Wits School of Governance (ETDs)

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A formative evaluation of Johannesburg's Diepkloof Hostel housing intervention
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Mchunu, Lindiwe; Wotela, Kambidima
It is evident that the apartheid system was created for the sole benefit of South Africa’s White population and that this political structure led to many imbalances in the provision of basic services, land allocation and participation in the economy. Apartheid’s spatial planning was at the forefront of the creation of these imbalances through establishments such as the migrant hostels. Therefore, this study seeks to conduct a formative evaluation of fundamental government interventions intended to address social problems, such as housing, by using the Diepkloof hostel as a case study. Several studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of the Community Residential Units programme. However, there is limited interrogation on the programme’s impact on the Diepkloof hostel. To this end, the study employs a qualitative approach and uses thematic content analysis to interrogate the contributing factors that lead to the mis-formulation of fundamental interventions. Findings show that mis-formulation and poor implementation is caused by mismanagement and corruption, the lack of regulatory controls, transparency, and clear communication. The study recommends an efficient monitoring and evaluation process for strengthen the housing interventions among other things
An exploration into change management perceptions and approaches of two provincial government departments
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Ndlovu, Zibusiso Khethiwe; Hobden, Christine
Change in the South African public sector is unavoidable due to the turbulent political and economic climate and developing technologies presented to us by the 4th industrial revolution. It is widely acknowledged that organizational change is often plagued by failure, however, this study argues that contextual organisational dimensions such as deep structures and change ownership are frequently overlooked in public sector change management discussions. This prompted a qualitative case study between two Gauteng Provincial Government departments. This design enabled an in-depth exploration of approaches to change management in the two different departments to gain a better understanding of change management approaches within the GPG. Data was collected from recorded 30–60-minute semi-structured interviews with 12 key informants (senior, middle, and junior management staff in the respective provincial departments) identified through purposive criterion & snowball sampling. Interviews were transcribed identifying emerging themes and codes aligned to answering the research questions. Additionally, a desktop review of academic literature, departmental documents, and reports was undertaken to gain deeper contextual understanding and perspective of the GPG change management landscape. The study results revealed that the nature of change is characterised by a lack of ownership and poor reinforcement of change in the GPG. Furthermore, that communication within GPG exists, however, it doesn’t always filter down to the lowest employees
An exploration of possibilities for information and communications technologies in pursuit of enhanced public participation in lawmaking post Covid-19
(2022) Cilliers, Ina
The purpose of this project was to explore the nature and impact of public participation practice in the legislative processes of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL) during and after the Covid -19 pandemic. The disruption to social interaction brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic had an impact on the design, implementation, and evaluation of public participation (PP) in the province. The scope and extent of this disruption was uncertain, yet rapidly evolving and scaling globally. For the GPL to fulfil its constitutional mandate and its commitments citizens, new opportunities for PP had to be explored and threats to PP had to be ameliorated in the context of a “new normal”. The research question is: “How can the information and communications technology revolution be leveraged to enhance public participation in legislative processes.” The study examined historic practice of the institution as well as virtual public hearings and portfolio committee business conducted during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021.The sample population for this study was public participation specialists and participants in the legislative sphere in Gauteng Province, South Africa. A purposive sample was drawn from the GPL community, specifically PP Unit staff, researchers and committee support staff. Focus group discussions were conducted with 18 participants. The public participation events observed included 3 public hearings, 3 sector parliaments, 2 round table events and 1 legislative workshop. The document analysis focused on reports that was tabled for the legislation under scrutiny in the relevant portfolio committees. The study identified threats and opportunities for PP, spaces of disruption and contestation that would require new areas of practice and new skills to be learnt by PP practitioners. The institutions’ journey from traditional PP practice to fully virtual and the resultant pivot to digital innovation was explored. Recommendations were structured around the design, implementation and evaluation of PP in the post-pandemic future. The paradigms of digital marketing and traditional PP practice was assimilated to suggest new ways of conducting the PP mandate that advance deliberation, inclusivity, and quality of lawmaking
Analysing state capture through public procurement weaknesses in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Aikins,Nana; Lynge, Halfdan
This research report reviews and analyses the procurement system in South Africa concerning the legislative and institutional frameworks that govern state owned enterprises (SOEs). This study aims to assess the system's flaws and inherent weaknesses and highlight how these pitfalls have ultimately aided the phenomenon of state capture. It is a constitutional requirement that when organs of the state contract for goods and services, they do so in a fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost-effective manner. When a public organisation is captured by private interests, it loses its autonomy to act in the furtherance of public welfare, which manifests in its inability to contract competitively, achieving low prices and high quality. A postulation is made in this study that public procurement personnel lack the integrity and personal will to resist collusive behaviour and do not have the institutional strength to detect and withstand corrupt dealings that contribute towards state capture. Following the publication of the State Capture report by the Public Protector of South Africa in 2016, the concept has gained significant political momentum. However, despite this development, there has been a notable lack of academic research on the phenomena, particularly regarding its connection to public procurement. This research aims to fill this gap. This study draws most of its data from the transcripts of the hearings conducted by the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into State Capture. Through a qualitative explanatory case study approach, using thematic analysis, the study sought to understand the patterns of abuse that occur at each stage of the procurement cycle and what factors contributed to these transgressions. The findings of the study identified challenges associated with lack of capacity, non-compliance with legal policies, bid-rigging and collusive behaviour, and political interference
Assessing the challenges in attaining the predetermined organisational performance objectives in the Gauteng Office of the Premier
(University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Molapho, Makgaba Samuel
This research aims to assess the challenges in attaining the predetermined organisational performance objectives in the Gauteng Office of the Premier. In doing so, I have applied the strategy of qualitative research as well as the case study design. This enabled the research to use semi-structured interviews to collect primary data that informs challenges in attaining the predetermined organisational performance objectives in the Gauteng Office of the Premier. The population of this study is Gauteng Office of the Premier and from this population I have sampled 9 participants using a purposive sampling technique. I have located this research in the academic field of organisational performance studies. This field was suitable for my incumbent research due to its aspect connecting to the research problem. Furthermore, I have established attributes of organisational performance and linked them to interpretative frameworks of this research to answer empirical results. The interpretative frameworks of this study are bureaucracy theory, government management frameworks, Government Wide Monitoring and Evaluation (GWM&E) framework, and programme logical model. Using these frameworks as a lens of interpreting research findings, the study indicates that the organisational structure of Gauteng Office of the Premier is not fit for purpose, and it is not approved by the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA). As a result, the organisational structure hinders the office of the premier ability to employ human resources that will achieve predetermined objectives. The findings also point out the challenges of data collection, duplication, and alignment of budget to office priorities. Moreover, it was found that stakeholders are non-compliant and do not conform to the implementation of monitoring and evaluation system. As a result, the Gauteng office of the premier is unable to perform because is depended on stakeholders to achieve the office mandate. Lastly, the findings pointed that challenges of attaining predetermined objectives are linked to components of logical model.
Coalition politics and urban governance in Johannesburg’s housing policy
(2020) Makgale, Bonolo
This research was conducted to assesses the nature of coalition government in the Johannesburg Municipality following the 2016 local government election, with a focus on the housing policy and housing provision. A key to understanding the nature of the coalition is to question the rationale behind its formation: was it done to bring more significant administrative and political cohesion or otherwise? The research project agrees with Kotzé (2019) that coalitions are notoriously and inherently tricky, often requiring a balancing act between the interests of parties. Different political ideologies and their impact on possible policy alignment or otherwise are significant contributing factors to the stability or instability of coalition governments. Through a semi-structured interview with members of the Johannesburg Municipality coalition government council and senior political and administrative members of the council, this investigation aimed at answering questions about the nature of the coalition government, coalition government impact on governance, coalition government impact on housing policy and provision and if political, ideological differences might render the city ungovernable and ultimately result to the collapse of the coalition. The researcher noted that the influence of the EFF ‘queen-maker’ status and ability to swing power within the council contributed to the many governance challenges faced by the coalition. A pertinent question remains: who owned the power behind the throne? Was it the EFF or was it former Mayor Herman Mashaba? The rationale behind the formation of this coalition government was essential to maximise power and take power from the ANC but more technically because no party had majority votes that were required to govern the city post the 2016 local government election. The research established that with that rationale in mind this coalition government however faced ideological difference, especially between the two larger political parties in the coalition.
Community participation in rural development at Ga-Maja in the Limpopo Province
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Tema, Mokgatla Bernice; Khumalo, John
Public participation in development, in South Africa, is embraced in the country’s Constitution and various legislative and policy frameworks. Despite this, participation is not adequately institutionalised in government, including in local government. The purpose of this study is to explore how community members perceive community participation in decision-making about and implementation of rural development programmes. The research is a qualitative case study with focus on the village of Ga-Maja in the Limpopo province. The research has, among others, found that the community is not fully engaged in its development. It has also established that conflict between the ward councillors and the traditional leadership is a hindrance to community participation in development. This conflict is largely caused by the vague description of the role of traditional leadership in government’s policy documents. Accordingly, government should empower the traditional leadership to play a definitive role in the development of rural communities
Critical analysis of City Improvement District governance in inner-city Johannesburg
(2021) Ntuli, Lungisani Qaphela Petros
Building on the literature on governance of City Improvement Districts (CIDs), this report amplifies the view that urban governance should be about improving the lives of all the residents of the city. This study used the qualitative research methodology to collect data through the analysis of relevant documents on governance and the management of Ekhaya Neighbourhood CID. Further to the analysis, the focus group interview was conducted with the management of the CID, Board of Directors representative and building managers using semi-structured interview questions to gather information and facilitate the discussion. This study found that, even though neighbourhood development initiatives that are implemented by the CIDs make a positive contribution in terms of dealing with crime, grime and other urban management issues in the inner city -the CIDs are driven by the interests of the property and business owners. The critics of the CIDs model argue that their ability to define and control public space is driven by profit-making aspirations and as a result ,amplify urban spatial and social imbalances. This report argues that there is a need for a comprehensive neighbourhood development programme that will level the ground in the fight against the segregation of the disadvantaged inhabitants –from the upgrading of public space to community development
The democratic participatory experiences of black youth in the City of Johannesburg
(2020) Ntshwanti, Thandile
The purpose of this study was to assess the response of youth to government public participation platforms and approaches using the youth in the City of Johannesburg as a case study. Local government was chosen as the focus of the study because of its proximity to citizens. The study explored the current approaches used in the City of Johannesburg, the general views on youth participation, the response by youth to current public participation approaches used by the city and how youth participation can be improved. The study used a qualitative research approach. A combination of data collection tools was used. These were observations, document analysis, interviews and focus groups. The findings of the study show that there are various modes and approaches that the city uses to engage with the community of the City of Johannesburg. These include community meetings, suggestion boxes at municipal offices, izimbizo public meetings for discussion of specific issues and official council and ward committee meetings. While the significance of youth participation is acknowledged and expressed in various official documents, the tangible experiences by the youth indicate the opposite. In paper there are youth focused structures, but practically, they are not adequately utilised. Because youth participation is guided by the same rules and principles as general public participation with no specified allowance made for the participation of youth, the youth is not responding positively and as such youth participation is low. That is not to say that the youth has no interest in becoming active citizens, engaging with government. In fact the opposite is true. They are cognisant of their social, political and economic environment, associated challenges and their role as youth in all of it. They are not as cynical and disinterested. There are numerous other reasons why youth participation in broader participation spaces and platforms is low. One reason is that the mainstream approaches used are found to be alienating by the youth. Further, the knowledge of the different ways the youth can engage officials at local government on various issues is limited. Access to information required to participate confidently in these meetings is not easy to access
Ethnic Federalism and Social Cohesion in Ethiopia
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-10) Gebiso, Meseret Tesfaye; Hobden, Christine
As an ethnically diverse country of more than eighty ethnic groups, Ethiopia adopted ethnic-federalism system in 1995. Ever since its adoption, the system has been a very controversial subject in Ethiopia. The discourse on the issue has been very polarised. This study explores the relationship between the ethnic federalism system and social cohesion in Ethiopia so as to contribute to the discourse with empirical evidence and analysis which is lacking in the Ethiopian context. Primary narrative data that is interviews of key informants and secondary data from international data bases is employed to answer the research question. The secondary data analysis has illustrated that conflicts and violence have significantly increased and social cohesion is declining. The primary data analysis has revealed that the system’s narratives, structures and implementations strengthened exclusive identities; incentivised elite behaviours that lead to conflicts and violence. Overall, the findings indicated that the ethnic federalism system has played a role in the erosion of inter- ethnic cohesion and in increasing inter-ethnic conflicts and violence
Examining the incorporation of the market orientation approach within the City of Johannesburg’s integrated development planning
(2022) Madlala, Letta
Municipalities in South Africa (SA) are characterised by poor service delivery. This also includes the bigger municipalities, such as the City of Johannesburg (CoJ), which have and continue to struggle to provide adequate services. Providing sufficient services is important in a country because those services contribute to the improvement of the lives of citizens. Secondly, service delivery is one of municipality’s main responsibilities as legislated by “the supreme law of the land, the SA Constitution” (Adonis & Van der Walt, 2017, p.42). The Integrated development planning (IDP Planning) is legislated and compulsory for municipalities to use. It is meant to help municipalities improve service delivery; however, even after many years of implementation the services have not improved (Adonis & Van der Walt, 2017; Asha & Makalela, 2000; Mukwevho & Mtupiri, 2014). As such, the study sought to understand the extent to which a market orientation approach is used by the CoJ IDP Planning. Using the interpretivist research paradigm and the qualitative research methodology, the CoJ was selected to investigate the phenomenon further. Data was collected through a theoretical review analysis and document analysis, with a review period from 2013 to 2026. Data was analysed and interpreted through a Thematic analysis (TA). The findings confirmed the initial proposition and suggested that even though the CoJ is very good with their IDP Planning and Integrated development plan (IDP), this did not translate into improved service delivery. The study also found that the CoJ’s IDP Planning did not fully adopt a market orientation approach as two elements of market orientation, viz. Intelligence generation was incomplete, whilst Intelligence dissemination was absent, which could explain why even with the very best IDP Planning and IDP, the CoJ was still unable to provide adequate services. The study recommended that for the CoJ’s IDP Planning to be efficient in improving service delivery, it must be modified in order to adopt a market orientation approach. This could be attained by including the following omitted elements of market orientation, namely: The dissemination of intelligence throughout the municipality and improving the intelligence generation element of market orientation as follows: Involving all municipal units (i.e. departments, directorates and municipal entities) in the IDP Planning. Furthermore, by ensuring that data used for their IDP Planning is collected through both formal and informal data collection channels and at all times instead of being treated as an event.
Exploring Data Usage in Implementing the Zimbabwe Orphan Care Policy in Harare Province
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Mutsikiwa , Eziwe; Van Nierkerk, Robert
There is need to understand the reasons why most government departments and implementing organisations do not fully use data and evidence when implementing public policies such as the Zimbabwe Orphan Care Policy (ZOCP). Understanding these reasons is vital for crafting a Page v of 114 prescriptive framework for data utilisation in all interventions towards improved decision making. A growing body of evidence suggests that most child protection interventions in developing countries do not surpass a ceiling of 65% with regards to data utilisation (see Garribet al., 2009; Andualem, Kebede, and Kumie, 2013). Zimbabwe is not an exception to this challenge. Rusakaniko et al. (2016) used a sharp increase of 82% in child protection cases between 2018 and 2021 to demonstrate that there is limited data usage in the implementation of the ZOCP. If data and evidence was fully utilised, such a sharp increase would not have been experienced. The Government of Zimbabwe (GoZ) introduced a compulsory Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) system in 2019 with the view of promoting use of data and evidence in implementing the ZOCP. To date, no known empirical research has focused on assessing the extent to which M&E best practice are being used following the introduction of the M&E system, and the reasons behind limited data usage despite its compulsory introduction. This study set out to examine the underlying reasons behind limited use of data and evidence in the implementation of the ZOCP and proffer a workable data usage framework considering the identified contextual reasons. The study was designed as single-holistic situational study of Harare Province, Zimbabwe. It was single because only one of the ten provinces in Zimbabwe was used and it was holistic because it focused on all data usage parameters to unveil the reasons behind limited data utilisation by the Department of Social Development (DSD). Within the case study, documentary review was used as the main evoker of experiences in Zimbabwe and elsewhere regard data usage by government departments such as the DSD. Then, one-on-one in-depth interviews with 6 DSD employees, 4 Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) employees, and 2 counterfactual interviewees were carried out. All of respondents were purposively chosen because of the exposure, experience, and expertise they have in working in the child protection space. This thesis confirmed that reasons for limited data usage can be broadly grouped into quality, capacity and institutional factors. However, the study extended and clarified this by demonstrating that everything rises and falls with institutional factors. Institutional factors (are partly shaped by acts of invisible politics) determine the capacity of the DSD with regards to budgetary allocation, disbursement of work tools, hiring of practicing professionals, and giving them opportunities to upskill. The capacity factors, in turn, influence the quality factors such as adherence to M&E best practices. This confirmation, extension, and clarification led to the development of a unified framework for data usage discussed in Section 4.8. It is evidently clear from the findings that if much emphasis is placed on re-orienting institutional factors towards full adoption of the M&E system introduced in 2019, other factors will follow suit, and the decision-making process will improve
Exploring how monitoring & evaluation practices empower Soweto Community Home-Based Care NPOS
(2023) Luthuli, Maxwell
Monitoring and evaluation practices are useful management techniques for projects and programmes and their utility is widely lauded in the development sector. However, Soweto Community Home Based Care NPOs grapple with implementation of M & E practices because of inadequate resources to develop and maintain capability for M & E systems. The goal of this research paper was to explore how M & E practices empower Soweto Community Home-Based Care NPOS. Qualitative research method coupled with a multiple case study layout were used in this study. The study was done with 10 Soweto Community Home Based Care NPOs and they were selected using purposive and snowballing sampling techniques. Data was gathered through a semi-structured interview guide and further analysed through thematic analysis process. The results of this research presented that M & E practices are very critical for the implementation of CHBC Programme within CHBC NPOs as it empowers them to remain accountable to the reporting mandates of donors. Moreover, when funding is made available and adequate for M & E activities this assist the CHBC NPOs to enhance, build capacity and institutionalize M & E so that it empowers their decision making and enhance programme implementation. The conclusions were that, when more resources are directed at M & E activities then indeed M & E practices empowers CHBC NPOs. Overall recommendations were that future studies must look at addressing the gap of misaligned policies in relation to M & E practices within CHBC NPOs and look at the role of donors in the implementation of M & E practices. Lastly professionalizing M & E and training all personnel employed by CHBC NPOs to address Human capacity challenges experienced during M & E implementation is fundamental.
Housing delivery challenges in Madelakufa informal settlement in Ekurhuleni
(niversity of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Potwana, Zanovuyo Evidence; Pillay, P.
The report examines the underlying reasons why the community in Madelakufa informal settlement in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) has no access to housing structures. The report explores economic, policy and political factors that influence the delivery of houses in Madelakufa. The research question aims at establishing why the community in Madelakufa informal settlement has no access to housing structures. The study is qualitative in nature. The data collected in the EMM reveals that municipal housing policy is aligned to the national housing policy framework and it covers government strategic documents like Reconstruction and Development Program (RDP), National Development Plan (NDP) and Medium Term Strategic Framework (MTSF). In addition, the municipal housing policy is linked and responsive to the needs of the EMM community. The main problem that is highlighted by the EMM management that blocks the delivery of houses in Madelakufa is the unavailability of habitable land. The land where the informal settlement is situated is not suitable for occupation because of the dolomite rock in the area. The municipal management outlined how policy implementation works, how programmes and projects are implemented based on the municipal housing policy and unpacked entire value chain of housing delivery and its relations to other spheres of government. Public participation and stakeholder engagements where Integrated Development Plan (IDP) processes are debated and discussed and petitions to the council are signed is crucial in order to understand the mandate, systems and process of the municipality. The report concludes that the reason why the community in Madelakufa informal settlement has no access to housing structures is the lack of access to land. Housing policies, programmes, projects are in place, the budget allocated for housing development is available and technical delivery skills are in abundance. In addition, economic factors like unemployment and low household income also contribute to non-access to housing.
Human capacity to coordinate the City of Johannesburg’s monitoring and evaluation framework
(2021) Mohlamonyane, Phello
The City of Johannesburg adopted a monitoring and evaluation system, the City-wide M&E framework in 2012. The framework was adopted primarily to help the City of Johannesburg to track the progress made towards the achievement of the outcomes of its long-term strategy, the Joburg 2040 GDS. Literature points to the fact that making effective use of an M&E system requires human capacity as one of the key components. This study aimed to assess the existing human capacity levels for the coordination of the City-wide M&E framework in the Group Strategy, Policy Coordination and Relations - M&E (GSPCR-M&E) unit. To answer the research question empirically, a qualitative case study research approach was used through which semi-structured interviews were utilised in the collection of narrative data. Using these interviews, primary data was collected from M&E specialists currently and previously employed in the GSPCR-M&E unit. The participants were selected using purposive non-probability sampling method. Thematic analysis of the participants' responses points to the fact that the City-wide M&E framework is not adequately utilised. The analysis further indicates that the reason for this inadequate use relates to the fact that the framework is not practical on the one hand and the fact that the M&E unit does not have adequate human capacity on the other. The results of the study demonstrate that the M&E unit does not have adequate capacity to coordinate the City-wide M&E framework. On the basis of this conclusion, it is recommended that the City increases its M&E human capacity for the enhancement of overall functioning of M&E in the City of Johannesburg.
Impact of buyisa ubuntu food bank on livelihoods of kagiso residents during covid-19
(University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Sekhokoane, Lindeni; Pillay, Pundy
Food banks are set up as an option when governments are unable to safeguard the food security of their citizens. They intend to ease the numerous threats related to food insecurity. However, the ability of food banks to advance general food security outcomes is limited, even though they have a significant part to play in providing rapid solutions to extreme food dearth. They are meant to be a temporary way out for households that are destitute but a key to attaining food security. The aim of the study is to explore the impact of Buyisa Ubuntu Food Bank on beneficiaries during COVID-19, as well as to understand the coping strategies of these beneficiaries in the midst of the pandemic. Also, the purpose is to determine the extent to which the skills development program has empowered beneficiaries. In order to achieve this, the study sought to determine a) The difference that the Buyisa Ubuntu Food Bank has made to beneficiaries' lives during the COVID-19 pandemic, b) the extent to which the Buyisa Ubuntu Food Bank skills development programme has empowered beneficiaries, c) the coping strategies that were used by the beneficiaries in the absence of the food bank services. The study found that the food bank use in Kagiso Township is due to dire economic difficulties out of the immediate domain of control of beneficiaries, such as poverty and unemployment. The coping strategies utilised by beneficiaries in the absence of food bank services are unsustainable. In an attempt to address the issue of unemployment among the beneficiaries, structural theories of poverty suggest that macroeconomic policy, which stimulates economic growth, both locally and internationally, should also be seen as the key solution for sustainable job opportunities. The findings of the study further revealed that the Buyisa Ubuntu Food Bank made a financial difference in the lives of the beneficiaries through volunteerism and employment. Again, the skills offered at the skills development programme made a difference in the lives of some of the beneficiaries. However, the study found that the choice of skills in this programme is limited, and some skills are not of interest to beneficiaries. It is therefore recommended that the Buyisa Ubuntu Food Bank provides an avenue for beneficiaries to voice their expectations. It is also recommended that iv higher institutions of learning and businesses join forces to provide a variety of skills for people who are food insecure. Buyisa Ubuntu Food Bank faced some distribution challenges, as a result, beneficiaries received food once in three months instead of three consecutive months. This negatively affects the impact of the Buyisa Food Bank on the lives of beneficiaries. To address the food distribution challenges, it is recommended that the Buyisa Ubuntu Food Bank sticks to the standard operating procedure manual, which states that once the beneficiary is approved, the food needs to be distributed to them for threeconsecutive months.
Implementation of the institutional plans in the Gauteng provincial legislature
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-02) Ngonini, Yolanda; Pillay, Pudy
This research examined the implementation of institutional plans in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL). This research applied a qualitative design with the aid of a case study. Research respondents were chosen through a purposive selection. Semi- structured interviews were utilised in collecting data and thematic analysis is applied in the analysis of the data gathered. Institutional plan implementation was shown to be a critical part of the GPL and its effectiveness determined the extent to which the GPL could deliver its mandate as enshrined in the Constitution. The research further revealed that the plans were usually quarterly or annual, depending on the anticipated targets of the GPL. However, despite ensuring the effective implementation of the institutional plans, the research revealed that this process was undermined by several factors, chief amongst them being the inability of those in the top echelons of the GPL to include all key interested parties in the planning process. Failing to involve those with a high stake and influence in the GPL plans meant that the implementation was marred by bottlenecks. In light of these challenges, the research recommends the need to apply a multi-stakeholder approach in the planning and implementing of institutional plans in South African provincial legislatures. Effective communication was also identified as a missing link, hence there is a need to address this challenge by ensuring that implementing institutional plans within the GPL is a process that is inclusive and accommodating the needs stakeholders directly or indirectly involved
Influence of pan-african parliament in regional decision- making on conflict prevention and resolution
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Abanno, Ndidi Ugomma
The establishment of the Pan-African Parliament as an institution of the African Union was prompted by the high incidence of conflict on the continent, and it is expected to play a role in addressing conflict. However, questions about the PAP's effectiveness in influencing regional conflict-related decision-making have arisen. The study used a combination of interviews, desk research, and participation in PAP sessions as a methodology for this study to explore this issue. The findings reveal that the PAP has consistently engaged in activities to prevent and resolve conflicts, such as debates on conflict-related issues in committees and the Plenary, fact-finding missions, promoting AU treaties, and developing Model Laws. However, the study also identifies factors limiting the PAP's influence in AU decision-making processes, including its limited legislative and budgetary powers and lack of coordination with pertinent AU institutions. To enhance its influence, the PAP needs to strengthen its institutional capacity to carry out non-legislative functions, particularly its oversight and representative powers. It must also establish a conflict intervention strategy and collaborative frameworks to improve synergies with AU institutions
Municipalities and the provision of alternative accommodation to evicted residents
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Wetbooi, Nomalizo S.; Abrahams, Cayrn
The demand for housing in South Africa is more than what the state can provide. This is demonstrated by reported cases of unauthorized occupation of land and the increased litigation in housing rights rendering housing as the most litigated socio-economic right in the constitutional democracy. Although there have been laws such as PIE in place to deal with procedural requirements of eviction, illegal eviction has continued to take place in municipalities. Provision for alternative accommodation has become a strict requirement for the courts to grant eviction. The responsibility to provide alternative accommodation has been given to municipalities. The research explores challenges accompanied by the provision of alternative accommodation by municipalities to evicted residents through a case study by the City of Tshwane
Participatory Governance through ward committee and traditional council structures at Intsika Yethu Municipality
(2020) Dantile, Julius Jabavu
Participatory governance is a theoretical method within the deliberative and participatory democracy theories. These theories promote the participation of individual citizens in the political decision-making processes to ensure public reasoning and public voice. This research study explored how participatory governance is facilitated at Intsika Yethu Local Municipality (IYLM). It examined the dimensions of participatory governance as theoretical and conceptual frameworks. These include deliberations, decision-making, interactional justice, legitimacy and trust, and monitoring and accountability. Some of the aspects of these dimensions provided the thematic framework to craft research questions, to collect, analyse and interpret data based on theoretical propositions of participatory governance. The research study established that participatory governance is facilitated at IYLM through ward committees lead by the ward councillors and traditional councils under traditional leadership. Ward Councillors working together with traditional leaders hold frequent meetings at ward and community levels. They both participate in the deliberations and decision-making processes through the municipal council meetings and council portfolio committees. Despite systematic and institutional discrepancies which lead to conflictual interactions at some levels, data presented a fair picture of collaborations and partnerships fostered at IYLM

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