Browsing by Author "Ndlovu, Pride"

Now showing 1 - 6 of 6
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    Comparing occupant satisfaction in Green versus Conventional Residential Real Estate in South Africa
    (Proceedings of the AfRES 2024 Conference, 2024-09) Masotya, Adam; Simbanegavi, Prisca; Weaich, Malcolm; Adewunmi, Yewande; Ndlovu, Pride; Gethe, Faranani
    This study compares occupant satisfaction in green versus conventional residential real estate in South Africa. It investigates the benefits and satisfaction levels related to green developments, particularly in terms of energy savings and socio-economic Impacts. The research aimed to determine if there is a significant difference in occupant satisfaction between green and conventional residential developments. A quantitative approach was employed, utilizing stratified random sampling to survey 160 occupants from two developments: Crossberry Central (green) and Little Manhattan (conventional). Data was analysed using the Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon W tests due to non- normal data distribution. The findings indicate that occupants of green developments report significantly higher satisfaction levels. Key areas of satisfaction include air quality, utility savings, and environmental benefits. Green developments demonstrate higher levels of satisfaction regarding reduced utility bills, improved indoor air quality, and contributions to environmental conservation. The study concludes that green residential developments significantly enhance occupant satisfaction compared to conventional housing. This suggests a socio-cultural shift towards valuing sustainable living environments, emphasising the importance of promoting green building practices to improve both environmental and occupant well-being.
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    Investing in the Future: A Comparative Analysis of Green Technology Investments and Youth Unemployment in the US and South Africa
    (Common Ground, 2024-05-14) Weaich, Malcolm; Weaich, Sherwyn; Simbanegavi, Prisca; Ndlovu, Pride
    This study explores the nuanced relationship between sustainable investments, particularly from entities such as the United States (US), and their impact on unemployment trends in South Africa, contributing to discussions on sustainable development goals (SDGs). Utilizing a quantitative approach with data from sources such as the World Bank and Statistics SA, this study employs statistical and econometric methods to assess the socioeconomic consequences of international sustainability funding. The findings indicate a significant link between US sustainable investments and youth unemployment in South Africa, challenging and reinforcing existing research. It depicts that while foreign investments in green initiatives are crucial, they may inadvertently affect local employment negatively. This study recommends policy adjustments in both US and South African legislation to align foreign investments with SDGs, aiming to mitigate youth unemployment. This study underscores the importance of understanding the implications of international funding conditions on local economies, offering insights for policymakers and scholars to develop strategies that leverage sustainable investments for economic growth and employment opportunities. This study provides a fresh perspective on the dynamics between international investments and local unemployment, offering valuable insights for economic planning and policy formulation in South Africa and across other African nations.
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    The investment of time and professional skill at risk in the Built Environment in South Africa: an exploratory study
    (2015-04-30) Ndlovu, Pride
    For a long period of time, most built private sector clients in South Africa have been procuring the services of built professional consultants at risk. The concept of working at risk is also referred to as speculative work. It is not known and clear when the practice started or how it originated in South Africa but the practice takes place and appears to becoming increasing prevalent. This study is an exploratory study that investigates the concept of working at risk in detail and establishes the relationship between non-remuneration, motivation and performance when working at risk. The study was motivated by the fact that limited academic research has been done locally on the early phase of project delivery, which is considered a key stage of a project. Attention is generally drawn to the implementation phase and conclusions are drawn from this stage which could possibly impact on the early phase of the project. This study examines the general understanding of the concept by respondents and determines the relationship between payment, time and performance. Largely the academic research conducted on the implementation stage shows that the non-remuneration or non-payment of contractors affects their performance and existence. Similarities in general can be drawn from this. However, this study does not explore this approach as initial academic data on the subject is not readily available. The study is an exploratory study that collects qualitative data from experienced professionals that undertake risk work for their clients. Interviews conducted with the professionals produced valuable qualitative data on the concept and key findings were drawn from this input. The greater understanding of the practice can lead to a better understanding between parties, regulation of the practise, support for smaller firms and assist in building the economy of South Africa. The findings reveal that there is a common understanding of the concept and the non-payment of professionals over long periods whilst undertaking risk work does affect motivation levels and impedes performance, thereby supporting the findings of the literature.
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    The 'Massive, Little' Houses: 'Prefabs', A Solution for Informal Settlement Housing Crisis in South Africa! A Scoping Review
    (Construction Business and Project Management Group, University of Cape Town, 2024-08-27) Simbanegavi, Prisca; Weaich, Malcolm; Adewunmi, Yewande; Ndlovu, Pride; Gethe, Faranani
    Unlike most continents, Africa still grapples with urban informality, where housing shortages affect most people living in substandard conditions. Prefabricated housing (PH) presents an alternative option that provides a quicker and cheaper housing supply, although it currently lags behind demand. This paper examines whether 1) informal settlements can be upgraded using prefabricated/modular houses, 2) these housing types are desirable to occupants, and 3) alternative houses should receive as much emphasis and policy support as possible, particularly considering the challenges experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on a comprehensive literature survey utilising a scoping review methodology, the paper indicates that stakeholders such as developers, financiers, and occupants of prefabricated housing increasingly embrace PH despite its challenges. The literature unanimously agrees that substantial efforts are required to catalyse more investment in PH regarding further research, education, supply chain improvements, and enhanced communication and collaboration among industry stakeholders. Additionally, numerous research gaps need addressing, including in-depth examinations of PH's contextual feasibility and performance across different geographical areas. The paper recommends that South African governments adopt PH as an alternative housing solution, as it is faster and cheaper, thereby aiding in achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal 11.
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    Transnational knowledge transfer: the context of cross-border and local firms in private real estate collaborations in Sub-Saharan Africa
    (2022) Ndlovu, Pride
    Foreign firms have traditionally been utilized by governments in host countries to execute complex projects and were coerced by legislative requirements in public sector to partner with local firms to transfer knowledge. Traditionally, these joint ventures have been unsuccessful in transferring knowledge to local partners. But still international joint ventures continue to be used in the private sector as an entry strategy to new markets, without any legislative requirement coercing partners to form a joint venture. The study aims to investigate these private sector joint ventures forming a transnational knowledge network and evaluate the strategies they use to interact within the network and how they work on differences to create new knowledge used to achieve project goals. An integrated theoretical framework comprising of embeddedness theory, social capital theory, knowledge creation theory and the model of transnational public sector knowledge networks was adopted, and this model was further tested for its relevance and applicability in private real estate sector. The qualitative research methodology was used with multiple case studies of local firms and cross-border firms in a transnational joint venture in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Data was collected through semi structured interviews, comprised of 11 cases, each using a purposive sampling of cross-border firm (SA firms) and a snowball sampling of local partner (spread out across the rest of SSA), making a total of 22 participants that were interviewed in the study. Documentary analysis of related documents for the transnational joint venture was perused. The data collected was analyzed using thematic qualitative data analysis techniques. The findings revealed that in order to reduce the differences that parties come to the network embedded in, continuous adapting, learning, transferring, integrating and innovation are continuously utilized by partakers as the five main generic principles or practices in a transnational knowledge network to create new knowledge, bridge differences and meet project goals. The study also revealed that the knowledge difference between local and cross-border partakers in private real estate was not severe and local firms had professional skill but lacked exposure and experience in executing a high-quality real estate asset that did not exist in their home country before. The study further identified the emergence of Welfare as a unique distance that exists in the context of SSA and this finding expands the transnational knowledge transfer model adding the tenth distance to it. This finding contributes to the literature and accentuates the significance of exploring the context of emerging countries.
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    Willingness of End Users in Embracing Sustainable Housing in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, 2023-10) Weaich, Malcolm; Simbanegavi, Prisca; Ndlovu, Pride; Rikhotso, Thulisiwe; Ntshangase, Noxolo
    Purpose: This study examines South African end-users' willingness to adopt sustainable housing, identifying preferred materials and investment levels. It aims to inform sustainable material adoption to reduce construction-sector carbon emissions. Approach: A quantitative survey collected data on attitudes, knowledge, and willingness to pay for sustainable housing. SPSS was used for data analysis, focusing on socio-economic status, willingness to adopt sustainable homes, and cost comparisons with traditional materials. Findings: Middle and high-income earners are more willing to adopt sustainable housing, despite higher costs. South Africans prefer materials that reduce energy grid dependence and are willing to pay for its full conversion. Regression analysis identified preferred sustainable options across income levels. Based on its findings, the study challenges the notion that affordability is the sole driver for low adoption levels of sustainable living in South Africa, emphasising individual values and the need for inclusivity in sustainable housing. Limitations: The study's small sample size of 88 participants limits its scope. Future research should include longitudinal studies and deeper exploration of sustainable housing stakeholders and explore interventions, through end-user perceptions at a more in-depth level to form a theory of adoption pertaining to sustainable housing practices phenomena. Practical implications: The study establishes a market demand for sustainable housing in South Africa, advocating for government and industry collaboration to boost awareness and adoption. Value of paper: The paper informs policy, guides industry sustainable housing practices, and aids in the development of targeted strategies to promote sustainable housing and reduce its carbon footprint. Keywords: Construction industry, End-user willingness, Green building certification, Sustainable development, Sustainable housing.