Wits Business School (ETDs)

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    Policy enablers and perceived impediments of rooftop solar photovoltaic projects in Gauteng, South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Munemo, Pride Takudzwa; Ngubevana, Lwazi
    The issue of climate change has necessitated that many countries shift to greener and more sustainable energy sources. South Africa’s plans to encourage the generation of power from solar energy is a positive move in decarbonising the country’s economy. The National Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) intends to, among others, contribute to this shift and transition in power generation technologies. Despite being one of the two provinces in South Africa with the highest solar PV potential that may aid the penetration of rooftop solar PV (RSPV), the Gauteng province’s roll-out of such projects is perceived to be slower than anticipated. This research sought to study the perceived impediments that are hindering the growth of RSPV in the Gauteng province, reveal their impact in this sector, and explore the enablers for the diffusion of RSPV evolution. The Diffusion of Innovation theory forms the foundation for this study. The research investigated perceived policy impediments and enablers and suggested some policy measures to address these cross-cutting issues and contribute to the academic body of knowledge. The research approach was quantitative, and descriptive in nature, and information was obtained using a questionnaire that was administered via Survey Monkey. Data was gathered by integrating perspectives from key rooftop solar industry experts from energy service companies and regulatory sector officials. The study administered questions to participants in key energy leadership positions in the rooftop solar industry in the Gauteng province to understand perceived barriers and policy enablers. This research paper may assist academics, energy practitioners, and regulators in focusing their future efforts on the adoption of rooftop solar technologies in the Gauteng province. Furthermore, it may help in developing a framework for policies and strategies to increase the uptake of rooftop solar in South Africa.
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    Exploring the potential of 5G to bridge the digital divide in South Africa
    (University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Dumako, Sebongile; Patel, Mr Ashraf
    5G adoption is expected to boost job growth and income, and reduce costs, contributing to the South African National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 goal of a connected society, especially in underserved areas, and improving affordability and broadband infrastructure accessibility. This research study sets out to explore the potential of 5G in bridging the digital divide in South Africa. The researcher undertook a qualitative study through semi-structured interviews of industry experts using an interview guide as the research instrument. The sample was made up of a qualitative study of the perceptions of 14 participants from the telecommunications sector, a research council, the government, and SMEs, with first-hand experience in 5G deployment and manufacturing of 5G equipment. The themes that emerged during the process of data analysis were derived using a thematic analysis. The study findings revealed that South Africa to is ready to adopt 5G technology and confirmed 5G technology's potential to transform South African lives, businesses, and industries through Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Massive Machine-Type Communications (mMTC), and Ultra-Reliable and Low Latency Communications (uRLLC) use cases, thus aligning with the International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) 2020 vision. 5G offers significant potential for improving service delivery in South Africa, enabling e-government, and saving time, money, and convenience in various sectors. However, 5G technology's potential to revolutionize life and work faces socioeconomic challenges and slow government implementation, hindering its potential to bridge the digital divide. Recommendations have been posited for each of the stakeholders involved in the 5G ecosystem in South Africa to help overcome the digital divide.