Electronic Theses and Dissertations (Masters)

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An assessment of the implementation of the global counter-terrorism framework in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2020) Ntsalong, Kgeng; Van Nieuwkerk, Anthoni
The world is experiencing a general rising threat of terrorism. Some regions of the world have experienced more cases than others but no country in the world can claim to be immune. As such each country has a responsibility to protect its citizens, guests and installations against the risk of terrorism. This is done by having policy instruments in place and implementing them effectively to the benefit of the citizens and guests of the country. South Africa promulgated the Protection of Constitutional Democracy against Terrorism and related Activities Act in 2004 to criminalise acts of terrorism. This investigative and exploratory study seeks to establish how South Africa brought into effect its counterterrorism legal instruments and the challenges experienced during the implementation phase as well as to assess whether or not the policy has achieved the intended outcomes in the eyes of practitioners. Strengths and weaknesses are identified and recommendations to enhance the current instrument are proposed
Assessing the impact of the ‘checklist’ to address overcrowding in Gauteng prisons
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Kanyane, Mpapa Jeremia
Literature shows that overcrowding in prison is a crisis that is exacerbated by challenges associated with court processes and inadequate criminal justice systems. Practical measures have been implemented by the South African government to combat these challenges through the use of an integrated criminal justice system. The National Task Team developed a strategy known as the ‘checklist’ that is development from internal benchmarks to address addressing overcrowding in South African Prisons. The study focuses on the assessment of the impact of the ‘7C checklist’ a process that is has been adopted to reduce overcrowding in Gauteng prisons as well as the role of the various government role players within the National Task Team. Using a qualitative approach that included document analysis and in-depth interviews, the study examined the impact of the 7C checklist in addressing the issue of overcrowding. This study concludes that there remains the persistence of practical constraints that are associated with the implementation processes required for complying with the ‘checklist’, as seen through the eyes of those in charge of implementing the strategy. Generally, the ‘checklist’ is partially implemented, and not following through with the processes negatively impacts on the overall goal of reducing overcrowding in Gauteng Prisons
Assessing whether political-administrative relationships affect stability in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Mjekula, Nosipho; Lynge, Halfdan
The assessment of the political-administrative relationships between executive authorities (Ministers) and Directors-General (DGs) and whether there is a perceptible correlation with stability in three national government departments in South Africa, namely Human Settlements, Traditional Affairs, and the Office of the Public Service Commission was seized using a mixed methods approach (qualitative and basic elements of quantitative methods). Due to the editorial nature of this research piece, the academic knowledge gap, the lack of empirical evidence about the typology of these relationships in South Africa, and the deep interest of the researcher in the study, an analysis was necessary. This study focuses on the relationship between politicians who are Executive Authorities (EAs) and only administrators at the level of Directors- General (DGs) and who are regarded as the independent variable (IV). The EA and DG have an individual role to play in the policy formulation and implementation and enacting laws, and regulations (intervene variable). Another variable that intervenes and contributes to the relationship between politicians and administrators is the political landscape at a particular time which normally expresses certain relationships between the EAs and DGs. Ample evidence shows that poor relations between the elected and the appointed cause a high turnover rate at the administrative level and creates unstable institutions that are weak and characterised by corruption (SA Institute of Race Relations, August 2017). The high turnover refers to the number of DGs who leave the Public Service. However, most of the studies do not necessarily clarify whether the turnover rate within government was caused by the kind of relationships EAs and HoDs may experience, therefore remains unclear. Internal strife at the level of political and administrative executives is often heard through newspaper articles. This turned out to be a normality where tensions, poor working relationships and interactions, how major decisions are taken, individual and organisational instabilities, and political over administration power are mostly cited. The instability of relations between politicians and officials, created by high levels of public service politicisation, is the most solemn variable of instability and inconsistency in any democratic dispensation. The findings and recommendations of the study will shape improved relations, and help the government categorize the kind of relationships that exist through a developed model named Political Administrative Leadership (PAL) that the researcher established to map the relationship that is deemed functional even when tensions exist. The political executives, administrative heads, the Directors-General (DGs) or heads of department (HoDs), and public service practitioners will be able to sketch healthier relations that would shape and enhance the future of the political-administration dichotomy that existed and was questioned by some scholars e.g. Mafunisa, Maphunye, and others policy and framework development that permits pragmatic analysis of the relationships at the political-administrative interface. The study uses a sample size of thirty-four participants selected using a purposive and snowball sampling technique in the three national departments. Fifteen of the participants were from the Office of the Public Service Commission (OPSC), twelve from the Department of Traditional Affairs (DTA), and seven from the Department of Human Settlements (DHS). The study focuses on the unit analysis which is the relationship between a Minister and Director-General in each of the selected departments. The sample was selected using the offices and units that understand the political-administrative relationships and whether they caused or not necessarily instigated the stability or instability thereof. The study of two out of the three national departments showed stable relationships and stability between the EAs and DGs, however, the respondents were of the view that the poorer the relations the higher the instability in government departments, components, entities, and institutions
Challenges to inclusive public participation in the development of the national security strategy
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Cairns, Murray
Public participation is a fundamental component of good Security Sector Governance (SSG), allowing those who are affected to participate in decision-making processes. Although inclusive participation is recognized as fundamental, this has not translated in its universal application, particularly when it relates to matters of national security. South Africa's 2013 National Security Strategy (NSS) has taken a similar approach, drawing criticism for its lack of inclusivity. In light of this, this research seeks to explore the challenges that exist within South Africa’ssecurity sector that limit inclusive public participation. The paper employed a qualitative case study and purposive sampling to collect textual data on challenges found in other contexts, and the perspectives of security experts familiar with practices in the country's security space. Findings from the research show that the country's historical legacies, as well as institutional practices and relationships among various stakeholders, limit public participation in South Africa's security sector
Effectiveness of Xenowatch’s monitoring of xenophobic violence in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-03) Charuma, Tinevimbo; Pophiwa, Nedson
With increasing occurrence of xenophobic violence incidents in South Africa it becomes imperative to come up with solutions that are more effective. Key to reducing and preventing the incidents is monitoring of xenophobic violence for better evidence-informed anti-xenophobic policy interventions. In South Africa at present there is no state institution that focuses on tracking and tracing the patterns and trends of xenophobic violence attacks which means that decisions to act or ignore are not based on any factual information. A growing point of literature suggests that societal issues do not have optimal solutions, hence they need to be data driven to effectively deal with problem communities are facing. However, in Africa and in South Africa data driven and evidence- based decision making is limited in both public and private sectors. This study aimed at exploring how monitoring of xenophobic violence is used for policy making and advocacy work. A case study approach was used which focused on the monitoring of xenophobic violence by Xenowatch an independent institution. Within the case study key informant interviews were conducted with ten participants which comprised of three from Xenowatch staff and the remaining from Xenowatch partner organizations who are also users of the data. All the participants were purposively selected due to their experience and expertise with migration issues which are greatly connected to xenophobic violence and also working for and working with Xenowatch. There is limited evidence of use of the Xenowatch monitoring data by government or state institutions. The data showed its strength in advocacy as the findings revealed several uses by civil society organizations which include lobbying, influencing policy change, used in court cases among others. The study also showed the challenges in both gathering and using monitoring data such as underreporting, definition of xenophobic violence for the former, and capacity (knowledge and resources which affects both civil society and government) for the latter. From the interviews different suggestions were given by both respondents from Xenowatch staff and their stakeholders on how to improve the use of monitoring results for advocacy and policy making
Experts’ perceptions on the decriminalization of drug use for criminal justice and health in Gauteng province
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Netshivhumbe, Mukhethwa; Cairns, Murray
Drug abuse is an ongoing global challenge with the prevalence of drug abuse and drug use disorders increasing significantly in recent years. South Africa like the rest of the world is not immune to the drugs scourge. The Department of Social Development (2020) stated that South Africa has become a consumer, producer, and transit country for drugs. Growing evidence suggest that criminalising drug use has no effect in reducing the problem in South Africa, hence the need to start thinking about new methods to deal with the challenge, regardless of how radical the new methods might seem. Emphasis should be placed on evidence based public health and social justice approaches. Decriminalisation is a phenomenon that is gaining momentum worldwide but can be considered radical now, since it requires extensive overhaul of any country’s illegal drugs’ policy. This study attempted to explore the perceptions of the experts in the field of substance abuse regarding the efficacy of decriminalising drug possession and use in Gauteng province, SA. Qualitative methodology with exploratory nature was utilized in this study. Interpretivism as the underlying research method was applied for this study. A basic interpretative study research design was adopted, as the focus was the building of this knowledge. Purposive sampling method was used to select participants of this study. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews. Interviews were conducted face to face and using virtual platform (Zoom). Data were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Data were presented focusing on the themes and emerged themes stemming from the purpose and objective of the study. This study has established different thoughts on the subject matter of decriminalisation of drug use. The majority (11 out of 15) of participants were in support of decriminalization of drug use. Their views were that the current approaches for combating drug problem have not yielded positive results hence a need to explore an alternative approach. Those against the decriminalisation of drug use were concerned that decriminalisation will results in an increase in drug use and drug dealers will flock into the country to sell drugs. They further expressed that the scourge of drug abuse is fuelled by social ills in the country, not criminalisation of drug use, therefore the country should address social problems and the drug problems may be reduced.
Institutional arrangements and rehabilitation of young offenders: a case study of the Leeuwkop correctional service facility.
(2022) Macozoma, Mesuli
The 1994 democratic transition in South Africa marked a break away from its repressive past, which included the creation of new institutions to exercise the rule of law in a democratic dispensation. Transforming the prison system to correctional services through policy, changed the outlook of the state in exercising punitive measures against those charged with breaking the rule of law. A key question that has emerged is the need to understand how the established correctional services system facilitates the rehabilitation of young offenders, who make the majority of people incarcerated in correctional facilities in South Africa today. The study employed a qualitative case study approach to establish interactions between institutionalised young offenders at Leeuwkop Correctional Service Facility which serves as a medium for rehabilitation. The objective of the study was to determine whether the institutional arrangements at this facility support the institutionalisation of rehabilitation as articulated in the 2005 White Paper on Corrections. Primary data was gathered using semi-structured interviews from a sample of 16 participants, inclusive of three first-time offenders, three repeat offenders, and two former offenders from the Leeuwkop Correctional Service Facility between the ages 21 – 35 years old. In addition, eight institutional actors associated with Leeuwkop Correctional Service Facility were interviewed to understand their perspectives on the administrative processes involved in services offered by the facility. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse the data sets which generated four key themes around the issue of order and discipline, factors contributing to offending, rehabilitation of offenders in a correctional environment, and the allocation and expenditure of financial resources. Research findings indicate that a lack of transformation and misalignment of the current institutional arrangements is obscuring effective rehabilitation of young offenders at Leeuwkop Correctional Service Facility. A significant finding that emerged was that the primary objective of the Leeuwkop Correctional Service Facility is the incarceration of young offenders, and rehabilitation is a secondary function; hence the institutional and structural arrangements emphasize achieving the primary goal Conditions at Leeuwkop Correctional Service Facility, reveal that institutions established with contradicting mandates tend to systematically resist change. Arguably, the institution has struggled to transform its secondary role into an actionable goal that aligns with the policy framework, rendering this space a constitutive element in engendering a vicious cycle of violence among those who interact with the institution. The research concludes that more work is needed at both institutional and administrative level to foster a culture of rehabilitation within correctional service facilities.
Public participation in achieving Social Justice within the Upper Vaal Water Management Area
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Baloyi, Tsholofelo Molatelo Lucretius
Public participation promotes the democratic rights of individuals and communities in South Africa within the Integrated Water Resource Management framework. Public institutions are responsible for managing public participation in ensuring social justice. However, little work has been done to understand their public participation institutional arrangements. Public participation ineffectively managed creates mistrust among the public and may contribute to misinterpretations and conflict during project management. Insufficient public participation might be contributed to the limited knowledge on the subject matter, the limitation of accessing the information, or, the socio-economic conditions of stakeholders. This study conducted interviews, which were thematically constructed by using the Social Justice Framework. In ensuring fairness during the decision-making processes, the study also assessed EIAs deducted from issued Water Use Licences to make inferences on the management of public participation within the Upper Vaal Water Management Area. The study found that the regulatory guidelines and standards needed to be reviewed to improve the participation processes, that the existing intergovernmental relationships were mismanaged and that marginalized groups are excluded during the decision-making processes within the Integrated Water Resources Management framework. The Department of Water and Sanitation in its efforts to decentralize water resources management, needs to improve its policies and the management of public participation
Research report amalgamation of umkhonto we sizwe combatants with the south african police service
(University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Mokotedi, Prince Nkitsing; Nieuwkerk, Anthoni van
Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) processes are usually implemented in post-conflict situations as part of broader Security Sector Reform. In South Africa, following the demise of the apartheid government, combatants of Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), the armed wing of the African National Congress (ANC), were amalgamated with the South African Police Service (SAPS) in 1995 as one of the key elements of the agreement for a new peaceful and democratic state. The SAPS was established in terms of the provisions of the interim Constitution of 1993, and was comprised of the former SAP, which had the largest number officers, and 10 former Bantustan police forces. There was an expectation that there will be tensions during the amalgamation of MK with SAPS because of the historical bitter enmity between the combatants of MK and the members of the former apartheid police forces. Members of MK were expected to adapt and adjust to a new environment which had command structures as well as organisational culture that was alien to theirs. This study investigated the acculturation strategies of the former combatants, and evinced that MK combatants had strong military identities and that police was resistan external factors. The study found that these cultural incompatibilities made it difficult for MK combatants to effectively amalgamate with SAPS.
Transforming natural resource dimensions of the armed conflict in the Central African Republic
(2021) Mhlanga, Vonani Aretha
The transformation of contemporary conflicts poses challenges owing to the complexities of the natural resource dimensions of armed conflict. Yet, it presents opportunities for addressing the root causes of protracted conflicts. This study explores how the government of the Central African Republic (CAR) has sought to address natural resource dimensions of the armed conflict in the country and, based on lessons arising, determine the possibilities of conflict transformation. Drawing from the conflict transformation concept, an analytical framework highlighting the interaction of three key elements (actors, context and institutions) guides a qualitative analysis on the positions and interests of the various actors around natural resources. How natural resources are regulated and managed in the country is also examined. I find that it would be challenging to have a national consensus to transform the conflict due to the plurality of actors competing over control of natural resources while also forming opportunistic alliances

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Browsing Electronic Theses and Dissertations (Masters) by SDG "SDG-16: Peace, justice and strong institutions"

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