Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management (ETDs)
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Item The role of the Gauteng Government in implementing township economic development(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Singo, Livhuwani; Motsepe, DikgangIn Gauteng Province, the effective execution of township economic development policy initiatives continues to be a crucial policy concern. The aim of this exploratory study was to determine the extent to which government plays a role in successfully implementing township economic development initiatives and in successfully supporting township businesses' economic development to ensure the success of the township economy. Throughout the inquiry, primary and secondary data sources were explored for the investigation. Semi-structured interviews were utilised to gather data for the study to obtain a thorough knowledge of the experiences of public servants working for state agencies that are accountable for and involved in executing the Act. The research approach employed in the study was qualitative. The study verified that supporting township economic growth is a collaborative, multi-agency endeavour including municipal, provincial, federal, and other government agencies in addition to private partners. The government created a comprehensive incentive and tax package. This implies that rather than being unduly involved in the growth of industries and businesses, the government should concentrate more on creating industrial and economic regulatory policies targeted for township economic development. Even though the report shows that the government is still having difficulty forcing national and international firms to carry out strategic initiatives and undertake policy actions for township development. The interview's results are consistent with the claim that strong partnerships between the public and private sectors as well as community organisations have made integrated strategic planning important for executing township economic development initiatives. The research report makes suggestions for how to better execute TEDA programmes in Gauteng's Ekurhuleni MunicipalitItem Contribution of Monitoring and Evaluation to Performance and Governance of the South African National Space Agency(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Ntshoko, Vuyokazi Babalwa; Masvaure, StevenMonitoring and evaluation (M&E) is a critical function for ensuring efficiency, accountability, and evidence-based practices in the delivery of services by government departments and entities. South Africa thus introduced a Government–Wide Monitoring and Evaluation System (GWMES) in 2007 to promote evidence-based decision making, enhance accountability and establish a more effective government. M&E is considered a key force for improving public sector performance, yet decades later government institutions face challenges relating to establishing effective M&E systems. This qualitative case study therefore examines M&E within the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) context to assess its contribution to performance and governance within this public entity. Findings of the study established the existence of an M&E system within SANSA, albeit with inadequate efforts towards its institutionalisation to promote evidence-based decision-making, improve performance and governance within the public entity. Key recommendations from the study are thus for SANSA to establish an M&E culture, build organisational evaluation capacity, strengthen advocacy for M&E and ensure effective dissemination and utilisation of M&E information. This can be achieved through the holistic institutionalisation of this entity’s M&E system. A need for capacity building interventions to strengthen internal M&E knowledge, create a conducive environment for employee engagement and promote accountability for performance outcomes was also established by this study. It is further recommended that such measures be augmented by routine communication to raise awareness of M&E practices, enhance transparency, and promote utilisation of M&E information for evidence-based planning and decision- making. The institutionalisation of M&E within the public sector was accordingly identified through this study as an area likely to impact government performance and thus requiring further research.Item Towards digital transformation of learning and development business processes and systems in the eThekwini municipality(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Ngubane, Millicent Puleng; Chikane, RekgotsofetseThe study focuses on the digital transformation and remodelling of business processes and systems in the municipality’s employee learning and development unit, given the advancement and evolution of technologies that have contributed to redefining the functioning, style and manner of work. The learning and development unit of eThekwini Municipality was selected as the case study to assess how digital transformation can be carried out by the learning and development unit. Further, to assess how employees perceive and respond to a call to transition to digital platforms. The study was devoted to exploring how employees interpret digital transformation in the municipality’s workforce learning and development context. It extends to establishing employees' perceptions of the state of preparedness and factors influencing the operationalisation of digital transformation. Further to assess the framework and digital initiatives already implemented and resources and capabilities secured and needed to support the transformation of learning and development processes. The results of the study discovered that the municipality’s employees understood digital transformation and its impact on business process remodelling for learning and development. Employees were precise about what needed to change and provided the reasons for learning and development to contemplate transformation. The key strategic change is the necessity for a swift transition towards the use of digital technologies to help the municipality achieve its goal of being a smart and learning city. For instance, being a smart city requires the municipality to advance in technology use and increase value proposition resulting in customer satisfaction. The learning and development being mandated and entrusted with employee development it is critical that it leads transformation and ensures employee IT capabilities needed in the digital era. The study made the realisation that the L&D unit is still lagging attributed to a lack of leadership to provide direction, no blueprint to guide the transformation process, insufficient resources and capabilities, increased engagement required with employees, customers, and partners as well as assistance to management change.Item The Complexities of Digitising Public Services in the City of Ekurhuleni(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Ngele, Sixolisiwe Solethu; Ndlovu, HlengiweThis thesis is premised on the argument that while digital solutions in public service delivery offer significant potential for efficiency and accessibility, they also risk deepening existing divides if not carefully and inclusively implemented. The study examines the complex interplay of service delivery, governance, and community engagement within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, situated in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. Through a comparative lens, it juxtaposes the lived experiences of residents in Thokoza hostels with those in the affluent suburb of Bedfordview, this thesis aims to illuminate the nuanced dynamics at play when digital public services intersect with diverse socio-economic disparities. The central argument posits that while digital solutions in public service delivery offer significant potential for efficiency and accessibility, they also risk deepening existing divides if not carefully and inclusively implemented. Grounded in the historical context of Ekurhuleni, where hostels originally served as temporary dwellings for migrant labourers during apartheid, this study sheds light on the enduring struggle for dignity and improved living conditions among predominantly black residents. Employing a qualitative research methodology, the study draws evidence from 12 in- depth interviews and 6 focus group discussions across diverse groups, including hostels and suburban residents, municipal officials, and local leaders, to comprehensively capture their experiences and perceptions regarding the digitalisation of service delivery and governance. The research draws upon theoretical frameworks of governance, service delivery, and spatial inequality, particularly rooted in the literature of post-apartheid urban studies. The findings unearth a stark contrast in the delivery of basic services and governance structures between Thokoza and Bedfordview. In Thokoza, residents grapple with dilapidated infrastructure, unaddressed service delivery grievances, and a palpable sense of municipal neglect, leading to the emergence of community-driven solutions such as ‘ukubhatala ngaphakathi’ (internal community funding for repairs). Conversely, Bedfordview residents enjoy relatively swift municipal responses and robust digital engagement, underscoring a digital divide that further entrenches existing disparities. Notably, the digital gap is epitomised by the My COE App, a municipal digital initiative aimed at streamlining service delivery reporting, which inadvertently side lines residents in Thokoza due to limited digital access and literacy. The contribution of the study lies in its illumination of apartheid’s enduring spatial and socio-economic legacies on contemporary urban governance and service delivery, cautioning against the exclusionary impacts of technological advancements on marginalised populations.Item The Impact Of Governance On Economic Development In Malawi(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Ngalande, Frank ChimwemweThe concept and discourse of good governance has been given a lot of emphasis in the international development space. It is mostly emphasised as a critical element in developing countries that deploy various development policies with little or no improvements in economic development. The study focused on Malawi which is still poor despite having adopted a series of policy interventions through the World Bank and International Monetary Fund-backed structural adjustment programs (SAPs). It further implemented the Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSP), Malawi Growth and Development Strategy papers (MGDS) 1-3) but poverty and underdevelopment continue to rise in Malawi. In this regard, the study aimed at finding what causes the persistent poverty and underdevelopment between the internalist and externalist forces. Further the study aimed at providing recommendations to addressing the governance gaps of compliance and collaboration, which entail policy implementation and effectiveness for the former and an effective nexus between the state and policy networks for the latter. With a postpositivist approach the study aimed at investigating what causes the continued poverty and underdevelopment in Malawi between the internal and external forces. Data was collected from officials in various government ministries and statutory entities as they were experts in the provision of public services and are either part of the governance machinery or institutions that aim at improving social economic welfare of the citizenry. Semi structured interviews were carried out and data was analysed in two parts, firstly using a Likert scale analysis, and secondly using thematic analysis for the qualitive responses from the interviewees. The study found that from a historical viewpoint colonialism played a role in establishing economic structures which are still present in post-colonial Malawi. In addition, the study found that internal factors such as poor leadership, lack of political will, corruption, and regime change in a democratically governed state contribute to persistent poverty and underdevelopment. The study established that Research Report Student: 1775131 iii improvement in these areas would bring about good governance which would i yield reduced poverty and improved social-economic development in the long term.Item Impact of COVID-19 on Precarious Work for Community Health Workers in the Alfred Ndzo District(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mthatyana, Andisiwe Tutula Zinzi; Van den Heever, AlexItem The political economy of industrial policy – the case of improving manufacturing through localisation(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mochaki, Koketso Mitchelle; Lekaba, FrankThe scope of the study is defined within the field of development economics specifically focusing on localisation industrial policy aimed at stimulating manufacturing. The primary objective of this paper is to deepen understanding of the link between economic development and localisation of the manufacturing value chain. Through analysis and examination, this research delves into debates surrounding South Africa's adoption of a localisation policy as an instrument for increasing domestic output levels. The study also investigated factors contributing to South Africa’s de-industrialisation and declining manufacturing capacity. Through conversational semi-structured interviews, the researcher gained insights into the challenges facing manufacturing and the feasibility of localisation. According to the findings of the study, the manufacturing sector faces significant obstacles to localisation, including manufacturing costs, policy instruments, poor infrastructure and logistics networks, and inadequate demand. Both global and domestic factors have had an impact on the manufacturing sector dynamics. Significantly enough for the successful implementation of localisation policies will be the political will and support. The research findings highlight the need for the implementation of effective monitoring and evaluation systems to improve policy execution. If implemented well, localisation will not only foster industrial development but may also promote an inclusive economy.Item The implications of the financial action task force findings on south africa’s national security(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mdawo, Lesego Wilson; Khambule, IsaacIn February 2023, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) added South Africa to the list of jurisdictions under increased supervision (greylist) due to substantial deficiencies in its monitoring and combating money laundering and the financing of organisations that may pose a threat to national and global security. The FATF is an inter-governmental body responsible for coordinating global efforts to combat money laundering, financing of terrorism, and proliferation financing (AML/CFT). It establishes global standards to mitigate against risks, and conducts assessments on countries to check effectiveness of their regimes. This research sought to analyse the implications of the FATF findings on South Africa’s national security. The research analysed the implications against political and economic security of South Africa, key tenets of national security. Through document analysis and semi-structured interviews, the research found that the Mutual Evaluation conducted by FATF was a fair reflection of South Africa’s AML/CFT regime. It identified structural weaknesses in South Africa’s law enforcement agencies and legislative framework. Recommendations by FATF have far reaching economic and political implications which has consequences for the country’s national security. The response by government to address FATF findings has been impressive, leading to better coordination and increased political will in strengthening South Africa’s AML/CFT regime, and getting off the greylistItem Assessing the sustainability of the co-operative programme in promoting local economic development In Sassa Gauteng province(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Matlou, Matsobane Themba; Motsepe, DikgangThis qualitative single case study assesses the sustainability factors within the South African Social Security Agency's (SASSA) co-operative program, with a focus on how it promotes Local Economic Development (LED) in the Gauteng Province. Positioned as a catalyst for socioeconomic progress, this initiative seeks to empower local communities—particularly women, youth, and individuals with disabilities—through co- operative enterprises. Within this program, careful selections of co-operatives, were sampled for the study. The sampled co-operatives showcase the program's extensive reach and dedication to promoting inclusive local economic development in Gauteng province. Rooted in sustainability theory, the study explores co-operative sustainability, funding sufficiency, skills training and capacity building effectiveness, and program evaluation initiatives. The literature review integrates sustainability theory, emphasising program sustainability factors highlighted in scholarly literature. The methodology applied, included qualitative interviews and document analysis, in addition, the study engaged a number of key stakeholders for a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon, enhancing reliability and validity. The research reveals critical insights into the co-operative program's sustainability. Key strategic measures, such as long-term contracts and stable funding, underscore the program's financial sustainability while emphasising the need for collaboration through stakeholder engagement. Challenges, including delayed payments, reliance on loans, and limited access to partnerships and grants, highlight the necessity for proactive measures like diverse funding models, improved financial practices, and enhanced resource access. Targeted skills training and capacity building illuminate the significance of education in sustaining co-operatives, and robust program evaluation showcases a commitment to continuous improvement. SASSA's co-operative initiative contributes considerably to Local Economic Development (LED) by creating jobs, increasing economic community empowerment, and improving educational outcomes (school uniforms). The study advocates for a review of financial support policies, reforms to Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMME) procurement policies to reduce competition with larger businesses, targeted ii skill development policies for co-operative members, and the establishment of a formalised evaluation framework to improve the program's effectiveness and sustainability. Aligned with South Africa's national and global commitment to the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, these proposals represent proactive steps toward advancing LED in Gauteng Province.Item Survival strategies after job losses in female-headed households during COVID-19(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Masinga, Pertunia; Mackett, OdileThis study provides an analysis of the effect of COVID-19 on female-headed households, who lost their jobs during the pandemic and how have they stayed afloat. The effects of COVID-19 did not fall equally on both men and women, and some researchers suggest that it is because jobs that were affected were occupied by mostly women (Casale & Shepherd, 2021). The study conducted a qualitative interview with 15 participants to gain an understanding of the survival strategies employed by female- headed households after job loss during the COVID-19 pandemic and how these households stayed afloat. Findings from the study indicated that after job loss during the pandemic female- headed houses faced everyday struggles for survival. Different strategies for survival have been developed by these households consisting of starting food gardens and using a discretionary method for reducing expenses to feed their families. These households relied on social grants, informal jobs, and financial assistance as a source of household income during the pandemic. This study revealed that to survive during the pandemic without an income and providing for the needs of the family, female-headed households used a variety of strategies. Therefore, this study provides insight and understanding into the survival strategies employed by these households during the time of COVID-19.