A Diagnosis of School Governance in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Ngonzo, Mthunywa Lawrence
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1016 , vital:26518
- Description: This research conducts a diagnosis of school governance in the Eastern Cape Province with the overriding objective of determining the appropriate strategies that can be recommended for improving the effectiveness of school governance in the Eastern Cape Province. In a bid to achieve this overriding objective, the entire research process was guided by the research objectives and questions that examined; factors determining the effectiveness of school governance in the Eastern Cape Province, the effects of effective governance on performance of schools in the Eastern Cape Province, and the strategies which are used for improving school governance in the Eastern Cape Province. Although the secondary research was accomplished through the review and analysis of the relevant literatures and theories, the qualitative research approach was used in the primary research process. The findings of the study indicate that achieving effective school governance in the Eastern Cape Province is far from being attained for the reason that in terms of the applications of the principles for effective governance, the study reveals that the effective implementations of these principles in the Eastern Cape schools is marred by factors that include; lack of clear outline of SGBs, poor briefing of members about the roles of SGBs, poor consultations of members and stakeholders, poor representation of stakeholders, poor support of school’s staff, lack of well defined vision, and poor documentations of SGBs’ roles. Despite the fact that the findings of the study also indicate that the practices in the Eastern Cape schools are inappropriate for enhancing effective school governance, it was noted that there is still ineffective application of the strategies which can be used for improving school governance in the Eastern Cape Province. As the findings indicate, this certainly undermines the effectiveness of school governance in the Eastern Cape Province. While drawing from both the primary and secondary findings of the study, it was recommended that the school governing bodies in the Eastern Cape Province must; apply the six main principles for effective governance, apply the core components or pillars of good governance and consider implementing the strategies encompassing; considering that common interest and core business issues is one of the strategies, ensuring that the roles, objectives, functions and powers of the school council are clearly understood by all council members, effective planning, policy making and reporting, induction and professional development and learning, communication and information sharing, monitoring, evaluation and improvement. It was suggested that the suggested area for further study would be; “The effects of stakeholders’ involvement on the performance of School Governing Bodies.”
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ngonzo, Mthunywa Lawrence
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1016 , vital:26518
- Description: This research conducts a diagnosis of school governance in the Eastern Cape Province with the overriding objective of determining the appropriate strategies that can be recommended for improving the effectiveness of school governance in the Eastern Cape Province. In a bid to achieve this overriding objective, the entire research process was guided by the research objectives and questions that examined; factors determining the effectiveness of school governance in the Eastern Cape Province, the effects of effective governance on performance of schools in the Eastern Cape Province, and the strategies which are used for improving school governance in the Eastern Cape Province. Although the secondary research was accomplished through the review and analysis of the relevant literatures and theories, the qualitative research approach was used in the primary research process. The findings of the study indicate that achieving effective school governance in the Eastern Cape Province is far from being attained for the reason that in terms of the applications of the principles for effective governance, the study reveals that the effective implementations of these principles in the Eastern Cape schools is marred by factors that include; lack of clear outline of SGBs, poor briefing of members about the roles of SGBs, poor consultations of members and stakeholders, poor representation of stakeholders, poor support of school’s staff, lack of well defined vision, and poor documentations of SGBs’ roles. Despite the fact that the findings of the study also indicate that the practices in the Eastern Cape schools are inappropriate for enhancing effective school governance, it was noted that there is still ineffective application of the strategies which can be used for improving school governance in the Eastern Cape Province. As the findings indicate, this certainly undermines the effectiveness of school governance in the Eastern Cape Province. While drawing from both the primary and secondary findings of the study, it was recommended that the school governing bodies in the Eastern Cape Province must; apply the six main principles for effective governance, apply the core components or pillars of good governance and consider implementing the strategies encompassing; considering that common interest and core business issues is one of the strategies, ensuring that the roles, objectives, functions and powers of the school council are clearly understood by all council members, effective planning, policy making and reporting, induction and professional development and learning, communication and information sharing, monitoring, evaluation and improvement. It was suggested that the suggested area for further study would be; “The effects of stakeholders’ involvement on the performance of School Governing Bodies.”
- Full Text:
An assessment of the implementation of local economic development: a case study of Nkonkobe Local municipality in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Linake, Nthekeleng
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1151 , vital:26530
- Description: In efforts to alleviate poverty in South Africa, the democratic Government has since 1994 implemented various programs and policies that aim to alleviate income poverty through stimulating employment, developing skills and improving service delivery. One of these policies is Local Economic Development (LED). LED has been adopted by the South African government as a shift from the purely service oriented to developmental local government. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 commits local government to the promotion of social and economic development. Section 152 (1) (b) of the Constitution 1996 further states that local government should ensure that services are delivered in a sustainable manner. The Local Economic Development as a strategy that is aimed at stimulating economic activities at the local sphere has been hailed for its participative nature with communities. Local communities cease to be mere recipients of services; rather they become actively involved in their own economic development. The main objectives of the study were to investigate the effectiveness of the implementation of LED strategies in Nkonkobe Municipality, to find out how Nkonkobe Municipality communities perceive municipal LED efforts and initiatives for poverty alleviation, to determine the challenges which are faced by Nkonkobe Municipality in terms of implementing its LED strategies and to make recommendations on how LED can be strengthened, supported and or improved in Nkonkobe Municipality. Qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis were used in this study. The study findings suggest that there is still a lot to be done in order to implement LED in Nkonkobe Municipality. There are a number of recommendations made by the researcher to assist the municipality.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Linake, Nthekeleng
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1151 , vital:26530
- Description: In efforts to alleviate poverty in South Africa, the democratic Government has since 1994 implemented various programs and policies that aim to alleviate income poverty through stimulating employment, developing skills and improving service delivery. One of these policies is Local Economic Development (LED). LED has been adopted by the South African government as a shift from the purely service oriented to developmental local government. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 commits local government to the promotion of social and economic development. Section 152 (1) (b) of the Constitution 1996 further states that local government should ensure that services are delivered in a sustainable manner. The Local Economic Development as a strategy that is aimed at stimulating economic activities at the local sphere has been hailed for its participative nature with communities. Local communities cease to be mere recipients of services; rather they become actively involved in their own economic development. The main objectives of the study were to investigate the effectiveness of the implementation of LED strategies in Nkonkobe Municipality, to find out how Nkonkobe Municipality communities perceive municipal LED efforts and initiatives for poverty alleviation, to determine the challenges which are faced by Nkonkobe Municipality in terms of implementing its LED strategies and to make recommendations on how LED can be strengthened, supported and or improved in Nkonkobe Municipality. Qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis were used in this study. The study findings suggest that there is still a lot to be done in order to implement LED in Nkonkobe Municipality. There are a number of recommendations made by the researcher to assist the municipality.
- Full Text:
An evaluation of the use of Management-By-Objectives (MBO) as a strategic performance improvement measure in the Intsikayethu local municipality
- Authors: Mahlati, Ntombizodwa
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11738 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1018505
- Description: This study examines how the concept of Management-By-Objectives (MBO) can be used by the management of Intsika Yethu Local Municipality to improve the extent to which such prescribed strategic objectives can be easily achieved. It was anticipated that through this exercise, the study would be able to emerge with the measures which could be suggested for enhancing the integration of MBO as one of the performance improvement measures used by the management of Intsika Yethu Local Municipality. In a bid to accomplish this, the entire research process was directed towards the achievement of secondary research objectives that involve; examining the kinds of features that imply that MBO is used as a performance improvement measure by the managers in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality, assessing the kinds of steps that used in the application of MBO as a performance improvement measure by the managers in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality, examining the effects of the application of MBO on the performance of the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality, analysing the factors limiting the successful application of MBO as a performance improvement measure by the managers in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality, evaluating the kinds of strategies that are used for achieving successful application of MBO as a performance improvement measure by the managers in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality, and determining the measures that can be recommended for improving the successful application of MBO as a performance improvement measure by the managers in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality. The interviews with the sample participants that comprised of senior and middle managers as well as ordinary employees of Intsika Yethu Local Municipality revealed that although there is some attempt to use management- by- objectives as a strategic performance improvement measure, its current approach do not meet the kinds of features that the literature indicates to define the kinds of an effective MBO. The study highlighted that the essential features for management- by- objectives include; superior-subordinate participation, joint goal-setting, joint decision on methodology, make way to attain maximum result, and constant and genuine support from superiors. However, it was noted that most of the identified themes indicate that most of the essential features that imply that the managers at the Intsika Yethu Local municipality are effectively using MBO are lacking. In terms of the MBO steps that include; Step 1; Goal setting, Step 2; Manager-Subordinate involvement, Step 3; Matching goals and resources, Step 4; Implementation of plan, and Step 5; Review and appraisal of performance, the study reveals that the accomplishment of MBO in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality is more random and defies the following of such logical steps. Although the study indicates that there are shortfalls in the features and steps that are used in the application of management- by- objectives in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality, it was noted that the little applications of some aspects of MBO has usually impacted positively. On that basis, the study concluded that the strategies that can be adopted to improve the application of MBO as a strategic performance improvement measure in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality include; the application of the appropriate motivational strategies, increasing goal congruence to ensure that the main strategic objectives and goals are aligned with the departmental and individual goals and objectives, increasing investments and training of the employees and managers in order to highlight the importance, processes and techniques that are required in management- by- objectives, and improve employee empowerment and communication. It is pointed out in this research document that the suggested area for further studies would be; “The effects of employee empowerment on management- by- objectives in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality.”
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mahlati, Ntombizodwa
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11738 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1018505
- Description: This study examines how the concept of Management-By-Objectives (MBO) can be used by the management of Intsika Yethu Local Municipality to improve the extent to which such prescribed strategic objectives can be easily achieved. It was anticipated that through this exercise, the study would be able to emerge with the measures which could be suggested for enhancing the integration of MBO as one of the performance improvement measures used by the management of Intsika Yethu Local Municipality. In a bid to accomplish this, the entire research process was directed towards the achievement of secondary research objectives that involve; examining the kinds of features that imply that MBO is used as a performance improvement measure by the managers in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality, assessing the kinds of steps that used in the application of MBO as a performance improvement measure by the managers in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality, examining the effects of the application of MBO on the performance of the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality, analysing the factors limiting the successful application of MBO as a performance improvement measure by the managers in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality, evaluating the kinds of strategies that are used for achieving successful application of MBO as a performance improvement measure by the managers in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality, and determining the measures that can be recommended for improving the successful application of MBO as a performance improvement measure by the managers in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality. The interviews with the sample participants that comprised of senior and middle managers as well as ordinary employees of Intsika Yethu Local Municipality revealed that although there is some attempt to use management- by- objectives as a strategic performance improvement measure, its current approach do not meet the kinds of features that the literature indicates to define the kinds of an effective MBO. The study highlighted that the essential features for management- by- objectives include; superior-subordinate participation, joint goal-setting, joint decision on methodology, make way to attain maximum result, and constant and genuine support from superiors. However, it was noted that most of the identified themes indicate that most of the essential features that imply that the managers at the Intsika Yethu Local municipality are effectively using MBO are lacking. In terms of the MBO steps that include; Step 1; Goal setting, Step 2; Manager-Subordinate involvement, Step 3; Matching goals and resources, Step 4; Implementation of plan, and Step 5; Review and appraisal of performance, the study reveals that the accomplishment of MBO in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality is more random and defies the following of such logical steps. Although the study indicates that there are shortfalls in the features and steps that are used in the application of management- by- objectives in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality, it was noted that the little applications of some aspects of MBO has usually impacted positively. On that basis, the study concluded that the strategies that can be adopted to improve the application of MBO as a strategic performance improvement measure in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality include; the application of the appropriate motivational strategies, increasing goal congruence to ensure that the main strategic objectives and goals are aligned with the departmental and individual goals and objectives, increasing investments and training of the employees and managers in order to highlight the importance, processes and techniques that are required in management- by- objectives, and improve employee empowerment and communication. It is pointed out in this research document that the suggested area for further studies would be; “The effects of employee empowerment on management- by- objectives in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality.”
- Full Text:
Assessing the effectiveness of section 21 schools in public financial management (a case of circuit 13 in King William’s Town district in the Eastern Cape)
- Authors: Mnwana, Vuyokazi
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1133 , vital:26529
- Description: The transformation in the education system of South Africa has led to a series of changes in the manner in which schools function and the manner in which they are managed. The transformation process saw the promotion and devolution of powers to schools and self management whilst at the same time ensuring equal access to education. The South African Schools Act spelt out the regulations that need to be followed towards the achievement of the envisaged goal, coupled with the other regulatory framework such as National Norms and Standards for School Funding. The new dispensation saw schools being classified into two categories: Section 20 and Section 21 with stipulated functions. The Section 21 schools experienced an added responsibility of being expected to manage their funds, allocated by the Department of Education through a paper budget, a function they are not formally trained for. The principals and School Governing Bodies had to ensure that they comply with the framework that governs public financial management so as to ensure that financial resources are managed in an effective, efficient and economic manner. This function prompted schools to acquaint themselves with the laws and regulations such as the Public Finance Management Act and the Treasury Regulations in order to ensure that their financial management practices are compliant with the prescribed framework. Their activities need to be conducted in a manner that promotes transparency, responsibility, equity and accountability, all of which are principles of good governance. To ensure effective financial management, schools have to acquire new knowledge and skills in basic financial management. The aim of the study was to assess whether the schools have the skills needed to render effective public financial management in order to be able to account on their financial activities. The study further attempted to establish the role played by the Department of Education towards facilitating empowerment strategies and the role played by the auditors in terms of the assessment of the school’s financial records. A case study of three schools was conducted, all of which are section 21 schools but differ in terms of their socio-economic backgrounds, location and conditions. The socio-economic backgrounds are described in terms of the quintile system and the location in terms of urban, rural and sub-urban schools. The information was gathered through interviews with the principals of the three schools, chairperson and treasurer of the School Governing Body and the school finance officer or bursar. Other interviews were conducted with the Education Development Officer, who is a representative of the Department of Education at schools and an auditor who conducts the auditing function for schools in terms of financial control. It emerged from the findings that the urban schools are well equipped and capable of managing school finances in an effective manner, whilst the sub-urban and rural schools do not have the necessary skills and knowledge to manage school finances. As it turned out, theirs is a functioning for compliance without proper understanding of the financial processes which include budgeting, funds and income management, expenditure management and financial reporting. Although the Department of Education is employing all means possible to empower stakeholders on financial management it has emerged that the strategies are inadequate to address the problems experienced by these schools. The auditor has identified a series of discrepancies and challenges in terms of financial reporting although they also try to mentor and support schools.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mnwana, Vuyokazi
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1133 , vital:26529
- Description: The transformation in the education system of South Africa has led to a series of changes in the manner in which schools function and the manner in which they are managed. The transformation process saw the promotion and devolution of powers to schools and self management whilst at the same time ensuring equal access to education. The South African Schools Act spelt out the regulations that need to be followed towards the achievement of the envisaged goal, coupled with the other regulatory framework such as National Norms and Standards for School Funding. The new dispensation saw schools being classified into two categories: Section 20 and Section 21 with stipulated functions. The Section 21 schools experienced an added responsibility of being expected to manage their funds, allocated by the Department of Education through a paper budget, a function they are not formally trained for. The principals and School Governing Bodies had to ensure that they comply with the framework that governs public financial management so as to ensure that financial resources are managed in an effective, efficient and economic manner. This function prompted schools to acquaint themselves with the laws and regulations such as the Public Finance Management Act and the Treasury Regulations in order to ensure that their financial management practices are compliant with the prescribed framework. Their activities need to be conducted in a manner that promotes transparency, responsibility, equity and accountability, all of which are principles of good governance. To ensure effective financial management, schools have to acquire new knowledge and skills in basic financial management. The aim of the study was to assess whether the schools have the skills needed to render effective public financial management in order to be able to account on their financial activities. The study further attempted to establish the role played by the Department of Education towards facilitating empowerment strategies and the role played by the auditors in terms of the assessment of the school’s financial records. A case study of three schools was conducted, all of which are section 21 schools but differ in terms of their socio-economic backgrounds, location and conditions. The socio-economic backgrounds are described in terms of the quintile system and the location in terms of urban, rural and sub-urban schools. The information was gathered through interviews with the principals of the three schools, chairperson and treasurer of the School Governing Body and the school finance officer or bursar. Other interviews were conducted with the Education Development Officer, who is a representative of the Department of Education at schools and an auditor who conducts the auditing function for schools in terms of financial control. It emerged from the findings that the urban schools are well equipped and capable of managing school finances in an effective manner, whilst the sub-urban and rural schools do not have the necessary skills and knowledge to manage school finances. As it turned out, theirs is a functioning for compliance without proper understanding of the financial processes which include budgeting, funds and income management, expenditure management and financial reporting. Although the Department of Education is employing all means possible to empower stakeholders on financial management it has emerged that the strategies are inadequate to address the problems experienced by these schools. The auditor has identified a series of discrepancies and challenges in terms of financial reporting although they also try to mentor and support schools.
- Full Text:
The impact of the Local Economic Development (LED) implementation on socio-economic environments in Intsika local municipality
- Authors: Koyo, Mxolisi
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1591 , vital:27481
- Description: Local Economic Development has (LED) become essential in the ever changing global economy. It is seen as a sustainable substitute to traditional development approaches in a dynamic global environment characterised by the emergence of local political players and territorial governance. The research investigated to what extent the implementation of Local Economic Development strategies have turn to be necessary and viable in improving the social and economic state of people in lntsika Yethu Local Municipality. The population for the study was council employees, the mayoral committee and councillors of the lntsika Yethu Local Municipality. The study unity was limited to lntsika Yethu Municipal area. Convenience sampling method or theoretical sampling method was used for the sampling purposes. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Data was gathered through the completion of the questionnaire and through focus group interviews using the same set of questions in the questionnaire.
- Full Text: false
- Authors: Koyo, Mxolisi
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1591 , vital:27481
- Description: Local Economic Development has (LED) become essential in the ever changing global economy. It is seen as a sustainable substitute to traditional development approaches in a dynamic global environment characterised by the emergence of local political players and territorial governance. The research investigated to what extent the implementation of Local Economic Development strategies have turn to be necessary and viable in improving the social and economic state of people in lntsika Yethu Local Municipality. The population for the study was council employees, the mayoral committee and councillors of the lntsika Yethu Local Municipality. The study unity was limited to lntsika Yethu Municipal area. Convenience sampling method or theoretical sampling method was used for the sampling purposes. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Data was gathered through the completion of the questionnaire and through focus group interviews using the same set of questions in the questionnaire.
- Full Text: false
- «
- ‹
- 1
- ›
- »