Wits School of Governance (ETDs)

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A comparative analysis of income tax provisions applied to cross border secondment arrangements in South Africa and the UK
(2022) Sibeko, Thulile
The 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)
A developmental approach to gender mainstreaming: women and political spaces in Ghanaian government
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Sosu-Awusanya, Ruth Dzigbordi; Brooks, Heidi
In an increasingly global world with greater awareness of the role of gender inclusivity, there is also increased awareness of the role and value of women’s participation in institutions of government. Ghana is no exception. However, despite efforts and policies in Ghana to facilitate women’s inclusion, it is apparent that women are still not participating in their numbers within government spaces. The research dissertation asks to what extent gender mainstreaming can play a role in facilitating effective participation of women in Ghana’s local government. Through semi-structured interviews and literature analysis, this research report explores the institutional barriers to women’s participation and contribution in local government in Ghana. The study finds that there have been some inclusive policies to ensure that women are better represented in politics. However, these are met with various setbacks resulting from Ghana’s wider social and cultural norms and values. These factors manifest in the local government space in institutional barriers that play a role in inhibiting women from participating effectively. The study finds that gender mainstreaming can play a role in addressing those barriers and encouraging more women to participate in the local government but there remain challenges to their effectiveness
A formative evaluation of Johannesburg's Diepkloof Hostel housing intervention
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Mchunu, Lindiwe; Wotela, Kambidima
It is evident that the apartheid system was created for the sole benefit of South Africa’s White population and that this political structure led to many imbalances in the provision of basic services, land allocation and participation in the economy. Apartheid’s spatial planning was at the forefront of the creation of these imbalances through establishments such as the migrant hostels. Therefore, this study seeks to conduct a formative evaluation of fundamental government interventions intended to address social problems, such as housing, by using the Diepkloof hostel as a case study. Several studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of the Community Residential Units programme. However, there is limited interrogation on the programme’s impact on the Diepkloof hostel. To this end, the study employs a qualitative approach and uses thematic content analysis to interrogate the contributing factors that lead to the mis-formulation of fundamental interventions. Findings show that mis-formulation and poor implementation is caused by mismanagement and corruption, the lack of regulatory controls, transparency, and clear communication. The study recommends an efficient monitoring and evaluation process for strengthen the housing interventions among other things
A Mixed Methods Sequential Explanatory Study of the Determinants of the Insurance Purchase Decision-Making in Zambia
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2020-03) Haamukwanza, Chimuka Leo; Masie, Desné
Zambia has low insurance consumption and penetration. The particularities around the insurance purchase decision-making have not been researched. Financial decision-making has been a topic of interest as increased financial services uptake is one method of increasing financial inclusion. This thesis defines and compares the Insurance Purchase Decision-making (IPD) of the Workers in the Pensions and Insurance Industry (WPII) and the Urban Poor (UP) using a mixed methods sequential explanatory design. In the quantitative phase, data was collected using a questionnaire and analysed using IBM SPSS and IBM AMOS for Structural Equation Modelling. Significant differences emerged in the two populations regarding their IPD: the risk coping mechanisms, the extent of loss aversion, and education attained. The qualitative phase delved into detail on the areas that were not clear in the quantitative phase and used structured interviews to collect data. The thesis has confirmed that the decision-making of the two populations and their perceptions on insurance differ. The thematic analysis in the qualitative phase of the thesis highlight three major themes from both populations that insurance practice and management and the government need to undertake to enhance insurance consumption: financial literacy, service quality and regulation. This thesis has contributed to the literature on the IPD in Zambia; towards a detailed understanding of the IPD in Zambia through the integration of an interdisciplinary mixed methods approach; and highlights how the WPII and the UP make their IPD. The thesis highlights the potential consumers’ needs and inclination towards insurance and how insurance practice could take advantage of the consumers’ needs in undertaking market segmentation and penetration. The thesis optimises the insurance needs of the two populations: their expectations, their experiences, their understanding of and perceptions on insurance. The activities that insurance practice and management should do to enhance insurance consumption in Zambia have been highlighted.
A review of industrial policy in the Northern Cape Province
(2022) Setlhabi, Letlhogonolo
Although 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.
Accelerating socio-economic justice through inclusive economic-and-employment growth
(University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Isaacs, Nandipha; Pillay, Pundy
This 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.
Airport Travellers' Experiences of e-Commerce Transactions
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Sebola, Nonhlanhla Louisa
Purpose: The study aims to investigate the relationships among airline service quality, customer experience, brand loyalty, and repurchase intention as these impact air travelers' experiences of the e-commerce transactional interface with multiple sales channels. Methodological approach: A self-administered structured questionnaire was designed using Hammerschmidt's (2016) 5C model constructs to collect responses from 30 airport travelers at OR Tambo International Airport, South Africa. Using Pearson correlations to determine the relationships among the variables under investigation, and regression analysis for testing hypotheses and the variables' predictability in the conceptual model. Findings: Evidence confirmed the positive associations among service quality, brand loyalty, and customer satisfaction as mediating factors with customer experience. The overall outcomes highlight the need for further inquiry into the 5C model's applicability in airline service quality. Additionally, the multiple unintegrated sales channels were a cause of concern, evidenced by low ratings on the seamless transaction experience. Highlighting the need for enhancement of the relationship, and intentional engagement with partners in the air travel value chain. Originality: Viewing service quality as a multidimensional construct, the study proposed the 5C model’s applicability to enhance the customer experience in the airline e-commerce transactions. Limitations: The outcomes must be considered within the spatial limitations and data collection timeframe granted by the Airports Authority, impacting the results' generalizability. Practical implications: The preliminary study confirmed the associations between various e-commerce service quality factors and airport travelers' experiences
An analysis of the effectiveness of the training offered to the public schools’ finance committees in Ekurhuleni South District of Education
(2022) Ndima, Mandlakayise Muntukhona
Proper 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.
An analysis of the main barriers to effective corporate governance at the SABC
(University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Loliwe, Wendy
South 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.
An assessment of integrated thinking levels among JSE-listed entities
(2022) Ecim, Dusan
Integrated 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.
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
An evaluation of the impact of transport infrastructure investment on the economic performance of South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Mogoiwa, Mathapelo Refilwe
The decision to invest in economic infrastructure has far-reaching benefits for the South African economy, including innovation, economic growth, job creation, increased productivity, poverty alleviation, and an improvement in the standard of living. Therefore, the current study was conducted to determine the causal impact of selected critical economic variables for positive economic performance. The focus of the study was to evaluate how rail infrastructure investment impacts economic performance by assessing indicators such as economic growth, competitiveness, and unemployment rate using time series data from 1989 to 2018. As a quantitative study, the research employed correlational and causal-effect designs. Quantitative data was collected from credible secondary sources, including the websites and reports of Statistics South Africa, the South African Reserve Bank, the South African Revenue Services, and the World Economic Forum. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive analysis to identify the series of trends In contrast, multivariate time series analysis generated inferential statistics to assess the direction and significance of the relationship between the variables. The study discovered that rail infrastructure investment, competitiveness, and economic growth are significant causal relationships to unemployment and were found to have substantial causal relationships to economic growth. The study findings also confirmed the single-direction hypothesis that rail infrastructure investment Granger causes economic growth, competitiveness, and employment. Bidirectional Granger causal effects were proven between competitiveness and economic growth, competitiveness and unemployment, and economic growth and unemployment
An evaluation of the impact of transport infrastructure investment on the economic performance of South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Magoiwa, Mathapelo Refilwe
The decision to invest in economic infrastructure has far-reaching benefits for the South African economy, including innovation, economic growth, job creation, increased productivity, poverty alleviation, and an improvement in the standard of living. Therefore, the current study was conducted to determine the causal impact of selected critical economic variables for positive economic performance. The focus of the study was to evaluate how rail infrastructure investment impacts economic performance by assessing indicators such as economic growth, competitiveness, and unemployment rate using time series data from 1989 to 2018. As a quantitative study, the research employed correlational and causal- effect designs. Quantitative data was collected from credible secondary sources, including the websites and reports of Statistics South Africa, the South African Reserve Bank, the South African Revenue Services, and the World Economic Forum. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive analysis to identify the series of trends. In contrast, multivariate time series analysis generated inferential statistics to assess the direction and significance of the relationship between the variables. The study discovered that rail infrastructure investment, competitiveness, and economic growth are significant causal relationships to unemployment and were found to have substantial causal relationships to economic growth. The study findings also confirmed the single-direction hypothesis that rail infrastructure investment Granger causes economic growth, competitiveness, and employment. Bidirectional Granger causal effects were proven between competitiveness and economic growth, competitiveness and unemployment, and economic growth and unemployment.
An exploration into change management perceptions and approaches of two provincial government departments
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Ndlovu, Zibusiso Khethiwe; Hobden, Christine
Change in the South African public sector is unavoidable due to the turbulent political and economic climate and developing technologies presented to us by the 4th industrial revolution. It is widely acknowledged that organizational change is often plagued by failure, however, this study argues that contextual organisational dimensions such as deep structures and change ownership are frequently overlooked in public sector change management discussions. This prompted a qualitative case study between two Gauteng Provincial Government departments. This design enabled an in-depth exploration of approaches to change management in the two different departments to gain a better understanding of change management approaches within the GPG. Data was collected from recorded 30–60-minute semi-structured interviews with 12 key informants (senior, middle, and junior management staff in the respective provincial departments) identified through purposive criterion & snowball sampling. Interviews were transcribed identifying emerging themes and codes aligned to answering the research questions. Additionally, a desktop review of academic literature, departmental documents, and reports was undertaken to gain deeper contextual understanding and perspective of the GPG change management landscape. The study results revealed that the nature of change is characterised by a lack of ownership and poor reinforcement of change in the GPG. Furthermore, that communication within GPG exists, however, it doesn’t always filter down to the lowest employees
An exploration of possibilities for information and communications technologies in pursuit of enhanced public participation in lawmaking post Covid-19
(2022) Cilliers, Ina
The purpose of this project was to explore the nature and impact of public participation practice in the legislative processes of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL) during and after the Covid -19 pandemic. The disruption to social interaction brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic had an impact on the design, implementation, and evaluation of public participation (PP) in the province. The scope and extent of this disruption was uncertain, yet rapidly evolving and scaling globally. For the GPL to fulfil its constitutional mandate and its commitments citizens, new opportunities for PP had to be explored and threats to PP had to be ameliorated in the context of a “new normal”. The research question is: “How can the information and communications technology revolution be leveraged to enhance public participation in legislative processes.” The study examined historic practice of the institution as well as virtual public hearings and portfolio committee business conducted during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021.The sample population for this study was public participation specialists and participants in the legislative sphere in Gauteng Province, South Africa. A purposive sample was drawn from the GPL community, specifically PP Unit staff, researchers and committee support staff. Focus group discussions were conducted with 18 participants. The public participation events observed included 3 public hearings, 3 sector parliaments, 2 round table events and 1 legislative workshop. The document analysis focused on reports that was tabled for the legislation under scrutiny in the relevant portfolio committees. The study identified threats and opportunities for PP, spaces of disruption and contestation that would require new areas of practice and new skills to be learnt by PP practitioners. The institutions’ journey from traditional PP practice to fully virtual and the resultant pivot to digital innovation was explored. Recommendations were structured around the design, implementation and evaluation of PP in the post-pandemic future. The paradigms of digital marketing and traditional PP practice was assimilated to suggest new ways of conducting the PP mandate that advance deliberation, inclusivity, and quality of lawmaking
An impact evaluation of the School of Specialisation program at Curtis Nkondo Secondary school for the period 2016-2020
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Zambara, Nicholas
This study investigates the impact of the School of Specialisation program at Curtis Nkondo Secondary School in Soweto. It explores the nature of STEM education, identifies the pillars underpinning a STEM curriculum then compares outcomes from a STEM school with those of an ordinary school. This mixed methods study collects data from both the experimental group and the control group. Quantitative data is in the form of test scores over the period 2016 to 2020. Qualitative data obtained from key informant in-depth interviews is used to gain contextual understanding of the study. This report presents result based on the learners at Curtis Nkondo and Freedom Park Secondary Schools. Mathematics and Science results of the 2016 Cohorts before and after the intervention were captured and documented. The intervention was mainly through the School of Specialisation program offered at Curtis Nkondo secondary school. This is based on content delivery focused on the eight pillars of a STEM school namely interactive content, design pedagogy, authentic experiences, student engagement, creative problem solving, innovation and communication and collaboration. Baseline assessment was conducted to show that both Curtis Nkondo and Freedom Park Secondary schools were similar and that the only significant difference being the intervention. Analysis of results obtained showed that there was a significant difference between educational outcomes in Mathematics and Science for learners who went to the School of Specialisation program at Curtis Nkondo. The Implication here being that using the STEM education framework for teaching mathematics and Science works to improve the outcomes in the subjects. Some investigations for further study were suggested.
An investigation of stakeholder influence on participants’ informed consent in the monitoring and evaluation process
(2022) Kapay, Sara
Monitoring 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.
An investigation of the determinants of childhood stunting in Zambia
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-02) Munalula, Kekelwa; Kithatu-Kiwekete, Angelita
Background Stunting in Zambia is a prevalent public health concern that can be attributed to multiple factors. Understanding the risk factors for stunting in children under the age of five is critical for developing nutritional intervention programs and strategies. As a result, this study aimed to analyze the marginal effects of the underlying determinants of child nutrition on Child stunting levels in Zambia. Method This study employed secondary data sources from Zambian demography and health surveys from six surveys. Relevant data were extracted from Kids Record (KR) and the corresponding Household Record (PR) file for the final analysis; survey rounds between 1992 up to 2018 were included in the study. Binary logistic regression model was used to describe the determinants and their association with childhood stunting. Further Marginal analysis was used to establish the marginal effects associated with the determinants Result Children living in low social economic conditions, children who reside in urban areas, have healthcare access challenges, born in non-medical facility, and whose mothers had lower than secondary education were more likely to be stunted. Further, narrow birth intervals, and low birth weight were associated with an increased occurrence of stunting Conclusion Stunting is the outcome of an intricate interaction of determinants. Wealth index, maternal education, maternal nutrition, birth weight, place of birth, birth interval and source of drinking water were found to have the highest marginal effects on childhood stunting. Therefore, policy makers should consider these determinants in the design of nutrition intervention programs.
Analysing state capture through public procurement weaknesses in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Aikins,Nana; Lynge, Halfdan
This research report reviews and analyses the procurement system in South Africa concerning the legislative and institutional frameworks that govern state owned enterprises (SOEs). This study aims to assess the system's flaws and inherent weaknesses and highlight how these pitfalls have ultimately aided the phenomenon of state capture. It is a constitutional requirement that when organs of the state contract for goods and services, they do so in a fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost-effective manner. When a public organisation is captured by private interests, it loses its autonomy to act in the furtherance of public welfare, which manifests in its inability to contract competitively, achieving low prices and high quality. A postulation is made in this study that public procurement personnel lack the integrity and personal will to resist collusive behaviour and do not have the institutional strength to detect and withstand corrupt dealings that contribute towards state capture. Following the publication of the State Capture report by the Public Protector of South Africa in 2016, the concept has gained significant political momentum. However, despite this development, there has been a notable lack of academic research on the phenomena, particularly regarding its connection to public procurement. This research aims to fill this gap. This study draws most of its data from the transcripts of the hearings conducted by the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into State Capture. Through a qualitative explanatory case study approach, using thematic analysis, the study sought to understand the patterns of abuse that occur at each stage of the procurement cycle and what factors contributed to these transgressions. The findings of the study identified challenges associated with lack of capacity, non-compliance with legal policies, bid-rigging and collusive behaviour, and political interference
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’

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