The effectiveness of institutions dealing with labour disputes resolution in Lesotho

Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Management in Public Policy (MMPP) in the Governance School, Faculty of Law, Commerce and Management, University of the WitwatersrandIt is human nature to pursue happiness. This pursuit of happiness is in many cases obtained through hard work. People work in order to provide for their families and they obtain satisfaction if their families are happy with their provision. It is thus never an employees’ motive or desire to be dismissed from work or have bad relations with his/her employer. It is important to minimize conflicts between employers and employees in any country because it helps reduce the socio-economic problems that these conflicts may foster in societies. Governments use labour laws and policies to manage labour disputes. However, if these policies do not seem to be achieving what they are supposed to then that may suggest policy failure. This study looked particularly at the effectiveness of institutions dealing with labour dispute resolution in Lesotho. The purpose of the study was to establish reasons for why, despite all the legal frameworks relating to labour relations in Lesotho, there seems to be an escalation of disputes. It was found that lack of public participation, especially of employees and employers, in the formulation and implementation of policies, laws and regulations relating to labour relations leads to the escalation of disputes. This simply means that involving stakeholders in issues that affect them from the onset can reduce the level of disputes because the majority would have understood what labour relations entails. A qualitative study was used and data was collected through one-on-one semi-structured interviews with 31 participants, focusing on people who are mostly affected by labour relations in Maseru, the capital of Lesotho. The participants were chosen purposively to suit the study being undertaken. However, data collection was a limitation to this study because it was difficult for the researcher to secure appointments with participants. The study made the following recommendations: it is through the effectiveness of institutions that labour disputes can be reduced, especially Ministry of Labour and Employment (Department of Labour), Directorate of Dispute Prevention and Resolution (DDPR), labour court, and labour appeals. However, the social partners, especially trade unions and employers’ organizations, also play a critical role in ensuring wellfunctioning labour relations are in place.MT201

The impact of capital flows on exchange rates: Evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa

With the low levels of domestic savings, capital flows can narrow the financing gap and contribute to economic growth and development. However, capital flows can also lead to negative, possibly unintended, consequences. As such, the study sought to ascertain the relationship between capital flows and the exchange rate. The objective of this study was to analyse the impact of capital flows on exchange rates, specifically in Sub-Saharan Africa, using the system-generalised method-of-moments (GMM) estimator and panel data of 45 countries from 1990 to 2019. The study is particularly important considering the wave of reforms in the 1980s, advocated for by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which led to a substantial increase in capital inflows in the region. This study found that a relationship between capital flows and the exchange rate does exist and that capital flows do cause the exchange rate to appreciate when controlling for endogeneity. In addition, the findings of the study also confirmed that while both portfolio flows and foreign direct investment cause the exchange rate to appreciate, the impact of portfolio flows on the exchange rate is much more significant than that of foreign direct investment

The evolution of entrepreneurial networks a case of the networking behaviour of South African Built Environment Professionals

Includes abstract.Includes bibliographical references.In examining the evolution of entrepreneurial networks of owner-managed Small medium scale enterprises (SMEs) firms, this dissertation investigates the networking behaviour of South African built environment professionals, by observing the network composition adopted over the duration of their respective businesses

The role of deposit insurance in the banking system: the case of Lesotho

Many developing countries have been adversely affected by incidents of economic shocks caused by financial instability which has retarded economic growth. The impact of financial instability explains why the financial sector is regarded as significant tool in the economic development of any country. In an effort to ensure that the stability of the financial system is sustained, many countries have strengthened regulatory and supervisory frameworks to ensure that banks operate within a stable economic environment. In addition, many countries have set up deposit insurance systems in order to complement the prudential supervision and regulation by the Central Banks as well as the lender-of last-resort function of the central bank. Nonetheless, the introduction of deposit insurance has not only contributed positively in the maintenance of the financial system, but has presented challenges as well. This could be discerned from the negative consequences which deposit insurance systems suffer such as moral hazard and adverse selection. The aforementioned problems have been addressed by making proper considerations in the process of choosing the proper deposit insurance model. However, it is pertinent to indicate that there is no model which could be recommended as the best since each model is suitable for the particular circumstances of a given country. However, an explicit deposit insurance system has been proposed as the model for the best practice deposit insurance systems and has since been endorsed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for countries which are in the process of setting up such a system. Explicit deposit insurance system is preferred over other forms since it creates certainty that bank depositors are guaranteed reimbursement in the event of bank failure, has clearly defined iii guidelines on the extent to which they are covered against loss occasioned by bank failure as well as saving the government from diverting the national budget to bail out distressed banks for purposes of facilitating reimbursement of depositors and thereby sustaining stability within the financial system and economic system. It is against this background that the position of Lesotho, in so far as the role played by deposit insurance within the banking system was explore

What causes election-related conflict within democracies :a case study of Lesotho

Magister Artium - MAThis research sought to understand the nature of election-related conflict and what needs to be done to arrest the eruption of such conflict in Lesotho. It sought the opinions of selectively respondents who have been involved in the conflicts in different ways. The interviews and documented literature revealed that what constitutes a background to election-related conflict involves issues that are many and varied. Among others such issues include the following: weak political institutions, use of vulgar language by political leadership, and the weak economy that intensifies neo-patrimonial tendencies. The research concluded that all the factors associated with the eruption of illegitimate conflicts during and after general elections in Lesotho are a result of the politicians' desire to retain or capture national resources to satisfy their selfish interests and those of their cronies. The conflicts could be minimised if the country's economy could be transformed to provide the politicians with alternatives of economic survival outside the structures of government. Furthermore, to minimise the conflict, the country should consider establishing electoral courts. These have the potential of speeding up the resolution of electoral grievances, in the process preventing them from graduating into serious conflicts.South Afric

Knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of TB non-adherent and adherent 2-3 years after their initial registration at Botšabelo clinic, Maseru, Lesotho

Magister Public Health - MPHBackground: Tuberculosis (TB) in the majority of cases is a curable disease requiring prolonged treatment of six months. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends the Direct Observation Treatment Short course (DOTS) strategy as the approach to control TB. Despite such interventions, defaulting from TB treatment is still a major problem among TB patients at Botšabelo Clinic in Maseru. This research aimed to describe knowledge, attitudes and perceptions to TB as a disease and its treatment among non-adherent and adherent at Botšabelo Clinic in the Maseru district of Lesotho, in order to identify contributing factors related to defaulting treatment. Study design: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted. Population and sampling: TB non-adherent and adherent registered at Botšabelo Clinic in 2007 were included in the study. Simple random sampling was used to select both non-adherent and adherent. Data collection: Data were collected by means of a structured questionnaire. Data analysis: Epi-Info Version 3.4.3 was used for data analysis. Descriptive statistics were calculated using frequencies, means and percentages for socio-demographic information, knowledge, attitudes and perceptions. A p-value of less than 0.05 was accepted as being statistically significant in all statistical tests. Results: The total number of respondents who were interviewed in this study was 283. 131(46%) were non-adherent and 152 (54%) were adherent. Non-adherent and adherent showed good knowledge of symptoms, prevention and transmission of TB. They were also knowledgeable about duration of treatment. 98% non-adherent and 100% adherent knew that TB is curable. 93% non-adherent and 93% adherent visited a health facility when TB symptoms occurred. Less than half of the respondents (47% non-adherent and 47% adherent) smoked. 47% non-adherent 43% adherent drank alcohol. Many non-adherent and adherent experienced support from the community. A large number mentioned that TB did not affect their marriage negatively. Conclusion: Non-adherent and adherent showed good knowledge of symptoms, prevention, disease transmission and definition of TB. Even though many could define TB, there were misconceptions that TB is caused by poison. Therefore, there is a need to strengthen health education on TB among communities. They were also knowledgeable that TB is curable and many could define DOT. Their attitudes and perceptions towards TB as a disease were positive. Many (93%) of those who were diagnosed with TB went to a health facility for treatment, while others sought it from traditional healers. Less than half of non-adherent and adherent delayed seeking treatment. A considerable number of non-adherent and adherent were heavy smokers. Alcohol intake was moderate among both groups. Media was reported as the main source of TB information in this study. Side effects to medication were the most reported deterrent to treatment among non-adherent. The side effect with the highest frequency was vomiting. It was followed by nausea and skin rash. Socio-economic factors that determined treatment were access to health services, long distance to the clinic, lack of transport and lack of funds and personal habits like smoking and alcohol abuse. Delay in seeking treatment was found to be a problem in this study. There was no difference found between knowledge attitude and perceptions of non-adherents and adherents

Debating supply and demand characteristics of bulk infrastructure : Lesotho-Johannesburg water transfer

Relating bulk infrastructure requirements to basic household needs is not merely matching a supply-side response to aggregate demand curves. Both the supply and demand sides must be evaluated extremely critically during periods of scarcity (both fiscal/financial and ecological) when, as in the case of water for the Gauteng region, the society must contend with poor historical planning, inordinately unequal access to and use of resources, uncertain intergovernmental fiscal relations and municipal fiscal strain, ecological fragility, waste in consumption, lack of affordability for basic service consumption, ineffective subsidy systems and vigorous contestation of township politics. These are general problems common to South African infrastructure planning. In the case of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, these problems catalysed a community challenge -- by leading activists of Alexandra township, later endorsed by the Alexandra Civic Organisation itself -- to not only the municipal and national government departments responsible, but to the World Bank team which did much of the bulk infrastructure design work. The failure of that challenge, in legal terms, does not undermine the technical and moral truths which were raised by Alexandra residents in 1997-98, which in turn may lay the basis for a more rational linkage of bulk and basic infrastructure systems in future. This chapter includes the five core documents provided by the Alexandra residents, the World Bank, the South African government and the Bank Inspection Panel, as well as concluding remarks

Participatory development communication and the sustainability of poverty alleviation projects in Lesotho : a case of Lifajaneng

This study aimed at assessing the impact of communication on the sustainability of poverty alleviation programmes established for selected beneficiaries in the rural community of Lifajaneng. This is conducted with the purpose of understanding how the Mafeteng community engages in the poverty alleviation projects carried out within their area of residence, so as to encourage more commitment in participation. The conceptual framework for this study is the empowerment approach and the study is informed by two theories; the participatory communication theory and the diffusion of innovation theory. The study employed the mixed method approach to gather and analyze the data; that is using questionnaires, focus group discussions and face to face interviews to solicit for information from project participants and project managers. The quantitative data was presented and analyzed through charts and graphs buttressed with themes that emerged in the qualitative data. The study revealed that the sustainability of the poverty alleviation projects remains questionable due to a number of challenges. The results reflect that communities are more comfortable when the mother language (Sesotho) is used predominantly as the medium of communication. The results also reflected that meetings had a higher attendance rate if called for by local leaders through word of mouth followed by communications done telephonically. Mainstream media such as radio and newspapers were the least effective when mobilizing the communities for meetings related to the poverty alleviation projects in the poor community. The study also unfolded the following issues; lack of full participation and commitment of the beneficiaries, inadequate funding to allow sufficient training of the beneficiaries. This is because the funds had some strings attached and the beneficiaries had their own expectations of the funds, therefore the objectives and the limits of the funder did not match the objectives and the limitations of the beneficiaries. Hence, the end results are lack of motivation for the beneficiaries

No. 21: The State of Poverty and Food Insecurity in Maseru, Lesotho

This report on food insecurity in urban Lesotho is the latest in a series on Southern African cities issued by AFSUN. Like the previous reports, it focuses on one city (Maseru) and on poor neighbourhoods and households in that city. More than 60% of poor households surveyed in Maseru were severely food insecure. While food price increases worsen food insecurity for poor households, it is poverty that weakens the resilience of society to absorb these increases. This report argues that Maseru residents face specific and interrelated challenges with respect to food and nutrition insecurity. These are poverty; limited local livelihood opportunities; and dependence on food imports. Among AFSUN’s recommendations are improved infrastructure as a fundamental precondition for meaningful development; the creation of livelihood opportunities within the food system; social safety nets designed in ways that promote economic growth and equity; and free movement of labour between Lesotho and South Africa, which would dramatically improve the incomes of many poor households. The Government of Lesotho and the Maseru Municipality and District can direct both aid and investment into an integrated food security strategy that prioritizes urban infrastructure, livelihoods, welfare and mobility. This takes political will, but the development and implementation of such a food security strategy is well within the reach of the country’s leaders

A study of the role of community colleges in the provision of vocational-technical education with specific reference to the Eastern Free State

This study was conducted with the purpose of evaluating American community colleges in order to consider their role in the provision of vocational-technical education with specific reference to the Eastern Free State. In order to achieve this, three research methodologies were engaged in. They comprised a documentary study relating to the nature and functioning of American community colleges and to the provision of vocational-technical education in South Africa, an on-site visit to an American community college for the purpose of conducting an in-depth study thereof as well as an empirical investigation undertaken in the Eastern Free State with the purpose of determining the need for the establishment of community colleges in the region. The documentary study of the American community college as well as the on-site visit to a typical American community college have revealed that these educational institutions have been particularly useful to individuals whose educational opportunities have been limited by a variety of circumstances by being plentiful, nearby, inexpensive, offering a variety of programmes and by adhering to an open-door admissions policy that imposes few entry requirements. It has also been revealed that American community colleges have a positive impact on those associated with them, namely, students, commerce and industry, universities and society in general. The documentary study relating to the provision of vocational-technical education in South Africa has revealed that in the past the provision of education in the country has been skewed in favour of the White population, which happened to be in the minority. As a result, the majority of citizens of the country either received little or no education at all. This has resulted in high levels of illiteracy, unemployment and poverty. It has also been found that corrective measures against this state of affairs are currently being undertaken. The empirical investigation undertaken in the Eastern Free State has found that the residents of the Eastern Free State are in favour of the establishment of community colleges in their region. The type of community college that is desired is one that will lead to the upliftment of the educational levels of its students and equip them with marketable skills. Based on the findings of this study, recommendations are made relating to the establishment of community colleges in the Eastern Free State. It has been found that there is no need for the establishment of community colleges alongside the already existing FET colleges in the Eastern Free State. Instead it is recommended that some of the features of American community colleges that have contributed to their success be adopted, adapted where necessary and be integrated into the FET college operating in the Eastern Free State.Thesis (DPhil)--University of Pretoria, 2005.Humanities EducationDPhilUnrestricte