Up until 1994 the area of local government has been faced with a number of challenges. Communities blame both councillors and municipal officials for poor service delivery and maladministration. Whereas some cite cases of limited resources for the slow pace of delivering the services that are required by the community. Given the limited resources at their disposal, municipalities are bound by the Constitution of the country to satisfy the legitimate expectations of their communities. This relates to the provision of water, sanitation, electricity, health and other services. This requires municipalities to establish and operate on a basis of an effective, efficient and professional governance system. The main objectives of the study were to critique local governance and investigate the challenges facing the Big 5 False Bay Local Municipality; and bring to the fore the service delivery disparities with a view to suggest possible remedial measures for the consideration of the municipality and government. The aim of this research project was to investigate the extent to which the pre-1994 administrative system impacted to the service delivery effort of the Big 5 False Bay Local Municipality. The project also sought to analyse the capacity of the municipality in respect of it being functional governance machinery. Data analysis reveals that there is a positive attitude of the community towards participation in the affairs of the ward and the municipality. This is evident when one looks at the results of the community participation in the drafting or formulation of the IDP and also on the formulation of the ward budget. Most importantly, it is noticeable that the majority of the respondents took it among themselves to effectively participate in the local affairs through voting in the municipal elections and through effective participation when community meetings are called. / Thesis (MPA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2011.

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.

The Municipal Systems Act (32 of 2000) stipulates that municipalities must establish a performance management system that is proportionate with its resources, and more importantly advance a culture of performance management among its political structures, office bearers, councillors as well as administrators, and further administer its affairs in an economical, effective, efficient and accountable manner. To ensure that the culture of accountability prevails, structures such as the Mayoral and Audit Committees were established, whose primary function was to oversee the implementation of regulations and policies enacted by parliament and councils. It is however not clear what prevents these structures to function as stipulated in legislations. This would be important to know as this would assist the government to identify challenges faced by our municipalities to perform as expected. Currently, a number of municipalities are said to be underperforming against targets as set both by Provincial and National spheres of government. As a result, local communities have taken to the streets to vent their discontentment over poor performance by our local municipalities through the emergence of pressure groups called “Concerned Groups”. This is evident that the accountability and performance of our municipalities is being questioned. The prime objective of this study was to conduct research into the successes or failures of the implementation of Performance Management at Fezile Dabi District municipality. The process of research included among others, literature review as well as empirical research in order to test the validity of the hypothesis that effective policy implementation depends on the successful implementation of Performance Management system across all municipal departments, a practice the Fezile Dabi District Municipality has not successfully implemented. A number of officials’ views were tested through the use of a structured questionnaire. The study found, among others: That half of Fezile Dabi District Municipality’s employees have limited knowledge and understanding of Performance Management regulations. Performance Management feedback sessions, when conducted, focused only on section 57 managers and all other employees were not included. The structures such as Audit Committee have not been meeting as expected and thus its monitoring role was compromised. The Performance Management section at the municipality is under-resourced, thus it is difficult to coordinate all performance matters pertaining to the municipality. In conclusion, recommendations are made in an attempt to assist the municipality to implement policy through effective, efficient and transparent Performance Management strategies. / Thesis (M. Development and Management)--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.

The Municipal Systems Act (32 of 2000) stipulates that municipalities must establish a performance management system that is proportionate with its resources, and more importantly advance a culture of performance management among its political structures, office bearers, councillors as well as administrators, and further administer its affairs in an economical, effective, efficient and accountable manner. To ensure that the culture of accountability prevails, structures such as the Mayoral and Audit Committees were established, whose primary function was to oversee the implementation of regulations and policies enacted by parliament and councils. It is however not clear what prevents these structures to function as stipulated in legislations. This would be important to know as this would assist the government to identify challenges faced by our municipalities to perform as expected. Currently, a number of municipalities are said to be underperforming against targets as set both by Provincial and National spheres of government. As a result, local communities have taken to the streets to vent their discontentment over poor performance by our local municipalities through the emergence of pressure groups called “Concerned Groups”. This is evident that the accountability and performance of our municipalities is being questioned. The prime objective of this study was to conduct research into the successes or failures of the implementation of Performance Management at Fezile Dabi District municipality. The process of research included among others, literature review as well as empirical research in order to test the validity of the hypothesis that effective policy implementation depends on the successful implementation of Performance Management system across all municipal departments, a practice the Fezile Dabi District Municipality has not successfully implemented. A number of officials’ views were tested through the use of a structured questionnaire. The study found, among others: That half of Fezile Dabi District Municipality’s employees have limited knowledge and understanding of Performance Management regulations. Performance Management feedback sessions, when conducted, focused only on section 57 managers and all other employees were not included. The structures such as Audit Committee have not been meeting as expected and thus its monitoring role was compromised. The Performance Management section at the municipality is under-resourced, thus it is difficult to coordinate all performance matters pertaining to the municipality. In conclusion, recommendations are made in an attempt to assist the municipality to implement policy through effective, efficient and transparent Performance Management strategies. / Thesis (M. Development and Management)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2011

Since 1994, fundamental transformation has taken place in South Africa in terms of disaster risk management. The transformation processes have led to the promulgation of the Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act No 57 of 2002) that was heralded as a new era for disaster risk management in South Africa. Subsequently, the publication of the National Disaster Risk Management Framework (of 2005) provides a set of clear guidelines on the implementation of the Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act No 57 of 2002). The National Disaster Risk Management Framework underscores the significance of the integration and co-ordination of disaster risk management activities in all levels of government in South Africa. This emphasises the fact that Disaster risk management in South Africa has been established as a public sector function within each sphere of government. In its KPA1, the framework further emphasis the establishment of integrated disaster risk management structures by each sphere of government. The disaster risk management structures, such as interdepartmental committees and a district forum have not yet been established in the Capricorn District Municipality. In cases where other structures have been established, the main challenge is the participation of all role players and the inconsistency in the representation of local municipality in those structures. Another gap is the lack of clear responsibility of disaster risk management in some of the internal key role players. This dissertation aims to evaluate the implementation of the institutional capacity for Disaster Risk Reduction in the Capricorn District Municipality. This dissertation caters for the reader within the theory of organisation. Subsequently, the disaster risk management structures were discussed, based on the requirements of both the Disaster Management Act, 2002 (Act No 57 of 2002) and a National Disaster Risk Management Framework policy document (of 2005). This dissertation made use of the one-on-one semi-structured interviews for data collection in the field of disaster risk management within the Capricorn District Municipality. As regards recommendations, this dissertation suggests a number of points that the Capricorn District Municipality needs to implement in order to fast-track the establishment of disaster risk management structures that could lead to progress in meeting the legislative mandate of Disaster Risk Reduction. / Thesis (M. Development and management)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011

This dissertation reports on a study undertaken to determine interventions that community libraries can engage in to improve HIV/AIDS awareness. Chapter One describes the background for the study by providing information portraying the background, research problem, aim and objectives -as well as the research methodology to be followed to ensure its successful completion. Chapter Two examines the social role and responsibility of the community library - with reference to HIV/AIDS awareness. International and national sources are used to establish what role the community libraries should play in providing resources for communal benefit. Chapter Three deals with HIV/AIDS awareness interventions currently engaged in by community libraries as well as proposed interventions. A list and description of intervention types is included. This list forms the foundation for the interview guide. Chapter Four describes the interview process. Chapter Five reports on the results of the interviews. Chapter Six provides an integrated summary of the findings from the literature review and those from the interviews in the Bojanala region. Chapter Seven concludes with a summary of recommendations and suggestions for possible further research. Essentially, the study consists of an examination of the social role and responsibility of the community library regarding HIV/AIDS awareness. An international and national literature review of the types of interventions that community libraries can embark upon to promote HIV/AIDS awareness amongst community members of all age groups. An investigation - by means of interviews with librarians/library workers in the Bojanala region - on what interventions are currently undertaken to promote HIV/AIDS awareness among the community of the Bojanala region. Recommendations regarding the types of interventions that community libraries in South Africa may provide to assist in enhancing HIV/AIDS awareness. The literature review identified the social role and responsibility of the community library; interventions currently engaged in by community libraries; and pointed the way for proposed HIV/AIDS awareness interventions that community libraries could embark on as part of their social responsibility role. It was clear from the national and international literature review that the community library - with its years of experience in information acquisition, organisation, dissemination and use - is a natural ally in supporting HIV/AIDS awareness. The aim of this investigation was to determine the social role and responsibility of community libraries in the promotion of HIV/AIDS awareness. The interventions that community library services could embark on to promote HIV/AIDS awareness. The researcher investigated the interventions that the Bojanala region could embark on to comply with the vision of the Department of Social Development (2002:9) ”that both the government and civil society as a whole develop well directed and purposeful programmes to tackle the HIV/AIDS pandemic.” This was done through face-to-face interviews with librarians/library workers responsible for managing community projects. Compared with the HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in other regions and provinces (Northern Cape and Limpopo) with similar populations, the Bojanala region was identified as a region with a high HIV prevalence rate. The recommendations made by the researcher covered nine sections pertaining to HIV/AIDS interventions, namely: Users Policies HIV/AIDS information resources Collection Development Partnerships HIV/AIDS awareness programmes Interventions Promotion Staff training The recommendations that emerge from the research could be implemented in any community library in any given country with a high HIV/AIDS prevalence rate. / Information Science / (M. Tech. (Business Administration))