Pregala Pillay | University of Stellenbosch (original) (raw)

Papers by Pregala Pillay

Research paper thumbnail of Determinants of Urban Land Lease Market in an Emerging Economy: Empirical Evidence from Ethiopia

International Journal of Economics and Business Administration

The study found both supply and demand-driven factors associated with plot markup price. The find... more The study found both supply and demand-driven factors associated with plot markup price. The findings revealed that plot size, payment period, monthly income, plots accessible to basic services, plot location, land use type, and land lease auctioned period associated positively and significantly with the urban land lease markup price. Auctioneers paid a premium for plots having a larger size, extended payment period, access to basic services, and specified for residential housing. On the other hand, distance, and plot inaccessible to basic services associated negatively and significantly with the urban land lease markup price. Practical Implication: The rapid urbanization in Ethiopia has generated intensified supply and demand-driven challenges for public policy. Hence, the municipality should enhance infrastructure development across all plot locations and exercise strict control of land speculation to increase municipal revenue, and address supply and demand-driven challenges. Moreover, the municipal government should ensure equitable access to urban land by controlling land speculation. Originality/Value: Several studies that have assessed urban land expansion and administration, however, paid less attention to the urban land lease market. Furthermore, in an economic sense, it is crucial to examine the urban land value determinants from both demand and supply side at a time when less attention has been paid thereto in the literature.

Research paper thumbnail of Anti-corruption Agencies in South Africa and Brazil : trends and challenges

Corruption at all levels has become an everyday reality in South Africa and Brazil with dire cons... more Corruption at all levels has become an everyday reality in South Africa and Brazil with dire consequences for both countries, leading to perpetration of social inequality. In both countries, the existing legislation and anti-corruption agencies have been unable to curb the phenomenon efficiently. One of the key reasons for this failure has been the modus operandi of the anti-corruption agencies, which throughout the years have faced serious changes (political, legal, administrative and organisational) in their fight against a multi-facet, complicated, and multi-layered reality. In both countries, the state bureaucracy apparatus, has over the years, faced both grand and petty corruption in both the public and private sector domains, whereby the competition for irregular thirst for wealth accumulation has reached unprecedented levels. The anti-corruption agencies then have to deal with a multiplicity of corruption diversions and dimensions in their efforts to detect, dissect, investigate and prosecute. There are a number of differences in the legislative frameworks determining the structure, functions and operations of such organisations in these countries. This article, based on an empirical paradigm rooted on interpretative qualitative methodology, will analyse and dissect the similarities, differences, achievements, failures and challenges in terms of mandates, efficiency efficacy, and resources allocation. This comparison will be located within the 'multiple versus single agency' debate.

Research paper thumbnail of The public sociology of ethics, corruption and public administration : a South African case study

This article examines the relationship between the public sociology of ethics, public administrat... more This article examines the relationship between the public sociology of ethics, public administration and corruption. The significance of public sociology in understanding ethics, ethical dilemmas and possible solutions in the municipal sphere is explored by articulating the relationships between different areas of knowledge created through social science research and public administration realities, as exemplified in a South African municipal case study. In this context, the relationships between human behavioural elements and the concomitant psychological and sociological considerations in public administration are important, because the reality is that, despite the fact South Africa has abundant anti-corruption legislation and institutions, the plague of corruption is increasing. Hence, the article provides a number of steps to creating and implementing an ethical code that can make a positive difference to municipalities and other state institutions, and that can serve as a shiel...

Research paper thumbnail of The relationship between public administration and good governance : the case of South Africa

The article will demonstrate the relationship between public administration and good governance w... more The article will demonstrate the relationship between public administration and good governance with special reference to South Africa. It begins with a conceptual analysis of public administration through a periodisation from its roots and historical development and its meaning and functions in the era of rampant globalisation as well as the repercussions of systemic and structural changes associated with changes. The conceptual defi nition and understanding of good governance follows, accompanied by an exposition of international debates on meanings, application, implementation and planning of good governance indicators and the relationship between theory and practice in its analysis worldwide. The examination of the approaches, comprehensive legislation, rules and regulations underlining the South African government's efforts to enhance good, transparent, and corruption free governance are outlined. A brief outline of a process followed in state institutions and entities is proposed that concludes that without fi rm and innovative leadership and key ingredients and efforts to install and maintain transparent, accountable and corruption-free fi nancial and human resources imperatives cannot lead to developmental service delivery to communities. The article concludes that fi nancial viability is the key foundation of good governance performance of an entity. Without it, there is mismanagement of resources, which in most instances, is the result of weak human resources and fi nancial management, political interference and the lack of a clear mission and leadership.

Research paper thumbnail of Minding the gap between policy and practice amongst extension workers : lessons from KwaZulu Natal

South African Journal of Agricultural Extension, 2015

20 years into a post-apartheid South Africa, the National Development Plan (NDP) provides the con... more 20 years into a post-apartheid South Africa, the National Development Plan (NDP) provides the contextual and institutional framework for all of governments activities. As a result, there is a call for extension to increasingly become associated with efficient and effective delivery of services in line with government policy to improve the quality of public services which are critical to achieving a transformed racially equitable public service. This article interrogates the issue of a gap between policy and implementation amongst Extension Workers by reflecting on the findings of research conducted as part of a doctoral study in Public Administration by the main author at the University of KwaZulu Natal. The article makes reference to the findings related to policy knowledge amongst Extension Workers and the challenges related to policy implementation in KwaZulu Natal, and seeks to use the findings of this research to present opportunities and challenges for the implementation of the NDP and concludes that whilst Extension Workers are now challenged to find a balance between their functionality within extension and as public servants, it is important for some consideration to be made by government and education institutions for the changing roles of Extension Workers.

Research paper thumbnail of Integrating accountability and transparency into the project cycle towards good governance - the role of the extension worker

South African Journal of Agricultural Extension, 2014

The overall objective of this paper is to explore the role of Extension Workers in promoting food... more The overall objective of this paper is to explore the role of Extension Workers in promoting food security within a good governance agenda. This paper views good food security governance as one of the benchmarks for government performance beyond 2015 and is used as a base for examining accountability and transparency measures amongst Extension Workers in the implementation of food security strategies. The authors present a theoretical framework for the interrogation of the role of Extension Workers in the maintenance of accountability and transparency in food security initiatives within South Africa, and conclude that accountability and performance ought to be incorporated into all phases of the project process. Further, the paper concludes that by so doing, Extension Workers will be able to contribute to the achievement of good food security governance.

Research paper thumbnail of Skills development and professionalism to promote food security policy implementation in South Africa

The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 contains clear guidelines within which gov... more The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 contains clear guidelines within which government has to determine its policies and how the administration of the public sector has to be conducted. South Africa, as a developmental state, has policies in place to guide development and service delivery, however, surveys and debate on policy and practice indicate that government is not adequately meeting developmental goals as a result of a failure in implementation. Agriculture Extension is critical for the implementation of government's strategic priorities and programmes of action especially for the Food Security Policy Programme. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the extent to which Agriculture Extension Education in higher education institutions reflect the policy agenda. The overarching aim is to raise awareness of the need for skills development and professionalism to be incorporated into Agriculture Extension curricula for the successful implementation of the Food Security Policy. The article supports a need for academic debate on Food Security Policy and discussion on monitoring and evaluation as a key theme for contemporary curricula as a point of enquiry for effective policy implementation.

Research paper thumbnail of Environmental governance at the local government sphere in South Africa

There has been a relatively systematic and ordered development of the environmental legal regime ... more There has been a relatively systematic and ordered development of the environmental legal regime in the past 17 years in South Africa. The first dedicated piece of legislation was the Environmental Conservation Act, 100 of 1982. However it was not particularly effective as it sought to co–ordinate environmental matters as opposed to focusing on environmental management (Glazewski 1999:13). It was replaced by the Environmental Conservation Act, 73 of 1989 which provided an impetus for equitable development and environmental protection. The Act is based on the Constitution, 1996 to promote the notion of co-operative environmental governance which constitutes the basis of South Africa’s environmental legislation. Critical to the process are four basic principles, namely fairness, accountability, responsibility and transparency. A particular focus is spreading the responsibility for the interconnection between social well-being and environmental protection across state departments and s...

Research paper thumbnail of Celebrating the indomitable spirit of south african female academics during the covid-19 pandemic

In March 2020, the entire world felt the impact, nature and scale of the outbreak of the coronavi... more In March 2020, the entire world felt the impact, nature and scale of the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in distinct ways. The higher education landscape across the globe was no exception. In response to the pandemic, many governments worldwide imposed lockdowns, including South Africa. The national lockdown meant that universities had to proceed with the academic year by introducing remote emergency teaching and learning. Consequently, female academics had to navigate between various roles in their daily lives, with the added pressure of balancing teaching, research, and family responsibilities while working from home. As the pandemic rapidly sweeps across the world and daily life grinds to a halt worldwide, this article examines the impact of COVID-19 on female academics. Using autoethnography, this paper aims to reflect on how, almost overnight, female academics in South Africa had to adapt, adjust, and respond through the transition to remote teaching and learnin...

Research paper thumbnail of Towards a conceptualisation of the Marxist theory of corruption : the South African case

Although there has been a good amount of literature in respect of the relationship among politica... more Although there has been a good amount of literature in respect of the relationship among political and administrative leaders and their effect/s on quality management, little has been written on their respective (individual or collective) relationship with corruption. This is because there needs to be an acknowledgement that the researchers', practitioners' and politicians' efforts have to date been inadequate. Political and administrative leaders need to appreciate that the war room against corruption needs new thinking, knowledge, strategies, and comprehensive initiatives if they are to arrest and then reverse corruption's proliferation. In particular, governments have to move beyond the various one and two dimensional approaches that are advocated by various anti-corruption proponents if the administrative and governmental systems are to become effective in dealing with the situation. In this context the present contribution will examine the fundamental tenets of the political system of South Africa and its role in impeding or encouraging corruption related to decision-making and actions of public servants at all levels in the hierarchy. In this sense the relationship between political and administrative leaders can take either complementary or antagonistic corrupt actions. A case study in political and administrative relations and involvement in corruption will be utilised in order to examine and scrutinise the involvement by politicians and administrators in a leading South African municipality.

Research paper thumbnail of Corruption: Consequences for Socio-economic Well-being in South Africa

Alternation: Interdisciplinary Journal for the Study of the Arts and Humanities in Southern Africa, 2019

Research paper thumbnail of Thick concept but thin theories: a case for sector-based anti-corruption strategy

Oxford Development Studies

Research paper thumbnail of Public Policy and Corruption in a Globalised World: Case Studies from South Africa and Rwanda

The paper attempts to describe and elaborate on the relationship between policy analysis, plannin... more The paper attempts to describe and elaborate on the relationship between policy analysis, planning and implementation and its relationship to development and state construction in a globalised world. In this attempt, the hurdles encountered in the complex and contradictory nature of planning and implementing public policy in the development of state construction are associated with the issues of global values, policy transfer, import of legislation, and restraining aspects of treaties and so forth. It is assumed that within this context, the attempts of individual states to carry through and successfully deliver socially-inclusive and empowering developmental programmes and projects hinges on understanding and negotiating social change and transformation that "works with the grain of societies" rather than brushing against it. This means exposing and refraining from imposing external public models that more often than not treat local political dynamics as dysfunctional. Acknowledging corruption and working within the public policy and political context in which it is rooted and functions requires an indepth understanding of the global dynamics and realities and their role as enabler and contributor to sustained/sustainable economic growth and development. To illustrate and ground this-to make accessible to our students and development practitioners-we propose the utilisation of case studies of Rwanda and South Africa which show that specific types of governance could be compatible with strong economic performance that can be considered broadly pro-growth, pro-rural and anchored in an institutional system that centralises and distributes economic rents (with a view to the long term).

Research paper thumbnail of Corruption: consequences for socio-economic well-being in South Africa

his paper begins with the hypothesis that high levels of corruption can self?perpetuate on occasi... more his paper begins with the hypothesis that high levels of corruption can self?perpetuate on occasions, as the phenomenon of corruption is perpetrated through all societal levels and sectors. The loss of ethical standards, lack of honest and cohesive leadership, organisational gaps and weaknesses and individual or group greed, coupled with political, or organisational opportunities, and immunity of offenders, are some of the fundamental roots leading to corruption. High levels of corruption have serious negative repercussions for the present and future of any country especially when it occurs in the public sector. Corruption deters investment in the country, as private investment can be discouraged. The consequences are particularly dire in the case of Foreign Direct Investments (FDI), where corruption can amount to an additional cost. It reduces GDP growth as it harms international trade; negatively affects the inflation and exchange rates; affects prices of either imports or exports...

Research paper thumbnail of Public trust and good governance : a comparative study of Brazil and South Africa

CITATION: Pillay, P. 2017. Public trust and good governance : a comparative study of Brazil and S... more CITATION: Pillay, P. 2017. Public trust and good governance : a comparative study of Brazil and South Africa. African Journal of Public Affairs, 9(8):31-47.

Research paper thumbnail of Public trust and good governance : a comparative study of Brazil and South Africa

CITATION: Pillay, P. 2017. Public trust and good governance : a comparative study of Brazil and S... more CITATION: Pillay, P. 2017. Public trust and good governance : a comparative study of Brazil and South Africa. African Journal of Public Affairs, 9(8):31-47.

Research paper thumbnail of Exploring how women’s social capital in rural areas can inform the development of policy as a source of agency for empowerment

CITATION: Teleki, M. & Pillay, P. 2019. Exploring how women’s social capital in rural areas can i... more CITATION: Teleki, M. & Pillay, P. 2019. Exploring how women’s social capital in rural areas can inform the development of policy as a source of agency for empowerment. African Journal of Public Affairs, 11(2):128-146.

Research paper thumbnail of Corruption and the erosion of citizen trust in Brazil and South Africa

CITATION: Mantzaris, E. A. & Pillay, P. 2017. Corruption and the erosion of citizen trust in Braz... more CITATION: Mantzaris, E. A. & Pillay, P. 2017. Corruption and the erosion of citizen trust in Brazil and South Africa. African Journal of Public Affairs, 9(8):63-77.

Research paper thumbnail of Monitoring, Evaluation and Accountability Against Corruption: A South African Case Study

Journal of Reviews on Global Economics, 2019

The article is an empirical effort to research and analyse the dialectical relationship between p... more The article is an empirical effort to research and analyse the dialectical relationship between public sector monitoring and evaluation relations, structures and processes with corruption and accountability. The case study is the Gauteng Department of Health that has been the subject of this research for the last two years as a part of a wider health-related project. Following a brief exposition of the concept of monitoring and evaluation that has been covered extensively in international and national literature, its relationship with accountability is explored. The existing legislative national and provincial legislature as well as the existing state rules and regulations are presented before the description of the project's research methods and design. This is a research project utilising a qualitative-based research design and framework consisting of thorough content analysis of primary and secondary sources including government official documents, newspaper articles and face-to-face interviews with a wide range of carefully selected public administrators, political figures and representatives of the public sector. The paper presents an analysis of corruption trends within the department as identified in the latest Auditor General's report, a corruption-ridden case and the wide-ranging responses of the interviewees. The latest evidence-based Corruption Index follows.

Research paper thumbnail of Independence of anti‑corruption agencies : a comparative study of South Africa and India

CITATION: Chetty, J. & Pillay, P. 2017. Independence of anti‑corruption agencies : a comparative ... more CITATION: Chetty, J. & Pillay, P. 2017. Independence of anti‑corruption agencies : a comparative study of South Africa and India. African Journal of Public Affairs, 9(8):105-120.

Research paper thumbnail of Determinants of Urban Land Lease Market in an Emerging Economy: Empirical Evidence from Ethiopia

International Journal of Economics and Business Administration

The study found both supply and demand-driven factors associated with plot markup price. The find... more The study found both supply and demand-driven factors associated with plot markup price. The findings revealed that plot size, payment period, monthly income, plots accessible to basic services, plot location, land use type, and land lease auctioned period associated positively and significantly with the urban land lease markup price. Auctioneers paid a premium for plots having a larger size, extended payment period, access to basic services, and specified for residential housing. On the other hand, distance, and plot inaccessible to basic services associated negatively and significantly with the urban land lease markup price. Practical Implication: The rapid urbanization in Ethiopia has generated intensified supply and demand-driven challenges for public policy. Hence, the municipality should enhance infrastructure development across all plot locations and exercise strict control of land speculation to increase municipal revenue, and address supply and demand-driven challenges. Moreover, the municipal government should ensure equitable access to urban land by controlling land speculation. Originality/Value: Several studies that have assessed urban land expansion and administration, however, paid less attention to the urban land lease market. Furthermore, in an economic sense, it is crucial to examine the urban land value determinants from both demand and supply side at a time when less attention has been paid thereto in the literature.

Research paper thumbnail of Anti-corruption Agencies in South Africa and Brazil : trends and challenges

Corruption at all levels has become an everyday reality in South Africa and Brazil with dire cons... more Corruption at all levels has become an everyday reality in South Africa and Brazil with dire consequences for both countries, leading to perpetration of social inequality. In both countries, the existing legislation and anti-corruption agencies have been unable to curb the phenomenon efficiently. One of the key reasons for this failure has been the modus operandi of the anti-corruption agencies, which throughout the years have faced serious changes (political, legal, administrative and organisational) in their fight against a multi-facet, complicated, and multi-layered reality. In both countries, the state bureaucracy apparatus, has over the years, faced both grand and petty corruption in both the public and private sector domains, whereby the competition for irregular thirst for wealth accumulation has reached unprecedented levels. The anti-corruption agencies then have to deal with a multiplicity of corruption diversions and dimensions in their efforts to detect, dissect, investigate and prosecute. There are a number of differences in the legislative frameworks determining the structure, functions and operations of such organisations in these countries. This article, based on an empirical paradigm rooted on interpretative qualitative methodology, will analyse and dissect the similarities, differences, achievements, failures and challenges in terms of mandates, efficiency efficacy, and resources allocation. This comparison will be located within the 'multiple versus single agency' debate.

Research paper thumbnail of The public sociology of ethics, corruption and public administration : a South African case study

This article examines the relationship between the public sociology of ethics, public administrat... more This article examines the relationship between the public sociology of ethics, public administration and corruption. The significance of public sociology in understanding ethics, ethical dilemmas and possible solutions in the municipal sphere is explored by articulating the relationships between different areas of knowledge created through social science research and public administration realities, as exemplified in a South African municipal case study. In this context, the relationships between human behavioural elements and the concomitant psychological and sociological considerations in public administration are important, because the reality is that, despite the fact South Africa has abundant anti-corruption legislation and institutions, the plague of corruption is increasing. Hence, the article provides a number of steps to creating and implementing an ethical code that can make a positive difference to municipalities and other state institutions, and that can serve as a shiel...

Research paper thumbnail of The relationship between public administration and good governance : the case of South Africa

The article will demonstrate the relationship between public administration and good governance w... more The article will demonstrate the relationship between public administration and good governance with special reference to South Africa. It begins with a conceptual analysis of public administration through a periodisation from its roots and historical development and its meaning and functions in the era of rampant globalisation as well as the repercussions of systemic and structural changes associated with changes. The conceptual defi nition and understanding of good governance follows, accompanied by an exposition of international debates on meanings, application, implementation and planning of good governance indicators and the relationship between theory and practice in its analysis worldwide. The examination of the approaches, comprehensive legislation, rules and regulations underlining the South African government's efforts to enhance good, transparent, and corruption free governance are outlined. A brief outline of a process followed in state institutions and entities is proposed that concludes that without fi rm and innovative leadership and key ingredients and efforts to install and maintain transparent, accountable and corruption-free fi nancial and human resources imperatives cannot lead to developmental service delivery to communities. The article concludes that fi nancial viability is the key foundation of good governance performance of an entity. Without it, there is mismanagement of resources, which in most instances, is the result of weak human resources and fi nancial management, political interference and the lack of a clear mission and leadership.

Research paper thumbnail of Minding the gap between policy and practice amongst extension workers : lessons from KwaZulu Natal

South African Journal of Agricultural Extension, 2015

20 years into a post-apartheid South Africa, the National Development Plan (NDP) provides the con... more 20 years into a post-apartheid South Africa, the National Development Plan (NDP) provides the contextual and institutional framework for all of governments activities. As a result, there is a call for extension to increasingly become associated with efficient and effective delivery of services in line with government policy to improve the quality of public services which are critical to achieving a transformed racially equitable public service. This article interrogates the issue of a gap between policy and implementation amongst Extension Workers by reflecting on the findings of research conducted as part of a doctoral study in Public Administration by the main author at the University of KwaZulu Natal. The article makes reference to the findings related to policy knowledge amongst Extension Workers and the challenges related to policy implementation in KwaZulu Natal, and seeks to use the findings of this research to present opportunities and challenges for the implementation of the NDP and concludes that whilst Extension Workers are now challenged to find a balance between their functionality within extension and as public servants, it is important for some consideration to be made by government and education institutions for the changing roles of Extension Workers.

Research paper thumbnail of Integrating accountability and transparency into the project cycle towards good governance - the role of the extension worker

South African Journal of Agricultural Extension, 2014

The overall objective of this paper is to explore the role of Extension Workers in promoting food... more The overall objective of this paper is to explore the role of Extension Workers in promoting food security within a good governance agenda. This paper views good food security governance as one of the benchmarks for government performance beyond 2015 and is used as a base for examining accountability and transparency measures amongst Extension Workers in the implementation of food security strategies. The authors present a theoretical framework for the interrogation of the role of Extension Workers in the maintenance of accountability and transparency in food security initiatives within South Africa, and conclude that accountability and performance ought to be incorporated into all phases of the project process. Further, the paper concludes that by so doing, Extension Workers will be able to contribute to the achievement of good food security governance.

Research paper thumbnail of Skills development and professionalism to promote food security policy implementation in South Africa

The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 contains clear guidelines within which gov... more The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 contains clear guidelines within which government has to determine its policies and how the administration of the public sector has to be conducted. South Africa, as a developmental state, has policies in place to guide development and service delivery, however, surveys and debate on policy and practice indicate that government is not adequately meeting developmental goals as a result of a failure in implementation. Agriculture Extension is critical for the implementation of government's strategic priorities and programmes of action especially for the Food Security Policy Programme. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the extent to which Agriculture Extension Education in higher education institutions reflect the policy agenda. The overarching aim is to raise awareness of the need for skills development and professionalism to be incorporated into Agriculture Extension curricula for the successful implementation of the Food Security Policy. The article supports a need for academic debate on Food Security Policy and discussion on monitoring and evaluation as a key theme for contemporary curricula as a point of enquiry for effective policy implementation.

Research paper thumbnail of Environmental governance at the local government sphere in South Africa

There has been a relatively systematic and ordered development of the environmental legal regime ... more There has been a relatively systematic and ordered development of the environmental legal regime in the past 17 years in South Africa. The first dedicated piece of legislation was the Environmental Conservation Act, 100 of 1982. However it was not particularly effective as it sought to co–ordinate environmental matters as opposed to focusing on environmental management (Glazewski 1999:13). It was replaced by the Environmental Conservation Act, 73 of 1989 which provided an impetus for equitable development and environmental protection. The Act is based on the Constitution, 1996 to promote the notion of co-operative environmental governance which constitutes the basis of South Africa’s environmental legislation. Critical to the process are four basic principles, namely fairness, accountability, responsibility and transparency. A particular focus is spreading the responsibility for the interconnection between social well-being and environmental protection across state departments and s...

Research paper thumbnail of Celebrating the indomitable spirit of south african female academics during the covid-19 pandemic

In March 2020, the entire world felt the impact, nature and scale of the outbreak of the coronavi... more In March 2020, the entire world felt the impact, nature and scale of the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in distinct ways. The higher education landscape across the globe was no exception. In response to the pandemic, many governments worldwide imposed lockdowns, including South Africa. The national lockdown meant that universities had to proceed with the academic year by introducing remote emergency teaching and learning. Consequently, female academics had to navigate between various roles in their daily lives, with the added pressure of balancing teaching, research, and family responsibilities while working from home. As the pandemic rapidly sweeps across the world and daily life grinds to a halt worldwide, this article examines the impact of COVID-19 on female academics. Using autoethnography, this paper aims to reflect on how, almost overnight, female academics in South Africa had to adapt, adjust, and respond through the transition to remote teaching and learnin...

Research paper thumbnail of Towards a conceptualisation of the Marxist theory of corruption : the South African case

Although there has been a good amount of literature in respect of the relationship among politica... more Although there has been a good amount of literature in respect of the relationship among political and administrative leaders and their effect/s on quality management, little has been written on their respective (individual or collective) relationship with corruption. This is because there needs to be an acknowledgement that the researchers', practitioners' and politicians' efforts have to date been inadequate. Political and administrative leaders need to appreciate that the war room against corruption needs new thinking, knowledge, strategies, and comprehensive initiatives if they are to arrest and then reverse corruption's proliferation. In particular, governments have to move beyond the various one and two dimensional approaches that are advocated by various anti-corruption proponents if the administrative and governmental systems are to become effective in dealing with the situation. In this context the present contribution will examine the fundamental tenets of the political system of South Africa and its role in impeding or encouraging corruption related to decision-making and actions of public servants at all levels in the hierarchy. In this sense the relationship between political and administrative leaders can take either complementary or antagonistic corrupt actions. A case study in political and administrative relations and involvement in corruption will be utilised in order to examine and scrutinise the involvement by politicians and administrators in a leading South African municipality.

Research paper thumbnail of Corruption: Consequences for Socio-economic Well-being in South Africa

Alternation: Interdisciplinary Journal for the Study of the Arts and Humanities in Southern Africa, 2019

Research paper thumbnail of Thick concept but thin theories: a case for sector-based anti-corruption strategy

Oxford Development Studies

Research paper thumbnail of Public Policy and Corruption in a Globalised World: Case Studies from South Africa and Rwanda

The paper attempts to describe and elaborate on the relationship between policy analysis, plannin... more The paper attempts to describe and elaborate on the relationship between policy analysis, planning and implementation and its relationship to development and state construction in a globalised world. In this attempt, the hurdles encountered in the complex and contradictory nature of planning and implementing public policy in the development of state construction are associated with the issues of global values, policy transfer, import of legislation, and restraining aspects of treaties and so forth. It is assumed that within this context, the attempts of individual states to carry through and successfully deliver socially-inclusive and empowering developmental programmes and projects hinges on understanding and negotiating social change and transformation that "works with the grain of societies" rather than brushing against it. This means exposing and refraining from imposing external public models that more often than not treat local political dynamics as dysfunctional. Acknowledging corruption and working within the public policy and political context in which it is rooted and functions requires an indepth understanding of the global dynamics and realities and their role as enabler and contributor to sustained/sustainable economic growth and development. To illustrate and ground this-to make accessible to our students and development practitioners-we propose the utilisation of case studies of Rwanda and South Africa which show that specific types of governance could be compatible with strong economic performance that can be considered broadly pro-growth, pro-rural and anchored in an institutional system that centralises and distributes economic rents (with a view to the long term).

Research paper thumbnail of Corruption: consequences for socio-economic well-being in South Africa

his paper begins with the hypothesis that high levels of corruption can self?perpetuate on occasi... more his paper begins with the hypothesis that high levels of corruption can self?perpetuate on occasions, as the phenomenon of corruption is perpetrated through all societal levels and sectors. The loss of ethical standards, lack of honest and cohesive leadership, organisational gaps and weaknesses and individual or group greed, coupled with political, or organisational opportunities, and immunity of offenders, are some of the fundamental roots leading to corruption. High levels of corruption have serious negative repercussions for the present and future of any country especially when it occurs in the public sector. Corruption deters investment in the country, as private investment can be discouraged. The consequences are particularly dire in the case of Foreign Direct Investments (FDI), where corruption can amount to an additional cost. It reduces GDP growth as it harms international trade; negatively affects the inflation and exchange rates; affects prices of either imports or exports...

Research paper thumbnail of Public trust and good governance : a comparative study of Brazil and South Africa

CITATION: Pillay, P. 2017. Public trust and good governance : a comparative study of Brazil and S... more CITATION: Pillay, P. 2017. Public trust and good governance : a comparative study of Brazil and South Africa. African Journal of Public Affairs, 9(8):31-47.

Research paper thumbnail of Public trust and good governance : a comparative study of Brazil and South Africa

CITATION: Pillay, P. 2017. Public trust and good governance : a comparative study of Brazil and S... more CITATION: Pillay, P. 2017. Public trust and good governance : a comparative study of Brazil and South Africa. African Journal of Public Affairs, 9(8):31-47.

Research paper thumbnail of Exploring how women’s social capital in rural areas can inform the development of policy as a source of agency for empowerment

CITATION: Teleki, M. & Pillay, P. 2019. Exploring how women’s social capital in rural areas can i... more CITATION: Teleki, M. & Pillay, P. 2019. Exploring how women’s social capital in rural areas can inform the development of policy as a source of agency for empowerment. African Journal of Public Affairs, 11(2):128-146.

Research paper thumbnail of Corruption and the erosion of citizen trust in Brazil and South Africa

CITATION: Mantzaris, E. A. & Pillay, P. 2017. Corruption and the erosion of citizen trust in Braz... more CITATION: Mantzaris, E. A. & Pillay, P. 2017. Corruption and the erosion of citizen trust in Brazil and South Africa. African Journal of Public Affairs, 9(8):63-77.

Research paper thumbnail of Monitoring, Evaluation and Accountability Against Corruption: A South African Case Study

Journal of Reviews on Global Economics, 2019

The article is an empirical effort to research and analyse the dialectical relationship between p... more The article is an empirical effort to research and analyse the dialectical relationship between public sector monitoring and evaluation relations, structures and processes with corruption and accountability. The case study is the Gauteng Department of Health that has been the subject of this research for the last two years as a part of a wider health-related project. Following a brief exposition of the concept of monitoring and evaluation that has been covered extensively in international and national literature, its relationship with accountability is explored. The existing legislative national and provincial legislature as well as the existing state rules and regulations are presented before the description of the project's research methods and design. This is a research project utilising a qualitative-based research design and framework consisting of thorough content analysis of primary and secondary sources including government official documents, newspaper articles and face-to-face interviews with a wide range of carefully selected public administrators, political figures and representatives of the public sector. The paper presents an analysis of corruption trends within the department as identified in the latest Auditor General's report, a corruption-ridden case and the wide-ranging responses of the interviewees. The latest evidence-based Corruption Index follows.

Research paper thumbnail of Independence of anti‑corruption agencies : a comparative study of South Africa and India

CITATION: Chetty, J. & Pillay, P. 2017. Independence of anti‑corruption agencies : a comparative ... more CITATION: Chetty, J. & Pillay, P. 2017. Independence of anti‑corruption agencies : a comparative study of South Africa and India. African Journal of Public Affairs, 9(8):105-120.