Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management (ETDs)

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Start date: 2020End date: 2024Subject: search.filters.subject.UCTD

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Now showing 1 - 10 of 1443
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    Realising the right to healthcare: the legislative frameworks pertaining to private health establishments and private healthcare funding models in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Labuschagne-Kom, Lindsie; Mahery, Prinslean; Martin, Blake
    The Universal Declaration of Human Rights recognises access to healthcare as a fundamental human right and is guaranteed by the South African Constitution. An analysis of this right reveals that it comprises of two main components, namely financing and delivery of healthcare services. These are fulfilled by the government in the public sector and by private healthcare funders and private health establishments in the private sector. However, an analysis reveals that access to healthcare is substantively inequitable due to the fragmentation of the health system and unveils significant inefficiencies in the private sector that impeded realisation of this right. This dissertation examines the cause of this fragmentation and the inefficiencies within the private healthcare funders and private health establishments market. It investigates how these issues can be resolved to realise the right to healthcare. This study applied a qualitative desktop review of governmental policies, direct and incidental legislation, and multidisciplinary fields of academic reviews such as competition, healthcare, constitutional law and international policies to evaluate the effect of historical, contemporary and prospective policies and legislation, on access to healthcare. This analysis reveals that access to healthcare was historically manipulated to achieve political ideology through a legislative framework that provided the foundation for private funding models and private health establishments to flourish. This occurred at the expense of the public sector and embedded the fragmentation and inefficiencies in the health system. Notwithstanding the enactment of the Constitution, which envisioned a transformed and equal society, access to healthcare remains substantively inequitable. This is due to governmental failings to regulate these stakeholders. Given this state of affairs, the government intends to enact legislative reform through the National Health Insurance Bill to meet its constitutional mandate to realise the right to healthcare. An analysis of the Bill’s framework, however, reveals that it will have a cascading effect with the collapse of the private healthcare funders and private health establishment markets. This will ultimately cause a regression in access to healthcare and impede the practical realisation of this right. An investigation into alternative mechanisms to fulfil the right to healthcare reveals that incorporation and collaboration with private healthcare funders and private health establishments is a pragmatic alternative to the National Health Insurance Bill that will aid with the practical realisation and vindication of this right. These findings indicate the need for government to improve its stewardship of the health system and provide pragmatic solutions to reform the legislative and regulatory frameworks governing these stakeholders to resolve inefficiencies and to foster collaboration to fulfil the right to healthcare.
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    The price effects of a hospital merger: a case study of the Mediclinic Southern Africa (Pty) Limited (Mediclinic) and Matlosana Medical Health Services (Pty) Limited (MMHS) merger
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Laurence, Marcelle; Mncube, Liberty
    This study evaluates the assessment conducted in the prohibited Mediclinic Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd and Matlosana Medical Health Services (Pty) Ltd (MMHS) proposed merger. The study employs a qualitative approach, centred on a case study methodology, to assess the theories of harm discussed. It aims to provide insights into the adequacy and outcome of the competition authorities’ assessment drawing comparisons to international literature and policy implications. It uses economic theory to analyse and show the significance of robust and nuanced regulatory frameworks in healthcare merger evaluation.
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    Multidimensional measure of energy poverty in Lesotho
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Lehema, Nthati ‘Mabatho; Ye, Yuxiang
    This study employs the Alkire-Foster methodology to assess multidimensional energy poverty in Lesotho, using data from the Household Energy Consumption Survey in Lesotho. The investigation considers three dimensions, cooking, lighting, and water heating in constructing the multidimensional energy poverty index. In terms of the three dimensions, the overall findings indicate that at the national level, approximately 61% of the households experience multidimensional energy poverty. Upon decomposing the Multidimensional Energy Poverty Index (MEPI) by the settlement type, the results indicate that 83.50% of the households in rural areas are multidimensionally energy poor while 51.20% of the peri-urban households are deprived. In the urban areas, only 19% of the households experience energy poverty. In decomposing the MEPI by the gender of the household head, the results demonstrate that around 59.40% of female-headed households exhibit multidimensional energy poverty than their male-headed counterparts with 54.40%, with an average intensity of 91% of the weighted indicators. Decomposition by districts reveals that Butha-Buthe, Mokhotlong, Qacha, and Thaba-Tseka have over 80% of the multidimensionally poor households. Additionally, the study highlights the prevalence of traditional cooking fuels in rural areas, with minimal reliance on electricity. This pattern shifts with urbanization, where traditional fuel consumption decreases.
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    Examining the relationship between governance and gross fixed capital formation in Sub-Saharan Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Machobani, Dennis; Mahonye, Nyasha
    This study delves into the intricate relationship between governance and Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), aiming to address the substantial infrastructure deficit in the region. Employing the System GMM methodology, the primary research question focuses on understanding the correlation between institutions and GFCF in SSA. Subsequent sub-questions delve into the relationships between political stability and GFCF, as well as the composite index of institutions and GFCF. Policy recommendations highlight the pivotal role of good governance, advocating for reforms, institution strengthening, and enhanced transparency. The study's outcomes emphasize the intricate interplay of diverse factors impacting GFCF, prompting policymakers to adopt comprehensive strategies for sustainable development. Persistent effects of past investment choices underscore the necessity for continuous efforts to incentivize investment. Key determinants such as trade policies, current account balances, gross domestic savings, and government expenditure are identified, suggesting targeted interventions to stimulate private sector engagement and cultivate an environment conducive to heightened investment in Sub-Saharan Africa.
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    Determinants of optimal capital structure for non-financial firms listed on the JSE
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Chipeta, Chimwemwe
    This paper investigates the determinants of optimal capital structure while considering the influence of the cost of capital, specifically examining the relationship between firm-specific variables known to drive optimal capital structure (such as firm size, asset tangibility, growth, liquidity, and profitability) and the cost of capital. The analysis of these determinants in developing countries is intriguing due to the differences in firm characteristics compared to those in advanced economies. The study utilizes primary data sourced from Refinitiv Workspace for 189 firms across various sectors listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) from 2015 to 2023, excluding financial services and insurance sectors. Panel econometric approaches, including Feasible Generalised Least Squares (FGLS) and the Generalised Method of Moments (GMM) regression method, are employed for analysis. The findings of the study unveil several noteworthy relationships between independent variables and the Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC). Firm size, profitability, asset tangibility, and growth emerge as key determinants affecting WACC to varying degrees. Firm size and profitability exhibit positive associations with WACC, supported by statistically significant coefficients. This implies that increases in firm size and profitability correspond to higher WACC levels. Conversely, asset tangibility and growth demonstrate negative correlations with WACC, backed by statistically significant coefficients. Furthermore, firm size and profitability maintain their positive relationships with WACC across various estimation models, including Feasible Generalized Least Squares (FGLS) and Generalized Method of Moments (GMM). This consistency underscores the robustness of these relationships, with larger and more profitable firms consistently exhibiting higher WACC.
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    An Ecofeminist Approach to Understanding Deficiencies in the Mining Regulatory Framework in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Malindi, Zanele; Meyersfeld, Bonita
    Black women in rural areas of South Africa experience the harm in mining-affected communities more than other groups. This research report examines the legislative causes of this unequal distribution of harm. This report undertakes an analysis of the regulatory framework governing mining using the storytelling of two black, eco-activists in South Africa as the research methodology and ecofeminism as the theoretical premise to analyse and critique this framework. The issues of exclusion, limited participation, self-determination, violence, land rights, and legislative challenges are elucidated through the compelling stories of these two women and their legal battles in the pursuit of justice. Introducing ecofeminism as a theoretical framework, the paper underscores the shared oppression experienced by women and nature within patriarchal societies, advocating for the integration of ecofeminist principles into decision- making and legislative processes. In its conclusion, the paper calls for legislative reform, exposing the disparities between existing frameworks and the harsh realities faced by women, especially in environmental activism. Accentuating the pivotal role of women’s active participation and public engagement, it proposes these as essential steps towards a more equitable and sustainable future. The convergence of ecofeminist principles, inclusive decision-making, and public participation is presented not only as a moral imperative but also as a pragmatic necessity for addressing the intricate challenges posed by environmental degradation and gender-based discrimination.
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    Measuring the performance and asset allocation of robo-advisors in BRICS
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Maluleke, Lethabo; Seetharam, Yudhvir
    The financial industry has undergone some digital changes over the past decade. Financial technology (FinTech) is a result of this digital change and robo-advisors constitute FinTech in the wealth management space. The emergence of robo-advisors is a global phenomenon and, in this study, the performance and asset allocation of the robo-advisors from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) were measured. BRICS countries are one of the largest growing economies and provide international investors with diversification. The purpose of this study was to analyse if the recommended portfolios of the robo-advisor can perform similar to a benchmark and to explain the performance differences between the different recommended portfolios of the robo-advisors from each country using a returns-based style analysis. Furthermore, this study analysed the performance of robo-advisors before and after considering fees and the returns-based style analysis was also used to capture the exposure of each robo-advisor to mutually exclusive asset classes. The data included four robo-advisors in total with one robo-advisor from each country (a total of 62 portfolios) as there was a removal of the Russian EFTs due to the Russian- Ukraine war of 2022. The sample period was from 2015 to 2022 as most robo-advisors only became available after 2015. The performance tests that were performed were the Sharpe ratio, Jensen’s alpha, Treynor ratio and Manipulation-proof performance measure. It is found that there are certain countries that have robo-advisors with portfolios that perform similar to the benchmark and do not outperform the benchmark and other countries that have portfolios that outperform the benchmark and the portfolios do not perform similar to the benchmark. Furthermore, it is found that performance differences can be explained by the investment style i.e., whether the portfolios have exposure to the same assets. The performance differences can also be explained by asset allocation in each portfolio based on uncorrelated assets.
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    South Africa’s Rural Development Strategy, its Application and Theoretical Underpinnings: using the application of the CRDP at Muyexe Village as a Reflector
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Manganyi, Kenneth; Lange, Jérôme
    Rural development in South Africa has been a key component of economic strategy since 1994. However, evaluation by both the government and outside actors reveals limited success in set targets. Integrated development, sustainability and community participation have been its key concepts, with land reform, infrastructure investment, skills development, provision of necessities and job creation as some of its important tools. The CRDP was piloted at Muyexe Village in 2009, a period when South Africa was still reeling from the GEAR strategy. As a contribution to the continuous assessment, this report is an enquiry about the content of the rural development programme and its application, and how these have been influenced by the theoretical underpinnings of the country’s macroeconomic policy choices. Reflecting on the Muyexe CRDP pilot, the report explores the theoretical anchoring of South Africa’s rural development strategy, design, and implementation. This is done by evaluating the literature on economic development, academic and official publications on South Africa’s post-apartheid macroeconomic posture, documentation on the design and implementation of the rural development programme and a case study at Muyexe village with information also collected from participants in the CRDP pilot projects, government officials and leaders of comparative communities using questionnaires, interviews and observations.
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    Pass Laws and social reproduction: A reading of the 1956 women’s march and its aftermath
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mashele, Rixongile; Ponniah, Ujithra
    This thesis historically locates the experiences of ‘ordinary’ women in the context of restricted urban mobility, poor labour conditions, the disruption of family life and the pass system. Using archives and social reproduction as a conceptual lens, this research establishes that ‘ordinary’ black women knew what they were protesting for in 1956, that they understood the state’s efforts of consciously manipulating the costs of social reproduction, and its direct impact on their daily lives. They also understood that the experiences of men and women under apartheid were not the same. Importantly, these women utilised womanhood to fight against the apartheid state in their attempts of ensuring that African children receive access to resources and privileges equivalent to those of white children.