The implementation of the back to basics programme by municipalities: a case of Raymond Mhlaba Municipality
- Zengethwa, Noluvuyo Precious
- Authors: Zengethwa, Noluvuyo Precious
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Leadership Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18941 , vital:43001
- Description: The aim of the study was to investigate the implementation of the Back-to-Basics (B2B) programme in Raymond Mhlaba Municipality. The study used qualitative research design and data was collected using in-depth interviews. The finding of the study revealed that the municipality was able to sufficiently implement the appropriate B2B programme in the community areas. Moreover, the findings identified corruption and mismanagement of funds, improper understanding of the municipality’s IDP and the roles of different government departments, poor communication skills between the municipality ward councillors and the community members, as well as poor service delivery as some of the challenges faced by Raymond Mhlaba Municipality in implementing the Back-To-Basics programmes. Importantly, in respective community areas, the findings revealed that water crises, empty promises and unrealistic/fake promises are some of the negative impacts the community members experienced during the implementation of the B2B programme, which brought little growth and development to the communities. Besides, the findings revealed that the implementation of this programme created employment opportunities for the unemployed youths in the communities. The study, however, concluded that the municipality is not doing enough in the implementation of B2B programme as many communities still complain of poor service delivery. Hence, for effectiveness in the implementation of B2B programme, it is important that the municipality delegates powers to the ward councillors. Furthermore, municipality management needs to refrain from making empty promises to the communities, they must be honest and deliver qualitative services to communities. However, community members should show signs of appreciation to all municipal activities, as well be supportive and ii show lots of interest and willingness attending the municipality’s manifestoes. Finally, the municipality management should ensure transparency, effective communication with the community members, provision of good service delivery, fulfilment of promises, honesty, proper budgetary allocation and spending, effective monitoring and evaluation of the municipal officials, as well as avoiding of nepotism in awarding tenders for the purpose of achieving a smooth running of the municipality.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Zengethwa, Noluvuyo Precious
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Leadership Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/18941 , vital:43001
- Description: The aim of the study was to investigate the implementation of the Back-to-Basics (B2B) programme in Raymond Mhlaba Municipality. The study used qualitative research design and data was collected using in-depth interviews. The finding of the study revealed that the municipality was able to sufficiently implement the appropriate B2B programme in the community areas. Moreover, the findings identified corruption and mismanagement of funds, improper understanding of the municipality’s IDP and the roles of different government departments, poor communication skills between the municipality ward councillors and the community members, as well as poor service delivery as some of the challenges faced by Raymond Mhlaba Municipality in implementing the Back-To-Basics programmes. Importantly, in respective community areas, the findings revealed that water crises, empty promises and unrealistic/fake promises are some of the negative impacts the community members experienced during the implementation of the B2B programme, which brought little growth and development to the communities. Besides, the findings revealed that the implementation of this programme created employment opportunities for the unemployed youths in the communities. The study, however, concluded that the municipality is not doing enough in the implementation of B2B programme as many communities still complain of poor service delivery. Hence, for effectiveness in the implementation of B2B programme, it is important that the municipality delegates powers to the ward councillors. Furthermore, municipality management needs to refrain from making empty promises to the communities, they must be honest and deliver qualitative services to communities. However, community members should show signs of appreciation to all municipal activities, as well be supportive and ii show lots of interest and willingness attending the municipality’s manifestoes. Finally, the municipality management should ensure transparency, effective communication with the community members, provision of good service delivery, fulfilment of promises, honesty, proper budgetary allocation and spending, effective monitoring and evaluation of the municipal officials, as well as avoiding of nepotism in awarding tenders for the purpose of achieving a smooth running of the municipality.
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Evaluating Livestock Development Programmes through the Production Risk Interface: Case of the Kaonafatso ya Dikgomo (KyD) Scheme in South Africa
- Authors: Ngarava, Saul
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Livestock projects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15730 , vital:40513
- Description: Livestock is significant in the livelihoods of the rural poor, providing a plethora of benefits. Livestock Development Programmes (LDPs) can transform smallholder farmers’ production for increased production and poverty reduction. The Kaonafatso ya Dikgomo (KyD) Scheme is a LDP implemented in South Africa with the aim of assisting smallholder farmers to attain economic and sustainable beef production. The literature shows that most evaluations of LDPs have been quantitative based on measurable and quantifiable metrics. Furthermore, various socio-economic and institutional factors have a bearing on the decision to participate in LDPs and eventually adopting the practices. Impact assessments of LDPs have been devoid of risk consideration as well as ascertaining how risk introduced by participating in LDPs has impacted productivity. The overall objective of the study was therefore to evaluate LDPs, focussing on benefits, participation and risk. The specific objectives of the study entailed developing a conceptual tool for measuring the qualitative and secondary benefits. Secondly, it was to determine factors influencing participation decisions in the KyD Scheme. Thirdly, the study sought to measure and compare calving rate and off-take rate risk between KyD Scheme participants and non-participants. Lastly, the study highlighted the variability (risk) introduced by participating in a LDP and its impact on production. The study utilised a cross-sectional survey of KyD Scheme participants and nonparticipants in KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Eastern Cape Provinces of South Africa. Non-probability convenience sampling method was utilised in selecting a sample of 164 KyD Scheme participants and 81 non-participants. A semi-structured questionnaire was the data collection tool utilised. A conceptual “Livelihood Effect Benefit Index”; Probit, Tobit and Ordered Probit models; Just and Pope Production function; Propensity Score Matching; and Monte Carlo Simulations were utilised to analyse data. Statistical Package for Social Scientists version 24, STATA 13 and @Risk Decision Tool were the analytical packages utilised in analysing the data. The study found that the Scheme provided low qualitative benefits, mainly through social capital. Furthermore, socio-economic and institutional factors have significant impact on the decision to participate in the Scheme, extent of participation and decision to continue practicing Scheme experiences. In comparing the two groups of Scheme and Scheme non-participants, calving and off-take risk for KyD Scheme participants was lower than that of Scheme non-participants. In comparing individuals with similar characteristics between the two groups, Scheme participants reduced calving risk whilst increasing the off-take risk. Page | vi The study concluded that the Scheme exhibited low qualitative benefits. Furthermore, the decisions to participate and the extent of participation in the KyD Scheme were influenced by various socio-economic and institutional factors, which were however more favourable to resource endowed smallholder farmers. In addition, the Scheme had significant impact on production risk. The risk reducing determinants appeared to also favour more resource endowed smallholder farmers who had more farming experience. The study’s recommendations were subdivided into short term, medium term and long term. The short term recommendations included targeting farmers within a distance of between 30km and 90km from a formal market, promoting dipping services-based training and extension, and providing information and training concerning calving i.e. animal health, husbandry and breed selection for herd maximization. Participation in the Scheme and the extent of participation can be improved through enhancing awareness of the Scheme at various points where stock feed are available to farmers. Furthermore, enhanced cooperation with extension workers provides a conduit in improving awareness of the Scheme and enhancing participation. The medium term recommendations pertained to initiatives such as promoting other livelihood options to enhance benefits of the programme, and promoting social capital enhancing initiatives such as mentoring and providing social capital objectives that can be integrated into the overall livestock sector strategy. The long-term recommendations include initiatives such as subsidizing increase in herd size to between 50 and 120 cattle, maintaining a monthly frequency of farmer-extension contact of between 2 and 5 times per month, as well as incorporating calving and off-take risk in policy formulation, implementation and evaluation
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- Authors: Ngarava, Saul
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Livestock projects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15730 , vital:40513
- Description: Livestock is significant in the livelihoods of the rural poor, providing a plethora of benefits. Livestock Development Programmes (LDPs) can transform smallholder farmers’ production for increased production and poverty reduction. The Kaonafatso ya Dikgomo (KyD) Scheme is a LDP implemented in South Africa with the aim of assisting smallholder farmers to attain economic and sustainable beef production. The literature shows that most evaluations of LDPs have been quantitative based on measurable and quantifiable metrics. Furthermore, various socio-economic and institutional factors have a bearing on the decision to participate in LDPs and eventually adopting the practices. Impact assessments of LDPs have been devoid of risk consideration as well as ascertaining how risk introduced by participating in LDPs has impacted productivity. The overall objective of the study was therefore to evaluate LDPs, focussing on benefits, participation and risk. The specific objectives of the study entailed developing a conceptual tool for measuring the qualitative and secondary benefits. Secondly, it was to determine factors influencing participation decisions in the KyD Scheme. Thirdly, the study sought to measure and compare calving rate and off-take rate risk between KyD Scheme participants and non-participants. Lastly, the study highlighted the variability (risk) introduced by participating in a LDP and its impact on production. The study utilised a cross-sectional survey of KyD Scheme participants and nonparticipants in KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Eastern Cape Provinces of South Africa. Non-probability convenience sampling method was utilised in selecting a sample of 164 KyD Scheme participants and 81 non-participants. A semi-structured questionnaire was the data collection tool utilised. A conceptual “Livelihood Effect Benefit Index”; Probit, Tobit and Ordered Probit models; Just and Pope Production function; Propensity Score Matching; and Monte Carlo Simulations were utilised to analyse data. Statistical Package for Social Scientists version 24, STATA 13 and @Risk Decision Tool were the analytical packages utilised in analysing the data. The study found that the Scheme provided low qualitative benefits, mainly through social capital. Furthermore, socio-economic and institutional factors have significant impact on the decision to participate in the Scheme, extent of participation and decision to continue practicing Scheme experiences. In comparing the two groups of Scheme and Scheme non-participants, calving and off-take risk for KyD Scheme participants was lower than that of Scheme non-participants. In comparing individuals with similar characteristics between the two groups, Scheme participants reduced calving risk whilst increasing the off-take risk. Page | vi The study concluded that the Scheme exhibited low qualitative benefits. Furthermore, the decisions to participate and the extent of participation in the KyD Scheme were influenced by various socio-economic and institutional factors, which were however more favourable to resource endowed smallholder farmers. In addition, the Scheme had significant impact on production risk. The risk reducing determinants appeared to also favour more resource endowed smallholder farmers who had more farming experience. The study’s recommendations were subdivided into short term, medium term and long term. The short term recommendations included targeting farmers within a distance of between 30km and 90km from a formal market, promoting dipping services-based training and extension, and providing information and training concerning calving i.e. animal health, husbandry and breed selection for herd maximization. Participation in the Scheme and the extent of participation can be improved through enhancing awareness of the Scheme at various points where stock feed are available to farmers. Furthermore, enhanced cooperation with extension workers provides a conduit in improving awareness of the Scheme and enhancing participation. The medium term recommendations pertained to initiatives such as promoting other livelihood options to enhance benefits of the programme, and promoting social capital enhancing initiatives such as mentoring and providing social capital objectives that can be integrated into the overall livestock sector strategy. The long-term recommendations include initiatives such as subsidizing increase in herd size to between 50 and 120 cattle, maintaining a monthly frequency of farmer-extension contact of between 2 and 5 times per month, as well as incorporating calving and off-take risk in policy formulation, implementation and evaluation
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The perspectives of victims of domestic violence and abuse: narratives from members of Masimanyane women’s support centre in East London, Eastern Cape Province, Resa.
- Authors: Sigodla, Asavela
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Family violence Abused women
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc (Criminology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16419 , vital:40718
- Description: Domestic violence and abuse also known as Gender-based violence (GBV) including rape, mutilation, murder and sexual abuse, is a profound health problem for women across the globe. Although domestic violence and sexual abuse is a significant cause of female morbidity and mortality, it is almost never seen as a public health issue. Domestic violence and abuse can happen to anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion or gender. This study draws attention on exploring victim’s narrative perspectives on domestic violence and abuse against women in East London at Masimanyane Women’s Support Centre (MWSC) in Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study employed a qualitative research approach, with In-Depth Interviews (IDI), Focus Group Discussions (FDGs), and review of related literature for data collection. The findings of this study were based only from participants who were victims of domestic violence and abuse, as some of the views were stated by visitors. This resulted in some situations where the witnesses of domestic violence and abuse, just like victims themselves did not want to report their incidents. Women may not reveal that they are suffering from domestic violence and abuse, as they fear of the image that they may be portraying about themselves and their family as a whole like social pressure and stigma of defamation. Although domestic abuse and violence increases all the time women are encouraged to open up on such cases about abuse. Real change in these cases can only be brought by changing the mind-set of society through education and better law enforcement. This study was anchored by both the Social Learning Theory and Feminist Theory. Upon recommendations, this study has seen that there should be government interventions and programs that help victims of domestic violence and abuse and also to work in a way of preventing the domestic violence and abuse.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Sigodla, Asavela
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Family violence Abused women
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc (Criminology)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16419 , vital:40718
- Description: Domestic violence and abuse also known as Gender-based violence (GBV) including rape, mutilation, murder and sexual abuse, is a profound health problem for women across the globe. Although domestic violence and sexual abuse is a significant cause of female morbidity and mortality, it is almost never seen as a public health issue. Domestic violence and abuse can happen to anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion or gender. This study draws attention on exploring victim’s narrative perspectives on domestic violence and abuse against women in East London at Masimanyane Women’s Support Centre (MWSC) in Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study employed a qualitative research approach, with In-Depth Interviews (IDI), Focus Group Discussions (FDGs), and review of related literature for data collection. The findings of this study were based only from participants who were victims of domestic violence and abuse, as some of the views were stated by visitors. This resulted in some situations where the witnesses of domestic violence and abuse, just like victims themselves did not want to report their incidents. Women may not reveal that they are suffering from domestic violence and abuse, as they fear of the image that they may be portraying about themselves and their family as a whole like social pressure and stigma of defamation. Although domestic abuse and violence increases all the time women are encouraged to open up on such cases about abuse. Real change in these cases can only be brought by changing the mind-set of society through education and better law enforcement. This study was anchored by both the Social Learning Theory and Feminist Theory. Upon recommendations, this study has seen that there should be government interventions and programs that help victims of domestic violence and abuse and also to work in a way of preventing the domestic violence and abuse.
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A critical analysis of the role of effective communication in enhancing employee performance and service delivery at Ingwe Technical Vocational Educational Training
- Authors: Mgedezi, Yoliswa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Communication in personnel management Communication in organizations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10724 , vital:35722
- Description: This study seeks to critically analyse the role of effective communication in enhancing employee performance and service delivery at Ingwe TVET College. This study made use of qualitative research method. Five focus group discussions and nine interviews were successfully conducted. In each focus group discussions, both the academic and administrative employees were presented. The nine interviews conducted consisted of senior management only. The aim of this study was to ascertain the role of effective communication on employee performance and service delivery at Ingwe TVET College. Findings of this study suggest that there are communication challenges at Ingwe TVET College such as lack of communication policy, ineffective communication methods, and perceptual barriers. Some of the recommendations of this study suggest that Ingwe TVET College should develop and implement a communication policy and that there should be marketing and communications department to develop communication strategies of the organisation under study. The recommended suggestions will help to improve communication challenges, and enhance employee performance and service delivery at Ingwe TVET College.
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- Authors: Mgedezi, Yoliswa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Communication in personnel management Communication in organizations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10724 , vital:35722
- Description: This study seeks to critically analyse the role of effective communication in enhancing employee performance and service delivery at Ingwe TVET College. This study made use of qualitative research method. Five focus group discussions and nine interviews were successfully conducted. In each focus group discussions, both the academic and administrative employees were presented. The nine interviews conducted consisted of senior management only. The aim of this study was to ascertain the role of effective communication on employee performance and service delivery at Ingwe TVET College. Findings of this study suggest that there are communication challenges at Ingwe TVET College such as lack of communication policy, ineffective communication methods, and perceptual barriers. Some of the recommendations of this study suggest that Ingwe TVET College should develop and implement a communication policy and that there should be marketing and communications department to develop communication strategies of the organisation under study. The recommended suggestions will help to improve communication challenges, and enhance employee performance and service delivery at Ingwe TVET College.
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Assessing grade 9 learners' attitude towards their academic performance in mathematics in Pinetown education district, KwaZulu-Natal
- Authors: Olorunfemi, Sunday Olayinka
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8518 , vital:32859
- Description: The world education system is faced with many challenges. Learners’ performance in mathematics in particular is one of the main areas of concern. Over decades, Mathematics has become an indispensable tool in the march towards technological breakthrough. The use of Mathematics reveals how people deal with their various private, social, and civil lives. The indispensable implications of Mathematics in the society made it to become a compulsory subject in the primary and secondary education in most countries of the world. Nevertheless, despite its wide application of Mathematics in the society, there are still many learners particularly in secondary schools who struggle to achieve the best knowledge of Mathematics. As applicable to most countries of the world, the performance of learner in South Africa is not encouraging. For example, the performance of Grade 9 learners, Pinetown Education District in particular, is not improving. Attitude is one major factor identified among learners that gravely affects learner’s performance in Mathematics. The study adopted qualitative approach which is rooted in interpretive paradigm to frame and focus the study. Interpretive paradigm is consistent with the assumption that experience of the world is subjective and best understood in terms of individuals’ subjective meanings rather than the researcher’s objective definitions. The sample included 15 participants (which include three Mathematics educators and twelve Grade nine learners) selected purposefully across three secondary schools, with attitudes and performance as inclusion criteria. Data were obtained through classroom observations and semi-structured interviews conducted with the selected Mathematics educators and learners of the selected schools to obtain their views on the impact of the attitudes of Grade nine learners on their performances in the subject. The study found that the learners perceived difficulty in Mathematics because of the information that was passed to them through their parents or guardians, seniors and peers who have negative attitudes towards Mathematics; their previous performances at early grades; the nature of Mathematics itself; and that learners were not well prepared from primary schools. It was also indicated that many learners have negative attitude towards Mathematics whose behaviours in the classroom affected others who would have loved to enjoy Mathematics. The study also revealed that all stakeholders (the educators, school managements, policy makers and parents) have part to play in motivating the learners to engage more in Mathematics. Also the study found that qualified educators who will develop good and friendly classroom environment, employing a highly interactive teaching method and as well giving adequate homework and assignments to the learners are needed to teach Mathematics in secondary schools. The study revealed that learning resources are not made available to the learners. There study therefore potentially provides that, educators can help mould the learners with negative preset mind about Mathematics through their classroom behaviours. The study further provides that learning materials such as textbooks and other geometry tools be made available for the learners use at home. The study also, provides that consideration be given to Mathematics class in the morning hours. The study concluded by giving general recommendations for improving learners’ participation and attitudes towards learning Mathematics.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Olorunfemi, Sunday Olayinka
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8518 , vital:32859
- Description: The world education system is faced with many challenges. Learners’ performance in mathematics in particular is one of the main areas of concern. Over decades, Mathematics has become an indispensable tool in the march towards technological breakthrough. The use of Mathematics reveals how people deal with their various private, social, and civil lives. The indispensable implications of Mathematics in the society made it to become a compulsory subject in the primary and secondary education in most countries of the world. Nevertheless, despite its wide application of Mathematics in the society, there are still many learners particularly in secondary schools who struggle to achieve the best knowledge of Mathematics. As applicable to most countries of the world, the performance of learner in South Africa is not encouraging. For example, the performance of Grade 9 learners, Pinetown Education District in particular, is not improving. Attitude is one major factor identified among learners that gravely affects learner’s performance in Mathematics. The study adopted qualitative approach which is rooted in interpretive paradigm to frame and focus the study. Interpretive paradigm is consistent with the assumption that experience of the world is subjective and best understood in terms of individuals’ subjective meanings rather than the researcher’s objective definitions. The sample included 15 participants (which include three Mathematics educators and twelve Grade nine learners) selected purposefully across three secondary schools, with attitudes and performance as inclusion criteria. Data were obtained through classroom observations and semi-structured interviews conducted with the selected Mathematics educators and learners of the selected schools to obtain their views on the impact of the attitudes of Grade nine learners on their performances in the subject. The study found that the learners perceived difficulty in Mathematics because of the information that was passed to them through their parents or guardians, seniors and peers who have negative attitudes towards Mathematics; their previous performances at early grades; the nature of Mathematics itself; and that learners were not well prepared from primary schools. It was also indicated that many learners have negative attitude towards Mathematics whose behaviours in the classroom affected others who would have loved to enjoy Mathematics. The study also revealed that all stakeholders (the educators, school managements, policy makers and parents) have part to play in motivating the learners to engage more in Mathematics. Also the study found that qualified educators who will develop good and friendly classroom environment, employing a highly interactive teaching method and as well giving adequate homework and assignments to the learners are needed to teach Mathematics in secondary schools. The study revealed that learning resources are not made available to the learners. There study therefore potentially provides that, educators can help mould the learners with negative preset mind about Mathematics through their classroom behaviours. The study further provides that learning materials such as textbooks and other geometry tools be made available for the learners use at home. The study also, provides that consideration be given to Mathematics class in the morning hours. The study concluded by giving general recommendations for improving learners’ participation and attitudes towards learning Mathematics.
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