Journal of Social Political Sciences

THE LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT SKILLS FOR SERVICE DELIVERY IN SOUTH AFRICAN MUNICIPALITIES: A COMPROMISED REQUIREMENT?

Mokoko Sebola — 2024-09-11

Municipal service delivery remains a persistent issue in South African municipalities, which has been a subject of both academic inquiry and political debate. Despite extensive attention, the roles of leadership and management as key variables influencing service delivery have not been thoroughly explored. This study investigates the impact of leadership and management on municipal service delivery inefficiencies. Using a conceptual approach, data were collected through a desktop study to examine the extent to which political leadership in South Africa overlooks the significance of leadership and management skills in service delivery. The findings suggest that the neglect of these skills within municipal administration contributes significantly to service delivery failures. The paper concludes that incorporating leadership and management competencies into the governance of South African municipalities is essential for improving service delivery outcomes.

A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER'S REACTION TO KOMPAS GRAMEDIA GROUP AND MEDIA NUSANTARA CITRA IN THE JANUARY 2024 EDITIONS REGARDING SOUTH AFRICA'S LAWSUIT AGAINST ISRAEL FOR GENOCIDE IN GAZA, PALESTINE

Umar Fauzi Bahanan — 2024-08-11

The invasion of the Palestinian Gaza region by Israel following the events of October 7, 2023, has garnered widespread international attention, particularly concerning the suffering of children and women. In response, a group of South African lawyers filed a lawsuit against Israel in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, citing the Genocide Convention. This legal action led to public statements from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which were covered extensively by major Indonesian media organizations, including Kompas Gramedia Group (KG Group) and Media Nusantara Citra (MNC Group). This study employs a qualitative descriptive analysis to examine Netanyahu's political communication in relation to the ICJ decision, focusing on his response to the South African lawsuit. News coverage from both KG Group and MNC Group in January 2024 is compared through the lens of Media Agenda Setting theory, which emphasizes the media's role in shaping public perception. Utilizing Heidegger's hermeneutical analysis method, the research identifies significant differences in how the two media outlets present the issue. KG Group emphasizes the human-interest angle, focusing on the emotional and personal dimensions of the conflict, while MNC Group adopts a more cautious stance, particularly in its reporting on the Israeli government. This comparative analysis underscores the differing editorial priorities of the two media groups and highlights their respective approaches to covering the ongoing Gaza conflict and international responses.

SCALING OUT COMMUNITY-BASED INTEGRATED FARMING PROGRAM IN SORONG REGENCY SOUTHWEST PAPUA INDONESIA

Njo Fransiscus XaveriusAnditya Ciptadi Putra — 2024-08-30

The Integrated Farming Program was implemented in Kampung Adat Malasigi, Klayili District, as an extension of a similar initiative in Klasafet District, Southwest Papua. This program, part of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative by PT Pertamina EP Papua Field, in collaboration with the Kasuari Foundation and the local business institution of Sumur Olie Village, aims to boost agricultural productivity and promote processed banana products. This study examines the program's impact on local economic and social conditions. Key findings include an 80% increase in banana productivity in Kampung Adat Malasigi and a 30% increase in Klasafet District. Additionally, community income rose by 33% in Kampung Adat Malasigi and 25% in Klasafet District. The development of processed banana products, such as banana chips and dried bananas, has become a popular venture. However, challenges remain in addressing infrastructure gaps and improving market access. The study concludes that while the program has achieved notable success, further efforts in infrastructure development, institutional capacity building, and product innovation are needed to ensure long-term sustainability.

THE DIGITALIZATION POLICY IN THE EDUCATION SECTOR: INNOVATION AND ADAPTATION

Meithiana Indrasari — 2024-08-30

The digitalization of education has become a critical focus for educational transformation in the 21st century. This study explores the key challenges and opportunities of digitalization, focusing on digital competency among educators, access to infrastructure, and the overall impact on student engagement and learning outcomes. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 500 educators and policymakers through surveys and interviews. The findings reveal that while digital tools increase student engagement (70% positive impact), significant gaps in educator readiness (47% of vocational trainers reported low digital competency) and unequal access to digital infrastructure—particularly in rural areas (72% reported inadequate access)—hinder the full potential of digital education. Additionally, concerns were raised about the impact on critical thinking and social skills, with 40% of respondents believing the lack of in-person interaction could negatively affect student development. The study concludes that for digital education to succeed, policymakers must address both technological access and human capital development through comprehensive professional development and equitable infrastructure investments.