Electronic Theses and Dissertations (Masters)

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The sustainability of cooperatives in KwaZulu-Natal
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Mthembu, Richard Themba; Pillay, Pundy
The current study focused on the sustainability of black owned cooperatives in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The study setting was constitutive of both rural and peri-urban Durban. It uses a qualitative research design and an interpretivist paradigm to elicit and make sense of participants’ views regarding the challenges and opportunities inherent in cooperative enterprises located within KwaZulu-Natal. The study adopted a multi-method data collection approach and uses in-depth interviews and document analysis to illuminate the topic. Using the two qualitative methods constitutes data triangulation. In terms of the in-depth interviews, participants were purposively selected and snowball sampling techniques were used to lead the researcher to the next participant. A total of 16 interviews were conducted with both male and female participants involved in agricultural cooperatives such as vegetable production, poultry and piggery. Interview data were complimented with that extracted of relevant literature through document analysis of government policies and white papers drawn from government archival materials particularly from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Agriculture (DOA). Overall, data were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings from the study bring to the fore three broad themes which are Black Economic Empowerment, contributing factors to the failure of cooperatives, and factors hindering co-operative sustainability
Perceptions of performance appraisals amongst civilian employees of the Department of Defence
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Gopane, Onkemetse Macphonia; Van Nieuwkerk, Anthoni
The purpose of this study was to explore civilian employees’ perceptions of the management of the performance appraisal process in the Department of Defence. To achieve this objective, a qualitative case study was undertaken whereby data were collected by using face-to-face semi-structured interviews. A sample of 15 purposely selected junior and middle management civilian participants from Defence Head Quarters was done whereby participants were interviewed and data collected analysed by using thematic analysis. The themes that emerged indicated how employees perceive and experience performance appraisal. The findings revealed that although employees understand what performance appraisal is, the management of the process remains a challenge. From the analysis, there is a lot of dissatisfaction among employees as they feel that performance appraisal is subjective, and the way performance bonuses are paid is based on favouritism and inconsistency which lead to grievances. The findings also indicated that some managers use performance appraisal to punish employees that they do not like regardless of their performance which often diminishes the morale of high performers. The absence of feedback, lack of training by Human Resource Development and lack of support and commitment by top management were also raised as challenges that impede proper management. It is therefore recommended that the Department of Defence should prioritise offering regular and detailed performance appraisal training and workshops to managers and employees so that they both have a common understanding of the objective of the process. Furthermore, the Department of Defence should benchmark with other state institutions and implement an automated performance appraisal system with the latest technology which might reduce human errors and biasedness
Effectiveness of the mobile technology intervention in rural schools: The case of Seshego circuit in Polokwane district
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2020) Nare Joyce, Mahwai; Wotela, Kambidima
The objective of this qualitative study is to conduct a summative evaluation of a mobile technology intervention in rural schools of Seshego circuit. The aim is to determine the effectiveness of the intervention to determine how mobile technologies are integrated in teaching and learning. Employing a qualitative research strategy with case study research design methods, participants were purposively selected to answer four research questions to determine the outcomes of the information and communication technology intervention in rural schools of Seshego circuit in Polokwane district. Teachers’ views were obtained regarding the integration of mobile technologies in teaching and learning as well as documenting the process for mobile technology integration in teaching and learning. This research applied technology acceptance model (TAM) and Technology acceptance model 2 (TAM2) to make understand the use and integration of mobile technologies in teaching and learning. Preliminary findings reveal that mobile technology integration does end with providing schools with information and communications technology infrastructure, there has to be a deliberate effort from teachers, learners, school management, subject advisors, national and provincial department of education to ensure that mobile technologies are used and integrated in teaching and learning. There are barriers that prevents teachers from fully integrating technologies in teaching and learning like the availability of ICT infrastructure as well as lack of skills and knowledge to integrate mobile technologies in teaching and learning. This research recommends that teachers be placed at the heart of technology implementation in teaching and learning
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
Streamlining of contrasting multi-stakeholder monitoring and evaluation institutional arrangements in a South African National Department
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Matsumunyane, Molupe
In recent times, the efficacy and impact of Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) on the development of low income countries has been placed under a lot of scrutiny. Following the demise of apartheid in 1994, South Africa became a recipient of ODA from various international sources. In this respect, the National Treasury of South Africa is responsible for the overall management and coordination of ODA (Department of Performance Monitoring and Evaluation, 2014). However, the responsibility and accountability for the implementation of ODA rests with the respective National Departments (National Treasury of South Africa, 2003). This includes the responsibility for monitoring, reporting and evaluating the delivery of ODA programmes. The problem is that, monitoring and evaluation of South African public service initiatives is sometimes seen to be highly fragmented and Departments tend to develop instruments that do not adhere to, for example the various monitoring and reporting instruments developed in the Department of Performance Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) and the National Treasury (Porter & Goldman, 2013) This study seeks to qualitatively interrogate how to align multi-stakeholder monitoring and evaluation institutional arrangements involving ODA supported interventions at Government Departments in general, uses the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) as the case study. The findings reveal that each ODA programme has its own legal agreements that prescribe the governance structures and institutional arrangements. This means that every ODA programme has unique institutional arrangements in place that the Government of South Africa has to adapt to. In order to remedy this, the Government of SA should explore setting up an independent State Entity that will oversee and manage all ODA initiatives. Successful institutional arrangements require that implementation be allocated to one single entity which will render high priority to the development interventions
The Impact of COVID-19 on Jobs, Skills and Skills Development in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Leeuw, Lucinda
The scale of the COVID-19 pandemic has no equivalent in modern history. The pandemic has tested the economic and social resolve of the economies across the world. It has altered the world of work and accelerated the adoption of the Fourth Industrial Revolution in society, the economy and across sectors. For South Africa to prepare for the future, the changing world of work and learning must be understood in the South African context. An assessment of the pandemic’s implications on jobs, skills and overall skills development is crucial for the economic growth of the country. Skills development and education have always been considered critical in addressing South Africa’s triple challenge of poverty, inequality and unemployment. However, the pandemic also presents a window of opportunity to review existing trends in the economy, development and policy to ensure that present challenges do not become permanent, unsolvable problems in the country. It is therefore important to understand the social and economic context of the pandemic on education, skills and jobs—as a means towards sustainable growth—in an unfolding, dynamic and digital environment. One way for the country to carve a path out of the chaos wrought by the COVID-19 crisis is the pursuit of knowledge-creation in crucial areas of development and economics. This research, through the analysis of recent data, identifies pressure points for the South African economy and skills system. The research also identifies areas of opportunity for responsiveness and the sustainability of jobs, skills and skills development in South Africa given the scale of the social and economic change induced by the 2020 crisis
Assessing the effectiveness of the employee health and wellness programme in Gauteng department of education
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Mhangwani, Chrisen Eddie; Malindini, K.
Employee Health and Wellness Programmes (EHWPs) were initiated in the public service since 2009 following the Department of Public Service Employee Health and Wellness Strategic Framework 2008 which was later reviewed in 2019 with the idea to proactively enhance the productivity of employees by providing health enhancing preventive strategies which if not provided, may contribute to ill-health absenteeism which have been identified as having significant direct and indirect costs to organisations. Therefore this study sought to assess the effectiveness of the Employee Health and Wellness Programme (EHWP) in Gauteng Department of Education Head Office by exploring the perceptions of GDE employees towards the programme in averting ill-health absenteeism behaviour. The study adopted the qualitative case study to collect data using investigative in-depth qualitative survey targeting hundred (100) GDE employees to explore and understand their perceptions as described by their responses towards the programme. The sample consisted of participants who had experience in utilising the services provided by the employer sponsored EHWP. The idea of using qualitative survey interviews were informed by its strength to collect rich and dense information from multiple sources which in the context of this study were fifteen GDE Districts and Head Office. As theoretical saturation of information is the guiding principle in collecting qualitative data, the researcher ended up interviewing forty (40) participants as there were no divergent views from the survey interview responses. This was done to ensure the reliability of the study by ensuring that the variability of the responses is maintained. The findings of the study reveal the varying perceptions towards the EHWP in averting ill-health absenteeism behaviour showed that it is good in advancing employees’ health and productivity while others hold the view that its implementation is not tractable. Moreover, the lack of employing monitoring and evaluation strategies in implementation and the ethical dilemmas in the provision of this service, have been cited as hindering the effectiveness of the programme
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
Management of teaching and learning material in no-fee schools: The case of Ekangala Township in Tshwane Municipality
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Maimela, Joyce Matome; Wotela, Kambidima
The gist of this quantitative study was to empirically establish how no-fee schools manage their teaching and learning material (TLM), employing the case of Ekangala Township in Tshwane municipality. To accomplish this, the study seeks to empirically determine the functionality of financial resources, human resources, and procurement processes of TLM in no-fee schools. A cross-sectional design was adopted. A combination of purposive and stratified random sampling techniques was used to draw HODs, Deputy Principals, Principals, SGBs, educators and administrative officers, yielding a total sample of 101 respondents. Data was collected using a questionnaire and inferential statistics were used to establish validity. The study was framed on the general systems theory, and the programme theory, used for converting research results to research findings. The preliminary findings revealed a linear relationship between effective management and budget processes of TLM, although not strong. However, there was no statistically significant linear relationship between management and procurement processes. The results concluded that there is ineffective management of TLM in no-fee schools in Ekangala Township. The researcher recommends that periodic audits be conducted when required, to ensure appropriate application and compliance with the policy. A further recommendation is the use of a Resource Management System (RMS), a web-based system designed to facilitate planning, online procurement, inventory updates and budget tracking of all TLM at schools at both district and provincial levels
The role of the South African council for educators in regulating the teaching profession
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Mokgalane, Mapula Ella; Mapitsa, Caitlin; Poltera, Jacqui
As a professional self-regulatory body, the South African Council for Educators (SACE) has a responsibility to set, protect and maintain ethical standards in the teaching profession. In doing so, it ought to safeguard the interests, rights and welfare of the public and children alike. Nevertheless, numerous studies, the public, media and parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Basic Education criticised SACE for its dependency, as well as incoherent, overlapping and multiple systems and processes in its endeavour to regulate the teaching profession through the enforcement of the code of professional ethics in Gauteng. Equally, past and recent studies have failed to understand the dynamics and complexities in professional regulation discipline when enforcing the code of professional ethics in the teaching profession. To investigate SACE’s enforcement regulatory role in Gauteng, a qualitative approach has been followed to collect data through semi-structured interviews with 15 participants representing SACE and Gauteng stakeholders in the basic education sector, and the teaching profession. The study findings revealed complexities and a paradox in SACE’s regulation of the teaching profession in Gauteng, based on identified regulatory enforcement enablers, as well as internal and external barriers. Some of the enablers identified included SACE’s legal regulatory framework, its establishment as professional self-regulatory body, compliance monitoring processes, and existence of the legislated administrative and punitive sanctions. On the other hand, the identified internal barriers were: limited enforcement scope and jurisdiction; ineffective sanctioning; insufficient financial and human resources; and contraventions to principles of good governance, good regulation and enforcement. Additionally, external barriers identified were: weak institutional arrangements and network in enforcing the code; and multiple regulatory processes and overlaps
Investigating preparedness to adopt and implement performance-based budgeting system in Zimbabwe: evidence from the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Shereni, Goerge
The purpose of this study was to investigate the level of preparedness or readiness of the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing to adopt and implement Performance Based Budget System. This study was undertaken against the background that the Zimbabwean government introduced the IRBMS in the Public sector in 2005 as a management tool. Despite the implementation of the IRBMS in Zimbabwe’s ministries the performance-based budgeting system which is one of the core components of IRBMS is still to be implemented in the ministries. In the 2016 National Budget speech, the Zimbabwean government made an announcement that each and every public sector sphere should by 2018 have adopted and implemented Performance-Based Budgeting System (PBBS). For this reason, this study was undertaken to examine if ministries are ready and prepared to adopt and implement PBBS focusing on the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing. This was done by first understanding the conditions that might affect the adoption and implementation of PBBS in the ministry. The literature has shown that there are critical success factors affecting the successful adoption and implementation of PBBS. For this reason, these critical success factors must be in place for the ministry to be ready to adopt and implement PBBS. The study adopted a triangulation of data collection method by using both interviews and document analysis methods. In sampling the respondents, the study adopted purposive sampling technique. In presenting the findings both content analysis and thematic analysis were used. Results of the study discovered that the prevailing conditions in Zimbabwe generally and the ministry specifically are inhospitable to the successful adoption and implementation of the PBBS, meaning that ministry is not yet ready to adopt and implement PBBS. These critical conditions are: inadequate information and communication technology systems, bureaucratic structures, attitude towards change, economic instability, excessive bureaucratic structures and widespread organisational fragmentation, poor corporate governance caused mainly by corruption, inadequate financial and human resources and absence of the PBBS guiding policies and legislative frameworks. Also, the results of the study further exposed that there is a misconception of the PBBS in ministry and reviewed literature too has its fair share of this misconception of the budgeting system. Therefore, the major conclusions of this study are: that the ministry is not yet ready or prepared to adopt and implement the PBBS which is one of the main components of the IRBMS as the ministry lacks the critical success factors for successful adoption and implementation of PBBS. Thus, this study is recommending that Zimbabwe generally and the ministry specifically must not just be too ambitious but must implement a host of reforms that will improve the current conditions at the same time recommending the ministry to continue with the current budget system that is currently working and adopt some of the elements of the PBBS to make it a hybrid system as they are still facing major challenges in that they lack the basic critical conditions required for the adoption and implementation of PBBS. Using a hybrid budget system will assist in aligning with the IRBMS adopted by the government
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.
Assessing monitoring and evaluation system implementation challenges: A case of a Botswana Government Ministry
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Metla, Neo Naledi; Wotela, Kambidima
The Botswana Government instituted for monitoring and evaluation of government projects and programmes in order to redress issues of accountability, transparency and oversight (Lahey, 2015). The aim is to strengthen programme performance and ultimately lead to improved service delivery to the targeted beneficiaries and inform policy decision (NDP11 Performance Framework, 2017-2023). This study utilised a qualitative research strategy and case study research design to conduct the empirical part of the research. The research participants were recruited through purposive sampling. Eight (8) MYSC employees ranging from Executive Management, Senior Management and Management were sampled and interviewed. A semi-structured interview was used to collect information from the respondents. The data analysis was through thematic analysis after transcription of the audio recorded interviews. The findings reveal that there are challenges emanating with implementation of the monitoring and evaluation system in MYSC although it is perceived to be a critical system in guiding programming and improving the ministry’s performance. These challenges are fostered by the lack of accountability, transparency and an oversight not adequately providing guidance and playing its support role. Ultimately they limit inputs, result in unplanned or unmet activities, and fail to produce outputs and consequently prevailing unintended outcomes that cannot serve as concrete evidence for policy decisions. These perceptions confirms the implementation theory, which proclaims that execution of a programme requires appropriations, personnel, talent, time, energy, and equipment available to administrators, their unavailability will decrease the probability of achieving successful results (Vedung, 2017). The theory of change which implies that it is necessary to ensure all are planned for and provided adequately. This research concludes that implementation of the monitoring and evaluation system in MYSC needs to be improved and crucially supported, this requires for improved accountability, transparency and a functional oversight
Investigating Criteria and Indicators to Assess the Sustainability of Renewable Energy Supply in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Tshisela, Zizo; Mapitsa, Caitlin
Historically, according to Gunnarsdottir, Davidsdottir, Worrell and Sigurgeirsdottir (2020), energy was perceived narrowly in terms of pollution and air quality. Things have progressed, and energy is now regarded as a critical enabler of social and economic growth and sustainable development. As a result of the more progressive understanding of energy, energy problems are no longer seen in isolation but rather in combination with other growth challenges. In their energy for sustainability guidelines and methodologies of 2007, International Energy Agency (IEA, 2007) describes energy as a means to an end, which highlights four areas; a) a clean and safe environment, b) sustainable economy, quality of life, and people’s health. IEA (2007) further indicates there is no good or bad energy source (renewable and non-renewable). Therefore, the benefit is derived from the energy source being able to deliver the end product. The wider interpretation of energy and its cross-cutting influence emphasises its significance and multidimensionality (Gunnarsdottir et al., 2020). Depending on how energy from coal is processed, transported, and used, it could contribute to environmental degradation, climate change, and human health (IEA, 2007; Petinrin & Shaaban, 2015; Khan, 2020). Burning fossil fuels has been found to induce urban air emissions, regional acidification, and the possibility of climate change (IEA, 2007). According to Mathu (2014), the fossil fuels list includes “coal, natural gas, and fuel oil.” Coal emits the most emissions (Mathu, 2014). A sustainable energy sector allows the country and the entire world to participate in economic and social activities by balancing production and energy use with no or negligible effects on the environment (Wang, Jing, Zhang & Zhao, 2009; Oke, Ibrahim & Bokana, 2021). Many countries worldwide have embraced Renewable Energy as an alternative to fossil fuels (Armin Razmjoo, Sumper, and Davarpanah, 2020). Holt and Pengelly (2008) define Renewable Energy as “energy sources that are continually replenished by nature like the sun, the wind, water, the earth’s heat, and plants. Renewable Energy technologies turn these fuels into usable forms of energy, most often electricity, but also heat, chemicals, or mechanical power.” Renewable Energy options such as solar, wind, geothermal, hydroelectric, and ocean energy are sustainable options because they are available, non-replenishable, and proper for use (Armin Razmjoo et al., 2020). Renewable Energy is also considered clean and essential for sustainable development (Manso & Behmiri, 2013; Vanegas Cantarero 2020).
Assessing the Feasibility of Implementing Budget Amendment Powers of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Moraka, Mmusi Andrew; Pillay, Pundy
This study investigates the feasibility of implementing the budget amendment powers of the GPL as provided for in the Gauteng Money Bills Amendment Procedures and Related Matters Act of 2019. The study employs a qualitative case study approach using the theoretical lens of the new institutionalism school of thought to examine the political and institutional arrangements at the GPL that may facilitate or constrain the implementation of the budget amendment powers. The introduction of legislative powers to amend money bills in South Africa follows on the growing international trend sponsored by the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF) and international donors to strengthen legislative scrutiny of public finances as a way of improving governance and enhancing accountability in developing countries. It also comes at the time when the South African legislative sector is facing sharp public scrutiny about the efficacy of its oversight mechanisms in the wake of media reports and Auditor General’s reports that are pointing out what seems to be relentless acts of maladministration, irregular and fruitless expenditure as well as corruption in the public sector
The employability of commerce graduates in the financial services sector
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Mnyandu, Nozipho; Pillay, Pundy
This research presents an assessment of the employability factors for Commerce graduates in South Africa. From the perspective of a selected sample of Financial Services sector employers (including specialist recruiters), this study sought to understand employer requirements for graduate programmes in the career fields of Asset/Fund/Investment Management (listed and unlisted), Economics Consulting, and Investment Banking (Advisory). Subsequently, the study addressed five research questions: (i) What recruitment strategies are used by Financial Services sector employer organisations to find graduate talent? (ii) What qualifications affect the employability of Commerce graduates in South Africa? (iii) Are work and life experiences valued for the employability of Commerce graduates in South Africa? (iv) What skills determine the employability of Commerce graduates in South Africa? and (v) What labour market discriminatory factors affect the employability of Commerce graduates in South Africa? Using Pool and Sewell’s (2007) well-known employability model, the Career-EDGE model, the study followed this framework in understanding employers’ employability factors. Using semi- structured interviews, the data were collected from 14 employers that have graduate programmes. The results showed that: (i) there is a growing use of electronic platforms (such as the corporate website, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter) to advertise graduate-programme opportunities; (ii) although postgraduate degrees from certain South African universities prove to be highly advantageous; however, a bachelor’s degree from any accredited South African university is a minimum requirement; (iii) some previous work experience (including vacation work) is highly valued by these employers; (iv) from a skills perspective, employers do value transferable skills gained from the university curricula (graduate qualifications), as well as the skills from life experience; and finally, (v) the study showed that labour discrimination does play a role in the selection of graduates. More specifically, most employers have a strong preference for Blacks (Africans, Coloureds and Indians), as well as female graduates.
Drivers for the institutionalisation of public sector monitoring and evaluation in Zimbabwe
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Moyo, Nodumo; Korth, Marcel
The continued failure to monitor and evaluate the performance of public sector programmes and projects over the years prompted the institutionalisation of public sector monitoring and evaluation in Zimbabwe. Owing to the scant attention paid to monitoring and evaluation (M&E), and the fact that its emergence as a practice is a nascent development in Zimbabwe, this study contributes to this under-researched area by assessing the factors that accounted for the institutionalisation of public sector M&E. Guided by the qualitative research methodological approach coupled with a case study research design, the study established that the institutionalisation of M&E in Zimbabwe was an internally-driven process underpinned by the need to continuously improve government performance, the enhanced quest for evidence-based public decision making, programme and policy development, and to ensure compliance with regulations from the donor world, the fulfilment of the requirements in the Constitution of Zimbabwe, 2013 and the need for improved transparency and accountability in the public sector
The Role of Philanthropy in Women Development through Food Security
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Makhubele, Thandi; Qobo, Mzukisi
Food insecurity remains one of the critical issues for countries in the African continent. According to Pérez-Escamilla, (2017, p. 1), “food insecurity occurs when people do not have access to nutritious food and where food production is inadequate.” Most of the world’s rural population relies on agriculture for its livelihoods and to bolster their local economies (The World Bank Group, 2020). Small-scale farmers are the backbone of the agricultural sector in most rural areas. They (Small-scale farmers) provide access to food for vulnerable groups, including women and children (Misselhorn & Hendriks, 2017). Meanwhile women are the most affected by food insecurity, even though they are the main contributors to food production in most Sub-Saharan countries (Doss, 2018). Women in rural areas, in particular, rely on agriculture to fight food insecurity and to participate in local economies. In South Africa, small-scale women farmers ranked lowest in income accumulation, equal access to food production resources such as land and markets and financing (Sishuba, 2019). For this reason, government subsidies and philanthropic support are crucial for engaging women and assisting them with resources that can allow them to have equal access to land, resources, skills, and finances as their male counterparts. This research investigated the intersection between and among philanthropy, food security and women-owned initiatives in the agricultural sector in Limpopo. The study focuses on small- scale women farmers in the Vhembe and Capricorn districts in Limpopo, the two regions that are popular for large scale farming in South Africa. The research sought to answer the question; ‘what is the contribution of philanthropy to women development in the agriculture sector?’ A qualitative research approach was employed to explore the role of philanthropic organisations in women development, particularly in the agricultural sector in Limpopo. Two questionnaires through an online survey were used as the main methods to collect primary data . Forty seven (47) respondents were targeted. Of these, twenty four (24) were small scale farmers while twenty three (23) were drawn from philanthropic organisations operating in South Africa
The African union’s policy coherence approach for good governance
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Hamouda, Sara; McCandless, Erin
During the past decade, concern for promoting good governance has emerged as an imperative engine for socio-economic and political transformation on the African continent, especially with the adoption of Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want. However, progress towards this aspiration re- mains sluggish despite many international and regional efforts to galvanize improvements in governance. This exploratory research examines how fit for purpose the institutional arrangements and coordination mechanisms of the African Union Commission, African Peer Review Mechanism and AU Development Agency AUDA-NEPAD are, to ensure policy coherence for achieving this goal, notably through the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of Agenda 2063, Aspiration 3 (good governance). One of the main findings of the research is that there is a lack of vertical and horizontal coherence between the three organs to ensure policy coherence and integration for advancing good governance programmes alongside monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for their performance, accountability, and delivery. Another finding speaks to the necessity of enhancing political ownership and commitment of AU member-states
Misalignment between government planning and budgeting in Limpopo department of economic development, environment and tourism
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Mahlatji, Elizabeth Sarona; Malindini, Kholiswa
Prior to 1994 in South Africa, strategic planning and budgeting processes were fragmented. However, in the post-1994 democratic dispensation, the South African government introduced certain strategic planning and budgeting reforms. The aim of these reforms was to ensure alignment between government planning and budgeting processes to enhance service delivery, as well as the effective and efficient utilisation of resources. These reforms included the introduction of various policy frameworks, structures, and systems to guide planning and budgeting. The purpose of this research was to assess the factors contributing to misalignment between strategic planning and budgeting and challenges this presents in the execution of government programs in LEDET. The study employed the organisational alignment theory to guide the development of this empirical journey stressing the integration of various functional areas within an organisation to enhance performance. A qualitative research approach was employed and a total of 13 senior and middle management officials within the chosen case study participated in the study. Participants were purposefully sampled for semi-structured interviews so as to provide rich information relevant to the phenomenon under investigation due to the experience and knowledge they possess relating to the subject. A thematic data analysis method was used to analyse the primary data and formulate the themes. Some of the findings of this study indicate that, despite the government reforms to ensure alignment between planning and budgeting, misalignment still persists. This misalignment impacts negatively on effective and efficient utilisation of government resources in terms of budget and achievement of planned developmental programs and projects for improved organisational performance. The study further discovered that misalignment between government planning and budgeting is due to both internal and external factors. Internally, misalignment between planning and budgeting is as a result of parallel processes by planning and budgeting units with no efforts for synchronisation. There is duplication of functions that existed for a long time between the department and some state owned entities which has a bearing on allocation of limited resources. In addition, the study found that evaluations of departmental programs and projects to determine their impact on the plight of the poor people and also to inform future planning and budgeting are not conducted. Furthermore, a lack of strategic leadership contributes to the misalignment between planning and budget, as sometimes things are done just for compliance, rather than for improving the quality of the processes to ensure synchronisation. It may be necessary to deploy effective planning and budgeting processes to enhance alignment, support the evaluation of departmental programs and projects to inform future planning and budgeting

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