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Small Micro, Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) are the most strategic mechanisms rural municipalities in South Africa advocate for to generate employment and increase household income. The Citizen Empowerment Theory was utilised to understand how Local Economic Development (LED) can be re-engineered by SMMEs post-COVID-19 in South African rural municipalities. To arrive at a meaningful conclusion, the paper adopted a document analysis which draws from pre-COVID-19 narratives on SMMEs and examines government documents and peer-reviewed articles that inform SMME development post-COVID-19 in South Africa. Revelations emanating from the document analysis indicate the severe damage COVID-19 did to both formal and informal SMMEs. To grow and reposition themselves in the dynamic entrepreneurship landscape post-COVID-19, SMMEs in South Africa require strategic business approaches that enable them to draw funding from external sources instead of relying on government funding which in most cases has red tape and other bureaucratic complexities tied to it. Further analysis of documents indicates the need for rural SMMEs to embrace digital entrepreneurship where product marketing is done online including most of the business transactions. By doing this, evidence from the document review affirms that SMMEs become competitive by tapping into external markets in the process linking themselves to stakeholders who may have an impact on the growth and sustainability of SMMEs towards employment regeneration and improved LED in rural municipalities. To have an integrative LED that promotes citizen participation post-COVID-19, the paper recommends rural municipalities foster close ties with local SMMEs which is critical for enhancing their networking strategies while SMMEs diversify their portfolios to generate income as well as withstanding shocks that may be triggered by unpredictable external environments.

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to assess if the Black Economic Empowerment act has brought new economic horizons for the historically disadvantaged South Africans, or it has contributed to further impoverishmentof the lower classes in communities. The paper based its argument on an extensive literature review which envisaged that, despite many years of its implementation, BEE has caused the emergence of classes resulting fromfraud and corruption, fronting, difficulties in registering status, political interference, and poor accountability strategies. The paper interrogates the implementation strategies of BEE in the local government context to assess whether historical imbalances have been addressed or not. The paper concludes that the government needs to revisit BEE as an economic empowerment policy to see whether it has benefited the black majority or not. The paper reiterates further that, BEE as a black economic emancipation blueprint requires proper implementation and alignment with other economic policies such as the National Development Plan to accelerate economic opportunities for the black majority. The paper recommends the government of South Africa through local municipalities to exercise monitoring and evaluation in the BEE procurement systems are prerequisites in safeguarding the manipulation and corrupt tendencies arising from the awarding of tenders in the local government.Key words: Black Economic Empowerment, South Africa, Challenges, Prospects

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to assess if the Black Economic Empowerment act has brought new economic horizons for the historically disadvantaged South Africans, or it has contributed to further impoverishmentof the lower classes in communities. The paper based its argument on an extensive literature review which envisaged that, despite many years of its implementation, BEE has caused the emergence of classes resulting fromfraud and corruption, fronting, difficulties in registering status, political interference, and poor accountability strategies. The paper interrogates the implementation strategies of BEE in the local government context to assess whether historical imbalances have been addressed or not. The paper concludes that the government needs to revisit BEE as an economic empowerment policy to see whether it has benefited the black majority or not. The paper reiterates further that, BEE as a black economic emancipation blueprint requires proper implementation and alignment with other economic policies such as the National Development Plan to accelerate economic opportunities for the black majority. The paper recommends the government of South Africa through local municipalities to exercise monitoring and evaluation in the BEE procurement systems are prerequisites in safeguarding the manipulation and corrupt tendencies arising from the awarding of tenders in the local government.

"The advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has created a pressing need for digital transformation in human resources management (HRM) in public institutions. Traditional practices must be updated, preventing institutions from effectively managing their workforce and meeting stakeholder demands. The lack of digitalization leads to inefficiencies, ineffective performance evaluation, and an inability to adapt to the rapidly evolving technological landscape. This gap between existing HR practices and the demands of the digital age poses a significant challenge for public sector organizations.Digital Transformation in Public Sector Human Resource Management offers a comprehensive solution to the challenges faced by public institutions. The book provides practical insights and strategies for aligning HR practices with the modern technological landscape by exploring how digital transformation can revolutionize HRM processes. It demonstrates the benefits of adopting digital technologies and innovative strategies in public sector HRM through real-world examples and case studies. The book guides public sector professionals, policymakers, and academics, helping them navigate the complexities of digital transformation in HRM."--

This article examines the implementation of fish farming as an innovative and economic strategy for promoting food security and dietary diversities among vulnerable households in drought risk areas of Zimbabwe. The declining climatic conditions and lack of economic opportunities in Mwenezi district of Zimbabwe attracted the attention of three nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) to implement fish farming as an innovative mechanism to stimulate food security and generate employment in the district. The article used a qualitative research approach that includes semi-structured interviews and secondary data. The purposive sampling technique was adopted to interview participants in Mwenezi district who were involved in fish farming to assess and explore the experiences and benefits they derive from such development projects. Results for the article revealed that fish farming was well embraced by local communities as it led to improvements in food security, household income and employment regeneration. The local government including traditional leadership (Chiefs and Headmen's) supported the NGO activities as they benefited local communities. The article concludes that although fish farming was instrumental in regenerating employment, some participants still fail to participate because of laziness and desire to maintain dependency syndrome. The article recommends the NGOs to launch awareness campaigns in rural communities and increase networking with the donor community which is fundamental in attracting sustainable funding. The government can also promote fish farming in vulnerable rural communities by providing funding and capacity building programmes. ; https://doi.org/10.4102/jamba.v9i1.491

Service delivery protests in the recent past demonstrate the dire state of local government in South Africa. The absence of public sector innovation can be linked to service delivery backlogs hence embracing digital innovations (Internet of Things (IoT), Big data and analytics, cloud, Biometrics, computers, mobile applications, 3D machines) in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is strategic for enhancing municipal service provision and uplifting the living standards of citizens in communities. The study utilised an explorative qualitative case study design premised on an extensive literature and document review analysis to examine the barriers facing the City of Tshwane from adopting digital innovations in the 4IR. The analysis of documents revealed digital hesitancy, leadership void, lack of innovative research culture, weak municipal preparedness, and digital divide in adopting digital innovations are barriers to digital innovation adoption to enhance service delivery. The paper observes further the lack of systematic and evaluative studies to inform public sector innovation, or growth in digital innovations often led to implementation challenges in the City of Tshwane. Conclusions drawn for the article revealed that adopting digital innovations can be the panacea to accelerating urban service delivery in the City of Tshwane; hence institutional readiness, improved revenue streams, including a stable regulatory and policy environment, are imperatives in achieving a digitalised local government in the 4IR.

The article was based on an interpretive paradigm, which adopts a qualitative desktop review approach. Various document sources that inform 4IR and talent management within the local government context in South Africa were employed. The two cities of Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni were used as case studies to examine their talent management strategies in the 4IR. The analysis of documents has shown that the 4IR can enable accelerated delivery of services; increase access to services; improve community participation; and more significant social accountability. Nevertheless, some municipalities in South Africa do not have enough resources and skills capacity to implement ICT/4IR measures to improve services; hence managing talent in key technical jobs has become an impediment. The absence of institutional readiness among local municipalities is a huge deterrent to managing talent needed to drive service delivery in the 4IR. The study concludes that to achieve efficient public service delivery within the 4IR, local municipalities should retain talent to manage the digital technologies that demand skilled expertise. The article recommends the government develop policies that offer guidance to local municipalities on managing specified sets of talents that are deemed crucial to enhancing socio-economic development in the 4IR.

Service delivery protests in the recent past demonstrate the dire state of local government in South Africa. The absence of public sector innovation can be linked to service delivery backlogs hence embracing digital innovations (Internet of Things (IoT), Big data and analytics, cloud, Biometrics, computers, mobile applications, 3D machines) in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is strategic for enhancing municipal service provision and uplifting the living standards of citizens in communities. The study utilised an explorative qualitative case study design premised on an extensive literature and document review analysis to examine the barriers facing the City of Tshwane from adopting digital innovations in the 4IR. The analysis of documents revealed digital hesitancy, leadership void, lack of innovative research culture, weak municipal preparedness, and digital divide in adopting digital innovations are barriers to digital innovation adoption to enhance service delivery. The paper observes further the lack of systematic and evaluative studies to inform public sector innovation, or growth in digital innovations often led to implementation challenges in the City of Tshwane. Conclusions drawn for the article revealed that adopting digital innovations can be the panacea to accelerating urban service delivery in the City of Tshwane; hence institutional readiness, improved revenue streams, including a stable regulatory and policy environment, are imperatives in achieving a digitalised local government in the 4IR.

The article was based on an interpretive paradigm, which adopts a qualitative desktop review approach. Various document sources that inform 4IR and talent management within the local government context in South Africa were employed. The two cities of Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni were used as case studies to examine their talent management strategies in the 4IR. The analysis of documents has shown that the 4IR can enable accelerated delivery of services; increase access to services; improve community participation; and more significant social accountability. Nevertheless, some municipalities in South Africa do not have enough resources and skills capacity to implement ICT/4IR measures to improve services; hence managing talent in key technical jobs has become an impediment. The absence of institutional readiness among local municipalities is a huge deterrent to managing talent needed to drive service delivery in the 4IR. The study concludes that to achieve efficient public service delivery within the 4IR, local municipalities should retain talent to manage the digital technologies that demand skilled expertise. The article recommends the government develop policies that offer guidance to local municipalities on managing specified sets of talents that are deemed crucial to enhancing socio-economic development in the 4IR.

This paper reports on research that examined the challenges encountered by the City of Tshwane in responding to citizen demands for social accountability. The research draws on data collected through a mixed-method approach in selected communities within the City of Tshwane in the Gauteng province of South Africa. The research established that a range of challenges hamper public officials' quest for social accountability mechanisms. These include not just a lack of political will or a lack of interest by the citizenry but also to a lack of the requisite skills and resources needed to carry out a full blown consultative and communication process.

The change from a politically-sanctioned racial segregation opened support of another popularity based administration which was an overwhelming procedure at all levels. In South Africa, the positive policies to turnaround the economy of the country came along with cadre deployment policy which advocates for ANC party loyalists to occupy a prominent position in the public sector. This political patronage via state jobs leads to poor institutional quality or performance of the nation as a whole. Focusing on the significant association between the demands of economic growth and expansion, this paper assesses the effects of the cadre deployment policy against performance management in the public sector. It presents a proposed framework based on the control theories illustrating how cadre deployment and performance management can contribute to the current knowledge of the African academic and administrative environment. The article adopted an extensive review of literature which was premised on various document sources that inform cadre deployment, Auditor General Reports, Annual Reports and relevant literature on the subject. Results of this study showed that cadre deployment exacerbated corruption, poor procurement systems and wasteful expenditure and the deteriorating State of Local Government. The article calls for the review and the changes of the authoritative structure governing local municipalities in order to supplement Section (152) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. The article further directs the ANC led government to revise the cadre deployment policy to combat the challenges of severe skills shortage and poor service delivery in various municipalities across the country as a result of nepotism, politicization and hiring unqualified labour.

Chapter 6 of the National Development Plan (NDP) accentuates on the impact of an integrated and inclusive rural economy by proposing for the creation 643 000 direct jobs and 326 000 indirect jobs in the farming and non-farming sector by 2030. Discussion within the study reveals that, the NDP was also designed to stimulate rural economic development among other important dynamic economic factors of the country. However, five years into the implementation of the NDP, remnants of inequality, unemployment and poverty are still apparent amongst the rural population. This paper indicates that the success of NDP as an entrepreneurial mechanism is being underpinned by contestations which are emanating from under-financing, lack of entrepreneurial education and research culture, negative attitudes of the people, corruption and red tape. Through a qualitative research approach, the paper observes that, for NDP to be continuously coordinated as an economic initiative, financing of rural projects such as small businesses, cooperatives and other rural development projects should be the government's key priority. The study concludes that entrepreneurship has to be considered as a prime mover in rural economic development in South Africa since an entrepreneurial economy significantly differs from a non-entrepreneurial one, as evidenced by the economic vigour and sustainable development of its inhabitants.