Thesis (MPhil (Sustainable Development Planning and Management))--University of Stellenbosch, 2004.

Thesis (MPhil (Sustainable Development Planning and Management))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / The objective of this thesis was to investigate the state of individual philanthropy in South Africa in the post–apartheid, post–1994 transformative period of this country, and to explore and try to understand this practice within the wider context of trends in contemporary global philanthropy. The germ for this thesis came from a recognition that individual philanthropy on a global level is a burgeoning phenomenon with an increasingly important impact, and that this type of giving could also be a powerful resource for South Africa as this new democracy begins to tackle its social and economic problems. This study was informed by primary and secondary data. I used a research strategy and methodology that entailed in-depth interviews with six prominent South African businesspeople who have each given generously from their own resources to address the country‘s major problems: poverty and inequality, capacity-building and jobs creation, education, the HIV-AIDs pandemic, and other poverty-related ills. The results of my research furnished new insights into the practice of individual philanthropy and confirmed that this practice happens in a unique context: the cultural and historical environment within which people‘s lives unfold is the key influence and impetus that informs their giving. While learning about global strategies is important for understanding how the development discourse is developing, these external strategies do not provide the template for South African philanthropy. In South Africa, individuals from diverse backgrounds are independently practicing philanthropy by developing their own unique set of strategies based on their life experience, rather than pursuing strategies that were reached through collaborative dialogue and a mutually agreed-upon approach. Each context is unique and these individuals have developed their own strategies for giving that make sense and work for them. This research is important as South Africa searches for solutions to its pressing problems because it adds to the body of knowledge that could be used to formulate policy and strategic choices for the future of this country. The development discourse increasingly includes individual philanthropy as an integral part of the ―mix‖ of solutions being pursued to eradicate poverty and other social ills; the further development of individual philanthropy in South Africa to become more strategic and transformative is critical. This development is the next step in future research.

Thesis (MPA (School of Public Management and Planning))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Chapter 1 outlines the purpose of the research, provides the background on the way in which LR matters are currently managed and handled in the Department of Defence (DOD), identifies the research problem, and outlines the research design and methodology. Chapter 2 explores the theoretical framework of the principles of labour relations and management of change. The chapter reveals that the principles of labour relations hold persons in management or supervisory positions responsible for managing LR matters, and suggests that LR practitioners should therefore be able to equip them with adequate skills and knowledge of the procedures for dealing with LR matters in the workplace. The chapter also reveals that the principles of the management of change suggest that the employees should be prepared for change; that a change agent, who should create an environment conducive to change through lobbying the support of persons in management and employees for the proposed change, should be identified; and that resistance to change should be identified at an early stage of the change process in order to eliminate it. Change agents are encouraged not to dominate the change process, but rather to facilitate it in order to ensure that the organisation and its employees drive the change process themselves. Chapter 3 explores the objectives of the LR support function as well as the content of LR practices in order to determine the extent to which LR practitioners can become change agents in the DOD. The chapter reveals that LR at grassroots level is practiced in the way that has resulted to conflicts and costly litigations. In this chapter the regulatory framework and procedures that impede LR practitioners from becoming change agents are also analysed. Chapter 4 covers the data collection process and the analysis thereof. The data reveals that the LR structure at grassroots level is not conducive for the professional delivery of enhanced LR services; that the target group does not have access to adequate resources that would enable them to execute their functions; and that empowerment programmes are implemented to equip the target group with adequate qualifications, skills and or knowledge to be able to render enhanced LR services. The main findings were that guidance is lacking to ensure that LR systems, structures and processes at grassroots level are in place, to ensure that LR matters are managed and handled in a fair and responsible way; to ensure that LR staff with adequate competences to render LR services is appointed; and to ensure that the LR department is active enough and lead the execution of enhanced LR services. In Chapter 5 the main findings are analysed and it is concluded that LR practitioners are unable to become change agents if LR systems, structures and processes are not in place. It is encouraged that LR practitioners should form a cohesive but diverse team that is able to render enhanced LR services, and that the LR department should take a leading role. It is recommended that a study be conducted to determine overarching LR strategy that would guide the establishment of LR systems, the determination of LR structure and processes for dealing with LR matters, and the empowerment programmes for ensuring the professional delivery of enhanced LR services. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hoofstuk 1 skets die doel van die navorsing en verskaf agtergrond oor die manier waarop arbeidsverhoudinge tans in die Departement van Verdediging bestuur en hanteer word. In hierdie hoofstuk word die navorsingsprobleem ook geïdentifiseer en die navorsingsontwerp en -metodologie uitgestippel. Hoofstuk 2 ondersoek die teoretiese raamwerk van arbeidsverhoudingbeginsels en die bestuur van verandering. Die hoofstuk openbaar dat die beginsels van arbeidsverhoudinge persone in bestuurs- of toesighoudende posisies verantwoordelik hou vir die bestuur van arbeidsverhoudingkwessies. Daar word voorgestel dat arbeidsverhoudingpraktisyns daarom in staat moet wees om hierdie persone toe te rus met voldoende vaardighede en kennis van die prosedures vir die hantering van arbeidsverhoudingkwessies in die werkplek. Die hoofstuk openbaar ook dat die beginsels van die bestuur van verandering aandui dat werknemers op verandering voorbereid moet wees en dat ’n veranderingsagent geïdentifiseer moet word. Só ’n agent moet ’n atmosfeer skep wat bevorderlik vir verandering is deur steun vir die voorgestelde verandering van persone in bestuur en werknemers te werf. Verder moet weerstand teen verandering in ’n vroeë stadium in die veranderingsproses vasgestel word om dit sodoende uit te skakel. Veranderingsagente word aangemoedig om nie die veranderingsproses te oorheers nie, maar eerder te vergemaklik om te verseker dat die instelling en sy werknemers die veranderingsproses self dryf. Hoofstuk 3 ondersoek die teikens van die arbeidsverhoudingsteunfunksie asook die inhoud van arbeidsverhoudingpraktyke om te bepaal tot watter mate arbeidsverhoudingpraktisyns veranderingsagente in die Departement van Verdediging kan word. Hierdie hoofstuk onthul dat arbeidsverhoudinge op grondvlak op ’n manier beoefen word wat reeds tot konflik en duur litigasies gelei het. In hierdie hoofstuk word die regulerende raamwerk en prosedures geanaliseer wat arbeidsverhoudingpraktisyns verhinder om veranderingsagente te word. Hoofstuk 4 dek die data-insamelingsproses en analise van hierdie proses. Die data onthul dat die arbeidsverhoudingstruktuur op grondvlak nie bevorderlik is vir die professionele lewering van verbeterde arbeidsverhoudingdienste nie, en dat die teikengroep nie toegang tot voldoende bronne het wat hulle in staat sou stel om hulle funksies uit te voer nie. Die data openbaar verder dat bemagtigingsprogramme toegepas word om die teikengroep met voldoende opleiding, vaardighede en/of kennis toe te rus om verbeterde arbeidsverhoudingdienste te lewer. Die hoofbevinding was dat daar gebrekkige leiding is om te verseker dat arbeidsverhoudingstelsels, -strukture en -prosesse op grondvlak gereed is; dat arbeidsverhoudingkwessies op ’n regverdige en verantwoordelike manier bestuur en hanteer word; dat arbeidsverhoudingpersoneel met voldoende bevoegdhede aangestel word om arbeidsverhoudingdienste te lewer, en dat die arbeidsverhoudingdepartement aktief genoeg is en die voortou neem in die uitvoering van verbeterde arbeidsverhoudingdienste. In hoofstuk 5 word die hoofbevindinge geanaliseer en die gevolgtrekking gemaak dat arbeidsverhoudingpraktisyns nie in staat is om veranderingsagente te word indien arbeidsverhoudingstelsels, -strukture en -prosesse nie gereed is nie. Arbeidsverhoudingpraktisyns word aangemoedig om ’n verenigde maar diverse span te vorm wat verbeterde arbeidsverhoudingdienste kan bied en die arbeidsverhoudingdepartement word aangemoedig om ’n leidende rol in hierdie verband te speel. Daar word aanbeveel dat ’n studie gedoen word om ’n oorkoepelende arbeidsverhoudingstrategie vas te stel wat as riglyn kan dien vir die stigting van arbeidsverhoudingstelsels, die bepaling van arbeidsverhoudingstruktuur en prosesse om met arbeidsverhoudingkwessies om te gaan, en bemagtigingsprogramme om te verseker dat verbeterde arbeidsverhoudingdienste professioneel gelewer word.

Thesis (MPhil (Sustainable Development, Planning and Management))--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / The study investigates the role of indigenous governance systems in sustainable development at Moshupa, Botswana. Due to time limitations, this research study has only been able to provide a basic understanding of the role of indigenous governance systems in sustainable development. The study is primarily qualitative and generated data through the use of instruments including document analysis, focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews. A sample of thirty-five (35) respondents from both sexes, aged twenty-eight (28) years to eighty-two (82) years constitutes the study. The sample was drawn using a “snowball sampling” procedure. Specifically, some key informants were chiefs from neighbouring villages who have an impact on the history of Bakgatla-ba-ga-Mmanaana and/or Moshupa village administration (Kanye, Thamaga, Mankgodi, Molepolole, Ramotswa, and Tlokweng), village elders and traditional doctor; whilst other respondents were selected from tribal wards, village development committee, water affairs department, crèche, Botswana Police service, sub-landboard, elected political councillors, and the youth movement because of their positions and understanding of the socio-economic and ecological processes in the community. Findings of the study indicate that like in many African countries, indigenous governance in Botswana covers a broad spectrum of issues including the participation of community in the local economy, environmental issues and social relations. The study further reveals that the quality of indigenous governance, despite its short comings, has provided communities with a solid foundation to cope with unprecedented development changes; enabled communities to ...

Thesis (MPA (School of Public Management and Planning))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis examines the Norwegian Army Cadets‟ worldview in light of Complexity Theory and the implications of this theory for leadership. The investigation uses two contradicting theories as a point of departure, Complexity Theory and Newtonian Theory. Complexity Theory is a Social Science-theory that originates from the Natural Science-theory of Quantum Physics where aspect such as non-linearity, chaos and self-organization are highlighted. Furthermore, holistic thinking and bottom-up processes are emphasized. Newtonian Theory is on the other hand based on a mechanistic and reductionist worldview where a constant strife to achieve balance and control through deterministic- and rational mechanisms are highlighted. A Newtonian system thus operates in a causal- and relatively closed environment where change is incremental and top-down driven. Using Complexity Theory as a theoretical starting point speaks for a shift in the way we look at leadership. Traditional leadership theories are normally based on the assumptions of Newtonian thinking, i.e. objectivity, reductionism and determinism. A traditional leader is actively shaping the future through regulations that ultimately end in the obtainment of goals. In other words, the processes are characterized as rational, “hard” and incremental. A Complexity Approach, on the other hand, supports Complexity Theory Principles such as self-organizational processes and chaos. Hence, leaders in complex systems should function as enablers of bottom-up processes and embrace chaos and uncertainty as something positive and nourishing. Furthermore, leaders in complex systems use vision and values as guiding principles and focus on micro-level interactions as opposed to a rule-bound and technical approach. The results from the empirical survey reveal that the Norwegian Army Cadets have a relatively balanced worldview towards Complexity Theory- and Newtonian Principles. On the one hand, a number of strong Newtonian trends such as the perception of conflict, chaos and change as something negative and the embracement of a direct and “hard” leadership style are evident. On the other hand, the Cadets express an adherence towards typical Complexity Theory Principles such as relationship orientation and informal leadership. Hence, it can be argued that the Cadets‟ worldview have elements of both Newtonian Theory and Complexity Theory. This study can be used to evaluate the effect of the current educational paradigm in the Norwegian Army and simultaneously contribute to further insight and discussion around the field of leadership. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie verhandeling ondersoek die wêreldbeskouing van Norweegse Leër-kadette in die lig van die Kompleksiteitsteorie, en die implikasies van dié teorie vir leierskap. Twee teenstrydige teorieë word as vertrekpunt in die ondersoek gebruik, naamlik. Kompleksiteitsteorie en Newtoniaanse Teorie. Kompleksiteitsteorie is „n Sosiale Wetenskapsteorie wat uit die Natuurwetenskaplike teorie van Kwantum-Fisika ontstaan het, met klem op aspekte soos nie-lineariteit, chaos en self-organisasie. Verder word holisitiese denke en prosesse wat van onder na bo werk, beklemtoon. Newtoniaanse Teorie, aan die ander kant, is gebaseer op „n meganistiese en reduksionistiese wêreldbeeld, met klem op „n konstante strewe na balans en kontrole deur deterministiese en rasionele meganismes. ‟n Newtonianse sisteem opereer dus binne ‟n kousale en relatief geslote omgewing, waar verandering inkrementeel is en van bo na onder gedryf word. Die gebruik van Kompleksiteitsteorie as ‟n teoretiese vertrekpunt dui op ‟n verandering in die manier waarop ons leierskap benader. Tradisionele leierskap-teorieë is normaalweg gebaseer op Newtoniaanse denke, d.w.s. objektiwiteit, reduksionisme en determinisme. ‟n Tradisionele leier vorm die toekoms aktief deur regulasies wat uitloop op die bereiking van doelstellings. Met ander woorde, die prosesse word gekarakteriseer as rasioneel, ”hard” en inkrementeel. „n Kompleksiteitsteorie-benadering aan die ander kant, ondersteun beginsels van Kompleksiteitsteorie soos self-organiserende prosesse en chaos. Leiers in komplekse sisteme moet dus funksioneer deur prosesse wat van onder na bo werk moontlik te maak, en deur chaos en onsekerheid as iets positief en voedend te beskou. Verder gebruik leiers in komplekse sisteme visie en waardes as riglyne, en fokus op mikro-vlak interaksies in teenstelling met ‟n reël gebonde en tegniese benadering. Die resultate van die empiriese studie toon aan dat Noorweegse Leër-kadette „n relatief gebalanseerde wêreldbeskouing het t.o.v Kompleksiteitsteorie- en Newtoniaanse beginsels. Aan die een kant, is daar duidelik ‟n aantal sterk Newtoniaanse tendense teenwoordig, soos die persepsie van konflik, chaos en verandering as iets negatiefs, en die aanhang van ‟n direkte en ”harde” leierskapstyl. Aan die ander kant, is daar ‟n neiging tot tipiese beginsels van Kompleksiteitsteori soos verhoudingsoriëntering en informele leierskap. Dit kan dus aangevoer word dat die Kadette se wêreldbeskouing elemente van sowel Newtoniaanse Teorie as Kompleksitetsteorie bevat. Hierdie studie kan gebruik word om die effek van die huidige onderwysparadigma in die Noorweegse Leër te evalueer, en terselfdertyd ‟n bydrae lewer tot dieper insig in en besprekning van die terrein van leierskap.

Thesis (MPhil (Sustainable Development Planning and Management))--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / The tensions in the definition and practical implementation of sustainable development are clear. A number of international codes outline the principles that are considered as good corporate citizenship, but are often based on the priorities of the developed ‘North’. Africa calls for a more development-orientated approach to sustainable development. The subject of this study, Angola, is emerging from a history of slavery, colonialism and civil war. Although richly endowed with natural resources and exemplifying one of the world’s fastest growing economies, Angola scores near the bottom of the Human Development and Corruption Perceptions Indices, thereby typifying the Natural Resource Curse. Understanding sustainable development in this context, multinational corporations involved in exploiting these natural resources, are able to contribute to the sustainable development of Angola through their corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities. An extensive review of the literature, augmented by the author’s experiences (including a recent visit to Angola) as a participant in De Beers’ exploration process allows a number of observations to be made regarding the contribution De Beers can make to the sustainable development of Angola. De Beers, a world leader in the exploration, mining and marketing of diamonds. Recently De Beers has resumed exploration activities in Angola and is in a position, and perhaps has an obligation, to play a part in Angola’s reconstruction. This would obviously also have business benefits. As exploration is not an income generating activity the initial contribution will need to focus on conducting exploration activities in a responsible manner through identifying opportunities to collaborate with local communities and institutions on issues of common concern for mutual benefit. Focusing corporate social responsibility actions on core business activities within De Beers’ sphere of influence; linking with existing initiatives and prioritizing a specific sector or geographical area will have a meaningful and lasting impact. Legal compliance and supporting government institutions in their effort to regulate have also been identified as important opportunities. The most significant contribution that De Beers can make through their exploration activities is to the social and human capital of the areas in which they operate. The exploration CSR activities should lay the foundations for a possible future mine, which has the potential to add significantly to the manufactured and financial capital of Angola.

Thesis (MPA (School of Public Management and Planning))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / This study examines the key success factors in the Public Private Partnerships (PPP) field in the Healthcare Sector in South Africa. It gives health departments insight into the factors which should be considered when using PPP procurement and when looking at possible PPP opportunities. The development of PPP’s around the world has urged governments to look at alternative service delivery methods because of increased pressures on government budgets. Public Private Partnerships presents governments with a means of generating private funds for health service delivery whilst government manages the relationship via a negotiated PPP agreement to monitor the quality of services rendered. Different PPP models are applied all over the world depending on the specific needs of countries. Different factors impact on the success of these partnerships and it is essential that government share knowledge and best practices. The study showed that in order for PPP’s to be successful the public institution must do its homework thoroughly and that the legal framework should be conducive for private sector involvement in service delivery. The study showed that the government of a country plays a pivotal role in the PPP process by giving the necessary political support to ensure the trust of foreign investors. The legislative framework is a critical factor in the advancement of PPP procurement and the allocation of risk as an important consideration when pursuing this type of procurement. The study examined three concluded PPP Health Sector agreements in South Africa and looked at lessons learnt, mistakes which were made and what should be avoided in the future. The three PPP’s in South Africa in this study were the first though there are other health sector PPP agreements concluded. The other PPP’s are still in the commencement stage and it is too early to make an assessment at this stage. However, the three case studies conducted give departments a clear picture of the process, the lessons learnt and the impediments in the PPP process. The uniqueness of the South African Health sector also prompted the Government to look at a model which will be best suited to the local market. Best practices from other countries provide useful information and lessons learnt from other countries are also important in a developing PPP environment.

Thesis (MPhil (Sustainable Development Planning and Management))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / The main aims of this thesis were to assess the sustainability of the original Green Revolution (GR) farming methods for small-scale farmers in developing countries, to identify alternative farming methods which may be more sustainable and to comment on the New GR for Africa, currently being promoted by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). A key element of the thesis was primary research done in India, in order to gather the experience of selected small-scale farmers in that country who had converted from GR to low-external input farming methods. The experience of the farmers in India was used to highlight points made in the thesis. Both primary and secondary data were used to inform the study. Firstly, a literature review was conducted in order to assess the original GR, identify alternative farming methods and gather information on the New GR for Africa. In order to assess sustainability, a framework was developed which defined sustainability at a global level and also at the level of the individual small-scale farmer. This framework was based on a discussion of sustainable development and the sustainable livelihoods approach. Key elements of GR and alternative farming methods were identified and assessed according to this framework. Secondly, primary data was gathered in India from a group of small-scale farmers who had taken part in a programme by a nongovernmental organisation called Dharamitra. The data was collected through semistructured interviews and participant observation techniques. This data was used in order to illustrate points made in the literature review. The study concluded that many elements of farming methods from the original GR are unsustainable, both globally and at the level of the small-scale farmer. The main findings were that GR farming methods caused damage to the environment and in particular made small-scale farmers reliant on external inputs. Alternative farming methods which used organic and low external input approaches were found to enhance and preserve the environment, while at the same time being more affordable for small-scale farmers. The experience of the farmers interviewed in India confirmed these findings and provided a useful illustration of concepts presented from the literature review. Lastly, the New GR for Africa was found to present elements of the original GR which are unsustainable for small-scale farmers, especially in terms of the reliance that would be created on external inputs. The study concluded with recommendations around the need to promote farming methods to small-scale farmers which promote better care of the environment and are better able to promote sustainable livelihoods, namely organic or low external input methods. Recommendations were also made regarding the need for further research into the influence of AGRA’s policies and documentation of sustainable farming practices in Africa.

Thesis (MPA (School of Public Management and Planning))--University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / The purpose of this thesis is to develop a new model to improve service delivery regarding the monitoring of policing conduct. A comparative study of international civilian oversight bodies dealing with complaints against the police will be conducted to develop and implement an appropriate model to replace the current referral model with an investigative monitoring system to improve processes that ensure that the police remain accountable for their performance and conduct. The research design will both encompass model building and comparative studies. The basis of the theoretical framework of this thesis is service delivery which is the significance of developing a new model for the Policing Complaints Centre. Service delivery is dealt with in terms of the service industry and service processes, its functioning regarding problem solving, finance and accountability, the challenges facing service delivery and the basic principles and values governing public administration and the role and function of the Public Service Commission. The Legislative Framework for Monitoring Policing Conduct is stipulated in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act 108 of 1996 and the South African Police Service Act, Act 68 of 1995. This includes the policing functions vested in the Provinces and particularly the mandate of the Policing Complaints Centre in terms of the monitoring policing conduct as well as the limitations set on the provinces. Independent Police Complaints Commission of the United Kingdom. These models will be used because both these civilian oversight bodies operate independently from the policing agencies and therefore the credibility and integrity of the complaints model will be upheld. The main objectives of the new model will be to address the issues of the complainants and provide feedback as soon as possible to the complainants so that public confidence and trust in the police and in the complaints system of the Department can be increased. The new model will concentrate on a different method of dealing with complaints in that all complaints will firstly be evaluated to ascertain whether it is an inquiry or if it is a complaint. If is an enquiry it will be referred to the relevant authority and if it is a complaint it must be decided if an investigation will be conducted, or if an intervention in the form of a formal mediation or informal mediation must take place or in the monitoring of an investigation/inquiry. It has been recommended that the new complaints model and the database management system be implemented to ascertain whether this new model is keeping the police accountable for their performance and conduct.

Thesis (MPA (School of Public Management and Planning))--University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / Information and communication technologies are rapidly changing the future of public administration. The desire to become part of the “Information Age” has instigated a worldwide transformation process that puts information and communication technologies at the heart of government processes and practices. One strategy that embraces these technologies is electronic government (e-government). The ability to provide government services and information online is becoming a benchmark for governments in both developed and developing nations. E-government has arrived in South Africa and slowly it is starting to shape our lives. Improved service delivery, access to information, an open and transparent form of government and the ability to participate in certain government activities are just some of the advantages that e-government has to offer. Although disparities in access and education levels remain a constant hindrance in South Africa, the e-government strategy does have the potential to promote community development. By providing an opportunity to learn a new skill, gain new information and participate in your local government activities, e-government has the potential to empower local citizens thereby promoting community development. The acquisition of new knowledge is a vital tool in today’s modern society. Therefore, through the provision of new knowledge e-government is a strategy for the future.