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Item Embargo A proposed model for the efficacy of land restitution in attaining land reforms in Vhembe District Municipality(2026-05-19) Tshivhase, Hanedzani Miriam; Mahole, E.; Matloga, S. T.The issue of land ownership and restitution is a crucial one in South Africa. The need to propose a model for the efficacy of land restitution in attaining land reforms in South Africa has become necessary. The necessity has arisen from numerous government reports on land reform, political parties’ arguments, and parliamentary debates on land ownership, which are among the priorities of most black people, as indicated in the Freedom Charter of the African National Congress (ANC) of 1955. The new democratic era has brought significant changes to South Africa. However, South Africa still facing challenges regarding land issues, such as how to redistribute land and restore it to those who were unjustly deprived of their rightful ownership during the apartheid regime. The study focused on the Vhembe District Municipality in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The study employed a mixed-methods research design, integrating quantitative and qualitative methods. The pragmatic paradigm was used in this study. The researcher used a field research design. This study used purposive and simple random sampling to select respondents. Two data collection instruments were used, namely, research questionnaires and interviews. The reason for selecting a structured questionnaire and an open-ended interview schedule was to obtain sufficient, relevant information for the study. Two methods of data analysis were used, namely, descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The ethical issues observed in this study entailed conducting research that benefits respondents or participants in positive ways, doing no harm to research respondents or participants, and ensuring that research respondents or participants are not harmed. The findings reveal that despite constitutional and legal commitments, the restitution process remains slow, fragmented, and often ineffective in transforming land ownership and livelihoods. This study contributes to the broader land reform discourse by recommending practical reforms, including capacity-building for Communal Property Associations (CPAs), institutional realignment, and improved community participation. It advocates a more people-centred, coordinated approach to land restitution, ensuring that policy intentions translate into meaningful social and economic outcomes. This research highlighted systemic obstacles, policy deficiencies, administrative shortcomings, and socio-political intricacies that impede the success of land restitution and land reform. The results underscore the necessity of strong legal frameworks, participatory governance, equitable and context-sensitive compensation strategies, capacity development, and comprehensive monitoring and evaluation systems. By integrating theoretical knowledge with practical solutions, this research provides recommendations, outcomes, and enhances the overall effectiveness of land restitution efforts. Based on the study's findings, the Integrated Administrative Efficacy Model for Land Restitution is proposed as a framework to enhance the effectiveness of land restitution implementation in the Vhembe District Municipality, Limpopo Province. The model integrates the core administrative functions of policy formulation, organisational arrangements, human resource management, financial administration, operational management, and accountability mechanisms, addressing institutional capacity constraints, governance fragmentation, and post-settlement support deficiencies in Vhembe District Municipality’s land restitution programme.Item Embargo The efficacy of procurement management in enhancing municipal service delivery: A case of Capricorn District Municipality(2026-05-19) Tshamaano, Vusani Livhuwani; Mahole, E.; Nekhavhambe, M. M.The study focuses on the efficacy of Procurement Management in enhancing municipal service delivery using the Capricorn District Municipality as a case in point. Procurement management plays an important role in influencing service delivery in the South African municipalities. In South African Municipalities, procurement management is basically related to service delivery problems. Most South African Municipalities are deteriorating because of the failure of procurement management processes. Principal- agent theory, Stewardship Theory and Transaction Cost Theory/economics were used in this study. This study adopted a pragmatist research paradigm because it used multiple research methods. Mixed methods research were applied, with both qualitative and quantitative approaches used in this study. For this study, the researcher used simple random sampling and purposive sampling to select the respondents. The open-ended interviews and structured questionnaires was used in this study. Two (02) data analysis methods, which are thematic analysis and statistical analysis, was employed to analyse data. Research ethics was followed when conducting the study. The study found that (60%) of the respondents strongly agreed that corruption in municipalities hinders service delivery to communities. The study further showed that (60%) of respondents strongly agreed that the municipality's lack of funds hinders the provision of quality services to communities. Non-compliance with supply chain management and regulations results in a financial burden on the municipality, was found of this study, with (50%) respondents strongly agreeing. The researcher found that a lack of resources is the challenge facing municipal officials at Capricorn District Municipality The study revealed that incomplete projects by service providers are the results of municipalities not paying service providers within 30 days after rendering their services to the community. The study revealed that poor contract management leads to poor service delivery to the community. The study recommends that corruption in the municipality procurement management processes in municipal service delivery need to be urgently addressed to ensure effective service delivery. The study further recommends that the lack of funds should be addressed in the municipality, and the municipal officials should use scarce resources without wasting them. The study recommends that municipalities appoint experienced, qualified municipal officials and service providers responsible for procurement management processes in municipal service delivery. The study contribute to the body of knowledge in public administration by providing practical evidence on how operational procurement management processes directly effect the quality and speed of Capricorn District municipality service delivery.Item Embargo Optimising Services through an Effective Financial Resource’ Mobilisation Framework in Vhembe District Municipality(2026-05-19) Shilenge, Risenga Richard; Munzhedzi, P. H.; Zitha, H. E.South Africa has three tiers of government, namely national, provincial and local. The third tier of government faces a titanic challenge of mobilising financial resources for the collective good of service delivery. This study examines the role of financial resource mobilisation in improving service delivery in municipalities, highlighting their constraints and possibilities. The study outlines the role of municipal council in financial resource mobilisation, which include approval of service delivery plans, budgeting and oversight role using Vhembe district municipalities, located in Limpopo Province, South Africa as a case study. The study graphically makes a comprehensive assessment of the availability of financial resources within all the Vhembe municipalities wherein different kind of grants such as Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) Integrated National Electrification Programme (INEP), Municipal Water Infrastructure Grant (MWIG) and others were identified. The research explores the effectiveness and efficiency of the current financial resources mechanism such as property rates, fees for services (water, refuse removal, electricity), business permits and licenses. It further provides an analysis of opportunities that prevail when implementing effective financial resource mobilisation, such as infrastructure development, investment attraction, employment, and economic growth. The study is underpinned by different theories that include Resource Mobilisation Theory, New Public Management Theory, Resource-Based Theory, Resource Dependency Theory and Human Resource Development Theory. In terms of methodology, the study employed interpretivism, a paradigm that acknowledges subjectivity and interpretation as the primary source of knowledge in business and management, despite the subjective nature of data collection. A qualitative research method was applied wherein the data was analysed using NVIVO thematic analysis. The data have been collected in Vhembe District municipalities, namely Collins Chabane, Makhado, Musina, Thulamela and Vhembe. Purposive sampling was used to select participants from various groups, including political management teams, portfolio heads, senior management, managers, audit committee members, traditional leaders, and members of mayoral forums. The interview guide with questions was used as a data collection instrument. Data have been analysed using thematic analyses and presented using verbatim quotations. The study found that all the municipalities were not self-sufficient since they heavily depended on the mandatory government grants. Accessing other available financial resources and the ability to mobilise extra funding was found to be a major challenge across all the Vhembe municipalities citing various challenges such as the lack of capacity, skills and expertise to develop funding proposals, lack of skills to mobilize financial resources, poor financial management, and weak credit records. It was also found that the grants provided by the government to municipalities are not sufficient due to increasing populations, huge historical service delivery backlog, and high community demands. The study concluded that, while South Africa has abundant financial resources that include government grants, loans, bonds and partnerships, the issue of accessibility remains a challenge. Municipal councils have proven to be struggling in performing their roles to a level where they promote effective mobilisation for service delivery. Furthermore, the study found that the current financial resource mobilisation strategies are not effective hence a need exists for effective strategies that will improve the process of financial resource mobilisation in Vhembe municipalities. Moreover, the study concludes that there are myriad of opportunities presented by the process of financial resources mobilisation. These include investor attraction, access to development initiatives, hard infrastructure development (roads, water, sanitation), revenue generation, job creation, social improvement (health and sports facilities), community development, poverty alleviation, Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME) development, project funding, youth empowerment, power to pay for services, industrial development as well as improvement revenue base. Another conclusion of the study is that the legal and regulatory framework governing financial resource mobilisation affects service delivery in Vhembe municipalities. This is dependent on their effectiveness and efficiency. The recommended financial resource mobilisation strategies include broadening the revenue base, enforcement of credit and debt control policies, digitalisation of tax and rate system, consumer education on the importance of payment of services, strengthening of internal controls, review of policies for financial resource mobilisation, use of technology, improve stakeholder relations, capacity building and the capacitation of revenue management unit. A need to review some of the legislation exist to ensure that they directly respond to the situation of different municipal councils in particular rural ones. The study identified different kind of challenges experienced by municipalities during financial resource mobilisation, which include high dependency on grant, weak financial management systems, poor leadership, corruption, legislative non-compliance, lack of strategic partners, funding conditions, economic uncertainty, poor infrastructure maintenance, migration, municipal debts, and ineffective fiscal framework. It further recommends a customised framework for optimisation of service delivery in Vhembe district municipalities, which will help with effective implementation of financial resource mobilisation in order to promote infrastructure development, municipal service delivery, and socioeconomic progress. The findings of the study suggest that effective financial resource mobilisation framework can optimise service delivery in Vhembe district municipalities. The framework can enhance fiscal stability, improve service delivery, increase investment in infrastructure, diversify revenue streams, foster good governance, improve local economy, attract investors, and improve capacity building.Item Embargo Proposing Strategic Model Aligning Monitoring and Evaluation with Integrated Development Planning Implementation: A Case of King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality(2026-05-19) Ndamase, Risenga Richard; Mafunisa, M. J.; Sethu, M. J.In 1996, the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) was introduced in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, Local Government: Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000 and Local Government: Municipal Structures Act 117 of 1998 as an innovative approach for controlling and coordinating development in South Africa's local government system. The IDP is a legislative planning tool essential to post-apartheid progressive local governance, as it ensures that municipal planning is strategic, participatory, and sensitive to community needs. The lack of strong feedback mechanisms necessary for efficient service delivery means that IDP implementation remains fragmented and inadequate, despite its solid legislative foundation. In addition, many municipalities find it difficult to integrate their monitoring and evaluation (M&E) programmes with IDP processes, which results in poor accountability, restricted data utilisation, and insufficient performance monitoring. Monitoring and evaluation systems are essential for filling this gap. This study aims to propose a strategic model that would align M&E with the King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality's (KSDLM) implementation of the IDP. Purposively selected officials participated in semi-structured interviews to collect data, which were then thematically analysed using a qualitative research methodology. The findings show that, despite KSDLM's implementation of mechanisms – such as the IDP Steering Committee, the Promun information system, the performance management system with scorecards, annual and quarterly evaluations, and participatory forums – their efficacy is still constrained by interference from politicians, institutional capacity gaps, inaccurate information, and inadequate operational integration. Even with their theoretical alignment with national frameworks, these processes are still viewed as compliance exercises rather than tools for responsibility, learning, and adaptation. The study concludes that until the municipality establishes a specialised M&E unit, enhances data infrastructure, and fosters a culture of evidence-based decision-making, strong policy and governance frameworks will remain primarily theoretical. To improve coherence across the planning, monitoring, and evaluation cycles, this study proposes a strategic alignment model. This model enables municipalities to identify inefficiencies, assess progress, and reallocate resources to priority areas through adaptive management. The following are some of the recommendations emerging from the study: (i) policy changes to legalise the integration of IDP-M&E cycles and institutionalise M&E units within municipalities; (ii) operational investments in digital transformation, capacity building, and predictive analytics; (iii) adoption of learning-oriented M&E frameworks based on the Theory of Change and Balanced Scorecard; and (iv) increased stakeholder participation that links leadership performance to measurable results and community validation. To enhance real-time learning and developmental governance, future research should explore mixed-methods designs, comparative and longitudinal studies, and the integration of artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and Fourth Industrial Revolution capabilities into municipal management and evaluation systems.Item Embargo Effectiveness of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts in Promoting Financial Oversight and Accountability within the Limpopo Provincial Government(2026-05-19) Matibe, Tshitereke Baldwin; Munzhedzi, P. H.; Zitha, H. E.This study assessed the effectiveness of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) in promoting financial oversight and accountability within the Limpopo Provincial Government. SCOPA is one of the legislature’s committees that has the authority to consider fiscal matters of public institutions. It is also assigned the responsibility of conducting financial oversight, and holds the executive accountable for their actions when utilising public funds. Despite the role played by the SCOPA, the Limpopo Provincial Government continues to struggle to provide quality services to its citizens, which is mainly attributed to maladministration, corruption, and the misuse of public funds. It is accordingly significant to undertake this type of study to enhance the performance of SCOPA in managing public finances effectively. This study was undertaken at the Limpopo Legislature during the 6th term (2019-2024), and it follows a pragmatist research paradigm, which combines qualitative and quantitative approaches. The study population was composed of Members of the Limpopo Legislature, including Executive Council (EXCO) (n=49) and support staff to committees, which include officials from the Limpopo Legislature (n=66), Auditor-General (n=02) and Limpopo Provincial Treasury (n=02). A simple random sampling method was followed to choose Members of the Limpopo Legislature (n=22) and support staff for committees (n=70) for quantitative analysis. A non-probability, purposive sampling method was employed to sample Members of the Limpopo Legislature (n=5) and support staff assigned to committees (n=10) for qualitative analysis. Data for this study were gathered using primary and secondary methods. In addition, data were collected through observation during SCOPA public hearings (n=10) with the provincial departments and public entities. Semi-structured interviews were employed to gather qualitative data from sampled participants. Collected qualitative data was recorded and transcribed from audio to text (MS Word) using WinScribe. The thematic content analysis was employed to analyse the qualitative data. A questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data from sampled participants. Quantitative data were captured in the Microsoft Excel file, which was then imported into the IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 30. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Frequency and percentage analysis were applied to describe the collected data. Data was also plotted using graphs and tables. The findings of this study revealed that there are tools, mechanisms, practices, and frameworks considered crucial in enhancing the effectiveness of the SCOPA. Financial statements and audit reports were highly rated by Honourable Members (90.9%) and support staff (over 97%) as very important tools to promote the efficacy of SCOPA. The SCOPA meetings and public hearings were also rated as very important financial accountability mechanisms by both Honourable Members (100%) and support staff (97.8%). Almost all Honourable Members (95.5%) and support staff (92.9%) perceived that the Constitution is frequently used to guide the work of SCOPA. Honourable Members (77.3%) and support staff (60.0%) agreed that SCOPA has contributed to enhancing the integrity, as well as the audit outcomes, of the provincial government. Despite the achievements, the majority of Honourable Members (95.5%) and all support staff (100%) hold the view that SCOPA resolutions are partially implemented by the executive, which questions their effectiveness. The efficacy of SCOPA is hindered by institutional challenges, including a lack of authority to compel the executive to fully implement resolutions, political interference, the frequency of public hearings, and the redeployment of SCOPA members. Limited human and financial resources further hinder SCOPA’s ability to execute its assigned functions. To enhance and promote the effectiveness of SCOPA, there is a need for provision of adequate training and capacity development, support to committees, strengthening internal and external support for SCOPA, improvement of SCOPA operational efficacy, insulation of SCOPA from party politics, full implementation of SCOPA resolutions, full implementation of consequence management, and enactment of PACs legislation. The outcomes of this study are for the development of knowledge on how PACs within their jurisdiction can function optimally. Additionally, this study has contributed to the development of a model that can be employed to measure the effectiveness of SCOPA in promoting financial oversight and accountability.Item Embargo The Role of Incubation Model in Supporting Local Economic Development Initiatives of Youth Start-Up Enterprises: A Case of Nkangala District, Mpumalanga Province(2026-05-19) Motsepe, Humphrey Lephethe; Sethu, M. J.; Zitha, H. E.This study investigated the pivotal role of incubation models in bolstering local economic development (LED) initiatives, with a particular focus on youth start-up enterprises, within the Nkangala District Municipality, Mpumalanga Province. The research is underpinned by a qualitative desktop-based Systematic Literature Review (SLR), encompassing scholarly and grey literature published between 2000 and 2025. The study adopts a constructivist research paradigm, recognising the socially-constructed nature of entrepreneurial realities and the contextual nuances, influencing youth enterprise development. Employing an exploratory research design, the study sought to uncover patterns, themes, and insights into the efficacy of incubation models in fostering sustainable youth entrepreneurship. The research approach is inductive, allowing for the emergence of grounded theory, through a thematic synthesis of existing literature. The research method is qualitative, with data drawn from peer-reviewed journals, policy documents, government reports, and institutional publications, relevant to incubation practices and youth enterprise development. The population of interest comprised of existing literature on incubation models, local economic development within the South African context and youth start-up enterprises operating within the jurisdiction of the Nkangala District Municipality, including its constituent local municipalities: Thembisile Hani, Dr JS Moroka, Victor Khanye, Steve Tshwete, Emakhazeni, and Emalahleni. Purposive sampling was employed to select literature that directly addressed incubation models, youth entrepreneurship, and local economic development within the South African context and comparable international settings. The sample was made up of 60 sources that meet the inclusion criteria of, relevance, credibility, and published within the specified timeframe. Data analysis was conducted using thematic analysis, enabling the identification of recurring motifs, conceptual frameworks, and strategic interventions that underpin successful incubation models. Key themes emerging from the analysis include capacity building, access to finance, mentorship, market linkage, and policy alignment. The study reveals that incubation models play a critical role in advancing youth start-ups, boosting local economic development (LED), and reducing unemployment levels within the Nkangala District Municipality. Additionally, the results demonstrate that the incubation models facilitate: capacity building for start-up entrepreneurs, access to finance, entrepreneurial mentorship, access to supply chains and, finally, policy alignment to ensure coherence with LED Strategies, youth development mandates and regulatory compliance. The study concludes that a well-structured incubation model, tailored to the socio-economic realities of Nkangala District, can significantly advance youth enterprise development and contribute to broader local economic development goals. It recommends the establishment of a dedicated incubation centre within the Nkangala District Municipality, strategically positioned to service all local municipalities in the District. The centre should integrate multi-sectoral support mechanisms, foster public-private partnerships, and align with national youth development strategies, to ensure sustainability and impact. This results contribute to the discourse on youth entrepreneurship and incubation by offering a contextualised framework for policy-makers, development practitioners, and municipal stakeholders seeking to catalyse economic transformation, through targeted support for youth-led start-ups.Item Embargo A digital transformation framework for improved institutional efficacy in the Department of Home Affairs(2026-05-19) Mudzusi, Takalani Nancy; Munzhedzi, P. H.; Mahole, E.The study focuses on the effects of digital transformation on the institutional efficacy of the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) in South Africa, Vhembe District with a purpose of developing a digital transformation framework to improve institutional efficacy. Digital transformation is recognised globally as a key driver of public sector reform, reshaping government operations and service delivery. The Department of Home Affairs, responsible for critical services such as identity management and immigration, has increasingly adopted digital technologies to enhance efficiency, accessibility, and transparency. South Africa’s broader government strategy and the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have further highlighted the need for integrated digital initiatives and institutional changes to support sustainable transformation. With the rapid advancement of technology, digital transformation has become integral to how institutions operate, affecting efficiency, productivity and public service delivery. Despite the benefits of automation and improved processes, challenges related to technological readiness, workforce skills and coordination remain significant. The study seeks to understand how these technological changes influence the Department’s ability to function effectively and deliver services efficiently. Utilising a pragmatism paradigm, the study adopts a descriptive research design and employs a mixed-methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection. Quantitative data is gathered through questionnaires targeting administrators of the Department of Home Affairs in the Vhembe District as well as the community members as users of service. Qualitative data is obtained through interviews with Managers and Supervisors of the Department of Home Affairs in the Vhembe District. Adopting non-probability sampling, the study employs convenience and purposive sampling methods to select participants. Data is analysed using statistical and qualitative analysis. Quantitative data is analysed using statistical tools facilitated by International Business Machinery (IBM): Statistical Product and Services Solution (SPSS) version 29.0 to generate outputs such as frequencies and percentages, which were further presented using Microsoft Excel through tables, graphs and charts to enhance visual interpretation of the findings and qualitative data analysed using descriptive qualitative content analysis with a narrative presentation approach to systematically interpret participants’ response. The findings of the study reveal that the Department of Home Affairs has adopted digital transformation through the introduction of digital systems and platforms, marking a shift from traditional paper-based processes, although some services remain only partially digitalised. Digital transformation improves institutional efficacy by enhancing administrative efficiency, accuracy, coordination and decision-making within the Department, while also improving public access to services, reducing waiting times and improving the speed and quality of service delivery. Initiatives such as the “War on Queues” demonstrate the Department’s efforts to implement digital transformation for improved client service. However, system downtime, poor network connectivity, outdated infrastructure, limited digital skills, inadequate training and low levels of public awareness, particularly in rural areas, continue to hinder the effective utilisation of digital systems. The study further finds that insufficient technical support and resources affect the reliability and efficiency of digital systems, highlighting the need for continuous updates and maintenance, improved infrastructure and capacity development. The study concludes that while digital transformation has contributed to improvements in institutional efficacy, its full potential has not yet been realised. The study therefore recommends the Digital Transformation Institutional Efficacy Framework (DTIEF), which emphasises organisational readiness, effective leadership and governance and the integration of digital technologies into institutional processes. Furthermore, the study recommends strengthening digital infrastructure, enhancing training and capacity building, increasing public awareness, improving technical support and fostering partnerships with technology providers, universities and other stakeholders to support sustainable and inclusive digital transformation.Item Embargo The role of on-the-job training in addressing poor staff performance within municipalities: a case of Collins Chabane Local Municipality(2026-05-19) Baloyi, Vuyani Master; Matloga, S. T.; Takalani, H. H.The focus of this study is to investigate the role of on-the-job training in addressing poor staff performance within municipalities, focusing on the Collins Chabane Local Municipality. The study focuses on matters of on-the-job training and staff performance to discover how on-the-job training in municipalities influences appropriate performance. The study was conducted in the Collins Chabane Local Municipality. The study followed a qualitative approach. The reason for using a qualitative approach was that it is best in understanding the situation of a phenomenon, as it allows the researcher to use face-to-face interviews. A case study research design was used. A case study design was chosen because it allowed the researcher to use interviews and documents to find the necessary data for the study. A non-probability sampling method was adopted to purposively select participants with an understanding of on-the-job training and staff performance in Collins Chabane Local Municipality. Non-probability sampling was chosen because it enables the researcher to select only participants with a full understanding of the problem. The study purposively selected thirty-five (35) Collins Chabane Local Municipality public officials, and five (5) participants were interviewed per day, meaning that all interviews were done in seven (7) days. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. Finally, the researcher adhered to the research ethics. The major findings of the study are: The study findings discovered that Collins Chabane Local Municipality offers distinct types of on-the-job training to its staff members; for instance, the municipality offers cross-training, simulation, coaching and mentoring. After receiving multiple training and skill-development programmes, the majority of staff members in the Collins Chabane Local Municipality are able to see an improvement in doing their expected job. The Collins Chabane Local Municipality training programmes are hindered by various factors such as budgetary limitations, time constraints, training facilities, and inadequate skills. After receiving on-the-job training and skill-development programmes, the majority of employees in the Collins Chabane Local Municipality are able to satisfy the expectations of their clients. The study discovered that political office bearers often promise the public more than what the capacity of the municipality can meet. The recommendations of the study are the following: Based on the findings, it is recommended that Collins Chabane Local Municipality must create a standard training model that can be used when implementing staff training and skill-development initiatives. The Collins Chabane Local Municipality must revive and strengthen its training committees since some of the training and skill-development programmes provided to employees were irrelevant to employees’ job requirements. The researcher advises the municipality to raise its own funds, borrow money, and rely on donor assistance when the revenue from intergovernmental grants from the national and provincial levels of government is insufficient. The researcher advises the municipality to include all employees in the skills development and training programme plans and offer rewards for great excellence to encourage lower-performing employees to improve and see the need for being trained. The Collins Chabane Local Municipality needs to warn its employees, especially politicians and councillors, not to promise the public what the municipality cannot afford, in order to avoid protests.Item Embargo Effectiveness of Legislative Oversight Mechanisms: A Case of Limpopo Provincial Legislature(2026-05-19) Lebea, Kedibone; Zitha, H. E.; Takalani, H. H.This study examines the effectiveness of the legislative oversight mechanisms in the Limpopo Legislature. The Limpopo Legislature is one of the crucial instruments for enforcing accountability in a democratic society. The aim of this study is to analyse the effectiveness of the legislative oversight mechanism within the Limpopo Legislature and recommend strategies to enhance its effective performance. The study is anchored in an interpretivist research paradigm, underpinned by a qualitative research method. The study used a purposive sampling which is a subtype of nonprobability method to select fourteen participants. This methodology allowed the researcher to explore how individuals interpret their world, rather than merely measuring observable variables. This leads to rich, nuanced insights into beliefs, values, motivations, and perceptions that shape human behaviour which was fundamental in unravelling the complexities of the legislative oversight mechanisms in the Limpopo Legislature. The study used open-ended interview schedule (through face-to-face interviews) as a data collection instrument. The collected data was analysed using the thematic data analysis method. The study revealed that there are barriers to effective legislative oversight in Limpopo, which include limited political will, inadequate resources, and deficiencies in the regulatory framework. Insufficient law enforcement, as evidenced by a lack of consequences management, is among the findings of the study. The study further revealed weaknesses in the existing monitoring and evaluation frameworks, which are marred by a fragmented process. This study recommends strengthening legislative oversight through enhanced political commitment, emphasis on key priorities that include the enhancement of accountability among legislators, explicit and clearer regulatory frameworks, and improved monitoring and evaluation systems. This endeavour should be supported by initiatives that will promote ethical conduct and responsiveness within committees of the legislative body responsible for oversight. The efforts for strengthening monitoring and evaluation frameworks, which advocate for clear performance indicators and regular assessments, are also identified as essential and critical and should be adhered to for the effectiveness of oversight at the provincial legislatures. Finally, the study overemphasised the V need for continuous capacity building for members of the legislature, to enable them to execute their Legislative responsibilities with precision. The recommendations will further assist legislators in their day-to-day oversight responsibilities within their areas of work.Item Embargo Assessing the Role of ICT Infrastructure in Enhancing EGovernance for Effective Service Delivery in Thulamela Local Municipality(2026-05-19) Maduwa, Ngelekanyo Stanley; Takalani, Hulisani; Lavhelani, Nyawasedza PhellecyThis study aims to assess the role of ICT infrastructure in enabling or hindering effective e-governance within Thulamela Local Municipality. It also seeks to propose practical, context-specific solutions to improve ICT infrastructure and support the successful implementation of e-governance initiatives. Despite the growing global emphasis on digital transformation in public administration, Thulamela Local Municipality continues to face significant challenges in implementing and accessing e-governance services. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews and focus group discussions to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the technical, administrative, and social dimensions of ICT-related challenges. The study reveals how inadequate ICT infrastructure limits the municipality’s ability to implement e-governance effectively and to engage the public through digital platforms. The findings contribute to academic literature and provide actionable recommendations for enhancing digital governance in rural and underserved municipalities such as Thulamela. The study highlights the critical role of ICT infrastructure in enabling e-governance and underscores the need for targeted interventions to improve digital service delivery in Thulamela Local Municipality. Theories that underpinned this study are the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) Theory.Item Embargo Administrative challenges in Land Reform: the case of Vhembe District of Municipality(2026-05-19) Mavundadavhi, Unarine; Takalani, Hulisani; Mafunisa, M. J.This research explored the administrative obstacles that impede the effective execution of land reform in the Vhembe District Municipality of South Africa. While land reform was designed to redistribute land, rectify historical injustices, and promote inclusive rural development, its implementation has been sluggish, fragmented, and hampered by persistent governance issues. Utilising Institutional Theory as a framework, the study examined how bureaucratic inefficiencies, capacity constraints, poor institutional collaboration, and conflicts between formal processes and customary authority hinder the effectiveness of land redistribution and restitution initiatives. A qualitative case study approach was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with government officials, traditional leaders, and community beneficiaries. The results showed that administrative and procedural delays, such as centralised record systems, protracted vetting processes, and insufficient staffing, considerably slow down land claim processing. The research highlighted the fragmentation of institutions and overlapping responsibilities between the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, local municipalities, and traditional councils, which leads to duplication of efforts, mistrust, and inconsistent communication. There were also significant deficiencies in post-settlement support and monitoring, leaving many beneficiaries without the necessary technical assistance, financial resources, and ongoing guidance, causing stagnation and underutilization of restituted land. Furthermore, the study found that reliance on the willing-seller/willing-buyer model contributes to market-driven delays, inflates land prices, and allows landowners to delay or resist negotiations. In conclusion, the administrative challenges faced in Vhembe are systemic, stemming from issues with institutional alignment, resource limitations, and governance complexities. The study recommends enhancing administrative capacity, improving cooperation among governmental and traditional authorities, decentralising approval processes, boosting post-settlement support, and reevaluating market-based land acquisition methods. This research adds to the existing conversation on public administration, land governance, and rural transformation by stressing that effective land reform requires not only changes in policy but also efficient, collaborative, and community-focused administrative practices. Ultimately, the study advocates for a more human-centric approach to land reform that considers the experiences, aspirations, and challenges faced by beneficiaries.Item Embargo The impact of training and development on institutional performance in Vhembe District Municipality(2026-05-19) Booi, Shandukani Thendo; Matloga, S. T.; Maela, K. D.This study investigated the impact of training and development on institutional performance within the Vhembe District Municipality. Despite the existence of legislative and policy frameworks such as the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (1996), the Municipal Systems Act (2000), the Municipal Structures Act (1998), and the Skills Development Act (1998), many municipalities continue to experience persistent service delivery challenges. This suggests that such challenges may stem less from policy absence than from weaknesses in the strategic alignment, implementation, and evaluation of training and development initiatives. Guided by Becker’s Human Capital Theory (1964) and the United Nations Development Programme’s Capacity Building Theory (1991), the study adopted a mixed methods design. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to municipal employees and semi-structured interviews with senior municipal officials. The study included 40 participants selected through purposive and convenience sampling, and the data were analysed using both quantitative and qualitative techniques. The findings indicate that training and development initiatives had a limited and uneven impact on institutional performance, improving employee morale and motivation but failing to produce sustained improvements in service delivery, organisational effectiveness, and departmental performance. These limitations were attributed to weak leadership ownership, poor alignment with job requirements, inadequate skills audits, inconsistent implementation, insufficient post training support, and the absence of effective monitoring and evaluation systems. The study concludes that training and development can contribute meaningfully to institutional performance only when strategically embedded within organisational planning, performance management, and capacity development systems rather than implemented as a compliance driven administrative activity. It therefore recommends a strategic reorientation of training and development through stronger senior management ownership, institutionalised skills audits, improved alignment with job roles, enhanced post training support, and the implementation of standardised monitoring and evaluation systems to ensure sustainable impact and improved service delivery outcomes. The major finding of this study is: Training and development were not strategically embedded, were inconsistently implemented and poorly aligned with job requirements, and had limited impact on performance and service delivery due to weak leadership and inadequate monitoring and support. The major recommendation based on the study findings is: A strategic reorientation of training and development through stronger senior management ownership, improved alignment with job roles, enhanced post-training support, and standardised monitoring and evaluation systems to ensure sustainable impact and improved service delivery outcomes.Item Embargo The strategies for enhancing Waste Management Service Delivery in Thulamela Local Municipality, in Limpopo Province(2026-05-19) Ligege, Phophi Vhengani; Zitha, H. E.This study seeks to investigate strategies to improve the efficacy of waste management service provision in Thulamela Local Municipality in Limpopo Province. Waste management is a critical municipal function, central to environmental sustainability, public health, and socio-economic development. Despite its importance, Thulamela Local Municipality faces ongoing challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, constrained budgets, and limited community involvement. Guided by the New Public Management (NPM) theoretical framework and grounded in the interpretivist research paradigm, this study adopts a qualitative, desktop research design to explore existing strategies, policy implementation, and institutional capacity. The study used purposive sampling to select relevant secondary sources, including government reports, policy documents, academic journals, and legislation published between 2020 and 2025. Data was analysed using thematic content analysis, allowing the researcher to identify recurring patterns and issues in the provision of waste management services. The study found that waste management in Thulamela Local Municipality is hindered by limited funding, inadequate infrastructure, and weak policy implementation. Institutional capacity remains low, enforcement of bylaws is inconsistent, and coordination across departments is poor. The study also revealed minimal community participation, contributing to illegal dumping and reduced effectiveness of municipal initiatives. Overall, the findings show a clear gap between policy and practice, highlighting the need for stronger capacity, better resource allocation, and improved community engagement to enhance waste management services. This study contributes to the broader discourse on local government performance and sustainable service delivery, offering insights that may inform policy reform and implementation at the municipal level.Item Embargo The role of school governing bodies in the management of school finances in selected primary schools: a case of Sekgoses East Circuit of Education(2026-05-19) Mashapa, Ntebaleng Percy; Ngobeni, T.The School Governing Bodies (SGBs) play a vital role in the governance of public schools in South Africa, particularly in managing school finances as mandated by the South African Schools Act, 1996 (Act No. 84 of 1996). Poor financial literacy, training shortages, and weak institutional support within SGBs inhibit effective financial supervision in rural settings such as the Sekgosese East Circuit of Education (SECoE). This qualitative study employed an interpretivist paradigm and explanatory desktop research design, motivated by Agency Theory (Jensen & Meckling, 1976), through purposive sampling of 192 documents to explore the role of SGBs in financial management. We find that, while SGBs do budgeting, payments, fundraising, and reporting, financial decisions and actions are often handled by principals, leading to diminished levels of accountability, transparency, and community trust. While mechanisms like audits and reporting establish accountability, non-compliance and principal influence undermine legitimacy. It results that strengthening financial management by SGBs demands that SGBs be continuously trained, that their reporting tools be simplified, that partnerships should be enhanced, and oversight mechanisms be better put in place. Suggestions are: building SGB capacity with ongoing, continuous financial literacy programmes; dismantling principal domination with clear governance structures and empowering local community stakeholders; strengthening accountability with timely auditing, accessible reporting instruments, and local community engagement; and sustainable improvement strategies via user-friendly templates, partnerships with NGOs, corporates, and government departments, and strong monitoring mechanisms. These steps are necessary to improve transparency, effectiveness, and credibility in school financial governance in rural South African schools.Item Embargo The role of training and development programmes in enhancing employee performance in Thulamela Local Municipality(2026-05-19) Maubane, Reginald Maphuthi; Maela, K. D.; Sethu, M. J.The study seeks to examine the role of training and development programs on employee performance in the Thulamela Local Municipality and to recommend measures to improve the effectiveness of training and development programmes in enhancing employee performance. Training and development programme initiatives are important in ensuring that municipalities have qualified, talented, motivated and dedicated employees. This study applied the empowerment theory as the foundation of the study. The pragmatist research design was used in this study. Mixed methods were applied, wherein both qualitative and quantitative methods were used. The Non-probability (Purposive) and probability (random) sampling were used in this study. Data was analysed using thematic and statistical analysis. The data collected through questionnaires were analysed through the International Business Machinery: Statistical Product and Service Solutions (IBM: SPSS), the latest Version 30.0. The information was presented in the form of tables and graphs, followed by frequencies and percentages. Data collected through interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. The study discovered the following findings: • The study revealed that the Thulamela Local Municipality is still in the early phases of training and development programmes. • The study also revealed that the municipality faces significant challenges in adopting training and development programmes, including organisational commitment, skills development v/s skills gap, personnel and development. • The findings revealed that there is a poorly practiced skills development process, insufficient involvement of key stakeholders like line managers and employees, and a disconnect between the identified needs and the actual training provided. • Inadequate Skills audits and needs analyses are often poorly conducted, leading to an inaccurate understanding of the actual skills gaps within the municipality. • The other issue is the misalignment of training; even when skills audits are performed, the training interventions are frequently not in line with the identified needs. • The study reveals that the municipality is not using the Performance Management System (PMS) to align employee goals with municipal objectives, focusing on Key Performance Areas (KPAs) for managers, with specific tools for infrastructure projects, and aiming to link good performance to rewards. • The findings show that the Performance Management System (PMS) does not involve setting standards, monitoring progress, and rewarding outcomes, with an emphasis on accountability, especially for senior employees. In essence, Thulamela's performance management is not a formal system with documented processes for managers and projects, but its effectiveness hinges on better employee understanding and implementation. The study adopted the following recommendations: • The study recommends that Thulamela should at early phases focuses on providing training and development programmes. • The study recommends that the Thulamela Local Municipality should collaborate with the National School of Government to provide proper training to employees • The study recommends that Thulamela should use a well-coordinated approach is necessary for providing training and development programmes to develop into a true instrument for efficient and successful improvement of employee performance • The study recommends that Thulamela Local Municipality should adopt training and development programmes, including organisational commitment, skills development v/s skills gap, personnel and development. • The study recommends that the Thulamela Local Municipality should implement training and development programmes as detailed in the municipality’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP). The IDP (Thulamela Local Municipality, 2023/2024) emphasises the municipality’s dedication to enhancing service delivery efficiency through employee performance. • The study recommends that Thulamela Local Municipality should use a systematic process of identifying the current skills, knowledge, and abilities within the municipality and comparing them against the skills needed now and, in the future, to achieve strategic goals • The study recommends that the Thulamela Local Municipality make a follow-up and integrate training and development programmes with the IDP • The study recommends that the municipality needs to prioritise certain areas or find cost-effective alternatives and find common limitations in project management and organizational operations that restrict the availability of critical elements such as funding, personnel, equipment, materials, and time. • The study recommends that Thulamela Local Municipality should use a Performance Management System (PMS) to align employee goals with municipal objectives, focusing on Key Performance Areas (KPAs)Item Embargo The effectiveness of Vhembe District Municipality in the provision of potable water services at Thohoyandou(2026-05-19) Nephawe, Patricia Elizabeth; Mahole, E.The study focuses on the effectiveness of Vhembe District Municipality in the provision of potable water services at Thohoyandou. Access to potable water is a fundamental human right and an essential public service, central to health and socio-economic development, as highlighted in recent studies on water justice and governance in developing contexts. Despite the constitutional and policy commitments to equitable service delivery in South Africa, many communities continue to experience water shortages, infrastructure failures, and irregularities. The System Theory was adopted in the study as it provides a holistic framework for understanding and managing the entire water supply chain as a complex, interconnected system. This study is grounded in the interpretivist paradigm. The study also employs an exploratory research design and a case study design. Exploratory design provides flexibility in using document analysis and thematic analysis. The study adopts the case study research design to critically assess the effectiveness of the Vhembe District Municipality in delivering potable water services at Thohoyandou. The study also adopts a qualitative research method. Qualitative research was employed to generate new insights during data collection. A desktop study was used as data was collected from reliable sources. The purposive sampling method was employed to select documents relevant to this study. The secondary document was used to interpret data. Data were analysed using a thematic analysis to examine secondary data collected through a document review. Research ethics were followed when conducting the research study. The study found that the effectiveness of potable water services provision is constrained by a range of operational factors. The study found that the nature of potable water services in Thohoyandou is characterised by intermittent supply, variable service levels and infrastructural disparities. The study found that challenges such as institutional capacity constraints emerged as a critical issue. Shortage of skilled personnel, ageing infrastructure, frequent pipe bursts, leakage, equipment failure, financial constraints, environmental factors and non-revenue losses. The study found that potable water provision for social and economic well-being, such as access to safe water, is essential. An unreliable water supply contributes to the spread of waterborne diseases. Reliable water provision enhances effective strategies. The study recommends strengthening institutional capacity by recruiting skilled personnel, manage systems and accountability mechanisms, and enhancing operational efficiency and services. The municipality must prioritise upgrading and expansion of water infrastructure and wastewater reuse management to reduce reliance. There must be contingency planning that addresses interruptions. The institution must address funding and resource constraints. Financial management must be strengthened, and non-revenue water must be reduced. The Vhembe District should integrate water service delivery priorities into broader economic development and should give special attention to vulnerable households and institutions to ensure uninterrupted access to potable water.Item Embargo The efficacy of performance management systems in enhancing employees’ performance at the University of Venda(2026-05-19) Ngobeni, Azwindini; Mbedzi, L.; Mahole, E.This qualitative desktop study evaluates the effectiveness of the Performance Management System (PMS) at the University of Venda (UNIVEN) in enhancing employee performance within South Africa's higher education sector. Grounded in Goal-Setting and Expectancy Theories, it analyses secondary data from institutional policies, Council on Higher Education (CHE) audits, strategic plans (2021-2025), newsletters, workshop minutes, and peer-reviewed literature through thematic content analysis to assess PMS strengths (like, Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound (SMART) goal cascading, real-time dashboards), weaknesses (e.g., rural connectivity failures, KPI misalignment favouring quantitative metrics), and challenges (e.g., silos, biased appraisals, weak reward links, 43% mid-year review compliance). Findings reveal moderate effectiveness, hampered by technical disruptions, skill gaps, cultural resistance to viewing PMS as bureaucratic, and disconnects between ratings and development/rewards, which risk turnover. Recommendations include hybrid evaluation frameworks (40% qualitative portfolios with 360° validation), tiered training scaling the July 2024 senior model, inter-departmental SLAs with cloud upgrades, explicit reward matrices, and annual equity forums to transform PMS into a strategic tool for motivation, retention, and alignment with UNIVEN's entrepreneurial goals, offering a replicable model for resource-constrained universities.Item Embargo The role of effective leadership in enhancing municipal service delivery within Vhembe District Municipality(2026-05-19) Rathando, Mpho Given; Munzhedzi, P. H.; Takalani, H. H.This study investigates the role of effective leadership in enhancing municipal service delivery in the Vhembe District Municipality, focusing on transformational leadership behaviours, institutional constraints, and strategic interventions. Guided by Transformational Leadership Theory (Burns, 1978; Bass, 1985; Bass and Riggio, 2018), a mixed-methods research was conducted to examine how leadership practices influence organisational performance, responsiveness, ethical governance, and community engagement in a resource-constrained rural municipality. A total of 34 participants were engaged. The quantitative component involved 18 respondents from senior and middle management, councillors, frontline service providers, and community stakeholders who completed structured questionnaires assessing leadership behaviours and service delivery outcomes. The qualitative component involved 16 purposively selected key informants, political leaders, senior administrative officials, frontline staff, and community representatives who participated in semi-structured interviews exploring leadership practices, governance challenges, and participatory mechanisms. Integrating quantitative and qualitative data enabled methodological triangulation and a comprehensive understanding of the leadership service-delivery interface. Findings demonstrate that transformational leadership behaviours, encompassing visionary direction, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individualised consideration, significantly contributed to enhanced planning, employee motivation, organisational efficiency, and the overall effectiveness of service delivery. Systemic constraints such as limited resources, skills shortages, political interference, and weak accountability mechanisms, however, undermined leadership effectiveness. Strategies such as leadership capacity-building, strengthened accountability, performance management, and participatory governance were identified as critical to improving municipal leadership and service delivery. The study provides both theoretical and practical insights for policymakers, municipal leaders, and stakeholders operating in resource-constrained contexts.Item Embargo The role of parental involvement on enhancing effective school management in Primary schools in Bahananwa Circuit Capricorn North District(2026-05-19) Sebaki, Matletleng Trinity; Maemu, EmmanuelThis study investigated the role of parental involvement in enhancing effective school management in primary schools in Bahananwa Circuit, located in the Capricorn North District of Limpopo province, South Africa. Parental involvement is pivotal in fostering a collaborative environment between home and schools, which directly influences the overall effectiveness of school management. This study explored how various forms of parental engagement, such as communication with teachers, participation in school governance, and involvement in school activities, contribute to improved school management practices. Insufficient parental participation can hinder effective school management and negatively affect the educational environment. The findings aim to provide insights into strategies that schools can implement to enhance parental involvement, thereby improving management effectiveness in educational settings. To analyze data, thematic analysis was used to examine existing literature review documentations, desktop method was also used in collecting data from data that has previously been obtained on what is available in public libraries, websites, and school databases.Item Embargo The Enhancement of the Integrated Development Plan on Municipal Service Delivery in Blouberg Local Municipality(2026-05-19) Serumula, Tshepho; Lavhelani, N. P.Integrated Development Plan (IDP) is a strategy to deliver effective municipal basic service delivery; hence, it is done at the local sphere of government. It is the obligation of the local government to make sure that there are improvements within their communities, by making use of the IDP as an instrument and strategic framework that succeeds all the planning processes for development .The main objective of the IDP is to make sure that all the local spheres of government within the borders of South Africa are harmonising development responsibility within their area of power correctly. The study adopted a desktop research. Purposive sampling through probability sampling has been used to choose pertinent publications and papers that provide information about how the IDP was planned and carried out in comparable localities. The IDP will also aid in preventing consultants and contractors from taking advantage of the municipality. Therefore, the study has adopted a thematic analysis to analyse data. Integrated Development Plan is a useful instrument for enhancing local governance and service delivery. Since this is a desktop study, the pragmatisms paradigm supports the integration of diverse sources of evidence, including the legislative and policy frameworks. The pragmatist paradigm allows the researcher to critically evaluate these sources and adopt insights that are most useful for addressing the service delivery challenges faced in Blouberg Local Municipality. The study is also guided by the New Public Management (NPM) theory, which advocates for efficiency, accountability, performance management, and customer-oriented service delivery in the public sector. The study revealed that while the IDP remains a critical instrument for coordinating development priorities, its implementation in Blouberg Local Municipality faces several challenges. These challenges include corruption, poor political leadership, poor public participation and community engagement, lack of capacity, budgeting and financial constraints and lack of performance monitoring and evaluation. The study recommends enhancing stakeholder participation, aligning IDP’s with budget planning, strengthening monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, capacity building for municipal officials, promoting intergovernmental collaboration and utilizing technology and data driven planning.