WIReDSpace

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Communities in WIReDSpace

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Now showing 1 - 5 of 19

Recent Submissions

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    The implementation of the Equator Principles environmental and social obligations on renewable energy projects: an exploratory study
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025) Mathebula, Mantwa; Moloi, Tsele
    The financial sector provides necessary capital and funding that is required to drive economic growth as well as contributing to the agenda for a sustainable society. In recognition of this role, commercial banks adopt Equator Principles (EPs), a financial institution benchmark to identify, assess and manage the environmental and social risks in projects they fund. As it is with other funded projects, renewable energy projects that are financed by an Equator Principle Financial Institution (EPFI) are required to adhere to EPs. This is because the EPs obligations extends to all projects the EPFI funds as a secondary requirement to the project companies and this is through a loan agreement. When it comes to project development is South Africa, the mature legislative process provides clear mapping on its regulatory processes and compliance thereof. However, the EPs because of their self-regulatory and voluntary nature, do not provide adequate information regarding how a renewable energy company could take on their secondary responsibility to adhere to EPs. The aim of this study was therefore to explore the implementation of the Equator Principles’ obligations in renewable energy projects.. A qualitative research approach in the form of interviews with representatives from the renewable energy companies, the commercial banks and independent industry specialists was followed. The research questions explored whether renewable energy companies lacked understanding of the Equator Principles (EPs), whether such a lack of understanding created challenges in their implementation, and what mitigation measures could help these companies manage the social and environmental risks addressed by the EPs. . The study revealed that there was lack of understanding by the renewable energy companies, that this lack of understanding affected implementation of EPs within the projects by the operational teams. The study suggested training, upskilling by the EPs as one of the mitigations that could see the objectives of the adherence of EPs being met.
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    An African feminist perspective of grant making by selected social justice philanthropies in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mashianoke, Lerato; Mati, Jacob Mwathi
    Using an African feminist lens, this research examines how an American and European Foundation approach and practice grant making in South Africa. Using a qualitative comparative case study methodology, the study analyses the extent to which these foundations incorporate African feminist principles including intersectionality, decolonisation, power redistribution, and cultural sensitivity in their strategies. Key findings reveal that while both foundations have made strides in promoting social justice, their grant making efforts often remain constrained by Eurocentric frameworks, hierarchical decision making processes, and a lack of intersectional approaches. These limitations hinder their ability to fully address the systemic challenges faced by marginalised communities, particularly South African women. The research proposes best practices for adopting a more inclusive, equitable, and context- responsive approach to philanthropy, including decentralising decision making, fostering participatory grant making, and engaging with local African feminist leaders. By aligning their practices with African feminist principles, these foundations can more effectively promote gender equity, social justice, and long-term sustainable change in South Africa.
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    Assessment of the Use of Risk-Based Pricing of Mortgage Loans by Commercial Banks in Lesotho
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025) Masakoane, Matokoloho; Chakamera, Chengete
    The prevalence of highly restructured loans in Lesotho raises concerns about impeded economic growth. To address this concern, this study investigated the use of risk- based pricing of mortgage loans by commercial banks in Lesotho. The objectives were to examine (i) the parameters used by commercial banks when pricing mortgage loans, (ii) challenges commercial banks encounter in implementing risk-based pricing and (iii) exploring ways in which commercial banks in Lesotho may efficiently adopt risk-based pricing for mortgage loans. The study was quantitative and employed a survey research design to collect primary data. Purposive and convenience sampling criteria were used to select experts in the areas of mortgage loans. These sampling techniques yielded a sample of 63 respondents (37 males and 26 females). Experts were primarily from regulatory authorities and banks, with additional representation from finance professionals. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive, factor and correlation analysis. In terms of objective one, the results show that commercial banks in Lesotho use borrower income level, borrower credit score, employment type, loan-to-value ratio, cost of capital, property location and value, and cost of funds to price mortgage loans. As for the second objective, the main challenges in implementing risk-based pricing on mortgage loans include operational factors: insufficient staff training on risk-based pricing models, inconsistent borrower credit history and lack of credit scoring and data analytics tools. Regarding the third objective, this study shows that efficient adoption of risk-based pricing on mortgage loans should consider an investment in advanced credit scoring models, educating borrowers about risk-based pricing, training staff on risk management, and strengthening regulatory requirements for transparency. This study contributes to risk-based mortgage pricing literature, providing insights for Lesotho’s banks, policymakers, and regulators to enhance the national financial system.
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    Financial Development and Economic Growth in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025) Mangwe, Lindelwa
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    Leadership Through Ethical Innovation in Telecommunications Companies in Gauteng
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025) Manaka, Mildred
    The telecommunications industry in Gauteng Province, South Africa, plays a pivotal role in South Africa’s growth and development. With rapid technological advancements, the industry requires role-players able to navigate ethical dilemmas while fostering responsible innovation. This study explores the impact of ethical leadership on product innovation within telecommunications companies in Gauteng Province. It examines how ethical behaviour and decision-making influence innovation processes whilst also considering factors such as stakeholder and corporate sustainability. The research is underpinned by three theoretical concepts, Innovation Leadership Theory, Transformational Leadership Theory, and Ethical Leadership Theory. It investigates how these concepts intersect and how leadership balances innovation with ethical principles in a competitive telecommunications environment. A qualitative research approach was adopted, using semi-structured interviews with professionals in telecommunications, primarily specialists in product development and innovation. Data were analysed using thematic analysis supported by NVivo software to identify key themes and patterns. Findings indicate that ethical leadership supports ethical innovation in seeking to promote adherence to policies, protecting customer data, complying with regulations, and fostering consumer trust. However, the study also reveals challenges that leaders face in balancing ethical imperatives with market pressures and profitability goals. The research highlights the critical importance of embedding ethical considerations into innovation strategies to support long-term sustainability ii and consumer trust. It contributes valuable insights into ethical leadership and innovation, offering practical recommendations for telecommunications leaders to align their strategies with ethical standard