Masters Degrees (Political Studies and Governance)

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Browsing Masters Degrees (Political Studies and Governance) by Author "Coetzee, T."

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    An assessment of participatory governance in Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality in the Free State
    (University of the Free State, 2017) Letawana, S. J.; Coetzee, T.
    In South Africa, the legislative mandate brought about the transition to democracy, and the subsequent policy and legislation framework, such as the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996; the White Paper on Local Government, 1998; the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act, Act 117 of 1998; and the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, Act 32 of 2000, permitted citizens to take part in governance and policy-making. Yet, according to observation and the views of citizens in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipally (MMM), the importance of participation as per the Constitution, as preached by the President and promoted by democrats, has yet to be translated into a lived reality at local government level. Furthermore, the service delivery protests that have taken place since 2004 are the result of poor participatory governance. In this regard, participatory governance in the development of municipal plans appears not to be realising its anticipated goals of closing the gap between government and its constituents because of a lack of consultation in the planning process and decision-making. Brynard (1996:138) states that local government is viewed as a means and a first point of contact to encourage the participation of people in the planning and policy-making process. This study involved a literature study, which included an extensive review of the relevant literature, legislation, policy documents, journal articles, books, conference papers and government reports on the purpose of local government, the developmental role of local government, as well as the requirements, purpose, roles, functions and mandate of municipal councillors, ward councillors, and ward committees. Newspaper articles were used to find examples of successful or unsuccessful participation. This study provides recommendations on how to ensure the continuation of participatory governance in MMM. In this regard, the findings and recommendations outline the parameters against which to measure the success of MMM’s participatory agenda, and to ensure that the sustainable development outcomes of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) are met.
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    The compatibility of sharia law with democracy
    (University of the Free State, 2015) Seale, Geoffrey Robert; Coetzee, T.
    English: The Compatibility of Sharia Law and Democracy attempts to determine whether sharia law (practised mainly in the Middle East and North Africa) is compatible with democracy (practised mainly in Europe and the United States). The motivation behind the analysis of sharia law and democracy is the continuous violation of fundamental human rights, liberties and freedom of people who reside in countries that do not adhere to and uphold the aforementioned principles and values. The study also attempts to create awareness and a sense of appreciation for democracy and the standards pertaining to democracy. The ultimate aim of the study is to determine whether these two are able to function in accord without one counteracting the values of the other. This will accomplish the aim of raising awareness with regard to their compatibility with one another. The literature study elaborated on what sharia law and democracy embody while also comparing the Laws of Sharia with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The empirical study, which takes the form of qualitative research, involved six participants who resided under both sharia law and democracy. The final chapter of the literature study reports that sharia law is not compatible with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which forms the basis of any democracy. Each one of the thirty articles of the declaration is violated under sharia law in Muslim countries. The empirical study acknowledged this fact, and supplemented it, by concluding that sharia law and democracy are incompatible.
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    Hervorming van die Verenigde Nasies se Veiligheidsraad: die ontwikkeling van ʼn nuwe konsep voorstel
    (University of the Free State, 2016-01) Linde, Dirk Cornelis; Coetzee, T.
    No abstract available
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    Intergovernmental relations as a vehicle to improve service delivery and implement Back to Basics (B2B) programme in Gauteng (case study Emfuleni local municipality)
    (University of the Free State, 2021) Kgomo, Jabulani Henry; Coetzee, T.
    The Back to Basics (B2B) Programme was launched in September 2014 by the Minister of CoGTA and it classified municipalities into three categories, namely, municipalities that are doing well, municipalities at risk of dysfunctionality and municipalities that are dysfunctional. The B2B Programme’s objective is to build a responsive, caring and accountable local government, which has the capacity to exercise its legislative imperatives effectively and efficiently. B2B operates within the framework of intergovernmental relations to achieve the objectives of service delivery. Intergovernmental relations is a platform that facilitates and coordinates the function of the B2B. The linkage between B2B takes place within the ambit of the applicable local government policy and legislation that guide implementation of programmes. The motivation of this study was underpinned by the relationship between intergovernmental relations and B2B to improve service in Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM). The aims of the study were to investigate the role of intergovernmental relations as a platform to facilitate the implementation and improvement of service delivery. The research question is concerned with how effective intergovernmental relation structures are in achieving the objectives of the B2B Programme, which seeks to address service delivery challenges? The study combined an explanatory research and analytical research through a literature review of material on the same subject. The study discussed the profile of Emfuleni Local Municipality in terms successes and failures of service delivery within the context of B2B. The analysis and interpretation of the study were informed by the research objective and compliance with the Constitution no.108 of 1996 of the Republic of South Africa and applicable legislation. The focus was particularly concerned with service delivery to communities in a sustainable manner. The findings of the study indicated a lack of cooperation and ineffective intergovernmental relations structures. B2B could not achieve the objectives of service delivery through intergovernmental relations. The conclusion with the lessons learned, and the value of the study, recommend that all three spheres of government must collaborate in a coherent and a cohesive manner to deliver services within the context of B2B. Lack of cooperation and collaboration of intergovernmental relations structures in the implementation of B2B provide the answer to the research questions.