Political Science & Public Administration

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KwaZulu Legislative Assembly
(1989) Sabela, Robert Thabo.; Joubert, P.S.
This study deals with the controversy ranging about legislatures and legislative assemblies and the enormous range of possible roles of the KLA in development as well as the constitutional development of KwaZulu. This study reveals the following:- KwaZulu Legislative Assembly has been a success for the past 16 years. The central government had created an institution for articulate opposition. The KLA has made equally significant strides in its social policy, for example, its Department of Education and Culture. The collective thinking of the KLA crystallised when the assembly voted for the Buthelezi Commission. The KLA has not coasted an a gentle tide of consensus within the KLA and Inkatha. It has confronted recurrent crises both before the establishment of the KLA when certain members of the Royal Family wanted an executive king and when it was riven by dissension on issues of "policy" and "action." While there were changes of emphasis over time, the central fabric of the KLA has endured, and it has maintained its basic factual approach. The study also highlights the multi-purpose roles of chiefs in KwaZulu. The chiefs have been integrated in the new political order through tribal and regional authorities. The chief is a legislator, administrator, and party politician. This study also highlighted that, the chief is constrained by bureaucratic rules and regulations governing his office. The study further reveals that it is desirable to separate ^?he political and ceremonial aspects of public life. With a separate ceremonial head of state, the political leader has more time to devote to his political responsibilities. It further highlighted that the monarch is a more personalized and attractive symbol of national unity than the vague concepts of state. The monarch in KLA still serves and remains a symbol of national identity and focal point of national loyalty. The study indicates that dynamic and innovating leadership is concentrated in the Chief Minister. This raises the question of what would happen in KLA when the chief minister leaves the scene. The answers were found to be not clear in terms of a post Buthelezi era. The KLA has improved African moral and political consciousness but it had not been entirely successful in the mobilization of the urban African. This study also highlights that the birth pangs accompanying its establishment are reflected directly in its performance and role. It has the capacity to raise expectations both material and political, without capacity to fulfil those expectations. The KLA must still acquire a rich tradition on which to draw, in justifying both its present and future activities.
A historical survey of the development of political awareness among the Zulus
(1989) Makume, Ntate John; Joubert, P.S.
This study deals with the political development of the largest African population group in South Africa, the 'Zulus. The political development of the Zulus is assessed by the performances of individual Zulu leaders. The study thus focuses on the achievements/failures of some Zulu leaders, namely King Shaka, J L Dube, Albert Luthuli, Dr A B Xuma, A W G Champion, and Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi. It becomes apparent from this that the Zulu leadership had very often been involved in some way or another in organizations that strove for the upliftment or "freedom" of the disadvantaged population groups in South Africa. This historical survey covers indeed a very wide period. It stretches from the pre-colonial period up to the present; the present being the era of the KwaZulu/Natal Indaba. The first individual under discussion is King Shaka, followed in subsequent chapters by the individuals referred to above. It is important at this juncture to elaborate on the relationship between individual action, history and society. History and society are made by constant and more or less purposeful individual action and that individual action, however purposeful, is in turn made by history and society. How do we, as active subjects, make a world of objects which then, as it were, become subjects making us their objects? It is the problem of individual and society, consciousness and being, action and structure. People make their own history - but only under definite circumstances and conditions: we act through a world of rules which our actions create, break and renew - we are creatures of rules, the rules are our creations: we make our own world - the world confronts us as an implacable and autonomous system of social/political facts. It is through the specific institutions of time and space that structures larger than the individual become a living reality and are reproduced; it is in the small segments of society that experiences are forged. Hence this study focuses on KwaZulu and Natal and on some individuals at a particular moment in time. The problem "structuring" however, means that a return to the local and individual cannot absolve us from a regional as well as a national and indeed an international perspective. Over recent years, historians and social scientists have agonized over their "unit study." Yet as the Dutch historian Jan Huizinga remarked, "Every historical fact opens immediately to infinity." More important than the starting point is the way in which the local and the particular are located within a wider context, and in turn enable us to refine our understanding of that wider context. Natal, the smallest of the four provinces of what became the Union of South Africa in 1910, cannot be understood outside the broader changes in Southern Africa in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Twentieth century South Africa is better understood only after we have contemplated King Shaka in his confrontation with White settlers.
The politics of bargaining and negotiations in political conflicts with special reference to political settlements in Southern Africa
(1993) Mathebula, Mbhekiseni Alpheus; Joubert, P.S.
The 1989 general elections which brought Mr F W de Klerk to power could be referred to as the beginning of concrete action in the process of "Reform." Within a few months after this election, Mr de Klerk undertook what was referred to as "Pretoriastroika. "* What were supposed to be illegal mass demonstrations were suddenly declared legal. Long feared security prisoners were released and restrictions on banned organizations uplifted. High expectations were raised for the possibility of a negotiated settlement. In response to this new political development, the African National Congress (ANC) released its conditions for negotiations, the Harare Declaration, which stipulated the necessary steps to create a climate conducive to negotiations. The central theme in negotiations is the interplay of political forces trying to bargain from their various political positions. This is best demonstrated when the political positions are relative to the power commensurate to their bargaining strength. The process of bargaining at the negotiating table, especially in the political conflict, does not come about on moral grounds or through human will, it is brought about by circumstances created by the pull and push relationship between political elements in their struggle for dominance. It appeared that political development in South Africa had reached a stage where change was necessary to keep pace with global political developments, especially in the eastern communist countries, and in most "conflict infected" regions. Change is necessary only if it fits the occasion and is evolutionary, or reformist. Reform implies that the one in the position of power would like to reassert his position to 'ensure his continuation, i.e., lessening the pressure upon him to relinquish his position of power. A political analyst Dr Chaster Crocker pointed out that: "Organisationally, politically, and militarily the anti-racist movement (ANC) is not yet ready to topple the regime and the regime is no longer capable of curbing the growth of resistance."2 He further noted that; "Solutions often emerge when the parties are in some rough power balance in the power equation and when there is a real prospect that the level of mutual pain could increase if no solution occurs."3 In order to understand the internal political developments in South Africa, one needs to grasp the manifestation of power relations which moulded the political settlements in neighbouring States and how the political role players manifested themselves in an attempt to resolve regional conflict. Exploring the prospects for negotiations is not part of this research. However, the investigation is specifically intended to explore forces at play during negotiations or conflict resolution. It is intended to explore how political units bargain at the negotiating table; the interplay of internal and external factors to the conflict.
An evaluation of service delivery at eNdondakusuka local municipality
(2005) Ngubane, Mpilo Brilliance; Sabela, T.R.; Vyas-Doorgapersad, S.
This study aimed at evaluating service delivery at e'Ndondakusuka Local Municipality. This evaluation was done on the delivery of two services which are water and refuse removal in the whole municipal area. This research was necessitated by the fact that different points of view reveal that the present service delivery paradigms in local government are highly challenged. The study tested the null hypothesis of no relationship between the availability of resources and effective service delivery within e'Ndondakusuka Local Municipality. This hypothesis was operationalised by stating that (a) the availability of more water-tankers would extend the basic service of free water to rural areas within the municipality and (b) the availability of more refuse collection trucks would increase the number of days refuse was collected within the municipality. The statement of the problem, therefore, provided a foundation within which the aims of the study and the hypothesis were explained. The significance of this research cannot be overemphasised especially against the backdrop that the new system of local government has just been implemented and there is yet a study on service delivery in this segment of the public sector. It is true that there are lots of problems hampering service delivery within municipalities, however, for the sake of this research not all of them were studied. There were, however, some limitations within the study, however, they could not hinder or jeopardise the research process. These limitations are stated. Contextualisation of the study was based on the existing legislative, theoretical and conceptual perspectives that apply to service delivery. These perspectives had to be drawn from various sources to test the effectiveness of service delivery. The study also outlined the research method and technique used. The nature of the study necessitated the use of questionnaires to elicit information from households. The researcher then presented, analysed and discussed research findings. The nature of the study enabled the use of tables and frequency distribution to present data. In drawing conclusions it became clear that there were problems hampering service delivery at e'Ndondakusuka Local Municipality. The main problem was the lack of resources to provide services. To obviate these problems recommendations were made to the municipality. This research culminated into a model of effective service delivery.
The ethics of transparency in the public sector
(2005) Zikhali, Lawrence Jabulani; Vyas-Doorgapersad, S.
This dissertation focused on the ethics of transparency in the public sector. The study was inspired by various sets of circumstances in the Republic of South Africa in which corruption and secrecy in terms of the activities of the public sector played an important role. In the study, consideration was given to the various definition of the concept of ethics, values and morals as well as how ethics, values and morals affect public officials in corruption. An objective of the study was to describe and analyse the special role played by ethical dimensions as a variable in establishing a framework within which openness and transparency have to take place in the public sector. The public official accepts the code of ethics as the standard against which ethical behavior will be measured, it will ensure that the acts of public officials are at all times transparent and ethical and conforms to morality and values. Clarification was given to the meaning, causes and manifestation of corruption, where corruption deemed to have taken place whenever a public official involve in corruptible behavior such as the misuse of his / her power in exercising his/her duties as well as deviating from prescribed rules and regulations, such behavior being to that person's benefit and detrimental to the public. This study also centered around to the measures available to combat the manifestations of corruption. Possible remedies for unethical and untransparent conduct were discussed. The concept of accountability, the role of a free press and other formal measures deployed against corruption and transparent governance were also discussed. Governments has an obligation to communicate with citizens and citizens have a right to be informed of Government's policy and actions to enable them to comply with the requirements arising from governments policies. They also need information to be able to exercise their democratic rights to be able to decide on the basis of accurate information.
Total quality management in a developmental local government environment in South Africa : a case of KwaZulu-Natal municipalities
(2005) Khoza, Makhosi Busisiwe; Lutabingwa, J.; Sabela, T.R.
The need for effective and efficient local government has been at the centre of the service delivery agenda of all the three spheres of government in South Africa. The scarcity of financial resources has necessitated the development of other strategies that can assist municipalities in being more innovative and productive. The Total Quality Management concept seems to offer innovative ways of reducing costs whilst not compromising the quality of services. It encourages municipalities to continuously improve their performance. This project explores the applicability of TQM in a developmental local government context amidst economic disparities amongst all categories of municipalities in South Africa. It argues that TQM if implemented properly can lead to efficiency.
An evaluation of the efficiency and effectiveness of competency based training programmes : the case of the Department of Social Welfare and Population Development
(2005) Kunene, Caiphus Mhlonipheni.; Doorgapersad, S.V.
The statement of the problem therefore provided a foundation within which the purpose and the objectives of the study as well as the hypothesis were explained. Therefore the purpose of the study cannot be overemphasized against the concerns raised by the top-management of the department on the lack of the return on investment The study also outlined the research methods and techniques used. The nature of the study warranted the use of questionnaires which were distributed to the sample population of employees in social security. Face to face interviews were conducted as well to elicit information from the unit of analysis. The five-point lickert scale was used to measure the relationship between the transference of skills from the learning environment into a real working environment. The nature of the study enabled the use of tables and exposed itself to the probability sampling frames. When analyzing data, the researcher took the responsibility of going through all the information presented in a form of questionnaires by the recipients of framing. Frequencies and percentages accompanied by a chi-square were used to analyze data. The researcher then presented analyzed and discussed research findings. In drawing conclusions, the study highlighted a number of weaknesses and strengths associated with training, pre-training procedures as well as the formative and summative evaluation processes. To eradicate these problems, recommendations were made, for example, trainees should be involved from the word go when the determination of training needs takes place. There should be a direct involvement of supervisors and managers in all training cycles for example in training needs determination up to the level of training evaluation where the impact of training is determined. BATHO PELE should be in the center of all training processes. The presenters of training need to be scrutinized to determine their alignment with the South African Qualification Authority Act of 1995.
The ethical dilemmas of whistle-blowing and corruption in the South African public sector.
(2005) Mbatha, Joel Sifiso; ;
This thesis focussed on three key concepts: ethics, corruption and whistleblowing. These concepts are examined within the context of the South African public sector. The meanings of the concepts corruption, ethics, values, morality and human rights, as well as their influence on the public official were investigated. The context of the role of ethics, conformity, as well as the various causes, manifestations and conditions in society that allow corruption to occur among public officials and political office bearers were also clarified. By drawing upon relevant theories in literature that concem the ethical dilemmas of the prospective whistle-blower, the thesis also attempted to determine how heterogeneous employees of different cultures, backgrounds and education, perceived ethics, corruption and whistle-blowing. It was also an aim of the thesis to investigate and expand upon the important ideas advanced by the documented literature and legislation in order to investigate employees' perceptions with regard to ethics and corruption. Attention was paid to an infrastructure for transparent and ethical govemance, manifestation of unethical conduct, as well as statutory guidelines and codes of conduct. A variety of measures and instruments. both nationally and intemationally were discussed. Specific attention is paid to national integrity systems, legislative measures to control corruption and promote the disclosure of malpractice. as well as other formal mechanisms and judicial measures to protect whistle blowers. The importance of the Protected Disclosures Act of 2000 as a prerequisite for democracy was highlighted. Attention was given to whistle-blowing as an internal control mechanism by providing definitions, investigating the characteristics of prospective whistle blowers and examining the process of whistle-blowing. The context within which whistle-blowing occurs was scrutinised and responses by organisations were discussed. The findings of research into official, primary and secondary sources are integrated with the existing legislation and presented in the context of the specific problems associated with the ethical dilemmas of whistle-blowing in the South African public sector. The thesis also attempted to present some indicators and potential predictors of Whistle-blowing. It was established that, despite the clear emphasis on whistle-blowing as an internal mechanism to combat corruption and new legislative protection in terms of protected disclosures, corruption has not been eliminated from public institutions. It was also evident that the fear of reprisals as a result of a disclosure is still a factor that negatively impacts on effective whistle-blowing. Indeed, the fear of retaliation after blowing the whistle, may have more effect on some employees that the actual fear of the detrimental effect of being a victim of corruption as such. The thesis hypothesised that public sector employees' perceptions and the government's understanding of ethical behaviour and corruption are important, as they can serve as useful indicators and yardsticks to measure the progress in disclosing and managing corruption. KEY TERMS Whistle-blowing: Ethics: Values: Morality: Information; Disclosures; Corruption; Greed; Patronage: Nepotism; Bribery: Graft; Ghosting; Code of Ethics; Fraud: Governance: Government.
FIFA 2010 soccer world cup in south Africa: an analysis of the perception of public sector workers in KZN, Durban
(2011) Nhlapho, Sibongile Jeanetty Marcia; Banjo, A.
Football in South Africa can be traced back to the 19th century and the first recognized club was formed as early as 1879 under the title of Pietermaritzburg Country. The South African Football Association (SAFA) was set up in 1882, but after 100 years it was reconstituted under its first name to represent all country’s diverse communities. A national team first represented South Africa in England in 1897 and secondly in America Racial integration in football has always been a source of pride with the sport helping to break the apartheid barriers. The South African Soccer Federation (SAFA), which led the campaign against segregated sport and received its first major boost in Paris in 1955 when the International Olympics acknowledged and recorded that discrimination against “non white” sportspeople in South Africa existed. Professional soccer was introduced to South Africa in 1959 with the formation of the National Football League (NPSL). In 1971, the National Professional Soccer League came into existence with Orlando Pirates crowned as the first national champions. Today the Professional League is known as Premier Soccer League and they are still sprinkling clubs from the first league in 1971 playing in the top flights. The South African Football Association was founded on 8 December 1991.South Africa achieved a remarkable success with qualification for 1998 FIFA World Cup finals in France. (Adam Ward: 2000) In 1998, at Africa Cup of Nations final in Burkina Faso, the South African Football Association (SAFA) signaled its interest to launch a bid to host the 2006 FIFA Soccer World Cup finals. This followed in the wake of South Africa’s successful hosting of the two World games, Rugby World Cup in1995 and Africa Cup of Nations in1996.The two sports came at a particularly fundamental moment in the reconciliation and nation building efforts of post apartheid government and they resonated strongly in the domestic sphere. The tournament has been a showcase of the continent’s talent to the rest of the world and without doubt lifted the awareness and contributed to a greater appreciation of the game of soccer within the context of Africa. (Mark Gleeson: 1999) FIFA chooses which country will host a World Cup tournament. Being the host is a big deal. New stadia have to be built and infrastructure to be developed. Extra police are needed to keep things running smoothly. South Africa hosted 2010 games and Brazil will be hosting 2014 games. The focus of the study is to examine the perceptions of the public sector workers towards the potential impacts of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in terms of benefits and potential challenges. There are various advantages that can be achieved from hosting such advantageous event hence people need to be aware of such advantages in order to benefit from them. On the other hand there are potential problems in hosting such big event. In 1972 terrorist attack in Germany Olympics had left the sporting community shocked. Though there are many benefits in hosting a 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup there are also many problems that are challenging South Africa such as crime and technological challenges. The greatest benefits that we (South Africans) and the Global Community need to learn is, what lesson can be learned by using sport as a yardstick for unity and what lesson can other Countries learn from South Africa as a united rainbow nation?
The impact of trade unions on public service reform in Nigeria and South Africa: a comparative study
(University of Zululand, 2011) Balkaran, Sanjay; Banjo, O.A.
This thesis aims to facilitate the sharing of reform practices through the achievements of public service reforms (PSR) in Nigeria and South Africa. In Africa, public service unions are traditionally seen as obstacles who oppose public service reforms with their assumed tested interests in dealing only with bread and butter issues and existing employment patterns and representing high pay packages. This thesis sets out to prove that trade unions have made an impact on public service reform in Nigeria and South Africa. Whilst the trade union movement is very strong in both countries, the relationship between the trade unions and the ruling party in South Africa is markedly different than that of Nigeria. As the workplace environment has changed so to have the trade unions. Trade unions are now being criticised for failing to respond to the needs of the workers and the trade union leadership are seen as part of a statist political coalition. In concluding, this study has been successful in achieving the aims regarding the impact of trade unions on public service reform and that trade unions are not a spent force and have a constructive role to play as it has gone beyond the stage of talking about public service reform and the debate needs to shift from reforming to re-creating the public service, re-engineering the public service and re-forming the public service.
The perceptions of youth on service delivery violence in Mpumalanga Province
(2012) Jili, Nokukhanya Noqiniselo; Banjo, A.O.
The study focused on the perceptions of youth based in Wesselton and Siyathemba townships (Mpumalanga Province) towards service delivery violence. The aim of the study was to identify the challenges and the concerns of protestors and to highlight the perceptions of the youth about the causes of poor service delivery. This study started by reviewing the constitutional basis for basic service delivery, youth studies and selected related studies on service delivery protests. Thereafter, the candidate undertook original research on a valid sample of youth of Mpumalanga province, questionnaire sent to a sample of 150 youth within both townships (Mpumalanga province). The researcher adopted both qualitative and quantitative methodology for the analyses upon which conclusions were drawn. The study describes the respondents concerns, challenges and reasons for service delivery violence. The main findings show that the majority of the respondents agreed that protests were about lack of or poor services delivery in both townships. This study also provides evidence that the current problems confronting people of Mpumalanga province and many citizens in South Africa are the result not only of historical factors, but also ‘crisis of service delivery’, which in turn is as a result of poor management, corruption, nepotism, low budget and of the pro-market policies adopted by the new governments. The results reveal that councillors are not accountable for the people as they put their needs first. Furthermore, results show that the majority of the respondents were protesting violently to reflect their frustration and anger. In conclusion the study proposes that the South African government must go back to Batho-Pele (means people first) principles as they are regarded as the solution to address the impatience and violent protests that could result from the failures of government (particularly municipalities) from fulfilling the promises of delivering services
Perceptions of African immigrants in Pretoria on service delivery in the Department of Home Affairs
(2012) Umezurike, Samuel Augustine; Banjo, A.; Isike, C.
This study claimed that largely for socio-political reasons as well as the general impact of globalization, information and communication technology, all synthesized as pull or push factors, migration has become a major phenomenon in Africa in the 21st century. Recent studies have also identified South Africa as a major destination for African immigrants since the end of apartheid. It is against this background that the study is aimed at investigating perceptions about African immigrants and attitudes towards them by the officials of the Department of Home Affairs, the official agency that is constitutionally mandated to handle immigrant affairs in South Africa. Theoretically, the study agreed with Neocosmos (2008) that several theories that seek to explain xenophobic attitudes and perceptions have not fully satisfied curiosity, especially regarding the behaviour of some officials. The study therefore turned to ‘Makwerekwere’ theory as propounded by Matsinhe in 2011. To achieve the above stated objective the study adopted both quantitative and qualitative research approaches, specifically the main data collection instrument of a questionnaire, sent to a sample of 300 Tshwane/Pretoria-based immigrants from six selected African countries. After rigorous data analysis, expressed in various tables and charts, the findings indicate that while Xenophobia is not South Africa’s official state policy, from the opinions of African immigrants and their experiences, some officials of the Department of Home Affairs have over time displayed negative attitudes towards African immigrants. In conclusion, the study suggests that corruption exists in the Department (in the views of African immigrants) and African immigrants feel that the government (state authority) has not attended to this phenomenon with the seriousness it requires.
Perceptions of eThekwini-based trade union leadership on service delivery violence under the Zuma presidency
(University of Zululand, 2013) Mashaba, Sibusiso Selbourne Shaikh Mustafaa; Isike, C.A.
The study used collective service delivery violence to appraise President Zuma in the opinions of the eThekwini-based trade union collective’s leadership. In justification of trade union choice for this purpose, credentials were tabled by portraying the crucial role trade union played in the political process and employment of collective action in South Africa, in pursuing important national issues and championing popular collective objectives like freedom. The trade union collective’s leadership selection was motivated by trade union collective’s historic leadership of collective action in South Africa, influence on the ANC and government. It was shown that collective service delivery violence became a national problem by giving statistical evidence of the proportions to which it grew, since it started as peaceful protests and turned violent in 2007. Collective action theory was employed to understand collective action in general, different types of collective action and to explain collective action phenomena in South Africa. Collective service delivery violence in particular was explained as social movement type of collective action. After reviewing service delivery legal framework and 2007 service delivery status quo, the study investigated perceptions of the eThekwini-based trade union collective’s leadership on collective service delivery violence, under the Zuma presidency. A qualitative method was used to determine trade union collective leadership’s awareness of collective service delivery violence and a quantitative method was used for data analysis. The study determined what the trade union collective’s leadership thought were the causes, consequences, solutions to collective delivery violence and the impact of collective service delivery violence on trade union collective leadership’s opinion of president Zuma, support and his performance.
The nexus between national and student politics: managing student conflicts in four African universities in an era of democratic transition
(University of Zululand, 2014) Muya, Dominick; Isike, C.
Students conflict characterized by violent student versus management confrontations and inter political group violence has been a recurring decimal in African universities since the post-colonial era of the continent‟s political history. This has had dire socio-economic consequences for development in the continent. This study therefore sought mainly to establish whether the connection between national and student politics, given the historical background of liberation politics, is a major source of conflict in South African and Tanzanian universities. This is with a view to recommend evidence-based policy and conflict management practices aimed at addressing the perenial crisis of student upheavals in these countries with lessons for the rest of Africa. Using an integrated mix of research approaches and data collection methods and analysis, the study surveyed 318 respondents, conducted 97 key-person interviews and 10 focus group discusions accross 4 selected universities in study areas. These include the University of Zululand and University of Pretoria in South Africa and the University of Dar es Salaam and the University of Dodoma in Tanzania. The study found that student political organizations which often are extensions/youth wings of local/regional/national political parties in both countries are vehicles of the continuation of societal politics by other means. This is not tenable in the light of transition to multiparty democracy where the development issues that define politics today are different form the liberation issues that defined politics in the past. The study also found that although South Africa and Tanzania are still transiting democratically, there is a disparity between democratic consolidation at the national level and the lower levels of the society such as Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) where the national democratic culture is yet to be entrenched. As a result, the practice of student politics on campus is defined by student emotions instead of democratic rationality. Also, on the part of management, universities in the era of democratic transition have played very little role in mentoring students on university values and ethos as well as on the development of the leadership components of their training. Students have in turn placed their trust on politicians rather than the academic community, and have ipso facto, become vehicles of the political contestations of national/regional and local politics which often times are violent in character. The study therefore concludes that is a need to rethink the role of the SRC in a democratic era such that it goes beyond demonstrations over welfare issues to incubating future leaders for a continent in need of all-round educated leaders. In this light, the study recommended amongst others, depeening democracy in our student body politics by restructuring student governance to uphold representative democracy on HEIs campuses, and integrating conflict management measures into institutional renewal initiatives such as Institutional Transformation Program (ITP) in a bid to transform conflict and enable peace and development in Africa.
An analysis of perceptions of health professionals on service delivery challenges at Ngwelezana hospital
(University of Zululand, 2014) Nkosi, Sinenhlanhla Precious; Isike, C.A.; Jili, N.N.
The study focused on the perceptions of health professionals on service delivery challenges at Ngwelezana hospital. The aim of the study was to determine the challenges faced by health professionals in the course of their work and how these challenges impact on service delivery at the hospital. This study reviewed studies on challenges of public healthcare in South Africa and Kwazulu- Natal, the impact of employee satisfaction and reviewed government policies on public healthcare services. Therefore the researcher collected data using questionnaires. The questionnaires were administered to 66 health professionals including both nurses and doctors. The researcher used both qualitative and quantitative methods to analyse data. The study revealed the nature of the challenges that health professionals face during the course of their work and how these challenges prevent them from delivering quality service to those that seek medical attention on a day to day basis. The findings of the study revealed that health professionals were unhappy about their working conditions and they are experiencing heavy workload. The findings further suggested that health professionals feel neglected by management and that there is a constant lack of resources as a necessity during the course of their work. Furthermore, the study suggested that Ngwelezana hospital should review work environment and try to make it as conducive as possible, avoid burnout, absenteeism and unproductiveness of health professionals. The study also suggested that the hospital should reward and motivate employees of their performance in order to satisfy these employees for them to excel in their jobs. In conclusion government should review the Policies, Acts and Plans of public healthcare service delivery and try to make them effective and efficient in practice as they are on paper.
South Africa’s management and investments in SADC: a strategy for the implementation of its national development
(University of Zululand, 2017) Enaifoghe, Andrew Osehi; Asuelime, L.E; Adetiba, C.T
South Africa’s management and investments in SADC: a strategy for the implementation of its national development Since South Africa’s acceptance to Southern African Development Community (SADC) membership in 1994 after the end of apartheid regime and becoming a more inclusive democratic state, it is observed that there has been a renewed interest in South Africa to create strong regional economic integration (REI) mechanisms, which promotes socio-economic growth. Regional integration became a necessity for southern Africa due to the imperatives of economic regional development. South Africa’s economy since 1994 has achieved both social and economic development within the last two decades of becoming a democratic state significantly. Nevertheless, South Africa is perceived to likely benefit more than neighbouring states in the Southern Africa integration. This study accesses South Africa’s management of regional integration objectives with its economic investment and political position in the sub-region fostered by the SADC factor. South Africa economic performances since 1994 are inextricably linked to its political and economic “tele guided” management of SADC through its various multinational companies. Through that use of neo-functionalism theory, the study takes a cursory look at how South Africa’s support and foreign policy for regional integration has seen transformation over the years with its benefits. The study argues that the dynamics of South Africa’s management and investment in SADC regional cooperation has considerable import for the country’s national development. The study recommends that fundamentals restraining the execution of infrastructural projects should be given adequate attention, keeping in mind the end goal to ensure that sanctioning of local infrastructural projects is enhanced. It is also recommended that the SADC through the instrumentality of South African influence should build realistic program of the deeds that would support issues and initiatives with pertinent import for structure of the Southern Africa integration and Africa as a continent, the African Unions’ Abuja Treaty remains the perfect structure for the unification of economies of the continent.
Institutional arrangement to support the functionality of ward committees in uMhlathuze Local Municipality and eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, Kwa-Zulu-Natal Province
(University of Zululand, 2017) Sibiya, Leo Muntu; Asuelime, L.; Phago, K.
The study focuses on the assessment of the institutional arrangement to support the functionality of ward committees in eThekwini metropolitan municipality and uMhlathuze local municipality. A focus on these two municipalities provides an opportunity to juxtapose the functionality of ward committee within both Metropolitan environment and poor local municipal environment. The finding of the study provides opportunity to help understand how ward committees can be made functional in different South African environment. This was done with the view to inform ward committees policy amendments which aim at improving local governance. The research methodology used for the study is qualitative approach in nature since qualitative approach researchers often rely on interpretive or critical social science, and emphasise conducting detailed examinations of cases that arise from the natural flow of life. Furthermore qualitative approach always seeks to understand peoples’ insights, beliefs and attitudes - as such this study sought to understand people’s insights, believes and attitude about the institutional arrangement to support the functionality of ward committees. The data instrument that was used to collect the information useful to answer the research question of the study was interviews in a form of open ended questionnaires and focus group discussions. The following are the Key findings: The institutional arrangement to support ward committees in both the metropolitan environment and local municipal environment in municipalities that were chosen for the survey proved to be ineffective in addressing the issues arising from public participation. The study revealed that ward committees are not doing well in serving the interest of local communities but are good in serving the interest of the councillor and the council. Furthermore, this posed a negative impact on the ward committee structures. The study, therefore “calls for an institutional re-arrangement which in turn must flow from on-going dialogue, monitoring and evaluation, and learning by doing. The study revealed that this is an unfolding process, not a completed or cemented edifice and model that has been developed over the last few years should be revised as required in order to meet up with the present needs of the people” (Marais, Everatt & Dube 2007). The responsibility then reverts back to the municipality to develop intact institutional arrangements which shall address all these expectations.
An assessment of the causes and implications of brain drain on South Africa’s socio-economic development: the case study of the Higher Education and Health Sectors
(University of Zululand, 2017) Mlambo, Halalisani Victor
Countries around the world have continuously invested billions in educating their citizens, with the hope that the skills and knowledge acquired through education will help increase the country’s productivity and contribute to the sustainability of economic growth. But over the years, globalization has resulted in the increase in the demand and competition for skilled workers around the world. In South Africa, the higher education and health sector have been adversely affected by emigrating skilled professionals; South Africa is characterized by high levels of brain drain owing to many socio-economic factors. Fortunately for South Africa, highly skilled foreign nationals (especially from Africa) have continued to view South Africa a favourable destination. This study aims to assess the causes and implications of brain drain and how it has affected South Africa’s socio-economic development with reference to the health and higher education sectors. The main research problem focused on what causes South Africans to migrate; the pull and push factors, and what has been the implication for South Africa’s socio-economic development. Using secondary data, the study combed through various sources of information pertaining to the theme of the study, various sources such as, books, Journals, online accredited publications where used to garner the data needed for the successful completion of the study. Results indicated that the push factors driving South Africans to migrate include: increased crime levels, lack of law and order, government corruption and better economic opportunities offered in other countries. The study also found that skilled foreign nationals (Mainly from Africa) have contributed extensively to the socio- economic development of the country. The study also suggested that, government together with civil society need to come together to devise strategies on how to reduce brain drain in the country, to achieve this, the study suggests, the development of a South African green card lottery program, an increase in investments and funding for higher education, the training of competent health workers, A comprehensible immigration policy and an Increase in public-private collaboration maybe some ways which can help fight brain drain in South Africa.
Regional supremacy or coalition? evaluating South Africa’s regional integration efforts within the Southern African Development Community (SADC)
(University of Zululand, 2017) Mlambo, Daniel Nkosinathi
Having been disregarded as a pariah state pre-1994 due to the apartheid system that prevailed, South Africa became a legitimate state in 1994 after the first ever democratic elections. In the same year, it was inaugurated as a member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), where its membership came with a lot of positive and negative reactions in regard to the role it was to play in southern Africa. This was while other SADC states viewed South Africa (because of its robust economy) as a locomotive to spearhead regional integration in the SADC, and others had mixed emotions, wondering whether South Africa was to utilize its vast resources for the benefit of southern Africa, or to enhance its own self-interest.In light of the above, this dissertation probes the debate on South Africa’s role in the SADC post-1994. The role has been conceptualized within the difference of regional supremacy or coalition. In essence, the study seeks to unearth its perceived hegemonic role through drawing insights from its foreign policy towards southern Africa post-1994. Utilizing both primary and secondary data, the study examines the prevailing assertions of South Africa as a hegemonic state of southern Africa since its re-emergence from its apartheid doldrums in 1994. From an in-depth theoretical analysis of South Africa’s role in the region, the study concludes that South Africa has made significant contributions (development wise) in the SADC since 1994. Pre-1994 South Africa’s relations with other SADC members were largely characterized by its destabilizing tactics towards the region rather than enhancing regional development. Nonetheless, post-1994 South Africa has undoubtedly established better relationship with the SADC region. It has since used its regional integration standpoint to forge healthier partnership through bilateral, multilateral and various peacekeeping initiatives that sought to improve regional development and security. As a result of its level of development, military might, political stability and robust economy, it has ostensibly become an undisputed regional hegemon of southern Africa.Perhaps more importantly, it has used its regional hegemony for the benefit of southern Africa through vast investments, increased trade military and peacekeeping agreements. Based on these arguments, the study further outlines that South Africa should however allow other SADC states to have access to its large and diversified markets. With that said, South Africa is still poised to play a robust role in future SADC regional integration frameworks.
Assessing the challenges of Postgraduate research: perspectives from University of Zululand
(University of Zululand, 2017) Mthethwa, BukhulubenkosiNathaniel
Universities the world over are recognised as institutions for the development of knowledge, learning and innovation. The purpose of postgraduate research is to foster the ability to efficiently investigate niche subjects during the research process. The point of postgraduate research is not necessarily to innovate or expand knowledge but to produce academic-research scholars. Most postgraduate research comprises basic research, applied, and collaborative research (Mutula, 2009). This study assessed the challenges of postgraduate research drawing on perspectives from the University of Zululand (UNIZULU). As a comprehensive university, the focus on UNIZULU provides an opportunity to understand how the challenges of postgraduate research from a previously disadvantaged South African university environment can be addressed. The study seeks to understand students’ and academic staff’s insights about the challenges facing postgraduate research with reference to UNIZULU. It adopts a mixed-methodology approach by generating data from questionnaires, interviews and focus-group interviews. Four primary questions were directed to 34 study participants to gather data relevant to the challenges experienced when conducting postgraduate research. The questions sought to understand these challenges from two sides (students and authorities). The findings of the study reveal that the challenges facing postgraduate research include a lack of supervision and mentorship, understaffed university, a lack of research-writing skills, a lack of funding, quality control and status recognition (as mentioned by the participants). The study traces the postgraduate challenges to a number of sources such as the university being understaffed, funding issues, a shortage of postgraduate facilities and the mismanagement of research documentation. The study concludes that the institution should implement cohort supervision and create its own funding scheme. Doing so would address the issues arising from the postgraduate research challenges. The study further suggests that the KZN education sector, and specifically UNIZULU, reviews its postgraduate research policies, especially on issues related to funding and housing. Such an undertaking would justify the huge annual investment needed to sustain postgraduate research

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