Masters in Public Administration - MPA

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

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The role of the Masakhane campaign in Middelburg between 1994 and 1998. The case of Mhluzi township
(University of the Western Cape, 2006) Mngomezulu , Garth; Pretorius , Leon
The study focuses on municipal service delivery campaigns before the advent of the integrated development planning framework. In particular, the focus is on the role played by the Masakhane campaign in improving service delivery and contributing to a better life for the community of the Greater Middelburg in Mpumalanga Province. The Municipality of the Greater Middelburg won several awards in recognition of its achievements in the Masakhane campaign and serves as a model example for other municipalities. Through a desktop study and literature survey as well as the conducting of a number of interviews with the Middelburg municipal officials, councillors and Mhluzi community residents and organisation leaders the responses of the various stakeholders to how they implemented the Masakhane campaign are documented.
Employee discipline in provincial hospitals within the southern Cape/Karoo region of the Western cape : a study of the new disciplinary Code and procedures.
(University of the Western Cape, 2002) Small Willem; Mphaisha Chisepho
This thesis examines the impact of the public service new disciplinary code and procedure unto the effective application of workplace discipline, and employees conduct. This was done by looking at the legal framework within which the application of workplace discipline takes place. Furthermore, the different managerial approaches applicable to workplace discipline were examined. Hereby the incorrect approach to the application of workplace was outlined, and thereafter the correct approach was discussed. Within the context of the correct approach to workplace Discipline, supervisory guidelines for the effective application of workplace discipline was discussed. The application of workplace discipline within the public service, with reference to the previous and new disciplinary code and procedures, were Discussed in detail. As this stud~ y mainly focused on the situation within the provincial hospitals of the southern capelkaroo region, the aspects Relating to the situation within the department of health were outlined. The aforementioned information was mainly obtained throughout the study of secondary data gleaned from published and unpublished materials. The data collection for this study was mainly through self-administered Questionnaires, and unstructured interviews. The self-administered questionnaires were sent to the six provincial hospitals within the southern Capel karoo region in the western cape. The questionnaires were completed by 19 line-managers of the mentioned hospitals.
Developmental local government: a study of public participation of the integrated development planning process of the city of Cape Town
(University of the Western Cape, 2004) Mac Kay, John; Pretorius, Leon
Local government in South Africa is in the process of transformation. One of the critical constitutional features of local government in South Africa after 1994 is its developmental orientation. Developmental local government requires public participation in the decision-making of local authorities. Community participation is relevant to every sector of development, for example, education, health, housing, water and sanitation, agricultural development and conservation. The assumption is that public participation is positive in that it can contribute to making programmes more sustainable. Public participation in local government processes, especially in the Integrated Development Plan (IDP), is imperative to the promotion of institutional democracy. The IDP as a development tool promotes participatory democracy (Municipal Systems Act, 2000). The public participation study of the IDP in the City of Cape Town was conducted in four Sub-council areas of the city to determine whether public participation was successful and whether the objectives of local government are being met. The method used was participant observation at almost all of the public participation workshops and at public hearings including the Mayor's Listening Campaign (MLC). Semi-structured interviews were held with Council officials involved in public participation in the IDP as well as with members of the community from Mitchell's Plain and Kraaifontein. This study was conducted from October 2001 to October 2004. The study reveals that public participation in the IDP process of the City of Cape Town since the period mentioned above was not successful. The findings of the research show that tremendous efforts have been made in the last budgetary term of 200312004. This indicates that success in the future could be achieved in the area of meaningful public participation in the IDP. However, it is argued that local processes are not effective if communities are not involved in the development activities of municipalities.
Institutions and local government accountability in Uganda: a case study of Ntungamo district
(University of the Western Cape, 2006) Promise, Catherine Bura
After decades of seeking answers, without much success, to the development challenges facing third world countries, agencies such as the IMF and World Bank have turned increasingly in recent years to issues governance and accountability. In Africa especially, the failure of most development strategies has been attributed to governance issues such as democratic deficits, corruption and lack of political accountability among others. Uganda like several other African countries has been criticised for corruption - a sign that the country has a problem with the functioning of accountability and governance in general. In an attempt to find out whether the local government institutional mechanisms in Uganda embody possible explanations for weaknesses in political accountability, this study hypothesizes that institutional arrangements impact on downward accountability. While concentrating on the anatomy of institutions and the dimensions of accountability to which they relate, as well as on how the formal and informal institutions relate to each other, the study gives an insight into how institutions impact on downward answerability and enforceability at the local level in Uganda. Based on a thorough consideration of both the theoretical and empirical underpinnings of the concept of accountability, the study develops relevance criteria upon which an assessment of both formal and informal institutions' relevance for each of the dimensions of accountability is based. In both cases, formal institutions are found to be more relevant for accountability than informal ones. Critical issues about the capabilities of informal institutions are however raised, culminating in a discussion on the relationship between formal and informal institutions in the study area. While also considering other variables that interact with institutions in affecting accountability, the study calls for a re examination in the concepts under investigation namely 'institutions' and 'accountability'. The study concludes that problems of accountability can be accounted for by weaknesses in institutional design, conceptual weaknesses in the definition of accountability, as well as contextual factors such as resource constraints. In the light of this recognition, the study offers theoretical as well as policy level recommendations.
An Assessment of Employment Equity within the Safety and Security Directorate: Case study of a Municipality in the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2014) Petersen Franquin; Davids Gregory
This research assesses the challenges faced by a diverse group of employees within the Safety and Security Directorate in a Municipality in the Western Cape, which is a service organisation. The manner in which Employment Equity (EE) is introduced and controlled in this organization can have a great influence on the staff. Experts agree that there are many arguments in favour and against Employment Equity, making it a formidable and difficult task for any management team (Grogan, Stelzer, Jordaan & Maserumele, and 2005:94). It is imperative to grasp the understanding of staff and management on EE and other related issues to measure if any progress was made and how to perhaps improve on current employment equity related practices in the organisation. The research method comprises both the quantitative and qualitative methodology in the form of a questionnaire survey and a sample of the research population. The research revealed that although much progress has been made with employment equity in general, there are many challenges in this Municipality in the Western Cape. Specific recommendations are made to address these challenges. For further research, it is recommended that employment equity be investigated holistically in every department and directorate.
Future financial options for selected social grants in South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2008) Ndlebe, Asanda; de Coning , C.
In this Research Report, I explore future options for the improvement of take-up rates in the State Old-Age Pension (SOAP) and the Child Support Grant (CSG), and the roles they play in reducing poverty in South Africa. I argue that although there is evidence that social security grants help reduce poverty, there are still people who are living in poor conditions and not receiving grants, and who might be eligible to receive them. I establish the importance of these grants and the role they play in reducing poverty for the poor. The position which I develop maintains that increasing the take-up rates of the Child Support Grant to all children under the age of 18 and reducing men's age of eligibility to 60 years to correspond to that of women could reduce poverty more than is the case presently. I investigate various views on welfare philosophies, in particular the views of Beveridge and the International Labour Organization models on social protection, together with the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and the Social Assistance Act. I then conclude that there is discrimination between certain groups of the elderly and the children, thus making them ineligible for the State Old-Age Pension and the Child Support Grant and worsens via their living conditions. I then argue that extending the eligible age for children up to under 18 years and reducing the qualification age up to 60 years for elderly men would increase the take-up rates and reduce poverty among these vulnerable people even further. It is important to note that these grants also provide households with more resources like financial support to send children to school, access to better health care, access to better nutrition and increases their income. The Research Report concludes by describing the impact that these grants could have with increased eligibility.
Enhancing service delivery at local government level: challenges and recommendations for the City of Cape Town
(University of the Western Cape, 2000) Nabe, Thembela W; Ismail,, Nazeem
The process of amalgamating the previously racially-based municipalities in terms of the provisions of the Local Government Transition Act (LGTA), was executed very differently in the various municipalities throughout South Africa. In several instances the structures and systems of the more established municipal administrations - usually former White Local Authorities (WLAs)-were merely adopted to CO-Opt staff from the smaller and usually weaker administrations such as the Black Local Authorities (BLAs). Admittedly, this approach reduced the level of administrative disruption, but in several instances it did not give rise to more effective and equitable systems, and more importantly, improved service delivery. In essence, many new local authorities are still plagued with the weaknesses and inequities of the old administrative system. In this regard, the Cape Town municipality, which is the focus of this study, is no exception. This study will firstly provide a brief background to the amalgamation process undertaken by the Cape Town municipality.
Exploring the effectiveness of digital transformation to improve performance at the Department of Home Affairs in South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Sylvester, Nico
Digital transformation pertains the use of digital technology is to innovate and improve existing processes, operations, or services within organisations or industries. The primary goal of digital transformation is to ensure effective service delivery. Digital transformation holds the promise of changing the modus operandi of various ministries, improving their performance and the quality of service provision to the citizens, thus where the public sector is concerned. However, there remain doubts about the efficacy of service delivery through the use of digital transformation. For example, delays in application processing for identity documents, passports, and Visa applications, extremely long queues in Home Affairs offices, and the use of technology in combating corruption are issues that put the effectiveness of digital transformation into question. In this regard, this study explores the effectiveness of digital transformation in the Department of Home Affairs in South Africa. The study also critically examines the efficacy of service delivery driven through digital transformation. The study used a qualitative research approach for this research. The study used secondary data collection to gather information. Accredited journal articles, departmental reports, and books were consulted and analysed in collecting data. Research findings will be organised through the use of thematic analysis to explore the effectiveness of digital transformation in the Department of Home Affairs, South Africa.
An assessment of post-apartheid integrated housing development at the municipal level: a case study of the Overstrand Municipality
(University of the Wesern Cape, 2025) Hendriks, Dennis Edwin Ricardo
The apartheid-era spatial planning system entrenched racial segregation through deliberate physical separation. Its town planning policies created racially divided development, granting the privileged white minority access to services and economic opportunities, while the residential areas of the black majority were systematically neglected. The post-apartheid government introduced a range of policies aimed at redressing the spatial and social inequalities created by apartheid. These policies sought to promote integrated development, improve access to basic services, and foster inclusive and equitable urban and rural spaces. But despite the advancements made through progressive post-apartheid planning policies, South African municipalities continue to encounter significant challenges in realizing integrated housing development. This study aims to address existing knowledge gaps by assessing post-apartheid integrated housing development at the municipal level, with a specific focus on the Overstrand Municipality. A quality mixed-methods research design was employed to provide a comprehensive understanding of how integrated housing development has been implemented and experienced within the municipality. The key findings of the study revealed that community participation in housing and spatial planning remains limited, as many residents are unaware of meetings or feel their views are not considered. There is also a general lack of awareness about housing and spatial planning initiatives within the municipality, leading to low engagement. In terms of social integration, the inclusion of different racial and income groups remains minimal, with communities still largely segregated. Additionally, disagreements persist among stakeholders regarding what constitutes true spatial integration, highlighting the need for more inclusive participation, better awareness, and stronger implementation of integration policies.
The role of supply chain management in improving affordable housing delivery in the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Ndike Sanele
The persistent shortage of affordable housing in the Western Cape continues to place significant pressure on low- and middle-income households, exacerbating socio-economic inequalities and limiting access to adequate living conditions. Within this context, Supply Chain Management (SCM) has emerged as a critical enabler of effective housing delivery, particularly in its role of ensuring the efficient procurement, coordination, and management of resources throughout the housing development lifecycle. Despite this centrality, there remains a noticeable knowledge gap concerning the specific contribution, limitations, and operational dynamics of SCM in the affordable housing sector in the province. This study therefore seeks to explore, in depth, the role of SCM in enhancing the provision of affordable housing in the Western Cape, with a focus on its effectiveness, institutional challenges, and potential strategic interventions to improve service delivery outcomes. Using a qualitative document analysis approach, the study reviewed legislative frameworks, institutional reports, policy documents, audit findings, and academic literature to generate insights into SCM practices within the housing delivery context. The findings reveal that, although SCM has the potential to significantly strengthen housing service delivery, its contribution is constrained by a range of persistent systemic and operational challenges. These include poor procurement processes that compromise value for money, along with enduring governance and compliance deficiencies that weaken accountability and transparency across the supply chain. Furthermore, gaps in policy interpretation and inconsistent implementation hinder the translation of housing policies into effective practice. Capacity and skills deficits within key SCM functions further limit operational efficiency and decision-making capabilities. In addition, the study identifies procedural delays, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and slow administrative processes as major barriers to the timely delivery of housing projects. These challenges are compounded by instances of financial mismanagement and non-compliance with regulatory requirements, which undermine institutional integrity and performance.
Evaluating the effectiveness of township tourism initiatives: with specific reference to selected townships in the city of Cape Town, South Africa (2014 – 2024)
(University of the Western Cape, 2026) Makhubela, Lusizo Sharon
This study critically evaluates the effectiveness of township tourism initiatives in selected townships within the City of Cape Town, Western Cape Province, South Africa. The research is situated in Khayelitsha, with a specific focus on the 4Roomed eKasi Culture food and lifestyle concept. Tourism is recognised as a significant economic driver in the City of Cape Town, creating employment opportunities, reducing poverty, and promoting economic empowerment for previously disadvantaged communities. The study assesses the interconnected tourism subsectors associated with 4Roomed eKasi Culture, including guided tours, tourism safety monitors, car guards and washers, transport services, and cultural performers, which were operational between 2014 and 2024. 4Roomed eKasi Culture draws its inspiration from the four-roomed housing typology of apartheid spatial planning, reclaiming this legacy to promote Afrocentric identity and township heritage through food, design and storytelling. Despite its developmental potential, township tourism faces serious challenges compared to tourism facilities in affluent areas. Current policy and legislative frameworks at both national and municipal levels are not fully supportive of township tourism due to limited access to finance, ineffective policy implementation, safety concerns and underrepresentation in destination marketing. The study employed the qualitative methodology, drawing on secondary data from legislation, government policy documents and reports, tourism strategy frameworks, peer-reviewed academic literature and journal articles. The study is grounded in policy-evaluation phenomenology, using a framework that assesses efficiency, effectiveness, relevance, inputs, outputs, outcomes and sustainability in township tourism policies and practices. The 5C Protocols of policy implementation – content, context, commitment, capacity, and clients/coalitions – serve as the conceptual foundation for evaluating the extent and quality of township tourism implementation. The study recommends the sustainable township tourism framework. The framework encourages dynamic policy responsiveness, ensuring that feedback from outcomes informs new inputs and adjustments, thereby fostering continual enhancement in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of township tourism.
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.

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