21623 research outputs found
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Exploring the managerial competencies for excellent performance in KwaZulu-Natal South African Police Services.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.In South Africa (SA), previous research and the strategic plans for the South African Police Service (SAPS) have highlighted that inadequate managerial skills hinder professional advancement and effective crime management. The objective of this exploratory qualitative study was to examine managerial competencies for excellent performance, and subsequently, develop a framework for excellent performance tailored to the unique challenges faced by the SAPS in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). Guided by an interpretivist research philosophy, this study utilized semi-structured interviews to gather data from a sample of 11 purposively selected high-performing police managers at the levels of Lieutenant Colonels, Colonels, and Brigadiers, to explore their understanding of the managerial competences which tip them to excellent performance. Participants were drawn from various components within the KZN SAPS Provincial Office, ensuring a diverse representation of experiences and insights. Interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis to derive key themes related to managerial competences for excellent performance, according to the police work experience of the selected high performing police officers who participated in the research. The study reveals seven themes relating to competencies that are essential for ensuring excellent performance within the KZN SAPS. These themes include emotional intelligence (EQ) to lead self and others, enhancing collaboration for effective work performance, effective communication across multiple forms to achieve desired results, decision-making in a variety of stable and volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) contexts, command leadership agility, technology-savviness for informed policing, and strategic thinking. The second research question in this study focused on how managerial competencies impact performance outcomes in the KZN SAPS. Seven themes relating to the competencies that influence performance outcomes within the organization emerged, including decisive leadership competency, communication competency, decision-making competency, knowledge and expertise competency, management and administrative competency, analytical thinking, and problemsolving competency. Lastly, a competency framework for excellent managerial performance in the KZN SAPS is developed and proposed. The framework provides a structured approach to equipping police managers with the skills necessary to navigate complex challenges and enhance organizational effectiveness. The study concludes that police leadership should focus on strengthening the identified managerial competencies if they are to build the SAPS with excellent performers, pivotal to improving service delivery and addressing crime management challenges in the KZN SAPS
The threats of Northern Mozambique terrorist insurgencies for Mozambique and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.Terrorism is a global phenomenon. Since the SADC member states have gained independence from the chains of colonialism, the region has been characterised by the near absence of terrorism. The dominant perspective among academics and practitioners is that terrorism is prevalent in developed nations such as the West. This is due to their advanced economic and social systems, making it possibly more accessible for the extremists. However, recently, there has been a shift. Terrorist activities have expanded even to less developed nations, like in Africa. The study will examine the threats of Northern Mozambique terrorist insurgencies as the conflict can grow and transform into a serious regional conflict that would destabilise the SADC region and Africa.
The literature focuses on the different causes of the recent conflict and the response. Some have further ventured into providing resolutions. Guided by capacity theory, this study aims to contribute to the debate on Mozambique's current terrorist insurgencies. The study will identify possible threats posed by terrorists to Mozambique and the SADC region as an interconnected community. The study will further assess Mozambique's state capacity as a sovereign state and the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) regional capacity to deal with violent extremism.
A qualitative approach is adopted to ensure a comprehensive interpretation of data. The study is desktop by setting. Secondary data sources were used, mainly the official SADC communique on the conflict, peer-reviewed articles, books, news articles, and reports by humanitarian organisations on the conflict since 2017. The data gathered from the existing literature was analysed using the thematic analysis method. The findings show a strong correlation between state/regional capacity and lack of resources and their investment. The study explores local and regional organs, as it places importance on regionalism in dealing with extreme violence. The data shows that Mozambique and SADC have measures in place to deal with violent conflict; however, there were no direct measures or institutions designed to handle terrorism
Investigating the challenges of the Chris Hani District Municipality’s water sector value chain.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.This study aimed to investigate the water sector value chain as it relates to a specific location, that is, the Chris Hani District Municipality (CHDM). The local municipalities under the CHDM handed over their water services provision function to CHDM, whose role in the water value chain includes water abstraction, pumping, purification, and distribution. The study employed qualitative research techniques for the purpose of delving deeper into the issues and for formulating a water provision model that is informed by a variety of viewpoints from stakeholders who are well-informed about the sector. Qualitative methods included analysis of relevant literature and semi-structured interviews with sampled participants in the value chain. The qualitative nature of the study enabled deeper engagement with each of the 10 sampled participants in this study. They included three CHDM officials and seven consumers from the local municipalities under CHDM. The results show that there is continuation of the non-payment culture by some water consumers due to the high cost of living, poor affordability due to high unemployment rate, and municipal billing challenges. Most of the respondents were of the view that consumers should pay for the water; affording consumers should pay and the indigent should be subsidised by the government. The positive contribution by some consumers towards service delivery is commendable as they claim to pay their municipal bills, report water leakages or pipe bursts, and use water wisely. Some respondents suggested that bulk water supply should be upgraded, dilapidated infrastructure should be replaced, revenue collection should be improved and there should be ringfenced revenue for the provision of water services
Teaching and learning in the time of Covid-19: the experiences of lecturers and students at a TVET college in Gauteng, South Africa.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.Within the context of teaching and learning during the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic and the ‘hard’ lockdown instituted to curb the spread of the virus, this study critically
examines the experiences of lecturers and students at a TVET College in Gauteng, South Africa. The study focuses on a resource-restricted TVET College that predominantly enrols black students from township communities marked by entrenched poverty, limited service delivery, and infrastructural neglect. A qualitative research design was employed, involving 27 purposively sampled participants (12 lecturers and 15 students). Data was collected through one-on-one interviews and focus group discussions and analysed using thematic analysis. The analysis was framed within the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT), which provided a framework for understanding the teaching and learning experiences of TVET College lecturers and students during the challenging lockdown period of COVID-19. PMT proved valuable in elucidating why students and staff had specific experiences during the pandemic. The findings reveal that both students and lecturers experienced significant levels of uncertainty and a sense of unpreparedness for the adjustments required during the ‘hard lockdown’ period. Participants expressed discomfort with abandoning traditional teaching and learning methods in favour of virtual modes. Additionally, they highlighted the lack of technological resources at the College and their homes, which hindered their ability to work and study effectively. This study offers a critical perspective on how a global health pandemic impacts teaching and learning in resource-limited institutions of higher learning, using the COVID-19 pandemic as a focal point
A visualisation intervention in a grade 11 trigonometry class.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.The study investigated the impact of a visualisation intervention programme in a grade 11 trigonometry classroom. The literature confirms that visual strategies bring about much-needed improvement in trigonometry at secondary schools. Working within the interpretivism research philosophy, the study involved participants from a secondary school in the Umlazi District. To determine the impact of the visualisation intervention, distributed cognition was employed as the theoretical framework to understand its effectiveness. This research used a qualitative approach to gain deep insight into how visualisation impacts the effective teaching and learning of trigonometry. Purposive sampling was used to select participants and the data was generated through research instruments that included a questionnaire, pre-and post-tasks, structured and semi-structured interviews, and observation. The data were analysed following a thematic approach and findings were established using a thematic analysis of the data. The emerging themes included the strong need for collaboration and visual dynamism with beliefs and attitudes that are centred on learner development in trigonometry. This study showed a strong positive association between the use of visual representations and trigonometry achievement. The existing corpus of literature regarding this topic is in its nascent stages hence the need for this study was critical. Based on these findings, the study recommends the need for employing visual techniques to mitigate the abstraction of concepts in a sustained manner and to create and promote a culture for learning trigonometry, in addition to prioritising professional development of educators regarding visual strategies in pedagogical instructional design. Educators must encourage the use of visual strategies, not to supplant algebraic manipulation but to supplement it. For the general trend to change in the South African educational landscape, dynamic visual strategies must be implemented to transcend the microcosm of mathematics teaching and learning
A Conceptual framework for factors that influence performance of financial intermediaries in South African Insurance Sector.
No full textDoctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.This study set out to develop a conceptual framework aimed at understanding the key factors affecting the performance of financial intermediaries. The framework focused on various factors, including Product, Process, Price, People, Market Regulation, Market Conduct, and Market Conduct Principles, to evaluate their impact on organisational performance. Furthermore, the study identified the significance of Effectiveness Safeguards, Risk Tolerance, and Additional Safeguards in reducing risks and improving operational stability. A quantitative research design was utilised, involving 300 participants from a market conduct authority, employing correlation analysis, structural equation modeling, and logistic regression for data interpretation. The research took a positivist stance to recognise participants' perspectives and aid in the translation of results. Closeended questionnaires were distributed to a sample group of 346. The questionnaire was completed by 300 participants, yielding an 87.7% response rate. Using Cronbach's alpha to assess the reliability of these elements, the research found that Process, Price, and Risk Tolerance had strong internal consistency, while Product, People, and Market Regulation exhibited low reliability, suggesting potential measurement challenges. The findings underscored the need for refining certain safeguards and strategies to improve performance outcomes. The study concluded that a well-designed balance between these factors was essential for financial intermediaries to achieve sustainable growth and manage risks effectively. Recommendations for future research were made to refine measurement tools for accuracy and expand the framework to address emerging challenges in hedge funds, collective investment schemes and crypto assets contracts
Advancing women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics to leadership roles at a South African Research Institute.
No full textMasters Degree. university of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.This study titled "Advancing women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics to leadership roles at a South African Research Institute" explores the factors influencing the under-representation of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in leadership roles within this institution, the strategies they use to navigate these challenges, and their perceived role of leadership in their advancement discourse. Despite significant progress toward gender parity, there remains a noticeable disparity between men and women in leadership positions, particularly within STEM fields. This study focuses on one of the public research institutes in South Africa, where the number of women in STEM leadership roles is still low compared to that of men. Through a multi-theoretical approach, the research investigates the challenges and barriers women in STEM face in advancing their careers to leadership roles. Using a semi-structured interview guide, the study adopted an interpretative phenomenological approach to understand the experiences of these women. Data were collected from 12 participants based in the Gauteng region over two months. A reflexive thematic analysis method was used to identify broad patterns within the data. The findings suggest that women in STEM face various challenges in their quest for leadership roles, as STEM environments are still male-dominated with subtle masculine cultures. Meaningful progress has been made in transforming the organization, but the work-life imbalance, and stringent structure of the career ladder emerged as barriers to advancement. These findings highlight the need to review some organizational practices and foster inclusive leadership
Exploring literacy pedagogy in Kikaonde in selected grade one classrooms in Solwezi District, Zambia.
No full textDoctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.This study explored literacy pedagogy in Kikaonde in selected grade one classrooms in Solwezi District, Zambia. Four objectives guided the study namely: to explore the teachers’ pedagogical knowledge of literacy teaching approaches in Kikaonde language in grade one classrooms, to establish reasons for teachers’ choice of methods and strategies used to teach literacy, to ascertain whether the teaching of literacy in grade one classrooms is in line with the literacy curriculum and establish the challenges teachers were facing in teaching literacy in Kikaonde in grade one classrooms. The study was guided by the constructivism theory of learning. It adopted the interpretivism paradigm and employed the case study research design. A sample comprising 15 teachers from six schools purposively selected were drawn from Solwezi District. To achieve the study objectives, interviews with the 15 teachers and 18 lesson observations were conducted in the six schools to explore teachers’ pedagogical knowledge in literacy teaching approaches, establish reasons for their choice of methods and strategies, ascertain whether their teaching was in line with the syllabus and establish challenges they were facing in teaching literacy. The study revealed that all the 15 (n-15) teachers had pedagogical knowledge of several literacy methods and approaches but only two (n-2) used those that involved the active participation of all learners. It was also revealed that the teachers’ choice of methods and strategies of teaching was based on their belief of the effectiveness of the methods and training received during continuous professional development. The study also revealed that teachers were teaching as prescribed by the literacy syllabus. Challenges encountered by teachers during the teaching of literacy included inadequate time to teach literacy resulting into low literacy syllabus coverage, challenges by some learners in urban areas understanding the medium of instruction and high levels of absenteeism. The study recommends that teachers should become eclectic and use as many methods as possible to address weaknesses associated with the use of any one method. The study further recommends that teachers should base their selection and choice of instructional methods on various aspects related to the teaching and learning process such as formative and summative assessment. One of the implications of the study for the Ministry of Education is to urgently revise the policy on pedagogy in teacher training, particularly the theories that underpin literacy teaching methods. Teacher training institutions should revise the literacy curriculum to address implementation challenges. Schools should hold CPDs periodically to develop effective literacy teachers, especially that pre-service teacher training programmes do not prepare them fully
Closing the fiscal deficit in South Africa: challenges and solutions to the current taxation framework.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.South Africa faces persistent fiscal challenges, primarily driven by a widening budget deficit, inefficient revenue collection, and increasing public debt, exacerbated by global economic crises and the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite efforts to reduce debt-to-GDP ratios in the past, discretionary fiscal decisions and limited infrastructure investment have worsened fiscal imbalances. Debt servicing now consumes a significant portion of the national budget, surpassing allocations for education, health, and social protection, thereby hindering economic growth and public service delivery. Structural inefficiencies in the tax system, coupled with governance issues and a rising public sector wage bill, contribute to revenue shortfalls, in addition to corporate tax and VAT underperformance. This study investigated the relationship between fiscal deficits and revenue collection in South Africa, identifying the factors that result in insufficient revenue generation in South Africa. By focusing on strategies to bridge the deficit, the research aimed to inform policymaking, strengthen South Africa’s fiscal health, and support sustainable economic development, while addressing global and regional fiscal trends. This study adopted a quantitative research design, leveraging measurable data and statistical techniques to analyse the relationship between fiscal deficit and revenue collection in South Africa. In particular, ordinary least squares and robust regression were used to determine the relationship. The study integrated systematic literature reviews to identify the factors resulting in insufficient revenue generation in South Africa. Secondary data from credible sources like the South African Reserve Bank, South African Revenue Services, National Treasury, World Bank, OECD, IMF, Google Scholar, Scimago, and other international organisations, were analysed to ensure validity and reliability. Construct validity was established through theoretical alignment and empirical testing, while data were presented via clear statistical methods, including meta-analyses for consistency. The findings reveal a persistent fiscal deficit averaging 4.4% of GDP, underpinned by stable but limited tax revenue at 25.1% of GDP. A weak correlation between tax revenue and fiscal balance underscores the greater influence of government expenditure efficiency and macroeconomic conditions on fiscal sustainability. Effective tax administration is impeded by issues like corporate tax avoidance, corruption, and difficulties in regulating the informal and digital economies. Key obstacles are outdated tax laws, institutional inefficiencies, and high informality. Digital transformation presents opportunities to enhance compliance and broaden the tax base, but these require supportive governance reforms and international collaboration. Anti-corruption measures, simplified tax systems, and targeted strategies for taxing digital services are crucial for sustainable revenue generation. Addressing illicit trade, particularly in tobacco, demands coordinated inter-agency efforts. Recommendations emphasize improving expenditure efficiency, diversifying revenue streams through progressive taxes, leveraging digital tools for tax administration and strengthening intergovernmental relations. Future research should explore broader determinants of fiscal balance, governance quality, and the integration of sustainability considerations into tax policies. This multifaceted approach seeks to enhance fiscal stability, equity, and economic growth
Evaluating South Africa’s tax administrator’s Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme in promoting taxpayer and trader compliance.
No full textMasters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.The Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, created by the World Customs Organisation in 2007, was introduced in South Africa in 2020. Despite its potential benefits, the programme faces several challenges. Out of 357,653 eligible customs companies, only 137 registered in 2021, increasing slightly to 144 in 2022, representing less than 1% participation. (Government of South Africa, 2021). Concerns include low participation rates, minimal impact on trade facilitation and compliance, and high entry barriers, despite active promotion by the tax administrator. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of South Africa’s AEO programme in promoting compliance among taxpayers and traders. The objectives were to assess the low participation rate, identify challenges and barriers, and determine the programme’s impact on customs and trade facilitation. A mixed-method research approach was used, combining qualitative and quantitative data from a survey. The sample size was 22, selected through purposive stratified sampling, including 1 tax lecturer from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and 21 middle management employees from the South African tax administrator’s AEO department.
Findings indicate that the participation rate, while low, is considered acceptable by some key informants, with 400 approved clients seen as satisfactory. The programme aligns with international standards and performs well compared to other regional countries. However, qualitative analysis revealed barriers to adoption, such as insufficient awareness and understanding of the programme, internal system challenges, and strict procedures. The study found that the AEO programme significantly enhances customs tax compliance and trade facilitation in South Africa. Businesses involved in the programme experience positive impacts, particularly in compliance and trade facilitation. The programme also provides good data security, aligning with international standards and legislative requirements, offering significant benefits to compliant clients by streamlining processes. Overall, the AEO programme’s implementation in South Africa is rated positively in terms of data security and strategy, despite the challenges in increasing participation and awareness