Assessing challenges in public appointments and recruitment processes in Chris Hani District Municipality: a case study of human resource department in Lukhanji Local Municipality
- Authors: Gijana, Andile Patrick
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Civil service -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies , Human capital -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11617 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/325 , Civil service -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies , Human capital -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies
- Description: The aim of this study was to assess challenges in Public Appointments and Recruitment Processes in Chris Hani District Municipality: A case study of Human Resource Department in Lukhanji Local Municipality (2008-2010) of the Eastern Cape Province. There has never been a detailed research study conducted in the Chris Hani Human Resource Department, regarding the subject in question. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa in Section 195(i) directs that Public Administration must be broadly representative of the South African people, with employment and personnel management practices based on ability, objectivity, fairness and the need to redress the imbalances of the past to achieve broad representation. The literature review explored extensively the models used in implementing recruitment and appointment processes globally. From those tested models elsewhere, it was evident that South Africa has a great Constitution and good policies regarding Local Government Human Resource Department recruitment and appointment processes not withstanding some challenges cited in the study. This assessment of challenges in the public appointments and recruitment processes in Chris Hani District Municipality assisted in the establishment of the real facts about effective and fair recruitment and appointment processes in the Local Government Human Resource Management Department to deserving communities. It became clear from the study that providing efficient and fair recruitment and appointments processes to the Local Government Human Resource Department in South Africa requires a broader advocacy agenda encompassing the development of Human Resource systems and the generation of numerous skills and expertise to deliver services to the poor people of our country.
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- Date Issued: 2011
Assessment of capacity development through public-private partnership: a case study of the Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Sogoni, Mbulelo
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Human capital -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public-private sector cooperation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11619 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/327 , Human capital -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public-private sector cooperation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a capacity development programme initiated by the Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs (DEDEA) as a mechanism to enhance the performance of the employees in order to improve service delivery to the people of the Eastern Cape. The public service is enjoined by the Constitution to provide services that citizens need, and for this reason it is in need of educated, trained and professional public servants, especially in the technical, professional and managerial categories. The department also recognized the potential of public–private partnerships (PPPs) to improve performance in the areas of transformation and service delivery, and that it required investments aimed at developing and strengthening public management capacity. However, the effectiveness of the PPP as a mechanism for capacity development, remained unknown. The literature reviewed overwhelmingly supported the assertion that human capital development is critical for performance in the public service. The review also highlighted the importance of partnerships, especially the role of the private sector in the area of capacity development, advancing the argument that PPPs should be pursued in order to leverage ideas, resources, and capabilities to achieve public service goals. Various research tools, namely interviews, questionnaires and document analysis were used to conduct the study. Data collected and analysed provided empirical evidence of improved performance of both the individual managers and the department in the functional areas of financial governance and management; programme and project management; as well as ethics and professionalism. It suggested a strong correlation between training, capacity development and service delivery. This research found the DEDEA/National Business Initiative (NBI) PPP initiative, as a capacity development mechanism to enhance the performance of the department‟s employees, effective. On strength of the overwhelming evidence gathered through this research, it strongly recommends that the programme be rolled out to other employees.
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- Date Issued: 2011
Community participation in the implementation of the integrated development plan with reference to Inanda Township in the province of Kwa-Zulu Natal
- Authors: Ntuli, Leanett Fanyana
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Local government--South Africa--Kwa-Zulu Natal--Inanda Townshi--Citizen participation , Citicen's advisory committees--South Africa--Kwa-Zulu Natal , Policy sciences , Rural development projects--South Africa--Kwa-Zulu Natal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8157 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1664 , Local government--South Africa--Kwa-Zulu Natal--Inanda Townshi--Citizen participation , Citicen's advisory committees--South Africa--Kwa-Zulu Natal , Policy sciences , Rural development projects--South Africa--Kwa-Zulu Natal
- Description: This study focuses on community participation in the implementation of the integrated development plan in Inanda Township in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal. The empirical part of the study was conducted on the Inanada, Ntuzuma, and KwaMashu area of the eThekwini Municipality. Ward committees are forums for community participation in municipalities. They enhance participatory democracy at the local sphere of government. The main function of ward committee members include advising the ward councilors on policy matters that affect their respective wards, identifying the needs and challenges that face the wards, and communicating information to communities residing in those wards. This study acknowledges the fact that, in terms of the policy framework, ward councillors are the chairpersons of their respective ward committees. They are there to assist the community to express its views and participate in the processes of policy-making. Ward committee members need to liaise with the community, bring issues to the ward committee meetings and take the concerns of the community to the relevant unit of the municipality. The role of ward committees is to facilitate service delivery in their communities. It also found that the efficacy of ward committees during the implementation phase of the IDP could be improved. Hence it recommends that the eThekwini Municipality must encourage local community members, ward committees and councillors to play their role during the implementation of the IDP.
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- Date Issued: 2011
Effectiveness of integrated quality management systems for teachers in the department of education: Butterworth district
- Authors: Sihlali, Mzuzile
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8273 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015984
- Description: The purpose of this research was to investigate the effectiveness of IQMS amongst teachers in the Butterworth district. Using a convenient sample of 79 senior secondary school teachers, a survey research design was used to collect both quantitative as well as qualitative data on the effectiveness of IQMS. The formulation of statements on the effectiveness of IQMS was informed by the levels of effectiveness of the Kirkpatrick’s model. A likert scale was used to rate the effectiveness of IQMS with respect to teachers’ views on the various statements that sought to measure the effectiveness of IQMS. The narratives of teachers on the SWOT analyses constituted qualitative data which was used to corroborate and contradict trends from the quantitative findings. Thus, SWOT analysis results were used to validate quantitative findings. In analysing quantitative data, descriptive statistics were employed to look at the distribution of the responses and overall trends. Significant differences in terms of gender, age, employment status, length of service, and the highest tertiary qualification were computed by the SPSS software. The SWOT analyses results from the open-ended questions were analysed through extraction of themes, categories and patterns. The quantitative findings suggested that IQMS is an effective evaluation instrument though the qualitative SWOT analyses results suggested otherwise. The study’s findings highlighted areas where IQMS is potentially effective, areas where there are challenges in the implementation of IQMS, and niches for intervention. The study has implications for IQMS policy and programme administrators in the district offices, school principals and teachers in the school sites, as well as implications for further research.
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- Date Issued: 2011
Evaluating the impact of the devolution of functions in the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture: the case of Umzimvubu Local Municipality (Eastern Cape: 2006-2010)
- Authors: Ntungwa, Celebration
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Decentralization in government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11630 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/547 , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Decentralization in government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study focused on the evaluation of the impact of the devolution of functions from head office to the districts in the Department of Sports , Recreation, Arts and Culture within Umzimvubu municipality since the department implemented the devolution of functions there have been a lot of mixed feelings on the result of the process.The study included intensive analysison the scholarly writings done on devolution delegation delocelization and decentralization.The study is underpinned by the Maslow,s theory of the hierarchy of needsQuantitative and qualitative approaches were employed in the study.The sampling composed on the departmental officials, labour unions councils and recipients of departmental services.Findings of the study pointed out that the devolution of functions was a neccesity in spite of its shortfalls and challenges which could be overcome by the submitted recommendations.
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- Date Issued: 2011
Examining Malawi's administrative reform and its impact on service delivery
- Authors: Mabomba, Annie Chisomo
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Administrative agencies -- Malawi -- Management , Executive departments -- Malawi -- Management , Municipal services -- Malawi
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11640 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001249 , Administrative agencies -- Malawi -- Management , Executive departments -- Malawi -- Management , Municipal services -- Malawi
- Description: The advent of multi-party democracy in 1994 spearheaded different reforms in the Malawi public sector. One prominent reform is administrative reform. The new government that was ushered into power instituted a policy on civil service reform and institutional development. The reforms that were introduced aimed at improving performance and enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of services. Accordingly, a Public Service Act was promulgated that constituted the clarification of the role of the civil service; equal access to public employment; merit based recruitment and promotion; and increased accountability and transparency in the policies and practices of the public service. This study therefore seeks to examine administrative reforms in Malawi and assess their impact on service delivery. The research further endeavours to explore factors which block the successful implementation of reform programmes, and seeks to come up with areas of improvement which would ensure successful implementation of reform programmes in future. The scope of this research is limited to the current civil service reform programmes and is mainly based on primary and secondary sources of information. The study uses a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. However, findings reveal that reforms had a negative impact on service delivery since no significant change in the delivery of services was registered. The Malawi civil service continues to suffer from unprofessionalism, inefficiency, corruption and a host of other problems. The study shows the gap between rhetoric and reality of civil service reform programmes in Malawi.
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- Date Issued: 2011
Factors impending the implementation of the school nutrition programme in King Williams Town
- Authors: Magadu, Nceba
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: School children -- Food -- South Africa -- KingWilliams Town , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8167 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1648 , School children -- Food -- South Africa -- KingWilliams Town , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) is a poverty alleviation strategy, which was introduced in 1994 by the Government of South Africa as part of the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP). Studies of the Food and Agriculture Organisation, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), show that hunger, nutrition, and poverty, are strongly correlated. The same studies note that in the world as a whole, hunger impacts negatively on Millennium Development Goals, namely universal primary education, gender equality, child mortality, maternal health, management of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), Tuberculosis (TB) and malaria, and environmental stability. Hunger, specifically, has been shown to contribute to reduced school attendance, impaired cognitive capacity, high child mortality rates, high maternal death rates, increased migratory labour that increases the spread of HIV, and the unsustainable use of forest lands and resources (South African Department of Education, 2004: 3).” The National School Nutrition Programme aims at providing meals to mostly the needy learners, who come from poor families. Good food provides energy for the brain. The meals that are provided at schools are, therefore, intended to give energy for mental and physical activities for the body and brain to function, and to make learners alert and receptive during lessons (South African Province of the Eastern Cape Department of Education, 2008: 2). Currently, meals in South African Schools are provided to all learners in Quintile 1, 2 and 3 public primary schools from Grades R to 7. The programme was extended to Quintile 1 secondary schools in April 2009. All Quintile 2 and 3 public secondary schools will be included in 2010 and 2011 respectively (South African Eastern Cape Province Department of Education, 2008: 3). To collect information for research purposes, the researcher used a qualitative approach. This approach, which is used by the researcher, seeks to identify the impediments that pose challenges to effective and efficient implementation of the NSNP in the King William’s Town District of the Department of Education in Province of the Eastern Cape. The sample covers two rural schools participating in the NSNP in the King William’s Town District, namely Fort Murray Junior and Senior Primary School, and Qongqotha Junior and Senior Primary School. In each school, the principal, the chairperson of the School Governing Body, the teacher in charge of the NSNP, and Grade 7 learners, formed part of the sample of the study. Added to these participants have been the Service Provider and the District Coordinator of the NSNP in the King William’s Town District. The researcher chose these two schools that are locally based (within a 10km radius from the researcher’s place of residence) for convenience purposes, in terms of cutting down on travelling costs. The empirical findings were analysed and interpreted, and in presenting the findings, special reference to the research question is made, namely: “What are the challenges that impede the successful implementation of the National School Nutrition Programme in the King William’s Town District of the Eastern Cape Department of Education?” The recommendations reflected heavily on the purpose of the study, namely, that the Department of Education in the Eastern Cape has not managed the NSNP efficiently and effectively. The findings of this study reflect that there are still challenges that continue to plague the NSNP after seven years of the inception of the programme by Department of Education. The empirical findings of this study have revealed that the challenges confronting the implementation of the NSNP could be attributed to poor governance by the Department of Education officials. Some pockets of excellence of the NSNP are noted in the study. Recommendations are made to mitigate the problem situation.
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- Date Issued: 2011
Impact assessment of Transversal Training Management Agency (TTMA) training in performance improvement of the Eastern Cape provincial department of basic education (2005-2010)
- Authors: Nontshokweni, Princess Nombeko
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Employees -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Performance -- Management , Career development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Rating of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11642 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001251 , Employees -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Performance -- Management , Career development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Rating of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Training is widely conducted in organizations and is actively encouraged by the recent legislation in South Africa. Millions of Rands are spent building human resource capabilities. Organizations therefore need to know whether this investment in training is bearing fruit in terms of changes in individual performance and overall impact on service delivery. The need to improve Transversal Training Management Agency (TTMA) training programmes and skills development impact to government departments has triggered the survey. Three interdependent themes are explored: training evaluation in `government departments, influence of non-training factors and human dynamics between stakeholders in the training evaluation process. Structured questionnaires, based on best practises in literature were administered to key stakeholders involved in TTMA training programmes. Training managers and the Office of the Premier (OTP) Human Resource Development (HRD) officials were interviewed, while supervisors, trainees and trainers verified the data by post. Data were collected from the Department of Basic Education, Eastern Cape (EC), TTMA trainers and trainees. Findings show that The Department of Basic Education in the EC does not fully follow a system’s approach. Evaluations done during classroom sessions focus mainly on the reaction of participants to training and not on the behaviour change in the workplace. Training participants are not prepared for training; sometimes they do not even know why they attend training. Some trainees go to training just to get certificates that increase their CV’s for promotion purposes or to run away from the stressful work environment and not for individual growth. Recommendations to use a systemic evaluation approach and involvement of trainees in their career development process are made. Further research is recommended on the managing of non-training factors that impede learning transfer.
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- Date Issued: 2011
Probing diplomacy on resource conflicts between Kenya and South Sudan
- Authors: Dor, Michael Majok Ayom
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Conflict management -- Kenya , Conflict management -- Sudan , Natural resources -- Kenya , Turkana (African people) , Toposa (African people) , Natural resources -- Sudan
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11649 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001258 , Conflict management -- Kenya , Conflict management -- Sudan , Natural resources -- Kenya , Turkana (African people) , Toposa (African people) , Natural resources -- Sudan
- Description: The diversity of African Conflicts has become a field of inquiry and drawn the attention of many scholars who wish to theorize the origin of these conflicts. Such conflicts were perceived, in many ways, as originating from a colonial legacy. However, conflicts over natural resources have always played a role in human society, and have retarded socio-development in many countries. Guy Martin acknowledges that, over the last 40 years, Africa has been and continues to be one of the most conflict-ridden regions of the world; this has resulted in untold human suffering (Guy, 2002:185-188). This study focuses on resource conflicts and their outcomes on Public Administration as a discipline. The discussion offers a theoretical review of academic literature in combination with an analysis of the feature of resource conflicts and the relevant policies which govern conflict resolution and management. According to Terry et al (2007:32), “these two regions suffered from developmental and educational ignorance”. Most of the people living in this area are pastoralists; as such, the violence emanating from cattle rustling within Sudan and across its borders with Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia continues to erode their moral fabric. The remoteness of the area has caused it to be a landscape of conflicts and insecurity and might have been cause for the paralysis of public administration and, in turn, reflected in poor service delivery. During the course of the study, an orderly and systematic use of mixed methods was chosen, since quantitative and qualitative research methods were found to be complementary rather than oppositional approaches. Using both prominent and modest collection procedures, the methods employed in this study proved to be practical and useful. The study examines resource conflict between the Turkana of Kenya and the Toposa of South Sudan. It suggests practical strategies and mechanisms by which the problem will be ameliorated, here and elsewhere, in as far as providing effective and efficient service delivery to the community without fail.
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- Date Issued: 2011
The influence of selected non-governmental organisations (NGOs) on policy-making in the Eastern Cape Amathole District Municipality and the eight local municipalities within the district
- Authors: Aiyegoro, Adeola Ikeoluwa
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Non-governmental organizations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal officials and employees -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Policy sciences
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11644 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001253 , Non-governmental organizations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal officials and employees -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Policy sciences
- Description: Since 1994, the South African Government embarked on an ambitious Reconstruction and Development Program (RDP) to correct the injustices of the past. One of the major programmes, which the government is implementing within the RDP framework, is the ―Integrated National Electrification Programme‖ (INEP) with the aim to address the electricity backlog by 2012. Recent figures from Statistics SA, indicate substantial progress with regard to access to electricity throughout the country and especially in previously disadvantaged areas. This study is an investigation of the impact of access to free basic electricity (FBE) on the welfare of indigent households in Buffalo City Municipality (BCM). This study aims at better understanding ways in which indigent households use electricity and to what extent access to electricity is improving the level of poverty in the households. Empirical evidences from pro-poor electrification programmes worldwide and especially in Asia suggest that greater access to electricity by poor people leads to economic and social development at both micro and macro levels. This study investigates the impact of electricity on household poverty, with focus on household income, household health and children‘s education. This study used mixed research methods to investigate the research problem. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected using survey questionnaires, focus group discussions and interviews of key informants.
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- Date Issued: 2011
The principal factor : examining the role of principals in the success of their schools
- Authors: Dubula, Nomvuyo Mildred
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: School principals -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School improvement programs -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Educational leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8240 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1010881 , School principals -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School improvement programs -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Educational leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: In this Treatise, a study is undertaken to analyse and examine the role of school principals in the success of their schools; with specific reference to township high schools in the Port Elizabeth district (P.E. district). The study assumes that P.E. district principals, as leaders and managers should deliver essential services effectively, efficiently, and with optimal use of resources to attain maximum results in school performance. The same is expected of their counterparts in any part of the country, it is not exclusively demanded from PE district principals. In terms of the current education legislation and policy framework, the principals have to account for the performance of their schools. To this end the National Department of Education introduced legislation in 2007 to ensure that principals account to the Head of The Department of Education of the relevant province. Section 16 A of the South African Schools Act (SASA) was introduced by the Education Law Amendment Act 31/2007. The provisions of this section deal with “the functions and responsibilities of principals of public schools.” Specifically section 16A (1) (b) states that “The principal must prepare and submit to the Head of the Department an annual report in respect of: (i.) The academic performance of that school (ii.) The effective use of available resources.” Since the enactment of section 16 A as referred to above, the Provincial Departments have begun to make principals account for the success or failure of learners, for human resource development, financial management, parent involvement in school matters and the active participation of school governing bodies. What should be clear is that the above encompasses all the critical and fundamental aspects that have an impact on the progress of any educational institution. The combination of the two requirements stated above reflects the extent to which the Department of Education is committed to making certain that principals in their respective schools create an environment where learners can achieve their full potential. It is such creation of conducive environments that will enable all learners in the country to achieve equal opportunities in society irrespective of their original backgrounds. This ideal is consistent with section 9 of the Constitution, 1996 which provides for the right to equality of all people. The research, also assumes that leadership is about direction and purpose, while management lays emphasis on effectiveness and efficiency. Leadership and management are fundamental aspects of those duties and responsibilities associated with the position of a school principal. It is further postulated that, a good principal understands that circumstances determine the proportion of each of these elements that is required by any given situation i.e. whether more of leadership or bigger dose management is appropriate in dealing with a certain set of circumstances or not. The study identifies variables that make a school principal a strong leader and good manager and lists the following as the critical focus areas: Balancing instructional and managerial leadership Strengthening the connection between school and home Developing effective leadership Effective teaching practices Staff development The study also assumes that township schools are no exception to those in different parts of the country. Despite some serious daily challenges peculiar to the township situations, these schools still have to perform satisfactorily like all other institutions of learning. The legislative and policy framework applies equally to all schools. The study argues primarily that all schools can perform well and develop the potential of their learners to the fullest. The difference lies in the leadership and management of the respective institutions by their principals. All stakeholders are presumed to posses the potential, the ability and the urge to do their utmost best to render quality services that would lead to the attainment of excellent results. It is worthwhile for the system that those who show themselves to lack these attributes should be identified, not to weed them out but to assist so that they acquire the necessary skills and expertise. After all it is by strengthening the weakest link that a chain becomes strong.
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- Date Issued: 2011
A study of parental participation in school governance in selected high schools : Zwelitsha Township, Province of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Zuma, Nandipha
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: School management and organization -- Parent participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , High schools -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Administration
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8165 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1305 , School management and organization -- Parent participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , High schools -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Administration
- Description: This study investigates parental involvement in school governance in selected high schools in Zwelitsha, King Williams Town District in the Eastern Cape Province. The research study was conducted in three high schools in Zwelitsha Township. These schools are Nompendulo Senior Secondary, Thembalabantu High School and Xolani Senior Secondary School. Questionnaires were designed and distributed to the principals, educators and parents whose children are learners in these schools. The interview questions were designed and distributed to parents whose children are learners in these selected schools, educators and school principals and members of the school governing body from each school. Respondents were asked about the levels of parental involvement in their schools, parents’ awareness of school governance and the relationship between schools and communities. However, the objectives of the study were to: Assess parental involvement in school governance in selected high schools in Zwelitsha, King Williams Town District in the Province of the Eastern Cape; To determine the nature and extent of parental participation in school academic activities; To examine the role of parents in the school governing body; To determine measures that can be taken to encourage the participation of parents in school governance These objectives have been achieved by providing empirical evidences which shows that the levels of parental involvement in the previously disadvantaged high schools are very low. This is related to the parents’ level of education. Parents who are literate are more involved than those are illiterate. This research also reveals that high v. levels of working parents contributes to the low levels of parental involvement in school governance. Most parents in this area know nothing about school governance and those that are aware are not keen to be involved. The class structure of the society has an influence in the participation of parents in school governance. Parents’ meetings that are held on Sunday afternoon are a challenge to parents that come from the villages outside Zwelitsha because of the scarcity of transport on this day. and these situations discourage them from being actively involved in their children’s education. The study provides the factors that cause non-involvement of parents in school governance. Subsequently, the following strategies for participation of parents in school governance were given: Capacitating of parents Establishment of teacher-parent collegiality Recognition of cultural capital Establishment of parent organisations Utilisation of non-governmental organisations Establishment of centres of learning. This study also indicates the following strategies that may assist to enhance the parental involvement in school governance: Parents engagement and empowerment Co-operation between schools and parents Collaboration with other community, private and other public institutions Invitation of complaints and welcoming of criticism. In conclusion, the findings provide clear indication that the participation of parents in school governance is low. Recommendations that could assist the schools to encourage and to enhance parents to participate in school governance are given.
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- Date Issued: 2010
A study of the relationship between rural-urban migration and housing delivery : a case of Clermont Township in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal
- Authors: Mvuyana, Bongekile Y C
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Rural-urban migration -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Urbanization -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Public housing -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Housing development -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8180 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1504 , Rural-urban migration -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Urbanization -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Public housing -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal , Housing development -- South Africa -- KwaZulu-Natal
- Description: Rural-urban migration appears to be an ongoing process in South Africa. This is attributed to various reasons. In itself, the process contributes towards an ongoing demand for services such as housing, water, sanitation and transportation systems. Rural – urban migration plays a key role in urbanization. The living conditions in rural areas appear to be the main contributing factors towards rural-urban migration. This indicates that the challenges facing rural communities include the creation of conducive environments within those communities. Hence, the issue of rural-urban migration should be addressed from the spatial and socio – economic perspectives. In an attempt to address human settlements needs, South Africa has a policy framework which supports the right to housing as it has been accorded to South African citizens by their Constitution. The objective is to ensure that there is adequate housing for South Africans. This study investigated and analysed the relationship between rural-urban migration and housing delivery in Clermont Township in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal. The participants included the residents of Clermont Township and the representatives of the eThekwini Municipality. Among others, the study found that rural-urban migration is an ongoing process which affects housing delivery in urban areas. As a result it continues to make the objective of ensuring that there is adequate housing for South Africans unattainable. Hence, attention should be paid to the effects of rural-urban migration in housing delivery.
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- Date Issued: 2010
An analysis of challenges facing decentralisation of sector education and training authorities in the province of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Gazi, Luvo Ndileka
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Schools -- Decentralization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8193 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1346 , Schools -- Decentralization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: It is largely believed that decentralisation promotes efficiency in organisations. This paper analyses the challenges facing decentralisation of Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) in the Province of the Eastern Cape. It is demonstrated that the form of decentralisation followed by SETAs in the Province of the Eastern Cape, where constant referral of matters to head offices for decisions and instruction before any action is taken, by them is the biggest challenge. Yet these important institutions are mandated by government to equip South Africans with skills to enable them to succeed in the global market and to offer opportunities to individuals and communities for self advancement and to play a productive role in society are frustrated by unnecessary interference from SETA national offices on their affairs at the provincial government level, which constrains effective decentralisation. However, the objectives of the study are to: - Analyse the challenges of decentralisation by SETAs in the Province of the Eastern Cape; - Provide an overview of the impact of SETA provincial offices on requisite skills in the province; - Investigate the advantages and disadvantages of decentralising SETAs in the provinces. These objectives have been achieved by providing empirical evidence as indicated in chapter four, where it shows that participants believe that decentralisation promotes efficiency and SETAs in the Province of the Eastern Cape are not granted discretionary powers to make decisions a primary reason that leads to delays being experienced. This lack of discretionary power is proof that decision-making is still centralised. The study has the following strategies for the SETAs in the Province of the Eastern Cape to carry out their skills development mandate: - Clear strategic intent about SETA provincial offices; - Sector Skills Plans (SSP) to reflect provincial focus; - Provincial offices to exercise some discretionary powers; - Adequate financial resources; - Skilled workforce. In order to be more effective and efficient, a variety of recommendations to SETAs, with respect to decentralisation of SETAs, were made. It is hoped that these recommendations assist in improvement of the implementation of a decentralisation strategy. More importantly decentralisation of SETAs should allow and enable branch offices to exercise discretionary powers. In addition, they should have adequate financial resources to manage their affairs.
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- Date Issued: 2010
An analysis of factors affecting the performance of ward committees in the Buffalo City Municipality in the province of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Henna, Thandisizwe
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Buffalo City -- Citizen participation , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8185 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1437 , Local government -- South Africa -- Buffalo City -- Citizen participation , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Buffalo City , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: In 1994, democracy in South Africa brought about a developmental local government characterized by democratic and accountable governance. Municipalities are supposed to encourage the involvement of communities and community organizations in the matters of local government. Municipalities are obliged to establish ward committees and ensure that they succeed in facilitating public participation. However, critiques contend that ward committees have not been able to live up to expectations. The institution is said to be faced by countless challenges that inhibit its functioning. This study has, therefore, been undertaken with the purpose of analyzing the factors that affect the performance of ward committees in the Buffalo City Municipality. The research found that ward committees in the municipality were properly constituted, functional and handle serious issues for the benefit of communities. Communities are not very interested in ward committee meetings and do not solicit assistance from them. Based on the results of this study, the following are the factors which compromise and limit the ability of ward committees to facilitate public participation: lack of remuneration, low levels of education and skills, unavailability of information on municipal issues and activities; and a lack of municipal support. Following the research, it is recommended that municipalities put in stringent measures to detect and curb corrupt practices in ward committees. On annual basis they should provide a meaningful budget allocation for the remuneration and provision of facilities and equipment necessary for ward committees to effect public participation. Municipalities should involve ward committees in decision-making
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- Date Issued: 2010
An analysis of the framework for measuring parliamentary performance in South Africa (2004-2009)
- Authors: Mapolisa, Vuyani Welcome
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: South Africa -- Parliament , Representative government and representation -- South Africa , Organizational effectiveness -- Measurement , Performance -- Measurement , South Africa -- Politics and government
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11616 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/414 , South Africa -- Parliament , Representative government and representation -- South Africa , Organizational effectiveness -- Measurement , Performance -- Measurement , South Africa -- Politics and government
- Description: The aim of the study was to analyse the framework for measuring parliamentary performance in South Africa. The researcher wanted to assess the current system challenges and gaps for measuring performance of the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa with special reference to the core business of Parliament and to provide a performance management model and tools that can be adopted by Parliament to address the core business of Parliament challenges and problems. In this study, relevant literature was reviewed. The researcher dwelled on the concept of performance management, historical perspective, elements of performance management and benefits derived from the system. The critical issue that was discussed under this section was the comparison amongst countries. It was evident that there are countries that are measuring both administrative and political arm of government. The data collection instruments that were used were questionnaires and interviews. Questionnaires were distributed to The Secretariat to the National Parliament, Chief Directors, General Managers and Senior Managers. Interviews were held with Presiding Officers: Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Chairperson of Chairpersons, and Deputy Chairperson of Chairpersons, Chief Whips, Whips of Committees and Chairpersons of Committees. A thematic analysis was employed and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used. After analysing the data, the researcher arrived at conclusions and thereafter suggested recommendations. The researcher proffered a model by examining different best models of the world and selecting some of those components. The model indicates performance outcomes, which are; accountability, responsiveness, representativity, transparency and impact as well as parliamentary mandates, which are the Constitutional mandates in a matrix.
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- Date Issued: 2010
An analysis of the role of a community-based project on poverty alleviation: a case of Daantjie Bakery in the Mbombela municipaty, Mpumalanga Province
- Authors: Mbontsi, Dunyiswa Koliswa
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- Evaluation , Economic development -- South Africa -- Mpumalanga
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8195 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1339 , Economic development projects -- Evaluation , Economic development -- South Africa -- Mpumalanga
- Description: The South African policy framework on Local Economic Development encourages the establishment of community-based projects in an attempt to address the challenges posed by poverty in local communities. It appears that community-based projects have a role to play in poverty alleviation. Municipalities are supposed to encourage and support the establishment of projects aimed at poverty alleviation in their jurisdictions. The Mbombela Local Municipality has played its role in this regard by supporting the establishment of the Daantjie Bakery Project in 2000. In an attempt to evaluate the impact of community-based projects on poverty alleviation, this study investigated the role played by the Daantjie Bakery Project in local economic development of the Daantjie local community in the Mbombela Local Municipality. Participants included community members of Daantjie, employees of the bakery, and the project manager. The study found that, indeed community-based projects play a role in local economic development since they contribute towards employment creation and poverty alleviation.
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- Date Issued: 2010
An analysis of the views of Minibus Taxi drivers and commuters to road safety : a case study of the Northern Areas of Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Ferreira, Bernice Aloma
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Transportation -- South Africa -- Public opinion , Transportation -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Urban transportation -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Commuters -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Commuting -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Transportation -- Safety measures , Traffic safety -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8191 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1402 , Transportation -- South Africa -- Public opinion , Transportation -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Urban transportation -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Commuters -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Commuting -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Transportation -- Safety measures , Traffic safety -- South Africa
- Description: People without private transport are dependent on public transportation. Public transport, particularly minibus taxis, is the most popular mode of transport in the Northern Areas of Port Elizabeth. The objective of the minibus taxi industry is to provide public transport to minibus taxi commuters in an economically, reliable and safe manner. The focus of this case study was to explore and determine the views of minibus taxi commuters who utilised minibus taxis as a form of public transport, as well as the views of minibus taxi drivers in terms of adhering to road safety requirements on Stanford Road in Port Elizabeth. The literature survey revealed that transport in South Africa has had a political dimension arising from the Group Areas Act 41 of 1950. One consequence of this Act, which imposed residential segregation on the country, was that poor black commuters were forced to live far out of town, forcing them to travel long distances to places of work and commercial centres, with a commensurate increase in transport costs. Data was collected by means of two structured questionnaires which were administered to minibus taxi drivers and minibus taxi commuters to explore their views and experience of road safety on Stanford Road in Port Elizabeth. A discussion on the minibus taxi industry, minibus taxi associations and law enforcement agencies in Port Elizabeth, as well as the sustainability of the minibus taxi industry, followed in Chapter Three. Through this case study, valuable insight was gained regarding the minibus taxi industry and road safety in Port Elizabeth. Finally, recommendations to improve road safety were made.
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- Date Issued: 2010
An assessment of local participation within the decentralised framework: a case of Lilongwe District Council
- Authors: Sado, Davis Greg
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Local governmen -- Malawi -- Citizen participation , Decentralization in government -- Malawi , Municipal services -- Malawi
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11621 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/375 , Local governmen -- Malawi -- Citizen participation , Decentralization in government -- Malawi , Municipal services -- Malawi
- Description: The research analyses local participation as it is implemented within the Lilongwe District Council. The study explores decentralisation in the council by examining important facets that contribute to good local governance with a special interest in local participation. The study finds that while local participation is a recognized feature in the decentralisation policy, lack of proper involvement and integration has limited the efficacy of local participation. The neglect of government in conducting local government elections to have ward councillors in place is brought to the fore as a major setback to the implementation of decentralisation reforms. The study therefore notes that decentralisation must not be seen as just a policy goal, with the aim of shifting development to the communities, but as a policy instrument which aims to improve local democracy, efficiency and effectiveness in the provision of social services. In order to achieve this, the study proposes five key recommendations and a proposed model for the attainment of good governance in the Council.
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- Date Issued: 2010
An assessment of the effect of absenteeism on service delivery in the Eastern Cape department of health: Nelson Mandela Bay municipality district
- Authors: Mwanda, Prophetta Ukho-Yena Jadedeja
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Absenteeism (Labor) -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Absenteeism (Labor) -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8209 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1139
- Description: This study is an assessment of the effect of absenteeism on service delivery in the Eastern Cape Department of Health: Nelson Mandela Bay District Municipality. The work was a corollary of repetitive negative feedback from the press that the researcher was concerned and embarked to investigate possible causes of these allegations by the press. The Department of Health being a public entity has a responsibility to provide quality health services to the community. Government introduced a service delivery mechanism which is enshrined in the White Paper on the Transformation of the Public Service in 1997, through the Batho Pele principles. The researcher argued that if the Batho Pele principles were practiced in the delivery of services the aforementioned repetitive feedback on health services would be minimal. Among a variety of possibilities that could cause the Batho Pele principles not to be practiced the researcher was interested to ascertain if absenteeism could be among them. The researcher asserted that, if human capital is the delivery tool of services, the absence of the human capital therefore posed a negative effect on the delivery of such services. Therefore an inverse relationship exists between absenteeism and service delivery. This relationship was affirmed by the responses of participants through the analysis of questionnaires on absenteeism and service delivery. Absenteeism is a management aspect that has a negative effect in both the financial and delivery aspect of the organisational performance. It is therefore the researchers’ sincere hope that the Department of Health will consider the deductions drawn from this study and recommendations thereof. The researcher further hopes that this study contributes to the existing body of knowledge in relation to organisational behaviour and becomes employer ammunition for service delivery.
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- Date Issued: 2010