https://openscholar.ump.ac.za/handle/20.500.12714/785 2026-09-29T14:29:48Z https://openscholar.ump.ac.za/handle/20.500.12714/1119 Title: The effects of training and development strategies on work readiness of the EPWP employed youth in Mpumalanga Province. Authors: Mkhomole, Tshigofatso Natia. Abstract: A significant amount of research on the prevalence of unemployment in South Africa has been undertaken by academics. Youth unemployment is a problem in South Africa. A high proportion of youth unemployment suggests that young people are not gaining the skills or experience needed to boost the economy. This impedes the country’s economic expansion and makes it more challenging for the government to provide social assistance. In recent years, several studies have highlighted factors that contribute to youth unemployment such as skills mismatch, higher education institution attended, lack of work experience, lack of employability and work readiness. Work readiness is especially crucial in the fast-evolving dynamic and rapid changing economy. The nature of work, employment, careers, and competences necessary to succeed in the modern workplace have all changed. As a result, graduates who join the workforce are expected to work independently and take on more responsibilities to succeed in their careers journey. This emphasises the value of practical training and development as graduates are not always aware of how to put the knowledge, they have acquired from the Post School Education and Training (PSET), to use in the workplace. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of the training and development programme provided by the EPWP on the work readiness of trainees. This study used quantitative research and a survey research approach to collect data from the participants employed under the EPWP in Mpumalanga Province. The finding highlights that there is a statistically significant relationship between training and development and work-readiness provided the EPWP in Mpumalanga province. This shows that the training needs analysis of the EPWP programme is structured in a way that develops the skills, knowledge, and competence of the participants to be ready for the workforce. The study further found there are statistically significant difference in the perceptions of the effectiveness of training and development on work-readiness of EPWP participants based on Age. Training and development strategy provided by the EPWP bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and the practical skills necessary to succeed in the labour market. Description: Dissertation (Master(Industrial Psychology))--University of Mpumalanga, 2026 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://openscholar.ump.ac.za/handle/20.500.12714/1118 Title: Men’s perceptions on seeking mental health treatment in Kanyamazane, Mpumalanga Province. Authors: Shongwe, Tshepiso Asah. Abstract: The aim of the study was to explore men’s perceptions of seeking mental health treatment in KaNyamazane in Mpumalanga Province. The study included 17 participants between the ages of 18-35 who were sampled through a non-probability purposive sampling method. The criteria for inclusion in the study aged 18-35 years who were residents of KaNyamazane. This study used a qualitative research approach with an exploratory research design. Due to the qualitative nature of the study, data was collected using semi-structured interviews. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse the data. The results showed that men’s perceptions towards seeking mental health treatment were predominantly negative, despite their understanding of what mental health entails. Key barriers to seeking mental health treatment included masculine norms, stigma, confidentiality concerns and lack of access to mental health services. To encourage men to seek mental health treatment, participants suggested support groups, awareness campaigns and tailored services to cater for men’s unique needs. Directions for future studies should focus on the implementation of culturally inclusive and gender-sensitive interventions that will cater for the needs of men. Description: Dissertation (Master(Arts in Psychology))--University of Mpumalanga, 2026 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://openscholar.ump.ac.za/handle/20.500.12714/1117 Title: An investigation into the implications of the amalgamation of municipalities on service delivery: a case study of Umjindi, Mbombela Local Municipality, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. Authors: Ragophala, Reneilwe Hope. Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the implications of the amalgamation of municipalities on service delivery, a case study of Umjindi and Mbombela Local Municipalities in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. Guided by the Interpretivist research paradigm, the investigation explored how diverse societal values and shifting personal perspectives influenced realities in the newly consolidated municipality. A qualitative research design was adopted to gather rich, empirical data, enabling an in-depth analysis of the emotions, actions, and lived experiences of individuals impacted by the amalgamation. Data collection methods included in-depth interviews and document analysis. The findings of the study revealed that while most participants had a general understanding of municipal amalgamations within the South African framework, many felt inadequately consulted during the merger process. Although some acknowledged the use of community meetings, radio broadcasts, and newspaper articles to share information, most respondents felt excluded from meaningful participation and lacked insight into the reasons behind the restructuring. Furthermore, councillors from Umjindi indicated that one of the main drivers behind the amalgamation was the pursuit of metropolitan status, an objective that was not realised due to non-compliance with the necessary criteria. Additional goals included financial sustainability, job creation, and infrastructure development. However, some municipal officials suggested that the amalgamation primarily benefited a select few due to Umjindi’s mineral wealth. Mbombela officials also emphasised the municipality’s economic potential, citing its mining sector, agricultural capacity, and tourism attractions such as the Makhonjwa Mountains. Despite these intentions, the study found that service delivery challenges particularly in areas such as water, sanitation, waste management, road infrastructure, and lighting remained unresolved or worsened post the amalgamation. These issues were attributed to a lack of financial resources, skilled personnel, and sufficient infrastructure to support the increased population. Additionally, poor revenue collection resulting from high unemployment further constrained service delivery capacity. The research findings underscore the critical role of citizen participation in local governance, highlighting the need for inclusive engagement to ensure responsive and effective service delivery. Description: Dissertation (Master(Public Administration))--University of Mpumalanga, 2026 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://openscholar.ump.ac.za/handle/20.500.12714/1116 Title: Exploring the contribution of civic engagement in community development initiatives in Kanyamazane, Mbombela Local Municipality. Authors: Nsubuga, Hope Dorcus. Abstract: Civic engagement, as a fundamental aspect of development practice, plays a crucial role in promoting community development and securing livelihoods, especially for the poor in communities. However, literature on the contribution of civic engagement to community development is finite. Therefore, the purpose of this research study was to explore the contribution of civic engagement towards community development initiatives. This study adopted exploratory research design. It was grounded in the interpretive paradigm as its foundation. This study was qualitative in nature as it sought to understand the experience of its participants. Convenience and purposive sampling procedures were used to sample a total of fifteen (15) participants. Twelve community members were conveniently sampled, and three municipal officials purposively sampled. Data were collected from semi-structured interviews and analysed using the thematic procedure. This analysis was framed through the social capital theory and Arnstein's ladder of participation. The findings of this study revealed that civic engagement has the capacity to empower community members. However, because there is a disconnect between how municipal officials and community members view civic engagement, it undermines the impact of civic engagement in community development. This is a result of the distinct modes of civic engagement, i.e., formal and non-formal civic engagement. Furthermore, it was revealed that formal channels such as community meetings represent formal civic engagement. From these findings, this study recommended that formal channels of engagement should not be tokenistic in nature as they exclude community members from being actively engaged. Therefore, there should be a shift towards achieving citizen power because when these formal channels fail to yield the desired outcomes, protest action rises together with non-formal civic engagement in the form of community-led initiatives. Furthermore, this study recommended that when community-led initiatives arise, they should receive financial support or capacity building support to ensure its effectiveness towards community development initiatives. Description: Dissertation (Master(Development Studies))--University of Mpumalanga, 2026 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z