Public Administration and Management

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Open Access
An analysis of the management framework for development in the South African public sector
(University of the Free State, 2001-11) Minnaar, Francois; Bekker, J. C. O.
Development must be contextually understood. Not all persons will react similarly to circumstances in their environment. Their behaviour in certain situations will be determined by a wide variety of factors, including their upbringing, their cultural framework within which they reason and function, for example. Similarly government will react within the contextual framework composed of its predominant ideological perspective, its understanding of history, its perception of the dominant viewpoint regarding the matter in society, and so forth. South Africa's economic limitations have placed serious constrains on the country's ability to formulate and implement sustainable development policies. One of the extremely negative side-effects of this reality was the continuous cash flow problems experienced by various Provincial and National authorities in the country, where the National Government was eventually required to bail them out in terms of Section 100 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. The implications of this were that these authorities surrendered their autonomy in terms of the Constitution to the central government. South Africa is a "developing" country, which made it a bit more 'unequal amongst equals' in the global economic structure. In this regard it is essential for the country to take cognisance of the reality of the global village in which it find itself; characterised by the domination of a single remaining superpower, a declining ability of the physical environment to sustain life and a rapidly changing world-order. Limited economic resources to facilitate development caused various socioeconomic problems in the country. Amongst these are the enormous gap between the rich and the poor in the country. This reality is threatening to explode and plunge the country in anarchy. A declining infrastructure is further eroding South Africa's ability to construct meaningful economic growth. A decrease in the role and function of religion and churches in the country has gradually eroded the moral fiber of society. The result is a South African reality characterized by a staggering crime rate and the transformation of the normative foundation to guide management activity in the South African public service. Other characteristics of the South African environment are persistent racial divisions, inequality and staggering unemployment. The question that might be asked is how responsive the political set-up in South Africa is to the fostering of effective management of development. The answer to this issue can be formulated by evaluating the South African government's response to the environmental challenges in the country. A very positive aspect in the political set-up of the South African society, that undoubtedly foster improvement in the quality of life of ordinary South Africans, is the massive increase in the levels of public participation in the decision - and policy-making processes of the country. Contemporary involvement of the community by means of continuous and extensive road shows and open meetings with the community is a massive improvement on the traditional involvement in the form of party-political meeting during election campaigns and a formal speech at the opening (or launch) of one or the other project. Aggressive union activity, and the concept of rolling mass action have also fostered a culture of participation. However, on the negative side it is worth mentioning that a growing feeling of apathy can be detected, especially amongst the youth, and that the level of active participation in the political process is relatively low, and ever declining. The euphoria of the freedom struggle, and eventual victory over the oppressor have come and gone, in spite of active attempts on the side of the government to keep these feelings and emotions alive (mostly for party-political gain). These feelings have been replaced with despair in the face of ongoing unemployment and poverty. The structural management capacity of the public sector to realise ambitious development progress has improved - although a move away from bureaucratic management structures will surely benefit this ability. The introduction of a performance management framework, multi-year planning and improved accountability measures have strengthened the ability of the South African public sector to facilitate effective development management. However, aspects that will certainly impact negatively on the ability of the public sector to effectively management development initiatives are also numerous: o A serious lack of financial management competency and expertise. o The 'affirmative-action-at-all-cost' policy, where desperately needed expertise are often pro-actively chased away to make way for politically acceptable appointments. The same goes for indiscretional political appointments at high and senior organizational positions. These days just about all personnel-related matters in the public sector are based on 'representivity' - even personnel performance appraisals. If these kind of appraisals do not reflect the racial composition of a the staff component of a department, the process is stopped for further investigation. o Persistent racism - white public officials who, often unconsciously, still believe that black workers are inferior and their contribution less impressive. In some instances white public officials also hampers effective service delivery because they will still advantage whites at service delivery points. o However, and this point the government denies flat-out: Black-an-white discrimination is also thriving. Newly appointed black managers often have very deep anti-white feelings, and are barely able to hide these preferences. o Bureaucratic, organic organizational structures. Several of South Africa's service delivery agencies are still involved in a process of re-structuring seven years after the 1994 general election. More often than not this 'restructuring' refers to a state of structural mess - with meaningful service delivery a practical impossibility. Service delivery in South Africa has been enhanced by renewed emphasis on quality management and a drive towards increased transparency and accountability. The formal structural framework for service delivery was improved by introducing various Service Delivery Charters and the White Paper on Transformation of Public Service Delivery. However, the official service delivery agencies are neglecting to properly implement these initiatives. So, has South Africa managed to achieve sustainable development? There are two perceptions regarding the answer to this question. The one holds the view that, in spite of the sincere and honest efforts of government to take the plight of ordinary South Africans seriously during the policy-making process, is it still hard to conclude that the ideal of sustainable development has been realised in South Africa. A lot of houses have been built; the focus on clinical services has ensure that primary health care services are now more readily available to ordinary South Africans - yes; for example But, perhaps the most damaging reflection on the post-1994 government's performance in respect of development, come from the anti-apartheid veteran of so many years, Helen Suzman when she stated that while I, like others, am greatly relieved that South Africa is rid of all the heinous laws of the apartheid regime and immensely pleased at no longer being a citizen of a pariah country, my high hopes of a good performance by our new government have not been realised. "Government has failed to deliver on its promise of 'a better life for all.' True, I, as a privileged white, continue to live at the same high standard, but equally true, the standard of living of the majority of blacks have deteriorated." The proof of the pudding is in the eating. The ultimate test to determine whether or not development has realized, for the purposes of this study, was the question of whether or not there was an improvement in the quality of life of ordinary citizens. The other viewpoint is best expressed by The Economist of 24 February 2001 at the end of a series of articles which aim was to analyse the state of affairs in South Africa seven years after the 1994 general elections. The author concluded that, whatever its shortcomings today, (South Africa) is a far happier place than it used to be, and a far happier place than it might have been. In time, it may yet fulfil the promise of the Mandela years."
Open Access
Anastatiese- en transendentale ontleding van administratiewe transformasie binne die raamwerk van Masakhane
(University of the Free State, Sep-05) Buys, Willem Frederick; Bekker, J. C. O.
Afrikaans: In ‘n veranderende wêreld is transformasie vanaf die vroegste tye aan die mensdom bekend. Daar kan dus geargumenteer word dat die betekenis van die begrip weens d ie bekendheid daarvan, nie verklaar hoef te word nie. ‘n Vraagstuk begin egter reeds by die betekenis van die begrip omdat rolspelers dikwels nie eenstemmig is oor wat met transformasie bedoel word nie. Die doel is dan om die betekenis, asook verskillende benaderings, menings en standpunte oor transformasie uit te lig. Sodoende kan transformasie in perspektief geplaas word. Die begrip is in verskillende soorte kategoriseer om die betekenis daarvan te differensie e r. Die waarde hiervan is dat weerstand teen transformasie nie noodwendig ‘n beginsel saak is nie, maar moontlik is die weerstand teen die soort transformasie of wyse waarvolgens dit toegepas word. Daar behoort ingedagte gehou te word, dat ‘n verband tussen verskillende soorte transformasie kan bestaa n. Daarom behoort die kategorisering van transformasie nie as ‘n rigiede afbakening van soorte transformasie beskou te word nie. M enings en standpunte oor transformasie kan op persepsies berus. D ie betekenis van persepsies word verklaar, weens die impak d aarvan op benaderings tot transformasie. Die doel daarvan is om aan te toon dat persepsies van transformasie nie noodwendig ‘n ware weergawe van die werklikheid is nie. Dit is egter op grond van persepsies dat individue kan reageer en optree en waarop besl uite in terme van transformasie ge baseer kan word. Daarom is dit noodsaaklik om te bepaal wat persepsies beteken asook wat die invloed daarvan op transformasie is. Met ‘n anastatiese benadering word spesifieke fokuspunte uitgelig waarmee transformasie toe paslik vernuwe kan word. In hierdie verband kan die elemente van ‘n anastatiese konsep as ‘n benadering tot transformasie benut word. Die betekenis van anastaties word verklaar en daar word verduidelik waarom ‘n ideale toestand as staties 222 beskou word. D ie veranderende v erhoudings waarin staatsinstellings en die gemeenskap in ‘n transformasieproses herposisioneer word, word ook verduidelik. Die fases van transformasie word binne die raamwerk van ‘n anastatiese benadering verduidelik. S pesifieke elemente van ‘n anastatiese benadering word op grond van die betekenis van anastaties uitgel u g. Daar word deurgaans op hierdie elemente gefokus om in terme daarvan ‘n anastatiese benadering tot transformasie uit een te sit. ‘n Anastatiese benadering wys daarop dat ‘n t ransformasieproses kan vervaag en in die denke van rolspelers vernuwe kan word . Vernuwing kan geskied deur byvoorbeeld op die sin, doel, betekenis en noodsaaklikheid daarvan te fokus. M et behulp van ‘n transendentale benadering word verduidelik waarom be lemmerende grense in denkraamwerke van individue daartoe kan bydra dat die noodsaaklikheid van ‘n gedaanteverandering nie ingesien word nie. Wyses word bespreek waarop hierdie grense oorkom kan word. Daar word aangetoon waarom die benadering op die minderh eid aspekte in ‘n instelling gerig word, wat vir die meerderheid vraagstukke oor institusionele grense verantwoordelik kan wees. ‘n A nastatiese - en transendentale benadering word in wisselwerking met Masakhane vir die realisering van transformasie benade r. Die betekenis daar van word met die Masakhane - veldtog in verband gebring. Dit dien as agtergrond waarom Masakhane in die gestalte van ‘n veldtog vanaf 1995 tot tans. Beide benaderings wys daarop dat vier elemente of kategorieë vanaf Masakhane afgelei kan word. Met hierdie elemente kan spesifiseer word waarom hierdie konsep as noodsaaklik vir die realisering van transformasie beskou word. Die verband daarvan met verwante begrippe soos Ubuntu en Batho Pele word ook uit gel u g. Die aandag word met beide benade rings op uitgangspunte van ‘n wetenskapsidee van die vakwetenskap, Openbare Bestuur gevestig waarop Masakhane gebaseer kan word. Hierdie uitgangspunte bied ‘n alternatiewe benadering waarop laasgenoemde begrip vir die realisering van transformasie benader kan word.
Open Access
Application of selected public sector management techniques to improve service delivery
(University of the Free State, Nov-02) Luvuno, Londoloza L.; Bekker, Koos J. C. O.
Afrikaans: In hierdie proefskrif word die konsep van Openbaresektor-bestuurstegnieke ondersoek. In die konteks van die toepassing van geselekteerde Openbaresektorbestuurstegnieke vir die verbetering van dienslewering in 'n openbarediens-organisasie impliseer die konsep 'verbetering van dienslewering' die verbetering van doeltreffendheid; effektiwiteit en produktiwiteit. Die Openbaresektor-bestuurstegnieke wat in hierdie proefskrif bespreek word, word gestel sodat staatsamptenare hul kennis kan verbreed deur soveel moontlik Openbaresektor-tegnieke te ontdek ten einde dienslewering in openbarediens-organisasies te verbeter. Die dokument moet voorts gesien word as beginpunt in die studie van ander relevante Openbaresektor-bestuurstegnieke soos Rasionele Probleemoplossing; Innoverende Dienslewering; Openbarehulpbron-bestuur; en Diensverbeteringbestuur. Dit sluit in die bewusmaking en ontwikkeling van die tegniese vaardighede; konseptueie vaardighede; implementeringsvaardighede; ekonomiesejbesigheidsvaardighede; bestuursvaardighede; kommunikasievaardighede; en onderhandelingsvaardighede van staatsamptenare. Die proefskrif verstrek 'n breedvoerige onderskeid tussen doeltreffendheid in hoofstuk 4; effektiwiteit in hoofstuk 5; en produktiwiteit in hoofstuk 6, asook eienskappe en bestuurstegnieke geïdentifiseer ~m onderskeidelik die doeltreffendheid, effektiwiteit en produktiwiteit van dienslewering in openbaresektor-organisasies te verbeter, waardeur die tydigheid; geskiktheid; en gehalte van openbaredienslewering teen bekostigbare tariewe verbeter sal word. Hoofstuk 1 bied 'n algemene oorsig van die proefskrif. In hoofstuk 2 word die teorie en rasionaal van Openbaresektor-bestuurstegnieke bespreek. In hoofstuk 3 word gefokus op bestuurspraktyk met betrekking tot doeltreffendheid; effektiwiteit en produktiwiteit om die weg te baan vir die toepassing van die geselekteerde Openbaresektor-bestuurstegnieke in openbarediens-organisasies. Van die 12 Openbaresektor-bestuurstegnieke wat in hoofstuk 2 geïdentifiseer en bespreek is, word drie vir toepassing gekies ten einde doeltreffendheid soos bespreek in hoofstuk 4 te verbeter; twee word vir toepassing gekies ten einde effektiwiteit soos bespreek in hoofstuk 5 te verbeter; en twee word vir toepassing gekies ten einde produktiwiteit soos bespreek in hoofstuk 6 te verbeter. Die proefskrif word afgesluit met 'n opsomming en aanbevelings in hoofstuk 7.
Open Access
The Canada / South Africa Provincial Twinning Project's contribution to strengthening South African provincial governments
(University of the Free State, Oct-05) Minja, Lynn Amelia; Bekker, J. C. O.
Afrikaans: Vennootskapsooreenkomste word as bestuursinstrumente in die openbare, privaat en vrywilligheidsektore gebruik. Dit is die afgelope jare toenemend aangewend as ‘n meganisme om kapasiteit in die regeringsektor te ontwikkel. Die Kanadese Internasionale Ontwikkelingsagentskap (CIDA) het tussen 2000 en 2004 ‘n soortgelyke vennootskapsooreenkoms, te wete, die Kanada Suid-Afrika Provinsiale Vennootskapsprojek, ten opsigte van regeringsamewerking befonds. Die Instituut vir Publieke Administrasie van Kanada (IPAC) het as die uitvoerende agentskap vir hierdie vennootskapsooreenkoms gedien. Die kantore van die projek was gesetel by die Universiteit van die Vrystaat, Bloemfontein, Suid Afrika en die Staatsdienskommissie, Regina, Saskatchewan, Kanada. Die doel van die projek was om Suid Afrikaanse provinsiale regerings te versterk deur hulle te verbind met Kanadese provinsiale regerings. Die primêre vraag wat in hierdie studie ondersoek is, was dus of die vennootskapsooreenkomste as bestuursinstrumente demokratiese regering in die nuwe Suid Afrikaanse provinsiale regerings kon versterk deur middel van hulpverlening op ‘n vrywillige grondslag deur Kanadese ampsgenote. Die studie het die totale tydsduur van die vennootskapsooreenkoms ingesluit. Kanadese provinsiale regerings het geleenthede gebied aan Suid Afrikaanse provinsiale regerings om ondersoek in te stel na strukture, prosesse en diensleweringsmodelle en het ook met hulle gedeel oor die onderliggende beginsels van en lesse geleer tydens bekendstelling en implementering. Suid Afrikaanse openbare amptenare is die geleentheid gebied om hul Kanadese ampsgenote te evalueer in terme van elemente van hul werk wat ooreenstemmend is. Hulle het die nodige veranderinge in hul werksomgewing ingestel en die nodige leierskap verskaf vir die goedkeuring, verfyning, implementering en voortgesette gebruik van sodanige veranderinge. Elke Suid Afrikaanse provinsie en elke vennootskap het spesifieke resultate wat gedokumenteer is, opgelewer. Van die resultate het verband gehou met aspekte wat met die projek geintegreer is,insluitend geslagsgelykheid, volhoubare ontwikkeling, armoedeverligting en HIV/VIGS. Beleide, programme, metodes en hulpbronne wat deur een provinsie ontwikkel is, is gedeel met, en word tans nog gedeel met ander provinsies sowel as ander Afrika lande. Die resultate het ‘n hoë vlak van volhoubaarheid gehad, want dit is onderskryf deur senior amptenare en verkose politieke ampsdraers, gebaseer op beginsels wat aangepas is vir plaaslike omstandighede en geïnkorporeer is by die regering se agenda sowel as provinsiale begrotings. Teen die einde van die Vennootskapsooreenkomsprojek, het die gedokumenteerde resultate aangedui dat daar wel kapasiteit in die Suid Afrikaanse provinsiale regerings ontwikkel is. Kapasiteit is gebou deur vaardighede te verbeter in terme van individue, groepe binne provinsiale regerings in terme van besluitneming, masjinerie van regering, menslike hulpbronne en programontwikkeling en lewering. Kapasiteit is ontwikkel deur die verkryging en deel van kennis sowel as die toepassing van hierdie kennis. Die leer van nuwe idees en inligting relevant tot mense se provinsies het in elke aktiwiteit plaasgevind in elke provinsie. Kennisdeling en kundigheid het wyd in die werksomgewing voorgekom deur die ontwikkeling van leernetwerke. Prestasiemeting, spesifiek resultaat gebaseerde bestuur, was die instrument wat deur die Venootskapsooreenkomsprojek gebruik is om resultate te identifiseer, te meet en te rapporteer. Hoewel al die deelnemers die meting van prestasie en dokumentering van resultate ondersteun het, is bevind dat die stelsel wat deur die befondsingsagentskap gebruik word rigied en nie koste-effektief is nie. Onduidelikhede in terme van rolverdeling en verantwoordelikhede is ander uitdagings wat ervaar is. Verskeie voorbeelde waar die Vennootskapsooreenkomsprojek aan die geïdentifiseerde beste praktyke voldoen en dit selfs oortref het, is geïdentifiseer. Voorbeelde sluit in die effektiewe gebruik van die vennootskap as instrument, die oordrag van kennis, kapasiteitsontwikkeling, samewerkende vennootskappe, en vrywillige deelname. Die Vennootskapsooreenkomsprojek het hoë vlakke van volhoubaarheid gedemonstreer indien gemeet word aan die kriteria van plaaslike eienaarskap, relevansie, omvattendheid, vennootskappe, skakeling en stabiliteit. Netwerke wat deur middel van die Vennootskapsooreenkomsprojek vasgestel is sowel as dié buite die projek het die deel van gemeenskaplike waardes beklemtoon en het bygedra tot die ontwikkeling van blywende vriendskappe en verhoudinge tussen die Suid Afrikaanse en Kanadese provinsies. Die algemene ervaring van die twee lande met die vennootskapsooreenkoms as instrument was positief. Die vennootskappe het gehelp om die kapasiteit van sentrale agentskappe en lyndepartemente te bou. Dit het staatsamptenare gehelp om kennis en vaardighede te bou wat nodig is vir die ontwikkeling en implementering van beleide en programme, en om die verwagtinge van die publiek en agenda van verkose politieke ampsdraers te bevorder. Hierdie projek het bygedra tot ‘n sterker fondament vir demokratiese provinsiale regering sowel as samewerkende regering.
Open Access
Challenges in the implementation of the performance management system in the ministry of social development in Lesotho
(University of the Free State, 2015-12) Ramataboe, L. T.; Lues, L.
Performance management system in an organisation helps top management to achieve strategic business objectives; furnishes valid and useful information for making administrative decisions about employees; informs employees about their performance and about the organisation’s and the supervisor’s expectations; allows managers to provide coaching to their employees; provides information to be used in workplace planning and allocation of human resources; and collects useful information that can be used for various purposes such as test development and human resource decisions. In the Lesotho context, PMS was introduced in the Public Service of Lesotho, the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) included, to enhance public officers’ performance. The aim of this research was to promote effective service delivery in the Ministry of Social Development in Lesotho through the implementation of the performance management system. The research envisaged to achieve the following four objectives; i) To provide an overview of the theoretical framework of performance management; ii) To document the existing legislative framework, policies and strategies supporting the implementation of the performance management system in the MSD; iii) To identify challenges that impede on the implementation of the performance management system in the Ministry of Social Development since 2000 to 2014 by means of empirical research; iv) To propose strategies to be employed by managers within the ministry’s departments to improve the implementation of the performance management system. A quantitative methodology was used to collect data from the respondents in the Ministry of Social Development. The research established that several legislative directives and policies were introduced to support the implementation of the PMS across all government ministries, departments and agencies, including the MSD. However, challenges pertaining to the implementation of the PMS in the MSD seem eminent. The research discovered that challenges in the implementation of the PMS revolved around: a) lack of training on performance management i.e. lack of orientation on PM, monitoring and evaluation, laws and policies supporting the implementation of the PMS; b) poor communication in performance planning, reviews, feedback and M&E of performance; and c) management involvement in the implementation of the PMS. The research proposed that MSD should train staff on PM, policies and legislative framework supporting the PMS implementation. The research also recommended strengthening of communication channels through development of a communication strategy. It deems imperative that MSD should show the courage to investigate the incorporation of innovative principles in the management of the PMS in future.
Open Access
A conceptual framework for using social innovation as an approach to local economic development
(AOSIS, 2021) Chomane, Pontso; Biljohn, Mareve I.
Background: Approaches such as social innovation were visible during many of the responses that public-sector organisations, civil society, communities, and the private sector collaboratively implemented to address the issues of unemployment and the impact of economic challenges during the global COVID-19 pandemic. The use of social innovation as an approach to local economic development by South African municipalities, however, reveals a research gap in terms of a conceptual framework for enabling such use. Aim: This article explores a conceptual framework for using social innovation as an approach to local economic development by South African municipalities. Setting: Conventional top-down local economic development approaches by South African municipalities have become inadequate for dealing with contemporary local economic development challenges. Such inadequacy calls for municipalities to rethink and adapt their approach to dealing with economic challenges and to developing and implementing their local economic development strategies. Methods: Through an interpretivist paradigm, the adopted methodology is underpinned by a qualitative research approach. Content analysis was performed of relevant research documents concerning social innovation and local economic development. From this content analysis, a conceptual framework was developed through an inductive approach. Results: The findings illustrate that the praxis for using this conceptual framework is vested in the interconnected nature of its attributes, antecedents, and consequences, which will contribute to the achievement of certain local economic development outcomes. Conclusion: This article suggests that a conceptual framework could contribute to stimulating future research concerning the phenomenon and can serve as an impetus and direction for research inquiry.
Open Access
Cross-sector partnerships and social innovation: a strategy for public sector programme delivery in the department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
(University of the Free State, 2023) Malete, Tshwene Bridget; Biljohn, Maréve
𝗢𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Cross-sector partnerships (CSPs) are increasingly seen as a solution to the most pressing societal problems facing contemporary societies. As such, CSPs have become inherent to socio-economic service delivery by the public sector. CSPs are defined as partnerships between public, private, and civil society organisations and between government departments or business units within the public and private sectors working in new ways to address complex social and economic challenges. 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆: The South African National Development Plan accentuates the collective responsibility of collaborative and strategic partnerships among different sectors. In this regard exploring CSPs enable the public sector to target ''wicked issues'' more effectively by unlocking the benefits of comparative advantage while simultaneously enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of public agencies' efforts to address socio-economic service delivery issues (Andrews & Entwistle, 2010:680). Research shows that social innovation could be fundamental to CSPs that are used to addressed socio-economic public sector service delivery challenges. Moreover, CSPs are considered to be a source of social innovation, often working together to fill gaps and discover new opportunities to advance societal good (Cukier & Gagnon, 2017:2). However, the use of social innovation in CSPs to address socio-economic service delivery challenges is latent and not optimally explored in the programmes delivered by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD). Given the successful use of social innovation in socio-economic service delivery globally, it is deemed beneficial to enhance CSPs in rendering socio-economic service delivery programmes of the DALRRD. Against this background, this study investigates the use of social innovation in DALRRDs’ cross-sector partnerships in improving public sector programme delivery. 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗱𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆: Using an interpretivism paradigm, this study applies a qualitative research approach and exploratory research design. Through content analysis of documents, the study’s aim, research objectives and research questions were addressed. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: The significance of this study lies in four domains, namely the (i) Public Administration discipline, (ii) the South African policy agenda, (iii) using social innovation in public sector programme delivery and (iv) DALRRD use of CSPs. Concerning the Public Administration discipline, this study contributes to the discourse about the relevance of using social innovation in CSPs during public sector programme delivery. About the South African policy agenda, this study undertook research that contributes to the policy agenda regarding the use of social innovation for public sector programme delivery by DALRRD. Regarding using social innovation in public sector programme delivery this study contributed to the debate about the role and nature of CSPs towards stimulating the use of social innovation in public sector programme delivery and the discourse on the significance of using social innovation in public sector programme delivery. Pertaining to DALRRD’s use of CSPs this study presented a conceptual framework for CSPs use of social innovation in public sector programme delivery.
Open Access
Decentralisation of district health services in the Free State Province
(University of the Free State, Jul-12) Motsoari, Motsamai Clement; Sindane, A. M.; Bekker, J. C. O.
Experiments with decentralisation began in the late 1970s and continued throughout the 1980s. Decentralisation is regarded as a key element of the primary health care approach. It is initially seen as having important political value that can be used as a means to enhance health service policy. However, in many instances, western donors who believe that because one form of decentralisation works in developed countries, it will also work in the developing world often pursue decentralisation. The challenge facing the South African National Health System and the Free State Health System in particular, is to design a comprehensive programme to redress social and economic injustices brought about by apartheid to the majority of the population to ensure that emphasis is placed on health and not just medical care so that issues relating to socio-economic conditions such as poverty, water and sanitation, and proper housing should be addressed adequately. At present, implementation of the District Health System (DHS) based on primary health care (PHC) approach is provided by the Free State Department of Health (FSDOH) and by local municipalities on an agency basis. The above approach is concerned with keeping people healthy, as it is with caring for them when they become unwell. In an endeavour to address aforementioned challenges, the South African Government of National Unity (GNU) has adopted decentralisation as a model for both governance and management. Decentralised governance is embodied in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, in the form of powers and functions for the three spheres of government. The powers and functions of the local sphere of government bear testimony to the importance of this sphere in particular. The GNU, through its adoption of the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) in 1994, committed itself to the development of a DRS based on PRC approach as enunciated at the Alma Ata conference in 1978. The hypothesis for this study indicated that decentralisation of DRS in the Free State Province will enhance efficiency and equity and thus make local public representatives accountable for services rendered. The hypothesis and research objectives for the study were validated by means of literature review and empirical survey. The thesis outlines the conceptualisation and forms of decentralisation and also draws lessons from the experiences of various countries including Canada, Zambia, Indonesia, and Brazil and highlights the need to approach the formulation and implementation strategies for health sector reforms systematically, rather than importing, uncritically, structural models developed abroad. Political considerations are inherent in any decision made and a political environment limits the extent of decentralisation. Without doubt, the most serious mistake any reformer can make is to assume decentralisation to be a managerial exercise devoid of political cause and consequences. The thesis concludes by presenting analysis and interpretation of research findings while also outlining key recommendations that might be of assistance for identifying an appropriate form for decentralisation of health services.
Open Access
Developing a model for successful implementation of affirmative action in the South African public service
(University of the Free State, 1998) Sikakane, Buyiswa Hope; Bekker, J. C. O.
𝑬𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒉 During the apartheid era, the South African government introduced and enforced discriminatory policies giving unfair advantage to white people who enjoyed all the privileges. The 1994 national elections meant the demise of an authoritarian government and heralded a transformation process to a democratic, non-racial and non-sexist society where human rights are provided for in the constitution. The new government has introduced affirmative action in order to eliminate employment discrimination and to promote occupational advancement of disadvantaged groups, thus increasing their representativeness in managerial positions. Affirmative action is a topical subject in contemporary South Africa with some groups, especially those who are likely to benefit from the affirming process supporting it, while those who are likely to part with the privileges that they have enjoyed for decades, strenuously rejecting it. However, it has to be borne in mind that affirmative action is a process and not an event. In countries like the United States of America (USA) where affirmative action was first introduced many years ago, it is still not a success story. It needs careful planning and monitoring throughout its implementation in order to identify areas in the process that need to be adjusted or amended. Affirmative action should not be confused with retribution where white people are being punished for the privileges they enjoyed. It does not mean that white employees should be removed from their positions and be replaced by blacks as this may precipitate racial tension and bitterness. Affirmative action requires training and development of members from disadvantaged backgrounds, so that they are ready to move up the occupational ladder. They should take an active part in their own development. The culture of entitlement which plagues the minds of historically disadvantaged groups should be eradicated. They should not think that being beneficiaries of affirmative action entitles them to managerial positions without the necessary qualifications and skills. Each public organization should provide opportunities for training and development of disadvantaged groups, like study leave, financial assistance and on-the-job training. Academic institutions should adjust their curricula to suit the needs of public organizations. Commitment of top management, employees and unions is one of the important ingredients of affirmative action so that all stakeholders may cooperate in devising strategies for successful implementation of affirmative action programme. The culture and mindset of the workplace should change. There should be a change of perceptions and attitudes. It is necessary to depart from the racist belief that anything that is African is inferior. What is needed is appreciation and acceptance of the cultural differences among employees which can contribute towards the effectiveness and productivity of a public organization. The caliber of employees should be considered in order to avoid tokenism and lowering standards. Where the disadvantaged background has deprived some people with potential of certain qualifications and experience, employees who have been selected would be trained in order to unlock their potential. A public organization should, where possible, employ the services of an affirmative action officer or a senior manager who should be assigned the duties of an affirmative action officer. Such an officer should preferably be a member of disadvantaged groups who would command respect and credibility within an organization and be responsible for the day-to-day issues concerning affirmative action. He / she should work with an affirmative action steering committee which should consist of a cross-section of staff with equal representation from all stakeholders. Specific programmes should be developed to eliminate discrimination in all human resource activities like recruitment, selection, promotion, training and development and evaluation. There should be mechanisms to deal with grievances and disputes regarding alleged discrimination. ___________________________________________________________________
Open Access
The effects of the restructuring of the Johannesburg City Council on emergency services
(University of the Free State, 2004-11) Selepe, Mocheudi Martinus; Bauer, C.
English: Municipal employees as well as the Unions see the restructuring of Local Government in South Africa as the main cause of unemployment while it is a process of making municipalities more efficient and effective. Restructuring is perhaps the first step towards improving service delivery, though it is not the only way to solve inefficiency and ineffectiveness within local government structures. This dissertation identifies the need to employ additional emergency personnel, describes the current situation and proposes further steps that the City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services should take to resolve matters affecting effective delivery of services. The sample targeted for the assessment was 120 participants which was large enough to draw conclusions and make generalisations. The assessment was carried out at the following five Fire Stations, viz. Florida Park, Jabulani, Fairview, Sandton and Midrand. Primary use was made of interviews where open- ended questions gave participants enough opportunity to express themselves in an informal environment which proved to be very effective.
Open Access
Employee performance: the challenge for managers in the Free State public service
(University of the Free State, Jul-15) Thomas, Rachel; Minnaar, Francois
Afrikaans: Daar word van die Suid Afrikaanse Openbare Sektor (SAOS) as die implementerings masjien en die regterhand van die Suid Afrikaanse Regering verwag om ‘n effektiewe en doeltreffende werksverrigting daar te stel ten einde die wense van die regering van “’n beter lewe vir almal” te vervul. Effektiewe en doeltreffende werkverrigting in die openbare diens is afhanklik van die motivering, vaardighede, bevoegdheid, toegewydheid en integriteit van amptenare en die kwaliteit van bestuur en leierskap. Die kritieke rol van amptenare in die SAOS word erken deur leiers soos Nelson Mandela, Thabo Mbeki en die President, Jacob Zuma in hulle onderskeie Staatsredes. Die belangrikheid van mense (Menslike kapitaal) in enige organisasie word ook beklemtoon deur bestuurs teoriste, en is ‘n onderwerp vir voortgesette belangstelling en navorsing. Die rol van menslike kapitaal word gesien as die belangrikste status omdat mense die basiese boublokke van organisasies is en skaars, uniek en kompleks is. Mense is die enigste bron wat dinamies is en beheer kan word, wat ander bronne aktiveer en verander na goedere en dienste. Hierdie karaktereienskappe is uniek aan mense, dit maak hulle as ware die kosbaarste en duurste van alle ander bronne in enige organisasie insluitende die SAOS. In die lig van die prestasie verwagting van die amptenare, was daar studies en verslae wat die prestasie realiteit van die SAOS getoets het. Hierdie studies wys op die feit dat daar uitdagings is vir menslike hulpbronne soos die tekort aan kapasiteit en vaardighede in die Openbare Sektor wat sy vermoë om effektiewe werkverrigting te lewer belemmer. Die Nasionale Ontwikkelings Plan (NOP) en die Afrika Gelyke Hersienings Meganisme (AGHM) het ook die negatiewe impak van die vaardigheidstekort op die werkverrigting van die Suid Afrikaanse Regering bevestig. Die tekort in ontwikkeling van vanpaste menslike ontwikkeling en menslike hulpbron kapasiteit om effektiewe en doeltreffende regering daar te stel is geïdentifeer as die uitdagendste areas in die werksverrigting van die Suid Afrikaanse Regering. Die Bestuurs Werksverriging Assessering Instrument (BWAI) wat die kwaliteit van bestuurspraktyke in die SAOS meet ondersteun die bogenoemde argument. Die BWAI het waargeneem dat menslike hulpbron bestuur swak was regdeur die SAOS. As resultaat het die BWAI verslag die versterking van die bestuur en ontwikkeling van sy menslike hulpbronne beklemtoon. Die verslag het daarop aangedring dat die bestuur van menslike hulpbronne die grootste bekommernis van leiers en bestuurders in die Openbare Sektor moet wees. Eweneens het dokumenste soos die Witskrif op Transformasie van die Openbare Sektor (WTOP), 1997 en die Witskrif op Menslike Hulpbron Bestuur (WMHB) , 1995 die belangrikheid van uitvoerende verantwoordelikheid vir werkverrigting in die SAOS beklemtoon. Die WTOP, 1997 vereis van bestuurders op alle vlakke om leiers, visionêre, inisieerders, effektiewe kommunikeerders en besluitnemers te wees wat ten doel het om werknemers te ondersteun sodat die werknemers effektiewe en doeltreffende werkverrigting kan verseker. Die WTOP, 1995 beskou bestuur van mense as een van die belangrikste take van bestuurders. ‘n Ander oplossing in die rigting van effektiewe en doeltreffende werknemer werkverrigting is openbare amptenare wat bemagtig, gemotiveerd en toegewyd is en wat gereed is om te presteer. ‘n Verdere antwoord in die aanspreek van die uitdagings van menslike hulpbron kapsiteit en werkverrigting is oefening of werkverrigtingbestuur omdat werkverrigtingbestuur een van die middele is waardeur bestuurders hulle bestuursverantwoordelikhede kan onderneem en werknemers kan motiveer. Werkverrigtingbestuur is ‘n instrument wat bestuurders wys dat hulle verantwoordelik is vir die werkverrigting van die personeel wat saam met hulle werk. Daarom konsentreer hierdie studie op die werkverrigting van openbare amptenare en die uiters belangrike rol wat bestuurders speel in die Vrystaatse Openbare Sektor (VSOS) in die versekering dat die openbare amptenare effektiewe en doeltreffende werksverrigting sal lewer. Dit kan afgelei word van die verduidelikings wat in die tesis gegee word dat bestuursondersteuning saam met objektiewe werkverrigting-bestuur kan lei tot ‘n gunstige werksomgewing, wat weer tot gevolg sal hê dat effektiewe en doeltreffende werknemer werkverrigting daar gestel word, daarom die redenasie agter die studie en die navorsings probleem. Daarom bevraagteken hierdie navorsing dit dat die gesoekte antwoorde daarop fokus of bestuurders in die VSOS departement bestuursondersteuning aan werknemers verskaf, daarin slaag om werknemers se werkverrigting objektief te bestuur, en ‘n gunstige werksomgewing te skep wat werknemers motiveer en aanmoedig om effektief by te dra en doeltreffend te presteer. Daarom dui die hipotese daarop dat die VSOS se werknemers (openbare amptenare) effektiewe en doeltreffende presteerder sal wees indien hulle bestuurders daartoe in staat is om ‘n positiewe werksomgewing te skep deur die verskaffing van bestuursondersteuning, en deur die objektiewe implementering van die huidinge werkverrigtingsbestuurs sisteem. Die doel en doelwit van die studie, en die hipotese, is betroubaar deur kwalitaitewe sowel as kwalitaitewe navorsing en analisering. Die tesis het tot die gevolgtrekking gekom deur die navorsingsbevindings en gevolgtrekkings voor te lê en deur aanbevelings te maak oor hoe werknemers se werkverrigting verder verbeter kan word in die VSOS.
Open Access
Finansiële beheer en verantwoording by plaaslike owerhede in Suid-Afrika
(University of the Free State, Nov-07) Laubscher, Laetitia Hendrina; Van Straaten, F. P.; Kroukamp, H. J.
Afrikaans: Munisipaliteite in die Republiek van Suid-Afrika verkeer tans onder druk weens beweringe oor gebrekkige finansiële beheer en verantwoording wat aanleiding gee tot omvangryke korrupsie en finansiële wanbestuur met nadelige gevolge vir effektiewe en doeltreffende goedere- en dienslewering aan die ingesetenes. Derhalwe is dit van kardinale belang dat indringende aandag aan die bewerkstelliging van effektiewe en doeltreffende finansiële beheer en verantwoording by munisipaliteite geskenk sal word. Finansiële beheer en verantwoording is beslis een van die belangrikste faktore wat die sukses of mislukking van plaaslike regering in die Republiek van Suid-Afrika kan bepaal. Finansiële beheer en verantwoording dien as belangrike boustene vir ‘n demokrasie wat op effektiewe en doeltreffende munisipale regering en administrasie aanspraak wil maak. Finansiële beheer impliseer dat, op ‘n volgehoue wyse, ‘n wakende oog gehou moet word oor die wyse waarop geld bestee gaan word, bestee word en bestee is, met die oog op verslaggewing deur ‘n munisipale raad aan die ingesetenes van die betrokke dorp of stad. Om in staat te wees om rekenskap aan die ingesetenes te gee oor die handelinge van munisipale funksionarisse, is dit van kardinale belang dat ‘n raad voortreflike beheer oor die werksaamhede van die amptenare moet uitoefen. Voortreflike finansiële beheer en verantwoording sal bydra om ‘n positiewe gees van vertroue by die ingesetenes van ‘n dorp of stad tot gevolg te hê. Verantwoording dui inderdaad op ‘n verantwoordelikheid wat deur almal wat gesag uitoefen, aanvaar moet word. Dit impliseer dat rekenskap gegee moet word vir die wyse waarop die verantwoordelikheid wat opgelê is, aan uitvoering gegee word. Finansiële beheer en verantwoording by munisipaliteite het as vername doelstelling rekenskapgewing oor die besteding van geld in die openbaar. Die belastingbetaler moet byvoorbeeld in staat gestel word om te kan bepaal of die geld wat by wyse van begroting beskikbaar gestel is vir daardie doeleindes aangewend is en of die voortsetting van bepaalde goedere- en dienslewering in die lig van die skaarsheid van geld en die kompleksiteit van die behoeftes wat daarmee gepaard gaan, nog geregverdigd is. Statutêre finansiële beheer op plaaslike regeringsvlak bestaan uit twee komponente, te wete ‘n eksterne komponent (voorbereiding van begrotings; beheer oor lenings, besteding, inkomste en eksterne ouditering) en ‘n interne komponent (interne ouditering, verslaggewing, etiese gedragskodes en finansiële regulasies) waardeur bepaal kan word of geld vir goedgekeurde programme doeltreffend en effektief gespandeer word en of die plaaslike gemeenskap waarde-vir- geld vir hulle bydraes ontvang. Verskeie vraagstukke bemoeilik egter tans die uitoefening van effektiewe en doeltreffende finansiële beheer en verantwoording by munisipaliteite in die Republiek van Suid-Afrika. Hierdie vraagstukke sluit onder meer ‘n gebrek aan kundigheid, onvermoë om agterstallige skulde in te vorder, omvangryke korrupsie en buitensporige salarisse en bonusse in. Om hierdie vraagstukke te oorbrug, is dit noodsaaklik om as basiese vertrekpunt bepaalde etiese norme en waardes daar te stel. Etiek hou verband met die beoordeling van bepaalde vorme van menslike gedrag of besluite om te bepaal of dit wat onderneem word of wil word, reg of verkeerd, goed of sleg of aanvaarbaar of onaanvaarbaar vir die ingesetenes van die betrokke dorp of stad sal wees. Etiese gedrag en die vasklewing aan waardes kan munisipale raadslede en amptenare ontmoedig om by korrupte aktiwiteite by munisipaliteite betrokke te raak. ‘n Nuwe positiewe verwikkeling op plaaslike regeringsvlak in die Republiek van Suid-Afrika is die implementering van Munisipale Openbare Rekeninge Komitees in Gautengse munisipaliteite ten einde aanspreeklikheid op plaaslike regeringsvlak te kan afdwing. ‘n Munisipale Openbare Rekeninge Komitee is ‘n komitee van ‘n munisipale raad wat deur ‘n munisipale raad aangestel word om finansiële aangeleenthede te ondersoek en aan die raad oor hulle bevindinge verslag te doen. Die media kan ook ‘n noodsaaklike rol vervul in die funksies van hierdie komitee(s), aangesien hulle die ingesetenes op hoogte moet hou oor aangeleenthede wat deur die komitee(s) ondersoek word. Die effektiewe en doeltreffende toepassing van finansiële beheermaatreëls en die afdwing van openbare verantwoording kan egter die voorvalle van korrupsie en finansiële wanbestuur by munisipaliteite aansienlik verminder. Dit dien derhalwe as ‘n waarborg vir voortreflike munisipale finansiële bestuur en kan sodoende bydra om die openbare belang te bevorder – die fundamentele doelwit van demokratiese plaaslike regering en bestuur.
Open Access
The history of the Durban Town Council, 1854 - 1879
(University of the Free State, 1979) Bjorvig, A. C.; Van Schoor, M. C. E.
"The History of Old Durban" by George Russell, a.resident of early Durban and "Fifty Years of Municipal History" by W.P.M. Henderson, a later resident and Town Clerk of Durban, are the only secondary sources available on some of the early history of the Durban Town Council. I acquired most of my information from the documentation of the "Mayor's Minutes" and "Municipal Council Minutes", as .well as "The Natal Mercury" from 1854 to 1879. The bulk of my illustrations are from the Local History Museum in Durban. The English trading system of currency and ass~zing is used throughout the thesis. No offence is meant by the terms "Coolies and Kaffirs", as it was widely used in the documentary evidence of the period r endeavoured to cover.
Open Access
The impact in international volunteer organisations in enhancing public service delivery in Lesotho: the case of the United States Peace Corps
(University of the Free State, Nov-11) Lepotho, Clement M.; Bekker, J. C. O.
Afrikaans: Openbare dienslewering is een van regeringsbestuur se sleuteldimensies. Voldoende lewering van openbare dienste bly steeds ‘n uitdaging vir nasionale en plaaslike regerings, grootliks weens die regerings se kapasiteittekort om hierdie dienste te voorsien en te volhou. In Lesotho se geval is internasionale vrywilligerorganisasies, soos die Verenigde State se Vredeskorps, genooi om veral te vergoed vir die tekortkomings van menslike hulpbronkapasiteitsbou. In hierdie verhandeling word die uitwerking van die Vredeskorps se organisasie in die verskaffing van openbare dienste in Lesotho ondersoek. Teoretiese perspektiewe oor die geskiedenis van openbare dienslewering en die skakels tussen menslike hulpbronontwikkeling en doeltreffende en voldoende openbare dienslewering word bespreek. Teoretiese perspektiewe oor die Vredeskorpssending, ontwikkelingsbenaderings en projekte word verder aangebied. Empiriese navorsing is gedoen om die persepsies van die Basotho en Vredeskorpsvrywilligers oor die Vredeskorps-organisasie se bydraes tot die versterking van openbare dienslewering in Lesotho uit te lok. ‘n Metodologiese triangulasie, wat persoonlike onderhoude, fokusgroepbyeenkomste en vraelyste behels, is gebruik om die geldigheid en betroubaarheid van die bevindinge te verbeter. Die belangrikste bevindings van die studie is dat menslike hulpbronontwikkeling ontluik as ‘n basiese prioriteit in die strewe na ekonomiese groei en die verbetering van openbare dienslewering. Dit onthul ook dat die internasionale vrywilligersorganisasies, soos die Vredeskorps, betekenisvol tot die bou van menslike hulpbronkapasiteit in Lesotho bydra. Uit hierdie studie is dit egter duidelik dat die menslike hulpbronontwikkeling nie die enigste faktor in die doeltreffende en voldoende implementering van ontwikkelingsprojekte is nie. Die gevolgtrekking is dat die “menslike faktore” uiteindelik die sukseskoers van die ontwikkelingsprojekte bepaal. Die menslike faktore beskryf die eienskappe van individue binne ‘n gemeenskap, soos verantwoordelikheid, toewyding, aanspreeklikheid, motivering en integriteit. Uit hierdie studie is dit duidelik dat ‘n betekenisvolle aantal Basotho voldoende in ‘n verskeidenheid van vaardighede opgelei is, maar steeds ‘n onvoldoende vlak van motivering, verantwoordelikheid en betrokkenheid ten opsigte van die ontwikkelingsprojekte toon. Die gevolg is die mislukking van volhoubare ontwikkelingsprojekte. Die belangrikste gevolgtrekking wat uit hierdie navorsing gemaak word is dat, ten spyte van die tekortkominge wat uit die menslike faktore in projekimplementering spruit, die Vredeskorps-organisasie betekenisvol tot die verbetering van openbare dienslewering in Lesotho bygedra het. Dit is hoofsaaklik die voorsiening van onderrig en opleiding aan die Basotho. Die organisasie is dus selfversekerd om in die toekoms voort te gaan om ontwikkelingsondersteuning aan te bied. Vir groter invloed op die verbetering van die Basotho se lewens, word daar egter aanbeveel dat die Vredeskorps, eerstens, die ontwikkelingsprojekte herstruktureer om dit met dinamiese veranderinge in wêreldwye en plaaslike ontwikkelingsvelde in lyn te bring. Tweedens, moet beide die Vredeskorps en die Basotho self belê in die ontwikkeling van die menslike faktore in die gemeenskap, om volhoubare resultate te genereer. Hierdie ondersoek kan waardevolle inligting verskaf aan die Vredeskorps-organisasie wêreldwyd, ander internasionale vrywilligerorganisasies, en betrokke regerings, ministeries of departemente wat vir openbare dienslewering verantwoordelik is, oor die ontwerp en implementering van programme om lewens in die gemeenskap te verbeter.
Open Access
The impact of local government restructuring on the functioning of the Kai !Garib Local Municipality
(University of the Free State, 2005-05) Du Plessis, Lyndon Mark; Bekker, J. C. D.
English: The ultimate aim of government is to act on behalf of the citizens they serve. In doing so, governments have to render basic services and create an environment in which citizens can initiate endeavours to improve their living conditions. Government in South Africa was transformed in 1994 and the post 1994 government has since had the challenging task of providing services to citizens and eradicating the legacy of a previous system, characterised by disparities. / As far as direct responsibility for service rendering is concerned, local J government has a particularly meaningful role, because it is the sphere of government people relate to most easily. In order to be able to meet the increasing challenges of governance, local government also underwent fundamental changes. 5 December 2000 heralded a new era for local government in South Africa, with the transformation of local government leading to the number of municipalities in the country being reduced from more than 800 to 284. These changes meant that many formerly independent municipalities have amalgamated to form new municipal organisations. Change in organisations invariably leads to conflict that, if not sufficiently dealt with can have a negative impact on the functioning of an organisation. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of local government restructuring on municipalities with specific reference to the Kai !Garib Local Municipality in the Northern Cape. The study focuses on aspects such as the historical development of local government in South Africa, the legislative framework for the new system of local government in the country as well as the need for efficient organisational structures as a means to deal with potential ill effects of the restructuring of local government. Finally, empirical research is conducted at the Kai ! Garib Local Municipality in order to determine the views of role players in the Municipality, and finding solutions to potential problem areas.
Open Access
The impact of the performance management system on accountability in the public service of Lesotho
(University of the Free State, Jul-10) Sefali, Francis Tlhopheho; Bekker, J. C. O.
Afrikaans: Die konsep van ‘n prestasiebestuurstelsel (PBS) is dinamies en kontroversieel tussen beide openbarebestuur akademici sowel as praktisyns. Dit bestaan uit ‘n verskeidenheid kontekste, vorms en doele soos internasionaal toegepas en waargeneem word. Dit is die moeite werd om te let dat die konsep van PBS relatief nuut in die Openbare Dienste van Lesotho is. Nogtans bestaan die PBS dekades lank internasionaal as ’n administratiewe en bestuurs konsep. Hierdie tesis het gepoog on ondersoek in te stel oor die impak van die PBS op toerekenbaarheid in die Openbare Dienste van Lesotho. As gevolg daarvan is daar gepoog om die PBS te defineer, toerekenbaarheid vas te stel en om ‘n verhouding te vestig tussen die twee konsepte (PBS en toerekenbaarheid). ‘n Proefondervindelike studie is onderneem om die opinies van openbare beamptes oor die verhouding tussen die PBS en toerekenbaarheid te bekom sowel as hulle begrip van die PBS konsep en sy implementering in Lesotho. Die studie het gebruik gemaak van ‘n opmetings metode van wetenskaplike ondersoek. As gevolg daarvan, is vraagstukke versprei aan ‘n statistiese geselekteerde groepie openbare beamptes. Hierdie studie het van ‘n driehoekige aanslag gebruik gemaak waar albei die kwalitewe sowel as kwantitiewe navorsings metodes geimplimenteer is. Nadat die vraagstukke se opmetings saamgevat is en geaniliseer is, is die volgende vasgestel: Eerstens is daar vasgestel dat weens ‘n gebrek aan opleiding, dat die meeste van die openbare beamptes nie die toepassing van die PBS en hulle dagtake verstaan het nie. Tweedens is dit bloot gelê dat daar geen duidelike onderneming deur die Regering van Lesotho was om die PBS behoorlik te implimenteer nie. Derdens het die studie bevind, dat weens ‘n gebrek aan aansporing, die openbare beamptes nie genoegsame motiveering gehad het om die PBS korrek te implimenteer nie. Daar was ook geen duidelike bewys dat die PBS toerekenbaarheid bevorder het in die Openbare Dienste van Lesotho nie. Daarbenewens het die studie die probleem uitgelig van verouderde riglyne, vorms en wetgewing verbonde aan die PBS. Laastens het die studie voorgestel dat die Regerings van Lesotho meer moeite moet doen om die implementering van die PBS op te knap. Hierdie poging moet onder andere fokus op: • Die intensifiseering van PBS opleiding en die praktiese verhouding met toerekenbaarheid. • Die hersiening van PBS dokumente om ingelig te word deur die leerstelling van die Nuwe Openbare Bestuur. • Die herorganiseering van Regeringsinstellings om volledige deel te neem, besit te neem van die toewyding met die implemtering van die PBS. • Fasilitasie van die inleiding van die Prestasie Verwante Betalingsisteem (PVB). Die gevolgtrekking is dat die implementeing van die PBS met minder entoesiasme en toewyding hanteer is en dat dit dus nie geheel deur alle relevante insethouers aanvaar is nie. Die PBS verwante bestuursgereedskap soos strategiese beplanning, werksbeskrywings, werksplanne en prestasie standaarde is nie ten sterkste beklemtoon nie. Die gebrek aan sterk beklemtoning het nie geassisteer met die verheffing van die PBS implementering nie. Die bogenoemde is geidentifiseer as tekortkominge wat daadwerkilke aandag van die Regerings benodig.
Open Access
Implementing integrated strategic plans in Free State municipalities
(University of the Free State, Feb-13) Du Plessis, Lyndon Mark; Bekker, J. C. O.
Afrikaans: Plaaslike regering in Suid Afrika vorm deel van 'n oorhoofse staatsbestelook bestaande uit nasionale en provinsiale regering. Saam is huloorhoofse doelom die algemene welsyn van die bevolikng te bevorder deur middel van dienslewering en ontwikkelingsinisiatiewe. Vir die doeleinde om dienste te lewer en ontwikkeling te bevorder, is plaaslike regering van besondere belang, omdat dit die regeringsagentskap verteenwoordig met wie landsburgers eerste in kontak kom. Die plaaslike sfeer van regering het fundamentele transformasie ondergaan, beide vanuit 'n politieke sowel as strukturele oogpunt. Addisioneel daartoe dat plaaslike regering demokratiese strukture geword het binne die algehele demokratisering van Suid Afrika, het die benadering tot, asook die strukture van munisipaliteite ook dramaties verander. Munisipaliteite, die organisatoriese eenhede van plaaslike regering, het dus die doelom hierdie "nuwe" doelwitte van plaaslike regering n ate streef binne 'n veranderde omgewing. Een van die besondere veranderinge wat in in die bestuur van munisipaliteite ingestel is, is die gebruik van 'n geïntegreerde strategiese benadering tot organisatoriese beplanning. Dit is gefasiliteer deur wetgewende hervorming wat voorsiening maak vir munisipaliteite om geïntegreerde ontwikkelingsplanne (GOPs) saam te stel, en dit saam met begrotings en prestasiebestuurstelsels te gebruik, om dienslewering en ontwikkeling binne hul areas van jurisdiksie te bevorder. Daarom verwysing na die term geïntegreerde strategiese beplanning. Die instelling van hierdie nuwe stelsel was egeter nie sonder uitdagings, met ontevredenheid oor diensvlakke van munisipaliteite wat deur negatiewe verslagdoening deur verskeie openbare rolspelers uitgespreek is, sowel as deur plaaslike gemeenskappe wat hulontevredenheid deur protesaksie begin illustreer het. 'n Kritiese vraag sentreer daarom rondom waarom daar so 'n hoë vlak van ontevredenheid oor munisipale dienslewering is, ten spyte van wetgewende maatreëls om verbeterde munisipale beplanning te bevorder. Hierdie tesis het daarom ondersoek ingestel na die implementering van geïntegreerde strategiese planne in munisipaliteite in die Vrystaat om vas te stel watter tipiese faktore bygedra het tot die onvermoë van munisipaliteite om sulke planne te implementer. Aanbevelings, op grond van die empiriese en literatuurnavorsing, is voorts verskaf, met die oog daarop om die huidige stand van sake te verbeter, in die Vrystaat, maar ook in die res van Suid Afrika.
Open Access
The influence of the transformation of local government on service delivery in category B municipalities in the Eastern Cape
(University of the Free State, Jun-04) Rankwana, Edward Martin; Kroukamp, H. J.
Afrikaans: Na die afskaffing van apartheid het die herstrukturering van plaaslike bestuur in Suid-Afrika ‘n aanvang geneem. Kenmerkend van stede in Suid-Afrika was die uitsluiting van ‘n merkbare gedeelte van die bevolking vanaf ekonomiese geleenthede en die lewering van basiese dienste. Die nasionale debat oor die transformasie en herstrukturering van plaaslike bestuur het in 1990 in die plaaslike bestuurs-onderhandelingsforum ‘n aanvang geneem en is oor die inhoud van die Plaaslike Regerings Oorgangswet, 1993 onderhandel. Laasgenoemde Wet het voorsiening gemaak vir ‘n drie-fase oorgangsproses asook die afskaffing van rasgebaseerde plaaslike owerhede. Die finale fase van die transformasie van plaaslike bestuur het ‘n aanvang geneem met die implementering van die Grondwet van die Republiek van Suid-Afrika, 1996 (Wet 108 van 1996). In terme van die Grondwet (Hoofstuk 10) is al drie regeringsfere verantwoordelik om dienste aan alle Suid-Afrikaners te lewer. Ten einde hierdie sfere in staat te stel om hul verantwoordelikhede na te kom, moes die diensleweringsproses van die openbare sektor verander word deur middel van herstrukturering. In terme van die heropbou en ontwikkelingsprogram is munisipaliteite as kritiese basiese diensleweringsinstellings geïdentifiseer. Derhalwe is die herstel en opgradering van dienste waar dit verval het asook die uitbreiding van dienste na nuwe gebiede as voorvereistes vir die legitimering van die nuwe plaaslike bestuurstelsel gesien. ‘n Afbakeningsraad is tot stand gebring om grense te bepaal vir munisipaliteite wat in terme van die Wet op Plaaslike Regering: Munisipale Strukture, 1998 tot stand gebring is. Laasgenoemde wetgewing het die kategorieë en tipes munisipaliteite vir Suid-Afrika bepaal. Die doel van die studie is om die invloed van transformasie op dienslewering te ondersoek en is die totstandkoming van die Maletswai Plaaslike Munisipaliteit en verwante aangeleenthede aangespreek. Hierbenewens is die dienste wat deur plaaslike besture in terme van hul grondwetlike mandaat gelewer moes word, verduidelik waarna die vlak van bevrediging van inwoners ten opsigte van dienslewering deur middel van empiriese studie ondersoek is. Bevindinge en aanbevelings word in die laaste hoofstuk van die tesis aangebied.
Open Access
Intergovernmental fiscal relations: the paradox between the vertical fiscal imbalance and responsiveness and accountability in the Northern Cape provincial government
(University of the Free State, Dec-14) Hendriks, Christoffel Jacobus; Minnaar, F.
Afrikaans: Hierdie tesis ondersoek Suid Afrika se interowerheids-fiskale verhoudinge en in besonder die impak van ‘n vertikale fiskale wanbalans op responsiwiteit en aanspreeklikheid in die Noord Kaap Provinsiale Regering. In Suid Afrika bestaan die regering uit drie sfere, te wete die nasionale regeing, provinsiale reging en munisipale of plaaslike sfere van regering. Elk van hierdie sfere is verantwoordelik om ‘n aantal funksies uit te voer wat of eksklusief – met ander woorde verrig deur slegs een sfeer - of gelyklopend – gedeel tussen verskillende sfere van regering uitgevoer kan word. Die provinsiale regeringsfeer is verantwoordeklik om sekere dienste soos gesondheid, onderwys en provinsiale paaie te lewer en ander dienste soos ekonomiese aangeleenthede, toerisme, vervoer, sport, kuns, kultuur, wetenskap en tegnologie te bevorder. Ten einde aan hulle mandaat te voldoen, benodig elk van die drie regeringsfere finansiële hulpbronne om hulle in staat te stel om dienste te lewer. Dienste word gefinansier deur belastings soos persoonlike-inkomstebelasting, belasting op toegevoegde waarde, aksysnsbelasting en eiendomsbelasting om slegs enkeles te noem. In Suid Afrika word die grootste gedeelte van die inkomstes wat deur belastings ingesamel word deur die Suid Afrikaanse Inkomstediens namens die nasionale regering ingesamel. Provinsiale regerings samel so min as drie persent van hulle totale inkomste in. Die rede hiervoor is dat die belastingbasis van provinsiale regerings nou is en beperk is tot items soos motorvoertuiglisensies, dobbelbelasting en ander inkomstes soos pasientgelde. Die gaping wat bestaan tussen eie inkomstes en inkomste benodig is bekend as die vertikale fiskale wanbalans en word gevul deur verskillende oordragte vanaf die nasionale regering na die provinsiale regerings. Alhoewel ander lande in die wêreld soortgelyke tendense ervaar is die verhouding eie inkomste wat deur provinsies in Suid Afrika ingesamel word ongekend laag. Oordragbetalings vanaf die nasionale regering na die provinsiale regering het daarom die belangrikste bron van inkomste geword vir provinsiale regerings om hulle uitgawes te finansier. Bestaande teorie wys daarop dat ‘n vertikale fiskale wanbalans twee wesenlike implikasies vir provinsiale regerings inhou. Die eerste het betrekking op die responsiwiteit en die tweede maar nie minder belangrik nie, is die verlies aan aanspreeklikheid. Dit is daarom belangrik dat bestaande maatreëls wat dit ten doel het om responsiwiteit en aanspreeklikheid te bevorder ekonomies, efektief en doeltreffend toegepas word. Gebaseer op ‘n literatuurstudie, sowel as ‘n opname en onderhoude uitgevoer in die Noord Kaap Provinsiale Regering, kom hierdie studie tot die gevolgtrekking dat die vertikale fiskale wanbalans ‘n impak het op die responsiwiteit en aanspreeklikheid van die Noord Kaap Provinsiale Regering en dat bestaande maatreëls om responsiwiteit en aanspreeklikheid te bevorder meer doeltreffend, effektief en ekonomies aaangewend kan word. Die tesis bevat daarom ‘n stel aanbevelings wat gebaseer is op die empiriese en literatuurstudie oor die aangeleentheid met die oogmerk om die teenswoordige toestand nie net in die Noord Kaap nie ,maar in Suid Afrika as ‘n geheel te verbeter. Dit is relevant omdat responsiwiteit en aanspreeklikheid twee fundamentele beginsels van demokratiese regering is en beide konsepte deel vorm van die waardes waarop die Republiek van Suid Afrika gevestig is. Die twee konsepte is ook sentraal in besprekings rakende goeie regering.
Open Access
An internship model for the Free State provincial government
(University of the Free State, 2023) Litsoane, Thabo Donald; Lues, L.
𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲: Youth unemployment in South Africa (SA) has been identified as a growing challenge that the SA Government has deemed necessary to address. Due to this challenge, there has been an increasing demand for work experience by youth graduates seeking to be employable in the SA economic market. To address this challenge, the SA Public Service introduced the Public Service Internship Programme (PSIP) as a strategy to provide unemployed youth graduates with critical and scarce skills in the public service. The study therefore aimed to identify the challenges that hamper the effective implementation of the PSIP among unemployed youth graduates in the Free State Provincial Government (FSPG). The effective implementation of the PSIP in the FSPG can only be achieved if the challenges affecting the effective implementation of the programme are identified and addressed. 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻, 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗱: The research study employed a qualitative research approach and a descriptive case study design. Focus group discussions (FGDs) and semi-structured interviews were used as qualitative research instruments. FGDs were conducted with 89 unemployed youth graduates, who were divided into 8 groups. Furthermore, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 28 supervisors responsible for human resource development and supervision of the unemployed youth graduates and the effective implementation of the PSIP in the FSPG. 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀: The research found that the PSIP in the FSPG is still faced with various challenges. These include lack of mentorship and coaching of the unemployed youth graduate interns; lack of monitoring and evaluation of the PSIP; and insufficient budget allocations for the programme to incorporate more graduate interns into training interventions and increase stipend payments for the graduate interns. It is therefore important that the FSPG creates an induction programme for the PSIP in which specific factors can be outlined. These include the internship programme policy, the stipends to be provided, contract agreements, performance expectations, and communication channels that the graduate interns can use to raise concerns and challenges experienced during the duration of the PSIP. 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: The FSPG and other stakeholders need to realise the importance of the internship programme in career development, succession planning of the departments, and experiential learning towards the development of a capable, development-oriented state and a professional public service. It is important that the PSIP is effectively implemented to help the SA Government achieve its set goals and objectives as outlined in the National Development Plan Vision 2030. An Internship Model for the Free State Provincial Government will further support this. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: The study findings may assist the FSPG to identify the challenges affecting the implementation of the PSIP in order to make the programme more effective towards experiential learning for unemployed youth graduate interns. The study also makes recommendations to the FSPG on how to address some of the pressing challenges affecting the PSIP.