Policy is a rule to guide decisions and achieve rational outcomes while advocacy is a strategy to influence architects of decision making or policy makers when they make regulations and laws, distribute resources, and make other decisions that affect peoples' lives. The principal aims of policy advocacy as postulated by Kervatin in 1998 are to create policies, reform policies, and ensure policies are implemented. This study examines the role of civil society in policy advocacy, using the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) as an example. Therefore, the study uses a content analysis method of data collection and analysis to explicate the various advocacy strategies employed by the Treatment Action Campaign to advocate for access to HIV/AIDs treatment in post-apartheid South Africa. The policy advocacy strategies of the TAC were investigated pertaining to the implementation of health policy on HIV/AIDS in South Africa. There are a variety of advocacy strategies employed by civil society organisations, such as discussing problems directly with policy makers, delivering messages through the media, or strengthening the ability of local organisations to advocate. These strategies are known as advocacy tools for planning successful advocacy initiatives. Most of them are clearly reflected in the case of the TAC organisation, which employed these strategies and others to advocate for HIV/AIDS policy change. / Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2013.

Poverty, unemployment, inequality and food insecurity are common facts of life in rural communities in the former homelands of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa despite decades of massive infusion of irrigation technology and resources into the rural economies. These problems are mostly the corollary of public policies enacted and executed over the years under colonial and apartheid regimes. Even the establishment of developmental local government and the introduction of various forms of integrated and sustainable rural development policies and programmes under the current democratic political dispensation, which began in 1994, have not brought much relief to the rural areas. Development policies and programmes have not been successful at increasing the coping strategies of the majority of the rural poor as they continue to remain outside the mainstream of development action. The persistence of socio-economic problems elicits questions regarding the appropriateness of development policies with respect to the transfer of irrigation technology to the rural poor. This study critically investigates the social and economic effects of Qamata Irrigation Scheme (QIS) on the living conditions and coping strategies of the farmers at Qamata. The outcome of the investigation is used as the context to analyse the effectiveness and appropriateness of the irrigation development and management policies in the transfer of irrigation technology to the farmers. The choice of QIS was occasioned by its position as the first state financed large-scale irrigation scheme in the late 1960s in the former Transkei which was the poorest and most populous Bantustan; Qamata was one of the poorest rural communities in the territory. Besides, QIS is one of the largest irrigation schemes in the Eastern Cape which has attracted a considerable amount of resources and public attention. It was therefore thought that the study of QIS could generate the relevant data required to evaluate the appropriateness of irrigation schemes in rural development in the province. The roles and expectations of development functionaries with reference to development policies, programmes, practices and achievements, and the living conditions, needs, aspirations and perceptions of beneficiaries were critically examined. Because rural development is a multi-faceted concept, the approach of the study was eclectic. The data which ensued was analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively with chi-square test and independent samples t-test to arrive at forthright and compelling conclusions. The study revealed that rural development at Qamata is fraught with political, institutional and organizational problems. As a result, the Qamata Irrigation Scheme could not bring about the expected socio-economic development in the surrounding rural communities. Suggestions are offered on the basis of the research findings for meaningful rural development. The participation of local communities, especially women who bear the brunt of rural poverty and food crop production, in development policy formulation and the participation of the youth in irrigation farming are seen as essential prerequisites for goal oriented rural and agricultural development intervention programmes. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2009.

This study reviewed how networks, entrepreneurs and narratives were intertwined in keeping a policy process moving and preventing it from stagnating. By applying Roe's narrative analysis theory (as developed in Narrative Policy Analysis - 1994), along with Kingdon's theory of entrepreneurs (as developed in Agendas, Alternatives and Public Policies - 1995) and Kickert's explanations of networks (as developed in Managing Complex Networks - 1997) the study attempted to uncover how a complex policy issue is managed by the stakeholders involved. The Children's Bill was the case study used to show the usefulness of these three theories in understanding the intricate engagements and relations of participation around a complex policy. By applying qualitative data collection and analysis techniques, the case study illustrated how a complex policy is able to move through the policy and legislative processes despite the conflict and difficulties encountered. The dominant narratives were identified, the narrative of the Working Group (WG) (to hold the Bill over to the next parliament and to include a National Policy Framework), and the counternarrative of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (to fast track the Bill through parliament and to make excisions), as were the non-stories (on issues of poverty). The research also identifies the policy entrepreneurs (the WG secretariat and in particular the Children's Institute and Paula Proudlock) and the networks in which they operated. This information provided the basis to identify the meta-narrative to hold the Bill over to the next parliament for further deliberations on the excisions that had been made, which allowed the Children's Bill process to continue. Some recommendations for further evaluation and research into this policy process are noted. / Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu- Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2006.

The study explores the ways in which Skills Development Act is implemented in South Africa. This study provides skills development policy by looking at policy implications and policy implementation in the Office of the Premier: Human Resource Development directorate. The need for skills development in South Africa carries the potential for policy development as an essential feature for economic growth and service delivery. Not only to the field of public policy, but to every sector including science and technology. The passing of the Skills Development Act, (No. 97 of 1998) (SDA) and the Skills Development Levies Act (No. 9 of 1999) highlighted the need for more skills in South Africa to meet the demands of a changing global world economy. The purpose of the study is to provide a policy understanding of the SDA and its implementation using the Office of the Premier in KwaZulu-Natal as a case study. The study will illustrate the importance of skills development in the public sector of South Africa and how skills can be further developed in the public sector. Research in skills development policy primarily focuses on the private sector ignoring its relevance to the public sector. The primary research objective of this study is • To describe the need for skills development in the public sector in South Africa and • To critically analyze the Skills Development Act in South Africa. • It will also analyze national programmes and policies designed for skills development in South Africa. The theoretical basis of this project is found on theories of public policy and policy implementation. The crux of this study is to determine the extent to which the Office of the Premier's skills development policy seeks to implement the Skills Development Act in the KwaZulu-Natal province. The findings of the study show a broad policy commitment to skills development programmes. However, when one take a closer look at the policy implementation of skills development in Office of the Premier, a number of gaps become clear. The Directorate HRD has experienced a number of implementation problems. The most significant is their lack of capacity as well as their in ability to monitor and assess training programmes. / Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2007. / Public Policy Partnership in South Africa.

The current organisational framework of public policy management offers a powerful tool that of network management. Policy network theory revolves around the idea that no one can work in isolation, and therefore, the notion of interdependency between different organisations becomes very important in order to achieve policy goals efficiently and with efficacy. This encompasses the interactive relationship that is based on information sharing as well as resources. The assumption behind policy network is that nobody is an expert in everything, and nobody has sufficient resources to address every problem. The concept of interdependence entails the co-operation and collaboration of various autonomous actors who have different interests and yet collaborate to achieve certain policy objectives. There is then a need to build "bridges" to facilitate these interactions. The size and scope of policy networks depend on the nature of each policy and the context in which it is formulated, implemented and evaluated. Environmental networks in South Africa, and especially in Pietermaritzburg, has been utilised in order to address the problem of environmental management. The Keep Pietermaritzburg Clean Association has been instrumental in implementing waste management programmes using a policy network strategy. This research focuses on one such programme "Adopt a Spot". Here there are 123 stakeholders all with the aim to beautifying P ietermaritzburg. This research indicates the usefulness of policy networks particularly as an instrument to facilitate policy implementation. / Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2004.

The study explores the ways in which the nature conservation policy of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife enhances the promotion and implementation of community development. This study is partially informed by the United Nations conferences on the Environment and Development, especially the latest one of these conferences. the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) which was held in South Africa in 2002. The conference reinforced the need for the integration of the social, political, economical and ecological elements in conservation and development initiatives. As South Africa is a developing country, it is understandable that development is a central issue in the policy agenda of all spheres of government. Government and public entities are identified as some of the key role players responsible to champion and drive the course of development. Provincial government in South Africa is tasked with environmental management as well as conservation alongside development. This relationship informs the essence of this study. It identifies that national environmental policy now requires conservation authorities to have a more developmental focus. This study is important because it examines the changing policy perspectives and implementation strategies of conservation and development. The study will focus on how Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife's (which is KwaZulu-Natal 's nature conservation authority) policy addresses integration of issues of community development and development in KwaZulu-Natal. The theoretical basis of this project is found on theories of public policy and policy implementation. The crux of the study is to determine the extent to which Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife's nature conservation policy seeks to implement development-led-conservation. The findings show a broad policy commitment to community development. However, when one takes a closer look at the implementation of their policies at one particular reserve (Ithala Game Reserve) then a number of implementation gaps become clear. / Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2005. / Public Policy Partnership.

This study investigates the challenges and benefits of policy networks. It focuses specifically on the experiences of the Centre for Crimlnal Justice, examining the challenges and benefits it experiences in its networks. In spite of the widely applauded benefits of networks in this study and in other publications, findings from this study still highlight the challenges of networks in labour policy implementation. The study reveals that the element of diversity and the complicated nature of networks' management threaten networks' ability to realize their objectives. The lack of binding regulations and managerial structures in certain networks reveals the drawback in networks' management. Firstly, it raises questions about the legitimacy of any self-initiated coordination in networks since such might not be formally accepted by network members. Secondly, the thesis argues that the lack of binding regulations in some networks deepen the likelihood of uncooperative attitude among actors, especially when it suits them, given that there are no defined consequences for their actions. Other findings in this study draw attention to the operational conflict between the vertical and lateral-minded members of a network. This discusses the question of methodological disagreement between actors of contrasting view points in the execution of certain tasks. Finally, the thesis looks at the question of actors' autonomy in a network. It argues that threats to actors' autonomy or dignity could promote lack of commitment from network members, neglect of responsibility and the possible breakdown of the network if such issues are not properly addressed. In summary, though networks are ideal tools for policy implementation and service delivery in contemporary society, they nevertheless have their challenges. Hence the study concludes with an invitation for proper acknowledgement of the challenges in the process of networks and the need for further studies in this field to enhance the effectiveness of networks in implementation processes.

In order to have a fuller understanding of the policy implementation challenges facing land restitution in conservation areas, this research identifies and analyses the perspectives in the literature on policy implementation. The study explains how the land restitution programme emerged as a policy solution to the legacy of a deep historical racial divide regarding land ownership in South. Africa. However, it explores the implication of this on the conservation of the environment. The study shows that reconciling land restitution on conservation areas is a complex process, owing, partially to two different and conflicting policies namely the, Restitution of Land Rights Act (Act 22 of 1994) and the National Forest Act (Act 84 of 1998). The researcher has explored the policy implementation challenges encountered in reconciling land restitution in the Dukuduku forest located within the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park which has official World Heritage Site status situated in northern KwaZulu-Natal. The study should show how the ongoing conflict between Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism and the occupants of Dukuduku forest revolves around issues of land ownership pertaining Dukuduku forest, a forest which is one of the few indigenous forests left in South Africa. It concludes that policy implementation is a complex process, especially when two divergent policy objectives Restitution of Land Rights Act (Act 22 of 1994) and the National Forest Act (Act 84 of 1998) and are sought. A formulated conceptual framework for the study, public policy analysis and policy implementation models will be discussed to provide a clear perspective on policy implementation.

This study is centred on the challenges of land tenure reforms in South Africa taking a case study of the labour tenants in KwaZulu-Natal between 1996 and 2009. The study uses narrative policy analysis as a framework for understanding these challenges. Of course, the challenges around the tenure reforms cannot be discussed in isolation from the land owners and the government. Voices of the labour tenants, farmers, government and civil society are heard in this study. This study shows how policy change comes about and how instrumental stories are in bringing about change. It also specifically looked at the factors that lead to policy change. The measures put in place to bring about the needed policy change and finally the procedures and condition advanced to secure this new change in policy were examined. The study focuses on a redistributive policy, as it looks at policy transition from one regime, in which a certain group of people was disadvantaged in terms of ownership, to the next, where the previously disadvantaged are being uplifted. Stories in this study are used to show how and why change occurs in policy arenas. The study used qualitative methodology to obtain the information that was needed to answer the research question. Documents were used to source this information, which was in the form of workshop minutes, reported complaints, government legislation and policy documents such as the Labour Tenant Act No.3 of 1996, the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, the Green Paper and the White Paper on South African Land Policy. Other documents included a report on independent research done on the relationships between farmers and labour tenants on farms in KwaZulu-Natal and the various land and agrarian reports. This study unearths the challenges of land tenure reforms in South Africa, through a narrative policy analysis technique. The study used the narratives to gain a better understanding of the policy; the story of the government in the form of the legislation enacted relating to land and the story of the people as recipients of the policy. The Labour Tenant Act No.3 of 1996 is used as the main document of reference and Association for Rural Advancement (AFRA) as the voice of civil society, not only as a source of information. In this study the voices of AFRA, labour tenants and farmers are collectively referred to as the people‟s voice. KwaZulu-Natal was used as a case study due to the high rate of labour tenants in the province as well as its history of the land conflict. The study in its final chapter refers to the difficulty of managing redistributive policies such as land reform. Despite the challenges of the redistributive policies, the study shows how narrative policy analysis helps understand complex policies, as well as help understand difficult problems. / Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2011.

In South Africa many children are affected by poverty and neglect. These children are underprivileged and experience poor performance in school and may even drop out (Department of Education, 2001: 4). Even though legislative prescripts mandate government to provide quality education, access is still a challenge. The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, civil society and the business sector are in agreement that the vision for the KwaZulu-Natal province is a “prosperous province with [a] healthy, secure and skilled population, acting as a gateway to Africa and the world” (KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Planning Commission, 2011: 6). Economic growth, improvement of people’s lives, reducing inequality, and promoting environmental sustainability is indeed a priority for the KwaZulu- Natal government (KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Planning Commission, 2011: 10). This study then aimed to evaluate the implementation of Guidelines for Early Childhood Development (ECD) Services looking at early childhood development centres in the Mkhambathini local municipality. The study seeks to contribute to current theories and specifically to the existing knowledge of the fact that in Africa there are disparities between policy statements and practice in early childhood development centres which have implications for policy implementation and quality education as a broad objective in developing countries. In this research study in-depth open ended interviews, direct observation, and document analyses were used. The researcher used a mixed method approach in sequential data collection. The findings of the study have been found to be consistent with previous studies conducted on ECD services. The findings reveal that there are discrepancies between the number of children that ECD centres are registered for and the number of children who attend the centres. The coverage implementation of ECD guidelines is biased; subgroups, disabled children, and children with special needs do not fully participate in or are not able to access services in the Mkhambathini municipality. The study argues that at this stage the guidelines for ECD services are not implemented as designed. The document lacks implementation strategies which take into account the environmental issues of the province of KwaZulu- Natal. The Guidelines for Early Childhood Development (ECD) Services set a high standard for ECD centres; too high for rural areas to comply with. / Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2013.