Social protection interventions to attain sustainable development goal one in South Africa

Abstract: The article reviews social protection interventions in South Africa to determine how they give effect to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Of particular interest is SDG One, which targets the alleviation of poverty. South Africa lags behind in terms of achieving the targets of SDG One, and therefore invests hugely in social protection interventions aimed at fighting poverty. The aim of this article is to answer the question, “What is the role that social protection interventions in South Africa play in attaining sustainable development?” The findings explore that social protection requires state-led interventions to improve citizens’ welfare. A qualitative conceptual and documentary literature analysis was used as the research methodology, where a qualitative description of findings focuses on themes that emerged from the literature review and was conceptualised by way of unobtrusive research techniques. The article recommends that social protection interventions be prioritised in public policy implementation in pursuance of sustainable development

Gender mainstreaming in integrated development plans : the South African context

Abstract: The objective of this study is to explore the status of gender mainstreaming in policymaking processes at municipal level in South Africa. A review of feminist approaches in the South African context shows that awareness regarding women’s participation and empowerment is recognised at societal and political levels and led to the establishment of the South African Women’s Charter in 1994. This awareness at the local government level gave rise to the Local Government White Paper of 1998; the Municipal Structures Act (Act 117 of 1998); and the Municipal Systems Act (Act 32 of 2000). These legislative measures put emphasis on improved participation of women in ward committees and also ensured that women’s needs during municipal development plans have to be taken into consideration. However, the findings of this study expose a different dimension whereby policies are considered genderneutral and suggest that women are still sidelined in policymaking processes..

Gender equality for achieving Sustainable Development Goal One (no Poverty) in South African municipalities

Abstract: Sustainable Development Goal One demands the reduction of poverty, hence holds significance in the South African context where a high unemployment rate still prevails, hampering socio-economic development of the country as a whole. In addition, poverty is linked to gender inequality with female counterparts occupying fewer jobs in the South African labour market than men. This situation is even more dire at grassroots levels, where a lack of education and civic awareness, inadequate gender-based poverty alleviation policies, and inappropriate gender-based participation in pro-poor growth strategies, contribute towards the weakening of women’s empowerment. This article hypothesises that gender equality in poverty reduction strategies could have a positive impact in the realisation of Sustainable Development Goal One. In order to explore the gender equality measures in poverty reduction initiatives, the article utilizes a qualitative research approach with an exploratory design..

Assesinng Sustainable Development Goal 11 in South African Context

South Africa underwent apartheid, a system of racial segregation, during which the country's governance agendas did not offer too much emphasis on environmental issues. The policies implemented during that time were lacking the environment-inclusiveness, and thus regrettably remained unsuccessful in promoting sustainable development. This article aims to review the current state of SDG 11, which focuses on sustainable cities and communities, in South African context. This research is a qualitative analysis of secondary data obtained through reviewing literature. The data was analyzed using conceptual analysis. The literature review shows that the democratic governance in a post-apartheid era implemented some policies that now regulate various aspects of SDG 11 in the country-specific context. Some of the significant ones are the Housing Act (No. 107 of 1997); Water Services Act (No. 108 of 1997); National Environmental Management: Waste Act (No. 59 of 2008); Municipal Systems Act (No. 32 of 2000); Breaking New Ground, 2004; and the National Housing Code, 2009. However, despite these legislative frameworks, there are challenges that still hamper the effective achievement of SDG 11. The findings therefore explore these challenges that include insufficient skills, inadequate funding, and inadequate training to develop technical competence, among others. The study provides recommendations for addressing these issues and improving the situation

An analysis of risk management within the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)

Abstract: Risk management entails resources, planning, arranging and controlling to reduce the impact of possible risks to a manageable level. The objective of the article is to determine how the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) implements risk management to achieve the objectives of its mandate as set out in its strategic plan, ultimately creating an ethical environment by reducing fraud. The methodology is based on a qualitative research design, using triangulation of an embedded case study with specific dimensions of unobtrusive research techniques, such as conceptual and document analysis. The Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) system is closely linked to the DTI’s risk management policy and risk management strategy objectives. The Risk Management Implementation Plan (RMIP) and the risk register, as well as the implementation of the risk management process, are instrumental in the successful risk management strategy of the DTI. The findings indicate that risk dialogue, communication, awareness, and understanding of the organisation and its risks, should be encouraged; that risk reporting practices should be strengthened, and that a better alignment between risk management and the DTI’s strategic objectives should be established

Assessing gender equality in the South African sports sector

Abstract: Sport has generally been a male-dominated domain which appears to discriminate against women by preventing their advancement to high-level positions in sports organisations. The article conceptually utilises the Gender and Development approach as a theoretical framework. The rationale behind this approach is that in a patriarchal society, there are stereotyped mentality, social practices, and cultural traditions confining women to household tasks only; role-conflict between men and women; and gender challenges in terms of work-family-balanced tasks that restrict women from advancing their careers outside their delegated and expected home-based tasks. This approach therefore aims to empower, incorporate, integrate, and mainstream gender in the sport sector. The article contextually utilises a comprehensive literature survey, document analysis, and a desktop review of the Department of Sport and Recreation South Africa to identify gender gaps. Through document analysis, the gender gaps will be discussed in the South African sports sector at strategic and policy levels that suppress women from holding decision-making and strategic positions. Authors believe that women alone are not responsible for the lack of gender-based representation in sports management. Male counterparts hold equal responsibility to encourage, promote,..

Benefits and Challenges to Implement Public-Private Partnerships in Water Infrastructure Development in Zimbabwe

The rationale of the study was built on the water infrastructure challenges in Zimbabwe and the challenges in government policies and capacity that demand the participation of public private partnerships (PPPs) in the development of water infrastructure in Zimbabwe. The study adopted the qualitative research approach, and the information is compiled through literature review. Through conceptual and document analysis of information, the study also recognised that there are challenges in the existing PPP arrangements in Zimbabwe that require improvement for their absolute contribution to the management of water resources in the country. The data generated by this study were used to understand the complexities and contestations in Zimbabwe and enrich the body of knowledge and literature about water-related PPPs. Effective PPPs for improved urban water infrastructure cannot be achieved by chance. Effective PPPs require deliberate efforts and comprehensive reforms. The study, therefore, posits that with an environment conducive to operating PPPs, in addition to proper planning and meticulous implementation, Zimbabwe has a high chance of successfully implementing such partnerships for improved urban water infrastructure.  The rationale of the study was built on the water infrastructure challenges in Zimbabwe and the challenges in government policies and capacity that demand the participation of public private partnerships (PPPs) in the development of water infrastructure in Zimbabwe. The study adopted the qualitative research approach, and the information is compiled through literature review. Through conceptual and document analysis of information, the study also recognised that there are challenges in the existing PPP arrangements in Zimbabwe that require improvement for their absolute contribution to the management of water resources in the country. The data generated by this study were used to understand the complexities and contestations in Zimbabwe and enrich the body of knowledge and literature about water-related PPPs. Effective PPPs for improved urban water infrastructure cannot be achieved by chance. Effective PPPs require deliberate efforts and comprehensive reforms. The study, therefore, posits that with an environment conducive to operating PPPs, in addition to proper planning and meticulous implementation, Zimbabwe has a high chance of successfully implementing such partnerships for improved urban water infrastructure. &nbsp

CollaborativeGovernance in Zimbabwe’sUrban Local Authorities: Challenges and Considerations for Improved Service Delivery

Together with the influence of globalisation and sustainable development goals, urbanisation profoundly impacts the service delivery capacity of African subnational governments. Unfortunately, in the context of Zimbabwean local authorities, particularly urban councils, these amplified demands were not accompanied by increased capacity. Unsurprisingly, service delivery woes have become the norm. The question that arises is: Are urban local authorities in Zimbabwe, without the involvement and active participation of other stakeholders, able to confront and overcome service delivery challenges, and spearhead local development? In this article, the researchers present the impediments to collaborative governance in Zimbabwe’s urban councils and insights towards an enabling environment for collaborative governance. The researchers gathered evidence to substantiate this line of argument through qualitative desktopresearch