Theses and Dissertations
Permanent URI for this collection
Browse
Recent Submissions
Item Embargo The role of e- participation in the promotion of municipal service delivery in Thulamela Local Municipality(2026-05-19) Mudau, Fhatuwani Prince; Mbedzi, L.; Mahole, E.This study examined the role of e-participation in promoting municipal service delivery in Thulamela Local Municipality. Despite legislative frameworks supporting public participation in South Africa, municipalities continue to experience service delivery challenges, particularly in water provision, waste management, and infrastructure, which disproportionately affect rural and marginalised communities. While digital platforms offer opportunities to enhance participatory governance, their effectiveness and inclusivity remain underexplored in rural municipal contexts. The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of e-participation in improving service delivery, citizen engagement, and decision-making processes in Thulamela Local Municipality. A mixed-methods approach was employed. The quantitative component utilised structured questionnaires administered to 185 community members selected through stratified random sampling, enabling statistical analysis of patterns and perceptions. The qualitative component involved purposive sampling of 15 key informants, including municipal officials, ward councillors, and ICT personnel, with data analysed thematically to provide in-depth contextual insights. The findings revealed that e-participation improved communication, transparency, and citizen involvement, with approximately 60% of respondents indicating enhanced responsiveness and engagement. However, only 51.9% perceived improvements in sustainable service delivery, reflecting uneven outcomes. Qualitative results confirmed increased accessibility through digital platforms but highlighted challenges such as limited digital literacy, poor internet access, low awareness, and delayed municipal feedback. The study concluded that e- participation has significant potential to improve service delivery but is constrained by structural and institutional barriers. The study contributes empirical evidence on e-participation in a rural municipality and provides practical insights for enhancing inclusive, responsive, and sustainable digital governance.Item Embargo The role of Good governance in enhancing Local Economic Development in the Vhembe District Municipality(2026-05-19) Netshandama, Madzanga Carol; Munzhedzi, P. H.; Singo, A. T.This study focuses on the role of good governance in enhancing Local Economic Development (LED) in Vhembe District Municipality (VDM), Limpopo Province. Good governance is a critical factor in enhancing LED, as it ensures transparency, accountability, inclusivity, and the efficient management of resources. This study examines the multifaceted role of good governance in driving economic growth at the local level, focusing on its capacity of local government institutions to create an enabling environment for sustainable development. Key governance principles such as participatory decision-making, the rule of law, and effective service delivery are highlighted as essential components for promoting local economic initiatives, attracting private sector investments, and fostering community-driven development. However, the local sphere of government faces a multiplicity of local economic challenges, such as poorly maintained infrastructure, a lack of an LED strategy, limited capacity, and a lack of community participation. This study uses a pragmatic research paradigm. In this study, the researcher adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The quantitative approach is utilised to examine associations and investigate cause-and-effect relationships between measurable variables, while the qualitative approach is employed to interact with study subjects and explore the issues in depth and complexity. The researcher employs non-probability sampling and purposive or judgmental sampling, to pick respondents for this study. Data was collected using questionnaires and interviews. This study uses the data analysis methods, which are thematic analysis and statistical analysis. Data collected through a questionnaire is analysed using the computer program Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 31.0.1.0. The study revealed that the majority of the respondents, 51, constituting 46,4%, agreed that political and administrative officials are held to account in their operations. The study findings revealed that the majority of the respondents, 75 (68,2%), agreed that the lack of accountability among officials hinders LED. The findings reveal that most of the respondents, 79, who constitute 71,8% agreed that local community involvement enhances governance and supports economic development. Finally, the study revealed that training programs for municipal officials will improve governance and support economic development. The study recommends that VDM continues to strengthen accountability mechanisms by promoting transparent reporting, regular performance evaluations, and active public oversight to maintain and build on this positive perception. The study recommends that the municipality implement stronger accountability measures for officials to ensure transparency and improve the effectiveness of LED efforts. The findings showed that most of the respondents agreed that the lack of accountability among officials hinders LED. The study recommends that community engagement should be enhanced by creating more inclusive platforms for participation and ensuring that community input is meaningfully integrated into planning and decision-making processes. The study recommends that the municipality must implement regular and targeted training initiatives to enhance officials’ skills, knowledge, and capacity to drive effective governance and sustainable economic growth. The study findings indicated that training programs for municipal officials will improve governance and support economic development.Item Embargo The Effects of Unethical Conduct on the performance of municipal ward councillors in selected local municipalities of Limpopo Province(2026-05-19) Mukhadi, Mukhethwa; Zitha, H. E.; Matloga, S. T.The main function of local government is to provide communities with basic services such as water, electricity, garbage removal, and sanitation, as well as promoting socio-economic development while encouraging community involvement. However, municipal ward councillors are tasked with understanding and representing community needs and monitoring the performance of local municipalities in service delivery. The practice of unethical conduct in local government manifests in erosion of public trust, political fallout, and reduced performance of both local municipalities and municipal ward councillors. This research analysed the impact of unethical conduct on the performance of municipal ward councillors, proposing strategies to improve their performance, thereby enhancing service delivery. The study aimed to explore the effects of unethical conduct on the performance of municipal ward councillors in Limpopo. The study employed a qualitative desktop research approach underpinned by four theories (the Principal-Agent Theory, Institutional Theory, Political Theory, and Systems Theory), coupled with the Interpretivism research paradigm, Explanatory research design, purposive sampling as a sampling method, document review as a data collection method, and Thematic analysis as the data analysis method. The study found that the performance of municipal ward councillors is not hindered by their own behaviours but is greatly influenced by the environment in which they operate. The continuous practice of unethical behaviour undermines resource allocation, declines service delivery, increases irregular expenditure, reduces public trust, and results in protests. The study recommended the adoption of modern technology, such as the use of Artificial Intelligence, to monitor behaviour, ensure compliance, produce accurate results for decision making, oversee the tender awarding process, and keep records of all municipal transactions. The findings will contribute towards combating unethical conduct, enhancing the performance of officials, promoting quality service delivery in South Africa, and adding to the body of knowledge that already exists.Item Embargo The role of e-governance in enhancing effective supply chain management in the Rand Water(2026-05-19) Mabasha, Masala Cyril; Maela, K. D.; Munzhedzi, P. H.This study investigates the role of e-governance in enhancing effective supply chain management (SCM) in the Rand Water. Guided primarily by institutional theory and selectively drawing on the technology organisation, environment perspective, the study examines how coercive, mimetic, and normative pressures interact with internal capabilities to shape digital reform trajectories. This study adopted a desktop-based qualitative design, synthesising secondary sources published between 2020-2025. This includes peer-reviewed studies, policy frameworks, and audit reports to inform data collection and analysis. The analysis employed content and thematic analysis to map e-governance across the full SCM value chain, procurement, demand planning and forecasting, logistics and inventory visibility, disposal and compliance, contract oversight, and risk control, rather than treating e-procurement in isolation. Within this frame, the study seeks to address persistent weaknesses at Rand Water, fragmented platforms, manual workarounds, partial integration of the Central Supplier Database and eTender systems, skills and capacity gaps, and cyber-organisational risks. The study found that Rand Water has made notable progress in digitising procurement processes, particularly in sourcing and tendering, improving transparency, compliance, and accountability through system integration and automation. However, downstream supply chain functions remain only partially digitised, with fragmented systems, skills gaps, and cybersecurity concerns limiting the full realisation of an integrated and transformative e-governance framework. The study recommends the integration of supply chain systems into a unified digital architecture, supported by advanced analytics, improved digital skills, and strengthened data governance and cybersecurity frameworks. It further calls for a shift from compliance-driven e-governance to a more flexible, innovation-oriented approach that promotes organisational agility, responsible risk-taking, and long-term performance improvement.Item Embargo Evaluating the efficacy of Local Economic Development program on poverty alleviation in Collins Chabane Local Municipality(2026-05-19) Magomani, Rhulani Elvis; Sethu, M. J.; Zitha, H.This study evaluates the efficacy of the Local Economic Development (LED) program in alleviating poverty in Collins Chabane Local Municipality, a rural locality with profound socio-economic issues. The research draws on secondary data from municipal reports, government policy documents, and peer-reviewed literature to explore ways in which LED activities facilitate poverty relief. Poverty relief is facilitated in three ways: skills development; small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) support, and self-employment. The research is underpinned by a qualitative desktop-based. The study adopts a constructivist research paradigm. Employing an exploratory research design, the study seeks to investigate the efficacy of the LED program on poverty alleviation in the Collins Chabane Local Municipality. The research approach is inductive, allowing for the emergence of Endogenous Growth Theory through thematic synthesis of existing literature. Despite the potential programs with common challenges such as under-funding, low institutional capacity, inadequate technical expertise, and limited infrastructure, LED programs limit their abilities to alleviate poverty. By discussing the inclusiveness and effectiveness of LED methods in Collins Chabane Local Municipality, the study addresses a gap in the body of research on rural LED impacts and provides possible practical solutions in alleviating poverty and promoting service delivery in rural communities.Item Embargo The role of good governance in enhancing service delivery: a case study of Bushbuckridge Local Municipality(2026-05-19) Silaule, King Tihosi; Ngobeni, T.; Mahole, E.Local municipalities in South Africa, particularly those in rural areas like Bushbuckridge, face ongoing challenges in delivering quality public services due to systemic governance weaknesses. Despite a robust constitutional and legislative framework promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen participation, implementation at the local level often remains fragmented and ineffective. This study aims to investigate the role of good governance in enhancing service delivery within Bushbuckridge Local Municipality (BLM), where persistent service delivery failures have led to recurring public dissatisfaction and protest. To investigate the role of good governance in enhancing service delivery, this study adopts good governance theory as developed by the World Bank in 1989 through its report titled "Sub-Saharan Africa: From Crisis to Sustainable Growth", where it identified poor governance as a major obstacle to economic development and introduced the concept of "good governance" as essential for effective public administration and sustainable growth. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on local governance and rural development in post-apartheid South Africa. The research adopted an interpretivism research paradigm and used a Case study research design, complemented by desktop research. The study used a qualitative research approach. The study was conducted in Bushbuckridge Local Municipality, located in the northeastern corner of Mpumalanga Province. The study population included publicly available municipal documents. It used purposively selected secondary data from documents such as the Integrated Development Plans (IDPs). Research data were collected through document analysis with a total sample size of 155 sources. These consisted of academic articles, government reports (including BLM IDPs 2018, 2023), policy documents, and white papers, matching the purposive selection. The findings provided critical insights into how good governance can be operationalized to enhance service delivery in underperforming rural municipalities, such as BLM. An application for a clearance certificate was obtained from the University of Venda Research Ethics Committee ethical research committee. The major findings of the research study are: • The study found that the current state of service delivery in Bushbuckridge Local Municipality is poor, with governance failures and weak accountability causing service shortages and public distrust. • The study found that the principles of good governance are crucial in Bushbuckridge Local Municipality, as weak transparency, accountability, and public participation have led to poor service delivery, community dissatisfaction, and unequal development • The study found that Bushbuckridge Local Municipality faces governance challenges, including weak governance, political interference, and limited capacity, resulting in poor accountability, transparency, and unequal service delivery. • The study found that improving service delivery in Bushbuckridge Local Municipality requires stronger governance, effective leadership, community involvement, fair resource allocation, and collaboration among stakeholders. Recommendations of the study are as follows: • The municipality should strengthen institutional capacity, enforce accountability mechanisms, and improve financial and resource management to ensure consistent and effective delivery of basic services. • The study recommends that the municipality should prioritise the practical application of transparency, accountability, participation, responsiveness, and equity in all municipal operations to rebuild public trust and promote inclusive service delivery. • The municipality should reduce political interference, ensure merit-based staff appointments, and reinforce institutional structures to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficient decision-making. • The municipality should implement robust governance strategies, including digital reporting systems, participatory planning, leadership development, monitoring and evaluation, equitable resource allocation, and multi-stakeholder collaboration to sustainably improve service delivery outcomes.Item Embargo The Role of Community Participation in Fostering Good Governance in Collins Chabane Local Municipality(2026-05-19) Sithole, Khazamula George; Singo, A. T.; Nemakhavhambe, M. M.This study investigates the importance of community participation in fostering good governance in the local government, with reference to Collins Chabane Local Municipality. Community public participation is regarded as a cornerstone of democracy. In this manner, community participation enables community members and citizens to participate in decision-making processes, thereby making the local government accountable, legitimate, transparent, and responsive to community needs. Section 152 of the Constitution of the Republic of 1996 mandates that local government is development-oriented. The Municipal System Act, 32 of 2000, positions community participation at the center of local government governance. The challenge is that, in most municipalities, community participation has become lip service, depriving communities of meaningful participation in matters that affect them. A literature review suggests heightened perceptions of passive community participation due to poor consultation, inadequate communication by municipal leadership, and a lack of response to community needs. This study is based on a desktop study which focuses on secondary data. This study employed the theories of Participatory Democracy and Good Governance. The adopted research paradigm is interpretive, with a descriptive research design. The data collection was based on secondary data analysis from the literature review, and the data analysis was categorised into themes. The findings of this study provided an insight into the role of community participation in enhancing participatory governance. This study concluded by recommending strategies to enhance community participation in fostering good governance at the Collins Chabane Local Municipality.Item Embargo The Challenges of Water Supply in Local Government: A Case Study of Vhembe District Municipality(2026-05-19) Nevhufumba, Tshilidzi; Maemu, E.; Sethu, M. J.The study aims to investigate the challenges of water supply in the Vhembe District Municipality. The provision of clean and reliable water supply is a fundamental necessity in the Vhembe District Municipality. Vhembe District Municipality faces significant challenges regarding water supply to its community. The water supply is crucial for both domestic and agricultural productivity. The challenges facing the municipality's water supply arise from several factors, such as insufficient infrastructure, unpredictable rainfall trends, and rising demand due to urban expansion and population increases. As a result, these challenges underscore the immediate need for enhanced water management approaches and bring to light essential concerns about sustainability. The researcher applied the mixed methodology, in which both the qualitative and the quantitative research methods will be utilised. The mixed methodology approach was applied in this study to gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges affecting the water supply in Vhembe District Municipality. The researcher used the non-probability sampling and its subtypes, purposive sampling, to help understand the objectives of the research and gain a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the municipality. The researcher collected data through two methods, namely questionnaires and interviews. Data collected through questionnaires will be analyzed through computer software called International Business Machinery (IBM): Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS) 30.0.0, and information will be presented as visual tables and percentages. Data collected through interviews was analysed using thematic analysis and presented as a report. The major findings of the study are: • VDM plays a crucial and largely recognised role in the provision and management of water services within its jurisdiction. • The study indicated that the VDM has undertaken various water supply initiatives aimed at enhancing infrastructure, which include the expansion of bulk water systems, rehabilitation of pipelines, development of boreholes, and upgrading of treatment plants. • VDM adequately meets household needs and that the existing infrastructure has some capacity to manage demand. • The findings indicate that the VDM encounters several interconnected challenges in delivering reliable and clean water to its communities. • The study indicated that stakeholders acknowledge the necessity for comprehensive strategies to enhance water supply in VDM. The following recommendations are therefore made: • The study recommends that the VDM enhances its efforts in improving water supply services by concentrating on both infrastructure maintenance and long-term sustainability. • VDM to enhance its communication and transparency concerning water supply initiatives to foster greater trust within the community. • VDM must tackle its water supply challenges by prioritising the repair and modernisation of ageing infrastructure. • VDM to prioritise the upgrading and maintenance of its water infrastructure, particularly outdated pipelines, treatment plants, boreholes, and dams. • The study also underscores the significance of community engagement in addressing water supply challenges.Item Embargo The impact of the structural and behavioural factors on governance in selected Limpopo municipalities: South Africa(2026-05-19) Mafuwane, Amukelani Amanda; Nekhavhambe, M. M.South African local municipalities continue to face persistent governance challenges, which contribute to poor service delivery in areas such as water provision, hygiene, power, and refuse management. Even with the nation’s advanced constitutional and legal structures, the underlying issues of these challenges remain complex and deeply entrenched. This study concentrated on the impact of structural and behavioural factors on governance in selected municipalities within the Limpopo province, focusing on the interaction between governance shortcomings like corruption, poor leadership, and lack of transparency, as well as structural constraint factors like limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and capacity challenges. The researcher employed a qualitative desktop research design, drawing data from various municipal documents, academic journals, publications, and reports from the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA). The data was examined through thematic analysis to uncover important patterns and trends. The Institutional Theory guided this study to explain how both formal and informal institutional structures shape governance practices and service provision outcomes. The findings reveal that the selected Limpopo local municipalities are facing significant challenges including issues in financial management, leadership, inadequate skills, a high level of corruption, and a lack of transparency. These hurdles are linked to non-compliance with financial regulations, poor oversight, and weak institutional capacity, which therefore undermine the ability to ensure effective governance and accountability within the municipalities. Based on the results of this study, the study proposes several recommendations to strengthen governance in the selected Limpopo local municipalities. These include enhancing leadership capacity through the adoption of a leadership scorecard and rotational exchange programme; improving skills through knowledge hubs; enhancing compliance with the MFMA; institutionalising consequence management mechanisms to curb corruption; and promoting transparency. The study further recommends that future studies conduct comparative studies across different local municipalities and employ diverse data collection methods to broaden the understanding of governance challenges and interventions in the South African local government context.Item Embargo The Efficacy of E-governance in Promoting Community Participation(2026-05-19) Tshikovhi, Lufuno; Matloga, S. T.; Maemu, E.This study examines the efficacy of e-governance in promoting community participation within Thulamela Local Municipality (TLM). As information and communication technology (ICT) becomes increasingly integrated into public administration, e-governance has emerged as a crucial tool for enhancing transparency, accountability, and civic participation. Municipalities are increasingly utilising online platforms to better engage with their communities. To evaluate the efficacy of e-governance portals, including social media, municipal websites, and mobile applications, this study employed a mixed-methods approach. This approach combined quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews involving community members and municipal officials. The choice of mixed methods was made to gain a deeper understanding of the research problem. The study has five main objectives. To accomplish these objectives, the researcher adopted a pragmatism paradigm and utilised descriptive and contextual design. Nonprobability sampling methods, specifically purposive sampling, were employed to select participants. In total, 130 individuals were sampled, including 10 municipal officials who participated in interviews and 120 who completed structured questionnaires. Data collection was conducted through two main methods: structured questionnaires and interview schedules. For data analysis, the quantitative data obtained from questionnaires were analysed using statistical methods with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), Version 30.0. The results were presented in the form of tables, frequencies, and percentages. Qualitative data from the interviews were analysed using NVivo Version 15.0, employing thematic analysis to group the data into themes and present the findings in a narrative format. The study explored how e- governance facilitates community participation, the challenges faced during its implementation, and the municipality's responsiveness to digital feedback. The findings of this study revealed that e-governance has significantly enhanced accessibility and convenience for community participation in Thulamela Local Municipality. The study emphasised the need for improved municipal strategies to incorporate digital feedback into decision-making processes. This research contributes to the evolving field of e-governance and participatory democracy. It offers recommendations to enhance e-governance in local governance and provides valuable insights to policymakers, municipal officials, and community stakeholders on effectively leveraging technology for more inclusive decision-making in TLM. The major findings in this study are: ➢ There are relationships between e-governance and community participation in TLM. ➢ The current e-governance of TLM is ineffective in promoting community participation due to poor network services in rural areas, high data costs, budget constraints, and delays in updating information. ➢ Thulamela Local Municipality still faces several challenges in implementing e- governance to promote community participation, including limited internet access, a lack of digital literacy, language barriers, inadequate training and awareness, high data costs, Trust issues, ideological barriers, and financial and infrastructural challenges. ➢ TLM has several initiatives to strengthen community participation through e- governance, including digital literacy workshops and training sessions, as well as social media platforms, to encourage residents to engage with e- governance. ➢ A dedicated help desk, training sessions for both municipal officials and residents, and expanded internet connectivity enhance participation through e- governance portals. The following are the recommendations based on the study findings ➢ The Thulamela Local Municipality should support community members by providing an opportunity to express their voices through e-governance portals, allowing them to prioritise their needs. ➢ Simplifying e-governance processes further and providing user training or support mechanisms to enhance effectiveness. ➢ Implement multilingual platforms, simplify content, and provide educational support programs to promote inclusivity and equitable participation in digital initiatives. ➢ The municipality’s annual community participation plan should be implemented to ensure continuous learning and participation. TLM should invest in broadband infrastructure, establish public Wi-Fi hotspots, and collaborate with network providers to enhance participation through e- governance.Item Embargo The role of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) in implementing the National Development Plan (NDP): a case of Thulamela Local Municipality(2026-05-19) Nemakhavhani, Hanedzani; Takalani, H. H.; Lavhelani, N. P.This research investigated the function of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) in conducting the National Development Plan (NDP) within Thulamela Local Municipality. It aimed to analyse how the IDP converts national development goals into local actions, pinpoint barriers to effective alignment, evaluate the extent of alignment between IDP priorities and the NDP, and suggest methods to improve integration. A qualitative research methodology was used, incorporating semi-structured interviews with municipal officials, council members, and community stakeholders to obtain detailed insights into planning processes and local development activities. The reason why this study adopted a qualitative research approach is that it facilitated a comprehensive examination of the experiences, viewpoints, and insights of municipal officials, councillors, and community members concerning the role of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) in executing the National Development Plan (NDP). The information gathered was examined using thematic analysis, which is a structured approach for identifying, organising, and interpreting patterns or themes within qualitative data. Thematic analysis provided a systematic method for analysing the data and helped the researcher to understand the key challenges, successes, and areas for improvement in the implementation of the National Development Plan through the Integrated Development Plan at the local government level. Participant responses were transcribed, assessed, and categorised based on recurring subjects and concepts relevant to the study's goals. Significant themes, including the alignment of the IDP with NDP objectives, institutional obstacles, community involvement, and intergovernmental collaboration, were identified and analysed to give a thorough understanding of how national development priorities are converted into practical local initiatives. This approach enabled the researcher to formulate meaningful conclusions and produce actionable recommendations based on the views of the participants. In conclusion, thematic analysis provided a systematic method for analysing the data and helped the researcher to understand the key challenges, successes, and areas for improvement in the implementation of the National Development Plan through the Integrated Development Plan at the local government level. Thulamela Local Municipality uses the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) as the primary mechanism to implement the National Development Plan (NDP) at the local level. The implementation of the NDP through the IDP in Thulamela Local Municipality is hindered by several financial constraints, limited institutional capacity, poor coordination among departments, weak monitoring and evaluation systems, and low levels of community participation. Thulamela Local Municipality should align its Integrated Development Plan (IDP) with the National Development Plan (NDP) by improving coordination with national and provincial government departments, enhancing staff training, and encouraging greater community participation in planning processes. The study also recommends that Thulamela Local Municipality should regularly review and update its IDP objectives to ensure continuous alignment with NDP priorities such as job creation, poverty reduction, infrastructure development, and social services.Item Embargo The Impact of Monitoring and Evaluation in Enhancing Municipal Performance in the Thulamela Local Municipality(2026-05-19) Luvhimbi, Muravha Ivy; Zitha, H. E.; Singo, T. A.This study examines the Impact of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) on enhancing municipal performance within the Thulamela Local Municipality, Vhembe District Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa. As a vital component of good governance, M&E plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and the effective implementation of municipal programs and projects. The research investigates how M&E practices are institutionalised and their impact on improving decision-making processes, service delivery, and overall performance at the local government level. The study is grounded in the theoretical frameworks of Institutional Theory and Systems Theory, which inform the understanding of how organisational structures, processes, and external pressures shape the implementation and success of M&E systems in the municipal context. This study employed the Interpretivist research paradigm and used an exploratory research design to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of M&E on municipal performance in Thulamela Local Municipality. This study is based on desk-top research and uses a qualitative research method. A purposive sampling method was adopted to select secondary data, which includes government reports, audit findings, scholarly publications, institutional databases, policy documents, and journal articles, providing an efficient and cost-effective approach to data gathering relevant to M&E in the local sphere of government. The collected data were analysed using thematic analysis. The study contributes to the body of knowledge, as it will serve as a point of reference for future scholars in the local sphere of government, with particular attention to the impact of monitoring and evaluation on municipal performance in Thulamela Local Municipality. The municipality has put in place a comprehensive M&E policy and legislative frameworks to improve standardisation and accountability in municipal operations. The study also reveals that limited institutional capacity, resource constraints, inconsistent departmental coordination, and resistance to change prevent the municipality from fully leveraging M&E for developmental decision-making. This study recommends that Thulamela Local Municipality should integrate the M&E systems with the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and enhance the capacity of its M&E personnel through continuous training in indicator development, data management, evaluation design, and results-based management.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.