The central objective of this study was to establish the extent to which public procurement, as applied at Sedibeng District Municipality, contributes to the development of designated suppliers. Previously, procurement was considered just another function of government responsible for purchasing and receiving goods. Currently, procurement is considered a strategic function that can be utilized by government to achieve certain policy objectives, such as Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) and Local Economic Development (LED).If implemented properly, without favoritism, nepotism and corruption, public sector procurement will promote the empowerment of designated groups. In this way, it will address socio-economic imbalances of the past. The study's hypothesis implied that Sedibeng District Municipality has laudable objectives to promote black economic empowerment through procurement. However, the implementation procedures and processes showed considerable constraints. Academic literature and government procurement documents were reviewed; and interviews were conducted at Sedibeng municipal area. The literature study was based on best procurement practices both in government and private sector. Empirical research was conducted on Sedibeng District Municipality's procurement unit practices, Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise development and the benefits of procurement to designated suppliers. The purpose was to determine the role that procurement policies play in promoting black economic empowerment. Eventually, a number of models and systems were recommended to improve procurement policies and procedures at Sedibeng District Municipality. These methods include: Management Assessment System; Realistic Objectives System; Departmental Evaluation Plan; Contract Progress Report Form; and Checklists. In the view of the researcher, a combination of these methods can assist to improve procurement policies and procedures. / Thesis (M. Development and Management)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2009.

Local Authorities have a duty to promote the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of their communities. The study deals with the promotion of community involvement and other stakeholders by municipality in ensuring the tourism sustainability. The objectives of this research are to explain the theoretical analysis of the concepts: tourism and poverty alleviation; mechanisms and procedures to be used to encourage community participation in making tourism economically viable around Sedibeng District Municipality; results in economic benefits to business and host community and management of available resources and procedures. A random sample of thirty participants took part in the study. A questionnaire was used as research instrument for data gathering from the participants. Literature study was utilized to support the empirical research and to check implementation of legislation and regulations, regarding tourism management. It was discovered that municipalities may not be so capable of effectively addressing the role that tourism can play in poverty alleviation. As such, it is recommended that local government's existing mechanisms, resources and systems to manage tourism be reviewed to help promote a sustainable training programme. / MA, Public Management and Administration, North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2011

Total Quality Management (TQM) at the urban interface is one means to delivering improved value of tax payers' money, but effective urban public transport is one step along the road to a better quality of urban life in general. Similarly, TQM is an organizational philosophy that stresses meeting customer requirement and expectations the first time, and sustainably. Philosophy, therefore, in this context encompasses a set of structured principles, value systems with attitude and beliefs, and processes that are never ending and always in motion: detecting and preventing defects while creating an idea of innovation. The role that transport plays in the social and economic development of any country is significant. Urban public transport authorities have recognized transport as one of its priority for socio economic development in meeting basic needs of its people. Specifically, a public transport system has been identified as being vital to social and economic development. In this context, urban public transport is a key link to access services and other livelihood assets to serve the poor such as women, children and the disabled people effectively. Urban public transport operations at Sedibeng District Municipality (SDM) are deteriorating. This deterioration manifest in the form of delay, pollution, inadequate infrastructure, high transportation costs, lack of public participation, constraints of planning and co-ordinating; and lack of coherent public transport operations. Mass Transport (trains, buses and mini-bus taxis) are scarce, overcrowded, unreliable and involve long walking distances. Whilst many municipalities have made significant strides in adopting TQM, little has been written on how TQM has been applied in the Department of Transport and Infrastructure Planning of the Cluster: Transport, Infrastructure and Environment. The fundamental objective of this study, consequently, is to empirically investigate the relationship between TQM and effective Urban Public Transport operations at Sedibeng District Municipality. In evaluating the level of TQM implementation at Sedibeng District Municipality (SDM), the concepts and principles from an examination of documentary data and analyses were applied. In testing the validity or otherwise of the hypothesis, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussion and participant observation methods were conducted to solicit comments from senior managers, employees, public transport operators and users. This study reports the results of a full survey among a sample of the District-wide customers in the study area. It was found, amongst others, that: the overwhelming majorities of the Senior Management Team are educated and have rich years of experience in working in local government to ensure that strategies, structures, and processes are in place for the continuous improvement of service quality for customer satisfaction; the drafting of the TQM strategy by the Senior Management Team is not inclusive of the broader stakeholder such as internal and external customers; SDM as a whole is not customer orientated, hence TQM calls for a cultural transformation that requires employee involvement at all levels and the spirit of teamwork amongst managers, employees, operators and users; employees are not encouraged to use Total Quality concepts to improve their work process; statistical tools and process control charts are typically not used or understood by employees. In this case, opinions are clear on this item since employees have not been trained in the use of statistical tools and process control charts. The study ends with recommendations for management action in improving urban public transport by making use of TQM as a management tool. / Thesis (M. Development and Management)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2009.

The central objective of this study was to establish the extent to which public procurement, as applied at Sedibeng District Municipality, contributes to the development of designated suppliers. Previously, procurement was considered just another function of government responsible for purchasing and receiving goods. Currently, procurement is considered a strategic function that can be utilized by government to achieve certain policy objectives, such as Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) and Local Economic Development (LED).If implemented properly, without favoritism, nepotism and corruption, public sector procurement will promote the empowerment of designated groups. In this way, it will address socio-economic imbalances of the past. The study's hypothesis implied that Sedibeng District Municipality has laudable objectives to promote black economic empowerment through procurement. However, the implementation procedures and processes showed considerable constraints. Academic literature and government procurement documents were reviewed; and interviews were conducted at Sedibeng municipal area. The literature study was based on best procurement practices both in government and private sector. Empirical research was conducted on Sedibeng District Municipality's procurement unit practices, Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise development and the benefits of procurement to designated suppliers. The purpose was to determine the role that procurement policies play in promoting black economic empowerment. Eventually, a number of models and systems were recommended to improve procurement policies and procedures at Sedibeng District Municipality. These methods include: Management Assessment System; Realistic Objectives System; Departmental Evaluation Plan; Contract Progress Report Form; and Checklists. In the view of the researcher, a combination of these methods can assist to improve procurement policies and procedures. / Thesis (M. Development and Management)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2009.

Total Quality Management (TQM) at the urban interface is one means to delivering improved value of tax payers' money, but effective urban public transport is one step along the road to a better quality of urban life in general. Similarly, TQM is an organizational philosophy that stresses meeting customer requirement and expectations the first time, and sustainably. Philosophy, therefore, in this context encompasses a set of structured principles, value systems with attitude and beliefs, and processes that are never ending and always in motion: detecting and preventing defects while creating an idea of innovation. The role that transport plays in the social and economic development of any country is significant. Urban public transport authorities have recognized transport as one of its priority for socio economic development in meeting basic needs of its people. Specifically, a public transport system has been identified as being vital to social and economic development. In this context, urban public transport is a key link to access services and other livelihood assets to serve the poor such as women, children and the disabled people effectively. Urban public transport operations at Sedibeng District Municipality (SDM) are deteriorating. This deterioration manifest in the form of delay, pollution, inadequate infrastructure, high transportation costs, lack of public participation, constraints of planning and co-ordinating; and lack of coherent public transport operations. Mass Transport (trains, buses and mini-bus taxis) are scarce, overcrowded, unreliable and involve long walking distances. Whilst many municipalities have made significant strides in adopting TQM, little has been written on how TQM has been applied in the Department of Transport and Infrastructure Planning of the Cluster: Transport, Infrastructure and Environment. The fundamental objective of this study, consequently, is to empirically investigate the relationship between TQM and effective Urban Public Transport operations at Sedibeng District Municipality. In evaluating the level of TQM implementation at Sedibeng District Municipality (SDM), the concepts and principles from an examination of documentary data and analyses were applied. In testing the validity or otherwise of the hypothesis, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussion and participant observation methods were conducted to solicit comments from senior managers, employees, public transport operators and users. This study reports the results of a full survey among a sample of the District-wide customers in the study area. It was found, amongst others, that: the overwhelming majorities of the Senior Management Team are educated and have rich years of experience in working in local government to ensure that strategies, structures, and processes are in place for the continuous improvement of service quality for customer satisfaction; the drafting of the TQM strategy by the Senior Management Team is not inclusive of the broader stakeholder such as internal and external customers; SDM as a whole is not customer orientated, hence TQM calls for a cultural transformation that requires employee involvement at all levels and the spirit of teamwork amongst managers, employees, operators and users; employees are not encouraged to use Total Quality concepts to improve their work process; statistical tools and process control charts are typically not used or understood by employees. In this case, opinions are clear on this item since employees have not been trained in the use of statistical tools and process control charts. The study ends with recommendations for management action in improving urban public transport by making use of TQM as a management tool. / Thesis (M. Development and Management)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2009.

The central objective of this study was to establish the extent to which public procurement, as applied at Sedibeng District Municipality, contributes to the development of designated suppliers. Previously, procurement was considered just another function of government responsible for purchasing and receiving goods. Currently, procurement is considered a strategic function that can be utilized by government to achieve certain policy objectives, such as Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) and Local Economic Development (LED).If implemented properly, without favoritism, nepotism and corruption, public sector procurement will promote the empowerment of designated groups. In this way, it will address socio-economic imbalances of the past. The study's hypothesis implied that Sedibeng District Municipality has laudable objectives to promote black economic empowerment through procurement. However, the implementation procedures and processes showed considerable constraints. Academic literature and government procurement documents were reviewed; and interviews were conducted at Sedibeng municipal area. The literature study was based on best procurement practices both in government and private sector. Empirical research was conducted on Sedibeng District Municipality's procurement unit practices, Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise development and the benefits of procurement to designated suppliers. The purpose was to determine the role that procurement policies play in promoting black economic empowerment. Eventually, a number of models and systems were recommended to improve procurement policies and procedures at Sedibeng District Municipality. These methods include: Management Assessment System; Realistic Objectives System; Departmental Evaluation Plan; Contract Progress Report Form; and Checklists. In the view of the researcher, a combination of these methods can assist to improve procurement policies and procedures. / Thesis (M. Development and Management)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2009.

Since the introduction of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) in 2003 and the Public Sector Risk Management Framework in 2010, Municipalities had to start focusing on proper risk management as part of their management activities. Within the government sector, risk management needs to be implemented in order to prevent financial losses and to improve service delivery. If shortcomings regarding risk management exist within a municipality, it could have a negative effect on sound financial management and the outcome of annual audits. This study was conducted to test the hypothesis, namely if shortcomings regarding risk management exist within a municipality. Should this be the case, it could possible affect sound financial management and the outcome of annual audits. This was to a large extent proven within this case study and it is likely that other municipalities will have similar problems. Information was obtained from two groups of officials of the Sedibeng District Municipality by means of one-on-one interviews and hand delivered questionnaires. Group 1 consisted of 14 officials not in management positions and group 2 of 11 officials in senior management positions. The questionnaire comprised five sections of questions that aimed at determining the extent of knowledge and attitude of the respondent towards monitoring, assessment, identification and response to risk management within their specific departments. Analysis of the results indicated clearly that the overall risk management knowledge differed substantially from group 1 to group 2. The knowledge, monitoring, assessment, identification and response to risk management activities were minimal or unclear to respondents not in management positions. Respondents in senior management positions were more aware of risk management responsibilities. However they admitted that it was not always done as required and in many cases only due to compliance. The results are strengthened by the statement released by the Auditor General in his 2011 audit report on Sedibeng District Municipality stating “the implementation of appropriate risk management activities to ensure risk assessment, were not conducted and the risk strategy to address the risks was not developed and monitored.” Various recommendations are proposed within this article that could improve the overall management and sustainability of risk management within municipalities. / M Development and Management (Public Management and Governance), North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2014

The dawn of democracy and adoption of the new constitution heralded in a new political dispensation for South Africa. These development set local government in a new path as various pieces of legislations and policies were passed to transform local government from fragmented and racially – based municipalities into democratic and non – racial entities. Transformation did not end on amalgamation of racial municipal entities and change to racial composition of the administration staff but has to transcend beyond to ensure accountability, transparency, responsive and participation of communities in the affairs of local government to promote good governance. The Sedibeng District Municipality (SDM) established various structures, systems and processes intend on promoting transformation. However, its process of transformation is limited only to the structure and composition of the administration. Little was done to transform the reigning culture which has its roots in the apartheid past, despite the existence of policies including the White Paper on the Transforming Public Service Delivery (Batho Pele). Accordingly, the existence of new structures, systems and processes failed to curb corruption in the ranks of Sedibeng District Municipality. Currently, a number of staff members are facing various charges of fraud and corruption. The Auditor – General have found that millions of rands have spent without proper procedure being followed. The state of affairs give indications that existing structures, systems and processes are not solid enough to curb corruption. Furthermore, the situation is accentuated by the municipality’s failure to involve communities in the affairs of the local government. Communities are only used to rubber – stamp processes and programmes that are imposed by the municipality. This renders communities and community organisations useless and ineffective in holding the councillors accountable. Against the background of the problem statement, the hypotheses of the study were formulated as follows: * There is a non – compliance of municipal regulations required for transformation and good governance at Sedibeng District Municipality. * The leadership of the municipality does not possess adequate knowledge and the political will to monitor and ensure consistent adherence to regulations as required by law to promote transformation and good governance. The study utilized both qualitative and quantitative research methods. The study involved a number of techniques to gather information which includes literature study and empirical research. The findings of the study prove that there is a high level non – compliance of municipal regulations required to promote good governance at Sedibeng District Municipality. The responses of senior management also prove that there is a clear lack of leadership in the Sedibeng District Municipality. The study offers significant recommendations to improve the situation. The intend of the study was to explore and open avenue for further research in the field of change management (transformation of behaviour and culture), impact of cadre deployment in municipal performance and idea of public participation and involvement in the affairs of local government. / M Development and Management (Public Management and Governance), North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2014

Since the introduction of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) in 2003 and the Public Sector Risk Management Framework in 2010, Municipalities had to start focusing on proper risk management as part of their management activities. Within the government sector, risk management needs to be implemented in order to prevent financial losses and to improve service delivery. If shortcomings regarding risk management exist within a municipality, it could have a negative effect on sound financial management and the outcome of annual audits. This study was conducted to test the hypothesis, namely if shortcomings regarding risk management exist within a municipality. Should this be the case, it could possible affect sound financial management and the outcome of annual audits. This was to a large extent proven within this case study and it is likely that other municipalities will have similar problems. Information was obtained from two groups of officials of the Sedibeng District Municipality by means of one-on-one interviews and hand delivered questionnaires. Group 1 consisted of 14 officials not in management positions and group 2 of 11 officials in senior management positions. The questionnaire comprised five sections of questions that aimed at determining the extent of knowledge and attitude of the respondent towards monitoring, assessment, identification and response to risk management within their specific departments. Analysis of the results indicated clearly that the overall risk management knowledge differed substantially from group 1 to group 2. The knowledge, monitoring, assessment, identification and response to risk management activities were minimal or unclear to respondents not in management positions. Respondents in senior management positions were more aware of risk management responsibilities. However they admitted that it was not always done as required and in many cases only due to compliance. The results are strengthened by the statement released by the Auditor General in his 2011 audit report on Sedibeng District Municipality stating “the implementation of appropriate risk management activities to ensure risk assessment, were not conducted and the risk strategy to address the risks was not developed and monitored.” Various recommendations are proposed within this article that could improve the overall management and sustainability of risk management within municipalities. / M Development and Management (Public Management and Governance), North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2014

The dawn of democracy and adoption of the new constitution heralded in a new political dispensation for South Africa. These development set local government in a new path as various pieces of legislations and policies were passed to transform local government from fragmented and racially – based municipalities into democratic and non – racial entities. Transformation did not end on amalgamation of racial municipal entities and change to racial composition of the administration staff but has to transcend beyond to ensure accountability, transparency, responsive and participation of communities in the affairs of local government to promote good governance. The Sedibeng District Municipality (SDM) established various structures, systems and processes intend on promoting transformation. However, its process of transformation is limited only to the structure and composition of the administration. Little was done to transform the reigning culture which has its roots in the apartheid past, despite the existence of policies including the White Paper on the Transforming Public Service Delivery (Batho Pele). Accordingly, the existence of new structures, systems and processes failed to curb corruption in the ranks of Sedibeng District Municipality. Currently, a number of staff members are facing various charges of fraud and corruption. The Auditor – General have found that millions of rands have spent without proper procedure being followed. The state of affairs give indications that existing structures, systems and processes are not solid enough to curb corruption. Furthermore, the situation is accentuated by the municipality’s failure to involve communities in the affairs of the local government. Communities are only used to rubber – stamp processes and programmes that are imposed by the municipality. This renders communities and community organisations useless and ineffective in holding the councillors accountable. Against the background of the problem statement, the hypotheses of the study were formulated as follows: * There is a non – compliance of municipal regulations required for transformation and good governance at Sedibeng District Municipality. * The leadership of the municipality does not possess adequate knowledge and the political will to monitor and ensure consistent adherence to regulations as required by law to promote transformation and good governance. The study utilized both qualitative and quantitative research methods. The study involved a number of techniques to gather information which includes literature study and empirical research. The findings of the study prove that there is a high level non – compliance of municipal regulations required to promote good governance at Sedibeng District Municipality. The responses of senior management also prove that there is a clear lack of leadership in the Sedibeng District Municipality. The study offers significant recommendations to improve the situation. The intend of the study was to explore and open avenue for further research in the field of change management (transformation of behaviour and culture), impact of cadre deployment in municipal performance and idea of public participation and involvement in the affairs of local government. / M Development and Management (Public Management and Governance), North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2014