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Faculty of Management Sciences

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Author: search.filters.author.Luthuli, Mthokozisi SydneyHas files: Yes

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    Improving the administration of disability grants in South Africa’s social security agency
    (2024-05) Luthuli, Mthokozisi Sydney; Dorasamy, Nirmala
    Improving the administration of disability grants in South Africa’s Social Security Agency was the primary focus of the study. Although the South African social security grant categories include the child support grant, older age persons’ grant, disability grant, grant-in-aid, care dependency grant, war veterans grant and the foster child grants, this study only focused on disability grants. In South Africa, fraud and maladministration are among the challenges impacting the quality of public service delivery. In terms of the study, the impact of this amongst other issues were investigated. The aim of the study was to improve the administration of disability grants in South Africa’s Social Security Agency, identify gaps and forward recommendations. The study adopted a mixed method approach using the SASSA offices in Gauteng, Western Cape, and the KwaZulu-Natal provinces. The data collection tools were interviews and questionnaires, while SPSS and computer software instruments were used to analyse and interpret the findings. This study’s original contribution was to improve the disability grant policy by introducing a more critical framework for addressing the disability grant issues that undermine the effective administration of disability grants at the selected South African Social Security Agencies. The contribution to the study was three-fold [1] Gaps in literature; [2] a conceptual analysis; and [3] Methodological/theoretical (statistics and interview contribution).
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    Disbursing of social security grants : a case of uMgungundlovu District, South Africa
    (2020-04) Luthuli, Mthokozisi Sydney; Hlengwa, Dumsile Cynthia
    The strategic features of this study were to create new understanding of existing issues and identify new and emerging issues worthy of investigation and explanation. The distribution of disability grants is a long-standing practice that has been a way of life to people living with disability since the dawn of democracy, which started as of the year 1994. The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of disbursing social security grants at Pietermaritzburg office KwaZulu–Natal. Although the ability for South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is to execute the distribution of social grants, the practice over the years is mounted with allegations of issues of fraud, maladministration and dissatisfaction of beneficiaries. The SASSA is required to provide the services aligned to administrative approaches and systems of transmitting disability grants within SASSA institutions in South Africa and provide social relief of distress to beneficiaries. The study adopted a qualitative research methodology to collect and analyse data. The intention of using a qualitative paradigm is to respond to specific questions that directs to the applications in real world situation, and be able to address the specific societal problems. This study factors associated with ineffectiveness of the distribution processing of grants and implications for grant beneficiaries. A majority of selected respondents perceived the disability grant policy as unjust and saw very little hope of improvement. This study recommends the value of chain in the distribution of disability grants by training the employees, improving the infrastructures and the capacity of SASSA in providing the disability grants at Pietermaritzburg office.
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    Vandalism of monuments and neglect : a concern for heritage tourism
    (SERSC, 2021-12-14) Qwatekana, Zikho; Ndlovu, Thulile Promise; Zondi, Nkululeko Ephraim; Luthuli, Mthokozisi Sydney
    The occurrence of vandalism in structures of historical and cultural value has been largely observed in urban environments. The destruction to these structures ultimately imposes challenges to historical and cultural tourism in particular. Local municipalities in urban cities are tasked with a responsibility of maintaining local infrastructure and essential services to support tourism activity. However, amongst the biggest constraints for local governments to meet these objectives is limited budgets, therefore leaving the cities with unpleasant aesthetics. This study determines the extent and forms of vandalism that exists in the city of Pietermaritzburg, South Africa and its implications to heritage tourism. The city is governed within the jurisdiction of Msunduzi Municipality housing many of South Africa’s heritage monuments that are integral to the city’s history, culture and multiplicity of tourism offerings. A review of online sources as well as visual and photographic methods were applied for data collection. The analysis revealed various forms of vandalism mainly concentrated in the central business district (CBD). These results suggest that residents are oblivious to the intrinsic and monetary value of historic monuments. The disjuncture between residents and monuments may be attributed to South Africa’s harrowing history of oppression as well as the lack of connection and sentimental value. On this basis, it is recommended that Msunduzi Municipality in collaboration with heritage agencies creates postcolonial monuments that are inclusive and transformational. In addition, it is suggested that aggressive educational initiatives are introduced on existing monuments.
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    Interconnectedness of road infrastructure and tourism development : perspectives from residents and enterprises
    (Turkish Online Journal of Qualitative Inquiry (TOJQI), 2021-07-01) Luthuli, Mthokozisi Sydney; Ndlovu, Thulile Promise; Qwatekana, Zikho; Zondi, Nkululeko Ephraim
    This article notes significant views articulated by several social scientists regarding the importance of road infrastructure to tourism growth and development. Tourism is undoubtably one of the key economic sectors in Msunduzi Municipality. However, the potential for this sector to thrive and yield benefits for local tourism businesses is hindered by poor road infrastructure. Thus, resulting in limited access to tourism attractions and the city’s aesthetic appeal. The study aimed to examine the extent to which poor road infrastructure affects accessibility, and aesthetics of Msunduzi Municipality as a tourism destination. A qualitative research approach was adopted in conjunction with the development theory which was guided by two models, namely the Critics of the modernisation and structural adjustment. Data was collected using primary and secondary sources, including newspaper articles, social media platforms and imaged-based analysis. The findings revealed that residents and businesses are inconvenienced by roads that are riddled with potholes and the slow pace of maintenance. Similarly, the service delivery is mounted with client dissatisfaction that emanate from the municipality’s lack of response and action in repairing roads. The study concludes with recommendations on how the service delivery value chain can be implemented within the municipality to accelerate service delivery and maximize its economic potential.