Wits School of Governance (ETDs)

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    Using Complexity to Unlock Emergent-Decolonial Development
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Chikane, Rekgotsofetse
    This thesis argues the need for a theoretical and philosophical understanding of emergent-decolonial development within development studies and decolonial thinking to formulate the notion of decolonisation within both fields as an ongoing developmental practice. As both a theoretical and philosophical framework, emergent-decolonial development functions as an economic, policy and philosophical analytic exercise to unravel the complex nature of the entanglement of political and economic notions of decolonisation that create an epistemological quagmire within developmental discourse, currently understood as coloniality. This quagmire is the result of the continued use of the dialectical relationship between the ideal and the non-ideal in the framing of development and decolonial thinking that has resulted in development viewing the idea of decolonisation as only the process of self-determination and limiting decolonial thinking to focusing on the epistemological and ontological expression of peripheral voices. This limitation allows for an understanding of coloniality and colonialism but denies researchers the ability to tackle both through continuous public policy interventions. The thesis argues the importance of untangling this relationship in a manner that would allow for the emergence of a new humanism in a manner that is replicable through policy interventions which would challenge the emergent nature of modernity/coloniality. In order to achieve the above, the thesis utilised a combination of two methodologies: an integrative literature review and a documentary analysis. The integrative literature review critically appraises the core theories of development, decolonial thinking and complexity to form the theoretical and philosophical framing of emergent-decolonial development. Thereafter, through the use of both thematic and content analysis of four liberatory texts from India, Tanzania, South Africa and Ecuador, respectively, the results were utilised to augment the framework where necessary. The results of the thesis indicate that the limitations of both development and decolonial studies inhibit decolonisation from being explored as an ongoing process meant to counteract coloniality and instead view coloniality as an emergent property of modernist approaches to development and decolonial thinking. Furthermore, the thesis found that development and decoloniality can be retooled through complexity science as emergent properties within complex adaptive systems that directly contend with the influence of coloniality. The colonial situation experienced by ‘the wretch’ has created an exceedingly complex and nuanced understanding of the coloniser and the colonised in the 21st century. As a result, the need to devise an approach to understanding decolonisation in this new world has become increasingly important. This framework provides the means to begin the resurgence of decolonisation and decolonial thought as an active public policy tool that others can adopt
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    Limitations of the Integrated Development Plan as a public participation tool in decision making in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Ramone, Tebogo Sarah; Setlhalogile, Matlala
    This study examines the limitations of the Integrated Development Plan as a tool for public engagement in decision-making within the context of the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality. The study is grounded in the People Centred Development Theory, which emphasizes the participation of all stakeholders in the development process. The study employs a case study research design and qualitative methodology, with data gathered through interviews and document analysis. The findings reveal that the IDP plays a significant role in facilitating service delivery within the municipality. It serves as a guideline for identifying needs, setting priorities, and implementing strategies to enhance service provision. The IDP also fosters stakeholder participation and enables continuous reporting, thereby promoting inclusive development. However, several limitations in the IDP process were identified. Public participation was inconsistent, with meetings often held during working hours, excluding many community members. This lack of inclusivity resulted in the underrepresentation of diverse perspectives in decision-making. Moreover, certain critical sector departments did not participate, hindering integrated development goals. Communication and induction processes were also lacking, with stakeholders and communities not effectively engaged or informed. Beyond the planning aspect, the study also identified challenges in the implementation of the IDP. These challenges ranged from limited funding, lack of skilled personnel, limited community interest, duplication of processes and projects, and a lack of political will and effective leadership. The inadequate resource allocation led some projects being unimplemented. To address the limitations identified, the study recommends comprehensive awareness campaigns to educate the public about the IDP, increased accessibility through multiple languages and digital platforms, and the use of diverse engagement methods. It also suggests aligning municipal objectives with the IDP, utilizing the Ward Development Plan, conducting IDP Representative Forum meetings, improving communication and recruitment practices, effectively utilizing scarce resources, and increasing the tenure of the IDP.
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    Factors Influencing the Performance of Power Africa Donor-Driven Monitoring and Evaluation System In South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Muvhuti, Blessing
    Effective monitoring and evaluation (M&E) are essential to the success of any project. Although there is no evidence suggesting donor-supported projects did not exist before 1994, there was a significant increase in donor projects after that year. This led to the creation of the South African Monitoring and Evaluation Association (SAMEA), which aims to bridge the competence gap by providing a platform where M&E is considered a profession (SAMEA, 2022). Despite implementing M&E systems, little is written about the factors that affect their performance. A 2012 McKinsey survey found that donor- funded projects had a low M&E performance success rate of 36%. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the factors that influence the performance of the Driven (Power Africa) M&E system in South Africa. This study examines the impact of technology, human capital, data quality, and stakeholder participation on the system's performance. A quantitative research strategy was used, and a self-administered questionnaire was developed, tested, validated, and shared online through Google Forms to 203 selected participants who received direct emails with guidance on how to complete the questionnaire and how we obtained the sample size. The findings revealed that the majority (90%) of participants agreed that the evolution of technology, data quality, human capacity, and stakeholders all have a positive relationship with the performance of donor-driven monitoring and evaluation systems. Theoretical arguments from this study suggest that technology, human capital, stakeholders, involvement, and data quality positively impact the performance of an M&E system within the NGO sector
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    Effects of political-administrative interface on service delivery in the City of Johannesburg under the coalition government
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mathonsi, Mandla; Setlhalogile, Matlala
    Abstract The present investigation carries immense significance as it delves into the examination of the influence of the interface between politics and administration on the provision of services within the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality. The selection of the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality in Gauteng as a case study is determined by its recent political instability. In recent years, the municipality has grappled with an unstable coalition government characterised by frequent changes in political leadership and a decline in the delivery of services. The primary objective of this investigation is to examine the effect of the political- administrative interface on the delivery of services in the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality. The study aims to emphasize the fact that the distinction between politics and administration has the ability to significantly affect the delivery of services. As part of this inquiry, the researcher utilised a qualitative methodology to examine the efficacy of the political-administrative interface's impact on service delivery. The introductory section of this inquiry served to present a general view of the investigation subject. In chapter two, the researcher conducted a comprehensive literature review, entailing scrutiny of pre-existing information and knowledge pertaining to the political- administrative interface within local government. The third chapter centred on research methodology and design. Section four was primarily focused on the gathering and processing of information. Moving forward, the fifth chapter presented the research's findings. Finally, chapter six of this inquiry offered a summary of the findings, conclusions, and recommendations. The researcher employed purposive sampling and developed a semi-structured interview questionnaire for the study, which involves 20 respondents comprising of councillors and municipality officials. The results of the investigation demonstrate that the intersection of politics and administration presents a significant obstacle in the context of the City of Johannesburg. Additionally, the researcher ascertained that the political-administrative dichotomy has an adverse impact on service delivery. Notably, the researcher identified a legislative framework that governs the relationship between councillors and administrators. However, both municipality officials and councillors exhibit a total disregard for the framework. It is imperative to establish a continuous education program that would enable both administrators and councillors to separate politics from administration. Additionally, frameworks for coalition must be established to facilitate a stable government capable of fulfilling its service delivery mandate
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    Exploring the effectiveness of the Johannesburg roads agency’s results-based M&E system
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Maqubela, Lindiwe Amelia
    Monitoring and Evaluation is a multidisciplinary practice that seeks to ensure that predetermined objectives are achieved. For the purpose of this study, it is important to note that these predetermined objectives are set forth in government sector policy plans. These policy imperatives filter down and find expression in the various government institutions. All government agencies have five-year strategic plans that are an expression of government policy. The Department of Planning M&E (DPME) is the custodian of Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation in government, it collaborates with the various departments and entities at the different spheres (national, provincial, and local) of government to drive government performance through M&E. The National Evaluation Policy framework 2019 has explicitly mandated that local government has a responsibility of conducting evaluations. Results- based M&E was adopted by the South African government in 2007, its adoption compels all state institutions to implement it in the management of programmes. The JRA has the responsibility of achieving its strategic objectives as set out in its Integrated Development Plan (IDP). M&E plays an oversight function that determines progress in the achievement of these objectives. The deterioration of the road condition index, according to the engineering standards of the City of Johannesburg, has led to the formulation of this study. Results-based M&E was identified as an important management measure that government adopted to improve service delivery. As a result, the research conducted explores the effectiveness of the JRA results-based M&E system. The study also identifies the strengths and the weaknesses of the results-based M&E system of the JRA. The study determined that more work needs to be done to improve the results-based M&E system of the JRA. The Evaluation function of the agency needs to be expanded upon and strengthened, and the scope of performance indicators needs to be expanded. In conclusion, proper planning processes and effective use of the existing M&E tools, favourably place organisations in a position to achieve its goals
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    Perceptions and experiences of informal street traders on Covid-19 and its effect on sales and revenue in Pretoria
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Maphutha, Thakgalo Magauwane; Khumalo, John
    The Covid-19 restrictions and strategies imposed in order to reduce the spread of the virus had dire consequences on the sales and livelihood of both the formal and informal sectors. The lockdown made it challenging for small and big businesses to operate as per normal, which included informal street traders. This study intended to find out the perceptions and views of informal street traders with the focus on their sales and revenue during Covid-19 lockdown. The research was designed as a phenomenological study as it was concerned with understanding the effects of Covid- 19 through the in-depth experiences of informal street traders. The study adopted a qualitative research design, with face-to-face interviews as the primary data collection method. In addition, previously published studies were reviewed as part of the secondary literature review. This study had a sample of 30 informal street traders from Pretoria working along Church Street. A key discovery in this study is that like many sectors, informal street traders were hit very hard by the pandemic, more especially during the lockdowns. The sales and revenue of informal street traders decreased drastically, leaving the participants with challenges that will take years to overcome. Most informal street traders participate in the sector as their primary source of income due to a lack of opportunities in the country and are the main breadwinners. To many, Covid-19 added to the already existing day-to-day challenges. Regardless of the significance of informal street trading, the government failed to provide them with any assistance to curb the negative impact of the pandemic on their livelihood
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    Mapping the socio-economic contribution of Zimbabwean migrants in Diepsloot, City of Johannesburg
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Magwaza, Nokubonga; Pophiwa, N.
    This study examines the socio-economic contribution of Zimbabwean migrants in Diepsloot, a suburb in the City of Johannesburg. It examines the lived experiences of both Diepsloot residents and immigrants in the area, focusing on their socio-relations. The study examines the determinants that led Zimbabwean immigrants to settle in Diepsloot, while also observing the characteristics of their living situations after their arrival in the area. The objective is to gain an in-depth understanding of the beneficial contribution that the current Zimbabwean migrants in Diepsloot are making, instead of focusing on the notions that they are competing for access to free government services, job prospects, and contributing to crime in the region. The study employed a qualitative research methodology. The utilization of qualitative research allows the researcher to get rich information from a small number of individuals in the Diepsloot area, enabling an in-depth understanding of the participants' actual experiences pertaining to the topic under investigation. The selection of qualitative research was based on its emphasis on the quality, nature, and essence of the phenomena under investigation. The sample consisted of South African nationals aged 18 and above, along with Zimbabwean individuals, comprising both documented and undocumented immigrants. The study's findings indicated that immigrants with social networks could integrate, establish themselves, and secure career opportunities in Diepsloot. Several participants noted that immigrants tend to accept lower wages and mostly engage in domestic jobs within nearby suburbs. It concludes with providing recommendations for local government and national government policymakers on ways to encourage peaceful coexistence among the hosts and immigrants in Diepsloot
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    Internal crisis communication strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Gauteng Provincial Treasury department
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Khumalo, Sindisiwe; Malindini, Kholiswa
    Never has there been a greater demand for internal communication than under COVID-19. It has spread uncertainty within organizations, reduced trust, and had a massive impact on individuals. This research examined the internal crisis communication strategies in the Gauteng Provincial Treasury (GPT) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, looking at identifying internal crisis communication strategies implemented by the Gauteng Provincial Treasury in response to the pandemic, how employees perceive existing strategies, and their preferred communication strategies during a crisis. The study employed an exploratory qualitative research methodology. To gain detailed insight into the internal crisis communication of the Gauteng Provincial Treasury, the researcher used semi-structured face-to-face interviews as a research instrument. First, the researcher interviewed a GPT communication manager to gain information on the internal crisis communication strategies utilized by the Department during the pandemic. The second set of interviews consisted of 12 employees of the GPT to examine their perceptions of the internal crisis communication strategies utilized by the Department and their views on how they would like to be communicated during a crisis (COVID-19 pandemic). The results revealed that the Gauteng Provincial Treasury implemented the Transparency strategy by providing employees with information about what had occurred and the steps taken; the department intended to lower the uncertainty brought on by the crisis and subsequently foster a sense of security among employees. However, failing to provide timely and consistent communication during the crisis negatively influenced employees’ perception of that communication
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    The impact of Basel iii capital and liquidity regulations on bank profitability in emerging markets
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Keseabetswe, Mompoloki; Alovokpinhou, Sedjro Aaron
    The purpose of the study is to investigate how Basel III's regulation for capital and liquidity impacts the profitability of banks in emerging markets. Using data from 2012 to 2022, the research looks at listed banks in 22 emerging market countries. The study measured bank profitability using two proxies: return on equity and return on assets. The study considered several bank-specific and macroeconomic variables. For bank-specific drivers, this includes capital, liquidity, bank size, cost-effectiveness, and credit quality, while macroeconomic factors include economic growth measured in gross domestic product growth, inflation, and interest rate. Dynamic panel data (system GMM) was employed to examine the relationship between the variables. The results reveal that the Basel requirements have a limited impact on bank profitability. The findings for banks subject to Basel III regulation show a significant and positive impact of capital on bank profitability and no impact of liquidity on bank profitability. For banks under no Basel III regime, the results show a significant and negative impact of liquidity on bank profitability but show no statistical significance and impact of capital on bank profitability. Comparatively, capital positively impacts bank profitability for Basel III banks, while liquidity negatively impacts bank profitability for non-Basel III banks in emerging markets. By conducting an empirical analysis of the effects of capital and liquidity requirements on bank performance for banks in emerging market countries, this study supplements the body of literature. Although the Basel III framework is important for prudential banking, its effects on the performance of emerging market banks are, therefore, varied, and debatable
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    Roles of stakeholders in strengthening national monitoring and evaluation systems in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Hlaise-Msimang, Mehloti Candy; Blaser – Mapitsa,C.
    The involvement of different stakeholders in policy formulation, accountability activities and advocacy for improved service delivery has been viewed as a mark of good governance and a critical mechanism indicator for democracy. However, with the establishment of country -led monitoring and evaluation system, stakeholder engagement has been noted to be weak, fragmented and even as tokenism thus rendering the process mute. A qualitative study was therefore undertaken to investigate the roles played by various stakeholders in the development, institutionalization and sustainability of the South African National Evaluation System. Using semi-structured interviews, the study drew from the expertise of evaluations practitioners and government officials with varying levels of knowledge and experiences of the South Africa national evaluation system. The findings of the study indicated that deliberate efforts of the DPME, as a central coordinating unit, facilitated the mobilization and collaboration with other government departments including the National School of Government, parliamentarians, fostered partnerships with SAMEA – VOPE, academic institutions and evaluation experts such as CLEAR-AA . The inclusion of civil society organizations played a significant role in influencing policy by providing inputs on government interventions and sharing context informed data about service delivery in communities. Although there were systematic and institutional challenges, the study findings also revealed that stakeholders were able to strengthen the NES in three spheres which are: i) providing M&E training, funding, evaluation data and support tools, ii) improving policies to assist in the successful implementation of NES and iii) advocating for accountability in NES. This further reinforced the need to work collaboratively with different stakeholders that foster good governance, build capacity with a balance of the theoretical underpinnings and evaluation experience supported by political vision and senior managers who set the right institutional culture that is agile and responsive to the country’s context and development goals/aspirations will strengthen the NES