Beauty Zindi - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Beauty Zindi

Research paper thumbnail of Challenges Impeding the Implementation of Effective Continuous Teacher Professional Development Programs in Eastern Cape Department of Education

Training opportunities are essential for introducing teachers to effective instructional strategi... more Training opportunities are essential for introducing teachers to effective instructional strategies and pedagogical approaches. Teachers need access to professional development programs that promote knowledge and skills acquisition to improve learner performance. Due to a lack of training, school administrators frequently misinterpreted key elements of the teaching and learning process and failed to understand the objectives and requirements of the new curriculum. To increase the ability and competency of educators in the province, it is the goal of this article to identify obstacles preventing the Eastern Cape Department of Education from implementing training programs effectively. This study utilises a descriptive and explanatory qualitative case study. Data was collected using interviews with five (5) (n-5) key informant participants. The findings indicate that Human Resource Development lacked competitive and practical skills development programs, resources (finance), capacity, low participation from educators, effective human resource strategy and training opportunities for educators, leading to poor learner results throughout the province. ECDoE is recommended to implement well-designed professional development programs which align with the curriculum and educational objectives of the National Department of Basic Education. By focusing on specific areas of need, such as literacy, numeracy, or inclusive education, these programs can address critical challenges faced by teachers and students in the province. The study suggests that ECDoE can implement competitive training programs, develop a comprehensive human resource development strategy, hires well-skilled trainees and training opportunities should be given to all educators in the province.

Research paper thumbnail of Complexities of Service Delivery in South African Municipalities: The Diagnostic Potential of Decentralization

Mankind Quarterly, Dec 31, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Navigating the Future!

Advances in human resources management and organizational development book series, May 10, 2024

Research paper thumbnail of Relationship Between Training Effectiveness and Educator Performance in the Eastern Cape Department of Education, South Africa

Journal of Social Sciences, Oct 20, 2023

Human Resource Development integrates and aligns training and development with organisational goa... more Human Resource Development integrates and aligns training and development with organisational goals and strategy to improve performance. However, ingrained suboptimal skills and training opportunities in the Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDoE) negatively impacts learning achievement outcomes. The purpose and objective of the study is to establish the relationship between training effectiveness and educator performance in the ECDoE.The study adopts a quantitative research strategy with 270 respondents. A survey questionnaire was used to collect data from participants. The survey questionnaire's internal consistency and reliability were measured using Pearson's coefficient and Cronbach's alpha, respectively. Results show that most respondents did not view the trainings provided by the ECDoE as relevant to job performance, and the attainment of the Department's strategic goals. The study concludes that ECDoE's training should be closely aligned with educators' Key Performance Areas, Performance Development Plans and individual needs analysis.

Research paper thumbnail of Dilemmas Associated with COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in Zimbabwe

Perspectives on Global Development and Technology

Public hesitancy towards COVID-19 vaccines stands out as an obstinate barrier to Zimbabwe’s abili... more Public hesitancy towards COVID-19 vaccines stands out as an obstinate barrier to Zimbabwe’s ability to stamp out the ongoing pandemic and steer the country back to socioeconomic normalcy and stability. This qualitative study unpacked the hesitancy factors associated with the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines in Zimbabwe. The study used an exploratory research design and collected its data from social media platforms. Findings demonstrated that COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy posed some significant challenges in Zimbabwe. Indications were that hesitancy towards the vaccines was informed by a plurality of factors, which inter alia included safety and efficacy concerns, perceived social character of the vaccine basing on its country of origin, accessibility, people’s socio-cultural and religious beliefs, as well as factors relating to the administrative aspects of the vaccination program. Social work has an important role to play in educating and promoting society to embrace vaccines. This is bec...

Research paper thumbnail of Challenges Impeding the Implementation of Effective Continuous Teacher Professional Development Programs in Eastern Cape Department of Education

Business Ethics and Leadership, 2023

Training opportunities are essential for introducing teachers to effective instructional strategi... more Training opportunities are essential for introducing teachers to effective instructional strategies and pedagogical approaches. Teachers need access to professional development programs that promote knowledge and skills acquisition to improve learner performance. Due to a lack of training, school administrators frequently misinterpreted key elements of the teaching and learning process and failed to understand the objectives and requirements of the new curriculum. To increase the ability and competency of educators in the province, it is the goal of this article to identify obstacles preventing the Eastern Cape Department of Education from implementing training programs effectively. This study utilises a descriptive and explanatory qualitative case study. Data was collected using interviews with five (5) (n-5) key informant participants. The findings indicate that Human Resource Development lacked competitive and practical skills development programs, resources (finance), capacity, low participation from educators, effective human resource strategy and training opportunities for educators, leading to poor learner results throughout the province. ECDoE is recommended to implement well-designed professional development programs which align with the curriculum and educational objectives of the National Department of Basic Education. By focusing on specific areas of need, such as literacy, numeracy, or inclusive education, these programs can address critical challenges faced by teachers and students in the province. The study suggests that ECDoE can implement competitive training programs, develop a comprehensive human resource development strategy, hires well-skilled trainees and training opportunities should be given to all educators in the province.

Research paper thumbnail of Dilemmas Associated with COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in Zimbabwe

Perspectives on Global Development and Technology, Feb 14, 2023

Public hesitancy towards COVID-19 vaccines stands out as an obstinate barrier to Zimbabwe’s abili... more Public hesitancy towards COVID-19 vaccines stands out as an obstinate barrier to Zimbabwe’s ability to stamp out the ongoing pandemic and steer the country back to socioeconomic normalcy and stability. This qualitative study unpacked the hesitancy factors associated with the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines in Zimbabwe. The study used an exploratory research design and collected its data from social media platforms. Findings demonstrated that COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy posed some significant challenges in Zimbabwe. Indications were that hesitancy towards the vaccines was informed by a plurality of factors, which inter alia included safety and efficacy concerns, perceived social character of the vaccine basing on its country of origin, accessibility, people’s socio-cultural and religious beliefs, as well as factors relating to the administrative aspects of the vaccination program. Social work has an important role to play in educating and promoting society to embrace vaccines. This is because continued defiance and/or delay in the uptake of the vaccines is tantamount to mortgaging people’s lives and livelihoods on the altar of fear and baseless hesitancy.

Research paper thumbnail of Educator performance and the strategic plan priorities of the Eastern Cape Department of Education

South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences, Dec 1, 2022

Background: The Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDoE) is still experiencing skills shortag... more Background: The Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDoE) is still experiencing skills shortages among its educators which poses critical challenges in performing their duties of improving learner performance in the province. Shortages of skills development programmes in the Eastern Cape has resulted in poor performance of both educators and learners in most schools. Although the ECDoE has clearly espoused its strategic objectives regarding training and development of educators, it is worrying that only a limited number of educators have received capacity development in critical performance areas. Aim: The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between educator performance and the strategic plan priorities of the ECDoE. Setting: Buffalo City Education District in Eastern Cape Province. Methods: The study adopted a quantitative research strategy and uses a survey questionnaire to collect information from respondents. The sample size was made up of two hundred and seventy (270) participants. The survey questionnaire used a Likert scale ranging from one (1) (strongly agree) to five (5) (strongly disagree). The reliability of the survey questionnaires was determined by calculating the Pearson's coefficient, and internal consistency was measured using Cronbach's alpha scale. Results: The study established that remediating the lack of training opportunities for educators was the direct objective of the ECDoE strategic plan priorities. Conclusion: The article concludes that the ECDoE needs to carry out a skills and capacity audit, based on strategic plan needs analysis. The designing of human capital skills development and training programmes should be informed by the ECDoE's strategic plan and Integrated Quality Management System that align with educators' key performance areas.

Research paper thumbnail of Barriers to effective supply chain management: The case of a metropolitan municipality in the Eastern Cape

Journal of local government research and innovation, Dec 12, 2022

Background: Supply chain management (SCM) is presented as a panacea and an invaluable tool for ad... more Background: Supply chain management (SCM) is presented as a panacea and an invaluable tool for addressing service delivery glitches in institutions. Noncompliance with SCM legislation by municipalities remains high, with fruitless, irregular, unauthorised and wasteful expenditure, resulting in weak financial governance in many municipalities in South Africa. Aim: The aim of this study is to explore the barriers to effective SCM in a metropolitan municipality in the Eastern Cape and to identify the best practices to improve SCM. Methods: A qualitative research approach was used to explore the barriers to effective SCM in a metropolitan municipality in the Eastern Cape Province. The sample size consists of 14 sampled participants. Data were collected from in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis was used in cleaning, organising and interpreting the findings. Credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability measures were used to promote trustworthiness. Results: This study's findings established that there were systemic and operational challenges which stifled the smooth operation of the SCM system. The SCM was characterised by weak ethical systems, lack of well-experienced personnel and poor implementation and monitoring of SCM systems and policies. Conclusion: There is need for necessary institutional and systemic transformations and adaptations to SCM practices and processes. This calls for leadership commitment, coupled with concerted efforts to transform and overhaul lethargic institutional systems and practices, so as to decisively stamp out SCM unethical conduct by public officials and address public financial management hurdles, as well as the root causes of poor audit outcomes. Contribution: This article contributes to a better understanding of new public management and principal-agent public sector accountability. Accountability, with its close affinities to risk compensation theory, resource dependence theory, trust and dimensional publicness theory, is anchored on a results-oriented government culture emphasising better performance, better accountability and better transparency.

Research paper thumbnail of Control and accountability in supply chain management: Evidence from a South African metropolitan municipality

Cogent Business & Management, 2020

Accountability requires supply chain management (SCM) public officials to account for, report on,... more Accountability requires supply chain management (SCM) public officials to account for, report on, explain and justify activities, and accept responsibility for municipal financial expenditure outcomes. Regardless of having SCM systems in place, efficiency in terms of procuring, tendering and sourcing goods and services in South African municipalities remains problematic. A key contributory factor to regressions in local government audit outcomes is the constant failure to develop, implement and monitor effective SCM systems, oversight, internal controls and financial reporting processes. With recurring instances of fruitless, irregular and wasteful expenditure, compliance with SCM policies, regulations and legislative frameworks needs solidification. When effectively implemented, control and oversight measures reduce waste, eradicates ethical malfeasance and promotes, integrity, transparency and accountability. The purpose of this article is to determine the SCM, risk factors that threaten accountability and how they can be mitigated in a typical South African Metropolitan Municipality.

Research paper thumbnail of Educator performance and the strategic plan priorities of the Eastern Cape Department of Education

South African Journal of Economic and management Sciences

Background: The Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDoE) is still experiencing skills shortag... more Background: The Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDoE) is still experiencing skills shortages among its educators which poses critical challenges in performing their duties of improving learner performance in the province. Shortages of skills development programmes in the Eastern Cape has resulted in poor performance of both educators and learners in most schools. Although the ECDoE has clearly espoused its strategic objectives regarding training and development of educators, it is worrying that only a limited number of educators have received capacity development in critical performance areas.Aim: The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between educator performance and the strategic plan priorities of the ECDoE.Setting: Buffalo City Education District in Eastern Cape Province.Methods: The study adopted a quantitative research strategy and uses a survey questionnaire to collect information from respondents. The sample size was made up of two hundred and seventy (2...

Research paper thumbnail of Barriers To Effective Supply Chain Management, Implementation, And Impact On Business Performance Of SMEs In South Africa

Journal of Applied Business Research (JABR), 2014

Supply chain management (SCM) is vital for companies to achieve their goals and for information s... more Supply chain management (SCM) is vital for companies to achieve their goals and for information sharing. Operations managers are faced with many barriers in implementing SCM, particularly in developing economies such as South Africa. It is essential for managers of SMEs to know the key barriers and attempt to minimize them and improve competitive strength. This article presents the SCM implementation barriers and suggests significant variations between these barriers as well as their impact on the business performance of SMEs. Researchers and trained fieldworkers gathered the needed data through face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires, obtaining a total of 249 usable questionnaires. The data analysis included frequencies, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) in Amos 5, and structural equation modelling (SEM) run LISREL 8.8. The results revealed that the lack of economies of scale, poor organisation structures, and technological challenges are the major limitations to implementing SCM. The findings of this research provide invaluable information to scholars and researchers investigating the barriers of SCM implementation, and to SMEs managers who desire to implement SCM. The findings can assist the development of effective strategic and operational plans as well as to programs and projects designed to enhance SCM within SMEs in South Africa. The research paper concludes by discussing both academic and managerial implications of the results, providing future research directions.

Research paper thumbnail of COVID-19 and the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (clean water and sanitation) in South Africa

Journal of Local Government Research and Innovation

Background: Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 demands that countries globally provide clean wa... more Background: Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 demands that countries globally provide clean water and sanitation to their citizens. The outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic triggered various obstacles to the attainment of this goal, especially in developing states that struggle to render clean water and sanitation to their ever-growing populations.Aim: The aim of the study is to analyse the effects of COVID-19 on the attainment of SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation) in South African municipalities.Setting: Several South African municipalities.Methods: The article utilised expansive documentary sources on the SDGs, United Nations and World Health documents, journal articles and textbooks on water service provision in South African municipalities for analysis. Qualitative thematic analysis based on documents was employed to examine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the attainment of SDG 6 in South African municipalities.Results: The study indicates that loca...

Research paper thumbnail of Control and accountability in supply chain management: Evidence from a South African metropolitan municipality

Cogent Business & Management, 2020

Accountability requires supply chain management (SCM) public officials to account for, report on,... more Accountability requires supply chain management (SCM) public officials to account for, report on, explain and justify activities, and accept responsibility for municipal financial expenditure outcomes. Regardless of having SCM systems in place, efficiency in terms of procuring, tendering and sourcing goods and services in South African municipalities remains problematic. A key contributory factor to regressions in local government audit outcomes is the constant failure to develop, implement and monitor effective SCM systems, oversight, internal controls and financial reporting processes. With recurring instances of fruitless, irregular and wasteful expenditure, compliance with SCM policies, regulations and legislative frameworks needs solidification. When effectively implemented, control and oversight measures reduce waste, eradicates ethical malfeasance and promotes, integrity, transparency and accountability. The purpose of this article is to determine the SCM, risk factors that threaten accountability and how they can be mitigated in a typical South African Metropolitan Municipality.

Research paper thumbnail of ‘Confronting the Monster’: Exploring the Implementation of Social Protection Measures Amid COVID-19 in South Africa

Exploring the Consequences of the Covid-19 Pandemic, 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered severe social and economic effects in South Africa, resulting in ... more The COVID-19 pandemic triggered severe social and economic effects in South Africa, resulting in many people losing their jobs. This had a negative bearing on household income. Accompanied by long-existing social-economic disparities in South Africa, COVID-19 has adversely affected impoverished South African households that rely on government social protection programs to sustain their livelihoods. In response to the unanticipated effects of COVID-19, the government of South Africa quickly implemented social protection measures, including COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress Grant, Social Support Grants, the National Disaster Benefit, and the COVID-19 Temporary Relief Scheme, compensation fund, and the unemployment insurance fund (UIF). These measures were aimed at lessening the burden of the pandemic on poor households in both urban and rural communities. Utilizing a constructivist paradigm that adopts a qualitative approach, the chapter uses document analysis to explore the implementation of social protection measures during COVID-19 in South Africa. The chapter further assesses the challenges faced by the government of South Africa in rendering relief aid as a response to the effects of COVID 19. The findings of

Research paper thumbnail of Challenges Impeding the Implementation of Effective Continuous Teacher Professional Development Programs in Eastern Cape Department of Education

Training opportunities are essential for introducing teachers to effective instructional strategi... more Training opportunities are essential for introducing teachers to effective instructional strategies and pedagogical approaches. Teachers need access to professional development programs that promote knowledge and skills acquisition to improve learner performance. Due to a lack of training, school administrators frequently misinterpreted key elements of the teaching and learning process and failed to understand the objectives and requirements of the new curriculum. To increase the ability and competency of educators in the province, it is the goal of this article to identify obstacles preventing the Eastern Cape Department of Education from implementing training programs effectively. This study utilises a descriptive and explanatory qualitative case study. Data was collected using interviews with five (5) (n-5) key informant participants. The findings indicate that Human Resource Development lacked competitive and practical skills development programs, resources (finance), capacity, low participation from educators, effective human resource strategy and training opportunities for educators, leading to poor learner results throughout the province. ECDoE is recommended to implement well-designed professional development programs which align with the curriculum and educational objectives of the National Department of Basic Education. By focusing on specific areas of need, such as literacy, numeracy, or inclusive education, these programs can address critical challenges faced by teachers and students in the province. The study suggests that ECDoE can implement competitive training programs, develop a comprehensive human resource development strategy, hires well-skilled trainees and training opportunities should be given to all educators in the province.

Research paper thumbnail of Complexities of Service Delivery in South African Municipalities: The Diagnostic Potential of Decentralization

Mankind Quarterly, Dec 31, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of Navigating the Future!

Advances in human resources management and organizational development book series, May 10, 2024

Research paper thumbnail of Relationship Between Training Effectiveness and Educator Performance in the Eastern Cape Department of Education, South Africa

Journal of Social Sciences, Oct 20, 2023

Human Resource Development integrates and aligns training and development with organisational goa... more Human Resource Development integrates and aligns training and development with organisational goals and strategy to improve performance. However, ingrained suboptimal skills and training opportunities in the Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDoE) negatively impacts learning achievement outcomes. The purpose and objective of the study is to establish the relationship between training effectiveness and educator performance in the ECDoE.The study adopts a quantitative research strategy with 270 respondents. A survey questionnaire was used to collect data from participants. The survey questionnaire's internal consistency and reliability were measured using Pearson's coefficient and Cronbach's alpha, respectively. Results show that most respondents did not view the trainings provided by the ECDoE as relevant to job performance, and the attainment of the Department's strategic goals. The study concludes that ECDoE's training should be closely aligned with educators' Key Performance Areas, Performance Development Plans and individual needs analysis.

Research paper thumbnail of Dilemmas Associated with COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in Zimbabwe

Perspectives on Global Development and Technology

Public hesitancy towards COVID-19 vaccines stands out as an obstinate barrier to Zimbabwe’s abili... more Public hesitancy towards COVID-19 vaccines stands out as an obstinate barrier to Zimbabwe’s ability to stamp out the ongoing pandemic and steer the country back to socioeconomic normalcy and stability. This qualitative study unpacked the hesitancy factors associated with the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines in Zimbabwe. The study used an exploratory research design and collected its data from social media platforms. Findings demonstrated that COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy posed some significant challenges in Zimbabwe. Indications were that hesitancy towards the vaccines was informed by a plurality of factors, which inter alia included safety and efficacy concerns, perceived social character of the vaccine basing on its country of origin, accessibility, people’s socio-cultural and religious beliefs, as well as factors relating to the administrative aspects of the vaccination program. Social work has an important role to play in educating and promoting society to embrace vaccines. This is bec...

Research paper thumbnail of Challenges Impeding the Implementation of Effective Continuous Teacher Professional Development Programs in Eastern Cape Department of Education

Business Ethics and Leadership, 2023

Training opportunities are essential for introducing teachers to effective instructional strategi... more Training opportunities are essential for introducing teachers to effective instructional strategies and pedagogical approaches. Teachers need access to professional development programs that promote knowledge and skills acquisition to improve learner performance. Due to a lack of training, school administrators frequently misinterpreted key elements of the teaching and learning process and failed to understand the objectives and requirements of the new curriculum. To increase the ability and competency of educators in the province, it is the goal of this article to identify obstacles preventing the Eastern Cape Department of Education from implementing training programs effectively. This study utilises a descriptive and explanatory qualitative case study. Data was collected using interviews with five (5) (n-5) key informant participants. The findings indicate that Human Resource Development lacked competitive and practical skills development programs, resources (finance), capacity, low participation from educators, effective human resource strategy and training opportunities for educators, leading to poor learner results throughout the province. ECDoE is recommended to implement well-designed professional development programs which align with the curriculum and educational objectives of the National Department of Basic Education. By focusing on specific areas of need, such as literacy, numeracy, or inclusive education, these programs can address critical challenges faced by teachers and students in the province. The study suggests that ECDoE can implement competitive training programs, develop a comprehensive human resource development strategy, hires well-skilled trainees and training opportunities should be given to all educators in the province.

Research paper thumbnail of Dilemmas Associated with COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in Zimbabwe

Perspectives on Global Development and Technology, Feb 14, 2023

Public hesitancy towards COVID-19 vaccines stands out as an obstinate barrier to Zimbabwe’s abili... more Public hesitancy towards COVID-19 vaccines stands out as an obstinate barrier to Zimbabwe’s ability to stamp out the ongoing pandemic and steer the country back to socioeconomic normalcy and stability. This qualitative study unpacked the hesitancy factors associated with the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines in Zimbabwe. The study used an exploratory research design and collected its data from social media platforms. Findings demonstrated that COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy posed some significant challenges in Zimbabwe. Indications were that hesitancy towards the vaccines was informed by a plurality of factors, which inter alia included safety and efficacy concerns, perceived social character of the vaccine basing on its country of origin, accessibility, people’s socio-cultural and religious beliefs, as well as factors relating to the administrative aspects of the vaccination program. Social work has an important role to play in educating and promoting society to embrace vaccines. This is because continued defiance and/or delay in the uptake of the vaccines is tantamount to mortgaging people’s lives and livelihoods on the altar of fear and baseless hesitancy.

Research paper thumbnail of Educator performance and the strategic plan priorities of the Eastern Cape Department of Education

South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences, Dec 1, 2022

Background: The Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDoE) is still experiencing skills shortag... more Background: The Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDoE) is still experiencing skills shortages among its educators which poses critical challenges in performing their duties of improving learner performance in the province. Shortages of skills development programmes in the Eastern Cape has resulted in poor performance of both educators and learners in most schools. Although the ECDoE has clearly espoused its strategic objectives regarding training and development of educators, it is worrying that only a limited number of educators have received capacity development in critical performance areas. Aim: The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between educator performance and the strategic plan priorities of the ECDoE. Setting: Buffalo City Education District in Eastern Cape Province. Methods: The study adopted a quantitative research strategy and uses a survey questionnaire to collect information from respondents. The sample size was made up of two hundred and seventy (270) participants. The survey questionnaire used a Likert scale ranging from one (1) (strongly agree) to five (5) (strongly disagree). The reliability of the survey questionnaires was determined by calculating the Pearson's coefficient, and internal consistency was measured using Cronbach's alpha scale. Results: The study established that remediating the lack of training opportunities for educators was the direct objective of the ECDoE strategic plan priorities. Conclusion: The article concludes that the ECDoE needs to carry out a skills and capacity audit, based on strategic plan needs analysis. The designing of human capital skills development and training programmes should be informed by the ECDoE's strategic plan and Integrated Quality Management System that align with educators' key performance areas.

Research paper thumbnail of Barriers to effective supply chain management: The case of a metropolitan municipality in the Eastern Cape

Journal of local government research and innovation, Dec 12, 2022

Background: Supply chain management (SCM) is presented as a panacea and an invaluable tool for ad... more Background: Supply chain management (SCM) is presented as a panacea and an invaluable tool for addressing service delivery glitches in institutions. Noncompliance with SCM legislation by municipalities remains high, with fruitless, irregular, unauthorised and wasteful expenditure, resulting in weak financial governance in many municipalities in South Africa. Aim: The aim of this study is to explore the barriers to effective SCM in a metropolitan municipality in the Eastern Cape and to identify the best practices to improve SCM. Methods: A qualitative research approach was used to explore the barriers to effective SCM in a metropolitan municipality in the Eastern Cape Province. The sample size consists of 14 sampled participants. Data were collected from in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis was used in cleaning, organising and interpreting the findings. Credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability measures were used to promote trustworthiness. Results: This study's findings established that there were systemic and operational challenges which stifled the smooth operation of the SCM system. The SCM was characterised by weak ethical systems, lack of well-experienced personnel and poor implementation and monitoring of SCM systems and policies. Conclusion: There is need for necessary institutional and systemic transformations and adaptations to SCM practices and processes. This calls for leadership commitment, coupled with concerted efforts to transform and overhaul lethargic institutional systems and practices, so as to decisively stamp out SCM unethical conduct by public officials and address public financial management hurdles, as well as the root causes of poor audit outcomes. Contribution: This article contributes to a better understanding of new public management and principal-agent public sector accountability. Accountability, with its close affinities to risk compensation theory, resource dependence theory, trust and dimensional publicness theory, is anchored on a results-oriented government culture emphasising better performance, better accountability and better transparency.

Research paper thumbnail of Control and accountability in supply chain management: Evidence from a South African metropolitan municipality

Cogent Business & Management, 2020

Accountability requires supply chain management (SCM) public officials to account for, report on,... more Accountability requires supply chain management (SCM) public officials to account for, report on, explain and justify activities, and accept responsibility for municipal financial expenditure outcomes. Regardless of having SCM systems in place, efficiency in terms of procuring, tendering and sourcing goods and services in South African municipalities remains problematic. A key contributory factor to regressions in local government audit outcomes is the constant failure to develop, implement and monitor effective SCM systems, oversight, internal controls and financial reporting processes. With recurring instances of fruitless, irregular and wasteful expenditure, compliance with SCM policies, regulations and legislative frameworks needs solidification. When effectively implemented, control and oversight measures reduce waste, eradicates ethical malfeasance and promotes, integrity, transparency and accountability. The purpose of this article is to determine the SCM, risk factors that threaten accountability and how they can be mitigated in a typical South African Metropolitan Municipality.

Research paper thumbnail of Educator performance and the strategic plan priorities of the Eastern Cape Department of Education

South African Journal of Economic and management Sciences

Background: The Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDoE) is still experiencing skills shortag... more Background: The Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDoE) is still experiencing skills shortages among its educators which poses critical challenges in performing their duties of improving learner performance in the province. Shortages of skills development programmes in the Eastern Cape has resulted in poor performance of both educators and learners in most schools. Although the ECDoE has clearly espoused its strategic objectives regarding training and development of educators, it is worrying that only a limited number of educators have received capacity development in critical performance areas.Aim: The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between educator performance and the strategic plan priorities of the ECDoE.Setting: Buffalo City Education District in Eastern Cape Province.Methods: The study adopted a quantitative research strategy and uses a survey questionnaire to collect information from respondents. The sample size was made up of two hundred and seventy (2...

Research paper thumbnail of Barriers To Effective Supply Chain Management, Implementation, And Impact On Business Performance Of SMEs In South Africa

Journal of Applied Business Research (JABR), 2014

Supply chain management (SCM) is vital for companies to achieve their goals and for information s... more Supply chain management (SCM) is vital for companies to achieve their goals and for information sharing. Operations managers are faced with many barriers in implementing SCM, particularly in developing economies such as South Africa. It is essential for managers of SMEs to know the key barriers and attempt to minimize them and improve competitive strength. This article presents the SCM implementation barriers and suggests significant variations between these barriers as well as their impact on the business performance of SMEs. Researchers and trained fieldworkers gathered the needed data through face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires, obtaining a total of 249 usable questionnaires. The data analysis included frequencies, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) in Amos 5, and structural equation modelling (SEM) run LISREL 8.8. The results revealed that the lack of economies of scale, poor organisation structures, and technological challenges are the major limitations to implementing SCM. The findings of this research provide invaluable information to scholars and researchers investigating the barriers of SCM implementation, and to SMEs managers who desire to implement SCM. The findings can assist the development of effective strategic and operational plans as well as to programs and projects designed to enhance SCM within SMEs in South Africa. The research paper concludes by discussing both academic and managerial implications of the results, providing future research directions.

Research paper thumbnail of COVID-19 and the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (clean water and sanitation) in South Africa

Journal of Local Government Research and Innovation

Background: Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 demands that countries globally provide clean wa... more Background: Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 demands that countries globally provide clean water and sanitation to their citizens. The outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic triggered various obstacles to the attainment of this goal, especially in developing states that struggle to render clean water and sanitation to their ever-growing populations.Aim: The aim of the study is to analyse the effects of COVID-19 on the attainment of SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation) in South African municipalities.Setting: Several South African municipalities.Methods: The article utilised expansive documentary sources on the SDGs, United Nations and World Health documents, journal articles and textbooks on water service provision in South African municipalities for analysis. Qualitative thematic analysis based on documents was employed to examine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the attainment of SDG 6 in South African municipalities.Results: The study indicates that loca...

Research paper thumbnail of Control and accountability in supply chain management: Evidence from a South African metropolitan municipality

Cogent Business & Management, 2020

Accountability requires supply chain management (SCM) public officials to account for, report on,... more Accountability requires supply chain management (SCM) public officials to account for, report on, explain and justify activities, and accept responsibility for municipal financial expenditure outcomes. Regardless of having SCM systems in place, efficiency in terms of procuring, tendering and sourcing goods and services in South African municipalities remains problematic. A key contributory factor to regressions in local government audit outcomes is the constant failure to develop, implement and monitor effective SCM systems, oversight, internal controls and financial reporting processes. With recurring instances of fruitless, irregular and wasteful expenditure, compliance with SCM policies, regulations and legislative frameworks needs solidification. When effectively implemented, control and oversight measures reduce waste, eradicates ethical malfeasance and promotes, integrity, transparency and accountability. The purpose of this article is to determine the SCM, risk factors that threaten accountability and how they can be mitigated in a typical South African Metropolitan Municipality.

Research paper thumbnail of ‘Confronting the Monster’: Exploring the Implementation of Social Protection Measures Amid COVID-19 in South Africa

Exploring the Consequences of the Covid-19 Pandemic, 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered severe social and economic effects in South Africa, resulting in ... more The COVID-19 pandemic triggered severe social and economic effects in South Africa, resulting in many people losing their jobs. This had a negative bearing on household income. Accompanied by long-existing social-economic disparities in South Africa, COVID-19 has adversely affected impoverished South African households that rely on government social protection programs to sustain their livelihoods. In response to the unanticipated effects of COVID-19, the government of South Africa quickly implemented social protection measures, including COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress Grant, Social Support Grants, the National Disaster Benefit, and the COVID-19 Temporary Relief Scheme, compensation fund, and the unemployment insurance fund (UIF). These measures were aimed at lessening the burden of the pandemic on poor households in both urban and rural communities. Utilizing a constructivist paradigm that adopts a qualitative approach, the chapter uses document analysis to explore the implementation of social protection measures during COVID-19 in South Africa. The chapter further assesses the challenges faced by the government of South Africa in rendering relief aid as a response to the effects of COVID 19. The findings of