An assessment of the effectiveness of trade union participation in municipal decision-making: a case study of the Buffalo City Municipality
- Authors: Apraku, Amos
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Arbitration, Industrial -- South Africa , Labor unions -- South Africa , Local government -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9037 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1262 , Arbitration, Industrial -- South Africa , Labor unions -- South Africa , Local government -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Municipality
- Description: The objectives of this study were to first identify the decision-making bodies structures in the Buffalo City Municipality. Secondly, to assess compositions, powers and functions of such identified bodies or structures. The field study was limited to the administrative jurisdictions of the Buffalo City Municipality; however, the findings and recommendations were applicable to all municipalities in South Africa with the same or similar decision-making like the Buffalo City Municipality. In order to achieve the research objectives, a review of the relevant literature was done. It began by first looking at the constitutional and other legislative provisions establishing the Municipal government system or concept. The literature review looked at the powers and functions given to municipal governments by such constitutional provisions and how effective are such powers exercised. The literature further highlighted the role of trade unions participation and civil society groups in the smooth and effective administration of the municipality and in making the Integrated Development Planning a successful one. The data collection was done by means of questionnaire, focus group discussions complimented by face-to-face interviews. Forty respondents were sampled from six different trade unions and top municipal management. The data collected were analysed thematically with the use of frequency tables, pie charts and histograms. The findings of the study showed among other things that, the highest decision-making body in the municipality is the municipal council supported by various committees, boards and directorates. All the legislative and executive powers are vested in the municipal council. Again, it became known that, the municipal workers unions participate effectively in labour related issues whereas the non-municipal workers unions participate poorly in all consultative processes. In conclusion, there is the urgent need to bring all stakeholders including trade unions in the municipality during decision-making processes in order promote sustainable development in the municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Apraku, Amos
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Arbitration, Industrial -- South Africa , Labor unions -- South Africa , Local government -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9037 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1262 , Arbitration, Industrial -- South Africa , Labor unions -- South Africa , Local government -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Municipality
- Description: The objectives of this study were to first identify the decision-making bodies structures in the Buffalo City Municipality. Secondly, to assess compositions, powers and functions of such identified bodies or structures. The field study was limited to the administrative jurisdictions of the Buffalo City Municipality; however, the findings and recommendations were applicable to all municipalities in South Africa with the same or similar decision-making like the Buffalo City Municipality. In order to achieve the research objectives, a review of the relevant literature was done. It began by first looking at the constitutional and other legislative provisions establishing the Municipal government system or concept. The literature review looked at the powers and functions given to municipal governments by such constitutional provisions and how effective are such powers exercised. The literature further highlighted the role of trade unions participation and civil society groups in the smooth and effective administration of the municipality and in making the Integrated Development Planning a successful one. The data collection was done by means of questionnaire, focus group discussions complimented by face-to-face interviews. Forty respondents were sampled from six different trade unions and top municipal management. The data collected were analysed thematically with the use of frequency tables, pie charts and histograms. The findings of the study showed among other things that, the highest decision-making body in the municipality is the municipal council supported by various committees, boards and directorates. All the legislative and executive powers are vested in the municipal council. Again, it became known that, the municipal workers unions participate effectively in labour related issues whereas the non-municipal workers unions participate poorly in all consultative processes. In conclusion, there is the urgent need to bring all stakeholders including trade unions in the municipality during decision-making processes in order promote sustainable development in the municipality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
An analysis of how to improve customer relations in local government with particular reference to the Buffalo City Municipality in East London
- Authors: Ntsikeni, Zukiswa
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Customer relations -- South Africa -- East London , Municipal officials and employees -- Training of , Customer services -- South Africa -- East London , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Municipality , Local government -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10917 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/76 , Customer relations -- South Africa -- East London , Municipal officials and employees -- Training of , Customer services -- South Africa -- East London , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Municipality , Local government -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Municipality
- Description: The research was conducted to address the low service levels offered by Buffalo City Municipality. In the past Council has received numerous customer complaints to this effect, via correspondence and verbal communication to council delegates and officials. The executive head of the municipality has requested a turn around of this appalling situation. The aim of this research was to gain insight and meaning to the existing problem in an attempt to correct it. This was accomplished by identifying the problem, and then by introducing sub-problems to the main problem for practical and relevant solutions. The research was extended to cover the East London and King Williams Town Local Councils. This was undertaken through personal interviews with the Buffalo City Municipality staff, management, Salga officials and non-profit organisations that were involved in community research on service levels and delivery in local government for this region. Literature was reviewed on methods of improving customer relations in both the public and private sectors. Local and international best practices were analysed to benchmark against successful practices worldwide. Information relevant to Buffalo City’s scenario has been presented in this study, from the identification of effective customer relation practices, followed by the roles and skills required by management. In addition to the personal interviews conducted, a two-page questionnaire was compiled based on integrated information from literature reviewed on best practices, and staff and management input. The questionnaire formed part of the empirical study. Results of the study were critically analysed and revealed three main areas of urgent importance. These are: effective communication, the establishment of a customer care policy and procedures together with training and development. These are effectively achievable after the placement of staff. The study was concluded with a practical and applicable detailed programme of intervention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
- Authors: Ntsikeni, Zukiswa
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Customer relations -- South Africa -- East London , Municipal officials and employees -- Training of , Customer services -- South Africa -- East London , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Municipality , Local government -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10917 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/76 , Customer relations -- South Africa -- East London , Municipal officials and employees -- Training of , Customer services -- South Africa -- East London , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Municipality , Local government -- South Africa -- Buffalo City Municipality
- Description: The research was conducted to address the low service levels offered by Buffalo City Municipality. In the past Council has received numerous customer complaints to this effect, via correspondence and verbal communication to council delegates and officials. The executive head of the municipality has requested a turn around of this appalling situation. The aim of this research was to gain insight and meaning to the existing problem in an attempt to correct it. This was accomplished by identifying the problem, and then by introducing sub-problems to the main problem for practical and relevant solutions. The research was extended to cover the East London and King Williams Town Local Councils. This was undertaken through personal interviews with the Buffalo City Municipality staff, management, Salga officials and non-profit organisations that were involved in community research on service levels and delivery in local government for this region. Literature was reviewed on methods of improving customer relations in both the public and private sectors. Local and international best practices were analysed to benchmark against successful practices worldwide. Information relevant to Buffalo City’s scenario has been presented in this study, from the identification of effective customer relation practices, followed by the roles and skills required by management. In addition to the personal interviews conducted, a two-page questionnaire was compiled based on integrated information from literature reviewed on best practices, and staff and management input. The questionnaire formed part of the empirical study. Results of the study were critically analysed and revealed three main areas of urgent importance. These are: effective communication, the establishment of a customer care policy and procedures together with training and development. These are effectively achievable after the placement of staff. The study was concluded with a practical and applicable detailed programme of intervention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
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