Masters Degrees (School of Public Leadership)

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    An investigation into relationships between supervisory leadership style and employee engagement in the City of Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2023-12) Koch, Hayden Mark Adrian; Ndevu, Zwelinzima; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Leadership.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY: High levels of employee engagement are posited to lead to positive work outcomes. This study investigated the relationship between supervisory leadership style and employee engagement in the City of Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services department. A deductive approach was taken, theory-testing relationships suggested from literature review. Employee engagement was quantified using the 9 item Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-9). A modified version of the 27 item Vannsimpco Leadership Survey (VLS) was used to measure respondents’ perception of their supervisors’ leadership style. Electronic and paper-based survey questionnaires were used to collect data (n = 166). Employee engagement of the respondent group was quantified across three constituent factors: Vigor (3,76), Dedication (4,55) and Absorption (4,24). Supervisory leadership style was analysed across nine style types. Based on mean score ranking, the most prominent supervisory leadership style appeared to be the autocratic style (3,47), followed by the autocratic-transformational style (3,40). Structural Equation Modelling was used to examine relationships between variables. Results suggested that approximately 39% of employee engagement (R2 = 0,39) could be explained by the proposed model. A statistically significant, negative relationship between the Democratic-Transactional leadership style (path coefficient = -0,35, p-value 0,046) and employee engagement was identified. Additionally, a statistically significant, positive relationship (path coefficient = 0,19 p-value 0,023) between the Laissez-faire leadership style and employee engagement was also identified. Respondent group data suggests that specific supervisory leadership styles may have an effect on employee engagement, however, this appears to be limited in scope and power. The finding appears in keeping with the notion that employee engagement maintains a complex/multi-faceted antecedent basis. Given the limitations of this study, findings should be treated with caution. Recommendations are made based on the study findings and suggestions for future research/investigation are provided.
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    A descriptive explanatory study on the challenges to implementing the Communal Land Reform Act to combat illegal fences in communal areas of Namibia : a case study from the Tsumkwe-West Communal Area
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2023-12) Shomeya, Salom Heita; Burger, Werner; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Leadership.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY: The purpose of this study was to describe and explain the challenges of implementing the Communal Land Reform Act No. 5 of 2002 (hereafter the CLR Act) to combat illegal fences in communal areas of Namibia, using a case study from the Tsumkwe-West Communal Area. The CLR Act came into effect on 1 March 2003. The CLR Act seeks to prohibit the erection of new fences in communal areas without authorisation granted under this act. The CLR Act gives mandates and powers to Communal Land Boards (CLBs) and Traditional Authorities (TAs) to remove illegal fences in communal areas of Namibia. Notwithstanding the operationalisation of the CLR Act in March 2003, many illegal fences have not been removed yet and no perpetrator was ever arrested or fined under the CLR Act, while illegal fencing has continued unabated in many communal areas of Namibia. With this study, the researcher first wanted to understand what challenges impeded the successful implementation of the CLR Act to combat illegal fences in the Tsumkwe-West Communal Area. Secondly, the study aimed to help improve the implementation of the CLR Act in relation to combatting illegal fencing in the Tsumkwe-West Communal Area. The study had the following specific objectives: to analyse the literature on conditions and limitations to the implementation of policies and laws; to analyse the background policies to illegal fencing, the prescriptions of the CLR Act, and relevant operational and implementation documents; to assess whether there were clear implementation mandates and procedures and to identify possible gaps in the legislation; to determine constraints that impeded implementation of the CLR Act in practice through interviews conducted with senior councillors of the !Kung TA, officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR) and additional respondents, and a questionnaire completed by members of the Otjozondjupa CLB; and to offer recommendations for changes to the CLR Act and/or other recommendations to improve successful enforcement of the act. Data were collected using a questionnaire, interviews, observation and a literature review. All questions to participants were grouped under the 7-C protocol, which provides clusters of explanatory variables that might be useful for a better understanding of policy implementation success and failure. The qualitative content analysis method was used to analyse the collected data. From the information provided by the study participants, several challenges/constraints that hindered the successful implementation of the CLR Act to combat illegal fences in the Tsumkwe-West Communal Area were identified. Those challenges included inadequate resources and human capacity; lengthy, costly and cumbersome procedures to remove illegal fences; and political, legal and social aspects affecting the implementation of the CLR Act concerning illegal fences. In light of these challenges, the researcher recommends the following: Amend the content of the CLR Act; improve policy advocacy and dialogue with political leaders to ensure political will to successfully implement the CLR Act; monitor and evaluate the implementation of the Communal Land Reform Act; provide adequate resources to successfully implement the Communal Land Reform Act; ensure closer engagement with law enforcement agencies in the implementation of the CLR Act; intensify campaigns against illegal fencing in communal areas; and improve coordination between the stakeholders.
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    An analysis of the public procurement models applied by the South Africa’s National Health Laboratory Services
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2023-12) Shaku, Matlaweng Stanley; Rabie, Babette; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Leadership.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY: This research project focuses on the factors that influence the effective and efficient purchasing of goods, services, and assets by the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS). In three recent audit reports, NHLS procurement challenges were raised. This included instances of irregular expenditure, improper record keeping, a lack of internal controls and unspent funds. A literature review informs the identification of alternative procurement models, including a centralised control, a decentralised approach and a hybrid approach to ensuring effective, efficient and accountable procurement. The literature review is complemented by a review of the policy and legal environment that governs procurement in the public sector, and in the NHLS specifically. The empirical component of the study explores the current procurement model of the NHLS, as well as the relevance of alternative models within the legal framework. Deductive reasoning informed the development of a questionnaire to explore the relevance of the models in terms of effectiveness, cost and legal alignment. Data was collected from 22 workers of the NHLS in the categories of executive managers, financial managers/controllers, administrative (business) managers, and supply chain management/procurement staff, who are referred to as respondents in this document. Data was analysed using thematic and Excel descriptive analysis. The study finds that the centralised model of procurement provides the Head Office with more control and oversight of procurement. However, it leads to work overload for head office staff and underutilisation of capacity in the regions. A decentralised model limits the control of Head Office over procurement operations in the regions, but capacitates regional managers to manage their operations in a manner that is more aligned with the local context. A hybrid model that offers elements of both centralised and decentralised procurement offers great advantages, but may lead to the duplication of effort and processes. The study recommends that a hybrid model is the most suitable model to enable effective and efficient service delivery by the NHLS. Implementation of the model should ensure alignment with the policy and legal environment. Although the chosen model cannot be blamed in totality for the inefficiency and ineffectiveness of the procurement processes, there are several noticeable changes that need to be made. Poor service delivery is largely caused by an inadequate procurement procedure, lack of automated processes, and insufficient qualified human capacity. The study recommends that, to maximise the benefits of the procurement model, its structure, processes, policies and monitoring interventions should be in line with the organisation’s strategy. The limitations, processes and duties related to procurement should be stated clearly and documented accurately in the NHLS.
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    A comparative analysis of public financial management in Malawi and South Africa using the public expenditure and financial accountability assessment framework
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2023-12) Matala-Banda, Perekamoyo Tawulayi Kayira; Brand, Dirk; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Leadership.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY: Using the 2011 Public Expenditure Financial Accountability (PEFA) framework the study conducts a comparative analysis of the Public financial management of Malawi and South Africa. The study analyses and discusses data from PEFA reports of 2008, 2011, and 2018 for Malawi and reports from 2008 and 2014 for South Africa to make qualitative comparisons and assess performance trends. The comparative analysis reveals that South Africa's performance is much better than that of Malawi. The study highlights that weak public expenditure management practices and weak external audit, and scrutiny practices are some of the persistent shortfalls of the Malawian PFM system when measuring against the PEFA framework. Besides the obvious differences in socioeconomic factors, the study also reveals that coordination failures, capacity constraints, and political interference are some of the underlying dynamics affecting the quality of public financial management in both countries.
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    Investigating public participation in the IDP process of Overstrand Local Municipality to ensure proper participation at the community level
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2023-12) Mtholo, Ntombi; Isaacs, Deyana; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Leadership.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY: The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa clearly identifies the objectives of local government, one of which is to encourage community participation in affairs of local government (clause 152(1)). This objective compels local government to create platforms that are favourable to community participation in municipal matters. Community participation should intend to seek and provide the public/citizens with platforms that promote inclusive decision-making and allow citizens’ cooperation and support of municipal services and activities. This requires municipalities to seek deliberate and authentic efforts, as the participation process happens neither naturally nor overnight. This process also involves disadvantaged groups such as women, youths, urban and rural poor and disabled people in often complex, sometimes sophisticated, decision-making processes. Participation at community level should be viewed and implemented as an opportunity for citizens to actively participate in local affairs. Giving effect to the above, the community participation process should be established as a two-way dissemination and solicitation of information between municipalities and communities, and consequently, allow officials to access community inputs and aspirations on recognised platforms where community participation is placed at the forefront. The intention of the study was to investigate the current process and impact of community participation in Overstrand Municipality and to assess whether the existing strategies employed promote democratic participation. The study sought to determine best practices and identify gaps in the current status quo of community participation during the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) process at Overstrand Municipality. The study broadly aimed to identify a framework for successful participation at community level, understand the legislative framework for community participation at community level and assess community participation in the IDP process at Overstrand Municipality. A qualitative research approach was selected. The research focused on two groups of respondents to collect primary data. Firstly, purposive sampling was used to conduct semi-structured interviews with the relevant senior management. The interview questions were based on three themes. Secondly, quota sampling was used to distribute questionnaires to various Ward Committee members. One of the main findings was that overall, the Municipality has a good framework for community participation. The Municipality also has existing participatory structures that are formally recognised as well as promising platforms favourable to community participation. However, citizen input is hampered by complex documentation, and they require training or awareness for meaningful community participation in the IDP and budget. Innovative digital platforms accessible to communities should also be considered. A dedicated IDP unit is needed to facilitate the above processes. Taking the above into consideration, the recommendations focus on both short- and medium-term strategies. The current recognised platforms are a good point of departure to improve communication, training and awareness. In addition, the digital space can be used for better and faster dissemination of information and obtaining inputs from citizens. The accessibility of participatory platforms for all communities should receive attention, for instance through developing an auto-translation app to help translate and simplify documentation and information. All these efforts should be geared towards deepening the participatory process for improved IDP and budget inputs and outcomes.