An assessment of information systems supporting procurement reforms in the Eastern Cape provincial government
- Authors: Bosire, Samuel Mobisa
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Government purchasing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public finance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11620 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/214 , Government purchasing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public finance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: As part of the on going financial management reforms, the South African Government introduced the Supply Chain Management (SCM) Framework. Since 2004, The Eastern Cape Provincial Government embarked on a process of ensuring that procurement reforms wrought by the advent of SCM are seamlessly ushered in. Information Technology (IT) and systems are a sine qua non in supporting the implementation of the SCM Framework. However, IT does not operate in a vacuum. Many other factors complement, supplement and influence the objectives sought through the use of Information Technology and systems. It is the confluence of this factors that eventually will determine that success or failure of using technology to support procurement reforms in government. The research investigates the factors affecting the success of the Information systems underlying SCM in the Eastern Cape Provincial government. Data for the research was gathered using a questionnaire administered to all Eastern Cape Provincial Government departments. The research borrows from Heeks’ ITPOSMO model in assessing SCM and Information Systems structures and processes and gauging their state of readiness to embrace procurement reforms envisaged through the SCM Framework. Because of the importance of having a strong IT functional unit in any government department, the study highlights IT issues that typically confront IT managers, especially in the public sector. Heeks’ ITPOSMO model emerges as a sufficient framework for identifying gaps that currently exist between the reality and perceptions on the readiness of IT to adequately support government procurement reforms. The dissertation concludes that the success of the system is dependent not only on the technological component of the system, but also on other factors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Bosire, Samuel Mobisa
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Government purchasing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public finance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11620 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/214 , Government purchasing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public finance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: As part of the on going financial management reforms, the South African Government introduced the Supply Chain Management (SCM) Framework. Since 2004, The Eastern Cape Provincial Government embarked on a process of ensuring that procurement reforms wrought by the advent of SCM are seamlessly ushered in. Information Technology (IT) and systems are a sine qua non in supporting the implementation of the SCM Framework. However, IT does not operate in a vacuum. Many other factors complement, supplement and influence the objectives sought through the use of Information Technology and systems. It is the confluence of this factors that eventually will determine that success or failure of using technology to support procurement reforms in government. The research investigates the factors affecting the success of the Information systems underlying SCM in the Eastern Cape Provincial government. Data for the research was gathered using a questionnaire administered to all Eastern Cape Provincial Government departments. The research borrows from Heeks’ ITPOSMO model in assessing SCM and Information Systems structures and processes and gauging their state of readiness to embrace procurement reforms envisaged through the SCM Framework. Because of the importance of having a strong IT functional unit in any government department, the study highlights IT issues that typically confront IT managers, especially in the public sector. Heeks’ ITPOSMO model emerges as a sufficient framework for identifying gaps that currently exist between the reality and perceptions on the readiness of IT to adequately support government procurement reforms. The dissertation concludes that the success of the system is dependent not only on the technological component of the system, but also on other factors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
An assessment of the accelerated professional trade competency development programme within the department of public works in the province of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: George, Thembakazi Caroline
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Construction workers -- Training of -- South Africa , Skilled labor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Construction workers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8223 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/959 , Construction workers -- Training of -- South Africa , Skilled labor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Construction workers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: In an attempt to address the challenges relating to the lack of well-trained and skilled workers, which directly impacts on the quality of products delivered by the construction sector, this study focuses on an assessment of the Accelerated Professional Trade Competency Development Programme within the Department of Public Works in the province of the Eastern Cape in South Africa. The main focal area of the study is the OR Tambo Region. These challenges manifest themselves through, among others, backlogs in the delivery of housing by the Eastern Cape Department of Housing and Local Government where the majority of houses demonstrate poor workmanship. Hence the Department of Public works has introduced the Accelerated Professional Trade Competency Development Programme. This study investigates the effectiveness of the implementation of the Accelerated Professional Trade Competency Development Programme. Particular attention is paid to the extent to which the Programme contributes towards the development of qualified artisans and what improvement areas can be effected to achieve its objectives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: George, Thembakazi Caroline
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Construction workers -- Training of -- South Africa , Skilled labor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Construction workers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8223 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/959 , Construction workers -- Training of -- South Africa , Skilled labor -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Construction workers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: In an attempt to address the challenges relating to the lack of well-trained and skilled workers, which directly impacts on the quality of products delivered by the construction sector, this study focuses on an assessment of the Accelerated Professional Trade Competency Development Programme within the Department of Public Works in the province of the Eastern Cape in South Africa. The main focal area of the study is the OR Tambo Region. These challenges manifest themselves through, among others, backlogs in the delivery of housing by the Eastern Cape Department of Housing and Local Government where the majority of houses demonstrate poor workmanship. Hence the Department of Public works has introduced the Accelerated Professional Trade Competency Development Programme. This study investigates the effectiveness of the implementation of the Accelerated Professional Trade Competency Development Programme. Particular attention is paid to the extent to which the Programme contributes towards the development of qualified artisans and what improvement areas can be effected to achieve its objectives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
An assessment of the role of ward committees in public participation with reference to the Kouga local municipality
- Authors: Simanga, Linda
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8230 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/858 , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The Republic of South Africa became a democratic country in 1994 after the historic democratic elections. This year also marks the year when South Africa’s first democratic parliament was convened. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act (no. 108 of 1996) was enacted in 1996. This Constitution provides for the creation of the three spheres of government, namely, the national level, which deals with matters of national importance, the provincial level, which deals with matters of provincial importance, and the local level which deals with matters of local importance. Section 152(1) (e) of the above-mentioned Constitution stipulates that the object of local government, amongst others, is to ensure the involvement of communities and community organizations in the matters of local governance. Section 73 of the Municipal Structures Act (no.117 of 1998) also requires municipalities to establish ward committees in a manner that seeks to enhance participatory democracy at the local level. Municipalities are established in terms of Section 12 of the Municipal Structures Act (no. 117 of 1998), wherein Members of Executive Councils (MEC’s) may, by notice in the Provincial Gazette, establish a municipality in each municipal area which the Demarcation Board demarcates in the province in terms of the Municipal Demarcation Act (no. 27 of 1998). Sections 7 and 8 of the Municipal Structures Act (no. 117 of 1998) further stipulate the categories of municipalities as A, B and C. Category A is a metropolitan municipality with wards and ward committees. B is a local municipality characterized by the existence of wards and ward committees to enhance public participation. C is a district municipality, whose responsibility is to support local municipalities within its area of jurisdiction so that they are self sufficient and can manage their own affairs. This study focuses on the Kouga Local Municipality, which is a Category B Municipality as promulgated by the then MEC for Housing, Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Honourable MEC S. Kwelita in the Provincial Gazette (Gazette No. 1537) dated 23 May 2006. The scenario above indicates that in the Kouga Local Municipality, ward committees are supposed to play a critical role in public participation. The study seeks to assess their role and to establish whether or not the ward committee system is effective in this regard. It is common knowledge that, whilst various pieces of legislation are clear in terms of what the role of ward committees should be, the question remains whether there is any adherence in municipalities to ensure that they fulfill their role in public participation, and hence the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Simanga, Linda
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8230 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/858 , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The Republic of South Africa became a democratic country in 1994 after the historic democratic elections. This year also marks the year when South Africa’s first democratic parliament was convened. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act (no. 108 of 1996) was enacted in 1996. This Constitution provides for the creation of the three spheres of government, namely, the national level, which deals with matters of national importance, the provincial level, which deals with matters of provincial importance, and the local level which deals with matters of local importance. Section 152(1) (e) of the above-mentioned Constitution stipulates that the object of local government, amongst others, is to ensure the involvement of communities and community organizations in the matters of local governance. Section 73 of the Municipal Structures Act (no.117 of 1998) also requires municipalities to establish ward committees in a manner that seeks to enhance participatory democracy at the local level. Municipalities are established in terms of Section 12 of the Municipal Structures Act (no. 117 of 1998), wherein Members of Executive Councils (MEC’s) may, by notice in the Provincial Gazette, establish a municipality in each municipal area which the Demarcation Board demarcates in the province in terms of the Municipal Demarcation Act (no. 27 of 1998). Sections 7 and 8 of the Municipal Structures Act (no. 117 of 1998) further stipulate the categories of municipalities as A, B and C. Category A is a metropolitan municipality with wards and ward committees. B is a local municipality characterized by the existence of wards and ward committees to enhance public participation. C is a district municipality, whose responsibility is to support local municipalities within its area of jurisdiction so that they are self sufficient and can manage their own affairs. This study focuses on the Kouga Local Municipality, which is a Category B Municipality as promulgated by the then MEC for Housing, Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Honourable MEC S. Kwelita in the Provincial Gazette (Gazette No. 1537) dated 23 May 2006. The scenario above indicates that in the Kouga Local Municipality, ward committees are supposed to play a critical role in public participation. The study seeks to assess their role and to establish whether or not the ward committee system is effective in this regard. It is common knowledge that, whilst various pieces of legislation are clear in terms of what the role of ward committees should be, the question remains whether there is any adherence in municipalities to ensure that they fulfill their role in public participation, and hence the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
An evaluation of personnel provision policy in selected public secondary schools in the Eastern Cape province
- Authors: Peter, Zola Witness
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- Employment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- Selection and appointment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers' unions -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School personnel management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11632 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/213 , Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- Employment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- Selection and appointment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers' unions -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School personnel management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province
- Description: The Eastern Cape Department of Education has a constitutional and legislative mandate to provide quality public education in all public schools within the province. The commitment to improve also involves ensuring effective educator personnel provisioning in public secondary xii schools. However, despite various legislative and policy measures relating to educator personnel provisioning, serious concerns have been raised. There have been concerns over the shortage of educators. There are concerns over the lack of suitably qualified educators, especially in Mathematics and Science subjects. Disparities have been noted between legislative and policy directives with regard to educator personnel provisioning and the expectations of educators based on the realities in public secondary schools. The complications and challenges thereof have called upon for the appraisal of educator provisioning. The objective of the study is to describe and explain the nature and place of personnel provisioning in public secondary schools. Thereafter, evaluate its application at selected public secondary schools in the Eastern Cape Province. The basic intention is to prove that the educator personnel provision policy implementation in public schools needs to be examined and possibly changed for effective results. Basically, personnel provisioning is the first step in the personnel process. It is classified into: Human resources determination; and the Filling of posts The process of filling public personnel posts involves recruitment, selection, appointment, placement, transfer and promotion. In evaluating personnel provisioning policy in public secondary schools, a research study has to be conducted. As an integral part of scope of study, the survey area includes public secondary schools, provincial department offices and educator union/association offices. The questionnaire is used as the appropriate data collection instrument for this survey. The total population for the study are provincial department officials, public secondary school principals, school governing body chairpersons and educator unions/associations. xiii When data was analysed and interpreted, there were various significant findings. The respondents’ demographic details provided a significant insight into the study and its findings. They ensured divergence of opinions and understanding of the personnel provisioning. Regarding human resources determination and the filling of posts in public secondary schools, it was found that there are challenges in terms of the employment of suitably qualified educators. These include among other issues educator dissatisfaction and lack of effective procedures in the filling of posts. This also results in educator shortage in public secondary schools.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Peter, Zola Witness
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- Employment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- Selection and appointment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers' unions -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School personnel management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11632 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/213 , Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- Employment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- Selection and appointment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers' unions -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School personnel management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Province
- Description: The Eastern Cape Department of Education has a constitutional and legislative mandate to provide quality public education in all public schools within the province. The commitment to improve also involves ensuring effective educator personnel provisioning in public secondary xii schools. However, despite various legislative and policy measures relating to educator personnel provisioning, serious concerns have been raised. There have been concerns over the shortage of educators. There are concerns over the lack of suitably qualified educators, especially in Mathematics and Science subjects. Disparities have been noted between legislative and policy directives with regard to educator personnel provisioning and the expectations of educators based on the realities in public secondary schools. The complications and challenges thereof have called upon for the appraisal of educator provisioning. The objective of the study is to describe and explain the nature and place of personnel provisioning in public secondary schools. Thereafter, evaluate its application at selected public secondary schools in the Eastern Cape Province. The basic intention is to prove that the educator personnel provision policy implementation in public schools needs to be examined and possibly changed for effective results. Basically, personnel provisioning is the first step in the personnel process. It is classified into: Human resources determination; and the Filling of posts The process of filling public personnel posts involves recruitment, selection, appointment, placement, transfer and promotion. In evaluating personnel provisioning policy in public secondary schools, a research study has to be conducted. As an integral part of scope of study, the survey area includes public secondary schools, provincial department offices and educator union/association offices. The questionnaire is used as the appropriate data collection instrument for this survey. The total population for the study are provincial department officials, public secondary school principals, school governing body chairpersons and educator unions/associations. xiii When data was analysed and interpreted, there were various significant findings. The respondents’ demographic details provided a significant insight into the study and its findings. They ensured divergence of opinions and understanding of the personnel provisioning. Regarding human resources determination and the filling of posts in public secondary schools, it was found that there are challenges in terms of the employment of suitably qualified educators. These include among other issues educator dissatisfaction and lack of effective procedures in the filling of posts. This also results in educator shortage in public secondary schools.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
An evaluation of the implementation of the preferential procurement policy framework act (No 5 of 2000) with reference to selected municipalities in the province of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Nano, Nandipha
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Government purchasing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Government purchasing -- Law and legislation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8216 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1019 , Government purchasing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Government purchasing -- Law and legislation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Background and Rationale: South Africa is in its second decade of democracy. Since the introduction of democracy in 1994, the South African government and its citizens are making strides into overhauling the country to make it one of the best habitable countries in the world. All these changes are accompanied by challenges regarding the types of resources required to accomplish this when delivering services to the communities. In order for the government to accomplish this, systems and procedures which are supported by legislation and operational frameworks should be developed, implemented, monitored and reviewed when necessary. Legislation which has been developed to guide and regulate public procurement includes the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (Act 5 of 2000). The previous procurement approaches had various fallacies. For example, there was no accountability, no transparency, no equitable distribution of economic resources and no supporting structures to oversee the process. The government then realised the need for having an integrated approach towards public acquisition of goods and services. The public service should operate in an environment where there will be fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and value for money in procurement. 2 The objective of the Preferential Procurement Policy Act (Act 5 of 2000) is to give effect to section 217(3) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996). Section 217 (3) stipulates that national legislation must prescribe a framework within which the procurement policy may be implemented. Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (Act 5 of 2000) aims at redressing the past racial imbalances, where race and gender were used to control productive resources. In order to address the shortfalls of the previous systems which failed to provide equal competition opportunities to all the people of South Africa, the mandate, as stipulated in the amended Section 217 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996), has been implemented. This section calls on government and organs of the state to apply a preference point system to enhance and give preference to the historically disadvantaged individuals or designated groups, who in the past, were victims of unfair discrimination on the basis of race, gender or disability. The Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (Act 5 of 2000) and its related regulations and systems emanate from Section 217 (3) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, (Act 108 of 1996). The government has, since 1995, started engaging in a number of initiatives with the purpose of restructuring the procurement. One of the initiatives was the development of the Green Paper on Public Sector Procurement Reform in South Africa in 1997. This paper is a discussion document which contains various proposals aimed at achieving the objectives of good governance, developing and utilising the country’s human resources potential to the full, and encouraging a well-developed and competitive business sector (http://www.info.gov.za/greenpapers/1997/publicproc.htm). 3 Subsequent to the Green Paper on Public Sector Procurement Reform the government published the Preferential Procurement Regulations in 2001, in terms of Section 5 of the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework. The government’s aim was to elicit contributions and discussions from role- players and interested parties. These inputs are crucial in a country that is committed to democracy. It can be deduced that the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework is a tool that is intended to provide direction and guidance to public officials when they engage in the acquisition of goods and services whilst giving leverage and preference to those who have been victims of the past imbalances. There is a perception that business opportunities favour individuals and businesses that are well established and the emerging business owners are marginalised. The reforms in the procurement processes that have been put in place are intended to ensure that there is equality, transparency and accountability in the allocation of business opportunities. Preference has to be afforded to the previously marginalised people to play a role in the public sector procurement and enhance income generation. The aims of the Preferential Procurement will be defeated if there are no systems to control and monitor the engagement of historically disadvantaged individuals. The affirming of such business owners should be viewed as a tool for the distribution of wealth, job creation and a poverty alleviation strategy from the side of government. The rationale for the research, therefore, is to establish whether the historically disadvantaged individuals’ lives are improving and bringing about sustainable economic development in their lives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Nano, Nandipha
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Government purchasing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Government purchasing -- Law and legislation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8216 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1019 , Government purchasing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Government purchasing -- Law and legislation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Background and Rationale: South Africa is in its second decade of democracy. Since the introduction of democracy in 1994, the South African government and its citizens are making strides into overhauling the country to make it one of the best habitable countries in the world. All these changes are accompanied by challenges regarding the types of resources required to accomplish this when delivering services to the communities. In order for the government to accomplish this, systems and procedures which are supported by legislation and operational frameworks should be developed, implemented, monitored and reviewed when necessary. Legislation which has been developed to guide and regulate public procurement includes the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (Act 5 of 2000). The previous procurement approaches had various fallacies. For example, there was no accountability, no transparency, no equitable distribution of economic resources and no supporting structures to oversee the process. The government then realised the need for having an integrated approach towards public acquisition of goods and services. The public service should operate in an environment where there will be fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and value for money in procurement. 2 The objective of the Preferential Procurement Policy Act (Act 5 of 2000) is to give effect to section 217(3) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996). Section 217 (3) stipulates that national legislation must prescribe a framework within which the procurement policy may be implemented. Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (Act 5 of 2000) aims at redressing the past racial imbalances, where race and gender were used to control productive resources. In order to address the shortfalls of the previous systems which failed to provide equal competition opportunities to all the people of South Africa, the mandate, as stipulated in the amended Section 217 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996), has been implemented. This section calls on government and organs of the state to apply a preference point system to enhance and give preference to the historically disadvantaged individuals or designated groups, who in the past, were victims of unfair discrimination on the basis of race, gender or disability. The Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (Act 5 of 2000) and its related regulations and systems emanate from Section 217 (3) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, (Act 108 of 1996). The government has, since 1995, started engaging in a number of initiatives with the purpose of restructuring the procurement. One of the initiatives was the development of the Green Paper on Public Sector Procurement Reform in South Africa in 1997. This paper is a discussion document which contains various proposals aimed at achieving the objectives of good governance, developing and utilising the country’s human resources potential to the full, and encouraging a well-developed and competitive business sector (http://www.info.gov.za/greenpapers/1997/publicproc.htm). 3 Subsequent to the Green Paper on Public Sector Procurement Reform the government published the Preferential Procurement Regulations in 2001, in terms of Section 5 of the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework. The government’s aim was to elicit contributions and discussions from role- players and interested parties. These inputs are crucial in a country that is committed to democracy. It can be deduced that the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework is a tool that is intended to provide direction and guidance to public officials when they engage in the acquisition of goods and services whilst giving leverage and preference to those who have been victims of the past imbalances. There is a perception that business opportunities favour individuals and businesses that are well established and the emerging business owners are marginalised. The reforms in the procurement processes that have been put in place are intended to ensure that there is equality, transparency and accountability in the allocation of business opportunities. Preference has to be afforded to the previously marginalised people to play a role in the public sector procurement and enhance income generation. The aims of the Preferential Procurement will be defeated if there are no systems to control and monitor the engagement of historically disadvantaged individuals. The affirming of such business owners should be viewed as a tool for the distribution of wealth, job creation and a poverty alleviation strategy from the side of government. The rationale for the research, therefore, is to establish whether the historically disadvantaged individuals’ lives are improving and bringing about sustainable economic development in their lives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
An evaluation of the relationship between payment of rates and service charges and the capacity of the municipality to deliver services with reference to Mnquma local municipality
- Authors: Zondani, Nosiphiwo V
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Municipal services -- South Africa -- Mnquma Municipality , Electric utilities -- South Africa -- Finance , Water utilities -- South Africa -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8164 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/862 , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Mnquma Municipality , Electric utilities -- South Africa -- Finance , Water utilities -- South Africa -- Finance
- Description: Various allegations have been levelled against certain local authorities in South Africa. These allegations include poor governance, maladministration, corruption and poor service delivery. Some of the South African municipalities are unable to deliver sufficient services to the people due to financial instability. On the other side the fact that the municipalities have to generate their own revenue is no longer sufficient. However, government, both national and provincial has to support the municipalities in terms of their capacity to provide services. While government has to provide services to the people to ensure their welfare, people from local communities should also support the continuous provision of `these services by paying for municipal rates and services. These may include services such as water, refuse removal and electricity as well as property taxes. The main issue is that these services are not readily available, for instance water has to be purified. The situation at Mnquma Local Municipality as indicated in the financial and other reports is such that there is a very slow payment of rates and services, which leads to the municipality relying mostly on government grants, and this puts a heavy strain on service delivery by the municipality. Seemingly, it has been long that rates and services have not been paid in Butterworth-even before the restructuring of the municipality (i.e. before the Mnquma Municipality came into being). However, if alternatives could be found to enhance regular payment of rates and services the municipality might improve in terms of its capacity to deliver services.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Zondani, Nosiphiwo V
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Municipal services -- South Africa -- Mnquma Municipality , Electric utilities -- South Africa -- Finance , Water utilities -- South Africa -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8164 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/862 , Municipal services -- South Africa -- Mnquma Municipality , Electric utilities -- South Africa -- Finance , Water utilities -- South Africa -- Finance
- Description: Various allegations have been levelled against certain local authorities in South Africa. These allegations include poor governance, maladministration, corruption and poor service delivery. Some of the South African municipalities are unable to deliver sufficient services to the people due to financial instability. On the other side the fact that the municipalities have to generate their own revenue is no longer sufficient. However, government, both national and provincial has to support the municipalities in terms of their capacity to provide services. While government has to provide services to the people to ensure their welfare, people from local communities should also support the continuous provision of `these services by paying for municipal rates and services. These may include services such as water, refuse removal and electricity as well as property taxes. The main issue is that these services are not readily available, for instance water has to be purified. The situation at Mnquma Local Municipality as indicated in the financial and other reports is such that there is a very slow payment of rates and services, which leads to the municipality relying mostly on government grants, and this puts a heavy strain on service delivery by the municipality. Seemingly, it has been long that rates and services have not been paid in Butterworth-even before the restructuring of the municipality (i.e. before the Mnquma Municipality came into being). However, if alternatives could be found to enhance regular payment of rates and services the municipality might improve in terms of its capacity to deliver services.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
An investigation into the factors affecting the pass rate of Grade Twelve learners with specific reference to the English subject : a case study of selected schools in Libode district
- Authors: Mzokwana, Nomnikelo Nondwe
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Language and education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School failure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Education, Secondary -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , English ability -- Testing , Education, Secondary -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8215 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1022 , Language and education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School failure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Education, Secondary -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , English ability -- Testing , Education, Secondary -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Case studies
- Description: Libode district is a rural district within the Eastern Cape Province. It has forty-two senior secondary schools. All schools in Libode district offer the English subject as the first additional language (second language). Schools in Libode district use English as the medium of instruction. English as the medium of instruction was seen by the National Department of Education as an important aspect of teaching and learning and as an effective tool through which teachers and learners can express their knowledge. The pass rate of grade twelve learners had declined from 2004 showing very low success rates. The quality of grade twelve results in English had deprived learners of their future career prospects. This treatise investigated the factors that might have affected the pass rate of grade twelve learners with specific reference to the English subject: a case study of selected schools in Libode district. A sample of 165 grade 12 learners and six English teachers from randomly selected senior secondary schools participated in the study. The study used both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Some factors affecting the pass rate of grade twelve learners with specific reference to the English subject were identified which included the non-implementation of English as medium of instruction, the non-availability of teaching facilities, and the influence of the mother tongue on the English subject. The treatise offers some recommendations such as improved in-service training on language teaching, assessment techniques and learner-centredness, involvement of all education stakeholders in the implementation of English as a language of teaching and learning, and the provision of teaching facilities in schools.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Mzokwana, Nomnikelo Nondwe
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Language and education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School failure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Education, Secondary -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , English ability -- Testing , Education, Secondary -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8215 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1022 , Language and education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School failure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Education, Secondary -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , English ability -- Testing , Education, Secondary -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Case studies
- Description: Libode district is a rural district within the Eastern Cape Province. It has forty-two senior secondary schools. All schools in Libode district offer the English subject as the first additional language (second language). Schools in Libode district use English as the medium of instruction. English as the medium of instruction was seen by the National Department of Education as an important aspect of teaching and learning and as an effective tool through which teachers and learners can express their knowledge. The pass rate of grade twelve learners had declined from 2004 showing very low success rates. The quality of grade twelve results in English had deprived learners of their future career prospects. This treatise investigated the factors that might have affected the pass rate of grade twelve learners with specific reference to the English subject: a case study of selected schools in Libode district. A sample of 165 grade 12 learners and six English teachers from randomly selected senior secondary schools participated in the study. The study used both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Some factors affecting the pass rate of grade twelve learners with specific reference to the English subject were identified which included the non-implementation of English as medium of instruction, the non-availability of teaching facilities, and the influence of the mother tongue on the English subject. The treatise offers some recommendations such as improved in-service training on language teaching, assessment techniques and learner-centredness, involvement of all education stakeholders in the implementation of English as a language of teaching and learning, and the provision of teaching facilities in schools.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
An investigation of the provision of the water and sanitation services after the devolution of powers and functions in 2003 to selected municipalities in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Mama, Mandisa Wongiwe
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water-supply, Rural -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sanitation, Rural -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal water supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11646 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/215 , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water-supply, Rural -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sanitation, Rural -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal water supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The Republic of South Africa embarked on devolution of specific powers to municipal authorities due to the fact that municipalities are a sphere of government which is at the door step of the citizens. Among the powers that were devolved was the authority to regulate on the rendering of water and services to communities. From now henceforth in this study, water and sanitation services will be referred to as water services. The rural villages that had no access to water services during the previous dispensation were rapidly rendered with these services when the transformed Department of Water Affairs and Forestry took a decision to provide the services on its own in order to give space for the transformation of the local sphere of government such that these municipal X authorities are able to manage the load of the allocation of such functions mainly and to close the vacuum so that there is no gap as to who should be responsible for water provision in rural villages whilst the restructuring of municipalities to include the rural villages as part of the transformation process takes place. A decline in the pace rendering water services to the previously disadvantaged rural communities was noticed after the devolution of water services to municipal authorities and by implication once hands were changed. This left those rural communities that had no access to water services still without the desired water services and those that had water services provided left midway with dry water schemes and dysfunctional infrastructure. This study therefore seeks to uproot the cause for the deceleration of water services once it was devolved to municipal authorities. This decline was noticed by the researcher hence the study seeks to attempt providing alternatives and lasting solutions primarily because water services are essential services and water is life. The main objective of the study is to investigate factors that cause the deceleration of water supply and the slow movement in the acceleration of sanitation services in order to provide alternatives that may yield results. Given the above broad objective this study further aims at examining the following factors: The correlation in funding made available by the central government and the financial resources available to municipalities to perform the function in order to render this service properly. Technical support available to municipalities. Relevant legislation, its policies and its impact on the implementation of the service XI. The correlation between accountability, democratization and community participation on standards and quality of the service to actual outputs. Improvement of service delivery and its relationship with transparency and efficiency. Relatedness of poverty to non provision of water services. The relatedness of poverty, lack of basic services to influx in the cities. Relatedness of the quality of the water services to the outbreak of diseases
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Mama, Mandisa Wongiwe
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water-supply, Rural -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sanitation, Rural -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal water supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11646 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/215 , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Water-supply, Rural -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sanitation, Rural -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal water supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The Republic of South Africa embarked on devolution of specific powers to municipal authorities due to the fact that municipalities are a sphere of government which is at the door step of the citizens. Among the powers that were devolved was the authority to regulate on the rendering of water and services to communities. From now henceforth in this study, water and sanitation services will be referred to as water services. The rural villages that had no access to water services during the previous dispensation were rapidly rendered with these services when the transformed Department of Water Affairs and Forestry took a decision to provide the services on its own in order to give space for the transformation of the local sphere of government such that these municipal X authorities are able to manage the load of the allocation of such functions mainly and to close the vacuum so that there is no gap as to who should be responsible for water provision in rural villages whilst the restructuring of municipalities to include the rural villages as part of the transformation process takes place. A decline in the pace rendering water services to the previously disadvantaged rural communities was noticed after the devolution of water services to municipal authorities and by implication once hands were changed. This left those rural communities that had no access to water services still without the desired water services and those that had water services provided left midway with dry water schemes and dysfunctional infrastructure. This study therefore seeks to uproot the cause for the deceleration of water services once it was devolved to municipal authorities. This decline was noticed by the researcher hence the study seeks to attempt providing alternatives and lasting solutions primarily because water services are essential services and water is life. The main objective of the study is to investigate factors that cause the deceleration of water supply and the slow movement in the acceleration of sanitation services in order to provide alternatives that may yield results. Given the above broad objective this study further aims at examining the following factors: The correlation in funding made available by the central government and the financial resources available to municipalities to perform the function in order to render this service properly. Technical support available to municipalities. Relevant legislation, its policies and its impact on the implementation of the service XI. The correlation between accountability, democratization and community participation on standards and quality of the service to actual outputs. Improvement of service delivery and its relationship with transparency and efficiency. Relatedness of poverty to non provision of water services. The relatedness of poverty, lack of basic services to influx in the cities. Relatedness of the quality of the water services to the outbreak of diseases
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
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.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- 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.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Assessment of the impact of Mdantsane Urban Renewal Programme 2002-2007
- Authors: Peter, Ntombentle Cordelia
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Urban renewal -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , City planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11623 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/190 , Urban renewal -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , City planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The study sought to assess the impact of the Mdantsane Urban Renewal Programme (MURP) in Buffalo City Municipality from an analytical perspective of policy making, policy implementation, strategies and results of the programme. The aim was to analyse and evaluate the policy and implementation framework underpinning the MURP within the auspices of the national Urban Renewal Programme (URP). During the course of the study, literature was reviewed with the aim of contextualizing the study, especially given the ‘controversies’ associated with urban renewal interventions globally. As far as implementation is concerned, the institutional mechanisms, the cooperative government imperatives and the community perspectives are highlighted and reported on. Lastly, the study also proposed different policy and implementation options, as well as an implementation model. This model is advocated as an option for local government consideration with the aim of resolving the urban renewal problematique.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Peter, Ntombentle Cordelia
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Urban renewal -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , City planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11623 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/190 , Urban renewal -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , City planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The study sought to assess the impact of the Mdantsane Urban Renewal Programme (MURP) in Buffalo City Municipality from an analytical perspective of policy making, policy implementation, strategies and results of the programme. The aim was to analyse and evaluate the policy and implementation framework underpinning the MURP within the auspices of the national Urban Renewal Programme (URP). During the course of the study, literature was reviewed with the aim of contextualizing the study, especially given the ‘controversies’ associated with urban renewal interventions globally. As far as implementation is concerned, the institutional mechanisms, the cooperative government imperatives and the community perspectives are highlighted and reported on. Lastly, the study also proposed different policy and implementation options, as well as an implementation model. This model is advocated as an option for local government consideration with the aim of resolving the urban renewal problematique.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Impact assessment of the local governmant reforms in Rwanda : the case study of Kigali City
- Authors: Apollo, Munanura
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Local government -- Rwanda
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8226 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/918 , Local government -- Rwanda
- Description: The local governance system has undergone positive changes since 1994 when the Government of National Unity took over power in Rwanda. The government has instituted democratic changes in the structure and functioning of local government through decentralisation. Since 2000 when the decentralisation policy was launched, Rwanda has evolved a model of local governance that has come to be emulated by its neighbouring countries. Since 2000, when the Local Government Act affected the decentralised structures of local government, some changes have occurred, challenges have emerged and constraints have been experienced in the implementation of the policy of decentralisation. Methodology used in the impact assessment study The researcher administered questionnaires, conducted interviews and documentary analysis. The assessment covered (3) three districts which were purposively selected on the basis of criteria that were considered sufficiently representative and based on the rationale of the study. Key findings of the study The study established that the restructuring exercise streamlined the structures of local governments, aligned mandates to the structures, and graded jobs in line with responsibilities. These reforms have improved the performance of the local governments. Despite notable improvements, the study established that there were still gaps in the local government system that needed to be addressed. These included: i. There is a big skills gap in most local governments. Some positions in local government are not filled due to inadequate resources. ii. Some local governments are finding it difficult to attract qualified and competent personnel to take up jobs at technical and managerial levels. iii. Local government lack attractive working environments. iv. There are limited career growth opportunities in local government service. xiv v. There is low local revenue. This has imposed limitations to accountability, supervision and monitoring of local government programmes. vi. Professional staff in local government is not adequately facilitated to do their work efficiently and effectively. vii. The existing capacity building programmes contribute marginally to career growth of individual staff members. viii. New reform programmes for improving service delivery such as results oriented management (ROM) and fiscal decentralisation strategy (FDS) have been rolled out but are not yet utilised in some of the local governments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Apollo, Munanura
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Local government -- Rwanda
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8226 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/918 , Local government -- Rwanda
- Description: The local governance system has undergone positive changes since 1994 when the Government of National Unity took over power in Rwanda. The government has instituted democratic changes in the structure and functioning of local government through decentralisation. Since 2000 when the decentralisation policy was launched, Rwanda has evolved a model of local governance that has come to be emulated by its neighbouring countries. Since 2000, when the Local Government Act affected the decentralised structures of local government, some changes have occurred, challenges have emerged and constraints have been experienced in the implementation of the policy of decentralisation. Methodology used in the impact assessment study The researcher administered questionnaires, conducted interviews and documentary analysis. The assessment covered (3) three districts which were purposively selected on the basis of criteria that were considered sufficiently representative and based on the rationale of the study. Key findings of the study The study established that the restructuring exercise streamlined the structures of local governments, aligned mandates to the structures, and graded jobs in line with responsibilities. These reforms have improved the performance of the local governments. Despite notable improvements, the study established that there were still gaps in the local government system that needed to be addressed. These included: i. There is a big skills gap in most local governments. Some positions in local government are not filled due to inadequate resources. ii. Some local governments are finding it difficult to attract qualified and competent personnel to take up jobs at technical and managerial levels. iii. Local government lack attractive working environments. iv. There are limited career growth opportunities in local government service. xiv v. There is low local revenue. This has imposed limitations to accountability, supervision and monitoring of local government programmes. vi. Professional staff in local government is not adequately facilitated to do their work efficiently and effectively. vii. The existing capacity building programmes contribute marginally to career growth of individual staff members. viii. New reform programmes for improving service delivery such as results oriented management (ROM) and fiscal decentralisation strategy (FDS) have been rolled out but are not yet utilised in some of the local governments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
An investigation into the challenges affecting the effective implementation of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act 1 of 1999 as amended by Act 29 of 1999) int the Eastern Cape Province with specific reference to the Provincial Department of Public Works
- Authors: Buso, Luthando Gilbert
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Finance, Public -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Financial management , Public administration -- Africa, Southern , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8252 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/483 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011903 , Finance, Public -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Financial management , Public administration -- Africa, Southern , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The objective of the study was to investigate challenges affecting the effective implementation of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No. 1 of 1999 as amended by Act No. 29 of 1999) in the Eastern Cape Province with specific reference to the Provincial Department of Public Works. The research study has been conducted in such a manner that the reason to send a team of experts by the DPSA on approval by the President to come to the Eastern Cape and assist the ailing administrations of four departments is determined. The four departments that had a problem were: 1. Department of Roads and Public Works 2. Department of Health 3. Department of Education and 4. Department of Social Development The roads function of the Department of Roads and Public Works was later transferred to the Department of Transport and the Department of Roads and Public Works changed the name to Department of Public Works in September 2004. The team that was sent to the Eastern Cape together with the Director-General of the Province and the Superintendent-General of the Provincial Treasury formed up the IMT. The objective was to introduce turnaround strategies that would enable the four departments to effectively and efficiently implement the PFMA to the best interest of the South African Government. The PFMA is part of the broader strategy on improving public financial management in the public sector in the Republic of South Africa. It prescribes measures to ensure responsibility, accountability and transparency in national and provincial departments. Qualified Auditor-General’s reports for the previous financial years compelled the President in 2002 to establish Interim Management Team (IMT) in the Eastern Cape, comprising of experts from national government, to assist the ailing administration in four provincial departments, including the Department of Roads and Public Works. Questionnaires to employees, Auditor-General, Provincial Director-General, Superintendent-General of Provincial Treasury and as well as to the Accounting Officer of the Department of Public Works, were designed and issued out for completion. Interviews were also conducted to some of the employees. The assumption is that the majority of employees do not understand policies and procedures of the department and they displayed this by remaining neutral in questions asked and disagreed with some of the statements. During the interview process, the majority emphasised their protest against over usage of consultants by the department. Preference given to candidates from outside the department when senior posts are advertised instead of looking for excellently performing candidates from the internal ranks of serving employees, has been outlined as one of the elements contributing to low moral and low productivity in the workplace. Over usage of consultants and a big number of employees who disagreed with statements and remained neutral signify incapacity of the management to perfectly implement the PFMA for sound public financial management in the department. It has been established that regular risk assessments are not conducted, poor organisational structure with many posts that are not filled, no Anti-Corruption Unit to implement Public Service Anti-Corruption Strategy and, no clear managerial lines of accountability due to poor planning, ineffective internal controls and procedures, all render the department incapable of becoming one of the best provincial departments that get unqualified audit report from the Auditor-General. The findings provide clear indication that drastic transformation of the department into an institution that can perfectly implement the PFMA is necessary. The implication is that mismanagement of financial resources and fraud and corruption defeat service delivery objectives. Strategic objectives of the department are not achieved. The Eastern Cape Provincial Departments are obliged to align their strategic plans to the Provincial Growth and Development Plan (2004 – 2014). Therefore the implication is that, poor performance by the Department of Public Works impacts negatively to this provincial objective. Lack of effective control systems has negative implications on the administration of the department and renders it vulnerable to fraud and corruption.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Buso, Luthando Gilbert
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Finance, Public -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Financial management , Public administration -- Africa, Southern , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:8252 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/483 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011903 , Finance, Public -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Financial management , Public administration -- Africa, Southern , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The objective of the study was to investigate challenges affecting the effective implementation of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No. 1 of 1999 as amended by Act No. 29 of 1999) in the Eastern Cape Province with specific reference to the Provincial Department of Public Works. The research study has been conducted in such a manner that the reason to send a team of experts by the DPSA on approval by the President to come to the Eastern Cape and assist the ailing administrations of four departments is determined. The four departments that had a problem were: 1. Department of Roads and Public Works 2. Department of Health 3. Department of Education and 4. Department of Social Development The roads function of the Department of Roads and Public Works was later transferred to the Department of Transport and the Department of Roads and Public Works changed the name to Department of Public Works in September 2004. The team that was sent to the Eastern Cape together with the Director-General of the Province and the Superintendent-General of the Provincial Treasury formed up the IMT. The objective was to introduce turnaround strategies that would enable the four departments to effectively and efficiently implement the PFMA to the best interest of the South African Government. The PFMA is part of the broader strategy on improving public financial management in the public sector in the Republic of South Africa. It prescribes measures to ensure responsibility, accountability and transparency in national and provincial departments. Qualified Auditor-General’s reports for the previous financial years compelled the President in 2002 to establish Interim Management Team (IMT) in the Eastern Cape, comprising of experts from national government, to assist the ailing administration in four provincial departments, including the Department of Roads and Public Works. Questionnaires to employees, Auditor-General, Provincial Director-General, Superintendent-General of Provincial Treasury and as well as to the Accounting Officer of the Department of Public Works, were designed and issued out for completion. Interviews were also conducted to some of the employees. The assumption is that the majority of employees do not understand policies and procedures of the department and they displayed this by remaining neutral in questions asked and disagreed with some of the statements. During the interview process, the majority emphasised their protest against over usage of consultants by the department. Preference given to candidates from outside the department when senior posts are advertised instead of looking for excellently performing candidates from the internal ranks of serving employees, has been outlined as one of the elements contributing to low moral and low productivity in the workplace. Over usage of consultants and a big number of employees who disagreed with statements and remained neutral signify incapacity of the management to perfectly implement the PFMA for sound public financial management in the department. It has been established that regular risk assessments are not conducted, poor organisational structure with many posts that are not filled, no Anti-Corruption Unit to implement Public Service Anti-Corruption Strategy and, no clear managerial lines of accountability due to poor planning, ineffective internal controls and procedures, all render the department incapable of becoming one of the best provincial departments that get unqualified audit report from the Auditor-General. The findings provide clear indication that drastic transformation of the department into an institution that can perfectly implement the PFMA is necessary. The implication is that mismanagement of financial resources and fraud and corruption defeat service delivery objectives. Strategic objectives of the department are not achieved. The Eastern Cape Provincial Departments are obliged to align their strategic plans to the Provincial Growth and Development Plan (2004 – 2014). Therefore the implication is that, poor performance by the Department of Public Works impacts negatively to this provincial objective. Lack of effective control systems has negative implications on the administration of the department and renders it vulnerable to fraud and corruption.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
An investigation of the efficacy of the Office of the Auditor-General in ensuring public financial accountability in the Gauteng Province
- Authors: Khumalo, Mildred Tariro
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Finance, Public -- South Africa , Budget -- South Africa -- Gauteng , Liability (Law)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11645 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/283 , Finance, Public -- South Africa , Budget -- South Africa -- Gauteng , Liability (Law)
- Description: Increasing accountability is a key element in a wide variety of governance reforms, from national level, public sector restructuring, to anti corruption campaigns and to centralise service delivery at local levels. (Van Wyk, 2002:311). Financial accountability has a major effect on performance issues, and these two combined have implications on democratic accountability. It is obviously a fact that when public officials become accountable, this will have a positive effect on service delivery. The introduction of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) 1999 (Act 1 of 1999) as amended by Act 29 of 1999 adopts an approach to financial management, which emphasises the need for accountability of results by focusing on output and responsibility rather than the rule driven approach of the previous Exchequer Acts. One quickly realises that the PFMA aims to regulate financial management at both National and Provincial levels of government. It directs attention at revenue, expenditure, assets and liabilities and aims to see that these are managed efficiently and effectively. Public finance accountability is increasingly becoming important in the public sector. One means of effecting accountability is through auditing. For this reason the Office of the Auditor -General through the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa 1996 (Act 108 of 1996 section 216 (1)) was established to facilitate effective accountability through auditing. The Office of the Auditor -General’s role is by no means minor, for it plays a major role in curbing corruption and acts as a ‘watchdog’ of the nation over public funds. Amidst high mismanagement and misuse of public resources, as well as corruption, especially in developing countries, the major question one asks is how effective the Auditor -General can be in ensuring effective public financial management and accountability within state departments so as to improve service delivery.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Khumalo, Mildred Tariro
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Finance, Public -- South Africa , Budget -- South Africa -- Gauteng , Liability (Law)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: vital:11645 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/283 , Finance, Public -- South Africa , Budget -- South Africa -- Gauteng , Liability (Law)
- Description: Increasing accountability is a key element in a wide variety of governance reforms, from national level, public sector restructuring, to anti corruption campaigns and to centralise service delivery at local levels. (Van Wyk, 2002:311). Financial accountability has a major effect on performance issues, and these two combined have implications on democratic accountability. It is obviously a fact that when public officials become accountable, this will have a positive effect on service delivery. The introduction of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) 1999 (Act 1 of 1999) as amended by Act 29 of 1999 adopts an approach to financial management, which emphasises the need for accountability of results by focusing on output and responsibility rather than the rule driven approach of the previous Exchequer Acts. One quickly realises that the PFMA aims to regulate financial management at both National and Provincial levels of government. It directs attention at revenue, expenditure, assets and liabilities and aims to see that these are managed efficiently and effectively. Public finance accountability is increasingly becoming important in the public sector. One means of effecting accountability is through auditing. For this reason the Office of the Auditor -General through the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa 1996 (Act 108 of 1996 section 216 (1)) was established to facilitate effective accountability through auditing. The Office of the Auditor -General’s role is by no means minor, for it plays a major role in curbing corruption and acts as a ‘watchdog’ of the nation over public funds. Amidst high mismanagement and misuse of public resources, as well as corruption, especially in developing countries, the major question one asks is how effective the Auditor -General can be in ensuring effective public financial management and accountability within state departments so as to improve service delivery.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
The oversight role of governing bodies in selected schools in the Upper Xolobe administrative area, Tsomo Magisterial district
- Authors: Yotsi, Bafo Synford
- Date: 20XX
- Subjects: School boards -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11320 , vital:26910
- Description: The primary aim of this study is to investigate the role of school governing bodies in their oversight role of the implementation of education departmental policies by school principals in selected schools in the Upper Xolobe Administrative Area. According to Clarke (2009: 14), there is no doubt that a school improves when a school’s governors exert their governance oversight authority in a way that promotes the effective use of resources and establishes a climate which encourages teaching and learning. South African schools, especially in rural areas, are still grappling with the challenges of electing effective people into school governing bodies (National Guidelines for School Governing Body Elections, 2012: 6). The Upper Xolobe Administrative Area is a rural traditional authority area under the traditional leadership of a headman who is appointed in line with traditional chieftainship under the supervision of a chief. There is also a democratically elected ward councillor as a political leader. In the area, there are seven General Education and Training (GET) band schools and one Further Education and Training (FET) band school or senior secondary school which offers tuition for grades 10 to 12. There are, therefore eight (8) governing bodies for the eight institutions. The majority of SGB members are not adequately educated. According to Clarke (2009: 1), schools are effective when there is an institutional environment that is conducive to teaching and learning. There is significant research identifying the characteristics of schools where good teaching and learning are evident, where there is a good work ethic and where children are provided with opportunities to develop to their full potential (Clarke, 2009: 1). The challenge for school governors is to see that they perform their governance functions in a way that will create a school environment where these characteristics are evident. The perceptible indications are that against the background of the challenge of the level of education of the majority of the parent members of SGBs, their mandatory term of office which is only three years and a myriad of other environmental challenges, the eight SGBs of the eight institutions in the Upper Xolobe Administrative Area are to grapple with, creating a school environment where the characteristics mentioned might be challenging. Two important principles of the South African Schools’ Act are concerned with inclusivity and decentralisation. Inclusivity means the participation of parents, educators, non-teaching staff, learners, and other people who are willing and able to make contribution to the school. Bringing decision-making closer to the people is desirable, but this in itself will not solve all the problems and challenges faced by school governing bodies. Research has shown that school governing bodies face many problems despite the fact that decisions are made by people closest to the situation (Ramadiro & Vally, 2005: 1). This study intends to investigate the combined effect of the various components constituting the school governing body members of eight schools in the Upper Xolobe Administrative Area in their oversight role of policy implementation by school principals or school managers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 20XX
- Authors: Yotsi, Bafo Synford
- Date: 20XX
- Subjects: School boards -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11320 , vital:26910
- Description: The primary aim of this study is to investigate the role of school governing bodies in their oversight role of the implementation of education departmental policies by school principals in selected schools in the Upper Xolobe Administrative Area. According to Clarke (2009: 14), there is no doubt that a school improves when a school’s governors exert their governance oversight authority in a way that promotes the effective use of resources and establishes a climate which encourages teaching and learning. South African schools, especially in rural areas, are still grappling with the challenges of electing effective people into school governing bodies (National Guidelines for School Governing Body Elections, 2012: 6). The Upper Xolobe Administrative Area is a rural traditional authority area under the traditional leadership of a headman who is appointed in line with traditional chieftainship under the supervision of a chief. There is also a democratically elected ward councillor as a political leader. In the area, there are seven General Education and Training (GET) band schools and one Further Education and Training (FET) band school or senior secondary school which offers tuition for grades 10 to 12. There are, therefore eight (8) governing bodies for the eight institutions. The majority of SGB members are not adequately educated. According to Clarke (2009: 1), schools are effective when there is an institutional environment that is conducive to teaching and learning. There is significant research identifying the characteristics of schools where good teaching and learning are evident, where there is a good work ethic and where children are provided with opportunities to develop to their full potential (Clarke, 2009: 1). The challenge for school governors is to see that they perform their governance functions in a way that will create a school environment where these characteristics are evident. The perceptible indications are that against the background of the challenge of the level of education of the majority of the parent members of SGBs, their mandatory term of office which is only three years and a myriad of other environmental challenges, the eight SGBs of the eight institutions in the Upper Xolobe Administrative Area are to grapple with, creating a school environment where the characteristics mentioned might be challenging. Two important principles of the South African Schools’ Act are concerned with inclusivity and decentralisation. Inclusivity means the participation of parents, educators, non-teaching staff, learners, and other people who are willing and able to make contribution to the school. Bringing decision-making closer to the people is desirable, but this in itself will not solve all the problems and challenges faced by school governing bodies. Research has shown that school governing bodies face many problems despite the fact that decisions are made by people closest to the situation (Ramadiro & Vally, 2005: 1). This study intends to investigate the combined effect of the various components constituting the school governing body members of eight schools in the Upper Xolobe Administrative Area in their oversight role of policy implementation by school principals or school managers.
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- Date Issued: 20XX