Agency In South Africa Research Articles

Multi-Stakeholder Processes towards establishing Water Management Agencies in South Africa

Multi-Stakeholder Processes towards establishing Water Management Agencies in South Africa

Local Economic Development Agencies in South Africa Six years later*

A partnership between national and international stakeholders led to the establishment of four Local Economic Development Agencies (LEDAs) in four South African provinces between 1999 and 2003. The international players included the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and the Italian government, which provided the funding. At the national level the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Enterprise Development Unit, provincial Departments of Economic Affairs, and local municipalities were involved.

A model for a multi‐agency response management system (MARMS) for South Africa

PurposeThe promulgation of disaster management legislation and policy in South Africa necessitates the development of a uniform multi‐agency incident and disaster response system. This paper aims to argue that a uniform response by numerous government agencies in South Africa can only be achieved through the application of an accepted model, which is based on the requirements of the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002 as well as the National Disaster Risk Management Framework of South Africa.Design/methodology/approachThe model was developed using grounded theory methodology through the use of the internet and focus group interviews with South African as well as international experts. During the process of analysing the data by open and axial coding, key elements emerged which were then clustered into categories from which the core concepts of the model emerged. The emergent core concepts were then dimensionalised, which formed the major constructs of the model thereby ensuring that the model was grounded in the theory. Constant comparisons were drawn with the experiences in the field throughout the process in order to ensure theoretical sensitivity. During the process of axial coding certain intervening conditions emerged which could negatively or positively affect its application. The developed model was therefore subjected to scrutiny by means of a quantitative attitudinal test amongst senior professionals involved in the field of emergency and disaster management, resulting in triangulation.FindingsThe findings demonstrate that in order for the proposed model to be implemented effectively it is necessary to refine each level of response in terms of authority, communication and reporting lines.Originality/valueThis model can be used as the foundation for the development of a comprehensive response management system for South Africa and other similar countries, and that the model can further contribute to the development of a basic training module for inclusion in the curricula of response agency personnel.

The Impact of Scientific Information on Ecosystem Management: Making Sense of the Contextual Gap Between Information Providers and Decision Makers

Scientific information is not always effectively incorporated into decision-making processes. This phenomenon seems to hold even when the information is aligned with an articulated need, is generated according to sound scientific procedures, and is packaged with end-user preferences in mind. We propose that contextual or cultural differences contribute significantly to the misalignment in communication between those who generate information and those who seek information for improved management of natural resources. The solution is to cultivate shared understanding, which in turn relies on acknowledgment and sharing of diverse values and attitudes. This constitutes a difficult challenge in a culturally diverse environment. Whereas cultural diversity represents wealth in experiences, knowledge and perspectives it can constrain the potential to develop the shared understandings necessary for effective integration of new information. This article illustrates how a lack of shared understanding among participants engaged in a resource-management process can produce and perpetuate divergent views of the world, to the extent that information and knowledge flows are ineffective and scientific information, even when requested, cannot be used effectively. Four themes were distilled from interviews with management and scientific staff of a natural resource-management agency in South Africa. The themes are used to illustrate how divergent views embedded in different cultures can discourage alignment of effort toward a common purpose. The article then presents a sense-making framework to illustrate the potential for developing shared understandings in a culturally diverse world.

Recruitment and Selection of Foreign Professionals In the South African Job Market: Procedures and Processes

This study investigated procedures and processes used in the selection of prospective foreign applicants by recruitment agencies in South Africa. An electronic survey was distributed to the accessible population of 244 agencies on a national employment website, yielding 57 respondents. The results indicate that the recruitment industry does not have standard, well articulated procedures for identifying and selecting prospective foreign employees and considered processing foreign applicants difficult. Difficulties with the Department of Home Affairs were a major hindrance to recruiting foreign applicants.

The Proliferation of Private Security Agencies in South Africa and its Concomitant Effect on Crime Prevention and Crime Reduction

Private security industry is a growing phenomenon in South Africa, similar to the rest of the emerging global markets. This paper outlines the nature of the security industry in South Africa and examines various issues relating to regulation and licensing of this industry as well as its role in crime prevention.

Improving the institutional structures for disseminating energy efficiency in emerging nations: a case study for energy agencies in South Africa

Emerging nations are typically characterised by highenergy intensities despite significant energy efficiency potentials and numerous project oriented efforts to introduce energy-efficient technologies. The paper argues that successful technology dissemination needs appropriate institutional structures to reduce the related transaction cost. While a project-by-project approach risks to evaporate after completion, an energy agency would allow to bundle the know-how and information gained, ease access to funding and thus reduce information search cost and increase availability of efficient technologies. In a case study for South Africa, we examine the appropriateness of this concept for emerging nations. We discuss the underlying incentive problem from a new institutional economics perspective and suggest an approach to the design and implementation of operable energy agencies.

Electron density profiles determined fromtomographic reconstruction of total electron content obtained from GPS dual frequency data: First results from the South African network of dual frequency GPS receiver stations

Dual frequency receivers of the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) of the recently established South African Network ofmore than 40 geodetic grade GPs base station receivers provide a valuable tool by means of which the ionospheric conditions over southern Africa can be determined with a better time and spatial resolution than is currently possible using only the available three ionosonde sites. Electron density profiles obtained by tomographic reconstruction of GPs derived total electron content measurements, as augmented with ionosonde measurements has the potential to become a tool to quantify ionospheric variability and investigate ionospheric dynamics and medium- and smaller-scale ionospheric structures such as travelling ionospheric disturbances. The local network of dual frequency GPs reference stations have been deployed by various agencies in south Africa to provide correction data for geodetic and surveying applications. This paper presents the first results of ionospheric tomography using data from the Trignet network of GPs stations in south Africa. The tomographic imaging is done by means of the MIDAS program. Verification is provided through comparison with electron density profiles derived from the three south African ionosonde sites.

The Challenge of Partnerships Between the State, Capital, and Civil Society: The Case of the Media Development and Diversity Agency in South Africa

Inspired by “extra-market” initiatives to ensure media diversity in social-demo- cratic Northern Europe, the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) is a path-breaking attempt by a developing country to support the media needs of marginalized communities too poor to be of interest to advertising-driven commercial media. This paper examines the policy process towards the establishment of the MDDA as a partnership between the state, capital, and civil society within the constraints of South Africa's re-entry into a global economy that privileges “free market” solutions to developmental problems. Under these conditions, do partnerships between the state, the private sector, and civil society facilitate or hinder the achievement of social objectives aimed primarily at uplifting the poor and marginalized?

Conveners as champions of collaboration in the public sector: a case from South Africa

AbstractThis article analyses the role of conveners in facilitating interorganisational collaboration. Consistent with previous research, the article shows that conveners help overcome the obstacles frequent in interorganisational collaboration processes. It also illustrates further how their effectiveness depends on their credibility among the partners, their familiarity with the collaborative project and their being perceived as unbiased intermediaries. Most interestingly, the article advances our knowledge on conveners by suggesting that their behaviour is consistent with that common among ‘champions’ of innovation. They are likely to assume a leadership role and use influence politics, such as salesmanship, personal appeal and persuasion. These findings build on a case study of successful collaboration between two government agencies in South Africa. We believe, however, that the findings are likely to apply to other types of organisation, private and voluntary, and to other country contexts. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Transformation of welfare? Race, class, and gender in the management of welfare agencies in South Africa

Transformation of welfare? Race, class, and gender in the management of welfare agencies in South Africa

Standards for nursing agencies in South Africa

The purpose with this research is to formulate standards for nursing agencies in South Africa.
 
 Opsomming
 Die doel met hierdie navorsing is om standaarde vir verpleegagentskappe in Suid-Afrika te formuleer
 
 *Please note: This is a reduced version of the abstract. Please refer to PDF for full text.

Perceptions of IMC and organisational change among agencies in South Africa

This paper reports on the development of Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) in an emerging market, South Africa. It also deals with the organisation of advertising agencies in an IMC environment. A brief overview of IMC is given as well as a review of the organisation of agencies. The study consisted of in-depth interviews of 20 senior advertising agency executives. The results indicate that most agencies are developing their IMC strategies and that it is growing in importance in South Africa. Some recommendations are proposed to enable agencies to become more effective in future.

Press Freedom and Citizen Agency in South Africa: A Rhetorical Approach

South African democracy, in stark contrast to the apartheid regime, holds freedom of expression to be a fundamental, entrenched right. This is one of the hardwon victories of the negotiated revolution of 1990 to 1994. Freedom of expression, and its corollaries, such as freedom of the press, are embedded in a new culture of democratic deliberation that truly permeates the South African public sphere. Citizen agency is put to the test in how expression of values is activated in the media. Three sites have been carved out for the purpose of this article. First, how public engagement strategies are devised and proposed in the glossy, lifestyle and fashion magazines, usually not associated with democratic transformation and agency. Second, how mass circulation newspapers have elaborated a standard reporting procedure (supplements) by which the nation is given a voice — and one that is staged as being both public and deliberative about its own freedom of expression. Third, a bulletin for mass consumption that accompanied the writing of the new Constitution. Citizens in the making were made to argue and invent the public sphere. All three sites share a fundamental belief that citizen agency is rooted in what is called a “plasmatic” strategy by which the simulacra of autonomy do help foster public agency.

REVIEWS

Book reviewed in this article:Essays on the Law of Evidence. By Z. Cowen, Barrister‐at‐Law, Professor of Public Law in the University of Melbourne, and P. B. Carter, Barrister‐at‐Law, Fellow of Wadham College, Oxford. [Oxford: Clarendon Press; London: Cumberlege. 1956. xx and 278 pp. (with index). 35s. net.]Capital Punishment as a Deterrent: and the Alternative. By Gerald Gardiner, q.c. [London: Victor Gollancz, Ltd. 1956. 95 pp. 5s. net.]Reflections on Hanging. By Arthur Koestler. [London: Victor Gollancz. 1956. 193 pp. (with index). 12s. 6d.]Juvenile Offenders Before the Courts. By Max Grünhut, Reader in Criminology in the University of Oxford. [Oxford: Clarendon Press. London: Cumberlege. 1956. viii and 143 pp. 21s.]Negligence. Third Edition. By J. Charlesworth, ll.d. [London: Sweet & Maxwell, Ltd. 1956. 688 pp. £4 4s.]Slater's Mercantile Law. Thirteenth Edition. By Lord Chorley, m.a., of the Inner Temple, Barrister‐at‐Law, formerly Sir Ernest Cassel Professor of Commercial Law in the University of London, and O. C. Giles, ll.m. [London: Sir Isaac Pitman and Sons, Ltd. 1956. xlv and 466 pp. (with index). 30s. net.]The Law of Carriage by Inland Transport. Third Edition. By Otto Kahn‐Freund. [London: Stevens & Sons, Ltd. 1956. xxxii and 472 pp. 35s.]The Law of Stamp Duties. Second Edition. By J. G. Monroe, b.a., of the Middle Temple and Lincoln's Inn, Barrister‐at‐Law. [London: Sweet & Maxwell, Ltd. 1956. 214 pp. 27s. 6d.]The Law of Stamp Duties (Alpe). Twenty‐fourth Edition. By Peter E. Whitworth, b.a., of the Middle Temple and Lincoln's Inn, Barrister‐at‐Law; sometime one of H.M. Inspectors of Taxes, and James Mackenzie, of the Office of the Controller of Stamps, Inland Revenue. [London: Jordan & Sons, Ltd. 1956. 525 pp. £2 15s.]Calendar of the Caernarvonshire Quarter Sessions Records. Vol. I, 1541–1558. Edited by W. Ogwen Williams, County Archivist. With a foreword by The Rt. Hon. Lord Justice Morris, p.c., c.b.e., m.c., ll.d., d.l. [Caernarvonshire Historical Society, on behalf of the Caernarvonshire Joint Records Committee of Quarter Sessions and County Council. 1956. cix and 385 pp. 20s.]Law Relating to Hospitals and Kindred Institutions. Third Edition. By S. R. Speller, ll.b. [London: H. K. Lewis & Co. 1956. xi and 650 pp. £3 10s.]Eigendomsverkrijging Bij Koop Van Roerende Goederen in het Westeuropees Internationaal Privaatrecht. By J. C. Schultsz. ['s Gravenhage: Martinus Nijhoff; agents in the British Commonwealth, B. T. Batsford, Ltd. 1955. 340 pp.]Die Vertragsverletzung im englischen und schweizerischen Privatrecht. By Bernhard Staehelin, dr.jur., Privatdozent an der Universitaet Basel. Basler Studien zur Rechtswissenschaft: Heft 41. [Helbing & Lichtenhahn, Basel. 1954. x und 331 pp. Sw.Fr. 23.75.]Principles of South African Law. Fourth Edition. By G. Wille, ll.d. [Cape Town: Juta & Co., Ltd. 1956. £3 6s.]Landlord and Tenant in South Africa. Fifth Edition. By 6. Wille, ll.d. [Cape Town: Juta & Co., Ltd. 1956. £3 3s.]The Law of Agency in South Africa. By (Judge President) J. E. de Villiers, m.a., b.c.l. and J. C. Macintosh, b.a., ll.b. Second Edition. By D. B. Knight, b.a. [Cape Town: Juta & Co., Ltd. 1956. £4 15s. 6d.]Judicial Interpretations of the South African Criminal Procedure Acts (1915–1955). By (Ex‐Judge President) C. W. H. Lansdown, b.a., ll.d. and E. F. Van der Riet, b.a., assisted by G. N. Dock, m.a. [Cape Town: Juta & Co., Ltd. 1956. £4 15s. 6d.]The Public Control of Land. By J. F. Garner, ll.m., Solicitor. [London: Sweet & Maxwell, Ltd. 1956. xxiii and 196 and (index) 8 pp. 35s. net.]Reports of International Arbitral Awards, Vol. VI, 1956. [United Nations Publication (1955.V.3). xiii and 408 pp. 28s. net.]

The Law of Agency in South Africa. By J. E. De Villiers and J. C. Macintosh, Advocates of the Supreme Court of South Africa. Second edition, by D. B. Knight, Advocate of the Supreme Court of South Africa. [Cape Town: Juta & Co., Ltd.1956. xxx and 336 pp. and (index) 47 pp. £4 15s. 6d.

The Law of Agency in South Africa. By J. E. De Villiers and J. C. Macintosh, Advocates of the Supreme Court of South Africa. Second edition, by D. B. Knight, Advocate of the Supreme Court of South Africa. [Cape Town: Juta & Co., Ltd.1956. xxx and 336 pp. and (index) 47 pp. £4 15s. 6d.] - Volume 6 Issue 1