Theses and dissertations (Management Sciences)
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Item Multi-stakeholder perspectives on service delivery : the case study of KZN Department of Agriculture and Rural Development(2022) Sithole, Enock Musawenkosi; Govender, KrishnaItem Exploration of traditional leaders’ roles in the provision of public services :a case of Nhlangwini Traditional Council(2022) Nzimande, Michael Thembelani; Mutero, Innocent TinasheThe lack of collaboration between South Africa’s government departments and traditional institutions impacts negatively on key decision-making. There is a growing lack of community consultation in rural communities due to detached leadership. Communities are receiving government services which are inappropriate to their immediate needs. Consequently, the quality of life of rural based citizens is compromised. Using the social systems theory, this study explored the role played by traditional leaders during provision of service delivery in rural communities, under the Nhlangwini Traditional Council. The social systems theory is also used to frame an investigation into the relationships that exists between traditional leaders, and government organs as well as other stakeholders. The study followed a qualitative approach and purposive sampling was used to select 26 traditionals who participated in this research. Data was collected through in-depth interviews which were all held at the Nhlangwini Traditional Council premises. The study found that the role of traditional leaders is still confused with the role of ward councillors. However, that does not prevent traditional leaders in addressing community issues. Moreover, the relationship between traditional leaders and government organs is very poor. The government still needs to foster a good working relationship with traditional leaders as they are living in deep rural areas which gives them a good position to better understand the needs of rural communities. Ultimately, working together to uplift and improve the community must be the focal point. There is still a need for government to engage with traditional leaders and provide strategies on how to promote participation. The government must also consider creating a manual that will clarify the roles of traditional leaders, possibly this will create a deeper understanding and reduce confusion of roles between the ward councillors and traditional leaders as they both serve the local communityItem The impact of the local government support on the sustainability of co-operatives and its role on poverty alleviation in the eThekwini Municipal region(2020-09) Ntambwe, Katambwe Leon; Balkaran, Rishidaw; Rawjee, Veena ParbooIt has been accepted that sustainable co-operatives create job opportunities and have become a source of income for many people worldwide. The concept and philosophy of co-operatives is deeply embedded in the traditional culture of many human societies, especially within African communities. There are many examples where individual members of communities work together in improving their socio-economic welfare and that of their communities. In this context, the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Province has committed to promoting cooperatives through the establishment of a division that focuses on the establishment and promotion of co-operatives. The Department of Economic Development Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) in KZN has put in place a Co-operative Development Programme which started from February 2005; and since then, the programme has attracted more than sixty thousand individuals, who constitutes approximately six thousand co-operatives. Since 2001 the eThekwini Municipality developed a co-operative programme aimed at eradicating poverty by empowering people who were living below the poverty line to step into the mainstream of the economy. As a result, ninety six co-operatives were formed with an average of twenty members each, resulting in about 720 people being employed, thus enabling them to look after their respective families. However, although the preceding cases have been successful in terms of facilitating the establishment of new co-operatives, there are some challenges that still need to be addressed. Unfortunately, the government investment in co-operatives and the substantial increase in the registration of co-operatives have not been accompanied by a related increase in the contribution of co-operatives to poverty alleviation and growth of the economy. The rationale behind this research is to establish the impact of the local government support on the sustainability of co-operatives and its role in poverty alleviation in the eThekwini Municipality. The research aim is to understand the role of the local government’s support on co-operatives’ sustainability and its impact on poverty alleviation in the eThekwini Municipality. Such an understanding will lead to the development of an inclusive and sustainable approach/model for supporting cooperatives in the eThekwini Municipality that will take local co-operatives into a sustainable growth path to alleviate poverty. In terms of the literature review, a theoretical outlook was formulated around the study with three chapters detailing the perspectives of co-operatives at the international, African, South African and eThekwini Municipality levels were presented. The rationale was tested in the form of questionnaires and interviews with key stakeholders involved in the support of cooperatives from the provincial to the municipal levels. A target sample was selected with co-operatives supported by the local government. The case study approach was utilised with the eThekwini Municipal Region having been selected as the study area, as it is one of the many local municipalities which have programmes aimed at supporting co-operatives in the country. The major findings from the research may be gravitated towards the co-ordination of support, monitoring of the outcome and the overall approach used during the support. Co-operatives in the eThekwini Municipality have been provided with both financial and non-financial support. However, the provision of support to co-operatives has been undertaken without a clearly set up mechanism for a regular assessment and review of their impact. The study also found that the financial support to co-operatives has resulted in increased economic activities in the eThekwini Municipality, such as an increase in business volume (production), employment opportunities, additional gross value added (GVA), and the generation of personal income for co-operative members. However, co-operatives are still facing a number of challenges after being assisted and supported. Therefore, the government and other stakeholders will need to continue with the provision of support services to make them sustainable. This study recommended the reduction of promotional support; the increase of the aftercare support; the improvement of the holistic support through a fifteen-year cooperative support package with an exit strategy; the provision of incubation support for co-operatives; and the establishment of a cooperative sustainable and development model (CSDM).Item An empirical analysis of local government document management systems using constructs of the Technology Acceptance model (TAM) and Total Quality Management (TQM) across selected clusters in the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal. South Africa(2020-03) Chetty, Vartharaj; Mgutshini, T.Background: Document management processes represent a key consideration in business success and quality management. There is ongoing pressure for the public sector to embrace these tools to increase efficiencies, reduce cost, waste and more significantly upholding their mandate of improved services to its citizenry. The development of innovative document management systems may offer a potential strategic advantage for businesses whose running costs and business activities centrally depend on the management of documents Aim/ Purpose: - The fundamental aim of the study was to conduct an appraisal of local government document management systems using the constructs of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) in order to evaluate their impact on Total Quality Management (TQM) in selected clusters across eThekwini Municipality in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. Setting: South Africa comprises of nine provinces, one of which is KwaZulu-Natal, located on the east coast of South Africa. The eThekwini Municipality consists of a diverse society confronted with various social, economic, environmental and governance challenges. Methodology - An exploratory sequential mixed method comparative case study design described the study’s methodology. The study was based on the combination of a desktop review; semi-structured exploratory individual interviews (n=45) with executive and strategic employees within the municipality; focus group discussions (n=2) and a quantitative online survey(n=186). Data collection and data analysis methods: All the data collected from the qualitative processes for example, the focus group discussions and the individual interviews were analysed using a hybrid of approaches. Emergent themes and variables on interest were explored further via an online survey that was based on a quantitative design Findings: The current study utilised a combination of TQM and TAM analyses of different document management systems and engagement with key personnel to develop a model to support the uptake of new document management systems. Primarily, political, technological and socio-cultural factors were found to have contributed in influencing whether or not, employees take up a newly introduced DMS. Conclusion and Implications for practice: - The South African context creates a unique dynamic and, for that reason, traditional westernised models related to technology acceptance were found inadequate.Item Enhancing service delivery : the role and capacity of Municipal Ward committees, in KwaDukuza(2021-05) Mnqayi, Sibongayena Khethokuhle Xolani; Lekhanya, Lawrence MpeleWard committees were introduced as a representative structure of communities within a municipal structure, in terms of the Municipal Structures Act, 117 of 1998, section 72– 78. The ward committee serves and forms a bridge between the municipal council and its residents, by coordinating and facilitating effective communication. The ward committee operates as a watchdog of the community and forms a link by effectively strengthening communication between the municipal council and the citizens it represents. The study has, therefore, assess the role of ward committees in ensuring services are delivered and whether they have capacity to support their mandate, within selected wards of the KwaDukuza municipality, in the province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). Ward Committees have been the emphasis of significant attention by government, as well as civil society. While the challenges facing ward committees impact their effectiveness in preventing any effective operation, they also lack sufficient capacity to deal with community concerns that emerge. The study used one research method and applied an interview schedule to collect data from which to obtain the best desirable results. A qualitative method is trusted to gather in-depth information from people, allowing them their own opinion and ideas about being ward committee members, since inductive, holistic results can be interpreted, as a result. The sample size was drawn from six selected ward committees of the municipalities, with each committee consisting of ten members, therefore the study used two members from each ward; in total, 12 participants were considered for interviews. A random probability sample was used to target ward committee members. The findings of the study reveal few mechanisms in place to elevate ward committees, or act as a conduit for support, leaving them to operate unsupervised or monitored, with low stipends that do not cover monthly schedules, sometimes contributing to the boycotting of meetings. The study will benefit the policy makers and the relevant stakeholders.This study did not cover large sample therefore generalisation of findings should be used with care. This study recommends further research on the expansion of research area.Item Exploring corporate governance practices on state entities : a case study of Umgungundlovu District Municipality(2022-04) Nyalungu, Jey Difference; Agbenyegah, Albert Tchey; Dlamini, Bongani InnocentMunicipalities across the country continue to face growing criticisms due to lack of performance and providing services to communities. In South Africa, the district and local municipalities are no exception to the lack of performance. The perception to establish a working climate within the structures of the South African municipalities call for the municipal authorities to do more to increase the level of performance across the existing structures. Given this backdrop, this empirical study explored corporate governance practices of state entities with specific reference to three selected local municipalities in the uMgungundlovu district municipality. This empirical study aims to understand corporate governance practices towards performance in selected municipalities. Empirical datasets were sourced during semi-structured interviews aided by FGDs. The researcher applied semi-structured interviews to gather primary data from 106 participants and three FGDs to triangulate the research findings. Interview schedule and questionnaire were employed to collect quantitative and qualitative datasets. Quantitative data was analysed through the Social Package for the Social Science (SPSS) with several techniques including t-test, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Chi-square as well as regression. These tools were used to test the null and alternate hypotheses. In terms of qualitative data, thematic analysis was employed to conduct the analysis for interpretations. Empirical data was supported by outcomes based on secondary datasets. The findings revealed lack of corporate governance knowledge that makes it impossible for municipalities to perform to their optimum. One of the key findings that emerged was that “fairness” contributes to the overall municipalities’ performances. Based on all the seven principles of corporate “fairness” was the only concept that needs serious applications in the municipalities to stimulate performance, this empirical study recommends the need to provide adequate education and training to all employees of the municipalities with information on corporate knowledge. More knowledge regarding the practical applications of the corporate governance principles to increase performance in municipalities. Furthermore, education is required to explain the governance practices with the municipalities. Municipal authorities such as the ward councillors and Municipal managers must be advised to pay regular visits to communities to ascertain the needs of community members. The researcher suggests ongoing educational and training programs to provide employees with knowledge in corporate governance.Item Training and development as a driver for performance of the local government employees : a case of Ndwedwe local municipality in the KwaZulu-Natal division(2021-05) Zondi, Sbusisiwe; Ajagbe, Musibau AkintundeTraining involves the knowledge, skills and attitudes required by an individual to perform effectively in assigned tasks. The proper implementation of training and development programmes in any organization ultimately enhances employee and organizational performance. The main aim of the study was to determine the relationship between training and development as a driver for performance of the Local Government employees in order to explore the relationship amongst the factors affecting training, development and performance. The study adopted a quantitative research approach and a closed-ended questionnaire comprising of a Likert Scale as the measurement instrument. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 25.0) was used for data collection and data analysis. The population size of this study was 110 employees from Ndwedwe Local Municipality. Due to the size of the study’s population, a sample of 90 employees was utilized and the sampling framework was the municipal payroll system. The study revealed that training and development did have an influence on individual and organizational performance. The study also identified a performance management system linked to the Personal Development Plan as an essential tool. Due to limited resources, the study was confined to Ndwedwe Local Municipality only. Therefore, the findings or results should not be generalized to all Local Municipalities. The study recommended that the proper implementation of Performance Management Systems linked to appropriate individual performance development plans be implemented. The recommendations could be used in improving training and development and managing employee performance. The study further contributes to knowledge in implementing Human Resources Development policies. It will be valuable in the upliftment of the social economy of South Africa.Item Public participation in municipal service delivery in the eThekwini Municipality(2021-11) Manqele, Fikile; Murwirapachena, GeniusMost South African municipalities in South Africa struggle to efficiently provide adequate public services. One of the main reasons for slow and inadequate public service delivery across South African municipalities is ineffective public participation. The consequences of poor public service delivery include the prevalence of violent service delivery protests. Addressing these challenges requires active citizen participation in service delivery matters. The aim of this study is to explore the nature and role of public participation in the delivery of municipal services using a case study of the eThekwini Municipality. To achieve this aim, four main objectives were identified. The first objective focuses on identifying the participation platforms available for the public to effectively contribute to improved municipal service delivery in the eThekwini Municipality. The second objective seeks to establish the challenges experienced in promoting effective public participation in the eThekwini Municipality. The third objective seeks to establish the impact of public participation on service delivery in the eThekwini Municipality. Finally, the fourth objective is to recommend possible ways in which the municipality can implement public participation policies for improved public service delivery. The study uses a qualitative methodological approach which is executed in two parts. The first part analyses survey data collected using semi-structured interviews from 10 municipal employees working in the Community Participation and Action Unit of the municipality. Secondly, the study analyses data collected through semi-structured focus group discussions with community leaders from three different wards of the municipality. The data collected was analysed using the thematic approach. Three major findings are reported in the study. Firstly, the study reports on four main public participation platforms used in the municipality. Secondly, the study reports on five common challenges experienced in promoting public participation in the municipality. Lastly, the study reports on five benefits of public participation towards improved service delivery. Overall, the study reveals the existence of a strong link between effective public participation and optimum service delivery. Effective engagement was understood to be the fundamental issue and a gateway to efficient service delivery. The study recommends that public participation platforms be used frequently as a tool to regain community trust, account for budgets on community projects, disseminate information and allow community engagement on public policies and service delivery matters. The municipality should attend to the drivers of poor attendance in public participation meetings and communities should take a centre stage in identifying service based on their priority need analysis.Item Assessing the ward councillors' leadership characteristics and their impact on service delivery in eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality(2018) Mbandlwa, Zamokuhle; Mishi, SydenThe local government level is considered as the first level of government that is closer to the people and expected to deliver the needs of the people. The ward councillors are entrusted with the responsibility of delivering the public services at local government level and also entrusted with control of the government resources of local government. The individual leadership characteristics of ward councillors contribute to how decisions are made at local government level and eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality as a big metropolitan in the country is viewed as a very important municipality, which is expected to produce effective leaders who will protect the image of the municipality and at the same time attract more investors from other countries to invest in the municipality and create employment opportunities for the people. The leadership characteristics of ward councillors have certain elements that can easily satisfy the needs of the people if they are applied effectively. The majority of ward councillors who participated in this study had a positive attitude towards the assessments of their leadership characteristics, but some individuals did not find it useful to participate in some of the questions due to personal reasons. Most of the ward councillors indicated that they found it difficult to fully participate in the making of by-laws, primarily because they lack the understanding of the local government policies; while others have lost interest in participating because the majority always make decisions against their wishes or views. The mixed methods approach for this particular study was used because the study seeks to discover human actions, institutions, events and customs with the aim of constructing what is being studied in sufficient depth and detail. This approach is more relevant to investigate service delivery issues in the municipality. A sampling size table developed by Krejcie and Morgan (2011:607-610) was used to determine that 86 participants formed an appropriate sample size for this study. Simple random sampling was used for this study because the whole population and sampling frame were available. The primary data was collected through self-administered questionnaires that were personally administered by the researcher to the ward councillors.Item An exploratory survey of competency frameworked managerial talent for service delivery in local government(2018) Fuchs, Jody; Msweli, PumelaCompetent governance is an imperative driver of great organizations. However it appears that in South Africa, incompetent governance is making a significant contribution to social fragmentation and economic decline. This study builds a new theory for competent governance using a competency-based positivist theoretical paradigm. The ubiquitous competency theory was first postulated by the illustrious Harvard Psychologist David McClelland in 1973. Contemporary management sciences use competency-based management for strategic configuration. Competency-based strategic configuration promotes effective and superior governance by aligning human resources to the business strategy. The case study design utilizes a quantitative methodology to collect data from a theoretically selected sample of middle and executive managers at the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The conceptual domain for competent governance is identified in the literature review chapter. An electronic survey with seventy-nine items was conducted on a sample of middle and executive managers in the municipality. Two criterion referenced correlation matrices indicated satisfactory predictive validity. Factor analysis with Promax Rotation in IBM’s SPSS version 24 yielded a new theory for competent governance. Cronbach Alpha reliability testing indicated that the results were dependable. Fuchs’s Competent Governance Theory makes the assumption that competent governance has two criterion-referenced constructual frameworks, five conceptual frameworks, and a dictionary of competencies that measure superior- and effective-governance.