Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management (ETDs)

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    Digital payment systems and the speed of public sector employee pension payout in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Masipa, Mafolelo; Oro, Ufuo
    The study seeks to investigate factors affecting pension fund payout delays in the Gauteng Province with a view to exploring the effect of digitalisation as a possible solution. The study focuses on pensions related to government employees in South Africa, specifically pension fund administration by the Government Employee Pension Fund (GEPF). The processing of pension claims by GEPF utilises a semi- digitised pension case management system to process pension payouts. The system was introduced as an intervention to complaints raised by members regarding delays in pension payouts. The objective of the study was to investigate various aspects of the GEPF payment process to determine the factors responsible for payout delays and the possible implications of digitalisation. The study explores frameworks related to digitalisation through a qualitative research approach. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire from employees in the administrative sector of the GEPF. The data derived from employee responses was analysed for common emerging themes using content analysis. Key findings show that delays in pension pay-outs were caused by errors or inaccuracies from the GEPF members or their employers, which digitalisation has the potential to mitigate. These key findings are supported by the global 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, which advocates for broad-scale digital transformation in order to promulgate the worldwide Sustainable Development Goals. The majority of the respondents concurred that digitalisation of the GEPF system appears to satisfy all these constructs and in so doing provides a framework for alleviating the problem of pension payout delays.
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    Examining the influence of digital payment adoption on the digital divide in Kagiso township, South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mokgwatsane, Malengolo; Godspower-Akpomiemie, Euphemia
    Digital payment systems have become increasingly popular and a vehicle for financial inclusion and access to financial services. However, as technological advancements progress, there remains a population segment that is left behind in terms of adoption and access. Digital payment systems are generally not adopted by township residents in South Africa. This is due to the uneven telecommunications infrastructure in South Africa and its limited availability in the townships. This study investigates the influence of tap-to-pay digital payments on the existing digital divide in Kagiso township and the factors that impact adoption and usage of this technology. This study adopted a qualitative research methodology that involved conducting face-to-face interviews with 12 respondents from Kagiso township. The respondents’ feedback was consolidated and analysed to uncover key findings. The findings revealed the presence of a digital divide in access and availability within Kagiso township, characterised by challenges stemming from poor infrastructure and limited access to technology, worsened by an uneven distribution of ICT. Furthermore, this study revealed lack of awareness and understanding of tap-to-pay, safety and security, unemployment and socioeconomic challenges as significant barriers to the adoption and usage of tap-to-pay payment systems in the township. Therefore, it is advisable for the South African government to increase investment in infrastructural upgrades to improve the accessibility and availability of digital technologies in the townships while also collaborating with the private sector to support initiatives aimed at addressing the digital divide in the townships. The collaboration with the private sector, particularly the telecommunications companies is crucial in driving these efforts. By leveraging market opportunities, telecommunication companies can implement strategies that accelerate the adoption of new technologies. One such strategy is investment in fiber optic networks to provide high-speed internet access in townships.
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    The barriers to Adoption of a Cashless Economy in South African Informal Markets: consumers’ perspective
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Gandamipfa, Lutendo Nndwakhulu; Magida, Ayanda
    This study aims to enhance the Unified Theory of Adoption and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) by integrating security and privacy concerns associated with cashless payments (CLP). The research investigates impediments to adopting cashless payments in the informal sector among South African consumers. Data was collected through an online survey administered to South African informal sector customers using a quantitative approach. Four hundred and seventeen participants contributed, yielding three hundred and twenty-five usable responses for testing the research hypotheses. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) via Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) was applied for data analysis. The findings reveal that Perceived Trust (PT) and Perceived Risk (PR) exert the most significant influence on the adoption of cashless payments. Social Influence (SI) also demonstrates a statistically significant impact on this adoption. Conversely, Performance Expectancy (PE), Effort Expectancy (EE), Price Value (PV), and Habit (Ht) exhibit statistically insignificant associations with this adoption. To create a more comprehensive model for determining cashless payment adoption in the informal sector, the researchers modified UTAUT2 by incorporating consumers' perceived trust and risk. Notably, there is limited research on adopting cashless payments within the context of the informal sector. The research findings hold implications for policymakers, banks, and fintech companies, offering insights into the factors contributing to the sluggish adoption of CLPs in the informal sector. This understanding can guide the design of appropriate solutions to address consumer concerns regarding using CLPs in the informal sector, facilitating a successful transition towards a cashless economy
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    Digital payments adoption of informal small and medium enterprises in South Africa’s township economy
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Mabaso, Nompilo; Magida, Ayanda
    The use of cash for making and receiving payments in South Africa’s townships continues to grow, despite the proliferation of alternative payment methods. Merchants operating informal businesses are reluctant to accept payments digitally, which further contributes to the socio-economic burdens experienced in townships. This study investigated merchants’ intention to use digital payment acceptance methods, specifically in the informal sector. The UTAUT2 was employed, extended with the Perceived Risk Theory. The study adopted a quantitative research approach. A questionnaire was used to collect data from 120 respondents online and face-to-face. The questionnaire was based on previously researched and theorised literature. Factor analysis, particularly Principal Components Analysis, was used to analyse the results. Correlation analysis was conducted to test the hypothesis, followed by multiple regression. The findings revealed that the independent variables Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy, Price Value and Perceived Trust all positively influenced the behavioural intention of informal merchants to use digital payment acceptance methods. Performance Expectancy had the strongest influence, whilst Perceived Risk was not found to have a negative influence on the behavioural intention of informal merchants to adopt