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- ItemAdmissibility of confessions in criminal trials(1993) Mbuli, Reuben Johnson; Dlamini, C.R.M.A confession may be defined as an out-of-court statement by a suspect in which he or she voluntarily, knowingly and intelligently acknowledges that he or she committed or participated in the commission of a crime and which makes it clear that there is no defence in law that would make his or her conduct lawful. This is what the appeal court meant in the Becker case when it held that a confession must be defined as an unequivocal admission of guilt by an accused person. There is a need that the stringent requirements for the admissibility of confessions should also govern the admissibility of admissions and exculpatory statements. Confessions and admissions remain proper elements in law enforcement and it has been shown in some reported decisions that some criminal cases are capable of solution only by means of confessions and/or admissions. There are three phases that are important in determining whether a confession is admissible in evidence. The first phase is when a suspect is interrogated by the police. This is a phase of our predominantly accusatorial system of criminal procedure. There is a need to protect a suspect against untoward conduct by the police during his interrogation. Our new constitution has incorporated a Bill of Rights, and our common law also protects most of the interests which • are protected by the Bill of Rights (e.g. a suspect is presumed innocent until proved guilty, the privilege against self-incrimination forms part of our law and the right to legal representation is recognized). The second phase is when a confession is recorded either by a magistrate or a justice of the peace. This is a crucial stage because the "YES" and "NO" answers of a suspect on a roneod confession form and additional questions put to him may satisfy a court of law that a confession was made freely and voluntarily be an accused in his sound and sober senses and without having been unduly influenced thereto. This procedure is unique to our law. The third phase is when the admissibility of a confession is challenged in court in a trial within a trial. If a suspect is undefended, he may not adequately exercise his procedural rights. But, if he or she made a confession to a magistrate, a suspect is presumed to have acted freely and voluntarily etc. and a confession is admitted in evidence on its mere production if his or her name corresponds to the name of the person who has signed the confession and if it appears on the document containing the confession that it was made freely and voluntarily and without his or her having been unduly influenced thereto. It is recommended that before an unrepresented suspect is cross-examined on the contents of his confession where he or she has made this possible, he or she should be warned. If after explaining to him or her what cross-examination means the suspect does not understand, a legal representative should be appointed to assist him or her. It is recommended that evidence of a psychologist who has been nominated by an accused should be led where the latter is charged with a serious crime; that police interrogation be reformed in such a way that no one, whether suspected of committing high treason or any other serious crime, shall be subjected to mental torture; physical torture, assault or inhuman or degrading treatment; that the warning given to a suspect prior to the recording of his confession be reformed as discussed in this thesis; that the shift of onus from the state to an accused under certain circumstances be abolished; that the list of persons who may record a confession be increased as recommended in this thesis and that fundamental fairness during the interrogation of a suspect and during the recording of his confession be adopted as a new criterium for the admissibility of confessions.
- ItemAdoption of benchmarking by Kenyan and South African electricity sectors and its impact on small, micro and medium enterprises (SMMEs)(2012) Wabuyabo, Okonga Brigitte Mukabana; Contogiannis, E.; Kaseeram, I.The current study aimed at establishing the impact of the adoption of benchmarking strategy in the Kenyan and South African electricity sectors, first on KPLC and Eskom and second, on the Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) of the two countries. It focused on critically analysing the positive and negative factors that may have influenced the adoption of this strategy by KPLC and Eskom. The second objective was to gain a comparative understanding of the nature of the overall relationship between the outputs of these electricity sectors and those of the businesses which rely on electricity, represented by the manufacturing sectors of Kenya and South Africa, respectively. In addition it aimed to establish if there were other adoptions of benchmarking strategy used by global electricity sectors that could be adopted by KPLC and Eskom to enhance positive impact. The research was motivated by the various electricity consumers’ complaints against KPLC and Eskom. Both sectors, like many others in developing economies, have faced consumer complaints in relation to high and frequent increases in electricity tariffs and prolonged and sometimes, unplanned power outages. This could have negatively affected the economies of these countries in general and the economic well-being of the SMMEs in particular. The recurrence of the blackouts which the researcher assumed to represent the level of efficiency of power supply was used to indicate the sectors’ service quality. Majority of the SMMEs interviewed indicated such problems as wastage of merchandises, loss of work-time, conflicts with clients and therefore, loss of business opportunities and generally resulting in inefficient business operation. The results from the manufacturing sector also indicated that losses were experienced as a result of the outages. For example, the study established that a 1% rise in kWh of electricity production resulted in a 48% rise in galvanised sheeting output, per month. Therefore, a 1% drop in the supply of electricity would therefore lead to a 48% drop in galvanized sheeting production per month. These losses were supported by earlier documented evidence. For example, Eberhard et al., (2008: 4) argue that rampant power outages result in extensive damage and losses with the informal sector experiencing as high as 16% loss in their income. However, it is worth pointing out that despite the consumer complaints, the presence of electricity was noted to have enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness with which the SMMEs and the manufacturing sectors ran their businesses. In fact, a majority of SMMEs interviewed indicated that it was difficult to start and or run a business without relying on electricity. The study recommended that the electricity sectors need to benchmark other countries that appear to have achieved higher rates of national electrification on global perspective. Such countries as Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt and Libya have achieved almost 100% national electrification level. However, as much as there were consumer complaints in Kenya and in South Africa, the latter had attained higher levels of national electrification as compared to the former. South Africa’s level of national electrification stands at 70% as of 2011 (Sub-Saharan Africa Power Outlook, 2011: 4). Kenya is said to have always battled with national electrification levels lower than those of sab-Saharan Africa which are the lowest in the world. For example, Abdullaha and Markandya, (2010) reveal that in 2000, these rates were 42% for Kenya and 51% for sub-Saharan Africa. This scenario points to the fact that in many ways, KPLC needs to benchmark Eskom in several ways. For example, Kenya’s tariffs are much higher than those of Eskom and this is occasioned by the fact that whereas as KPLC relies heavily on hydro-electric generation, Eskom relies more on nuclear and renewable source of electricity. This research also advocated for special tariffs for SMMEs considering their contribution to their countries’ economy. The SMMEs were noted to be efficient sources of employment and producers of some of the inputs required by larger companies. Therefore, this study recommended that the governments and their stakeholders like KPLC and Eskom needed to support SMMEs. In addition, this study suggested several other ways through which the sustainability of SMMEs can be guaranteed. Such initiatives as Public-Private-Partnership (PPP), Inter-enterprise Self-Help Programmes and incorporation of the education sector in support of growth and development of SMMEs were suggested. Similarly, this advocacy springs from the fact that the SMMEs operate a highly competitive environment, while KPLC and Eskom enjoy “natural” monopoly and also enjoy the benefits of economies of scale since they are large companies as opposed to SMMEs, which are small enterprises.
- ItemAfrican stock markets: empirics of development, integration, efficiency and investor herd behaviour(University of Zululand, 2017) Aawaar, Godfrey; Tewari, D.DAfrica’s stock markets are as diverse as the 53 economies that constitute the continent. Stock markets in Africa have been described as being less developed, inefficient and isolated or segmented from the rest of the world. However, these views are not entirely accurate in the light of the current state of development. African stock markets have gained prominence and relevance in the global financial scene in the last three decades. The number of exchanges, for instance, has risen from 6 in the 1980s to 29 presently. Most of them may have experienced significant progress in terms of their performance, their integration with the world and their efficiency. Regrettably, unlike the developed and emerging stock markets elsewhere in the world, Africa’s stocks markets have suffered a history of global and investor neglect and have accordingly attracted very little research. This study contributes to our knowledge of Africa’s stock markets in relation to what factors drive their development, whether their co-movement (regionally and globally) has evolved over time and in scale, whether their integration is associated with their informational efficiency, and whether or not herding behaviour exists in these stock markets. The study used various methodologies to accomplish the objectives including the dynamic GMM estimation, pooled panel OLS regression, wavelet squared coherence analysis, multivariate DCC-GARCH analysis, and the cross-sectional absolute deviation (CSAD) modelling technique. The findings of this study have far-reaching implications: First, we conclude that both domestic (macroeconomic and institutional) and global factors drive stock market development in Africa; sound domestic macroeconomic environment and good quality institutions as well as stable global economic and financial conditions are indispensable drivers of stock market development. Second, we also conclude that the integration and co-movements of Africa’s stock markets with the world market is both time-varying and scale-dependent, but with significant variations among market pairs. In addition, greater global co-movements exist in Africa’s stock markets at both short- and long-term frequency scales, while intra-regional and inter-regional co-movements exist at various time horizons but are relatively weak. However, the strength of these dependencies differs between pairs of markets and regions. Third, we additionally conclude that market integration is closely associated with informational efficiency, and that a globally integrated stock market tends to be a globally informationally efficient market. Finally, we conclude that herding behaviour exists in Africa’s emerging equity markets. Important policy recommendations are suggested in this study.
- ItemAnalysing the impact of wage rate and inflation on labour productivity among selected early inflation-targeting countries and emerging market economies(University of Zululand, 2023) Mthethwa, Mzweleni Fundani; Prof Kaseeram, I. and Dr Makhoba, B.P.The emerging market economies (EMEs) have experienced more severe trade-offs, higher output and inflation volatility, and poorer performance than developed economies, economic diversity necessitates special efforts. However, the inflation targeting (IT) has been used by central banks as the tool to maintain price stability, but what remains as a major issue is the positive relationship between increased wage rate and labour productivity, which then increases the inflationary pressure in a case of IT EMEs as compared to early IT countries. Theories based on prior experiences around the world have led to generalisations of some monetary policies that ignore differences between countries. In a labour market with perfect competition, wage rates are determined by labour productivity, and wage dispersion represents the marginal contributions of the different workers to the final product. Therefore, this study analysed the impact of labour productivity on wage rate and inflation among selected early IT countries and EMEs over the period 1990-2019. It was a quantitative study, anchored on IT adopters’ countries design because there was strong evidence of a structural break before 1990, which led to a rose rapidly of inflationary pressure and subsequently fed through into per worker wages and productivity negatively. The study employed a panel autoregressive distributed lag approach (PARDL) to analyse the long-run relationships and short-run dynamics between wage rate and labour productivity. Labour productivity was treated as an endogenous variable in the model, while explanatory variables include wage rate, inflation, import and export ratio. The study provided strong evidence of a significant positive impact of wage rate, inflation, import and export ratio on labour productivity for both early IT countries and EMEs. The study found that there was positive and significant long-run relationship between wage rate and labour productivity. Also, there was a positive short-run relationship highlighting the dual effects of wage rate on labour productivity in early IT countries and EMEs, positively significant at 1% and 10%. Moreover, there was positive and significant relationship between inflation rate and labour productivity, which was contrary to related studies for both early IT countries and EMEs. The most plausible explanations for these results are that the adoption of IT had a positive impact on labour productivity shock that led to a significant decline in consumer price inflation and inflation expectations for early inflation targeters. However, that was contrary for IT EMEs as compared with early IT as positive labour productivity shock in IT EMEs led to a significant increase on the inflation pressure. The results of this study have important policy implications for policy makers in EMEs and contribute to the notion that the causes of inflation in EMEs are multi-dimensional and dynamic. Thus, policy makers in EMEs need to be able to offer solutions to the inflationary trends that lead to high productivity, also decreased unemployment, and an improvement in living standards.
- ItemAn analysis of Community Participation Towards The Implementation of Intergrated Development Plan (IDP) in King Cetshwayo District Municipality(University of Zululand, 2021) Sibiya, Lindokuhle MnqobiPrior to 1994, laws that favoured a certain race of people governed South Africa. This meant that the race enjoyed more rights and privileges than the other races did. The participation of the other races, viz. non-white races, in the government, was limited. This had an adverse effect on community participation as the system favoured one group of people – whites – over the others. Blacks, coloureds and Indians had restricted rights in participating in government matters. The apartheid government eventually weakened, and that resulted in the democratic government’s taking over in 1994. In an attempt to address the imbalances of the past, the democratic government initiated processes that would ensure that everyone had equal rights such as the right to participate in all processes of the government. To that end, this study reveals the importance of community participation in King Cetshwayo District Municipality and the local government as a whole. However, there are challenges that need special and urgent attention. Additionally, the study shows that thorough community participation is achievable if attention is set on the community’s needs. The study aims to investigate whether King Cetshwayo District Municipality (formally known as the uThungulu District Municipality) has developed processes that comply with section 17 of the Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000 (MSA) in order promote and ensure thorough community participation when an Integrated Development Plan is implemented. It further aims to assess and analyse whether the community and relevant stakeholders are engaged sufficiently during every decision taking - this also includes assessing the public’s knowledge of its participation rights. Describing and analysing the challenges of the IDP, if there are any, on the failure to comply with the statutory requirements associated with community participation also forms part of the study’s objectives. The researcher hopes to develop strategies to be followed by the municipality in order to ensure compliance. The study looks at challenges peculiar to community participation with reference to King Cetshwayo District Municipality (KCDM). According to the 2016 statistics, KCDM has the third largest population in the KwaZulu-Natal province. The district also has a high concentration of big industries and retail sectors within its jurisdiction which contribute to the financial growth of the district. However, the district had challenges iv such as the decline of investment injections to its economy during the period of worldwide economic recession. The population of the KCDM is mostly rural (80% of its population), and 53% of that rural population is aged between 0-19. Unemployment rate stands at 50% in KCDM, and poverty is the primary matter of concern in the region. Research methodology is an intricate part of every study since every research study must have a methodology. The method for this study is a qualitative study. Data was collected from both primary and secondary sources. Primary sources included the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, the MSA, and other relevant legislation such as the recent constitutional court rulings, municipal strategic planning documents, municipal public participation documents and reports, and municipal council minutes on meetings about community participation. Secondary Sources included the works of other authors, newspapers and academic texts.
- ItemAnalysis of Local Economic Development Initiatives towards poverty mitigation within Big 5 Hlabisa local municipality: perspective of youth and municipal official(University of Zululand, 2021) Xaba, Mzwandile RThe Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (1996) were considered in advancing the LED initiatives. The national order set an obligation on the local government circle to promote economic movement from a grassroots level and expand formative economic activities. The LED initiatives were planned to magnify economic development, share the alleviation objectives, and incorporate previously excluded groups in social and economic life. Section 152 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (1996) outlines the primary objectives of the local government (municipalities); Subsection (1) stipulates that (a) municipalities have to provide a democratic and accountable government for local communities; (b) ensure to provide services to local communities sustainably; (c) promote social and economic development. This study focused on youth community members’ perceptions of LED in the Mpembeni and Bazaneni local areas. The sample also included municipal officials within the Big 5 Hlabisa Local Municipality. The study's primary aim was to analyse LED initiatives towards poverty mitigation within the Big 5 Hlabisa Local Municipality. Qualitative methods were employed to collect and analyse data obtained from the youth community members and municipal officials with the LED department. Qualitative data were collected from the youth community members through questionnaires and from the municipality staff through interviews. The analysis of qualitative data was conducted through thematic analysis. This study and the identified problem were developed to analyse the possibility of LED initiatives to mitigate the poverty level and unemployment rate. For over two decades of democracy, “South Africa is still battling with the issues of poverty, inequality, unemployment, and hunger” (StatsSA, 2017). The study findings confirm South Africa’s remaining battle with the elevated level of poverty in rural areas and the high youth unemployment rate. The recommendations and innovative ideas may assist the municipality in facilitating the LED initiatives effectively through local community development.
- ItemAn 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.
- ItemAnalysis of personnel management practices and performance of government communication and information system in Free State Province, South Africa(University of Zululand, 2023) Sonkwane, Fezile James; Jili, N.N. Ndebele, N.C.This study focused on personnel management practices and the performance of the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) in the Free State Province. The concern in the provincial office was weak communication service delivery to other sectors of government and citizens across the Free State Province. As cited in the literature review chapter, personnel management is a fundamental part of any organisation or entity and its prominence lies in the systematic management of human resources; which ought to guarantee inclusive and effective management of human capital in the organisation. This was a qualitative study whose design facilitated interactive encounters with participants, which resulted in in-depth and meaningful feedback linked to the objectives of the study. The study followed a case study design, in which data was collected through in-depth interviews with participants. The interview schedule included semi-structured questions because the researcher wanted to collect qualitative, open-ended data and explore participants‟ thoughts. The participants for this study included the provincial director, deputy director, assistant director and all regional coordinators of the GCIS in the Free State Province. A total six (6) participants out of a total population of eight (8) were included in the study. The number of participants supported context specific generalisation. Data for this study was analysed utilising a qualitative thematic analysis and interpretation. Trustworthiness of the data was achieved through member checks and triangulation. The key findings revealed that the GCIS Free State office needed a calibre of personnel with academic qualifications in order to carry out its mandate. Qualified personnel referred to personnel who meet the minimum standards of the posts and possess the competency to master the duties associated with the posts. Another finding was that constraints brought forth by the limited budget affect the implementation of certain tasks such as procurement of tools of trade and payment of overtime. The termination of cash bonuses and the slow salary increment were some factors that have affected morale amongst staff. Part of the key findings was that most participants associated performance assessments with the payment of performance bonuses. Without this financial incentive in place, the participants were not keen to undergo performance assessments. Hence the participants felt that their performance was not valued and rewarded. Lastly, the findings revealed that absenteeism in the GCIS Free State provincial office is minimised through proper management of individual leave plans. All of these context specific observations illustrated that both systemic and human related factors influence the communication service delivery in the Free State Province. OKUHUNYUSHWE NGOLIMI LWESIZULU ISIFINGQO Lolu cwaningo lugxile ekuphathweni kwabasebenzi kanye nokusebenza kohlelo lukahulumeni lwezokuxhumana nolwazi (GCIS), lwesifundazwe sase Freyistata. Okukhathazayo ehhovisi lesifundazwe kwaba ukuntenga kokulethwa kwezinsiza kweminye imikhakha kahulumeni nezakhamizi zizonke esifundazweni sase Freyistata. Njengoba kushiwo esahlukweni sokubuyekezwa kwezincwadi, ukuphathwa kwezisebenzi kuyingxenye ebalulekile yanoma iyiphi inhlangano noma ibhizinisi futhi ukuvelela kwaloko kulele ekuphathweni okuhlelekile kwezinsizakusebenza zabasebenzi, okufanele kuqinisekise ukuphathwa okubandakanyayo nokuphumelelayo ekuphathweni kwabantu enhlanganweni. Lolu bekuwucwaningo lwekhwalithethuvu, okuklama kwalo kwasiza ukuhlangana kwababambiqhaza, okuholele empendulweni ejulile nenengqondo exhumene nezinjongo zocwaningo, lapho idatha (ulwazi) yaqoqwa ngezingxoxo ezijulile nabahlanganyeli. Isheduli yenhlolokhono ibihlanganise imibuzo enesakhiwo esincane ngoba umcwaningi ubefuna ukuqoqa idatha (ulwazi) esezingeni eliphezulu, evulekile futhi ahlole imicabango yababambiqhaza. Ababambiqhaza balolu cwaningo bahlanganise umqondisi wesifundazwe, isekela lomqondisi, umsizi womqondisi, kanye nabobonke abaxhumanisi beGCIS esifundazweni saseFreyistata. Isamba sababambiqhaza abayi – 6 phakathi kwenani labantu abayi – 8 bafakiwe ocwaningweni. Ababambiqhaza basekele umongo oqondile ngokujwayelekile. Idatha yalolu cwaningo ihlaziywe kusetshenziswa ukuhlaziya kwe thematic esezingeni eliphezulu kanye nokutolika. Ukwethembeka kwedatha kufinyelelwe kuko ngokuhlolwa kwamalungu kanye nokuhlanganisa unxantathu. Okutholakele nokubalulekile kwembule ukuthi iGCIS yehhovisi laseFreyistata lidinga izinga labasebenzi abaneziqu zemfundo ephezulu ukuze imfundo yenze umsebenzi v wayo. Ngamanye amazwi: Laba bantu uma behlolwa abatholakale bewufanele umsebenzi abahlolelwa wona. Okunye ukungabikho kwemali kunqinda ukukwenzeka kwezinye zezinto ezithile njengokuthenga amathuluzi okuhweba kanye nokukhokhelwa kwesikhathi sokusebenza esingeziwe. Ukuqedwa kwezimali zomhlomulo nokugqoza kokukhushulwa kwamaholo kungezinye zezinto ezehlise isimilo kubasebenzi. Okunye okutholwe yilolu cwaningo ukuthi ababambiqhaza abaningi bahlobanise, bancikise ukuhlolwa kokusebenza nokukhokhwa kwamabhonasi. Ngaphandle kwale mihlomulo, ababambiqhaza abazimisele neze ukuba bahlolelwe ukusebenza ngoba babona sengathi ukusebenza kwabo akunakwa futhi akuklonyeliswa. Ekugcineni lolu cwaningo luthole ukuthi ukulova emsebenzini kuleli hhovisi lesifundazwe saseFreyistata kuyoncipha ngokuba kube nendlela ehlelekile yabasebenzi yokuya ekhefini. Konke loku okuphawuliwe nokuqondile kuveze ukuthi loku kokubili (izinto ezihlelekile nezihlobene) zinethonya ekulethweni izinsizakuxhumana ezifundazweni saseFreyistata.
- ItemAn analysis of the dynamics and effects of interdepartmental policy discord on post-apartheid South Africa’s border control and border security(University of Zululand, 2019) Mkhwanazi, Sandile BlessingBorders have a primary responsibility of separating political entities (states) and the creation of national identities within states. In the African context, borders were created through colonial fiat, and have remained intact, except in the two cases: that of South Sudan and Eritrea. This study investigated inadequate policy harmonisation amongst the various departments or agencies responsible for border control in South Africa. In South Africa, there are seven departments responsible for border control, and they operate without a binding policy or legislation. This study investigated how this policy fragmentation from various agencies have affected border control and border security. Using qualitative approach with key informants from primary departments responsible for border control and analysing policy documents from primary departments, this study found that inadequate policy harmonisation amongst border control agencies does compromise border control and border security. It leads to ineffective practices in that work is duplicated, accountability is compromised and it leads to competition amongst agencies, and further leads to conflicts between agencies. Furthermore, inadequate policy harmonisation seemingly impedes the objectives of regional integration. The study also shows that South Africa has been observed to take a restrictive stance concerning immigration in that it puts the sovereignty of its interests above those of the region. Lastly, there have been calls to have an integrated approach towards border control which led to the introduction of Border Management Authority Bill (BMA). The BMA has been passed in the National Assembly, although it has been opposed by the opposition political parties owing to a number of concerns that emerged. The challenge of policy fragmentation has persisted as the political will to pursue the BMA softened due to changes in the political administration of the country, as it was initially developed during Jacob Zuma’s presidency, therefore, the change from Jacob Zuma to Cyril Ramaphosa changed the political actors who pushed for the BMA. The study then recommends that South Africa needs to harmonise its border policies and embrace regional integration.
- ItemAssessing community participation in the Integrated Development Plan to enhance service delivery at Mbizana Local Municipality(University of Zululand, 2021) Matyana, MandisiThis study was undertaken to assess the community participation in the Integrated Development Plan. The study aimed to identify the causes for poor service delivery in the Mbizana Local Municipality. The study attempted to comprehend if this poor service delivery is caused by the inadequate management of an Integrated Development Plan (IDP) or the lack of community participation in local government affairs, particularly in the Integrated Development Plan. The existing literature reveals that poor service delivery could be caused by aspects, such as a lack of communication, participation, corruption, fraud, political interference in administration, elevated levels of unemployment and inadequate institutional capacity. Data was collected from both municipal officials and community citizens to understand the causes of poor service delivery in Mbizana Local Municipality. This was conducted by employing the qualitative approach. Semi-structured interviews served as a device to collect data from the study participants, representing community citizens, and municipal officials. This device was chosen attributable to its ability to collect as much information as possible from the study participants; therefore, participants were not limited when responding to the interview questions. The study findings reveal that the poor service delivery at Mbizana Local Municipality is caused by a lack of community participation and inadequate management of the Integrated Development Plan formulations. First, this is because the community citizens do not understand the processes of an Integrated Development Plan formulation and its importance to their lives. Second, the municipal officials also fail to adequately deliver municipal services attributable to concerns, such as internal political conflicts, corruption, and failure to maintain open communication with the local constituents. The study provides recommendations suggesting potential solutions for poor service delivery in Mbizana Local Municipality, which can also be adopted by all South African municipalities.
- ItemAssessing the challenges of Postgraduate research: perspectives from University of Zululand(University of Zululand, 2017) Mthethwa, BukhulubenkosiNathanielUniversities 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
- ItemAssessing the challenges that hinder the provision of services in Newcastle Local Municipality(University of Zululand, 2022-01-20) Manyoni, SamukelisiweOne of the major challenges facing South African municipalities today is the provision of services to the local communities in a sustainable manner. The main focus of this study is therefore to assess the challenges that hinder the provision of services in local government using the case of Newcastle Local Municipality Qualitative research approach was employed in the study where data was collected using in-depth interview. Non-Probability sampling was used and Purposive sampling strategy was employed to select 1 key official of the municipality because they are the ones who are responsible to provide services to the local communities. Convenient sampling was employed to select 20 community members from different wards within the municipality included 2 wards councillors and 1 which in total makes 23 participants of the study. The results showed that corruption is one of the factors that cause challenges in the delivery of services, which is the factor that is happening within the municipality. The result also shows that the employment of family and friend within the municipality also contributes a lot in the challenges that hinder the delivery of services to local communities. . The findings show that the majority of the participants are not happy with the way the municipality render services to the community. The findings further reveal that the municipality does not involve people in local affairs so that they can take part in decision- making, and also that people with qualifications are jobless while the municipality is employing those who do not deserve because of the political party they follow. In conclusion, the study recommends that the municipality uses the prescribed criteria of employing public officials by the South African legislative framework, using merits and qualifications.
- ItemAssessing the collaboration between traditional leadership and ward councillor towards community development in (Ward 4) eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality(2020) Mpanza, Siohesihle EdmundThe coexistence of traditional leaders and ward councillors in South Africa has birthed contestations within the sphere of local government. Debates have emerged in relation to the powers, functions of both lines of leadership and how they ought to coexist and cooperate in service delivery. The collaborations in the delivery of services to the citizenry between these two lines of leadership remains understudied, particularly in the eThekwini Municipality ward 4. The study conducted face-to-face interviews with a sample of 9 participants, utilising qualitative methods in its approach. To analyse the data that was collected through the semi-structured interview guide, the study employed the thematic content analysis. The results of this study revealed that traditional leaders mainly play cultural roles but have a strong hold on land as a factor of development. The two structures generally did not collaborate very well towards development, even though they communicated with each other. This was because of negative perceptions on the education levels of traditional leaders, lack of developmental budgetary support for traditional leaders and different political orientations between the two structures. Overall, interviewed community members viewed poor collaboration between the two structures as having a negative impact on social, economic and infrastructural community development. The study recommended a collaboration framework enforcing the inclusion of traditional leaders in municipal and ward forums. The study also recommend that it is crucial to provide training for both offices on how they can work together for the benefits to the community
- ItemAssessing the role of traditional leaders and ward councilors in promoting community development in Umlalazi municipality(University of Zululand, 2018) Mpungose, Muzi Sylvester Cyril; Jili, N.N.The South Africa government and various interested parties have extensively debated the relevance and place of traditional leadership in our democracy. The core of the debate is the notion of incompatibility of this institution with democracy and human rights. The 1996 Constitution of the Republic of South Africa set the tone for the recognition of traditional leaders in a democratic dispensation. The study assessed the role of traditional leaders and ward councillors in promoting community development in uMlalazi Municipality. The aim was to identify the limitations in community development programmes and how much does traditional leaders observe government regulations in service delivery and the impact that it has created. Questionnaires were administered to a sample of 82 participants, but only 72 questionnaires were returned. The research participants were businesses, churches, ward committee members, ward councilors, traditional leaders, and community members. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods were used to analyse the data. The study revealed the challenges facing communities regarding development. It also became apparent that the South African Constitution does not clearly define the roles and responsibilities traditional leaders should play in society. Possible solutions were identified in a form of recommendations, that in the implementation of the Integrated Development Planning programmes they should consider Batho Pele principles.
- ItemAn assessment of government’s national youth policies’ impact on entrepreneurship development of unemployed youths at grassroots Level in Empangeni.(University of Zululand, 2017) Ede, C.I.All over the world, public and private sectors of the economy have made ample effort in the formulation and implementation of development policies to alleviate the problem of youth unemployment in their society. Post-Apartheid governments in South Africa have not been different in their determination to improve on the lives of the youth through salient policies and programmes. Despite numerous efforts by government through voluminous legislative policies, little has been chronicled in terms of their efficacy and effectiveness due to the dearth of scholarly examination, especially at grassroots level. This is coupled with the fact that the few existing pieces of literature in the field have not reflected the plight of young people aged 1534, which is in line with the latest definition of ‘youth’ in South Africa. The study, therefore, intends to establish that, since 1994, the nation’s policy formulation and implementation mechanisms have made some impact (positive and negative alike) on the lives of its young populace, and the most prominent of its strategic policy – the Integrated Youth Development Strategy – has also impacted on both small and medium scale business sectors, as well as of large-scale enterprise development in the country. A sample size of over 185 respondents whose opinion was solicited by means of questionnaire and interview schedules formed the primary data source, and the evaluation of globally renowned youth development programmes like ‘Women’s Income Generating Support’ (WINGS), ‘Youth Opportunity Programme’ (YOP) and ‘Start and Improve Your Business’ (SIYB) in Uganda, formed the source of the secondary data of the study. The implication of this research is, if such result-oriented programmes can be replicated fully at the grassroots level in South Africa, young men and women will have new hopes for better economic engagement, in a country with one of the world’s highest unemployment rates. The uniqueness of this study is consistent with overall national concern to the deteriorating situation of unemployed youths in South Africa, whose protracted state of redundancy in a supposed leading economy on the continent can no longer be condoned.
- ItemAn assessment of public participation in KwaZulu-Natal legislature in compliance with the constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.(University of Zululand, 2021) Mngomezulu, Kwanda TalenteSince the inception of democracy in South Africa, public participation has become an essential element of democracy. This concept of public participation has become crucial in strengthening democracy as well as in trying to maintain a balance between representative and participatory democracy. The nation’s Constitution imposes a constitutional imperative upon the legislature to ensure ‘public involvement’ using legislative processes. This concept of ‘public participation’ therefore is a concept encompassing all democratic participation processes. It is the most conventional avenue to consider and incorporate the voices and will of community members in the law-making process. Meanwhile, the legitimacy of the statutes enacted by the government has been challenged in numerous occasions because of flawed public participation processes. Wherefore public participation in the law making process becomes a subject of considerable research. The main aim of this study was to establish the compliance by the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature (KZNL) with the constitutional mandate of ‘facilitating public involvement’ when laws are being made. The study provided an international and foreign perspective of public participation intended to obtain an overall global picture of public participation and how it should be understood in a democratic country. A number of international treaties were brought into discussion. The treaty declarations were found to emphasise the significance of public involvement in democratic countries to ensure the protection and promotion of human rights. It is therefore claimed that the treaties have played an increasingly important role in agitating for the advancement of public participation in South Africa. The study further considered foreign law, where few selected experiences of developed and developing countries were analysed, and most of these countries support public participation. The study also explored public involvement in practise within the context of the KZNL. Various participation mechanisms were identified and analysed. The study revealed that there are significant and strenuous efforts by the KZNL in accomplishing its duty to facilitate public involvement. There is an established framework in place to regulate public involvement. It is however noted that despite the presence of this robust framework adopted to guide participation activities, which provides an overview and insight within the KZNL on how to achieve meaningful participation, practically, the study reveals challenges ordinarily encountered in conducting public hearings. These challenges also serve as a threat to meaningful public participation that relates mostly to consultation processes, short notice for public hearings and limited periods to convene such hearings. The study revealed that such anomalies flow from the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) that is sometimes responsible for giving stringent turn-around time frames for Provincial Legislatures to convene public hearings. The study concluded by providing a series of recommendations based on the study findings, as well as in relation to the reconfiguration of public hearings modus operandi and provision of relevant innovation. With those recommendations, it will be therefore possible to achieve meaningful participation, and most importantly, enact constitutionally compliant laws.
- ItemThe assessment of staff morale at the University of Zululand in KwaZulu- Natal, South Africa(University of Zululand, 2013) Khumalo, Njabulo; Thwala, J.D.; Mntambo, V.The University of Zululand (UNIZULU) is the institution of higher learning located in kwaDlangezwa in Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). This University is facing challenges which may affect staff morale. The aim of the study was to assess staff morale and obtain reliable information from the academic and support staff, in order to consider appropriate strategies for concerns for the well-being of all staff under study. The literature review was conducted to determine if other entities had assessed the employee morale. Research questions that were answered were: 1. What is the morale level of academic and support staff at the (UNIZULU)? 2. Which factors affect morale of academic and support staff at the (UNIZULU)? 3. What strategic ways or programmes can be generated to uplift morale of academic and support staff at the (UNIZULU)? A self-administrated web-based survey approach was used in a census to collect data among all 723 (UNIZULU) employees. The data was collected after distributing a questionnaire to 108 participants from the sample of 144. The study revealed that the level of staff morale at the (UNIZULU) is very low and identified factors that affect morale of staff such as the University management, job expectations, involvement on decision making, planning, support, human resources, communication, feedback to staff, etc. It further revealed the strategic programmes to be used by (UNIZULU) in uplifting morale of staff. It is recommended that the employee assistance programmes, wellness programmes, regular team buildings, and management skills programmes be offered.
- ItemAn 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 VictorCountries 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.
- ItemAn assessment of the effects of xenophobia on social integration in Isiphingo, KwaZulu-Natal province(University of Zululand, 2018) Dlamini, Nompumelelo Prudence; Adetiba, T.COver two decades after South Africa’s initial democratic ‘baptism’; the country still struggles with social integration. With clear traces of its segregated, discriminatory past, the country continues to experience high levels of violence against foreign nationals; particularly African foreign nationals. Former President of South Africa, the late Nelson Mandela, proclaimed the country as a rainbow nation, one which will accommodate people of different nationalities and backgrounds. However, the world observed the occurrence of the much-publicized xenophobic attacks in 2008 and 2015. These attacks left many foreign nationals destitute, some dead and others displaced. Historically during the apartheid era, South Africans found refuge in neighbouring African countries, mostly in the Southern African region. However, recent migration pattern reveals a reverse as other parts of the continent face political unrests and wars leading more Africans to seek refuge in South Africa and other parts of the continent and world. Sequel to the 2015 xenophobic violent outburst that first erupted in Isiphingo, the study assessed the effects of xenophobia on Social Integration in the society (Isiphingo). Prior to 2008 much publicized xenophobic violence it is a fact that Black foreign nationals are often attacked compared to other nationals. The study examined the role played by the South African government in enhancing social integration and eradicating xenophobia. The study argues that there are negative implications associated with the persistence of xenophobic violence towards foreign nationals, African foreign nationals in particular. This may hinder regional integration with other African countries in future. The study reveals that South Africa’s previous experience of isolation from the international arena, government officials and the media are contributory factors which incite violence towards foreign nationals. Citizens lack proper understanding and knowledge in understanding the different categories of foreign nationals and the nature of their problems in their countries of origins. The results reveal that the South African government has been in denial of the existence of xenophobia in the country. Some expectations have been put on the government in correcting the mistakes of the past. However, at the realisation that change is not immediate South Africans retaliate and foreign nationals are used as scapegoats of these frustrations. There is no specific law that addresses xenophobic violence, and there has been a significant failure on the side of the government in addressing the root causes of xenophobia in South Africa. The study came with several recommendations, one being that the government of South Africa should not deny the existence of xenophobia in the country this will help in eradicating IX | Page it. There is a great need to come up with specific laws and policies that address the problem of xenophobia.
- ItemAttitude, knowledge and perception towards HIV/Aids, condom use and Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) amongst University of Zululand students during the HIV/Aids pandemic(2009) Nqojane, Vuyelwa; Nel, K.A.; Vezi, M.F.The investigation explores tertiary education students` attitudes and perceptions towards condom use during the HIV/Aids pandemic. This study focuses on risk behaviour, stigmatization, social perceptions, voluntary counselling and HIV testing (VCT). It provides insight into student behaviour, attitudes and perceptions. It is hoped that findings can be used in the formulation of improved strategies for HIV/Aids programmes and education in the tertiary sector. A sample of four hundred University of Zululand undergraduates completed a questionnaire. Data was analyzed and interpreted in terms of hypotheses formulated from relevant literature. A mixed methods approach using quantitative and qualitative methods was used. Statistica was used to calculate descriptive statistics while the chi-square was applied to examine the relationship between the variables. Overall the findings seem to indicate that students have knowledge but this does not always translate into actual behaviours. This is likely to result in cognitive dissonance where there is a discrepancy between what respondents believe and how they act. Cognitive dissonance also has an influence on the othering of HIV and Aids and high levels of fear. It is also likely that as the institution is the workplace of students such results can be found amongst individuals who are below the age of thirty five in the business workplace. The results point towards the continuance and further spread of the pandemic as an important proportion of the sample respondents indulge in high risk behaviours and have negative attitudes towards VCT.