Masters Degrees (School of Public Leadership)

Permanent URI for this collection

https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/694

Browse

Now showing 1 - 8 of 8

Assessing the maturity of financial management practices in the judicial inspectorate for correctional services
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2021-12) Lesch, Shanley William; Burger, A. P. Johan; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Leadership.
ENGLISH SUMMARY : Globally and in South Africa, there has been widespread debates on public financial management with a particular emphasis on financial accountability. These debates include the issue on how to improve the management of public funds and expenditure controls. The prescripts in the South African government provides a framework that requires the highest level of discipline of public finance management. Government departments see notable efforts in partnership with the National and Provincial Treasury, all of which encourage government institutions to secure a clean audit report. National Treasury assists government departments to improve financial management practices from a compliance level to a level that focuses on agility and continuous improvement. The Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services is the oversight body that oversees South Africa’s correctional system, mandated to inspect and report on the treatment of inmates. The Inspectorate delivers vital services to transform the correctional landscape in South Africa. The purpose of the study was to assess the appropriateness of financial management prescripts and to what extent the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services comply with these prescripts. The study assessed the maturity of financial management practices in the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services. In order to satisfy the objectives of this study, the normative imperatives are defined and the applicable legislation explored. Furthermore, the financial maturity assessment was based on the compliance criteria of the Financial Management Capability Maturity Model (FMCMM) of National Treasury through expert interviews. The findings indicate that the Inspectorate’s financial maturity is not at the “compliance” level in terms of the demarcated financial management practices. The compliance criteria was interrogated and discussed through an interpretation and analysis of the data. This study has practical significance and shed light on the challenges experienced in the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services. Based on the findings, this study concludes with recommendations relevant to the assessment and also with more general recommendations on the demarcated areas. The financial maturity level sets a path that the Inspectorate can follow in order to progressively develop more sophisticated financial management practices and assist in developing actions plans to address deficient aspects.
An assessment of informal sector income tax as a means of enhancing public value : Lessons from Kenya Revenue Authority
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2020-12) Were, Monica; Burger, A. P. Johan
ENGLISH SUMMARY : The vitality and growth of small to medium-size enterprises together with advancements of the Kenyan economy shows the need for government to respond appropriately in terms of revenue generation. The response should redistribute the tax burden to all stakeholders within the economy. This is because revenue or tax is used not only to fund education and health, which are key pillars for the promotion of public value in both the short and the long term, but also helps in supporting the growth of the local economy through development of infrastructure that supports the local business networks and cash transfers and subsidies which help induce supply and demand in local markets. Tax administration and policy should be among the biggest concerns for any economy looking to attaining public value for its citizens. Every country desires to have a tax administration instrument that is efficient in collecting taxes and a tax payer base that is fully compliant. This paper presents an analysis of imperatives and theories concerning the Informal sector with regard to revenue collection in Kenya. The aim is to determine the potential benefit of informal sector tax revenue collection by government for the public value of the citizens in Kenya and, in addition, to show the effect of informal sector income tax on public value if this is should be achieved by the Kenya Revenue Authority. The paper presents a comparative analysis of researched techniques to explore techniques that the government can use for collecting income tax from the informal sector in Kenya. It also highlights the current income tax system used by the Kenya Revenue Authority in the quest to collect income tax. It shall draw from secondary data findings and through analysis that Kenya needs to re-examine its tax administration and policy if it is going to make progress in increasing revenue generation from the informal sector as a tool to enhance public value. Tax compliance in the informal sector is an outcome of a cost-benefit decision. The choice of whether or not they pay taxes is thus driven by a simple-cost benefit analysis. Therefore, success of informal sector tax system is based on the efficiency of fiscal administration coupled with technological, economic, social and political incentives.
An assessment of the perceived effectiveness and efficiency of the school maintenance strategy in the Western Cape
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2021-12) Britz, Liezl Dawn; Burger, A. P. Johan; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Leadership.
ENGLISH SUMMARY : In recent years the condition of social infrastructure has been reported on various media platforms. The condition of social infrastructure in some sectors has reached a point where it compromises the health and safety of those using it. More so, it compromises the government’s service delivery programmes. There is great concern in the Western Cape about the condition of school infrastructure. The demand for new schools as a result of the annual growth of learner numbers has forced the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) to make invidious decisions that resulted in the neglect of the maintenance of school infrastructure in favour of providing new schools. The rate of submissions for emergency maintenance by schools is demonstrative of the fact that certain elements of school buildings have reached and surpassed their lifespan. Many of the older schools need replacement, but this cannot happen because of budget constraints. The purpose of this research is to assess the perceived effectiveness and efficiency of the WCED’s maintenance strategy. In doing so, a qualitative research approach was adopted. Various WCED documents containing information on infrastructure projects, viz. Annual Performance Plans (APP), Annual Reports (AR) and User-Asset Management Plans (U-AMPs) for the financial years 2013/14 till 2018/19 were analysed in an attempt to assess the WCED’s approach to ensuring the perceived effectiveness and efficiency of school maintenance. This research is qualitative in nature and a sample of five case studies have been assessed. The selected case studies represent the three categorises of maintenance, viz. scheduled, emergency and day-to-day maintenance. The critical role of School Governing Bodies (SGBs) in the maintenance of school facilities has also been identified as important factor. The assessment of maintenance projects at the five schools was done through well-planned structured interviews. Interviews were conducted with the management and members of the SGBs of the five schools. The structured interviews shed light on the implementation of scheduled maintenance projects at schools, where the following three variables were interrogated: cost, quality and time on each project. Structured interviews were also conducted with senior officials in the Departments of Education, Transport and Public Works (DTPW) and Provincial Treasury (PT). An assessment of the WCED’s U-AMPs, APPs, and ARs for the period 2014/15 till 2018/19 revealed that the department does not have a sufficient budget to properly manage all school Stellenbosch assets. The demand to accommodate learners outstrips the Department’s ability to maintain school buildings as required. The gap in maintaining school buildings has grown phenomenally over the last 5 to 7 years. The WCED’s desire to focus on lifecycle maintenance remains a dream because of its limited budget. The analysis of the formal documentation, coupled with the interpretation of the interviews indicated the need for more recent condition assessments of school buildings, consultation with the principals of schools regarding the scope of scheduled maintenance projects, empowerment to improve the capacity of SGBs to be better placed to contribute to the maintenance of schools, an assessment of the capacity of the implementing agent and contractors and for the WCED to find strategies for assisting SGBs with the maintenance of school buildings. In the attempt to make a significant dent in the maintenance backlog, the WCED must first attempt to obtain the most recent condition assessments of buildings. Having assessed all the relevant information, the Department needs to consider the following factors: improve condition assessments of all schools, analyse emergency maintenance cases to identify priority areas for scheduled maintenance and consider the appointment of an external evaluator to advise on the planning and delivery of school infrastructure.
Determining a sourcing approach to infrastructure asset maintenance : a case study in the City of Cape Town: assessing the insourcing and outsourcing approach
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2022-04) Meyer, Ronel; Burger, A. P. Johan; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Leadership.
ENGLISH SUMMARY: The purpose of this study is to determine a sourcing approach to infrastructure asset maintenance in the City of Cape Town. A favoured sourcing approach is largely influenced by the underlying aims surrounding insourcing or outsourcing. The sourcing approach is usually concerned with resource capacity, technical expertise, changes in infrastructure technology and response to risks in the asset maintenance environment. The sourcing decision for asset maintenance services considers factors such as increasing capacity, time saving, gaining technical expertise and mitigating exposure to risks, and can be based on an acceptable method of procuring services. This study explores key sourcing factors that influence the sourcing decision to insource or outsource asset maintenance services and suggests how theoretical perspectives influence sourcing decision-making that responds to risks to infrastructure in the City of Cape Town. The case study focuses on four asset maintenance branches in the City of Cape Town municipality. The asset maintenance unit’s maintenance portfolio and services enabled the researcher to explore similarities in operating environments and the strategic sourcing approach in the City of Cape Town municipality. The research sample observed is relatively small, and therefore primary data was collected through interviewing asset maintenance experts using questionnaires, as well as through a comprehensive literature review exploring qualitative data and the application of thematic analysis against the research findings. The study concluded that, if properly structured, the sourcing decision can effectively combine key factors such as business strategy, capacity, competency and contractual risks to inform the optimal sourcing approach. The study maintains that the sourcing approach is an integral part of the business strategy and departmental structure of the asset maintenance branches. From the results it is established that a structured sourcing approach will provide proper guidance for the decision to insource or outsource services. It was also found that an increasing reliance on outsourcing key maintenance services leads to increased exposure to uncertain events in the contract environment, which explains why the evaluation of risks during the sourcing decision is a critical process. This places emphasis on evaluating the best sourcing approach against the degree of risks in the procurement environment when entering into a sourcing relationship. The study contributes towards identifying gaps in knowledge in the area of decision making in the sourcing approach when maintaining and procuring services during asset maintenance in the City of Cape Town municipal environment. The study recommends that asset maintenance departments improve their sourcing approach and decision making and look to implement a more structured asset lifecycle management approach which integrates ISO 55001 into the asset maintenance sourcing approach throughout the asset lifecycle. Incorporating knowledge-based decision-making applications and business processes will provide a strategic and systematic approach to decision making against related risks in the lifecycle of any asset and can inform the relevant sourcing approach in a strategic framework.
The impact of urban renewal on the health status of the community of Evaton
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2011-03) Tlhabanelo, Malebo Philemon; Burger, A. P. Johan; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Leadership.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Urban renewal is fairly new in South Arica compared to North America where the concept was introduced around 1949. Some urban areas in South Africa lacked basic subsistence needs while others had deteriorated into slums. That prompted the present government to act against such living conditions and make environments conducive to its motto of “better life for all”. One such area was Evaton within Emfuleni Local Municipality in Gauteng. The semi-rural centennial settlement is one of the few that enjoys freehold land tenure in South Africa. Unfortunately, that contributed to its underdevelopment as the politics of land release before 1996 prevented any development by the regime. The situation led Evaton developing into a slum without basic needs such as proper infrastructure, proper sanitation, refuse removal system, adequate water supply and social amenities. The situation manifested itself in poor community health status. The health status of the community was also influenced by the prevailing socio-economic conditions such as unemployment and poverty. Communities depended on home farming and animal husbandry to support their households. Unemployment and poverty resulted in crimes of stock-theft, house robberies and muggings. Gangsterism became the lifestyle of hooligans which made life difficult for vulnerable community members. Moreover, environmental health conditions were appalling. Water was drawn from improperly covered wells. Pit latrines and ash dumps were used for sanitation thus causing fly-breeding and rodent habourage. Animals roamed about while backyards were overpopulated with shacks instead of decent housing. Fossil fuel fires used inside mud houses with poor ventilation caused carbon monoxide poisoning. Particulate matter from dusty streets polluted the air. Diseases spread easily due to dust, overcrowding, and poor ventilation and sanitation. Families could hardly afford proper medical care which was scarce, remote and expensive. The intended urban renewal project aimed to improve the living conditions in Evaton. Improved housing was provided where possible, sewerage reticulation system was widened, electricity was installed and some service roads were tarred. More clinics were built to provide better and free health services to the community. Modern shopping malls were built. Municipal health and other essential services were partly delivered. The prospects of improved health status were beaming. Unfortunately, the project was hampered by obstacles such as politics of resistance to land release by landlords, which retarded housing progress. Funding was problematic and allegedly misused. Housing, roads and sanitation remained poor. Air quality remained poor as fossil fuel continued to be used due to high electricity costs. Animals were still kept and unemployment rate remained high. Research findings revealed that suspicions regarding clandestine land release deals were abound. Residents blamed leaders for offering jobs to friends and associates. Provision of affordable housing was rather too slow and made tedious by squabbles over management issues. Local economic development crucial to job creation and poverty alleviation needed strengthening to encourage self-reliance. It would be recommended that the situation in Evaton be afforded urgent intervention by government, with the support of strong community participation, which is crucial for smooth implementation of processes meant to improve living conditions in Evaton. Regeneration, with its envisaged prospects, needed the co-operation of all stakeholders. All suspicions regarding projects and processes had to be overcome. It would be important to employ persons with appropriate expertise, preferably from the local community; to strengthen project management for positive outcomes that would impact on the health status of the community was important.
Management of the Socioeconomic Impacts of Immigration in South Africa - a Case Study of the City of Tshwane
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2019-12) Masolane, Lebohang Johannes; Burger, A. P. Johan; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Leadership.
ENGLISH SUMMARY : Migration is interwoven in the history of mankind. Indeed ours is a history of migration (Bohning, 1978:11). However the subject has recently been associated with resentment and violence, as citizens push back against the globalisation movement. Whilst immigration in particular, has become a subject of heated debates, the truth is, it is here to stay, given the increase in the “push” and “pull” factores. The world as we know it would be unimaginable without it. The history of South Africa’s development is steeped in immigration, with the country’s economy having being built on the backs of immigrants who worked on its mines following the discovery of gold deposits in Johannesburg (Modi, 2003:1759). Following the advent of democracy in 1994, however, immigration has come to be associated with violence, as citizens, frustrated with government’s failure to deliver the promised bright future, turn on the vulnerable immigrants. South Africa has benefitted immensely from immigrants, who contribute their skills in various areas from teaching to medicine (OECD/ILO, 2018:24). These benefits, however, are not so obvious to people whose lives have not changed for the better since the dawn of democracy. That South Africa has one of the highest number of immigrants in the world is undeniable, with statistics showing that it is one of the 15 countries with the highest number of immigrants in the world (Pison, 2019). The authorities have failed to implement measures to address the concerns of citizens, which range from the impact of immigration on areas such as service delivery, employment, increase in informal settlements, safety and security and social cohesion. The frustration of citizens are often expressed in violent attacks against vulnerable immigrants and looting and destruction of their properties. The City of Tshwane has seen several bouts of these attacks, with the authorities demonstrating ineptitude in addressing them. Lack of a demonstrable sustainable strategy to address the socioeconomic impacts of immigration, is threatening the stability and the economic viability of the country and the city. Implementation of policy measures is also frustrated by lack of reliable data on the number of immigrants in the country. Failure by the authorities to keep accurate data on immigration has also allowed the peddling of misinformation, which in turn feeds misperception, stereotyping and resentment. Government’s kneejerk reaction has led to scapegoating of immigrants and a failure to take advantage of the obvious benefits of immigration. Whilst formulation of immigration policy is a responsibility of national government, local government authorities cannot use this as an excuse to escape the responsibility of managing the impacts of increased immigration. Evidence shows that the City of Tshwane does not have a sustainable plan to prevent outbreaks of xenophobic violence against immigrants and to foster integration and social cohesion between citizens and immigrants (Landau & Segatti, 2011:86). Measures to manage the impacts of immigration should include changes to the country’s immigration policy, documentation and regularisation of illegal immigrants, regulation of businesses of immigrants in the townships and development of a programme to assist with the integration and settlement of immigrants in the townships to improve integration and social cohesion.
Mitigation of financial losses from small-scale embedded electricity generation in Drakenstein Municipality
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2021-12) Keketsi, Nthabiseng Grace; Burger, A. P. Johan; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Leadership.
ENGLISH SUMMARY : South Africa has seen an increase in interest in alternative clean energy in recent years from higher-end electricity consumers, mainly due to environmental concerns, the load capacity of the country’s electricity generator and also the decreasing cost of alternative electricity especially rooftop photovoltaic systems. Drakenstein Municipality implemented a mixed generation tariff in the 2015/2016 financial year that gave consumers the choice and opportunity to generate their own electricity and feed it into the municipal electricity grid for a consumption credit. This study attempts to find an alternative tariff structure to lessen the potential financial losses associated with the rapid uptake of Small-Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG) through roof Photovoltaic (PV) systems in Drakenstein Municipality. The objective of the study is to determine: (1) the basis of the current mixed distribution tariff structure of the municipality, (2) determine the level of cross-subsidisation of lifeline electricity consumers and (3) ultimately devise and propose an alternative tariff structure that will lessen financial losses for the municipality. However, in order to fully understand the phenomenon of mixed electricity distribution, the relevant literature and legislation related to the topic will be explored as the non- empirical component of the study. The secondary data sets of the municipality that is related to electricity purchases and sales were analysed to determine the core drivers and assumptions of the current electricity mixed distribution tariff of the municipality. The results of the analysed data were supplemented with interviews with relevant experts within Drakenstein municipality to enable the proper interpretation of analysed data. The results that were obtained from the analysed data were interpreted and used to determine if the municipality’s tariffs are able to mitigate the future possibilities of revenue losses. The conclusion made is that the municipality has with their tariff changes in the 2019/2020 financial year decreased the future financial losses that could have resulted from the introduction of Small-Scale Embedded Electricity Generation (SSEG).
The significance of supply chain management with regard to the attainment of value and strategic objectives for municipalities within South Africa : a case study
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2014-04) Bent, Reginald Anthony; Burger, A. P. Johan; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Leadership.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Supply chain management (SCM) in the public sector in general, as well as the municipal sphere in particular, has received increasing prominence over past few years. Although the focus is mainly due to the impact of fraud and corruption in public sector procurement, this author is of the opinion that SCM can also create value and aid in the attainment of strategic objectives. The study revealed that supply chain management is described as a process in literature, whilst it is described as a system by government. Of significance to this, is that both literature and government view SCM as a means to add value. The study also revealed that in order for SCM to add value and to contribute to the attainment of strategic objectives, it is important that SCM forms part of the performance management (PM) system of an organisation. Performance measurement tools, such as the balanced scorecard, benchmarking, improvement and other measurement tools, were introduced as tried and trusted methods for measuring SCM performance. The study was embarked upon because the author was of the opinion that municipalities in South Africa only implement SCM because it is required by legislation. Thus, this theory was tested at Hessequa Municipality and it was found that the current emphasis was on compliance at Hessequa Municipality. This was done by means of studying documentary evidence and through interviews conducted with various internal and external stakeholders either directly or indirectly affected by the SCM processes of Hessequa Municipality. The study tested Hessequa Municipality’s readiness to progress towards performance management and measurement by using the financial capability model for SCM as utilised by the Western Cape Government to ascertain the level of SCM implementation at municipalities. It was found that Hessequa Municipality meets almost all the compliance and control requirements, with only two areas that require slight attention before full compliance is achieved. Through the interviews conducted, the study also tested Hessequa Municipality’s willingness to progress to the next level and found that there was indeed a willingness to progress towards managing and measuring SCM activities. In conclusion, the study recommended that Hessequa Municipality uses a phased-in approach when it sets processes in place to progress towards performance managing SCM. That when developing performance indicators for SCM, it be aligned to the performance management system and targets of the municipality. It also recommended that a combination of the tried and trusted methods be used to measure SCM performance. Finally, it recommended that the municipality eradicates the silo approach to doing business and adopts a more integrated approach by firstly integrating its internal processes before embarking upon integrating the actions of all the agents within the supply chain.

Browse

Browsing Masters Degrees (School of Public Leadership) by browse.metadata.advisor "Burger, A. P. Johan"

Results Per Page

Sort Options