Implementation of a developmental approach to social welfare service delivery at Nkandla in Kwazulu–Natal

Abstract
The study focused on the implementation of a developmental approach to social welfare service delivery at Nkandla. It intended to establish whether or not existing service providers implement a developmental approach to community development initiatives with aim of developing and empowering individuals. It further looked at the extent to which local communities participate or do not participate in public affairs. The findings revealed that, the majority of people view the government departments’ system of governance as unresponsive to the societal needs. Lack of effective communication mechanisms between the officials and the communities appears to be the main factor. Communities are hardly consulted for planned initiatives as a result projects are just implemented not really looking at the felt needs. People at the grassroots level do not have knowledge on how government structures function. This makes it difficult for them to have meaningful and effective means of participation. All the undesirable effects outlined above, provide a sound and compelling basis for the strictly implementation of the developmental approach or the available policies for the benefit of the community at large. Lastly on the basis of this study, the critical recommendation was a need to change the mindset of government departments’ officials in order to involve communities more seriously.
Description
A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Arts in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Masters in Community Work) in the Department of Social Work at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2014
Keywords
social welfare --service delivery --development --Nkandla
Citation
Collections