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A public participation perspective of the process of post-settlement support in Elandskloof
(University of the Western Cape, 2017) Titus, Andries; Esau, Michelle
Since the dawn of South African democracy in 1994, extensive laws and policies have been introduced to facilitate transformation in the political, social and economic spheres. While South Africa has been lauded world-wide for its detailed and sophisticated constitution, many cases attest to the challenges of implementing the stipulations of the constitution, laws and policies. Arguably, constitutional rights and entitlements do not automatically result in a better life for ordinary citizens post-apartheid. Moreover, restitution processes towards addressing the atrocities of apartheid are fraught with challenges. The process of land restitution is an example that illustrates the numerous challenges in implementing laws and public policies in South Africa. Restitution is one of the three pillars of land reform - the other two are land redistribution and land tenure reform - that were introduced by the African National Congress (ANC) -led government to secure land rights to black people in South Africa. Land reform is essential to bring about political and economic development and the South African government has committed itself to transforming land ownership to reflect the democratic realities and to redressing the history of dispossession and exclusion suffered by the black majority of South Africans. While the transfer of land and settlement of claims have been processed gradually, growing evidence shows that this does not simply translate into development, poverty reduction or reconciliation.
An analysis of the annual financial statements of the Department of Health in the Western Cape Province from the 2001/02 to 2014/15 financial years.
(University of the Western Cape, 2017) Davids, Dustin Joshua; Pretorius, Leon G.
Oversight is of critical importance in the modern day South African dispensation. With the limited annual fiscal allocations to departments, millions of South Africans are dependent on the state for much needed services. That is, from the outside viewpoint. However, from the inside view (of the Department), financial management is just as important. Without the proper management of funds, one finds that service delivery will be limited. Moreover, the predetermined objectives of the Department might not be realised. This mini-thesis probes the internal financial and governance oversight of the Western Cape Department of Health (WCDoH) by the allocated body of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament, namely the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA). This study is premised on the question of whether the WCDoH can withhold valuable information from SCOPA in order to NOT be subjected to critical scrutiny. The other element of research is whether the SCOPA members have the necessary skill which is required to conduct oversight over the WCDoH. This mini-thesis investigates the accountability tool of the WCDoH, namely the annual reports, over a 14 year period. The financial statements of these reports are analysed through the use of financial ratios, in order to ascertain whether SCOPA has conducted proper and effective oversight over the WCDoH. This is due to the fact that the WCDoH receives the largest part of the fiscal allocation of the Western Cape Government's budget. Thus, it is important to see the extent to which SCOPA conducted oversight over the WCDoH. The WCDoH is allocated its budget every year during the month of March when the appropriations budget is scrutinised by the Budget Committee of WCPP, and thereafter either supported or rejected by the relevant Standing Committee. The budget of the WCDoH has never been rejected by its relevant Standing Committee. However, SCOPA takes over the oversight reigns once the WCDoH's budget is put in use, which is normally from April that particular year. From thereon, SCOPA calls the WCDoH to various hearings to account for its expenditure.
Assessing sick leave absenteeism among public sector workers: a case study of nurses at Groote Schuur Hospital: 2012 and 2013
(University of the Western Cape, 2015) Lees, Samii Carl; Ruiters, Greg
Nursing is a vital part of the health care delivery system, but managers of health care facilities worldwide are increasingly asked to “do more with less”. Nurses are under increasing work pressure and this often manifests in stress and conflict at work and possible absenteeism. Very few researchers have focused on the patterns of absenteeism among different demographics, length of service and occupational strata. The main question this research seeks to answer is: what is the extent and costs of absenteeism amongst nurses and do seniority, length of service and demographic factors matter at Groote Schuur hospital (GSH). Confined to a period of two years, 2012 to 2013, this study draws on a data set of about 1,635 nurses in order to provide a more accurate analysis of sick leave trends showing occupational levels, gender, age, and race. Nurses at GSH are predominantly female and almost 55% of the workforce is classified as “Coloured”. African nurses in general are younger than the Coloured, White and Indian nurses. The research shows that the nurses in age category 60-66 in fact have a better attendance record; but the data shows there is no overall correlation between years of service and absenteeism. The study suggests that contrary to assumed views, absenteeism is well managed at GSH.
ASSESSING THE STATE OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN THE WESTERN CAPE: THE CASE OF BEAUFORT WEST MUNICIPALITY (2016 – 2019)
(University of the Western Cape, 2019) Phendu, Sipho; Davids, Gregory
It is often argued that public participation is the cornerstone of constitutional democracy especially in countries such as South Africa with the history of segregation which was characterised by the exclusion of the majority of citizens from the decision-making processes of the state based on race, class and gender. As such, following the introduction of the various pieces of legislation in 1994, the dominant narrative was that the progressive laws that were passed would serve as a ‘panacea’ to the challenges of participatory governance in South Africa. It was inconceivable that 25 years into democracy, South Africa would still be grappling with the concept of public participation and the extent to which citizens could influence, direct and own decisions made by and with government especially at a local level. This study assessed the state of public participation in the Western Cape focusing on Beaufort Municipality in the Central Karoo District. It argued that public participation is a prerequisite for democratic governance and that the state could be deemed illegitimate if it does not prioritize the involvement of communities in its affairs. In this context, a particular focus was placed on the effectiveness of the ward committee system (as state sponsored mechanisms of public participation) in enhancing participatory democracy in Beaufort West Municipality. It refuted assumptions on the institutional arrangements made in the legislative framework governing public participation and ward committees – identifying and outlining some of the unanticipated consequences of these pieces of legislation. The study used qualitative research methods to collect data. Primary and secondary data was gathered to assess the state of public participation in the Western Cape with specific reference on the effectiveness of the ward committee system and the role of legislative and regulatory framework governing public participation, the institutional architecture and the roles of various stakeholders involved in public participation. The primary data was gathered through structured interviews and questionnaires while the secondary data was collected the analysis of the literature on public participation and ward committees including municipal reports, guidelines on public participation, legislation and policy frameworks. The research found that it is precisely the state sanctioned ward committee system that has contributed to the collapse of public participation in South Africa. The ward committee system was identified as a ‘poisoned chalice’ - so compromised that it has become an instrument to legitimise predetermined decisions of the politically connected elite, a rubber v stamp platform to comply with the policy and legislative framework. To address this problem, the study recommended a number of measures and interventions that could be introduced which entails the reconfiguration and overhaul of the legislative framework governing public participation and ward committees including the review of the role of politicians in public participation, training and capacity building, allocation of dedicated budget for public participation etc.
An assessment of the impact the Disaster Management Act had in the education sector of South Africa during a pandemic: A case study of Northlink College in Cape Town (2020 – 2022)
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Bonito, Cassey; Makiva, Msuthukazi
This study assesses the impact of the Disaster Management Act, Act 57 of 2002 of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the education sector in South Africa, with specific reference to the Protea Northlink College, Cape Town. The study is vital as the education sector was badly hit by the pandemic through regulations designed to contain its spread. Sudden closure of schools countrywide, with no mechanisms in place to assist continuation of teaching and learning, left the education sector in dissaray. The challenge was that many of the schools had to scramble for different systems of ensuring that teaching and learning goes unhindered.
An assessment of the performance management system for senior managers at Chris Hani district municipality
(2021) Sotenjwa, Fundiswa Patience; Okbandrias, Meron
This study examines the implementation of the Performance Management System (PMS) in local government, with specific reference to municipalities in the Chris Hani District in the Eastern Cape. The research is premised on the assumption that even though a PMS has been adopted in municipalities with the aim of assisting them to function effectively, municipalities in the Eastern Cape, particularly in Christ Hani District, continue to experience performance challenges. The study presupposes that the implementation of the performance management system at the municipality, whether effective or ineffective, has a direct relationship with the performance of the municipality. The study includes a historical overview of local government with the aim of understanding government reforms introduced to assist municipalities to build their capacity to enable them to perform well. It utilises purposive sampling to identify the most appropriate participants based on the research objectives. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews and a review of relevant documents. As part of the analysis, summaries of the responses of interviewees were written in a meaningful way in line with the thematic areas determined in accordance with the research objectives. The municipality uses the Balances Scorecard as a performance management tool to determine the performance level of individuals and to detect areas that need corrective measures across the local municipalities. There are inconsistencies in the implementation, depending on how well the particular local municipality is resourced. In any municipality, the effective implementation of the PMS requires the municipality to reward excellent performers, which requires increases in the personnel budget to cater for monitory rewards.
An assessment of the social consequences of water management devices on the poor in Samora Machel, Cape Town
(University of the Western Cape, 2014) Ntwana, Bukiwe; Thompson, Lisa
This study assesses the social consequences of water management devices in poor households in Samora Machel, a poor urban area characterised by high levels of unemployment and poverty. South Africa is currently faced with an increase in the roll out of water management technologies, mainly in poor areas, allegedly to manage water demand and help poor households manage their water consumption and prevent wastage. The water management device (WMD) limits access to the free basic water (FBW) allocation and automatically cuts it off when the allocation is finished. In 2009/2010 the City of Cape Town started rolling out the devices in Samora Machel, which previously used the conventional water meter that supplied the area with unlimited water access. WMDs limit water access to 350 litres of FBW per day. People living in Samora Machel claim that 350 litres is not enough and they are experiencing problems of frequent water cuts even before the allocated litres are used up. There have also been water leaks ever since the installation of the devices. Section 27(1)(b) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act 108 of 1996, entrenches the right of access to sufficient water. The WMDs are criticised for infringing the right of access to sufficient water supply to poor households by leaking, cutting off water supply frequently and by limiting access to FBW supply. Moreover, critics argue that the WMDs are not water-demand management mechanisms; they are cost-recovery mechanisms that are introduced under the neo-liberal policies introduced by the post-apartheid government in 1994. This criticism is based on the fact that the WMDs are implemented in poor areas only, where water is needed more for basic survival, rather than in high-income areas, where water is mostly used for luxury purposes.
The centralisation of government departments in Northern Province, 1994-1998.
(University of the Western Cape, 1998) Mukheli, Azwidowi; Mphaisha, C.J.J
This study is an investigation of how the policy of centralising government departments of the former homelands affected various stakeholders in the province. There is general concern from the people of this former homelands that there is poor service delivery in these areas since the creation of the new provincial government. In attempt to cover social, economic and, political impacts of centralisation, data were gathered through face to face interview, mailed questionnaires and, telephone interviews. The study concluded that there is a great need of devolving power to the former homelands which are now called regions in the province, as an attempt of bringing back service to where people are. In a calculated move to use the offices in the former homelands, the government may also remove the pietersburg components of government departments which are not critical to the functions of headquarters and place them in Venda, Gazankulu and, Lebowa.
Challenges in the devolution of implementation of the employment equity act: case study of Helderberg municipal office in the city of cape town (2014-2019)
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Fani, Chuma; Makiva, M
It cannot be denied that there has been an improvement in demographic representation in the workplace in South Africa since the implementation of equity employment laws, especially the Employment Equity Act, 55 of 1998. While acknowledging the need for improvement regarding challenges tied to employment equity implementation, it must also be recognized that there has been some degree of progress in terms of increasing representation among those who have faced disadvantage. This research paper explores the challenges associated with implementing the Employment Equity Act at the Helderberg municipal office. The rationale for conducting a research study on the implementation of the Employment Equity Act, 55 of 1998, lies in the need to evaluate and understand its effectiveness in promoting equal employment opportunities and combating workplace discrimination in South Africa. This legislation was enacted to address historical imbalances, fostering diversity, and ensuring fair representation in the workplace. By investigating the implementation of this Act, the study aims to assess whether the intended objectives have been achieved, identify any barriers or challenges encountered in its implementation, and propose recommendations for improvement. Through a comprehensive examination of the Act's impact, this research study can contribute valuable insights to policymakers, organizations, and stakeholders involved in the pursuit of equitable and inclusive workplaces in South Africa. This research paper employed the normative and empirical approach for data collection. The normative approach involved analysing the legal framework and policy guidelines that govern employment equity in South Africa, particularly in the municipality. It included examining the Employment Equity Act, its regulations, and related policies such as the Skills Development Act, 97 of 1998. The empirical approach involved collecting data on the implementation of employment equity at the Helderberg municipal office. It included conducting scheduled open-ended questionnaires with an identified sample, such as human resources managers and employees, to understand their perceptions of employment equity practices at the municipality.The qualitative method of data analysis was used to analyse the questionnaire transcripts and other qualitative data collected during the research. This involved identifying themes and patterns in the data to gain insights into how employment equity is being implemented at the municipality, and the challenges its implementation is met with. Amongst some of the key findings of the research is that the City of Cape Town operates a centralized government system. This type of system can present several disadvantages for implementing employment equity in the workplace. Some of the key drawbacks are lack of local context, delayed decision-making, a one-size-fits-all approach, compliance challenges and limited stakeholder engagements. Another finding was that the City of Cape Town had not reviewed or updated its employment equity plan since its inception in 2005. This posed a challenge for the municipality because they continue to struggle with attracting skilled employees from the designated groups. The Employment Equity Act would be best applied if more focus is robustly placed on identified challenges.
Challenges of community policing in service delivery to the hearing-impaired community: A case of Worcester saps
(University of the Western Cape, 2010) Christians, Ernst; Esau, Michelle
The purpose of the study is to establish if community policing is being implemented in terms of service delivery to the hearing-impaired community by Worcester Police Service and, if so, to what extent. The study aims to establish whether the full implementation of community policing could be expected to build a positive partnership with the hearing-impaired community of Worcester. Further, a detailed discussion of community policing is embarked upon. This section provides a theoretical account of what community policing entails, as well as a theoretical framework against which the researcher's empirical study, with regard to the implementation of community policing by Worcester Police Service, can be planned, executed and results thereof evaluated. It deals with the relevant historical perspectives, presents a workable definition for community policing that will direct further conduct of the research, and provides detailed discussions on each of the elements of community policing. Implementation of this method of policing with specific reference to the police service and strengthening the partnership between police and the hearing-impaired community is to encourage consultation and proper communication that may enhance service delivery. The results of the study are furthermore presented and it is concluded that certain steps have been taken by Worcester Police Service towards the institutionalisation of community policing. The full implementation of community policing by the Worcester police service can be expected to have a significant improvement on service delivery to the hearing-impaired community of Worcester. In closing, the reader is presented with practical recommendations that will ensure the effective implementation of community policing by Worcester Police Service.
Challenges of community policing in-service delivery to the hearing, impaired community: a case of Worcester saps
(University of Western Cape, 2010) Christians, Ernst; Esau, Michelle
The purpose of the study is to establish if community policing is being implemented in terms of service delivery to the hearing-impaired community by Worcester Police Service and, if so, to what extent. The study aims to establish whether the full implementation of community policing could be expected to build a positive partnership with the hearing impaired community of Worcester. Further, a detailed discussion of community policing is embarked upon' This section provides a theoretical account of what community policing entails, as well as a theoretical framework against which the researcher's empirical study, with regard to the implementation of community policing by Worcester Police Service, can be planned, executed and results thereof evaluated. It deals with the relevant historical perspectives, presents a workable definition for community policing that will direct further conduct of the research, and provides detailed discussions on each of the elements of community policing. Implementation of this method of policing with specific reference to the police service and strengthening the partnership between police and the hearing-impaired community is to encourage consultation and proper communication that may enhance service delivery. The results of the study are furthermore presented and it is concluded that certain steps have been taken by Worcester Police Service towards the institutionalisation of community policing. The full implementation of community policing by the Worcester police service can be expected to have a significant improvement on service delivery to the hearing-impaired community of Worcester. In closing, the reader is presented with practical recommendations that will ensure the effective implementation of community policing by Worcester Police Service'.
Challenges of policing in the new millennium: a case of Nyanga SAPS
(University of the Western Cape, 2000) Ngadlela, Mqondisi Abner; Bardill, John
The Beginning of the paradigm shift in policing in the South African Police was first seen in 1993 when the concept of Community Policing was first introduced. The South African Police Service that was formed through the Police Act 68 of 1995 subsequently adopted Community Policing as a Corporate Strategy of the organisation. There is a question as to whether some of the efforts reflect the necessary elements of community policing or are merely reactions to a contemporary political thrust for police reform. This study seeks to critically analyse the challenges and contradictions in Community Policing in terms of strategy and organisation. Nyanga SAPS will be use as the case study. Nyanga is one of the Police Stations in the so-called Black Township that has been engulfed by Community-Police conflicts since the democratic dispensation came into existence in South Africa. The highest point of this animosity saw certain people within the community between 1998 and 1999 reporting criminal activities to Taxi Operators rather than to the police. This study will be approached through gap analysis. The author will first describe the desired state of affairs in terms where the SAPS should be, in relation to reform policies put in place by the government. This will be followed by the analysis of the present situation in Nyanga, which will highlight the shortcomings. Then the study will put forward recommendations which should address the identified shortcomings. Based on that, the strategy that should inform policing in the new millennium will be developed. The author will recommend an African approach to policing as it has become apparent that the policing approaches are different for different countries and different communities. The author will propose full participation of the public in policing, in terms of determining policing priorities in their areas.
Challenges of public participation in the implementation of portable toilets in South Africa: A case study of Makhaza area in Cape Town, Western Cape Province (2011-2015)
(University of the Western Cape, 2018) Bob, Thandile; Makiva, Msuthukazi
This research critically sought to conduct a study, to find out whether there was public participation prior to the installation of portable flush toilets (porta potties) in Makhaza Area, Khayelitsha, during 2011-2015. A discussion of a theoretical framework on public participation and decision making forms the basis upon which this study is grounded. The study proceeded to explore public participation in public policy in the local South African context with a specific focus on the legislative environment. To gather information, a maximum number of 30 households in the area of study were interviewed using the technique of purposive sampling falling under non-probability sampling. The selected participants have a distinct connection with the phenomenon under research, and adequate and significant living knowledge of public participation, but have not participated in the process of public participation. Furthermore, both qualitative and quantitative approaches were followed in order to enrich the study deeply.
Citizenship, transport and the working poor and unemployed in Khayelitsha since 2010
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Jacobs, Kevin; Ruiters, Gregory
The largely peaceful, negotiated transition to a political democracy in South Africa was heralded internationally as a modern day miracle. However, the new democratic government also committed itself to equal citizenship, nation building and the social inclusion of all groups oppressed under apartheid. The dismantling of the apartheid state and the accompanying advancements in democracy have however not been matched by the redress of structural inequalities, elimination of separate development, land ownership, housing, migrant labour legacies and achieving inclusive socio-spatial changes. In this context, this mini-thesis examines transport and location as vital elements for building inclusive social citizenship among residents of Khayelitsha, Cape Town’s most populated far flung informal settlement.
Co-management of marine resources as an instrument to facilitate conflict resolution in HAWSTON
(University of Western Cape, 1998) Murugan, Poobalan; Schulz, Carl-Erik
The living marine resources of South Africa belong to the people of the country. With a steady growth of the human population and the subsequent increased demand for food, it is imperative that the resources of our waters are managed for the optimal social and economic development of all South Africans. The ownership of the resources are vested in the state and it is, therefore, the state's responsibility to ensure that the chosen form of fisheries management promotes both sustainability and equity.
Competition policy and its effects on growth in South Africa
(University of Western Cape, 2000) Mohamed, Khalid; Huda, S.; Black, P.
This paper aims to critically evaluate the New Competition Act of South Africa and further suggests that this form of government policy tends to harm the economy more than the benefits it reciprocates. The first chapter provides a critical overview of the New Competition Act, Competition Act NO.89 of 1998 which was signed into law on the 20 October 1998, but would only come into force on the 1 September 1999.
Contestation, confusion and change: urban governance and service delivery in Zimbabwe (2000-2012)
(University of the Western Cape, 2014) Muchadenyika, Davison; Williams, John J.
This study investigates how political dynamics impacted on service delivery in urban areas of Zimbabwe in general and, SPECIFICALLY, in the cities of Harare, Bulawayo, Masvingo and Mutare. The problematic of urban governance in these cities has been marked by contestation, confusion and change for a range of reason which would seem to be associated with issues of planning and management of urban areas, infrastructure such as provision and maintenance of roads, housing, public transport and water and sanitation. Consequently, these urban governance contestations almost led to the collapse of most if not all, urban functions and services in the aforementioned urban areas. That Zimbabwe is suffering from a crisis of governance and public service delivery for decades is not in doubt. In this thesis, I argue that whilst much attention has been given to state governance, it is at the local governance level where the impacts of the crisis are more severe. Why at the local governance level? Local government is mandated to deliver directly or indirectly key human development services to citizens. Inevitably, urban governance is an important determinant of urban services delivery. Urban governance takes place within a wider governance and political context. Post-independent urban Zimbabwe was dominated by the Zimbabwe African National Union Patriotic Front (Zanu-PF) until the turn of the millennium. When the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) began dominating urban local authorities, urban governance signaled an era marked by contestation, confusion and change. Subsequent urban governance political dynamics had profound impacts on service delivery.
Controlling Cape Town’s poor through water management devices: the case of Saxonsea, Atlantis
(University of the Western Cape, 2013) Matose, Tamsanqa; Thompson, Lisa
This study examined the impact of the City’s water management strategies, specifically the water management devices, on selected households in Saxonsea. The impact of cost recovery policies on poor households was interrogated in the light of government’s distributional and procedural equity in service delivery. The main issues arising from the study were lack of consultation, inadequate information, and perception of powerlessness. The study concludes that although water management devices have contributed to significant improvements in water saving, poor households are burdened with the responsibility of saving water. If the idea is to save water across the board, this regimen should be extended to all water users and not targeted at poor households only
A critical discourse analysis of the preambles of selected public documents with reference to racial classification
(University of the Western Cape, 2015) Alexander, Ebrahim; Pretorius, Leon G.
One of the most pertinent issues currently confronting South Africans and perhaps people around the world is the question of how to bring about social justice for everybody regardless of ‘races’, ‘ethnicities’, cultures, religions and genders. With this in mind, this study evaluates through a critical discourse analysis model the preambles of selected public policy documents in conjunction with the issue of racial classification as prescribed in the Z83 job application form in a post-apartheid South Africa. It draws specifically on Halliday’s (1978, 1989, and 2004) discourse analysis framework to evaluate the field and tenor of public discourse (what happened historically and who was involved in public policy formulations) and finally, the mode of public policy discourse (the part that language plays in the making of a new South African society). Moreover, it uses the education sector as an indicator of transformation to highlight the successes and failures of post-apartheid historical redress. It uses education as an exemplar because it ‘plays’ or has the potential to play a pivotal role in transformation and nation building in a post-apartheid South Africa. The study appraises particularly the impact of the notion of plurality of races as a transformation strategy; that is, its successes and failures in determining educational achievements numerically as well as nation building from 1994 to 2014. It uses close linguistic/discourse analysis to unravel the meaning(s) of ‘united in our diversity’ as well as associated concepts in the preambles of selected public policy documents. The reason for this is to show that the notion of different races is implicated in the concept ‘diversity’ in the preamble of South Africa’s constitution act 108 of 1996 as well as ‘designated groups’ in the preambles of affirmative action and Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policies.
Critical evaluation of the contractor development programme in the Western Cape department of transport and public works: Skills development, training and youth placement, 2015 – 2018
(University of Western Cape, 2021) Africa, Monique; Makiva, Msuthukazi
Emerging contractors play a significant role in the employment and skills development landscape as they are the employers of unskilled and semi-skilled labour in the construction industry (Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works (DTPW): Contractor Development Policy, 2016; Rass, 2019). In 2004, the National Cabinet approved the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) to encourage job creation imperatives through the provisioning of skills and business enhancement initiatives for the targeted Historically Disadvantaged Individuals (HDIs), specifically the unskilled and semi-skilled labour force of the South African construction industry (Makiva, 2015; DTPW, 2021; DTPW: Contractor Development Programme (CDP) Policy, 2016; Rass, 2019). In response to this call, in 2012 the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works (WC DTPW) designed and implemented the Contractor Development Programme (CDP) with parallel aims.

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