Conference Proceedings

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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
Afrocentricity as a Theory for Good Governance in Africa
(2022-09-14) Adejumo - Ayibiowu, O. D.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. S. (Quest Editor)
Corruption and poverty persist in many African countries despite over two decades of implementing the donor's good governance agenda. The ineffectiveness of western approaches in Africa makes the case for institutional reforms based on theories that are compatible with African culture. The problem, however, is that while there is a proliferation of western theories of governance and development, there are few well-articulated theories emanating from African indigenous knowledge systems. In recent times, Afrocentricity has emerged as a scientific paradigm that is based on African culture and that serves African interests. Consequently, the objectives of the paper are to describe the characteristics of Afrocentricity and to present the Afrocentric principles of good governance. The methodology adopted relies mainly on secondary sources. The findings show that precolonial Africa has many democratic governance systems to learn from, and based on Africa's cultural democracies, some Afrocentric principles of good governance are brought forward
Open Access
An Analysis of Internal Auditing as a Mechanism for Detecting and Preventing Supply Chain Management Fraud in the Public Sector
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2022-09-14) Khoza, T. S. M.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. S. (Quest Editor)
Amongst some of the challenges confronted in South Africa is wasteful expenditure in the public service, which has resulted in massive loss of public funds. The main problem is systemic lapses when it comes to internal processes. This is particularly seen in relation to the supply chain, where internal lapses are fully expressed. Public financial management policies such as the Municipal Finance Management Act (No. 56, 2003) and the Public Finance Management Act (No. 1, 1999) requires that public organisations to implement internal supply chain management controls which include an internal audit as a management control to evaluate the systems of supply chain management and processes. These policies aimed to ensure that processes are followed to minimize lapses and inconsistencies in supply chain management. Despite all of these measures, there has been a huge spike in terms of fraud and therefore the effectiveness of supply chain management needs to be re-evaluated. This paper argues that the major problem has to do with monitoring and evaluating the supply chain management process; and ensuring that processes are followed. The systems, policies and procedures for supply chain management are in place; however, the lapse appears to be in the monitoring thereof. The question, therefore, arises whether internal audit rules are clear, sound and implementable. This paper analyses the effectiveness of internal audits in preventing and detecting fraud in supply chain management. Fraud prevention and detection have been part of the internal audit function's responsibilities, and yet internal auditors do not have sufficient skills to understand the fraud risks as they are not expected to have the proficiency of an individual whose main responsibility is identifying and investigating fraud. The latter is possible if internal auditors could work together with but are not limited to Forensic Auditors; investigators; supply chain officers and risk officers
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
Analysis of Skills Acquired by Auditing Students Through the Project-Based Learning Approach
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2022-09-14) Matshika, C.; Malatji, S. E.; Khumalo, L.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. S. (Quest Editor)
This study aims to contribute to practical teaching and learning approaches adopted in institutions of higher learning to ensure that students acquire the skills required of them in the workplace. It is imperative that higher learning institutions adopt teaching and learning approaches that will equip students with skills required for the workplace. Therefore, this study analyses the project-based learning approach, to determine whether Auditing students will acquire the skills required of them in the workplace as auditors. Higher learning institutions are a platform where students should be prepared for the workplace. Thus, it is necessary for these institutions to adopt teaching and learning methods that will ensure students have the skills required of them in the workplace. Traditional teaching and learning methods often limit the learning of students to the theoretical knowledge based on prescribed textbooks, which is not likely to respond to the skill-set required in the workplace. This study will investigate the skills acquired by students through the project-based learning approach. These skills will then be mapped to the skills required for auditors in the workplace. This is done to determine whether through the project-based teaching and learning approach, Auditing students will acquire the skills required of them in the workplace as auditors. This is going to be achieved through the mixed research methods where the skills required of Auditing graduates are extracted from analysing documents, and the results are quantitative in nature. The study established that through the project-based learning approach, Auditing students would develop up to eighty nine percent (89%) of the skills required of them. The remaining eleven percent (11%) represents only one element of skills, which is visual skills. This study joins an ongoing debate in academia about incorporating practical elements in modules to enhance students' understanding and success. These factors may be critical when students enter the workplace.
Open Access
Analysis of the Implementation of SDGs as Part of Community Engagement Activities at South African Universities: An Exploratory Study
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2022-09-14) Mbhalati, L.; Masehela, K. F.; Khoza, R.; Morake, K.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T, S. (Quest Editor)
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) developed and adopted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in September 2015 have created a new understanding of social responsibilities. The SDGs are a framework for building or creating a more sustainable future for all by 2030. Decision-makers in numerous industries have regarded the SDGs' implementation as a challenging undertaking. University community engagement initiatives undertaken by universities is one of the ways that can fast track the implementation of the SDGs. Universities are in a position to train and prepare the next generation with the skills required in the implementation of SDGs by involving students in their community engagement endeavors. Therefore, research on how universities are conducting their community engagement initiatives to incorporate SDGs is necessary. The objective of this study was to explore how the South African universities have incorporated the SDGs in their community engagement initiatives and what their SDGs priorities are. The focus of this study was on the eighteen traditional universities in South Africa. Universities' annual reports were examined using a qualitative exploratory approach and a content analysis research method was used to review the universities' involvement with SDGs. ATLAS.ti. was used as a data analysiss tool for this study. The findings indicate most South African universities incorporate SDGs in their community engagement initiatives. The universities' community engagement initiatives are directed towards achieving SDG 4 (quality education), SDG 17, which centres around partnerships to achieve the goals, and SDG 5 (gender equality). Universities are working cooperatively and have already begun referencing and integrating SDGs in their reporting. However, the incorporation of SDGs into the universities' community engagement reporting is not sufficient as some universities are not yet mentioning SDGs in their annual reports
Open Access
Assessing Public Transport Policies for Driver Fitness in the South African Road Transport Context
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2022-09-14) Alers, C.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. S. (Quest Editor)
This paper analyses the public transport policies with specific reference to driver fitness. The main purpose of this article is to sketch a holistic policy cycle through a historical overview of policy developments. The complexities of developing policy from the governmental to an operational level were attended to. Directions towards online booking systems and electronic drivers licence cards were established by identifying significant features in the formation of transport policy from the early 1800s to 2022. Primary information was acquired from licensing and road traffic legislation, policy circulars issued by the national Department of Transport as well as official eNaTIS guidelines. The literature found that: (1) the provision of driver fitness and related licensing and transport services remains a crucial challenge for the government, and (2) there is a need for online booking systems and digital driver's licences in all provinces. In essence, the literature review specifies how the history of public transport policies shaped the future of driver fitness in a predominantly new online environment. The primary limitation of this study was that it is a policy review, relying heavily on a document analysis to set the scene for future research. The research results are useful in the legislative environment, law enforcement practice fields, and in scientific research in this area.
Open Access
Assessment of Household Waste Minimisation Practices in Orange Farm: Effects and Opportunities for Low Income Households
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Thabethe, Z. S.; Mzini, L. B.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
The study is founded on the premise of waste management with reference to waste minimisation. Waste minimisation is undertaken either at the point of purchase, or within the home by re-using or repairing products rather than replacing them. The researchers assess waste minimisation practices at household level in Orange Farm, City of Johannesburg. Municipal waste minimisation at household level has been relatively neglected as compared to industrial waste minimisation. The Gauteng province is classified as the most economical dominant province in the country. However, there are concerns about the lack of managing waste from the source. Effective waste management determines the sustainability of the environment and ensures the health of the society. The study observed disorderly disposal of waste. The households in Orange Farm rarely practice other means of waste minimization such as to reuse, recycle, and compost. The respondents' knowledge on waste minimisation is relatively poor. The main problem expressed by respondents with respect to waste disposal is that collection schedules are not adhered to by the collectors. The role of waste minimisation and public participation programmes in educating the community so that the latter can play their role effectively is very crucial. A qualitative approach and a questionnaire was preferred to understand the context of household waste minimisation. The study found that waste management has changed to more sustainable waste minimisation methods. Despite the innovations created, the households still dispose waste illegally and this put strain on the landfills as they become too full than anticipated. In addition, the news ways of recycling were introduced even though the households remain unenthusiastic about sustainable measures. We recommend that a Waste Stream Analysis or Waste Audit may be effective in minimizing household waste when waste is disposed at household level. We further recommend for the sorting and of household waste.
Open Access
Barriers to Parents Supporting Children's Learning in Volksrust Circuit, Gert Sibande District in Mpumalanga Province
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2022-09-14) Mavuso, F. T.; Malahlela, T.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. S. (Quest Editor)
The study's goal was to discover what impediments inhibit parents from supporting their children's academic growth. The objectives for this study were to identify barriers parents face when trying to assist in children's schooling devise solutions to overcome them. The research also evaluated the procedures in three categories of schools, namely township, rural and suburban schools. The study was guided by Lafaele and Hornby's the explanatory model. The study employed a qualitative research approach within an interpretivist paradigm. A phenomenology study design was employed. Three secondary schools (suburban, township and rural) in the Volksrust Circuit were used for the research study. Six parents from each school who were members of the governing body (five from the suburban school), a principal and a Departmental Head (DH) made up the sample of participants. Semi-structured interviews and a review of the parental involvement policies' policy documents were used to gather data. They were analysed using thematic analysis. According to the study, parental involvement in children's learning is inhibited by impediments related to the school, such as reasons and methods of communication, policies on parental involvement, and instructional jargon. Parent and family-based barriers such as job dynamics, subject matter expertise, educational attainments, cultural norms and transferred responsibilities were also highlighted as barriers to parental involvement. Moreover, the research discovered that notwithstanding the willingness of parents to help their children's education, parental support in children's education is constrained by learners' age. The study concludes that parental involvement is a changing phenomenon and so schools should base their judgements on data rather than generalizations. This study suggests using digital as well as other forms of connection, changing school systems, building capacity and developing "Action Teams" so as to foster parental involvement in children's education
Open Access
The Broken Relationship Between the Government Machinery and its People: A Reality or a Myth?
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2022-09-14) Mabitsela, P. W.; Raseala, P. S.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. S. (Quest Editor)
The purpose of this paper is to clarify the breakdown of relationship between government machinery and its people as far as service delivery is concern. Service delivery is a complex and difficult task in South Africa. When politicians during local and national elections engage in elections campaign, quite often the politicians are bombarded by service delivery demands from the citizens. In turn, the politicians make elections promises to satisfy the service delivery demand of the citizens should they be elected to office. After, the election season has, the politicians elected to office rarely interact with the citizens to deliver the election promises. This can be attributed to many factors, such as breakdown of relationship between government machinery and the citizens, lack of capacity by the government machinery to deliver services to citizens amid the growing population in South Africa, break of trust between government and its citizens, poor service delivery, corruption and maladministration. The paper is conceptual and descriptive in nature, which means document and review literature on government has been used to collect data. The paper argues that the relationship between government machinery and its people is broken. The empirical results indicate that the relationship between the government and its citizens has broken.
Open Access
Budget Allocation and Funding of Community Food Security Projects in Gauteng Province
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Mofokeng, W. N.; Mzini, L. B.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
This study aimed to assess funding of community food security projects in the Gauteng Province. The study was prompted by high levels of poverty and unemployment. Despite the two challenges being at the fore front for policy makers in the country, civil society members are partaking in alternative and sustainable solutions to poverty reduction which has led to establishment of community food security projects. Proper and adequate funding to these poverty reduction strategies ensures that the projects succeed and meet their intended objectives and goals. It is important for government to budget for developmental and sustainable initiatives. To realise the research problem, a semi-structured questionnaire is used to solicit and examine how community food security projects are funded in the six peri-urban townships of Emfuleni Local Municipality. This was to assess the contribution of communities in their own food security and the impact of the projects on the whole community. The study established that food gardens have a role to play in the extensive fight against hunger and in improving household food security and ultimately, in creating income generation or providing employment opportunities. The study recommends for increased participatory budgeting process to enhance involvement of community members.
Open Access
Can Investing in Information Systems Boost Economic Complexity in South Africa: Movement Towards the Fourth Industrial Revolution?
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Ncanywa, T.; Sebola, M. T. (Chief editor); Molokwane, T. (Guest editor)
Countries need to accelerate the growth and development of their economies by increasing the productive capacity for better living conditions of their citizens. For countries to improve their economies, they need to boost their economic complexity by producing and exporting commodities that embody sophisticated characteristics. The economic complexity index measures how diverse products are and include their ubiquity when they are exported. Economic complexity provides reasons why some countries progress very slowly by studying the characteristics of countries export baskets. This study seeks to find out if the investment in information systems can influence the South African economic complexity. The set objective employs the autoregressive distributive lag (ARDL) methodology. Results of the ARDL bounds test gave an F-statistic of 7.17 greater than the upper bound and this indicated a long run relationship in the series. Furthermore, investment in information systems had a significant positive relationship to economic complexity with a speed of adjustment of 87%. Investing in information system has proved to be innovative and contribute to firm output and labour productivity. Furthermore, information technology improves organizational performance, reduce production cost and improve the production of all personnel and ultimately increase the efficiency of human capital. The positive relationship between information systems and economic complexity is a good indicator that South Africa can enhance its complexity through information systems activities. It is therefore, recommended that the government of South African invest in information systems as this could yield a faster route towards the fourth industrial revolution.
Open Access
Challenges and Prospects of Effective Communication Among Senior Managers at Institutions of Higher Learning
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2022-09-14) Dzaga, T. V.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. S. (Quest Editor)
This study aimed to evaluate the challenges and prospects of effective communication among senior managers at higher education institutions. The participants sample of 523 was identified for the purpose of representing the staff, students, alumni, and council members. The methods used to collect data entailed interviews and questionnaires with selected service staff and council members as well as alumni. The data from students was collected through questionnaire. The study revealed that internal and external systems of communication of an institution play an important role in addressing challenges of effective communication among senior managers which leads to improved system of governance and effective management within an institution. The study further revealed that poor vertical communication can result in stakeholders failing to understand their respective roles which could eventually lead to a communication void.
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
Challenges Related to Capacity in Local Government Administration: The Continuing Tussle Between Insulated and Non-Insulated Local Government Public Service Leadership
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Motebang, S. M.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane. T. (Quest Editor)
This paper reports on the extent to which an insulated or non-insulated public service leadership in local government in South Africa is a relevant determinant of stability and service delivery. This analysis was done in the context of a high turnover of local government leadership and poor service delivery. The author posits that there is adequate and capable leadership available to successfully steer development in local government. However, the inability of political leadership to find a balance between an insulated and non-insulted public service has led to unstable local government. The paper used a comparative desktop methodology to compare the tenure of municipal managers of three metropolitan municipalities in Gauteng province since 2001. The study analysed documents that are in the public domain, such as newspapers, legislation, regulations and records of Council resolutions, according to the applicable theories. The conclusion is that the tussle between insulated and non-insulated leadership is ongoing. The tussle is evidenced by overbearing political influence that limits the space for public servants to be fully efficient. The controls against such influences are neither adhered to, nor adequately enforced.
Open Access
A Clarion Call for Decolonisation of Curriculum in South Africa: The Struggle Left Unattended
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Kgobe, F. K. L.; Sebola, M. P.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Guest Editor)
The purpose of this paper is to explore in greater details and assess the potency of the current educational curriculum's responsiveness towards socio economic issues and market demand. The paper proposes the need for the decolonising of the inclusive and well-resourced education in South African educational contexts. The clarion call for decolonisation of curriculum in South African institutions of learning be it basic education and higher education endure to relish appeals both from the students and the academics. Decolonisation of education, therefore, rest upon academics who coordinates teaching and learning in public educational institutions. For instance, on the 26 November 2020 the Minister of higher education Dr Blade Nzimande noted students who enrol for courses that are not short of in the market breeding more unemployment with government spending funds on students that are not going to be employed. The question that rises from his speech is: Why are those courses offered by institutions of higher learning if they are not contributing to the unemployment reduction? The paper adopted the Afrocentricity Theory by Asante (1980) in order to strengthen the argument that the current curricula is guarding against unemployment being addressed. The paper uses the Constitution of Republic of South Africa 1996, chapter 2, section 29, and subsection 2 to fortify the argument. The paper further proposes that a decolonised well-resourced education as a basic human need that will serve as a panacea to the tripartite debacles faced by the country of which are poverty, unemployment, and inequality. The inability of the curriculum to respond to contextual issues is as of the lack of capacity of both Departments of Basic Education and Higher Education and Training.
Open Access
Commercialisation of Research in Institutions of Higher Education: A Transformation Process
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2022) Dyantyi, N; Ncanywa, T.
Higher Education Institutions need to address transformation, particularly looking at reducing graduate unemployment and improving their third-stream income. One of the strategies to achieve these transformational goals is to commercialise research produced by these institutions. Hence, this paper aims to explore ways in which institutions can incorporate the commercialisation of research concepts to have an impact on their output. The exploration process employs a qualitative thematic literature review methodology. The paper focuses on how to dissect the commercialisation and entrepreneurship concept, harness intellectual property, form partnerships and collaborations, address transformational change and structural reform, benefits and challenges of commercialisation, among the ways to deal with the commercialisation of research. This study revealed that the commercialisation of research requires active participation from leadership, an understanding of the roles of all stakeholders involved, creating an enabling environment and having incentive programs for motivation. Challenges highlighted include financial constraints, particularly in developing countries, lack of awareness, unclear policies, and tradeoff between publishing research papers and protecting intellectual property. It has been found that commercializing research can have meaningful outcomes in institutions and an enormous effect on the economy and society
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
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
Conceptualising Informal Business Support in South Africa: A Critical Theory Perspective
(International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives (IPADA), 2021) Ntoyanto, S. S.; Khumalo, P.; Sebola, M. P. (Chief Editor); Molokwane, T. (Quest Editor)
It has been said that the next wave of economic growth will come from townships. Over the years several researchers have conducted research on the township economy and the nature of the township economy. Their focus has been predominately on small businesses and entrepreneurial activities. However, as recent as 2020, the Department of Small Business Development has developed a strategy to close the support gap faced by informal businesses. This has been through the establishment of the National Informal Business Upliftment Strategy (NIBUS). Using the critical theory lens for analysis, the authors will argue that strategies like the above seek to play an emancipatory role especially when it comes to ongoing developmental issues such as poverty alleviation and socio-economic transformation in South Africa. The authors believe that choosing to support informal businesses within their informality is a form of emancipatory policy making and implementation. The authors believe that more policies should work towards meeting individuals where they operate such as in informal spaces. Such as approach in economic development will have a positive outcome on poverty alleviation