Electronic Theses and Dissertations (Masters)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10539/37945

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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 Critical Review of Youth Employment Programmes in South Africa: Challenges and Solutions
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Tshefuta, Thulani; Pillay, Pundy
Structural Youth unemployment is generally recognised as a formidable policy challenge of our time with dire political socio-economic implications for South Africa. In response to this mammoth challenge, the government of South Africa has been implementing a package of public employment programmes towards ameliorating youth unemployment. These have been supported by some private sector measures and civil society initiatives. It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to examine the different interventions implemented by government and other partners focusing on the successes, challenges and the potential solutions to the problem of youth unemployment. The purpose of this research is to undertake a critical assessment and analysis of the existing package of youth targeted employment programmes in South Africa with the view to unpacking their successes and challenges, whilst recommending some possible solutions on youth employment. This is a matter that South Africa cannot afford to ignore as it is facing the danger of missing the opportunity of reaping the “demographic dividend” from the current youth bulge. The theoretical framework of this study is anchored on the Positive Youth Development (PYD) theory as well as the Theory of Change (ToC). In this qualitative study, exploratory research design was used. This study utilised a semi-structured interview schedule data collection instrument. This research utilised thematic analysis to analyse the qualitative data that was collected. The study found that despite a package of existing youth intervention programmes, we still have stubborn persistence of youth unemployment. The research further conducted a critical analysis of existing youth employment programmes focusing on their successes and challenges. Specific lessons were drawn from the implementation of these youth employment programmes. The study concludes by providing recommended solutions on strategies to promote and improve effective youth employment interventions.
A critical study of the integrated school health policy and social determinants of health
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mofokeng, Neo Thabisile; Van Niekerk, Robert
The Social Determinants of Health constitute a foundational concept in population health, playing a crucial role in achieving overall public health and addressing health inequalities. Moreover, the phenomenon of the Social Determinants of Health is essential for the development and management of policies. This study aims to conduct a qualitative retrospective policy analysis of the South African Integrated School Health Policy to assess whether the policy contents and imperatives align with the Social Determinants of Health. Furthermore, the study aims to explore the role of academics in shaping the Integrated School Health Policy, specifically focusing on their understanding of the Social Determinants of Health and the associated structural factors that underpin compromised health in school-going children. The data for this study was gathered through semi-structured interviews conducted with academics, who have direct experience in the policy process of school health policies. The secondary method of data collection included document analyses. Central to the findings is the realisation that the policy process of the Integrated School Health Policy encompassed the amalgamation of policy decisions and agenda-setting. It is a complex process which makes the identifying of decision-making protocols challenging and emphasises the impact of stakeholders' perspectives. The data presented advances the notion that the change in political norms and political will emerge as the critical drivers for the policy challenges associated with the Integrated School Health Policy. Notably, there was a lack of a systematic approach to addressing the Social Determinants of Health and providing comprehensive school health services. The study’s findings provide a basis for promoting evidence-based policies concerning school health services and examining ways to establish a health-ecosystem within an educational system. This approach not only benefits school-going children and individuals within the educational system, but also holds potential benefits for individuals residing in the communities located within the educational system.
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 multi-theoretical analysis of the complexity of land reform policy formulation in post- apartheid South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Jurgens, Richard Bartholomew; Hobden, hristine
Recent years have seen a highly polarised public debate about land reform, centring on the question of whether the ANC government should seek to amend the Constitution to allow for the expropriation of land without compensation. The ANC finally adopted expropriation without compensation as its policy on land reform in 2018, a position on the question that appears to be a significant shift from its more reconciliation-led approach in the early democratic years. This dissertation analyses the land reform debate between 1994 and 2018 through a multi- theoretical lens, focusing, firstly, on the ANC-led government’s approach to policy formulation and implementation in this period, and secondly, on its approach to the parliamentary inquiry that it sponsored in 2018 to establish the public’s views on expropriation without compensation. Two related theories, the wicked problem framework, and framing theory, are used to shed light on the ANC’s approach to shaping the public debate on land reform during the period under review. An accountability model is used to evaluate the Joint Constitutional Review Committee’s approach to public engagement during its inquiry in 2018. The use of a multi-theoretical approach aims to provide new insights into the complexity of the land reform debate, and, at the same time, to illustrate the value and utility of theoretical tools in complex policy questions.
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.
A social-ecological perspective on the roles of YOLO facilitators
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) van Rooyen, Christofer; Cairns, Murray
In South Africa, young people between the ages of 15 and 24 years face an elevated risk of contracting HIV due to various factors associated with high-risk practices such as engaging in unsafe sexual practices. The Department of Social Development implemented the “You Only Live Once” (YOLO) community-based HIV prevention programme. YOLO aims to reduce risky sexual behaviour among the youth. YOLO employs facilitators to render a structured programme with information on self-care, assertiveness, HIV treatment and adherence support, peer pressure and related content. The YOLO programme design subscribed to the social-ecological model focusing on children and youth. Several research studies used the social-ecological model to investigate YOLO participants (youth and children). However, the literature has limited exploration of how the interplay among individual, interpersonal and community levels influences the role of YOLO facilitators. The study aims to explore the roles of the YOLO facilitators from the lens of the social-ecological model. the research allows Further, the research allows YOLO facilitators to describe their individual, interpersonal and community roles. The study explores the interplay between the multiple levels of the social-ecological model and the influences on the role of the YOLO facilitators. The research site of the not-for-profit organisation (NPO) was in the City of Matlosana, previously known as Klerksdorp. According to the literature, the community in this area faces several challenges, including high levels of HIV, poor access to municipal health services, unprecedented high levels of youth unemployment and issues with violence and substance abuse. The YOLO facilitators who worked within the NPO reside in the area and have grown up in similar conditions, which gave them a unique perspective and understanding of the challenges faced by those whom they are trying to help. The research aimed to describe the YOLO facilitators from the perspective of the social-ecological model. The research recruited participants through the non-probability sampling methods. The method limits the researcher's biases in the selection process. Ten YOLO facilitators participated in the research. The YOLO facilitators represented various age groups, races, genders, skill sets and experiences in the field. The research used descriptive qualitative research methodology. The methodology employed a qualitative, semi-structured interview to collect data from 10 YOLO facilitators. The study employed the thematic data analysis method and identified several sub-themes and thesis themes from the data. The researcher used the social-ecological model to describe the micro, meso and micro-level themes. Further, the researcher followed a system approach and described the interactions between the micro, meso and macro systems. The University of Witwatersrand granted ethical clearance to the research. The researcher adhered to the ethical standard as part of the study. The National Department of Social Development and the NPO Board granted permission to conduct the research. The researcher explained their positionality and the influences on the research outcome. v The study found that YOLO facilitators function as “wounded healers”. The researcher discussed the risk of being a wounded healer in the context of the study. The researcher recommends that it is essential to ensure that YOLO facilitators are aware of potential risks and that NPOs provide a safe and supportive environment to mitigate them. YOLO facilitators’ personal experiences can undoubtedly assist them in developing empathy and sympathy, but it was essential to strike a balance between personal growth and personal harm
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.
Accountability and Knowledge dissemination of the National Health Insurance through the Public Service Broadcaster
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Thivhudziswi, Lukoto; Van Niekerk, Robert
This study is motivated by the conviction that SABC, as a public broadcaster, can make a substantial contribution to citizen education and empowerment by disseminating knowledge and upholding responsibility. This research aims to convey an overview of the planned study on the National Health Insurance (NHI)'s accountability and knowledge dissemination through public service broadcasters (PSBs) in South Africa, with a focus on SABC Radio. The study focuses on two radio stations: SAfm, an English-language station targeting listeners in urban areas, and Phalaphala FM, a Tshivenda radio station targeting listeners in rural Limpopo Province. The study covers how the PSB practices public accountability through a critical examination and analysis of the dissemination of information of the NHI to the citizenry of South Africa over a seven-year period covering the period of public consultation on the NHI White Paper to the NHI Bill stage (2015 to 2022).
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 analysis of Tuition Policy Discourses in Historically Black and White South African Tertiary Institutions
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Maseko, Nokwazi Jacquiline; Chikane, Rekgotsofetse
This paper analyses the discourses around tuition policies in Historically Black and Historically White Institutions. This was motivated by the move towards incorporating discourse analysis into policy studies, contributing to the literature regarding discourse in higher education tuition policies, and understanding how discourse affects policy decisions. All these are aimed at addressing the shortfalls in tuition policy which contribute to issues such as the ongoing student protests. Semi structured interviews were conducted with 11 participants and were analysed using the Critical Discourse Analysis tools provided by Machin and Mayr (2012). The analysis showed that the historical discourses and personal ideologies held by those in power influence policy decisions. The study concluded that a reflexive and discourse orientated approach in the policies of HBIs and HWIs would promote policy solutions that are tailored for each institutional type, and this may ultimately decrease the frequency of tuition related protests
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