Masters Degrees (School of Public Leadership)

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An analysis of the co-operation between the Office of the Auditor-General and provincial departments in the promotion of effective public accountability in the Northern Province
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 1999-12) Nevhutalu, Muvhango Lawrence; Burger, A. P. J.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of School of Public Leadership.
ENGLISH SUMMARY:The study project, conducted in the Northern Province, analysed the existing relationship between the Office of the Auditor-General and provincial departments to find out if it is conducive to the promotion of effective public accountability in the Province. The research was based on the understanding that there was no co-operation between these two public institutions, which is detrimental to good governance. The hypothesis of the research is that internal factors between provincial departments and the Office of the Auditor-General prevent co-operation towards public accountability in the Province. Internal factors prevent co-operation, and this lack of co-operation causes unaccountability. The reasons underlying non-cooperation between these two public institutions had to be investigated through a set of research questionnaires. The literature review gives a clear picture of the importance of co-operation between the provincial departments and the Office of the Auditor-General. These two public institutions are just two sides of the same coin and should work together in promoting efficiency and accountability in the public service. One side of the coin is not better than the other, thus without co-operation there cannot be harmony in the Province. It came out from the research that most public officials lack training and commitment. The research therefore suggests that proper training for public officials in public financial matters be conducted and also that the mindsets of most of them be changed through proper motivation and education. Commitment should flow from the Director-General to the various heads of departments and down to the functional staff. Senior officials should try to take a leading role in promoting and showing commitment at all times so that the junior staff members should follow accordingly. Once public officials and government auditors come to know that they are all working towards one purpose, but only from different angles, there will be co-operation and then the taxpayers will be comfortable that their taxes are well utilised and accounted for.
An analysis of the role of labour relations practitioners as change agents : a case study on the Department of Defence
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2009-12) Qwele, Gcobani; Burger, A. P. J.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Management and Planning.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Chapter 1 outlines the purpose of the research, provides the background on the way in which LR matters are currently managed and handled in the Department of Defence (DOD), identifies the research problem, and outlines the research design and methodology. Chapter 2 explores the theoretical framework of the principles of labour relations and management of change. The chapter reveals that the principles of labour relations hold persons in management or supervisory positions responsible for managing LR matters, and suggests that LR practitioners should therefore be able to equip them with adequate skills and knowledge of the procedures for dealing with LR matters in the workplace. The chapter also reveals that the principles of the management of change suggest that the employees should be prepared for change; that a change agent, who should create an environment conducive to change through lobbying the support of persons in management and employees for the proposed change, should be identified; and that resistance to change should be identified at an early stage of the change process in order to eliminate it. Change agents are encouraged not to dominate the change process, but rather to facilitate it in order to ensure that the organisation and its employees drive the change process themselves. Chapter 3 explores the objectives of the LR support function as well as the content of LR practices in order to determine the extent to which LR practitioners can become change agents in the DOD. The chapter reveals that LR at grassroots level is practiced in the way that has resulted to conflicts and costly litigations. In this chapter the regulatory framework and procedures that impede LR practitioners from becoming change agents are also analysed. Chapter 4 covers the data collection process and the analysis thereof. The data reveals that the LR structure at grassroots level is not conducive for the professional delivery of enhanced LR services; that the target group does not have access to adequate resources that would enable them to execute their functions; and that empowerment programmes are implemented to equip the target group with adequate qualifications, skills and or knowledge to be able to render enhanced LR services. The main findings were that guidance is lacking to ensure that LR systems, structures and processes at grassroots level are in place, to ensure that LR matters are managed and handled in a fair and responsible way; to ensure that LR staff with adequate competences to render LR services is appointed; and to ensure that the LR department is active enough and lead the execution of enhanced LR services. In Chapter 5 the main findings are analysed and it is concluded that LR practitioners are unable to become change agents if LR systems, structures and processes are not in place. It is encouraged that LR practitioners should form a cohesive but diverse team that is able to render enhanced LR services, and that the LR department should take a leading role. It is recommended that a study be conducted to determine overarching LR strategy that would guide the establishment of LR systems, the determination of LR structure and processes for dealing with LR matters, and the empowerment programmes for ensuring the professional delivery of enhanced LR services.
An appropriate financial management and budgeting system to support transition in South Africa
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2000-03) Mdlazi, David Thembalikayise Francis; Burger, A. P. J.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Leadership.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The study is devoted to the determination of an appropriate financial management and budgeting system to support a transforming South Africa. Given the challenges and opportunities presented by the new political dispensation, both locally and abroad, the evolution of financial management and budgeting systems is analysed. Specifically, elements of each budgetary system that stood the test of time to the present, are studied. International case studies of countries that have undergone (or are undergoing) the transformation process successfully, or otherwise, are fully discussed to serve as invaluable lessons and experience for South Africa on its quest for a smooth and swift transformation, to prevent it from ending up as just another unsuccessful transformation. This then serves as a broad foundation for an appropriate financial management and budgeting system which is proactive in the transformation process. South Africa will not reinvent the wheel. Unlike other countries that waited for transformation problems to fall upon them, the South African financial management and budgeting system manipulates the financial management policies. It achieves this by broadly defining the objectives to be achieved through prioritisation and reprioritisation, formulate clear strategies for shortterm, medium-term and long-term plans, goals, processes, functions and activities. It applies all the positive elements of input-orientated systems, activity/ performance measuring systems, objective/goal-orientated system, medium term expenditure framework and multi-year budgets studied and drawn from lessons and experience of other countries. South Africa's appropriate financial management and budgeting system is a broad crosswalk model vacillating between all systems from a broad definition of objectives, goals, processes and activities ending up with a strong financial management tool.
Assessing good governance in procurement at the Lejweleputswa District Municipality
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2009-03) Stemele, Bulumko Mollman; Burger, A. P. J.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Management and Planning.
The thesis evaluates the extent to which good governance has influenced the procurement process at the Lejweleputswa District Municipality. Under good governance, the manner in which goods are procured or disposed of, is supposed to be unproblematic and conducted with the highest integrity, taking into account both the costs involved in the process and the benefits of the delivery of the services. Good governance should act as a “decontaminator or antiseptic in a germ infested area” (Cloete 2006:6–19). To extend the analogy further, this process of disinfecting the wound definitely requires some form of expertise and knowledge, as well as the participation of different role players, such as doctors and nurses; in addition, certain utensils to clean and cover the wound would be needed. In the same way, the procurement process needs experts to handle and enforce correct procedure. The values of good governance alone are meaningless unless there are people who are willing and have the capacity to manage the required processes and procedures. In South Africa, a new procurement process was adopted in the public sector in 1994. To date it has been interpreted and implemented in favour of historically disadvantaged individuals, like black people, women and disabled people through a legislative framework, the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act, 2000 (RSA, Act 5 of 2000) and the Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Act, 2003 (RSA, Act 53 of 2003). It is crucial to point out, however, that the definitions given by these laws about black people differ or contradict each other. Challenges like this have turned the procurement process upside down. In an effort to attain uniformity in the procurement process in the local sphere of government, both National and Provincial Treasury Departments have instituted legislation and guidelines to steer the process. Despite all these efforts, municipalities are still associated with allegations of corruption and nepotism when awarding tenders to service providers. The Lejweleputswa District Municipality has not been spared from such accusations, as shown by the spate of riots that occurred in the Free State (Mail and Guardian 2007:6–12). This research has therefore been undertaken with the general objective of determining whether the values of good governance have managed to sustain a good procurement process in the municipality or whether the values are being ignored leading to procurement processes which do not fulfil the aims of the legislation and guidelines and remain open to allegations of corruption and maladministration. The specific objectives for the research were to investigate good governance in procurement in the municipality context and to make recommendations, if appropriate, on how to promote good governance in municipal procurement.
Assessing prospects for adequate service delivery in a rural South African municipality : a case stuy of Engcobo Municipality
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2003-12) Luwaga, Lydia; Burger, A. P. J.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Leadership.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This research analyses traditional public sector delivery impediments and the resultant reforms which have emanated from these impediments, how the reforms have been implemented in the developed and developing countries and the challenges facing rural local government structures, which must implement alternative service delivery mechanisms at the grassroots level in South Africa. The research further explores external and internal issues affecting public service delivery in general, and then concludes by exploring the local government and rural development realities in South Africa. The developmental divide between developed and developing countries is increasing for various reasons, among them, the public management reforms that have enhanced performance in developed countries, but cannot do the same in developing countries due to the overwhelming constraints. Developing countries experience constraints which include vague definitions of what performance entails in a developing context, unresponsive organisational cultures, unclear performance indicators, a resilient ethos of governance, unfavourable organisational factors, incorrect use of resources and unsuccessful policy initiatives. A literature review has shown that ideological contradictions, lack of a common vision and policy process constraints are also hampering South African public sector service delivery processes. Although local government legislation and reforms have freed municipalities from many impediments to improve delivery, the huge service backlog, infrastructure neglect, lack of integration with other spheres of government, lack of capacity, the impact of HIV/AIDS and the culture of non-payment are still eroding that ability, especially in rural areas. In addition, rural areas have even greater levels of underdevelopment, poverty and service backlogs and consequently municipal structures in deep rural areas carry less legitimacy. The ethnographic research chapter focuses on a rural municipality in South Africa, Engcobo, and on how effectively it will be able to deliver the required municipal services in the absence of resources and amid a culture of non-payment for services, a huge unemployment rate and escalating HIV/AIDS in the area. Local economic development will be hard to realise because the municipality faces the constraints of finance, the prevalence of HIV/AIDS, lack of institutional skills and inadequate infrastructure to foster and drive developmental local government. The premise, that such a municipality cannot deliver the expanded local government designated services while it faces the above internal constraints and external ones that emanate from the traditional public sector context, the global economic set up and the South Africa national government constraints, is qualified in this research. Amid the magnitude of the service backlogs, delivering the basic services in Engcobo Municipality will require sustainable funds and skills currently lacking. Engcobo Municipality does not have the required capacity to deliver the designated services for local government and neither will this capacity be built up in the short term. A number of recommendations for improving on the prospects are nevertheless made. These recommendations focus on institutional development and capacity building, improving financial viability, harnessing profit in service delivery, public participation, partnership arrangements, dealing with HIV/AIDS, infrastructure development as well as waste and environmental management.
Assessing the procurement practices of Victoria Hospital
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2015-03) Nelukalo, Yvonne; Burger, A. P. J.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Leadership.
ENGLISH SUMMARY : South Africa faces challenges of poor service delivery in all facets of government. Corruption in supply chain management (SCM) is one of these that are faced by government in public institutions. Procurement is a critical section of SCM, with procurement practices being adopted in 2003 to ensure that service is fair, equitable, transparent and competitive, and to ensure value for money. The Public Financial Management Act (No. 1 of 1999) guides institutions when utilising public funds. Government’s current aim is to reduce fruitless and irregular expenditure. In 1995 government established procurement reforms with an aim to promote principles of good governance and to address past socio-economic challenges. Best practices for procurement were adopted to address past inequitable policies and practices. Procurement reforms were introduced and supported by a number of legislation, including the adoption of the PFMA and Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (No. 5 of 2000) (PPPFA). The procurement reforms were given an additional push by the implementation of the accounting officer’s system for supply chain delegation (AOS). This study only focuses on the procurement section and the critical role that it plays in service delivery. The research focuses on the assessment of procurement practices at Victoria Hospital to ensure best practices and improve service delivery. Through this, Victoria Hospital is revealed to be utilising an effective procurement system. During the course of this research, a theoretical review is conducted to describe procurement best practices and to gain insight into the system utilised by a developed country in this public procurement. An interview system is also used to gain information on the procurement practices used at Victoria Hospital. This study reveals that this hospital previously had issues of compliance due to poor management systems. The study also highlights that a new administration was appointed in April 2013, after which SCM developed further in terms of compliance. Since the appointment of the new administration, there has been an improvement in procurement practices.This study also ultimately highlights the challenge of achieving value for money in terms of procurement practices. The research reveals that procurement practices are not always successful due to the electronic procurement systems used to promote good governance. The system used to source the quotation takes a long time and affects service to the patient. The researcher recommends that the integrated procurement system (IPS) that is used to promote best practices in procurement should be designed to meet value for money. The procurement system should support this through proper financial planning. It is also recommended that internal procurement control be strengthened to promote accountability and reporting, as strong procurement systems will ensure commitment to economic growth. The Department of Health should consider centralising procurement tenders; this will promote good governance and prevent the possibility of bias and unfairness.
Assessing the use of GIS in the poverty alleviation strategy of the West Coast District Municipality
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2007-03) Fouche, Ilse; Burger, A. P. J.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Management and Planning.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Poverty is a complex issue and has many causes which are wide-ranging with devastating effects. In order for these effects of poverty to be minimilised and contained, a poverty alleviation strategy has to be implemented in an effective and efficient manner. In order for a poverty alleviation strategy to be effective for the main stakeholders in the decision-making process the various components of poverty have to be fully comprehended. The extent of poverty needs to be determined by employing poverty measurement techniques which will enable the decision-maker to use a (GIS) to store the poverty data. This Geographical Information System (GIS) enables the decision-makers to capture, manage, store and analyse the poverty data. The GIS can be used to map poverty data and allow a visual display of the poverty data to indicate where the greatest needs are and to allow that the relevant stakeholders and policy makers focus scarce resources and efforts to these areas. Therefore poverty mapping can greatly assist government with the implementation process of the policy process specifically in the West Coast region, where a Poverty Alleviation Strategy is currently being implemented. This implementation plan of the West Coast Poverty Alleviation Strategy can be much more effective if used in conjunction with a GIS for poverty mapping. Therefore decision-makers in the West Coast District Municipality will be provided with an opportunity to utilise the poverty data in a more effective manner which will improve their decision-making process thorough the assistance of a decision-support tool such as the visual display of poverty in the West Coast region.
An assessment of financial and supply chain management outcomes in Western Cape public hospitals
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2005-03) Lewis, Hendrik Archie; Burger, A. P. J.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Management and Planning.
South Africa, as a young and emerging democracy, faces many challenges regarding the transformation of the socio-economic landscape of the South African society. The provision of better health care services and the overall development and empowerment of society are some of the many challenges government has to resolve. This research focuses specifically on service delivery in public hospitals with special emphasis on: 􀂙 An assessment of financial management outcomes within the context of the implementation of the Public Finance Management Act (Act 1 of 1999, as amended) [PFMA] in public hospitals; and 􀂙 An assessment of supply chain management (SCM) outcomes in relation to the achievement of empowerment and equity of disadvantaged communities within the context of Black Economic Empowerment (BEE). The PFMA is the result of financial reform in South Africa. The PFMA emphasises effective, efficient, economic and transparent use of public funds. This research assessed the financial management at the Head Office of the Western Cape Health Department, as well as at Karl Bremer, Lentegeur and Swellendam Hospitals for the financial years 1998/99 to 2002/03. The Western Cape Tender Board ceased to exist in December 2003. The procurement and provisioning processes have now been decentralised to the various departments with effect 1 January 2004 and have become the responsibility of supply chain units within departments. BEE and the preferential procurement policy are government initiatives that had to be executed on SCM as platform. The three hospitals were also used to assess progress on the implementation of SCM, as well as the realisation of BEE objectives. Annual Reports, Audit Reports and Strategic Planning documentation were used to extract the relevant information necessary for the research. Interviews with nineteen (19) officials were conducted. Good progress has been made with the implementation of the PFMA. All those officials that were interviewed displayed sensitivity for the responsible management of public funds. A lack of internal control measures was identified in almost all audit reports. The absence of a risk management plan and a functional internal audit unit is hampering the realisation of the objectives of the PFMA. With health care service delivery and black economic empowerment being topical issues in SA, this research endeavours to make recommendations that could assist the Western Cape government with the realisation of the intended objectives of better health care services delivery by public hospitals, transformation of the economy, equity and empowerment of the disadvantaged through SCM processes and eventually to secure “a better life for all”.
A communication framework for public participation in municipal development initiatives
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2004-03) Mouton, Lorette; Burger, A. P. J.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Managent Sciences. School of Public Leadership.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: It is a reality that public participation processes in local government do not yield the outcomes that reveal a fully optimised process. Communication is the lifeblood of any development initiative (Swanepoel & De Beer, 1996:1) and is one way of breaking the isolation of people. By having the ability to communicate (i.e. to reach and to be reached) people can truly have a say in matters shaping their current and future reality. The objectives of this thesis were to explore the communication short falls hindering effective participation in local government, and also to provide a practical implementation framework aimed at guiding municipalities in communication with the view to enhance public participation. This was accomplished by way of a literature study and an analysis of the West Coast District (WCD) Communication and Participation Project (2003). In Chapter 1 the thesis topic was introduced and the background to the thesis, the research problem, the design and methodology, as well as the outline of the chapters was explained. In Chapter 2 the key concepts of this thesis were discussed and included sustainable. development, public participation and communication. This selection of concepts is justified by the argument that communication supports public participation, which will in turn promote sustainable development. A description of the WCD Project (2003) findings was provided in Chapter 3, which was followed by an analyses and interpretation of the WCD Project findings in Chapter 4. During the analyses a number of observations were made. Firstly, there is a distinct relationship between communication, public participation and sustainable development. Communication facilitates information sharing which supports informed decision-making during public participation. The latter in turn is vital in establishing sustainable development. Secondly, there should be distinguished between community communication and corporate communication. Dealing with the local community requires a unique approach to communication, which varies from the communication approach followed by the internal administration of the municipality. Thirdly, local communities should be consulted to identify and communicate their unique communication needs, issues and perspectives as they have unique knowledge of their own local challenges. These inputs from the community cause for powerful communication content and messages key to successful participation and to sustainable development. Fourthly, that the perceptions as expressed by community members, embody their unique and specific communication needs. By converting and translating community perceptions into community needs. positive motivation for public participation could be created. Based on the findings of the analyses and interpretation of the WCD Project findings, a communication framework aimed at enhancing participation was developed in Chapter 5. The framework focussed on guiding the implementation of communication and participation when embarking on development initiatives.
Customs administration reform and modernisation in Eritrea
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2003-12) Measho, Dawit Mehreteab; Burger, A. P. J.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Leadership.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis offers a descriptive study of the empirical customs issues that are required to reform the Eritrean Customs Administration towards its alignment to the global situation. The first chapter as a general introduction encompasses the background, the research premise and the methodology adopted. The second chapter discusses public service reform by putting emphasis on institutional and regulatory reform as framework of analysis. The intention is to review the generic characteristics of public service reform as macro-environment of customs administration in order to analyze the attributes of the general context shared by customs as a public service. Considering customs as a component of the broader environment of public service, the third chapter of the thesis focuses on the contemporary body of knowledge of customs administration that serves as a conceptual framework and micro-analysis of customs. In this section, the core issues and priorities of customs' service modernisation are highlighted; customs' best practices, standards and procedures as seen from the perspective ofthe new challenges of globalisation are also reviewed. From these reviews chapter three underlies two basic facts. First it is justified that raising customs' operation to a uniform, high standard procedure and achieving excellence in the customs service is a prerequisite for trade and tourism in general and promoting export in particular. Second, investment decisions will be made on the basis of a country's ability to provide an environment that is conducive to maintain a reliable, low-cost flow of goods and components with minimal trade barriers. Furthermore, the international trade, social and economic environments are in fact changing. World economies and communities are becoming more reliant on cooperation, partnerships, understanding and harmonisation. Factors such as growth in trade volume and tourism, trade liberalisation and investment, falling transport and communications costs and increasing international competition are driving customs administrations world-wide to change their traditional procedures. More importantly, customs administrations are expected to manage ever-increasing complexities and levels of transactions with static or ever-decreasing resources. Similarly, customs are requested to strike and maintain the right balance between control and facilitation. Hence, this thesis builds on the premise that Eritrea should align its customs administration to the global situation as an essential institution of national and international policy by reforming and modernising its management methods and operational procedures. In the above idea, while reform measures in customs administration are aimed at identifying alternative ways and means of achieving greater efficiency and effectiveness in the service delivery, customs modernisation implies the change in or adoption of best management practices, standards and procedures facilitated by up-to-date information technology, in order to bring the fun benefits of customs as contributor to economic growth in Eritrea. This positive correlation between effective customs administration and the economic growth ensured - inter alia through increased volume of trade and tourist flows as wen as direct foreign investment - constitutes the bases for reviewing the Eritrean economic background in the fourth chapter, as a macro-context and as a guide for the required reform and modernisation measures in Eritrean customs. The rationale is that any national public sector reform strategy is unlikely to succeed unless it actively takes into account the macro-environment as determinant factor and point of departure in deciding the type of policies, institutions, and resources required for a reform at micro-level. As a result it can be said that the state reforms that have already been carried out in Eritrea are designed to create a favourable atmosphere, among others for the three core potentials for economic growth in Eritrea, namely investment, export and tourism. However, these potentials collectively request customs modernisation for their positive contribution to the Eritrean economy. Subsequently, the aforementioned background brings into perspective the need for reform and modernisation measures in the face of the challenges of globalisation and in line to the intent of the macro-policy reforms and identified potentials of the Eritrean economy. Therefore, the thesis analyzes in the fifth chapter the customs practice in Eritrea. And thereafter, it is concluded by the two underpinning parameters as essentials for transforming the practice of customs in Eritrea. First, institutional transformation is required in the sense that one of the critical capabilities that have lacked is the ability to formulate and analyse policies. Typically this implies that customs has been lacking institutions and their infrastructure along with the human resource base that reflects the specialisation that is needed. Second, regulatory transformation is required in the sense that there should be an updated enabling environment in place as an instrument to implement policies.
The development of a risk management model supporting corporate governance in the City of Cape Town
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2004-04) Williams, Peter D.; Burger, A. P. J.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Management and Planning.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Good governance, improved service delivery and sound fiscal rnanagernent are sorne of the key initiatives of the National Government to create a better life for all South Africans as stated in the preamble of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa,1996 (Act 108 of 1996). Municipalities, in particular, have a specific reference framework in this regard. In each of these initiatives there is a certain amount of inherent risks which may hamper the Government's overall service delivery programmes. In terms of the Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003 (Act 56 of 2003) for Local Government, councillors and municipal managers are, inter alia, responsible to ensure good corporate governance, ensure effective, efficient and transparent systems of financial - and risk management, internal control as well as the managing and safeguarding of assets and to ensure sustainable service delivery to communities. Rendering services of a high standard, economically and utilising resources efficiently remains a challenge for South Africa as a whole and in particular for local government. The absence of a corporate mechanism or model for the City of Cape Town makes it difficult to ensure that risks are addressed in an integrated manner. The development of a risk management model supporting corporate governance for the City of Cape Town will endeavour to reduce and/or minimise its risks. The question that arises and which this research study seeks to provide an answer to is "How can the City of Cape Town deal with risks relating to corporate governance in order to fulfil its constitutional and legislative obligations to its community in a sustainable manner?" The findings of applicable risk management models and/or approaches implemented at organisations representing semi-private and private sectors were analysed for consideration during the development of a proposed risk management model for the City of Cape Town. Legislative requirements and specific developments on risk management in the public sector have been researched in an attempt to determine what local government is expected to do in addressing their risks. When addressing the issue of corporate governance, Chief Executive Officers should reassess their organisations' corporate culture and set the "tone from the top". In the City of Cape Town's case the City Manager has a critical role in balancing the need to address competitive forces and the need to consistently do the right things. Top Management should constantly evaluate the completeness and appropriateness of corporate governance policies and practices as well as critical processes, internal controls and other risk management practices. Furthermore, the quality and competence of all staff need to be examined to determine if they understand government's challenges with regard to corporate governance. The development of a risk management model for the City of Cape Town will enable the organisation to pro-actively address its risks in this regard to fulfil its constitutional and applicable legislative requirements.
Economic empowerment of housing beneficiaries
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2002-12) Adams, Junay; Burger, A. P. J.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Faculty of Economic & Management Sciences. School of Public Leadership.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: A premise of this thesis is that too much emphasis is still placed on dealing with the crisis of housing provision, rather than planning for housing development in South Africa. Little consideration is given to the economic improvement of the housing beneficiaries. The following research question was posed: What can and should be done in order for housing beneficiaries to become economically empowered? Government has the obligation to enhance and maintain the personal social welfare of its inhabitants. Housing is part of a package of social welfare services that includes physical health as well as the incorporeal element within a human being. Housing is also a process of how people came to be housed, starting at the moment when they first apply for a house. Economic empowerment should be linked to the four dimensions of development, i.e. equity, capacity-building, participation, self-reliance. Equity leads to economic empowerment by providing equal access to economic opportunities. capacity-building has aspects of developing skills, providing access to, and establishing supportive structures for economic empowerment. Participation is concerned with achieving power to influence decisions. Finally, self-reliance is linked to economic empowerment because it refers to the ability of people to produce most of its basic needs as well as producing surpluses with which to trade for those commodities and services which it does not produce efficiently itself (Burkey, 1993:51). Economic empowerment of housing beneficiaries implies a micro, individual level focus of economic development. According to Gildenhuys (1993:26) economic welfare refers to the development of the economic and material welfare and prosperity of the individual. Apart from a micro focus, a multi-objective focus is required for sustainability. According to Dalal-Clayton and Bass (2000:12), sustainable development entails balancing economic, social and environmental objectives. Finally, there are two dimensions to economic empowerment, namely, empowerment of the housing beneficiaries, as well as empowerment of development facilitators. Evidence of shortcomings of development projects relating to economic empowerment was provided in this thesis by means of applying the findings of an empirical research project in Wesbank to economic empowerment. The research explored the management processes that were implemented that eventually resulted in outcomes not being desirable. It was explained that the initial "scattering" of opportunities to emerging contractors was not part of a concerted approach for the primary beneficiaries to become economically empowered. This housing development project did not only fail to ensure economic empowerment, but also denied the housing beneficiaries what little economic activity they were involved in prior to the move. The Wesbank evidence was also linked to the views and findings of various authoritative sources that confirmed that government development projects in general, have an unfortunate track record when it comes to economic empowerment of so-called beneficiaries. Two case studies from the United States were used to illustrate that integrated development provides the context for the economic empowerment of housing beneficiaries. Four economic development foci then provided the framework within which solutions were formulated: residential dispersal and mobility, enhancing the capacity of housing beneficiaries, investing in economic empowerment of women, and changing the mindset of the developers. This framework embodies the how of economic empowerment of housing beneficiaries.
Evaluating local economic development in the City of Cape Town
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2006-12) Isaacs, Deyana Nicolene; Burger, A. P. J.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Management and Planning.
Great pressure is placed on national government to initiate a way of achieving greater economic growth as well as alleviating poverty. A mandate has therefore been given to local government to play a fundamental role in achieving this. Local Economic Development (LED), a relatively new approach to development, is currently seen as a prominent strategy to tackle the problem of unemployment and poverty in South Africa and provide a bottom-up approach to economic development. It forms part of the economic and social development mandate given by national government to local authorities. However, although policies are in place, LED strategies have produced very few success stories for various reasons, such as the lack of capacity within municipalities as well as resource constraints. It is also alleged that LED is incorrectly interpreted and therefore also incorrectly implemented. Because of the presumed effects of LED in terms of economic growth and social upliftment, pressure is placed on municipalities to get appropriate strategies into place as soon as possible. A literature review is presented which covers the theory of LED by looking at the global perspectives of the concept and nature of LED, the history and concept of LED, the different LED approaches and strategies, and key actors within LED. LED is then evaluated within the context of development in order to establish a link between LED and poverty alleviation. LED is also evaluated within the South African context, specifically with regards to the policy context, the historical approach and the challenges to LED implementation in South Africa. An investigation into the background of the City of Cape Town served as the point of departure to evaluate LED implementation. The issue of regional planning for LED integration between urban and rural areas is also discussed. The challenges to economic and social improvement in the City of Cape Town are also highlighted and the current draft Strategy for Economic and Human Development in the City of Cape Town was evaluated. This was done to investigate the LED approach and specific interventions of the City of Cape Town Municipality in terms of the Comprehensive Approach Model, a model formulated in the thesis. This was done to establish whether it is likely to succeed or not, and therefore the thesis specifically explored the priorities and the fundamentals outlined by the Strategy. Thereafter its possible implementation was assessed according to the organisational structure and how it affects the operationalisation of the Strategy in terms of planning, the process itself, and the monitoring and evaluation of the process. Finally, the challenges to the Strategy were discussed and recommendations were made. From the literature review it is clear that LED should lead to much more than merely economic improvement; this insight reinforces the socio-economic role of LED development intervention strategies. What is also evident in terms of LED in developing countries is that the approach has to establish a strategy which deliberately focuses on pro-poor LED implementation. It is often the way that the process is executed that brings the social focus of LED into perspective.
Evaluation of financial management practices in the Department of Correctional Services
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2011-03) Mathiba, Luckyboy Samuel; Burger, A. P. J.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Leadership.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The objective of this study is the evaluation of financial management practices in the Department of Correctional Services (DCS). For the purpose of the study, "financial management practices‟ are defined and demarcated as the practices performed by the accounting officer, chief financial officer and other managers in the areas of budgeting, supply chain management, movable asset management and control. Recurrence of similar internal audit and inspection findings, as well as the continuous poor audit reports that the department had been receiving annually, led the office of the National Commissioner to request all branches and Regional Commissioners to compile action plans aimed at addressing non-compliance. In order to fulfil the study objective, the normative requirements for the identified financial management practices are first defined in terms of financial management theory, policy and legislation. The accounting officers are heads of departments, and they account personally for financial transactions. The concepts of "budget processes" and "planning" are explored in order to identify normative requirements. „Budget‟ is identified as part of organisational planning, which starts with the aim and the mission of the institution. Under supply chain management, the principles of procurement are discussed, as considerable amounts are spent on goods and services. The life cycle of assets is discussed in detail, including the procedure for giving account of assets. Control is defined as a process through which a manager ensures that activities are carried out as originally planned. With regard to policy and legislation, the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Act 1 of 1999 as amended by Act 29 of 1999 (South Africa, 1999) and Treasury Regulations are explained in detail, focusing on the budget process and financial management responsibilities of all different role players. With regard to supply chain management, policies are explained in detail, focusing on the acquisition of goods and services. The acceptable supply chain management system is also highlighted. According to Gildenhuys (1997:137), equipment is called movable assets and this category of assets are obtained and created to be utilised for a number of years as instruments for delivering services. With regard to control, in order to comply with financial management policies, an official in a department must ensure that the system of financial management and internal control established for that department is carried out within the area of responsibility of that official. The budget and planning processes of the Department of Correctional Services are explained in detail. How the financial management cascades through the department is highlighted by means of an organogram. Supply chain management processes are discussed in detail, focusing on the procurement procedures and requirements for acquisition of goods and services. The policy on asset management for the Department of Correctional Services is considered, focusing on the acquisition and control of assets. The legislative framework of the department is also examined in detail, focusing on the control measures within the department. The theory of evaluation is discussed in detail, with the emphasis on evaluation questions. A summary is provided of the financial functions of budgeting, supply chain management, asset management and control in terms of the financial functions of each of the following role players: the Accounting Officer, Chief financial officer and other managers. Evaluation questions are formulated, and audit reports contained in the annual reports, the internal auditor‟s reports and circulars of the department are used to answer those questions. Finally, recommendations are made, emphasising that Department of Correctional Services needs to continue to invest in the training and development of all staff, regarding The PFMA (South Africa, 1999) and Treasury Regulations.
Evaluation of gender equity programme implementation in Limpopo Provincial Department of Sport, Arts and Culture
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2010-12) Nkoana, Nthabiseng Martha; Burger, A. P. J.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Leadership.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Since the democratic dispensation in South Africa, attempts were made in earlier studies to make recommendations for the implementation of gender equity in the labour markets. Until now companies and public service departments have done little to ensure gender equity. Most efforts made were merely window-dressing given that previous studies provide evidence of fewer female employments in Senior Management Service (SMS) positions across the public service. South Africa has introduced a legal framework to support the Employment Equity Act, 1998 (RSA, Act 55 of 1998). The study sets out to evaluate the extent of gender equity implementation in Limpopo Provincial Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. The EEA, 1998 (RSA, Act 55 of 1998) aims to redress employment inequalities previously experienced by racially, culturally and sexually marginalized South Africans. Departmental human resource processes are evaluated to establish equity measures necessary to achieve the purpose of the EEA, 1998 (RSA, Act 55 of 1998). This study reviews employment equity practices from various countries to establish best practice. Issues and proposed strategies for improvements surrounding employment equity legislation in South Africa are also highlighted. The study is extended to other departments to establish accountability standards as well as actions and penalties available for noncompliance. The findings from the study indicate that women are mostly employed in middle management while male employees continue to dominate the top management in spite of the Department of Public Service and Administration’s (DPSA) strategic goal to reach a 50% equal employment at SMS by 31 March 2009. Suggestions are provided to accelerate implementation of gender equity in Limpopo Provincial Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. Given that the study was based on a representative sample of a single public service department, the findings may as a result not be generalized to the entire South African public service.
An evaluation of the blended pedagogy applied in the Municipal Minimum Competence Program: the case of Drakenstein and Mossel Bay
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2017-03) Odendaal, Liesel; Burger, A. P. J.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Leadership.
ENGLISH SUMMARY : The recognition of the highly complex and dynamic nature of service delivery in South Africa today has resulted in the requirement of municipal finance management reform which has been initiated by the Municipal Finance Management Act 56 of 2003 and various other pieces of legislation. The aim of the Municipal Finance Management Act is sustainable and sound financial management practices towards improving service delivery, through becoming more responsive to the evident underlying challenges with regard to the lack of competency concerning finance and supply chain management officials. The realisation of competency of said officials is administered by the School of Public Leadership as one of many service providers, through the Municipal Minimum Competency program of which two different training methods are utilised to conduct the program. The research hypothesis under study is to determine which of the two pedagogies, hereinafter referred to as the Drakenstein conventional and the Mossel Bay blended pedagogies has a better learning result on the competency of finance and supply chain management officials through the Municipal Minimum Competency program. The theoretical foundation of factors such as good governance principles, the aims and objectives of the MMC program, and vital knowledge constituting the technical skills of finance management through finance literacy and numeracy competence illustrates the role that capacity development plays in overcoming service delivery challenges at municipal level in terms of finance management. Furthermore, the legislative framework guiding local government specifically affecting the MFMA, shows the means by which sound finance management must be realised. The legislative framework also provides a guide which municipal finance and supply chain management officials must adhere to, as no government responsibilities can be fulfilled outside the framework of the law. The identification of the differences between the structure, strengths and weaknesses of training modes under study pertaining to the Drakenstein conventional and Mossel Bay blended Training modes provided information substantiating the analysis of the results. The collection of data specific to the two training modes required an empirical evaluation study to be utilised which involved a mixed methods approach including both numerical and textual data. The sample size of the study was determined through the willingness of learners from each municipality to participate, as well as the submission of feedback on both pre-course evaluations issued before commencement of the contact sessions and post course evaluations issued after the completion of each training case. Kirkpatrick’s model determined the steps taken in defining the learning results of the training of which only Levels One, “reaction” and Two, “learning”, has been completed,. The two levels guided the collection of information used to conduct an evaluation of the training modes applied in the Municipal Minimum Competence Program which included pre and post course evaluations of each pedagogy. The analysis and interpretation of the reaction and learning of each training mode illustrated here revealed no significant differences between the two. However, it can be concluded that, due to differences in the learning level and the reactions towards the training event, which provided factors that affected performance in Level Two learning, evidence provided by analysis of the case studies indicated that the Drakenstein Conventional Training gained a higher performance rating in the evaluation of the training modes affecting the realisation of Municipal Finance Management Act. Higher levels of competency were attained. This finding provides ground for recommendations to adjust the Blended Training method in order to eliminate shortcomings.
Evaluation of the youth development programme at Swartland Municipality
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2010-12) Sogwagwa, Manelisi; Burger, A. P. J.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Leadership.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Swartland Municipality is situated in the West Coast of the Western Cape Province as one of the thirty municipalities in the province. Swartland Municipality, like other municipalities, is faced with socio-economic challenges such as crime, unemployment and low levels of education. although the unemployment rate is not so high when compared with some of the municipalities in the province, Swartland amongst other challenges is faced with the problem of access to tertiary education. As a result the agricultural sector dominates as the main economic activity. As part of the effort to address some of its socio-economic challenges, Swartland Municipality’s Youth Development programme was established in partnership with Umsobomvu Youth Fund and named Youth Advisory Centre (YAC). It was established mainly to uplift the living conditions of youth in Swartland by assisting them with career guidance advice, CV writing, and to start own businesses. To achieve this two officials were employed, one as Career Guidance Advisor, and the other one as an Outreach Officer. These two officials had the same duties but the Outreach Officer was appointed mainly to bring services to Swartland areas which are far from where the Youth Advisory Centre is located. However, to ensure that the programme achieves its goals, programme evaluation has to be carried out. Programme evaluation assists in determining the programme’s shortcomings and the areas that need improvement. In this study programme evaluation has been carried out to determine if what is planned gets implemented, and the extent to which programme plans are achieved. In doing so, the researcher used the YAC’s plans, reports, Swartland Municipality annual reports and held semistructured interviews with two senior officials of Swartland Municipality who are involved in the YAC and with the two appointed YAC officials mentioned above. These data collection instruments provided the researcher with the information on what the YAC planned and what it achieved from July 2006 to April 2009. The researcher analysed this data and found that not all YAC plans and reports were available and some contradictions existed in targets between YAC plans, the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Swartland Municipality and Umsobomvu, and Swartland Municipality’s Annual reports. Despite these findings, it was found that the YAC plans correspond with the YAC results reported; therefore the YAC has been implementing its plans. Although the YAC did not meet all of its targets, the difference between the planned outputs and achieve outputs was not big. On the basis of these findings, the researcher recommended that there should be an integrated planning process to set up YAC’s performance standards and the YAC has to improve its performance in most of its key outputs, especially in supporting the youth in business development and opportunities.
A fiscal decentralisation strategy for innovative local government financial management in Botswana
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2007-03) Kwada, Zachariah Daniel; Burger, A. P. J.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Leadership
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Decentralisation is a growing phenomenon worldwide. However, the detail of its implementation determines whether desired objectives are achieved or not. The thesis extensively interrogates this concept from economic, philosophical and political theoretical perspectives, with emphasis on the economic rationale. An international perspective has also been utilised for informing the investigation. Reference is made, in this regard, to both federal and unitary states of the developed and developing world. Botswana, a unitary and developing African country, has been found to be facing more or less the same challenges that undermine the desired benefits of fiscal decentralisation in all developing countries. However, political maturity (which is a prerequisite for decentralisation reforms) - a predictably stable commodity in Botswana -sets it apart from most other developing, if not all, African countries. With regards to decentralisation, a number of considerations framed the analysis. Firstly, the established consecutive approach to Botswana 's centralised economic planning and management has been found to be counter-productive to the financial decentralisation process. This has resulted in an over-regulated local public sector that is not conducive for taking stock of local initiative and being innovative in local affairs, mainly due to an ambiguous institutional framework. Secondly, an ad hoc financial transfer mechanism, that is neither stable nor predictable, clearly undermines integrated financial management and strategic fiscal planning at municipal level. Thirdly, a one-size-fits-all approach to the assignment of expenditure responsibilities to all municipalities, small and large, as well as urban and rural, serves as another constraint. Finally, a lack of stable and buoyant sources of own revenues, as well as inadequate capacity to utilise fully the already existing internal revenues, has created grant economies that survive on a principle of beggar-thyneighbour to actualise their mandates. This? in turn undermines their? significance for the electorates at local level who turn to the national government even for minor local issues that should be addressed within the areas of local jurisdiction.The thesis concludes with recommendations regarding a redesign of the institutional framework, intergovernmental financial transfers, expenditure assignments and generation of internal revenue. It is critically important that the Government of Botswana should develop a strong policy framework, build a strong consensus within the political and bureaucratic circles and coordinate and integrate these reforms through strong capacity-building mechanisms at local governments. Finally, the capacity of the national government to monitor the process cannot be overemphasised. That is, the decentralisation process should initially be centralised with gradual decentralisation processes to allow for flexibility well aware of the fact that decentralisation structures are always in transition.
Governance model for South African schools based on a case study at West Bank Secondary School
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2005-03) Van Der Rheede, Christo Owen; Burger, A. P. J.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Management and Planning.
The core business of schools is to develop, implement and sustain an effective and efficient curriculum delivery process in order to provide quality education to all learners. External and internal changes though constantly affect the effectiveness and efficiency of the curriculum delivery process and it is required of schools to adapt and meet the demands that are required by these external as well as internal changes. Successful adaptation in an ever-changing environment also depends on how successful a school transforms itself into a learning organisation, develops conducive learning circumstances for learners and encourages constant learning by staff members as well. Research in this respect indicates that principals play a very important role in transforming schools into learning organisations. Schools as learning organisations are also recognised as complex organisations, which consist of multiple relationships or linkages between educators, learners, parents, fellow colleagues, provincial and national education departments, government, service providers, as well as other stakeholders. These relationships are never stable, nor predictable and it requires of principals to monitor, understand and interpret changing circumstances and respond appropriately. Appropriate responses must reflect our country’s constitutional values, which promote collaboration and consultation with all stakeholders. It also requires of school principals to apply a leadership approach, which not only facilitates participation by all stakeholders, but which focuses on empowerment as well. Furthermore, the role of principals in leading and managing schools has changed tremendously and there is a great need to empower principals and school management teams with facilitatory-and-empowering leadership competencies. Such competencies will enable them to understand, interpret and manage change in collaboration with other role-players much more effectively. It will also enhance their ability to effectively lead and efficiently manage the curriculum delivery process and all other supportive systems, such as the academic planning, assessment, finance, procurement, maintenance and human resources systems. Considering the former, this study focuses on the development of a governance model for schools, which considers schools as complex organisations continuously affected by change in the external as well as internal environment. Hence, the governance model provides principals and senior staff members with the understanding how to manage these changes in terms of principles which are derived from complexity theory. Complexity theory informs the practice of school leadership coherently and provides principals with the insight to look at the school educational system as a whole in order to advance organisational effectiveness continuously. According to complexity theory, no system is stagnant; it constantly changes, adapts, learns and evolves. The governance model therefore outlines various facilitatory-and-empowering leadership approaches which are required to cope in an environment which are continuously affected by change. It also illustrates the supporting role of effective communication and sound labour relations in this respect and outlines various management roles, which are required of the principal to transform schools into learning organisations. The governance model also focuses in particular on three essential governance processes, which are applicable to the translation of monetary allocations into appropriate nonpersonnel resources. These governance processes are budgeting, cost management and information technology. The last part of the model focuses on the various control systems for quality assurance purposes, such as whole school evaluation, systemic evaluation, performance appraisal and risk management. In conclusion, West Bank secondary school was used as a case study to experiment with and study the impact of appropriate leadership approaches, management roles, governance processes and controls. The integration of existing research and practice knowledge at this institution aims to extend the scope of application of the governance model to all schools in South Africa and elsewhere in the world.
The impact of the new public management reforms on political control and corruption : the case of Malawi's Local Governance
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2005-12) Tambulasi, Richard Ignitious Chipopopo; Burger, A. P. J.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Management and Planning.
The new public management (NPM) paradigm features very highly in both contemporary public sector reform and public sector management literature. The NPM model has been implemented both in the developing and developed world at the local and central levels of government. Key to NPM is the introduction of market principles in the running of the public sector. The rationale is to replace the over rigid and bureaucratic traditional public administration with the fast moving form of public management so as to achieve high levels of efficiency, effectiveness and economy in the delivery of public goods and services. Despite its wide application, the doctrine of NPM has had diverse impacts in different countries.

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