*Electronic Theses and Dissertations (Masters)
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Item A comparative analysis of income tax provisions applied to cross border secondment arrangements in South Africa and the UK(2022) Sibeko, ThulileThe world has in recent years become increasingly interconnected as a result of massively increased trade and cultural exchange, and cross-border mobilisation is more frequently discussed in many companies. Most multi-national companies have a global mobility policy in place, which sets out the parameters for cross-border employment. As the internationalisation of South African business activity sped up enormously over the last half century, cross border employment will be one of the priorities for South African multinational companies as well as the South African Revenue Service (‘SARS’). (Mohan, 2016.) The purpose of this report is to examine and compare the legislative, administrative and judicial approaches to cross border employment in South Africa and contrast this with those adopted and endorsed by the United Kingdom. This report will also analyse the implications of an entity creating a permanent establishment through secondment contracts and also tax implications for the employees. The report will provide a comprehensive analysis of the income tax provisions applicable to the residency and non-residency of both the entity and the individual, thus analysing the definition of a resident in s 1 of the Income Tax Act 58 of 1962 in South Africa and UK section 1A(4) of the Finance Act of 2019 in the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom has been rated one of the top countries where South Africans would like to work and to which South Africans would like to emigrate (BusinessTech, 2020). The United Kingdom is also one of South Africa’s main trade partners (IOL Business, 2020). South Africa has a double tax agreement with the United Kingdom. South Africa and the United Kingdom are on a progressive tax system. (SARS 2021) (Brady, 2019)Item A review of industrial policy in the Northern Cape Province(2022) Setlhabi, LetlhogonoloAlthough industrial policies have been in place in South Africa for over a decade, their implementation to support and prioritise the manufacturing sector has generally been slow and ineffective, particularly in the province of the Northern Cape (NC), which was the study area. Although the NC has a long history of industrialisation reaching back to the discovery of large diamond deposits in Kimberley in 1867, it has been slow in becoming fully industrialised owing to its weak performance in the manufacturing sector. Moreover, provinces such as Gauteng, the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal are more advanced in terms of industrialisation. Thus, the researcher aimed to understand the phenomenon by researching the implementation and benefits of industrial policy in the context of the NC. An in-depth investigation revealed several weaknesses in the implementation of policy, which has minimised benefits such as support mechanisms for the manufacturing sector.Item Accelerating socio-economic justice through inclusive economic-and-employment growth(University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Isaacs, Nandipha; Pillay, PundyThis paper posits that the labour market, through paying jobs, is an important lever for moving people out of poverty to address the social and economic consequences of apartheid in South Africa. The paper explores different parameters related to employment growth, namely the relationship between economic growth and employment growth, which types of business (small versus large) contribute most to employment growth, which sectors contribute most to employment growth, the barriers to employment growth experienced by entrepreneurs, and interventions required to ensure employment growth is inclusive. This research applied the ARDL model to understand the relationship between employment growth and economic growth on an aggregate level, at a sector level and a business size level, using StatsSA and SARB data for the period 2009 - 2019. This was supplemented by interviews with entrepreneurs and subject matter advisors who provided additional insights into the dynamics of employment growth. The findings of the report highlight that there is a positive relationship between economic growth and employment growth in South Africa, confirming that economic growth has contributed positively to the labour market, despite high and rising unemployment. Key sectors also show a positive relationship with economic growth. The findings revealed as well that small business employment has a negative relationship with economic growth. This paper also highlights that indicators that are affected by apartheid are still used in recruitment and promotion decisions, pointing to the need for company practices and policies to be re-looked to ensure Black Africans are not locked out of the economy.Item An analysis of the effectiveness of the training offered to the public schools’ finance committees in Ekurhuleni South District of Education(2022) Ndima, Mandlakayise MuntukhonaProper financial management is an essential part of the efficient supply of all other needed resources in an organisation. In the context of a school, poor management of funds can lead to the inefficient supply of crucial resources such as stationery and furniture, hence, the school’s funds are worth being handled by the care of a knowledgeable person. To ensure that the schools’ funds are in good hands and are well taken care of, the responsible structure (school finance committee) needs to undergo thorough training to execute financial management tasks. This study provides a literature discussion on the management of public school funds with a deep focus on the abilities of the schools' finance committees as structures that are entrusted with the responsibility to manage the schools' funds. Furthermore, it makes emphasis on the capacity-building programmes that are in place to equip the school’s funds trustees with the required financial skills to manage funds effectively. The fieldwork part of this study sought to evaluate the impact of these capacity-building programmes, to identify the gaps which may hinder the effectiveness of the programmes and also aimed at providing possible initiatives for an effective school financial management capacity-building programme. Principals and the School Governing Body (SGB) chairpersons make up the sample of this study since they are members of the schools’ finance committees who receive capacity building training from the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) through the education districts. Open-ended questionnaires were used to obtain the views of these participants concerning the impact of the training received from GDE. Furthermore, district officials also made up the sample of this study since they are training facilitators. Semi-structured interviews were used to obtain the perceptions of these training facilitators regarding the effectiveness of the training programmes that they facilitate. The key findings were that the schools' finance committees are not well equipped to execute financial management responsibilities despite the training received. It was also evident from the findings that the lack of financial management skills is a recurring problem from the district down to school level. This lack of financial skills in both parties compromises the effectiveness of the school financial management capacity building programmes.Item An analysis of the main barriers to effective corporate governance at the SABC(University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Loliwe, WendySouth Africa is a highly structured country with numerous rules, practices and regulations. These laws are imperative in the successful running of companies including State-owned Companies (SOCs). The SOCs including the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) are governed by corporate governance framework which define the principles of fairness, accountability, responsibility and transparency – where role players are identified, those responsible for the corporate governance and to whom they are accountable. South Africa further considers its best corporate governance practises through implementation of various versions of the King Reports of Good Corporate Governance which have their foundations in effective and ethical leadership. In some instances, SOCs can be forced into complying with those laws which can lead to poor corporate governance and dysfunctionality of a company. In the case of the SABC, there were numerous allegations of maladministration, financial mismanagement, unethical conduct, abuse of power, political interference and governance challenges. The study is therefore concerned with the effective corporate governance at the SABC. It examines the main barriers to effective corporate governance rules and practices within the SABC or, put differently, why good corporate governance has eluded the SABC. The study applied the qualitative approach. The primary data was collected though semi-structured interviews - from former and current members of the boards of directors, government as a shareholder, former and current officials, representatives of the regulator and other experts in public broadcasting. The secondary data has been examined from various archival resources such as SABC Annual Financial Statements and Reports and policies which are useful for triangulation. It was found that the main barriers identified include political parties interference, lack of board commitment to fulfill its oversight role, abuse of shareholder’s power, no consequence management in transgression and performance monitoring systems, iii lack of adherence to the regulatory framework, appointments of unqualified and unskilled board member, lack of transparency and disclosure, and SABC funding. Based on the findings, it was concluded that The SABC has enough applicable legislation and internal policies to protect itself from abuse by the shareholder and ensure good corporate governance but effective enforcement of existing laws and regulations constitutes a major challenge for the development and implementation of corporate governance.Item An assessment of integrated thinking levels among JSE-listed entities(2022) Ecim, DusanIntegrated thinking involves a holistic, multi-capital approach to decision-making and operations to promote value creation and sustainability. The IIRC has defined integrated thinking and promoted its value extensively. However, there is a lack of information, both in practice and in academic literature, dealing with how to implement and evaluate integrated thinking. This study assesses integrated thinking in terms of the definition, the benefits and challenges of implementation and the controls necessary to implement this concept. A model developed by Trialogue is then used to evaluate integrated thinking levels based on underlying principles/indicators. This framework is applied to a sample of 97 JSE listed entities’ integrated reports, and, using a qualitative content analysis approach, the framework is used to score the integrated thinking levels. Results reveal that entities in South Africa are scoring well on integrated thinking principles, primarily geared through the strong governance and reporting structures in place. Remuneration and performance management have, however, been identified as a weakness. Using an exploratory factor analysis, results reveal that three factors contribute to a high portion of the variance in integrated thinking. These factors are [1] managing of and reporting on value creation; [2] stakeholder awareness and corporate accountability; and [3] governance. This has revealed that entities are in different stages of integrated thinking application being an early/ developing stage, an emerging integrated thinking logic or a strong integrated thinking logic. Significant statistical relationships are identified between the factors and entity-specific metrics which point towards potential drivers of integrated thinking. An integrated thinking framework can be used as a practical tool by stakeholders to gauge and benchmark the level of integrated thinking taking place in an entity. An entity can also use this framework as a guiding tool on the steps needed to execute on various integrated thinking principles.Item An investigation of stakeholder influence on participants’ informed consent in the monitoring and evaluation process(2022) Kapay, SaraMonitoring and Evaluations (hereafter referred to as evaluations) aid in decision making, come in many forms and have various functions depending on their objectives. The nature of evaluations is such that they are reliant on participation from various individuals, communities, and organizations. Informed consent is the process by which participants are made aware of the potential risks, benefits, and objectives of a study and thereafter formally or informally indicate their consent to take part in the proposed research. Informed consent is required as it contributes to trust amongst stakeholders in evaluations. However, while issues regarding informed consent (both in theory and practice) have a well-documented history, especially in medical journals that centre on developed nations; further insights still need to be garnered. As such, there is a need to understand the informed consent process and its suitability within low-income nations in research and evaluations. Consequently, this research report aims to provide an understanding of stakeholder influence on informed consent on participants in evaluations and how power and pressure mechanisms from stakeholders affect informed consent. The interviews allowed us to better understand the role of stakeholders and their influence in informed consent through the perspectives and lived realities of evaluators, industry experts, researchers, and academics as well as those currently working in organisations that have been evaluated. It is evident from the interview findings that the power dominance, pressure, and influences that occur in Evaluation can be both implied and explicit. There is no consensus on what constitutes true informed consent or what exactly and to what extent should participants be informed within evaluations. Rather the focus is more on the protection and privacy of information and data of the evaluations than participants' consent. The observed and dominant ways stakeholders influence participant informed consent is through information. This study contributes to the existing literature on the relationship between evaluators, participants, and decision-makers as well as the power dynamics experienced practically within evaluations. The researcher proposes that a more deliberate approach needs to be taken during the conception phase of evaluations. Finally, further research looking at participation in Evaluation from the lenses of participants is required. In addition, a deeper look into ethics within evaluations as service providers to their stakeholders.Item Assessing performance management in transnet(2020) Moeletsane, FaithState-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.Item Assessing the challenges faced by black built environment professionals as business owners(2022) Nkoana, KoketsoThere is a growing concern about the limited representation of black Built Environment Professionals (BEP) as business owners in the industry. This study then attempts to address the imbalance in the industry by highlighting the challenges faced by black BEPs. The greatest challenge that was pointed out by the investigation is the perceptions of economic transformation in the industry. The study further highlights the following challenges, economic structure, racial profiling, monopolisation of industry funding, red tape, corruption, experience, access to market, regulation, subcontracting and policy and industry planning. Thus, there is a limited representation of black BEPs as business owners. The researcher has observed some positive outputs from the transformative programmes implemented in the industry. As some efforts toward transformation have yielded positive results and managed to create opportunities in the industry for black BEPs. However, the study outlines the lingering concern of the disconnect that exists between the professional experience of these BEPs and the capacity of their businesses. there is also a concern around the efforts of the industry to develop Black BEPs as business owners as opposed to them simply being technical contributors and thus seen as employees. The study outlines the need for BEPs to be seen as businesses as they primarily trade in intellectual property.Item Assessment of Municipal Borrowing Policy Framework for Improved Infrastructure Financing(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-01) Matsie, Moramahoele James; Khumalo, JohnSince the advent of democracy, there has been pressure to increase investments in public infrastructure. Municipalities are at the centre of socio-economic development and are best placed to redress historical infrastructure inequalities. This requires adequate budgets; however, the fiscal landscape has deteriorated significantly since the 2008 financial crisis. As a result, municipal budget allocations have been reduced. This has triggered a discourse on alternative municipal financing mechanisms. The purpose of this study was to determine the determinants of municipal borrowing and if the Municipal Borrowing Policy Framework has improved borrowing for infrastructure investment. The study elevates 15 determinants of municipal borrowing in the financial, socio-economic, political and governance, and institutional categories. The financial variables dominate the findings with a 60 percent prevalence rate. The top four determinants are poor municipal credit worthiness, poor municipal fiscal capacity and effort, overreliance on developmental funding and failure to crowd-in international funding, and non-payment of servicesItem Blockchain technology and international money transfers into the Nigerian Remittance market(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Bah, Aicha; Khumalo, JohnBlockchain has been making a buzz for a moment now. The nascent industry based on a “distributed ledger technology” is being globally explored especially by innovative start-ups and financial institutions looking to benefit from the technology. Revolutionized by the usage of cryptocurrencies in its processes, blockchain algorism is believed to have the potential to indubitably agitate the financial world. The promises of blockchain pretty much touch any domains imaginable provided the necessary resources are allocated towards its implementation. From governmental tools in election processes to individual peer-to-peer transactions, blockchain is being targeted by various parties seeking to extract the obvious advantages, the technology offers. This study focuses on how blockchain technology can benefit the Nigerian remittance market and observes how it has the potential to completely reinvent the financial and money transfer industry. Peer to peer money transfer methods have traditionally been done through financial institutions such as a bank or Western Union. In many regions around the world, especially on the African continent, the charges related to these transfers represent a high cost for the individuals performing them. Additionally, the regulations and required verifications on each step of an operation account for longer processing time. The main objective of this research is to explore an alternative financial solution for cheaper and more efficient remittance transactions internationally. The method used is a combination of desk research and qualitative field research that involves preliminary research on information already available about Blockchain technology, but also interviews with expert on the financial world. This research concluded that Blockchain technology and the use of cryptocurrencies into everyday transactions represents a real chance at entirely transforming the way individuals exchange money. A few limitations were observed in regard to regulations and control over its functioning. Either way, it is expected that both governmental entities and private corporations will lean towards exploring the “true” capabilities of this technologyItem Challenges in implementing the transformation policy in the KwaZulu-Natal gaming and betting industry(2021) Ngidi, NokwaziFollowing the demise of apartheid in 1994, the implementation of economic transformation policies to address inequalities through wealth redistribution and economic participation of previously marginalized Black South Africans has been slow. The gaming and betting sector of KwaZulu-Natal formalised policies to ensure transformation that were not implemented. This study aimed to provide insight into challenges in the implementation of the KZNGBB transformation policy, and the impact of political and power dynamics on transformation. The study found that the KwaZulu-Natal Gaming and Betting transformation policy failed, mainly due to poor stakeholder consultation and participation, monopolies, and restricted access for Black owners in the industry. Recommendations are focused on the need to strengthen policy or legislative frameworks to ensure strict implementation of B-BBEE in KwaZulu-Natal, to put the empowerment fund into place, and to amend legislation to ensure that punitive measures are imposed on departments and entities who fail to implement policiesItem Continuity and change in the South African minibus taxi industry(2022) Seftel, LisaThis dissertation seeks to identify the key features of the South African minibus taxi industry and understand the forces that have shaped it. The author, through qualitative interviews and participant observation, describes and analyses the different layers in the minibus taxi industry, from drivers to the national structures and how the taxi industry interacts with the state and private sector. A pervasive feature of the industry is the centrality of the role of violence, which is also explored as a strategic resource and binding constraint to change in the taxi industry. The dissertation aimed to establish the extent to which there has been continuity and change over the forty years of existence of the minibus taxi industry but concludes that there is an unyielding continuity in how the industry is structured and functions, to the benefit of a relatively few taxi leaders. In contrast, taxi drivers and owners of taxi vehicles continue to be marginalised from achieving decent livelihoods and accumulating wealth. In this context, the prospects of change where the needs of commuters are met, the state can fulfil its public transport mandate, and the taxi industry as a whole can prosper are poor. A prerequisite to change is an improved understanding by policy makers of who holds power in the taxi industry and the ability of the state to introduce measures to shift the balance of power to the majority of owners of taxi vehiclesItem Determinants of South African online consumers’ e-loyalty toward curated subscription boxes(2022) Naidoo, DenelineConsumer goods subscription boxes are a relatively new phenomenon where consumers pay a recurring fee to get a delivery of goods within a specific category of products according to a set frequency. Subscription box services offer a unique experience to consumers as they no longer need to shop for individual items on their own, and can instead outsource the decision-making process to a specialist. However, these types of businesses find it difficult to attract and retain consumers because of the seemingly long-term buy-in of the subscription mechanism. The purpose of this research paper was to identify the determinants of South African online consumers’ e-loyalty toward curated subscription boxes. A survey method was adopted to test the research model which included satisfaction, utilitarian, hedonic and perceived risk motivations. Data was collected using an online questionnaire from a sample of 118 respondents. Data was subjected to tests of reliability and validity, and then correlation and regression techniques were used to test the study hypotheses. The findings showed that satisfaction along with the utilitarian motivations were the most important determinants of e-loyalty. Specifically, product offering, convenience and monetary savings were the most important utilitarian values promoting e-loyalty. Hedonic and perceived risk motivations were secondary. The research findings contribute to the present body of knowledge in online box subscription services, and offers advice for these providers to better their offerings.Item Environmental, social, governance investing and the preservation of retirement savings in south africa(University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Mogashoa, Lebogang; Hobden, ChristineOne of the big problems facing retirement funds in South Africa is premature withdrawal of retirement savings by members, also known as lack of preservation and there is a need to understand the factors driving this phenomenon. This study aimed to investigate if and how ESG investing by retirement funds featured in member decision-making on whether to preserve their retirement savings. The study was designed as a qualitative case study and utilised semi- structured interviews to collect data. The study utilised two state-related retirement funds that are regulated under the Pension Funds Act as a case study. The members of these funds and a few key informants were interviewed, and the interview data was analysed utilising thematic analysis on a software system called Delve. The data was analysed and discussed utilising the prospect theory. The study found that while members generally had very low knowledge about retirement fund investments and ESG, they had largely positive attitudes towards various issues that fall under ESG. However, there was no evidence that ESG was a direct factor in their decision-making. Notwithstanding this, there was evidence that ESG could indirectly feature in this regard, insofar as various ESG issues are perceived by members to affect the security of their retirement savings, investment returns on their retirement savings and their sense of ethicsItem Evaluation process use in the University Capacity Development Programme at Walter Sisulu University(2021) Mantshongo, MandlaThe study investigated the effect of evaluation process use as a mechanism in the performance of the University Capacity Development Grant at Walter Sisulu University (WSU). The significance of the study was to enlighten the project leaders who participated in the evaluation process to acknowledge the changes that have arose, and the learning associated with that the process. Literature identified the lack of clearly defined measures of the process changes with regards to the performance of projects in the context of higher education and further understanding of the effectiveness of the involvement or engagement of stakeholders in the process of evaluation. This research adopted the qualitative approach as the method that was utilised in collecting the data. Both primary and secondary data collection methods were used to undertake this study in the form of semi-structured interviews through Microsoft Teams adopted due to the COVID-19 restrictions, focus groups, and document review in the form of progress reports and assessment reports. Fifteen participants participated in the data collection with seven individual semistructured interviews and two focus groups each made up of four participants. The findings of the study demonstrated that: (1) individual thinking or behavioural change cannot be solely attributable to process use as there are other factors that contribute to change, (2) the change and performance could be measured or viewed differently at different levels such as at individual, institutional, evaluators and funders/DHET level, (3) Learning is inevitable to the stakeholders involved in the process, however, the skill transfer to other members who did not participate in the process is lacking, (4) non-conceptualised and non-researched interventions and (6) no convergence in findings for implementation that influences the change of institutional culture. Overall, at individual and project level there are glaring changes in implementation of a project rather than on the performance of UCDG.Item Examining spillover effects and the impact of foreign direct investment in the transport, storage and communication sector(2022) Mahori, NokwandaMany studies on the relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI) and indicators of development postulate that FDI leads to economic growth through capital acquisition and diffusion of knowledge. The relationship between FDI and productivity through the generation of spillovers in developing countries remains one of the contemporary issues in international trade literature and has, in recent years, received revived interest, particularly in countries challenged with (i) high unemployment levels; (ii) knowledge and skills deficit in innovation, research and development; and (iii) in the main, lagging with technological progress. FDI benefits to the host economy are not limited to capital acquisition to counter deficiencies and creating jobs in the economy; but include the attainment of intangible assets such as knowledge, skills, managerial competencies, access to international networks, branding and goodwill. FDI presents benefits that, if not taken advantage of, could be forfeited to address capital deficiencies, revive growth, generate employment, transfer skills, and drive technological progress to boost productivity, amongst other benefits. This study examines inward FDI in the transport, storage and communication (TSC) sector. As global economic interdependence is becoming more entrenched, the relevance of this sector and FDI cannot be understated. Leveraging efficient transport and communications networks can lead to opportunities at both the microeconomic and macroeconomic levels that could be forgone if not capitalised. These opportunities include socio-economic development, multiplier effects across different sectors, facilitating market efficiency, and delivering goods and services with more efficacy. This paper explores the relationship between FDI and gross domestic product amongst other variables in the transport, storage and communication (TSC) sector from 1985 to 2018 in South Africa (ZA). The study applies (i) the OLS method to estimate the Cobb-Douglas (CD) production function parameters, the findings are then analysed and interpreted to draw inferences; (ii) the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds test to cointegration is applied; and (iii) Granger causality. The OLS method is employed to determine the impact of FDI spillover effects. The bounds test establishes the long-run relationship, and the error correction model (ECM) establishes the short-run dynamic relationships. The study finds that FDI has an insignificant effect on total factor productivity (TFP) in the TSC sector. The vi ARDL bounds approach and Granger causality test indicate a bi-directional relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI) and gross domestic product (GDP). The findings of the long-run relationship, short-run dynamics, and bi-directional causality in this study are on par with the widely held perspective that FDI can positively impact GDP. Moreover, the results indicated that exports, fixed capital formation, and FDI all Granger cause GDP with evidence of reciprocity. At the 5% level of significance, imports, labour, and infrastructure do not Granger cause GDP. This study recommends that attracting FDI is not a means to an end; since attracting FDI does not ensure that spillovers are absorbed by the domestic economy. The FDI policy framework should ideally strike the optimum balance between national socio-economic objectives and FDI policy objectives. South Africa must establish investment policies that: (i) stimulate FDI without threatening the competitiveness and viability of domestic firms; (ii) contribute to economic growth and development; (iii) adhere to established trade practices in multilateral trading systems; and (iv) develop an aggressive FDI strategy.Item Exploring reasons for non-compliance with legislation in Rand West City Local Municipality(2022) Mhlomi, Pheladi Maria RamakgahlelaPerpetual non-compliance to financial regulations in local government has been a worrisome trend, as evidenced in the annual financial audit reports from the Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA). Annual audit reports continue to reflect a trend of unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure in local government, despite recommendations and remedial action against this trend. The aim of the research was to explore reasons for prevalent non-compliance with financial legislation audit findings in the Rand West City Local Municipality (RWCLM) and assess whether the accountability and oversight systems are failing to ensure financial compliance in the municipality. The study sought to further propose recommendations that might assist in improving compliance with financial legislation. The research applied various qualitative methods such as in-depth interviews, questionnaires, and focus group discussions to answer the research questions. Findings from the study revealed that factors such as ineffective internal controls, inadequate and under-qualified staff in key senior positions, budget constraints, a negative organizational culture, and political interference in the affairs of the municipality were some of the major reasons RWCLM continued to report poor audit outcomes annually from the Auditor General’s office. The study concludes with plausible recommendations and measures that could be useful to ensure future compliance with financial legislation.Item Exploring South Africa’s Renewable Energy Programme and its Potential Role in Khutsong Township Economic Development(University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mashamaite, Phemelo Michelle; Pooe, KagisoThe South African government has initiated the REI4P, a pioneering large-scale renewable energy competitive tender aimed at diversifying power generation through private sector involvement. This procurement strategy addresses the national service delivery of electricity insecurity by promoting alternative renewable sources. However, a notable gap exists in the planning and implementation systems of the REI4P, lacking a clear framework for integrating informal township-based SMMEs into the emerging renewable energy landscape. This study investigates how Merafong City can leverage the REI4P as a catalyst for LED to concurrently facilitate the seamless integration of Khutsong Township-based SMMEs. The research affirms the existence of regulatory frameworks that MCLM can leverage the REI4P into an LED initiative. Furthermore, it identifies the MCLM’s potential to transform into a Local Renewable Energy Development Zone, offering a strategic solution to challenges linked with the impact of electricity insecurity in Khutsong SMMEs business operations. Addressing these challenges is crucial for alleviating poverty, reducing unemployment, and mitigating social issues such as crime and drug abuse in the township. Despite these potential benefits, the study highlights barriers to successful implementation, particularly the absence of a clear framework for integrating informal township-based SMMEs into the renewable energy landscape. Additionally, challenges in MCLM audit performance pose substantial obstacles to both renewable energy integration and the development of Khutsong SMMEs and LED. This research demonstrates the need for comprehensive strategies to address these barriers and maximise the positive impact of the REI4P on both economic development and social well- being in Merafong CityItem Exploring the consequences of foreign aid on economic performance in sub-Saharan Africa(2022) Sawyerr, David ToluwaniEconomic growth is embedded in the DNA of governments with the objective of creating shared prosperity between the state and society. Fundamental principles of political economics dictate that capital is an essential aspect of creating economic growth. In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), capital has often been in the form of foreign aid provided by donors. These donors often attach governance conditions to their aid, to bolster the effectiveness of aid which, it is believed, will promote economic growth and development. One of the governance conditions is the participation of civil society in public discourse and the legislative process between the state and society. To facilitate the vertical accountability between the state and society, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) were established globally, and particularly, in Sub-Saharan Africa, to represent the interests of society, as governments enact policies that should enable economic growth. This study investigates the conditioning effect of CSO consultation on the impact of foreign aid on economic growth. Furthermore, data from 41 SSA countries, between 1960 and 2018, for which data was available, are utilised. The main purpose of the study was to examine CSO’s effect on the nexus between aid and growth as the nexus itself has been well examined. Some studies have also investigated CSOs but this study presents novel arguments on the role of CSOs in the aid-growth discourse. The study used time series cross sectional analysis to determine the conditioning effect of CSO consultation on aid and economic growth by utilising over 1,700 observations. Contrary to general assumption by donors and policymakers, the results of the econometric analysis show that while foreign aid statistically contributes positively to economic growth in SSA, the conditioning effects of CSO consultation yielded a negative relationship between foreign aid and economic growth. The results were largely consistent with varying timeframes and country classifications.