International Journal of Public Policy and Administration Research

Evaluating the impact of decentralization on local government efficiency in South Africa

2025-12-05T21:45:36-06:00

This study evaluates the impact of decentralization on the efficiency of local governments in South Africa. By examining both quantitative and qualitative data, the research explores how decentralization influences resource management, service delivery, and public satisfaction. Quantitative analysis reveals a significant positive correlation between decentralization and improved local government performance, evidenced by enhanced resource efficiency, superior service delivery, and increased public satisfaction. Qualitative case studies of the city of Cape Town and eThekwini Municipality illustrate the practical benefits of decentralization, highlighting improved waste management, public transportation, and water supply services due to localized decision-making and resource allocation. The findings underscore the importance of decentralization in fostering responsive and effective local governance structures. However, the study acknowledges limitations such as potential biases in self-reported data, the cross-sectional design limiting causal inferences, and the focus on only two municipalities for case studies. Future research should employ longitudinal designs, expand the range of qualitative case studies, and explore specific decentralization mechanisms and contextual factors influencing the success of decentralization efforts. The study concludes that decentralization is a critical strategy for enhancing local government efficiency and public satisfaction, recommending its broader implementation and further exploration in diverse contexts.

Digital transformation in public service delivery in Palu city: A study on the digitalization of public services through the 'SanguPalu' application

2025-12-05T21:49:46-06:00

The background of this research is rooted in the development of a smart city initiative in Palu City; however, this initiative has so far been limited to the creation of the digital application "SanguPalu," which has not yet functioned effectively. The application is designed to facilitate public services. The purpose of this study is to analyze the digital transformation of public services in Palu City (An Analytical Study on the Digitalization of Public Services through the "SanguPalu" Application). This research employs a qualitative method with a case study approach, conducted in Palu City, Indonesia. Informants were selected through purposive sampling, targeting competent stakeholders. Data collection was carried out through observation, literature review, interviews, documentation, and focus group discussions (FGD). The data were then analyzed using SWOT analysis techniques. The findings indicate that, in terms of skill, the ability to understand ICT hardware and software as well as digital operating systems has been effectively implemented. In the ethics dimension, the ability to adapt, think rationally, and prioritize ethical behavior has also been appropriately applied. Regarding culture, the application has contributed to national awareness and identity in the digital realm. However, the safety aspect, particularly concerning personal data protection and digital security, has not been effectively implemented according to the research findings. In conclusion, the digital transformation of public services in Palu City, as examined through the "SanguPalu" application, has been initiated and shows progress. Nevertheless, certain aspects, especially security and data protection, remain underdeveloped. Based on the results of the SWOT analysis, the most appropriate strategy to enhance the performance of the "SanguPalu" application is an aggressive strategy, which seeks to maximize internal strengths and external opportunities to address existing weaknesses and challenges in government digitalization.

The role of public-private partnerships in promoting youth economic empowerment in South Africa

2025-12-05T21:54:42-06:00

This study investigated the role of public-private partnerships, with a particular focus on the Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative, in promoting youth economic empowerment in South Africa. It delineates the significant challenges associated with youth unemployment and reveals the stark reality in which a considerable segment of the youth demographic encounters various barriers, including lack of experience, educational discrepancies, and economic instability. This research highlights the transformative potential of the YES programme and emphasises its alignment with both local and international development objectives, such as the Sustainable Development Goals. Thematic analysis of data collected from interviews with current participants and alumni of the YES programme indicates that while the programme effectively enhances employability through skills development and work experience, it also confronts challenges arising from inadequate resource allocation, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and the need for improved institutional coordination. Recommendations are proposed to enhance the effectiveness of the YES programme, including the facilitation of greater post-employment support, enhancing awareness of the programme among young people, and promoting entrepreneurial initiatives. This study contributes to the discourse on solutions to youth unemployment by illustrating how structured collaborations between the public and private sectors can create sustainable pathways for youth economic engagement.

Integrating Ubuntu philosophy in South African legislation for managing public sector ethics

2025-12-05T21:59:05-06:00

Extant research demonstrates that indigenous ethical systems can significantly shape public administrators’ decision-making processes. However, the inclusion of indigenous ethical systems has been limited. The exclusion of indigenous ethical systems like Ubuntu from South Africa’s public sector ethics framework has resulted in a lack of cultural relevance, weakening ethical conduct, undermining accountability and trust, and limiting the framework’s effectiveness in promoting integrity and combating corruption. This article aims to assess the potential of integrating the Ubuntu philosophy into South African legislation for managing public sector ethics. This article employs a qualitative approach. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data to examine the frequency with which Ubuntu philosophy is integrated into existing legislation from secondary sources for managing public sector ethics. Findings of the study reveal limited incorporation of Ubuntu philosophy in the existing legislative framework for managing public sector ethics, resulting in lack of ethical governance and accountability in South Africa. To address the lack of incorporation of Ubuntu principles in the above legislation, there is a need for explicit references to the Ubuntu principles. This study contributes to public administration scholarship by critically highlighting the limited integration of the Ubuntu philosophy within South Africa’s public sector ethics legislation and offering practical recommendations for embedding indigenous ethical principles to enhance cultural relevance, strengthen ethical conduct, and improve accountability and integrity in public service delivery.