Theses and Dissertations (School of Public Management and Administration (SPMA))

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/31924

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 185

Analysing the implementation of the South African National Curriculum Framework for Early Childhood Development (Children from Birth to Four Years)
Nyathi, Tholakele (University of Pretoria, 2025)
The implementation of the South African National Curriculum Framework (NCF) regarding Early Childhood Development (ECD) for children from birth to four has faced significant challenges, which limit its effectiveness in improving Early Childhood Education (ECE). The study highlights a notable deficit in the literature regarding the application of a public administration perspective for analysing ECD policies. It advocates for public service that integrates and improves the effectiveness of ECD initiatives and their alignment within governance structures. The study employed a qualitative method, using a document analysis approach that served as a systematic process for reviewing, interpreting, and evaluating documents to extract meaningful data and insights. This process enabled the study to examine policy implementation issues, such as disparities in service delivery, funding, infrastructure, and teacher training, as well as their collective impact on the efficiency and equity of ECD centres, in collaboration with the Department of Education. The study is based on public policy theory, emphasising the top-down, bottom-up, and hybrid approaches. This theoretical framework guided the thematic analysis of the documents. The findings reveal a disconnect between national policy objectives and their local implementation, highlighting the need for innovative public administration and effective alignment between national policies and local educational practices to improve childhood development outcomes. This analysis underscores the importance of the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) for children from birth to four years within the public administration, sustainable policy development, and governance contexts. It provides valuable insights into how to improve alignment between national policies and local government educational contexts, to promote childhood development. The study recommends that the government prioritise funding for ECD. It suggests adopting New Public Management (NPM) principles, including public-private partnerships, to improve access in underserved areas. In addition, effective collaboration among government levels would enhance local capacities, and alignment to national policies, advocacy, and strong leadership are essential for building political will. Moreover, training and monitoring systems should support policy implementers.
Consequence management for minimising financial mismanagement in the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality
Shokane, Thabane (University of Pretoria, 2024-07)
The study aimed to assess whether consequence management concerning municipal financial management in the local sphere of government is adhered to. There are regulatory bodies, such as the Office of the Auditor-General, Financial DC Boards, Internal Audit, Audit Committees and Oversight Council Committees, which mandated both constitutionally as well as legislatively to ensure that public financial reports, which include recommendations are provided on the municipal performance. Despite the annual recommendations, most South African municipalities still fail to manage public monies properly, which result in a worrying increase in irregular, unauthorised, fruitless, and wasteful (IUFW) expenditure.The CJMM was used as a focus case study to observe the extent to which municipalities comply with consequence management. In doing so, the study utilised a qualitative research approach, that is, secondary data was gathered from, inter alia, municipal audit reports, financial statements, consolidated general reports and accredited journal articles. The adopted research methodology was utilised to analyse audit reports from 2018 - 2022 to provide a descriptive analysis of how the CJMM utilised its finances. The findings revealed an increase in financial mismanagement because of by non-compliance with legislation, lack of performance management, and poor governance and leadership. The Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) often highlights these factors as a problem for municipalities. The study also provides recommendations to retain these components to both control financial mismanagement and adhere to the principles of consequence management.
The local government management and improvement model In addressing service delivery challenges
Matoto, Thamsanqa Enoch (University of Pretoria, 2025-11-29)
This study assesses the effectiveness of the Local Government Management Improvement model (LGMIM) as a performance management tool for improving service delivery in South African municipalities. The research investigates how LGMIM processes and performance standards contribute to improvements in municipal service delivery outcomes. Using a qualitative research design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 officials at provincial and local level who are involved in the implementation of the LGMIM. Thematic data analysis generated four themes: challenges in adopting the LGMIM, the efficacy of the LGMIM in improving service delivery, capacity building and training needs and recommendations for improved LGMIM implementation. The findings indicate that although the LGMIM provides a structured diagnostic framework for assessing municipal performance, its usefulness is constrained by unclear roles, insufficient training, limited resources, and inconsistent departmental engagement. The study concludes with recommendations for formalisation of roles, improved access to training across all levels in order to build capacity, performance-related incentives to promote accountability and monitoring mechanisms to enhance service delivery outcomes.
Street homelessness policy provision and law enforcement in the City of Tshwane’s Central Business District
Maluleke, Tinyiko Fortune (University of Pretoria, 2025-12-10)
The effective implementation of street homelessness policy refers to coordinated efforts of law enforcement and social services to address homelessness while respecting the rights and dignity of homeless individuals within urban spaces. The study evaluates the street homelessness policy provision in the City of Tshwane’s Central Business District, focusing on the experiences of law enforcement officers and homeless individuals in policy implementation. A qualitative approach using a case study design was employed. Interviews were conducted with 23 law enforcement officers and 33 homeless people. Thematic analysis using Atlas.ti software was applied as the data analysis tool. The study found that law enforcement officers often lack awareness and adequate training and operate under stigmatising misconceptions about homelessness. Homeless individuals reported negative interactions with law enforcement officers, including harassment and confiscation of belongings, which are linked to the criminalisation of basic survival behaviours. This study contributes to ensuring a cordial relationship between law enforcement officers and homeless people. It also addresses a key empirical gap by unpacking the challenges faced by both groups in implementing homelessness-related legislation and providing valuable guidance for policy enhancement.
Local economic development of rural communities in Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality
Tshabalala, Bonolo (University of Pretoria, 2025-10-30)
Sustainable service delivery and local economic development (LED) are legally required in South African local government. This developmental role is however, often constrained by limited resources, weak institutional capacity, and governance tensions. With this background, the purpose of this research was to analyses how the Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality in the Free State Province contributes to the LED of rural communities. Investigating the role, the local government plays in rural areas' economic development was the overarching issue that drove the study. A qualitative design was used, employing 14 purposively selected interviews with municipal officials, and the resulting information was organised into thematic codes. The findings revealed that while policies and structures for LED exist, their effectiveness is undermined by weak revenue collection, financial mismanagement, limited institutional capacity, poor implementation, and insufficient community participation. Opportunities in agriculture and tourism remain underutilised due to infrastructural deficits and strained relations between councillors and traditional leaders. Skills shortages among both officials and community members further undermine project sustainability. The research, which conceptually relies on co-production theory, establishes that governance failure at Maluti-a-Phofung is fundamentally a breakdown in co-productive capacity stemming from institutional mistrust and skills deficits. To manage rural areas sustainably and activate Maluti-a-Phofung's developmental mandate, the study recommends a shift toward a formal co-productive governance framework. Specific recommendations include three aspects that need to be addressed: (1) investing in core infrastructure in order to unlock economic sectors; (2) developing personnel and addressing skill deficits among both authorities and community members; and (3) increasing community involvement in budgeting and planning processes.
Food security determinants of households living with non-communicable diseases in selected Gauteng municipalities
Malubane, Cebisabonkhe (University of Pretoria, 2025-10-22)
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) contribute significantly to global mortality and morbidity. There are a variety of socio-economic features that have been recognised as key food security determinants. These determinants include education, employment, gender, income, poverty status, household size, and demand. This research investigates the three Gauteng municipalities: the City of Tshwane, the City of Ekurhuleni, and the City of Johannesburg. The primary objective of the study is to analyse food security determinants of households living with NCDs. The study uses secondary data, primarily from the 2024 South African General Household Survey (GHS). The study uses the propensity score matching model and the Tobit regression model as data analysis techniques. The propensity score matching model is used first to distinguish the characteristics of households with NCDs from those without NCDs. The Tobit regression model is then used to determine the relationship between determinants of food security and households living with NCDs. The association between NCD status and food insecurity varies across municipalities, underscoring the importance of localised analysis. Johannesburg shows a marginally protective effect, possibly due to better access to health services or targeted social support. In contrast, Tshwane reveals increased vulnerability among NCD-affected households, while Ekurhuleni shows no consistent pattern. Across matched samples, household size, income, and education of the household head consistently emerge as strong predictors of food insecurity in households living with NCDs. While the study contributed important insights, there is a need for future research to focus on longitudinal studies that monitor changes in food security and vulnerability over time, as well as an in-depth exploration of mediating factors such as healthcare access.
An assessment of financial practices in the National Skills Fund
Dube , Mbuyiseli Michael (University of Pretoria, 2025-11-03)
Sound financial practices are essential for promoting accountability and efficiency in the management of public resources. They form a critical foundation for enhancing governance and combating corruption. Financial practices encompass standard operating procedures and methods used in budgeting, financial reporting, accounting, and other finance-related activities. Despite the existence of policies and legislation designed to promote sound financial management, many public administrators continue to disregard these frameworks, engaging instead in financial malpractices. Recent scholarship suggests that future research should focus on identifying proactive measures to prevent such malpractices, rather than only addressing them after they occur. The primary objective of this study was to analyse the financial practices of the South African National Skills Fund (NSF) and propose measures to mitigate financial malpractices. Data were collected from 18 key informants through in-depth semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis, supported by Atlas.ti software, was employed to examine the data. The findings revealed several challenges at the NSF, including inadequate governance and oversight structures, weak internal accountability, poor consequence management, ineffective record keeping, insufficient financial controls, limited financial literacy, and poor implementation of existing policies. To improve financial oversight and accountability, the NSF should strengthen the independence of its internal audit function, develop improved monitoring and reporting tools, establish digital records management, establish a functional NSF board, reduce political interference, train personnel on budgeting and compliance, and initiate and implement consequence management.
A policy framework to accelerate e-government implementation in Zambia’s government ministries
Mwilwa, Kangwa (University of Pretoria, 2025-10-01)
E-government is increasingly recognised as a means of reforming the public sector and providing modern public services. Its implementation, however, is characterised by challenges, especially for developing countries. Countries like Zambia lag behind in e-government due to various issues including socio-economic status, legal framework and digital infrastructure. The study analysed the factors affecting e-government policy and its implementation in Zambia’s government ministries, the role and influence of advocacy coalitions and how international influences shape the country’s e-government policy. By gaining a deeper understanding of the Zambian context and dynamics of the e government policy subsystem, the study sought to propose a policy framework to accelerate e-government implementation in Zambia’s government ministries. The study was qualitative and adopted the multiple-case study method, with 20 participants. These included ICT experts and officials from four government ministries, the Smart Zambia Institute and other government departments. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews. Inductive and deductive thematic analysis was used to identify factors affecting e-government policy and implementation. Underpinned by the Advocacy Coalition Framework, thematic and content analysis were used to analyse the role and influence of advocacy coalitions. Framed by the Dolowitz and Marsh Policy Transfer Framework, thematic analysis was used to examine how international influences shape e-government policy. Findings show that technological, institutional and organisational, human and policy factors affect e-government. Zambia’s e-government policy subsystem is unitary, dominated by a single advocacy coalition with high internal consensus. International influences include compliance to international commitments, benchmarking and lesson-drawing. The recommendations of the study and the policy framework to accelerate e-government implementation in the government ministries consider Zambia’s low-income and resource-constrained context.
An ubuntu-centric adaptive leadership framework for intrapreneurship skills development in the Ministry for Public Service and Administration
Sono, Pinky Lerato Nicole (University of Pretoria, 2025-11-30)
This study examined how Ubuntu values inform the understanding and practice of adaptive leadership within South Africa’s Ministry for Public Service and Administration (MPSA), and how these leadership practices shape the conditions for intrapreneurship skills development. The study responded to the continuing call for a more innovative and responsive public service, and to the limited understanding of how leadership within government can create conditions that nurture intrapreneurial capacity. The study conceptualised intrapreneurs as public servants who advance new ideas and approaches from within the state system, and Senior Management Service (SMS) leaders as those who enable this process through their leadership practices. By drawing Ubuntu into conversation with Adaptive Leadership Theory, the study reinterpreted the nature of SMS leadership for fostering public service innovation through intrapreneurship as a relational, value-based practice centred on dignity, compassion, respect, solidarity, survival, and authenticity. The study adopted a single embedded case study design, with the MPSA serving as the primary case, and the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) and the Centre for Public Service Innovation (CPSI) as embedded units of analysis. It employed a qualitatively driven mixed-methods approach that combined six interviews with the Director-General and Deputy Director-Generals and survey data from forty-three Chief Directors and Directors. The findings revealed that Ubuntu values formed the ethical and relational basis for Adaptive Leadership in the MPSA, and provided a lens through which hierarchical and compliance-oriented traditions could be re-examined. When interpreted through Ubuntu, Adaptive Leadership manifested as relational mentorship, reflexive engagement, distributed problem-solving, and the creation of safe spaces for learning and collaboration. Building on these insights, the study proposed an Ubuntu-centric Adaptive Leadership Framework that integrates values, principles, and institutional enablers to strengthen intrapreneurship skills development and reposition leadership in the South African Public Service as a collective and humane practice.
Assessing civil engineering graduate programmes against future-fit public sector skills in a South African public entity
Ismail, Saeeda (University of Pretoria, 2025-09-29)
The deepening civil engineering skills shortage has been evident in the South African public sector over the past 15 years, particularly with those aged over 45 years who are registered professionals and experts in their disciplines. This exodus has created a structural imbalance in the skills set required for effective public sector infrastructure service delivery. Civil engineering graduate programmes therefore play a significant role in building public sector capacity. However, the ability of civil engineering graduate programmes to prepare graduates for the complex and evolving realities of the public sector that face them in the future, has not been without question. This study seeks to answer that question by assessing civil engineering graduate programmes against future-fit public sector skills. Through a qualitative, single embedded case study of a South African public sector entity (the Entity), the study situates the case within the broader public sector landscape. Using the New Kirkpatrick Evaluation Model and the Human Capital Theory, this study evaluated the Entity’s programme effectiveness across multiple levels of civil engineering graduate training. Using semi-structured interviews with five groups of participants (current civil engineering graduates, alumni, mentors, recruiters and employers) rich data was gathered and analysed, along with supplementary documentation. This analysis focussed on three key research objectives: RO3 - to examine the gaps between civil engineering graduate programmes and future-fit public sector skills, RO4 – to assess the stakeholders’ perception on how well the existing civil engineering programmes prepare civil engineering graduates for the unique challenges and responsibilities associated with public sector employment, and RO 5 – to evaluate the effectiveness of the Entity’s civil engineering graduate programme using the New Kirkpatrick Evaluation Model (NKEM). Findings revealed that while the Entity’s civil engineering graduate programme provided a strong technical skills set aligned with the requirements for professional registration from the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), it falls short of equipping graduates with future-fit skills and public sector competencies. The gaps in the programme were shown through the emerging themes that included curriculum relevance and misalignment, digital and technical skills gaps, soft skills and professional practice gaps, workplace readiness and public sector contextual knowledge, gender and structural bias, feedback mechanisms and variances in education and learning experiences. Stakeholder perceptions confirmed these findings: current graduates and alumni highlighted deficits in soft skills and public-sector workplace readiness; mentors emphasized technical skills; and recruiters and employers were vocal about the need for greater integration of public-sector contextual knowledge. The study makes contributions to theory by extending the application of the NKEM to civil engineering graduate programmes in the public sector, which links learning and skills acquisition to workplace behaviour and application, and further to organisational performance and broader service delivery. Empirically, the study provides a rich evidence-based case from a leading state-owned entity with a national footprint, offering insights that are transferable to other public sector entities. Finally, the study contributes to practice by designing a proposed future-fit civil engineering graduate framework and recommends the integration of technical skills, future-fit skills and public sector competencies, to balance technical excellence with public sector need. The study concludes by acknowledging the contribution of civil engineering graduate programmes such as the Entity’s for graduates to remain relevant in the broader public sector landscape. By advancing both theory and practice, this study provides an opportunity to strengthen civil engineering graduate development and contribute to improved public sector infrastructure service delivery.
Public-private partnerships and healthcare service delivery at the Queen Mamohato Memorial Hospital, Lesotho
Makhabane, Mathuso (University of Pretoria, 2025-11-04)
The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) have improved healthcare service delivery at the Queen Mamohato Memorial Hospital (QMMH) in Lesotho. The study further aimed to recommend strategies for improving PPPs in healthcare service delivery, particularly in Lesotho, where the country has faced a persistent health crisis since the 1990s. PPPs serve as a mechanism for introducing private sector expertise into collaborative arrangements with the public sector. Globally, they have become a transformative instrument in reforming health systems. It is evident that the global adoption of PPPs is driven by increasing pressure on governments to improve service delivery. The research employed a qualitative case study design. Respondents were selected through probability sampling, specifically simple random sampling. Primary data was collected through semi-structured questions, allowing participants to speak freely and provide in-depth responses. This approach captured the perspectives and knowledge of QMMH employees and officials from the Ministry of Health (MoH). Secondary data, on the other hand, was obtained from document reviews, including reports, published records, official documents, documented interviews, and newspaper articles. The study found that the QMMH-PPPs relationship faltered due to governance gaps, including weak institutions for monitoring and sustaining the project, maladministration, limited capacity of the country, the health sector, and QMMH to deliver quality healthcare services, political instability, lack of transparency in contract negotiations, and unclear jurisdiction and responsibilities among government ministries. However, the study offers key recommendations, including strengthening public institutions, establishing mandatory labour clauses, implementing employee grievance management system, ensuring a sustainable government budget cap, and clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders. This study makes an important contribution to the literature and enhances the overall understanding of the relationship between healthcare PPPs and the delivery of efficient and effective healthcare service.
Public-private partnerships governance in the South African transport sector
Domingues , Daniela Coelho (University of Pretoria, 2025-08-22)
The governance of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in South Africa’s (SA) transport sector is garnering increased attention as these collaborations emerge as key solutions to infrastructure challenges. Within the broader field of Public Administration, PPPs hold the potential for addressing inefficiencies and revitalising critical infrastructure. SA’s public sector, characterised by its developing market attributes and complex challenges, finds itself at a pivotal juncture where leveraging private sector expertise and resources is essential. Amidst the current state of dilapidated transport infrastructure, PPPs present themselves as strategic instruments not only as funding sources but as comprehensive frameworks for management and institutional governance. Expediting these strategies is crucial to mitigate the risks of economic stagnation. This study carries dual academic and practical significance, contributing to scholarly discourse while enhancing public understanding of PPP governance complexities. It examines the governance gaps and inefficiencies within transportation PPPs, emphasising the need for reforms in stakeholder participation, capacity building, and collaborative engagement. The research compiles global, regional, and local best practices, case studies, and lessons learned from PPP projects to showcase effective private sector participation and third-party involvement in the restoration of roads, ports, and railways. This extends support to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and highlights benefits of intra-BRICS collaborations. The study aims to highlight the core objective: exploring the reforms that foster more successful and adequate governance of PPPs - crucial for advancing SA’s transport sector towards stability, development, enhanced networks, and improved infrastructure facilitated by Government Business Partnerships (GBP). This study investigates the state of governance practices—both effective and ineffective—in the context of SA’s public service sector by examining contextual and theoretical frameworks related to classical theories. It aims to identify current governance practices and approaches within successful PPPs in SA’s transport sector, determine key indicators to measure the efficiency of PPP governance, and evaluate opportunities and challenges. Additionally, it assesses the potential impact of governance gaps and challenges on sustainable growth and socio-economic expansion in the country. To entirely harness the benefits of PPP governance in SA’s transport sector, and the underlying research problem, methodologically, the study adopts a pragmatist paradigm and a qualitative research approach, employing a multiple case study design through desktop analysis to achieve the unit of analysis. Secondary data sources are utilised, with non-probability purposive sampling ensuring that the transport sector's relevance aligns with the research objectives. Thematic data analysis reveals insights into governance practices and the factors influencing sustainable growth and industrialisation within the transport sector. The main findings of the study indicate that effective PPP governance in SA’s transport sector depends on robust policies, clear regulations, capable institutions, and active stakeholder engagement. Major challenges include inadequate policy frameworks, political interference, regulatory delays, poor coordination, and limited stakeholder participation. However, opportunities exist to improve fiscal management, accountability, and transparency. Strengthening regulatory structures, enhancing stakeholder trust, and ensuring consistent political commitment are essential to attract private investment and ensure the success of transport PPPs.The study concludes by putting forward recommendations that lay strategic pathways to foster a strong foundation in transport PPP governance to incite economic movement. It reflects on ongoing efforts to stabilise and improve logistics infrastructure and acknowledges strides made towards enhancing partnerships that support key commodity export industries. In sight for future research, the study invites further exploration into progressive and collaborative governance strategies that benefit both public and private stakeholders in transport sector development.
An analysis of South Africa's health policy performance to the COVID-19 pandemic during the period March 2020 and June 2022
Nxele, Sphelele (University of Pretoria, 2025-08-31)
The study aims to assume a dominant position on whether the health policy deployed benefited the public, was accessible on an equitable scale to all members of different social classes, the measure of equitability would be: 1) the effective use of resources allocated to reduce impact of COVID-19, and 2) quantitative data that shows improved access to healthcare during the mentioned period, and if the power of decision-making given to the government was exercised responsibly. Pandemic history often reveals stark weaknesses in a government's health system. Its impact results in widening the inequality gap among social class groups or exacerbating the conditions of already weak infrastructure. This was the case with the onset and spread of COVID-19 in South Africa. In March 2020, South Africa reported its first case of COVID-19, it was an imported case, arriving through an international visit. The patient was a traveler from Italy. Approximately 18 days later, the virus spread through close contact and community transmission. The South African Government instituted a swift reactive response to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 as this was projected to have dire effects if not dealt with urgency. Central to this was the South African Government's health policy response identifying priority areas for its efficacy. These were identified as non-pharmaceutical interventions as a vaccine, or any medical intervention was unavailable. A country-wide risk-adjusted strategy was deployed that tightened or loosened regulations depending on the level of threat the country was facing, indicated by a rise or drop in the cumulative number of infections over some time. This study examines publicly available data that focuses on the COVID-19 health policy response in South Africa, to determine its impact on South African citizens. The research aims to establish this by, relating public management theories such as Social Contract Theory, Quality of Government Theory, and the Theory of Public Value. Analysis of these elements ensures the research objectives were met. These public management theories are relevant in the public policy discourse and applicable in making determinations about whether a public policy is an efficient system through its laws, decisions, plans and actions. Legislation was adjusted during the COVID-19 period for ease of procurement processes to enable agility in decision-making. This was done to bridge the gap of existing service delivery bottlenecks and accelerate responsiveness, especially to vulnerable communities. A multi-sectoral command council was established to support the deployment of health policy response. The health policy response deployed by the National Health Department was aligned with the ethos of saving lives while protecting livelihoods, championed by the National Command Council and other critical role players. Critical to its success was its delivery to provincial and local municipal levels. The analysis shows that while ease of governance processes was enabled to serve the public and ensure health solutions covered the populations aptly, it left gaps that were exploited resulting in high-end corruption, highlighting the need for greater controls, accountability, and oversight during times of mass crisis. Recommendations to the study are to improve the process followed in the development of public policy. To reduce the abuse of power when enforcing legislation during a pandemic close monitoring of reporting on all incidences must be enacted within a timeframe to mark its urgency. To enhance transparency, performance management contracts of accounting officers must include declarations, transparency in relationships, and being held to a higher standard of behaviour that can result in immediate disciplinary action if unsavoury behaviour is linked to their term of office. This must be done in addition to existing institutional disciplinary action, consequence management, and rules regulating the position and institution. To restore credibility, trust and a service-centric public service, Batho Pele principles must be restored in the public service domain, they will assist in addressing behaviour, driving a service-first value system.
Behavioural economic approaches to non-payment for municipal service delivery
Willemse, Thomas (University of Pretoria, 2025-08-25)
The non-payment for municipal services has become a significant problem for municipalities. In South Africa the outstanding arrears for municipal services grew from R50.3 billion at the end of June 2009 to R339.9 billion at the end of June 2024. This amounts to a compound annual growth rate of 13.9 percent over the period. However, since 2016, the compound annual growth rate accelerated to 14.7 percent. Most of the municipal arrears are attributed to the metropolitan municipalities and households. The surge in the rate of arrears is resulting in increased pressure on municipalities to be financially sustainable, while also delivering quality services and maintaining their infrastructure. Traditional methods employed by the municipalities to collect from their arrears customers, or to persuade people to pay for services, have been unsuccessful. Since people have been blunted by the reactive legal threats of municipalities, punitive methods had no impact on the willingness to pay. However, in many instances, the refusal to pay for services is due to behavioural issues which calls for an alternative approach to address non-payment. Since the decision to pay or not to pay for services is made by an individual, behavioural approaches are implemented to address the decision-making process of individuals. This study identified which behavioural theories are the most appropriate for the domestic environment, and how they can be applied in South Africa, based on various international studies. As a result, five behavioural messages (one standard municipal message, two social norms messages and two deterrence messages) were sent to arrears customers through the SMS (short messaging services) channel. The aim was to test the effectiveness of the messages to reduce the increase in the growth rate of arrears. Control variables, such as age, gender, and property values, were also considered to determine whether they had an association with payment behaviour. The study has found that Nudge Theory is effective in slowing down the increase in municipal arrears. In particular, the injunctive norms message (what other people think people should do) was effective in reducing the increase in arrears, compared to the control group and the other messages. The results show that municipalities should follow a multi-faceted process to collect for services. This study suggests that the approach in municipalities should shift from only a punitive process (traditional) to a complementary soft touch intervention (behavioural methods). Over time, this approach could result in the improvement of the financial position of municipalities.
Influence of provincial intervention on the administration of the uMkhanyakude District Municipality, South Africa
Khumalo, Thokozani (University of Pretoria, 2025-06-30)
This study investigates the influence of provincial intervention on the administration of uMkhanyakude District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal. Section 139(1) (b) of South Africa’s 1996 Constitution allows the provincial government to intervene in municipalities experiencing governance challenges with a view to improving management and service delivery. Qualitative case study design was employed to explore the long term impacts of provincial intervention on governance, administrative challenges and stakeholder perceptions in uMkhayakude District Municipality The study population comprised of municipal officials, business community members and governance stakeholders in uMkhanyakude District Municipality. A purposive sample of 25 participants was selected including 15 municipal officials and 10 business representatives. Semi structured interviews were used as main data collection tool, and secondary data included municipal reports, policy documents and relevant legislative frameworks. Data were analysed thematically. The study focused on key themes, including governance and political stability, financial management and accountability, service delivery challenges, and the sustainability of interventions. Notably, the study found that uMkhanyakude District Municipality continues to experience governance instability despite provincial interventions. Financial mismanagement, characterized by excessive and inappropriate expenditure, persists as a significant issue. Moreover, service delivery remains irregular particularly in water, infrastructure and public facilities. Political interference has intervention strategies, and the lack of post-intervention monitoring has led to recurring governance failures. Based on the study's findings, recommendations include enhancing political stability through improved oversight and governance frameworks, strengthening financial accountability via strict financial controls and audits, and improving service delivery by increasing community participation and implementing responsive municipal service plans. To mitigate political interference, policies should be established to limit political influence on municipal activities. Long-term monitoring mechanisms should also be put in place to assess the sustained impact of interventions on governance.
Examining recipients’ experiences with the social grant in Polokwane, South Africa
Makhongela, Fanessa (University of Pretoria, 2025-08-05)
South Africa allocates a substantial portion of its social expenditure to grants, with nearly 18 million grants disbursed monthly. These include the care dependency grant, COVID-19 social relief of distress grant, child support grant, disability grant, foster child grants, grant for older persons, war veteran’s grant, and grant-in-aid (Patel et al. 2023). Despite this extensive welfare system, poverty remains widespread, with nearly half the population living in absolute poverty. Additionally, grant recipients frequently express dissatisfaction with the amounts received and ongoing issues of corruption, maladministration, and inefficiencies in the approval, payment, and appeals processes (World Bank 2020).This study examines the management of social welfare grants in South Africa and explores recipients' experiences, focusing on the Grant-in-aid as a case study in Polokwane. Adopting a qualitative approach, data was collected through interviews with 15 participants aged 18 to 60. Of these, five were between 18 and 25 years old, six were between 26 and 60, and four were aged 61 and above. The sample consisted of 12 females and three males. Thematic analysis revealed key insights into grant accessibility, financial adequacy, approval time, and the impact on recipients’ daily lives. While the grant improved recipients’ quality of life by providing essential support, many found the financial assistance insufficient due to low disbursement amounts and inconsistent processing times. The study recommended digitisation, public policy adjustments and enhanced administrative support as tools to improve the experience of grant-in-aid recipients.The study concludes that although the grant-in-aid has a predominantly positive effect, its limitations hinder its ability to fully address recipients’ financial challenge.
Determinants of household vulnerability to poverty in the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality informal settlements
Boks, Hayley (University of Pretoria, 2025-05)
This study examines the determinants of vulnerability to poverty in the informal settlements of the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, with a specific focus on Atteridgeville, Nellmapius and Olievenhoutbosch. The study aims to understand how various socio-economic factors contribute to household vulnerability in these areas, where poverty is prevalent. Primary data were collected from 366 households using a stratified random sampling technique to ensure representativeness across the informal settlements. The data was collected through structured questionnaires, which captured detailed information on household income, employment status, education level, access to basic services, food security and social factors. The data collected was analysed using the Foster-Greer-Thorbecke poverty measure to assess the relationship between household income and vulnerability. A modified Poisson regression analysis was also used to identify key determinants of vulnerability to poverty in the study areas. The study's findings indicate several factors significantly influence household vulnerability to poverty. The key determinants positively associated with this vulnerability include having more children under the age of five, being unemployed and not actively seeking work, being the primary breadwinner, experiencing exposure to sinkholes, and facing electricity interruptions a few times each month. Conversely, factors that show a significant negative relationship to vulnerability include the overall household size and having a household member who has completed matriculation. Additionally, variables that do not exhibit substantial relationships with vulnerability to poverty include gender, age, marital status, home ownership, the affordability of healthcare, receiving grants, the type of grants received, receiving government support for agriculture, and having a social support network. Based on the findings, the study recommends targeted policy measures to improve employment, education and essential services to alleviate poverty. These interventions have the potential to significantly reduce household vulnerability and contribute to poverty alleviation efforts, particularly in informal settlements.
The influence of government policy interventions on the performance of the South African automotive industry
Kone, Ratshivhanda Thabo Vincent (University of Pretoria, 2025-03)
The South African automotive industry before the dawn of democracy was inward looking, with policies such as the local content programme policy, which governed the industry at the time and created trade barriers and a restrictive trade environment. Subsequently, the democratic government repealed policies that were implemented by the then government and introduced the Motor Industry Development Programme (MIDP) on 1 September 1995. The MIDP was introduced to structurally shift government policy and the trade regime, as well as integrating the country’s automotive industry into the global automotive sector. Thereafter, several policy intervention programmes such as the Automotive Production Development Programme, and more recently the South African Automotive Masterplan were implemented to enhance the performance of the domestic automotive industry and improve investor confidence. Following policy interventions by government, the South African automotive industry has undergone various and significant changes since the dawn of democracy in 1994, as the country’s automotive industry is now considered to be the largest vehicle manufacturer and components supplier on the African continent, which houses seven (7) global vehicle manufacturers. Drawn from this brief background, the study is undertaken with the aim of addressing questions and providing an understanding of to what extent policy interventions developed and implemented by government lead to a successful automotive industry, and how these polices mentioned above have influenced the performance of the domestic automotive industry since 1995. In addition, we zoom into the challenges impacting on the performance and optimisation of the automotive industry and propose additional policy interventions needed to address inefficiencies. Therefore, it is against this backdrop that the primary objective of this research study is to provide insight on the importance of the global and domestic automotive industry and to critically evaluate the county’s industrial policy through the lens of the MIDP, the APDP, and the SAAM. The study also aims to determine the economic and social impact of the domestic automotive industry in addressing socio-economic challenges affecting South Africa, while proposing policy reforms and recommendations to ensure the sustainability of the domestic automotive industry. The study employed a qualitative research approach as the most suitable approach, as the study intends to provide an in-depth analysis of the effectiveness of policy interventions implemented by the government to enhance the performance of the industry, as well as to determine what the country has accrued from supporting this industry. Following the analysis of various policies and data gathered from participants, the study found that despite policy intervention efforts, the country’s automotive industry performance remains below the global benchmark of 1% of production, which forms an integral part of the SAAM policy regime. More importantly, the study found that the South African automotive industry will not survive without government support, while drawing parallels to the demise of the Australian automotive industry. However, government policies such as the MIDP and the APDP were important in establishing a viable business case for local production, and the sustainability and competitiveness operating in the country, even though government’s policy monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are still inadequate. Based on these key findings, the study proposes several key recommendations which focus on government placing an emphasis on Tier 2 and 3 components supplier companies and localisation. In addition, the study also recommends that government review its targets outlined in the SAAM, expediting the transition to New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), as well as addressing inefficiencies in State-Owned Companies such as Transnet and Eskom, which cause bottlenecks in the country’s automotive industry value chain.
An analysis of co-production in the integrated development planning process in the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality
Manasoe, Motswalo (University of Pretoria, 2024-12)
This study evaluates the incorporation of co-production into the integrated development planning (IDP) process within the City of Tshwane. IDP is a strategic five-year management framework that enables collaboration between municipal officials and residents for them to jointly determine the municipality’s developmental priorities for the subsequent administrative term. This research employed a qualitative methodology, with data collected from two distinct sample groups: Group 1 comprises residents from three key geographic areas, namely Mamelodi, Soshanguve, and Atteridgeville, whereas Group 2 consists of IDP officials from the City of Tshwane. Data collection was conducted through semi-structured interviews, and thematic analysis was applied to identify recurring patterns and themes. The study’s findings indicate that co-production is only partially integrated into the IDP process in the City of Tshwane. Further findings include lower levels of knowledge of the concept of co-production in the IDP process, and lack of awareness of the approach of co-production in the IDP in the City of Tshwane, a lack of civic education, a lack of closer partnerships and suitable leadership, the issue of accountability and transparency, and the collapse of ward committees. These challenges undermine the potential for meaningful citizen engagement in the co-production process. To address these issues, the study recommends the implementation of regular civic education workshops, the development of streamlined record-keeping and documentation practices, and the enhancement of communication channels using diverse methods. Further recommendations are outlined in the study. Keywords: Co-production, integrated development planning, City of Tshwane, civic engagement, public participation
Social protection in the informal sector : a case of black women street vendors in Pretoria
Morodi, Lethabo (University of Pretoria, 2025)
Social protection for the informal sector is critically relevant, particularly for black women street vendors who face unique challenges and vulnerabilities. Owing to the informality of their work, they often face exclusion from social protective services, which increases their vulnerability to health issues, financial shocks and social marginalisation. Informal workers are invisible in policy discussions, resulting in inadequate support and protection mechanisms tailored to their specific needs. This study aimed to investigate the current state of social protection for black women street vendors and focused on their experiences and barriers to accessing social safety nets. Insights were sought into how social protection policies could be redesigned to be inclusive of and effective for black women street vendors. This research employed the case study design alongside semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders from the departments of Employment and Labour, Social Development, Small Business Development, the City of Tshwane, the International Labour Organization, Women in Informal Employment: Globalizing and Organizing, and women street vendors. The selected design provided in-depth qualitative data on the current state of protection and the challenges black women street vendors face in South Africa. Thematic analysis was used to identify and interpret patterns and themes in the data, highlighting the need for policy improvement. The study’s findings revealed that black women street vendors faced significant challenges in accessing social protection owing to institutional barriers and the informal nature of their work. Women lack access to health insurance, pensions and unemployment benefits, which emphasises the need for inclusive policy reforms. Stakeholders have their own initiatives in place to deal with the limited social security access that is available to black women street vendors. The various stakeholders, through intergovernmental relations and partnerships, are all working together to achieve the desired goal. The dissertation advocates a critical need for inclusive social protection policies that recognise and address unique challenges and a more equitable approach to realising social security for informal workers. The researcher proposed multiple solutions, including the development of a municipal-level social security fund for black women street vendors and a theoretical framework aimed at extending social protection to this group.

Browse

Recent Submissions