Research Outputs
Permanent URI for this communityhttps://hdl.handle.net/10539/37787
Browse
19 results
Search Results
Item The policy we want: An economic policy for informal traders in South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand (Southern Centre for Inequality Studies), 2025-04-04) Siphelele Ngidi; David FrancisIn 2024, SCIS, in partnership with WIEGO (Women in Informal Employment: Globalising and Organising), embarked on a research and policy project to develop an economic policy for informal traders in South Africa. The project gathered insights from individuals actively working in the sector, offering valuable perspectives for policymakers and stakeholders seeking to improve the conditions of informal traders and strengthen the informal trading economy. Based on these findings, we identified actionable policy recommendations to help create a more conducive environment for informal trading. The results are presented in a policy brief structured around eight key pillars, titled “The Economic Policy We Want.”Item Alcohol industry involvement in the delayed South Africa Draft Liquor Amendment Bill 2016: a case study based on freedom of information requests(BioMed Central, 2025-03) Goldstein, Susan; Mitchell, Gemma; Siwela, Pfumelani; Diedericks, Aadielah MakerBackground South Africa is reported to have one of the highest per capita rates of alcohol consumption among drinkers globally, with alcohol harms exacerbating socio-economic inequalities in the country. The Draft Liquor Amendment Bill 2016 proposed new restrictions on alcohol advertising, availability, and liability of retailers and manufacturers for harm related to any contravention of the regulations. To date, the Bill has not progressed through the legislative process. The alcohol industry is known to use a diverse set of strategies to delay evidence-based policies globally. Methods We aimed to explore Bill-related activity by industry within the National Economic and Development Labour Council, a multi-stakeholder forum that assesses socio-economic policies before they reach parliament. On 06 July 2023 we made a Request for Access to Record, using form two of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA), no. 2 of 2000 to the National Economic and Development Labour Council for access to minutes of all meetings, reports, and any other publications related to the Bill between January 2016 and December 2022. Informed by Ulucanlar et al’s (2023) model and taxonomies of corporate political activity, we extracted data on industry Bill-related activity and thematically analysed key events, presented here as a narrative synthesis. Results We identified activity by 14 alcohol industry organisations related to the Bill between 2016 and 2022. Industry representation on five National Economic and Development Labour Council-related committees identified between 2017 and 2021 facilitated their involvement in Bill-related discussions and supported access to other government departments. Community representation was low in all committees compared to industry, labour, and government. Industry funded two socio-economic assessments of the Bill in 2017 and 2022, despite an independent socio-economic impact assessment having already been completed. The 2017 report delayed progress of the Bill, and the 2022 ‘re-evaluation’ was more critical of the proposed measures, with the differing conclusions attributed to different methodologies. During the covid-19 pandemic, industry used a ‘carrot and stick’ approach of legal threats and donations to attempt to move towards self-regulation via a social compact. The National Economic and Development Labour Council confirmed in 2023 that the social compact was unsuccessful. Conclusions Early ‘regulatory capture’ gave the alcohol industry the opportunity to shape assessment of the Bill within the National Economic and Development Labour Council. Our findings are in line with previous studies on corporate influence on policy globally, and support calls for a reassessment of the role and proportion of industry representation within the National Economic and Development Labour Council locally.Item Trends in national and ethnic burden of ovarian cancer mortality in South Africa (1999–2018): a population based, age-period-cohort and join point regression analyses(BioMed Central, 2025-03) Olorunfemi, Gbenga; Libhaber, Elena; Musenge, Eustasius; Ezechi, Oliver C.Ovarian cancer is the most lethal and third leading cause of gynaecological cancers globally and in South Africa (SA). However, its current mortality trends have not been evaluated in most sub-Saharan African Countries including South Africa that is currently undergoing epidemiological and health transitions. We evaluate the trends in the ovarian cancer mortality rates in SA over 20 years (1999–2018). Methods: Crude (CMR) and age standardised mortality rates (ASMR) of ovarian cancer was calculated based on national mortality data of South Africa. The overall and ethnic trends of ovarian cancer mortality among women aged 15 years and older from 1999 to 2018 was assessed using the Join point regression model, while Age-period-cohort regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the underlying impact of age, period and cohort on ovarian cancer mortality. Results: In all, 12,721 ovarian cancer deaths were reported in South Africa from 1999 to 2018 and the mortality rates increased from 2.34 to 3.21 per 100,00 women at 1.8% per annum. In 2018, the overall mean age at ovarian cancer death in South Africa was 62.30±14.96 years while the mean age at death among Black women (58.07±15.56 years), was about 11 years earlier than among White women (69.48±11.71 years). In 2018, the White ethnic group (4.93 deaths per 100,000 women) had about doubled the ovarian cancer ASMR for the non-Whites (Indian/Asians, 2.92/100,000 women, mixed race, 2.49/100,000 women and Black women (2.36/ 100,000 women). All the ethnic groups had increased ASMR with Black women (Average annual percent change, [AAPC]: 4.7%, P-value<0.001) and Indian/Asian women (AAPC: 2.5%, P-value<0.001) having the highest rise. Cohort mortality risk ratio of ovarian cancer increased with successive birth cohort from 0.35 among 1924–1928 birth cohorts to 3.04 among 1999–2003 cohort and the period mortality risk increased by about 13% and 7.5% from 1999 to 2003 to 2004–2008 (RR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.80–0.94), and from 2004 to 2008 to 2009–2013 (RR: 1.075, 95% CI:1.004–1.152) respectively. The longitudinal age analysis revealed that ovarian cancer increased with age, but there was an exponential increase from 55 years. Conclusions: Our study showed that there was increasing trends in ovarian cancer mortality among all the South African ethnic groups, driven partly by increasing cohort and period mortality risks. We therefore highlight the huge burden of ovarian cancer in SA and the need for targeted intervention. Public health interventions geared towards reducing ovarian cancer mortality should be instituted and ethnic disparity should be incorporated in the cancer control policyItem Budget 2025 Preview: Pressures and tensions along the austerity road to fiscal sustainability(Southern Centre for Inequality Studies, 2025-02) Sachs, Michael; Amra, Rashaad; Madonko, Thokozile; Willcox, OwenThis policy brief, ahead of the tabling of the 2025 Budget Review, considers the policy context and the fiscal and economic environment in which the Budget will be tabled. It considers the merits, limitations, and likely consequences of the government’s approach to budget policy over the medium term, as contained in the 2024 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS), which redoubled efforts to consolidate public finances while attempting to promote capital spending. Since the MTBPS, several material expenditure pressures have emerged, some of which were flagged in the Public Economy Project’s (PEP) 2024 MTBPS analysis, and the economic outlook has been revised. Based on this, the Public Economy Project’s revised outlook for public finance finds that the government’s ambitious plan to stabilise debt over the medium term is unlikely to be realised.Item A panoptic view of the South African wealth tax(AOSIS, 2025-01) Ram, Asheer JaywantBackground: Wealth taxes are a topic of intense debate, with most countries having either abolished them or considered, but not implemented such measures. The South African government is contemplating the introduction of a wealth tax, purportedly to enhance revenue collection. Aim: This article examines whether the proposed South African wealth tax functions as a government panopticon, offering an alternative explanation for its introduction. It also considers the government’s transparency regarding the potential wealth tax. Setting: This article examined the opinions of tax experts in South Africa. Method: An interpretive approach is adopted. The traits of the wealth tax and the themes of the panopticon are identified and used as the row and column headings in a correspondence table, which serves as the research instrument distributed to tax experts. The tax experts indicate any associations between the themes of the panopticon and the traits of the wealth tax. Forty aggregated responses are subjected to correspondence analysis. Results: The potential wealth tax functions as a panopticon. It identifies and reveals relevant tax information about high-wealth individuals, appearing to coerce their compliance. Conclusion: There is credence to the alternate rationale for introducing a wealth tax in South Africa. Contribution: This is one of the first articles to apply the panopticon, a novel theoretical framework, in a tax context in South Africa. The findings are relevant to the exploration of similar taxes in other jurisdictions and provide a means for the critical evaluation of the motives behind tax policy decisions made by governments.Item Feeding children with autism in South Africa: the teachers’ perspectives(AOSIS Publishing, 2024-02) Adams, Skye N.; Matsimela, NthabisengBackground: Over 80% of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (autism) exhibit disruptive behaviours during mealtimes, highlighting the need for personalised care. In South Africa, teachers often take on the responsibility of feeding due to resource constraints and the time children spend at school. Moreover, children with autism have unique and individualised feeding requirements, which many teachers may not have the necessary training or skills to address adequately. Objectives: To explore the ways in which teachers of autistic children manage feeding difficulties in the classroom. Method: A qualitative research design was employed using semi-structured interviews. Eight teachers were interviewed on feeding autistic children between the ages of 3 years - 9 years in Johannesburg, South Africa. Data were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Results: The findings revealed that teachers encountered distinct challenges when it came to feeding autistic children in the classroom, particularly concerning the management of associated feeding difficulties. Teachers employed several strategies to encourage eating in the classroom setting including: (1) bolus modification, (2) behaviour modelling, (3) positive reinforcement and (4) offering choices and alternatives. Conclusion: The study concludes the need for specialised support and training for teachers to address the individualised feeding needs of children with autism. Implementing targeted interventions and providing resources for teachers could enhance their abilities to effectively support children with autism during mealtimes and promote a more inclusive classroom environment. Contribution: This study highlighted the importance of including the teacher in the multidisciplinary team when managing the feeding challenges in children with autism.Item Comparing occupant satisfaction in Green versus Conventional Residential Real Estate in South Africa(Proceedings of the AfRES 2024 Conference, 2024-09) Masotya, Adam; Simbanegavi, Prisca; Weaich, Malcolm; Adewunmi, Yewande; Ndlovu, Pride; Gethe, FarananiThis study compares occupant satisfaction in green versus conventional residential real estate in South Africa. It investigates the benefits and satisfaction levels related to green developments, particularly in terms of energy savings and socio-economic Impacts. The research aimed to determine if there is a significant difference in occupant satisfaction between green and conventional residential developments. A quantitative approach was employed, utilizing stratified random sampling to survey 160 occupants from two developments: Crossberry Central (green) and Little Manhattan (conventional). Data was analysed using the Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon W tests due to non- normal data distribution. The findings indicate that occupants of green developments report significantly higher satisfaction levels. Key areas of satisfaction include air quality, utility savings, and environmental benefits. Green developments demonstrate higher levels of satisfaction regarding reduced utility bills, improved indoor air quality, and contributions to environmental conservation. The study concludes that green residential developments significantly enhance occupant satisfaction compared to conventional housing. This suggests a socio-cultural shift towards valuing sustainable living environments, emphasising the importance of promoting green building practices to improve both environmental and occupant well-being.Item Life became harder with COVID19 exploring the experiences of the COVID19 pandemic among youth living in eThekwini district South Africa(Biomed Central , 2024- 07) Closson, K.; Dong, E.; Zulu, Bongiwe; Dietrich, Janan; Zharima, Campion; Jesson, J.; Pakhomova, T.; Beksinska, Malgorzata; Kaida, A.Background: In South Africa, pervasive age and gender inequities have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and public health response. We aimed to explore experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic among youth in eThekwini district, South Africa. Methods: Between December 2021-May 2022 we explored experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth aged 16–24 residing in eThekwini, South Africa. We collated responses to the open-ended question “Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected you in any other way you want to tell us about?” in an online survey focused on understanding the pandemic’s multi-levelled health and social effects. We used a thematic analysis to summarise the responses. Results: Of 2,068 respondents, 256 (12.4%, median age = 22, 60.9% women) completed the open-ended survey question (11% in isiZulu). Results were organized into three main themes encompassing (1) COVID-19-related loss, fear, grief, and exacerbated mental and physical health concerns; (2) COVID-19-related intensified hardships, which contributed to financial, employment, food, education, and relationship insecurities for individuals and households; and (3) positive effects of the pandemic response, including the benefits of government policies and silver linings to government restrictions. Conclusions: We found that South African youth experienced significant grief and multiple losses (e.g., death, income, job, and educational) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Trauma-aware interventions that provide economic and educational opportunities must be included in post-COVID recovery efforts.Item Key barriers to green building implementation in South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-07) Mompati, Lerato; Mandlate, Mike; Kabini, Karabo; Nomvalo, Usiphe; Laryea, Samuel; Li, Baizhan; Essah, Emmanuel Adu; Mensah, Sarfo; Liu, Hong; Yao, RunmingDue to climate change, South Africa is faced with economic and health challenges. Adopting green building technologies reduces the amount of energy usage, however the implementation of green building in South Africa has been slow. This research aimed to identify the barriers on the implementation of green building and the methods that can be adopted to enhance the growth of green building in South Africa. A qualitative research method was be adopted. The open-ended interviews were conducted with built environment professionals. The main barriers of green building implementation are: initial high cost, lack of awareness, lack of incentives, and resistance to change. Recommendations to enhance the growth of green building practices in South Africa include: updating building codes, expanding training programs, fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, offering financial incentives, promoting the re-purposing of existing structures, and using performance-based contracts. The paper has highlighted the key barriers of green building implementation in South Africa and developed a database of the relevant studies which can further guide future researchers, stakeholders and policymakers in this area.Item Evaluating the new universities project outcomes using the PMBOK project performance domains(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-07) Mosalaesi, Tsholofelo; Laryea, Samuel; Laryea, Samuel; Li, Baizhan; Essah, Emmanuel Adu; Mensah, Sarfo; Liu, Hong; Yao, RunmingThe Project Management Institute (2021) PMBOK Guide seventh edition presents eight essential domains or activities that are crucial to ensure the success of a project. PMI (2021) defines these Project Performance Domains as a group of related activities that are critical for the effective delivery of project outcomes. The PMI’s new focus on performance and project outcomes marks a significant shift away from traditional project management tools and techniques. This paper uses the eight PPDs as a framework to determine the critical factors that enabled the success of the new universities project based on the eight domains. A completed project with comprehensive data was used for the analysis. Hence, data from the project close out report was analysed using the thematic analysis method to identify the key project performance practices that were formulated and implemented to successfully achieve the intended outcomes. The key success factors identified relate to the role of the client as a leader, stakeholder’s productive working relationship and the delivery of the project within 1% of the control budget. There may be a common assumption that all clients may employ project managers who may possess the skills to execute these critical functions successfully. However, this is not always the case on all projects, and there is also varying degrees of competency among project managers. Therefore, clients should ensure that those playing leadership roles in their projects are well equipped to perform these critical functions successfully as a condition to achieve better infrastructure project outcomes.