Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management (ETDs)

Permanent URI for this communityhttps://hdl.handle.net/10539/37778

For queries relating to content and technical issues, please contact IR specialists via this email address : openscholarship.library@wits.ac.za, Tel: 011 717 4652 or 011 717 1954

Browse

Start date: 2020End date: 2024Subject: search.filters.subject.UCTDSubject: search.filters.subject.SDG-7: Affordable and clean energySubject: search.filters.subject.South AfricaHas files: Yes

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 6 of 6
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Organisational Development Strategies to Mitigate Strike Action in Mining Companies in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Tanyanyiwa, Olivia Tashinga; Matshabaphala, Manamela; Nixon, Ochara
    This study delves into the challenges faced by the mining sector in South Africa due to frequent strike actions and explores various organizational development strategies that can be implemented to mitigate these occurrences. The research highlights the significance of effective communication, employee engagement, conflict resolution mechanisms, and leadership development in fostering a positive work environment and reducing the likelihood of strikes. By drawing on relevant literature, case studies, and expert opinions, the study aims to provide valuable insights for mining companies operating in South Africa to proactively address labor disputes and promote sustainable industrial relations. Through the implementation of strategic organizational development initiatives, mining companies can create a culture of trust, collaboration, and mutual respect among employees and management, ultimately leading to improved productivity and stability within the sector.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Manufacturers’ Perspectives: Overcoming barriers and unlocking solutions for battery manufacturing in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Shantikumar, Ravisha; Mathetsa, Steven
    The global energy sector is transitioning towards sustainable sources. South Africa, a country heavily reliant on coal for its energy needs, faces myriad challenges compounded by persistent electricity shortages. These shortages have widespread negative economic impacts, prompting the exploration of technological solutions such as battery energy storage systems (BESS). Adoption of BESS is on the rise in South Africa. However, the country is still heavily reliant on imports for battery storage systems. This study sought to explore the barriers and solutions for the manufacture of BESS in South Africa, thus contribute to the rapid implementation of these systems in the energy sector. A qualitative approach was employed, including collecting insights from key energy sector role players, among them, representatives of global battery cell manufacturers and local battery assembly companies. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five participants from global electro-chemical battery manufacturers, two from BESS assembly companies operating in South Africa, and seven key local stakeholders such as policymakers, and representatives of research institutes, and a financial institution. Thematic analysis of these interviews revealed that, first, battery energy storage systems present substantial opportunities for South Africa. Second, localising battery manufacturing could enhance grid stability, renewable energy integration, job creation, and economic growth. The study identified key barriers to local battery manufacturing. These include market, financial, technology, and policy barriers, and a lack of skills and international partnerships specific to South Africa. To address these barriers, the study suggests fostering strong partnerships between government and battery manufacturers, sound policy development and implementation, manufacturing incentives, tariff reforms, and regional demand validation. Key considerations for battery manufacturers entering new markets like South Africa include market entry challenges, cost competitiveness, intellectual property protection, infrastructure improvements, access to raw materials, and government support. The study revealed that government leadership is crucial for developing the ii battery manufacturing industry in South Africa. Stimulating domestic demand for electric vehicles, developing mineral refining capabilities, and fostering government-industry partnerships are recommended to capitalise on market potential and industry growth. These findings complement existing literature and highlight factors unique to the South African context, as perceived by stakeholders within the battery industry
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    The use of 4IR technology in accelerating net zero transition in the South African mining industry
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Belur, Ramaprasad Deepak; Lee, Gregory John
    This quantitative study aimed to assess the impact of fourth industrial revolution (4IR) technology adoption on the ability of South African mining companies to accelerate their transition to net zero, focusing specifically on the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. There has been an urgent need to research the nature of association, and if so, the impact of such association between rate of adoption of 4IR technology's ability to accelerate net zero transition, given the new challenges in the South African mining sector in the wake of the phase 2 carbon tax regime. Through a comprehensive survey, desktop analysis and subsequent statistical analysis involving multiple mining entities across South Africa, this study investigated the direct and indirect relationships between 4IR technology maturity and the efficacy of GHG emission reduction strategies, thereby accelerating net zero transition. The study revealed a complex relationship between 4IR maturity and GHG emissions, moderated by organisations' access to financial and skill resources. Contrary to expectations, no significant direct indirect linear relationship was found between aspects of 4IR maturity and GHG emissions. The research suggests a moderate, statistically insignificant negative association, which becomes more pronounced and statistically significant when considering organisations' financial status and employee size. The study was conducted using a cross-sectional method using a non- experimental approach and focused on establishing the corelation between two key variables namely, 4IR maturity and acceleration of net zero transition through GHG reduction. The causality of these two variables was not investigated. The study was undertaken by choosing a sample which was representative of the JSE listed mining companies. Hence extended population of global mining organisation needs to consider specific regional considerations before generalising the findings. iii By emphasising the crucial relationship between technological innovation and climate change mitigation, these findings not only advance our understanding of technology's role in environmental sustainability within the mining sector, but also provide useful information to industry stakeholders, policymakers, and sustainability strategists. This work offers a fundamental structure for subsequent investigations and tactical planning with the objective of harnessing 4IR developments to promote a more ecologically conscious and sustainable mining sector in South Africa
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Innovative Financing Models for Rural Electrification in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Maphosa, Thobile; Soumonni, Ogundiran
    This research report is based on a case study that examines innovative financing models for rural electrification in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. This qualitative study examines innovative financing models deployed to extend electricity in rural areas and promote renewable energy technology innovation in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Determinants of the use of Liquified Petroleum Gas for South African households
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Muanda, Bernard; Munkuli, Bongani
    Introduction – South Africa is experiencing the worst energy crisis in decades, and this is causing untold pains for many users across South Africa. At the same time, alternative energy such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) usage is lower than similar emerging economies. The purpose of this research is to examine empirically the determinants of LPG usage for South African households. Design methodology – The author uses applies 118 responses to a survey to determine the drivers of LPG usage for South Africa households. To meet these objectives, the author combines the theory of planned behaviour model and partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to validate the hypothesis. Findings – The study found that behavioural control and intention to use LPG are the precursors to the eventual use of LPG. The relationship between behavioural control and LPG usage is stronger than the relationship between intention and the LPG usage. Attitude towards LPG, the perceived behavioural control and the norms, respectively in order of strength, have a positive relationship with the intention to use LPG. Finally,less educated respondents were likely to switch to LPG usage as opposed to the more educated counterparts. Research implications – The study contributes mainly to enhancing government policy with regards concerning the increase of LPG usage by providing key factors to target for marketing and education for the end user. Key policies will contribute to increasing LPG usage, hence positive contribution to the economy. The value of this study is the first to analyse the determinants of LPG usage for South African households using the theory of planned behaviour and structural equation modelling. Hence, it contributes to the debate surrounding the adoption and increase of LPG usage
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    An energy mix policy to address the wicked problem of energy insecurity in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Khumalo, Nduduzo S. P.; Mondi, Lumkile
    Eskom is struggling to consistently supply electricity as required by the country, therefore failing to keep the lights on. Eskom has been producing less and less power over the years, a wicked problem for an economy faced with poverty, unemployment and inequality. This wicked problem in the energy (electricity) supply system has impacted a large number of stakeholders. These include, mining, commercial and industrial, agriculture, households and the entire Southern African Power Pool and its customers. As a result, this energy insecurity problem of all the stakeholders is therefore considered as a wicked problem that does not have a straightforward solution. This research investigates the impact and challenges in the economy and society at large as a result of wicked problem, energy insecurity, and assesses what can be done by the society to mitigate these challenges and then propose a solution to the identified problem in the form of Energy Mix Policy. It does so by using secondary data from multiple database sources. This research argues that the energy insecurity (unreliable energy supply) in South Africa is a wicked problem. It affects multiple stakeholders from the business communities, government, industries, and everyone in the society, even touching climate change environmental management sectors. This also affects all economic industries, commercial businesses, water supply, hospitals, telecommunications, and transportation sectors, etc. as they all require power to operate, and therefore a solution would require all these stakeholders to be involved and act collectively together in finding a solution that can assure energy security for all