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Item Embargo The Implementation of a Performance Management System in the Vhembe District Municipality in Limpopo Province(2023-10-05) Tshivhula, Thandi Cathrine; Kone, L. R.; Nkuna, N.The study evaluated the implementation of the Performance Management System in Vhembe District Municipality of Limpopo in South Africa. A quantitative and qualitative research approach was used for the data collection. The theoretical framework underpinned the study focused on Goal-setting theory and its applications in performance management systems. In addition, the study adopted some performance management models namely; Three-Es Model namely; Quality Management Models, Business Excellence Framework and the European Foundation for Quality Management, South African Excellence Foundation Model, Citizens' Charter, Quality Awards, the Balanced Score Card and the Servqual Model. From the study, the impact of demographic information on the PMS workers showed that the majority age group aged 41-50 years participated in the survey out of 150 respondents. The gender representation of the study showed that males in Thulamela and Makhado were reported most with 23.3%, while females in Thulamela were characterized most at 13.3%. Under qualifications, out of 150 respondents, 50 people were employed with 10/National senior certificate (Grade 12)/NQF Level 5 making it 33.3%, which is the highest-ranked qualification. The current employment status showed that 64.8% were permanent staff. At the time the study was conducted, majority of employees indicated their current position as entry-level with 64.8%. For the local municipalities demographics, majority of 41.3% were from the Thulamela. About the knowledge of PMS, 13.4% of the respondents understood the meaning and its importance from other colleagues. In terms of PMS administration, the highest ranking was 62% which indicated a line of the workplace. Averagely, 27.4% of the respondents indicated that on weekly basis was the most time frame for report submission. The types of incentives received as part of PMS received at least 24.3% of respondents who indicate that they do receive certificates of services. The qualitative results based on the interviews on the PMS knowledge by the employees in Thulamela, Musina, Makhado and Collins Chabane municipalities showed that respondents have never had the knowledge of PMS. Sharing the experiences and challenges of PMS, some employees showed their experiences that PMS needs to be done at least once a year. For the challenges encountered with PMS, some interviewers talk about the inconsistency in PMS implementation in respect of year's portfolios of evidence and the inability to receive feedback after the submission of a report. Concerning the administration of PMS in the municipalities, the people interviewed mentioned that PMS was only implemented by the majority of the municipalities at the end of a financial year instead of as a routine assignment. The obtained results provide a guide for good organizational efficiency, effectiveness and accountability in using human and natural resources for the growth of a better society in Vhembe District Municipality of vi Limpopo Province and South Africa in general. It is recommended that all employees at public institutions undergo regular training and capacity-building workshops specifically on Performance Management Systems. There ought to be rigorous assessment, monitoring and evaluation of performance management systems to meet the required competency, norms and standards.Item Embargo Ramification of Social Assistance Act 13 of 2004 intentions, on social relief programme based on Child Support Grant at Ha-Mutsha Area in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province(2023-10-05) Mugivhi, Munyadziwa Porcia; Nkuna, Nghamula; Kone, LufunoThe child-support grant is one of the social assistance programmes, aimed at alleviating poverty. It is guided by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) Act 09 of 2004 and Social Assistance Act 13 of 2004. Social assistance programmes have created dependency on government and the supporting legislatures have a gap in terms of ensuring that people do not become fully dependant on hand-outs from the government. The aim of this research was to gain an understanding of the ramifications of the Social Assistance Act 13 of 2004 on the Social Assistance Programmes, based on the child-support grant, at Ha-Mutsha area in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province. The purpose of the study was to recommend solutions to discourage dependability on social assistance programmes. This study implemented a quantitative approach, as it offers high level of statistics and high level of consistency by descriptive cross-sectional survey. Data was composed by a questionnaire consisting of four sections; namely, demographic information of the respondents, the significance of the child-support grant, the intentions and ramifications of the Social Assistance Act 13 of 2004 on Social Assistance Programmes, based on the child-support grant and solutions against the dependency syndrome on Social Assistance programmes. Three major questions were asked; namely, what is the intention and significance of the child-support grant? What are the ramifications of the Social Assistance Act 13 of 2004, on Social Assistance Programmes, based on the child-support grant? What are the strategies to prevent or discourage the dependency syndrome on the Social Assistance programme? The population of the study were both males and females aged 16-59 years who were beneficiaries of the social assistance programme, as well as between 9-17 years, who were recipients of the grant. Structured questionnaires were used for data collection, checked and scrutinised using the Statistical Package of Social Sciences version 27. Descriptive statistics, which comprise of the following was used to scrutinise the data: standard deviation, mean and frequencies. Chi-square test was used to group the variables in order to check the relationship. Data was obtainable through graphs and tables. The findings of the study will be useful in government departments, more especially Department of Social Development and community members for adequate interventions.Item Embargo Assessing the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Local Economic Development (LED) initiatives in Thulamela Local Municipality(2023-10-05) Kone, Thapelo Sandra; Nkuna, Nghamula; Mathebula, N. E.In its Integrated Development Plan (IDP), the Thulamela Local Municipality stipulates that its core mandate is to provide a climate that will attract investment and reduce unemployment through the promotion of economic development. In line with the Municipality’s mandate, it has to be pointed out that the most pressing questions that remain are whether local municipalities have in place the plans to revive some defunct infrastructure projects and to make sure that the newly constructed projects are used for the maximum benefit of the local communities. This study assesses the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Local Economic Development (LED) initiatives in Thulamela Local Municipality. Thulamela Local Municipality is classified as a Category B Municipality and for this study, indicators of economic growth were used as a measure. The variables that were considered are: Growth Rate of National Income Per Capita Income PCI, Per Capita Consumption PCC, Physical Quality Life Index PQLI, Human Development Index HDI, Industrial Progress and Capital Information. Health and Education were used to assess the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on LED initiatives in Thulamela Local Municipality. Purposive sampling, a type of non-probability sampling, was used in this study. Data was collected from the community members and traditional leaders in Budeli Mphireleni Village, SANCO members from Thohoyandou Block F, Traditional leaders from Thulamela Local Municipality, and the people working at Thulamela Local Municipality. A qualitative research methodology was used in this study was used where a desktop review was utilized for data gathering. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences SPSS Version 28 was used for analysing quantitative data and Atlas ti Version 22 was used for analysing qualitative data. The views gathered from participants in this study show that LED programs that were operational in Thulamela Local Municipality during the pandemic included fishing, mining, farming, and services provision. Findings in this study show that the outbreak of Covid-19 greatly affected LED objectives. Thulamela Local Municipality failed to achieve its intended purposes during the pandemic as some resources ended up being diverted to meet other life-saving immediate needs by the national government. Another significant finding from this study is that the municipality alone cannot create jobs or meaningful economic initiatives without partnering with external players and businesses. In proposing recommendations, the strategies that were formulated in this study were informed by v the participants' views. Some of the recommendations are that Thulamela Local Municipality has to strengthen its relationship with stakeholders such as communities and local businesses because it is through these partnerships that the lives of people can be changed. Further, it is recommended that the Municipality must ensure proper management of the projects in the area.Item Open Access An assessment of public participation as a tool in enhancing efficiency in local government: A case of Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality(2022-11-10) Nkuna, Nyiko Eunice; Kone, Lufuno Reginald; Nkuna, NghamulaThis study uses the Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality as a case study in assessing public participation as a tool for enhancing efficiency in local government. It moves from the premise that public participation in South Africa is a constitutional right that must be implemented by all government structures, including local government. Of the three spheres of government: national, provincial and local government, the study has chosen the local government sphere because it is the coalface of service delivery. With the challenges facing local government structures over the past years, public participation is seen as a tool that has a potential to enhance efficiency. Using qualitative method of research, the study sought to use structured questionnaires to gather data from the targeted municipality, community representatives and community development workers on the use of public participation to enhance efficiency in their municipality. The aim is to use the findings of this case study as a measure to understand the same concept in local government as a whole. Evidence provided in this study shows that there is still limited information accessible to the community members of Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality that would make them play a key role in demanding accountability and to have some degree of control within the municipality’s governance affairs because the municipality was put in place to serve the needs of the community. From the findings of this study, it is clear that for citizen participation to have a positive effect on decentralized service delivery, there are key factors that should be considered and institutionalized. Among the proposed recommendations from this study include the need for municipality and community engagement for service delivery. Communities cannot be in a position to meaningfully engage with the Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality officials and public participation personnel without capacity building within the community first.Item Open Access Managing substance abuse in public schools: A case study of Mano'mbe Circuit in Mopani District of Limpopo Province, South Africa(2022-11-10) Manganye, Timothy; Mathebula, N. E.; Kone, L. R.The study investigates the management of substance abuse in public schools using schools of Man’ombe Circuit as a case study. The study intends to establish the extent to which educators in public schools are managing substance abuse by learners. Substance abuse among youth continues to be a major problem worldwide and South Africa is no exception. Substance abuse by adolescents is an enduring public health issue worldwide including in South Africa. The global status report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) points out that many learners experiment with alcohol before the age of 12 years. The WHO, therefore, encourages member states to implement effective strategies to delay with the onset of alcohol use. The study used a qualitative research method wherein a purposive sampling technique was employed in selecting study participants. A sample of 10 educators was purposively selected for the interviews with teacher from nine schools nine different schools around Giyani. Ethical consideration were considered. Based on the findings, the contributory factor to substance use in public schools is peer pressure and lack of management skills on educators to deal with the matter at hand. The researcher recommend that the government, in particular, the Department of Education should employ school social workers to work with educators across all schools. The department must develop policies aimed at dealing with substance use in schools and ensure their effective implementation across all schools.To analyse data, a narrative analysis was used.Item Open Access Challenges on the provision of free basic services in Makhado Local Municipality(2022-07-15) Muthambi, Azwihangwisi Faith; Nkuna, N. W.; Kone, L. R.The study is about the challenges that are faced by Makhado Local Municipality in the provision of free basic services. The free basic services that are offered by the Makhado Local Municipality are water, sanitation and electricity. Electricity was previously not regarded as one of the free basic service, but it was regarded as such with further development within the ambit of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. It is for this reason that there is legislative framework that is in place to regularize the provision of these services within the limited resources. The constitutional framework also regularizes the norms and standards in the provision of these services. Makhado Local Munipality experiences huge backlogs in the provision of these services and the backlogs in question require some strategic interventions. Strategic interventions might as well be outlined in the Integrated Development Plans (IDP) of the municipality. From these free basic services, water and sanitation have been the highest in the backlogs while electricity provisioning has also been taking its tall. Essential household service package comprises of water supply, sanitation, refuse removal and supply of basic energy as well as assisting in the housing process. The challenges that are experienced by Makhado Local Municipality are resource and budgetary constraints coupled with insufficient funding complimented by selected ones pertaining to the lack of modern infrastructure and water reserves. Contrary to the norm, is that electrical power cables get vandalized from time to time culminating to further challenges in the provision of free basic services. Selected solutions peep into the building of water reserves and an effective turnaround strategy in the provision of water and sanitary pipes in the rural areas. Additional results relate to the expected co-operation between the councilors and traditional leaders in order for them to address the experienced challenges.Item Open Access Management of wetlands whithin coal mining towns: A case study Victor Khanye Local Municipality Mpumalanga Province(2022-07-15) Kgare, Jeffrey Chuene; Nkuna, N. W.; Kone, L. R.Mining is one of the most destructive practices on earth around the world mining is threatening peoples' homes and destroying ecosystems. Wetlands management in coal mining environment is major challenge, especially when it contributes to destruction of the environment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of coal mining on wetlands. The recent calls around the world for protecting the environment have ignited the calls for sustainable management of wetlands especially in coal mining areas. A mixed methods approach which entails both quantitative and qualitative methods was used to collect data from human and physical environments of two mining areas around Victor Khanye Local Municipality. The population of this study were the municipal officials, farmers and residents residing within Victor Khanye Local Municipality. Convenience and snowball sampling were used to select participants for questionnaires, interviews and focus groups. The research adopted mixed research methods to assess the management of wetlands within coal mining towns case study of victor Khanye local municipality. Data gathered through questionnaires and interviews, was thematically analysed. Majority of respondents showed that they were aware of lack of monitoring and management of wetland within Victor Khanye Local Municipality and detrimental environmental impact of coal mining on wetlands within Victor Khanye Local Municipality. Some respondents were skeptical about some of the environmental benefits of wetlands. Respondents were also aware of negative changes of wetland properties (soil, water, vegetation, birds and animals) due to different land uses on wetlands. Low percentages of organic carbon content in sediments from utilized parts of both wetlands reflected deterioration in soil fertility. There is uncoordinated dissemination of information about wetlands to the general public, and existing wetland legislation is not effectively implemented. The study recommends that the Mpumalanga department of environmental affairs and other stakeholders should implement wetland management strategies. All stakeholders should be involved in developing programs of wetland conservations. The Mpumalanga Department of Environmental Affairs should monitor institutions that facilitate wetland laws implementation, and change strategies used and people involved in educating and disseminating information about wetlands within coal mining areas.Item Open Access The role of political and administrative leadership in financial management of Local Government: A case of Vhembe District Municipality(2022-07-15) Ramaleba, Mashudu Lucky; Singo, T. A.; Mahole, E.The relationship between political and administrative leadership in local government has been a subject of debate in recent years. At the heart of the debate is that the poor relationship between politicians and administrators in municipalities contributes to financial mismanagement. Despite efforts to stabilise the relationship, financial mismanagement and corruption continue to bedevil municipalities. This study, therefore, examines the relationship between political leadership and administrative leadership in the management of finances in municipalities. The study adopted the mixed-method approach which encompasses quantitative and qualitative research design. Data collection was done using an interview schedule and questionnaires. Data was collected from elected political office bearers and appointed senior administrative officials using interviews and questionnaires. The study findings reveal that the Vhembe District Municipality’s financial management is regularly compromised due to poor relationships between the politicians and the administrative public officials who play a critical role in ensuring that there is good governance for Municipality financial management. The study recommended that a good relationship between politicians and administrators would enhance sound financial management in the Municipality. The political and administrative leadership should work in harmony with each other to advance the mission and vision of the municipality.Item Open Access Leadership qualities affecting the provision of effective service delivery in Thulamela Local Municipality(2022-07-15) Nkhumeleni, Dambuwo Maanda; Lavhelani, N. P.; Kone, L. R.Leadership is the process of motivating and inspiring others to achieve a goal. A leader's role is crucial to promoting a healthy employee work ethics and influencing behaviour across all organizations, especially in the public sector. The purpose of this study was to identify leadership challenges affecting the delivery of effective services in Thulamela Local Municipality and to recommend mechanisms and strategies that would address these challenges to ensure good governance and delivery of effective services. An interpretive approach was used in the study. For selecting respondents in the Municipality, a non-probability sampling technique was used, specifically, the purposive sampling technique. Qualitative, as well as quantitative methods of research were used for this study. Primary data was collected through telephone interviews with 50 respondents from the target group. Data from the qualitative sources was analysed thematically, and data from quantitative sources was analysed using SPSS version 20. According to the results, leadership challenges have been created by the hiring of unqualified personnel into leadership positions within Thulamela Local Municipality; these personnel lack the knowledge and skills needed to carry out their duties.Item Open Access The effect of recruitment and selection on organisational performances: A case of Vhembe District Municipality(2022-07-15) Mphaphuli, Tshovhona Kenneth; Kone, L. R.; Lavhelani, N. P.The practice of recruitment and selection of employees in the Vhembe District Municipality has on a number of occasions been a subject of scrutiny in terms of organisational performance of the entire Vhembe District Municipality. This study is about the effect of recruitment and selection on organisational performance: A Case Study of Vhembe District Municipality. The objectives of this study are: To examine the effects of recruitment and selection on the organisational performance of the district municipality; to analyse the recruitment and selection process of Vhembe District Municipality, and to recommend approaches on how to improve the recruitment and selection process on organisational performance of Vhembe District Municipality. A qualitative research design was utilized in this study where interviews and secondary sources were used as sources of data. The researcher used purposive sampling which is under non-probability sampling category. The population for this study were the municipal employees from the Vhembe District Municipality. Document analysis and thematic analysis were used in analysing the data that was collected through interviews and from secondary data sources which included local and national government records, independent surveys and previous studies. Results gathered in this study reveal that there are various methods of recruitment and selection being used at Vhembe District Municipality namely: use of interviews, preliminary screening, and background checks. The findings made in this study show that recruitment and selection processes being applied at Vhembe District Municipality are out of date, unreliable, unfair, unprofessional, and marred with political influence (cadre deployment). This is a systemic anomaly that has to be eradicated. Also, a majority of respondents cited some high degree of political influence in the way the municipality vacancies are filled. This has led to inefficiencies within the system as some candidates will not be well-versed with their job responsibilities. This study’s findings reveal that in some cases, there is a link between performance or output of employees and the manner in which those employees were recruited in the organisation. In spite of the numerous selection methods available, Vhembe District concentrated a lot on employment interviews. As a measure of improving the effect of recruitment and selection processes on organisational performance at Vhembe District Municipality, the following recommendations have been tabled: It is recommended that the other selection methods must be stretched to their utmost limit so as to have a fair and general idea of the suitability or otherwise of all applicants. Training orientations offered to new employees should be improved to achieve improved performance of employees and concomitant improvement in organisational performance.Item Open Access Implications of substance abuse on management of learner's academic performance at Luvuvhu Circuit in Vhembe East District(2022-07-15) Mathoma, Ntshavheni Nndwayamato; Nkuna, N. W.; Kone, L. R.The study is based on implications of substance abuse on management of learners’ academic performance at Luvuvhu Cicuit. It is of paramount importance to understand the best ways in which to manage the problem, and to obtain an effective ways to remedy the problem. This problem pose threats to the security of the teachers, learners, schools and the entire communities found at Luvuvhu Circuit at large. Local and international articles and other sources were used in the literature review to form the basis of the study. The literature review It is highlited that teachers or School Management Teams are experiencing a hell of challenges as they are the ones that are managing in this environment. The study elaborated about the difficulties which educators or SMTs are facing when working on the management of academic performance of learners who abuse substances. The study considered qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. The study considered the qualitative research method. Qualitative research is typically used to answer question about the complex nature of phenomena, often with the purpose of describing and understanding the phenomenon. This approach is also referred as the interpretative, constructivist or postpostivist approach. The data in the form of interview notes, observations records, documents, and field notes are the basis for analysis and interpretation.Item Open Access Investigation on the implementation of Batho Pele principles on service delivery: A case study at Thulamela Local Municipality(2022-07-15) Masia, Mukondeleli; Singo, A. T.; Kone, L. R.Notwithstanding the government's commitment to improving the basic service delivery to the citizens in this regime, the South African municipalities are still faced with serious challenges toward better service delivery. This study however focused on the investigation of the Batho Pele principles in the Thulamela Local Municipality, the municipal environment which is closest to the people for service delivery as cherished in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. The Batho Pele Principles is a citizen-centered framework of how the public services offered should be delivered. It is therefore provided to give the declaration of the quality services to meet the needs and expectations of the citizens to improve customer satisfaction. An empirical study of the 8 principles of the Batho Pele which are Consultation; Service standards; Access to services; courtesy, providing care and better information; Openness and transparency; Redress; and Value for money was secondhanded. A mixed research methodology was used to gather the information. The findings of the study reveal that although the Thulamela Local Municipality knows Batho Pele principles, the implementation of the principles was comprised and not as envisaged in its founding statement. The study highlighted that most of the violent protests by communities experienced at Thulamela Local Municipality resulted from poor service delivery. The study recommends how municipal public officials should execute their duties within the Thuma Mina (send me) program which necessitates them to be at the forefront of service delivery.Item Open Access Conflict in schools causes and management strategies in selected secondary schools in Luvuvhu Circuit, Vhembe District Municipality(2021-11-19) Muthobi, Musoliwa Eliot; Mahole, E.; Nkuna, N. W.This study is based on the assessment of conflict in schools, causes and management strategies in selected schools in Luvuvhu Circuit, Vhembe East District. Schools are prone to conflict and breakdown in communication especially in an age where all role players are aware of their rights. School based conflict can be ignited by number of aspects. Yet school principals as managers, are expected to be able to creatively address conflicts in their schools. The study employed mixed methods wherein both qualitative and quantitative research methods were used. Qualitative approach was considered in the study because it permits openness to ideas, opinions and views expressed by the research participants to the research during data collection. The study used quantitative method to get results from many respondents. The study used pragmatic paradigm. The research design of the study was descriptive and contextual. The study used non-probability and its subtype purposive sampling method in order to choose suitable respondents for the study. The study used sample group of participants in the study who were used was more relevant to the study. The study used questionnaires and interview as methods of collecting data. For the data collected through questionnaires, 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 thirty eight (38) participants who constitute (42.2 %) revealed that they have proper classroom management. The study found out that the majority of the respondents at 37 who constitute 41.1% agree that there is diversity at schools. The researcher found out that the majority of the respondents at 37 who constitute 41.1 % of the participants in the study agree that there is a healthy working relationships at schools. The researcher found out that lack of trustworthy, self-centeredness and lack of team spirit are causes of conflict. The researcher found out that the common types of conflict are interpersonal, personality, leadership and intra-group conflict. v The study found out that strong team building, spirit of trustworthy; selfesteem and self -confidence are importance of conflict in secondary schools The main recommendations are: The researcher recommends that secondary schools should have proper class-room in order to promote teaching and learning. The Department of Education should take it upon itself to try and give support. It is the responsibility of the Department of Education and the Government to build proper classroom to proper conducive environment. The researcher recommends that diversity management should be promoted at schools. The researcher recommends that there should be adequate resources to enhance good working relationship with fellow co-workers. It is, therefore the responsibility of the Government and the Department of Education to support school with adequate resources such as libraries. The researcher recommends stakeholders should trust and respect one another and have team spirit to try and limit conflicts in their work environment to enhance healthy working relationship. The researcher recommends confrontational approach, listening to both parties, consultation and democratic approaches as the best conflict management approaches. The researcher recommends reconciliation and withdrawal approaches as the best mediation approach to use in secondary schools.Item Open Access Challenges facing educators in the Mano'mbe Circuit in the implementation of the new curriculum Mopani District, Limpopo Province(2020) Baloyi, Hlamalani Rachel; Nkuna, N. W.; Mahole, E.The introduction of a new curriculum in 1997 heralded a period of change in schooling that had a tremendous impact on what is expected of South African educators in the classroom. The National Department of Education expects every teacher to implement the new curriculum in their classroom. The new curriculum advocates the use of constructivist teaching methods to ensure a more learner-centred classroom. The current problem, however, is that it is very difficult for educators to adopt and adapt to these new policy regulations and then implement them successfully in their classroom. The introduction of these new initiatives requires new knowledge, skills, attitudes and values from educators; even those who are skilled are required to update and expand their existing skills, knowledge, attitudes and values. The researcher used a mixed-methods (quantitative and qualitative) approach to investigate the challenges faced by educators in implementing the new curriculum. The poor performance of learners in many schools within the Man’ombe Circuit motivated the researcher to conduct this study. For example, many learners are unable to read and write at their age and grade levels. Educators were selected purposefully from ten primary schools in Man’ombe Circuit of Mopani District in the Limpopo Province to participate in the study. A structured questionnaire was administered to the respondents in order to explore their challenges in implementing the new curriculum. The findings of the study revealed that educators are experiencing serious challenges in the implementation of the new curriculum. Some of these challenges are that educators are not able to master their learning areas, develop learning programmes, plan and design teaching and learning activities, and apply new teaching and assessment methods. The situation is worsened by the inability of the heads of department and principals to guide and support educators. All these result in the poor performance of learners. Finally, the researcher gave general recommendations to improve the implementation of the new curriculum. The Department of Education should capacitate educators fully in order to positively influence new educational changes. More books should be brought to schools in time, and regular workshops should be conducted to capacitate educators.Item Open Access Implications of Educational Infrastructure Development on Educators Performance in Some Schools within Thulamela Local Municipality, Vhembe District(2021-11-28) Mathase, Nndweleni; Nkuna, N.; Mahole, E.Educational infrastructure are the material things which facilitate teaching and learning processes in schools and they include school buildings, equipment which covers teaching aids, computers, typewriters and computer science and laboratory equipment. Although South Africa has made a significant stride regarding the provision and development of educational infrastructure, a lot still needs to be done considering that education is no doubt, a dynamic instrument of change. There was a great anticipation that the educational system would be greatly transformed for the better by dismantling the apartheid order and creating a new system based on the Freedom Charter. The introduction of apartheid has affected all areas of life for South African populace and as a result, determined which South Africans were given privileges and which ones were deprived and oppressed. The purpose of this study is to investigate the implications of educational infrastructure development on educators’ performance. The general objective of this study will involve the comparison of provision of infrastructure prior and after 1994, examining the impact of educational infrastructure development on educators’ performance, identifying the challenges facing the Department of Basic Education to provide adequate educational infrastructure as the South African Schools Act, 1996 prescribes and to find the mechanisms that can be used to address the lack of adequate and sufficient educational infrastructure as a measure to promote educators’ educational performance. Methodologically, the researcher made use of a descriptive case study design. The study followed a mixed methodology approach that focuses on collecting, analysing and mixing both quantitative and qualitative strategies in different phases of the research process in a single study or series of studies. A combination of research questionnaires and interviews were used as data collection tools. Study findings were that some rural schools lack teaching and learning material and this has impacted on the performance of educators. Additionally, it was found that in most schools infrastructure might be there but it is poorly maintained for instance the buildings, books and school furniture. For instance, some schools the buildings have broken windows which affect both teachers and learners during winter and rainy seasons.Item Open Access Monitoring and evaluation as an infrastructure enhancement strategy in Vhembe District Municipality of South Africa(2020-12-12) Shivambu, Phanuel; Nkuna, N. W.; Thakhathi, D. R.This study investigated Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) as an infrastructure enhancement strategy at Vhembe District Municipality (VDM), South Africa. This District consists of four local municipalities which are Collins Chabane, Makhado, Musina and Thulamela. The introduction of Monitoring and Evaluation system is essential in promoting the functionality, transparency and accountability of municipalities and other government departments. That can eventually lead to better quality infrastructure delivery if effectively implemented. Theory of Change and logical framework model have been used as central theories since they both speak to best practices for efficiency in government. A mixed method of quantitative and qualitative approach was used in this study. The selection of participants was done by means of purposive sampling method. Both primary and secondary data were used. Primary data was collected through interviews and questionnaires. Thematic analysis and International Business Machinery-Statistical Product and Service Solutions (IBM-SPSS) were done for analysation. Secondary data was obtained from government publications, research publication, books, journals legislation, print media conference papers and internet. The findings revealed that there is an evident existence of poor monitoring and evaluation of infrastructure development projects due to: lack of capacity for implementation; no specific budget for funding the activities and resources; non- existence of policy to provide specific guidelines; lack of enough staff for implementation; poor political and management willingness; and lack of support from the province. It is found that the above challenges need to be attended to for effective implementation of the system by the municipalities. Based on that, for effective monitoring and evaluation in the municipality, it is recommended that: municipality should provide training for staff as a form of capacity building; have specific budget for funding activities and resources; have own specific policy to provide guidelines; there should be active participation of beneficiary community in the whole process; use data gathered through the process for improvement of future projects by municipalities; have political and management willingness for implementation and use of data gathered for decision making; follow logical framework (i.e. from inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes and impacts of projects); dissemination of findings to all main stakeholders including general public to improve transparency and accountability; province should provide support to the municipalities; and the establishment of District and Local municipalities’ forums.Item Open Access The Impact of Extended Public Works Program (EPWP) on job creation in local government : A case study of Thulamela Local Municipality(2021-06-23) Mudau, Lindelani Patricia; Nkuna, N.; Mahole, E.The purpose of the study was to investigate the impact of Extended Public Works Programmes (EPWP) project on job creation in the Thulamela Local Municipality. The main aim of EPWP is to create job opportunities for disabled persons, women and youth. The reviewed literature provided the investigated challenges that were faced when creating job opportunities in Thulamela Local Municipality. In this study, some employees from different sections were sampled and a questionnaire administered to them. The data was collected through use of self -administered questionnaires to EPWP beneficiaries within the Thulamela Local Municipality. The quantitative method was used to analyse the responses to the data in this study. A non-random sampling technique was used as a probability sampling method to collect data. The responses collected from the participants was used as the primary source of data. A descriptive statistics tool, Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) was also used to analyse the data. In order to achieve this, the theory of unemployment and job creation theory as the theoretical framework underpinning the study was also adopted. From the results revealed by the research on the short duration of employment training, this means the training is not accredited. With the length of training being less than six months in most cases, one can conclude that the jobs created by the Expanded Public Works Programme in the Thulamela Local Municipality are not sustainable. The respondents in the Thulamela Local Municipality received a gross household income of less than R1000 per month. Since the unemployment level is so high, one can conclude that most of these households' income is in the form of government grants. This means that the majority of the people living in the Thulamela Local Municipality are living below poverty line. The results revealed that the average wage paid per day is R88.00. This equates to R1760.00 per month which is below the living wage. These people are not economically active and on that level of income, they are forced to just survive. The study provided further insight about the challenges affecting EPWP, poor implementation, reviewing existing policies and crafting of communication strategy. The main research findings were that the EPWP had improved beneficiaries career opportunities. It highlighted the need for training, monitoring and evaluation of implementation, developing new policies, crafting a communication strategy and allocating resources according to the specifications for each project. The results indicated that improvements need to be put in place for the smooth implementation and monitoring and evaluation of the EPWP. Recommendations are made to the Department of Public Works and Roads and all three spheres of Government.Item Open Access Communication as a management function with specific reference to University of Venda(2020-07-03) Muthadzwi, Tshililo Rachel; Mahole, E.; Nkuna, N. W.This study investigates Communication as a management function with specific reference to University of Venda. The study was carried out at the University of Venda in South Africa and it covered a cross section of personnel grouped into six main categories which are the academic and non-academic staff. Communication is vital for academic and non-academic functions in that it facilitates external and internal activities within an organization. In a computerized society in which we live, communication is vital because it brings in all aspects of our everyday lives in facilitating dissemination of information from one point to another thereby facilitating innovation. Communication enables the generation of ideas among individuals and institutions, for example, the University of Venda, among its employees and stakeholders (internal and external). The study used a mixed research methodology in which both quantitative and qualitative approaches were used. Mixed method is used because it can be combined in such a way that quantitative and qualitative methods retain their original structures and procedures. Nonprobability sampling and its sub-type; purposive sampling method were used for the researcher to apply own judgement in selecting the sample. For data collection, the study used two data collection methods namely; questionnaire and interview. The information collected through questionnaire was analysed using statistical analysis in the computer software called: International Business Machinery (IBM): Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS) version 25.0 and the information was presented using graphical tabular form, frequencies and percentages. Data collected through interview was analysed through thematic analysis and presented in a narrative form. The study found that majority of the respondents, 46 (51%) respondents strongly agreed that effective communication promotes morale to the University community to execute their tasks. The study findings revealed significant number of the respondents who took part in this study strongly agreed that difference in home languages promotes communication at the University. Most participants pointed out that awareness of the university business by all stakeholders is the positive outcome of effective communication system at the University of Venda. Most participants indicated that training of staff members on how to use technology such as WIFI, social media, computers, networks are the possible strategy to enhance effective communication at the University of Venda. The study recommends that effective communication should be fostered to promote morale to the University community to execute their tasks, and also recommends that use of different languages must be available to promote communication at the University. The study further recommends that there should be a good employer – employee relationships in the University, and also recommends that the University should have policies that promote communication.Item Open Access Implementation of quality assurance as a policy instrument in the University of Venda(2020-07-01) Netshifhefhe, Lufuno Phillip; Nkuna, N. W.; Mahole, E.The study investigated the implementation of Quality Assurance as a policy instrument at the University of Venda. Within the study, the researcher critically analyzed the implementation of Quality Assurance policy as a system and the procedures within the University. To universities around the world, quality assurance in higher education institutions has become a matter of great importance. In South Africa, quality assurance roles and practices are closely guided by legislative guidelines, which are primarily structured to report and comply with universities ' obligations to DHET, CHE and SAQA, and so, too the national demand for universities to contribute to the study and advancement of higher education policy. This study used a qualitative research approach which included ethnographic method to address the question on the implementation of quality assurance as a policy instrument using University of Venda as a case in point. The study findings revealed that the illustration of the quality assurance as a policy instrument in higher education context is very critical to enable an institution of higher learning to execute its core business in a way that quality uncompromised. Stakeholders should have faith in the institution and that the university should undertake a syst ematic cycle of external program assessments based on teaching and learning concerns and a ke the necessary steps to build capacity and provide support in curriculum design and program development processes at the school and departmental level. The study concluded by giving recommendations on what are the strategies that the University can apply in enhancing the “quality of its core business of teaching and learning, research and community engagement.”Item Open Access The significance of Auditor-General in the control of public funds in local government with specific reference to Mopani District Municipality(2020-09) Maake, Mapula Reginah; Nkuna, N. W.; Mahole, E.The aim of the study investigates the significance of Auditor General in the control of public funds in local government with specific reference to Mopani District Municipality in order to make recommendations that can assist in improving the control of public funds. The research identifies and assesses weaknesses in how Mopani District Municipality has been controlling its public funds by analyzing the Auditor General reports for the past three financial years and its implications to service delivery. The research further assesses the role played by Auditor General in influencing the internal financial control of the municipality and in auditing the performance of the municipality since in other municipalities money is paid to contractors for services not rendered. The study provides academic input into public administration, specifically in the area of improving service delivery performance, control and financial performance management in municipalities. The study could contribute to the establishment of effective ways of monitoring the control of public funds by municipalities.