African Journal of Public Affairs Volume 9, Number 3 (2016)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/59921

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Front matter, African Journal of Public Affairs, Volume 9, Number 3
(African Consortium of Public Administration, 2016)
Higher education mergers in South Africa : a means towards an end
(African Consortium of Public Administration, 2016) Baloyi, M.C.; Naidoo, Goonasagree
The purpose of the study is to investigate the extent to which the 2004 higher education mergers contributed to the post-1994 democratic government’s broader transformation policy agenda of South African society in general. Accordingly, the mergers are then viewed as a mere quantitative reduction of apartheid-engineered higher education institutions from 36 to 21. Rather, a transcendent qualitative perspective is adopted, according to which “mergers” are conceptually nuanced as introducing a different academic nomenclature to advance access, redress, and equity; with the curriculum occupying a pivotal role. The study therefore, posits the higher education institutional mergers as a transition (means) towards the advancement of transformation (end), with access, redress, and equity as foremost policy variables. The qualitative-descriptive model by Blumberg et al., (2005) provided the methodological approach according to which The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) was viewed as a relevant research setting and case study. Since the conceptual novelty of the higher education mergers did not have the benefit of theoretically supported antecedence in SA, the case study approach facilitated the systematisation of a range of complexities induced by the erstwhile configuration based on race, geographic location, funding, missions, and institutional typology. It is anticipated that the expected outcome of the study is the development of a policy framework to advance transformation beyond higher education.
Human capital development in local government and the search for a capable state
(African Consortium of Public Administration, 2016) Du Plessis, L.M.
Any organisation’s functioning is dependent on the people involved in it and their ability to optimally work towards the organisation’s mandate. In a highly competitive world, career success and accompanying rewards play a significant role in the lives of individuals. In return for contributing to the organisational mandate, people would like to believe and feel that they are equally rewarded. These rewards may of course take on many forms, what is important is that people want to feel appreciated in their work environment. In outlining the basic values and principles governing public administration, Section 195(1)(a) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 provides for the promotion and maintenance of a high standard of professional ethics. Section 195(1)(h) furthermore provides for the cultivation of good human resource management and career development practices to maximise human potential. Linked to these constitutional provisions, chapter 13 of the National Development Plan Vision 2030, deals with the strategic development and service delivery blueprint of the South African government, for the creation of a capable state, promoting the notion of “making the public service and local government careers of choice”. For any organisation to be regarded as capable, it can be assumed that it has to achieve results attached to the functions associated with such an organisation. According to a study conducted by Matebesi (2015), protest action by local communities in South Africa had increased from approximately 10 in 2004 to 111 in 2010 to 173 in 2012. In the first nine months of 2014, 134 demonstrations were recorded. The study defined service delivery protests as “collective action taken by a community which was directed at a local municipality over poor or inadequate provision of basic services”. Based on this study, one could easily be tempted to argue against the capability of local government organisations in South Africa. Although it would obviously be an unbalanced approach to use the number of service delivery protests as the only yardstick to measure local government capability, it has to be recognised that the ability of South African municipalities to provide in the basic service delivery and developmental needs of local communities, is under constant scrutiny. The results of the recently concluded local government elections, in which the governing African National Congress lost control in key municipalities in the country, are seen by many, as an additional indication that the supposed recipients of municipal services are not satisfied with the performance of municipal organisations. This article will, on the basis of the above, examine the issue of human capital development in local government. It will attempt to ascertain how career professionals in municipalities feature in the seemingly challenging environment of local government. The article will furthermore, based on career development literature, determine, what a career of choice as outlined in the NDP, constitutes. The ultimate aim is to use the theoretical foundations of this article for follow-up empirical research in local government.
Intergovernmental fiscal transfers to provinces : how equitable is the equitable share?
(African Consortium of Public Administration, 2016) Hendriks, C.J.
Intergovernmental fiscal transfers from national government to provincial governments are essential to ensure that provinces perform their allocated functions at the required standard. In this regard, the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 enshrines the principle that provincial governments are entitled to an equitable share of the nationally raised revenue. To determine the size of the share to which each province is entitled, South Africa makes use of an equitable share formula. This article tests the fiscal stress experienced by the different provinces as well as the size of the provincial allocations against objective criteria to determine how equitable these transfers are. Based on an analysis of a variety of documents such as national legislation and official publications, this article concludes that the equitable share formula is mainly a population-driven formula and that the population size of each province is the predominant contributor to the size of a provincial allocation. The outcomes point to the fact that although there is a correlation between the size of the allocation to each province and the criteria used to determine the fairness thereof, other factors that may influence the cost of services are not considered by the formula. This is relevant because aspects like economies of scale, topography and geography may influence a provincial government’s ability to provide services.
Strategies to restore confidence in South African local government
(African Consortium of Public Administration, 2016) Kroukamp, Hendrik Jacobus
The now apparently unrealistic expectations of the public generated by the democratic transformation in South Africa led inter alia to public disillusionment due to a failure of government to deliver basic services and create conditions conducive to local economic development. Confidence in government, but specifically in local government, is therefore at an all-time low. In this article, specific strategies are therefore proposed to ensure that confidence can be restored in government not only to attract cooperation from citizens to the agreed policies and programmes of government, but also to ensure that stability, peace and development can be attained. Leadership in all spheres of government is of utmost importance as the absence thereof leaves government vulnerable to non-compliance and in a dysfunctional state. Furthermore, to enable municipalities to have access to training, operational guidelines and specialised skills, finances must be available to ensure financially viable local government. Coupled with government’s efforts through the Back to Basics campaign, the above-mentioned strategies are discussed to restore confidence in local government.
The role of local government in using social innovation for improved service delivery : a 21st century strategy with reference to South Africa
(African Consortium of Public Administration, 2016) Lues, B.
This article argues that social innovation (SI) for delivering and improving local government services is already used with much success in European and Asian countries as well as in the United States of America. However, it appears as if in South Africa, the use of SI for improving service delivery is not receiving the attention policymakers have hoped for. This statement is based on the fact that although SI is addressed in many policy documents, it is still not sufficiently integrated in the National System of Innovation. Against the backdrop of a decline in key economic indicators and inadequate basic service delivery by local government, there has been a concomitant rise in municipal and labour protests and unnecessary turbulence in South Africa. The aim of this article is therefore to elucidate the role that local government could (and needs to) play when using SI for improved service delivery.
De-politicisation of service delivery in local government : prospects for development in South Africa
(African Consortium of Public Administration, 2016) Madumo, Onkgopotse Senatla
Most African countries have undergone administrative reform since the end of colonisation and oppression. These measures were imperative as they aim at creating an environment conducive for development, growth and prosperity for the continent. However, Africa is still faced with a myriad of challenges. This article aims at providing an explanation of how to achieve an effective public service by utilising a depoliticised local government. It begins by exploring the concepts of politicisation and de-politicisation. The article argues that de-politicisation as an administrative reform will usher in a professionalised local government, where the improvement of the delivery of services is achieved and sustainability of the quality of services is maintained. The article provides a conclusion and recommendations summarising the salient feature of the discussion of dissociating politics from administration when delivering services to citizens, thereby ensuring development through equitable and efficient provision of services.
Fixing the nexus between intergovernmental relations and integrated development plans for socio-economic development : case of South Africa
(African Consortium of Public Administration, 2016) Mbecke, Paulin; Mokoena, S.K.
The South African cooperative governmental system consists of three distinct, interdependent and interrelated spheres (local, provincial and national) of government. The collaboration, coordination and cooperation between them are facilitated by intergovernmental relations. Municipalities provide goods and services through the Integrated Development Plans system, whereas provincial and national governments focus on policies, coordination, technical support and funding. Through public administration research methodology based on literature and policy reviews, this article observes that provincial and national governments are not actively involved in municipalities’ planning processes and are thus hampering service delivery. It argues that on its own, intergovernmental relations and the Integrated Development Plans have not facilitated service delivery. The article observes that incorporating the intergovernmental relations within the Integrated Development Planning system can facilitate effective service delivery. The article emphasises the importance of a participative type of governance to facilitate the involvement of the public and other local stakeholders. It then proposes a convergence intergovernmental relations model to facilitate direct and active participation by the local, provincial and national governments in integrated development planning, thus promoting and sustaining service delivery.
Beyond codes of conduct towards a public service ethos in South Africa : lessons to be learned from Finland and Denmark
(African Consortium of Public Administration, 2016) Sayeed, C.M.
Improving ethics is critical for enhancing accountability and vice versa, as ethical standards impact on the performance and the extent to which public officials are willing, or unwilling to be accountable for their performance. This article examines what guidelines are needed to improve ethical standards in the South African public service. The article firstly provides a literature review of ethics, integrity and the role of codes of conduct. Secondly, the article provides an overview of ethics, integrity and codes of conduct in the South African public service. Lastly, the article reflects on empirical evidence from studies conducted in Finland and the Netherlands in generating a way forward for identifying the necessary guidelines for improving ethical standards in the South African public service. The findings offer suggestions of external regulations, compliance programmes and voluntary ethics programs as the most effective way to combat inappropriate organisational behaviour.
Public protector : fearless defender of ethical conduct, a seven-year campaign
(African Consortium of Public Administration, 2016) Thornhill, Christopher
An article entitled ‘The role of the Public Protector: case studies in public accountability’ was published by the author in the African Journal of Public Affairs, 4(2), September 2011. That article focused on some cases that illustrate the nature and extent of the role the Public Protector in identifying and making findings on significant cases of corrupt practices and maladministration. The current Public Protector, Advocate Thuli Madonsela, is now at the end of her seven-year non-renewable appointment. It is apposite to review her contribution to promoting ethical conduct and enforcing public accountability. A single article cannot do justice to all 150 reports produced during her term of office to prove the value of the Public Protector in the South African public sector. Instead, the article presents a desktop analysis of selected reports by the Public Protector, on cases involving the national, provincial and local spheres of government. The legislation relevant to the cases is discussed, in addition to the handling of the reports by the government and Parliament and the Constitutional Court’s ruling on the incumbent’s powers. The Nkandla case, also called Secure in comfort, epitomises the careful research, deliberation, findings and constitutional status of the Public Protector in the South African system of democratic government.
Analysing the thinking and learning styles of the Senior Management Service
(African Consortium of Public Administration, 2016) Van Dijk, Hilligje Gerritdina; Labuschagne, M.J.
With the creation of the Senior Management Service (SMS) in 2001 a specific attempt was made at professionalising the senior management cadre of the Public Service. An inherent requirement for professionalisation is continuous executive development. The article argues that for executive development to meet the requirements of both the organisation and the senior manager, learning and thinking style preferences should be considered in the design and implementation of continuous professional development interventions. The article uses a mixed method research approach to determine the thinking and learning style preferences of senior managers who participated in the Executive Development Programme (EDP) as part of their professional development. The article provides a theoretical perspective of thinking and learning style preferences based on the work done by Kolb (1973) and Neethling (2000). The findings reveal a specific preference towards left brain thinking and learning which is structured, analytical and processdriven with limited preference towards innovative or imaginative considerations. The article argues that the thinking and learning preferences of senior managers is indicative of an environment in which structure and process (or compliance) are emphasised, yet senior managers are expected to be visionary in dealing with service delivery complexities. Thinking and learning preferences should be considered in the manner in which professional development is driven as well as designed. Ultimately professional development should enable the senior manager to perform better at a practical, competency level, but also at a higher level of self-awareness necessary for leading public service delivery in such a complex environment.
Mechanisms to strengthen accountability and oversight within municipalities, with specific reference to the Municipal Public Accounts Committee and the Audit Committee of Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality
(African Consortium of Public Administration, 2016) Van Niekerk, Tryna; Dalton-Brits, E.
Public accountability is, to an increasing extent, becoming one of the main requirements of good governance in all spheres of government. Ijeoma and Sambumbu (2013:282) maintain that effective accountability and oversight result in improved good corporate governance, effective management of public finances and effective service delivery. Thornhill (2015:79) states that accountability refers to “a statutory obligation to provide for independent and impartial observers holding the right of reporting their findings at the highest levels of state, any available information about financial administration which they may request”. Oversight entails the proactive control mechanisms initiated by the legislature for the executive and administrative organs of state to encourage compliance with the statutory and legislative frameworks, in order to ensure effective delivery on agreed objectives for the achievement of government priorities (South African Legislative Sector 2008:4). This article determines what oversight and accountability mechanisms are currently applied within municipalities. For the purpose of this article the mechanisms to promote accountability and oversight within municipalities, with specific reference to the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) and Audit Committee of Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, will be discussed. This will be followed by a discussion of the current challenges of accountability and oversight within municipalities. The article further aims to make specific recommendations to strengthen accountability and oversight within municipalities in the Free State Province.

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