Agricultural public spending, growth and poverty linkage hypotheses in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
- Authors: Ndhleve, Simbarashe
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Poverty -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural industries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Government spending policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Finance, Public -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11157 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/493 , Poverty -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural industries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Government spending policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Finance, Public -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The adoption of the Millennium Development Goal 1 (MDG1) of reducing the rate of poverty to half of the 1990-level by 2015, the advent of democracy in South Africa, among other things, have raised concerns over the potential role of the agricultural sector. There is a belief that the sector has the capacity to successfully reduce poverty among the rural masses and contribute to addressing the problem of inequality in South Africa. In line with that thinking, South Africa‘s agricultural sector has attracted considerable fiscal policy interest. For instance, South Africa‘s statistics show that public investments in agricultural development programmes have been growing. In spite of this, rural poverty is still a major concern on an overall basis. However, this might not be the case in the Eastern Cape Province and the situation might be different for each district municipality. This study assesses the linkages between public agricultural investment, agricultural growth and poverty reduction in the Eastern Cape Province. The study also addresses the question whether Eastern Cape Province is on course to meet several regional development targets. The study also aims to provide an estimate of the amount of agricultural investment required to attain the agricultural productivity growth rate which is sufficient to meet MDG1. The study reviewed the various theories of public spending, linkages between public investment and agricultural growth and how these components affect the incidence of poverty. The conventional wisdom that public expenditure in agriculture positively affects economic growth and this growth consequently reduces poverty was noted. The reviews also revealed that in many developing countries, the current level of public agricultural investment needs to be increased significantly for countries to meet the MDG1. This study employed the decomposition technique and growth elasticity of poverty concept to estimate the response of poverty to its key determinants. The size of public spending, prioritization of public spending and the intensity in the use of public funds emerged as important in increasing agricultural production. The relationship between government investment in agriculture and agricultural GDP shows iv that public funds were largely behind the province‘s success in increasing agricultural production throughout the period from 1990s to 2010. Agricultural spending went to sustainable resource management, administrative functions and then farmer support programme. Exceptional growth in the size of spending was recorded in respect to agricultural economic function, structured agricultural training, sustainable resource management and veterinary services. Overall output from the agricultural sector fluctuated, and the sector contributed less than 5 per cent to the total provincial GDP. Correlations between growth in agricultural sector and changes in the incidence of poverty in Eastern Cape show that during the period 1995 to 2000, increases in the agricultural GDP per capita may have failed to benefit the poor as poverty increased in all the reported cases.–However, for the period between 2005 and 2010, the situation was different and it was observed that increases in agricultural GDP per capita and were associated with reduction in the incidence of poverty. Growth elasticity of poverty (GEP) estimates reveal that agricultural GDP per capita was more important in reducing poverty in 5 out of the 7 district municipalities. Non-agricultural GDP per capita was only important in two district municipalities. It emerged that most of the district municipalities are not in a position to meet any of the regional set goals. This situation is largely attributable to the province‘s failure to boost agricultural production which is an outcome of low and inefficient public expenditure management, inconsistent and misaligned policies and failure to fully embrace the concept of pro-poor growth. Varied provisional estimates for the required agricultural growth rate and the increase in public spending on agriculture required in order to reach MDG1 were calculated for each district municipalities. All the district municipalities of Eastern Cape will need to increase public investment in agriculture for them to achieve MDG1.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ndhleve, Simbarashe
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Poverty -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural industries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Government spending policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Finance, Public -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Agricultural Economics)
- Identifier: vital:11157 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/493 , Poverty -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural poor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agricultural industries -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Government spending policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Finance, Public -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The adoption of the Millennium Development Goal 1 (MDG1) of reducing the rate of poverty to half of the 1990-level by 2015, the advent of democracy in South Africa, among other things, have raised concerns over the potential role of the agricultural sector. There is a belief that the sector has the capacity to successfully reduce poverty among the rural masses and contribute to addressing the problem of inequality in South Africa. In line with that thinking, South Africa‘s agricultural sector has attracted considerable fiscal policy interest. For instance, South Africa‘s statistics show that public investments in agricultural development programmes have been growing. In spite of this, rural poverty is still a major concern on an overall basis. However, this might not be the case in the Eastern Cape Province and the situation might be different for each district municipality. This study assesses the linkages between public agricultural investment, agricultural growth and poverty reduction in the Eastern Cape Province. The study also addresses the question whether Eastern Cape Province is on course to meet several regional development targets. The study also aims to provide an estimate of the amount of agricultural investment required to attain the agricultural productivity growth rate which is sufficient to meet MDG1. The study reviewed the various theories of public spending, linkages between public investment and agricultural growth and how these components affect the incidence of poverty. The conventional wisdom that public expenditure in agriculture positively affects economic growth and this growth consequently reduces poverty was noted. The reviews also revealed that in many developing countries, the current level of public agricultural investment needs to be increased significantly for countries to meet the MDG1. This study employed the decomposition technique and growth elasticity of poverty concept to estimate the response of poverty to its key determinants. The size of public spending, prioritization of public spending and the intensity in the use of public funds emerged as important in increasing agricultural production. The relationship between government investment in agriculture and agricultural GDP shows iv that public funds were largely behind the province‘s success in increasing agricultural production throughout the period from 1990s to 2010. Agricultural spending went to sustainable resource management, administrative functions and then farmer support programme. Exceptional growth in the size of spending was recorded in respect to agricultural economic function, structured agricultural training, sustainable resource management and veterinary services. Overall output from the agricultural sector fluctuated, and the sector contributed less than 5 per cent to the total provincial GDP. Correlations between growth in agricultural sector and changes in the incidence of poverty in Eastern Cape show that during the period 1995 to 2000, increases in the agricultural GDP per capita may have failed to benefit the poor as poverty increased in all the reported cases.–However, for the period between 2005 and 2010, the situation was different and it was observed that increases in agricultural GDP per capita and were associated with reduction in the incidence of poverty. Growth elasticity of poverty (GEP) estimates reveal that agricultural GDP per capita was more important in reducing poverty in 5 out of the 7 district municipalities. Non-agricultural GDP per capita was only important in two district municipalities. It emerged that most of the district municipalities are not in a position to meet any of the regional set goals. This situation is largely attributable to the province‘s failure to boost agricultural production which is an outcome of low and inefficient public expenditure management, inconsistent and misaligned policies and failure to fully embrace the concept of pro-poor growth. Varied provisional estimates for the required agricultural growth rate and the increase in public spending on agriculture required in order to reach MDG1 were calculated for each district municipalities. All the district municipalities of Eastern Cape will need to increase public investment in agriculture for them to achieve MDG1.
- Full Text:
Agriculture vocational education programme and the promotion of job creation skills in the Free State technical vocational education and training college
- Authors: Thwala, William Mandla
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Vocational education Technical education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Education)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16698 , vital:40762
- Description: The aim of the study was to investigate agriculture educational programme and the promotion of job creation skills in the OFS FET College. The interpretivism paradigm and design approach were adopted in this qualitative research. The sample consisted of three final year students, three facilitators and one coordinator. The non-probability and purposive sampling techniques was used for the qualitative research. The qualitative data was descriptive, and thematically analysed. The study found that there is a big demand for agricultural professional in South Africa but very few are choosing this career. The quality of education in agricultural sector is not where it should be. The demand for skilled people in the sector is growing, while the number of students enrolling in agriculture-related training continues to decrease. Africa’s agricultural education is failing to produce a new wave of farmers. The study found that FET colleges did not train and provide enough skills to students to enhance development in agriculture sectors and therefore make students non-productive at labour market. The study also found that the FET colleges had left a trail of low skills, partially educated and jobless youth behind. The study also found that the curriculum tended to be outmoded, irrelevant to adequately address the challenges facing modern agriculture .The curriculum still focused on farm production rather than encompassing all segments of agricultural value chains, entrepreneurship, and agriculture business processing market. Agriculture forms the basic food security of every country .It contributes a large proportion of gross domestic product in many developing countries and is the source of income and subsistence for many of the poorest and most vulnerable individuals and households.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Thwala, William Mandla
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Vocational education Technical education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Education)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/16698 , vital:40762
- Description: The aim of the study was to investigate agriculture educational programme and the promotion of job creation skills in the OFS FET College. The interpretivism paradigm and design approach were adopted in this qualitative research. The sample consisted of three final year students, three facilitators and one coordinator. The non-probability and purposive sampling techniques was used for the qualitative research. The qualitative data was descriptive, and thematically analysed. The study found that there is a big demand for agricultural professional in South Africa but very few are choosing this career. The quality of education in agricultural sector is not where it should be. The demand for skilled people in the sector is growing, while the number of students enrolling in agriculture-related training continues to decrease. Africa’s agricultural education is failing to produce a new wave of farmers. The study found that FET colleges did not train and provide enough skills to students to enhance development in agriculture sectors and therefore make students non-productive at labour market. The study also found that the FET colleges had left a trail of low skills, partially educated and jobless youth behind. The study also found that the curriculum tended to be outmoded, irrelevant to adequately address the challenges facing modern agriculture .The curriculum still focused on farm production rather than encompassing all segments of agricultural value chains, entrepreneurship, and agriculture business processing market. Agriculture forms the basic food security of every country .It contributes a large proportion of gross domestic product in many developing countries and is the source of income and subsistence for many of the poorest and most vulnerable individuals and households.
- Full Text:
Agriculture vocational education programme and the promotion of job creation skills in the Free State Technical Vocational Education and Training College
- Authors: Thwala, William Mandla
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Vocational education -- South Africa -- Free State Job creation -- South Africa -- Free State
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11172 , vital:37199
- Description: The aim of the study was to investigate agriculture educational programme and the promotion of job creation skills in the OFS FET College. The interpretivism paradigm and design approach were adopted in this qualitative research. The sample consisted of three final year students, three facilitators and one coordinator. The non-probability and purposive sampling techniques was used for the qualitative research. The qualitative data was descriptive, and thematically analysed. The study found that there is a big demand for agricultural professional in South Africa but very few are choosing this career. The quality of education in agricultural sector is not where it should be. The demand for skilled people in the sector is growing, while the number of students enrolling in agriculture-related training continues to decrease. Africa’s agricultural education is failing to produce a new wave of farmers. The study found that FET colleges did not train and provide enough skills to students to enhance development in agriculture sectors and therefore make students non-productive at labour market. The study also found that the FET colleges had left a trail of low skills, partially educated and jobless youth behind. The study also found that the curriculum tended to be outmoded, irrelevant to adequately address the challenges facing modern agriculture .The curriculum still focused on farm production rather than encompassing all segments of agricultural value chains, entrepreneurship, and agriculture business processing market. Agriculture forms the basic food security of every country .It contributes a large proportion of gross domestic product in many developing countries and is the source of income and subsistence for many of the poorest and most vulnerable individuals and households.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Thwala, William Mandla
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Vocational education -- South Africa -- Free State Job creation -- South Africa -- Free State
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11172 , vital:37199
- Description: The aim of the study was to investigate agriculture educational programme and the promotion of job creation skills in the OFS FET College. The interpretivism paradigm and design approach were adopted in this qualitative research. The sample consisted of three final year students, three facilitators and one coordinator. The non-probability and purposive sampling techniques was used for the qualitative research. The qualitative data was descriptive, and thematically analysed. The study found that there is a big demand for agricultural professional in South Africa but very few are choosing this career. The quality of education in agricultural sector is not where it should be. The demand for skilled people in the sector is growing, while the number of students enrolling in agriculture-related training continues to decrease. Africa’s agricultural education is failing to produce a new wave of farmers. The study found that FET colleges did not train and provide enough skills to students to enhance development in agriculture sectors and therefore make students non-productive at labour market. The study also found that the FET colleges had left a trail of low skills, partially educated and jobless youth behind. The study also found that the curriculum tended to be outmoded, irrelevant to adequately address the challenges facing modern agriculture .The curriculum still focused on farm production rather than encompassing all segments of agricultural value chains, entrepreneurship, and agriculture business processing market. Agriculture forms the basic food security of every country .It contributes a large proportion of gross domestic product in many developing countries and is the source of income and subsistence for many of the poorest and most vulnerable individuals and households.
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Alternative methods used by small-holder farmers to control ticks and bovine dermatophilosis and the impact of a changing interface of Amblyomma ticks on dermatophilosis in Zimbabwe
- Authors: Ndhkovu, Daud Nyosi
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Ticks -- Control -- Africa, Southern , Dermatophilosis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11830 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019764 , Ticks -- Control -- Africa, Southern , Dermatophilosis
- Description: This study was carried out to document the ethno-veterinary plants and non-plant remedies that farmers used to control dermatophilosis and ticks, and validate these in vitro and in vivo, as well as determine how the interface of Amblyomma variegatum and A. hebraeum affected the epidemiology of bovine dermatophilosis at selected small-holder areas in North-West Zimbabwe. A structured questionnaire survey was used to collect information on the control methods used by farmers for the control of bovine dermatophilosis and ticks. A total of 39 plants were used by farmers for various diseases, eleven of these plants were used for the control of dermatophilosis while three were for tick control. Across the study sites, dermatophilosis was controlled using eleven plants. Among these plants; six plants; Cissus quadrangularis, Catunaregan spinosa, Pterocarpus angolensis Carica papaya, Manihot esculenta and Blumea decurrens which were frequently used were selected for further studies. In vitro and in vivo studies were conducted to validate the efficacy of these plants. The minimum inhibitory concentration and bactericidal concentration assays were used for the in vitro validation of C. quadrangularis, C. spinosa and P. angolensis. Dermatophilus congolensis was more sensitive to P. angolensis average MIC = 0.63 mg/ml than to C. quadrangularis average MIC = iii 1.25 mg/ml and C. spinosa average MIC = 2.08 mg/ml. Cissus quadrangularis was selected for in vivo studies as this plant was the one most frequently used by farmers. Its therapeutic efficacy was compared to conventional antibiotics that farmers used to treat dermatophilosis infection. In the in vivo trials C. quadrangularis did not lead to appreciable reduction in clinical disease compared to the conventional drugs. The larval packet assay was the in vitro assay used to validate the efficacy of Carica papaya, Manihot esculenta and Blumea decurrens against larvae of A. hebraeum and Rhipicephalus appendiculatus. Manihot esculenta at 20 % w/v exhibited the highest larvicidal activity against R. appendiculatus. In the in vivo study, efficacy of the plants were investigated on naturally tick-infested cattle. Mannihot esculenta exhibited the largest tick load reduction compared to the other two plants but its performance was lower than that of conventional acaricides. The effect of A. variegatum and A. hebraeum on bovine dermatophilosis was investigated by evaluating how the presence or absence of these ticks and other herd level risk factors predicted clinical dermatophilosis and its prevalence at herd level. A structured questionnaire survey was carried out to collect data on potential risk factors. At the same time, cattle were physically examined for the presence of bovine dermatophilosis, according to a pre-defined case definition, and presence or absence of Amblyomma ticks was also recorded. The multivariable binary logistic model was developed with disease status as outcome, tick presence and infestion and herd level risk factors as predictors. Of the herds examined clinical bovine dermatophilosis was detected in 45% (84/185; 95% CI: 38.2, 52.6%) of them. Herds infested with Amblyomma variegatum were associated with higher odds (OR= 6.8; iv 95% CI: 1.71, 27.10) of clinical dermatophilosis while the association was not significant (P > 0.05) in A. hebraeum infested herds. It was concluded that management practices aimed at movement and tick control would help reduce the prevalence of clinical dermatophilosis in herds.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ndhkovu, Daud Nyosi
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Ticks -- Control -- Africa, Southern , Dermatophilosis
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Animal Science)
- Identifier: vital:11830 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1019764 , Ticks -- Control -- Africa, Southern , Dermatophilosis
- Description: This study was carried out to document the ethno-veterinary plants and non-plant remedies that farmers used to control dermatophilosis and ticks, and validate these in vitro and in vivo, as well as determine how the interface of Amblyomma variegatum and A. hebraeum affected the epidemiology of bovine dermatophilosis at selected small-holder areas in North-West Zimbabwe. A structured questionnaire survey was used to collect information on the control methods used by farmers for the control of bovine dermatophilosis and ticks. A total of 39 plants were used by farmers for various diseases, eleven of these plants were used for the control of dermatophilosis while three were for tick control. Across the study sites, dermatophilosis was controlled using eleven plants. Among these plants; six plants; Cissus quadrangularis, Catunaregan spinosa, Pterocarpus angolensis Carica papaya, Manihot esculenta and Blumea decurrens which were frequently used were selected for further studies. In vitro and in vivo studies were conducted to validate the efficacy of these plants. The minimum inhibitory concentration and bactericidal concentration assays were used for the in vitro validation of C. quadrangularis, C. spinosa and P. angolensis. Dermatophilus congolensis was more sensitive to P. angolensis average MIC = 0.63 mg/ml than to C. quadrangularis average MIC = iii 1.25 mg/ml and C. spinosa average MIC = 2.08 mg/ml. Cissus quadrangularis was selected for in vivo studies as this plant was the one most frequently used by farmers. Its therapeutic efficacy was compared to conventional antibiotics that farmers used to treat dermatophilosis infection. In the in vivo trials C. quadrangularis did not lead to appreciable reduction in clinical disease compared to the conventional drugs. The larval packet assay was the in vitro assay used to validate the efficacy of Carica papaya, Manihot esculenta and Blumea decurrens against larvae of A. hebraeum and Rhipicephalus appendiculatus. Manihot esculenta at 20 % w/v exhibited the highest larvicidal activity against R. appendiculatus. In the in vivo study, efficacy of the plants were investigated on naturally tick-infested cattle. Mannihot esculenta exhibited the largest tick load reduction compared to the other two plants but its performance was lower than that of conventional acaricides. The effect of A. variegatum and A. hebraeum on bovine dermatophilosis was investigated by evaluating how the presence or absence of these ticks and other herd level risk factors predicted clinical dermatophilosis and its prevalence at herd level. A structured questionnaire survey was carried out to collect data on potential risk factors. At the same time, cattle were physically examined for the presence of bovine dermatophilosis, according to a pre-defined case definition, and presence or absence of Amblyomma ticks was also recorded. The multivariable binary logistic model was developed with disease status as outcome, tick presence and infestion and herd level risk factors as predictors. Of the herds examined clinical bovine dermatophilosis was detected in 45% (84/185; 95% CI: 38.2, 52.6%) of them. Herds infested with Amblyomma variegatum were associated with higher odds (OR= 6.8; iv 95% CI: 1.71, 27.10) of clinical dermatophilosis while the association was not significant (P > 0.05) in A. hebraeum infested herds. It was concluded that management practices aimed at movement and tick control would help reduce the prevalence of clinical dermatophilosis in herds.
- Full Text:
An analysis of formative assessment challenges facing English language (L2) secondary school teachers in the Makoni District of Zimbabwe : a study of five schools
- Authors: Mawuye, Enock Panganayi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: English language -- Study and teaching -- Foreign speakers Teachers -- Training of -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Education
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5058 , vital:29028
- Description: The purpose of this study was to analyse formative assessment challenges facing English Language (L2) Secondary school teachers in the Makoni District of Zimbabwe. Data were collected from 25 English Language secondary school teachers pooled from 5 secondary schools in the Makoni District. The study utilised the pragmatic paradigm which allowed the use of the mixed methods approach. The study used the survey research design. Quantitative data were collected through questionnaires while qualitative data were collected through follow-up interviews, documents and non-participant observations. Cross-tabulations were used to present data which were then reported mainly in percentages. While most of the qualitative data were used to buttress findings established through the questionnaires, the other data were categorised into themes and analysed accordingly. Major challenges that were revealed by this study were that teachers used the teacher – centred approach, feedback given to pupils was not detailed, there was less time to assess appropriately and that teachers were not motivated to assess effectively. Remedial activities were not being carried out and that teachers’ training in assessment was not thorough. Shortage of teaching and learning resources and high teacher – pupil ratios were some of the challenges that teachers faced. There was lack of coordination of agencies involved in assessment and that assessment was examinations – oriented. Assessment policy formulation did not involve teachers and that most pupils were not motivated to learn. On the basis of these findings, the study recommended the provision of adequate teaching and learning resources, provision of appropriate pre-service and in – service training programs as well as involving the teachers in the formulation of assessment policies.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mawuye, Enock Panganayi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: English language -- Study and teaching -- Foreign speakers Teachers -- Training of -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Education
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5058 , vital:29028
- Description: The purpose of this study was to analyse formative assessment challenges facing English Language (L2) Secondary school teachers in the Makoni District of Zimbabwe. Data were collected from 25 English Language secondary school teachers pooled from 5 secondary schools in the Makoni District. The study utilised the pragmatic paradigm which allowed the use of the mixed methods approach. The study used the survey research design. Quantitative data were collected through questionnaires while qualitative data were collected through follow-up interviews, documents and non-participant observations. Cross-tabulations were used to present data which were then reported mainly in percentages. While most of the qualitative data were used to buttress findings established through the questionnaires, the other data were categorised into themes and analysed accordingly. Major challenges that were revealed by this study were that teachers used the teacher – centred approach, feedback given to pupils was not detailed, there was less time to assess appropriately and that teachers were not motivated to assess effectively. Remedial activities were not being carried out and that teachers’ training in assessment was not thorough. Shortage of teaching and learning resources and high teacher – pupil ratios were some of the challenges that teachers faced. There was lack of coordination of agencies involved in assessment and that assessment was examinations – oriented. Assessment policy formulation did not involve teachers and that most pupils were not motivated to learn. On the basis of these findings, the study recommended the provision of adequate teaching and learning resources, provision of appropriate pre-service and in – service training programs as well as involving the teachers in the formulation of assessment policies.
- Full Text:
An analysis of teachers' experiences in using English as medium of instruction among grade 4 learners in Maluti district
- Authors: Rabelemane, Tsielo Aron
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: English language -- Study and teaching Language and languages -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8221 , vital:32058
- Description: The issue of medium of instruction has been a growing concern for most researchers, especially in contexts where English is used as medium of instruction at the expense of the learner’s mother tongue. In a South African context, the problem is being aggravated by the fact that English becomes a language of learning and teaching in Grade 4 whereas the learners’ medium of instruction in the lower grades has been their mother tongue and therefore did not have a firm grasp of the English language. Subsequently, there is a general outcry in South Africa that the shift from mother tongue to English as language of learning and teaching happens too early. The objectives in this thesis were to examine the experiences faced by Grade 4 teachers in using English as language of learning and teaching; to determine how these experiences impinge on learning and teaching in Grade 4 and to determine whether the teachers’ perceptions of English as the language of learning and teaching impinges on the success of the Grade 4 learners. The theoretical framework of this study is based on bilingualism and multilingualism theories. Qualitative and quantitative approaches were used in the study. The study followed a survey design and both purposive and convenience sampling techniques were used. A sample of 100 teachers from 30 selected schools was chosen. The researcher collected data using individual interviews, questionnaires and observation. The qualitative data was analysed thematically whereas SPSS was used for the quantitative data. The findings of the study revealed that learners lacked confidence in expressing themselves in English in front of their peers and as a result the majority of learners did not participate in class when teachers were teaching in English. The results further showed that learners were passive due to poor understanding of the English language which sometimes resulted in communication breakdown between the teacher and the learner. The researcher recommended that the Government should provide the teachers with workshops that will unpack the strategies of teaching Grade 4 learners in using English as a medium of instruction.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Rabelemane, Tsielo Aron
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: English language -- Study and teaching Language and languages -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8221 , vital:32058
- Description: The issue of medium of instruction has been a growing concern for most researchers, especially in contexts where English is used as medium of instruction at the expense of the learner’s mother tongue. In a South African context, the problem is being aggravated by the fact that English becomes a language of learning and teaching in Grade 4 whereas the learners’ medium of instruction in the lower grades has been their mother tongue and therefore did not have a firm grasp of the English language. Subsequently, there is a general outcry in South Africa that the shift from mother tongue to English as language of learning and teaching happens too early. The objectives in this thesis were to examine the experiences faced by Grade 4 teachers in using English as language of learning and teaching; to determine how these experiences impinge on learning and teaching in Grade 4 and to determine whether the teachers’ perceptions of English as the language of learning and teaching impinges on the success of the Grade 4 learners. The theoretical framework of this study is based on bilingualism and multilingualism theories. Qualitative and quantitative approaches were used in the study. The study followed a survey design and both purposive and convenience sampling techniques were used. A sample of 100 teachers from 30 selected schools was chosen. The researcher collected data using individual interviews, questionnaires and observation. The qualitative data was analysed thematically whereas SPSS was used for the quantitative data. The findings of the study revealed that learners lacked confidence in expressing themselves in English in front of their peers and as a result the majority of learners did not participate in class when teachers were teaching in English. The results further showed that learners were passive due to poor understanding of the English language which sometimes resulted in communication breakdown between the teacher and the learner. The researcher recommended that the Government should provide the teachers with workshops that will unpack the strategies of teaching Grade 4 learners in using English as a medium of instruction.
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An analysis of the academic support policies and strategies for underperforming students at Limpopo universities
- Lavhelani, Nyawasedza Phellecy
- Authors: Lavhelani, Nyawasedza Phellecy
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Compensatory education--South Africa--Limpopo Universities and colleges--South Africa--Limpopo Support services (Management)--South Africa--Limpopo
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Public Administration
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11784 , vital:39106
- Description: The study sought to investigate academic support policies and strategies for underperforming students at Limpopo universities. By focusing on the University of Venda and that of Limpopo (which are located in rural settings), this study will contribute to the body of knowledge addressing the learning needs of underperforming students in resource constrained universities in South Africa. Qualitative research methodology was considered most appropriate in the present study. The researcher used various research instruments as the fact finding strategies. These comprised tools for data collection. The researcher used questionnaires and the survey of secondary sources for data collection. The researcher chose these instruments because this also means discussing the advantages of using questionnaires and reading, for example gaining an in-depth perspective regarding the actual experiences of students who underperform in their studies. The study focused on first year underperforming students, academic support policies and academic support programmes. Permission was sought from the two universities’ Research Departments to conduct this study. Once permission was granted, the questionnaire was sent out to prospective participants. In addition, the researcher involved intra-group despondence analysis. Since the bulk of the data from the questionnaires was qualitative, thematic analysis was utilised. This involved identifying patterns and emerging themes out of the differences and similarities from the despondences’ views. This study was conducted in the Limpopo Province, South Africa, where the two universities are situated.The study population were students, academics, Information Management Officer, CHETL staff and relevant personnel at the Limpopo. Universities. As envisaged, a total of 136 participants were chosen to participate in the study.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Lavhelani, Nyawasedza Phellecy
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Compensatory education--South Africa--Limpopo Universities and colleges--South Africa--Limpopo Support services (Management)--South Africa--Limpopo
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Public Administration
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11784 , vital:39106
- Description: The study sought to investigate academic support policies and strategies for underperforming students at Limpopo universities. By focusing on the University of Venda and that of Limpopo (which are located in rural settings), this study will contribute to the body of knowledge addressing the learning needs of underperforming students in resource constrained universities in South Africa. Qualitative research methodology was considered most appropriate in the present study. The researcher used various research instruments as the fact finding strategies. These comprised tools for data collection. The researcher used questionnaires and the survey of secondary sources for data collection. The researcher chose these instruments because this also means discussing the advantages of using questionnaires and reading, for example gaining an in-depth perspective regarding the actual experiences of students who underperform in their studies. The study focused on first year underperforming students, academic support policies and academic support programmes. Permission was sought from the two universities’ Research Departments to conduct this study. Once permission was granted, the questionnaire was sent out to prospective participants. In addition, the researcher involved intra-group despondence analysis. Since the bulk of the data from the questionnaires was qualitative, thematic analysis was utilised. This involved identifying patterns and emerging themes out of the differences and similarities from the despondences’ views. This study was conducted in the Limpopo Province, South Africa, where the two universities are situated.The study population were students, academics, Information Management Officer, CHETL staff and relevant personnel at the Limpopo. Universities. As envisaged, a total of 136 participants were chosen to participate in the study.
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An analysis of the relationship between bank efficiency and access to banking services in South Africa
- Authors: Maredza, Andrew
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Doctor of Administration (in Public Administration)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/910 , vital:26508
- Description: The primary objective of this study is to investigate the nature of the relationship between bank efficiency gains and access to banking services in South Africa. The importance of making such an enquiry arises from the fact that various studies have identified access to financial services as an important vehicle for lifting the poor out of poverty. In particular, there is concern that banks` appetite for better scores on efficiency has the potential of reducing access to services for consumers particularly the low-income clients. The study attempted to answer two central research questions: Firstly, does the quest for banks to improve efficiency preclude access to banking services for some group of consumers? Secondly, do bank efficiency gains necessarily translate to improved accessibility to banking services? The researcher applied a two-stage methodology approach. In the first stage, the Hicks-Moorsteen aggregator functions were used to generate and decompose total factor productivity (TFP) into several efficiency measures for a panel of eight South African banks. First stage results revealed that the average banking sector total factor productivity efficiency (TFPE) was 59 percent implying that the observed TFP was 41 percent short of the maximum TFP possible using the available technology. A further comparison of performance revealed that large banks were better performing than small banks in terms of TFPE. Apart from estimating and decomposing TFP indices we needed to determine if there was a statistically significant change in the TFPE of South African banking system as a result of the global financial crisis. A general analysis of the generated scores showed that TFPE clearly decreased during 2008-2009, the period that coincided with the global financial crisis. We then used the Fixed Effects Model (FEM) in the second-stage analysis to examine the link between banking sector TFPE and access. The FEM was utilised to take account of bankspecific heterogeneity. The obtained results indicated existence of a positive and significant relationship between banking efficiency and access to banking services. This study suggests that banking sector efficiency plays a crucial role in promoting access to bank services in South Africa. We therefore underscore the need for all banks to attain and maintain high efficiency in order to augment government efforts towards improving accessibility for the unbanked South African people. We also found evidence similar to that reached by Kablan (2010) that an increase in the rural population is associated with a reduction in access to bank services. From this result, we speculated that banks are somewhat biased against providing their services to the general rural populace. Since the rural-population variable exerted the greatest marginal impact on access we suggested that perhaps investment in rural infrastructure would help broaden access and so improve financial inclusion on a larger scale. Finally we also investigated the link between banking sector efficiency and unemployment in South Africa. Of paramount importance in the second stage analysis was that we found a negative and significant association between banking sector efficiency and unemployment indicating that employment is influenced, inter alia, by the efficiency with which banks operate.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Maredza, Andrew
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Doctor of Administration (in Public Administration)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/910 , vital:26508
- Description: The primary objective of this study is to investigate the nature of the relationship between bank efficiency gains and access to banking services in South Africa. The importance of making such an enquiry arises from the fact that various studies have identified access to financial services as an important vehicle for lifting the poor out of poverty. In particular, there is concern that banks` appetite for better scores on efficiency has the potential of reducing access to services for consumers particularly the low-income clients. The study attempted to answer two central research questions: Firstly, does the quest for banks to improve efficiency preclude access to banking services for some group of consumers? Secondly, do bank efficiency gains necessarily translate to improved accessibility to banking services? The researcher applied a two-stage methodology approach. In the first stage, the Hicks-Moorsteen aggregator functions were used to generate and decompose total factor productivity (TFP) into several efficiency measures for a panel of eight South African banks. First stage results revealed that the average banking sector total factor productivity efficiency (TFPE) was 59 percent implying that the observed TFP was 41 percent short of the maximum TFP possible using the available technology. A further comparison of performance revealed that large banks were better performing than small banks in terms of TFPE. Apart from estimating and decomposing TFP indices we needed to determine if there was a statistically significant change in the TFPE of South African banking system as a result of the global financial crisis. A general analysis of the generated scores showed that TFPE clearly decreased during 2008-2009, the period that coincided with the global financial crisis. We then used the Fixed Effects Model (FEM) in the second-stage analysis to examine the link between banking sector TFPE and access. The FEM was utilised to take account of bankspecific heterogeneity. The obtained results indicated existence of a positive and significant relationship between banking efficiency and access to banking services. This study suggests that banking sector efficiency plays a crucial role in promoting access to bank services in South Africa. We therefore underscore the need for all banks to attain and maintain high efficiency in order to augment government efforts towards improving accessibility for the unbanked South African people. We also found evidence similar to that reached by Kablan (2010) that an increase in the rural population is associated with a reduction in access to bank services. From this result, we speculated that banks are somewhat biased against providing their services to the general rural populace. Since the rural-population variable exerted the greatest marginal impact on access we suggested that perhaps investment in rural infrastructure would help broaden access and so improve financial inclusion on a larger scale. Finally we also investigated the link between banking sector efficiency and unemployment in South Africa. Of paramount importance in the second stage analysis was that we found a negative and significant association between banking sector efficiency and unemployment indicating that employment is influenced, inter alia, by the efficiency with which banks operate.
- Full Text:
An appraisal of support services to students with disabilities: the case of Walter Sisulu University
- Authors: Makiwane, Nonzwakazi Beauty
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD Admin
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1220 , vital:26537
- Description: The provision of effective support services in an efficient manner is a critical part of any university’s role to ensure that students with disabilities achieve academic outcomes. In South Africa universities are categorized into three types, namely traditional universities (offer theoretically-oriented degrees); universities of technology (offer vocational-oriented diplomas and degrees) and comprehensive universities (offer a combination of the other two). With their constitutional and policy framework obligations, universities are responsible for accommodating students with all types of disabilities. Pertaining to the awareness of social disparities, the quality of support services to students with disabilities still remains a concern. From various platforms it is evident that quality of support services to students with disabilities in South African universities is poor and in some instances crucial support devices do not exist at all. The pressures being felt by universities from external forces and the problems encountered in the extent of quality of support services has created the need for an appraisal. The purpose of this study, then, is to investigate and describe the quality of the support services provided to students with disabilities in a university context.
- Full Text:
An appraisal of support services to students with disabilities: the case of Walter Sisulu University
- Authors: Makiwane, Nonzwakazi Beauty
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD Admin
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1220 , vital:26537
- Description: The provision of effective support services in an efficient manner is a critical part of any university’s role to ensure that students with disabilities achieve academic outcomes. In South Africa universities are categorized into three types, namely traditional universities (offer theoretically-oriented degrees); universities of technology (offer vocational-oriented diplomas and degrees) and comprehensive universities (offer a combination of the other two). With their constitutional and policy framework obligations, universities are responsible for accommodating students with all types of disabilities. Pertaining to the awareness of social disparities, the quality of support services to students with disabilities still remains a concern. From various platforms it is evident that quality of support services to students with disabilities in South African universities is poor and in some instances crucial support devices do not exist at all. The pressures being felt by universities from external forces and the problems encountered in the extent of quality of support services has created the need for an appraisal. The purpose of this study, then, is to investigate and describe the quality of the support services provided to students with disabilities in a university context.
- Full Text:
An appraisal of the role of cash and in-kind transfers in addressing urban household food insecurity in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
- Authors: Ndlovu, Sibonokuhle
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Transfer payments--Zimbabwe Food supply--Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Social Science
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15155 , vital:40191
- Description: This thesis examines the role of cash and in-kind transfers in alleviating urban household food insecurity in Makokoba and Njube townships in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. This assessment focuses on understanding the extent to which these transfers improve poor household access to food. The implications of cash and in-kind transfers on household dietary diversification are also examined. The thesis also scrutinises factors that deter the effectiveness of these transfers in addressing urban household food insecurity in the two townships. The study is guided by the Entitlement Approach (Sen, 1981) and Household Livelihood Security Framework (Frankenberger et al., 1995). The study combined qualitative and quantitative research methods in gathering and analysing data. Semi structured in-depth interviews, questionnaires, and key informant interviews were used to collect primary data. The thesis finds that cash and in-kind transfers have not significantly alleviated urban household food insecurity in Makokoba and Njube townships. As a result households receiving these transfers have not meaningfully improved their food consumption behaviours. Households continued to experience food insecurity characterised by skipping meals and eating small portions. Most households prioritised non-food expenditures and this has resulted in expending a small proportion of their cash transfers on purchasing inadequate food items. Both transfers have not meaningfully played a complementary role in enabling poor households to access a variety of food groups necessary for diversifying diets. The thesis also finds that a legion of factors deter the effectiveness of cash transfers in these townships. These include irregular distributions, low cash transfer value, incomplete food baskets, weak targeting mechanisms, less flexible implementation processes, automatic deletion of households from beneficiary database and duration of programmes. This thesis recommends redesigning of these cash and in-kind transfer programmes to effectively alleviate urban household food insecurity.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ndlovu, Sibonokuhle
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Transfer payments--Zimbabwe Food supply--Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Social Science
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15155 , vital:40191
- Description: This thesis examines the role of cash and in-kind transfers in alleviating urban household food insecurity in Makokoba and Njube townships in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. This assessment focuses on understanding the extent to which these transfers improve poor household access to food. The implications of cash and in-kind transfers on household dietary diversification are also examined. The thesis also scrutinises factors that deter the effectiveness of these transfers in addressing urban household food insecurity in the two townships. The study is guided by the Entitlement Approach (Sen, 1981) and Household Livelihood Security Framework (Frankenberger et al., 1995). The study combined qualitative and quantitative research methods in gathering and analysing data. Semi structured in-depth interviews, questionnaires, and key informant interviews were used to collect primary data. The thesis finds that cash and in-kind transfers have not significantly alleviated urban household food insecurity in Makokoba and Njube townships. As a result households receiving these transfers have not meaningfully improved their food consumption behaviours. Households continued to experience food insecurity characterised by skipping meals and eating small portions. Most households prioritised non-food expenditures and this has resulted in expending a small proportion of their cash transfers on purchasing inadequate food items. Both transfers have not meaningfully played a complementary role in enabling poor households to access a variety of food groups necessary for diversifying diets. The thesis also finds that a legion of factors deter the effectiveness of cash transfers in these townships. These include irregular distributions, low cash transfer value, incomplete food baskets, weak targeting mechanisms, less flexible implementation processes, automatic deletion of households from beneficiary database and duration of programmes. This thesis recommends redesigning of these cash and in-kind transfer programmes to effectively alleviate urban household food insecurity.
- Full Text:
An archaelogy of South Africanness: the conditions and fantasies of a post-apartheid festival
- Authors: Truscott, Ross
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Nationalism -- South Africa -- History -- 20th century , Whites -- Race identity -- South Africa , Afrikaner loyalists , Psychoanalysis , Discourse analysis , Multiculturalism -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D Soc Sc (Psych)
- Identifier: vital:11610 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/539 , Nationalism -- South Africa -- History -- 20th century , Whites -- Race identity -- South Africa , Afrikaner loyalists , Psychoanalysis , Discourse analysis , Multiculturalism -- South Africa
- Description: It has become commonplace in academic studies, particularly those with a critical bent, to view nations as being historical constructs, as being without essence, though not without effects of exclusion and inclusion, of the constitution of the „authentic‟ national subject and the „other of the nation.‟ The critical impetus at work here is to show how a nation is constructed in order to bring into view the knowledge and power relations this construction entails, to show whose interests the construction serves, and whose it does not. This study examines the discursive production, the performative enactment and the spatial emplacement of post-apartheid „South Africanness‟ through a case study of Oppikoppi music festival. Oppikoppi is an annual event that emerged in 1994, on the threshold of the „new South Africa.‟ The festival is attended predominantly by young white Afrikaans-speaking South Africans and is held on a farm in the northernmost province of Limpopo, South Africa, an area notoriously conservative in its racial politics. Yet, curiously, Oppikoppi has been repeatedly referred to, and refers to itself with an almost obsessive regularity and repetitiveness, as a „truly South African‟ event. Indeed, the festival has been promoted, since 1998, as „The Home of South African Music,‟ and in 2009 the site of the festival was unofficially declared a „national monument.‟ Through the employment of concepts drawn from the writings of French philosopher and historian, Michel Foucault – particularly his earlier archaeological works – and from Sigmund Freud – particularly his metapsychological works – this study has posed two broad sets of questions. Firstly, from a Foucauldian perspective, what have been the conditions for the production of „South Africanness‟ at this festival? What have been the requirements, the discursive „rules of the game‟ for whiteness and Afrikanerness to become „South African‟? To what extent does this constitution of the festival as a „South African‟ event preserve older lines of division, difference and oppression? To what extent does this bring about meaningful social change? Secondly, from a psychoanalytic perspective, what are the fantasies constellated in the discourse of the festival as a „South African‟ event? Who, in these fantasies, is constituted as the „other of the post-apartheid nation‟? How has fantasy provided a kind of „hallucinatory gratification,‟ a phantasmatic compensation for, and a means of conserving, the losses of privilege in the new nation? And how has fantasy oriented the festival towards post-apartheid sociality, soliciting identifications with the post-apartheid nation? The overarching argument proposed is that anti-apartheid post-apartheid nation building has cultivated a melancholic loss of apartheid for whites in general and Afrikaners in particular, a loss that cannot be grieved – indeed, a loss that should not be grieved – and, as such, a grief that takes on an unconscious afterlife. Apartheid and the life it enabled – not only racialised privilege, but also a structure of identification and idealisation, of being and having – becomes a loss that is buried in, and by, the injunctions issued to post-apartheid memory and conduct. Without the discursive resources with which to symbolise this loss, disguised repetitions of the past, a neurotic refinding of the lost objects of apartheid, and melancholia are the likely outcomes, each of which engender a set of exclusions and enjoyments that run along old and new lines.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Truscott, Ross
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Nationalism -- South Africa -- History -- 20th century , Whites -- Race identity -- South Africa , Afrikaner loyalists , Psychoanalysis , Discourse analysis , Multiculturalism -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D Soc Sc (Psych)
- Identifier: vital:11610 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/539 , Nationalism -- South Africa -- History -- 20th century , Whites -- Race identity -- South Africa , Afrikaner loyalists , Psychoanalysis , Discourse analysis , Multiculturalism -- South Africa
- Description: It has become commonplace in academic studies, particularly those with a critical bent, to view nations as being historical constructs, as being without essence, though not without effects of exclusion and inclusion, of the constitution of the „authentic‟ national subject and the „other of the nation.‟ The critical impetus at work here is to show how a nation is constructed in order to bring into view the knowledge and power relations this construction entails, to show whose interests the construction serves, and whose it does not. This study examines the discursive production, the performative enactment and the spatial emplacement of post-apartheid „South Africanness‟ through a case study of Oppikoppi music festival. Oppikoppi is an annual event that emerged in 1994, on the threshold of the „new South Africa.‟ The festival is attended predominantly by young white Afrikaans-speaking South Africans and is held on a farm in the northernmost province of Limpopo, South Africa, an area notoriously conservative in its racial politics. Yet, curiously, Oppikoppi has been repeatedly referred to, and refers to itself with an almost obsessive regularity and repetitiveness, as a „truly South African‟ event. Indeed, the festival has been promoted, since 1998, as „The Home of South African Music,‟ and in 2009 the site of the festival was unofficially declared a „national monument.‟ Through the employment of concepts drawn from the writings of French philosopher and historian, Michel Foucault – particularly his earlier archaeological works – and from Sigmund Freud – particularly his metapsychological works – this study has posed two broad sets of questions. Firstly, from a Foucauldian perspective, what have been the conditions for the production of „South Africanness‟ at this festival? What have been the requirements, the discursive „rules of the game‟ for whiteness and Afrikanerness to become „South African‟? To what extent does this constitution of the festival as a „South African‟ event preserve older lines of division, difference and oppression? To what extent does this bring about meaningful social change? Secondly, from a psychoanalytic perspective, what are the fantasies constellated in the discourse of the festival as a „South African‟ event? Who, in these fantasies, is constituted as the „other of the post-apartheid nation‟? How has fantasy provided a kind of „hallucinatory gratification,‟ a phantasmatic compensation for, and a means of conserving, the losses of privilege in the new nation? And how has fantasy oriented the festival towards post-apartheid sociality, soliciting identifications with the post-apartheid nation? The overarching argument proposed is that anti-apartheid post-apartheid nation building has cultivated a melancholic loss of apartheid for whites in general and Afrikaners in particular, a loss that cannot be grieved – indeed, a loss that should not be grieved – and, as such, a grief that takes on an unconscious afterlife. Apartheid and the life it enabled – not only racialised privilege, but also a structure of identification and idealisation, of being and having – becomes a loss that is buried in, and by, the injunctions issued to post-apartheid memory and conduct. Without the discursive resources with which to symbolise this loss, disguised repetitions of the past, a neurotic refinding of the lost objects of apartheid, and melancholia are the likely outcomes, each of which engender a set of exclusions and enjoyments that run along old and new lines.
- Full Text:
An assessment of e-procurement in the Eastern Cape provincial government
- Myataza, Nosiphendule Mlamli
- Authors: Myataza, Nosiphendule Mlamli
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Government purchasing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Electronic commerce -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Public Administration)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1601 , vital:27483
- Description: Public procurement is the government activity most vulnerable to corruption. Lack of transparency and accountability are recognised as a major threat to integrity in public procurement. Repeated findings by the Auditor- General(SA) on poor document management and lack of compliance with the Public Finance Management Act ( No1 of 1999) by the SCM units in departments of the Eastern Cape Provincial Administration necessitates the use of e-procurement for purposes of accountability and proper documentation of transactions. The study assessed the current status of e-procurement in the Eastern Cape Provincial government. This entailed an overview of IFMS, identifying its implementation and shortcomings. Also reviewed was implementation of the Logistical Information System ( LOGIS) in the Eastern Cape Provincial Administration (Department of Health) as its e-procurement platform, as well as e-procurement at the Department of Social development and Special Programmes .The status of government suppliers’ internet connectivity was also assessed.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Myataza, Nosiphendule Mlamli
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Government purchasing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Electronic commerce -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Public Administration)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1601 , vital:27483
- Description: Public procurement is the government activity most vulnerable to corruption. Lack of transparency and accountability are recognised as a major threat to integrity in public procurement. Repeated findings by the Auditor- General(SA) on poor document management and lack of compliance with the Public Finance Management Act ( No1 of 1999) by the SCM units in departments of the Eastern Cape Provincial Administration necessitates the use of e-procurement for purposes of accountability and proper documentation of transactions. The study assessed the current status of e-procurement in the Eastern Cape Provincial government. This entailed an overview of IFMS, identifying its implementation and shortcomings. Also reviewed was implementation of the Logistical Information System ( LOGIS) in the Eastern Cape Provincial Administration (Department of Health) as its e-procurement platform, as well as e-procurement at the Department of Social development and Special Programmes .The status of government suppliers’ internet connectivity was also assessed.
- Full Text:
An assessment of energy use as a rural development strategy: the case of Chiwundura communal area, Zimbabwe
- Authors: Mangizvo, Remigios Vurayayi
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:11444 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1013595
- Description: Households in Chiwundura Communal Area continue to depend on traditional biomass fuels, that is, fuelwood, agricultural residues and in some cases dung. This is despite the fact that grid electrification has been introduced in the communal area. A few households have been able to adopt the grid electrification whilst the rest remain rooted in the use of the inefficient and polluting traditional biomass. Some of those who have adopted the grid electricity only use it for lighting and entertainment whilst they continue to use fuelwood for cooking. A number of households that have connected to grid electricity have reverted to the use of the traditional biomass. This means that the generality of people in Chiwundura Communal Area continue to be subjected to energy poverty, which is a constrained access to modern energy services such as electricity. As a result these households will not be able to meet the millennium development goals among many other achievements. This state of affairs motivated the researcher to conduct this study. The study wanted to find out why the transition from traditional biomass energy forms to modern energy services was slow in Chiwundura Communal Area. The study also wanted to establish the factors that influenced household en ergy choices as well as establish the ways in which the traditional biomass energy forms had affected the livelihoods of households in the study area. In order to get information on the above mentioned questions, this study which was a case study of Chiwundura Communal Area utilised the triangulation of both qualitative and quantitative techniques. These methods were meant to complement each other and benefit from the strengths of each method. The study used questionnaires, interviews, observations, transect walks, focus group discussions and content analysis. The researcher spent up to three months in the study area so as to get first hand information on the issues under study. A total of 215 households and 106 school children were conveniently sampled to respond to the questionnaires whilst fifty household heads participated in the interviews. The study looked at three energy theories namely the energy ladder, the leapfrogging and the multiple fuels use models as well as consumption and decision making theories to open this discussion. The study made a number of critical findings. Firstly, there was very little transition as most households remained as users of biomass energy; hence they were at the lower rungs of the energy ladder. Those that had moved up the ladder tended to back switch to the use of fuelwood. This made them multiple fuel users. Generally fuelwood was the dominant source of energy as it was used mainly for cooking, space and water heating, space lighting and other domestic needs such as smoking meat. About 22% of all respondents were connected to the grid and used electricity mainly for lighting. Candles, paraffin, gensets and solar energy were part of the energy mix. It was established that income was the most important determinant in the energy choices made by the different households. Most of the households were peasant farmers who could not harvest excess crops for the market. A few households with members in paid employment or obtained remittances from relatives in South Africa or the Diaspora were able to get connected to the grid or could afford to purchase fuelwood from vendors. Households could not procure solar house systems as the start up costs were beyond their reach. Those who were able to acquire generators could not run them for many hours as they could not afford to refuel them regularly. Household characteristics such as age and education of household- head were also important factors. It was however established that cultural and traditional factors were as usual not given the attention they deserved yet they were very significant in determining the type of fuel a household chose. Food preparation and taste always played an important role in determining whether a household chose traditional fuels for certain cuisines. It was also realised that failure by numerous households in the study area to access modern energy sources meant that they could not attain the millennium development goals by 2015. They could not move out of abject poverty as they lacked irrigation schemes to assure them of food security. Universal access to education was affected by lack of light to use for studying and reading after hours. Adult education was also frustrated. The boy child was worst affected as he came to school late or at times missed school altogether collecting fuelwood for the household. In Chiwundura Communal Area men and boys were responsible for collecting fuelwood. This signified a shift in gender roles. Men and boys took it upon themselves to have these responsibilities as women and girls could not walk the long distances. The health of the household particularly women and children who spent several hours close to the fire was compromised as most huts were poorly ventilated. They therefore could not adequately deal with indoor air pollution challenges. Other MDGs were also likely not to be achieved by the families. The study also found out that men were not dictatorial in determining the fuel that a household used. Some form of democracy existed within homes and negotiations between husband and wife often took place away from the public domain. Oftentimes women often aped their colleagues who owned modern energy technologies within the villages; hence they pressurised their husbands to buy them SHSs and gensets. This was conspicuous consumption. The study established that there was need for modern energy in the study area. Grid electricity was not the panacea for this as it was beyond the reach of many. It was therefore important to look at renewable energy forms such as gel fuel, SHSs and biogas. It was also pertinent to educate and make households aware of dangers posed by indoor air pollution. The government and different stakeholders must give it equal importance and publicity as that given to HIV and AIDS as it kills several children annually. Housing interventions should be made so that households build huts with proper ventilation.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mangizvo, Remigios Vurayayi
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:11444 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1013595
- Description: Households in Chiwundura Communal Area continue to depend on traditional biomass fuels, that is, fuelwood, agricultural residues and in some cases dung. This is despite the fact that grid electrification has been introduced in the communal area. A few households have been able to adopt the grid electrification whilst the rest remain rooted in the use of the inefficient and polluting traditional biomass. Some of those who have adopted the grid electricity only use it for lighting and entertainment whilst they continue to use fuelwood for cooking. A number of households that have connected to grid electricity have reverted to the use of the traditional biomass. This means that the generality of people in Chiwundura Communal Area continue to be subjected to energy poverty, which is a constrained access to modern energy services such as electricity. As a result these households will not be able to meet the millennium development goals among many other achievements. This state of affairs motivated the researcher to conduct this study. The study wanted to find out why the transition from traditional biomass energy forms to modern energy services was slow in Chiwundura Communal Area. The study also wanted to establish the factors that influenced household en ergy choices as well as establish the ways in which the traditional biomass energy forms had affected the livelihoods of households in the study area. In order to get information on the above mentioned questions, this study which was a case study of Chiwundura Communal Area utilised the triangulation of both qualitative and quantitative techniques. These methods were meant to complement each other and benefit from the strengths of each method. The study used questionnaires, interviews, observations, transect walks, focus group discussions and content analysis. The researcher spent up to three months in the study area so as to get first hand information on the issues under study. A total of 215 households and 106 school children were conveniently sampled to respond to the questionnaires whilst fifty household heads participated in the interviews. The study looked at three energy theories namely the energy ladder, the leapfrogging and the multiple fuels use models as well as consumption and decision making theories to open this discussion. The study made a number of critical findings. Firstly, there was very little transition as most households remained as users of biomass energy; hence they were at the lower rungs of the energy ladder. Those that had moved up the ladder tended to back switch to the use of fuelwood. This made them multiple fuel users. Generally fuelwood was the dominant source of energy as it was used mainly for cooking, space and water heating, space lighting and other domestic needs such as smoking meat. About 22% of all respondents were connected to the grid and used electricity mainly for lighting. Candles, paraffin, gensets and solar energy were part of the energy mix. It was established that income was the most important determinant in the energy choices made by the different households. Most of the households were peasant farmers who could not harvest excess crops for the market. A few households with members in paid employment or obtained remittances from relatives in South Africa or the Diaspora were able to get connected to the grid or could afford to purchase fuelwood from vendors. Households could not procure solar house systems as the start up costs were beyond their reach. Those who were able to acquire generators could not run them for many hours as they could not afford to refuel them regularly. Household characteristics such as age and education of household- head were also important factors. It was however established that cultural and traditional factors were as usual not given the attention they deserved yet they were very significant in determining the type of fuel a household chose. Food preparation and taste always played an important role in determining whether a household chose traditional fuels for certain cuisines. It was also realised that failure by numerous households in the study area to access modern energy sources meant that they could not attain the millennium development goals by 2015. They could not move out of abject poverty as they lacked irrigation schemes to assure them of food security. Universal access to education was affected by lack of light to use for studying and reading after hours. Adult education was also frustrated. The boy child was worst affected as he came to school late or at times missed school altogether collecting fuelwood for the household. In Chiwundura Communal Area men and boys were responsible for collecting fuelwood. This signified a shift in gender roles. Men and boys took it upon themselves to have these responsibilities as women and girls could not walk the long distances. The health of the household particularly women and children who spent several hours close to the fire was compromised as most huts were poorly ventilated. They therefore could not adequately deal with indoor air pollution challenges. Other MDGs were also likely not to be achieved by the families. The study also found out that men were not dictatorial in determining the fuel that a household used. Some form of democracy existed within homes and negotiations between husband and wife often took place away from the public domain. Oftentimes women often aped their colleagues who owned modern energy technologies within the villages; hence they pressurised their husbands to buy them SHSs and gensets. This was conspicuous consumption. The study established that there was need for modern energy in the study area. Grid electricity was not the panacea for this as it was beyond the reach of many. It was therefore important to look at renewable energy forms such as gel fuel, SHSs and biogas. It was also pertinent to educate and make households aware of dangers posed by indoor air pollution. The government and different stakeholders must give it equal importance and publicity as that given to HIV and AIDS as it kills several children annually. Housing interventions should be made so that households build huts with proper ventilation.
- Full Text:
An assessment of public accountability mechanisms towards eradicating corruption in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Rulashe, Tando
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Political corruption -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Misconduct in office -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1960 , vital:27588
- Description: The study critically examined the implementation of Public Accountability strategies and mechanisms: A case of Buffalo City Municipality. The problem statement gave emphases on the multiple cases drawn from stats reflected in domestic surveys that shows how corruption and maladministration have impacted the province negatively as well as the extreme poverty lines that dominate the communities in the republic and also the province. The New Public Management Theory was used to interpret the manner in which the participants were expected to give their views on leadership and accountability among others key issues. The objectives of the study were to; To assess the mechanisms implemented by Buffalo City Municipality., To explore the challenges affecting public accountability enforcement mechanisms in Buffalo City Municipality towards eradicating corruption, Determine the manner through which the Buffalo City Municipality can adopt tried and tested mechanism from Regional, national & international case studies on how to effective enforce public accountability for the sustainable management and curbing of corruption for effective and efficient service delivery and to recommend new mechanisms which Buffalo City Municipality can utilise in enforcing public accountability towards eradicating corruption in its institutions in order to encourage sustainable community development through service delivery. The study adopted a case study approach based on a mixed method paradigm where data was collected through a questionnaire, interviews and document analysis. Case studies are normally associated with qualitative research, but can also be used as a method of inquiry employing a positivist epistemology and ontology. A total sample of 50 participants was chosen through a non-probability sampling technique. The major findings of the study reflected that there is a huge break in communication between government and the citizens in the locality while also establishing that the mechanisms currently being used were only as good as the factors influencing their implementation among other issues. Major recommendations included community engagement, capacity building and skills development, retention and expansion, lack of resources, promote individual independence of the community and the enhancement the Public Participation Unit.
- Full Text:
An assessment of public accountability mechanisms towards eradicating corruption in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Rulashe, Tando
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Political corruption -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Misconduct in office -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/1960 , vital:27588
- Description: The study critically examined the implementation of Public Accountability strategies and mechanisms: A case of Buffalo City Municipality. The problem statement gave emphases on the multiple cases drawn from stats reflected in domestic surveys that shows how corruption and maladministration have impacted the province negatively as well as the extreme poverty lines that dominate the communities in the republic and also the province. The New Public Management Theory was used to interpret the manner in which the participants were expected to give their views on leadership and accountability among others key issues. The objectives of the study were to; To assess the mechanisms implemented by Buffalo City Municipality., To explore the challenges affecting public accountability enforcement mechanisms in Buffalo City Municipality towards eradicating corruption, Determine the manner through which the Buffalo City Municipality can adopt tried and tested mechanism from Regional, national & international case studies on how to effective enforce public accountability for the sustainable management and curbing of corruption for effective and efficient service delivery and to recommend new mechanisms which Buffalo City Municipality can utilise in enforcing public accountability towards eradicating corruption in its institutions in order to encourage sustainable community development through service delivery. The study adopted a case study approach based on a mixed method paradigm where data was collected through a questionnaire, interviews and document analysis. Case studies are normally associated with qualitative research, but can also be used as a method of inquiry employing a positivist epistemology and ontology. A total sample of 50 participants was chosen through a non-probability sampling technique. The major findings of the study reflected that there is a huge break in communication between government and the citizens in the locality while also establishing that the mechanisms currently being used were only as good as the factors influencing their implementation among other issues. Major recommendations included community engagement, capacity building and skills development, retention and expansion, lack of resources, promote individual independence of the community and the enhancement the Public Participation Unit.
- Full Text:
An assessment of school food and nutrition environments for strengthening the integrated school health policy in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Okeyo, Alice Phelgona
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Nutrition policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape School health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17039 , vital:40836
- Description: The 2012 Integrated School Health Policy (ISHP) offers a framework for adequate school food environment. It aims to contribute to the improvement of the general health of school-going children and to address health barriers to learning in order to improve education outcomes. This study assessed the school food and nutrition environment and critically appraised the position of nutrition within ISHP in order to make recommendations for best practice and promotion of healthy-eating in quintiles 1 – 3 secondary school learners of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Areas evaluated included the school food environment (National School Food Nutrition Programme, NSNP, tuck-shop, vendor, lunch box, and school vegetable garden); eating practice; nutrition knowledge; and nutrition status. A quantitative and qualitative cross-sectional design was applied in data collection. Data was collected from 1,357 learners at 18 secondary schools in three districts: Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Chris Hani and OR Tambo, using semi-structured questionnaires. Five major food items provided in the school food and nutrition environment included: beans, pap, sour-milk, rice, and samp (maize) (NSNP); chips, sandwich, pap, biscuits, and cake (tuck-shop); chips, sandwich, pap, cake, and pop-corn (vendor); and samp (maize), noodles, fat-cake, chips, and Russian/Viennas (lunch boxes). Only three of the 16 schools had school vegetable gardens which produced vegetables and no fruits. Five most frequently eaten foods for breakfast were porridge, rusks, stiff-pap, bread-with-spread, eggs, and polony. Learners from quintile 3 (60.8percent) significantly ate more cooked porridge than learners from quintiles 1 and 2 (51.9percent) (p = 0.015). Leaners from quintile 3 (59.4percent) significantly ate more brown bread-with-spread than learners from quintiles 1 and 2 (50.4) (p = 0.022). The majority of learners (72.7percent) ate breakfast; more male learners (24.4percent) than female learners (29.1percent) skipped breakfast. The majority (62.2percent) of learners had poor nutritional knowledge; significantly, more male (35percent) than female (27percent) learners had poor nutritional knowledge (p = 0.003). Nutritional knowledge increased with age; significantly more grade 8 learners had poor (42.6percent) nutritional knowledge than grade 12 learners (14.1percent) (p < 0.001). Leaners from quintile 3 had good (23.5percent) nutritional knowledge than learners from quintiles 1 and 2 (15.7percent) (p < 0.001). School lessons, books and television were the most important source for nutritional information to learners. The most significant source was lessons (72.0percent; p < 0.001); followed by television (69.4percent; p < 0.001) and books (67.8percent; p = 0.014), in that ranking order. The majority of learners (64percent) had normal body weight. The prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity was 13.0percent, 15.0percent and 8.0percent, respectively. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was higher in females than males (21.3percent vs 5.3percent; overweight; p < 0.001)) and (11.6percent vs 1.2percent; obesity; p < 0.001), respectively; while the prevalence in terms of underweight was significantly higher in male (21.3percent) learners than in female learners (8.1percent); p < 0.001. The study indicated that the school food environment was not supported by ISHP. The Integrated School Health Policy did not include on-site package for nutritional assessment, thus, there is need to offer nutritional interventions in schools.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Okeyo, Alice Phelgona
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Nutrition policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape School health services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/17039 , vital:40836
- Description: The 2012 Integrated School Health Policy (ISHP) offers a framework for adequate school food environment. It aims to contribute to the improvement of the general health of school-going children and to address health barriers to learning in order to improve education outcomes. This study assessed the school food and nutrition environment and critically appraised the position of nutrition within ISHP in order to make recommendations for best practice and promotion of healthy-eating in quintiles 1 – 3 secondary school learners of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Areas evaluated included the school food environment (National School Food Nutrition Programme, NSNP, tuck-shop, vendor, lunch box, and school vegetable garden); eating practice; nutrition knowledge; and nutrition status. A quantitative and qualitative cross-sectional design was applied in data collection. Data was collected from 1,357 learners at 18 secondary schools in three districts: Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Chris Hani and OR Tambo, using semi-structured questionnaires. Five major food items provided in the school food and nutrition environment included: beans, pap, sour-milk, rice, and samp (maize) (NSNP); chips, sandwich, pap, biscuits, and cake (tuck-shop); chips, sandwich, pap, cake, and pop-corn (vendor); and samp (maize), noodles, fat-cake, chips, and Russian/Viennas (lunch boxes). Only three of the 16 schools had school vegetable gardens which produced vegetables and no fruits. Five most frequently eaten foods for breakfast were porridge, rusks, stiff-pap, bread-with-spread, eggs, and polony. Learners from quintile 3 (60.8percent) significantly ate more cooked porridge than learners from quintiles 1 and 2 (51.9percent) (p = 0.015). Leaners from quintile 3 (59.4percent) significantly ate more brown bread-with-spread than learners from quintiles 1 and 2 (50.4) (p = 0.022). The majority of learners (72.7percent) ate breakfast; more male learners (24.4percent) than female learners (29.1percent) skipped breakfast. The majority (62.2percent) of learners had poor nutritional knowledge; significantly, more male (35percent) than female (27percent) learners had poor nutritional knowledge (p = 0.003). Nutritional knowledge increased with age; significantly more grade 8 learners had poor (42.6percent) nutritional knowledge than grade 12 learners (14.1percent) (p < 0.001). Leaners from quintile 3 had good (23.5percent) nutritional knowledge than learners from quintiles 1 and 2 (15.7percent) (p < 0.001). School lessons, books and television were the most important source for nutritional information to learners. The most significant source was lessons (72.0percent; p < 0.001); followed by television (69.4percent; p < 0.001) and books (67.8percent; p = 0.014), in that ranking order. The majority of learners (64percent) had normal body weight. The prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity was 13.0percent, 15.0percent and 8.0percent, respectively. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was higher in females than males (21.3percent vs 5.3percent; overweight; p < 0.001)) and (11.6percent vs 1.2percent; obesity; p < 0.001), respectively; while the prevalence in terms of underweight was significantly higher in male (21.3percent) learners than in female learners (8.1percent); p < 0.001. The study indicated that the school food environment was not supported by ISHP. The Integrated School Health Policy did not include on-site package for nutritional assessment, thus, there is need to offer nutritional interventions in schools.
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An assessment of the effect of implementation of performance management system on organizational performance : a case of selected public organizations in Tanzania
- Authors: Nduye, Jacob Gabriel
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Personnel management Organizational effectiveness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10573 , vital:35609
- Description: Tanzanians continue to demand improved performances and better-quality services from public organizations and the government at large. Since independence in 1961, the Tanzanian government continued to undertake a restructuring of different policies, laws and regulations in public services to improve performances and service delivery. Among the results of the restructuring was introduction of Performance Management System(PMS) across public organizations. The system meant to address and redress not only the concerns of the public on improved performances and better services, but also inculcate performance-oriented culture and accountability for results. Despite such efforts by the government, some of the problems existed before the introduction of PMS such as among others weak incentives and accountabilities, and management skills continue to impede issues of improved performance and service delivery in public organizations. It is from this context that the researcher was encouraged to research on issues of performance management system, highlighting specific areas of its effectiveness to improve performance, motivational factors, use of performance appraisal results on different decisions-making and factors for underperformances which affect organizational performances in public organizations. This study employed a mixed method research design involving both quantitative and qualitative strategies. For the qualitative strategy, data were gathered using in-depth interviews and document reviews; and for the quantitative strategy, questionnaires were used in which the relationship of different variables for the study were statistically analyzed using the SPSS Version 22. In the overall, the study evidences show a strong pressure of support at government level in terms of formulating policies, laws and regulations to back up performance management system to improve performance quality service delivery, but there is less support in public organizations levels. It became clear that many problems still make PMS effectiveness not pragmatic: Political interferences to management of public organizations, government bureaucratic procedures in amendments of outdated laws, inflexible scheme of services important for rewards and incentives and the use of manual voting system for good performances are among problems that the study identified. Furthermore, evidences have shown that a top-down management approach bottlenecks the overall implementation of performance enhancing tools for performance management system effectiveness. There is lack of workers’ participation and ownership of tools such as, strategic plans, client service charters and open performance reviews and appraisal system and the general system, and thus becoming hard to implement it in the public organizations. The study suggests practical initiatives by the government to establish highly strict quality service delivery satisfaction tracking system to allow both employees and citizens to evaluate internal and external performances of the public organizations. The findings upheld vulnerability of PMS to improve performance and service delivery, and therefore more attention and adherence to principles of performance management and laws that are biting to issues of underperformances are imperative.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Nduye, Jacob Gabriel
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Personnel management Organizational effectiveness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/10573 , vital:35609
- Description: Tanzanians continue to demand improved performances and better-quality services from public organizations and the government at large. Since independence in 1961, the Tanzanian government continued to undertake a restructuring of different policies, laws and regulations in public services to improve performances and service delivery. Among the results of the restructuring was introduction of Performance Management System(PMS) across public organizations. The system meant to address and redress not only the concerns of the public on improved performances and better services, but also inculcate performance-oriented culture and accountability for results. Despite such efforts by the government, some of the problems existed before the introduction of PMS such as among others weak incentives and accountabilities, and management skills continue to impede issues of improved performance and service delivery in public organizations. It is from this context that the researcher was encouraged to research on issues of performance management system, highlighting specific areas of its effectiveness to improve performance, motivational factors, use of performance appraisal results on different decisions-making and factors for underperformances which affect organizational performances in public organizations. This study employed a mixed method research design involving both quantitative and qualitative strategies. For the qualitative strategy, data were gathered using in-depth interviews and document reviews; and for the quantitative strategy, questionnaires were used in which the relationship of different variables for the study were statistically analyzed using the SPSS Version 22. In the overall, the study evidences show a strong pressure of support at government level in terms of formulating policies, laws and regulations to back up performance management system to improve performance quality service delivery, but there is less support in public organizations levels. It became clear that many problems still make PMS effectiveness not pragmatic: Political interferences to management of public organizations, government bureaucratic procedures in amendments of outdated laws, inflexible scheme of services important for rewards and incentives and the use of manual voting system for good performances are among problems that the study identified. Furthermore, evidences have shown that a top-down management approach bottlenecks the overall implementation of performance enhancing tools for performance management system effectiveness. There is lack of workers’ participation and ownership of tools such as, strategic plans, client service charters and open performance reviews and appraisal system and the general system, and thus becoming hard to implement it in the public organizations. The study suggests practical initiatives by the government to establish highly strict quality service delivery satisfaction tracking system to allow both employees and citizens to evaluate internal and external performances of the public organizations. The findings upheld vulnerability of PMS to improve performance and service delivery, and therefore more attention and adherence to principles of performance management and laws that are biting to issues of underperformances are imperative.
- Full Text:
An assessment of the implementation of continuing professional development programmes for primary school teachers in Malawi: a case of Zomba rural education district
- Authors: Selemani-Meke, Elizabeth
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Primary school teachers -- Malawi , Teachers -- Vocational guidance -- Malawi , Teachers -- Development -- Zimbabwe , Teachers -- Education (Primary) -- Malawi , Teachers -- Economic conditions , Teachers -- In-service training -- Malawi , Teachers -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Education)
- Identifier: vital:16178 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/501 , Primary school teachers -- Malawi , Teachers -- Vocational guidance -- Malawi , Teachers -- Development -- Zimbabwe , Teachers -- Education (Primary) -- Malawi , Teachers -- Economic conditions , Teachers -- In-service training -- Malawi , Teachers -- Social conditions
- Description: This study assessed the implementation of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Programmes for primary school teachers in Zomba Rural Education District in Malawi. The study arose from a concern that, despite the Government of Malawi putting in place structures to facilitate the implementation of CPD for primary school teachers, research has shown that teachers have not improved their classroom practice. As a result, there has been poor learner performance at all levels of the primary education system to the extent that learners scored the lowest in the 2005 international examinations for the Southern Africa Development Community. From the literature, it appears that no thorough and conclusive studies to look into the issues behind the implementation of CPD programmes in Malawi have been conducted. Hence the researcher was motivated to assess how the CPD programmes are implemented with the view to explore better ways of implementing CPD programmes for teachers that can result in teacher change. The study was placed within the post-positivism paradigm and used a mixed method research design that incorporated concurrent procedures in the collection, analysis and interpretation of the data. Questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data while qualitative data were collected through interviews, focus group discussions, CPD observations and document analysis. A total of 798 teachers filled the questionnaires. This figure represented 47% of the total number of teachers in the district. The researcher conducted 34 focus group discussions with teachers from various schools. She also held interviews with 34 head teachers and CPD programme facilitators (12 Primary Education Advisors and 3 CPD facilitators from organizations). Other interviews were held with the District Education Manager, the Coordinating Primary Education Advisor, the Coordinator of the New Curriculum, and the Coordinator for the Department of Teacher Education and Development. Further, the researcher made 3 CPD observations. The study revealed weaknesses in the implementation of CPD programmes for teachers in the district. Generally the study noted that there was much emphasis on the transmissive model of CPD implementation, to the neglect of transitional and transformative models such that the personal, social and occupational aspects of professional learning were not holistically considered in the programme designs. Specifically, the duration of the programmes was found to be inadequate for meaningful assimilation of new knowledge and skills; the expertise of facilitators was sometimes questionable; and the use of the cascade mode left teachers unsure and with knowledge gaps. Further, the study noted that the monitoring and support mechanisms for the programmes were weak; the consultation processes for teacher inputs in the CPD programme designs were dismal; and the welfare of teachers at the CPD venues was poorly handled.. At school level the study revealed that the teaching and learning environment compounded the problem of teachers’ difficulty in implementing what they learnt from CPD training. Large classes, inadequate teachers, lack of teaching and learning resources, limited infrastructure, lack of accommodation for teachers, lack of support from colleagues and learner absenteeism were some of the factors hindering implementation of CPD programmes at school level. The study has put forth recommendations for the effective implementation of CPD programmes for teachers in the district. Furthermore, based on the findings of the study and an extensive literature search, the researcher has suggested an alternative model for CPD implementation that can result in teacher change. Overall there is need for collaborative effort among stakeholders in education to ensure effective delivery of CPDs and their subsequent translation into practice at classroom level.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Selemani-Meke, Elizabeth
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Primary school teachers -- Malawi , Teachers -- Vocational guidance -- Malawi , Teachers -- Development -- Zimbabwe , Teachers -- Education (Primary) -- Malawi , Teachers -- Economic conditions , Teachers -- In-service training -- Malawi , Teachers -- Social conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD (Education)
- Identifier: vital:16178 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/501 , Primary school teachers -- Malawi , Teachers -- Vocational guidance -- Malawi , Teachers -- Development -- Zimbabwe , Teachers -- Education (Primary) -- Malawi , Teachers -- Economic conditions , Teachers -- In-service training -- Malawi , Teachers -- Social conditions
- Description: This study assessed the implementation of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Programmes for primary school teachers in Zomba Rural Education District in Malawi. The study arose from a concern that, despite the Government of Malawi putting in place structures to facilitate the implementation of CPD for primary school teachers, research has shown that teachers have not improved their classroom practice. As a result, there has been poor learner performance at all levels of the primary education system to the extent that learners scored the lowest in the 2005 international examinations for the Southern Africa Development Community. From the literature, it appears that no thorough and conclusive studies to look into the issues behind the implementation of CPD programmes in Malawi have been conducted. Hence the researcher was motivated to assess how the CPD programmes are implemented with the view to explore better ways of implementing CPD programmes for teachers that can result in teacher change. The study was placed within the post-positivism paradigm and used a mixed method research design that incorporated concurrent procedures in the collection, analysis and interpretation of the data. Questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data while qualitative data were collected through interviews, focus group discussions, CPD observations and document analysis. A total of 798 teachers filled the questionnaires. This figure represented 47% of the total number of teachers in the district. The researcher conducted 34 focus group discussions with teachers from various schools. She also held interviews with 34 head teachers and CPD programme facilitators (12 Primary Education Advisors and 3 CPD facilitators from organizations). Other interviews were held with the District Education Manager, the Coordinating Primary Education Advisor, the Coordinator of the New Curriculum, and the Coordinator for the Department of Teacher Education and Development. Further, the researcher made 3 CPD observations. The study revealed weaknesses in the implementation of CPD programmes for teachers in the district. Generally the study noted that there was much emphasis on the transmissive model of CPD implementation, to the neglect of transitional and transformative models such that the personal, social and occupational aspects of professional learning were not holistically considered in the programme designs. Specifically, the duration of the programmes was found to be inadequate for meaningful assimilation of new knowledge and skills; the expertise of facilitators was sometimes questionable; and the use of the cascade mode left teachers unsure and with knowledge gaps. Further, the study noted that the monitoring and support mechanisms for the programmes were weak; the consultation processes for teacher inputs in the CPD programme designs were dismal; and the welfare of teachers at the CPD venues was poorly handled.. At school level the study revealed that the teaching and learning environment compounded the problem of teachers’ difficulty in implementing what they learnt from CPD training. Large classes, inadequate teachers, lack of teaching and learning resources, limited infrastructure, lack of accommodation for teachers, lack of support from colleagues and learner absenteeism were some of the factors hindering implementation of CPD programmes at school level. The study has put forth recommendations for the effective implementation of CPD programmes for teachers in the district. Furthermore, based on the findings of the study and an extensive literature search, the researcher has suggested an alternative model for CPD implementation that can result in teacher change. Overall there is need for collaborative effort among stakeholders in education to ensure effective delivery of CPDs and their subsequent translation into practice at classroom level.
- Full Text:
An assessment of the implementation of human resource planning and development and its effect on service delivery in the ministry of health and social welfare in Tanzania
- Authors: Rwiza, Edith
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Personnel management--Tanzania Civil service--Tanzania Public health--Tanzania
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Public Administration
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11861 , vital:39113
- Description: Public health is a major concern to a number of countries, due to its ripple impact in the economy. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors that contribute to the implementation of HRP and D in the Tanzanian health sector. To achieve this, 22 respondents from the Ministry Secretariat and Directors were interviewed, and 355 questionnaires were administered to beneficiaries of the HRP and D. A mixed method approach was utilised to analyse the data collected from the respondents. The findings of the study pointed that males dominated the sample, with the majority holding postgraduate qualification. In terms of the implementation of the HRP, 49 percent of the respondents stated that it was satisfactory. While, in terms of capacity, 67 percent were of the view that there is a shortage of skilled staff. The challenges identified include inequality in the allocation of staff, lack of skills, knowledge and experience, and oversupply of staff in certain regions. Strategies proposed for enhancing the application of HRP and D include an overhaul in the organisation structure, solving staff welfare issues, ethics and values improvement, and management of staff. The study recommends that the government should allocate adequate budget to the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to implement Human Resource Planning and Human Resource Development in all levels of the sector as directed by President’s Office, and the Public Service Management (PO-PSM). The study also recommends on the improvement of the Human Capital Management Information System (HCMIS) to assess health workers movement. Lastly, the study recommends that there should be good coordination, cooperation, and clear lines of authority between stakeholders of health system in supervision and regulation in the implementation of HRP and HRD plans.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Rwiza, Edith
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Personnel management--Tanzania Civil service--Tanzania Public health--Tanzania
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Public Administration
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11861 , vital:39113
- Description: Public health is a major concern to a number of countries, due to its ripple impact in the economy. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors that contribute to the implementation of HRP and D in the Tanzanian health sector. To achieve this, 22 respondents from the Ministry Secretariat and Directors were interviewed, and 355 questionnaires were administered to beneficiaries of the HRP and D. A mixed method approach was utilised to analyse the data collected from the respondents. The findings of the study pointed that males dominated the sample, with the majority holding postgraduate qualification. In terms of the implementation of the HRP, 49 percent of the respondents stated that it was satisfactory. While, in terms of capacity, 67 percent were of the view that there is a shortage of skilled staff. The challenges identified include inequality in the allocation of staff, lack of skills, knowledge and experience, and oversupply of staff in certain regions. Strategies proposed for enhancing the application of HRP and D include an overhaul in the organisation structure, solving staff welfare issues, ethics and values improvement, and management of staff. The study recommends that the government should allocate adequate budget to the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to implement Human Resource Planning and Human Resource Development in all levels of the sector as directed by President’s Office, and the Public Service Management (PO-PSM). The study also recommends on the improvement of the Human Capital Management Information System (HCMIS) to assess health workers movement. Lastly, the study recommends that there should be good coordination, cooperation, and clear lines of authority between stakeholders of health system in supervision and regulation in the implementation of HRP and HRD plans.
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An assessment of the implementation of small, medium and micro enterprise strategy : a case of Amathole Municipality
- Authors: Oyelana, Akeem Adewale
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Small business--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Public Administration
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15171 , vital:40193
- Description: The implementation of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise (SMME) strategy are not well understood and have rarely been addressed all nationally. The objectives of this study are, therefore, to establish a base level of understanding in order to assess the implementation of SMME strategy used by the Amathole District Municipality (ADM) Local Economic Development (LED) managers in disseminating information; analyse the structure for implementing SMME strategy used by the ADM LED managers; examine the challenges confronting the ADM LED managers in implementing SMME strategy; examine the skills needed by the ADM LED managers to adequately formulate and implement SMME strategy; and make recommendations to the municipality on how best the implementation of SMME strategy can support growth and development in the ADM. The study used a qualitative research design that involves a systematic review of documents. Data was collected through the review and analysis of available existing documents. Data analysis included using the documentary analysis derived from the journals, and books as well as reviewing the various data analysis done in relation to an assessment of the implementation of SMME strategy: A Case of Amathole District Municipality. Findings from previous literature revealed that there are constraints faced by the Amathole District Municipality (ADM) Local Economic Development (LED) Managers in implementing SMME strategy. The study confirmed some of the operational challenges were due to incompetency among the municipal managers, and lack of clear understanding of the implementation of SMME strategy used to support grow and development of SMME in the Amathole District. This study provides effective solutions to the identified challenges and impact as well as strategies to be adopted in order to alleviate poverty and provide job opportunities to the local communities. The implications of the findings are that unless the barriers named above are resolved, poverty and unemployment will continues escalating, communities will continue receiving and experiencing poor service delivery in the ADM and thus, would undoubtedly lead to poor economic growth and development. Management of the municipality must ensure that qualified ADM Managers are permanently employed and allowed to partake in the implementation of SMME strategy and community participation should be well encouraged as well as embarking on effective implementation of SMME strategy that would create an enabling and conducive environment for the small firm enterprises.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Oyelana, Akeem Adewale
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Small business--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Public Administration
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15171 , vital:40193
- Description: The implementation of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise (SMME) strategy are not well understood and have rarely been addressed all nationally. The objectives of this study are, therefore, to establish a base level of understanding in order to assess the implementation of SMME strategy used by the Amathole District Municipality (ADM) Local Economic Development (LED) managers in disseminating information; analyse the structure for implementing SMME strategy used by the ADM LED managers; examine the challenges confronting the ADM LED managers in implementing SMME strategy; examine the skills needed by the ADM LED managers to adequately formulate and implement SMME strategy; and make recommendations to the municipality on how best the implementation of SMME strategy can support growth and development in the ADM. The study used a qualitative research design that involves a systematic review of documents. Data was collected through the review and analysis of available existing documents. Data analysis included using the documentary analysis derived from the journals, and books as well as reviewing the various data analysis done in relation to an assessment of the implementation of SMME strategy: A Case of Amathole District Municipality. Findings from previous literature revealed that there are constraints faced by the Amathole District Municipality (ADM) Local Economic Development (LED) Managers in implementing SMME strategy. The study confirmed some of the operational challenges were due to incompetency among the municipal managers, and lack of clear understanding of the implementation of SMME strategy used to support grow and development of SMME in the Amathole District. This study provides effective solutions to the identified challenges and impact as well as strategies to be adopted in order to alleviate poverty and provide job opportunities to the local communities. The implications of the findings are that unless the barriers named above are resolved, poverty and unemployment will continues escalating, communities will continue receiving and experiencing poor service delivery in the ADM and thus, would undoubtedly lead to poor economic growth and development. Management of the municipality must ensure that qualified ADM Managers are permanently employed and allowed to partake in the implementation of SMME strategy and community participation should be well encouraged as well as embarking on effective implementation of SMME strategy that would create an enabling and conducive environment for the small firm enterprises.
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An assessment of the Millennium Development Goal's poverty reduction target in Ogun State, Nigeria
- Durokifa, Anuoluwapo Abosede
- Authors: Durokifa, Anuoluwapo Abosede
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Millennium Development Goals Economic development projects -- Nigeria Sustainable development -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4649 , vital:28483
- Description: Nigeria, like many nations of the world, is confronted with a high level of poverty. Over the years the country has taken several initiatives to reduce the incidence of poverty. Nigeria was one of the earliest countries to adopt the Millennium Development Goals [MDGs] as a strategy in reducing poverty and promoting development across the vast nation. The federating states have also rolled out a number of poverty reduction programmes tailored along the millennium development goals. This study, therefore, evaluates the achievement of the millennium development poverty reduction target in Ogun State, South west Nigeria. The study seeks to ascertain whether the state was able to significantly reduce poverty with the introduction of the MDGs. The study also attempts to establish difference or similarity (if any) between past poverty reduction policies in the state and the MDGs poverty reduction strategies. In carrying out this study, related literature on poverty, development and poverty reduction efforts (strategies and programmes) implemented in the state were extensively reviewed and relevant information retrieved for the study. This study employed the mixed method research, comprising both the quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data through the administration of a questionnaire was obtained from 232 respondents. While in-depth interview with seven participants provided the qualitative data. Quantitative data was analyzed using Descriptive statistics, and chi-square statistical technique was used to analyze the quantitative data while qualitative data analysis was carried out using transcription and thematic clusters. The findings of the study, in general, revealed that the MDG poverty reduction strategy did not make any significant contribution in reducing poverty in the state. The MDG strategy was not any different from past poverty reduction strategies implemented in the state. The findings of the research also strongly indicated that there was low awareness regarding the MDGs poverty reduction strategies set up amongst the citizens of the state. The low awareness emerged as a major hindrance to the success of the MDG programme. Based on the findings of this study, a sustainable development poverty reduction model was developed. The model gives room for programme awareness; people’s consultation and participation. It emphasizes the need to consider the community setting or environment factors in the planning and execution of poverty reduction programme. This model contend that aligning strategies to the peculiar need of each environment is a critical component for the sustenance of any poverty reduction programme.
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- Authors: Durokifa, Anuoluwapo Abosede
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Millennium Development Goals Economic development projects -- Nigeria Sustainable development -- Nigeria
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4649 , vital:28483
- Description: Nigeria, like many nations of the world, is confronted with a high level of poverty. Over the years the country has taken several initiatives to reduce the incidence of poverty. Nigeria was one of the earliest countries to adopt the Millennium Development Goals [MDGs] as a strategy in reducing poverty and promoting development across the vast nation. The federating states have also rolled out a number of poverty reduction programmes tailored along the millennium development goals. This study, therefore, evaluates the achievement of the millennium development poverty reduction target in Ogun State, South west Nigeria. The study seeks to ascertain whether the state was able to significantly reduce poverty with the introduction of the MDGs. The study also attempts to establish difference or similarity (if any) between past poverty reduction policies in the state and the MDGs poverty reduction strategies. In carrying out this study, related literature on poverty, development and poverty reduction efforts (strategies and programmes) implemented in the state were extensively reviewed and relevant information retrieved for the study. This study employed the mixed method research, comprising both the quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data through the administration of a questionnaire was obtained from 232 respondents. While in-depth interview with seven participants provided the qualitative data. Quantitative data was analyzed using Descriptive statistics, and chi-square statistical technique was used to analyze the quantitative data while qualitative data analysis was carried out using transcription and thematic clusters. The findings of the study, in general, revealed that the MDG poverty reduction strategy did not make any significant contribution in reducing poverty in the state. The MDG strategy was not any different from past poverty reduction strategies implemented in the state. The findings of the research also strongly indicated that there was low awareness regarding the MDGs poverty reduction strategies set up amongst the citizens of the state. The low awareness emerged as a major hindrance to the success of the MDG programme. Based on the findings of this study, a sustainable development poverty reduction model was developed. The model gives room for programme awareness; people’s consultation and participation. It emphasizes the need to consider the community setting or environment factors in the planning and execution of poverty reduction programme. This model contend that aligning strategies to the peculiar need of each environment is a critical component for the sustenance of any poverty reduction programme.
- Full Text: