Magister Administrationis - MAdmin

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An analysis of energy security in local municipalities: A case study of the city of Cape Town
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Geyer, Brownen
South Africa’s centralised electricity generation and distribution system, primarily reliant on coal and managed by Eskom, has proven increasingly inadequate over the past decade. This inefficiency has led to widespread energy insecurity, with rural areas disproportionately affected. In response, the role of independent power producers has gained prominence as part of a broader national strategy to diversify the energy mix and enhance long-term energy resilience. The City of Cape Town has emerged as a leading municipal actor in addressing these challenges, adopting a decentralised energy approach grounded in the theory of public service decentralisation. This framework posits that local government initiatives – through targeted policy, investment and regulation can offer a resilient, bottom-up alternative to the failing centralised model. The City of Cape Town’s energy strategy prioritises diversification, infrastructure investment and efficiency. Key targets include sourcing 35% of the City’s energy demand from alternative sources and achieving carbon neutrality in municipal buildings by 2030. The City has secured regulatory exemptions to procure electricity directly from independent power producers and incentivise small-scale embedded generation through financial compensation for surplus energy fed into the grid. Infrastructure upgrades totalling R4 billion are underway, with plans to integrate up to one gigawatt of independent power by 2026, including solar, battery storage and waste-to-energy projects. Since 2003, the City of Cape Town has also implemented energy efficiency programmes focused on smart metering, demand side management and consumer education. While non-renewable sources remain essential for grid stability during the transition, the success of this decentralised model depends on sustained collaboration with national government, private sector stakeholders and peer municipalities. Through initiatives such as the Municipal Energy Resilience Programme, the City of Cape Town is actively mentoring smaller municipalities, reinforcing the potential of local governance to drive national energy transformation.
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
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.
Assessment of the implementation of business process re-engineering in the public sector in Ethiopia: The cases of the Ministry of Trade and Industry and The Ministry of works and urban development
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Hussein Ibrahim Mamma
The modem public sector and system of administration in Ethiopia began at the time of the imperial period, in the early 1960s. But this sector and the tradition of administration itself, compared with other countries, is not yet strong enough to play its role as a catalyst in the development and growth of the country. This study explores the wide array of public sector administration and reform practices in other countries and compares them with Ethiopia. More specifically, it looks into Business Process Re-engineering, a recently adopted type of reform, which originated in the private sector. Commonly termed BPR, Business Process Re-Engineering is a reform mechanism to uproot age-old systems of thinking and functioning in any organization and replace them with new paradigms and more efficient and lean systems that will lead to visible results. The literature reveals that it has had mixed results of improvement, both in the private sector and in the public sector in many countries. This study sets out to analyse whether this is just another fad of reform being adopted in order to fulfil a completely different objective of political reform, or whether it is a real effort to bring about changes in the way the public sector conducts its business. From its wide application in the country, two varying sectors have been chosen for this analysis. One is a service-giving institution in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, which has frequent interaction with citizens and, most importantly, investors and business organizations
Examining the challenges of youth empowerment initiatives under Kenya vision 2030: a comparative analysis of selected projects
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Chege, Faith Nyakairu
Despite the presence of a plethora of youth intervention initiatives in Sub-Saharan Africa, Kenya being one of them, in practice, very little impact is seen in the lives of the intended beneficiaries. It is evident that significant challenges hamper the efficacy and sustainability of youth empowerment interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa. Kenya’s growing youth population and the persistent challenges and risks faced by Kenyan youth exacerbate this state of affairs. This study, therefore, critically examines the challenges of youth empowerment initiatives, particularly selected projects under the Kenya Vision 2030 Strategy, through the lens of Development Administration Theory and Empowerment Theory. Guided by these conceptual frameworks, the study explores the policy environment, institutional capacity, resource management, and coordination mechanism challenges of selected youth-focused programmes, specifically the Kenya Youth Empowerment Project (KYEP), Kazi Kwa Vijana (KKV), the Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF), and the Uwezo Fund. Using a qualitative research approach and document analysis as the primary method, the study investigates the constraints affecting the success and sustainability of these initiatives. Key challenges identified include insufficient and weak monitoring and coordination mechanisms; lack of beneficiary participation at all stages of the projects; weak accountability systems owing to a lack of measures for policy compliance; misconduct in the use of financial resources, such as corruption and embezzlement of funds; and political interference, among others. The study suggests mechanisms that could be used to address the challenges and provides recommendations for policymakers, development practitioners, and institutions tasked with implementing youth development strategies in Kenya and similar developing contexts.
An assessment of the District Development Model (DDM) one plan on local economic Development at district municipalities: a case study of West Rand district municipality
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Matsheke, William
The District Development Model aims to improve integrated planning and delivery across the three spheres of government in a spatially targeted way. It focuses on 52 district and metropolitan spaces as convergence points for all government and private sector investment. The integrated planning and delivery in relation to district and metropolitan spaces will be enabled by joint planning, budgeting, and implementation processes. The legislative framework of local government in South Africa, especially the Municipal Systems Act 32 of 2000, introduced a new system (reform) of local government which required an efficient, effective, and transparent local public administration that conforms to constitutional principles. It further encouraged a coordinated approach by municipalities towards socio-economic development. The roles of DDM include planning and coordinating LED strategies within the framework of Integrated Development Plans (IDPs. This research focused on conducting an evaluative assessment of the impact of the District Development Model One Plan on improving service delivery through accelerated Local Economic Development in the West Rand District Municipality.
An analysis of the political performance management systems (PMS) impact on organisational effectiveness: A case study of the democratic alliance in the Western Cape provincial government
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Ndengu, Tinashe R.P
The intention of this study is not to debate the different contested views on performance management, good governance, and accountability but to rather assess the applicability of the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) political performance management in the field of public administration. The study further tries to provide a dimension to the link between a political party and a democratic state. In other words, that of the Party's “internal” democracy, which is predominantly its governance system rather than its relationship with the state. Through a qualitative case study of the Western Cape Provincial Government (WCPG), this paper takes stock of the effectiveness of a political Performance Management System (PMS) by specifically looking at the PMS administered by the Democratic Alliance-Western Cape Provincial Government (DA-WCPG) on the elected officials. It focuses on PMS development, its implementation, and its overall attainment as a standard operating procedure internally as well as a toolkit for the provision of public service deliverables externally.Using purposive sampling, a carefully selected sample of five participants from the WCPG (Western Cape Provincial Government) were chosen to participate in this research study. The purposive sampling method was utilized to ensure that the selected participants had the relevant experience and knowledge to provide insightful and valuable data that aligns with the objectives of the research. Each participant was identified based on their involvement in the field of study and their ability to contribute meaningfully to the research inquiry.
Exploring ‘agency-level performance budgetary incentives’ as an effective tool to improve policy outcomes: A case study of the Western Cape government budgeting system.
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Josephs, Ezra M
The research study focuses on the adoption and implementation of performance budgeting within the Western Cape province of South Africa, a critical area of inquiry given the ongoing challenges faced by the region, including unemployment, crime, and public health issues. Performance budgeting is understood as a strategic approach designed to enhance the efficiency of public expenditure by linking funding to measurable outcomes. This study aims to explore how performance budgeting can be integrated into the budgetary processes of the Western Cape Government, specifically through agency-level budgetary performance incentives, thereby potentially improving policy outcomes. The significance of this research lies in its exploratory nature, as it seeks to uncover the mechanisms through which performance budgeting can be effectively utilised in a subnational context. By examining the existing planning, programming, and budgeting systems, the study identifies the current features of performance budgeting incentives, as well as the enablers and inhibitors that may affect the implementation of performance budgeting practices. Through qualitative methods, including interviews with Provincial Treasury officials, the research provides insights into the practicalities and challenges of integrating performance-based approaches in public finance management. Ultimately, this research study aims to contribute to the broader discourse on public sector reform and governance by providing a foundational understanding of performance budgeting in the Western Cape. It seeks to offer recommendations for enhancing resource allocation and spending efficiency, thereby fostering improved policy outcomes that respond to the pressing needs of the province's communities.
Rethinking local economic development (LED) in the COVID-19 era: a case study of Worcester, Western Cape.
(University of the Western Cape, 2025) Jeptha, Hazel Patricia
The COVID-19 crisis has invited a radical rethinking of how we plan our lives, produce food and work, and how we think and act in the world and across various scales, specifically cities. South Africa has an extremely large vulnerable population consisting of concentrated masses of poverty-stricken citizens living in dense settlements, rural areas, and small towns. The lockdown hit poor communities the hardest, while the rich were able to work from home and stock up on food and essentials. But how have municipalities responded to this challenge in terms of their local economic plans? This mini-thesis is about how Worcester, the capital of the Breede Valley Municipality (BVM) in the Cape Winelands District, dealt with the crisis, how it understood the crisis, and how Local Economic Development (LED) after the COVID-19 period was conceptualised and undertaken. The thesis examines how local economic development was reconfigured to address old and new challenges and if there was a rethink of old ways of doing development and reducing poverty. I also investigate how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected various socio-economic strata in different wards in Worcester specifically Zwelethemba. The data was collected from primary materials (largely municipal documents) interviews with councillors and a small-scale survey of citizens in different wards. My findings are that the municipality has not been able to structurally rethink urban (local) development and has been relatively unsuccessful given its historical legacies of uneven development.
Housing implementation in Joe Slovo residential area: its challenges and possible solutions
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Mottie, Mercia
After apartheid ended in 1994, South Africa anticipated better living conditions and an even better quality of life for all. However, 30 years have passed, yet many still live in informal settlements with poor conditions, waiting for the government to address inequality. The housing backlog continues to grow, prompting the re-evaluation of previous housing development plans and the launch of new strategies. This study (desktop) focuses on the housing crisis in South Africa, a major and escalating problem. The democratic government in 1996 introduced a Reconstruction and Development Programme to address, in part, the housing problems. The housing programme faced challenges like lack of local government capacity, corruption, and insufficient consultation with beneficiaries. Urbanisation exacerbated the issue as rural migrants moved to cities for employment. Nothing much has changed. The research centres on Joe Slovo, an informal settlement located on the N2 highway as part of the N2 Gateway Project. The latter was intended to be a model for housing development. This study investigates low-cost housing delivery in post-apartheid South Africa, focusing on the N2 Gateway Project. The research explores the intersection of historical socio-economic disparities, rapid urbanisation, and government efforts to address housing backlogs through developmental policies. South Africa’s housing initiatives, the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) and Breaking New Ground (BNG), aimed to correct apartheid-era spatial injustices; however, these policies often encountered limitations in practical application, notably due to bureaucratic constraints, limited local government resources, and inconsistent community engagement. The N2 Gateway Project exemplifies these challenges and serves as a case study for evaluating the effectiveness of low-cost housing initiatives. Key findings indicate that despite significant progress in subsidised housing provision, systemic issues hamper sustainable housing development. The N2 Gateway project challenges include inadequate community involvement, high construction costs, bureaucratic delays, and poor-quality infrastructure in some housing units. Nonetheless, successes have been noted, such as the creation of local employment opportunities, environmentally sustainable elements like solar water heaters, and partial alleviation of housing shortages. These outcomes underscore the importance of fostering a transparent, community-driven approach in housing projects to improve acceptance and reduce social resistance. The study's recommendations highlight the need for stronger policy frameworks, which include enforceable guidelines for community participation and enhanced local government accountability in housing projects. Strengthening local government through better resource allocation and training in project management, community engagement, and transparent governance could reduce corruption, accelerate project timelines, and improve housing quality. Additionally, an incremental, flexible approach to informal settlement upgrading is recommended to address immediate needs without the social upheaval associated with large- scale relocations. Implications for practice suggest that municipalities adopt dynamic, iterative planning tools like the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) to coordinate housing and service delivery in high- htps://uwcscholar.uwc.ac.za/home iv growth urban areas efficiently. Future research should focus on the long-term socio-economic impacts of housing projects on residents, assess the effectiveness of decentralised governance, and examine the sustainability of housing initiatives concerning social and environmental outcomes. In conclusion, this study emphasises that overcoming South Africa’s housing challenges requires an inclusive, community-centred approach that addresses both housing needs and broader socio-economic goals. Enhanced intergovernmental cooperation, a refined focus on incremental upgrades, and an increased emphasis on community engagement are essential for creating equitable urban environments.
Factors influencing first-year university students’ social and academic integration into the Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences (EMS): A University Case Study.
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Davids, Moerida
This study examines the factors that impact first-year students' social and academic integration within the Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences (EMS) at the University of the Western Cape (UWC). Understanding these factors is crucial for supporting student transition, retention, and academic performance within the faculty. The literature on first-year transitions highlights that dropout rates are notably high, particularly after the first semester and towards the end of the academic year. Students may withdraw due to academic challenges or external factors such as financial difficulties, family obligations, or personal issues. Additionally, some students leave due to misaligned programme choices or a lack of fit with the university culture. This study aims to identify specific factors influencing first-year EMS students' social and academic integration and to provide recommendations to support their successful transition, fostering a sense of belonging and promoting retention and academic success. A qualitative case study approach was employed, focusing on nine purposively selected first-year EMS students. Data were collected through three online focus groups conducted via Google Meet, using semi-structured interview questions to capture the participants' experiences. The study draws on Tinto’s (1975) Student Integration Model (SIM), which emphasizes the importance of students’ social and academic integration, their commitment to degree completion, and their affiliation with their faculty and university.
Analysis of the role of government in the Regulation of the Burial Society Sector in South Africa.
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Moyana, Amos Mike
Burial societies (BSs) in South Africa and beyond have a long history and are resilient institutions. This study investigated the role of the government in regulating the BS sector in South Africa. A document analysis approach was applied, and existing data on BSs were analysed. Burial societies emerge as voluntary social formations, often operating with minimal regulation and remaining in a state of informality, which limits the sector's growth. In response, the South African government introduced legislation to formalise and regulate the industry. This legislation aligned with formalisation theory, highlighting the state's efforts to bring BSs under formal regulation. These societies play a crucial role in saving money collectively and providing financial and emotional support to members and their families during bereavement, aligning them with the principles of social enterprise. Despite their contribution to the local economy and their structure as co-operatives, comprising members from various social classes and educational backgrounds, BSs are still largely excluded from local government development plans. The role of the South African government in the BS sector has been shaped by legislation such as the Friendly Societies Act 25 of 1956 and the Co-operatives Act 14 of 2005. The Friendly Societies Act 25 of 1956, Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act 37 of 2002 (FAIS Act), and Co-operatives Act 14 of 2005 form the sector's legislative framework. These laws guide the government's role in regulating BSs. This study used secondary data analysis to examine the impact of these laws and employed thematic analysis to identify key themes.
An assessment of the public sector planning process of the implementation of capital projects in the Ohangwena region, Namibia
(Universty of the Western Cape, 2009) Jeremia, George Tileinge
This research study focuses on the way the Namibian public sector plans and implements capital projects. mainly in the Ohangwena region, and the Ministry of Health and Social Services in general. The research results show that the planning and project process is not clear and that options need to be considered for the improvement thereof. It is observed that often some of the identified and approved capital projects are not implemented and. if implemented. this is typically done in two or three years. Most parts of Ohangwena are comprised of sandy roads, especially the north-eastern area of Obangwena which represents a large part of the region. Distances between health facilities and the scarcity of transport make it difficult for the community to easily reach the nearest health facility. The primary objective of this study is to perform an assessment of the planning process in the public sector for the implementation of capital projects and its effectiveness with regard to the planning and implementation of identified capital projects. From the outset, the critical issue is not only implementation, but also how the Ministry plans its capital projects for successful implementation. Interestingly, no research has been done before on this topic in Namibia. Against tills background. officials (planners) that are directly involved in capital projects design mwere interviewed at the district, regional and national levels of the Ministry. The research investigation found that, in general, the planning and project processes in the Ministry are good, but a number of weaknesses were observed in the implementation process.
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
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.
The NSFAS financial assistance programme: implementation and challenges for students studying at a previously disadvantaged university
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Johnson Ebrain
A large number of previously disadvantaged students depend on financial assistance from the government, to cover education-related expenses, for the duration of their studies. Financial assistance for students, at higher learning institutions comes in the form of loans, sponsorships, or bursaries. The ultimate aim of these resources is to address the financial burden so that a strong focus on academic performance goes unhindered. This research aims to investigate the financial assistance programme, particularly its implementation, and challenges for students studying at a previously disadvantaged university. The study basically sought to solicit the perception of students about the impact and value National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) assistance adds to their (students) experience at a previously disadvantaged university. A qualitative approach was used to solicit information on students’ perspectives, regarding the phenomenon of the study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with students for the collection of data. The results of the interviews revealed that the change in the NSFAS system had an impact on student’s life, academically and financially. Findings that came out of the research obtained that the (a) NSFAS system change from decentralised to centralised was to have a direct approach from donor to recipient, but other challenges arose from this process (b) the NSFAS grant and the scheme requirements differed, as these were tightened to rather unintentionally frustrate the students, making the NSFAS aspirations, undesirable (c) NSFAS being placed under administration to ensure the effective management of the scheme, added to numerous challenges (d) as such, students expressed their dissatisfaction with the ill-considered management of the funding scheme as the outcome of it was hardly realised. It would be best to closely examine NSFAS programmes and their impact on intended students. This study has sought to outline recommendations to achieve this.
Housing dilemma? an exploratory study on the illegal disposal of free government houses by the poor in various areas within the City of Cape Town.
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Lesch Anvia Linda
South Africa has a long-standing housing crisis and a growing backlog, following colonialism and apartheid. South Africa has made significant strides to ensure residents have a right to access adequate housing. First, the state has ensured that housing legislation and policies were developed to give effect to this right. Second, the state ensured legislation was put in place to prohibit the illegal sale of free government houses. Yet, the government faces the dilemma whereby poor community members in various areas within the City of Cape Town (CoCT), are still disposing of their homes for different reasons. Therefore, the research study seeks to explore and understand the different reasons why the poor within the CoCT, do not utilize the free government houses that were allocated to them, and as a consequence deepens the housing problem. The study also seeks to examine the legislation, policies and mechanisms in place to prohibit the illegal disposal of free government houses within the CoCT. The study is grounded on the public policy implementation and public value theory. Furthermore, the study is based on secondary qualitative research methods. Extant literature was used to collect data. The findings of the study revealed the following main reasons behind the illegal disposal of government houses; poor location of government projects, need for cash often tied to unemployment, various financial costs associated with homeownership, such as municipal service charges, travelling costs, maintenance costs, and other costs, such as purchasing of furniture or home appliances. Furthermore, in certain instances beneficiaries returned to their birthplace or rural areas, in other instances, beneficiaries returned to informal settlements or backyard dwellings. The findings indicate that both the Housing Amendment Act of 2001 and the CoCT Allocation Policy: Housing Opportunities do not stipulate any punitive measures, as well as, who and how the pre-emptive clause should be monitored by the CoCT. As a result, the pre-emptive clause compels beneficiaries to illegally sell their government houses because they cannot sell it any other way, which undermines their ability to realise the true value of the house. The study found that the government’s own legislation, policies and mechanisms perpetuate the very activity it was designed to prohibit and monitor.
An examination of employee morale in the Cape Town metropolitan police department
(University of the Western Cape, 2007) De vos Moses
The focus of the study is an examination of employee morale within the CapeTown Metropolitan Police Department (C.T.M.P.D). The study also focuses on various factors of morale and how it affects the Department as a whole. The study was undertaken during the 2006/2007 as a quest to find options on how employee morale can be improved in the C.T.M.P.D. The reader is being presented with a theoretical perspective on employee morale within an organisational context, expanding on thematic issues that are commonly found in police departments. The major factors relating to employee morale are identified and defined. The key theoretical approaches that have been considered regarding employee morale included Vroom's Expectancy Theory, Adam's Equity Theory, Maslow's Needs Hierarchy Theory, Herzberg's Two Factor Theory, and McGregor's Theory X and Theory Y.
The South African police service (Saps) and royal Danish Police management system: A comparative study
(University of the Western Cape, 2001) Mphenyeke Kabelo
This case study seeks to critically compare the management system of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Royal Danish Police. Some policy documents were perused on the issues of Management Development and its relevancy within the South African Police Service on the basis of training and education including development.
The NSFAS financial assistance programme: Implementation and challenges for students studying at a previously disadvantaged university
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Johnson, Ebrain; Makiva, Msuthukazi
A large number of previously disadvantaged students depend on financial assistance from the government, to cover education-related expenses, for the duration of their studies. Financial assistance for students, at higher learning institutions comes in the form of loans, sponsorships, or bursaries. The ultimate aim of these resources is to address the financial burden so that a strong focus on academic performance goes unhindered. This research aims to investigate the financial assistance programme, particularly its implementation, and challenges for students studying at a previously disadvantaged university. The study basically sought to solicit the perception of students about the impact and value National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) assistance adds to their (students) experience at a previously disadvantaged university. A qualitative approach was used to solicit information on students’ perspectives, regarding the phenomenon of the study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with students for the collection of data. The results of the interviews revealed that the change in the NSFAS system had an impact on student’s life, academically and financially. Findings that came out of the research obtained that the (a) NSFAS system change from decentralised to centralised was to have a direct approach from donor to recipient, but other challenges arose from this process (b) the NSFAS grant and the scheme requirements differed, as these were tightened to rather unintentionally frustrate the students, making the NSFAS aspirations, undesirable (c) NSFAS being placed under administration to ensure the effective management of the scheme, added to numerous challenges (d) as such, students expressed their dissatisfaction with the ill-considered management of the funding scheme as the outcome of it was hardly realised. It would be best to closely examine NSFAS programmes and their impact
Housing dilemma? An exploratory study on the illegal disposal of free government houses by the poor in various areas within the City of Cape Town.
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Anvia Linda Lesch; Dr M. Makiva
South Africa has a long-standing housing crisis and a growing backlog, following colonialism and apartheid. South Africa has made significant strides to ensure residents have a right to access adequate housing. First, the state has ensured that housing legislation and policies were developed to give effect to this right. Second, the state ensured legislation was put in place to prohibit the illegal sale of free government houses. Yet, the government faces the dilemma whereby poor community members in various areas within the City of Cape Town (CoCT), are still disposing of their homes for different reasons. Therefore, the research study seeks to explore and understand the different reasons why the poor within the CoCT, do not utilize the free government houses that were allocated to them, and as a consequence deepens the housing problem. The study also seeks to examine the legislation, policies and mechanisms in place to prohibit the illegal disposal of free government houses within the CoCT. The study is grounded on the public policy implementation and public value theory. Furthermore, the study is based on secondary qualitative research methods. Extant literature was used to collect data. The findings of the study revealed the following main reasons behind the illegal disposal of government houses; poor location of government projects, need for cash often tied to unemployment, various financial costs associated with homeownership, such as municipal service charges, travelling costs, maintenance costs, and other costs, such as purchasing of furniture or home appliances. Furthermore, in certain instances beneficiaries returned to their birthplace or rural areas, in other instances, beneficiaries returned to informal settlements or backyard dwellings. The findings indicate that both the Housing Amendment Act of 2001 and the CoCT Allocation Policy: Housing Opportunities do not stipulate any punitive measures, as well as, who and how the pre-emptive clause should be monitored by the CoCT. As a result, the pre-emptive clause compels beneficiaries to illegally sell their government houses because they cannot sell it any other way, which undermines their ability to realise the true value of the house. The study found that the government’s own legislation, policies and mechanisms perpetuate the very activity it was designed to prohibit and monitor
The impact of internal migration on housing shortage and affordability: the case of Cape Town, South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Oluwaseyi Olatundun, Efuntoye; Okbandrias, Meron
Cape Town faces a significant housing shortage and affordability challenge, a situation exacerbated by internal migration dynamics. Internal migration in South Africa is driven primarily by regional disparities at the macroeconomic level and a fundamental dearth of employment opportunities, resulting in suboptimal living conditions among diverse socioeconomic strata. Urbanization in South Africa is a pressing concern, characterized by uncontrolled growth in slums and informal settlements and a persistent inadequacy of suitable housing options. Within this context, this study examines the ramifications of internal migration on housing shortages and affordability in Cape Town. This study is motivated by a United Nations projection, which predicts that South Africa will see an increase in the urban population, with an estimated 71.3% of the population residing in urban areas by 2030. This projection underscores the importance and relevance of the present study. To comprehensively grasp the impacts of internal migration on housing, this study draws on three theoretical frameworks: the Migration-Residence (M-R) model theory, the Push-Pull-Mooring Migration Model (PPM model), and the Agglomeration Theory. It employs mixed methods that encompass both qualitative and quantitative research techniques, and analyzes secondary data using descriptive statistics. The findings highlight how internal migration significantly affects urbanization, housing demand, and sociopolitical inequalities in Cape Town. Multiple factors, including a robust local economy, internal migration flows, and a flourishing tourism sector, collectively contribute to this phenomenon. Furthermore, the research reveals Cape Town's attractiveness as a destination for internal migrants, exerting considerable strain on its infrastructure, public services, job markets, and availability of affordable housing. Considering these findings, the principal recommendation of this study pertains to the incentivization of private sector investors and developers through initiatives that support housing affordability and shortage reduction. Establishing partnerships and fostering collaborations are proposed as strategic avenues to stimulate engagement in affordable housing initiatives, thereby ameliorating the prevailing housing crisis.

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