Articles

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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
Conceptualising Online Operations to Transition Student Governance in Higher Education Amid Covid-19: A Turbulent Experience
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Sebake, B. K.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the normal and traditional operations of many organised sectors of the global societies. This paper intends to introspect the experience of student governance during this period of a forceful use of e-governance – force majeure. Most student organisations from historically disadvantaged institutions and digital struggles are not fully addressed as the result of developments brought by the various stages of Industrial Revolutions. This impacts mostly student movements who emerged ideologically from previous and current underprivileged group in the society. This deprived group through observation demonstrated to have no trust on any technological transmissions regarding sensitive student governance issues. It is arguable that these historic facts have contributed to turbulence for transitioning students to the online platforms. The interest of this paper is to pen down various experiences from observation and conceptual point of view as part of literature review. It also intends to provide more substance to the knowledge production and scholarship, using both (complexity and change management theories). In addition, this paper highlights that some student movements are detached from their own constituencies and have no mandate to govern in the institutions they were elected to lead. The paper remains qualitative and intends to conclude on desktop issues which could be recommended for radical shift in the narrative of student governance in higher education. The findings must intend to open more areas for research in student governance in the era of disaster and introduction of embedded e-governance services through digital means and the post-COVID-19 higher education.
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
Management of Education Quality: A Case of Two Historically Disadvantaged Universities
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Modiba, N. S.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
The paper critiques how lack of quality university education persists to aggravate the treble challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality in myriad societal members. Quality university education is expected to assist in the social ills of the nation. This is a qualitative case study paper which is conceptual and empirical in nature. Interviewing techniques and document review were used to collect data from the 12 lecturers attached to the Historically Disadvantaged Universities (HDUs). Such data were analysed through thematic content analysis and constant comparative methods. Research findings revealed that firstly, an enabling learning environment is essential to offering quality university education that eradicates social-ills. Secondly, failure to expose students to meteoric rise at the pre-tertiary sector, compromises the envisaged quality university education. Thirdly, the closure of the former teacher-training colleges overburdens universities. Fourthly, badly coordinated curriculum changes at the pre-tertiary sector, compromises quality at universities. Fifthly, the absence of the culture of quality and excellence at universities, worsens the situation. Lastly, under-prepared pre-tertiary learners contribute to lack of quality tertiary education at the HDUs. The researcher recommends for the HDUs to embrace decolonisation project to enable them to reverse lack of quality university education.
Open Access
Paucities of Monitoring and Evaluation Arrangements of Johannesburg-Based Non-Governmental Organisations Intervening in Substance Abuse, A Research Conceptualisation
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Mokoena, M.; Wolela, K.; Sebola. M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
Studies show that organisations, including non-governmental ones, believe that monitoring and evaluation provides for improved implementation and management as well as reformulation of interventions. Therefore, in the recent years most organisations have put in place arrangements to monitor and evaluate their interventions. However, where present, most of these arrangements are ineffective and in turn affects the implementation and management of their interventions. Using Johannesburg-based non-governmental organisations intervening in substance abuse this paper conceptualises a research that interrogates the paucities of monitoring and evaluation arrangements. Generally, the paper employs a summative thematic content analysis of literature around this subject. More specifically three sets of literature, that is, on the (i.) research's physical context or setting, (ii.) research problem, and (iii.) past and current studies on and evaluations of the research problem. Specifically, the interrogation on the research problem analysis makes use of the problem tree, trend analysis, and the theory of constraint. This restructured approach provides us with comprehensive and critical content that allows us to state the research problem, the research purpose, and the research questions on the paucities of monitoring and evaluation arrangements of Johannesburg-based non-governmental organisations intervening in substance abuse. It also provides for information to propose, yet to detail, the (i.) research strategy, design, procedure and methods as well as (ii.) frameworks that we can use interpret the resulting empirical results.
Open Access
A Historical Critical Analysis of Weberianism in Ethnic Entrepreneurship in South Africa: An Essay
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Mafukata, M. A.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T, (Quest Editor); Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
This paper interrogated Weberianism and how this ideology was adopted by the architects of apartheid to engineer a race-based economic system in South Africa. The paper used desktop method to collect qualitative literature. Historical Critical Analysis (HCA) theory was adopted for the study. A few successful Black entrepreneurs were handpicked to demonstrate entrepreneurial abilities of Black people who conquered multiple challenges and complexities to establish successful enterprises. The finding refuted Weber's views and Weberian-apartheid assertions about Black capabilities on entrepreneurship. It was evident following the historical critical analysis that exclusion of Blacks from mainstream entrepreneurship was informed by a long time held belief of Weberian thought patterns. It is recommended that the post-apartheid state should prioritise fast-tracking the empowerment of Black entrepreneurs so as to integrate them in mainstream entrepreneurial system. Further research on Black entrepreneurship should seek to focus on the strategies used by successful Black entrepreneurs who conquered apartheid for their successes
Open Access
Supervisor and Supervisee Relationship in the Clinical Learning Environment
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Mathevula, R. F.; Mudau, S. T.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
Good clinical learning environments depend on the supervisory relationship created by both the supervisors and supervisees. The cooperation between the two parties can strengthen the role of supervision by supervisors as well as building a conducive clinical learning environment. In the case of nursing, professional nurses allocated in various clinical areas play a major in guiding and mentoring student nurses to become competent professional practitioners. This study aimed to explore the supervisors and supervisees' perceptions of supervisory relationships in the clinical areas. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was employed. A sample of 387 professional nurses and 80 student nurses from the seven training hospitals of Mopani and Vhembe districts of Limpopo Province was recruited for the study. Self-administered questionnaires and focus group interviews were used in data collection. Quantitative data were analysed by descriptive statistics using the Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS), version 22.0 and Tesch's method was used to analyse qualitative data. Quantitative results revealed that time spent and the frequency of supervision ranged from 15-30 minutes and thrice a week. On the other hand, the qualitative findings included inadequate support of supervisors, poor communication, lack of supervisory skills and the inability to maintain a collegial relationship, and ethnic marginalisation of students. The study concludes that student supervision depends on the adherence to ethical principles by both the supervisor and supervisee.
Open Access
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
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
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
School Based Experience Assessment Tool Revisited: A Comparative Analysis of Two Universities in South Africa
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Ncanywa, T.; Makena, B.; Buqa, N.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
Teaching practice is an integral part in the Bachelor of Education degree and Post Graduate Certificate in Education studies. During school visits, student teachers are assessed using the school-based experience (SBE) assessment tool. The SBE tool needs to assess student teacher quality, performance, and effectiveness in the teaching practice exercise. The study aims to evaluate the quality of the SBE assessment tool used by assessors. To achieve the aim, a case study of the comparative analysis of the SBE tool between two Universities was conducted. The comparative analysis applies content analysis that merge themes. It was found from the comparison that both tools contain themes such as teacher professional profile, lesson preparation, presentation of the lesson feedback and suggestions. These themes can be used as benchmark for the best SBE assessment tool to be used to indicate good quality of teachers produced by the Universities. Effective teachers are those who produce gains in learner achievement as measured by gains in standardized tests. Therefore, the tool needs to gather evidence for teacher effectiveness and display sufficient resources to produce high quality teaching and productive assessment. Moreover, the teacher assessment tool should entail theories such as transfer of learning, pedagogical techniques that cater for learner characteristics and the curriculum among others
Open Access
Public Administration Milieu and the Theory Linked to Public Sector Unions: A Narrative on Employment Relations
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Mzangwa, S. T.; Sebola,M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
One of the main principles which public administration addresses is state (government) relations and their effect on administration, politics and social institutions; hence, public administration may in effect be regarded as the governing system. Based on this level of understating, public administration has a major influence on the structures of public organisations, management of public services and management techniques of governance. On this note, public sector unions or trade unions as labour organisations representing workers, some of whom are public servants, have a role to play in operations of institutions applying principles of governance. It is for this reason that public administration is significant and relevant in employment relations and administration. It focuses on effective and efficient management as well as governance of organisations. Trade unions operate as one of the three role players in employment relations. The stance of working relations amongst the three role players, i.e. the state, employers and employees' organisations are influenced by theoretical perspectives in the public and private sector. This article seeks to address some theoretical perspectives in a unionised public sector environment and provide a narrative on the existence of trade unionism.
Open Access
Utilising Monitoring to Manage Teaching and Learning: A Perspective of the Open Distance Learning Universities
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Modiba, N. S.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
This paper evaluates why monitoring is being under-utilised to manage teaching and learning during the Open Distance Learning (ODL) mode by universities. The paper is both conceptual and empirical in nature within the qualitative research paradigm. Interviewing techniques and document review were used to collect data from six lecturers involved in the Open Distance Learning mode by universities. Research findings revealed that monitoring could be a nucleus for the enhancement of tuition by universities. Secondly, monitoring could promote students' accountability towards the completion of their studies on record time. Thirdly, monitoring could facilitate remedial teaching for students-at-risk. Fourthly, monitoring could advise on the accommodative assessment types for diverse students. Fifthly, monitoring could enable the restoration of the culture of quality and excellence by students. Lastly, the absence of well-coordinated monitoring during the ODL period, compromises the sustenance of academic standards by universities. The researcher recommends for the embracing of the decolonisation project to restore the centrality of monitoring during the ODL period. This is about transforming to suite conditions of the new normal.
Open Access
The Impact of Supervisor-Supervisee Relationship on Organisational Job Performance: An Analysis of the South African Government Employee Relations
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Ngomane, T. S.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
The relationship between supervisors and their subordinates is crucial in determining attainment of organisational goals. Supervisors have a responsibility of assisting organisations to meet their goals, since they are the front drivers of employee job satisfaction. Skilled supervisors assist organisations in meeting their goals, as they are able to clarify organisational goals, manage workplace relationships and motivate employees, set targets and time frames for the achievement of goals. It is thus important that supervisors have the necessary job and people skills. A positive perception of supervisors by junior employees goes a long way in ensuring the achievement of organisational goals through performance management systems. This paper is a desktop analysis of the role of supervisor-supervisee relationships and the impact of such relationships on job performance and the achievement of organisational goals. The results of this study indicate that unskilled supervisors have a negative impact on employees job satisfaction and are costly to organisations as they negatively affect organisational goals.
Open Access
A Qualitative Review of the Recurrence of Xenophobic Violence and their Effects on South Africa's Role in International Diplomacy
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Niyitunga, E. B.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
The recurring xenophobic violence in South Africa has become a horrific problem that continues to affect the country's international diplomacy in the region and its international relations with other states. Migrants continue to encounter xenophobic violence almost every year, and a number of them live in fear of their lives. The aim of the paper is to contribute to the debate by examining the causal factors of xenophobic violence and their broader effects on South Africa's role in international diplomacy. The attitude of denialism from the side of political leaders, failure to offer quality and good services to the people, and the people experiencing a general sense of deprivation were found to be main causal factors of xenophobic violence. It was found that xenophobic violence defeats the country's diplomacy in exporting human rights protection as the prerequisite for good governance that leads to peace and security to African states. The violence ruins South Africa's African renaissance and Panafricanism diplomacy, and the peacebuilding and democracy diplomacy when dealing with African states. The violence was also found to thwart the country's economic diplomacy in the region and affects the country's involvement in the South-South diplomacy. To reach the findings, the paper adopted a qualitative research method design and used the relative deprivation theory.
Open Access
Mass Political Discourse During the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Critical Discourse Analysis Approach
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Mudau, T. S.; Sybing, S.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated already growing trends in authoritarian-directed disinformation in mass media and social media, specifically complicating public health initiatives to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus and generally affirming the potentially toxic "post-truth" paradigms of the social media era. This pandemic provides an opportunity for observing counterproductive discourses from governing leaders to explore how to address the use of weaponised language by authoritarian and populist figures. As a result, this paper presents a critical discourse analysis of statements made by governing leaders regarding the COVID-19 pandemic using the framework of weaponized language by Pascale (2019). An analysis of counterproductive and productive discourses indicates that resonating statements by leaders are generally rooted in mundane discourses, or that which is assumed as common sense or taken for granted by audiences, suggesting that productive public health discourse must assume a similar footing to combat disinformation and ensure public health.