Department of Public and Development Administration
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Browsing Department of Public and Development Administration by Author "Mathebula, N. E."
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Item Open Access The effects of local economic development in poverty alleviation: a case of Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality, Limpopo Province(2023-05-19) Selemela, Charles; Mathebula, N. E.; Munzhedzi, P. H.The focus of this study is to evaluate the effects of local economic development (LED) in poverty alleviation in municipalities using Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality as a case study. LED is essential as it involves identifying and using primarily local resources and skills to ensure or stimulate local economic growth and community development. Municipalities are responsible to ensure the promotion of LED projects to alleviate poverty. This study was motivated by fact that there is lack of promotion of LED projects, high rate of poverty and unemployment and other socio-economic related issues that is occurring in communities within Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality. Although the Municipality is continuing with the implementation of LED strategies but high rate of poverty and unemployment persist. Lack of capacity, incorrect interpretation or implementation of LED and resource constrains are some of the factors that contribute to failure of LED implementation in municipalities even though they are policies or guidelines in place. The study adopted a qualitative research approach with the aim of interpreting and analysing the responses in thematic method. The data was obtained through semi- structured interviews from the identified municipal officials who are responsible for LED implementation, other municipal officials, economic development agency officials, project beneficiaries, community stakeholders and project leaders. The study used face-to-face interviews as a more natural way of interacting with the respondents. The purposive sampling was appropriate for this study, because the researcher wanted participants who have knowledge about the topic and who can give reliable information which will help to reach the objectives of the study. The study findings revealed LED implementation in Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality is constraints by many factors which hinder it to achieving economic development and poverty alleviation. The Municipality have challenges such as lack of budget, political interference in the allocation of LED projects, double dipping of projects, dependency syndrome of LED projects, LED strategies do not address socio-economic challenges of communities, absence of monitoring and evaluation. Local economic development must contribute effectively on poverty alleviation and should have strong social focus.Item Open Access The impact of COVID-19 on the implementation of the National Development Plan 2030: a case of Vhembe District Municipality(2023-05-19) Maemu, Emmanuel; Munzhedzi, P. H.; Mathebula, N. E.The study sought to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 also known as corona virus disease on the implementation of the National Development Plan 2030 at the Vhembe District Municipality. The National Development Plan (NDP) is a plan for South Africa to eliminate poverty and reduce inequality by 2030 through uniting South Africans, unleashing the energies of its citizens, growing an inclusive economy, building capabilities, enhancing the capability of the state and leaders working together to solve complex problems. The approach of the Plan revolves around citizens being active in development, a capable and developmental state able to intervene to correct the historical inequities, and strong leadership throughout society by working together to solve the problems. The Plan addresses the need to enhance the capabilities of the people so that they can live the lives that they desire; and to develop the capabilities of the state so that it can grow faster, draw more people into work and raise living standards for all, particularly the poor. COVID-19 pandemic has done significant harm to an already bruised economy which affected the implementation of the NDP 2030. This study used a mixed research methodology in which both quantitative and qualitative research approaches were used. The reason for using the mixed method was that it can be combined in such a way that quantitative and qualitative methods retain their original structures and procedures. To achieve the objective of the study, non-probability sampling and its sub-type, purposive sampling method were used to get an appropriate sample. The researcher used two data collection methods namely, questionnaires and interviews. The data collected through the questionnaires were analysed using statistical analysis through the computer software called: International Business Machinery (IBM): Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS) version 28.0 and the information was presented using graphical tabular form, frequencies, and percentages. The data collected through interviews were analysed through thematic analysis and presented in narrative form. The major findings of the study are: • COVID-19 has a major impact on South African economy. • Municipal financial budget has been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. • There is no proper implementation of the NDP due to the lockdown regulations in Vhembe District Municipality. • There is an increase in unemployment rate due to employment reduction and retrenchment in many businesses which affect the aim of full employment rate by 2030 which is the priority of the NDP. • There is high level of dropouts from school due to rotational polices and online classes to control the spread of COVID-19 pandemic. The following recommendations are therefore made based on the findings of the study: • The study recommended that Economic Recovery Plan should be fostered to address the impact of COVID-19 on the South African economy. • It is further recommended that maximum time should be on the implementation of the NDP 2030 and the deadlines of achieving the plan should be adjusted to achieve the goals by 2030. • The Municipality should focus more in low and middle-income areas as they are more vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19 pandemic. • The Municipality should also strengthen partnerships between private sector and local municipalities within its jurisdiction to improve the implementation of the NDP 2030.Item Embargo The effect of developmental local government in implementing local economic development strategy: a case of Polokwane Local Municipality(2024-09-06) Maela, Khutso Delphus; Munzhedzi, P. H.; Mathebula, N. E.The study evaluates effect of developmental local government (DLG) in implementing local economic development (LED) strategy, using the Polokwane Local Municipality as a case study. DLG is borne out of a complex of socio-economic and political procedures marked by democratization, marketization, and decentralization. DLG presents a new approach to the pursuit of collective welfare and developmental goals, leveraged by ideas that favour a redefinition of the role of the state and government. Most important is the decentralisation of functions of the state and government as an important strategy to boost local economies to address high levels of poverty, unemployment, and inequalities facing most communities. LED is a localized, ‘place-based’ approach to local development. LED as a development strategy has in the recent past gained widespread popularity and acceptance as a grassroots-based approach, especially in the developing world. The study applied mixed-methods research approach to understand the scope and nature of the study. The study used a pragmatic research paradigm while descriptive and contextual research design were applied. Questionnaires and interviews are the data collection methods that were used in this study. The population of the study consists of municipal officials, councilors, and selected community members within the Polokwane Local Municipality area. The study used non-probability and probability. Data was analysed using thematic and statistical analysis. The data collected through questionnaires were analysed through the International Business Machinery: Statistical Product and Service Solutions (IBM: SPSS) the latest Version 28.0. The information was presented in the form of tables, and graphs followed by frequencies and percentage. Data collected through interviews was analysed using thematic analysis. The major findings of the study are: • DLG improves the living standards of the communities through the implementation of LED. • DLG empowers local communities and ensures independence. • DLG ensures the availability of funds to support the LED strategy. • There is active community and stakeholder participation in the LED project development and implementation. • DLG ensures that LED alleviates poverty. • The DLG ensures proper communication channels to coordinate and implement LED strategy. • Polokwane community members through their participation work with Municipality towards achieving the LED strategy. • DLG create job opportunities through LED. • Traditional Leaders, community stakeholders, community development workers, community development groups and NGOs should be incorporated in Municipal LED projects to ensure the effective implementation of LED in the Municipality. • The increase in funding may sufficiently support the implementation of LED programmes. • The continuous workshops to educate the local communities and municipal officials about new technological development are necessary since they will be able to adapt to the new changes, for instance the operation of e-governance under the evolution of 4th industrial revolution. The training or workshops of communities and municipal officials is vital for fostering effective LED planning and implementation • Deployment of sufficient resources for implementing LED programmes is essential. • Corruption and other mal-administrative practices must be effectively curtailed through oversight mechanisms such as Chapter 9 institutions. • Sufficient support for the government departments such as Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA, Public Works inter alia is needed. Recommendations of the study are: • The study recommends for the sustainable developmental local economic stimuli theory (SDLEST) which is based on the following principles: community-stakeholder participation, public/community value, utilization of local resources, job creation, accountability measures, local education and training, participative NGOs, local investors, and empowerment. • The study suggests the support of Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) as they are significant contributors to economic growth and employment. • Education and training regarding the usage of local resources and participation in municipal affairs is vital in Polokwane Local Municipality. • The study suggests for municipality together with COGHSTA to partner with NGOs and private sectors to encourage sustainable business practises. Sustainable business practises should be aimed at tackling the community problems such as social inequality, unequal distribution of wealth, failing economics, community conflict, gender inequality, lack of education, rampant poverty and provision of quality life for all. • The study recommends for sufficient budget to be able to cater all the projects the municipality considers to improve the social, political, and economic needs of the communities. • The study recommends the encouragement of community, and relevant stakeholder participation as a way of empowering community members. • The study suggests for collaborative partnerships with linguists, cultural organizations, universities, and tourism agencies around Polokwane Local Municipality to enhance local economic development. • E-government is also recommended as an effective method for the implementation of LED since the issues of corruption, maladministration, and nepotism will be reduced. • The study recommends that there should be the development of an inclusive and robust local economy to eradicate poverty and create jobs. • The study recommends for agriculture, tourism, SMMEs, education and training, e-government, service delivery, utilisation of local resources, collaboration, participation and public-private partnership as centres of effective LED through DLG.Item Embargo The Role od Ward Committees in community participation: the case of Lepelle-Nkupi Local Municipality, Limpopo Province(2024-09-06) Aphane, Calvin Sehlapelo; Mathebula, N. E.; Mathoga, S. T.Participating in the community involves open dialogue and team effort to solve problems in order to make decisions that are better and more acceptable. The focus of this study is to investigate the role that ward committees play in promoting community participation in the Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality, Limpopo Province. This is an attempt to learn how community participation through ward committees can aid basic service delivery which in doing so the community will be effectively playing their part in the integrated development planning. The study was conducted in the Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality. For this study, mixed-method research was used. The study adopted a pragmatism paradigm and utilized a descriptive and contextual design using questionnaires and interviews as a method of collecting data. The study population consisted of municipal officials, ward councillors, ward committee members, civic organisations, community leaders, and community development workers. Sampling methods such as non-probability sampling in the form of purposive sampling technique were adopted. International business machinery: The statistical package of social sciences (IBM: SPSS) latest version was used to analyse quantitative data collected through questionnaires. Thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative interview data narratively. To guarantee that all respondents may participate voluntarily and without being forced or intimidated, all ethical considerations were taken into account during the data-gathering process.