The role and power of ICT today, particularly the Internet, cannot be underestimated. The Internet has a great impact on the business environment, where a large majority of companies and organisations have made substantial investments in an online presence in the form of websites, as well as the IT infrastructure needed to improve business processes. In terms of websites, research has shown that it is critical to identify the target market of the site and the actual users, and to construct the site according to their specific needs and preferences. This is to a large extent the focus of the field of Human Computer Interaction. It therefore makes perfect sense that many software products and websites fail to meet the users‟ needs, as they are designed mainly by Western designers for Eastern and African users. In essence, the failure is due to the fact that the design does not accommodate the cultural behaviours, understandings and preferences of the intended users, thus making it difficult for them to use and adopt them. This has been confirmed by many researchers who have studied various culture dimensions and their relation to Web design. As mentioned, the role of the Internet in terms of its effect in the business world is becoming increasingly important. However, the Internet could prove to play an influential role in the public sector as well and could therefore be used as a critical tool by government in the form of e-Government. Many countries are adopting e-Government initiatives in an attempt to improve their relations within government itself and with their citizens and businesses. This would help them to render better service delivery and at the same time empower the citizens to also participate in the governance of the country itself. The concept for this dissertation was formulated in terms of three key ingredients: e-Government, culture dimensions and Web design. The purpose of this dissertation is to examine the way a specific culture dimension, referred to as the cultural-context dimension, which focuses on the communication process, can impact in Web design. Once this is achieved, it will be possible to determine how this can positively affect the design of the South African e-Government website so that the overall usability of the site may be improved. The improvements will be justified because the site would then match the cultural behaviours, perceptions and Web design preferences of South African users. In short, the goal of this III dissertation is to provide guidelines and recommendations that will improve the South African e-Government website (www.gov.za) by examining anthropologist Edward Hall‟s cultural-context dimension and its role in the Web design process.

Post conflict justice is a concept that has in the last two decades gained notoriety and support across the world. The commitment by states to fight impunity by embracing accountability measures has increasingly gained support. This however, was not always the case. Before the 1980s the approach by most of the world was to turn a blind eye to serious violations committed during wars, insurgencies and serious conflict. This was done in the name of respecting state sovereignty, where other states were required to respect the conflict state by not intervening irrespective of egregious violations being committed to mankind. The tide eventually changed and many states have adopted numerous instruments as a sign of their commitment to fight impunity and bring accountability to the perpetrators of serious conflict. African states embraced this development, in 1998 during the Rome conference where the Rome Statute for the International Criminal Court was adopted. African states participated in large numbers during the negotiations. Subsequently, African states signed and adopted the Statute overwhelmingly. To date, 33 African States have ratified the Rome Statute making Africa the most represented region in the Rome Statute system. With Africa's share of countless conflicts, where serious human rights violations have been violated, post conflict justice is increasingly a reality in Africa. The application of post conflict justice is an emerging and ever evolving field in Africa. The implementation of post conflict justice has been the center of contested debates. These debates have in the recent past become more pronounced especially where international intervention has been applied in assisting African post conflict societies to deal with the past and bring accountability. The impact that the accountability mechanisms play in restoring a post conflict society has been overshadowed by these debates. This study therefore seeks to provide a balanced discussion on the role that the accountability mechanisms can play in African post conflict societies. The study gives an overview of the evolution of post conflict justice and also looks into the different post conflict justice approaches adopted by African countries and their potential role in accountability and societal healing. The empirical cases of South Africa and Kenya are analysed in the study as practical examples of the application of post conflict justice approaches. The impact of the accountability mechanisms adopted is also discussed. The unique role that the African Union plays in fighting impunity in the continent is also discussed and the impact of positions taken by the continental body on accountability in post conflict countries is analysed. In the end the study seeks to establish the growing pattern in Africa in dealing with post conflict situations and recommendations are made in the final chapter on how to improve the general approach by Africa to eradicate the culture of impunity for serious crimes committed in the continent.

Access to water services in South Africa still remains a dream for most people, especially those who live in remote areas. The poverty stricken communities of the former Transkei in the Eastern Cape are in need of water and sanitation services. The findings of the study reveal that most community members are dissatisfied with the water service delivery. During an interview with ward 6 residents who reside in an urban area of the OR Tambo District Municipality (ORTDM), they revealed that pipe bursting is one of the main causes why from time to time they do not have water. The other factor is when there is no electricity; the water system depends on the availability of electricity. The South African local government has been mandated to consult with its citizenry in respect of the processes relating to water service delivery. South Africa has developed a wide range of legislation that ensures community consultation on a continuous basis with regard to how water services should be delivered. It is the community‟s right to be consulted and to give input on issues that directly affect them. The researcher used a qualitative research method since it would provide the reader with more insight into how water services are delivered in the ORTDM. Both community members and municipal officials were interviewed. A number of findings have been made during the research. Some community members are of the view that constant community consultation could reduce service delivery protests. Political intervention needs to be made by the leadership with regard to service delivery and more resources need to be committed toward those processes. This study was conducted from April 2012 to November 2012 and was aimed at assessing the performance of OR Tambo District Municipality regarding water service delivery. According to OR Tambo DM (2011/12: 3), the communities through the consultation processes conducted throughout five (5) local municipalities made it clear that ensuring increased access to water and sanitation services is still the main priority.

Immovable asset management is the key element in enabling better service delivery by the national government. An improvement in the management of government’s immovable assets is required in South Africa to ensure that assets are optimally utilised for service delivery. The entire research attests to the importance of excellent management of government immovable assets throughout its life cycle within a framework of cost effectiveness, efficiency and reduced risk. The study discusses three technical challenges which comprise the incompleteness of the asset register, immovable asset life cycle management, a lack of implementation of the immovable asset management plan, the asset performance measures and standards for the immovable assets. The National Department of Public Works was targeted as a potential candidate to participate in this research. Primary data was collected through questionnaires and interviews to reveal the strengths and weaknesses and to develop the current theories and models. Secondary data was collected from books, journals, internet and conference papers. The asset management branch in the department was formed recently. The results of the research indicated that the asset management frameworks and the immovable asset management plans are not implemented as designed and there is no integration between the asset’s life cycle processes. The corrosion of information in the asset register was because of a lack of asset-computerized systems, competent personnel and adequate skills. In conclusion, immovable assets should be managed through integrated life cycle processes, policies and procedural documents should be developed and planning is important to the management of immovable assets. The asset register should work as a basic system for the management of immovable assets.

M.Cur. / The purpose of this study is to compile a strategy for transformation management in a local authority. Traditionally local authorities rendered preventative and promotive services. The provinces were responsible for rendering of curative services. This service delivery was fragmented due to political policies and diversification. With the new political dispensation in South Africa, the White Paper for the transformation of health services in South Africa (1997), gives direction for the integration of health service delivery to achieve the following mission focussing on equity, acceptability, accessibility, affordability, availability and appropriateness. These policy/legislative changes therefore require a strategy for transformation management of primary health care services. This impacts on the current service delivery system. The type of service delivery has to be reconstructed, to accommodate free primary health care services for all South Africans, additional services like curative services, dental services and termination of pregnancy services. Human resource management will also undergo significant changes as the local authority is expected to take over the existing provincial staff allocated to clinics. This could result in labour unrest if not well managed. There are also financial constraints that will impact on this process of transformation. The scarcity or shortage of medicines, equipment and other supplies necessary for quality service delivery also impact on the transformation process. The changing environment is difficult to handle, especially as it involves human beings who react differently towards change. Some individuals adapt easily in a changing environment, others resist change. Many meetings have been held to discuss the transformation of health services. The outcomes of these meetings have clearly demonstrated that health personnel are experiencing problems which are a direct result of the transformation process. Therefore it is important for management in a local authority in the East Rand, to devise a transformation strategy in order to implement primary health care services effectively and efficiently. The transformation strategy requires careful planning and decision making, that will be beneficiary to all the role players involved. Management in a local authority will have to take a leading role in the transformation management of primary health care services. This situation can be either a "challenge" or a "dilemma".

Thesis (MPA.) -- University of Limpopo, 2017. / Refer to document

Magister Artium - MA / Organisational culture has been one of the most studied and theorised concepts in organisational development. New ways of working, globalisation, increased competition and change in technology have created a greater need for strategic innovation and co-ordination and integration across units (Schein, 1992). Culture is the single most important factor for success or failure and has the greatest potential to effect organisational improvements or hold it back (Deal & Kennedy, 1982; Fowler, 2002). Research suggests that organisational culture, its assessment and management is increasingly viewed as a necessary part of healthcare improvements (Scott, Mannion, Davies & Marshall, 2003). In the health care environment, organisational culture has been associated with several elements of organisational experience and initiatives that contribute to quality, such as nursing care, job satisfaction and patient safety (Boan & Funderburk, 2003). In order to implement strategic initiatives or performance improvement interventions, it is important that an organisation understands the current status of its organisational culture. The best way to gain understanding of the culture is by assessing it (Davidson, 2004).  he aim of the research was to assess the organisational culture of a private hospital in the Western Cape. For the purpose of this study a quantitative methodology adopted used utilising purposive sampling. The sample (n = 221) was inclusive of males and females and comprised of permanent and contract employees extending across the following departments: Human Resources, Patient Administration, Pharmacy, Technical, Support Services and Nursing. The nursing department was the largest representative group of the sample. The sample also included of medi-staff, management and an additional small hospital that reports to the management team. The Denison Organisational Culture Survey was used to gather data for the study. The Survey measures four culture traits, namely, involvement, consistency, adaptability and mission. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. Results indicated that employees perceived involvement, consistency, adaptability and mission positively. Furthermore, there were no significant differences found for consistency and sense of mission by employees in different departments. There were several limitations of the study. Amongst others, the results cannot be generalised to the broader population of all private hospitals as the findings are unique to the particular organisation. Secondly, the Denison Organisational Culture Survey has only been validated in a financial organisation in South Africa. A recommendation for further research would be to utilise quantitative as well as qualitative methodology to add to the existing body of knowledge. / South Africa

Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Management in Public Policy in the Wits School of Governance, Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management February 2017 / The objective of the study is to investigate problems and trends experienced in implementing Network Governance in the City of Tshwane. Local government/municipalities are at the forefront of service delivery. Voters assess government’s performance through the provision of basic services to residents. Government’s ability to deliver services is mainly dependent on the governance models that they adopt. Governments adopt different governance models in the quest to improve service delivery. One of the most widely adopted models of governance that is seen to be progressive in improving the provision of services is Network Governance. The study adopted a qualitative methodology approach because the objective was to understand the challenges experienced in implementing the network governance model in the City of Tshwane. In-depth interviews were conducted using a structured questionnaire as a main tool of data collection. The interviews were conducted with 22 respondents who comprised City officials, councillors, civil society and members of the community. The study established that there were shortcomings in the implementation of Network Governance in the City of Tshwane. The findings also indicate that Network Governance was not adopted as a service delivery implementation model in the City of Tshwane. The study reflects that the Regions are not well capacitated to enhance principles of Network Governance. The findings reveal various problems in stakeholder management and communication which impede the implementation of Network Governance. The following recommendations are made to improve the implementation of Network Governance: The City of Tshwane must institutionalise Network Governance through policies; and standard protocols and procedures for network governance must be formulated to guide the implementation of the Network Governance policy. / MT2017

D.Litt. et Phil. (Public Governance) / South Africa’s negotiated revolution in 1994 was hailed by many observers as a beacon to other societies wracked by ethnic conflict. The Constitution adopted in 1996 was widely endorsed by most South Africans and by international commentators, as a model for building an equitable, developmental state, uniting the diverse aspirations of citizens. The author’s political and professional roles in recent decades has involved him in several dimensions of the democratic transition; and has made him acutely aware of the results-based urban governance debates, drivers and developmental dilemmas. Significant motivation for this thesis’ problem statement was that the constitutional vision, values and principles have been compromised by the processes of redefining the democratic state – exacerbated by the public governance caveats of political greed, managerial incompetence and systematic corruption of state power. Available evidence of systemic progress in the post-1994 public governance implementation and outcomes has been frequently negative, yet substantially inconclusive, in terms of the achievement of democratic equity and socio-economic development. The particular focus of the thesis is on the results-based co-operative government imperatives of rapid urbanisation and sustainable socio-economic urban development across the Cape Town City-region. Although the concept of a functional city-region is relatively new in South Africa, the significance of results-based urban developmental public governance has been internationally recognised and has been highlighted by the South African Cities Network, in its State of Cities reports. Expectations of effective community engagement and equitable services in the geo-politically heterogeneous, rapidly expanding Cape Town City-region, second most populous in South Africa, were the subject of the insightful Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Territorial Review (2008). This review, one of an international series of city-regional studies, has served as the thesis baseline for the Cape Town City-regional developmental governance assessment, analysis and formative evaluation.

During this study, an attempt was made to explore the opinions and attitudes of members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) towards issues of diversity before, immediately after and three months after participating in diversity training workshops presented by the SAPS Training Division during 1997 in Port Elizabeth. The aim of this thesis was not to assess the diversity training itself, but to discover if the training, as currently presented, in any way influenced the attitudes of participants. In order to meet this goal, literature and empirical studies were conducted. The literature study sets the theoretical foundation pertaining to the history of the SAPS and the attitudes and prejudices of and diversity among SAPS members. During the empirical research phase, a non-probability purposive sampling procedure was adopted. Four of a range of diversity workshops presented by the Training Division of the SAPS during 1997 were selected for the purpose of this study. An internal SAPS process was used to nominate members to attend the workshops. The researcher requested the participants in each of the four workshops to complete a self-administered questionnaire before as well as after the workshop concerned. Immediately after each of the four workshops, a short interview was held with each attendee. To explore the stability of any change evident from responses on the questionnaires completed after the workshops, the attendees were again requested to complete the same questionnaire three months later. To increase the validity of any conclusion that attitudinal change was related to the workshop, a control group was used. This study has revealed that a cross-spectrum of SAPS members of both sexes and diverse racial backgrounds believe that various forms of discrimination exist within the SAPS. It confirmed that the diversity training presented by the SAPS Training Division is a useful instrument to heighten members' awareness of the different norms and customs of other cultural/ethnic groups and of the necessity that the SAPS should be constituted of a cross-spectrum of racial groups reflecting the South African society. Finally, based on the research findings, recommendations were made involving management and its supportive services and diversity training.