Doctoral Degrees (Political Studies and Governance)
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Browsing Doctoral Degrees (Political Studies and Governance) by Author "Coetzee, T."
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Item Open Access Accountability within the governance of intergovernmental relations in South Africa(University of the Free State, 2020) Pholo, Goitsione Moses Pholo; Coetzee, T.This study intended to investigate accountability, as advanced by public officials, elected officials, public and private sectors, stakeholders and the citizenry within the framework of governance and intergovernmental relations (IGR) in South Africa. In the process of the investigation, the study as guide solely by addressing the indicators outlined in its problem statement, and the aims and objectives as the frame of reference for the investigation. Accordingly, the study was of the view that there were basic and key concepts of accountability within the governance of intergovernmental Relations (IGR) that needed to develop the public officials, elected officials, stakeholders and the citizenry in order to deliver an accountable state and governance to the electorate. These basic and key concepts of accountability as indicated in paragraph designed and simplified user-friendly integrated governance model (IGM) to guide the intended users. In order to attain the maximum targets set by the study, the abovementioned indicators were adopted for the implementation and monitoring by the intended users to ensure optimum accountability measures within the governance of intergovernmental Relations (IGR). The study set out four indicators to guide the investigation as the means of the frame of reference, and they (i) Demonstrated accountable governance perspectives, which included the intensity of relations, governmental distance, power dependence and bargaining power within the three spheres of government, (ii) Conducted the analysis on the intergovernmental governance and determined the outcomes to live up to the standards, as well as expectations for executed functions, as outlined by the Constitution (1996), (iii) Developed the new integrated governance model (IGM) as an instrument, to guide the intended users towards ensuring the maximum implementation of the accountability measures within the intergovernmental governance, and (iv) Developed the set of practical enforceable findings, conclusions and recommendations for public officials, elected officials, stakeholders and the citizenry within the intergovernmental governance. The outcomes of the findings and recommendations supplemented the intended integrated governance model IGM) for ease of reference to the users. Therefore, the findings, conclusions, recommendations, as well as the integrated governance model (IGM) are the profound solution and the pillar of the study. Hence, the integrated governance model (IGM) of the study made the unique contribution and significance of this investigation.Item Open Access A critical analysis of the relationship between political transformation and corruption(University of the Free State, 2013-01) Cloete, Emmanuel Pringle; Bauer, C.; Coetzee, T.This thesis sets out to confirm the relationship between corruption and political transformation. The thesis commences by investigating different modes of political change with particular emphasis on the characteristics, nature and content of political transformation. With the relationship of the above phenomena being the focal point, the thesis extensively examines the concept of corruption by interrogating different definitions, its causes and consequences. It was also the aim of the study to context the role of ethics/morality as well as that of leadership within the relationship. The study applied a deductive and qualitative approach in exploring case studies in three African states prior to shifting focus to South Africa where both public sector departments as well as private sector experiences come under scrutiny. Apart from the broader South African environment, selected departments of the Eastern Provincial Government were also placed under the microscope as a continuation of the case-study approach. Drawing on the theories on the one hand and the case studies on the other, significant evidence could be found to categorically confirm the relationship between corruption and transformation. Overall this study is part of a growing body of research dealing with the effect of corruption in countries undergoing processes of political change. The study concludes by providing recommendations aimed at the development of an effective anti-corruption framework.Item Open Access A governance perspective on policies and practices combating youth unemployment in South Africa(University of the Free State, 2021-10) Phokontsi, Gaelebale Lilly; Swanepoel, M. P.; Coetzee, T.The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of South African youth development policies in ensuring the development and empowerment, especially regarding employment, of young people in the country. The research is based on policies such as the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Act of 2008, the National Youth Policy 2015-2020, and the National Development Plan: Vision 2030, which is a policy that ensures effective service delivery in a cost-effective manner, while ensuring that the rights of all citizens of South Africa are protected. The study observed that unemployment is high amongst youth in South Africa and that this has a direct bearing on poverty levels and standards of living. The impact and effects of the strategies that are adopted to prevent youth unemployment are not reported in a manner that outlines their effectiveness and efficiency in dealing with youth development and employment. This scenario posed a problem for the research. Hence, the study focused on these policies to address the challenges facing youth and to attempt to synergise the policy implementation process for efficiency and accountability in governance. The study utilised qualitative research and the critical approach, as this is social studies research. Phenomenology was used to grasp the situation. The approach is meant to make an objective judgement and ensure an emancipation agenda, which exposed the needs and struggles of the youth. To achieve its objectives, the study introduced and defined concepts such as policy, policy process, policy analysis and policy theory, which were key in the analysis of policy. Within the policy process, the study focused on policy stages, such as problem identification, agenda setting, policy formulation, policy analysis, and policy implementation. Furthermore, the study defined the concept governance and its theories because these theories were later used in the application to decide on the relevant theory, which could work in addressing the youth development issues and challenges discussed in the study. Amongst the theories was the rational choice theory, the elite theory, the interpretive theory, the network systems theory and the developmental theory. The governance principles and modes were brought in as part of the discussion because modes are critical for decision-making and failure to adhere to the principles results in government’s inability to provide for and protect the basic human rights of the youth. The study outlined the challenges faced by youth in South Africa to justify the investigation because young people are drowning in problems that seem to mushroom into greater socio-economic and political problems, which the government is unable to handle. Then, content gathered through the policy and governance theory was applied to determine the relevant theory that could be applied to remedy the dire situation through theory application challenges. This includes the deployment of unskilled implementers; the role of the NYDA as an implementing agency; the supply-side approach of the government; the government’s consultation and engagement processes; poor monitoring systems; the centralised education curriculum; and poor planning versus the implementation of government programmes. The process enabled the research to conclude that network governance should be applied in South Africa and the theory is in line with the District Development Model (DDM), adopted by the government in 2019. The motivation for network governance stems from the findings of the study that youth development challenges are related to policy process, specifically implementation. The failure in implementation can be traced back to NYDA’s capacity to influence process. Government possess inadequate monitoring and evaluation strategies. The education system which is central to development and capacity building of youth requires review and realignment. Despite acknowledgement of the importance of good governance principles, government failed in application of these principles. The confusion related to the definition of the concept youth by various policies impedes service to youth. Hence, the view that network system of governance is relevant and necessary to tackle youth unemployment from a collective worldview. Network governance is promoted because it promotes a collaborative, collective, and inclusive approach to youth development. It calls for collective decision-making and allows transparency and openness in the implementation of youth programmes. The study acknowledges the strength of network governance because stakeholders share responsibilities, expertise, skills, institutional capacity and planning sessions. Communication and consultations are key in network governance. Through the findings, the study made various recommendations in relation to governance, leadership, capacity building for the NYDA, and the review and realignment of the education system. The outline of the effectiveness of network governance is highlighted through the Youth Development Framework, which was developed to guide the implementation of network governance in addressing youth unemployment. The Framework highlights the role of stakeholders from the key sectors, such as the social, public, academic and private sector, as youth development problems cannot be resolved by the public sector singlehandedly. Collaboration is key to youth development and empowerment. Finally, it can be deduced that youth unemployment is the result of poor governance and poor policy implementation. The government must strive towards collaborative governance to succeed in empowering young people.Item Open Access The status of the public protector within the governance framework in South Africa(University of the Free State, 2019) Phera, Molefinyana Solomon; Coetzee, T.𝑬𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒉 The Public Protector (PP) is a genus of the Ombudsman and its status within governance has been a controversial subject in the national discourse in South Africa. This institution was created in terms of Section 181 of the Constitution as part of the coterie of institutions mandated to protect and strengthen constitutional democracy. These institutions are colloquially called the Chapter 9 institutions. They have been described as not forming part of government, although they are an integral part of the governance system in South Africa. It has become necessary to study the status of one of these institutions, namely the PP, within the governance framework in South Africa. The governance framework consists of the institutions that form the trias politica, the co-operative government and the organs of state, as defined in Section 239 of the Constitution. This research has indicated that the PP, like all other Chapter 9 institutions, exists outside the trias politica and co-operative government framework, but it is an organ of state as defined in Section 239. As a result of this complex status of the PP within the governance framework, the researcher has defined its place as being part of co- operative governance, although it is not part of co-operative government, as defined in Chapter 3 of the Constitution. This characterisation of the status of the PP means that it is not part of the intergovernmental framework and it is not restricted by the legal and structural strictures of this framework, but it is required to co-operate with other organs of state to achieve its objectives of protecting and strengthening constitutional democracy and promoting good governance. This study has been a normative exercise, which places the PP within the trilogy of normative frameworks: the governance and Ombudsman theoretical frameworks; good governance as a normative function; and the normative values that inform the ethics of the PP as a genus of the Ombudsman. The study’s findings and recommendations seek to further elucidate and embed the status of the PP within the governance framework in South Africa. Therefore, it makes an original contribution to the interdisciplinary science of Governance and Political Transformation. ___________________________________________________________________Item Open Access Traditional leadership and its relation to the democratically elected local government structure in Kwazulu-Natal(University of the Free State, 2007-05) Koenane, Mojalefa Lehlohonolo Johannes; Khumalo, L. Z. M.; Coetzee, T.English: The role of traditional leadership in South Africa has remained a controversial issue over the past fifteen years. The focus of this research is to investigate the relationship between the modern political system of governance and the traditional leadership as forms of dual system of governance in South Africa. The thesis raises issues as catalysts for robust debated, to move beyond standard political arguments particularly when it comes to the meaningful role traditional leaders must play in South Africa today. Debates surrounding the institution of uBukhosi primarily polarised the South African society and this is normal as it is the case with all other issues. There seems to be two opposing schools of thought on the subject of traditional leaders, even within the African National Congress’ ranks. The thesis also gives a background to these two theoretical schools of thought and attempts to explain the reason why there is some difficulties formulating a policy document that is implemental. In this thesis, the two opposing viewpoints are represented by ‘modernists’ and ‘traditionalists’ respectively. The other position is recognising the role traditional leaders played and believe that traditional leaders have a role in the democratic dispensation and must form part of local governance in rural areas. This relationship is examined from the government’s documentations, official political statements by politicians and most importantly, how policy (theory) is implemented (praxis) by both government and the institution of traditional leadership. The argument brought forward in this thesis holds a view that the institution of traditional leadership possesses the ability for understanding how to govern and effectively make people come to an agreement through consensus about social problems that they share and the possible solutions to these problems, rather than depend on political elites and bureaucrats. In this way the system of traditional leadership provides values that are absent in the democratic form of governance. The thesis also focuses on issues of governance and political transformation that was introduced in the ‘Interim’ Constitution and further developed in the Constitution. In order to establish good working relationships between the institution of uBukhosi and elected government structures, ‘trust’ is essential between these two systems. Thus the researcher takes a moral stand that government must demonstrate a ‘political will’ to remedy the situation and work towards authentic recognition of the institution of uBukhosi and African culture. The study further puts forward a view that traditional leaders must be seen to be apolitical in decisions they make. Further more, the institution of traditional leadership must constantly revisit itself and seriously revise its strategies with regard to the position of women in the succession debate for position of leadership as traditional leaders and other aspects that are seen as inherently opposed to the Constitution. In other words, the institution must also transform, it cannot remain static. There must be a ‘political will’ to come to terms that people on the grassroots want their traditional leaders to remain in authority, therefore traditional leaders’ role in governance must be made clearer. The study provides for a rational involvement of the institution of traditional leadership in the negotiated state. Given the fact that South Africa is currently a constitutional state guided by democratic principles, democracy should prevail, however, not at the expense of the destruction of the institution of traditional leadership. Thus, democracy should not thrive by destroying traditional African leadership system. Finally, this thesis perceives the dual system of governance as two sides of the same coin.Item Open Access Vigilantism as a feature of political decay in the post-1994 South African dispensation: a theoretical perspective(University of the Free State, 2008-11) Swanepoel, M. P.; Duvenhage, A.; Coetzee, T.English: The main aim of this study was to develop a more comprehensive theoretical perspective of the occurrence of vigilantism in post-1994 South Africa as available literature lack order and structure in their explanations of this phenomenon. The study started with the development of a metatheoretical framework for the investigation in which it was concluded that the development of a theory for vigilantism through this presentation will be influenced by life experience and philosophical framework, the selection of available valid and reliable information by means of a literature study as well as the selection of scientific methodology; and by the fact that the study will be undertaken within the Political Science discipline. The aim would therefore be to provide an analytical component by answering the question “What is vigilantism?”, a strategic component by answering the question “How does vigilantism take place?” and a normative component by answering the questions “Why does vigilantism take place? and When would it most probably take place?” Literature selected for the study was divided into two categories, namely contextual conceptual frameworks and specific conceptual frameworks. Contextual conceptual frameworks utilised were those of Huntington, Duvenhage, Geldenhuys, Migdal and Zartman, while the specific conceptual frameworks were those of Strange, Black, De la Roche, Abrahams, Johnston and Minnaar. A common denominator that was identified in all the contextual and specific typologies, models and theories discussed, supports the idea that vigilantism is a feature of political decay, since its manifestation is always explained on the basis of law and order lacking, a weak government, an inability of the state to provide security and social needs, social organisations (vigilantes) applying their own rules, low bureaucratic abilities and the state failing to perform all its functions. Four broad contextual criteria were identified while studying the contextual conceptual frameworks, namely a society in disequilibrium, a dysfunctional state, the existence of power vacuums and the presence of high levels of violence. The occurrence of vigilantism can be predicted on the basis of these contextual criteria and it was found that South Africa generally does comply to these criteria in the post-1994 period. Through the specific conceptual frameworks, a definition for vigilantism was developed which also provides specific criteria to determine whether the acts of a group can be classified as those of vigilantism and reads as follows: Vigilantism refers to the illegal and violent acts or threats of such acts directed at individuals threatening the community order, by self-appointed law enforcement groups consisting of private citizens, protected by a conspiracy of silence, in reaction to the absence or ineffectiveness of the formal system, aiming at reclaiming order. The contextual and specific criteria were tested against three case studies – PAGAD, Mapogo-a-Mathamaga and people’s courts. The study found that all three case studies supported both the contextual and the specific criteria but with the following two exceptions: • PAGAD progressed to the phase of subversion as it turned into an urban terrorist group. This indicated the danger of vigilantism if left unattended by the state. • Mapogo-a-Mathamaga charged a fee for its protection, indicating that a vigilante organisation can also be contracted and does not act on a voluntary basis. The study of people’s courts indicated that incidents of vigilantism through these groups have been taking place since 1994 and are still continuing. People’s courts are scattered all over the country and are mainly found in informal settlements and very poor townships. It is important to note that the phase of vigilantism is temporary by nature, since it is not the preferred phase of people. This study has shown that vigilantism is a reality in post-1994 South Africa and a real threat to the authority of the state and requires the state’s attention and immediate action.