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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
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
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
Challenges of Online Pedagogies During Covid-19 Lockdown: Reflections from Teaching Geospatial Technology for Development Planning at the University of Limpopo
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Ramoroka, T. M.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
During the academic year 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced institutions of higher education, especially face-to-face institutions, to adopt alternatives to conventional teaching and learning instructions and methods. As a result, online pedagogies have been unexpectedly adopted by both academics and students in these institutions, with the hope of saving the 2020 academic year. Regardless of being a desirable option compared to no teaching and learning, the abrupt change from face-to-face instruction to online pedagogies came with challenges which affected both lecturers and students in these institutions. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to explore the implementation challenges of online pedagogies at an honours level of study (postgraduate) during COVID-19 lockdown with specific reflections from GeoSpatial Technology for Development Planning curriculum at the University of Limpopo (UL). The challenges include limited or lack thereof, of stable internet connectivity, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure and gadgets and, basic ICT skills among some lecturers and students to support online teaching and learning. To achieve its purpose, qualitative research approach was adopted wherein observations and weekly teaching reports were used to solicit data. The paper revealed that "lack of institutional and curriculum support" and, "operational challenges" are the most common experienced at UL. The paper concluded that the successful implementation of online pedagogies depends on well-established ICT resources and infrastructure as well as both lecturers' and students' technological knowledge and skills.
Open Access
A Qualitative Review of the Recurrence of Xenophobic Violence and their Effects on South Africa's Role in International Diplomacy
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Niyitunga, E. B.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
The recurring xenophobic violence in South Africa has become a horrific problem that continues to affect the country's international diplomacy in the region and its international relations with other states. Migrants continue to encounter xenophobic violence almost every year, and a number of them live in fear of their lives. The aim of the paper is to contribute to the debate by examining the causal factors of xenophobic violence and their broader effects on South Africa's role in international diplomacy. The attitude of denialism from the side of political leaders, failure to offer quality and good services to the people, and the people experiencing a general sense of deprivation were found to be main causal factors of xenophobic violence. It was found that xenophobic violence defeats the country's diplomacy in exporting human rights protection as the prerequisite for good governance that leads to peace and security to African states. The violence ruins South Africa's African renaissance and Panafricanism diplomacy, and the peacebuilding and democracy diplomacy when dealing with African states. The violence was also found to thwart the country's economic diplomacy in the region and affects the country's involvement in the South-South diplomacy. To reach the findings, the paper adopted a qualitative research method design and used the relative deprivation theory.
Open Access
Impact of Change Management on Employee Behaviour, Attitudes and Perceptions in the Public Sector
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Malatjie, I.; Montana, A.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
This paper analyses the impact of change management on employee behaviour, attitudes and perceptions in the public service with reference to the National School of Government (NSG). Change management is a concept which denotes how businesses manage the people side of change, and if they are successful at doing so. Management of change is contingent upon the people involved, the type of business conducted, and lastly the actual action of the change taking place. Regardless of the sector, size, or age of the business or corporate entity, change is a common all-embracing phenomenon and impacts all organizations. Guided by Kotter's research on change management models, the research questions examined the behaviour, attitudes and perceptions of employees within the organisation. Empirical research was conducted on a research sample of 209 employees within the National School of Government. A survey was administered to all employees. In addition to the analyses of the impact of change management on employees, the paper further explores best practices and makes recommendations for future study.
Open Access
Regulating E-Commerce Transport Businesses: A Case Study of Uber in South Africa
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Ntoyanto, S.S.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
This article contributes to the debate of government regulation versus market self-regulation in South Africa by focusing on the app-based transport business Uber. The article examines the challenges which the government has encountered in developing a regulatory framework for transport app e-hailing business and similar businesses. The author considered some international perspectives in order to unpack how other governments have tackled this challenge. The role of the government is to control the business environment by providing regulations which promote business establishment, free markets, fair competition, and consumer protection. As a result of globalisation and consumer demands, Uber has taken a foothold in South Africa and with it, a new challenge has emerged for the State as a regulator. The challenge is now on government to navigate the complex slippery slope of over or under regulation of e-commerce. This article is underpinned by the Stakeholder theory as its theoretical lens. This article is based on primary and secondary desktop information including existing policy, parliamentary reports, peer reviewed articles, academic books, news reports, government policy documents. The author uses context analysis in order to consider the implications of government regulation on Uber in line with the National Land Transport Amendment Bill. The author examines the proposed Bill to regulate Uber and other application-based transport businesses in South Africa. The paper assesses the role the government should play in proactive regulation by considering the advantage and limitations of this role. Finally, the paper draws on lessons from the international perspective by examining their regulation of Uber and the outcomes of some of their regulatory approaches.
Open Access
Towards Correlating Subnational Legislative Oversight and Service Delivery as Subnational Level: The Case of Gauteng Province
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Ntshabeleng, M.; Wolela, K.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
Legislatures and parliaments are critical democratic governance avenues for accountability and intervene, at policy level, to address the needs of the electorate. Legislative oversight literature provides a reflection on the effectiveness of legislative oversight and the factors underlying such effectiveness as well as its impact on the political posture. However, there is limited interrogation on the role that effective legislative oversight plays on service delivery. Therefore, this paper seeks to conceptualise an empirical research that interrogates the role of effective legislative oversight on service delivery using the Gauteng Provincial Legislature as a case study. To this end, the paper employs a summative thematic content analysis to interrogate the research problem and expose the knowledge gap on this subject. Specifically, to draw out the symptoms and the underlying causes of ineffective legislative oversight as well as the consequences, we make use of the systems thinking – more specifically the problem tree and the theory of constraints. We then use our research problem analysis as well as our research knowledge gap analysis to suggest an appropriate research problem statement, research purpose statement, and the research questions for such as study. We also propose an appropriate research strategy, design, procedure, and methods, as well as the interpretive frameworks that could appropriately guide and serve the empirical part of such a research.
Open Access
Conceptualising a Personal Capacity Development Framework for Senior Management Service in the Department of Defence
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Ledwaba, N. V.; Khoza, L. M.; Bester, P. C.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
The recognition of processes for military professionalism and the public service professionalism through capacity development for senior management services (SMS) by means of education, training, and development (ETD) opportunities that satisfy the competencies required in the South African (SA) Department of Defence (DOD) cannot be overemphasised. The study aims to propose a development framework that can be unique to the DOD for personal capacity development of SMS and to analyse the current governance status. The qualitative research method was employed with an open-ended questionnaire as the primary source of data and the DOD accountability documents (Quarterly Performance Reports, Annual Reports, and End/Mid- Term Performance Reviews) were analysed to validate and triangulate the findings. The DOD SMS is a unit of analysis with 270 SMS members, inclusive of Defence Act Personnel (DAP) and Public Service Act Personnel (PSAP) designated in the Services and Divisions. Purposive sampling was utilised to select seventeen participants in Human Resource (HR) environment that voluntarily completed the questionnaire. Furthermore, the DOD accountability documents were sampled to determine their balance and evenness in answering the research questions. This study was underpinned by systems theory as a theoretical lens which is illustrative of identified HR processes working together effectively as a whole. The findings revealed that capacity development is a continuous process that changes overtime influenced by three capacity levels (environmental, organisational, and individual). These capacity levels interact to impact the capacity development framework relevant to enhance HR competencies, particularly for SMS. In concluding the study, recommendations were made for further studies to understand the improvement of pedagogy and the incorporation of ethics and gender considerations into officer professional military education (PME) curriculum. The recommended framework underpins leadership, management, and governance processes commanded by strategists who embrace the African philosophy in context with the DOD's one-force concept. However, the study limitation is in the DOD SMS, even though SMS is also instituted in other state entities.
Open Access
Teachers' Efficacy of Social Modeling to Enhance Experience of Employing Interactive Whiteboards in High Schools
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Mokoena, M. M.; Simelane - Mnisi, S.; Mji, A.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor); Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
This paper reports on teachers' use of role modelling in the use of the interactive whiteboards (IWB) in high schools. The Gauteng Department of Basic Education initiative of the paperless classroom whereby IWBs and tablets were utilised in public schools motivated the study. Bandura's theory of social modelling was selected to investigate how teachers could model good traits and practices in the use of IWBs in teaching and learning. Social learning theory revealed that we learn to mimic others by studying their behaviour, and we learn to behave in specific ways by watching others do what they do. The research has not come across studies that investigated the teachers' self-efficacy in social modeling in the use of the IWB. This paper will fill a gap in the literature in this area. Participants were teachers from 41 high schools in Tshwane North District, Gauteng, South Africa. This paper adopted a mixed method approach. Quantitative data were collected using Bandura's adapted self-efficacy instrument with the focus on the efficacy to make use of social models construct. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interview questions. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS frequency distributions and percentages. Qualitative data were analysed with the aid of Atlas.ti. The results show that 71.5% teachers reported that they did not liaise with local institutions to assist them with the integration of ICT in teaching and learning. It was found that teachers consulted school-based information technologist personnel and fellow teachers to assist with the IWB, while on the other hand teachers indicated that they did not consult or have a mentor to assist with the integration of the IWB. It is recommended that schools should have information technology specialists to support teachers. Teachers should collaborate with nearby tertiary institutions to improve digital skills.
Open Access
Service Delivery and Social Accountability in South Africa: Challenges and Community Organizations Context
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Manamela, M. G.; Sebola, M. P.(Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
Service delivery has been and is still a challenge to be dealt with in South Africa. While social accountability is deemed to be an important aspect in the democratic South Africa that should drive service delivery. Hence, in a South African context, the service delivery is expected to be carried out by the public servant in line with the adherence of social accountability. Furthermore, South African public servants are impelled to abide with the democratically reformed and transformed public policies which open for transparency and social accountability. However, an assumption is made that public servants have multiply the overlooking of such aspects in service delivery. The paper then argues that the reasons to overlook social accountability in service delivery, particularly in rural areas, is mostly caused by the initiation of riots, barricades, strikes and protests among others in townships and urban areas. Such initiatives build up fear for public servants and result in skewing service delivery to townships and urban areas. The paper concludes that aspects such as silence in and unjust distribution of service delivery have always dictated the execution of public duties from the post-democratic era. As a result, the level of social accountability in rural and urban areas becomes patently unequal. Accordingly, the paper recommends the enforcing and adherence of policies and legislative frameworks of service delivery to avoid biasness. This is a conceptual paper; thus, it uses literature-based approach as its methodology. Within that context, the rapid and narrative literature review is employed for the purpose, crux and premise thereof
Open Access
The Impact of Social Assistance Programmes on Poor Households in South Africa: A Case of Child Support Grant Policy at Mamelodi
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Hlwatika, N. R.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
This paper aims to demonstrate the significance of providing social assistance, particularly the CSG, to poor households. The research's objective is to assess the impact that the CSG has on poor households. A mixed methods research design was applied. The study administered an online survey to 174 CSG beneficiaries in Mamelodi, Gauteng Province in South Africa. Furthermore, interviews were conducted with three key officials from the South African Social Security Agency local office in Mamelodi. Data was supplemented by research publication, including journal articles and research reports. The paper provides empirical insights on the impact that the CSG has on poor households. It indicates that 83% of households are of the view that they would be worse off without the provision of the CSG. Evidence from the literature and research data reflects the CSG to have positive effects on children's health, education and schooling, and provides women empowerment. Furthermore, the results illustrate that the grant is utilised on basic children's needs such as diapers, food, and school related expenses for instance, uniform, transportation fare and lunch. The limitations of this study encompassed the prevalence of Covid-19; thus, an online survey was administered in collecting data from the research participants. Consequently, the request to participate in the study was at times met with scepticism and seldomly, rejection. Furthermore, due to familiarity with technology, a majority of the research participants were 40 years old and below, conducting the survey in person might have included additional older persons who possibly could have had differing viewpoints. The paper includes implications for the continued provision of the CSG. Finally, this paper fulfils an identified need to illustrate not only the significance, but also the relevance of the CSG in reducing child poverty
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
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.