Evaluating policy implementation performance of disaster risk management over time in the Bojanala Platinum District Municipality

Abstract

This study aims to illustrate the intricate relationship and co-dependence between disaster risk management governance and policy implementation performance. Because the capacity of the disaster risk reduction officials significantly influences the inefficiency of policy implementation, this study will include an in-depth exploration of institutional capacity. This study uses the Bojanala Platinum District Municipality as a case study. Therefore, based on the findings of the BPDM’s 2005 research, this study attempts to examine the tendencies in the BPDM from 2010 until 2015. This study recognises that Disaster Risk Management is a burgeoning discipline in South Africa. Moreover, policy implementation is a complex phenomenon that is often overlooked and neglected in the policy formation process. Thus, this study evaluates how the BPDM deals with these challenges and attempts to assess its progress since the promulgation of the DMA and NDMF.

Among the four key performance areas identified in the NDMF, this study focuses on Key performance areas 1 and 2, this is because these KPAs deal directly with the DRM governance and policy implementation.

Previously, disaster management was very reactive whereas the aim of DRM is to manage the risks prior to having a disaster. The results presented in the third chapter of this research indicate that there is still significant emphasis of reactive DRM in BPDM. However, the exception is that the disaster management officials within the district pride themselves for the awareness efforts made towards disaster risk reduction throughout the community.

Utilizing a semi-structured interview process and completion of questionnaires, this study finds that the DRM governance has a direct impact on implementation performance. Consequently, if government provides the necessary platforms to improve institutional capacity within the district then policy performance should increase. Finally, this study concludes that the governing structures at both district and local municipal levels need to establish municipal specific DRM policies and performance management systems to improve policy implementation.

Key concepts: DRM governance, policy implementation, institutional capacity, DMA, NDMF, policy performance. This study aims to illustrate the intricate relationship and co-dependence between disaster risk management governance and policy implementation performance. Because the capacity of the disaster risk reduction officials significantly influences the inefficiency of policy implementation, this study will include an in-depth exploration of institutional capacity. This study uses the Bojanala Platinum District Municipality as a case study. Therefore, based on the findings of the BPDM’s 2005 research, this study attempts to examine the tendencies in the BPDM from 2010 until 2015. This study recognises that Disaster Risk Management is a burgeoning discipline in South Africa. Moreover, policy implementation is a complex phenomenon that is often overlooked and neglected in the policy formation process. Thus, this study evaluates how the BPDM deals with these challenges and attempts to assess its progress since the promulgation of the DMA and NDMF. Among the four key performance areas identified in the NDMF, this study focuses on Key performance areas 1 and 2, this is because these KPAs deal directly with the DRM governance and policy implementation. Previously, disaster management was very reactive whereas the aim of DRM is to manage the risks prior to having a disaster. The results presented in the third chapter of this research indicate that there is still significant emphasis of reactive DRM in BPDM. However, the exception is that the disaster management officials within the district pride themselves for the awareness efforts made towards disaster risk reduction throughout the community. Utilizing a semi-structured interview process and completion of questionnaires, this study finds that the DRM governance has a direct impact on implementation performance. Consequently, if government provides the necessary platforms to improve institutional capacity within the district then policy performance should increase. Finally, this study concludes that the governing structures at both district and local municipal levels need to establish municipal specific DRM policies and performance management systems to improve policy implementation.

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