http://hdl.handle.net/10386/1462 Sun, 12 Apr 2026 12:08:02 GMT 2026-04-12T12:08:02Z http://hdl.handle.net/10386/5252 Evaluation of the integration of united nations sustainable development goal 8 in a South African private higher education institution Shumba, T.; Pasipamire, E. This study explores how a South African private higher education institution (PHEI) embeds SDG 8 into its policies, curriculum, and operations to enhance graduate employability. Using Institutional and Human Capital Theories as a framework, a qualitative case study sought to answer the question: How effectively does a South African PHEI integrate SDG 8 into its institutional systems to promote employability and contribute to economic growth? Results indicate that the principles of SDG 8 are embedded through WIL, career services, entrepreneurship education, and multi-sector partnerships, yet progress is constrained by funding shortages, curriculum rigidity, and inconsistent industry engagement. The study suggests strengthening alumni networks, expanding digital and entrepreneurial skills training, and formalising partnerships to enhance employability outcomes, while aligning governance, curriculum, and industry linkages to maximise the PHEI's contributions to SDG 8 and South Africa's socio-economic development. Journal article published in The 10th Annual International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives 9 - 12 September 2025 Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10386/5252 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10386/3278 The internal workplace mechanism : a tool to resolve unfair labour practices within the workplace Rasivhetshele, A. M.; Mey, M.; Agherdien, N. The Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (LRA) provides for the legal framework for dispute resolution. The Act encourages employers to resolve labour issues as soon as possible within the workplace, but the internal workplace mechanism does not ensure the elimination of the negative consequences of disputes which may arise. Employers should use the internal grievance procedure to resolve unfair labour practices in a timeous manner within the workplace. However, problems relating to the application of the internal workplace mechanism continue to exist. The purpose of this paper is to indicate the importance of the internal workplace mechanism of an organisation, the grievance procedure, as a tool to use to resolve labour matters relating to unfair labour practices within the workplace. Ultimately, the article offers suggestions for the design and implementation of internal workplace mechanisms that could be effective in the context of unfair labour practices. The paper concludes that the manner in which an organisation applies its internal workplace mechanism can either aggravate or moderate the seriousness of the dispute – and in the case of the former, this may have a negative impact on the level of efficiency in the workplace. Consequently, unfair labour practices result in an aggrieved and unhappy workforce, with employees possibly feeling that an act or omission on the part of their employer may have deprived them of a workplace benefit. Keywords: Grievances, Grievance procedure, Internal workplace mechanism, Unfair labour practices Journal article published in The International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives 07 - 09 October 2020, Virtual Conference Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10386/3278 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10386/3277 Assessing the implication of local economic development initiatives on job creation in South Africa : a case of Polokwane Local Municipality Mashabela, C. M. The purpose of the paper is to assess the implication of Local Economic Development (LED) initiatives on job creation in South Africa. The aim of this paper is to determine the extent in which LED initiatives are effective in South African municipalities. The paper reflects on LED initiatives in Polokwane Local Municipality and assesses its contribution to job creation and poverty alleviation within the Municipality. LED was introduced to mitigate unemployment and poverty in South Africa. It has been two decades since the inception of LED in South Africa. However, there are still dire socio-economic conditions in the country. This paper is empirical and employed quantitative research approach. The paper used random sampling technique in which 370 questionnaires were distributed to beneficiaries of LED in the Municipality. The findings of the paper revealed that there is low rate of job opportunities created through LED initiatives and LED awareness in the Municipality is low as only half of the participants know the role of LED unit in the local economy. The paper argues that there are still high unemployment rates in South African municipalities with many individuals living in dire economic conditions despite the inception of LED. The paper therefore recommends that local municipalities must review the current LED initiatives and come up with reformed LED initiatives that will have high impact on creation of job opportunities and poverty alleviation. The paper further argues that there is also a need for agricultural and industrial park LED initiatives that will contribute to vast creation of jobs in the Municipality. Keywords: Local Economic Development, Poverty, Unemployment Journal article published in The International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives 07 - 09 October 2020, Virtual Conference Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10386/3277 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10386/3275 Application of Mintzberg's managerial roles by academic leaders at higher education institutions in South Africa : the case of North-West University Saah, P.; Schutte, N.; Du Plessis, Y. Academic leaders at higher education institutions in South Africa are applying various management principles to be effective in performing their duties as managers. It is imperative for these academic leaders to apply effective management skills such as Mintzberg's managerial strategies that will ensure constant improvement. The aim of this study was to explore the extent to which academic leaders at the North-West University apply Mintzberg's managerial roles in executing their functions as leaders within their institution. A quantitative approach was adapted and a non-probability sampling technique was used to select the 109 participants who were administered questionnaires and 91 were fully completed, giving a response rate of 83.49%. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23, applying the following techniques : descriptive statistics, factor analysis and cross tabulations. Mintzberg's managerial roles were found to be important to all academic leaders at higher education institutions. The results of the study revealed that academic leaders at North-West University are applying all the three Mintzberg's managerial roles. It is recommended that academic leaders of higher education institutions should endeavour to apply Mintzberg's managerial roles because it is an effective management model that can improve their performance. Keywords: Academic leaders, Higher education, Institution, Managerial roles, Mintzberg Journal article published in The International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives 07 - 09 October 2020, Virtual Conference Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10386/3275 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z