African Public Research Articles

Digital Transformation in South African Public Higher Education Institutions – A Pedagogical Approach

Traditional teaching and learning approaches were disrupted by COVID-19, which led to a considerable movement towards online and remote education, with public universities having to adapt to new remote learning methods and a delayed academic calendar. While these changes allowed for continued learning during the pandemic, they also came with challenges and had implications on student performance and well-being. This transition brought to light the necessity for effective pedagogical practices to engage students in virtual classrooms, which also exposed existing disparities in access to technology and internet connectivity. Studies have focused on student access and success in transformative digital learning by redressing socioeconomic issues. Keeping students engaged and connected to what is being delivered has yet to be explored in Public Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs). Numerous tools are available to engage and connect students during teaching and learning. However, these are not optimally utilised in PHEIs due to a lack of knowledge of their existence; lecturers’ preferences; lack of skills in using engaging tools; conventional teaching style that is assumed to be working; and lack of will to adapt and change with the times. Changing from conventional classrooms to hybrid and online classrooms requires changing teaching methods and especially pedagogies. This study aimed to identify how PHEIs could better benefit from using 21st-century pedagogies in virtual classrooms now that the pandemic is over. A qualitative research approach was used to gather data. A desktop literature review was used from a constructivist paradigm to assess and select data to include in the study methodologically. Data was analysed using theme analysis. This study found that blended learning and virtual learning have high propensity and knowledge retention rates amongst students, given that the pedagogies used by lecturers align with the new requirements of active and engaging learning. This study covered a broad aspect of pedagogies underpinning learning in 21st-century classrooms and theories. Recommendations were made for improved active engagement in the 21st-century classroom. Keywords: Pedagogies, Covid19, Learning, Public Higher Education Institutions, Student Engagement

Revenue Strategies that Encourage Graduates’ Funding Initiatives in South African Public Universities

As a result of the increasing unemployment rate amongst youth in South Africa, this study sought to investigate revenue generating strategies aimed at sustaining universities financially in the long run whilst focusing primarily on placing graduates in employment opportunities emanating from business start-ups or business partnerships led by universities.Under the theme of developing university revenue strategies that create graduates’ work opportunities, two research questions aimed to address the role of universities in supporting graduates’ business start-ups. The study examined how university-led graduates’ initiatives could serve as a significant contributor to the university’s third income strategy, whilst simultaneously reducing youth unemployment, which is currently one of the biggest challenges in the South African economy. The focus was on all twenty-six South African public universities using secondary data that was already publicly available. A positivist epistemology, using a quantitative research method, was used when statistically testing the first key research question which was conducted by demonstrating the strength of statistical association between two variables through applying the Pearson’s correlation test. Thereafter, in the second research question forecasting technique determined how universities can realize benefits aimed at generating extra revenue from investment contributions made towards graduates’ investment initiatives through forecasting anticipated targeted Returns on Investments. Key findings demonstrated that there was a significant association between each university’s net profit and the graduates produced, and the funding subsidy from the South African government in higher education also confirms this practice. The forecasting approach using the Excel Solver equation was possible to apply in addressing the target return on investment. This implied providing positive guidance in solidifying executive decisions to strategize allocating a university profit proportion as the basis of financing capital resources supporting university-led graduates’ initiatives for creating work opportunities. Keywords: Revenue, Funding, South Africa, Publica Universities.

Conflict of Interest: An Epidemic Dilemma Within the South African Public Procurement System

Background: Challenges of the South African public procurement system continues unabated to make visible footprints in the yearly Auditor-General’s reports. At the centre of the challenges is the failure to comply with the legislative framework regulating public procurement resulting in irregular expenditure. Compliance failures are at the root of evil deeds and misconduct in the South African public sector.Setting: The existence of a plethora of legislative frameworks, polices and standard operating procedures and the yearly reports of the Auditor-General leaves one pondering in relation to the difficulty for procurement officials to adhere to these prescripts. Aim: It against this notion that this conceptual paper gives an analysis of the impact of conflict of interests as suspect in chief on failure by procurement officials to adhere on procurement regulations. Of essence is to examine causal factors and inherent consequences which in most instances is conflicting interest by public officials.Method: This paper analyses secondary data with regard to conflict of interest with in the South African public procurement system. This is done by means of literature and government documentation.Conclusion: This paper concludes that the concept of conflict of interest is not new within the procurement space, yet procurement officials still grapple on how to effectively deal with it whenever it arises. This therefore calls for reform in procurement processes especially in ensuring consequentialism for wrongdoers.Contribution: The paper contributes towards the shaping of public procurement policies and ethical guidelines in all spheres of government. This paper further contributes to the body of knowledge considering that it will unearth critical dimensions of conflict of interests particularly for the public sector.

New public management and post-new public management paradigms

Over the past decades there has been a remarkable paradigm shift in Public Administration. Traditional Public Administration was in dire need for a change of a New Public Administration (NPA) approach in the 1980s. From early 2000s, the NPA began to be subjected to heavy criticism, which influenced public administration to take complete control of different reforms and approaches regardless of their diversity, complexity, hybrid and contradictory situations rather than offering the perfect approach and reform to the public sector. The New Public Management (NPM) and Post-New Public Management (Post-NPM) paradigms emerged in times whereby the NPA was already experiencing a massive deconstruction and reconfiguration of the public sector management. To scan and understand the remarkable paradigm shift in the field and practice of public administration, this study applies both NPM and Post-NMP to examine different views, principles, values and norms, and reform proposals for South African Public Administration. Methodologically, this study used qualitative research methods with the aid of secondary data to evaluate both the NPM and post-NPM paradigms, criticisms, arguments, challenges, and changes in public policy implementations. Recommendations are provided based on the existing challenges confronting the current public administration in South Africa. This study contributes to literature, new policy proposals and research within public administration.

Rethinking the question of identity for indigenous public administration within public administration

In African Public Administration, this article considers the subject of rethinking identity for indigenous public administration. It seeks to determine whether the lack of indigenous traditions as a foundation for current Public Administration will actually fulfil the essential knowledge demands of government by solving challenges that cannot be answered by public officials. This epistemic discrimination of indigenous public administration in Public Administration has been widely disseminated without taking into account the value systems of African societies that have established their own distinct administrative structures within their respective cultural settings. This has resulted in a plethora of misunderstandings and contradictions in contemporary public administration practices. This is due to P[p]ublic A[a]dministration modulating the influence of Africans, their processes and institutions in the development of the discipline. In light of this realization, this paper discusses how rethinking the issue of identity for indigenous public administration can and should serve as a foundational tool for promoting Africa's Public Administration. This paper employs Afrocentricity as an avant-garde to untangle this discourse based on the above-mentioned breakdown. The paper is conceptual in nature and is based on a review of literature from a variety of sources, including policies, popular media statements, and academic publications.

Big Data Analytics Artefact for Outcome-Based Funding Prediction in South African Public Universities

This study designed a big data analytics artefact for the prediction of outcome-based funding (OBF) in South African public universities. Universities in South Africa (SA) are subsidized based on their performance known as OBF that is measured depending on the outputs from teaching, research, and engagements. OBF metrics are well documented; however, public universities fail to achieve the targets for higher scores. These failures are attributed to poor decision-making resulting from limited analysis of the voluminous data generated. This study used design science methodology to develop a big data analytics artefact for prediction of OBF outcomes. The artefact was evaluated for prediction using machine learning training and tested with data collected from South African universities. Findings indicated that for better prediction using big data analytics, system characteristics, size, structure, top management support, market, infrastructure, and government regulations factors play a significant role.

South African Public Sector Post-Apartheid Economic Initiatives For Human Development: Why Were The Strategies Short-Lived?

This paper investigates the extent to which the national economic initiatives introduced in post-apartheid South Africa were successful, why they were removed and why they were unsustainable or indefensible. In order to address the research questions, this study used a qualitative design involving the views of government officials who participated in the formulation of national policies. A total of six officials for each strategy (RDP, GEAR, ASGISA, NGP, NDP, DDM) were sampled purposively, in order to generate rich information on the performance of each policy considered, and the decision to replace the policy. A semi-structured survey form was developed for this purpose. The study results show that none of the economic strategies were able to decisively change the trajectory of South Africa’s economic development. The key reasons are the removal of the economic strategies before they achieved the stated objectives potential; inability to adjust and refocus strategies continuously; a lack of implementation and monitoring capacity. The study contributes to the understanding of how South Africa’s economic development strategies performed and why they were removed. This informs future approaches to the development and management of economic strategies. The findings suggest that there must be sound and consistent public management to drive and coordinate implementation, in order for economic development initiatives to be effective.

Cataloging Library Resources in a South African Public Library: A Case Study of Professional Knowledge

The paper examines the knowledge and practices of catalogers at the City of Cape Town Metropolitan Public Libraries (CCTML). The study aims to understand the extent to which catalogers understand current and emerging cataloging practices and to make recommendations for improving practice. The extent of access and the use of library resources depends greatly upon the quality of the library catalog. The following research questions were formulated: what cataloging knowledge do catalogers of CCTML have? How is cataloging carried out in CCTML? What challenges do catalogers of CCTML experience in cataloging library resources? Qualitative approach and case study design were employed. The population of the study was made of 6 catalogers. Data was collected through the focus group interview. Findings indicated that catalogers had knowledge of cataloging standards. They downloaded the catalog records from the OCLC although, they also created original catalog records in case they did not find the matching manifestations on OCLC. Moreover, they experienced challenges of assigning subject headings for non-roman scripts, allocation of the correct classification notation and the advanced use of the cataloging standards. The study recommends the exchange programmes in cataloguing, use of technological tools, artificial intelligence in cataloging.

Multidisciplinary argument for the decriminalization of drugs

AbstractThis manuscript offers an overview of 11 disciplinary perspectives on the failed and destructive War on Drugs and the salutary prospects from decriminalizing drug use, including History, African American studies, Journalism, Sociology, Political Science, Cost Accounting, Urban Education, Counseling, Psychology, Nursing, and Public Health. This offers a roadmap for counselor social and political advocacy with drug policy and highlights community collaboration opportunities.

The Influence of Social Media on the Transparency and Accountability of the South African Public Sector

There is a growing debate on the potential role of social media in improving government transparency and accountability and, ultimately, policy-making. This article analyses the contribution of social media, specifically Twitter, in increasing government transparency and accountability in South Africa by transferring information between the government and the public. To achieve this aim, we conducted an in-depth analysis of Twitter content, focusing on a curated selection of randomly selected top hashtags that became prominent in the South African context. These hashtags represent notable trends such as #FeesMustFall, #ZumaMustFall, #NotInMyName, #AmINext, and the #ThaboBester saga. By examining the discourses surrounding these hashtags, we aimed to uncover insights into how social media interactions intersected with government actions and reactions. Our results indicate that these hashtags served as potent catalysts for public engagement, driving discussions that critiqued government decisions and compelled timely reactions from the government.

Philosopher Kings, Eunuchs, Witches, Hygienists, and Agrarian Citizens in the West African Public Sphere

Philosopher Kings, Eunuchs, Witches, Hygienists, and Agrarian Citizens in the West African Public Sphere

HIV Viral Load Testing in the South African Public Health Setting in the Context of Evolving ART Guidelines and Advances in Technology, 2013-2022.

HIV viral load (VL) testing plays a key role in the clinical management of HIV as a marker of adherence and antiretroviral efficacy. To date, national and international antiretroviral treatment recommendations have evolved to endorse routine VL testing. South Africa (SA) has recommended routine VL testing since 2004. Progressively, the centralised HIV VL program managed by its National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) has undergone expansive growth. Retrospective de-identified VL data from 2013 to 2022 were evaluated to review program performance. Test volumes increased from 1,961,720 performed in 2013 to 45,334,864 in 2022. The median total in-laboratory turnaround time (TAT) ranged from 94 h (2015) to 51 h (2022). Implementation of two new assays improved median TATs in all laboratories. Samples of VL greater than 1000 copies/mL declined steadily. Despite initial increases, samples of fewer than 50 copies/mL stagnated at about 70% from 2019 and declined to 68% in 2022. Some variations between assays were observed. Overall, the SA VL program is successful. The scale of the VL program, the largest of its kind in the world by some margin, provides lessons for future public health programs dependent on laboratories for patient outcome and program performance monitoring.

Corporate Social Responsibility in the South African Public Sector: A Focus on Ethical Responsibility

There is a greater understanding of the significance of moral leadership in governance and accountability and transparency in public service. The emergence of a consensus that competent public administration and good governance are the cornerstone of long-term growth supports such realisation. The effects of unethical and unlawful behaviour in the public sector are considered unsustainable for a country’s development because they could erode public confidence in government institutions and the rule of law itself. Furthermore, the South African public has been increasingly outspoken and demanding of public sector officials, showing less tolerance for their shortcomings, shortfalls, and systematic issues. As a result, corporate social responsibility has become a demand due to growing stakeholder demands, the inability of government and civil society to address complex societal issues, as well as the realisation by most businesses that their long-term success depends on their capacity to address localised sustainable development challenges. According to the King Committee on Corporate Governance, a well-managed organisation will be conscious of social issues and respond to them, giving ethical standards a high priority. This paper explores the South African public sector’s ethical responsibility with regard to society’s interests, as demonstrated by accepting responsibility for the impact of its activities on key constituencies, such as customers, employees, shareholders, and communities. The paper employs the secondary sources analysis method for data collection. It is concluded that moral leadership can effect change, modify how public institutions fulfil their legal obligations, and give those who rely on government services high-quality, essential services. In addition, transparent, measurable programmes and outcomes should be the byproduct of responsible corporate citizenship. This paper has three proposals for the public sector, which will mitigate unethical and prohibited conduct in the public sector, and which is considered to be unsustainable for a nation’s development.

The Role of Equity and Inclusive Public Participation in Enhancing Effective Governance in the South African Public Sector from 1994 – 2020

The Role of Equity and Inclusive Public Participation in Enhancing Effective Governance in the South African Public Sector from 1994 – 2020

Cloud Computing Adoption in the South African Public Sector

Cloud Computing Adoption in the South African Public Sector

Competency Frameworks in the South African Public Service: The Wrong Magic Bullets?

Competency Frameworks in the South African Public Service: The Wrong Magic Bullets?

A Reflection on the Skills Shortage in Intensive Care Units in South African Public Hospitals

Intensive care units (ICUs) are specialist units where critically ill patients are cared for, staffed by a specialist health workforce. With the nursing profession currently undergoing major changes, both in practice and nursing education, there are several factors that are affecting the nursing workforce globally. As a result of natural attrition, nurses are leaving the profession which has resulted in an absolute critical skills scarcity. This article highlights some issues related to the nursing workforce in ICUs. The ICU nurses may be dealing with too much work, while experiencing low recognition of the value of their work. This may happen as nurses are all on the same level of training and they do a similar type of work. However, when the pressures of the ICU environment surpass their ability to cope, the individual nurses end up showing signs of burnout. The question is whether those working in ICUs will remain there forever, and for those nurses who hear the adverse stories about ICUs, whether they will be interested in working in ICUs.

Strategies For Retaining Scarce Skills and Reducing Turnover in The South African Public Sector

The South African public sector confronts a problem in retaining scarce skills because it competes in the labour market with the private sector, which provides higher packages/ benefits and conducive working conditions. Higher turnover of workers with scarce skills is a serious problem for service delivery and a costly exercise for the government. When scarce-skilled employees leave the public sector, vacant positions in the institutions' post establishments arise; as a result, the public institutions' ability to provide quality service delivery declines, and the recruitment and selection process is a costly process that further strains the government's budget. The capacity of a public institution to provide world-class service to its citizens is entirely dependent on the availability of competent staff who will carry out their tasks in such a manner that service delivery is enhanced. This paper aims to assess the current turnover rate among scarce skills employees within the South African public sector, and present viable alternatives for the government to address the escalating turnover issues, ultimately ensuring the retention of these valuable employees. To achieve the objective of the article, this paper used a review of the literature. The findings of this study revealed that the South African public sector is having difficulty attracting and retaining scarce skilled employees, which has a negative impact on the delivery and development of services. This higher turnover is faced by all levels of government and is driven by a competition for scarce skills between the government and the private sector, unfavourable working conditions, and less competitive packages, which has resulted in a situation where posts in the public sector remain vacant for longer periods of time. Few studies address concerns about scarce skills, high turnover, and personnel retention, particularly in the South African public sector. The author contends that this field should be further researched because effective and efficient public service delivery depends on the qualified staff.

Healthcare Resource Utilization in Controlled Versus Uncontrolled Adults Living With Type 1 Diabetes in the South African Public Healthcare Sector

ObjectivesThis study aimed to understand the cost implications of managing people living with type 1 diabetes mellitus in the South African public healthcare system. MethodsA multicenter, noninterventional retrospective chart review study was performed. Data on healthcare resource consumption, demographics, risk factors, clinical history, and acute events were collected. Direct medical costs were collected over a 1-year period, stratified by controlled versus uncontrolled patients. In addition, the costs in people with controlled (glycated hemoglobin < 7%) versus uncontrolled glycated hemoglobin (≥ 7%) at time horizons of 1, 5, 10, and 25 years were modeled using the IQVIA Core Diabetes Model. ResultsThe costs based on the retrospective chart review were $630 versus $1012 (controlled versus uncontrolled population). The modeled costs at various time horizons were as follows: at 1 year, $900 versus $1331; at 5 years, $4163 versus $6423; at 10 years, $7759 versus $16 481; and at 25 years, $16 969 versus $66 268. The largest cost in the controlled population was severe hypoglycemia requiring nonmedical assistance, severe hypoglycemia requiring medical assistance, and treatment costs. In the uncontrolled population, the largest cost was the cost of diabetic ketoacidosis, severe hypoglycemia requiring nonmedical assistance, severe hypoglycemia requiring medical assistance, and foot complications. ConclusionsStrict glycemic control reduces healthcare resource use overall. Patients in the controlled group still experienced high resource use related to hypoglycemic events. The introduction of a structured patient education program and analog insulins may result in less episodes of hypoglycemia and potential cost savings.

Conceptualizing xenophobia as structural violence in the lives of refugee women in Gauteng, South Africa

ABSTRACT This paper highlights the embeddedness of xenophobia in institutions through a theoretical but empirically under-researched concept of structural violence. Drawing on in-depth qualitative interview data with refugee women in Gauteng, South Africa, we explore the empirical utility of the concept of structural violence in shaping refugee women’s everyday experiences of xenophobia through three analytical themes: (a) unequal access to resources (b) constrained agency and (c) dehumanization. While keeping an empirical grip on experiential narratives on xenophobia, we draw attention to three public institutions that enhance the vulnerability of those already vulnerable: The Department of Home Affairs, The South African Police Service and Public Hospitals. Our paper elucidates how refugee women experience xenophobia and how they manage their “everyday” in these circumstances- an aspect that remains underdeveloped in existing research.