Articles

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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
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
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.
Open Access
Velocity of Money and Financial Development in BRICS Countries
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Ncanywa, T.; Mpatane, L.; Sebola,M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokane, T. (Quest Editor)
The manner in which the velocity of money behaves is very influential when determining how much financial resources an economy can produce. An unpredicted velocity of money and unstable demand for money results in a spineless and ineffective management and control of monetary policy. The study determined the "impact of financial development on the velocity of money in Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) countries for the period 1996 to 2019". The study employed a panel autoregressive distributive lag (PARDL) to estimate the relationship between financial development and velocity of money in BRICS countries. In addition, "panel fully modified least squares and panel dynamic least squares were employed to supplement PARDL". A long run relationship between financial development and the velocity of money in BRICS countries was confirmed. A positive and statistically significant long run relationship was found between liquid liabilities to GDP and velocity of money, while a negative and statistically significant relationship was found with stock market capitalisation. The speed of adjustment indicted that about 68.5% of disequilibrium would be rectified in the next year in the BRICS countries. It can be concluded that financial development has a strong significant impact on the velocity of money particularly when liquid liabilities were considered. Therefore, financial institutions should promote people to hold liquid portfolios such as a savings or checking account at their local bank or credit union, a money market account or/ and short-term certificates of deposit. The study therefore, makes recommendations that since stable financial development, both globally and within countries, have the potential to generate jobs and improve productivity more should be done in ensuring an effective and sound developed financial sector system as it can influence the velocity of money channel.
Open Access
Can Investing in Information Systems Boost Economic Complexity in South Africa: Movement Towards the Fourth Industrial Revolution?
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Ncanywa, T.; Sebola, M. T. (Chief editor); Molokwane, T. (Guest editor)
Countries need to accelerate the growth and development of their economies by increasing the productive capacity for better living conditions of their citizens. For countries to improve their economies, they need to boost their economic complexity by producing and exporting commodities that embody sophisticated characteristics. The economic complexity index measures how diverse products are and include their ubiquity when they are exported. Economic complexity provides reasons why some countries progress very slowly by studying the characteristics of countries export baskets. This study seeks to find out if the investment in information systems can influence the South African economic complexity. The set objective employs the autoregressive distributive lag (ARDL) methodology. Results of the ARDL bounds test gave an F-statistic of 7.17 greater than the upper bound and this indicated a long run relationship in the series. Furthermore, investment in information systems had a significant positive relationship to economic complexity with a speed of adjustment of 87%. Investing in information system has proved to be innovative and contribute to firm output and labour productivity. Furthermore, information technology improves organizational performance, reduce production cost and improve the production of all personnel and ultimately increase the efficiency of human capital. The positive relationship between information systems and economic complexity is a good indicator that South Africa can enhance its complexity through information systems activities. It is therefore, recommended that the government of South African invest in information systems as this could yield a faster route towards the fourth industrial revolution.
Open Access
How Do Urban Cities Manage Road Traffic Congestion?
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Netshisaulu, M. S.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
Traffic Congestion transpires the minute the demand for transport surpasses supply at an exact point in time and in a particular section of the transport system. South African cities are facing traffic congestion characterised by dense origins and destinations with activities located in different cities. The roads and streets have congestion within the areas where individuals are attracted and benefit from economic prosperity. Congestion is the main restriction in operation because it affects the middle class and could drive changes in an urban location and movement patterns more quickly. This paper explores how urban cities manage road traffic congestion in South Africa. The paper is based on a theoretical analytical review of traffic congestion in national cities. Based on the current review, the cities such as Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Tshwane, Pietermaritzburg, Port Elizabeth, East London, Bloemfontein and Vanderbiljpark are relatively experiencing a high congestion level. The paper also reviews the policies and regulations employed to monitor traffic matters and mitigate road traffic congestion in South African roads.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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