MBA & MM Theses

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    Challenges in the delivery of low-cost housing in Alexandra
    (2014-01-14) Phasha, Gloria Nomasotsha
    The Alexandra Renewal Project (ARP) is finding it difficult to cope with the persistent housing backlog in Alexandra Township, despite the considerable efforts made to respond to the housing challenge through the Project’s initiatives. Although different researchers, for differing reasons, have conducted extensive research in Alexandra, there has been little focus on the aspects pertaining to the increasing demand for low-cost housing. Focus has been lacking, particularly on the different factors such as migration and urbanisation, which contribute to the continued upsurge in the demand for low-cost houses in Alexandra. The purpose of this research was to explore and understand the nature of the challenges experienced by the ARP in their delivery of low-cost housing in Alexandra. An emphasis was placed on those challenges resulting from an increased overall demand for low-cost housing, and both migration and urbanisation were used as the main parameters within which the study was contextualised. The research used the qualitative methodology approach and interviews as a means of collating in-depth information from various informants. The research shows that there is an increase in the overall demand for low-cost housing and this is one of the main reasons why the process of housing delivery in Alexandra has been challenging thus far. Many people from rural areas, other provinces around the country and from several other townships have migrated to Alexandra over the years and both migration and urbanisation have exacerbated the challenges. In light of this, the research recommends the need for all relevant stakeholders to develop a clear, concrete strategy that is aimed at addressing migration and urbanisation issues in the township in the future
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    Employment Opportunities through Information Sharing at Pennyville Mixed Income Development
    (2011-11-10) Mokoka, Pulane Zippora
    Housing is a pressing issue in South Africa, which is faced by many challenges that require government intervention. The goal of this paper is to examine the rationale for mixed income development in Pennyville as a strategy to confront urban poverty through information sharing, and further investigate how this sharing of information could lead to access to employment opportunities. The paper will provide a framework that delineates the levels and pathways through which mixed income development can improve the quality of life for the urban poor through information sharing or social networking. The research uses qualitative methodology to collect in-depth information from various informants. The research has shown that government has intervened in reducing poverty through mixed income development that is implemented under the BNG strategy but it will require more than mixed income development to improve the lives of the urban poor and reduce poverty. Factors like urban design and layout of the neighbourhood can also have an impact in changing the lives of the poor and improving social relations among the poor. A sustainable and integrated neighbourhood can also allow for social interaction among residents of different income levels
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    PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS IN THE PROVISION OF HOUSING IN GAUTENG
    (2011-11-10) Mazibuko, Hanson Mbuso
    PPPs have become increasingly used in the provision of goods and services historically considered the primary responsibility of the state because they are vital for human survival. These include goods and services such as housing, water and health services- all globally recognised as basic human rights. The introduction of PPPs has in many ways changed the role and character of the state for example from being the key provider of goods and services to that of regulator, a situation that may have ramifications for the protection and fulfilment of these and other basic human rights. Therefore, this study set out to investigate the implications of PPPs on the provision of housing as a human right and public good. Using two case studies in Gauteng, South Africa, and the study found that PPPs have both positives and negatives. Positives include effective mobilisation of scarce resources like land, expertise, funds and project management skills. However, due to the need by private partners to recover costs and earn profits this makes housing unaffordable for the poorest urban dwellers, thus perpetuating homelessness, poverty and marginalisation. Overall, this has a negative impact on poor people‟s right of access to adequate housing
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    Factors influencing the supply of Home Equity
    (2011-06-22) Stobie, Gareth
    Home Equity Release Products (“ERPs”) are innovative financial products that enable elderly, retired people to use their unencumbered houses as a source of income/funding whilst they continue to reside in them. ERPs are typically non-recourse loans and the client is not required to service the loan or to repay the capital. The loan and outstanding amounts are normally settled through the sale of the property, either on death or when the client voluntarily vacates. This research is an exploration of the demand and supply issues which affect the suppliers of ERPs (both internationally and locally). Interviews were held with established suppliers in the United Kingdom (where the market is more advanced) as well as with a handful of financial services companies in South Africa. The ERP industry has grown slowly over the last decade. Factors such as increased life expectancy, decreased savings rates and changing attitudes towards debt are just some of the driving forces of demand. However, the growth of the ERP industry has consistently fallen short of analysts’ predictions, highlighting some of the difficulties facing the market - not least of which, is to be accepted by both the market and government as a mainstream option for the elderly who are often asset-rich but income-poor. There are a number of impediments to market growth that are explored in detail within this research. In terms of the market for ERPs in South Africa, it was found that there should be demand for such products as South Africa is facing similar macro-trends as the United Kingdom and other developed economies. However, South African firms face unique challenges. It appears likely that demand would probably be limited, at this stage, to certain wealth groupings. The higher interest rate environment would also have to be carefully managed and would most likely result in lower loan to values (LTVs). Based on the findings of the interviews, a number of recommendations were made to the local firms
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    EXAMINATION OF THE
    (2011-06-08) Pillay, Shyma
    Gauteng Province faces tremendous challenges with regard to the delivery of housing in terms of both numbers and performance. The Gauteng housing shortfall is evident in sprawling informal settlements; an overcrowded inner city; and mushrooming backyard shacks in townships and suburbs. There is enormous pressure on the Gauteng Department of Housing (GDOH) to increase the number of houses being delivered if any significant impact is to be made by 2014. The purpose of this research is to examine the GDOH’s Monitoring and Evaluation Unit. One of the key objectives is to examine whether the Unit has the necessary capacity, skills and the knowledge to implement its mandate. Another objective is to analyse the extent to which the Unit conforms to established best practice. The main findings of the research are that the GDOH’s Monitoring and Evaluation Unit has significant gaps in its systems and practices. There is a notable absence of an integrated framework for M&E and the current data management system in the Unit is not clearly defined and managed. The staff who are in place are largely insufficiently capacitated to carry out M&E. These findings have impacted on the Unit fulfilling its mandate. It is recommended that a conceptual framework be developed which will spell out in detail how the M&E system will operate with regard to data management, planning, reporting and capacity-building and training. This will ensure that the Unit’s monitoring and evaluation is both focused and targeted
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    PERFORMANCE CONTRACTING IN
    (2011-05-05) Gaithi, Lucy Muthoni
    South Africa has since the end of apartheid struggled with the issue of poor public sector performance. Performance contracting for public servants, introduced to improve the public sector’s performance, has not borne much fruit. In this study, performance contracting refers to a framework that uses a form of ‘relational’ contract referred to as a performance agreement for performance management. This study sought to establish challenges in the implementation of performance contracting in the public sector. In addition, it sought to recommend interventions to improve implementation of performance contracting in the public sector. A qualitative research approach was used with Gauteng department of housing as a case study. The study focused on performance contracting for senior managers who are members of the senior management service The study established that although performance contracting has an important role to play in performance management, its implementation is hindered by several challenges. The complexity of performance agreements format templates; inadequate resources and managerial authority; political interference; inadequate leadership; inadequate personal training and development; systems and processes challenges; organization culture and a weak implementation strategy were identified as the main challenges in the implementation of performance contracting. The study recommends interventions to improve the implementation of performance contracting. These include: the development of a comprehensive implementation strategy that takes cognizance of the identified challenges and provision of adequate political and administrative leadership.