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Open Access
Shortcomings of South African Economic Growth on Poverty Alleviation and Job Creation
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Msiza, M. L.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest editor)
The paper analyses shortcomings of low economic growth that affects poverty alleviation and job creation in South Africa. After the 27 years of democracy, the South African government is still struggling to alleviate poverty within its unequal income societies. There is a massive gap of poverty imbalances between South African families especially the poor and marginalised who were previously disadvantaged by the apartheid system. The South African government introduced Grants for Old Age Pensioners, Children Support grants, Disability under the Department of South African Social Security Agency (SASSA, 1996). These are basic income grants introduced post 1994 to reduce poverty for the senior citizens, children from poor families and children whom their biological parents have passed on and the disabilities. After the apartheid era in South Africa, the grant for basic income was the main strategy to reduce poverty mostly from previously disadvantaged families being black, Indians and Coloureds South Africans. In the view of current government economic situation, this paper intends to analyse the shortcomings of South African government on economic growth for poverty alleviation and job creation. The exploring of literature review will thus address the existing shortcoming of government economic growth on poverty alleviation and job creation that seeks to address previous economic injustice. The unemployment remains a major challenge in South Africa. Job creation is declining after the tragedic strike of covid-19 pandemic. This paper conclude that the government’s fight against poverty and job creation will depend on the government’s fight against corruption, deportation of illegal immigrants, build institutions and open the apartheid-built factories which were closed post-1994 to operate and centralise tenders to public works to create jobs.
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
Minimising Groundwater Contamination from Pit Latrines: Lessons from the Global Amphitheatre for South Africa
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Hlongwane, P.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
Pit latrines or toilets are considered to be suitable for the containment of human excreta and they are environment-friendly. Although previous studies have shown that there are some improvements in terms of access to sanitation, the reality is that most South African households still do not have access to sanitation facilities. At least 32.2% of households in South Africa are still using pit latrines. Despite the advantages of pit latrines, the constant outflow from pits could overpercolate the geological strata and contaminate the groundwater. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to reflect on lessons that South Africa can draw from the global arena with regard to reducing groundwater pollution from pit latrines. Concerning the method used to collect data - a review of scholarly peer-reviewed articles and non-scholarly documents such as newspaper reports was used. This paper explains how pit latrines contaminate groundwater as well as discuss the chemical contaminants associated with pit latrines. Importantly, this paper argues that the measures that can be taken to address challenges pertaining to groundwater contamination include operation and maintenance, improved pit and slab design, and setting safe distances between boreholes and pit latrines. Since pit latrines seem to contribute greatly to the contamination of groundwater, transferring bacteria and viruses, it is important for the government (municipalities in particular) to sensitise people about the health hazards associated with the use of pit latrines while also using groundwater for consumption. At the same time, communities who use pit latrines and boreholes for drinking water have to be educated about the need to maintain proper distances between pit latrines and boreholes.
Open Access
Performance of Informal Settlement Upgrading Projects in South Africa: The Case of Soshanguve Extension 3, City of Tshwane
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Mathebula, E.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
Despite the adoption and implementation of upgrading and the delivery of mass public housing in South Africa, the number of informal settlements is still swelling. It is against this background that the paper intends to provide critical analysis of the upgrading projects beneficiaries' perceptions regarding the general performance of an informal settlement upgrading project in Soshanguve Extension 3. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach to capture perceptions of informal settlement upgrading beneficiaries concerning the impact of such upgrading in their lives and livelihoods. A household survey questionnaire was utilised with 60 randomly sampled households for the quantitative aspect of the research. Purposive sampling was applied for the qualitative aspect with one focus group discussion and one in-depth interview with a community leader. The key study findings revealed that the upgrading in Soshanguve Extension 3 presented a generally acceptable access level to certain basic services and housing infrastructure. Furthermore, the upgrading project in Soshanguve Extension 3 deviated from certain key principles acknowledged by Turner and adopted in South Africa housing upgrading policies, such as: limiting dweller participation and freedom to build; as well as failure to improve dwellers' economic standing. The main study recommendation is the augmentation for the freedom to build and dweller control in the housing provision facilitated through self-build in which government create enabling environment for dwellers to build their own houses
Open Access
Monitoring Remote Workers Productivity in Institutions of Higher Learning: A Case of the University of Venda
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Dzaga, T. V.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
This study evaluates the process of monitoring the performance and productivity of staff working remotely amid the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 has profound impact on how different institutions operate, especially on ensuring effective performance management of employees working remotely. Despite all odds, some workers continue working remotely during these extraordinary circumstances. There is a need to acknowledge that the world has changed and that these changes could last for some time, and perhaps even more permanently. A sample of 80 and 10 participants for quantitative and qualitative, respectively, was chosen to fully represent the staff. The data collection methods included interviews and questionnaires with selected staff. The Convenience Sampling Method was used to select respondents amongst staff members assigned to work remotely based on the fact that they were either sharing office with colleagues or had capacity to work remotely. The questionnaires were physically administered by the Researcher, whereas interviews were conducted with individual staff. Quantitative data was analysed through SPSS software, and qualitative data was analysed through themes and coding. The study revealed that some staff members are not ethical when working from home with minimal supervision. The study also revealed that when staff are not closely monitored, they tend not to focus and spend some time performing non-work-related activities which negatively affects the performance and productivity of the institution. The study further revealed that remote working led to poor quality of reports and missing of deadlines, signifying lack of proper planning.
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
Covid-19 Outbreak and its Contradictions in World Politics: The Cases of Tanzania and South Africa
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Adunimay, A. W.; Niyitunga, E. B.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
The outbreak of the novel Coronavirus pandemic, widely referred to as COVID-19, in January 2020, took the world by surprise. Things fell apart, as socio-economic and poltical interactions were pertubed, as both developed and developing countries were affected. The COVID-19 crisis also heightened the need for reliable information and existing concerns about the growth of contradictions. The contradictions, therefore, influenced some policymakers to come up with policies on how to deal with the pandemic. For instance, in the case of South Africa, the leadership and governance structures therein developed policies to help curb the spread, thereby avoiding any socio-economic consequences or effects between the people and that state (shutting downing and opening in stages). Nonetheless recorded high infection and death rates. On the other hand, Tanzania assumed a more liberal posture by not shutting down and recorded low infection and dead rates. Thus, both South Africa and Tanzania policymakers saw the spread of this deadly pandemic from two perspectives. These two perspectives have posed serious contradictions to the existence of the COVID-19 as South Africa witnessed a high rate of infection under a serious lockdown of the economy, while Tanzania witnessed a relatively low rate of infection and dead under an open economy. The aim of this paper is to investigate the outbreak of COVID-19 and its contradiction in global politics using South Africa and Tanzania as case studies. While being cognizant of this sharp divide and contradictions in policies, the question therefore is what could be the reasons behind such approaches. Was it as a result of the fact that state leadership and governance was under some external influence in one case and was not in the other? The paper adopts a qualitative research design with a case study approach.
Open Access
Strengthening Leadership Capacity Building Among Secondary Schools Principals: A Case of Ekurhuleni South District
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Thlakanelo, B. Z.; Mzini, L. B.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
Despite increased attention to capacity building, there is still limited understanding of the role capacity plays in ensuring adequate performance in the public sector. School Principals are regarded as strategic, instructional, executive, organisational and cultural leaders. Experience suggests that achieving better education outcomes requires both an injection of resources and adequate local capacity to use those resources effectively. There are innumerable changes that principals must contend with, and these necessitate them to have the necessary skills, knowledge, and attitudes to manage and lead schools effectively and efficiently. This study was undertaken to explore how leadership capacity is strengthened for secondary school Principals with reference to the Ekurhuleni South District. It also aims to understand leadership development framework for school leadership. A qualitative research approach was selected to investigate the role principals play in building leadership capacity in post level one teachers. The population of the study comprised ten principals in public secondary schools in Ekurhuleni South District. Semi-structured individual telephone surveys were conducted. The questionnaire comprised Likert scale questions. The researchers obtained written permission from the GDE before commencement of any communication with the employees of the organisation. It is therefore important that capacity building programmes are put in place to strengthen the management and leadership of school principals. A set of recommendations including a capability audit and the use of successorship to build leadership capacity are offered for effective implementation of leadership capacity building in a school
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
Accessibility Barriers in Health Facilities of the South African Public Sector
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Dikotla, M. A.; Mothapo, W.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
The study seeks to propose a framework that may assist government to improve accessibility of health facilities in South African public sector. The public sector requires health care facilities that are readily accessible to serve every citizen. For instance, people in rural areas and urban areas, rich and poor should have equal access to health care facilities. Access to health care is a basic right enshrined in the constitution of the Republic of South Africa. Previous studies have shown that there is unequal access to health care service in South Africa. Most often than not, health care facilities are easily accessible to rich people and those in urban areas, while neglecting majority of poor people and those in rural areas. Unequal access to health facilities in South African public sector is attributed to various factors that include: poor infrastructure delivery planning, poor infrastructure delivery institutional arrangement and systems, long distances to health facilities, disruptions of projects during project construction, inadequate maintenance of health facilities and lack of community involvement and empowerment. In the absence of health care facilities citizens are at higher risk of contracting communicable diseases such as Covid-19 and losing their lives. The study will employ the qualitative research method and rely on the literature review to suggest the strategies that if implemented may improve accessibility of health facilities in South African public sector.
Open Access
Decentralisation and Local Economic Development in Zambia
(International Conference on Public and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Chisala, C.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (quest Editor)
Local economic development is about the involvement of all key stakeholders from the local community in resolving the socio-economic challenges faced in the local areas in order to improve the livelihoods of the local community members. Decentralised government systems are more effective in tackling poverty levels in localities since local authorities are closer to the community members as such, they are more likely to conceive and implement pro-poor policies. However, implementation of decentralisation policies to facilitate local economic development has not been without challenges. This paper therefore, aims at assessing the status of the implementation of the national decentralisation programmes in Zambia and evaluating the extent to which decentralisation has served as a vehicle for local economic development. Resting on a constructivist research paradigm, this study employed a qualitative research approach with a sample size of 20 (n=20) key informants that were purposively selected from ten (20) local authorities in Zambia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the key informants. The primary data was complemented by the secondary data from various sources. Data collected was thematically analysed. The findings of this study revealed that although Zambia had made headways in implementing administrative decentralisation programmes, it still faced glaring challenges in implementing fiscal decentralisation as a result, development did not cascade to the local community levels. This study, recommends the imperative need for Zambia to accelerate the full implementation of its national decentralisation programmes with a special focus on fiscal decentralisation. It further recommends that the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Act No. 11 of 2018 should be revised to reduce powers of the area members of parliament in deciding the fate of their electorates. Furthermore, the paper recommends that Zambia should adopt the Kenyan model of disbursing the CDF funds based on the poverty indexes of the constituencies as opposed of disbursing equal amounts of funds per constituency.
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
Factors that Influence Social Protests and their Effect on Peace and Stability in Africa
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Gamede, N. W.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
The emergence of democratic governance in Africa in the aftermath of the Cold War in the 1990s has been marred by the rise and spread of violent social protests. These protests mostly result from the lack of quality basic services to the people that then deprive them of their freedom from fear and wants. As a form of political expression, social protests influence the knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of the public, and are particularly aimed at policy-makers in political leadership and/or organisations. For example, Africa has seen a huge resurgence of public protests that manifest in public demonstrations, petitions, boycotts, lobbying, and various online activities. Social protests in Africa are influenced by the lack of inclusive political leadership and the existence of uneven political institutions that foster the gap between the haves and have-nots. As a result, the African problems and conflicts have become intractable, and affect the achievement of peace and security. In Africa, social protests have intensified conflicts and civil wars, while on other continents, they have led to political leaders' addressing the issues that led to human rights violations. This means that social protests can foster a culture of peace and stability. There is scant literature that explains the factors that have led to the recurrence of protests in Africa. This presents a unique gap in the current literature that has not yet received academic attention. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the factors influencing social protests and their effect on peace and security in Africa. The research question the paper seeks to answer is: What factors could lead to the recurrence of social protests, and what are possible ways to address the threats that these social protests pose to peace and security in society?
Open Access
The Effect of Covid-19 Pandemic Among Local Small Medium Enterprises: A Case of Johannesburg, Region G
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) McLellan, N. F.; Mzini, L. B.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
This study is orientated around impact assessment and small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and focuses on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the township. The main aim of the study was to investigate the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on selected SMME's in region G12, Joburg South, City of Johannesburg. Small businesses are more vulnerable during economic downturns, partly because they have fewer resources with which to react to changing circumstances. Additional shocks from Covid-19 are putting additional strain on South-African SME's, who are already dealing with a declining economy. As a result of the lockout, many small businesses have seen their revenues collapse, and the majority has had to cut back on company spending in order to stay alive. SMEs struggled to stay afloat because they were forced to close-down their businesses. Covid-19 epidemic appears to have increased fear and uncertainty among people, leading in new behaviours and beliefs. Various measures were taken to limit the effects of the outbreak. Using surveys, the study identifies the effects of Covid-19 on SMEs in Region G12. A literature review and desktop analysis were considered to understand the conceptual framework and the developments around the SMEs. The analysis found that the Covid-19 epidemic has a huge impact on SMEs. The study shows that the coronavirus pandemic has a range of consequences on the economy, notably on SMEs, on both the supply and demand sides. The Covid-19 outbreak caused a slew of problems and barriers for small and medium-sized businesses. In addition, supply networks were interrupted, leading in shortages of components and intermediate items. The effects are magnified when workers are laid off and firms are unable to pay salaries. The study concludes with a set of recommendations for mitigating pandemic outbreaks on small businesses.
Open Access
Local Government: Practices and Lessons for Delivering Services Through Public Private Partnerships
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA)., 2021) Nduhura, A.; Settumba, J. P.; Nuwagaba, I.; Molokwane, T.; Lukomba, M. T.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
Governments across the world have given local authorities more freedom and power to meet the needs of their citizens and communities. Establishing local authorities has been in line with the quest for self-governance in matters that affect their local aspirations. Existing studies acknowledged that while decentralisation has increased urbanization and a sense of fulfilment of local community aspirations, it has plunged local administrations in a state of administrative grief caused by resource constraints to meet needs of the rising populations and local communities. To salvage constraints, public private partnerships (PPPs) have been adopted as a rescue option. Little is known on the applicability of PPPs in local governments in developing economies. The aim of the study was to explore practices associated with PPP application in local government setup. Based on an exploratory review of literature, the study provides guidance on the use and context of the application of PPPs in local government. The outcome of the study is important since the administrative grief is enlarging due to COVID-19 effects, yet the bulk of citizens continue to put pressure on local authorities to deliver service amidst financial constraints
Open Access
Challenges Related to Capacity in Local Government Administration: The Continuing Tussle Between Insulated and Non-Insulated Local Government Public Service Leadership
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Motebang, S. M.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane. T. (Quest Editor)
This paper reports on the extent to which an insulated or non-insulated public service leadership in local government in South Africa is a relevant determinant of stability and service delivery. This analysis was done in the context of a high turnover of local government leadership and poor service delivery. The author posits that there is adequate and capable leadership available to successfully steer development in local government. However, the inability of political leadership to find a balance between an insulated and non-insulted public service has led to unstable local government. The paper used a comparative desktop methodology to compare the tenure of municipal managers of three metropolitan municipalities in Gauteng province since 2001. The study analysed documents that are in the public domain, such as newspapers, legislation, regulations and records of Council resolutions, according to the applicable theories. The conclusion is that the tussle between insulated and non-insulated leadership is ongoing. The tussle is evidenced by overbearing political influence that limits the space for public servants to be fully efficient. The controls against such influences are neither adhered to, nor adequately enforced.