Conference Proceedings

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Open Access
Low-Income Workers Perceptions About a Living Wage in the Tshwane Municipality
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Maleka, M.; Mpofu, M.; Hlatywayo, K.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane T. (Quest Editor)
A living wage is predicted as one of the panaceas to take low-remuneration workers out of the poverty trap, to empower and sustain them to live a dignified life. In the literature it is argued that low-remuneration workers work in precarious jobs globally. Theoretically a living wage is predicted by many factors, but for the purpose of this study the focus was on gender, the economic sector, benefits and employment status. With the exception of economic sector, the other factors and living wage are associated with these United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals: 1 (poverty reduction), 8 (decent wage) and 10 (gender parity). In terms of the former, it is argued that the wage gap is a reality in the workplaces because males still earn higher than females. Research show that low-remuneration workers still earn wages that still traps them in poverty, and their working condition are not conducive. A quantitative cross-sectional survey approach was adopted while convenience sampling was used to select respondents (n=205), since the researcher did not have a sampling frame. A validated questionnaire was used to collect the data. Logistic regression was deemed appropriate to use, since the perception of a living wage was binary. The main finding showed a positive relationship between employment status and a living wage while the variables of benefits and economic sector decreased the likelihood of low-income workers to perceive their remuneration as a living wage by 46% and 40% respectively. Additionally, low-income workers who were employed on a permanent basis, were 3.8 times more likely to perceive their remuneration as a living wage. Findings from the study are key for policy makers and researchers as we benchmark the tipping point between paying reasonable wage and profits. The implication is that organisations should offer employees benefits, like medical aid, education, and training, so that they can have medical aid and improve their skills or competency levels; ensure that non-permanent employees work hours that will allow them to afford basic needs while perception studies should be done prior to the implementation of a living wage that is determined by calculating labour economic variables
Open Access
The Impact of Supervisor-Supervisee Relationship on Organisational Job Performance: An Analysis of the South African Government Employee Relations
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Ngomane, T. S.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
The relationship between supervisors and their subordinates is crucial in determining attainment of organisational goals. Supervisors have a responsibility of assisting organisations to meet their goals, since they are the front drivers of employee job satisfaction. Skilled supervisors assist organisations in meeting their goals, as they are able to clarify organisational goals, manage workplace relationships and motivate employees, set targets and time frames for the achievement of goals. It is thus important that supervisors have the necessary job and people skills. A positive perception of supervisors by junior employees goes a long way in ensuring the achievement of organisational goals through performance management systems. This paper is a desktop analysis of the role of supervisor-supervisee relationships and the impact of such relationships on job performance and the achievement of organisational goals. The results of this study indicate that unskilled supervisors have a negative impact on employees job satisfaction and are costly to organisations as they negatively affect organisational goals.
Open Access
A Clarion Call for Decolonisation of Curriculum in South Africa: The Struggle Left Unattended
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Kgobe, F. K. L.; Sebola, M. P.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Guest Editor)
The purpose of this paper is to explore in greater details and assess the potency of the current educational curriculum's responsiveness towards socio economic issues and market demand. The paper proposes the need for the decolonising of the inclusive and well-resourced education in South African educational contexts. The clarion call for decolonisation of curriculum in South African institutions of learning be it basic education and higher education endure to relish appeals both from the students and the academics. Decolonisation of education, therefore, rest upon academics who coordinates teaching and learning in public educational institutions. For instance, on the 26 November 2020 the Minister of higher education Dr Blade Nzimande noted students who enrol for courses that are not short of in the market breeding more unemployment with government spending funds on students that are not going to be employed. The question that rises from his speech is: Why are those courses offered by institutions of higher learning if they are not contributing to the unemployment reduction? The paper adopted the Afrocentricity Theory by Asante (1980) in order to strengthen the argument that the current curricula is guarding against unemployment being addressed. The paper uses the Constitution of Republic of South Africa 1996, chapter 2, section 29, and subsection 2 to fortify the argument. The paper further proposes that a decolonised well-resourced education as a basic human need that will serve as a panacea to the tripartite debacles faced by the country of which are poverty, unemployment, and inequality. The inability of the curriculum to respond to contextual issues is as of the lack of capacity of both Departments of Basic Education and Higher Education and Training.
Open Access
Management of Education Quality: A Case of Two Historically Disadvantaged Universities
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Modiba, N. S.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
The paper critiques how lack of quality university education persists to aggravate the treble challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality in myriad societal members. Quality university education is expected to assist in the social ills of the nation. This is a qualitative case study paper which is conceptual and empirical in nature. Interviewing techniques and document review were used to collect data from the 12 lecturers attached to the Historically Disadvantaged Universities (HDUs). Such data were analysed through thematic content analysis and constant comparative methods. Research findings revealed that firstly, an enabling learning environment is essential to offering quality university education that eradicates social-ills. Secondly, failure to expose students to meteoric rise at the pre-tertiary sector, compromises the envisaged quality university education. Thirdly, the closure of the former teacher-training colleges overburdens universities. Fourthly, badly coordinated curriculum changes at the pre-tertiary sector, compromises quality at universities. Fifthly, the absence of the culture of quality and excellence at universities, worsens the situation. Lastly, under-prepared pre-tertiary learners contribute to lack of quality tertiary education at the HDUs. The researcher recommends for the HDUs to embrace decolonisation project to enable them to reverse lack of quality university education.
Open Access
Paucities of Monitoring and Evaluation Arrangements of Johannesburg-Based Non-Governmental Organisations Intervening in Substance Abuse, A Research Conceptualisation
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Mokoena, M.; Wolela, K.; Sebola. M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
Studies show that organisations, including non-governmental ones, believe that monitoring and evaluation provides for improved implementation and management as well as reformulation of interventions. Therefore, in the recent years most organisations have put in place arrangements to monitor and evaluate their interventions. However, where present, most of these arrangements are ineffective and in turn affects the implementation and management of their interventions. Using Johannesburg-based non-governmental organisations intervening in substance abuse this paper conceptualises a research that interrogates the paucities of monitoring and evaluation arrangements. Generally, the paper employs a summative thematic content analysis of literature around this subject. More specifically three sets of literature, that is, on the (i.) research's physical context or setting, (ii.) research problem, and (iii.) past and current studies on and evaluations of the research problem. Specifically, the interrogation on the research problem analysis makes use of the problem tree, trend analysis, and the theory of constraint. This restructured approach provides us with comprehensive and critical content that allows us to state the research problem, the research purpose, and the research questions on the paucities of monitoring and evaluation arrangements of Johannesburg-based non-governmental organisations intervening in substance abuse. It also provides for information to propose, yet to detail, the (i.) research strategy, design, procedure and methods as well as (ii.) frameworks that we can use interpret the resulting empirical results.
Open Access
A Historical Critical Analysis of Weberianism in Ethnic Entrepreneurship in South Africa: An Essay
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Mafukata, M. A.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T, (Quest Editor); Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
This paper interrogated Weberianism and how this ideology was adopted by the architects of apartheid to engineer a race-based economic system in South Africa. The paper used desktop method to collect qualitative literature. Historical Critical Analysis (HCA) theory was adopted for the study. A few successful Black entrepreneurs were handpicked to demonstrate entrepreneurial abilities of Black people who conquered multiple challenges and complexities to establish successful enterprises. The finding refuted Weber's views and Weberian-apartheid assertions about Black capabilities on entrepreneurship. It was evident following the historical critical analysis that exclusion of Blacks from mainstream entrepreneurship was informed by a long time held belief of Weberian thought patterns. It is recommended that the post-apartheid state should prioritise fast-tracking the empowerment of Black entrepreneurs so as to integrate them in mainstream entrepreneurial system. Further research on Black entrepreneurship should seek to focus on the strategies used by successful Black entrepreneurs who conquered apartheid for their successes
Open Access
Supervisor and Supervisee Relationship in the Clinical Learning Environment
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Mathevula, R. F.; Mudau, S. T.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
Good clinical learning environments depend on the supervisory relationship created by both the supervisors and supervisees. The cooperation between the two parties can strengthen the role of supervision by supervisors as well as building a conducive clinical learning environment. In the case of nursing, professional nurses allocated in various clinical areas play a major in guiding and mentoring student nurses to become competent professional practitioners. This study aimed to explore the supervisors and supervisees' perceptions of supervisory relationships in the clinical areas. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was employed. A sample of 387 professional nurses and 80 student nurses from the seven training hospitals of Mopani and Vhembe districts of Limpopo Province was recruited for the study. Self-administered questionnaires and focus group interviews were used in data collection. Quantitative data were analysed by descriptive statistics using the Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS), version 22.0 and Tesch's method was used to analyse qualitative data. Quantitative results revealed that time spent and the frequency of supervision ranged from 15-30 minutes and thrice a week. On the other hand, the qualitative findings included inadequate support of supervisors, poor communication, lack of supervisory skills and the inability to maintain a collegial relationship, and ethnic marginalisation of students. The study concludes that student supervision depends on the adherence to ethical principles by both the supervisor and supervisee.
Open Access
Students' Perceptions of Online Teaching and Learning Amid Covid-19: A Case of University of Limpopo
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Malatji, E.; Masuku, M.; Baloyi, C.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
The paper focuses on students' perceptions of online teaching and learning amid Covid-19 lockdown at the University of Limpopo, South Africa. Coronavirus pandemic regulations imposed by South African government to curb the proliferation of the virus transformed the application of teaching and learning at tertiary institutions. In South Africa, some institutions had to grapple with migrating their contact teaching programme to a new online phenomenon. Students were also expected to swiftly adopt to the new teaching and learning approach. The study employed qualitative approach through focus group interviews. Thus, students were engaged pertaining to their experiences of online teaching and learning during lockdown period due to Covid- 19 pandemic. The analysis of the qualitative data was carried through reflexive thematic analysis. The study employed six steps of thematic analysis. Therefore, the study revealed that online teaching and learning had both positive and negative impacts on the students. A number of challenges were raised i.e. poor connectivity, lecturers' unpreparedness, and lack of devices. However, some students indicated that new system has advantages such as recording of the lectures for revision purposes. In the light of this, we recommend an implementation of online teaching and learning policy at the institutions of higher learning.
Open Access
Is Accountability in the Management of Public Finances a Myth? The Case of the West Rand District Municipality
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Sambo, V.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T, (Quest Editor)
Several South African municipalities, including West Rand District Municipality (WRDM) had deposited funds into VBS Mutual Bank, which they subsequently lost because of the severe illiquidity that the bank experienced. On 11 March 2018, the then Minister of Finance, Mr Nhlanhla Nene placed the VBS mutual Bank under curatorship due the liquidity crisis, as explained above. This liquidity crisis was caused by amongst others what has been reported as grand theft of the bank's funds and fraud by allegedly amongst others, the bank's directors. The VBS theft and fraud case is currently being heard in court, and some of those who are alleged to have benefitted have been charged. Section 7(3)(b) of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) 56 of 2003 requires municipalities to only open bank accounts such as investment accounts with banks registered in terms of the Banks Act 94 of 1990. Investments in mutual banks such as VBS are as such prohibited by the MFMA. As described above, the WRDM is one of the 14 municipalities, which were found to have illegally deposited money into VBS, whereby municipal officials and political office bearers are alleged to have personally benefitted for making such deposits. A forensic report by audit firm Deloitte, published in 2019 indicates that the WRDM may have lost as much as R224.5 million after illegally investing in the now-defunct VBS bank. The paper used the qualitative methodology wherein the materials used consisted of documents in the public domain. Through a careful analysis of both primary and secondary sources of information and statutes on local government finance, the researcher provides an in-depth and objective description of the case. The paper considered the necessary prerequisites that need to be in place to ensure accountability in the management of public finances at the WRDM, and come up with a framework that will highlight these prerequisites. The paper highlights three broad prerequisites in this regard, that is, following an accountability ladder, instituting internal controls and implementing a combined assurance model. The presence of these prerequisites could go a long way in ensuring that there is accountability in the management of public finances
Open Access
An Analysis of Oral Presentation at the Universities of Technology in South Africa: Communication Skills for Audit Qualifications
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Motubatse, K. N.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
The purpose of this paper is to analyse oral presentation at the Universities of Technology (UoTs) in South Africa. The paper does so by analysing the impact of oral presentation through the role of facilitation and teaching of oral presentation; and the assessment of oral presentation. On one hand, the study is significant given that education is a vital pillar of sustainable development; hence, the study identifies the problem that oral presentation is not underscored in the auditing curriculum to empower the students with communication skills and confidence in public speaking of subject content. On the other hand, there still no evidence of how oral presentations are facilitated and assessed from the subject outline in communication skills. Adopting a content analysis as a research methodology and review of related literature, is apparent that the study focuses on the description of concepts that explains the oral presentations and rubrics. Findings from the analysis of literature shows lack of practical demonstration of oral presentation and lack of transparency in the assessment of oral presentation. In conclusion, the study recommends the implications of oral presentations as imperative for lifelong learning, time management, public speaking, self-confidence and critical thinking
Open Access
Budget Allocation and Funding of Community Food Security Projects in Gauteng Province
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Mofokeng, W. N.; Mzini, L. B.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
This study aimed to assess funding of community food security projects in the Gauteng Province. The study was prompted by high levels of poverty and unemployment. Despite the two challenges being at the fore front for policy makers in the country, civil society members are partaking in alternative and sustainable solutions to poverty reduction which has led to establishment of community food security projects. Proper and adequate funding to these poverty reduction strategies ensures that the projects succeed and meet their intended objectives and goals. It is important for government to budget for developmental and sustainable initiatives. To realise the research problem, a semi-structured questionnaire is used to solicit and examine how community food security projects are funded in the six peri-urban townships of Emfuleni Local Municipality. This was to assess the contribution of communities in their own food security and the impact of the projects on the whole community. The study established that food gardens have a role to play in the extensive fight against hunger and in improving household food security and ultimately, in creating income generation or providing employment opportunities. The study recommends for increased participatory budgeting process to enhance involvement of community members.
Open Access
Cyber Risk Management Frameworks for the South African Banking Industry
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Koto, C.; Smith, R. J.; Schutte, B.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
Since the dawn of technology, the banking industry has relied on technology to support its operations. Unfortunately, the banking industry has been exposed to cyber risks as a result of the same technology, which has resulted in enormous financial losses. South Africa has the world's third-highest number of cyberattacks, with the banking industry being the most targeted. As a result, it is critical for the banking industry in South Africa to implement effective cyber risk management procedures. The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) requires that these procedures be aligned to the cyber resilience guidelines of the Committee on Payments and Market Infrastructures (CPMI) and the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO). The CPMI–IOSCO cyber resilience guidance provides guidelines that should be addressed by a bank's cyber risk management framework. The aim of this research is to determine if the Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity (ICIC) framework addresses the CPMI–IOSCO cyber resilience guidelines. The results were gathered by examining the ICIC framework and mapping it against the CPMI–IOSCO cyber resilience guidelines. It was revealed that, the ICIC framework addresses up to 71% of the CPMI–IOSCO cyber resilience guidelines
Open Access
Governance and Sustainability of Entrepreneurship During the Covid-19 Era in South Africa
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Musasa, G.; Modiba, F. S.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
Globally governments have been putting efforts to sustain economies heavily affected by the Covid- 19 pandemic, particularly entrepreneurial-based activities. The purpose of this paper is to critically examine how governance in South Africa affected creative industries during the Covid-19 era. This article argues that a country can only sustain and benefit from the growth potential of creative industries when there is good governance and a clear model of development assistance during the Covid-19 era. A systematic literature review was conducted to source qualitative data using grey literature of media sources. The review was guided by the following questions: what governance issues affected creative industries during the Covid-19 era? And to what extent did the latter affect this sector during the Covid-19 lockdowns? Results show that poor governance coupled with corruption and the lack of a clear development assistance model affected the creative industries' activities and livelihoods, and further impacted their sustainability. A conceptual policy model is proposed to assist and sustain creative industries during and post-Covid-19 era to increase entrepreneurial activities and rebuild the economy
Open Access
Conceptualising Informal Business Support in South Africa: A Critical Theory Perspective
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Ntoyanto, S. S.; Khumalo, P.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
It has been said that the next wave of economic growth will come from townships. Over the years several researchers have conducted research on the township economy and the nature of the township economy. Their focus has been predominately on small businesses and entrepreneurial activities. However, as recent as 2020, the Department of Small Business Development has developed a strategy to close the support gap faced by informal businesses. This has been through the establishment of the National Informal Business Upliftment Strategy (NIBUS). Using the critical theory lens for analysis, the authors will argue that strategies like the above seek to play an emancipatory role especially when it comes to ongoing developmental issues such as poverty alleviation and socio-economic transformation in South Africa. The authors believe that choosing to support informal businesses within their informality is a form of emancipatory policy making and implementation. The authors believe that more policies should work towards meeting individuals where they operate such as in informal spaces. Such as approach in economic development will have a positive outcome on poverty alleviation
Open Access
Social Housing Policy Implementation Challenges in South African Local Municipalities
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Madisha, M. G.; Khumalo, P.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
The purpose of this paper is to present and discuss the barriers to secure affordable rental social housing at municipal level. There are challenges that are inherent in the current social housing delivery implementation system. The paper emanates from an empirical study undertaken to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of intergovernmental relations system in Gauteng Province in the implementation of social housing using selected three metropolitan municipalities namely: Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, and Johannesburg. A mixedmethod approach was used with questionnaires, interviews, and documentary analysis to collect data. The findings show that municipalities are faced with challenges of human settlement planning and land use; supply, release of land and provision of basic infrastructure; administrative and institutional capacity as policy implementation impediments to a system of financing social housing and financial planning; and coordination of social housing and intergovernmental relations functions and activities. The practical implication is that the challenges impact negatively on the delivery of social housing in South African municipalities. The challenges have a bearing on the current legislative framework which impact and influence the speedy release of land for social housing development, human settlement planning systems, financial and budgeting for the delivery of social units in South African municipalities. The paper contributes to the body of knowledge as it present the challenges in the implementation social housing policy and the impact of stakeholder management as social housing delivery cut across spheres of government and other government entities
Open Access
School Based Experience Assessment Tool Revisited: A Comparative Analysis of Two Universities in South Africa
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Ncanywa, T.; Makena, B.; Buqa, N.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
Teaching practice is an integral part in the Bachelor of Education degree and Post Graduate Certificate in Education studies. During school visits, student teachers are assessed using the school-based experience (SBE) assessment tool. The SBE tool needs to assess student teacher quality, performance, and effectiveness in the teaching practice exercise. The study aims to evaluate the quality of the SBE assessment tool used by assessors. To achieve the aim, a case study of the comparative analysis of the SBE tool between two Universities was conducted. The comparative analysis applies content analysis that merge themes. It was found from the comparison that both tools contain themes such as teacher professional profile, lesson preparation, presentation of the lesson feedback and suggestions. These themes can be used as benchmark for the best SBE assessment tool to be used to indicate good quality of teachers produced by the Universities. Effective teachers are those who produce gains in learner achievement as measured by gains in standardized tests. Therefore, the tool needs to gather evidence for teacher effectiveness and display sufficient resources to produce high quality teaching and productive assessment. Moreover, the teacher assessment tool should entail theories such as transfer of learning, pedagogical techniques that cater for learner characteristics and the curriculum among others
Open Access
Public Administration Milieu and the Theory Linked to Public Sector Unions: A Narrative on Employment Relations
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Mzangwa, S. T.; Sebola,M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
One of the main principles which public administration addresses is state (government) relations and their effect on administration, politics and social institutions; hence, public administration may in effect be regarded as the governing system. Based on this level of understating, public administration has a major influence on the structures of public organisations, management of public services and management techniques of governance. On this note, public sector unions or trade unions as labour organisations representing workers, some of whom are public servants, have a role to play in operations of institutions applying principles of governance. It is for this reason that public administration is significant and relevant in employment relations and administration. It focuses on effective and efficient management as well as governance of organisations. Trade unions operate as one of the three role players in employment relations. The stance of working relations amongst the three role players, i.e. the state, employers and employees' organisations are influenced by theoretical perspectives in the public and private sector. This article seeks to address some theoretical perspectives in a unionised public sector environment and provide a narrative on the existence of trade unionism.
Open Access
Utilising Monitoring to Manage Teaching and Learning: A Perspective of the Open Distance Learning Universities
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Modiba, N. S.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
This paper evaluates why monitoring is being under-utilised to manage teaching and learning during the Open Distance Learning (ODL) mode by universities. The paper is both conceptual and empirical in nature within the qualitative research paradigm. Interviewing techniques and document review were used to collect data from six lecturers involved in the Open Distance Learning mode by universities. Research findings revealed that monitoring could be a nucleus for the enhancement of tuition by universities. Secondly, monitoring could promote students' accountability towards the completion of their studies on record time. Thirdly, monitoring could facilitate remedial teaching for students-at-risk. Fourthly, monitoring could advise on the accommodative assessment types for diverse students. Fifthly, monitoring could enable the restoration of the culture of quality and excellence by students. Lastly, the absence of well-coordinated monitoring during the ODL period, compromises the sustenance of academic standards by universities. The researcher recommends for the embracing of the decolonisation project to restore the centrality of monitoring during the ODL period. This is about transforming to suite conditions of the new normal.
Open Access
Challenges of Online Pedagogies During Covid-19 Lockdown: Reflections from Teaching Geospatial Technology for Development Planning at the University of Limpopo
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Ramoroka, T. M.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
During the academic year 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced institutions of higher education, especially face-to-face institutions, to adopt alternatives to conventional teaching and learning instructions and methods. As a result, online pedagogies have been unexpectedly adopted by both academics and students in these institutions, with the hope of saving the 2020 academic year. Regardless of being a desirable option compared to no teaching and learning, the abrupt change from face-to-face instruction to online pedagogies came with challenges which affected both lecturers and students in these institutions. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to explore the implementation challenges of online pedagogies at an honours level of study (postgraduate) during COVID-19 lockdown with specific reflections from GeoSpatial Technology for Development Planning curriculum at the University of Limpopo (UL). The challenges include limited or lack thereof, of stable internet connectivity, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure and gadgets and, basic ICT skills among some lecturers and students to support online teaching and learning. To achieve its purpose, qualitative research approach was adopted wherein observations and weekly teaching reports were used to solicit data. The paper revealed that "lack of institutional and curriculum support" and, "operational challenges" are the most common experienced at UL. The paper concluded that the successful implementation of online pedagogies depends on well-established ICT resources and infrastructure as well as both lecturers' and students' technological knowledge and skills.
Open Access
A Qualitative Review of the Recurrence of Xenophobic Violence and their Effects on South Africa's Role in International Diplomacy
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Niyitunga, E. B.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
The recurring xenophobic violence in South Africa has become a horrific problem that continues to affect the country's international diplomacy in the region and its international relations with other states. Migrants continue to encounter xenophobic violence almost every year, and a number of them live in fear of their lives. The aim of the paper is to contribute to the debate by examining the causal factors of xenophobic violence and their broader effects on South Africa's role in international diplomacy. The attitude of denialism from the side of political leaders, failure to offer quality and good services to the people, and the people experiencing a general sense of deprivation were found to be main causal factors of xenophobic violence. It was found that xenophobic violence defeats the country's diplomacy in exporting human rights protection as the prerequisite for good governance that leads to peace and security to African states. The violence ruins South Africa's African renaissance and Panafricanism diplomacy, and the peacebuilding and democracy diplomacy when dealing with African states. The violence was also found to thwart the country's economic diplomacy in the region and affects the country's involvement in the South-South diplomacy. To reach the findings, the paper adopted a qualitative research method design and used the relative deprivation theory.