Masters in Public Administration - MPA

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10566/23746

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 212

An analysis of gender equality in the advancement of women in top management positions at local government: A case study of local municipalities within the ZF Mgcawu District, Northern Cape (2014-2024)
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Mjethu, Neliswa Desire Yaki
In South Africa, the representation and visibility of women in local government leadership still lags behind despite the introduction of many regulatory and legislative frameworks. Existing research shows that women advancement to senior management positions at local government level is slowly improving but there is limited research which shows progress of women advancing to top management positions at local government. This study sought to understand the extent of the implementation of the South African gender equality legislation and policies to advance women’s progression to top management positions in local municipalities of the ZF Mgcawu District in the Northern Cape. The study is underpinned by four theories, namely the Glass Ceiling Theory, Upper Echelon Theory, Role Congruity Theory and Critical Race Theory to theoretical analyse gender equality and women leadership at local government level. This is a qualitative interpretive documentary study. The study employed purposive sampling and documentary analysis to select and collect data from secondary sources that are publicly available. The thematic analysis method was used to analysis the collected data. The findings reveal that there is an underrepresentation of females in top management positions in the ZF Mgcawu District municipality and its five local municipalities. The research findings also reveal that since the passing of the Women Empowerment and Gender Equality Act of 2014 only one female was temporarily appointed at top management level at the Kheis Local Municipality in 2014. From 2014 until 2024, no female has been appointment at top management level across the district. The study further reveals that municipalities in the ZF Mgcawu District failed to implement national legislation and policies relating to women empowerment through recruiting and appointing qualified and competent women into top management. The study provides recommendations on how municipalities can enhance the acceleration of women empowerment in leadership.
A critical evaluation of the Juvenile Diversion Programme effectiveness facilitated by the South African Department of Social Development
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Raffie, Nabeelah
The South African criminal justice system comprises several interrelated components, including the South African Police Service, the National Prosecuting Authority, the judiciary, the Department of Justice, the Department of Correctional Services, and the Department of Social Development (DSD). Within this system, the DSD plays a critical role in the rehabilitation and reintegration of juvenile offenders through diversion programmes. The Juvenile Diversion Programme (JDP) provides alternative interventions aimed at preventing criminalisation and addressing the social, behavioural, and developmental challenges faced by young offenders. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Juvenile Diversion Programme implemented by the DSD in Cape Town, with specific focus on the perspectives and experiences of probation officers and assistant probation officers regarding the programme’s impact on juvenile offenders. The evaluation was guided by five key variables: effectiveness, efficiency, input, outcome, and sustainability. A qualitative research methodology was employed, utilising semi-structured interviews with fifteen practitioners directly involved in the implementation of the programme. The collected data were analysed thematically to gain an in-depth understanding of the programme’s strengths, challenges, and overall impact. The findings indicate that the Juvenile Diversion Programme contributes positively to behavioural change, personal development, and social functioning among juvenile offenders. Practitioners reported reduced recidivism and improved reintegration outcomes. However, challenges related to resource constraints, administrative inefficiencies, and the long-term sustainability of interventions were also identified. The study concludes that diversion programmes play a vital role in the rehabilitation of juvenile offenders and in preventing further criminalisation when effectively implemented. Strengthened collaboration between the Department of Justice and the Department of Social Development, alongside increased resource allocation and improved interdepartmental coordination, is essential to enhance the programme’s long-term impact. The findings contribute to the broader discourse on juvenile justice by underscoring the importance of integrated, sustainable, and adequately resourced diversion initiatives within South Africa’s social development framework.
Ward politics and angry communities in a Cape Town slum: The case of Imizamo Yethu, 2016 to 2019
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Ndoni-Andrews, Nomtha; Ruiters, Gregory
The democratic system of the South African Government motivates and engages the citizen to partake in governance at each level and especially at the ward level. Governance in a democratic country is complex because several unelected participants are involved, and power relations surpass the narrow confines of the local ward leaders and invited participation channels. Some wards are diverse; therefore, the question arises of how one person represents various communities. In this mini-thesis, councillors’ roles at the local government level are examined in an ‘angry community’ about competing interests and leaders’ backgrounds and priorities. Most often in South Africa, the most vulnerable populations are last in the queue. Ethical leadership in the neoliberal context often prioritises the advantaged, leaving underprivileged communities to resort to service delivery protests to have their voices heard.
School improvement in an era of change : attempting development planning at public local school level in the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2002) Shand, William J; Williams, John J
The era of change in South Africa has created a new basis for state policy towards the provision of public schooling. Reform initiatives supported by the South African Schools Act (1996) emphasize the need for democratic and participative management at school level, a necessary shift from the rigid, authoritarian and bureaucratic values of the previous system. This paper discusses different aspects of school improvement, and their importance for the development and effectiveness of schools at local level. It suggests that schools need to become more pro-active, responsible and take more control over their actions. The school is widely regarded as the primary unit of change, and as an organization needs to be self-determining, and equipped to deal with its changing environment. Crucial to this is the capacity to respond to the contributions and needs of its stakeholders. In discussing the case study included in this paper, the focus is placed on the initiative taken by a high school from a previously disadvantaged community in the Western Cape (S .A) , to enhance its pedagogical role in society. It evaluates the processes followed by the school in its quest towards school improvement at local level. This research qualitively explores the contributions made by educators in attempting School Development Planning (SOP) as a means to bring about positive change at their school. By means of Action Research (AR), an analysis of the school is developed in the context of its reality. As a response to external and internal pressures for change, educators with the guidance of the researcher, participated as co-researchers in developing: a vision and mission statement for the school; identifying priorities for the school; conducting a reality check; propose objectives with relevant outcomes and initiating possible act ion plans for implementation by the school. The paper concludes by arguing that the success of school improvement efforts lie within the capacity and support that exist at local school level. It is suggested that education authorities at provincial, and in particular the newly established Educational Management and Development Centers (EMDC's), fast track initiatives that will focus on School Development Planning as a means to bring about school improvement at local school level. Areas needed for development identified in this study include: planning; collaboration and participation; image and standing in the community; morale and working conditions of educators; culture of learning; and parent and community involvement. Finally it is recommended that continued research (both qualitative and quantitative) be undertaken in an attempt to obtain a greater understanding of developmental needs of schools in terms of authentic improvement.
Sport as a catalyst for development in Cape Town
(University of the Western Cape, 2000) Kamoetie, Mervin; Bardill, John
This research paper considers sport as a catalyst for development in Cape Town. lt examines the impact of sport on development, the economy and tourism and advances recommendations suitable for the city of Cape Town. ln this regard this study uses the experiences of the city of Indianapolis, USA to inform the recommendations for Cape Town. Whilst the recommendations derived at in part, from the city of Indianapolis, this paper accents the particular problems encountered by local authorities in South Africa. Some of these problems have an impact on the ability of Cape Town to embark on initiatives of the nature of the Indianapolis case study. ln this regard sport in South Africa has for too long been used as a political tool to enhance separation and to foster segregation. Sport is not utilized to its full economic potential in Cape Town, South Africa - if not in Africa. lt is important that sport should bring the benefits associated with it to S A. These include economic development, job creation and an increase in tourism. The abovementioned which mirror the principles of the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP), would contribute and reinforce the upliftment of underprivileged South Africans. This study focuses on Cape Town and Indianapolis. This paper proposes a contribution toward a conceptual framework for the development of a social partnership within and between the sporting community and the civil society of Cape Town in order to contribute towards local economic development. lt aims to stimulate the debate and discussions on social partnerships, which ought to lead to the creation of jobs, stimulate economic growth and encourage the participation of civil society in the economic reconstruction process.
Middle-management in higher education: an investigation into training and development needs at the University of the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 1996) Morta, Vincent; Lungu, G. F
Middle management plays a pivotal role in the realization of the goals of higher education, vet very little or any attention has been given to this sector in literature. This study attempted to address this deficiency: using the University of the Western Cape as a case illustration the study sought to establish training and development needs of middle management in South African universities. A questionnaire, covering various skill items, was used to collect data, and twenty-one (21) middle-managers responded. The findings of the study revealed that current skills, orientations and competencies of middle management are awfully inadequate for meeting the challenges posed by expanding student enrolments, the changing composition of the study body along the line of race and language, and general transitional issues arising from national policies in post-apartheid South Africa. A fusion model of training and development in which a reiterative provision of appropriate range of skills and competencies is made has been proposed. It has also been proposed that the reiterative model be considered along with popular Organization Development approaches that focus on training and developing the entire institutional staff. Time, Iack of expert resource persons, financial and other related constraints may impede efforts in this direction. However, training and developing middle managers is a challenge South African university and perhaps Technikons can ill-afford to ignore, especially if they are serious in pursuing the goal of providing higher education that is both relevant to the nerve South African and excellent in the age-old tradition of quality research and scholarship.
Popular participation in public health programmes at the local level : an evaluation of three local health committees in the south coast area of the Western Cape province.
(University of the Western Cape, 1995) Kemp, Marion; Lungu, Gatian F.
The transformation of sport in South Africa: A case study of the western province cricket Association
(University of the Western Cape, 2002) Desai, Anver; Mphaisha, Chisepo J.J.
It is my intention to research the transformation of sport In WPCA with particular reference to the role sport can play as catalyst to reconstruction and development, national reconciliation, nation building, community empowerment, democratic participation, politics and administration reform, transformation management. Furthermore, wish to show that transformation in sport can only be successful if and only if, there is transformation of public policy that would ensure that this transformation would take place. Moreover, for this transformation in public policy to be successful, appropriate measures have to be put in place, which would ensure that the proper management and training needed for the successful implementation of new public policy 1s 1n place. In addition that it is not sufficient to transform sport among race groups alone, there should be blatant transformation among gender groups as well, from players to top management. In other words there should not only be a greater presence of male in sports (amateur and professional) but also a greater presence of female "sportspersons" In the entire sports hierarchy. The focus of my research will pay special attention to the transformation In sports, particularly at a local level. This study attempt to show how national and regional policies have been implemented and the effect they have in transforming sports at local level usrng the Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA) as a case study to show how much or how little transformation has taken place at an institutional level as well as cricket at a local level. Whether transformation has taken place at all will also be investigated.
The readiness of municipalities in implementing the Municipal Finance Management Act. no. 56 of 2003 (MFMA)
(University of the Western Cape, 2009) Diutlwileng, Bridgette Akanyang; Williams, John James
This research paper explores the concept and practice of intergovernmental fiscal relations in South Africa, with particular reference to capacity building toward assisting municipalities and improving their readiness to implement the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) 1 • The main purpose of the research project is to investigate the readiness of South African Local Government structures in implementing the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), to evaluate successes and challenges so far, as well as to sketch a way forward with regard to the further capacitation of municipalities in order to assist them to implement the MFMA successfully in the medium to long term. The study employs both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection, including secondary sources, which comprise government (departmental) reports and policy documents, National Treasury MFMA circulars, as well as library books and journal articles. The primary sources used are survey questionnaires from municipal managers and interviews with officials of the National Treasury, North West Provincial Treasury, and the Department of Local Government and Housing. The envisaged benefits of the study are to provide a better understanding and awareness of the intergovernmental fiscal relations system in South Africa; explore ways of increasing capacity at all levels of local government, thereby coming up with proposals of ensuring broad and effective participatory decision-making and implementation at local government level; provide input into the expenditure responsibilities and revenue authority of Provincial and Local Governments, as well as the design of various forms of national to sub-national transfers; raising awareness among decision-makers regarding the stakes involved as far as the subject is concerned; and finally recommending ways of ensuring that municipalities are sufficiently capacitated to implement financial policy, and thus enhance financial accountability at local government level. The study concludes that government has done a lot to enable municipalities to implement the MFMA, but municipalities have indicated that they need continuous training and other interventions. There are several capacitation programmes, including training and workshops that municipalities have found useful in this regard. Municipalities have indicated that the MFMA is a necessary piece of legislation, and even those that have indicated that they are not well-capacitated to implement it are of the opinion that government should continue with its implementation because of its importance, but also that there needs to be continuous interventions and re-training for them to be able to implement it successfully in the medium to long term.
The transformation of sport in South Africa: A case study of the Western Province cricket assocation
(University of the Western Cape, 2002) Desai, Anver; Mphaisha, Chisepo J.J
It is my intention to research the transformation of sport 10 WPCA with particular reference to the role sport can play as catalyst to reconstruction and development, national reconciliation, nation building, community empowerment, democratic participation, politics and administration reform, transformation economics and resource allocation and management. Furthermore, wish to show that transformation in sport can only be successful if and only if, there is transformation of public policy that would ensure that this transformation would take place. Moreover, for this transformation in public policy to be successful, appropriate measures have to be put in place, which would ensure that the proper management and training needed for the successful implementation of new public policy is in place. In addition that it is not sufficient to transform sport among race groups alone, there should be blatant transformation among gender groups as well, from players to top management. In other words there should not only be a greater presence of male in sports (amateur and professional). but also a greater presence of female "sportspersons" in the entire sports hierarchy. The focus of my research will pay special attention to the transformation tn sports, particularly at a local level. This study attempt to show how national and regional policies have been implemented and the effect they have in transforming sports at local level using the Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA) as a case study to show how much or how little transformation has taken place at an institutional level as well as cricket at a local level. Whether transformation has taken place at all will also be investigated. In conclusion, from the results achieved, make some policy proposals as to how the transformation process can be bettered and how this can positively affect growth in South Africa and particularly the WPCA.
Food Security in Zimbabwe: The impact of Structural adjustment programmes, 1980-2000
(University of the Western Cape, 2006) Michaels, Zurena; Thompson, Lisa
This study takes a critical political-economy approach to the analysis of food security in Zimbabwe against the backdrop of Structural Adjustment Programmes implemented between 1980 and 2000. It provides a comparative analysis of the pre-and-post adjustment periods in Zimbabwe in order to illustrate the changes in the industrial and agricultural sectors and the concomitant patterns in the availability and access to food. It also explores the link between the implementation of market-based economic reform and the erosion of purchasing power and the attendant decline of the legitimacy of the Zimbabwean state that manifested in the form of popular resistance. Moreover, the link between SAPs and the intensification of class relations/inequality at national level and the perpetuation of a relationship of dependency between the developed and developing world is explored.
Localising and promoting decent work: Lessons from the decent work pilot project (dwpp) in the effutu and ajumako-enyan-essiam districts, Ghana
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Nordjo, Eric; Okbandrias, Meron
Since adoption of the Post–2015 development agenda, strong proposals have been made calling for the recognition of local governments as main agents in delivering the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Although evidence abound, the academic literature has been silent on the efficacy of local governments to reduce decent work deficits and poverty among rural informal workers. This has only helped with very little knowledge on how contemporary local governments can contribute to achievement of decent work goals as emphasised by the Sustainable Development Goal eight (8). Through a qualitative case study of the Decent Work Pilot Project (DWPP), the current study adapts the Integrative Collaborative Governance Framework (ICGF) to illuminate some of the roles played by local authorities of the ‘Effutu’ and 'Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam' districts in the Central Region of Ghana in localising and promoting decent work principles.
Rethinking public participation in local government: A case study of Mossel Bay Municipality
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Magxotwa, Ayakha Wilfred; Davids, Gregory
Public participation in local government has been identified as an important factor that can assist government to ensure adequate public service delivery. It offers government an opportunity to prioritise citizens in municipalities based on inputs submitted during public participation events. Community involvement in municipalities promotes an active society because it provides an opportunity for the community and other local stakeholders a chance to partake in community development. The platform that is created through public participation processes, in relation to ward committee engagements and other public participation forums, provides space for the community to shape their localities. In this way both communities and government benefit. Community participation serves as a foundation for development planning in municipal areas.
Dealing with violence against women in South Africa: A case study of the changing responses at the Saartjie Baartman centre for women and children in Cape Town (1999-2018)
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Williams, Melody; Ruiters, Greg
Against the backdrop of a pandemic of violence against women (VAW) particularly in the Cape Flats areas of Cape Town, this mini-thesis reviews the history and programmes of the Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children (SBCWC) in the Western Cape. As a multidisciplinary service centre involving multiple agencies for abused women and children, the Centre’s services include shelter, counselling, job skills empowerment, legal advice and training, an empowerment programme, community outreach project, substance abuse programme and a child protection programme. In 2012, the Centre was almost closed down because of serious financial issues. This study periodizes the Centre and its relations with the state, NGOs and tracks changes in programmes that were put in place and ongoing challenges. The thesis included secondary data, reviewing SBCWC Annual Reports, contextual information received from telephonic and zoom interviews, as well as data from a questionnaire. My findings show that the SBCWC has indeed been dynamic and changed programmes; and made provision for new programmes that holistically address the issues around VAW and empower women who have been abused. However, as demand for the Centre’s services continued to increase there is more that the state and other NGOs should do.
A pedagogical analysis of the post-graduate programme in the school of government at the university of the Western Cape (UWC) with special reference to the South African qualification authority.
(University of the Western Cape, 2004) Saayman, Cheryl Dulene; Brian, Connell
The pedagogical situation. A friend who taught me right from wrong and weak from strong That's a lot to learn, what can I give in return" (cited in Berube' 1995). The "pedagogical situation", assesses the post-graduate programme of the school of government at the University of the Western Cape during the transformation of higher education, regards education as one of the most powerful tools. This study seeks to explore challenges of transformation with special references to its practical implication vis-a-vis higher education in the post- apartheid South Africa. The study explores the concept "transformation' and bureaucratic relations of knowledge and power. It provides an overview of the restructuring of the postgraduate programme of the School of Government' and it concludes with recommendations on how to improve control of quality service delivery in line with the requirements of the South African Qualifications Authority'. Thestudyisbasedonasystematicanalysisofkeypolicydocumentation,anindepth review of the modular content of the post-graduate programme. (September 2001 until April2003).
Service delivery in the City of Cape Town: A case study of water services in Khayelitsha.
(University of the Western Cape, 2003) Tuswa, Theophelus Mlamli; Maphunye, K'J
Based on the recognition of apartheid capitalist injustices, the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (RSA Act 108 of 1996) envisaged the establishment of a new democratic South Africa founded on human dignity, the achievement of equality and advancement of human rights and freedom. The water Services Act of 1997 water as a necessity for human livelihood and that water service institutions must take all the necessary measures to ensure the provision of this basic human right. Contrary to such noble legal injunctions, water provision in Khayelitsha appears to be fraught with dubious debt scandals, inconsistency of the billing system and the adverse implementation of the cost recovery measures of the city of cape Town' The above outlined factors have more than often led to water cut-offs and evictions'. It is against this background that the mini-thesis has sought to investigate accessibility' affordability of water provision in Khayelitsha, examine the relationship between the residents inability to pay for services and the implementation of cost recovery measures and factors that have led to water cut-offs'. A case study has been used as a methodological approach, complemented by a survey procedure and perusal of government policy and legislative frameworks that directly deal with water service delivery. Questionnaires have been developed and random interviews conducted in all the informal settlements and selected areas (Site C, Site B and Green Point) of the informal areas of Khayelitsha. Selected interviews with senior leadership (councilors and officials) of the City of Cape Town, labour unionists (SAMWU) and Khayelitsha Anti-Eviction Campaign were conducted' The mini-thesis located water provision in Khayelitsha within the new liberal democratic South Africa' as contemplated in the new promulgated policy and legislative frameworks'. To this end the mini- thesis has established the extent to which such current frameworks have been able to facilitate the establishment of equity, accessibility and affordability of water provision in Khayelitsha. Based on the fact that Khayelitsha was established as a dormitory suburb with no economic base, it is argued that water the services Development Plan and the Integrated Development Plan of the City of Cape Town Must take into cognizance the economic realities of the historically disadvantaged community of Khayelitsha' in order to render water services in an affordable and sustainable manner. The ideological shift (from RDP-GEAR) of the national government, in terms of basic municipal services had a profound influence on how municipalities conduct service provision particularly water. This is no more relevant than in the city of Cape Town municipality, where it is argued that the municipality must be run along business practices. In the context of high-level unemployment, the mini-thesis has argued that running a municipality along business principles is doomed to fail and that the implementations of cost recovery measures only serve to perpetuate that failure'. It is against this background that the mini-thesis maintains that water cut-offs in Khayelitsha are not a genuine response to a financial crisis nor are they panacea to the issue of the unwillgness to pay for services. The problem seems to lie with the ability to pay'.
Participation development in social funds: A case study of the Peruvian Social fund
(University of the Western Cape, 2010) Costella, Cecilia V.; Conradie, Ina
Social Funds are a type of intervention whereby development agencies transfer control over project resources and decision-making to community groups and other local actors who formulate and implement those projects based on their own assessment of priorities. Social Funds were among the first programs to incorporate notions of participation of the poor and civil society in projects financed by the multilateral finance institutions. Several approaches argue that community participation in development projects leads to interventions that meet the priorities of the beneficiaries more accurately (which results in more sustainable project outcomes) and empowers participants. However, those who criticise participation claim that participatory processes might be contained by the implementing agency as well as by power and economic differences within the community itself. The development agency has its own priorities, organizational goals, structure, and a complex external environment, all of which may limit its ability to implement participatory processes. This could lead to the use of the participation 'label' without substantive inclusion of the beneficiaries and, ultimately, hinder the potential advantages of this approach' This research aims to assess the role of Social Funds' organizational and institutional characteristics for community participation processes in development projects. The research is based on a case study of the Peruvian Social Fund, FONCODES, and utilizes a qualitative data collection approach. It mainly relies on semi-structured interviews with FONCODES' staff and community members, unstructured interviews with experts, and analysis of operational documents' The research concludes that several organizational and institutional characteristics affect community participation in FONCODES projects but the direction of this influence depends on how specific areas of the organization's context are structured as well as on political variables in the institutional environment.
Transformation of the social welfare services in the Western Cape: Geriatric day care as an alternative to institutional care in Mitchell's Plain
(University of the Western Cape, 2001) Maintz, Caron; Mphaisha, Chisepo J J
This Research Report focuses on the services delivered to the aged in our society. ln particular, it looks at two State-subsidised old age homes in Mitchell's Plain on the Cape flats that accommodate about 350 people. The central argument is that the present facilities available to them are inadequate, raising the need for the exploration of alternatives to institutional care. The objectives of the study were fivefold, namely, to investigate the need for community-based services within traditionally Black marginalised communities; to investigate service centres as an alternative to institutional care in line with the proposed ideas of the White paper on social welfare; to investigate the extent to which the biological, social and emotional factors of ageing contribute to lifestyle changes; to investigate how service providers can contribute to the emotional and social independence of the aged; and to recommend how the model of service centres as an alternative to institutions can be implemented in black communities. The methodology used included documentary analysis, personal interviews and the administration of a structured questionnaire. This combination of research techniques provided the researcher with valuable insights into factual information as well as the opinions and perceptions of the aged themselves. Above all, the researcher drew on her work experiences with the two old people's homes.
The role of local non governmental organizations in poverty reduction in Rwanda: a case study of Butare province
(University of the Western Cape, 2003) Sentama, Ezechie; Balch, Jeff
Chronic poverty has always been described as one of the greatest structural problems facing Rwanda. The objective of the study was to examine to what extent local NGOs play and/or should play a role in poverty reduction in Rwanda in order to make the necessary recommendations. The field survey was conducted on four local NGOs, operating in Butare province, namely URWEGO, HUGUKA, HAGURUKA and DUTERIMBERE. The study design was qualitative, focusing on personal individual interviews as well as focus group discussions. The study used descriptive and analytical approaches, while interview, documentary and observation tools were used as techniques of data collection. The findings indicate that local NGOs play or land may play a crucial role - to a large extent - in poverty reduction in the sense that they are often participatory, responsive notably to local needs and able to mobilize communities and support poor communities. Local NGOs have the potential to facilitate the effective participation and self-reliance of the poor communities. They support the poor in breaking out of their condition of poverty. However, the study revealed that local NGOs are still weakened by many constraints, notably their creation (foundation) from outside, poor management, inadequate laws and especially the dependence burden. The study recommends that the creation of local NGOs should be initiated by people themselves. Local NGOs must progressively replace the "outstretched-hand" technique to foreign institutions with self-initiatives undertaking sustainable actions through local potential and resources. They should also collaborate with each other and with other development partners in order to gain an environment allowing them to perform their functions freely. This environment would provide a legislative and regulatory framework that guarantees the rights of local NGOs. In this regard, a department of cooperation and collaboration should be created in every district.
A Critical Perspective on Community Empowerment: Cases of Selected NGOs in Ethiopia
(University of the Western Cape, 2006) Bodja, Sebilu; Conradie, Ina
Empowerment is a catchword that has recently entered current development debate. Development is largely perceived as a process of building capacities hence empowering people to be able to handle their affairs. As such it is a concept highly espoused by prominent development actors and mainly Non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The study attempted to examine the theoretical and empirical aspects of community empowerment from a critical perspective by surveying activities of three NGOs in Ethiopia. A recent framework developed by a working group of the World Bank for measuring and structuring analysis was used for analyzing findings. Conceptualization and practices of empowerment seem to be at a nascent stage and tools for measuring it as well; that is what the findings of the study indicate. Despite the rhetoric surrounding the concept, the experience of surveyed NGOs also shows disparities between theory and practice.

Browse

Recent Submissions