Browsing by Department "Graduate School of Development Policy and Practice"

Now showing 1 - 20 of 48
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    A comparative analysis of housing policies of Namibia and South Africa
    (2018) Mathe, Audrin; Hirsch, Alan
    Both Namibia and South Africa have had mixed success in their housing policies since the advent of democracy in both countries in the 1990s. This paper proceeds from the hypothesis that each country can learn useful lessons from each other in respect of housing policy. The primary purpose of this research was to describe and systematically compare the housing policies of Namibia and South Africa. The historical backgrounds of the countries, existing policies and the manner in which the policies are implemented were investigated. The research examined the housing policies of Namibia and South Africa in terms of their similarities and differences and to consider the impact and implications. Namibia and South Africa vary in their expenditure commitments to provide affordable homes. Their housing policy strategies also differ. Differences reflect different levels of prosperity and differences in governance and institutional arrangements. The study concluded that the policies of Namibia and South Africa are, in the main, similar in that both Namibia and South Africa have enacted legislation that govern matters related to housing – either as housing relates to financing and affordability or as a function of ownership. South Africa stands out, however, in that the right to adequate housing is a prescript of the constitution. In both the investigated countries, there is evidence that their policies are committed to a housing process built on the foundations of people’s participation and partnerships. But there are also differences with regard to implementation. In this study, it is brought to bear on both countries that the provision of housing was not all that successful. But good policies are a good start to a successful outcome of a process.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Open Access
    A comparative analysis of South Africa's minerals-energy complex before 2011 and the current pursuit of a renewable just energy transition post-2011 to 2023
    (2025) Khumalo, Sbusiso; Nxele, Musawenkosi
    This research traces South Africa's energy transition. It examines to what extent South Africa is on a just transition trajectory by comparing the minerals-energy complex and the current transition to renewable energy. It conducts this review of just transition through the lens of “equity” and suggests that “just transition” concerns equity or equitable distribution. It examines if South Africa is on a just transition by researching four dimensions of equity. The dimensions include (a) energy security, (b) the inclusivity of job creation, (c) redress for historical injustices experienced by vulnerable communities, and (d) broad-based empowerment initiatives. This is measured and deduced from the empirical review of the extent to which South Africa's energy sector has undergone or is undergoing a just transition. By systematically evaluating these dimensions, the research found that energy security can only be met if fairly distributed to all, avoiding the repetition of the minerals-energy complex structure which was biased against black people. The current renewable energy transition must ensure that the distribution of energy does not prioritise industrial companies but also supplies low-income households with affordable energy. South Africa's energy sector will need to diverge from the minerals-energy complex's narrow or enclave distributional structure. The sector will only be on a just transition if community protection and broad-based initiatives are mandatory targets to be met by private renewable companies (specifically Independent Power Producers). Lastly, stakeholder alignment is important for a successful just transition embedded in energy policies.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Open Access
    A critical analysis of civil society's engagement in South Africa's just energy transition: dynamics and debates
    (2025) Ramasesane, Lerato; Camerer, Marianne
    South Africa is currently undergoing a Just Energy Transition (JET) that seeks to design and create a clean and just energy industry in South Africa. This process is underpinned by a rapid revision of energy sector policies, regulatory frameworks and debates around energy reform. The aim of the study is to critically analyse the debates and dynamics underpinning Civil Society Organisations' (CSOs) participation as key stakeholders in the JET process taking place within South Africa: How is civil society engaging in the energy reform process in general and specifically with regards to debates around JET in South Africa? Currently civil society engages in state-sanctioned and self-created platforms around JET, however the extent to which it participates, the challenges it faces, and the dynamics of this civil space are not well understood. The research is based on a qualitative research design and involved in-depth interviews with representatives from several CSOs involved in JET debates as well as desktop research. Strategic and purposive sampling was used as a method for choosing respondents best suited to provide answers for the research question. The research found that CSOs actively participate in energy transition debates in South Africa using a variety of strategies and tactics. These include litigation, public participation platforms, media, resistance campaigns and grassroots community activism. Whilst there have been considerable victories - including advocating for energy access, justice and broader consultation - CSOs face resource related challenges, threats and power dynamics whilst engaging in JET processes. There is also a disconnect between local and international CSOs working in this space. Recommendations are made for more funding and collaboration opportunities to increase the scope, depth and participation of civil society in the JET discourse. The research may assist policy makers, CSOs and researchers to better understand the current participation of civil society in the policymaking and reform process of energy transition in South Africa. Also, the debates and dynamics that characterise and inform their engagement.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    A phenomenological approach to profiling the life experiences of the Kayayoo in Ghana
    (2021) Dodd, Rose Aba; Govender, Rajen
    The Kayayei of Ghana have been studied over several decades though there still exists a gap in the literature based on their profiles. A contributing factor to that gap is the limited information around how many Kayayoo are across the country. Another is the varied demographic and biographic profiles of Kayayoo that provide a good extent of diversity but not depth. Current policy and program interventions are driven by the profiles of Kayayoo, as is presented in existing research. However, the existing profiles miss out on the richness and texture of the Kayayoo's life, which means that programs and policy interventions that use them are not as effective as they could be in reaching the Kayayoo's needs. This phenomenological study revealed that there is likely no need to continue trying to conduct a census of Kayayoo in other to understand their lives. Especially since the nature of their movements in migration remain nomadic. Instead, what is needed are interventions on their external environment that will strengthen their sense of choice and agency. This study's insights show that the meaning and connections the Kayayoo constructs of family, social network, and work are driven by their construction of self. It showed that the Kayayoo exercises more of their agency than may be evident. Their actions are engendered by what they perceive allows them to exercise this agency and choice. With this insight, what is needed is a mapping of the Kayayoo's external environment to identify their intersections with public policy and other services, and then design interventions on that environment to maximize the benefits of their actions when they make a choice to access it. The outcomes of policy and programs will undoubtedly be better and more impactful if designed based on this more in-depth understanding of the Kayayei from their point of view.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    A retrospective comparative analysis of the maternal and child health MDGs in Rwanda, Burundi and Uganda: Beyond 2015
    (2019) Ntukanyagwe, Michelle M.; Levy, Brian
    The timeline of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) elapsed in 2015, global indicators showed that Africa still accounts for almost half of all child deaths globally and has the world’s highest maternal mortality rates. By the year 2015, Africa as a continent was unable to meet the maternal and child health MDG targets. This study seeks to retrospectively compare, the progress made on the maternal and child health related Millennium Development Goals namely: MDG4- Reduce child mortality and MDG5- Improve Maternal Health, in Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda. Indicators show that, only Rwanda was able to achieve the maternal and child health MDGs. Specifically, the study provides a contextual understanding of the policy interventions implemented by Rwanda, despite starting from a lower base in comparison to Burundi and Uganda due to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The study also sought to understand how broad governance indicators specifically, government effectiveness and control of corruption vary between the three countries: Rwanda, Burundi and Uganda as well as their impact on maternal and child health trends. The study illustrates how Rwanda’s governance is underpinned by a system that is strongly hinged on ideological clarity, good leadership, country ownership for effective policy execution and enforcement of accountability through home grown solutions like imihigo. The integration of imihigo within the health sector has, in addition to other innovative interventions, like the implementation of the Community Health Insurance Policy, deployment of over 60,000 community health workers, innovative use of ICT in health like rapid short message service (sms), drones among others. In contrasting the governance of the health sectors in Rwanda and Uganda, one of the striking differences is that in Rwanda, there are strong linkages between the local and central levels for policy implementation and evaluation, and between the health sector and finance ministry. These are indicative of strong intra-governmental accountability. Uganda on the other hand, despite having good laws and policies in place, still faces poor implementation and lack of strong accountability mechanisms, due to low levels of ownership. The contrast is also sharply illustrated by Rwanda’s higher score in the indicative measures of “government effectiveness and control of corruption”. In short, better quality governments usually have positive effect on development outcomes thanks to overall efficiency in the delivery of public services. Specific recommendations include for Uganda to generate good local governance, effective implementation of decentralisation, follow through of policies and enforcement of accountability for performance failures, the use of community health workers to address existing scarcity of health sector personnel as well as the adoption of ICT policies to support the implementation of health interventions.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    An Analysis of the role of governance on effective programme management - A case of Namibia Mass Housing Development Programme Management - A case of Namibia Mass Housing Development Programme
    (2018) Wilhelm, Martha; Govender, Rajen; Platzky, Laurine
    Namibia has been praised for having rigorous policy frameworks that address various national development challenges. Over the years, the country has introduced various policy initiatives to address the housing challenge in the country. However, implementation of such policies and programmes faced various challenges resulting in suboptimal outcomes and consequently, a situation where such programmes are abandoned, and new ones are introduced with little learning from past experiences. This paper, analysed the role of governance on effective programme management using a case study of Namibia’s Mass Housing Development Programme. The findings highlight governance challenges, as one of the key contributing factors to failing programmes. A qualitative approach was employed in gathering data using face to face in-depth interviews with the informants who represented the target population in the study. The paper contributes to the body of knowledge on the importance of governance which public policy and programme makers can draw lessons from for effective programme implementation.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    An analysis of whether Mozambique can gain greater participation in the natural gas value chain
    (2020) Bangure, Kudzanayi; Goldman, Ian
    The African continent possesses a wealth of natural mineral resources. Arguments have been put forward that these natural mineral resources can be one of the potential solutions to unlocking the challenge of underdevelopment and pervasive poverty in many African countries. Understanding how African countries can gain greater benefit from these mineral resources was the emphasis of this dissertation. Focus was placed specifically on the Mozambique natural gas sector. A case study methodology was employed with the purpose of determining whether Mozambique could gain greater participation in its natural gas value chain. Empirical and theoretical literature around mineral resources management including leading theories such as the resource curse were reviewed as key points of departure. A detailed analysis of historic natural gas projects executed in Mozambique, the legislative framework, contracts, and institutional and capacity demands then followed as a core part of the analysis. Finally, the study leaned on in-depth interviews with industry experts to understand the legal, policy, and technical barriers that could hinder Mozambique from gaining greater participation in the natural gas value chain. Key findings of the study pointed to the inadequacies of existing laws and contract provisions to deliver the vision of greater participation, barriers to entry such as high upfront capital requirements, and internal institutional and technical capacity gaps exemplified by the reliance on external technical assistance from partners such the World Bank. The study concluded that greater participation in the natural gas value chain could not be achieved through Mozambique legislating its way into upstream and midstream activities alone, rather, a progressive approach to gain greater participation was required, initially starting with increased participation in downstream activities through domestic gas to unlock industrialisation.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    An Assessment of the Effectiveness of Water Quality Monitoring and Drinking Water Quality Compliance by Environmental Health Practitioners at Selected Metropolitan and District Municipalities in South Africa during 2013-2014
    (2018) Cele, Aneliswa; Levy, Brian
    Access to safe drinking water is a basic right accorded to all people, and their well-being is critically dependent on both the quality of water and its availability, and how well these are managed. Water quality monitoring is an important activity for ensuring water supplied to the community is safe for human consumption. The legislation safeguarding the delivery of safe water has been evolving and implementation varies. Demand by communities for improvement in services places more pressure on the municipalities. The aim of the study is to assess the water quality compliance and explore the effectiveness of water quality monitoring by Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) in South Africa. The aim of the study is to assess the effectiveness of water quality monitoring and the water quality compliance rate in municipalities in the country. The specific objectives of the study:  describe the water quality monitoring system by local municipalities in the country;  assess the compliance rate of domestic water quality samples taken by EHPs per municipality;  assess the staffing norm of EHPs per municipality in comparison to the population served; and  establish the relationship between the results of water compliance rate and the number of EHPs per municipality. A retrospective qualitative and quantitative study was conducted of the water quality compliance rate using the District Health Information System (DHIS) data for the period 2010-2014, with the focus on the period 2013-2014. Detailed analysis was conducted on water quality compliance rate per municipality per month, EHPs staffing norm in municipalities per province, and the compliance rate of domestic water samples taken by EHPs per municipality. The compliance rate was compared to the number of EHPs and also to the population served. Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) was used to test for association of the water quality compliance rate and number of EHPs per Municipality. Data was also analysed on health outcomes, specifically the reports of acute diarrhoea outbreaks during the same year in the North West, KwaZuluNatal and Northern Cape provinces. The results reveal that water quality monitoring is not implemented effectively by most municipalities. The national microbiological compliance rate for the selected municipalities in 2013 to 2014 was at 88.8%, which is below the acceptable compliance standard (100%) in iii terms of SANS 241. It was also observed that the staffing status is not compliant with WHO norms: Mopani District Municipality in Limpopo has a shortage of 95%, and in Amajuba and Zululand District Municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal at 88%. Gaps in the routine data of the DHIS could not allow for a more comprehensive analysis of water quality compliance rate monitoring. Whereas the study has shown a weak positive association between the water quality compliance rate and the environmental health practitioner staffing rate in the municipalities, the Pearson's Coefficient Correlation test results were not statistically significant (R2 =0.0186). The regression line shows a slight positive relationship and the correlation coefficient is also positive. While, a variability may be perceived, it is not statistically obvious nor significant and maybe the result of inappropriate data in the DHIS, tools applied or a flawed assumption of a positive relationship between these two variables. The system exists to ensure a safe drinking water supply to communities. Gaps in legislation, formal guidelines and other contributing factors at different levels need to be addressed by various key stakeholders. As part of the water quality monitoring programme implementation by municipalities, there should be a strong emphasis on data management and communication amongst stakeholder including the Department of Health. Similarly, serious gaps in staffing for environmental health services (70%) need to be addressed to meet the WHO staffing norms. The following are recommended to strengthen water quality monitoring at municipal level: 1. There must be a strong policy to strengthen collaboration among key stakeholders on water provision services: water services authorities, environmental health services and the community to ensure effective and efficient service delivery. 2. Review legislation to harmonise functional powers between different ministries, including reviewing the powers of MECs responsible for health to support environmental health services at municipality level, and look at the roles and responsibilities of other relevant stakeholders. 3. EHPs should be more independent from municipal structures to allow for system that will function more efficiently without any hindrance. 4. The shortage of staff guided by the WHO Norm of 1: 10 000 EHPs per population needs to be addressed by municipalities. 5. Data management including reporting and communication should be strengthened at all levels.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    An assessment of the extent to which the city of Johannesburg's Rea Vaya bus rapid transit system is achieving its intended socio-economic and political objectives
    (2021) Mjiyako, Dominic Ntokozo; Platzky, Laurine
    South Africa is ranked number one in the world as the most unequal society by the World Bank. Inequalities are largely manifested in income, education and spatial arrangements, as well as access to opportunities and public services. My dissertation examines the impact of the City of Johannesburg's Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, and the transit-oriented development programme, known as Corridors of Freedom, in transforming the mini-bus taxi industry; providing safe and reliable public transport to previously marginalised communities; and to mitigate the legacy of apartheid spatial planning. The research examines the policy objectives of the Rea Vaya BRT system as part of the larger Corridors of Freedom capital programme, which aims to create development nodes to densify the City and improve mobility, and in turn enhance social integration. The research outlines the implementation of Rea Vaya over the past ten years, and explores the impact of the service on the City's commuters and the mini-bus taxi operators. A key argument of the paper is that while anecdotal evidence exists that the Rea Vaya BRT functions optimally, an evaluation study of the City's continued public investment is critical to ascertain whether the project is achieving its intended socio-political and economic objectives.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Open Access
    An explorative case study of blockchain as a means to enhancing land registry governance to uphold property and land restitution in South Africa
    (2024) Tshitangano, Tom; Gillwald, Alison; Camerer, Marianne
    Land ownership is one of the fundamental constitutional rights of every citizen in South Africa. The slow progress regarding land reform and security of tenure in the form of the transfer and registration of title deeds is arguably a failure of the State to uphold the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. Section 25 (5) of the Constitution requires the state to take measures to foster conditions which enable equitable access to land and to take reasonable legislative and other measures, within its available resources, to foster conditions which enable citizens to gain access to land on an equitable basis. Governance inefficiencies in the current land registry, specifically in relation to title deeds associated with land restitution and social housing — including acts such as corruption and fraud — hinder the progress of the constitutional requirement to reform land ownership. Such inefficiencies include the current centralisation of the Deeds Office; an incomplete land registry with a backlog of title deeds; insecure tenure for the majority of properties on communal land and in informal settlements; the inaccessibility of the land registry for the majority of the population; the high costs attached to purchasing property, accessing the land registry, conveyancing fees, deeds transfers and title deeds; processing delays caused by the current paper-based, manually driven land registry processes; and unreliable land audit reports. The Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) framework — together with public goods, principal-agent and collective action theory — form the core elements of the conceptual framework which is evident in the registration of titles for purposes of land reform in South Africa. This framework is used to analyse the existing institutional arrangements, the factors undermining the effectiveness of the land registry, and potential governance solutions and technological safeguards. 15 15 Alongside interviews with key experts, the analysis of the available secondary empirical evidence, the legal, regulatory and grey document and media coverage, following the coding of the data and- triangulation of findings provide a detailed context for the case study and evidence base for the limited but significant role blockchain could play in enabling more effective administration and governance of the land registration, particularly at the points that it is most vulnerable to abuse and which impacts on those least able to protect their interests. From the analysis, it is proposed that the identified resource constraints and lack of institutional capacity to implement a blockchain solution could be overcome through carefully managed public-private interplays. To fulfil its primary purpose, the registry needs to be complete, accurate, secure, and accessible to anyone wishing to register title deeds. This thesis examines whether the registry does fulfil these requirements currently. The findings from a set of high-level, in-depth interviews with experts in the field reveal that, while the registry system works relatively effectively for the high-end of the market, in the lower-end of the market where most of the land and housing reform transfers take place, there is evidence of inefficiencies including, inter alia, fraud. It finds that under particular complementary conditions, blockchain could provide a decentralised and secure land registry that could transform the Deeds Office and modernise land reform and restitution to address governance inefficiencies and aberrations, particularly in relation to corruption and fraud. This thesis makes the case for blockchain technology being deployed to enable the land registry in South Africa to fulfil its functions as a public good critical to the implementation of the Electronic Deeds Registration Systems Act of 2019. In doing so, it will be able to better serve its critical role in the constitutional requirements of land restitution and housing provision. 16 16 Keywords: land registry, land reform, corruption, fraud, public good, decentralisation, technology innovation, blockchain, public-private interplays, digital transformation, effective governance
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Open Access
    Are South African Businesses Adapting To The Demands Of The Carbon Tax Policy ? A Case Of Distell
    (2023) Trimble, Dale; Ismail, Faizel
    Climate change is our planet's biggest threat, making it one of the most important subjects. Climate change adversely affects the temperature, weather, and the environment we live in, which causes rising sea levels, prolonged droughts, supercharged storms, wildfires, and flooding. Governments have addressed strategies to create more climate-resilient economies. One approach being adopted by countries is using pricing mechanisms such as Emissions Trading Systems, which was predominately used in Europe, and the Carbon Tax policy, which is being used in South Africa and is the focus of this paper. The carbon tax system is designed to put a value on GHG emissions when businesses produce goods and services. This research focuses on whether South African companies are adapting to the demands of the carbon tax policy. This study initially sought to discover whether the carbon tax policy promotes behavioural change by reducing GHG emissions within businesses. The rationale for this paper is that South Africa must decrease GHG emissions per its agreements with the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement. South Africa is currently the 14th highest carbon emitter globally, and the reason for its high carbon emissions is that its primary power provider, ESKOM, relies on fossil fuels for electricity generation. Despite the carbon tax system being a pricing mechanism to reduce GHG emissions, there have been criticisms about the policy as it is seen as progressive. However, the tax raises production costs and could negatively impact firms' competitiveness. The research design used was a case study approach performed on South Africa's largest wine producer, namely Distell Group Limited, thus having an idiographic approach with semi-unstructured online interviews conducted. A convenience sampling method was used to gather participants, and the data collected were unstructured and nonnumerical, thus making it qualitative. The main finding of this research was that businesses are generally reducing GHG emissions due to the increased energy costs incurred; thus, limiting and conserving energy is important. The policy has not had much influence in this area as the effective tax rate is too low to encourage any radical change needed to achieve the environmental targets stated in the NDCs. This paper illustrates that there are very few adverse effects on the competition among firms as a consequence of the carbon tax policy. For South Africa to achieve the double dividend, the government must display more transparency in raising and applying carbon taxes. The recommendations for practice are based on the study of the literature and case study insights. The government should limit the discretion around allocating carbon tax revenues and treat them separately for financing environmental reforms, adverse effects on low-income people, and protecting trade-exposed sectors of companies like Distell. Implementing tax incentives for programs that focus on mitigation and adaptation, as well as sustainable business practices and investments in green technology, will assist in transitioning into a green economy.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    Assessing the efficacy of policy reform in Zimbabwe's Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Sector
    (2021) Ncube, Sukoluhle Primrose; Haricharan, Shanildutt; Hirsch, Alan
    In 2009 Zimbabwe experienced a cholera outbreak of unprecedented magnitude where over 90 000 cases where recorded an at least 4 500 people lost their lives. It is argued that this outbreak created the impetus for implementation of water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector reforms which would contribute towards addressing service level challenges and gaps. Through this study the researcher sought to understand the WASH sector reforms implemented and the extent to which they had resulted in the anticipated improvements in service delivery amongst targeted rural communities. The study adopted a mixed methodology descriptive survey to understand the practical aspects and intricacies of policy implementation and reform in the Zimbabwean WASH sector, with emphasis on the benefits of policy reform for enhancing access and management of rural WASH service delivery initiatives. Three empirical data sources were used, comprising of desktop review of documents on WASH policy implementation processes and guidelines, qualitative interviews carried out with four key informants from WASH coordinating committees and the case methodology to study three districts implementing the sector reforms using a semi-structured questionnaire administered to various district and community stakeholders. The researcher found that the WASH sector reforms have not fully achieved the intended objectives, although some strides have been made in terms of improving water and sanitation access to selected communities. However, the researcher notes that the gains in service coverage that have been made in the case districts are proving short-lived and unsustainable as issues such as limited funding, sustainability of the WASH coordination structures, operation and maintenance of infrastructures remain a real challenge. Considering these challenges the researcher recommends that the government explore alternative innovative sources for WASH funding including streamlining the WASH coordinating committees to improve efficiency and effectiveness, strengthening sector financing through adoption of user-pays initiatives and inclusion of community-based management structures in WASH planning and decision making to enhance effective community participation.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    Case Study: Commissioning of Du Noon Community Health Centre in the City of Cape Town Health District
    (2018) Grammer, Kathryn; Levy, Brian
    There is limited formal documentation of success stories in the Metro District Health System (MDHS) and its contribution towards strengthening the broader health system through increased access and quality of primary health care (PHC) in the City of Cape Town Health District. This case study explains how a cohesive, decentralized DHS team commissioned the largest new PHC facility in Western Cape as a tangible milestone of success of learning by doing, through improved internal district capabilities and external alliances
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Open Access
    China's development finance for cross-border infrastructure: an East African perspective on its role in advancing developmental regionalism and regional integration.
    (2025) Seyuba, Samukumba Mbanje; Ismail, Faizel
    This study explores whether China's development finance has contributed to regional integration in East Africa. The main research question is: has China's development finance of infrastructure projects contributed to developmental regionalism? This was supported by the sub question: has China's development finance of the Addis-Djibouti railway contributed to regional/development integration in East Africa? The study used a qualitative method and a single case study design. The Addis-Djibouti Railway (ADR) was facilitated by Chinese concessional loans to construct a cross-border railway project. The project addresses Ethiopia's landlocked status and enhances trade connectivity with Djibouti. A thematic analysis of the findings derived from six participants resulted in three themes: a) the African and Chinese approach to development finance; b) the contribution to regional integration in East Africa, and c) the contribution to developmental regionalism. The findings derived from these themes illustrate that the Addis-Djibouti Railway supports economic ties between these two nations. However, its broader impact on regional integration is limited by political instability, fragmented financing, and governance challenges. The study highlights that while China's infrastructure investments align with regional goals like the East African Railway Master Plan, they face significant barriers such as co-financing complexities and inadequate local capacity. Ultimately, the research reveals that while the railway enhances transportation and economic connectivity, the effective implementation of developmental regionalism requires the integration of both hard infrastructure—such as physical transportation networks—and soft infrastructure, including the institutional frameworks, governance mechanisms, and social systems necessary to support and sustain these physical assets. The study finds that the theoretical framework of developmental regionalism and its four pillars would allow for strategic planning and alignment with long-term regional goals which would maximize developmental benefits and foster deeper integration in East Africa.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Open Access
    Condom use and HIV testing behaviours of men working in the construction industry in Western Cape, South Africa
    (2025) Kweku Yakubu, Kamaluddin; Govender, Rajendran
    In 2017, UNAIDS published a report titled “Blind Spot: Reaching Out to Men and Boys”, which highlighted a global pattern where men experience worse outcomes than women in the HIV prevention and treatment cascade. This issue is particularly evident in South Africa, where men have been found to be less engaged in HIV prevention and treatment services compared to women. To address this disparity, targeted interventions are urgently needed to improve HIV- related health outcomes for men. However, many such interventions lack a clear theoretical foundation, making it difficult to replicate or assess their effectiveness. This study addresses this gap by empirically testing the Health Belief Model (HBM) and the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) within a purposive sample of men who are at high risk for HIV/AIDS and hard-to-reach through traditional health facility-based interventions, male construction workers. The study found that an integrated model combining HBM and TPB constructs provided a statistically significant explanation of HIV testing and condom use. Key findings include the direct influence of perceived threat of HIV/AIDS, attitudes and subjective norms on HIV testing, and the significant role of self-efficacy and attitudes towards condom use on condom use intention. In addition to socio-demographic factors such as age and education, experiential factors associated with the impact of someday antiretroviral (ARV) therapy initiation under Universal Test and Treatment (UTT), such as knowledge of where to obtain ARVs, were also found to directly influence the HBM and the TPB, underscoring the importance of the evolving social context of HIV prevention and treatment in understanding HIV-related health outcomes. Finally, the study offers a structured approach for assessing and documenting theory-based interventions, facilitating systematic investigation and replication across different settings.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    Cotton textile industry in Zambia: The economic viability of revamping Mulungushi Textiles Limited
    (2017) Munoni, Chiluba Mercy; Hirsch, Alan
    The agriculture and manufacturing sectors have been identified and prioritized by the Zambian government as sectors that could contribute significantly to poverty reduction through industrialization and creation of employment. The cotton textile industry is one such industry that cuts across the two sectors. This research paper focuses on the cotton textile industry in Zambia, with specific emphasis on Mulungushi Textiles Limited that was reopened by the Republican President, His Excellency, Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu in August 2016 after having been closed for about a decade. To this end, the main objective of the research paper is to analyze the economic viability of revamping Mulungushi Textiles Limited by focusing on determinants of viability which included; production cost, government policies and strategies, and institutional arrangements, among others. The study analyzes mainly qualitatively both primary and secondary data. Primary data was principally sourced through interviews and observations, while secondary data was through online and physical sources such as books, reports and other written publications. From the research findings, Mulungushi Textiles Limited factory machinery is obsolete and dilapidated to fully operationalize the business strategic units of ginning, spinning, weaving, dyeing and printing, garment production and cooking oil processing. The study recommends that the factory should undergo a complete overhaul in the long run and in the short run, resume garment production which was identified to be a low hanging fruit. The study concludes that, with the right investment, policies, strategies and concerted efforts from both the public and private sectors, revamping Mulungushi Textiles Limited is economically viable and has great potential to contribute to the government's efforts in promoting inclusive growth through poverty reduction, particularly in rural areas where poverty is mostly prevalent.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP): A solution to institutional challenges in Zambia’s Medical Supply Chain or another technical solution?
    (2019) Chenga, Kaputo Melody; Levy, Brian
    Do technical solutions override or fast track institutional reforms? This study interrogates the extent to which Zambia’s newly introduced Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) is addressing the procurement challenges [for essential drugs and medical supplies] in the Ministry of Health (MoH). A brain child of the Zambia Public Procurement Authority (ZPPA), the e-GP is but one of the components of the wider procurement reform agenda. The e-GP was introduced with the intention of enhancing efficiency, effectiveness and Value for Money (VfM) in public procurement. Since 2016, ZPPA has been piloting the approach in selected Procurement Entities (PEs), a combination of sector ministries and state parastatals. Based on review of project documentation, publicly available data, and interviews from key stakeholders; the study explores and interrogates the contextual and institutional challenges characterising the e-GP design and pilot implementation phases, and the extent to which these realities impact the achievement of the intended outcomes. A fair amount of information from interviewees was provided under conditions of confidentiality, thus individuals are not often identified. It is perhaps too early to ascertain the extent to which the e-GP is realising the intended objectives. This is partly explained by the project’s slow start, occasioned by delayed procurement which had knock - on effects on the overall project’s pace. An interrogation of the history and political economy of Zambia suggests however that it is the opaque challenges bordering on the political economy which is the single most binding constraint to reforms; defining the process, the pace and outcomes. The design of the e-GP was generic and non-participatory. There is no evidence to suggest that the process had provided opportunity for PE’s to define and customize the problems that mattered for them to be addressed by the e-GP. Instead, the e-GP seems to have been sold to PEs as a best practice solution. Because of the deep incentive fabric at both organizational and individual levels, the project seems to have some traction. Effort of various actors does not appear to be supportive of each, often latently contradicting each other. Project progress is held constant by the relative ability of the ZPPA to push some strands of work within some pilot PEs. This relative ability of the ZPPA shields the low levels of acceptance and questionable authority within PEs and among actors. Progress on the e-GP appears like a façade of success; suggestive of isomorphic mimicry.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    An exploration of actions to forge public entrepreneurship in the implementation of the expanded public works programme in the Eastern Cape
    (2016) Mageza, Quinton Qengeba; Levy, Brian
    The dissertation begins by outlining the history and objectives of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) as one of the key government interventions to address poverty and unemployment. The paper moves on to analyse the Vukuzakhe programme which is an initiative of the Eastern Cape Department of Roads and Public Works within the infrastructure sector of the EPWP. This analysis looks at policy assumptions in respect of institutional arrangements that informed the development and implementation of the Vukuzakhe Programme. The study goes on to identify and assess the outcomes of public entrepreneurship with the context of the Vukuzakhe programme. The hypotheses made are that: A: "The success of the Vukuzakhe programme was as the result of effective acts of public entrepreneurship." B: "The successful and effective acts of public entrepreneurship were demonstrated in the way in which change was orchestrated and directed, through the building of internal capacity and ability to marshal support from diverse stakeholders."
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    Exploring skills development within the interface of public and private sectors
    (2016) Malambe, Lucas; Levy, Brian
    Designed to be in line with the then government's apartheid policy, the manpower training system created a highly polarised national skills development system characterised by huge socio-economic inequalities, and an unemployment and poverty problem that was defined along racial lines (McGrath, 1996). The defeat of apartheid in the 1990s meant that the new government desperately needed to address these socio-economic challenges. It needed to do so while also trying to catch up with a rapidly globalising world economy characterised by rapid change, unprecedented competition, new technology, fast-growing emerging markets, workforce diversity, and a demand for new skills. The Draft 1997 Green Paper on Skills Development Strategy for Economic and Employment Growth in South Africa advocated for a state-driven national skills development system in partnership with firms, labour and a range of public and private training providers (Republic of South Africa, 1996: 62). The Green Paper led to the promulgation of a number of skills development legislations including the Skills Development Act (SDA) (No. 97 of 1998). The SDA envisaged Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) to act as key agencies in the delivery of skills development and workplace experience seen as essential in addressing the triple challenges of inequality, unemployment, and poverty (Republic of South Africa, 1998). Despite this new bold vision, SETAs have been relentlessly criticised for failing to respond to the demand for medium and high skills in an inclusive manner because of a crisis in governance and administration, poor planning, and corruption (Marock, Harrison-Train, Soobrayan & Gunthorpe, 2008; Barclay, 2012; Scott & Shuttleworth, 2007). SETA Boards tend to be riven with conflict as a result of their often opposing expectations and mandates, and the infighting spills over to executive managers and to the rest of the organisation. Boards that are preoccupied with internal power struggles are wont to lose focus on their fiduciary duties which revolve around the implementation of the National Skills Development Strategy (NSDS) (Scott & Shuttleworth, 2007). Even though optimum value can be derived from having institutional arrangements that are geared to the implementation of projects supporting organisational strategy, one in three of all strategy implementations fail as there is often a major rift between strategy (as designed by principals) and the actual projects (as implemented by agents) (Buys & Stander, 2010). Levy (2014) theorised that where the public is linked to service delivery nodes via politicians and policymakers who are in turn linked to service delivery providers, it is crucial to align the goals of agents with that of their principals. The SETA arrangement is, nonetheless, unique in that Board members are appointed by the Minister of Higher Education and Training in their capacity of representing a particular constituency such as a union or a business association. Even so, stakeholders must work together to optimise joint benefits and minimise their temptations to otherwise shirk, free ride or pursue selfish goals.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Open Access
    Governance reforms and national benefits : problems and prospects in Marange diamond mining in Zimbabwe
    (2016) Makombe, Percy Fungayi; Levy, Brian
    Zimbabwe is among the top diamond-producing countries and is believed to hold a quarter of the world's diamond reserves. Yet it is still one of the poorest countries as the economy is slumped and growth has slackened, and it is expected to further weaken. This study tracks the history of diamond mining at Marange diamond fields, describing what has played out since the discovery of huge diamond deposits in 2006.The study considers potential entry points to try and effect reform in diamond mining in the country. It also explores the governance options and their experience, distinguishing between domestic and global mechanisms and exploring the prospects for each. The study interrogates the strength and ability of various stakeholders to affect reform casting light on the politics and power dynamics at play.