Masters in Public Administration - MPA / This research assesses the challenges faced by a diverse group of employees within the Safety and Security Directorate in a Municipality in the Western Cape, which is a service organisation. The manner in which Employment Equity (EE) is introduced and controlled in this organisation can have a great influence on the staff. Experts agree that there are many arguments in favour and against Employment Equity, making it a formidable and difficult task for any management team (Grogan, Stelzer, Jordaan & Maserumele, and 2005:94). It is imperative to grasp the understanding of staff and management on EE and other related issues to measure if any progress was made and how to perhaps improve on current employment equity related practices in the organisation. The research method comprises both the quantitative and qualitative methodology in the form of a questionnaire survey and a sample of the research population. The research revealed that although much progress has been made with employment equity in general, there are many challenges in this Municipality in the Western Cape. Specific recommendations are made to address these challenges. For further research, it is recommended that employment equity be investigated holistically in every department and directorate.

Masters in Public Administration - MPA / The City of Cape Town Municipality is the implementing agent of service delivery and developmental programmes. The importance and impact of the services and programmes are imperative to the citizens it serves; thus, the standard of work and efficiency provided by public officials is instrumental in achieving set priorities. Workplace substance abuse hampers service delivery and can cause damage to the employee, the public as well as the Municipality. Accidents, injuries or inability to perform functions by employees may have tremendous legal, financial and social repercussions for the City of Cape Town. This study seeks to evaluate efficacy of processes that seek to curb the existence of workplace substance abuse in the City of Cape Town, specifically within the Safety and Security Directorate. A qualitative and quantitative research methodology was applied. A combination of quantitative questionnaires, qualitative semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were employed with employees in the Safety and Security Directorate. A purposeful sample was selected. The study results indicate that there is a prevalence of employees reporting for duty with a ‘hangover’. This is accepted as the norm, and staff are protected by their colleagues. The participating departments, Fire and Rescue Service and Metro Police, have highly stressful and traumatic working environments for staff to work in. There is a lack of debriefing and regular counselling after call-outs. Staff feel that management does not care and are tardy in providing support to them. A lack of trust between management and staff and among staff exists. The paper concludes with recommendations for each of the research findings.