Conference Proceedings

Permanent URI for this community

https://univendspace.univen.ac.za/handle/11602/2111

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 115

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
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
Some Initial Thoughts on the Implementation and Management of the Public Employment Service Within Gauteng Department of Labour
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Khomo, S. G.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
Without a doubt, the implementation, management, and accountability of the recruitment and placement intervention – an intervention that applies to all public and private sectors of the economy – has improved with the introduction of monitoring and evaluation. However, discrepancies still linger in the Gauteng Provincial Department of Labour's recruitment and placement efforts. Unfortunately, other than persistent high unemployment in the province, there is limited evidence to show the ineffectiveness of the intervention in Gauteng. This paper provides some initial thoughts towards conceptualising research that consequently should interrogate the implementation and management of the recruitment and placement intervention in Gauteng Department of Labour. Generally, the paper employs a summative thematic content analysis of literature around this issue focussing focuses on (i) the research physical context or setting, (ii) the research problem, and (iii) past and current studies that have attempted to evaluate this intervention or any other similar interventions. Further, to interrogate the research problem, this paper makes use of the problem tree, trend analysis, and the theory of constraint to provide a structure that allows us to appreciate the extent of the problem. In all, this interrogation provides for effectively stating the research problem that an evaluation on the implementation and management of recruitment and placement intervention in Gauteng Department of Labour should be pursuing as well as the accompanying research purpose and the research questions. We then use this detail to propose the appropriate research strategy, design, procedure and methods as well as an interpretive framework that we can use to interpret our anticipated empirical research results.
Open Access
The Influence of Industry Guest Lectures on Auditing Students' Participation and Perceptions of Employability Skills
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Nzama, L.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
The study examined undergraduate auditing students' perceptions and expectations of the educational experience gained from guest speakers and the ability of the speakers to provide insights into the use of employability skills in the workplace. A mixed-method approach was used to address the research objectives. A survey was conducted with quantitative results analysed using SPSS, which allowed a comparison of mean values between items and identify any statistical difference by students' demographics. A thematic approach using inductive coding to analyse the qualitative responses to open-ended questions was also used. The study found that guest lectures do have a positive effect on student interest and engagement in auditing. The study also found that students considered themselves employable in the future. The study will be helpful to academics in higher education institutions to improve their teaching pedagogies for improved student engagement in the modules taught
Open Access
Exploring the Practical Application of Course Drawing Among High School Engineering and Graphics and Design Learner
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Zwane, T. T.; Simelane - Mnisi, S.; Skosana, N. M.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
The aim of this paper is to analyse the practical application of course drawing in Engineering Graphics and Drawing in education. Various data bases and scholarly search engines were used to use relevant literature. In the review of the literature the focus was based the discussion on Engineering Graphics and Drawing (EGD) curriculum. This was followed by the explanation of EGD aims. In addition, the examples of various drawings in EGD were provided. The assessments used in EGD were identified and discussed in line with the purpose and type of assessment as well as how assessments were conducted in this subject. The explanation of the subject knowledge of EGD is presented. Furthermore, the description of the Pedagogical Content Knowledge of EGD is also provided. Finally, the description of the challenges encountered with teaching and learning of EGD are presented. It was found from the literature that the importance of Engineering Graphics and Drawing (EGD) curriculum is to teach specific fundamental knowledge, various drawing techniques and skills. It was also, mentioned that several challenges were encountered with the delivery of the subject relating to learner's academic performance in Assembly Drawing (AD) is usually poor. Literature shows that the reason for a low performance is because most teachers failed to develop visual, spatial skills in the learners, and that teachers apply the traditional method of teaching in course drawing which hinders the learner's active involvement in the drawing.
Open Access
Assessment of Household Waste Minimisation Practices in Orange Farm: Effects and Opportunities for Low Income Households
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Thabethe, Z. S.; Mzini, L. B.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
The study is founded on the premise of waste management with reference to waste minimisation. Waste minimisation is undertaken either at the point of purchase, or within the home by re-using or repairing products rather than replacing them. The researchers assess waste minimisation practices at household level in Orange Farm, City of Johannesburg. Municipal waste minimisation at household level has been relatively neglected as compared to industrial waste minimisation. The Gauteng province is classified as the most economical dominant province in the country. However, there are concerns about the lack of managing waste from the source. Effective waste management determines the sustainability of the environment and ensures the health of the society. The study observed disorderly disposal of waste. The households in Orange Farm rarely practice other means of waste minimization such as to reuse, recycle, and compost. The respondents' knowledge on waste minimisation is relatively poor. The main problem expressed by respondents with respect to waste disposal is that collection schedules are not adhered to by the collectors. The role of waste minimisation and public participation programmes in educating the community so that the latter can play their role effectively is very crucial. A qualitative approach and a questionnaire was preferred to understand the context of household waste minimisation. The study found that waste management has changed to more sustainable waste minimisation methods. Despite the innovations created, the households still dispose waste illegally and this put strain on the landfills as they become too full than anticipated. In addition, the news ways of recycling were introduced even though the households remain unenthusiastic about sustainable measures. We recommend that a Waste Stream Analysis or Waste Audit may be effective in minimizing household waste when waste is disposed at household level. We further recommend for the sorting and of household waste.
Open Access
The Effect of Mayor's Quality and Municipal Size on Financial Condition in Metropolitan Municipalities: A Case of South Africa
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Nzama, L.; Sebola, M. P.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
This study aims to explore the impact of the mayoral quality and the municipal population size on the financial conditions of the metropolitan municipalities. The case study method was followed to explore eight cases of South African metropolitan municipalities. The quality of the mayor is represented by the mayor's age, educational background, experience, race, and political affiliation, whilst the financial condition is represented by the property tax, service tax and total expenditure per municipality. The last local government elections took place in 2016, the five years of the local government administration will be analysed. Thus, the data is from a South African metropolitan municipality and refers to 2015/16 to 2019/20 financial years. The study findings indicate that the mayor's quality does not significantly impact the financial conditions of the municipalities. Most of the mayoral qualities within the eight municipalities have similar characteristics but have different financial performance conditions. Although the study also found that the municipality's population size does impact the financial conditions of the municipality as municipalities with a large population have the highest financial performance management index. The findings from this study will add value to literature in performance management and use to the regulators and policymakers, the local government, as they justify efforts to appoint suitable mayors and improve the entities' financial conditions. The study will also contribute to the new administration of the local government since there will be local government elections in November 2021.
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
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
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
Conceptualising a Research on Managing the Teaching and Learning Materials in No-Fee Schools: The Case of Ekangala Township in Tshwane Municipality
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Maimela, J.; Wotela, K.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
Ineffective management of teaching and learning material can negatively affect the quality of teaching and learning. This implies that policies and processes with regards budget allocation, procurement and distribution procedures, and accessibility of teaching and learning material are key to quality education. The Gauteng Department of Education has mandated, in each school, the Teaching and Learning Material governing boards and committees to manage this material. However, most of these governing bodies and committees lack have limited knowledge and skills to manage these materials effectively. This has negatively impacted on the management of teaching and learning material and, therefore, the envisaged educational outcomes. This paper conceptualises a research meant to interrogate management of teaching and learning materials. Generally, it employs a summative thematic content analysis of literature on the (i.) research physical context or setting, (ii.) research problem, and (iii.) the past and current studies of the research problem to identify the knowledge gap on this research. Further, the interrogation of the research problem makes use of the problem tree, trend analysis, and the theory of constraint so that we have a structured understanding of this problem. This approach provides us with comprehensive and critical content that allows us to state the appropriate research problem and the accompanying research purpose and research questions on how no-fee schools should manage their material. We then use this information to propose (i.) the research strategy, design, procedure, and methods as well as (ii.) the frameworks that we can use to interpret our anticipated empirical research results.
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
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
Twitter as a New Fourth Estate: A Case of Black Twitter, Trolling vs. Accountability
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Malatji, E.; Baloyi, C.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
Globally, the emergence of social media particularly Twitter as a platform for social discourse has been well documented. Arguably, Twitter is an extension of mass media as the modern fourth estate. The fourth estate refers to the watchdog role of the mass media. Generally, mass media are used to ensure that government officials are held accountable by the public as the ideal fourth arm of the state. Thus, Twitter has afforded the public direct access to government officials. Twitter as a micro-blogging site is often used to challenge the government's lack of service delivery among other purposes. Accordingly, this investigation explores Twitter as a new fourth estate in South Africa. This qualitative inquiry used the online observation method to collect data from the relevant tweets, retweets, and comments as generated by the tweeps. Reflexive thematic analysis was employed to analyse data. Furthermore, Nick Couldry's practice theory is the apt theoretical lens in this paper. This theory accentuates the manner in which the public uses new media rather than how the latter takes advantage of the former. The findings of the study suggest that Twitter is in a better position to topple mass media as a modern fourth estate in South Africa. According to the online observations undertaken in this research, the government officials are worried about their projected image on Twitter. Therefore, the study recommends that the public should capitalise on Twitter to ensure that government officials are held accountable. Similarly, government officials should effectively use this platform to answer the public's probing questions about the activities of the state. The government officials should see the messages communicated through Twitter as part of transparency and accountability. The tweets as generated by the public directed to the government officials are not always meant to troll the officials, some of them are intended to stimulate accountability on the side of the government. Moreover, the mass media outlets should embrace Twitter as an alternative fourth estate
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
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