Wits Business School (ETDs)

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A renewable energy solution for small to large businesses in the Kingdom of Eswatin
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Manana, Cusilakhe; Mondi, Lumkile
The Kingdom of Eswatini’s electricity supply is not self-sufficient and relies on the import of electricity to meet its local demand. This has resulted in the country importing 73% of its electricity from foreign suppliers including South Africa, Mozambique, and the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP). This heavy reliance on imports means the country cannot guarantee future supply nor have full control of the tariffs charged to customers for electricity. Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology installations have seen a steady increase worldwide due to improved efficiency in technology performance and a decrease in the cost of the technology. These advancements have resulted in solar technology becoming cheaper than traditional sources of energy available to consumers. The business venture investigates the viability of using solar technology as a solution to the high electricity costs being paid by small to large businesses within Eswatini. The venture aims to install, own, operate, and maintain solar PV plants at the customer’s property and sell the generated power to the customer. The venture does not seek to replace the utility supply but aims to provide an alternative cheaper solution as an input into operations. The business venture proposal targeted small to large businesses from varying industries across the country as respondents for the study. In the study, the market perception towards solar technology as well as consumer behavior analyzed to assist in formulating a business model for the venture which would ensure uptake of the value offering. Furthermore, the business venture investigated the viability of the project by evaluating performance parameters which included the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of the solar plants, cash flows, Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and the Net Present Value (NPV)
An energy mix policy to address the wicked problem of energy insecurity in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Khumalo, Nduduzo S. P.; Mondi, Lumkile
Eskom is struggling to consistently supply electricity as required by the country, therefore failing to keep the lights on. Eskom has been producing less and less power over the years, a wicked problem for an economy faced with poverty, unemployment and inequality. This wicked problem in the energy (electricity) supply system has impacted a large number of stakeholders. These include, mining, commercial and industrial, agriculture, households and the entire Southern African Power Pool and its customers. As a result, this energy insecurity problem of all the stakeholders is therefore considered as a wicked problem that does not have a straightforward solution. This research investigates the impact and challenges in the economy and society at large as a result of wicked problem, energy insecurity, and assesses what can be done by the society to mitigate these challenges and then propose a solution to the identified problem in the form of Energy Mix Policy. It does so by using secondary data from multiple database sources. This research argues that the energy insecurity (unreliable energy supply) in South Africa is a wicked problem. It affects multiple stakeholders from the business communities, government, industries, and everyone in the society, even touching climate change environmental management sectors. This also affects all economic industries, commercial businesses, water supply, hospitals, telecommunications, and transportation sectors, etc. as they all require power to operate, and therefore a solution would require all these stakeholders to be involved and act collectively together in finding a solution that can assure energy security for all
Challenges facing small, medium and micro enterprises servicing operational wind farms in the Eastern cape, South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Maraba, Mahlatse; Young, Bruce
Climate change has resulted in a review of how electricity is generated with the focus now being on renewable energy sources. In South Africa, this focus is facilitated by the Renewable Independent Power Producer Program (REIPPPP) which seeks to introduce an energy mix of solar, wind, biomass, and hydro into the traditional coal-dependent systems. REIPPPP promised economic benefits and some of the intended beneficiaries are Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs). The purpose of this study is therefore to understand the challenges facing SMMEs in wind farms that are in the operational phase to understand if they are benefitting from REIPPPP. A qualitative approach, using semi-structured interviews to obtain data from respondents offering various services to operational wind farms was employed. A sample size of 9 respondents was used to obtain this data. Applying thematic analysis to the collected data it was found that the challenges facing SMMEs are mainly due to lack of support, lack of finance, human capital, lack of policies and difficulty accessing the job market in the wind farms. All these challenges are as per Isenberg’s domains of entrepreneurship framework (Isenberg, 2010). Further themes that emerged are unfair competition SMMEs face and non-compliance issues by both the SMMEs and the wind farms. Given these challenges, SMMEs were negative towards REIPPPP. There is still a large potential for more renewable energy projects to be implemented in South Africa thus, these challenges must be well understood and addressed going forward for SMMEs to fully benefit. Some of the recommendations are for policies and regulations to be implemented by the government to ensure that SMMEs operate on a level playing field. It is foreseen that by addressing policies as a root cause, the remainder of the challenges can easily be addressed.
Coal miners’ attitudes, knowledge, and perceptions of transitioning to renewable energy in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Marama, Thabo Brian
The current state of load-shedding has sparked an interesting debate about energy security in South Africa. Electricity interruptions, purposefully switching off electricity to save energy for a certain period during the day, have caused significant problems across the country, including low economic activity, closure of businesses, and loss of jobs. Coal miners have concerns about switching to renewable energy due to loss of employment. South Africa depends on coal, a non-renewable resource, to generate electricity and has been struggling to supply electricity effectively. This study investigated the knowledge, perception, and attitude of employees in the coal mining industry about diversifying energy sources and incorporating renewable energy. The process followed was a quantitative study approach conducted in the mining industry, Khutala Colliery. A questionnaire generated from SurveyMonkey was used to recruit one hundred and fifty-four participants. Data analysis, visualization, and presentation were undertaken using SPSS version 29. Inferential statistics were used for this research with the P-values in the following tables. Results show that coal mining employees had a positive attitude towards renewable energy. Employees were overall knowledgeable about renewable energy as an alternative source. There was a positive perception of renewable energy as a source of energy to address the current energy problem. Lastly, the dataset shows a positive attitude towards using renewable energy in SA. There is a need to understand the level of knowledge, perception, attitude, and readiness to transition to renewable energy before implementing alternative energy.
Determinants of the use of Liquified Petroleum Gas for South African households
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Muanda, Bernard; Munkuli, Bongani
Introduction – South Africa is experiencing the worst energy crisis in decades, and this is causing untold pains for many users across South Africa. At the same time, alternative energy such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) usage is lower than similar emerging economies. The purpose of this research is to examine empirically the determinants of LPG usage for South African households. Design methodology – The author uses applies 118 responses to a survey to determine the drivers of LPG usage for South Africa households. To meet these objectives, the author combines the theory of planned behaviour model and partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to validate the hypothesis. Findings – The study found that behavioural control and intention to use LPG are the precursors to the eventual use of LPG. The relationship between behavioural control and LPG usage is stronger than the relationship between intention and the LPG usage. Attitude towards LPG, the perceived behavioural control and the norms, respectively in order of strength, have a positive relationship with the intention to use LPG. Finally,less educated respondents were likely to switch to LPG usage as opposed to the more educated counterparts. Research implications – The study contributes mainly to enhancing government policy with regards concerning the increase of LPG usage by providing key factors to target for marketing and education for the end user. Key policies will contribute to increasing LPG usage, hence positive contribution to the economy. The value of this study is the first to analyse the determinants of LPG usage for South African households using the theory of planned behaviour and structural equation modelling. Hence, it contributes to the debate surrounding the adoption and increase of LPG usage
Developing our financial markets to finance the energy transition
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Madungandaba, Gcebile F.
Developing a financial market is complex and tedious; therefore, the needs of various stakeholders must be considered, and market efficiency must be ensured to develop the renewable energy (RE) market effectively. This study offers valuable guidance on the effective allocation of capital resources in the renewable energy (RE) market to facilitate a smooth transition to renewable energy. To achieve this aim, panel data from 42 developing nations in Africa, Asia, and South America, spanning 1990-2019, are analysed. This study uses a panel fixed effects model to investigate the relationship between renewable energy production and credit, equity, and bond market development. The results of the empirical analysis suggest that all three dimensions of financial development, namely credit, equity, and bond, are positively associated with renewable energy production, albeit to varying degrees. This work also proposes a framework to promote renewable energy production in developing countries based on the empirical findings and existing literature. The framework highlights the leading renewable energy policy categories and specific policies most effectively promoting renewable energy production in emerging markets
Drivers of households’ willingness to generate their electricity post amendment of Electricity Regulation Act in South Africa
(University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Hlungwani, Hlamalani Cordley
Purpose: Prior to amendment of Electricity Regulation Act in South Africa, which increased the threshold for embedded generation without licencing 1 Megawatt (MW) to 100 MW, one of the factors that was considered to prevent consumers to generate their own electricity was the licencing requirements challenges. The research investigated other drivers that affect the households’ willingness to generate their own electricity in South Africa, given the recent amendment to the Electricity Regulation Act which has relaxed those licencing requirements. Research design, methodology and approach: The researcher sent questionnaires to various electricity households’ consumers, for which 120 respondents were used as a sample to the study, employing a quantitative methodology. Findings: The study has found that there is a positive relationship between electricity customers willingness to generate own electricity and their environmental concern. The more electricity customers are concerned about the environment the more they will be willing to generate their own electricity. The study also discovered the existence of positive relationship between electricity customers willingness to generate own electricity and the perception of self-effectiveness. The more electricity customers perceive that they are capable of generating their own electricity the more they will be willing to generate their own electricity. Value: The research can be used to assist in understanding the factors that might be preventing households from generating their own electricity despite the removal of the licencing barriers post amended of the Act. It can also be used to identify areas of focus when providing awareness to residential customers on the importance of electricity generation
Enterprise and supplier development as a sustainability construct in mining communities
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Mashego, Lesego; Totowa, Jackques
Sustainability is an integral part of mining in South Africa as the sector grapples with criticism that enough is not being done to support development of mining communities. Enterprise and supplier development (ESD) is one of the ways in which the mining sector contributes to development of businesses operating in the host communities as well as those supplying the operations. These activities are intended to promote entrepreneurship and enable these enterprises to create jobs through provision of support, training, mentorship and funding. This paper investigated whether mining companies’ ESD programmes and the way they are implemented contribute to sustainable enterprises and suppliers in South African mining communities. This was done by analysing content of several reports of mining companies to establish the intention of these companies with respect to establishment of these programmes and the outcomes they are achieving. This was then followed by interviews with beneficiaries of this programmes to gauge whether there is alignment between the companies and the beneficiaries in terms of what constitutes sustainability as well as to determine whether the beneficiaries find value in these activities. With the research questions aimed at accessing thoughts, feelings, experiences and opinions of research participants, the research methodology employed was qualitative. These were then analysed, common themes established and interpretations made around these themes were discussed. A notable finding is that while there is an agreement in terms of what constitutes sustainability, there is a challenge in terms of access to markets – i.e. the exposure and possible exploitation of available supply chain opportunities by these enterprises to enable them to grow
Factors influencing the adoption of Green Technology by individual consumers in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Jainarain, Rowenta
The effects of climate change are becoming more evident, across the world. It is imperative that humans act as a collective and start immediately, to change their modes and means of operating activities that add to greenhouse gas emissions and global warming. The United Nations (UN) developed the 17 Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs), to be achieved by the year 2030, with SDG 13, Climate Action, being one of them. Apart from companies and industries adding to greenhouse gas emissions, a substantial amount of greenhouse gases are directly and indirectly attributed to the individual consumers’ activity. SDG 17 then comes into play, being, “Partnerships for goals”, whereby this study focuses on the part that individual consumers’ have in the case against climate change. Consumers use electricity in their everyday lives and electricity generation is usually from fossil fuel powered stations, which significantly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. An alternative would be for consumers, to adopt green technology, in the form of renewable energy, such as solar panels and solar water heaters. This study took a quantitative approach, to assess the factors that influence the adoption of green technology in South Africa. Primary data was collected from 102 respondents via a survey questionnaire, with 87 valid responses after data cleaning. Factor analysis was employed to ascertain the factors that influenced adoption. Multiple regression was used to test the hypotheses developed from the literature survey as well as to determine which factor influenced adoption most. The theory of planned behaviour was the model and framework against which, intention to adopt green technology was tested. The literature survey study found that awareness, self efficacy, ease of access, belief of benefits, cost perception, risk perception, environmental concern, aesthetics and social norms have an impact on intention to adopt. The regression analysis in the study found that awareness, belief of benefits and cost perception had an influence on the intention to adopt green technology and that awareness was the most influential factor. There is very little literature on factors that influence adoption in the South African context, hence this study aims to fill that gap and assist governments, sustainable development organisations and societies, with practical recommendations to influence vi the uptake of green technology in the form of renewable energy in South Africa as well as recommendations for future research
Gendered perspectives of the enablers and constraints for female energy leaders in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Msimanga, Xolile; Carmichael, Terri
This exploratory research study provides gendered perspectives on female leadership characteristics and how increased diversity may contribute positively to energy sector performance. This study also explored the enablers and constraints for women in the energy sector in South Africa to progress to senior positions. A qualitative research approach was used for the research method. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight female and seven male energy sector leaders. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the interview data using MAXQDA coding software. The research findings showed that the characteristics are being people-centric – inclusive and collaborative; 'soft traits' like empathy; developing and empowering others; being visionary and performance-driven. Both genders highlighted that although these characteristics were more pronounced in women, they were also observed in good male leaders. The best leaders can balance their gender-related traits with the traits of good leaders. The leaders highlighted that increased diversity results in better problem-solving and superior solutions. Therefore, an increase in diversity leads to better performingorganisations. The research findings showed that the main enablers were transformation processes; networking and exposure; organisational environment; coaching, mentorship, sponsorship; development and training opportunities; mindset and internal beliefs; senior and managerial support; career ownership; and family support. Self-determination was recognised as vital, and autonomous motivation drove the female leaders to succeed. The research findings showed that the main constraints were gender stereotyping; mindset and internal beliefs; male-dominated sector and culture; old boys’ clubs; lack of female pipelines and representation; lack of accommodative structures in operations; and the dual role of women. Male leaders can play a crucial role in male-dominated environments to ally with women and work on changing the systems. Although gender stereotyping was recognised as the biggest challenge, their mindset and perspectives about the sector were also a significant constraint as it could impact their willingness to pursue leadership roles in energy or even consider careers in the sector.
Governance and dynamic capabilities in South African state-owned energy companies
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Stock, Xola
Governance of state institutions is widely accepted to be one of the critical levers to unlock clean energy technology innovation that fosters energy transition. The dynamic capabilities framework has been successfully used globally by State Owned Entities to unlock the bureaucratic competencies of senior management towards increasing innovation outcomes, but the framework is not usually associated with entities’ governance. This research highlights the criticality of this framework in the governance structures of entities. The prolonged past governance and financial woes at the two South African state-owned energy entities of PetroSA and iGas invite a level of scrutiny regarding the true extent of the deployment of the dynamic capabilities therein This qualitative research sought to explore how the deployment of dynamic capabilities by senior management in the two entities impacted their innovation outcomes. Data collection was done through semi-structured interviews of seven participants. The research findings show that the dynamic capabilities were not holistically deployed by the entities in the six business areas wherein they reside. The DC’s framework is the appropriate strategic framework to be deployed by entities and their management if true innovation outcomes are to be increased.
The impact of independent power producers entering the South African electricity supply industry
(2020) Mokhethi, Keketso Elijah
For over a decade, South Africa has been experiencing electricity supply challenges which were mainly due to generation or distribution failures, as well as operational inefficiencies at Eskom; and this raised concerns about the power utility’s ability to guarantee security and quality of supply. In order to address these challenges, several attempts were made in the past to introduce competition in the electricity supply industry, without any material success. The latest attempt has been to accelerate the introduction of Independent Power Producers (IPPs) through the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Programme. This study investigated the impact of IPPs gaining access to the South African electricity supply industry which has been dominated by Eskom for a long time; and if the current market conditions are conducive for a competitive electricity market in the country. The study also identified some of the market barriers experienced by different IPPs. A qualitative methodology, premised on an interpretive paradigm, was employed for the collection of data. The study specifically focused on the South African context as a developing country. The sample included experienced individuals who are either currently working or have previously worked in the industry, thereby enhancing the richness of interviews conducted. The study found that the cost of electricity using renewable technologies such as wind and solar PV (generated by IPPs) has reduced significantly and is therefore cheaper than current prices paid by customers which is mainly based on power generated by Eskom using coal, which contributes significantly to the levels of pollution in the country. However, customers are not benefiting from the reduced costs since IPPs sell their power directly to Eskom which on-sells to customers using tariffs that continue to escalate at above-inflation rates. Furthermore, the introduction of IPPs did not result in improved operational efficiencies. The study also found that market entry barriers were low with a few minor challenges. Another finding of the study is that the current electricity market structure is not conducive for competition to prevail and therefore a restructure of the South African electricity market should be considered. The study was original and makes contributions to the theory of public choice and the theory of economic regulation
Impact of weighted average cost of capital (wacc) on utility‐scale solar photovoltaics (pv) levelized cost of electricity
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Shendile, Severus Twahafa; Odei-Mensah, Jones
Namibia has one of the highest solar irradiation levels in the world, making it an ideal destination for renewable energy investments. The country receives an average of 300 days of sunshine per year. This means that there is an abundance of solar energy that can be harnessed for electricity generation using solar photovoltaic (PV) technology. The levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) is a key metric used to evaluate the financial viability of a solar PV project and is influenced by a range of factors that impact the cost of generating electricity from solar energy. The parameters that affect LCOE for solar PV systems include solar irradiation, O&M cost, financing cost, inverter efficiency, system design, system lifetime, regulatory environment, and the weighted average cost of capital. These parameters can interact with each other, and changes to one parameter can impact the LCOE in different ways. Several studies have considered the sun’s strength as the primary exogenous factor driving the cost of electricity and have treated other parameters such as the WACC, as largely endogenous and thus irrelevant to their analysis. This study has analyzed how the weighted average cost of capital from twenty- six projects in Namibia between 2014 -2022, impacts the levelized cost of electricity of utility-scale photovoltaic. This study has shown that while both solar irradiation and the WACC are essential factors that influence the LCOE of a solar PV project, WACC has a more significant impact on the LCOE for solar PV projects than solar irradiation because the cost of capital represents a substantial portion of the total cost of a solar PV project, while solar irradiation mainly affects the electricity generation potential of the project
Influence of Organisational Capability and Knowledge Sharing on Performance at Eskom Distribution
(University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mampuru, Thabo Mothobi; Kekwaletswe, Yar M.
This research report is about how organisational capability and knowledge sharing influence performance in a South African power utility organisation, namely Eskom Distribution division. Organisational capability in this report means the ability and capacity to do maintenance on the existing infrastructure, network, and equipment to have a sustainable and consistent electricity distribution. Electrical system maintenance has gained attention from both researchers and practitioners over the past few years due to, among other things, constant load shedding that affects the social and economic aspects of South Africa. To this point improving electrical system reliability and reducing maintenance costs are top priorities of a power utility, notably Eskom Distribution (ED). Knowledge sharing is the transferring of the know-what and the know-how of doing maintenance, from one person to the next; that is, the research problem is that transferring of experience, skills, and information among employees is still a key issue at the Power Utility. The purpose of the study was, thus, to explore and describe organisational capabilities and knowledge-sharing enablers and challenges, using Resource- based theory (RBT) and Social-exchange theory (SET) as theoretical lenses. Improved performance is inferred to be when there is less downtime, less failure of equipment due to good maintenance and restoration time of electrical supply, achieved without compromising the safety of personnel and equipment. The study was conducted following an interpretive research philosophy and a case study was employed as a research strategy to get an in-depth understanding of ways that could be used to improve organisational performance. Semi- structured interviews were conducted with managers, engineers, technicians, and artisans as study participants. In the present study, one way to improve performance is the understanding of resources and behaviour, especially how maintenance strategies are formulated and how knowledge sharing could happen among employees to subsequently enhance and effect performance. The study found that managers play a key role in designing organisational capability and that they should affect knowledge sharing through various internal processes. The outcome and the contribution of iii the study is a conceptualised framework that may help improve performance through an enhanced knowledge sharing and organisational capability, in the context of the Power Utility, Eskom distribution division
Innovative Financing Models for Rural Electrification in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Maphosa, Thobile; Soumonni, Ogundiran
This research report is based on a case study that examines innovative financing models for rural electrification in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. This qualitative study examines innovative financing models deployed to extend electricity in rural areas and promote renewable energy technology innovation in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Outage management planning and performance within a South African energy service provider
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Choche, Segomotso; Gobind, Jenika
The study was motivated by our nation's present energy crisis; the electrical energy supply company has been fighting to keep the lights on since 2008, and the research is based on outage management planning. The organization’s core function is to ascertain that the power plants are dependable, that planned maintenance and outage work is properly planned and that completion dates are met to produce electricity continuously. This research report focuses on outage planning in the energy supply industry, including the planning process, procedures, and tools used to ensure that when a unit is taken out of service for a planned outage, it will be put back into service on schedule, within the budget that has been set, and to the specified quality standard. The unit is expected to operate in accordance with the defined performance standard up to its next scheduled outage to deliver a dependable service. The study focuses on outage planning difficulties, optimum planning performance techniques, and planning process gaps. This is a qualitative research study which employs the thematic analysis approach of semi-structured interviews with staff members of the outage department at five power stations in the Eskom Generation division to explore the difficulties, gaps, and performance status and gather descriptive data. The research findings demonstrated that from the themes developed the challenges faced by the outage planning team are, the late release of funding, funding shortage, the scope of work that’s undefined, procurement challenges and lack of expertise. The outage planning process is not the issue, rather, it is the lack of commitment to it that makes it difficult to achieve the established outage planning standards The recommendations reached on reducing the inefficiencies are divided into five disciplines including the main challenges; Engineering for undefined scope of work, Finance for the late release of funds, Procurement to deal with delayed orders, Human resource for the lack of expertise, and Process for outage planning process shortcomings.
Perceived barriers to the adoption of low-carbon energy in the South African Energy-Intensive Industry
(2021) Muditambi, Lydia
Carbon dioxide is the predominant greenhouse gas associated with the combustion of fossil fuels. Energy-intensive industry is linked to high carbon emissions due to high energy consumption compared to other types of industry, hence the need for low-carbon energy options. With local and international pressure to reduce carbon emissions, this study seeks to explore the available options to facilitate low-carbon energy and to identify the barriers associated withtheir adoption within the South African energy-intensive industry. Most previous studies on this topicwere conducted for industrialized countries, and this study focus on understanding the barriers that affect South Africa and possibly other developing countries. Quantitative approach was employed using online survey and descriptive statistics to gather and analyse information on low-carbon energy options available and employed within the South African energy-intensive industry and to understand the barriers to their adoption. The study found that regulatory, economic, facility structural design, and culture and behavioural barriers exist in the South African energy-intensive industry. The barriers identified provides the basis for planning and resource allocation for the energy-intensive industry
Perceptions of energy efficiency consequences of implementation of ISO 50001 in South Africa’s pulp and paper industry
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Kapp, Juanita; Hildebrandt, Diane
With loadshedding taking place daily, often more than once a day, businesses suffer financial losses (Maphumulo, 2021). Research findings revealed that SA is only 38% transition ready towards energy efficiency (World Economic Forum, 2020). Adopting and implementing the energy efficiency option holds various benefits and might even create economies of scale for businesses if understood and implemented correctly. Environmental strategies ensuring an increase in efficiency and a decrease in risks to the environment are known characteristics of resource efficiency and cleaner production. The United Nations introduced 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs). Goal 7 refers to affordable and clean energy, which is a topic directly impacted by this research. Other SDGs included in this research are Goal 6 clean water and sanitation; Goal 8 economic growth; Goal 9 industry, innovation, and infrastructure; Goal 12 responsible consumption and production; and Goal 13 climate change. The implementation and maintenance of ISO 50001 serves as a central focus point, although other frameworks and models that could be used for an EES will also be referenced. Benefits and motivators for the transition towards energy efficiency will also be discussed. Another factor highlighted is the geopolitical implications that SA faces and how to better position the country to become more transition ready.
Perceptions on Knowledge Transfer Effectiveness in Multinational Corporations within the Renewable Energy Industry in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Phiri, Asante; Mazonde, Nomusa
The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine how employees working in multinational companies in the South African renewable energy industry, specifically those working for companies participating in the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Programme (REIPPP), experience and perceive the knowledge transfer initiatives of their companies and the effectiveness thereof. The REIPPP has a strong prevalence of multinational companies and one of its goals is the transfer of skills. With the application of knowledge identified as a precursor to the development of skill and multinational companies identified as vehicles for knowledge transfer, the study investigates the effectiveness of knowledge transfer within the REIPPP. A survey questionnaire was used to assess the degree to which the elements identified by seminal models and as critical success factors for knowledge transfer were applied by multinational companies in the renewable energy industry in South Africa. Exploratory statistics techniques and regression analysis was used to identify relationships and verify expected relationships between critical factors and the benefits of as well as satisfaction with knowledge transfer. The findings indicate that multinational companies within the REIPPP apply the knowledge transfer practices aligned with the critical success factor identified in knowledge transfer literature. Respondents predominantly had positive views of all aspects of the strategies, processes and systems used in the transfer of knowledge. Most respondents were satisfied with and identified the benefits of their company’s knowledge transfer initiatives, 65.98% and 69.01% respectively. Critical success factors that negatively affect knowledge transfer were found to be largely overcome within the industry resulting in negligible effect on the satisfaction with and benefits of transfer. Potential areas for improvement were identified based on analysis of respondent responses. Improvement areas include the periodic assessment of knowledge transfer program effectiveness by multinational companies, as well as the encouragement and monitoring of transfer effectiveness by government programme sponsor
Prospects for artificial intelligence to manage load-shedding in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Shakoane, Nomea Lerato; Lee, Gregory
Eskom, a state-owned utility in South Africa, is currently facing significant challenges and experiencing severe power shortages. While there is a growing expectation of adopting renewable energy in the future, a sudden and complete transition is unlikely. Legacy power systems, characterized by poor performance, breakdowns, and unpredictability, have received limited attention in AI research. This raises the question: What actions should be taken to quickly address maintenance issues in older power plants and increase generation capacity in the short term? The objective of this study is to explore AI solutions in the electrical sector and assess the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of integrating AI into Eskom's power system. The findings of this study will provide Eskom and the South African government with valuable insights to make informed decisions regarding the incorporation of artificial intelligence. These AI solutions can include detecting power and cable theft, optimizing energy usage and distribution, and implementing predictive analytics for demand planning and power production optimization. To gather data, a survey questionnaire was distributed to participants primarily located in South Africa, following a snowball selection process. The survey collected responses from a minimum of 50 participants and covered various aspects, such as load shedding at Eskom, artificial intelligence, data-AI enablers, and AI prospects. The study revealed that inadequate maintenance within the power generation division was responsible for load shedding. As a result, the implementation of AI solutions such as predictive maintenance, fault detection, and power demand monitoring systems emerged as crucial priorities for Eskom. However, it is important to note that implementing AI requires substantial capital investment. Considering Eskom's current financial situation and South Africa's mounting debt, it is challenging for Eskom to secure the necessary funds without seeking support vi from the South African government or major corporations like the IMF or World Bank

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