Theses and Dissertations

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Open Access
The critical assessment of the challenges faced by Vhembe District Municipality with the implementation of supply chain management policies
(2012-12-07) Mutuvhi, Fhatuwani Lastborn; Khwashaba, M. P.; Thornhill, C.
Open Access
Challenges facing Shikundu community with regard to participation in the development projects in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province
(2012-12-19) Mahole, Ephraim; Khwashaba, M. P.; Marule, A. L.
Open Access
An investigation into the extent to which the district municipalities performance management systems impact upon local municipalities on service delivery : a case study of the Vhembe District Municipality.
(2013-02-27) Lavhelani, Nyawasedza Phellecy; Marule, L. A.; Khwashaba, M. P.
Open Access
The role of public participation in the improvement of basic service delivery in Thulamela Local Municipality, Limpopo Province
(2016-05) Matloga, Sanah Tebogo; Khwashaba, M. P.; Mahole, E.
See the attached abstract below
Open Access
The Integrated Development Plan as a strategy to employer informal traders: the case of Thohoyandou
(2017-05-18) Selepe, Modupi; Vermaak, N. J.; Nekhavhambe, M. M.
This study focused on The Integrated Development Plan as a strategy to empower informal traders using Thohoyandou as the case study. The study was conducted at Thulamela Municipality and at the informal markets of Thohoyandou. The researcher used two population groups; the municipal officials and the informal traders. The researcher made use of both qualitative and quantitative methods as the study was explorative in nature; 50 informal traders were sampled and took part in the study and on the other hand, 20 municipal officials were sampled and participated in the study. The researcher made use a pilot survey to two groups of population to test the efficacy of the interviews schedule as well the questionnaires as data collection instruments. SPSS and Microsoft excel were used as tools for data analysis. The results show that Thulamela Municipality’s IDP strategy is not doing enough for the informal markets in Thohoyandou. However, respondents indicated that shortcomings such as Limited Budget affect the success of IDP on informal trading. Initiatives such as the provision of loans, workshops, training and promotion of LED programmes were indicated as having been put in place in an effort to empower informal traders, although a number of informal traders in the Thohoyandou area are forever increasing, through urbanisation and migration which pose serious control challenges to the municipality. To manage informal trading in Thohoyandou, the researcher recommended that there could be: preferences on trading fee/levies; provision of services and infrastructures to informal traders; enhancing public participation; limiting overtrading, integrated management planning, policy formulations and that future researchers can be more specific on aspects such as: situation of foreign traders; constitutionality of by-laws and trading at intersections.
Open Access
Public participation as a tool to Enhance Service Delivery in Local Government : A case study of Capricorn District Municipality in the Limpopo Province
(2017-05-18) Mudzanani, Lufuno Robert; Thakhathi, R.; Vermaak, N. J.
This study examines the notion of public participation as a tool to enhance service delivery in the Capricorn District Municipality. Public participation is a milestone of democracy and local governance. Local government – which is closest to the people – provides an ideal forum for the flourishing of participatory democracy. The centrality of public participation in the development of policies and programmes or action plans has been widely recognised by both government and the private sector. However, involving the public in the development of any policy, programme or action plan is a daunting task. Indeed, if not well-managed, public involvement often leads to protests, litigation, criticisms, and delays in service delivery to the people. Thus, the extent to which public participation can be a tool for the enhancement of service delivery in Limpopo – especially in the Capricorn District Municipality – is the focus of this study. This study is guided by the following questions: What are the key concepts that relate to public participation as a tool to enhance service delivery? What impact does the Constitution of South Africa, Act 08 of 1996, and other government legal frameworks have on public participation as a tool to enhance service delivery in South Africa, particularly in the Capricorn District Municipality? What modes and models of public participation are used to enhance service delivery in the Capricorn District Municipality? What are the main factors that influence public participation as a tool to enhance service delivery in the Capricorn District Municipality? The study adopts both qualitative and quantitative research approaches whereby the use of primary and secondary sources was augmented by interviews with local government actors. Moreover, questionnaires were administered by the researcher and his assistant researchers. A purposive sampling method was used. The researcher ensured that all relevant elements of 5 research ethics were observed. The data generated by the questionnaires and interviews were analysed and interpreted using the latest statistical tools. Both qualitative and quantitative analysis methods were used. Data collected using questionnaires were analysed by means of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The information was presented in the form of tabulations, frequencies, and percentages. Data collected through interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings of this study reflect that public participation mainly serves the purpose of meeting the statutory requirements for the development of best value initiatives and gaining information from citizens. The majority of the respondents were of the view that the Ward Committee system is fully functional in their municipalities. All Capricorn District municipalities have officers responsible for public participation; however, not all of them are accessible to the public. It was revealed that the public participation budget in Lepelle-Nkumpi and Mollemole is insufficient. The other main constrains identified are the serious lack of personal and working tools and resources. The study also found that not all documents were translated into the languages spoken in the Capricorn District and that there is a lack of feedback mechanisms on the issues raised by members of public during the IDP and Budget Fora.These findings were discussed in relation to the study’s objectives and research questions.
Open Access
The role of the Integrated Development Plan in community development: a case of Capricorn District Municipality, Limpopo Province
(2017-05-18) Nembudani, Ratshilumela Simon; Thakhathi, D. R.; Vermaak, N. J.
The focus of this study is on the role of the integrated development plan in community development. This study focuses on Limpopo province, but for the purpose of this study the research was conducted in Capricorn district municipality which is comprised of the following five (5) local municipalities: Blouberg, Aganang, Molemole, Polokwane and Lepelle-Nkumpi. The District Municipality is expected by the government and communities to play an active role towards community development as a central feature on local government development. The district municipality must be involved in the development of its communities in partnership with local municipalities, communities and other structures which can play an active role in community development. The integrated development plan is a process through which a municipality can establish a developmental plan for the short, medium and long term. In terms of the Local Government Municipal Structures Act No 117 of 1998 all municipalities have a responsibility and accountability to develop their communities which will have an impact on the daily lives of South Africans. In view of this mandate, Capricorn District Municipality must develop its vision, mission and objectives to meet community needs and improve the quality of life of all people. Developmental local government is local government committed to work with citizens and groups within the community in order to find sustainable ways to meet people’s social, economic and material needs. South Africa and in particular Capricorn District Municipality has a back-log of services that have not been provided to the previously disadvantaged communities. The integrated development plan is intended to redress all the past economic imbalances. Municipalities must focus their efforts and resources on community development especially on communities and groups which have been previously marginalised or excluded from economic and community development, such as women, disabled people, and very poor people by the apartheid government. Challenges of the integrated development plan which are experienced by the community are poor service delivery, poor implementation of the integrated development plan, corruption in district municipal projects and poor financial management. ii The researcher intends to follow a mixed method approach in which both qualitative and to a lesser degree quantitative approaches will be used. The reason for using a mixed method is because the study can be integrated in such a way that qualitative and quantitative methods will retain their originality. In this study, a qualitative approach is applicable because it allows openness to ideas, opinions, feelings, experiences and perceptions which may be expressed by research participants to the researcher. The researcher will for the purpose of this study be more interested on the qualitative study as it will be able to give results from the respondents. The researcher will use a Likert scale questionnaire in order to source out information regarding the role of the integrated development plan in community development. The researcher will use non-probability sampling and its subtype purposive sampling method in order to obtain results from participants. Although there are different types of sampling, the researcher intends to use non probability sampling which is by and large more successful than quota sampling. In this process, purposive sampling will
Open Access
The challenges facing developmental local government in South Africa with specific reference to the Capricorn District Municipality in Limpopo Province
(2017-06) Hungwe, Nyasha Alex; Khwashaba, M. P.; Mahole, E.
i This study focused on the challenges faced by Developmental Local Government in South Africa with specific reference to the Capricorn District Municipality. Local government in South Africa has undergone significant and far-reaching changes. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa 1996 stipulates that local government is no longer expected to render basic services only, but also to serve as an agent of development. Mixed research method was used to obtain a picture on the challenges facing developmental local government. Mixed research method made use of qualitative and quantitative research methodology. Quantitative research methodology in this study was used because it enabled the researcher to test relationships, describe and examine cause and effect relations. Qualitative research methodology was used because it covers issues in great depth and detail and allows for the ability to interact with research subjects. For this study, the researcher used a non-probability sampling and its subtype purposive or judgmental sampling method to select the respondents of the study. The reason for using purposive sampling method was to produce a sample that can logically be assumed as representatives of the population.Two data analysis methods where used, that is thematic analysis and statistical analysis. Data collected through questionnaire will be analyzed using a computer program called Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 22.0. The findings of the study are:  With regards to the importance of developmental local government the findings revealed that developmental local government was important in that it had ensured effective service delivery.  With regards to the challenges facing developmental local government the study findings revealed that there were indeed challenges with regards to developmental local government. These challenges ranged from lack of understanding of the way local government operates, political differences amongst political parties and failure to implement local economic development policies.  The study findings revealed that the municipality has no stable financial resources to be able to sustain service delivery without national government support. It was further revealed that the municipality has a shortage of relevant critical skills and quality human resources with the required technical and managerial competence to ensure quality service delivery at the local government sphere.  The findings on the strategies that can be used to overcome the challenges of developmental local government revealed that communities need to be educated on the meaning and importance of developmental local government. v The recommendations of the study are:  The researcher recommends that for the communities to be fully aware of the new mandate of developmental local government there is need for Capricorn District municipality to embark on community awareness program to inform people on the importance of developmental local government.  Alternative service delivery methods should be pursued by the Capricorn District Municipality to reduce pressure on the available resources. Services should not be provided through traditional methods only.  It is recommended that the municipality need to improve on local participatory governance. Capricorn District Municipality must secure greater participation by residents in matters of governance. Participation will assist in communities to have an understanding of the way local government operates.  The researcher also recommends that municipal capacity building should be prioritized by the municipality. As a way of mitigating the challenges of critical skills shortages the researcher recommended that relevant municipal officials should attend service excellence training courses.  The researcher recommends that education on the meaning of developmental local government can enhance the performance of Capricorn district municipality
Open Access
Employee training, job performance and retention in the Zimbabwe Private Sector
(2017-08-18) Musarurwa, Dzikamai; Setatati, Sam; Ngirande, Hlanganani
While globalization has created new opportunities for economic and social progress, it has also brought some costs such as the reduction of employee training programmes in the developing world and in private companies. As a result, poor employee job performance and failure to retain employees have become the norm in companies. This study explored the influence of employee training on employee job performance and employee retention in the Zimbabwean private sector. The study was quantitative in nature and it was conducted in two private sister companies namely Annualvest and Vast Africa. Stratified random sampling was used to choose the sample. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. This questionnaire comprised of four sections which measured the biographical data of the participants, employee training, job performance and retention. The training instrument was used to measure training and the individual work performance instrument (IWPQ 1, 0) was used to measure employee job performance. The turn-over intention instrument was used to measure employee retention. A statistical Software Package for Social Science (IBM- SPSS-2015) version 23 was used to analyse data. To establish the relationship between the research variables, the Spearman product moment correlation coefficient was used. Linear multiple regression analysis was performed to determine which dependent variable between job performance and employee retention is mostly affected by the independent variable (employee training). The study concluded that employee training has an influence on employee job performance and employee retention. However, a look at the different sub-scales of training shows that the availability of training proved to be the biggest predictor of job performance and employee retention of employees as compared to supervisor support and co-worker support on training. The study recommends that organisations should consider finding more resources to boost employee training. Policies must be put in place to encourage supervisor support and co-worker support on training.
Open Access
Factors that contribute to the street children phenomenon in Thohoyandou Town at the Vhembe District in Limpopo province
(2017-09-18) Matodzi, A. N.; Khwashaba, M. P.; Mahole, E.
See the attached abstract below
Open Access
Ethical leadership in the Limpopo Provincial Public Service of South Africa: an imperative for good governance
(2018-05-18) Singo, Angeline Thivhilaeli; Mafunisa, J. M.; Vermaak, N. J.
The study reviews and assess the impact of ethical leadership in promotion of good governance in the Limpopo Province in South Africa. Since the inception of the province in 1994, the provincial government witnessed an alarming statistics of unethical behaviour within its echelons. The media reports is frequently dominated by negative news of ethical transgression within the province’s public institutions. The reports on fraud and corruption scandals ranges from conflict of interests which manifest itself through payment of ghost workers, tardiness, weak institutions, lack of accountability and honesty by senior and subordinate public officials. In 2011, some of the provincial government’s departments were placed under “Administration”, meaning the control of province by the National Treasury. The placement of the departments under administration confirms the public perception that the province is engulfed by ethical challenges which result to poor governance of the province. The findings from the study confirm that although the province attempted to put strategies to minimise acts of unethical behaviour in the province, there is still a concern of ethical transgression that is ongoing and unabated. The study adopted the mixed methodology research design for data collection. The senior public managers and subordinate public officials were sampled as the population for the study. The aim is to assess the pivotal role that senior public managers as leaders play in fostering the organisational performance, hence good governance through modelling behaviour. The findings of the study assist to respond to the concern of why transgressions of ethical conduct occurs despite progressive legislative frameworks were introduced to promote good governance. The study recommended an Integrative Model of Ethical Leadership, which takes into account
Open Access
An investigation into the prevalence of unethical behaviour in a South African Municipality: A case of Vhembe District Municipality
(2018-05-18) Mufamadi, Musiwa Collen; Khwashaba, M. P.; Thakhathi, D. R.
The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of unethical behaviour in the South African municipalities. Municipalities are responsible for providing services such as maintenance of local roads, refuse removals, water supply and sanitation, amongst others. However municipalities’ unethical behaviour have produced many disadvantages for themselves and the society at large. Effective and efficient service delivery is negatively affected by unethical behaviour resulting in the waste of government millions of rands each year, money that could have been spent on delivering services. The fact that there is unethical behaviour in municipalities can be interpreted as a total absence of ethical culture in the behaviour of municipal officials. Municipal officials are encouraged to uphold moral principles such as impartiality, accountability and trustworthy while performing their official duties. Given this background, the research project attempted to provide explanations for the patterns of unethical conduct and also pointed out strategies that could be employed to curb unethical behaviour in municipalities. For the purpose of this study, the researcher employed both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. The researcher used purposive sampling to select respondents of the study. Two (2) instruments were used to collect data, namely, questionnaires and interviews. To analyse data, two types of data analysis were used. For data collected through questionnaires, the researcher used the Statistical Package for Social Sciences to analyse data. Data collected through interviews were analysed through the use of thematic analysis in the form of narrative. The study revealed specific unethical behaviour that were prevalent at Vhembe District Municipality. The study indicated that senior municipal officials must ensure that ethics initiatives systems and programmes should be put in place so that conducive ethical environment is created. The results indicated that despite challenges, employed strategies provided desired results. Specific solutions such improving employment practices and procurement activities were recommended that could improve ethical standards in the municipalities.
Open Access
The role of traditional leaders in the promotion of Local Economic Development
(2018-05-18) Mahole, Ephraim; Khwashaba, M. P.; Thakhathi, D. R.; Nkuna, N. W.
This study focussed on the roles of traditional leaders in the promotion of Local Economic Development (LED). This study focused on Limpopo Province but for this study, the research study was conducted in Vhembe District which consists of four (04) local municipalities which are Makhado, Thulamela, Musina and Collins Chabane local municipalities under Limpopo Province. Chiefs as traditional leaders are expected to play an active role in local development, on the day-to-day administration of their areas and the lives of people in their jurisdiction. One of the roles of traditional leaders is to promote socio-economic development and service delivery. The new government is trying to bring economic development to all areas, especially rural areas which were left out in the previous regime. The researcher chose a mixed research method in which both quantitative and qualitative research approaches were used. The reason for using a mixed research method is because it can be integrated in such a way that qualitative and quantitative methods retain their original structures and procedures. A qualitative approach is applicable in this study, because it allows openness to ideas, experiences, opinions, feelings and perceptions expressed by the research participants to the researcher. The researcher also applied a quantitative study for which would enable him to get results from many respondents. The researcher used a field research study as a research design. For this study, the researcher used a non-probability sampling and its subtype purposive sampling method to select the respondents for this study. The researcher chose purposive sampling method which is based entirely on the judgment of the researcher regarding the characteristics of the participants. Two data collection instruments were used, namely; research questionnaire and interview. The reason for selecting structured questionnaire and open-ended interview schedule is because the researcher wants to get relevant information about the study. Two methods of data analysis were used, namely descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The findings of the research study were:  The study findings revealed that majority of the respondents at 155 (74.3%) agreed that traditional leaders participate in approving Local Economic Development (LED) initiatives/projetcs. The study further affirms that most of the respondents at 178 which constitute 84.8% confirm that traditional leaders influence community members to participate in economic development projects in their communities.  Majority of the respondents at 147 (70.0%) agreed that traditional leaders are effective instruments to initiate LED and the researcher discovered that participation by traditional leaders promotes community development. vi  The findings revealed that there is a lack of co-operation between the traditional leaders and the municipalities. Poor working relationship between traditional leaders and the municipalities was revealed that it hampers the implementation of economic development projects in the municipality.  The study findings revealed that the LED in the municipality fails to create job opportunities and these result to an increase in crime rate. The study findings also revealed that poor planning, communication break-down; lack of common interest; poor management by the municipalities exacerbate the challenges facing traditional leaders in the implementation of local economic development.  The study findings revealed that traditional leaders lack knowledge, skills, capacity and resources in orders to promote LED. The study also discovered that due to the educational level of traditional leaders, it makes it difficult for them to understand the concepts and developmental projects.  The study findings discovered that traditional leaders only get involved in policy-making for IDP programmes wherein community stakeholders participate by providing the development projects that they require in the areas.  The researcher found that the role of traditional leaders in the promotion of LED is minimal because the only role of traditional leaders in the promotion of LED is mainly the allocation of land for LED projects. The recommendations of the research study are:  The researcher recommends that traditional leaders should actively participate in the decision-making to the implementation of LED. There is a greater need to ensure that the traditional leaders are made aware about the concept − LED. Traditional leaders should influence community members to participate in economic development projects. Traditional leaders should encourage community members to actively participate in economic development projects.  The study found that traditional leaders have development skills to benefit the community’s future and the researcher recommends that traditional leaders should be granted an opportunity on LED projects, as they are having development skills that can benefit the community. If traditional leaders are given a chance to participate in decision-making processes regarding issues that relate to and affect them, they will become part of the initiatives and this sense of ownership will encourage them to participate fully in the LED. vii  It is recommended that the culture of consultation and communication between traditional leaders and the municipalities should be promoted to enhance a good working relationship. Good working relationship between the traditional leaders and municipal councillors should be encouraged as it is very critical in enhancing the provision of services in the communities. The municipalities should improve their systems of communication to promote effective involvement of traditional leaders in LED. It is suggested that openness between community structures and the municipality should be encouraged.  The researcher recommends that the municipalities should provide enough budget to improve the implementation of LED in order to bring the communities and the government together in working towards the improvements of the LED projects. The findings suggested that in order for the municipalities to implement LED projects there should have well trained personnel and enough funding and be in a position to attract investors in order to implement the LED projects accordingly.  Supporting traditional leaders with training will enhance good governance, performance and accountability. The institution of traditional leaders should be trained about economic development as most of the respondents asserted that training on economic development is not given to traditional leaders. The researcher recommends that traditional leaders should be trained on economic development activities, as training is one form of communication which promotes the realisation of improved development. The researcher recommends that there should be a school that will educate traditional leaders to gain knowledge and skills which will result in a better community development.  It was stated that the municipality should involve traditional leaders in LED by clearly adding and stipulating out the roles of traditional leaders in the promotion of LED. The researcher recommends that the municipalities should involve the traditional leaders in LED as it encourages community ownership. The researcher recommends that LED meetings should be done regularly to give traditional leaders a better understanding of what is LED and what the municipalities is doing concerning job creation, eradication of poverty and other municipal matters.  The findings suggested that the traditional leader should be part of the LED by playing a meaningful role in the decision-making body (formulation stage) to implementation and have a voice in the LED council.
Open Access
The development of management skills of officials for the enhancement of effective service delivery in Limpopo Province: The case of Vhembe District Municipality
(2018-05-18) Nekhavhambe, Mutshutshu; Khwashaba, M. P.; Vermaak, N. J.; Thakhathi, D. R.
The focus of this study is on skills development at the management level of local government. Quality service delivery can only be attained when there are properly trained and skilled officials. Officials who have relevant knowledge and skills on what they are employed to do, are treasurable assets to their employers. The South African public and Vhembe District Municipality`s residence in particular expect the delivery of services that are of acceptable standard. It is therefore, imperative to have properly trained workers at this sphere of government. The study therefore, investigates whether middle and senior level officials (managers) are properly skilled to be able to provide required services to communities. The study uses a mixed research method, i.e. both the qualitative and quantitative research methods. Senior level managers were taken through an interview process to try and gather data that will help to determine any challenge and even where the Municipality is managing well in providing services by virtue of it having qualified competent personnel. This process will help to identify gaps if any and thereafter suggest ways to close/overcome them. This will be done by asking these officials open-ended questions wherein they could give the researcher more information on the topic. Middle level managers were requested to complete a questionnaire with close-ended questions. This helps in bringing statistical data that focuses on relevant issues about the topic. The main findings of the study are therefore the following: ➢ Senior officials possess some skills, especially with regards to leadership although specific areas of functioning were not indicated. Besides this, a number of problem areas were highlighted ranging from planning; organising; v communication; interpersonal relations; financial management; strategic management; and labour relations. This could be instigated by the fact that available skills are misdirected through the misplacement of officials with regards to the actual skills they have and positions they are placed on. ➢ Although not everyone is the Municipality is consulted on an individual basis when the analysis of training needs is undertaken and when designing training programmes, a reasonable number of officials are however involved. In doing this, the Municipality partners with SALGA and the LGSETA. All officials are thereafter given an opportunity to attend trainings as per the identified skills gaps, however, a number of officials, especially elderly people are reluctant to attend such trainings because they know they are close to retirement and to them is like being punished as they won`t be using such skills for long. ➢ Poor skills impact negatively on the Municipality`s efforts to provide acceptable services as it hampers the delivery of quality goods and services. This is further exacerbated by the exodus of officials with scarce skills who are difficult to retain due to their demand by institutions. The deployment of cadres without the requisite skills for the jobs, costs the Municipality dearly as they fail to execute what they are employed for due to lack of knowledge. Furthermore, the approach of outsourcing the provision of goods and services does not always benefit the Municipality and communities as private companies try to minimise costs in order to attain profit and in that process, end up providing poor quality goods and services. ➢ Accountability is well maintained at the lower level positions in the Municipality as work is regularly monitored by supervisors, however, the challenge is with senior level officials who should account for the institution holistically. This is necessitated by the fact that senior level positions are mostly occupied by deployed cadres which makes it difficult to pin point accountability because such people turn to get directives from deployers and they also report to them, to the demise of the internal system. vi The following recommendations are therefore made based on the findings of the study: ➢ As the Municipality conducts a training needs analysis every-time before designing training programmes for officials, in ascertaining the real skills gaps, the Municipality should continue to conduct such skills audit exercises that will also lead to proper placement of officials in positions they qualify for and after determining genuine skills gaps institute relevant and effective intervention strategies and mechanisms that could help improve officials` knowledge and skills. ➢ Attending training by officials should be mandatory when a skills gap has been identified and in applying this, appointment letters and performance contract agreements for those already in the employment of the Municipality should have a clause about mandatory training, where and when deemed necessary. ➢ The Municipality should consider sending officials to reputable service providers on issues that are problematic to officials, for example, planning; communication; financial management; strategic management; and labour relations and this should be done twice a year. ➢ In line with the proposed skills training model on figure 2.4, the Municipality should expect trainees to be assessed after a training to determine their level of competence and good performance be rewarded. ➢ The merit principle be followed, in appointing and promoting employees even with deployed cadres, to avoid placing people on positions they do not qualify for. ➢ The EPWP that is run by the Municipality in partnership with the Department of Public Works be extended to train professionals and people who deserve be put on beneficial programmes that will give them skills that are required to develop the Municipality instead of confining them to the task of de-bushing grass and trees along roads. vii ➢ Managers continue to give their subordinates a chance to act on their behalf during their absence from work to help in equipping juniors to be ready for more challenging responsibilities in future. ➢ The Municipality should appoint credible service providers when outsourcing services. ➢ The Municipality should make sure that the procurement section functions properly. ➢ Retention of officials with scarce skills be a priority. ➢ The Municipality should always implement audit recommendations to improve its governance. ➢ The Municipality should warn officials, especially politicians (councilors), not to promise communities goods and services that might be difficult to honour and be realistic based on affordability. ➢ The Municipality should establish reliable control and monitoring measures and systems in place in order to enforce accountability. ➢ Officials to sign a code of conduct expecting them to be loyal to the Municipality and not to outside people. ➢ The Municipality should develop a proper performance management system with clear key performance areas to make officials committed to their work. ➢
Open Access
Local economic development as a strategy to enhance community development projects: A case of Thulamela Local Municipality
(2019) Ngobeni, Tlangelani; Nekhavhambe, M.N.; Mahole, E.
The purpose of this study was to examine local economic development (LED) as a strategy to enhance community development projects in the Thulamela Local Municipality as well as the effects of effective LED. The LED was introduced in the municipalities to create jobs and alleviate poverty. The LED strategy uses local resources with local communities, public institutions, and the private sector to create employment and eradicate poverty. This is due to the lack of job opportunities and high levels of unemployment in rural areas. Therefore, this study addressed that with the realisation of the importance of local economic development as a strategy in local government, rural areas in TLM can be developed through community development projects. The study used the pragmatic approach paradigm and the mixed-method approach, in which both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to collect and analyse the data. This was done to take both the advantage of quantitative and qualitative methods, whereby, when the other method could not provide valuable information, the other was used. In-depth information from the respondents was extracted, whereby participants expressed their feelings, and opinions during data collection. The research design used was the convergent parallel design, which allowed the collection of data in both methods to gain an in-depth understanding of the phenomena. The study area was the Thulamela Local Municipality. The study used the purposive sampling procedure to select the respondents to obtain more knowledge from skilled respondents. Two instruments of data collection were used, namely: structured questionnaire and open-ended interview schedule. Data was analysed through inferential statistics and the narrative method. Respondents were informed and made aware of the challenges of taking part and that they can withdraw from the study at any time. The findings of the research study were:  The major findings of the study are that 55 (55%) of the respondents agreed that LED is a strategy that enhances community development projects.  The study revealed that 45 (45%) of the respondents strongly agreed that skills and administrative capacity is vital as a way to strengthen LED strategy.  The majority of respondents at 48% agreed that Location Theory is vital in promoting local economic development.  The study found that community participation and funding are major problem as a key to LED projects.  The study also revealed that there is a shortage of land as most land is owned by traditional leaders, and land ownership is through Permission to Occupy (PTO) arrangements. The study further affirmed that the policies of LED in the Municipality are outdated. Recommendations of the study are:  The findings suggested that TLM should create a conducive environment for LED projects to exist in order to create jobs and alleviate poverty. fund existing and new community projects for them to flourish.  It was indicated that the Municipality should train project coordinators regularly as well as to employ officials that have the capacity and administrative skills to implement LED projects.  It is recommended that the Municipality should view LED in a locality-based approach to stimulate local economy whereby, local resources are used and skills to benefit citizens to ensure.  It is recommended that the Municipality should influence effective participation as well as fund existing and new LED projects.  The study recommends that the Municipality must work with traditional leaders as the custodian of the land. The study further recommends that the LED policies must be updated to meet the current socio-economic needs.
Open Access
Challenges militating against community participation on the Integrated Development Plan Process in Thulamela Local Municipality
(2019-04-18) Ndou, Rendani; Khwashaba, M. P.; Mahole, Ephraim
The study focusses on the challenges militating against community participation on the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) process in Thulamela Local Municipality (TLM) and to find strategies to be used to enhance community participation on Integrated Development Plan. The study is based on matters of community participation and IDP in order to find out how community participation in the municipalities can influence the planning process in an integrated manner. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Act No. 108 of 1996) mandates local government to encourage the involvement of communities and community organisations in the matters of local government. IDP is the rightful platform to fulfil the aforementioned mandate in the local government. In this study, the researcher made use of a mixed research method where both qualitative and quantitative research methods are used. The research is qualitative in nature, but the quantitative method is also used in data interpretation, because data collected was based on the views and opinions of a large number of respondents and the analysis of results based on statistical significance. The researcher used the non-probability sampling and its subtype purposive sampling method to select the participants in this study. Questionnaires, interviews as well as literature were used to gather data in this research. Two types of data analysis were used when analysing the data. For data collected through interview, the researcher used thematic analysis (Narrative form) and for data collected through questionnaire, the researcher used International Business Machinery (IBM)- Statistical Product in Service Solutions (SPSS) Statistics V25. The researcher followed research ethics before conducting the study. The major findings of the study are: • The study found out that 38 (76%) of the respondents agreed that community members actively participate in IDP process. This is an indication that community members of Thulamela Local Municipality actively participate in IDP process. • The researcher found out that the majority of the respondents at 45 which constitutes 90% agreed that active community participation in IDP process plays an important role in the improvement of the basic service delivery. • The researcher found out that majority of the respondents at 35 which constitutes 70% of the respondents in the study agreed that community members are well informed about different types of participation in IDP process. • The researcher found out that majority of the respondents at 38 which constitutes 76% of the respondents in the study disagreed that there are enough resources to capacitate community members in order to participate actively in IDP process. v The main recommendations are: • The researcher recommends that community members should take a share of responsibility to actively participate in IDP process. Thus, the community members should consider it necessary that they strive to make community participation on IDP process fashionable. • The researcher recommends that there should be active community participation in IDP process because it plays an important role in the improvement of basic service delivery. Community participation in IDP process needs to be active for the basic service delivery to be improved. • The researcher recommends that community members should be well informed about different types of participation on IDP process. It is the responsibility of the municipality to inform community members about different types of community participation that they can use to participate in IDP process. • The researcher recommends that the municipality should make enough resources to capacitate community members in order to participate actively in IDP process available. The municipality should embark on a journey to raise funds either from other government sectors and/or private sectors.
Open Access
The Effectiveness of the Public Protector's Office in enhancing ethical conduct: The case of the Vhembe District Municipal Area
(2019-05-18) Raphasha, Nngwedzeni Ernie; Vermaak, N. J.; Nkuna, N. W.
The main thrust of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the Public Protector’s office in enhancing ethical conduct: The Case of Vhembe District Municipal Area. After the attainment of democracy in 1994, South Africa established the Public Protector’s office and other institutions to enhance ethical conduct within the public service. Despite the establishment of the Public Protector’s office, ethical challenges remained a big problem to achieve good governance and efficient service delivery to the masses of Vhembe. This study followed a mixed research methods and employed a descriptive case study design with explanatory features characterised by the sequential explanatory model strategy in which the collection and analysis of quantitative data was done, followed by the next phase of collecting and analysing qualitative data. Participants in this study were Public Protector’s officials, Mayors, Municipal Managers, Civic Organizations and the representatives of the private (tendering) companies found in Vhembe. The empirical data were collected through questionnaire and semi-structured interview schedule and analysed using SPSS and thematic (content) analysis. Data collection and analysis followed the objectives of the study as a framework. The major finding of the study is that the Public Protector’s office is not effective enough to enhance ethical conduct due to its inability and lack of constitutional powers to enforce adherence and compliance with its recommendations after conducting investigations. As a result, this renders the Public Protector’s office ineffective and unable to enhance ethical conduct effectively. The study therefore, recommends that the Public Protector’s office needs to be provided with sufficient resources as well as more constitutional powers to enable it to enforce implementation and compliance with its recommendations.
Open Access
Critical analysis of job strategies in the Makhado Local Municipality
(2019-09-20) Mbedzi, Langanani; Khwashaba, M. P.; Mahole, E.; Nkuna, N. W.
This study focused on critical analysis of job creation strategies in the Makhado Local Municipality (MLM). Even though there are policies and strategies adopted by Local Economic Development (LED) in order to speed up the process of job creation, there are still many unemployed people with no potential job prospects in the area. There are quite a number of factors working against job creation which range from geographic and demographic dispositions, availability of industries within the area, and limited infrastructure that can help to fast track job creation. The researcher used descriptive research design for this study. The researcher followed a mixed methods approach in which quantitative and qualitative research approaches were used. The reason for using a mixed methods approach was to integrate both qualitative and quantitative research methods to enable them to complement each other, thereby adding value to the findings. The researcher used non-probability sampling and its sub-type purposive sampling to select the respondents for this study. Purposive sampling method provides a wide range of non-probability sampling techniques for the researcher to draw on. Data collection instruments which were used were interview questions and questionnaires. Statistical analysis and thematic analysis were used to analyse the data. The researcher followed the research ethics before conducting study. The following were the major findings of the study: • The study findings revealed that municipality fails to inform members of the public with regard to job creation strategies in any process of development. • The research study findings revealed that the municipalities should create positions instead of internships without getting employment after completion. • The study findings revealed that public participation encourages community members to be actively involved in the municipality projects and helps to create good relationship between communities and the municipality to improve basic service delivery. The following are the recommendations of the study: • The research study revealed that good working relationship between municipal officials and community members should be encouraged as it is vital in enhancing the provision of service in the communities. • The study recommended that the municipalities should create positions which are permanent. • The researcher recommends that openness between community structures and the municipality should be encouraged in order to bring development in the municipality.
Open Access
Community participation as tool for promoting accountability in local government with specific reference to Makhado Local Municipality, Limpopo Province
(2020) Mawela, Ndivhaisafhi; Nkuna, N. W.; Mahole, E.
The research investigated community participation as a tool to promote accountability, using Makhado Local Municipality as a prime focus/case study. Makhado Local Municipality has seen a rise in public protest resulting from dissatisfaction with service delivery and lack of accountability by public officials. The dissertation was normative in nature because it employed the theoretical disposition of community participation and accountability on Makhado Local Municipality. A mixed method approach was adopted for the research, which enabled the combination of both quantitative and qualitative data analysis approaches to gain deeper insight of the topic under investigation. A general background review of available literature was presented to contextualise the problem statement understudy. An interpretive research was adopted to assess how community members navigate to create their social world though participatory mechanisms made available by the municipality. Research data was collected through semi-structured interviews conducted using standard interview guidelines. Collected data was analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively through in-depth review of responses extracted from the sampled population with the aid of a questionnaire. Statistical methods of data interpretation were incorporated to enhance data analysis. The findings of the study was that accountability is promoted through community participation, policy of the municipality are aligned to legislative framework and that municipal officials lack professionalism and accountability. It was recommended for the municipality to create systems that will enforce and promote professional conduct by public officials. Furthermore, it was recommended for the municipality to create mechanisms to ensure the involvement of community members as to promote accountability. The study drew its conclusions and recommendations from the views provided by the community participants and public officials on how to best use community participation as a tool for promoting accountability. Identity confidentiality of participants was respected and guaranteed throughout the course of the study. The research problem investigated was the lack of accountability by public officials in Makhado Local Municipality.
Open Access
Public participation as a strategy to promote good governance in local government: the case of Blouberg Local Municipality
(2020-06-18) Maela, Khutso Delphus; Mahole, E.; Nekhavhambe, M. M.
The study focused on public participation as a strategy to promote good governance in Local Government. The focus area was Blouberg Local Municipality. Public participation is a process by which an organization consults with affected individuals, organizations, and government entities before taking a decision. Public participation is considered as a two-way communication and cooperative problem-solving process whose goal is to achieve better and more acceptable decisions. Public participation simply entails that the publics must be able to cooperate with government on decisions that affect them. The municipalities must also be able to interact and consult with the public on the use of land and municipal development at the local level, defined as a process involving the training of civil servants, administrative and fiscal decentralization, dialogue between governments and civil society and staff incentives. Good governance begins with the political will to govern well. However, Good governance is a tremendously indefinable objective. This is because good governance means different things to different organizations and to different actors within these organizations. The study used the mixed method research approach to understand the scope and nature under which public participation is practiced, to achieve good governance. For the purpose of this study, the researcher used both qualitative and quantitative research approach as well as pragmatic approach to support the research. In addition, the researcher used descriptive and contextual research design. The data collection methods used are questionnaires and interviews. The sampling group of the study consists of municipal officials, councillors and selected community members. The research used non-probability sampling and purposive to select the sample members. The data was analysed using thematic and statistical analyses. The researcher strictly adhered to ethical conduct. The major findings of the study are the following: The study found that the 36 respondents, who constitute 36%, pointed out that community members are not informed about the activities of the municipality. The study found that the majority, 36 (36%) of respondents strongly disagreed with the statement that the municipality has adequate financial and human resources to enable public participation. Fifty-five (55) respondents, which constitute 55% strongly disagreed that the municipal officials have a good relationship with the residents and councillors of the Blouberg local Municipality. Public participation helps in the provision of adequate and relevant services to the publics. The findings revealed that corruption hinders public participation. Finally, the study revealed that public participation can be enhanced through imbizos and utilization of radio stations to inform members of the public about public participation. iv The recommendations of the study are the following: The study recommends that there is a need to inform the public about the activities of the municipality. The researcher recommends that there must be adequate financial and human resources to enable public participation. The study recommends that there must be a good relationship between municipal officials, residents and the councillors of the Blouberg local Municipality. The study recommends public participation is in the provision of the adequate and relevant services to the publics. The study recommends that there is a need for ethical practises within the municipality to promote public participation. The study recommends that public participation be ensured through imbizos, utilization of radio stations to inform public about their participation