Wits School of Governance (ETDs)

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Subject: search.filters.subject.SDG-8: Decent work and economic growth

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    The significance of clean audits on the provision of electricity in South African local municipalities
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Manyathi, Sakhile; Lynge-Mangueira, Halfdan
    The South African Constitution specifies the various responsibilities of local governments. Responsibilities include providing their respective jurisdictions with reliable basic municipal services (Constitution, 1996: 74). Municipalities must abide by specific municipal and procurement legislation while providing basic municipal services. Local and metropolitan municipalities were chosen to be part of this study as they are mandated to ensure quality electrical grid connection, which is the main focus of this study. Electricity connection for citizens was chosen as a measure of service delivery because all local and metropolitan municipalities have this competency. The main aim of this study was to determine whether a relationship exists between clean audits and improved service delivery, specifically new electricity connections, in local municipalities, and service delivery was measured in new connections to the national electricity grid. According to the analysis of the previous studies, none of them found a connection between clean audit opinions and improved service delivery, confirming the gap and research niche for the current study. The study applied a quantitative approach using secondary data sourced from Stats SA and AGSA. This is mainly because the quantitative approach enables the study to consider statistical data to quantify service delivery performance measurements: residents' electricity connections to the grid together with clean audits. The results suggest that electricity provisions in these municipalities are most likely to be explained by other variables that were not part of the current study. Overall, according to the analysis conducted in the current study, the researcher cannot rule out the possibility that clean audits have no effect on electricity provision. Therefore, the Null Hypothesis (H0), which states that there is no relationship between the achievement of clean audits and an improvement in the provision of municipal electricity, cannot be rejected.
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    Exploring the experiences of organisational justice in government department in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Maluleke, Floyd Dimatso; Hobden, Christine
    The study explored organisational justice experiences in the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) by determining how employees access organisational justice, what motivates employees to take justice-related actions, and employees' overall perception of organisational justice. Semi-structured interviews comprising 15 participants were conducted, while thematic analysis was used to analyse and present the interview data. The study found that organisational justice is accessed through the employee's immediate line manager, the employment relations unit, and organised labour. The study revealed that employees preferred their immediate managers and organised labour due to their support, trust, and interaction quality. Motivation to pursue organisational justice revealed knowledge as a primary motivator for taking justice-related actions, including personality traits requiring access to information. The perception of employees' experiences revealed the presence of bias in procedures, interactions, information, and outcomes and inefficiencies in how the department communicates processes and outcomes, influencing how employees feel about fairness in the department. The perception of employees' overall justice judgment in the department revealed perceived inequality, influenced by a lack of explanations and the inability of the department to consider employee's needs. The findings revealed that fairness is required in all components of organisational justice, with custodians playing a pivotal role in shaping how employees experience and perceive the management of organisational justice in the public sector. Fundamentally, the study revealed that employees can distinguish between what component and justice rules within each component are violated, supporting the need for fairness in each component. The study concluded by providing recommendations and avenues for future research, with the hope that the study's findings can be helpful in internal governance policies and the management of organisational justice.
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    Usage and meaning of ‘Economic Freedom’ among South African policymakers
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mangongoa, Abram Jeff
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    Mechanisms that enable the use of M&E information in decision-making to improve programme outcomes in the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Fanelwa, Lutshaba
    This study aims to show how employees employed by the Centre for Study of Violence and Reconciliation (CSVR) for a minimum of six months use M&E data to guide decision making choices and improve programme outcomes. To explore and appreciate the mechanisms and processes of decision-making using data from individuals collecting data and those making decisions in the organization, a research design used a case study through a qualitative method approach. One of the issues facing the NGO sector is the lack of documentation about the use of monitoring and evaluation data in decision-making procedures (Bornstein, 2006). Comprehending how gathered and processed data is used and how it improves programme outcomes is challenging because of this deficiency. The planned study will examine the various ways the organization uses data to make choices, as it is currently unclear if CSVR has the same conceptualization issues with data use and practice. The investigation results verified that the organization is faced with the same issue of inadequate documentation of its processes for monitoring and evaluation. This is made clear by the M&E framework, which provides insufficient information on database administration, information consumption, and routine data management activities. Using data and making decisions are related. The organization's decision-making process is not well understood; some people think decisions are made collaboratively by the team at weekly meetings, while others think project managers are in charge of making decisions. Decision-making and standardization in the application of knowledge are impossible without a functioning M&E system. The organizational structure makes it difficult to adopt an M&E system completely since it affects other programme support and where the unit fits in the organogram. M&E only provides support for one programme.
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    Factors contributing to transgressions in the procurement practices of state-owned entities (SOES): Eskom and Transnet
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Moloto, Bonolo; Setlhalogile, Matlala
    Public procurement is a vital process for governments and state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to procure essential goods and services. However, state capture and unethical practices have plagued it. The State Capture Commission Report highlighted issues such as poor governance, unethical conduct, and insufficient internal control systems. This has led to financial and operational challenges for SOEs, which heavily rely on state guarantees and bailouts. In South Africa, the government spends around R1 trillion annually on procurement, which represent 12% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) (National Research Foundation, n.d.). The Auditor General (AG) report for the 2020/21 financial year reported that most SOEs had high balances of irregular expenditures. Transnet had the highest irregular expenditure, totalling R14.1 billion, followed by Eskom with R11.6 billion (Maeko, 2021). This study aimed to identify the underlying governance factors contributing to transgressions in SOE procurement practices and to provide remedial actions to prevent recurrence. Agency Theory was used to examine the identified issues, and a comprehensive literature review was conducted to investigate the underlying factors. The study found that failure to address these governance issues could lead to qualified audit opinions, issues of going concerns for SOEs as well as impact investments and public confidence. The study also revealed that the slow implementation of consequence management could foster a culture of noncompliance and accountability. The current South African public procurement system ca is characterised by political interference and cadre deployment, which undermines transparency, accountability, and good governance. Political appointments and cadre deployment in critical positions encourage wasteful spending, undermine governance, and promote dictatorship. Politicised boards and management in SOEs has led to an increasing prevalence of corruption. The AG, Standing Committee of Public Accounts (SCOPA), National Treasury (NT), Department of Public Enterprises (DPE), and the respective SOEs’ boards have been unable to conduct their oversight functions effectively due to their unwillingness to do the right thing and failure to establish robust preventative controls. The state's approach to board nomination lacks transparency, operates in an ad hoc manner, and is excessively politicised. iii Remedial actions to address these issues require a dedicated commitment from top leadership, fast implementation of corrective measures, and periodic monitoring and evaluation processes. Limiting political interference in the administration of remedial actions can enhance the effectiveness, fairness, and integrity of the anti-corruption process.
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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