Research Articles (School of Public Management and Administration (SPMA))

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/2506

The SPMA is well-placed within the Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences to expose students to a multi-disciplinary education.This allows for cross fertilization between fields and the holistic development of our graduates. Domestic and global challenges require that professionals and experts be multi-disciplinary in approach and that they be multi-skilled. Students and scholars of this field of study are experiencing a greater understanding of how international public officials institutions function. Students are now exposed to the possibility of seeking employment opportunities in international organisations like the United Nations, Organisation of African Unity, Commonwealth Secretariat, the World Bank, etc. SPMA commits itself to providing students and its teaching staff the privilege to acquire the knowledge and expertise appropriate for international management and administration.

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Validation of an existing racial and ethnic microaggressions scale within the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality in South Africa
Oosthuizen, Marie; Tshiyoyo, Michel; Malan, Lianne Priscilla (Wiley, 2025-08)
The local government workplace in post-apartheid South Africa represents an important environment to examine employee perceptions on the occurrence of microaggressions. However, since the advent of democracy in 1994, the country has faced numerous challenges in its quest for the implementation of rights pertaining to unity, diversity, inclusion and non-racialism. The main struggle is for the country to create an inclusive workforce that responds to fundamental rights enshrined in the preamble of the Constitution of 1996 which stipulates: ‘we are united in our diversity’. This article intends to assess microaggressions and social cohesion at the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality (CTMM) in order to find out whether the Microaggressions Theory developed in the field of psychology in the United States of America (US) could be applied in the field of public administration in South Africa. The aim is to determine whether subtle forms of negative behaviour or environmental indignities contribute to perceptions of enduring racism and discrimination in a diverse workplace. A mixed methods approach was followed. The reliability and validity of an existing questionnaire, developed in the US by a psychologist, were tested in the CTMM. The statistical relationship between types of racial microaggressions and social cohesion, which forms part of the South African government's policies towards enhancing race relations in the country, was also measured. Results indicated that the Microaggressions Theory can be applied in the field of public administration in South Africa.
A framework for made in Africa evaluation and influence of the African peer review mechanism on policy outcomes
Kizito, Martin; Tshiyoyo, Michel; Mazenda, Adrino (Emerald, 2025-08)
PURPOSE : This paper proposes a framework for operationalising the implementation of the Made in Africa Evaluation (MAE) Peer Review Mechanism through the lens of the Ugandan evaluation processes (inputs, activities, and outputs) and the impacts of African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) on policy outcomes. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH : A case study design was adopted, utilising qualitative data collected from 35 participants through interviews and focus group discussions (FGD) in Uganda. This approach aims to understand the perceptions of APRM stakeholders, who were purposively selected based on their roles in the first and second-generation peer reviews conducted between 2005 and 2021. FINDINGS : The empirical data revealed that APRM’s influence on public policy varies depending on the nature of the process elements, providing guidance to stakeholders and researchers regarding the relevant inputs, activities, and outputs. Lessons from this study emphasise the importance of inclusive planning, adequate resource capacity, timely reporting, a well-domesticated legal framework, and a culture of using findings from evaluations in national plans and budgets. ORIGINALITY/VALUE : Evidence drawn from stakeholders’ experiences informs a context-based operational framework for enhancing the evaluation influence of APRM implementation, thereby addressing the gap in the application of MAE.
Interrogating multi-level government power dynamics and cooperation in Zimbabwe : evidence from Harare city council
Marumahoko, Sylvester; Nhede, Norman Tafirenyika; Mapuva, Jephias (Elsevier, 2025-09)
This article examines the relationship between Zimbabwe's national government and the Harare City Council (HCC) in managing the city's public affairs. It explores how this interaction influences governance in Harare, drawing on the theory of intergovernmental relations. Through document analysis, the study dissects the structure and nature of the system between the two spheres of government. The findings reveal a strained relationship, largely due to power imbalances, with instances where the national government has encroached on local government responsibilities. Despite these challenges, the paper concludes with an optimistic outlook, suggesting that both levels of government can achieve their shared goals by fostering trust, cooperation, and collaboration, and by nurturing a more effective intergovernmental framework.
Assessing the needs of healthcare information for assisting family caregivers in cancer fear management : a mindsponge-based approach
Sari, Ni Putu-Wulan Purnama; Mazenda, Adrino; Duong, Minh-Phuong Thi; Putra, Made Mahaguna; Yudamuckti, Pande Made Arbi; Nguyen, Minh-Hoang; Vuong, Quan-Hoang (Springer, 2025-05)
Please read abstract in the article.
Beyond poverty alleviation : the impact of child support grants on healthcare access and contraception use in South Africa
Nhede, Norman Tafirenyika; Mazenda, Adrino; Gondwe, Dymon (Elsevier, 2025-12)
This study examines the impact of Child Support Grants (CSGs) on access to medical care and contraception use in South Africa, investigating whether social assistance can enhance healthcare access beyond its primary aim of alleviating poverty. While previous research highlights CSGs' poverty reduction and welfare enhancement effects, little is known about their effects on healthcare and reproductive healthcare access, especially given South Africa's healthcare disparities. Using data from the first wave of the 2020 National Income Dynamics Study—Coronavirus Rapid Mobile Survey (NIDS-CRAM), this study employs mediation analysis to analyse the effects of CSG receipt on healthcare and contraception access while controlling for socio-economic factors. The findings indicate a complex relationship. CSGs have a positive but insignificant indirect effect on healthcare and contraception access and a significant negative direct effect, suggesting that the current grant structure may not adequately address existing barriers. The results highlight the need for policy changes, indicating that while CSGs are vital as a social safety net, their effectiveness in improving healthcare access could be enhanced through increased grant amounts and targeted interventions to address healthcare costs and structural barriers.
Politicising violent gangs in selected Southern African countries : a comparative review of violent crime
Mangai, Mary S.; Ayodele, Austin A. (Taylor and Francis, 2025-09-10)
this study explores the politicisation and violence associated with criminal gangs in three Southern African countries. A qualitative meta-synthesis of sixty reputable articles from scholarly databases, including Science direct, SAGe, Google Scholar, Scopus, EBSCOhost, and Taylor & Francis, reveals that gangs emerged from socioeconomic disparities, marginalisation, and weak governance in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. criminal gangs have evolved into powerful entities due to their entanglement with political structures, influencing governance, security, and the economy. corruption, state-sponsored violence, and political manipulation sustain their existence, aided by economic marginalisation, persistent poverty, widespread youth unemployment, and illicit economies like drug trafficking and illegal mining. Many gangs function as political tools, orchestrating electoral violence, controlling resources, and territorial disputes, blurring crime and political activism. their activities destabilise communities, erode trust in institutions, and hinder economic development. Gang power is reinforced by selective law enforcement, political patronage, and corruption insecurity agencies, rendering conventional policing ineffective. combating gang violence requires policy measures beyond militarised crackdowns; community policing, restorative justice, and social reintegration programmes can mitigate gang influence and decrease their exploitation by political actors. without broad reform, criminal-political networks will continue to threaten state legitimacy and regional stability.
Improving stakeholder harmonisation and policy development processes in the national system of innovation
Mbuyazi, Zodwa; Mazenda, Adrino; Mmakola, David (Wiley, 2025-05)
The governance of innovation is a major challenge within the broad discourse on the successful formulation and implementation of innovation policy. This study adopted a qualitative research approach and case study design to analyse the policy development processes and stakeholder harmonisation in the South African National System of Innovation (NSI). Interviews were conducted with 30 actors within the NSI. The study's findings about the NSI policy development are consistent with South Africa's approach to involving stakeholders in policy-making. However, a notable gap in broad-based participation was identified, indicating that policy development is not adequately filtered across the entire innovation landscape. This gap has led to a misunderstanding about responsibilities and NSI actors' contributions to the NSI, negatively affecting the harmonisation of actors' roles. The study recommends addressing fragmentation and improving integration and communication through information sharing, community engagement, consultations, local and international partnerships and advancing policy development approaches.
Perceptions of beneficiaries of informal social protection initiatives in Uganda : an exploratory factor analysis approach
Lubinga, Stellah N. ; Lubinga, Moses Herbert; Tyanai, Masiya; Asilla, Rodney (Wiley, 2025-09)
Informal social protection interventions are instrumental in improving people's welfare through fostering income growth and enabling self-sufficiency. Whereas the success of some informal social protection initiatives has been acknowledged and documented, there is limited knowledge of the factors influencing the performance of informal social protection initiatives, especially in developing countries like Uganda. In this study, we identify and isolate the perceived factors influencing the performance of informal social protection initiatives. We use exploratory factor analysis on a sample of 130 beneficiaries of two informal social protection interventions in the Alebtong and Kampala districts of Uganda. Findings reveal that the performance of informal social protection interventions is perceived to be influenced by three categories of factors, collectively accounting for 62.4% of the total dataset variance which is more than the threshold of 50%. The factors are beneficiary empowerment, welfare enhancement and coverage and equality. Each factor encompasses a cluster of variables that collectively capture the essential dimensions of individual perceptions concerning the effect of informal social protection initiatives. This research offers valuable insights into how the beneficiaries perceive informal social protection initiatives, shedding light on the nuanced factors contributing to their effectiveness in Uganda.
Supply-sourcing strategies and dietary diversity in school meal programs : a Bayesian-mindsponge approach
Agung, Deatri Arumsari; Li, Dan;; Asilla, Rodney; Mazenda, Adrino; Sari, Ni Putu Wulan Purnama; Nguyen, Minh-Hoang; Vuong, Quan-Hoang (Taylor and Francis, 2025)
This study aimed to examine the impact of various supply-sourcing strategies on the dietary diversity of school meal supplies. The Bayesian Mindsponge Framework was employed on a dataset of 126 government representatives who manage large-scale school meal programs among participating countries. Obtaining supplies in-kind from national sources and foreign purchasing had a significant positive association with dietary diversity in school meals/snacks, while in-kind supplies from other countries showed a negative association. Domestic purchasing showed an ambiguous association. Strategic supply-sourcing, e.g., domestic in-kind and foreign purchasing, significantly contributes to the dietary diversity of school meal supplies.
Market imperfection and rural-urban effects of agriculture and non-agriculture productivity shocks : a dynamic CGE model analysis for South Africa
Mabugu, Ramos E.; Fofana, Ismael; Chitiga-Mabugu, Margaret (Nan Yang Academy of Sciences, 2025-09)
This study uses a recursive dynamic Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model focused on South Africa to explore the interconnections between strategic initiatives in agricultural and non-agricultural sectors within a rural development strategy. It assesses how different policy interventions affect agricultural growth and rural household well-being, considering two scenarios: one targeting agricultural growth and the other non-agricultural growth. It is observed that Gross Domestic Product (GDP) experiences an elevation of 1.1 percentage points above the baseline growth rate with a 1% increase in agricultural productivity. Though agriculture contributes just 2.5% to the national GDP, its projected impact on annual growth rate of 1.1 percentage points is expected to boost the economy, adding one billion rand to non-agricultural sectors. In return, non-agricultural industries positively affect agricultural growth and rural consumption. Sectors aiding rural areas include food, beverages, tobacco; mining; transport; and catering. Meanwhile, urban-favoured sectors are government, finance, business services, retail, manufacturing, health, and community services. The findings underscore two primary considerations for policymakers. Firstly, although the agricultural sector's contribution to GDP is modest, emphasizing agricultural enhancement can result in accelerated growth, improved resource allocation to the sector, and poverty alleviation, particularly when synergized with supportive non-agricultural measures. Secondly, growth in non-agricultural sectors does not uniformly support agricultural and rural income growth; sectors such as agro-industrial and exportable industries primarily bolster agriculture by mitigating real exchange rate appreciation.
Urban food insecurity and its determinants among migrant households
Mazenda, Adrino; Althaus, Catherine; Tani, Massimiliano (Wiley, 2025-01)
This study utilized the Linear Probability Model to examine the determinants of food insecurity among migrant households in the Gauteng City region of South Africa. 13,616 households were selected using random sampling and a cross-section design. The study findings showed that age and level of education reduce the probability of skipping a meal among internal and international migrant households. Having medical aid is negatively associated with food insecurity – a sign of affordability. Part-time jobs increase the likelihood of experiencing food insecurity for both internal and international migrants. Access to indigency and government support were associated with a higher probability of food insecurity among international migrants. Government support in food parcels is also associated with food insecurity for internal migrants. In contrast, ethnicity has no statistically significant effect on food security for internal migrants relative to native residents. Policy focus on inclusivity in social service provision, employment access and urban agriculture can likely help improve the food insecurity status of internal and international migrant households in the Gauteng City Region.
Obstacles to multisectoral maternal and child healthcare financing in Uganda : insights from policy bureaucrats
Kusiima, Maureen Sylvia; Van Dijk, Gerda; Mangai, Mary S.; Olaniyan, Olanrewaju; Lubinga, Stellah N. (BioMed Central, 2025-07)
Maternal and child healthcare (MCH) financing is a global priority, and it is one of the core components of the health systems building blocks. Ensuring adequate MCH financing is critical for better MCH outcomes, but it remains challenging for most developing countries, including Uganda. The country’s major structural limitation is its over dependence on donor funding for MCH, which is increasingly shrinking and threatens the current healthcare financing approaches. This study investigates the barriers to effective multisectoral financing for maternal and child health (MCH) in Uganda. To deepen the understanding of these challenges, the research adopted a qualitative methodology, combining semi-structured in-depth interviews with a focused literature review. A total of eight interviews were conducted with key MCH stakeholders. These interviews were complemented by a review of 19 authoritative documents related to MCH financing in Uganda. The study employed thematic analyses to comprehensively present the data. The study identifies several challenges to multisectoral MCH financing, including the absence of a specific and explicit MCH framework on MCH financing, poor understanding of the meaning of multisectoral collaboration in MCH financing, low acceptance of prepayment forms of financing, and failure to fulfill pledges and government commitments. Moreover, the lack of clear and streamlined stakeholders’ roles and responsibilities, the failure to prioritise and include MCH issues in all national policies, and fragmentation and vertical funding limit the leveraging of MCH resources. Delays in approving the financing frameworks have hindered the implementation of the financing instruments, thus affecting the pooling of MCH funds in Uganda. This study concludes that, considering the diminishing MCH financial resources due to gaps in current financing frameworks, the Government of Uganda should strengthen and enhance its legal and policy financing instruments.
Financing the basic income support in South Africa under fiscal constraints
Chitiga-Mabugu, Margaret; Henseler, Martin; Maisonnave, Helene; Mabugu, Ramos E. (Elsevier, 2025-03)
The lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, exacerbated by the Russia-Ukraine war and climate change-induced disasters that have led to worldwide poverty increases, have re-ignited discussions about the urgency of pro-poor support programs. South Africa offers a current and topical example to this discourse with the government’s intention to introduce a basic income support covering everyone in the age group 18–59 years who is neither disabled nor employed. Expanding social protection to reach those currently receiving no support within a severely constrained fiscal environment raises affordability and developmental challenges relevant to many other developing countries grappling with similar issues. It raises questions such as whether the planned support grant effectively reduces inequality and poverty. How does the grant impact the entire economy? What are the best funding options to create fiscal space? Model-based assessments like the one implemented in this research provide information to contribute to these questions and, therefore to a policy discussion. This study develops a micro–macro modelling approach with alternative fiscal financing options to address these developmental and affordability issues simultaneously and systematically. The analysis suggests that the government could address growing poverty and inequality in the short term with benign impacts on macroeconomic and fiscal outcomes while the country looks for other initiatives to achieve higher growth and employment in the long run. HIGHLIGHTS • Modelling the impact of South Africa’s Basic Income Support (BIS) for unemployed individuals. • Utilises microsimulation and Computable General Equilibrium models. • Assess the impact of various funding scenarios for the BIS on the economy and households. • Overall, BIS reduces poverty and inequality, but there are regional differences. • BIS also stimulates the economy, promoting long-term growth.
Addressing policy implementation shortcomings through co-production : critical analysis of the Jakarta Child Card for improving early childhood development
Asmorowati, Sulikah; Schubert, Violeta; Mangai, Mary S.; Irianto, Jusuf; Ismail, Junaida (Routledge, 2025)
As part of an Early Childhood Development (ECD) strategy, the Jakarta Provincial Government introduced the Jakarta Child Card (Kartu Anak Jakarta—KAJ) to address low ECD participation and high malnutrition rates among children under five in low-income households. Using a qualitative case study and the Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) framework, this paper analyses the effectiveness and sustainability of the KAJ program. It finds that increased participation and reduced malnutrition occurred where local communities, professionals, and especially mothers collaborated. Notwithstanding ongoing challenges relating to quality, the need for strategies of improvement, including the advancement of data infrastructure and the integration of big data, it is clear that increased community and paternal engagement a.k.a. co-production and parent education on ECD are crucial.
Water, sanitation, and energy as determinants of food security among rural women-led households
Mazenda, Adrino; Nkwana, Hunadi Mapula (Springer, 2025)
In South Africa, especially in rural areas, access to essential resources such as water, sanitation, and energy is limited. This issue disproportionately impacts female-headed households, which also face challenges related to poverty and gender inequality. This study examines how water and sanitation influence food security in these households, focusing on the role of energy access as a mediating factor in the rural provinces of Limpopo and the Eastern Cape. Data was collected from 2369 female-headed households through the 2022 South African General Household Survey, and the analysis was conducted using structural equation modelling. The study findings showed a positive effect of improved water sources and enhanced food security (estimate = 0.06, p < 0.05). Conversely, water interruptions reduce food security (estimate = − 0.09, p < 0.001), with a significant indirect effect (estimate = − 0.03, p < 0.001). Municipal water sources negatively affect food security (estimate = − 0.07, p = 0.004). Consequently, improved sanitation positively influenced food security (estimate = − 0.10, p < 0.001). The location of sanitation facilities positively affects food security (estimate = 0.20, p = 0.001). Finally, access to energy contributes to improved food security (estimate = 0.07, p = 0.007). The study highlights the need for targeted policies to address these households' unique challenges and strengthen their resilience against food insecurity.
Food insecurity and coping strategies of low-income households in Tshwane, South Africa
Mazenda, Adrino; Mushayanyama, Tinashe (Wiley, 2024-12)
This study used principal component analysis to providetargeted policy interventions in response to livelihoodcoping strategies adopted by low‐income households inTshwane (Pretoria), South Africa. The empirical findingsare categorized into four food‐coping strategy groups. Thefirst group comprises households that depend on beggingand borrowing to survive. The second group compriseshouseholds who use credit to purchase food and subse-quently restrict their meals or skip them altogether. Thethird group comprises households that frequently borrowmoney to purchase food. These households prioritizebuying necessities and sticking to a budget. These house-holds also resort to selling assets to cushion againstincome shocks. The final group comprises households thatdo not have food gardens and rely on buying cheap,undesired food that they eat in smaller portions duringtheir meal times. These findings raise concerns about theneed for policies that increase household income and foodaccess for the vulnerable urban population. Raisingawareness about healthy and nutritious foods that can beobtained at a lower cost is also essential.
Co-production analysis in waste management : a local perspective
Prastya, Imam Yudhi; Putranti, Ika Riswanti; Yuniningsih, Tri; Priyadi, Budi Puspo; Mangai, Mary S. (Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang, 2024-09)
This research aims to analyze co-production practices in waste management through the Waste Bank and Reuse, Reduce, and Recycle Waste Management Area (TPS 3R) in Semarang City on the grounds that Semarang City is the largest waste generate in Central Java Province. Qualitative descriptive was used as a method with data collection techniques using interviews with 11 informants, documentation and observation. Community-based waste management practices are analyzed using the concept of co-production. The findings of this research are that co-production in waste management is motivated by environmental problems, the lack of waste services and government encouragement. Resource sharing occurs between communities, government and Non Government Organizations (NGOs) although the quality of relationships needs to be improved. Waste banks and 3R TPS apart from providing services to residents, is also able to enter "spaces" that the government cannot reach through reducing waste, educating citizens and as a data collector for the government.
Consequences of political interference on the professionalism of the Lesotho defence force
Makhabane, Mathuso; Masiya, Tyanai; Lubinga, Stellah N. (CV. Afdifal Maju Berkah, 2024-10)
This article examines the consequences of political interference on the professionalism of the Lesotho Defence Force. Political interference has affected diverse African public institutions' smooth and professional operations. Using the qualitative research approach, the study examined the consequences of political interference on the professionalism of the Lesotho Defence Force. Data was gathered from secondary sources. The collected secondary data was analysed using thematic analysis. The identified consequences encompass the politicisation of the military, the abuse of power, compromised autonomy, erosion of meritocracy, degradation of civilian-military relations, threats to national security, and diminishing citizens’ trust. In light of these critical findings, the study advocates for decisive actions to mitigate the adverseeffects of political interference. Specifically, the article recommends the comprehensive implementation of military security sector reforms aimed at fostering a transparent, accountable, and civilian-responsive military that aligns with the public's needs and operates in a manner consistent with international standards.
Examining the relationship between consumption of a protein-based diet and hypertension among urban households : a cross-sectional study
Mazenda, Adrino; Katiyatiya, Chenaimoyo Lufutuko Faith; Sari, Ni Putu Wulan Purnama (Wiley, 2025-03)
BACKGROUND AND AIMS : Hypertension continues to be a significant health challenge, contributing to numerous deaths. Dietary factors are key risk factors for hypertension. Evidence indicates that consuming at least four different types of protein each week may help reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure. This study aims to analyze the impact of protein intake on the health status of household members living with hypertension in Gauteng province, South Africa. METHODS : This study applied a cross-section design and stepwise binary logit regression to analyze the protein diet intake of 3278 households with members experiencing hypertension in eight Gauteng municipalities in South Africa. The study utilized nonmedical secondary data from the Gauteng City-Region Observatory Quality of Life survey for 2021/2022, which included 13,168 randomly sampled households. RESULTS : The findings showed that consuming beans (B = 0.120; p = 0.066), chicken (B = 0.349; p < 0.001), tin fish (B = 0.244; p < 0.001), meat (B = 0.235; p < 0.001), offal (B = 0.128; p = 0.050), and dairy (B = 0.294; p < 0.001) was positively associated with a reduced risk of hypertension. Animal protein was preferred over plant protein. Hypertension was more common in low-income households. Households with food expenditures of R0−R500, R501−R1000, and R1001−R2000 had probabilities of not suffering from hypertension that increased by at least 0.643, 0.799, and 0.826, respectively. CONCLUSIONS : The study showed that consuming various proteins, particularly from beans, chicken, tin fish, meat, offal, and dairy, reduces hypertension health risks. It also shows that households with higher food expenditures experience lower hypertension prevalence, emphasizing the importance of dietary variety and financial resources in maintaining a healthy diet and reducing hypertension.
To what extent does corruption erode trust? Evidence of reputational spillovers from ten countries in the Southern African Development Community
Fernandez, Sergio; Malan, Lianne Priscilla; Holtzhausen, Natasja; Tshiyoyo, Mudikolele Michel (Taylor and Francis, 2025)
Emerging research indicates political corruption erodes political trust. However, previous studies have not adequately explored the question of whether corruption by a policy actor can spill over to influence trust in other policy actors. We draw insight from research and theory on collective reputation of organisations among other literature to explain why political corruption can produce reputational spillovers. Using individual-level Afrobarometer survey data from ten countries in the Southern African Development Community, one of the world’s corruption hotspots, the analysis reveals perceived involvement in corruption by a policy actor can spill over to tarnish the reputation of other actors involved in the policy process. State and nonstate policy actors like politicians, judges, bureaucrats and traditional leaders in some measure share a collective reputation and fate. We offer suggestions on how to combat corruption in ways that minimise spillovers and safeguard a shared reputation.

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