Thesis (MPA (School of Public Management and Planning))--University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / One of the problems with development planning is a lack of community participation. This is due to the top-down approach that dominates development planning. To improve chances of sustainable development there is a need to shift from a top-down approach towards a bottom-up approach. The bottom-up approach promotes people-centred development. People-centred development focuses on people and enhances their capacity to influence the direction and implementation of the development process. Communities can only influence the development process through their participation. International bodies such as the United Nations and the World Bank support the concept of community participation in development planning. The South African policy framework also provides for community participation. The change agents should utilise this opportunity by sharing knowledge and by learning from the indigenous knowledge of the community. This knowledge exchange between the community and the change agents creates a platform for social learning, capacity building and empowerment. It is through this platform that sustainable development could be achieved. This kind of development process accommodates the building blocks of development. This study examines the level of community participation in a housing development project at the Boystown informal settlement. It was found that there is a lack of community participation in this project and that the project could be a success if there is a higher level of participation by the beneficiaries.

Thesis (MPhil (Sustainable Development Planning and Management))--University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / Though the Maganja da Costa District in Mozambique has potential for the development of natural resources, the District is neither economically self-reliant nor empowered and is the poorest within the country. Thus, the research question set for this study is: What are the main factors that inhibit poor people in the study area from effectively using local resources for their livelihoods and what possible alternatives could enable them to achieve economic empowerment? In an attempt to answer the question, the following aspects were investigated: the systems of local resources, product and indigenous knowledge use and management; the local mechanisms of acquiring and sharing information, knowledge and skills; the obstacles to acquiring and sharing information, knowledge and skills; the influence of such obstacles on the management of local resources and livelihood strategies, as well as on the community’s organisational, leadership and entrepreneurship capacity. An exploratory study was conducted in the study area using the qualitative method, involving participatory action research. A comparative literature review and field work was conducted in order to collect the data. Raw data were collected in two phases: While pilot research took place over 5 days, more extensive research took place over 21 days. During the extensive research, in-depth household interviews were conducted, using semi-structured personal interviews, focus group interviews and discussions, direct observations and cross-checking methods employing a sample size of 101 respondents randomly selected and 10 key informants. The Statistical Programme of Social Science (SPSS) was used to process and analyse the raw data. The results show that the main factors that inhibited poor people in the study area from effectively using local resources and products for their livelihood were: i) a lack of knowledge, skills and talents; ii) the inadequate mechanisms in place for sharing local information, knowledge and skills; iii) the ineffective community organisation and leadership; iv) a lack of entrepreneurship skills and capabilities; v) the inadequate existing infrastructure, transport and trading systems; vi) a low level of partnership and networking; vi) a disruption of socio-cultural cohesion; and vi) inadequate mechanisms for planning, implementation and management of local development strategies, programmes and projects by local government. Most of the government’s development strategies in Mozambique focus on economic growth, which does not necessarily entail the economic empowerment of poor people. The role of traditional leadership has been neglected, which has resulted in the disruption of traditional values and belief systems that might otherwise have positively contributed to socio-cultural cohesion. The role that community building could play in assisting poor people in the study area to establish common values, and to develop collective goals and actions, should enable them to acquire and/or share information, knowledge, skills and talents in such a way as to strengthen themselves. Such strengthening of organisational, leadership and entrepreneurship capacities and skills could significantly contribute to attaining economic self-reliance, poverty alleviation and sustainable development, if the community building approach were to be adequately applied. Additional research is required in order to identify appropriate mechanisms for making further advances in applying such an approach in rural Mozambique, especially in the study area.

Thesis (MPhil (Sustainable Development Planning and Management))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / The study asserts that Swaziland’s socio-economic development challenges cannot be effectively tackled by the Government and civil society alone but requires the participation of the private sector. The study explores the prospects for collaboration between the state and business in the context of MDGs, PPPs and CSR. The study highlights the importance of the participation of beneficiaries in the design and implementation of development projects. The importance of beneficiary participation in the design and implementation of development initiatives is discussed in the context of “good governance” linked to the notion of sustainable human development. The case studies are aimed at poverty reduction/alleviation. Linkages between the private sector and SMEs in advancing broad economic growth are explored in the case studies. It is argued that economic growth is a necessary condition for creating employment and fighting poverty underpinned by the MDGs. The Moneni upgrading project (section 3.2) explores the extent the initiative aims to improve the living standards of low-income and poor communities in line with the MDGs. The STH case study (section 3.3) is a spin off from government. The STH seeks to provide a market intermediary for the SME sector particularly rural based cultural “handicraft” industries in Swaziland as way to mitigate the effects of poverty for marginalised rural producers. The last case study (section 3.4) discusses the entrepreneur of the year awards (EYA), an initiative aimed at reducing poverty and promoting local economic empowerment and sustainable development in Swaziland. The study recommended further research in view of the major constraints highlighted by the study. It was problematic to engage in critical and detailed discourse because the concepts explored by the study are new in the Swazi development context. The other dimension that compromised detailed analysis was posed by the unavailability of research data related to both the Swazi private sector and SME sectors. The majority of the SME sector operate at micro level and have insignificant economic turnover. Further studies are important to explore ways to promote linkages for growth of these sectors in the context of poverty reduction/alleviation.

Thesis (MPA (School of Public Management and Planning))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / Globally participatory democracy is viewed as essential to ensure a high level of legitimacy, contribute to empowerment and strengthen democracy. Although South Africa is a representative democracy, it also adheres to the principles of participatory democracy as Parliament and the nine Provincial Legislatures are constitutionally mandated to elicit public participation in its decision-making and policy processes. This study’s main aim is to determine whether the public participation strategies employed in the South African legislative sector at present are effective and enhance decision-making and policy processes. Following a discussion of the theoretical context and rationale for public participation, a limited international perspective on public participation was given. The study proceeded to explore the application of public participation in the local South African context with specific focus on the legislative environment. In order to provide evidence in support of the research statement an investigation was done on the current state of public participation in the South African legislative environment. Responses from a semi-structured questionnaire on public participation in the South African legislative context were processed into a comparative table to obtain an overall picture of the legislative sector. From the findings it is clear that there are many positive factors and innovative ideas in place across the legislative sector, yet the weaknesses still far outweigh the strengths.

Thesis (MA (Public and Development Management))--University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / The role of public participation within government administration is set out in Chapter 10 of the Constitution (South Africa, 1996) which states that “people’s needs must be responded to, and the public must be encouraged to participate in policy making”. Public participation processes are encapsulated within various legislative mandates such as the Integrated Development Plans, the White Paper on Local Government (South Africa, 1998c) and the White Paper on Transforming Public Service Delivery (South Africa, 1997b). Public participation is critical to the success of sustainable development and therefore South Africa should justifiably “promote public participation, including through measures that provide access to information regarding legislation, regulations, activities, policies and programmes” (United Nations, 2002:71). The strategies implemented to produce what can be considered successful public participation is an aspect not thoroughly considered in the development process. For this reason this study delves into the various facets of public participation and the environment it operates in. The research methodology encompasses the use of the Mamre low-income housing project as case study, qualitative, primary and secondary data as well as a comparative literature study. where 100 respondents were Face-to-face interviewsed face-to-face were conducted with 100 respondents from the Mamre community, withthrough the use of a structured questionnaire. Face- to- face interviews were also conducted with a municipal housing officer involved in the projectcase study. The results of the questionnaires were then investigated againstcompared to the public participation model depicted in chapter 3 as well as the interview answers given by the municipal housing official in terms of the public participation strategies employed. Qualitative and secondary data, as well as a comparative literature survey, informs the content of this study. The study examines the role that public participation plays in development by means of the public participation strategies employed within different contexts and iii formulates a public participation model with recommended public participation strategies to be utilised within four different phases. To emphasise the importance of implementing the correct, context-appropriate public participation strategies, this study uses the Mamre low-cost housing project as a case study to demonstrate how the lack of the appropriate public participation strategies can result in the failure of sustainable development. Having considered all of the above, a number of recommendations are made which can be considered when embarking on a project similar to this one. In the case of Mamre, an opportunity for improvement still exists, as the project is yet to be completed. The recommendations are based on categorising the public participation strategies Blaauwberg Municipality employed throughout the Mamre low-cost housing project according to the public participation model presented in chapter 3. The recommendations incorporates the lessons learnt from Cupido and suggests a preproject strategy and pre-project planning workshops (which explains, amongst other things, .what authentic and empowering public participation actually is). The research results indicate that if a more structured approach is applied to existing strategies, the public participation process can be rendered authentic and empowering. Therefore, further recommendations are aimed at improving the strategies already utilised by Blaauwberg Municipality, to optimise the public participation process.

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.