Wits School of Governance (ETDs)

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The Development of Social Capital in the Judiciary through mentorship
(2011-04-06) Engelbrecht, Naomi Annette
This study analyses the concept of mentoring as used in the South African Judiciary. Mentoring has been adopted by the South African judiciary in order to enhance the potential of acting Regional Magistrates to address their often repeated grievances regarding capacity building. The research attempts a quick evaluation of the process so far.
Human Resources Development at Tumela Mine
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2014-01-21) Mphahlele, Matuku
In the context of the South African mining and mineral sector this study explores the human resource development measures to transform mentoring programmes at Tumela Mine. Despite the legislative stipulations that seek to promote equitable access to participation in the creation, development and sharing of the South African economy and natural resources through the establishment of a workplace environment conducive for learning to take place, little is known on how Tumela Mine implements mentoring programmes to foster effective human resource development. The study explored and analysed participants’ perceptions regarding the implementation of the Tumela Mine Mentoring Programme. The research was conducted through the use of a case study approach, and primary data was collected from respondents, and secondary data was gathered from relevant policies, minutes of meetings and company annual reports. The research questioned the successful aspects in the Human Resource Development unit, challenges and management’s responses to impediments to the implementation of mentoring programmes at Tumela Mine. The findings indicate that two key issues to improve implementation of mentoring programmes at the Tumela Mine are a transformational style of management and strategic repositioning of the mentoring programmes. The research argues that although company corporate strategic policy formulation and planning seek to promote equal participation of all employees in mentoring relationships, programme interventions at an operational level make it difficult to promote mentoring programmes. The key recommendation is that in order to implement effective mentoring programmes the company should review the corporate business strategy focused on strategic repositioning of mentoring programmes and inspire visionary leadership to implement a transformational style of management.
Human Resources Development at Tumela Mine
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2014-01-21) Mphahlele, Matuku
In the context of the South African mining and mineral sector this study explores the human resource development measures to transform mentoring programmes at Tumela Mine. Despite the legislative stipulations that seek to promote equitable access to participation in the creation, development and sharing of the South African economy and natural resources through the establishment of a workplace environment conducive for learning to take place, little is known on how Tumela Mine implements mentoring programmes to foster effective human resource development. The study explored and analysed participants’ perceptions regarding the implementation of the Tumela Mine Mentoring Programme. The research was conducted through the use of a case study approach, and primary data was collected from respondents, and secondary data was gathered from relevant policies, minutes of meetings and company annual reports. The research questioned the successful aspects in the Human Resource Development unit, challenges and management’s responses to impediments to the implementation of mentoring programmes at Tumela Mine. The findings indicate that two key issues to improve implementation of mentoring programmes at the Tumela Mine are a transformational style of management and strategic repositioning of the mentoring programmes. The research argues that although company corporate strategic policy formulation and planning seek to promote equal participation of all employees in mentoring relationships, programme interventions at an operational level make it difficult to promote mentoring programmes. The key recommendation is that in order to implement effective mentoring programmes the company should review the corporate business strategy focused on strategic repositioning of mentoring programmes and inspire visionary leadership to implement a transformational style of management.
Implementation of the mental health care act in psychiatric hospitals
(2017) Mulutsi, Eva Nkeng
Introduction Mental illness is prevalent in all regions of the world and contributes significantly to premature mortality, high morbidity and loss of economic productivity (Baxter, Whiteford, Vos, & Norman, 2011; Charlson, Baxter, Cheng, Shidaye, & Whiteford, 2016). In South Africa, the Mental Health Care Act (No 17 of 2002) was promulgated in 2004 in response to the high burden of mental illness and to improve mental health service delivery, within a human rights framework. Aims and Objectives: The overall aim of this PhD study was to examine the implementation of the Mental Health Care Act in psychiatric hospitals in South Africa. The specific objectives were to: explore stakeholders’ involvement in the implementation of the Act; examine the policy processes followed in the implementation of the Act; determine whether Mental Health Review Boards execute their prescribed roles and functions; examine the implementation of legal procedures for involuntary admissions of psychiatric patients; and identify factors that influenced the implementation of the Act. Methods: The study was approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. Sixteen psychiatric hospitals were selected in nine provinces, through stratified random sampling. Using an adapted conceptual framework with policy implementation theory as its foundation, the overall study approach was qualitative in nature, complemented with a record review of involuntary patient admissions in the selected hospitals. The qualitative component consisted of 35 in-depth interviews with: the drafter of the Act (n=1); provincial mental health coordinators (n=9); a psychiatrist at each of the selected hospitals (n=16); and the chair of a Mental Health Review Board in each of the provinces (n=9). At each selected psychiatric hospital, five patient records were selected randomly (n=80), focusing on compliance with the legal procedures for involuntary admissions. The qualitative data were analysed using thematic content analysis and MAXQDA® 11 while STATA® 12 was used to analyse the data from the record reviews. Results: South Africa’s political transition created a window of opportunity for the implementation of the Act. Wide-spread stakeholder support for the spirit and intention of the Act, advocacy for human rights, the broader transformation of the health system, and the need for enhanced governance and accountability in mental health, facilitated the implementation of the Act. However, implementation was hindered by: the relatively low prioritisation of mental health; stigma and discrimination; poor planning and preparation for implementation; resource constraints; and suboptimal stakeholder consultation. The study found that the majority of involuntary psychiatric patients admitted during (the year) 2010 were single (93.8%), male (62.5%), and unemployed (85%), predominantly black African (80%), with a median age of 32.5 years. The primary diagnoses were schizophrenia (33/80), substance-induced psychosis (16/80), bipolar mood disorders (15/80) and acute psychosis (9/80). There was poor compliance with the prescribed procedures for involuntary psychiatric admissions, exacerbated by suboptimal governance by, and functioning of, the Mental Health Review Boards, thus resulting in de facto illegal detention of patients. Conclusion and Recommendations: The Mental Health Care Act is an important policy lever to address the burden of mental illness and ensure quality mental health service delivery in South Africa. However, the enabling potential of the Act can only be realised if the following issues are addressed: improved, and dedicated resources for mental health; training and capacity building of health professionals and hospital managers on key aspects of the Act; improved governance, leadership and accountability through well-functioning Mental Health Review Boards; and improving mental health infrastructure and community-based services.
Perceptions of community care workers on their roles and responsibilities: Soshanguve, Pretoria
(2020) Mawadzwa, Tronny
Care workers play a pivotal role in the community affected by HIV/AIDS through regular home visits. The purpose of this research was to understand better the perceptions of care workers who provide services to HIV/AIDS home visits in the community of Soshanguve. The researcher used the qualitative research strategy because the study was concerned with collecting data about the care workers’ perceptions and opinions about the services offered to HIV/AIDS-affected individuals and their families. The researcher selected a phenomenology research design for this research to help understand the perceptions and experiences of care workers, and it allowed for an in-depth analysis of the information from a single group of care workers. The researcher used semi-structured interview guides to ask questions in a focus group set up and on individuals as Key Informants’ Interviews (KIIs). A sample of 9 care workers took part in the study, broken down into one focus group with 7 participants and 2 KIIs were conducted as well. The findings from the study indicate that care workers have fragmented roles and responsibilities that are always changing. The working conditions are not safe for their health and safety. Care workers reported that they are not recognized by higher superiors and are forced to work under harsh weather conditions with tight targets to accomplish every month. Findings indicate that care workers require adequate training and psychosocial support to help them cope with emotional stress. Lastly, the remuneration of care workers has to be revised as data collected showed that the stipend they receive does not sustain their basic living conditions. Care workers have a passion for assisting the government meet their sustainable development goals on HIV/AIDS. For care workers to effectively perform at work, roles and responsibilities have to be fixed, their working conditions improved, provide training and psychosocial support and revise their stipend.
Assessing performance management in transnet
(2020) Moeletsane, Faith
State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) are vital for the development of South Africa’s strategic sectors (Fourie, 2014). They have been a significant mechanism for driving economic growth and the reduction of poverty since 1994 (Kikeri,2018). They are critical in addressing market failure and for the growth of South Africa’s strategic sectors, “especially energy, transport, telecommunications and manufacturing” (Fourie, 2014, p.1). The PRC has undertaken extensive research and based on that provided recommendations that should be adopted across all SOEs in South Africa. The PRC notes the importance of ensuring effective performance management and monitoring of SOEs as critical, and important that SOEs carry through their mandate with effectiveness and efficiency due to the heavy reliance that the State has on the SOEs (PRC,2016. Through referencing large SOEs such as Eskom, SAA and Denel and their questionable performance over the last ten years that an opportunity to assess the impact of performance management in an SOE is imperative. In President Cyril Ramaphosa’s February 2019 State of the Nation Address (SONA) he makes mention of restoring stability in strategic entities as of the critical decisions taken (SONA, 2019). The president announced, “the establishment of the Presidential SOE Council, which will provide political oversight and strategic management in order to reform, reposition and revitalise SOEs, to ensure that SOEs play their mandated role as catalysts of economic growth and development” (SONA,2019). South Africa is not exempt from the global woes that face the public sector on the delivery on quality services to all its people; maximising of available resources, effective and fruitful public private partnerships, state safety and security, dealing with migration, employment, inequality and poverty, however there is a need to look at alternatives to Public Sector Management to 12 overcome these pressing challenges (Brinkerhoff & Brinkerhoff, 2015). Performance Management is thus important as it drives performance at both the strategic and individual level, encouraging improvement both on management and subordinates (Bussin, 2012). This study closely looks into the governance of SOEs by assessing the implementation of performance management. Field research will be conducted at Transnet one of the biggest SOEs in which the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) “provides shareholder oversight” (Fourie, 2014, p. 5). The study contributes to the body of knowledge by outlining the practices, processes and applications of performance in the SOE and lessons that can be learnt.
Teacher perceptions of effectiveness of a mathematics teacher professional development programme
(2020) Sojen, Jaya
South African learners face serious deficits in mathematics learning at the schooling level. Low learner performance is more pronounced in the case of low-quintile schools. Several factors have been reported to contribute to low learner performance in mathematics. One of them is teacher quality. Because teachers are the only support for learning for learners from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds, it is imperative that teacher quality is improved in order to improve learner achievement in low-quintile schools. Eventhough several mathematics teacher professional development programmes have been implemented in South Africa to improve teacher quality, small-scale qualitative studies, in the form of classroom observation and perception studies, report that these teacher professional development programmes lack in quality and focus on content, and that they are delinked from the classroom context, thereby lacking effectiveness. The purpose of this research was to evaluate one such mathematics teacher professional development programme, the Mathematics Teacher Professional Development Programme (MTPDP), implemented in six schools in Ivory Park in the Gauteng Province. This study intended to explore the teachers’ perceptions of the effectiveness of the MTPDP through capturing the teacher experiences of participation in the MTPDP vis-à-vis exploring the teachers’ perceptions of the effectiveness of the design attributes of the MTPDP, the new knowledge acquired of content and pedagogy and the change in teachers’ classroom practice. The conceptual framework proposed by Desimone (2009) for evaluating the effectiveness of teacher professional development programmes informed the conceptual framework used in this study. Desimone’s (2009) framework presents an action model akin to a theory of change model (Boylan, Coldwell, Maxwell, & Jordan, 2018) to evaluate the impact of teacher professional development programmes in bringing about improved learner outcomes. The critical design attributes of a professional development programme enable positive teacher experiences of participation, thereby enabling teacher acquisition of knowledge and by extension a change in teachers’ classroom practice (Desimone, 2009). This leads to impacting positively on teacher instruction and thereby improving the learner outcomes (Desimone, 2009). Thus, the model represents a connection between critical features of professional development, teacher knowledge acquisition, change in classroom practice and learner outcomes as a continuum of change for evaluating the effectiveness of a teacher professional development programme. This research pursued a qualitative approach with an interpretivist case study design. A sample of eight teachers was interviewed using semi-structured interviews. The thematic analysis highlighted that the teachers perceived the effectiveness of MTPDP as enabling teacher learning, enhancing teacher knowledge, improving teacher self-efficacy and bringing about transformation in teachers’ classroom practice from a predominantly teacher-centred practice to a learner-centred practice. Broad design features of the MTPDP, namely the content-based workshops and the classroom-based component of MTPDP were perceived as effective and found strong resonance among the teachers. The design attributes of ‘coherence’, ‘content coverage’, ‘active learning’, ‘sharing ideas and teacher collaboration’, ‘modelling classroom delivery’ and ‘monitoring classroom implementation’ were perceived as effective by the teachers in enabling learning. The acquisition of ‘knowledge of introducing subject matter’ and ‘knowledge of multiple strategies’ were perceived as effective in enhancing teacher knowledge. The acquisition of ‘knowledge of multiple strategies’ garnered the maximum buy-in from the teachers and was perceived by them as the sustainable feature of the MTPDP. The acquisition of knowledge enabled by these features of the MTPDP in a safe learning environment was perceived as effective by teachers leading to improved teacher perception of self-efficacy, leading to a transformation in teachers’ classroom practice from a predominantly teacher-centred practice to a learner-centred practice. Thus, the teachers’ overall perceptions of effectiveness of the MTPDP along the continuum of change informed by the conceptual framework of Desimone (2009) was positive. Though the teachers perceived the MTPDP as effective, the effectiveness would have been only at a superficial level as the low content knowledge of teachers may hinder new teacher beliefs from wholly manifesting in classroom practice.
Effectiveness of the mobile technology intervention in rural schools: The case of Seshego circuit in Polokwane district
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2020) Nare Joyce, Mahwai; Wotela, Kambidima
The objective of this qualitative study is to conduct a summative evaluation of a mobile technology intervention in rural schools of Seshego circuit. The aim is to determine the effectiveness of the intervention to determine how mobile technologies are integrated in teaching and learning. Employing a qualitative research strategy with case study research design methods, participants were purposively selected to answer four research questions to determine the outcomes of the information and communication technology intervention in rural schools of Seshego circuit in Polokwane district. Teachers’ views were obtained regarding the integration of mobile technologies in teaching and learning as well as documenting the process for mobile technology integration in teaching and learning. This research applied technology acceptance model (TAM) and Technology acceptance model 2 (TAM2) to make understand the use and integration of mobile technologies in teaching and learning. Preliminary findings reveal that mobile technology integration does end with providing schools with information and communications technology infrastructure, there has to be a deliberate effort from teachers, learners, school management, subject advisors, national and provincial department of education to ensure that mobile technologies are used and integrated in teaching and learning. There are barriers that prevents teachers from fully integrating technologies in teaching and learning like the availability of ICT infrastructure as well as lack of skills and knowledge to integrate mobile technologies in teaching and learning. This research recommends that teachers be placed at the heart of technology implementation in teaching and learning
An assessment of the implementation of the global counter-terrorism framework in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2020) Ntsalong, Kgeng; Van Nieuwkerk, Anthoni
The world is experiencing a general rising threat of terrorism. Some regions of the world have experienced more cases than others but no country in the world can claim to be immune. As such each country has a responsibility to protect its citizens, guests and installations against the risk of terrorism. This is done by having policy instruments in place and implementing them effectively to the benefit of the citizens and guests of the country. South Africa promulgated the Protection of Constitutional Democracy against Terrorism and related Activities Act in 2004 to criminalise acts of terrorism. This investigative and exploratory study seeks to establish how South Africa brought into effect its counterterrorism legal instruments and the challenges experienced during the implementation phase as well as to assess whether or not the policy has achieved the intended outcomes in the eyes of practitioners. Strengths and weaknesses are identified and recommendations to enhance the current instrument are proposed
Public participation challenges facing ward committees in the Senqu Local Municipality
(2020) Gqweta, Masabbatha Judith
This purpose of this study was to investigate public participation challenges facing ward committees in the Senqu Local Municipality. This is a rural municipality under the Joe Gqabi District Municipality in the Eastern Cape. Constitutionally local government is legally bound to promote public participation through various mechanisms such as ward committees. To obtain the research objectives, the research applies a qualitative research methodology, using Arnstein’s Ladder of Participation Theory as a basis for public participation in the selected municipality. A literature review was conducted on public participation, local democracy and ward committees functioning. A purposive non-probability sampling was used as it allowed a sample from which participants are selected on the basis of their knowledge on the subject. Primary data collection comprised of semi structured interviews with three municipal officials and focus group discussions with two selected ward committees in the Senqu Local Municipality. The study presents findings from the data analysis and depict that despite the imperative role played by the ward committees, there are still challenges that face ward committees on public participation. The study closes with conclusions, recommendations for the municipality and recommendations for further research
Institutional arrangements in the coordination of policies for gender equality
(2020) Sobudula, Viwe
Gender inequality is a challenge which has been inherited from the apartheid government in South Africa. The democratic government has through the establishment of various institutions such as the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) and the development of policies and laws made efforts to address gender inequalities, however, the problem still persists. The purpose of this study is to analyse how the DWYPD works with other government departments through institutional arrangements to coordinate policies for the promotion of gender equality/equity. The research found that although the DWYPD has an enabling environment for policy coordination, institutional arrangements are structurally and operationally weak. The study also found challenges such as unclear policy mandate, lack of legislative authority to coordination policies and poor communication and planning within the DWYPD for the institutional arrangements. The study gives insights into challenges faced by different departments and makes recommendations for better coordination and management
Participatory Governance through ward committee and traditional council structures at Intsika Yethu Municipality
(2020) Dantile, Julius Jabavu
Participatory governance is a theoretical method within the deliberative and participatory democracy theories. These theories promote the participation of individual citizens in the political decision-making processes to ensure public reasoning and public voice. This research study explored how participatory governance is facilitated at Intsika Yethu Local Municipality (IYLM). It examined the dimensions of participatory governance as theoretical and conceptual frameworks. These include deliberations, decision-making, interactional justice, legitimacy and trust, and monitoring and accountability. Some of the aspects of these dimensions provided the thematic framework to craft research questions, to collect, analyse and interpret data based on theoretical propositions of participatory governance. The research study established that participatory governance is facilitated at IYLM through ward committees lead by the ward councillors and traditional councils under traditional leadership. Ward Councillors working together with traditional leaders hold frequent meetings at ward and community levels. They both participate in the deliberations and decision-making processes through the municipal council meetings and council portfolio committees. Despite systematic and institutional discrepancies which lead to conflictual interactions at some levels, data presented a fair picture of collaborations and partnerships fostered at IYLM
The democratic participatory experiences of black youth in the City of Johannesburg
(2020) Ntshwanti, Thandile
The purpose of this study was to assess the response of youth to government public participation platforms and approaches using the youth in the City of Johannesburg as a case study. Local government was chosen as the focus of the study because of its proximity to citizens. The study explored the current approaches used in the City of Johannesburg, the general views on youth participation, the response by youth to current public participation approaches used by the city and how youth participation can be improved. The study used a qualitative research approach. A combination of data collection tools was used. These were observations, document analysis, interviews and focus groups. The findings of the study show that there are various modes and approaches that the city uses to engage with the community of the City of Johannesburg. These include community meetings, suggestion boxes at municipal offices, izimbizo public meetings for discussion of specific issues and official council and ward committee meetings. While the significance of youth participation is acknowledged and expressed in various official documents, the tangible experiences by the youth indicate the opposite. In paper there are youth focused structures, but practically, they are not adequately utilised. Because youth participation is guided by the same rules and principles as general public participation with no specified allowance made for the participation of youth, the youth is not responding positively and as such youth participation is low. That is not to say that the youth has no interest in becoming active citizens, engaging with government. In fact the opposite is true. They are cognisant of their social, political and economic environment, associated challenges and their role as youth in all of it. They are not as cynical and disinterested. There are numerous other reasons why youth participation in broader participation spaces and platforms is low. One reason is that the mainstream approaches used are found to be alienating by the youth. Further, the knowledge of the different ways the youth can engage officials at local government on various issues is limited. Access to information required to participate confidently in these meetings is not easy to access
Analysing the experiences of Zimbabwean migrants in acquiring the Zimbabwean special permit
(2020) Skota, Siyamthanda
‘This qualitative study uses a phenomenological methodology to analyse ten Zimbabwean migrants’ experiences in acquiring the Zimbabwean Special Permit (ZSP) since its inception in 2010,with the human rights of applicants as a guiding concern. The study utilises ten semi-structured in-depth interviews with Zimbabwean migrants who are on the work permit category of the ZSP, a representative of the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), and an official representing the Zimbabwean community at African Diaspora Forum. After coding and analysing the data according to research questions, literature and theoretical framework used in the study, three broad themes emerged from migrants’ experiences: 1) employment and financial freedom; 2) freedom of movement; 3) documentation. Even though administrative challenges with the DHA were intense in 2009, they have improved over the years mainly because of the move from manual applications to online applications. After acquiring the ZSP migrants’ expressed gratitude because they are now able to look for legal work and manage their finances. Secondly, the ZSP holders can now exercise their most basic human right which is the right to freedom of movement. And finally, the Zimbabwean migrants are concerned about what the future holds for their documentation status in South Africa, with pleas for permanent residence’
Determinants of evaluation use within the South African education sector
(2020) Zuma, Thabisile Amanda
Central to the discipline of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) is the issue of evaluation use. This preoccupation with evaluation use is due to the fact that whether you are a commissioner of evaluation or an evaluator, there is an expectation that evaluations will lead to use. The purpose of this research was to understand what evaluation use is and what its determinants are, based on the perspectives of three organisations in the education sector. The findings revealed and the factors that influence evaluation use can be categorised into two groups, namely characteristics related to the evaluation, and characteristics that are related to the organisational setting where findings are expected to be used. While there may be multiple stakeholders in an evaluation, the responsibility to ensure use lies mostly with the commissioners and the evaluators. Each of these key stakeholders has specific responsibilities that create a conducive environment for evaluations to be used
An institutional arrangement analysis of the South African Bureau of Standards
(2020) Makhuvela, Ayender Ndzalama
The aim of the research is to analyse the institutional arrangements of the verification network institutions for local content requirements and designation policy in South Africa (SA). The verification network institutions for local content requirements and designation policy in South Africa hardly receive scholarly scrutiny. This study is undertaken to understand the institutional arrangements, and the procedural, methodological and institutional value choices that are in place to capacitate the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) to conduct local content verification. A Qualitative research methodology approach is undertaken to study inductive reasoning and to answer the research questions that require discussion and elaboration by research participants. This research arises from the need to gain further insights into the capacity challenges the SABS is experiencing in conducting verifications. The primary data was collected using methods of observations, content analysis, structured and unstructured interviews with stakeholders from government departments, the industry supplying products and goods, procuring entities participating in the procurement of public goods and services. Further, the secondary data is generated from theoretical analysis. The mandate of the SABS is defined by the Standards Acts (1945;1993;2008) that established the institution as a statutory Standards Authority. It was enacted as a national institution for the development, promotion and maintenance of standards on behalf of the South African government. Each Act repealing the previous is about the continuation of service, updating the rules for human conduct, complying with the governance requirement of the government. The SABS aligned its mandate to support governments Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP), which is the government’s plan for industrialization that promotes localization of products and services, protecting the local industries from penetration of low-quality cheap imports. The SABS were appointed by the dti during the amendments to the procurement policy due to the expertise and the fact that the SABS prepared the SATS document. It was then recommended that the SABS be the verification authority for local content and designation policy. There was no MOU or any legal official documentation detailing the mandate of the institutions to conduct the verification. This verification process has been faced with conceptualisation and implementation challenges of cost and also non-compliance by the procuring entities. The cost of verification has been a contentious issue since inception of the policy. This resulted in gaps in the delegated authority and the funding of the institution to conduct verification. Certain functions are more constructive when handled by particular state institutions, as certain institutions are great agents of institutional design, but not-so-great agents of implementation and enforcement. The SABS has been delegated legal powers to conduct verification by the dti, using the PPPFA. However, these powers are not enforceble as the procuring entity is the one that enters into contractual agreement with the bidders who will be verified. Additionally, the procuring entities have been empowered to action remedial action against a tenderer who submitted false information. Institutional change is necessary to improve service delivery and achieving the organisational mandate, goals and objective. In reforming institutions, it is necessary to formally change the institutional arrangement such as re-organisation of the administrative functions in the institution. The Minister of Trade and Industry exercised his discretion as stated in the Standards Act of 2008 Subsection 9 and terminated the term of office for board members. By placing the institution under administration dissolving the board citing “institutional failures, in governance, finances, policy and operation. This can be seen as a form of institutional reform as there was a formal change to the institutional arrangement of the SABS
The influence of digitalisation on the changing nature of employment within the South African banking sector workforce
(2020) Naidoo, Therusha
Digitalisation, and the acceleration of technological innovations, is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and is resulting in the disruption of many industries across the world. The growing impact that digitalisation is having on existing skills and jobs is a cause for concern as this will potentially result in job displacement and a skills and talent shortage. This research aims to better comprehend the influence of digitalisation on employment within the South African banking sector workforce to ensure that banks are ready for this impact. This will enable banks to act by designing and implementing informed plans of action for their employees as they drive towards a greater degree of digitalisation in their businesses, minimise potential job losses, and create new jobs. This research therefore seeks to investigate and understand the following research questions: • How has digitalisation affected employment in the financial services sector, specifically banking? • How has digitalisation changed the nature of jobs in banking? • What type of new jobs have been created as a result of digitalisation? • What can banks do differently when digitising as it relates to employees? To answer these research questions, a qualitative research methodology was applied with a single case study being utilised. The case study was conducted on one of the big five major banks in South Africa on which the study was conducted. The primary data was collected via semi-structured interviews with 15 respondents (executives and senior managers) who have experience in the organisation and/or exposure to how digitalisation has influenced the changing nature of employment across the various levels of employment within the banking sector. The key findings of this research are that: • Digitalisation has resulted in a decrease in the demand for routine, mundane, clerical, and administrative jobs, and an increase in the demand for highlyskilled and more service jobs that need to be fulfilled by individuals who are highly-skilled. • The three key drivers that have impacted the changing nature of jobs in banking as a result of digitalisation have been identified as: o Prudent and robust cost management, improving business efficiencies, and growing revenues and profits. o The clients’ influence on the changing nature of employment in banks. o The growing importance of the role of data in a bank’s digitalisation journey. • The new jobs that have been created as a result of digitalisation have been identified. • The key focus areas for banks as they digitise have been identified as: o Change management. o The need to upskill, re-skill, and/or re-purpose employees so that they remain relevant as new skill sets and expertise are required, and to ensure the future readiness of employees as digitalisation becomes more embedded in the organisation. o Increasing support by banks for growing entrepreneurs through the creation of an entrepreneur ecosystem. This research recommends that in order for banks to manage the impact of digitalisation on banking, they need to: • Identify jobs at risk of no longer existing, and implement ways to re-skill, upskill, and/or re-purpose individuals in these jobs so that they can be transitioned into highly-skilled jobs or jobs that are becoming more in demand as a result of digitalisation. • Upskill, re-skill and/or re-purpose employees to ensure that they have the skills to cope in the digital world. This can be done through a variety of initiatives such as learnerships, academies, mentorships, and partnering with Fintechs. • Establish entrepreneurship support systems to decrease the dependency on formal employment.
Social capital in community food gardens in Alexandra Johannesburg
(2020) Bhayla, Schlain Andrea
Social capital is a common outcome in community food gardens, yet detailed measurement of the concept is often unclear. Little is known about social capital in Johannesburg gardens and how it is mobilised. This research used both qualitative and quantitative methods to understand how gardeners mobilised social capital, and how Nan Lin’s weak-tie position emerged in Greater Alexandra Greening Route gardens. Further, it sought to understand what the theoretical and policy implications of measuring social capital were. Lin’s conceptualization of social capital, resources embedded in a network, was used. The Resource Generator, a social capital measurement tool, was adapted using findings from focus groups and used to measure access to social capital. Semi-structured interviews were used to understand the mobilisation of social capital. Findings suggest social capital is present in GAGR gardens and mobilised to achieve gardeners’ aims. Gardeners may also benefit from expanding gardens to serve a community purpose
Assessing the impact of mobile technological innovation on maternal healthcare in South Africa
(2020) Matee, Misha Govind
Background: Maternal mortality is a significant public health issue in developing countries due to its shocking magnitude and lower declining pattern. Identifying determinants and designing intervention will have an important role to overcome the problem. Ending preventable maternal mortality remains one of the world’s most critical challenges despite significant progress over the past decade. These deaths are primarily from preventable causes before, during and after the time of giving birth. (Boerma, et al., 2015) Creative use of new mobile and wearable health information and sensing technologies (mHealth) has the potential to reduce the cost of health care and improve well-being in numerous ways. (Kumar, et al., 2013) The rapid growth in access to mobile phones and networks in Africa has created an opportunity for mHealth programs to impact the health of Africans positively. mHealth programs have the potential to contribute to innovative solutions to address health system challenges including (1) disparities in access to health services; (2) inadequacies of health infrastructure; (3) limited human resources for health; (4) cost to the individual of accessing health services; and (5) challenges in health financing. (African Strategies for Health (ASH), 2016) Therefore this study aimed to identify the correlates of mobile technology and maternal mortality in developing countries. Method: This research report conducted used national and international databases of health metrics from 2011 to 2019. Using aggregates of health indicator data from Statistics South Africa (STATSSA), the World Health Organisation (WHO), World Bank, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) databases. Momconnect and Mum & Baby data were collected from Vodacom South Africa, the National Department of Health (NDoH) and Praekelt. The dependent variable was the maternal mortality ratio (MMR). In contrast, the independent variable was the numbers of subscribers for Momconnect and Mum & Baby, two national maternal mobile healthcare applications in South Africa. Data was compiled in excel and analysed using correlation tests and regression analysis. Results: The maternal mortality ratio in South Africa is high. A significant relationship between the maternal mortality ratio and the adoption of mobile healthcare applications was observed. There were an inverse and significant correlation between the maternal mortality ratio and the diffusion of mobile technology. Conclusion: The maternal mortality ratio is correlated with mobile technology.
Coalition politics and urban governance in Johannesburg’s housing policy
(2020) Makgale, Bonolo
This research was conducted to assesses the nature of coalition government in the Johannesburg Municipality following the 2016 local government election, with a focus on the housing policy and housing provision. A key to understanding the nature of the coalition is to question the rationale behind its formation: was it done to bring more significant administrative and political cohesion or otherwise? The research project agrees with Kotzé (2019) that coalitions are notoriously and inherently tricky, often requiring a balancing act between the interests of parties. Different political ideologies and their impact on possible policy alignment or otherwise are significant contributing factors to the stability or instability of coalition governments. Through a semi-structured interview with members of the Johannesburg Municipality coalition government council and senior political and administrative members of the council, this investigation aimed at answering questions about the nature of the coalition government, coalition government impact on governance, coalition government impact on housing policy and provision and if political, ideological differences might render the city ungovernable and ultimately result to the collapse of the coalition. The researcher noted that the influence of the EFF ‘queen-maker’ status and ability to swing power within the council contributed to the many governance challenges faced by the coalition. A pertinent question remains: who owned the power behind the throne? Was it the EFF or was it former Mayor Herman Mashaba? The rationale behind the formation of this coalition government was essential to maximise power and take power from the ANC but more technically because no party had majority votes that were required to govern the city post the 2016 local government election. The research established that with that rationale in mind this coalition government however faced ideological difference, especially between the two larger political parties in the coalition.

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