Theses and Dissertations
Permanent URI for this collection
Browse
Recent Submissions
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 ElizabethThe 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.Item Embargo The impact of human resource management practices in the provision of basic services: A case of Collins Chabane Local Municipality, Limpopo Province(2025-09-05) Soares, Lauren Diniz; Maemu, E.; Matloga, S. T.This study focused on evaluating the impact of human resource management practices (HRP) in the provision of basic services: A case of Collins Chabane Local Municipality (CCLM) situated in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa. The study sought to test how human resource management practices, particularly recruitment and selection, impact the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of basic service provision within local government, particularly in CCLM. By examining the relationship between HRP (Human Resource Management Practices) and basic service provision, this research intends to provide valuable insights for policymakers, human resource professionals, and municipal managers seeking to optimize their workforce and management strategies. The mixed-methods approach was employed in the study by combining qualitative and quantitative research techniques. Data was collected through questionnaires and interviews. A non-probability purposive sampling method was used for qualitative data, while a probability-based sampling ensured broader representation in the quantitative aspect. The study used non-probability purposive sampling method in qualitative data due to the need to capture in-depth perspectives from relevant stakeholders and probability-based sampling method was used with quantitative data to ensure statistical representativeness and generalizability. The choice of a qualitative methodology was made to foster receptiveness to ideas, experiences, opinions, and emotions, as well as to delve into the perceptions of research respondents. Concurrently, a quantitative approach was employed to enable the researcher to have a sophisticated statistical analysis and effective comparison of gathered data. Information gathered through questionnaires was analysed using International Business Machinery: Statistical Products and Service Solutions (IBM: SPSS) version 29, because of its reliability, advanced features, support, and compatibility with the research, statistical analysis was used to analyse this data. Information gathered through interviews was analysed using the NVivo version 14 and thematically analysed to gain rich insights of the study and generate new knowledge from the study. The major findings of the study are: • HRM practices negatively impact service provision due to inefficiencies and poor recruitment processes. • Bureaucratic delays hinder the timely filling of critical positions. • High staff turnover, driven by dissatisfaction, leads to talent loss and decreased productivity. • Limited diversity and inclusion due to societal biases and HRM constraints affect workforce effectiveness. • Cadre deployment negatively impacts HRM practices, influencing service provision. The following recommendations are proposed based on the study's findings: • The study recommends that the municipality streamline HRM processes by reducing bureaucratic delays to ensure timely recruitment. • The municipality should enhance training, recruitment transparency, and employee wellness programs to improve workforce efficiency. • The study recommends that the municipality implements retention strategies to address high staff turnover and boost job satisfaction. • The study also recommends that the municipality fosters diversity and inclusion through bias training for hiring panels. • Lastly, the researcher recommends that a merit-based recruitment system be adopted to mitigate the negative effects of cadre deployment. This study highlights the urgent need for HRM reforms in CCLM to improve workforce efficiency for the provision of basic services in local government.Item Embargo Empowering Informal Traders through Developmental Local Government: The Case of Polokwane Local Municipality(2025-05-16) Selepe, Modupi; Vermaak, N. J.; Nkuna, N.South Africa’s democratic dispensation brought hope and trust to oppressed black citizens, particularly the promise of economic emancipation and freedom, as highlighted in the ruling party’s manifestos and the Freedom Charter. However, post-democracy challenges such as unemployment, poverty, marginalisation, and lack of social security have led to an increasing number of informal traders operating within areas managed by local municipalities since the introduction of developmental local government. Consequently, informal trading has gained significant momentum and reshaped urban landscapes, both locally and globally. The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) introduced the concept of Developmental Local Government (DLG), mandating municipalities to collaborate with communities to promote economic development, including informal traders. This study aimed to develop an informal trader empowerment model/framework. The Dualist Theory of the informal economy was adopted, which posits that individuals participate in the informal economy due to socio-economic factors such as poverty, unemployment, and marginalisation. This theory was validated through findings indicating that participants engaged in informal trading for survival. A mixed-method research approach was utilised, with an anti-positivist/interpretivist paradigm guiding the study. The research focused on Polokwane’s informal traders and the Polokwane Local Municipality. Non-probability sampling techniques, including convenience and purposive sampling, were employed to collect data from a total of 70 participants—50 informal traders and 20 municipal officials. Data collection involved focus group interviews to address time constraints and Covid-19 restrictions, with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) ensuring safety. Data analysis primarily involved thematic analysis, complemented by the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Microsoft Excel for quantitative enumeration. Ethical standards were rigorously adhered to, ensuring anonymity, protection from harm, voluntary participation, and securing permission from gatekeepers.Item Embargo Corporate Governance and Water Crisis: A Study of Water Boards in South Africa(2025-09-05) Matome, Hosea Modipane; Nkuna, Nghamula; Munzhedzi, HarryThe concept ‘Corporate Governance’ has been investigated intensively by academics and policy makers in the past two to three decades. This is mainly because of number of reasons, namely, global corporate governance outrages, global financial crisis in 2007 to 2008 and introduction of best code of practice for corporate governance globally and locally. The relationship between corporate governance and the water issue as a governance crisis is a topic of debate despite the wealth of study on the subject. Therefore, the study's goal was to examine the relationship between corporate governance and water crises from the viewpoints of three distinct governance scenarios: water boards that are experiencing a crisis in governance, those that are not, and those that follow strong governance practices. Similar to earlier research, "board size, board independence, board committees, board diversity, board activity, and leadership structure were measured as independent variables in corporate governance." The dependent measurements were, namely, asymmetric information; transaction cost; and Capability, Accountability and Responsiveness (CAR) including transparency which are the measurements of water crisis. A pragmatism research paradigm, which request simultaneous gathering and analysis of both qualitative and quantitative data on the same time, was employed. A Stratified Sampling technique was also employed. A questionnaire was used to gather primary data from the former Board Members of the Water Boards, former Ward Councillors and former Mayoral Executive Committee members for water and sanitation and Ward Committee members. This study utilised corporate governance models to establish the association that exist between corporate governance and water crisis. To this date, a sample of nine (9) water boards with various governance situations were examined with the combination of structural equation model and regression analysis. Two crucial facts come out from the results of the study, firstly, corporate governance variables performed differently in different governance situations. To certain extent, some corporate governance variables had a positive effect on water crisis through non-governance crisis and provided evading mechanisms during governance crisis. The results of the study also indicated a key issue, which motivated the needs to reassess corporate governance not only during non-governance crisis, but also during the governance crisis situations. Second, the stewardship theory appeared to be supported by capability, accountability, and responsiveness (CAR), including transparency, whereas the agency and resources reliance theories appeared to be supported by asymmetric knowledge and transaction costs. This showed that CAR including transparency viewed self-governed boards as adding no value to the water boards, while both asymmetric information and transaction cost viewed independent boards as a means of bring new skills and resources that the Executive Management of the water boards does not have. On the same note, independent boards ensured good governance practice and reduces the corporate governance problems between agents and principals. Furthermore, good corporate governance practice “perceived large board, board activity, board committee and leadership structure to be structures that could provide adequate monitoring and reduce agency problems”. Like some of the previous studies in corporate governance literature that documented diverse results for asymmetric information and transaction cost, this study also proved that, in some instances, asymmetric information and transaction cost provided conflicting outcomes as the two pointers used to measure governance from different situations. In case of nature of governance, the findings of both regression analysis and factor analysis concluded that the relationship between corporate governance and water crisis differs based on the nature of governance. For example, in consistent with the stewardship theory in the case of water boards without governance crisis, board independence ad an insignificant relationship with water crisis. These results imply that independent non-executive directors did not add any value to the improvement of day-to-day operation of the water boards as executive directors knows better than them. In this case and contradictory to the King IV report, it would be logical to more administrative staff than independent oversight structure.Item Open Access The challenges in the implementation of crime prevention strateg by South African Police Service, Limpopo Province(2025-09-05) Morifi, Fulgence Mosweu; Zitha, H. E.; Singo, T. A.The South African Police Service (SAPS) is required by the constitution to prevent, investigate, and combat crimes that are likely to occur in communities. The study provided information on the difficulties the South African Police Service, Limpopo Province, faces in putting its crime prevention policy into practice. In order to prevent crime and guarantee the protection and security of the nation's citizens, the South African Police Service (SAPS) was established. The SAPS investigates and fights crime as part of the Justice Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster. According to the 1998 White Paper on Safety and Security, SAPS is the primary law enforcement agency in the nation and is in charge of carrying out the country's and the province of Limpopo's crime prevention policy. The South African Police Service encounters challenges within the increasingly sophisticated, technological, and international crime arena. A literature review was also conducted to gain a thorough knowledge of SAPS's difficulties and challenges in implementing a crime prevention strategy in Limpopo Province. The study followed a mixed methods approach, using the pragmatic paradigm and applying descriptive and contextual research designs. The study used semi-structured interviews and self-administered questionnaires to collect data from SAPS members. The study used both purposive and random sampling methods. Thematic analysis was adopted for qualitative data, and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for quantitative data. The study's findings sought to improve SAPS's skills, competencies, and capacity to implement crime prevention strategies. KeywordsItem Open Access The importance of community participation in the implementation of Local Economic Development: A case study of Makhado Local Municipality(2025-09-05) Khomola. Maluta; Mbedzi, L.; Nekhavhambe, M. M.Community participation is often seen as essential for the effectiveness of numerous health programs. Nevertheless, there is a deficiency in theoretical frameworks and empirical data concerning the factors influencing participation within specific contexts and relationships. The study focused on the importance of community participation in the implementation of Local Economic Development in the Makhado Local Municipality. Local Economic Development is considered as a solution to the triple challenges (unemployment, poverty, and inequality) in South African municipalities. Local Economic Development approach aims to stimulate economic growth and improve the quality of life within communities by identifying the needs of communities through community participation. The study applied the participatory theory, which explains more about community participation and the contribution of citizens in community-based projects. Participatory theory was incorporated on mutual involvement of all important stakeholders, especially the use of respective members of citizens to make decisions and set the plans for their future. The study used a pragmatic research paradigm to select the research method of the study. The study deployed a mixed-methods research design. The descriptive research design was used as a blueprint for the study. The study population was limited to Makhado Local Municipality and the community members who were under Makhado Local Municipality. A purposive sampling technique that uses non-probability sampling was adopted in this study using a qualitative method. Statistical and thematic analyses were adopted to analyse data quantitatively and qualitatively. Enhanced research methodologies are required to enhance the conceptualisation of community participation and to elucidate a deeper comprehension of the ways in which factors like power and influence impact community engagement and its results. The major findings of the study are: • The study found that most respondents are unfamiliar with the goals and objectives of Local Economic Development initiatives, and there is a considerable knowledge gap within the community regarding understanding Local Economic Development and its objectives. • The study found that poor information dissemination is a key challenge and a lack of proper channels by the Local Economic Development officials to reach out to the community members under Makhado Local Municipality. • The study revealed that the role of Non-Governmental Organisations in the Makhado Local Municipality is not well played in terms of addressing the barriers to community participation for Local Economic Development initiatives. • The findings indicated that active involvement fosters a sense of ownership among community members, which enhances both the sustainability and effectiveness of projects. • The findings indicate that increasing access to information and education about Local Economic Development initiatives would improve participation. The following are the recommendations that are made based on the findings of the study. • The study recommends that the Makhado Local Municipality implement targeted public awareness campaigns using local radio stations, social media platforms, and community meetings to educate residents on Local Economic Development. • The study recommends that Makhado Local Municipality develop a comprehensive Local Economic Development communication strategy to ensure the timely and clear dissemination of information. • The study recommends the introduction of dedicated Local Economic Development awareness campaigns such as NGOs to educate the community on the benefits and opportunities available through Local Economic Development initiatives. • The study recommends that the municipality launch extensive awareness programs to address the prevailing uncertainty about Local Economic Development inclusivity and ensure that all community members are well-informed in order to foster ownership to the community members. • The study recommends that the municipality enhance the dissemination of information and educational materials on Local Economic Development initiatives to improve community awareness and participation.Item Open Access The efficacy of Integrated Development Planning in promoting Developmental Local Government: A case of Collins Chabane Local Municipality, Limpopo Province(2025-09-05) Hlungwani, Tumelo Hamfree; Maemu, E.; Mahole, E.The study focuses on the efficacy of integrated development planning in promoting developmental local government: A case of Collins Chabane Local Municipality, Limpopo Province. Developmental local government (DLG) is a vision for the future form of local government in South Africa. The DLG outlines a system of democratic local government in which efficient and effective municipalities meet the needs of all, but particularly those of poor and vulnerable communities. A pragmatic research paradigm was adopted, incorporating a mixed-method approach that used both quantitative and qualitative research. In this study, mixed research methods were integrated while maintaining each method's original structures and procedures. The researcher employed descriptive study designs. A probability sampling method was used, as it allowed researchers to create a sample that accurately represented the real-life population of interest. Data collected through research questionnaires were analysed using IBM SPSS (Statistical Product and Service Solutions) Version 29.0, while data gathered through research interviews were analysed using Atlas.Ti. Throughout the data collection process, all ethical considerations were prioritised to ensure that respondents participated freely, without any form of coercion or intimidation. The major findings of the study are: • The Municipality has a serious issue with high youth unemployment, raising concerns about the future for young people. • Community participation is essential for successful IDP processes. It fosters engagement and ensures community needs are met. • External stakeholders help the Municipality develop and implement the Integrated Development Plan (IDP). They provide important insights, resources, and expertise to ensure the plan meets the community's needs. • Insufficient infrastructure frequently restricts the effective implementation of IDP initiatives, creating challenges in providing essential services and meeting the community's developmental goals. • The IDP needs to integrate all planning, budgeting, and administration activities in the Municipality. The following recommendations are therefore made based on the findings of the study: • The study recommends that the Municipality should create job in order to reduce a high rate of unemployed youth. • The Municipality should actively involve the community, as this participation is key to successful IDP processes. • It is recommended that the external stakeholders should be encouraged to assist the Municipality in the development and execution of the IDP. • The Municipality should prioritise infrastructure projects to address the community's most pressing needs, such as reliable water supply, efficient transportation, and adequate healthcare facilities. • The researcher recommends that the Municipality should fully implement robust public employment programs specifically designed to create a substantial number of job opportunities for the large cohort of unemployed youth. • The study recommends that the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) effectively combine and synchronise all planning, budgeting, and administration activities within the Municipality.Item Embargo An Analysis of the Strategies to promote Ethical Behaviour in Local Government: A Case of Thulamela Local Municipality(2025-09-05) Ravhuanzwo, Shumani Maxwell; Zitha, H. E.; Lavhelani, N. P.The study analyses the strategies to promote ethical behavior in local government, with a particular focus on Thulamela Local Municipality (TLM). TLM is one of the local municipalities constituting Vhembe District Municipality in the Limpopo province. The 1994 first democratic elections in South Africa demonstrated the country's dedication to human rights and prosperity. There are three spheres of government: national, provincial, and local. Local government has come a long way since then, but obstacles to service delivery have led to a loss of trust in municipal employees. Good governance is increasingly being threatened by systemic corruption, which results from the unethical behavior of municipal leadership. The strategies and recommendations to be provided in this research study serve as a light on the challenge of adherence to the prescribed ethical standards in service delivery by TLM and other local municipalities across the country. To better investigate strategies to promote ethical behavior by municipal employees in service delivery in TLM, the study utilized the public value theory, a qualitative approach (descriptive design and explorative design) and the constructivism paradigm. The study used purposive sampling to ensure precise sample collection. Primary data was collected using semi-structured interviews. Thematic and descriptive analyses were applied to the analysis of the qualitative data. The major findings of this study are that unethical behavior in TLM is manifested through corruption, nepotism, cadre deployment, political interference, and bribery; that lack of exemplary behavior by senior municipal officials and incompetent staff members are some of the causes of unethical conduct within TLM; that unethical behavior demotivates committed municipal officials; and that internal strategies for enhancing ethical conduct within the municipality are not effective. The study recommends that consequence management and the provisions of the codes of conduct must be enforced and that TLM stakeholders must report unethical behavior by municipal officials to external watchdog bodies such as the National Prosecting Authority and the Office of the Auditor General.