Electronic Theses and Dissertations (Masters)

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

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Subject: search.filters.subject.South Africa

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    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
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    Assessing the Feasibility of Implementing Budget Amendment Powers of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Moraka, Mmusi Andrew; Pillay, Pundy
    This study investigates the feasibility of implementing the budget amendment powers of the GPL as provided for in the Gauteng Money Bills Amendment Procedures and Related Matters Act of 2019. The study employs a qualitative case study approach using the theoretical lens of the new institutionalism school of thought to examine the political and institutional arrangements at the GPL that may facilitate or constrain the implementation of the budget amendment powers. The introduction of legislative powers to amend money bills in South Africa follows on the growing international trend sponsored by the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF) and international donors to strengthen legislative scrutiny of public finances as a way of improving governance and enhancing accountability in developing countries. It also comes at the time when the South African legislative sector is facing sharp public scrutiny about the efficacy of its oversight mechanisms in the wake of media reports and Auditor General’s reports that are pointing out what seems to be relentless acts of maladministration, irregular and fruitless expenditure as well as corruption in the public sector
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    The employability of commerce graduates in the financial services sector
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Mnyandu, Nozipho; Pillay, Pundy
    This research presents an assessment of the employability factors for Commerce graduates in South Africa. From the perspective of a selected sample of Financial Services sector employers (including specialist recruiters), this study sought to understand employer requirements for graduate programmes in the career fields of Asset/Fund/Investment Management (listed and unlisted), Economics Consulting, and Investment Banking (Advisory). Subsequently, the study addressed five research questions: (i) What recruitment strategies are used by Financial Services sector employer organisations to find graduate talent? (ii) What qualifications affect the employability of Commerce graduates in South Africa? (iii) Are work and life experiences valued for the employability of Commerce graduates in South Africa? (iv) What skills determine the employability of Commerce graduates in South Africa? and (v) What labour market discriminatory factors affect the employability of Commerce graduates in South Africa? Using Pool and Sewell’s (2007) well-known employability model, the Career-EDGE model, the study followed this framework in understanding employers’ employability factors. Using semi- structured interviews, the data were collected from 14 employers that have graduate programmes. The results showed that: (i) there is a growing use of electronic platforms (such as the corporate website, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter) to advertise graduate-programme opportunities; (ii) although postgraduate degrees from certain South African universities prove to be highly advantageous; however, a bachelor’s degree from any accredited South African university is a minimum requirement; (iii) some previous work experience (including vacation work) is highly valued by these employers; (iv) from a skills perspective, employers do value transferable skills gained from the university curricula (graduate qualifications), as well as the skills from life experience; and finally, (v) the study showed that labour discrimination does play a role in the selection of graduates. More specifically, most employers have a strong preference for Blacks (Africans, Coloureds and Indians), as well as female graduates.
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    Dynamics Between Stakeholders Involved in Implementation of Human Settlements Policy: John Taolo Gaetsewe District
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Motlonye, Morutse Herbert; Pooe, T.K
    The shortage of adequate shelter is a global problem, especially in the Global South, where the lack of proper shelter has forced families to live in informal settlements. In South Africa, improving the general housing situation in the country has been a government priority since 1994. The purpose of this study was to explore the outcomes of the internal dynamics between stakeholders involved in the implementation of the human settlement policy in John Taolo Gaetsewe District, Northern Cape, to create a deep understanding of the role of internal processes in human settlement policy implementation and the success or failure thereof, based on the internal dynamics of the stakeholders identified. The analysis reveals that the internal government and institutional dynamics affect human settlement policy implementation in the following ways: experiencing slight and indefinite project delivery delays and lacking proper communication and collaboration among stakeholders. The researcher also discovered that there are implementation issues due to the varying roles and responsibilities at the municipal and provincial levels. However, for a remedy to be achieved, several measures must be implemented. If implemented based on additional research, these insights may inform new solutions and influence current human settlement policy implementation processes
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    Examining the extent which the SAIVCET support institute for TVET colleges in South Africa has accomplished its primary roles one to six
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Tutu, Bongiwe; Motsepe, Dikgang
    The National Development Plan (NDP) envisions South Africa’s economic transformation by focusing on higher education and skills development. Since its adoption in 2012, it has emphasised the crucial role of Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges as the major institutions to improve education, skills development and to enhance economic growth. Despite this realization, there are shortfalls that remain within TVET colleges, whereupon the NDP states, “the FET (TVET) system is not effective, it is too small and the output quality is poor” (NDP, 2012: 40). The Department of Higher Education and Training (DEHET) established the South African Institute for Vocational and Continuing Education and Training (SAIVCET) to support the TVET colleges. The SAIVCET was established on six primary roles and three implementation objectives. Using the qualitative survey research approach, adopting questionnaires and semi-structured interviews to gather and assess data, this research examines the extent to which the institute has accomplished the six primary roles and fulfilled the purpose behind its establishment. Through the purposive sampling of the research participants used, this research has found that the rationale and importance for the SAIVCET to strengthen the TVET and CET sector is unquestionable. However, research findings and conceptual analysis indicates that there have been challenges to the formal implementation of the SAIVCET. The institute was projected for 2012, however has yet to be established due to funding and governance constraints. As a result, SAIVCET has no governance structure. In the interim, a “SAIVCET Project” which is an informal body was formed to fulfil some of the functions and primary roles of the main SAVICET body. In a recent 2020/21 DHET Annual Performance Plan, the SAIVCET is still presented as a planned initiative, which has been projected for implementation in the period 2020 – 2025 (DHET, 2020: 10). In examining the primary roles of the SAIVCET support institute for TVET colleges in South Africa, this research has found that, the extent to which the SAIVCET, even as acting through the SAIVCET Project, fulfilled its primary roles is poor. The findings indicate that the SAIVCET has attained average to poor results in effectively fulfilling of its primary roles. Each of the primary roles received consolidated scores that are below average (below 50 percent) from the participants’ primary data. The conceptual framework and analysis further indicates the lacking impact of the institute, particularly under assessments of the Good governance framework and the Education policy implementation framework. This research recommends DHET uphold publishing annual reports to the functions and progress of the SAIVCET and SAIVCET Project, in order to enable public awareness and engagement on developments within higher education. Further, this research recommends a two-year progress review of the SAIVCET once it has been established. Further, this research study recommends coordinated efforts among various ministries, stakeholders, public and private sectors and higher education institutions, on the functions and resources for SAIVCET. Furthermore, this study recommends an institutional push for shifts in mind-sets, particularly among employers with bias when selecting candidates from higher education institutions and TVET colleges. Furthermore, this research recommends funding and resources, which are allocated without reservations, but for the sole purpose of advancing progress
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    Late payment mitigation mechanisms enacted by small construction businesses in the City of Johannesburg
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021-11) Radebe, Malewa; Sarakinsky, Ivor
    A late payment is one of the challenges that threaten the lifespan and existence of most of the Small Micro-Medium Enterprises (SMMEs). This study investigated the mechanisms which are devised by the construction SMMEs based in the Inner City of Johannesburg and doing business with the City of Johannesburg Municipality. A purposive sampling technique was utilized in selecting a sample of 20 SMMEs managers and owners from the target population. The semi-formal interviews were telephonically conducted to collect data. The study made significant findings as the collected data was analyzed. All the interviewed SMMEs indicated that they have and continue to face late payments when doing sub-contracting to the main contractors who get tenders from the clients (City of Johannesburg entities). To remain in business, the SMMEs implement various mechanisms which include making loans from the banks, friends, and loan sharks, making use of personal funds, credit facilities by the suppliers, and instructing lawyers to chase payments on behalf of the SMMEs. Most of the identified mechanisms are not sustainable, hence the research probed the SMMEs about their suggestions on resolving the late payment issue. Based on these recommendations, the study further made recommendations that will ensure that the challenge is dealt with, furthermore, how the effective mechanisms can be applied across the industry so that the construction SMMEs can run stable businesses that will grow and develop.
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    Research report amalgamation of umkhonto we sizwe combatants with the south african police service
    (University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Mokotedi, Prince Nkitsing; Nieuwkerk, Anthoni van
    Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) processes are usually implemented in post-conflict situations as part of broader Security Sector Reform. In South Africa, following the demise of the apartheid government, combatants of Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), the armed wing of the African National Congress (ANC), were amalgamated with the South African Police Service (SAPS) in 1995 as one of the key elements of the agreement for a new peaceful and democratic state. The SAPS was established in terms of the provisions of the interim Constitution of 1993, and was comprised of the former SAP, which had the largest number officers, and 10 former Bantustan police forces. There was an expectation that there will be tensions during the amalgamation of MK with SAPS because of the historical bitter enmity between the combatants of MK and the members of the former apartheid police forces. Members of MK were expected to adapt and adjust to a new environment which had command structures as well as organisational culture that was alien to theirs. This study investigated the acculturation strategies of the former combatants, and evinced that MK combatants had strong military identities and that police was resistan external factors. The study found that these cultural incompatibilities made it difficult for MK combatants to effectively amalgamate with SAPS.
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    Assessing the dpsa’s, and partners’, perspectives on digitalisation for improving efficiencies in the south african public sector
    (University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Lukhele, Nompumelelo; Chikane, Rekgotsofetse
    The purpose of this research was to explore the perspectives of public sector officials placed in the e-Government Services and Information Management unit of the DPSA, and partners, who are responsible for coordinating and drafting the Digital Government Policy Framework, on the implementation of digitalisation in the context of improving public sector efficiencies. This was justified as important because, the attitudes and perceptions of policy developers about digitalisation will influence the directionality of policies they develop on the implementation of digitalisation or the digital transformation agenda more broadly. The research primarily questioned what the perspectives of these officials are on the implementation of digitalisation in the context of improving public sector efficiencies in South Africa. The study adopted qualitative research methods. Semi-structured interviews and case studies were adopted to respond to the research questions. The main findings were that there is a need for government to strengthen the legitimacy of government digital transformation through releasing decisive political will; there is a need for elevation of the position of the Chief Information Officer in government departments; and lastly there is a need for the establishment of a central agency that will guide transformation of public service administration to perform important functions required to successfully transition to a digital government. The study concludes by emphasising the risks at local, regional, and international levels that the South African government faces if the urgency to act is undermined
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    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.
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    Inequality of opportunity in South Africa
    (2023) Booysen, Andrid Angelique
    Recent studies conducted in South Africa and other developing countries show that measuring the “unfair inequalities” in society (such as with income) that have an effect on one’s abilities to achieve certain outcomes, can assist in better understanding total inequality. Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) is the government agency that is responsible for measuring and reporting inequality in the country. The purpose of this research is to contribute in providing an alternative view on how Stats SA can measure and report inequality in South Africa. The study adopts the ex-ante view when measuring inequality of opportunity. Data used for the study was sourced from the Living Conditions Survey (LCS). The variables used in the study were divided into outcome, circumstance and effort. The outcome or dependent variable used for this research was individual income annualised and adjusted for inflation. Results from the study show that individual employment status, individual years of schooling, race, parental educational level and employment status, sex of individual at birth and place of residence had the biggest effect on individual income in South Africa