Global Town to Town Relations: An Exploratory Study of the City of Tshwane in South Africa

The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa 1996 describes its government as national, provincial and local sphere which are distinctive, interdepend and interrelated. The national and provincial government, by legislative and other measures must support and strengthen the capacity of the municipalities (Local Government) to manage their affairs, to exercise power and to perform their functions. Towns across the world make relationships with other towns. International relation is a complex field, its practice and scope involves numerous role players whether in government or non-governmental organizations. City of Tshwane is like other towns which seek investment opportunities for its citizens. City of Tshwane has several relations with different countries. The paper seeks to examine the impact of the relations, whether they are beneficial for the city or not. For the purpose of this paper, the study used qualitative research approach. The views and opinions of the officials were directly and indirectly captured by means of interviews and observations. The study adopted the use of data triangulation approach.

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The Role of Non-governmental Organizations in Community-based COVID-19 Education: A Qualitative Study in South Africa and Zambia

10.21203/rs.3.rs-113780/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Jamie Johnston ◽

Kelly Zhang Aluri ◽

Kira-Leigh Kuhnert ◽

Nophiwe Job ◽

Charles Prober

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Health Education ◽

Health Information ◽

Vulnerable Populations ◽

Community Based ◽

Health Crisis ◽

Governmental Organizations ◽

Non Governmental Organizations ◽

The Impact

Abstract BackgroundEnsuring access to accurate and actionable health information is crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in low-resource settings. Among marginalized groups, there are disparities in access to information, along with significant mistrust of government sources. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) involved in community-level health education can play an important role in bridging mistrust and targeting information to reach vulnerable populations. There is a lack of research on the experiences and needs of organizations involved in disseminating health information during the pandemic. MethodsThis study uses a qualitative approach to investigate the current strategies, challenges, and needs of community-based organizations involved in COVID-19 public education. From May to June 2020, we conducted 19 semi-structured interviews with leaders of organizations in South Africa and Zambia. Participants were asked a series of open-ended questions in three domains: 1) the impact of the pandemic on the communities served by the organization, 2) their COVID-19 response, and 3) organization needs and challenges during the pandemic. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded using thematic analysis. Coding and analysis were conducted by four study authors and every interview was independently coded by 2 separate authors to maximize internal validity and consistency.Results5 themes relevant to the roles and challenges of locally active NGO’s were identified: (1) they intimately understand community needs during the pandemic; (2) they adapt to pandemic constraints to continue supporting vulnerable populations; (3) they play a unique role in educating the public about COVID-19 due to established access and trust within communities; (4) they are able to customize health education and information to address nuanced needs of local communities served; and (5) they need external support to effectively respond to the pandemic.ConclusionsOverall, our study contributes a deeper understanding of the role of NGOs in providing needed support and customized health education for vulnerable communities during a global public health crisis. To maximize their ability to support their communities, NGO’s would benefit from access to educational resources designed to be easily modified, support in navigating technological and safety challenges during the pandemic, and sustainable funding.

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Exhibition and Trade Fair Activity and Economic Crises: response measures and factors for recovery

Communicology ◽

10.21453/2311-3065-2020-8-2-80-89 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. 80-89

Author(s):

A.A. Nazarov

Keyword(s):

Trade Fair ◽

Government Support ◽

Economic Sectors ◽

Current Crisis ◽

Governmental Organizations ◽

Non Governmental Organizations ◽

Multiplier Effect ◽

Response Measures ◽

The Impact ◽

Exhibition Industry

The paper represents the analysis of the impact on the exhibition and trade fair activity of the Russian Federation during crisis situations caused by external factors. The author examined the major anticrisis measures, industry statistics and the main trends in the postcrisis phase. The fundamental role of the exhibition industry as a tool is caused by stimulation of economic sectors recovery from the crisis due to the multiplier effect. The particular relevance of the article is justified by a comprehensive study of the state of the industry during the current crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The author provides an overview of main government support measures for the industry and explains factors that have reduced some of these measures. Also, the author examined in detail activities of non-governmental organizations and associations of the exhibition industry in lobbying for the provision of state support and educational and legal assistance to Russian exhibition companies. Thus, the importance of coordinating activities of all participants in the exhibition industry and, in particular, further consolidation of interaction at the level of industry associations, becomes apparent. Besides, the author suggests a number of measures, such as highlighting exhibitions, trade fairs and congresses from the list of mass events following the example of Germany, introducing insurability for exhibition organizers in case of postponement or cancellation of events due to emergency circumstances, standardizing public health and hygiene rules. Their practical application should mitigate the way out of the current situation.

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NGOs for International Justice

10.1093/oso/9780198816423.003.0007 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Kjersti Lohne

Keyword(s):

International Criminal Court ◽

International Criminal ◽

Criminal Court ◽

International Justice ◽

Relative Lack ◽

International Crimes ◽

Governmental Organizations ◽

Non Governmental Organizations ◽

The Impact ◽

Oriented Approach

Kjersti Lohne describes the impact of non-governmental organizations at the International Criminal Court (ICC), in particular discussing the relative lack of regard for defendants’ rights, and especially highlighting the difficulties encountered by those acquitted. After the Coalition for the International Criminal Court contributed to the establishment of the ICC itself in the fight against impunity for international crimes, that Coalition has continued a victim-oriented approach, arguably at the expense of defendants’ rights. The ICC’s focus on victims, ‘truth’, and ‘memory’ may challenge the legitimacy of the Court in the longer run.

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Recounting the Empowerment of Women in Rural Areas of KwaZulu-Natal from Information and Knowledge in the Fourth Industrial Revolution Era

Libri ◽

10.1515/libri-2019-0197 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 0 (0) ◽

Author(s):

Glenrose Jiyane

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Industrial Revolution ◽

The Body ◽

Non Profit ◽

Fourth Industrial Revolution ◽

Governmental Organizations ◽

Body Of Knowledge ◽

Non Governmental Organizations ◽

Critical Resource

Abstract The fourth industrial revolution (4IR) marks the new, advanced era of development in humankind, and globally countries are in the process of ensuring their citizenry’s readiness. In South Africa, various governmental departments, organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and non-profit organisations (NPOs) are making efforts, through their plans, talks and actions, to attain this status for all her people, particularly women in rural areas. However, the development of women in the rural areas for empowerment remains a concern in developing countries. Consequently, there is a dire need to ensure the developmental status for women in rural areas in the advent of the 4IR, and this paper seeks to demonstrate that information and knowledge may be instrumental in empowering women in rural areas to strive in the 4IR. Accordingly, information and knowledge are a critical resource contributing to the empowerment of women in rural areas for their development. An exploratory question is raised to determine whether South Africa is ready for Fourth Industrial Revolution. The outcome of this paper will contribute to the body of knowledge advocating the importance of information and knowledge in the empowerment of women in rural areas. Significantly, it will generate insights for policymakers on the important role of information and knowledge for women’s development.

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Project Management in Development Cooperation. Non-Governmental Organizations

Innovar ◽

10.15446/innovar.v25n56.48989 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 25 (56) ◽

pp. 53-67 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Maricela I. Montes-Guerra ◽

Aida R. De-Miguel ◽

M. Amaya Pérez-Ezcurdia ◽

Faustino N. Gimena ◽

H. Mauricio Díez-Silva

Keyword(s):

Project Management ◽

Management Practices ◽

Project Performance ◽

Project Managers ◽

Development Cooperation ◽

Governmental Organizations ◽

Non Governmental Organizations ◽

Applicable Knowledge ◽

The Impact ◽

Positive Effect

This article analyzes the adoption of project management practices in development cooperation NGOs and their influence on project performance. This paper illustrates the impact in the implementation of methodologies, techniques and tools on outcomes, measured by success criteria of several projects recently implemented. Information from the project managers of the organizations was collected, and complemented by a literature review. We analyzed the correlation among the variables that determine the adoption of a project, and the criteria that determine its success. The positive effect of project management adoption in the performance of cooperation projects is demonstrated, in spite of the low use of methodologies, techniques and tools within the sector. The article shows the importance of project management in cooperation and aid projects, with the purpose of increasing researchers' awareness about the field as applicable knowledge and about the benefits of its use in the sector. The paper shows that project management can improve project efficiency and accountability in other sectors.

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Fear and floods in Serbia: Citizens preparedness for responding to natural disaster

Zbornik Matice srpske za drustvene nauke ◽

10.2298/zmsdn1656303c ◽

2016 ◽

pp. 303-324 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Vladimir Cvetkovic

Keyword(s):

Natural Disaster ◽

Random Sample ◽

Quantitative Research ◽

Research Results ◽

Multi Stage ◽

The Family ◽

The Republic ◽

The Impact ◽

The City ◽

Safety Procedures

The consequences of the floods that had affected the area of Serbia in 2014 indicated a very low level of preparedness of population to respond to natural disasters. Therefore, the aim of quantitative research is to examine the impact of fear on the willingness of citizens to respond to a natural disaster caused by the flood in the Republic of Serbia. Bearing in mind all local communities in Serbia where floods occurred or there is a high risk of flooding, there was selected a random sample consisting of 19 out of 150 municipalities and 23 towns and the city of Belgrade. In the selected communities, a research was undertaken in those areas that had been most affected in relation to the amount of water or potential risk of flooding. The survey used strategy of testing in households with the use of a multi- stage random sample. The research results indicate that the citizens who have a fear of floods are familiar with safety procedures to a greater extent in relation to citizens who do not have the fear; they have taken the preventive measures; they point out that they still are not ready to respond, but plan to do so in the next 6 months; they would evacuate to the upper floor of the house; they point out that someone in the family has educated them about the flood. In contrast to that, citizens who do not have the fear are not doing anything to prepare themselves to react in such situations, they are confident in their own abilities to cope with the consequences of floods, etc. The originality of the research lies in the fact that in Serbia there has never been conducted a research to examine the state of preparedness of citizens to respond. Bearing in mind that the research is based on the territory of Serbia, conclusions can be generalized to the entire population. The research results can be used when creating a strategy for improving the level of preparedness of citizens to respond.

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THE CONTRIBUTION OF MIGRATION TO ECONOMIC GROWTH: THE EXAMPLE OF THE CITY OF ZAGREB

EMC Review - Časopis za ekonomiju - APEIRON ◽

10.7251/emc2101201m ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Vinko Miličević ◽

Danijel Knežević ◽

Zoran Bubaš

Keyword(s):

Economic Growth ◽

European Union ◽

Economic Activity ◽

Economic Benefits ◽

Gdp Per Capita ◽

The European Union ◽

Per Capita ◽

The Republic ◽

The Impact ◽

The City

The problems in this paper belong to the field of migration and economy. The connection between migration and the economy has been proven on a global level, and as far as the Republic of Croatia is concerned, it is especially important to observe it through the City of Zagreb, which is the most important migration and economic center in the Republic of Croatia. Also, the accession of the Republic of Croatia to the European Union emphasized the observation and research of this connection because it created the preconditions for freer movement and employment of the population of the Republic of Croatia and the City of Zagreb within the European Union. The aim of this paper is to determine the contribution of migration to the economic growth of the City of Zagreb. The hypothesis presented in the paper is that there is a significant contribution of migration to the economic growth of the City of Zagreb. The disposition of the paper consists of six parts. The introduction explains the relevance of the topic, states the aim of the paper and hypotheses, explains the empirical part, the contribution of the paper and the disposition. The second part of the paper refers to the theoretical framework of the impact of migration on economic growth. The third part of the paper presents the migration processes of the City of Zagreb in the period from 2011 to 2018. The fourth part deals with economic activity in the City of Zagreb in the period from 2011 to 2017. The observed indicators of economic activity in the City of Zagreb are GDP and GDP per capita, and the graph in this part of the paper shows that GDP and GDP per capita in the observed period are higher at the end of the period than at the beginning. The fifth part of the paper refers to the empirical research of the contribution of migration to the economic growth of the City of Zagreb. The empirical part of the paper is based on correlations and regression analyses. This paper proves the hypothesis because the results indicate a significant impact of the variables of total and external migration on the GDP of the City of Zagreb and GDP per capita of the City of Zagreb. Decision-makers in the City of Zagreb can use the results of the research as a basis for maximizing the economic benefits they can get from migration. The conclusion provides an overview of the aim of the work, the results of the research, the limitations, the implications and the recommendations for future research.

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Disaster response and recovery in two informal settlements: A local government perspective

Corporate Ownership and Control ◽

10.22495/cocv8i3c6p4 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. 606-621 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Bethuel Sibongiseni Ngcamu ◽

Malcolm Alan Henworth Wallis

Keyword(s):

Urban Areas ◽

Disaster Response ◽

Building Materials ◽

Informal Settlements ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Government Officials ◽

Governmental Organizations ◽

Non Governmental Organizations ◽

Response And Recovery ◽

The Impact

Informal settlements in urban areas have long been afflicted by disasters and exposed to exploitation by politicians, shacklords, academics, journalists, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), tavern owners and government officials. This problem is caused to some degree by limited land for expansion which has resulted in the creation of highly densified and unplanned, irregular settlements using poor, combustible building materials. The purpose of the article is to investigate whether eThekwini Municipality’s strategies are sufficient to respond to and recover from the impact of disasters. The research was undertaken at the Foreman and Kennedy Road informal settlements located in Clare Estate, under Ward 25, in Durban within eThekwini Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal (refer to Annexure 1). These areas are very important politically as they are densily populated and highly contested between political parties and local resistant’s organizations such as Abahlali baseMjondolo. Questionnaires were self-administered to a sample size of 220 of which 140 respondents completed the questionnaires, thereby generating a response rate of 63.6%. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with municipal officials. The findings indicate that 44.3% of the victims of disasters received assistance from NGOs and regard civil society as playing an important role after disasters compared to 7.1% of the responding municipal officials.

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The impact of service quality on the viability of start-up businesses

Corporate Ownership and Control ◽

10.22495/cocv13i3c3p10 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 13 (3) ◽

pp. 518-522 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Zeleke Worku

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Small Businesses ◽

Panel Data Analysis ◽

Hazard Ratio ◽

Predictor Variables ◽

Municipal Services ◽

Validated Questionnaire ◽

The Impact ◽

The City

A 3-year long survey was conducted in the Tshwane geographical region of Gauteng Province in South Africa in order to identify and quantify key predictors of adequate municipal services that are routinely provided to customers who operate newly established small businesses in the City of Tshwane, Pretoria, South Africa. Data was collected by using a structured, pre-tested and validated questionnaire of study from a stratified random sample of size 1, 058 small businesses. The key objective of study was to assess the relationship between viability in small businesses and the provision of quality municipal services by the City of Tshwane. The study was conducted against the background of a high failure rate among newly established small businesses in the City of Tshwane. The study was conducted over a 3-year period (2012 to 2014). Data was collected monthly during the three-year period of study on socioeconomic variables that are known to affect the perception of business operators on the quality of municipal services to business operators and the general public. Statistical procedures such as cross-tab analyses, panel data analysis, Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithms and Bayesian methods were used for estimating parameters. The study showed that there was a significant association between positive perception of business operators on the quality of municipal services provided to them and viability of businesses. The results showed that 87% of viable businesses were satisfied with the quality of routine municipal services that were provided to them by the City of Tshwane. The corresponding figure for non-viable businesses was only 14%. The viability of businesses was significantly influenced by 3 predictor variables. These predictor variables were: lack of capacity for fulfilling the business and entrepreneurial needs of newly established businesses [Hazard Ratio = 3.58; P=0.000; 95% C. I. = (1.45, 5.46)], inappropriate policy [Hazard Ratio = 3.19; P=0.000; 95% C. I. = (1.39, 5.28)], and lack of tailor made training programmes directed at newly established small businesses [Hazard Ratio = 2.89; P=0.000; 95% C. I. = (1.24, 4.77)], in a decreasing order of strength. Similar findings were obtained from the analyses of in-depth interviews.

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Housing and living conditions of working youth in the plants of Buryat-Mongolian ASSR during the Great Patriotic War

Исторический журнал научные исследования ◽

10.7256/2454-0609.2020.5.34352 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 86-93

Author(s):

Anastasiya Nikolaevna Soboleva

Keyword(s):

Living Conditions ◽

Industrial Plant ◽

The Social ◽

Critical Problems ◽

The Subject ◽

The Common ◽

The Republic ◽

The Impact ◽

Poor Nutrition ◽

The City

The object of this research is the youth of Buryat-Mongolian ASSR as most active social group within the social structure of 1941 – 1945, which was the major source for replenishment of labor reserves. The subject of this research is the examination of core financial and social problems faced by the youth working at the defense industry plants of the republic. Special attention is given to analysis of the impact of wartime struggles and hardships upon household and food procurement. It is noted that shortage of housing, low salaries, insecure life, poor nutrition, deficit of clothing and footwear often led breach of employee discipline. The article explores the important vectors in the activity of Komsomol with regards to housing and living conditions, as well as various forms of financial and psychological incentives that promote adaptation of youth to working at the industrial plant. The scientific novelty consists in introduction into the scientific discourse of a number of previously unpublished source that were collected specifically for this research. As a result of the conducted research, it was established that working youth, who for the most part came from rural localities to the city, were put in quite difficult social and living conditions, experiencing critical problems in the process of adaptation; however, they accomplished significant labor achievements and made their contribution to the common Victory.

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