Masters Degrees (Political Studies and Governance)

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Open Access
An analysis of municipality management key performance indicator (KPI) and its relation to municipal manager (MM) turnover: comparison between municipalities in Gauteng and Limpopo provinces
(University of the Free State, 2022) Mashashane, Ndangano Banyana; Cloete, Pringle
Effective public administration and municipal management are vital for developmental states' functioning, such as South Africa. Without efficient and effective municipal managers committed to clearly outlined and systematically implemented development plans, South Africa may struggle to live up to its developmental objectives. As such, good governance of municipal managers needs to be regularly checked through project management appraisal systems. However, it is due to the goal of good governance, which is consistently checked through regular project management appraisals, that we observe a high staff turnover in local municipalities. Staff turnover can be costly if it results in the loss of human capital investment and intellectual capital, exacerbated by costs to replacing management and a loss of productivity (Mzezewa and Raushai, 2019:5). Hattingh (2020:3) notes that the South African local government invests in the human capital and intellectual development of their senior managers through offering training and other capacity building initiatives while also providing financial assistance to further qualifications while under contract. However, a recent financial audit claims that more than half of the local municipalities are currently labelled as financially distressed, which adds to the high employee turnover rate in municipal management positions. According to the Department of Cooperative Governance, of those employees suspended, 21 were municipal managers (Hattingh, 2020:33). As a response to the current problem, the government has allocated R6.6-billion to support municipalities through building capacity and strengthening municipal administrations (Hattingh, 2020:4; Polity, 2021). Based on the implications of managerialism, this dissertation hopes to add a body of knowledge on any trends of accomplishments, or any entry requirements met, which may predict the capability of good governance of municipal managers and to increase staff retention to prevent further loss of capital. The problem, however, is that a shortage of research exists on trends of which municipal manager KPI's (competencies), skills and experiences lead to completion of their contractual term and not suspension. This study therefore aimed to identify which Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and core managerial competencies (CMCs) are present amongst municipal managers who complete their contractual terms while also performing well within the human resource management retention theory of job fit. In other words, the objective of this study is to explore and compare descriptively the municipal management turnover and any trends in the managers (MM's) KPI's and experiences that promote completion of managerial contract with the local government. The study is a cross-sectional descriptive quantitative exploration of municipality managers' performance challenges, preventing them from completing their full contractual term as a municipal manager. Information came from multiple sources, including Curriculum Vitae (CVs), KPI, CMCs, audits and exit reviews of managers. Secondary data was thematically categorised into the core competencies and KPI categories required by local government, and lastly, data was analysed and interpreted. This analysis will ultimately assist in the development of guidelines towards determining minimum requirements of managerial positions in municipalities to facilitate greater staff retention.
Open Access
An intersectional analysis of the systemic discrimination confronting LGBTQ+ individuals in the Middle East: the cases of Iran, Turkey, and Egypt
(University of the Free State, 2023) Bekker, Simone; Solomon, Hussein
𝑬𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒉 The road to equality is not straight, and for LGBTQ+ individuals the road holds various intersections of discrimination. Aspects such as identity and gender have directly impacted the level to which individuals are shunned by their families, communities, and social nexus. Although discrimination against LGBTI people undermines the human rights principles outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, discrimination and violence against people in the LGBTI community are all too common. Homophobic, biphobic, and transphobic attitudes remain deeply embedded in many cultures around the world. A significant amount of research on intersectionality concentrates primarily on African American women and other women of colour, and it seems that the research on intersectionality has not sufficiently addressed the lives of Middle Eastern LGBTQ+ individuals. Often, LGBTQ+ individuals are misrepresented by selected states from the region at international forums such as the United Nations General Assembly and Human Right Council. Using claims based on religious and cultural values, selected states undermine the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, and Arab-speaking and Muslim majority states seem to form a homogenous entity with a uniform view on LGBTQ people. All LGBTQ+ members are assumed to be faced with the same systemic discrimination and to have the same human rights needs and experiences. For this reason, intersections of multiple systems of oppression are not recognised and the interests of some are privileged while the experiences of others are marginalised. To address this gap, this study uses an intersectional framework which notes that the LGBTQ+ community in the Middle East is not a singular entity, and even though conditions differ based on country, gender, and from individual to individual, as a whole, the LGBTQ community in the region has not been granted the “freedoms” linked to Western ideals of homosexual progress, such as open displays of romantic affection, gay marriage, and other superficial indications of acceptance in society. This study analyses differences of experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals within three separate case studies, namely Iran, Turkey, and Egypt. It does so by applying an intersectional lens to recognise the ways in which different social identities produce intersecting systems of privilege or oppression, and how these systems create different lived experiences, and/or common experiences within a social context. This dissertation is a qualitative study which utilises case study methodology to analyse the existing literature related to the topics. Discrimination and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals directly undermine the human rights principles outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The fact that so many instances of such violation continue to go unchallenged is testimony to the deep cultural roots of homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia. ___________________________________________________________________
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 e-government readiness in South African municipalities: a case of the Sol Plaatje Municipality
(University of the Free State, 2023) Gaosekwe, Naledi Portia; Gouws, Ina
This dissertation examines the e-Government readiness of the Sol Plaatje Municipality in South Africa, aiming to identify factors facilitating or hindering the implementation of e-Government initiatives. Through a comprehensive review of literature, policy documents, and empirical evidence, the study explores the intricate dynamics of e-Government, considering its potential to enhance public service delivery and governance transparency. The research employs theoretical frameworks such as the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the United Nations E-Government Development Index (UN-EGDI) to assess the Municipality's readiness for digital transformation. Findings reveal persistent challenges in technological infrastructure, digital literacy, and citizen awareness, particularly highlighting disparities between urban and rural areas. The study proposes recommendations for infrastructure enhancement, digital literacy programmes, comprehensive awareness campaigns, collaboration with telecom providers, and mobile optimization to bridge these gaps. Ultimately, this research underscores the importance of addressing multi-dimensional challenges to foster effective e-Government implementation, offering insights with broader implications for enhancing governance in South Africa and other developing nations.
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
An assessment of corporate governance in state-owned enterprises in Zimbabwe within the period 2005-2015: the case of the Hwange Colliery mine (2010-2014)
(University of the Free State, 2019-03) Mumba, Blessed Dzidzai; Swanepoel, M. P.
Leadership in any sphere of life, is a given constant. All entities - either political, social, economic or corporate – require some form of leadership to direct its affairs and maintain its focus on its aims and objectives. The presence of leadership therefore, equally demands a sense of responsibility, which is what corporate governance entails. This study thus, aims to identify and evaluate the existence of corporate governance in state-owned enterprises in a sub-Saharan African socio-economic setting. It makes use of the Hwange Colliery in the North-Western part of Zimbabwe as a specific case study. The study tries to establish the presence (or otherwise) of all characteristics of proper corporate governance; how they have impacted on the operations - and running – of the colliery over the years and how the current state of the colliery has affected its most-important stakeholders such as staff and immediate (host) community. Making use of primary and secondary research methods - such as interviews and pictorial data - the study attempts to determine if the brand of leadership/governance adopted in the running of Hwange Colliery meets required standards and has made it attractive to investors, as well as other stakeholders such as employees, clients and the government of Zimbabwe, which remains its major shareholder. The findings ultimately proved that the attempts by Hwange Colliery Limited to practise corporate governance have proved very inadequate – with far-reaching and painful consequences. These findings were followed by recommendations, which aimed at improving both the financial state of the Colliery, as well as its corporate governance scorecard.
Open Access
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.
Open Access
Die beginsel van soewereiniteit in eie kring as waarborg vir burgervryheid in die Christelike staat
(University of the Free State, 1952) Scheepers, David Johannes Jacobus; Strauss
Abstract not available
Open Access
Beyond mono-theoretical approaches: realism, liberalism and the explanatory crisis in the democratic peace theory
(University of the Free State, 2011-01-03) Coetzee, Eben; Hudson, H.
Theoretical accounts in search of explicating the no war phenomenon inherent in the democratic peace proposition continue to permeate the discipline of International Relations (IR) at an imposing rate, giving credence to claims that the democratic peace research programme has obtained a position of pre-eminence within the discipline. Moreover, continued theoretical engagement with the democratic peace has resulted in the steadfast progression in the endorsement and, in some instances, the outright utilisation (read: manipulation) of the democratic peace theory as a panacea for real-world challenges facing Western policy makers. The emphasis on the democracy-peace nexus, grounded in liberal interpretations of the democratic peace, is however inherently problematic as the debate on the democratic peace remains essentially a project-in-process. Explanatory accounts of the democratic peace have thus far proceeded through an ontologically dichotomous framework in which the democratic peace is reduced to either structural or agential (individualist) accounts of (international) social and political outcomes. This has pitted the structural prioritisation embedded within (neo-)realist theory against the patently individualist nature of liberal theories of the democratic peace. Coinciding with this has been a failure of theoreticians on both sides of the theoretical aisle in transcending the domestic-international dichotomy accruing from their theoretical frameworks. This has meant that the theorisation of the democratic peace has failed in a twofold manner. Firstly, and if conceived as a problem peculiar to the agentstructure problem in social theory, the mutual exclusivity of agents and structures, embedded within the theoretical frameworks of liberal and (neo-)realist conceptions of the democratic peace, does not hold. Secondly, the domestic-international dichotomy thus accruing from the ontological positions upheld by these theoretical frameworks has provided little room for an alternative (multileveled) account of social explanation. In an attempt at addressing these shortcomings, this study highlights the need for a conception of social theorisation and, by implication, the democratic peace more attentive to the import of both agents and structures, located at the domestic and international levels respectively. A multitheoretical approach to the theorisation of the democratic peace will be advanced, drawing on both the structural and individualist arguments embedded within (neo-)realist and liberal theories of the democratic peace. This should not be construed as an attempt at arriving at a theoretical synthesis. Such a conception is anathema to the approach to be advanced in this study. By arguing for a conception of social life as inherently complex, this study will further attempt to transcend the theory-universal (context-independent) explanatory accounts derivative of (neo-)realist and liberal conceptions of the democratic peace by pointing towards the import of context to social theorisation and social conduct. The exclusion of context in social theorisation, derivative of a positivist theory of science, is challenged by providing a conception of social theorisation and social conduct as subjected to issues of time and place. Within such a conception of social life stressing the interplay of forces within and across time and space, the notion of a theoretical synthesis cannot but be left by the wayside. The multitheoretical and context-dependent argument to be advanced will be bolstered by probing the peaceinducing forces in Anglo-American relations (1861-1863 and 1895-1896) and Franco-American relations (2002-). Anglo-American relations, 1861-63, focusing on the diplomacy of the Trent affair and beyond, has highlighted the extent to which a multitheoretical approach is theoretically tenable. Similarly, the Anglo-American crisis over the Venezuelan boundary dispute, 1895-96, entailing British appeasement of the United States, was grounded, in part, in an unfavourable distribution of military capabilities on the part of Britain vis-à-vis the United States. However, British appeasement was also grounded in the existence of liberal explanatory forces deeming any war against the (liberal) democratic United States as unacceptable. The theoretical argument postulated will conclude by probing the peace-inducing effects concerned with Franco-American relations in response to the Iraq War. That Franco-American relations were ever in any real danger of erupting into armed conflict (or even war) is, of course, beside the point. The argument, rather, will explicate the nexus between realist and liberal explanatory forces as mitigating factors in preventing the transformation from conflict to war, with the neo-realist emphasis on the peace-inducing effects of nuclear weapons and the comparable effect of liberal values and institutions fixing the range of acceptable outcomes.
Open Access
Brazil in Africa (since the dawn of a new millennium): a political economic assessment.
(University of the Free State, 2016-11) Masita, Tshepo; Van Wyk
Brazil, the central focus of this study, has taken up a role as one of the interminably bourgeoning middle-power economies in the world. The country plays a major role in redefining the new role of emerging economies in a transformed global economic system. Furthermore, Brazil’s enthusiasm and rise in the globe has over the years been greatly swayed by compelling international as well as inland political and ideological nuances. As such, Brazil’s position on, and conduct in, the global governance terrain and, therefore, its foreign relations approach, is increasingly exhibiting an urgent need for academic inspection. More so, the study will attempt to offer an expanded descriptive account of the nexus between Brazil’s rise in the international system, as well as their growing footprint on the African continent. The study’s main diagnostic tool will be the critical theory of hegemony. In consequence, the Gramscian concept of consensual hegemony (which is directly correlated to the critical theory of hegemony) will be used to gauge Brazil’s international behaviour.
Open Access
Building state capacity in service delivery through public private partnerships: the case of the health sector in Lesotho
(University of the Free State, 2023) Nkopane, Mapheello Juliet; Jankielsohn, Roy
State capacity is mostly measured through the way services are rendered to a country’s citizens. Hence, Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) in the health sector have gained popularity and they are seen by many democracies as strategic approaches to managing and governing service delivery to citizens and, therefore, are considered a policy tool for enhancing governance. However, in many developing countries PPPs have not received enough attention; this has aggravated the healthcare systems’ challenges and development. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to emphasise the importance of building state capacity in service delivery through PPPs within the health sector in Lesotho and to provide information on the role of the government in ensuring effective collaborations or interactions between the public sector and the private sector. A descriptive qualitative method was used in this research to investigate, through desktop research of various resources, how the Government of Lesotho could build state capacity through the implementation of PPPs in the health sector. The focus of the study was on the Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital PPP project. It was found in this study that building state capacity through PPPs in Lesotho’s health sector is in its initial stages and it faces many challenges. This was evident in the recently failed Queen ‘Mamohato Hospital PPP project due to the absence of PPP legislation, public sector capacity, a detailed implementation framework, risk sharing procurement, and many other factors. A well-balanced incorporation of such key factors would be essential for the successful and sustainable implementation of PPPs in the health sector in Lesotho. The study answered the research questions on how state capacity towards service delivery could be enhanced using PPPs within the health sector in Lesotho.
Open Access
Burden-sharing and hybrid peacekeeping operations in Somalia and Sudan: a critical analysis
(University of the Free State, 2015-10-20) Mohale, Barbara; Neethling, T. G.; Coetzee, Eben
English: This study explores whether hybrid peacekeeping operations, or recent forms of UN- AU co-operation, offer new prospects or opportunities to the challenges relating to international peacekeeping in Africa. It further analyses whether the international community is moving towards more effective and legitimate peacekeeping operations when it follows an approach of hybrid peacekeeping operations in Africa. Through historical-critical examinations of case studies of peacekeeping operations in Liberia, Burundi, Darfur, and Somalia, the study interrogates the evolution and practicality of key concepts such as R2P, mandates and legal underpinning, and the UN and AU architectures for peacekeeping operations. The study found that peacekeeping has shifted to include the three components (civilian, police, and military), making peacekeeping operations multidimensional in scope and approach. The cooperative security partnership between the UN and AU and sub-regional organisations, such as ECOWAS in Liberia and AU in Burundi, have demonstrated the significance of a cooperative venture towards lasting peace. The relationship between these two organisations - the UN and AU - is of paramount importance, and must be based on coherent and strategically structured relations which are systematically integrated. The implementation of hybrid peacekeeping operations offers new prospects or opportunities if the UN and AU use the advantages these possess to bring about peace, despite the challenges being faced. The study has shown how limited traditional interventions led to the innovative hybridisation but also made the case for the need to refine the response. The ultimate conclusion is that the resource and political constraints faced by the AU would benefit from the solid shared international responsibility provided by the comparative advantage of hybridisation. The study concluded that the UN and AU relationship and cooperation over the past two decades presents significant steps toward operations that would contribute to lasting peace in Africa. The lessons provided by the Liberia, Burundi, Darfur, and Somalia cases offer an instructive foundation for both the UN and AU to improve on an evolving approach. Lessons can be learned from the conflicts analysed in the study, and the international community has the advantage of working towards better and more refined hybrid peacekeeping operations than those conducted in Darfur and Somalia.
Open Access
Challenges faced by citizens accessing legal representation in South Africa
(University of the Free State, 2017-07) Zweni, Nandipha; Van Coller, Helena
This study examines the role of the judicial system in the delivery of justice in South Africa. In doing so, it analyses the South African constitution and transformation that has taken place within the legal system and the considerations behind the constitutional recognition of access to justice in the current constitutional dispensation. It is noted that as the poor in South Africa exercise very little of their legal and constitutional rights; it might be attributed to lack of knowledge regarding their various options and, perhaps, many other factors. The major concern is that not enough people are receiving the same quality of legal representation afforded to those that make use of private practitioners.
Open Access
Challenges of local government's water and sanitation provision: a case study of Amajuba District Municipality
(University of the Free State, 2017) Muyunda, Ruth Namalambo; Matebesi, S. Z.
The South African constitution introduced democratic development reforms that mandated local government certain responsibilities, among others being water and sanitation services. However, many challenges have been encountered by local governments and service providers and that hindered effective and sufficient provision of services, particularly in rural remote areas. The study was conducted against the backdrop of the white paper on local government requirement on provision of quality services to communities in a sustainable manner. Therefore an investigation on challenges local governments encounter in the water supply and sanitation provision, was conducted. The main focus of the study was on provision of water and sanitation by Amajuba District municipality to Ndlamlenze and Luthulunye communities within the eMandlangeni municipality. The study utilised qualitative approach to interpret the challenges the Amajuba District municipality encountered in water supply and sanitation provision in the two communities under study and also to derive the perceptions and expectations of the communities in Municipal services. A case study design was used and interviews with open ended and closed questions, and observation and document analysis were utilised to collect the required data necessary for the research problem. The sampling approach employed in this study was purposeful sampling. Data was analysed manually and Microsoft Office Excel 2007 was used for drawing graphs. The research settings were the Amajuba District Municipality and two communities in ward 1 within the eMadlangeni Local Municipality. The Engineering Department, water sector section and two communities, Ndlamlenze and Luthulunye in ward 1 were sampled conveniently for data sources. The conclusion of the research revealed that the municipality has done everything possible within their means, but challenges such as remoteness of the two communities, poor roads and terrain, vandalisms of infrastructure, drought and lack of sufficient funds, have affected the development expected in the two communities. The two communities mainly depend on streams and springs as sources of water for both humans and animals. Some households have built temporary, make-shift toilets, while other households still depend on the bush and thickets for relieving themselves. The recommendations provided in the last chapter focus on suggesting the possible ways in which the Amajuba District Municipality may solve the challenges that hinder the required standard provision of water supply and sanitation provision to meet customer satisfaction. The recommendations include among others: building a municipality sub-station close to the two communities; making a recommendation to the Department of Rural development and land reforms to relocate the community members; visiting the communities regularly to educate and attend to their problems. The recommendations also include some of the measures that the community members should apply to meet their expectations. The recommendations include among others: taking responsibility of the services provided; appreciating the services provided; building stronger toilet structures and making decisions to relocate to better areas. The researcher hopes that through this research, the district municipality will find even better ways of providing quality services in water and sanitation and that the two communities will likewise respond positively.
Open Access
Character and role of the state from a governance perspective
(University of the Free State, 2023) Vili, Ongezwa; Graham, Victoria
In 1994, South Africa left behind its unequal and racist past, ushering in a new system of democracy that brought hope for a brighter future for its citizens. This new system was meant to bring and advocate for equality, job opportunities, the eradication of poverty and freedom; however, it seems that many South Africans are still plagued by the same issues they faced in the past. Most citizens are still experiencing poor service delivery in their communities, such as in the townships and rural areas, and unemployment remains a problem, as is corruption (Masiya, Davids & Mangai, 2019). The Finance Minister, Tito Mboweni, stated in his May 2021 Budget Vote debate that 163 municipalities were in financial distress and 40 in financial and service delivery crises. Moreover, 102 municipalities adopted budgets they could not fund. Mboweni concluded, “It is indeed lamentable that the trajectory of municipal performance is unimpressive. Much of the progress made has been eclipsed by the widespread ‘failure’ of many municipalities. Rather than moving communities forward, many municipalities have themselves regressed.” Lastly, Merton (2021) argues that ineffective political leadership, characterised by conflict among council members and undue political intervention in administrative affairs, has hindered the development of a functional municipal sector. One would assume that the local sphere of government would know and ensure the quality of service delivery as it is closest to communities; however, that is not the case in some South African municipalities. This study will begin with a definition of the state, which will help to establish the role and character of the state as it is one of the underlying concepts of this study. Furthermore, this study will define ‘effective government’ to analyse or establish to what degree the South African government has been effective in addressing the issues or challenges faced by its citizens in the new democracy since 1994.
Open Access
China and India’s foreign policy interests in Africa: partners in development or national self-interest?
(University of the Free State, 2015-02-02) Du Plessis, Ambrosé Ray; Neethling, T. G.; Schoeman, P. A.
English: This study explores whether the relationship which China and India forged with Africa on their own terms, is mutually beneficial or whether it is selfish, one-sided and therefore largely beneficial to Chinese and Indian interests respectively. The study descriptively analyses China and India‘s foreign policies towards Africa in order to determine whether it is a case of national self-interest or partners in development. The research also makes use of the comparative method, by comparing China and India‘s respective modus operandi in Africa. China and India‘s foreign policies are scrutinised with regard to their agencies, structural design and implementation. There are two schools of thought on the motives for China and India‘s presence in Africa. On the one hand is a discourse arguing that both China and India are seeking ways to forge mutually beneficial partnerships with Africa. On the other, is a second school of thought that argues China and India‘s relationship with the continent is primarily self-serving and that they are simply seeking to exploit Africa, for its natural resources. The study explores the conceptual framework, which consists of three key concepts namely foreign policy, national interest and partners in development. These concepts were then linked to China-Africa and India-Africa relations. The investigation found that foreign policy theories are linked to the behaviour of the actors that make and implement it. In other words, theory informs practice, although not in systematic manner as outlined in the various theories. The study also examined both China and India‘s domestic needs and challenges as inputs in their respective foreign policy processes (formulation and execution). Looking inwards allowed the study to make more sense and work towards a deeper understanding of both China and India‘s foreign policies, respectively. Therefore, China and India‘s foreign policy actions in Africa are based on their domestic considerations. This is especially true as far as China and India‘s domestic development ―models‖ are concerned. Both China and India have institutionalised their contemporary relationship with Africa in the form of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the African-India Forum Summit (AIFS), respectively. Moreover, China and India‘s aid allocations have come to play an integral part in their relations with Africa. Apart from multilateralism, the study also examined China and India‘s bilateral relations with specific African countries, in order to determine whether their relationship can be associated with partners in development or national self-interest. The study concludes that both China and India‘s foreign policy interest in Africa displays elements of both a strategic partnership and national self-interest. Operating in China‘s shadow, has afforded New Delhi the opportunity to prioritise its national self-interest in Africa. As a result, India has been more aggressive in securing its national self-interests in Africa. In conclusion both schools of thought (national self-interest and partners in development) could be validated.
Open Access
Coalition politics a new political landscape in South Africa
(University of the Free State, 2018-12) Moshodi, Johannes Mokhobo; Swanepoel, M. P.
Abstract not available
Open Access
Comparative perspectives of Africa style democracy
(University of the Free State, 2020) Thaela, Lefu; Nko, E. R.
Africa is a continent that has for some time since independence progressed towards the new style of leadership. This leadership is inherited from the western style of leadership and as a result the continent democratised. Democracy in Africa has been researched in terms of the trends that took place since then. Issues that contribute to this democracy have been identified. They have been dealt with, but the continent seems not to be transforming, instead we see democracy back sliding in Africa. The study contributes towards the understanding of the African style of democracy, which maybe has to be accepted as one of its own kind that has some elements that have unique features from those of the original school of thought. The research investigates the perspectives of Africa style democracy in 5 African countries in comparison with the Swiss democracy. The research problem was premised on the characteristics of the democracy in this continent. Methodology of this study was a qualitative one using the secondary data that has been collected from various sources such as the catalogues, newspapers, books, journals and reports with the aim of investigating the characteristics of the democracy in Africa. The tenets of democracy being free, fair and regular elections, respect for human rights, freedom of media and checks on government, were used to find characteristics of the style of democracy. The study explored several theories including governance theory, cultural theory, participatory democracy, representative democracy, transformational leadership, great man theory, separation of powers theory, dictatorship theory and direct democracy. It is the conclusion in this study that Africa style democracy is characterised by disrespect for human rights, oppression of freedom of expression, elections manipulation and the supremacy of the executive. The findings of the research reject the “blanket” approach that democracy has to be the same throughout the global village; democracy has to be described and explained the way in which the citizens perceive it. The study concludes that democracy in Africa has got its own characteristics that are unique, comprising of authoritarian characteristics and the western democracy characters. The study therefore associates Africa type of democracy this type of democracy as a “mule type of democracy” and as a result it has to be accepted as it is.