Masters Degrees (Political Studies and Governance)

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Open Access
An analysis of intergovernmental relations with specific emphasis on the Northern Cape Premier’s Intergovernmental Forum?
(University of the Free State, 2023) Bitterbos, Lorraine Janice; Coetzee, Tania
The study explores and analyses the effectiveness and efficiency of the Northern Cape Premier’s Intergovernmental Forum (NC PIGF). An overview is provided on the configuration and the statutory framework which regulates the system of intergovernmental relations in South Africa. Chapter Three of the South African Constitution Act 108 of 1996, makes provision for cooperative governance amongst the three spheres of government; mandating these spheres to work together to enhance service delivery and development planning. The study further examines the effectiveness and efficiency of the NC PIGF with a focus on how the Forum is currently measured, and how it should be measured. The analysis of the NC PIGF brought to the fore that the Forum partially complies with Section 33 of the Intergovernmental Relations Framework Act 13 of 2005 (IGRFA). Section 33 of the IGRFA stipulates that forums should adopt rules that govern their operations. Thus, the research findings suggest that the NC PIGF partially comply with Section 33 of the IGRFA. The study, therefore, provides solutions on how to coordinate and strengthen the Forum. This study follows a qualitative approach in order to achieve the objectives. The study concluded that to legitimize the NC PIGF, the forum should fully comply with statutes and other relevant legislative frameworks and prescripts. The study’s findings could make a significant contribution to enhancing service delivery and promoting a culture of resource sharing, preventing duplication of efforts, and managing conflict through integrated planning and coordination amongst the three spheres of government.
Open Access
An analysis of populism and human rights in South Africa
(University of the Free State, 2018) Terblanche, Wayne Richard; Coetzee, Tania
The study focussed on the Human Rights challenges experienced in South Africa, as well as the rise of Populism, and Populist tactics used by politicians and political parties. Qualitative research methodology was used as extensive literature on both components of the study, Human Rights and Populism, was investigated. Examples of Populism and Populist governments in other parts of the world, such as in Latin America, the United States of America, and Central and Eastern Europe, were also provided. These examples were used to illustrate how Populism can be a threat to the realisation of Human Rights and how South Africa can take active steps not to make or allow the same mistakes to happen in the country. The study found a global rise in Populism and that its ethnic calls divide societies or nations; it also has the ability to instigate violence between the “original people” and the so-called “other”. Secondly, Populism is difficult to define as it can take on different forms in different countries. In some instances, the Populist call is not ethnic but rather between classes; for example, between the ordinary people and the elite. Thirdly, Populism shows little regard for democratic institutions and considers the will of the people as sovereign. Therefore, Populism poses a threat to Human Rights, which views all people as equal, and all people are entitled to enjoy these rights irrespective of culture, nationality, colour or creed. The researcher recommends that the rise of Populism in South Africa be monitored and the dangers that it poses to Human Rights be exposed to the citizens of the country. Human rights activists and institutions should be mindful of the threat of Populism to the fulfilment of Human Rights, as enshrined in the Constitution of South Africa. Moreover, the government and leading political parties should not only strive for success at the ballot box, but it is the duty of the government to ensure that all citizens as well as immigrants and asylum seekers are safe and entitled to the same Human Rights as stipulated in the Constitution of South Africa.
Open Access
An analysis of the system of government of Swaziland
(University of the Free State, 2016-01) Qwabe, Modudusi Gregory; Coetzee, Tania
No abstract available
Open Access
Assessing the level of governance on the intergovernmental relations forums in the Free State
(University of the Free State, 2023) Manoto, Lehlohonolo Webster; Coetzee, Tania
The study focused on assessing the level of governance in the Intergovernmental Relations Forums in the Free State. The study investigated whether the Intergovernmental Relations Policy and Planning was effected in the Free State; determined whether the Intergovernmental Relations Forums in the Free State delivered on their mandate; evaluated whether the Intergovernmental Relations Forums in the Free State monitored, supported and developed interventions to municipalities; evaluated the role of the Intergovernmental Relations Forums in the Free State in the decision making and management of service delivery; gauged whether the Intergovernmental Relations Forums in the Free State contributed towards the development of a national report on Intergovernmental Relations; and assessed Intergovernmental Relations Forums in the Free State’s practice of good governance. A qualitative methodology was employed in the study to describe and understand, rather than explain, human behaviour. The study was conducted using desktop research, documents, articles, journals, the Internet, and observations. The data for this study was sourced from the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (1996); the Intergovernmental Relations Framework Act 13 (2005); the Practitioner’s Guide to Intergovernmental Relations Systems in South Africa (2012); and the Annual Performance Plans and Annual Reports of government departments and District Municipalities in the Free State. The population for this study was the Premier’s Intergovernmental Forum, the four District Intergovernmental Forums, and the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality. The information was analysed to draw unbiased inferences and provide honest and accurate analysis, which was consistently good in quality and cogent. Lastly, the study proposed recommendations, which could improve good governance and afford assurance and confidence to the Free State government, policy makers and public officials.
Open Access
Constitutional framework for traditional leaders in South Africa
(University of the Free State, 2023) September, Teboho Jeffry; Coetzee, Tania
This conceptual Mini dissertation explores the Constitutional framework for traditional leaders in South Africa, focusing on the delicate balance between cultural heritages and integrating traditional leadership into the modern governance.Traditiional leadership plays a significant role in social, cultural and economic fabric of South African Communities, often serving vital link between the government and local Communities.However,the Constitutional recognition and regulation of traditional leaders have been subject of an ongoing debate. Drawing on comprehensive review of existing literature, legal framework and relevant case studies, this mini dissertation examines the historical context of traditional leadership in South Africa and analyse the complexities surrounding their positions within the Constitutional framework.it explores the tension between customary law, democratic principles and human rights, shedding light on the Constitutional challenges faced in reconciling traditional governance structures with the demand of the modern Constitutional democracy. This main dissertation delve into the key issues such as recognition of traditional leaders authority, their leadership with elected government structure, and extend to which Customary laws should be accommodated within the broader legal system.it also explored the need for accountability,transparency,and inclusivity within traditional leadership institutions, ensuring that they align with democratic values while upholding the cultural heritage and practices cherished by local government communities. The findings of this mini dissertation contributes on the ongoing discourse of the Constitutional recognition and regulations of traditional leadership in South Africa. By critically analysing the intricate dynamics between traditional, modern governance and Constitutional principles. The study will inform policy makers, legal practitioners, scholars and communities on the challenges and potential solutions for establishing a Constitutional framework that respects Cultural heritage while promoting the principles of democracy, human rights and inclusivity.
Open Access
Developmental governance: accountability and participatory governance at SOEs in South Africa
(University of the Free State, 2023) Mophethe, Kelebile Hillary; Coetzee, Tania
The topic of this research is on Developmental Governance focusing on accountability and participatory governance at SOEs in South Africa This study highlights the problems South African SOEs face in relation to governance challenges that impede their ability to operate effectively, create value and contribute to economic development. Most entities report to different political principles, i.e. to more than one state departments. Authorities have not yet been responsible for the reactions of the people and stakeholders. Public participation in these entities' decision making, transparency, feedback and accountability is not an open process. The continued low participation and lack of accountability will continue to bring down SOEs and other state agencies, eventually collapse and increase poverty and unemployment. High. The objective of this study was to investigate why SOEs in South Africa are not achieving socioeconomic growth and service delivery, and whether they contribute to the state development agenda, or not. The study also seeks to determine whether these entities recognize and adopt the principles of development and participatory governance in the management and operation of these entities and explore why. accountability gaps lie within them. The research applied the desktop study methodology. This study reveals that cadre deployment has greatly contributed to the destruction of most SOEs in South Africa and is a real obstacle to achieving competent open governance, as it prioritizes the reliability of appointed officials over the legitimacy and ability of these individuals to carry out the responsibilities entrusted to them. This is why public services have fallen into the trap of inefficiencies by various government institutions. State Owned Enterprises in South Africa face performance challenges as a direct result of the ANC's operating culture. The research reveals that SOEs in South Africa do not adhere to business ethics, principles and values of an ethical culture, transparency, good practice, effective monitoring and accountability, equity, as part of a corporate governance protocol that echoes the principles of the King's Code of Good Corporate Governance and the King's Report on Good Corporate Governance for South Africa and, there are currently no punitive consequences for non-compliance as there is no legal obligation on public companies to comply with the provisions of the King and Code Report. This study also reveals that State-Owned Enterprises in South Africa have become debt traps and fall into deeper financial problems, due to mismanagement and hopeless balance sheets, with oversight executive weakness. The research also found that there are limited opportunities available for citizens to receive feedback or information, and the policy-making process is perceived by the public as being driven by the elite, which excludes and demobilises them. Furthermore, it has been determined that despite applicable and available legal provisions for participatory procedures, civil society does not have the opportunity to engage in meaningful participation activities. means. Communication channels are inadequate, inaccessible, and crippled, and new methods are needed to engage citizens in policymaking. This research also found that mutual trust, honesty, transparency, equity and respect for opposing viewpoints for stakeholder cooperation within the practical and legal constraints of decision makers was violated. Furthermore, this research has shown that state agencies cannot function effectively because their mandates overlap to some extent, thus, they cannot fight or prevent corruption; activities of anti-corruption agencies have not been closely coordinated; and there is no cooperation between them to maximise efficiency. The study also revealed that the absence of a national anti-corruption charter, or enforceable code of conduct, has allowed corruption to pervade key institutions in the public as well as private sectors, and become a threat to national security. Additionally, the research has determined that the growth of good governance as a concept has given way to technocratic notions of good governance, disregarding autonomy in the civil service, and has led to governance failures, lack of accountability, lack of transparency, looting, cronyism, corruption, wasteful spending, mismanagement of funds and state holdings. Inadequate application of good governance transcends traditional ideals and practices of democracy and critical activism and prevents social actors from challenging oppression, corruption, and violations of human right.
Open Access
The effectiveness of intergovernmental relations in the Northern Cape Provincial Government, with focus on the Premier’s Intergovernmental Forum
(University of the Free State, 2017-01) Gaoretelelwe, Moipolai Percival; Coetzee, Tania
No abstract included
Open Access
Exploring the role of political parties and party systems on democracy in Lesotho
(University of the Free State, 2019-02) Rakhare, Mpho; Coetzee, Tania
Abstract not available
Open Access
The impact of civil society on governance in Lesotho
(University of the Free State, 2019-02) Rakhare, Mphonyane; Coetzee, Tania
Abstract not available
Open Access
The impact of the intervention of NGOs and CBOs on Lesotho’s governance
(University of the Free State, 2023) Koali, Seemola Sylvia; Coetzee, Tania
Lesotho is a small, mountainous landlocked country, it is land locked by South Africa. t has a population of almost 2.3 million and nominal gross domestic product (GDP) per capita of $1,045.9 in 2022 (World Bank 2023). Like other African countries in its pursuit to strengthen its democracy and reduce poverty, Lesotho became a member and signatory to several sub-regional, regional, and international convention. These organisations include the Southern African Development Communities (SADC), the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), the United Nations (UN), and the African Union (AU). As mechanisms to help in the fight against poverty and global development, many countries introduced Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Community Based Organisations (CBOs) to their governance (processes/structures?) to fill gaps that the government either cannot or do not wish to fulfill. Loise (2017) notes that NGOs are one of the basic elements of democratic societies. It is incontestable that NGOs and CBOs have come to play a prominent role on the African continent, including Lesotho. They are regarded as one of the mechanisms used in poverty reduction initiatives and programmes. The roots of NGOs and CBOs in Africa are found in the arrival of missionaries on the continent who dispensed charity and engaged in the provision of education and health services (Manji and O’Coill 2007: 568). Matthews and Nqaba (2017: 5) argued that while the history of NGOs could be traced back to the colonial period, it was in the 1980s that they were increasingly recognised as important institutions in the broader development aid sectors in Africa, as well as the rest of the world. Khati (2018: iii) observed that the prevalence of NGOs and CBOs in most developing countries is linked to the availability of foreign aid and a modernisation agenda for developed countries to invest in the development of the Global South countries. Khati (2018) states that, for these reasons, the governments of developing countries have embraced the existence and importance of NGOs in the improvement of the livelihoods of poor people within their regions.
Open Access
The impact of Western-oriented governance on sub-Sahara States with special reference to South Africa, Botswana and Namibia.
(University of the Free State, 2016-12) Kruger, Beaula M; Coetzee, Tania
Open Access
The influence of civil society organisations in the new governance framework of democratic South Africa
(University of the Free State, 2023) Cwaile, Mmoloki Saviour; Coetzee, Tania
The study set out to investigate whether the influence of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) had diminished in the new government framework of democratic South Africa, and if so, what the attributing factors were. This study used a qualitative research approach. The aim of the study was to identify and examine the possible impediments to the effective and positive contribution of CSOs in the new government framework in democratic South Africa. The study investigated whether the role of CSOs had diminished in the new governance framework in democratic South Africa, and how CSOs could be made more effective in the face of all the challenges that undermined their presence and space. This study collected, collated, and analysed the data on the selected CSOs. The research enabled an explanation and description of the identified and the excluded tools and/or mechanisms through which the influence of CSOs could be or was exercised in the context of the new governance framework of democratic South Africa. The findings demonstrated that there was a multiplicity of factors that had contributed to the diminished influence of CSOs. CSOs have however found alternative means, including the use of the courts or litigation, to ensure that their views find expression and that they are able to exercise some form of influence. Based on the findings, recommendations were made, which if considered and implemented, could help to redress and/or mitigate the diminishing influence of CSOs in the post-apartheid era, in the new democratic framework of South Africa.
Open Access
An investigation into the impact of poor ethical behaviour on the achievement of objectives in provincial departments
(University of the Free State, 2018-11) Motshwane, Ogopoleng Nicholas; Coetzee, Tania
The public sector is characterised by its own value system. Values, such as accountability, transparency, efficiency, equity, have to be taken into account by all those engaged in this sector. On the other hand, values are an integral part of ethics; thus, necessitating those engaged in the public sector to be well versed in ethics. In this dissertation, the researcher argues that the theoretical principles of ethics should form the basis of all activities in human resource management in the public sector. The emphasis on human resource management is deliberate as only human beings are capable of ethical or unethical behaviour. Human resources managers in the public sector should be adequately trained in ethics in order for them to train their subordinates; thereby curbing unethical behaviour. Theories are helpful in predicting and explaining phenomena, such as why people behave the way they do. Principles, on the other hand, serve as the fundamental basis for reasoning or action. Both the teleological and deontological theories of ethics are discussed in this dissertation. The promotion of ethics is fundamental to the endeavour to curb unethical behaviour, such as corruption, fraud, maladministration, and theft. Different ways to promote ethics in human resource management are suggested in this study.
Open Access
The rise and fall of the first coalition government in Lesotho: 2012 – 2014
(University of the Free State, 2017-01) Moseme, Tumelo T. L.; Coetzee, Tania
English: This study examines the changing scenery in Lesotho’s political landscape since 2012. The May 2012 general election in Lesotho produced a hung parliament that necessitated a coalition government for the first time since the country’s 1966 independence. The occurrence of coalition governments has been rare in Africa, making Lesotho one of a few existing examples that can be studied comparatively, explanatorily or in an explorative manner. This study focuses on how the coalition was formed, the coalition arrangements of power sharing between the parties, the governance implications resulting from these arrangements, reasons for the collapse of this coalition, and the lessons that could be learnt from this experience. With these, the study attempts to create an understanding of political decisions that shaped the first coalition government in Lesotho as well as the impact of ideological differences on the nature and tenure of the coalition. Constitutions and electoral manifestoes of the 2012 coalition partners are analysed using game theory, coalition and government formation models. The coalescing parties are also analysed through different models of political party classification. The findings suggest that the power sharing arrangements agreed upon between coalition partners were based on proportions resulting from electoral results and that they were reduced to a written agreement. The manifestation of these power sharing arrangements took the form of a caucus of leaders as the ultimate guide, allocation of cabinet and other senior political positions to the coalition partners as well as block voting in parliament, informed by interparty consultations, inclusion of policies from all coalition partners, accounting through public dissemination of information, while conflict resolution was entrusted to a Joint Monitoring and Implementation Committee. Seen from governance perspective, these coalitional arrangements had the following implications: clear steering authority, legislative coalition, equitable sharing of payoffs, inclusive policy gains, a semblance of accountability; and coalitional effectiveness, trust and transparency. Lesotho’s experience indicates that lack of legal status for coalition agreements and the structures they establish make for a weak institutional basis for governance. This, combined with ideological differences between coalition partners, rendered the partnership untenable in the long run. The study recommends that ideological differences between potential coalition partners as reflected by their policies, should be translated into programme of action that could be pursued by the resultant government; preparations for coalition formation should be made well in advance due to time constraints between the election results and government formation; status of coalition agreements and the structures they establish as well as their powers, should be defined in law.
Open Access
The role and place of citizens in South Africa: a governance perspective
(University of the Free State, 2023) Nyathi, Mandla Comfort; Coetzee, Tania
This research’s focus is on examining the role and place of South African citizens from a governance perspective. The role and place of citizens can be defined as “a process wherein the common amateurs of a community exercise power over decisions related to the general affairs of a community” (Bekker, 1998). The Constitution of South Africa (1996) recognises a citizen as a legal member of the nation who is either born or neutralised in South Africa. Being a citizen means that there are both obligations and responsibilities that must be met, to maintain representative democracy and the proper role of government. An obligation is an action that a citizen is required to fulfil by law, while a responsibility is an action a citizen should take for the sake of the good common. Obligations of citizens include the paying of taxes, obeying laws, defending the nation, registering for elections and responsibilities include voting, attending civic meetings, and petitioning the government (Christopher, 2018:117). The role and place of citizens from a governance perspective is further solidified by the Bill of Rights. Chapter 2 of the Constitution (1996) provides that citizenry have the right to life, equality, freedom of association, political rights, citizenship, housing and parenthood for children. Citizens have the right to vote in which they play a role by participating in the democratic process of choosing people who will represent their interests in the Parliament (Green, 2008:55). According to Santoro and Kumar (2018:199), by choosing their own leaders, citizens are making use of their space in a constitutional democracy to make a positive contribution towards good governance. Green (2008:170) reiterates that voting is a constitutional and democratic process in which the citizens can hold the government to account. Since Members of Parliament (MPs) are chosen representatives, they must be accountable to the South African people and must act in the interest of the public. Christopher (2018:31) indicates that parties are elected based on what they stand for and MPs should be able to explain what they have been doing to execute their duties. Since the mandates of political parties are temporary, MPs are accountable in the sense that they may not be re-elected if they did not represent the public well or they do not deliver on the promises they made. It is vital to keep politicians accountable, as it is key to democracy and good governance. Accountability will compel the state to concentrate on outcomes and to assess and report on performance (Bekker, 1998:64). According to Galvin (2017:78), accountability has three elements, namely financial accountability, political accountability, and administrative accountability. The Institute for Democracy in South Africa considers accountability as a vital part of safeguarding public rights. In Shah’s point of view (2005:35) there are two types of accountability: vertical accountability (to citizens directly through the ballot box) and horizontal accountability (to public institutions of accountability). The institutions of horizontal accountability include the legislature, the judiciary, electoral commissions, auditing agencies, anticorruption bodies, ombudsmen, human rights commissions, and central banks. Institutions of horizontal and vertical accountability are fundamentally interconnected in that horizontal accountability is not likely to exist in the absence of vertical accountability: governments will bind themselves with institutions of horizontal accountability only when they will be punished by citizens for failing to do so. Civil society is believed to be another influential factor in the development of institutions of horizontal accountability (Shah, 2005). If competent governments are thought to be able to control the economy, then economic voting seems eminently sensible and the impact of economic conditions on election outcomes seems to provide powerful evidence of democratic accountability. In addition, if citizens are systematically biased in their perceptions of economic conditions, retrospective accountability will suffer (Achen & Bartels, 2016:147). Contrary to the roles and responsibilities, as mentioned in the preceding paragraphs, citizens demonstrate acts of irresponsibility, which in turn affect governance in general. During the 2021 local government elections, many South Africans voted, not with an X on a ballot paper, but by staying away (Independent Electoral Commission, 2021). This was a decision that was likely to leave a patchwork of coalition-run municipalities across the country that could have a detrimental effect on the future of South Africa’s democracy (Matias, 2016:56).
Open Access
The state of citizen participation and collaborative governance in South Africa
(University of the Free State, 2017-01) Makoetje, Reitumetse Paballo; Coetzee, Tania
The Mini-dissertation begins with a discussion of development aid as a promoter for good governance and political transformation, which includes the practice of citizen participation and collaborative governance as tools of governance and political transformation. This mini-dissertation proposes the further development of citizen participation and collaborative governance in South Africa. This is driven by the conviction that more can be done to enhance the practice of the two concepts in the current democratic dispensation and moral standing of the country. The study further gives various perspectives as to how the process of citizen participation and collaborative governance is already taking place. However the researcher contends that more can be done to improve the practice of the concepts, so that all who could be involved in the process get on board.

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

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