisition of digital literacy. The research was prompted by observing that grade 12 learners at the rural Centocow High School at Harry Gwala District are not digitally literate. As expected, availability, affordability, accessibility, and sustained use of digital tools are limited. Centocow High School is one of several public secondary schools in the rural Harry Gwala District and is classified under quantile two as a no-fee institution. Hence, learners in the school do not successfully utilise digital devices as their peers in other South African, global cities and environments. The study adopted Beetham and Sharpe’s (2010) digital literacy model. The model underpinned the study and helped add breadth and texture to understanding students’ digital competency issues in a rural school setting. The study used quantitative and qualitative approaches to address the research questions. The research used a survey method to gather the required data as it is less costly and time-consuming when using the total population (Matiwane, 2017). The current study adopted random sampling to collect quantitative data and purposive sampling for qualitative data. Eighty-two learners were randomly nominated to participate in the quantitative section of the research, and 10 learners were interviewed purposively for the qualitative section of the study. The findings revealed that most grade 12 learners at Centocow high school access digital tools at home. The results indicated that 62 (76%) of the respondents admitted that digital tools are useful to them for school-related reasons. 20 (24%) of the respondents indicated that digital tools are useful for research and personal reasons. None of the respondents indicated that digital tools are not useful to them. In addition, 49% access digital tools at home, whereas 28% access digital tools at the library. They were followed by 17 (21%) who indicated that they access digital tools at internet cafes. Two per cent of respondents access digital tools in other places. The main conclusions informed the design of intervention strategies for the digital literacy competence of learners. This was a purely qualitative approach that utilized desktop research and thematic content analysis to analyze the data collected. This study finds that the parliament of South Africa used public hearings, written and oral submissions as mechanisms to engage the public on whether section 25 of the Constitution on land redistribution should be reviewed or not to allow for expropriation of land without compensation in the interests of the public. The study finds that parliament received more than 700 000 written submissions made by the public. One issue that this study investigated was that about 65% of written submissions are not supporting the changing of section 25 of the Constitution. In comparison, 34% agreed on the amendment of the constitution, 1% was undecided on whether section 25 of the Constitution should be reviewed or not. This study recommended that if the majority of the public is opposing review of section 25 of the Constitution on land redistribution to allow mechanisms to expropriate land without compensation in the interest of the public, then the parliament must investigate what exactly is the impediment to slow progress of land redistribution in South Africa. This study further recommends that parliament draft, amend, and pass the land expropriation and land redistribution bill. It also recommended a review of the white paper on land redistribution policy since it shows slow progress to date.
An evaluation of performance management : a case study of the integrated quality management system (IQMS) implementation in Majuba TVET College in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
(2016) Mchunu, Lindelani Clement.; Rieker, Mark Ivan.
Firstly, I would like to thank almighty Jesus Christ. I thank you for projection, wisdom and understanding, through the ups and downs of 2016 academic year. Thank you Lord. I would also like to thank my supervisor Mark Rieker whose guidance, professional coaching, continuous help and support regardless of health issues during the year, has been unwavering. You have been a source of strength to me and you made me feel special. To Musawenkosi Francis Mofokeng, I gave thanks for loaning me R5 000, 00 for registration at the University; you have shown me real friendship, thank you. Without you my brother, Simenyiwe Mchunu; I was not going to make it; your support courage and motivation thought the year, when we were broke; hiking on freeway, and eating mealies as our lunch. We have been through a lot together, but let’s hope for the best. I wish almighty God blesses you and your family. Nokuphila Ngcobo, Clifton Wesley Smith, Nokukhanya Zondo, and Tawanda Dundhlu are people I must thank because their support has added value to my life. To my dearest Wife (Mrs Silindile Raquel Mchunu); I am out of words with your support you gave me through my studies, love you always. Lastly, a special thanks to all participants who are my colleagues from Majuba TVET College, Central office (HR, QUALITY AND CURICULUM), which include the IT &B Campus, Centre for People Development campus and Dundee Campus. You contribution is highly appreciated.
An examination of the dynamics of the family systems on the lives of youth awaiting trial at the Excelsior Place of Safety Secure Care Centre.
(2003) Singh, Vanessa.; Mazibuko, Ntombifikile.
The main aim of the study was an examination of the dynamics of family systems on the lives of youth awaiting trial at the Excelsior Place of Safety that functions as a secure care programme. Secure care is a new concept in South Africa and serves as an alternative to the imprisonment of children awaiting trial. The study identifies the family as central in adolescent development and assumes that there are particular dynamics within family systems that may impact on the lives of youth resulting in deviancy and criminality. The study was based on the philosophy of secure care, Erikson's theory of Adolescent Development, Attachment theory, the Ecosystems and Ecological Strengths-Based Approaches. Twenty-five youth awaiting trial were interviewed at Excelsior. The study found that children who offend come from impoverished communities where the household income is less than the Poverty Datum Line (PDL.) High-risk youth come from women-headed households that lack male role models and have little or no source of income. In these instances where the family cannot provide for the youth's needs that the youth is prone to criminality to satisfy them. The study recommended strengthened intervention strategies to be utilised by all service providers in working with youth at risk and their families. It also recommends the strengthening of the secure care programme to address the needs of awaiting trial youth and to divert youth from the prison environment. The study further suggested that secure care centres that have trained personnel in adolescent development, should undertake more community outreach to also target children and youth in communities.
The experience of service privatization in developing countries : the case of South Africa's PPP prisons.
(2005) Massey, Sarah.; Valodia, Imraan.
Privatization, and particularly privatization of services, is a worldwide trend that has grown tremendously over the past 25 years. This growth has been particularly pronounced in developing countries in recent years. Prison services is one of many sectors that has contracted with the private sector, however, until South Africa outsourced the design, construction, finance, and operation of two maximum security prisons to the private sector for a period of 25 years, private prison companies were only involved in some developed countries. Many argue that the sector's involvement in South Africa signals its intention to expand throughout the developing world, and undoubtedly, South Africa's experience will be influential in the future growth of this sector in such countries. This paper aims to explore the experience of South Africa's public-private partnership (PPP) prisons thus far, within a context of international and domestic service privatization, in order to identify key trends and issues which may be relevant to future private sector involvement in prisons and other service sectors. Research was conducted qualitatively, with a total of 12 interviews carried out telephonically and in person. Respondents included members of the government, PPP prison administrations, and members of civil society in order to gain as wide a perspective as possible. An extensive review of the literature, as well as relevant government sources, was also undertaken. While these prisons have certainly brought benefits to South Africa's correctional service, a number of key concerns about private sector involvement in service provision were identified through this research. Firstly, the whole experience, starting with the initial decision, has lacked transparency and debate. Although contracting with the private sector was supposed to lead to increased efficiency and reduced cost, the prisons have, in fact, led to unexpected high costs and risks for the DCS. Furthermore, private sector involvement has led to a tiering of prison services, with PPP prison services generally much better than the public sector. Finally, the research indicates that there are serious questions to be raised about the effectiveness of the regulation of this sector and whether PPP prison companies are truly being held accountable by government.
An implementation analysis of sectoral determination seven (SD7) of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act 75 of [1997] (BCEA): a case study of domestic workers in uMsunduzi Municipality.
(2017) Mabaso, Zamatungwa.; Manicom, Desiree Pushpeganday.
This study examines the issues related to the implementation of Sectoral Determination 7 (SD7). The study investigates domestic workers’ experiences of their working conditions, in order to establish the extent to which SD7 is effective in affording them labour rights, and improving their working conditions. SD7 was promulgated in 2002 by the Minister of Labour in order to regulate domestic work in the country. The promulgation of SD7 came about as a result of the shortfalls of the existing legislation such as sections 23(1) and (2) of the Constitution and the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995, as well as the Basic Conditions of Employment Act 75 of 1997 being insufficient to respond to the challenges of exploitation, oppression and abuse which shape the domestic worker sector, not only in South Africa, but globally. Over the years it became apparent that there needed to be an intervention to combat the oppression and exploitation faced by domestic workers globally. Hence, in 2011 the ILO ratified Convention No. 189 which set the international standards for the regulation of domestic work internationally. Further, Recommendation 201 was passed by the ILO which aims to stipulate the guidelines for the strengthening of policies on domestic work and national law. Despite national and international policies on the regulation of domestic work being passed, previous studies have shown that these policies have not resulted in the working conditions of domestic workers improving, and them being empowered with labour rights like their counterparts in other labour sectors. This study uses implementation theory, and the implementation of regulatory policy in particular, as well as power and street-level bureaucracy to analyze the implementation challenges of SD7 of the BCEA 75 of 1997. The study used qualitative data analysis and content thematic analysis to analyze the data. The main themes which emerged from the findings were: conceptualizations of SD7, access to provisions of SD7 and the challenges experienced with the implementation of SD7. The findings of the study supported the argument that domestic workers are unable to access these rights as a result of the power imbalance between them and their employers. Further, the study found that the policy design of SD7 does not take into consideration the intricacies of the domestic worker sector, therefore SD7, for the most part, has not improved the working conditions of domestic workers. Moreover, a poor monitoring system on the part of DoL does nothing to deter non-compliance by employers.
An implementation analysis of the Immigration Act 13 0F 2002 (Study permit): A case study of foreign African postgraduate PhD students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg campus.
(2019) Ntinzi, Lwazikazi.; Manicom, Desiree Pushpeganday.
Post-apartheid South Africa has experienced a sharp increase in all categories of migration. South Africa has become the destination for migrants such as asylum seekers, traders, entrepreneur as well as students. Migrants moving from one country to the other to pursue a career have become a worldwide phenomenon. There has been an increase in the number of foreign (the term “international” is also used in the literature and in this study the terms are used interchangeably) students crossing borders to study in higher education institutions. Even though foreign students could choose the more developed countries to pursue their studies, developing countries such as India and South Africa are attracting these students. The majority of foreign students who choose South Africa as their destination country are usually students from neighboring African countries such as Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Congo, Kenya, Swaziland and Lesotho. There is also a small contingent from Europe and North America. This study aimed to investigate the experiences of foreign African postgraduate (PhD) students coming to study in South Africa particularly at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Pietermaritzburg (PMB) Campus. It also sought to analyse the policies which enable foreign students to study in South Africa, the challenges they face when applying for, and renewing, their study permits as well as the experiences of government and university administrators in administering foreign students’ applications. The study sought to answer the following questions: 1. What are the reasons for foreign African postgraduate (PhD) students coming to study in South Africa? 2. What are the application processes and policies for foreign African postgraduate students to study in South Africa? 3. What are the systems and structures at UKZN PMB for foreign African postgraduate students to facilitate their studies? 4. What are the challenges that UKZN PMB foreign African postgraduate students face in accessing study permits? 5. What are the experiences of UKZN administrators in dealing with foreign African postgraduate student applications? The study used a qualitative research approach, namely, a case study. In-depth interviews were used to collect primary data from key informants comprising two assistant directors from the Department of Home Affairs, two UKZN administrators (with one being from the International Office), and 14 foreign African postgraduate (PhD) students. The latter were interviewed via two focus groups, with seven students per group. The study used thematic analysis to analyse the data. The themes were derived from the literature review and theoretical framework and were as follows: Conceptions of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002, policy implementation and programme delivery; managers and administrators’ experiences in relation to assisting foreign African postgraduate students; and, thirdly, the experiences of foreign African postgraduate students themselves. The study found that when the Department of Home Affairs implemented the above legislation it encountered various challenges including the submission of fraudulent documentation by foreign students. It also revealed that the street level bureaucrats, as policy actors, clearly understood the roles that they have to play in providing services to the beneficiaries of this legislation. Findings showed that foreign African students choose to study in South Africa as it is one of the countries closer to their country of origin and is well-known to have the best higher education institutions on the African continent. It was also found that foreign students are attracted by academic programmes available in South Africa which they do not have access to in their country of origin. This study revealed that most foreign African students experience numerous difficulties when applying for a study permit in their home country and also renewing them in South Africa. These challenges include standing for long hours in queues at the different embassies. Foreign African students also faced challenges of being denied a visa because they did not produce all the documents required as well as the experience of xenophobic attacks in the host country.
An Implementation analysis of the KwaZulu-Natal Liquor Licencing Act (Act No. 6 of 2010) : a case study of uThukela District Area.
(2016) Mchunu, Simenyiwe Alfred.; Rieker, Mark Ivan.
Abstract available in PDF file.
Intergovernmental relations and cooperative governance: a case study of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health.
(2023) Fynn, Akona.; Johnson, Belinda.
This study explored and evaluated the effectiveness of intergovernmental relations and cooperative governance in enhancing service delivery using the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health. The research used selected concepts from theories of intergovernmental relations and cooperative governance to construct a conceptual framework. The information derived from the literature review and case study was then analysed according to the concepts in the analytical framework. The research found that the KZN Department of Health has adopted measures to tackle resource constraints, such as establishing alliances with communities, NGOs, and sectoral collaborations. "Operation Sukuma Sakhe" is implemented to facilitate the coordination of service delivery among stakeholders. The revival of district health councils is underway, with the provincial department actively involving municipalities through COGTA. The primary objective of extra-IGR is to enhance societal well-being and foster optimal health. Nevertheless, inadequate synchronisation of policy implementation throughout government spheres results in substandard care and restricted devolution of authority. The 1996 Constitution advocates for equitable involvement, but the National Health Department frequently regards itself as the dominant authority, leading to fragmented planning, budgeting, implementation, and subpar performance. The IGR Framework Act 13 of 2005 delineates each government level's specific functions and obligations; however, resource constraints may hinder adherence. Inadequate collaboration among governmental entities can result in substandard service provision and the breakdown of social order. The purpose of a consultation is to synchronise efforts and prevent avoidable conflicts and unproductive expenses. The findings indicate that the existing procedures for intergovernmental relations are ineffective. The areas that require attention include the distribution of responsibilities between districts and provinces, the appropriate delegation of authority between these two spheres, and the assurance of proper allocation of resources.
The limits and possibilities of monitoring and evaluation: a case study of the KwaZulu Natal Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (KZN CoGTA).
(2016) Nxumalo, Siyabonga I.; Manicom, Desiree Pushpeganday.
As South Africa seeks to consolidate and deepen the country‟s democracy post-1994, subsequently it has had to focus on good governance to achieve efficiency and effectiveness in the conduct and operations of government. The country‟s development efforts towards improving accountability, transparency, efficiency as well as effectiveness of government in service delivery seeks to create and maintain high levels of performance in government departments. As a result monitoring and evaluation (M&E) has developed into a significant practice in guiding the transformation of the South African Public Service. M&E is the systematic assessment of the policy processes as well as the measurement of a policy‟s impact. It can be used to assess whether a policy or program achieves its objectives. M&E practice in South Africa is anchored towards developing an efficient Public Service that delivers on the objectives and mandate of the South African Government as enshrined in the country‟s post-1994 Constitution. In 2005, Cabinet approved a plan for the development of a Government-wide Monitoring and Evaluation System (M&E), which was envisaged as a system in which each department would have a functional M&E system. In 2009 a Ministry of Performance M&E was created in the Presidency, and a Department of Performance Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) in January 2010 was established. Subsequently, monitoring and evaluation has become a subject of interest in public policy implementation. This study seeks to understand the limits and possibilities of monitoring and evaluation using the KwaZulu Natal Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (KZN CoGTA) as a case study. It aims to ascertain how M&E as defined in the National Monitoring and Evaluation Framework and the literature is implemented, conceptualised and used. KZN CoGTA is a South African provincial government Department whose legislative mandate according to the South African Constitution is to provide effective, transparent, accountable and coherent intergovernmental system for the Provincial government departments. Evidently, as a relatively new strategic and operational practice in the South African government, M&E exposes some of its own limits and possibilities. Ultimately, not all resources invested into M&E actually get implemented to strengthen transparency, accountability and improvement. The study adopted an interpretative approach whilst using a qualitative methodology to identify and capture meaning that informs the understanding and implementation of monitoring and evaluation, (M&E). Non-probability; purposive sampling was used to select elements for a specific purpose of their unique position and capabilities to provide information on practical and expert knowledge in M&E. Therefore, the data collection method includes interviews with relevant personnel in the M&E practice, as well as the documents about the implementation of monitoring and evaluation in KZN CoGTA, South Africa. The implementation of M&E which is the focus of the study was analysed within the theoretical framework of public policy implementation which involves monitoring and evaluation. The challenges encountered when implementing M&E within the various approaches such as the Results-Based Management are also analysed in order to understand the limits and possibilities of monitoring and evaluation. The results pointed to the importance of an improved and standardised M&E practice with enhanced and standardised coordination between different spheres of government in national, provincial and local government institutions, as responsible for monitoring the process of design, implementation and continuous monitoring and evaluation of the public service, aiming to improve the quality of its services.
Participatory development : a case study of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, Phase 1.
(2013) Mofokeng, Retšepile Mary-Antoniette.; Rieker, Mark Ivan.
Development stakeholders globally argue that participatory development is the best model of development strategy in achieving sustainable, self-reliant development. This is one of the major tools of democracy used by democratic governments. This type of development strategy asserts that if people decide on their own development and if development becomes personcentred, there is a high possibility of successful and sustainable development projects within communities. It should be understood that participatory development involves people’s participation in development projects from the adoption stage of project to monitoring and evaluation of those projects. In Lesotho, lack of participatory development in development projects is reflected in environmental impact assessment reports by a number of developers. In these reports, participatory development and beneficiary empowerment are not regarded as valuable. It seems empowerment and capacity building is on the margins of the government and developers in Lesotho. This study addresses issues of participatory development with the focus of the Lesotho Highlands water project. It provides a critical examination of the events around the project from its conception, the beginning of the construction of phase one of the project to the end of this phase. The study then provides a critical analysis of the treaty of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project signed in 1986 with much reflection on participatory development and all it entails.
A policy analysis of state-owned enterprises : the case study of South African national road agency limited (SANRAL).
(2016) Mtshali, Mnqobi Siphosethu.; Stanton, Anne Sylvie.
State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) are regarded as essential lubricants for socio-economic advancement not only in developing countries, but developed countries too. In developing countries, their history dates back to the colonial period where the state was essentially perceived to be the only entity with the necessary capacity to engineer development. Since their inception, SOEs have undergone different forms of public sector reforms. The emergence of the New Public Management in the 1980s, for example, saw the introduction of several forms of governance to improve the effectiveness and efficiency in the public sector. The commercialization of SOEs is often seen as a plausible technique to make SOEs more profitable. SOEs are government’s attempt to create state ownership in the economy, mobilizing private sector capital, reducing state debts and enhancing the capacity and competitiveness of the SOEs. On the other hand SOEs are criticized for their lack of accountability, transparency, poor performance and patronage. Research on SANRAL reveals that SOEs have the potential to bring about both positive and negative outcomes. The research on SANRAL further demonstrates that if properly managed, extraneous factors that limit positive outcomes of SOEs can be reduced.
A policy analysis of the consequences of the Lesotho highlands water project for rural communities in Lesotho: a case-study of communities affected by the construction of the Katse and Mohale dams.
(2014) Makoro, Frank Tsotetsi.; Francis, Suzanne.
This thesis analyses the policy and implementation of the Treaty reached between the Kingdom of Lesotho and the Republic of South Africa to construct two dams, the Katse and Mohale dams, to supply water to the Province of Gauteng in South Africa, in 1986. The nature and intention of this study is to contribute to knowledge since these dams were constructed for socio-economic development in Lesotho and in the Republic of South Africa. The main purpose of the thesis is to investigate the extent to which the construction of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project has benefitted resettled and relocated households in the areas where they now live. The study focuses on how seven of the socio-economic development programmes of the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority, namely Infrastructure, Compensation, Resettlement, Relocation, Capacity Building, Rural Development and Tourism, have been understood and implemented during the construction of the Katse and Mohale dams. In this study a more detailed empirical approach of how the Treaty and Compensation Policy for resettlement and relocation of affected communities in two regions of Katse and Mohale is understood and applied in the Katse area and Maseru District (one urban, in the Maseru suburbs, and the other rural foothills of the Machache mountain range of Ha Theko in Nazareth). The thesis identifies contributions made to social and economic development brought about by the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. Political structures that governed this project are interrogated, as well as the management structures that were given the responsibility to supervise the administration and operations of this project. This resulted in more than 50 households resettled in the Katse dam region and more than 80 households resettled in urban areas, the outskirts of Maseru City, and more than 100 households relocated to Ha Theko area. The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority was satisfied with the policy implementation in this regard, but little benefit is seen amongst people affected by the LHWP in their resettled and relocated places. The attempt here is to show how the implementation of seven socio-economic programmes of the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority has really contributed to the betterment of affected communities who were involuntarily displaced by LHDA. The thesis also reveals the importance of women in taking household leadership positions, in which issues of resettlement, employment, health, building of healthy relationships with host communities and capacity building, have been their major responsibilities and functions. In the Treaty, the intention of the project was that the resettlement programme should be organized in such a way that the standard of affected communities by the construction of Lesotho Highlands Water Project, in particular those resettled and relocated, should not be below the level they were before their resettlement and relocation. Four main areas of focus, namely the nature of the project, the governance of the project, management and policy implementation, and the situation and current consequent conditions of affected communities, are critically analyzed in this study.

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