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The efficacy of education decentralisation policy in Zimbabwe: a case of Kadoma district

  • Authors: Mupindu, Wisemen
  • Date: 2008
  • Subjects: Universities and colleges -- Decentralization -- Zimbabwe , Education and state -- Zimbabwe
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Dev)
  • Identifier: vital:11410 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/202 , Universities and colleges -- Decentralization -- Zimbabwe , Education and state -- Zimbabwe
  • Description: The study focused on the efficacy of the democratic education decentralization policy. The study focused on the efficacy of the democratic education decentralization policy implementation of the four schools of Kadoma District in Zimbabwe. The thesis reviewed literature and discussed the concept of the democratic education decentralization policy implementation and how this has been practiced in Zimbabwe. The theoretical basis of democratic education decentralization policies were outlined and the argument for and against the policy discussed. Thus the dissertation explored the concept of education decentralization policy with specific reference to the notions of democratization and participation in Zimbabwe. Besides the qualitative and the quantitative research methods employed, the study was complemented by the observation on the ground and document analysis. The thesis unearthed that; the democratic education decentralization policy is characterized by some successes and problems during implementation of the policy as indicated by the paucity of the teaching and learning resources. The research findings revealed that, there is prevalence of poor learning outcomes at ‘O’ level in schools; the SDCs/SDAs are underutilized sources of school development because they are not fully empowered by the education system since they had a minimum role in participating towards the implementation of the policy in order to acquire the teaching and learning resources at the schools in Kadoma District. The above findings long-established the view held by critical theorists of the Participatory Governance Model that there is a complementary relationship between the participation of the SDC/SDA in acquiring the teaching as well as the learning resources and the academic performance of learners. Thus, the study concluded that decentralization policy implementation was the major driving force in strengthening efficiency and accountability of resources and results.mplementation of the four schools of Kadoma District in Zimbabwe. The thesis reviewed literature and discussed the concept of the democratic education decentralization policy implementation and how this has been practiced in Zimbabwe. The theoretical basis of democratic education decentralization policies were outlined and the argument for and against the policy discussed. Thus the dissertation explored the concept of education decentralization policy with specific reference to the notions of democratization and participation in Zimbabwe. Besides the qualitative and the quantitative research methods employed, the study was complemented by the observation on the ground and document analysis. The thesis unearthed that; the democratic education decentralization policy is characterized by some successes and problems during implementation of the policy as indicated by the paucity of the teaching and learning resources. The research findings revealed that, there is prevalence of poor learning outcomes at ‘O’ level in schools; the SDCs/SDAs are underutilized sources of school development because they are not fully empowered by the education system since they had a minimum role in participating towards the implementation of the policy in order to acquire the teaching and learning resources at the schools in Kadoma District. The above findings long-established the view held by critical theorists of the Participatory Governance Model that there is a complementary relationship between the participation of the SDC/SDA in acquiring the teaching as well as the learning resources and the academic performance of learners. Thus, the study concluded that decentralization policy implementation was the major driving force in strengthening efficiency and accountability of resources and results.
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  • Date Issued: 2008

An evaluation of the coordination of selected decentralised provincial services in the province of the Eastern Cape and its relationship with similar municipal services

  • Authors: Ndude, Peace-maker Mqokeleli
  • Date: 2009
  • Subjects: Social service -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public welfare -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: vital:11634 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/158 , Social service -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public welfare -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: In this study, it was attempted to gain insight on coordination of decentralized health and social development services. Further, it was attempted to evaluate the coordinating arrangements of and relationship between decentralized provincial health and social development services with similar services rendered by district and local municipalities. Since the literature on coordination of decentralized services is limited, it is anticipated that this study will provide valuable information for further research on the topic. In the literature study undertaken however, it was evident that coordination of services increases the rate of effectiveness and efficiency in the delivery of public services. It was found that role players can no longer afford to work in different compartments. They need to work cooperatively together in achieving unity of purpose, unity of effort as well as unity of action towards the realization of the objectives of government, that of rendering of public services. Thirty four respondents composed of mayors in Amathole District Municipality and Buffalo City Local Municipality, municipal managers for the respective municipalities, portfolio heads for health and social development services in the respective municipalities as well as two councillors, one in each municipality, were given questionnaires to complete. Also given questionnaires to complete were the political office bearers of the Provincial Department of Health and the Provincial Department of Social Development as well as respective Heads of the two departments. Again, officials of the five decentralized offices of the Provincial Department of Health and the Department of Social Development namely, Mbashe, Mnquma, Buffalo City, (v) Amahlathi and Nkonkobe, were given questionnaires to complete. The intentions of the study were to determine the effectiveness in coordinating the rendering of health and social development services between the Provincial Authority, the district as well as local municipalities in the Eastern Cape. Also, the intention was to determine the problem areas in the coordination of the health and social development services rendered by the above authorities. Lastly, the intention was to ascertain whether or not proper measures and standards are put in place for the effective coordination of health and social development services rendered by the above authorities. The findings of the study confirmed firstly, that there is a need to coordinate decentralised health and social development services with similar services rendered by district and local municipalities as well as other role players. Secondly, the study confirmed that departments and municipalities experience problems of coordinating decentralised health and social development services. Thirdly, the study confirmed that there are measures in place to coordinate decentralised health and social development services with similar services rendered by municipalities and other role players. Lastly, the study confirmed, that such measures are not properly defined and need to be strengthened.
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  • Date Issued: 2009

Fundamentals of Information Systems: IFS 121

  • Authors: Boucher, D , Wayi, N , Piderit, R
  • Date: 2010-01
  • Subjects: Management information systems
  • Language: English
  • Type: Examination paper
  • Identifier: vital:17477 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1010345
  • Description: Fundamentals of Information Systems: IFS 121, supplementary examination January 2010.
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  • Date Issued: 2010-01

Small hospitality enterprises and the internet: an IT governance model for conducting business online

  • Authors: Ngoqo, Bukelwa
  • Date: 2010
  • Subjects: Hospitality industry -- South Africa , Tourism -- South Africa , Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa , Electronic commerce , Internet , Risk management , Electronic data processing
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Information Systems)
  • Identifier: vital:11133 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/382 , Hospitality industry -- South Africa , Tourism -- South Africa , Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa , Electronic commerce , Internet , Risk management , Electronic data processing
  • Description: The Internet has made a considerable impact on how business is conducted. Empowered by technology consumers are using the Internet as a tool to communicate and transact online. E-commerce (electronic commerce) presents opportunities for business to gain a competitive advantage, however it also posses certain challenges. Small and Medium Hospitality Enterprises (SMHEs) sector within the tourism industry, is one of the sectors which stands to benefit from using the Internet for business. Researchers agree that the contribution made by the tourism sector in developing economies is substantial. However, SMHEs are noted for their failure to derive optimal benefits from using the Internet for business to improve their competitiveness. This study which seeks to develop a model for use by SMHEs as a guide when making the decision to adopt technology was necessitated by the importance of SMHE’s contribution in the economy of developing countries. This model is based on the examination of existing theories and models such as; the Delone and McLean IS success model (2004), and the ITGI’s (2007) IT governance focus areas model. To elicit the desired outcomes, additional data was collected using questionnaires, interviews, and observations. The collected data was analysed and resulted in the development of a model that can be used by SMHEs in order to derive value from IT and to gain a competitive advantage.
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  • Date Issued: 2010

An assessment of the roles of co-operatives as agents of development in rural areas: a case study of Inkwanca Local Municipality

  • Authors: Mtshwelo, Linda Hombisa
  • Date: 2014
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: vital:11680 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1013542
  • Description: The study assesses the role of co-operative societies in economic development. The study was undertaken to investigate the extent to which co-operatives can act as agents towards sustainable community development. Expectations were that cooperative members can perform better than individuals in terms of working together as a group, sharing responsibilities, contributing larger capital, bringing their skills together, incur lower expenses, generate higher income and therefore earn higher profits to be shared amongst themselves. This would enable members to be able to pay for their families’ basic needs and therefore enhance the standard of living of all members. The overall purpose of the study therefore is to investigate whether cooperatives are the best tools for rural development and poverty alleviation in Inkwanca Local Municipality. The research involves the collection of data from co-operative members in Molteno and Sterkstrooom. The data was analysed in order to establish the performance of cooperatives in terms of their leadership and management structures. The research further looks into the challenges and gaps in the co-operative sector in terms of performance by the members and support by the government and government agencies. The research also investigated the best model that can be used to improve co-operatives so that they can enhance the lives of community members in rural areas. In order to gather information, three different approaches were used in the action research which involved different instruments, such as questionnaires, interviews and observations. In spite of all the challenges facing co-operatives, they have been playing an increasingly important role in facilitating job creation, economic growth and social development. The study concludes by emphasising that for co-operatives to be continuously effective and successful, they must improve their ability to service their members. The study commends government for financial and non-financial support programmes although there is still a room for improvement. In addition, further research is needed o the role played by co-operatives as agents of development in rural areas.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

A framework for implementation of ICT4D initiatives in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa

  • Authors: Phingilili, Gcotyelwa
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Information and Communication Technologies , ICT4D -- Development -- Rural community , Implementation -- ICT initiatives
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Information Systems)
  • Identifier: vital:11146 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1017789 , Information and Communication Technologies , ICT4D -- Development -- Rural community , Implementation -- ICT initiatives
  • Description: South Africa’s rural communities have received Information and Communication Technologies services through initiatives such as tele-centres, living labs, Thusong service centres and donations of computer applications. There is need, with little plans in place to ensure that the rural communities will benefit from those initiatives. As a result of this, it is necessary to establish a framework for implementing Information and Communication Technologies for development initiatives in order to ensure successful implementation of these initiatives in rural communities. Literature shows that in order to successfully implement an ICT initiative for rural communities, there should be active engagement with ICT stakeholders, consultation of Information and Communication Technologies policies, presence of ICT infrastructure, ICT services, monitoring, evaluating, training and maintenance. Current literature on ICT developments shows that in order to successfully implement an ICT initiative for rural communities, there should be active engagement with ICT stakeholders, consultation of ICT policies, and presence of ICT infrastructure, ICT services, monitoring, evaluating, training and maintenance. Unstructured interviews were used as a research method to collect primary data that was used as a basis to develop the proposed framework. Findings from the studies carried out indicated that several ICT4D initiatives which were abandoned due to challenges such lack of proper resources, trainings, lack of local content, access, lack of ownership and lack of stakeholders’ involvement. This study presents a framework for implementing ICT for development initiatives in rural communities which has been developed in order to reduce the number of initiatives that are abandoned or which end up not serving their intended purpose in rural communities of South Africa.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

Explorative study on the efficacy of the Total Quality Management System as a performance enhancement instrument: the case of Walter Sisulu University (Eastern Cape Province, Republic of South Africa)

  • Authors: Gwele, Xolani
  • Date: 2013
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: vital:11681 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1013544
  • Description: With the advent of a democratic South Africa in 1994, national public administration has effected reforms to improve government performance and service delivery. The importance of education for the development of excellence, expertise and knowledge leading to overall development in economy cannot be undermined. This has necessitated a sound strategy for the development of higher education in South Africa. Establishing leadership in this country is possible only when there is a developed system of higher education in which efficiency remains the sole criteria to evaluate performance. Higher education institutions are faced with an increasing number of complex challenges including implementing and maintaining a quality management system. This study seeks to explore the efficacy of total quality management as the performance enhancement instrument at Walter Sisulu University, in the Eastern Cape Province – South Africa. Relevant literature regarding quality, quality assurance, total quality management and performance management has been reviewed in order to establish and test if this study is researchable. Interviews with students have been conducted in order understand a sense of student perception towards quality assurance in the university. Observations and Staff questionnaires have been used to collect more data on total quality management and performance management system. The data collected is analysed and interpreted in chapter four and chapter five provides for findings and recommendations in concluding this study.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

The human resource alignment with the strategic plan 2006-2011 in the Eastern Cape Chris Hani District Municipality with specific reference to the Emalahleni Local Municipality

  • Authors: Nyukwana, Nomveliso
  • Date: 2009
  • Subjects: Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Personnel management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Manpower policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: vital:11641 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001250 , Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Personnel management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Manpower policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: The aim of this study was to investigate the alignment of human resources with the strategic plan at Emalahleni Local Municipality in Chris Hani District Municipality, Eastern Cape. The alignment of the human resources plan with the strategic plan is the requirement for inclusive integrated planning legislated in local government acts. The research in this area does not investigate the alignment of the human resources plan with the strategic plan especially in Eastern Cape local government. Integrated planning which is inclusive of human resource development and performance management is a legal requirement legislated in the Local Government Municipal Systems Act no. 32 of 2000. From the literature review it was evident that it is essential for organisations to have a clear vision and measurable specific attainable time-bound objectives which could transpire into measurable performance standards. For achievement of the strategic objectives human resource planning of the organisation has to be informed by the objectives of the organisation so that there can be a relationship between the employees and the business in which they are employed. The literature raised the importance of the involvement of the human resource manager and employees in general in the development of human resource strategy and strategy planning in the organisation and the performance of the organisation. A combination of the qualitative and quantitative approaches was used to achieve the objectives of evaluation research used as the research design in the study. A document study, interviews, and questionnaires were used to investigate the alignment studied. The participants were employees ranging from managers to lowest-level employees. The main patterns that emerged from collected data were the lack of clear strategic objectives, lack of alignment of the strategic plan and human resources, the lack of human resource strategy and development, and performance management systems. Emalahleni Local Municipality was then advised to review and reconceptualise its strategy plan to contain objectives which were clear, specific and measurable, and strategic objectives to include a human resource strategy for human resource alignment with the strategic plan. Such alignment could lead to integrated planning which could be measured to evaluate failure or success in the achievement of the strategic objectives.
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  • Date Issued: 2009

Exploring the role of job satisfaction and organizational justice in determining employee motivation among nurses at Frontier Hospital, Queenstown

  • Authors: Soga, Thabile
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Job satisfaction -- Organizational justice , Employee motivation -- Distributive justice
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Industrial Psychology)
  • Identifier: vital:11562 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015062 , Job satisfaction -- Organizational justice , Employee motivation -- Distributive justice
  • Description: The aim of this study was to explore the role of job satisfaction and organizational justice in determining employee motivation among nurses at Frontier Hospital, Queenstown. For this purpose data was collected from the nurses at Frontier Hospital in Queenstown, in the Eastern Cape. A sample of 75 nurses was drawn from the population. Results of the study indicated that the study variables are significantly and positively correlated with one another. Job satisfaction was found to be significantly and positively correlated with employee motivation. Organizational justice was also found to be significantly positively correlated with employee motivation. Moreover, a positive and significant relationship between job satisfaction and organizational justice was found. The findings of this study are helpful in the health industry in order to design human resources policies, which will reduce the turnover of nurses by increasing their motivation through increasing job satisfaction and organizational justice.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

An exploration of ethical conduct in the South African public sector: a case of the Eastern Cape Department of Education

  • Authors: Gwanzura, Owen
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Human capital -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Responsibility -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Political corruption -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ethics -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Fraud -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Civil service -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape -- South Africa -- Economic conditions , Accountability , Auditor-General , Code of Conduct , Corruption , Eastern Cape Department of Education , Ethical Conduct , Unethical Conduct
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: vital:11672 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007121 , Human capital -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Responsibility -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Political corruption -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Ethics -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Fraud -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Human services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Civil service -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape -- South Africa -- Economic conditions , Accountability , Auditor-General , Code of Conduct , Corruption , Eastern Cape Department of Education , Ethical Conduct , Unethical Conduct
  • Description: The Eastern Cape Department of Education has become like a problem child in the Republic of South Africa. It is a cause for concern to both the provincial and national government. This is a department where service delivery is problematic. Schools are not built or renovated and children are taught in dilapidated structures or sometimes under trees. Hardly a week passes without the department making the headlines in the media for the wrong reasons. It is widely accepted that the department is dysfunctional and education is in a crisis. The department has emerged as the number one culprit of engaging in corrupt activities in the province. Public officials in the department have been identified as being at the helm of these corrupt activities. In the 200/10 financial year, the Auditor General issued a disclaimer to the department and highlighted a lack of direction, accountability and a total breakdown of internal control systems and supply chain management within the department. Numerous fraud risk indicators were identified during the audit and underlined by findings that are indicative of fraud and corruption within the department. This unfortunate state of affairs is contrary to the requirements of section 195(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa which provides for the democratic values and principles governing public administration including inter alia, that: A high standard of professional ethics must be promoted and maintained. Efficient, economic and effective use of resources must be promoted. Public administration must be accountable. This raises several questions about the ethical fitness of public officials in the department as the custodians of the public resources and trust. Though several reasons abound for this unfavourable state of affairs in the department, the researcher has singled out unethical conduct by public officials in the department and its impact on service delivery. The approach followed in this research was to analyse the 2009/10 Department of Education Annual Report and the 2009/10 Auditor General’s Report to the Eastern Cape Department of Education. The analysis confirmed the existence and occurrence of multiple cases of unethical conduct in the department. At the end scientific recommendations are proposed to alleviate this ill.
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  • Date Issued: 2012

Assessing the implementation of gender equity policies in education in Bor County, South Sudan

  • Authors: Duot, Kulang Mayen Kulang
  • Date: 2013
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: vital:11698 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015134
  • Description: Education is a fundamental human right, a vital resource in overcoming poverty and inequality globally. All children have the right to quality basic education, the bedrock for a productive life. But key to this success is ensuring that girls, as well as boys, have full, equal access to a good quality education system, which gives them knowledge and skills (Fast-tracking, 2011:2). This research study explores the main challenges in the implementation of policies on gender equity in the education in Bor County in South Sudan. An exploratory research design was applied to explain to what extent policies on gender equity in the education system in Bor County, has been achieved and implemented. Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies were applied through questionnaire administration and focus group discussion interviews. Of the sampled respondents about ninety percent (90%) of the respondents were males, while only ten percent (10%) were females, seventy-three percent (73%) were in the middle aged group of 26-45 years. Forty-six percent (46%) had secondary level of education, while about fifty-four (54%) had a tertiary level education. About eighty-four percent (84%) of the respondents reported the existence of policies on gender equity in the education system in Bor County. Ninety-eight percent, (98%) of the respondents were of the perceptions that it was critically important that policies on gender equity in the education system in Bor County be effectively implemented. About seventy-four percent (74%) of them reported that the institutions responsible for formulating or contributing to policy making include among others: the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology National government and Jonglei State Ministry of Education, National and State Parliaments, Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, Jonglei state and South Sudan transitional Constitutions, with the support from United Nations agencies such as World Food Programme (WFP) and UNICEF, IOM and UNMIISS, also other NGOs for example, Hold the Child, CRS, Save the Children Sweden, JAM and fifty-six percent (56%) reported that these policies did not address the gender equity in education system in Bor County. Respondents pointed to some of the challenges related to implementation of policies on gender equity in the education in Bor County. These challenges entail: lack of financial support to implement gender policies in education, rigid communal traditions and customs, long distance of schools from homes which impact on girls accessing education, illiteracy among the communities which makes them resist enrolling girls in schools, early and forced marriages by the parents, lack of clear gender equity policies in the state Ministry of Education in Jonglei state and Bor County Department of Education, parents who regard their daughters as sources of wealth through marriages, lack of commitment and dedication from the concerned authorities on the implementation of gender policies in education and lack of sensitisation of the community on gender policies in education by the County department of education. The study findings also suggest lack of monitoring and evaluation during the implementation of gender policies in education. Further to this, domestic chores by the girl child as well as poor road network to facilitate movement from one point to another to sensitise people on gender policies in education impede efforts to implement gender equity policies in education. Furthermore some parents regarded schools as places for unlimited freedom for girls. The findings of this study indicated that policies on gender equity in education system in Bor County were formulated and not implemented. The stakeholders in implementing these policies were experiencing challenges that hampered their individual initiative to implement the policies. This was as a result of many factors that have affected the efforts and the roles of stakeholders involving in the implementation of gender equity policies in education in Bor County in South Sudan.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

Deriving value from IT investments within botique hotels: a Buffalo City case study

  • Authors: Mathe, Thabelang
  • Date: 2009
  • Subjects: Information technology , Hotels -- Finance , Boardinghouses -- Finance , Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Small business -- Finance
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Information Systems)
  • Identifier: vital:11134 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1000975 , Information technology , Hotels -- Finance , Boardinghouses -- Finance , Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Small business -- Finance
  • Description: Even though many organizations invest in IT, the value that IT is expected to contribute is still not clearly understood. Researchers agree that IT has become a crucial element to business operations and business existence. However, while there is continued investment in new information technologies and systems, organizations are not certain whether significant value is derived from IT investments. The failure to realize good return on IT investments is ascribed to a lack of understanding of IT by organizations and also the failure by organizations to align IT strategies with business strategies. The lack of alignment leads to the failure to match the right IT to the correct task, which leads to the poor application of systems and poor allocation of human resources to tasks. Therefore, organizations such as Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in particular Boutique Hotels, are noted for their failure to derive better IT value. Their unique characteristics are understood to be influential in the way IT is used and managed by affecting the delivery of value from technology. In order to enable Boutique Hotels to derive more value from IT, the IT governance frameworks, Val IT and CobiT (ITGI, 2007), were examined as these integrate good practices to ensure that an organization‘s IT supports the business objectives. In addition, the Task Technology Fit (TTF) (Goodhue and Thompson, 1995) and Gap Analysis (Heeks, 2001) theories were highlighted as these prescribe the platform ideal for more value to be derived from IT. The current status of Boutique Hotels in Buffalo City was assessed through the use of questionnaires and interviews. The collected data was analyzed and resulted in the development of a model that can be used by Boutique Hotels in order to derive more value from IT and to maximize the use of IT.
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  • Date Issued: 2009

Challenges for rural tourism development in Zimbabwe: a case of the Great Zimbabwe Masvingo area

  • Authors: Musasa, Gabriel
  • Date: 2013
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Dev)
  • Identifier: vital:11442 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007317
  • Description: The main focus of this study is the challenges of rural tourism development in Zimbabwe. The study identified that there is a lack of sustainable interventions in the development of rural tourism which is catalyzed by the absence of rural tourism promotion strategy to support the sustenance of livelihoods through socio-economic transformation. Meaningful socio economic transformation in the African rural areas through tourism remains a major development challenge. Development initiatives through different forms of tourism in the rural communities, has to a less magnitude benefited the rural communities and have negatively impacted the socio–economic environment. A qualitative research methodology and case study design was employed in order to have a deeper understanding of the experiences of the society around this project. Face to face interviews and focus group discussions guides were used to collect primary data. Purposive and convenience sampling techniques was employed to select respondents. Data was analysed using the transformative theory and sustainable livelihoods theory and was organized into categories and themes. The study established that the absence of a strategy is caused by political instability, community conflict, lack of finance, marketing, poor communication, and limited knowledge of tourism. All the aforementioned reasons complement each other and poise a challenge to the sustainability of rural tourism development. For Zimbabwe to effectively transform its economy through tourism, the government needs to plan the process, formulate and implement relevant economic and social development strategies and policies. Although this dissertation is a case study of sustainable rural tourism in Zimbabwe, it can be used to appreciate the role of tourism in bringing about socio-economic transformation and sustaining livelihoods in developing countries.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

Applied Time Series Analysis: STS 502

  • Authors: Ndege, J O , De Waal, D J
  • Date: 2011-06
  • Language: English
  • Type: Examination paper
  • Identifier: vital:17475 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1010298
  • Description: Applied Time Series Analysis: STS 502, Honours examination June 2011.
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  • Date Issued: 2011-06

An investigation of the roles of traditional leadership in the liberation struggle in southern Sudan from 1983-2004

  • Authors: Kuol, Kuol Deng-Abot
  • Date: 2008
  • Subjects: Tribal government -- Sudan
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: vital:11647 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/205 , Tribal government -- Sudan
  • Description: The aim of this research study was to examine the role of traditional leadership during the upsurge of civil war in Southern Sudan. There has not been much research conducted in this field especially in Abiem County. Throughout the research process the role of traditional leaders has shown an unprecedented position during the liberation struggled characterized by huge support in terms of material support, manpower and political mobilization. The data analysis clearly reflected the roles of traditional leaders that occupied the historical perspective amidst the armed struggle waged by successive liberation movements and especially during the Sudan people’s Liberation Movement and Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLM/SPLA) from 1983 - 2004. It reflected on the vital roles of people’s support in the liberation movement represented by their traditional leaders, chiefs, elders, spiritual leaders, women and youth. Thus the perception of the role of traditional leadership in its different categories ha s shown a satisfactory and effective contribution to the war of liberation in Southern Sudan. However, in order to achieve the objectives, an investigation was conducted with various interviewees. As stated earlier, participants ranged from the chiefs and elders to local military and civil appointed administrators, women, youth and religious leaders. The main results of the study have profoundly asserted the important role of traditional leaders in the local government and their involvement in popular decision making and in local conflict management.
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  • Date Issued: 2008

Examining the role of local government County legislative council in promoting service delivery in South Sudan, case of Yei River County, Central Equatoria State

  • Authors: Oba Cicilia Tito Towongo
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Human services -- South Sudan , Poor -- Services for -- South Sudan , Finance, Public -- South Sudan , Local government -- South Sudan , Municipal services -- South Sudan , South Sudan -- Politics and government , South Sudan -- Economic conditions
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: vital:11664 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007097 , Human services -- South Sudan , Poor -- Services for -- South Sudan , Finance, Public -- South Sudan , Local government -- South Sudan , Municipal services -- South Sudan , South Sudan -- Politics and government , South Sudan -- Economic conditions
  • Description: This Study was conducted in Yei River County, Central Equatoria State the Republic of South Sudan from July-December/2012 under the topic: Examining the role of Local Government County Legislative Council in promoting service delivery. The Legislative Council in Yei was established since 2007 inaccordance with the provisions of the Transition Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan, 2011:166, LG Act, 2009:8-29 and Governors’ Decree dated 25/August/2007 with the mandate to enact laws and policies and supervise the Executive to implement its decisions. The study investigated into why there was under performance of Legislative Council in promoting service delivery in Yei River County (YRC) and how can service delivery be improved in YRC. The findings revealed that, the capacity of the Council is low in making appropriate decisions and supervising the Executive to implement its decisions, it lacks the necessary working requirements to facilitate its duties, some of its directives are not implemented by the Executive and negative attitudes towards the work of the Council by some members of the Executive. Despite the difficulties encountered, the Council was able to enact 31 laws, conducted some joint consultative meetings on County projects and the study recommended that, the relevant institutions of Local Government to review the irregularities in the Local Government Act of 2009 to regulate the duties of the Council and to guide the recruitment of the future Councillors, training of the Councillors to improve performance, improve the working conditions of the Council, conduct public awareness on the role of the Council and promotion of exchange programs for further learning purposes. The significance of this study is that, the topic was good according to the participants, the recommendations of the study may be adopted by the Local Government Authorities to address the identified gaps and challenges facing the Council not only in Yei River County but also in other parts of the Country and finally, the report may be used by the University of Fort Hare for further Academic purposes and/or other interested individuals/institutions or organizations of the same or similar objectives.
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  • Date Issued: 2013

Assessing the implementation of the Employment Equity Act in the public service with specific reference to the appointment of women to top management positions: a case study of the Eastern Cape Provincial Administration

  • Authors: Mtebele, Nozibele Sweetness
  • Date: 2014
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: vital:11704 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1015154
  • Description: The Employment Equity Act, No 55 of 1998forms part of the transformation legislation aimed at promoting equity, and eliminating discriminatory and unfair treatment in the workplace. The South African government has developed a comprehensive policy framework that promotes equity while supporting the advancement of women to managerial positions.An area of consideration for this study is the representation of women in top management positions in the various departments of the Eastern Cape Provincial Administration.This study examined the legislative framework and progress that has made in the appointment of women to managerial positions in the South African public service and, in particular, the Eastern Cape Province. A comparison between the 2012 and 2013 Eastern Cape employment equity reports shows that there is slow progress in the implementation of employment equity. Although both South African men and women are well represented in the economically active population, women hold a relatively small percentage of top management positions. This study, through an in-depth review of literature, identified barriers to the implementation of employment equity in the Eastern Cape Provincial Administration.The Eastern Cape employment equity reports were analysed. The purpose of this analysis was to find the strengths and weaknesses, and successes and failures in the implementation of the Employment Equity Act and related legislation. The final part of this studyprovided an in-depth discussion and recommendations regarding the barriers and weaknesses of the South African employment equity system that have been highlighted throughout the study.
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  • Date Issued: 2014

An evaluation of the impact of the provincial housing policy in the Nxuba Municipality

  • Authors: Dywili, Mhlobo Douglas
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Housing policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Housing development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: vital:11636 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/510 , Housing policy -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Housing development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: The Eastern Cape Department of Housing has a constitutional and legislative mandate to provide houses to the poor and disadvantaged citizens living within the province. Parliament must also, according to the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, as amended, take reasonable legislative and other measures within its available resources to achieve the progressive realisation of the right of citizens to have access to adequate housing (section 26 (1) and (2)). The commitment to improve the existing housing situation, namely the serious lack of adequate housing and basic services in urban townships and rural settlements, is thus in the first instance a policy matter and secondly a financial matter. However, despite the existing policy measures, such as the Housing Act, 1997 (Act 107 of 1997), the rendering of housing services resulted in uncompleted and defective houses due to inexperienced contractors providing poor workmanship and also corruption in the housing programmes. The rendering of housing services as a functional area has constitutionally been given to the national and provincial legislatures in South Africa. The Constitution allocated this function to the local sphere of government. Municipal authorities are the facilitators of sustainable housing services to (xiv) citizens on behalf of the national and provincial spheres of government. The study was thus conducted within the Nxuba local municipality which is one of eight local municipalities in the Amathole district municipality. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the implementation of the provincial housing policy and to determine the impact of the existing policy on the housing needs of the citizens of the Nxuba local municipality. For this purpose the fundamental and overall study problem was found to be that the rendering of housing services at the Nxuba local municipality is hampered by the implementation of an inadequate provincial housing policy and by incompetent municipal personnel and that these actions do not satisfy the growing demand for sustainable and suitable housing. The hypothesis was furthermore based on the fact that the existing provincial housing policy is inadequate to satisfy human needs and impacts negatively if not harmfully on human well-being. The study revealed that besides the implementation of an inadequate housing policy by incompetent municipal personnel, there are economic, social, political, physical and environmental effects on the citizens. As far as the environmental is concerned, the staging of protest marches resulting in the burning of tyres, rubbish cardboards and road barricades had caused serious air pollution which might lead to the spread of diseases such as TB, cancer and bronchitis when people inhale the poisonous gas evolving from smoke such as carbon monoxide (CO) and sulphur dioxide gases. Secondly, there is an economic impact on the citizens. Houses have been built away from town and people are compelled to commute between the town and their place of residence on a daily basis. With a continuous increase in the petrol price and its associated increase in transportation costs people pay large amounts to get to town. Furthermore the building of the RDP houses frequently comes to a standstill, builders, plumbers and carpenters lose their jobs. People’s income levels fall, impacting negatively on economic activity.
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  • Date Issued: 2012

Gender perceptual differences and their effects on the implementation of policy in the prevention of HIV/AIDS in Makoni District, Zimbabwe

  • Authors: Musabaeka, True Shame
  • Date: 2006
  • Subjects: AIDS (Disease) in women -- Zimbabwe , Sexually transmitted diseases -- Zimbabwe , Sexual consent -- Zimbabwe , Sexual behavior surveys -- Zimbabwe , Social perception -- Zimbabwe
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Dev)
  • Identifier: vital:11406 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/308 , AIDS (Disease) in women -- Zimbabwe , Sexually transmitted diseases -- Zimbabwe , Sexual consent -- Zimbabwe , Sexual behavior surveys -- Zimbabwe , Social perception -- Zimbabwe
  • Description: This study sought to establish gender perceptual differences and their effects on the implementation of Policy in the prevention of HIV/AIDS in Makoni District, Zimbabwe. The role of women as caregivers to HIV/AIDS sufferers is also highlighted and how this has deprived them towards social, political and economic development. The source of the data used was the World Health Organisation (WHO) project on Family Planning and AIDS. The sample of the study comprised of 100 men and women from Makoni District, Zimbabwe. In addition to the survey question, focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted. The FGD data complimented the survey results with qualitative information. The objectives of the study looked at people’s attitudes, cultural practices and sexual practices. These were analysed to determine how the gender issues within them affected the HIV/AIDS prevention strategies. The five major prevention strategies focused on in this study are: · promotion of condom use; · reduction of the number of sexual partners; · sticking to one sexual partner; · control and Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs); and · Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) for HIV to prevent vertical transmission of the disease. Although, the majority of the women indicated that it was acceptable for a married woman to ask her husband to use condoms, this was disputed by the findings from the FGDs. Issues of trust and fidelity were raised,but many men and women reported that they were not prepared to confront one another. The FGD results revealed that the men assert that it is normal for every man to have extra marital relationships, therefore they do not see anything wrong with it. It also came out that there are women who both have no income or partner to support them financially and are living in absolute poverty. These women, if anything, are more likely to increase the number of their sexual partners than reduce them so that they increase their economic base inorder to support their families. It has been established that for effective treatment and control of STDs, there is need for both partners to cooperate and seek treatment at the same time. However, the findings from this study revealed that lack of communication between sexual partners hampered the treatment of these diseases. On the other hand, the men indicated that talking to their wives about STDs would compel them to say where they got it. On the other hand the women reported that their men would accuse them of infidelity if they told them of an STD. FGD results however revealed that men and women were prepared to have HIV testing so that they would know of their status before planning a family. The gender perceptual differences on HIV/AIDS prevention have been identified as follows: · the need for male compliance to use condoms effectively; · the fear of losing trust by suggesting condom use; and · acceptance of male promiscuity by society that perpetuates that risky behaviour and exposure to HIV/AIDS infection and lack of communication between sexual partners, are a hindrance for effective control and treatment of STDs.
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  • Date Issued: 2006

An assessment of the challenges and implications of community participation in the formulation of Lesotho Land Bill 2009

  • Authors: Modia, Teboho Edward
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: Community development -- Lesotho , Rural development projects -- Planning -- Citizen participation , Rural development -- Lesotho , Land reform -- Law and legislation -- Lesotho , Land tenure -- Lesotho , Land settlement -- Lesotho , Land use -- Lesotho
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , M Soc Sc (Dev)
  • Identifier: vital:11436 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007192 , Community development -- Lesotho , Rural development projects -- Planning -- Citizen participation , Rural development -- Lesotho , Land reform -- Law and legislation -- Lesotho , Land tenure -- Lesotho , Land settlement -- Lesotho , Land use -- Lesotho
  • Description: This study focused on community participation in relation to policy formulation in Lesotho. It paid particular attention to whether the Lesotho community participated in the formulation of the Lesotho Land Bill 2009. Literature related to the concept of participatory development, community participation and policy formulation was reviewed. From the literature, it was clear that the attainment of effective community participation in policy formulation is not something that can take place overnight and this makes community participation a crucial aspect of any development project. The study used the qualitative approach to provide more information and detailed examination of community participation in the formulation of the Lesotho Land Bill 2009. This approach adopted the case study design. The data was collected using focus groups, interview schedule and document analysis. The study found that the government did not consult widely on the Bill before it was enacted into an Act of parliament. Therefore, it recommends that the government of Lesotho should involve all relevant stakeholders to participate in policy formulation. This will help to establish a link between the government and civil society stakeholders at local levels, for participatory policy-making to be effective.
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  • Date Issued: 2011
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