Wits School of Governance (ETDs)
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Item Different forms of government regimes and covid-19 outcomes in Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Masiya, Ulemu Vanessa; Olukoshi, AdebayoThis study examines extent to which the government regime types contributed to explaining the low COVID 19 mortality and infection cases in Africa. The study analyses panel data from 54 countries in Africa across a 2-year period from January 2020 to December 2021. The following factors of demography, GDP per Capital, health expenditure, and government effectiveness were included as control variables in the models. The results of the panel regression analysis indicated that while authoritarian and partially democratic regimes were positively associated with a surge in COVID-19 cases and fatalities compared to fully democratic countries in Africa, the association lacked statistical significance. In contrast, government effectiveness and health expenditure were observed to be negatively associated with reduced COVID 19 mortality and infection rates at the 5 percent significance level. Hence, this result emphasized the role of good governance and increased health spending in managing the pandemic’s mortality and infection rates across the different types of government regimes in Africa.Item Policy challenges affecting the electric vehicle manufacturing sector in South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mateko, Freeman Munisi; Cairns, MurrayThe evolution of technology has brought many changes to the automotive sector on a global scale. Different economies in the Global South and Global North are making strides to adopt modern technology, such as electric vehicles, which are more efficient than internal combustion engine vehicles. Electric vehicles have zero emission levels and this is crucial for supporting climate change action. Economies that have adopted electric vehicles succeeded due to robust policies and financial incentives for car manufacturers, among other factors. The aim of this research was to explore the extent to which the policy environment facilitates for increased adoption and manufacturing of electric vehicles (EVs) in South Africa. This research is in line with various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It supports SDG 7 by encouraging the use of electric vehicles for cleaner energy, as well as SDG 9 by advocating for automotive sector innovation and infrastructural development. Furthermore, the emphasis on lowering emissions coincides with SDGs 11 and 13 by promoting sustainable urban environments and climate action. In terms of the research methodology, the study was based on qualitative research techniques. Interviews and literature review were used for data collection. Six policy documents were analyzed in this study. The target population for the study were the stakeholders in the South African car manufacturing sector. Purposive sampling was used to select a total of ten participants for the study. Data was analyzed through content and thematic analysis techniques. The results of primary study demonstrated how ambiguous South Africa's current electric vehicle policy environment is. Additionally, it was determined that some factors must be considered to guarantee a seamless switch to electromobility. Developing and executing electric vehicle policies, maintaining a steady supply of energy, lowering import taxes on EV parts, skill development, providing purchase subsidies, and providing production and technological incentives are a few of these elements. In terms of policy recommendations, it was suggested that there is need for timeous implementation of electric vehicles policy, producing battery electric vehicles, promoting research and development on electric vehicles and there is need for increased government support towards car manufacturers in South AfricaItem Policy-making and institutional crisis: Formalizing artisanal gold mining in Zimbabwe from 2005 to 2017(Policy-making and institutional crisis: Formalizing artisanal gold mining in Zimbabwe from 2005 to 2017, 2024) Mukonoweshuro, Tonderai Fadzai; https://orcid.org/ 0009-0000-6395-4758Artisanal gold mining is a crucial economic activity in Zimbabwe that gained prominence in the post-2000 period when there was a defined shifting interest from agricultural activity by many people to artisanal gold mining, with over a million people engaged in the sector. Artisanal gold mining became a part of a large and complex informal economy, with the potential to address some of the economic challenges by providing the much-needed foreign currency for the ailing economy. However, like most countries, Zimbabwe struggled to regulate the sector to make it more efficient, economical, safe and environmentally friendly. Much existing research seems to suggest that policy on artisanal mining, while being a function of the state, is an instrument or arena of contestation among powerful groups within the state and society. Thus, the study answers the question, “In what ways did politics, power and institutional dynamics influence policy trajectories on artisanal gold mining in Zimbabwe between 2005 and 2017?” It further investigated the complex reality of politics and policymaking for informal (artisanal) gold mining in Zimbabwe, seeking to dissect underlying politics, power and institutional dynamics and how these influenced policy trajectories in this growing informal gold mining sector between 2005 and 2017. Through a case study approach, I collected qualitative data through in-depth individual interviews with key informants both nationally and at two mining sites in the District of Chegutu, in Mashonaland, Zimbabwe. By situating the study's findings within theories of informal economies, institutionalism, street-level bureaucracy and human securities, this thesis contributes to the consequences of informality as they relate to production and the miners 6 wellbeing and policy development for ASM. The other is the complex and non-linear reality of politics and policy-making concerning ASM and law enforcement agencies. The local case study demonstrates the struggles between networked actors in amplifying how informal gold mining policy has evolved and the particular effects on policy outcomes for informal gold mining in Zimbabwe. The study concluded that although politics had a bearing on the continued informalisation of ASM during the crisis period, the state actors occupying critical positions in shadow networks drove policy to maximize self-interest. At a local level, policy implementation met the agency of transitional actors, including small-scale artisanal miners, gold dealers, and traders. These networked actors also operated within their own unwritten rules and shaped their policies as they extracted or traded the gold. Therefore, a policy framework for formalizing ASM must be based on enforceable legal systems that provide accountability, transparency, and human rights.Item Using Complexity to Unlock Emergent-Decolonial Development(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Chikane, RekgotsofetseThis thesis argues the need for a theoretical and philosophical understanding of emergent-decolonial development within development studies and decolonial thinking to formulate the notion of decolonisation within both fields as an ongoing developmental practice. As both a theoretical and philosophical framework, emergent-decolonial development functions as an economic, policy and philosophical analytic exercise to unravel the complex nature of the entanglement of political and economic notions of decolonisation that create an epistemological quagmire within developmental discourse, currently understood as coloniality. This quagmire is the result of the continued use of the dialectical relationship between the ideal and the non-ideal in the framing of development and decolonial thinking that has resulted in development viewing the idea of decolonisation as only the process of self-determination and limiting decolonial thinking to focusing on the epistemological and ontological expression of peripheral voices. This limitation allows for an understanding of coloniality and colonialism but denies researchers the ability to tackle both through continuous public policy interventions. The thesis argues the importance of untangling this relationship in a manner that would allow for the emergence of a new humanism in a manner that is replicable through policy interventions which would challenge the emergent nature of modernity/coloniality. In order to achieve the above, the thesis utilised a combination of two methodologies: an integrative literature review and a documentary analysis. The integrative literature review critically appraises the core theories of development, decolonial thinking and complexity to form the theoretical and philosophical framing of emergent-decolonial development. Thereafter, through the use of both thematic and content analysis of four liberatory texts from India, Tanzania, South Africa and Ecuador, respectively, the results were utilised to augment the framework where necessary. The results of the thesis indicate that the limitations of both development and decolonial studies inhibit decolonisation from being explored as an ongoing process meant to counteract coloniality and instead view coloniality as an emergent property of modernist approaches to development and decolonial thinking. Furthermore, the thesis found that development and decoloniality can be retooled through complexity science as emergent properties within complex adaptive systems that directly contend with the influence of coloniality. The colonial situation experienced by ‘the wretch’ has created an exceedingly complex and nuanced understanding of the coloniser and the colonised in the 21st century. As a result, the need to devise an approach to understanding decolonisation in this new world has become increasingly important. This framework provides the means to begin the resurgence of decolonisation and decolonial thought as an active public policy tool that others can adoptItem Support structures in the career progression of women in mining at Amandelbult Mine(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Singo, Tshifhiwa Peter; Ndhlovu, Hlengiwe; Ngcobozi, LihlePost 1994, South Africa introduced several policies and practices to accommodate inclusion & diversity and measures to address inequalities in the Mining industry. In addition, these policies advocated for the opening of the mining sector to previously disadvantaged South Africans which include women as the strategic pillar of economic empowerment policy. Although this policy had good intensions, integrating women into such a traditional male-dominated industry presented various challenges, including lack of career progression, especially for women. The main objective of this study is to analyse existing support structures beyond policy that Amandelbult mine is using to ensure career progression for women in mining at its operations. The researcher adopted thematic analysis and employed a computer assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS). For this study, NVivo 12 Plus was employed to qualitatively analyse and code all the in-depth data from the eleven participants “Amandelbult Leadership Team - ALT” who took part in the study. The study revealed that women face six (6) salient barriers that impede their career progression in the mining industry. These are (i) the lack of experience in technical roles that endow them with the requisite core competences to progress up the leadership ladder, (ii) the masculinised nature of the mining industry, (iii) stereotyping (iv) life-work balance, (v) the glass ceiling and (vi) nepotism. Finally, the findings also corroborate extensive research that reveals that more women are in junior, administrative and support roles. On the other hand, a small number of women have progressed to senior, mid- senior, and executive level. This suggests that despite some policies, mechanisms and programmes in place, more work still needs to be done to ensure that the mechanisms and policies translate into tangible outcomes where we see more women in senior leadership positions in the nearest future.Item Limitations of the Integrated Development Plan as a public participation tool in decision making in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Ramone, Tebogo Sarah; Setlhalogile, MatlalaThis study examines the limitations of the Integrated Development Plan as a tool for public engagement in decision-making within the context of the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality. The study is grounded in the People Centred Development Theory, which emphasizes the participation of all stakeholders in the development process. The study employs a case study research design and qualitative methodology, with data gathered through interviews and document analysis. The findings reveal that the IDP plays a significant role in facilitating service delivery within the municipality. It serves as a guideline for identifying needs, setting priorities, and implementing strategies to enhance service provision. The IDP also fosters stakeholder participation and enables continuous reporting, thereby promoting inclusive development. However, several limitations in the IDP process were identified. Public participation was inconsistent, with meetings often held during working hours, excluding many community members. This lack of inclusivity resulted in the underrepresentation of diverse perspectives in decision-making. Moreover, certain critical sector departments did not participate, hindering integrated development goals. Communication and induction processes were also lacking, with stakeholders and communities not effectively engaged or informed. Beyond the planning aspect, the study also identified challenges in the implementation of the IDP. These challenges ranged from limited funding, lack of skilled personnel, limited community interest, duplication of processes and projects, and a lack of political will and effective leadership. The inadequate resource allocation led some projects being unimplemented. To address the limitations identified, the study recommends comprehensive awareness campaigns to educate the public about the IDP, increased accessibility through multiple languages and digital platforms, and the use of diverse engagement methods. It also suggests aligning municipal objectives with the IDP, utilizing the Ward Development Plan, conducting IDP Representative Forum meetings, improving communication and recruitment practices, effectively utilizing scarce resources, and increasing the tenure of the IDP.Item Factors Influencing the Performance of Power Africa Donor-Driven Monitoring and Evaluation System In South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Muvhuti, BlessingEffective monitoring and evaluation (M&E) are essential to the success of any project. Although there is no evidence suggesting donor-supported projects did not exist before 1994, there was a significant increase in donor projects after that year. This led to the creation of the South African Monitoring and Evaluation Association (SAMEA), which aims to bridge the competence gap by providing a platform where M&E is considered a profession (SAMEA, 2022). Despite implementing M&E systems, little is written about the factors that affect their performance. A 2012 McKinsey survey found that donor- funded projects had a low M&E performance success rate of 36%. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the factors that influence the performance of the Driven (Power Africa) M&E system in South Africa. This study examines the impact of technology, human capital, data quality, and stakeholder participation on the system's performance. A quantitative research strategy was used, and a self-administered questionnaire was developed, tested, validated, and shared online through Google Forms to 203 selected participants who received direct emails with guidance on how to complete the questionnaire and how we obtained the sample size. The findings revealed that the majority (90%) of participants agreed that the evolution of technology, data quality, human capacity, and stakeholders all have a positive relationship with the performance of donor-driven monitoring and evaluation systems. Theoretical arguments from this study suggest that technology, human capital, stakeholders, involvement, and data quality positively impact the performance of an M&E system within the NGO sectorItem Investigation of the Adoption and Implementation of the e-Education Policy in the Gauteng Provincial Government(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Mulaudzi, Rofhiwa; Karuri-Sebina, GeciSeveral studies have shown that school leadership plays an important role in the implementation and adoption of ICT policies in schools by creating and aligning the school vision with the policy objectives and leading change in the school. In South Africa, and Gauteng in particular, it has been found that ICT plays an important role in improving learner performance and enhancing changes in the methods of teaching and learning. It has also been evident that school leaders face different challenges during the implementation and adoption of ICT policies, such as lack of resources, bureaucracy, and resistance from the staff. The purpose of this study is therefore to investigate the adoption and implementation of the White Paper on e-Education policy in the context of teaching and learning. A qualitative approach, and in particular, the phenomenology qualitative research design, was used in this study in order to investigate the experiences of school leaders in relation to the adoption and implementation of the White Paper on e-Education within secondary schools in Gauteng province. Twenty-one school leaders were selected through convenience and purposeful non-probability sampling and requested to participate in the study. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews and analysed using the qualitative content analysis method. The following themes emerged from the study: a) participants' knowledge and understanding of the e-Education policy and application of the framework in achieving the policy goals; b) roles of participants in implementing and adopting the policy; c) school leaders’ attitude towards the policy; d) challenges faced by school leaders. The findings revealed that leaders are responsible for creating and aligning the vision of the school with policy objectives and also leading change in schools. The findings further suggested that school leaders have a common understanding of the policy and their roles in implementing and adopting it; however, they are poorly equipped for the task of implementing and adopting national policies. The study concluded by making recommendations including consideration being given to including school leadership in policy formulation processes and other stages of policy formulation and implementation in order to improve their knowledge and understandingItem Evaluation of factors that hinder the implementation and effectiveness of e-education in Mpumalanga(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Mnisi, AnitaIn South Africa, the concept of e-Education revolves around the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to accelerate the achievement of national education goals. The concept of e-Education is about connecting learners and teachers, as well as providing professional support services and learning platforms. It will connect learners and teachers to better information, ideas, and one another in support of educational reform by combining effective pedagogy and technology. It advocates for broader systemic, pedagogical, curricular, and assessment reforms to improve education and the use of educational resources like ICT, which aligns it to the communications definition, which defines e-Learning as "learning administered through the use of electronic devices and materials that includes collaboration, such as online interactions between the teacher and the learners or amongst learners. Incorporating technology into learning and teaching activities requires the use of information and communication technologies. Which allows for learning to take place either remotely or online with the assistance of technological tools. ICTs include, but are not limited to, hardware and computer programs (software) for storing, accessing, organising, and retrieving information, computers, scanners, digital cameras and database programmes according to the e-Education policy. The goal of the e-Education policy was to increase access to high-quality education in order to advance society and the economy, while also addressing issues caused by the ICT revolution in education, which has an impact on curriculum development issues such as participation in the information society. It affects the integration of ICT into learning and teaching, as well as access, costs, and educational quality. It is just as important to ensure that learners can use ICTs creatively and actively participate in the information society as it is to bridge the digital divide by looking beyond connectivity and infrastructure. The difficulties in implementing e-Learning in South Africa and Africa are attributed to a lack of appropriate infrastructure, stable connectivity, and skills, which led to the closure of schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. In other nations, e-Learning succeeded as a substitute for conventional instruction, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when education was carried out through online platforms. Governments v across the world have put policy plans in place with regards to the implementation of e- Learning and plans on how to successfully achieve the goals set out in the policies. The purpose of this study was to identify barriers to effective e-Education implementation at the district level. The study investigated the difficulties associated with integrating ICTs into teaching and learning activities at the district level, including whether there is access to technological devices, connectivity, infrastructure, skills, and the necessary district support to implement the e-Education Policy. The study also assessed why teachers do not use ICTs in the classroom despite the fact that the Professional Development Framework for Digital Learning and Guidelines for Teacher Training and Professional Development are in place to equip them and provide guidelines for their development, particularly in terms of ICT integration. Mixed methods were used to collect and analyse data in order to gain a better understanding of why ICTs have not been fully integrated, with the goal of gaining more knowledge and sharing that knowledge in order to improve understanding of the challenges associated with ICT integration in rural schools. The findings of the study confirmed that the lack of access to ICT tools, internet connectivity, skills and ICT infrastructure hinders the implementation of the e-Education policy. Provision of ICT systems and capable teachers enhances the integration of ICT systems into teaching and learning. As the results show that teachers are willing to use ICTs even though they generally prefer traditional methods, they would use ICTs together with traditional methods if they were available. This would ultimately result in a blended learning approach which is good for transitioning into e-Learning from the classroom. The findings confirmed that teachers require training in order to integrate ICTs into teaching and learning activities, and they also highlight the government support that is required to achieve this. This would allow the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to meet its goal of having ICT-capable learners who can use technology for personal development and eventually become participants in the information society, and thus use e-government systems. It would also enable the DBE to close the digital divide.Item Investigating the adoption and usage of the social relief of distress (SRD) grant: a case study of the orange farm community(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Mbiti, Mary; Chikane, RekgotsofetseThe aim of the study was to understand the adoption rate of the SRD grant received by members of Orange Farm. Several studies about the effectiveness of some of the pre-SRD social protection grants were published (Gutura & Tanga, 2017; Waidler & Devereux, 2019). Such studies are important as they provide an idea of the usefulness of pre-existing grants to beneficiaries, which can be compared to the SRD grant. The research gap on the users’ end of the new R 350 SRD grant particularly in targeted poor communities like Orange Farm, has huge negative impacts on the government's policies regarding vulnerable groups and the social protection programmes meant to ameliorate their sufferings. This study adopted the Human Rights Framework for social protection. This study used a qualitative exploratory case study approach. The study was conducted in the Orange Farm community. Furthermore, the study used a purposive sampling method to collect data from the primary source. The primary source of data was in the form of semi-structured interviews. This study found that the 350 grant beneficiaries in Orange Farm have faced challenges with this grant, but they favour the grant to be further extended and increased as it has helped them. The beneficiaries mostly use their grant on basic needs like food and toiletries. The participants expressed that they really needed food parcels, but they were deprived of getting them. Participants also revealed that they need jobs and are interested in starting businesses, but the main problem is access to funding