4. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - Faculties submissions

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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
A Symphony of Sakina: Using mosque design to facilitate community development in Mooiplaas
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-02) Jaffer, Raeesah; Janse van Rensburg, Ariane
This research report studies Mooiplaas Informal Settlement in Pretoria, South Africa. The research first discusses the developmental challenges of this marginalised community and then investigates ways in which informal settlements can be developed. It explores the design and application of a Mosque complex, focusing on its potential to facilitate community development. Mooiplaas has a growing Muslim population, and a Mosque is a fundamental requirement to facilitate prayer. The Mosque is further investigated to understand its significance and functionality in community settings throughout history. Previous developmental initiatives undertaken have not reached full potential to holistically address the needs of the Muslim and non-Muslim communities in Mooiplaas. Thus, this research investigates ways the Mooiplaas community can enhance resilience and sustainability by applying the Mosque complex as a fundamental instrument for future development initiatives. The proposed Mosque can facilitate social and economic upliftment within the settlement by providing spiritual development and education and promoting social cohesion.
Adequacy of Data Protection Regulation in Kenya
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-10) Laibuta, Antony Mugambi; Zitzke, Emile
Article 31 of the Kenyan Constitution provides for the right to privacy. The Kenyan Data Protection Act, 2019 gives effect to Article 31(c) and (d) of the Constitution. This study is about whether data protection regulation in Kenya would inspire any confidence in data subjects who enjoy protection of their right to privacy under Article 31 of the Constitution. Kenya, going with the global trend, in November 2019 enacted the Data Protection Act. Before the enactment, Kenya had debated data protection Bills for over a decade. But even with the enactment of the Data Protection Act, the question remains whether this was sufficient to guarantee the right to privacy and specifically data subject rights. The main aim of this study is to determine the adequacy of data protection regulation in Kenya by responding to five questions: How has data protection evolved in Kenya? What framework should be used to determine the adequacy of data protection regulations? To what extent is the legal framework on state surveillance adequate? To what extent is the legal framework on commercial use of personal data adequate? How adequate are the available remedies in relation to data protection in Kenya? To wit, no comprehensive academic discussion has explored the history of privacy and data protection in Kenya. This study fills this gap in the academic literature. It has established, through highlighting constitutional and statutory provisions, that the right to privacy in Kenya has been in existence since Kenya gained independence from colonial rule. Conversations during the clamour for constitutional reforms shaped the current text that provides for an individual right to privacy which has been the springboard for data protection rights to be introduced. There is no immediately obvious framework that would be ideal to determine the adequacy of data protection regulation in Kenya. In light of this gap, this study has presented a simple set of questions used in day-to-day legal practice to be used as the determination-of-adequacy framework. The questions, “who?”, “why?”, “what?”, “when?”, “where?”, and “how?” are iv posed on State surveillance, surveillance capitalism, and access to effective remedies. Responses to these questions are juxtaposed with provisions of the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation and South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act. The responses reveal the level of adequacy of data protection regulation in Kenya. On adequacy in State surveillance, surveillance capitalism, and availability of effective remedies, the study has revealed that while there are provisions of the law that adequately regulate the three issues, there are gaps and ambiguities that must be addressed to raise the level of adequacy and inspire confidence in data subjects. For the gaps and ambiguities, this study recommends law reforms in the form of amendments to provisions of the Kenyan Data Protection Act, Data Protection (General) Regulations, Competition Act, National Intelligence Service Act, and the Data Protection ADR Framework. This study also recommends enactment of new law including an Artificial Intelligence Act, Data Protection (Statutory Database) Regulations, and Regulations on interception of communications under the Prevention of Terrorism Act and other enabling statutes.
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
An outcomes evaluation of the ‘differentiated care’ antiretroviral therapy delivery in South African urban township
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Tebeila, Tebogo
With the high prevalence and massive expansion of antiretroviral therapy (ART), alternative ART delivery models are needed in scaling up, delivering ART, and maintaining high-quality services to people living with HIV. Various differentiated care ART delivery models were implemented in health facilities across South Africa, notable results from the literature suggest that differentiated care ART delivery models were piloted and implemented at scale, nevertheless, there is little evidence on the scale-up of these models on patients’ outcomes in South African urban townships. Ultimately, the research seeks to assess the outcomes of the differentiated care ART delivery models in a South African urban township called Tembisa in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. The research is a quantitative, retrospective cohort analysis. Logistic regression and Chi- square tests were used to determine rates of retention and factors associated with loss to follow-up. Behavioural theories were used to interpret the research findings. The research findings revealed that rates of retention were at 91.8 per cent and loss to follow-up was at 8.2 per cent. Furthermore, health facility, age at enrollment and duration on ART were associated with the probability of being lost to follow-up, nonetheless, there was no difference in sex and no association with modality. The finding from the study confirms that alternative ART care models are important in scaling up and delivering ART within an urban township setting, although there was poor viral load specimen collection at the scheduled clinic appointment good rates of retention in care and viral load suppression were achieved. Overall, the implementation of the intervention in a similar setting should be customized to patients aged between 18-24 years or younger, and those with a duration on ART of fewer than 24 months at enrollment differentiated care ART delivery models to reduce the probability of being lost to follow up after enrollment
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.
Balancing the Necessity of Mining Activities and Community Participation in the Pursuit of Environmental Protection
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021-01-31) Laka, Tshepiso Josephina
Mining activities result in a myriad of e nvironmental and health impacts. These issues remain to be primarily ignored by mining companies and government departments. The need for public participation in relation to environmental awareness and protection must be taken into account within mining affected communities, u nfortunately, most mining communities are often not aware that they are entitled to an environmental right under the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (the Constitution). Communities suffer from environmental degradation that is inextricably linked to their quality of life and their well- being. Most mining companies fail to protect mining communities from harmful environmental impacts resulting from mining activities. South Africa depends heavily on mining sectors for its socio-economic advancement to such an extent that many millions of people rely on the revenue generated from mine. It is crucial that while mining sectors are pursuing economic developments, the environment, human health and social issues must be afforded the required protection. As such, this thesis explores the environmental harms associated with mining and the importance of meaningful participation. Notably, these environmental injustices can be mitigated by implementing the already established environmental legal framework. This thesis will further critically discuss how mining companies fail to encourage and promote environmental health and wellbeing by not only enhancing public participation within mining affected communities but to also provide communities with concrete measures to promote the ecologically-centred sustainable development
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.
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
Data protection and borderless borders: the effect of the namibian data protection bill on transborder data flows
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Negonga, Paulina Nangula; Klaaren, Jonathan
Data is the sine qua non of the modern economy. The proliferation of digital industries has led to concerns about the misuse of personal data. The resultant risks have sparked ethical and legal concerns across the globe, prompting the adoption of data protection laws. The Namibian constitution guarantees the right to privacy in Article 13, but the country lacks a comprehensive data protection legal framework. The Namibian government issued a Data Protection Bill in 2013.This dissertation critically analyses sections 2 and 48 of the Data Protection Bill dealing with transborder data flows, by employing a two-part theme. In the first instance, the dissertation advocates for a holistic approach that strikes a balance between the individual’s right to privacy and the economic imperatives of transborder data flow. In the second instance, the dissertation investigates how to effectively govern transborder data flow with the continuous blurring of lines between physical and virtual worlds, where data transcends territorial borders with a simple click. The mainstream argument for regulating transborder data flow is that if there are no restrictions on the transfer of data to third-party countries, personal data may end up in jurisdictions with the laxest, or more likely, no data protection standards, just as money ends up in tax havens. To put the oft-quoted tax analogy into context, there may be nothing preventing international data processors from circumventing domestic data protection requirements by gravitating personal data to data havens. Through an elaborate comparative analysis, primarily referencing three instruments: the oecd Guidelines, the GDPR, and the POPI Act; the dissertation looked at how these issues are considered and whether the Namibian Data Protection Bill matches up to these standards. The analysed regulatory regimes varied; nonetheless, a corollary was drawn to adopt a broader EU-style territorial scope. This dissertation recommends that section 2 of the Bill should be amended to conform with Article 3(2) of the GDPR (targeting test/market principle). The chosen approach actively embraces the fourth industrial revolution by allowing data protection to ‘travel’ with personal data wherever it goes in a globalised world.
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
Evaluation of the public participation process in promoting better environmental decision-making
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Ethel, Shumani
Public participation gives interested and affected parties a chance to engage in environmental governance issues. The NEMA principles state that: ‘The participation of all interested and affected parties in environmental governance must be promoted, and all people must have the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills, and capacities necessary to achieve equitable and effective participation, and participation by vulnerable and disadvantaged persons must be ensured’. This study assesses the effectiveness of the public participation process in promoting better environmental decision making and analyses South Africa’s environmental legislative framework to determine whether the country has good law or if existing law needs to be revised to promote effective public participation. Environmental decisions made by administrators have recently been challenged in court, raising the possibility that these decisions are not always consistent with good environmental governance. Good environmental governance would entail considering the role of each participant who has an impact on the environment, from the state to NGOs, civil society, and the private sector. Achieving good governance will necessitate a collaborative effort, paving the way for long-term development. The case of Sustaining the Wild Coast was selected for analysis to demonstrate that the environmental legislative framework appears sufficient to promote effective public participation; however, the challenge lies in the implementation, where the competent authorities and project proponents seems hesitant to genuinely engage with the affected and interested parties. The case also demonstrates that for interested and affected parties to be successful in advancing sustainable projects, they need substantial funding because they will need to gather scientific evidence; without such evidence, their chances of failure are increased. This was demonstrated in the Border Deep Sea Angling Association case, which the applicants lost due to a lack of exhaustive scientific evidence. The case of South Durban Community Environmental Alliance highlighted the issue of access to administrative and judicial proceedings. If NGOs are penalised with cost orders despite the sincerity of their litigation, the proceedings may prove costly. Poverty-stricken communities will not be able to afford access to legal instruments and this renders public participation ineffective. As a result, sustainable development will not be realised. The study concludes by proposing techniques for improving the effectiveness of the public participation process
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.
Foraging for Earth: resurrecting the heritage of ochre through land reparation of an iron ore mine
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) O'Maker, Simone; Felix, Sandra
This thesis aims to extract concepts, ideologies and theories viable to the rights of land. To rewrite a set of spatial relations that deeply grapple with the remnants of the Ngwenya mountain, in an iron-ore mine within the Kingdom of Eswatini, as an archaeological, cultural, ecological and geographical site. Foraging for Earth aims to mend its wounds that gives back the earth its dignity. It questions what architecture arises from seeing the land as a living being and to what extent it can form a relationship with a post-mined landscape. The concept of the design is derived from the site’s scar, a palimpsest of narratives rooted to memory, decay, healing and regeneration, and thereby interprets reparative strategies into a living archive that aims to reclaim what the landscape used to be. The program includes an earth reparation facility, a knowledge-sharing centre, an ochre sanctuary, craft studio and a sculpture garden. Constant visual and physical engagement encourages one to be aware of the land’s rich narrative.
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.

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Browsing 4. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - Faculties submissions by SDG "SDG-11: Sustainable cities and communities"

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