Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management (ETDs)
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Item Investigating the digital divide in South Africa as it relates to financial services(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Khumalo, Anna; Totowa, JacquesThis study’s aim falls on investigating the digital divide in South Africa. Grounded on the principles and assumptions of positivism, the study adopted the quantitative research approach to investigate the issue. Thus, a structured questionnaire was used to gather data from 211 South Africans: employed, unemployed, students, elderly, and disabled individuals. SPSS version 25 was used to analyze the data and both inferential and descriptive statistical analyses were performed. The results, therefore, revealed that South Africans generally possessed a strong grasp of digital skills, such as using mobile apps, installing mobile apps, completing online applications, and finding information online. However, some South Africans concerns regarding confidence in using banking apps or internet banking and the user-friendliness of banking services. Regarding, transaction monitoring, show positive experiences with daily banking transactions and investment growth, but there are mixed perceptions regarding banking products, monthly bills, electricity, lotto, and airtime transactions, proof of payments and statements, and product exploration and financial education. Drawing on these results, the study provided recommendations in three main categories: improving access and availability, enhancing user confidence and security, and promoting digital inclusion and innovation. These recommendations include enhancing banking infrastructure in underserved areas, reducing transaction costs and fees, strengthening data protection measures, improving user interfaces and experiences, providing financial education, fostering partnerships and collaborations, offering tailored solutions for different user segments, and launching public awareness campaigns. Implementing these recommendations can help bridge the digital divide, promote financial inclusion, and ensure a positive user experience with digital financial services in South AfricaItem Assessing the role of Digital Technology in bridging the gender gap for women in South Africa’s Fintech industry(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Hassen, Zaahida; Magida, AyandaDigital tech transforms finance and boosts inclusion. South Africa's fintech industry helps close gender gaps; research evaluates digital solutions to overcome barriers for women and promote progress in this evolving sector. Analysis shows how platforms and mobile banking improve inclusiveness for female empowerment towards financial equity across industries, including marginalised groups. This research aims to study how digital technology can reduce the gender gap in South Africa's fintech sector. The method used is quantitative, integrating the UTAUT framework and sampling 224 participants through a quota-based approach. Factors affecting women's acceptance of fintech are analyzed, including adoption levels, effort expectancy, social influence, enabling conditions, and behavioural intention for future trends among female professionals in the industry. The empirical analysis combined with experience-driven insights will enhance professional growth trajectories for underrepresented groups like females within larger organisational frameworks comprised mostly of elite bodies where access remains limited due to specific barriers hindering progressiveness. These efforts foster diversity, improve efficacy across value streams, and support the biodiversity agenda, increasing productivity when embraced rather than sidelined. South African women in fintech see digital tech as beneficial for financial inclusion and growth but face obstacles due to infrastructural and gender-specific work issues. Effort and social influence drive female utilisation of digital tech within the sector. Digital technology empowers South African fintech women for gender equality and economic growth. Suggestions include female-focused tech programs, inclusive regulatory policies, and collaborations between the government and private sector to promote diversity in fintechItem 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 JohnThis 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 AfricaItem Perceived barriers to digitalization by small-scale farmers Gauteng Province(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Choguya, DonaldDigitalization in the fourth industrial revolution era has transformed many industries across the board. However, there are some that have been affected more than the others as depicted in the digital vortex. Lagging is the agricultural sector. This study was a quantitative research study that utilized a sample of 40 small-scale farmers to be representative of the Gauteng Province small-scale farmers. The research related the perceived barriers to digitalization and its impact to the agricultural activities of small-scale farmers in Gauteng Province. The data was analysed using the multiple regression analysis and correlation coefficient. Analysis of the results showed a massive gap between small-scale farmers and commercial farmers on the adoption of digitalization. Further analysis indicated that small-scale farmers were less likely to be impacted by digitalization to adopt technological utilization. It was also found that small-scale farmers were contributors to food production. Finally, it was also discovered that small-scale farmers were less established to adapt and adopt to digitalization in their agricultural activities due to various barriers. The recommendations were that there was need to do more research to find ways to bridge the gap to digitalization between small-scale farmers in Gauteng Province and commercial farmers. So that small-scale farmers in Gauteng Province especially the small-scale farmers in rural areas could also be exposed to the digitalization of operations to enable them to improve productionItem The effects of COVID 19 on consumer mobile and online purchase behaviour(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Chanetsa, Edphan Peter; Saini, Yvonne K.There obtains an acute paucity of research on the how Covid-19 impacted consumer online and mobile application purchase behaviour in South Africa. Much of the work done on the impact of the pandemic on consumer behaviour has primarily focused on one aspect: online purchase behaviour. This study sought to assess the effects of the restrictions of the novel Covid-19 virus on consumer mobile and online purchase behaviour. The main objective was to understand the impact of Covid-19 related restrictions on mobile application purchase intention in grocery shopping. Similarly, the study also sought to understand the impact of Covid-19 related restrictions on online (desktop/laptop) purchase intention in grocery shopping. An online survey was conducted wherein 345 responses were obtained. The study employed a mixed methodology approach with the primary analysis being done quantitatively employing path analysis to establish the existence of causal links between Covid-19 restrictions and consumer behaviour in terms of both direction and magnitude. Regression analysis was further carried out to corroborate the findings of the path analysis. The qualitative aspect of the analysis was primarily employed to buttress the results of the quantitative analysis. The results showed that Covid-19 had a significant and positive impact on mobile and online consumer behaviour in South Africa. The advent of the pandemic caused an increase in the uptake of alternative means of making grocery purchases. Specifically, the institution of Covid-19 restrictions produced a substitution effect wherein digital purchase platforms were preferred to in-store purchases of groceries. Consequently, all the hypotheses developed by the study proved to be robust as they were confirmed by the resultsItem Investigating the determinants of Digital Financial Inclusion in South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Betha, Tshegofatso; Ndlovu, C.Digital Financial Inclusion has emerged as a prominent global agenda, necessitating an exploration of the transformative influence of technology on financial service accessibility. Previous research has attempted to uncover the true factors that impact Digital Financial Inclusion, however, there is further opportunity to better understand the underlying factors. To contribute to the body of knowledge, this study seeks to uncover factors of successful Digital Financial Inclusion that may contribute towards the implementation of key strategies. To achieve this goal, the study employs a multidimensional financial inclusion framework that explores the impact of access, barriers, and usage on Digital Financial Inclusion. Additionally, it expands the framework to include digital readiness and financial literacy, enhancing the depth of the investigation. Utilising a quantitative approach, data for the study was obtained through a self- administered online survey, yielding 231 valid responses for analysis. The Structural Equation Model (SEM) was used to investigate the relationship between user readiness, financial literacy, barriers, access, usage, and Digital Financial Inclusion. The findings indicate insufficient statistical evidence to suggest a significant relationship between user readiness, access and barriers, and Digital Financial Inclusion. However, the study underscores that financial literacy and usage have a positive and significant influence on Digital Financial Inclusion. To enhance Digital Financial Inclusion, financial literacy and usage should be leveraged as key drivers for adoption. Additionally, policy makers, financial service providers and technology developers need to focus on targeted interventions, and inclusive regulatory frameworksItem Enhancing Women Entrepreneurship in the Agricultural Sector within the KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Zondi, Nokubonga Happy; Mazonde, NomusaThe research aimed to explore the multifaceted aspects of enhancing women entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector in the dynamic KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. The investigation explored the role played by women in the sector, challenges they face and potential strategies to foster their empowerment and success. A qualitative research approach was adopted for the research. The research engaged with 20 women entrepreneurs actively participating in agricultural pursuits within the KwaZulu-Natal Province. This research reveals that women-led agricultural enterprises contribute to the socio- economic landscape of KwaZulu-Natal. These women-led enterprises also emerge as crucial drivers to poverty alleviation, creation of job opportunities, and ensuring food security within households. However, persistent challenges pose hurdles to their endeavours, including limited access to resources, social and cultural barriers, limited education and skills, lack of information, and limited access to markets. . While government support initiatives have been put in place, the research emphasizes that lack of skills, which is a crucial factor, remains inadequately addressed. The research puts forth a number of recommendations including on-farm training programs, coaching or mentorship initiatives, and training workshops. All these factors are identified as integral components of intervention strategies.Item The Impact of Digital Banking Amongst South African Consumers(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Suthan, Dhivaker Navin Mahadev; Magida, AyandaIn light of the constant and swift evolution of digital banking, it is imperative that consumers quickly adapt to these changes. The advancements in technology are having a significant impact on businesses' strategic objectives and business models, as they are altering consumer behavior and expectations. As a result, numerous organizations have modified their business platforms in order to enhance their competitive edge by offering proximate and efficient solutions to consumers, thus influencing their approach to conducting business. This research aimed to elucidate the effects of digital banking on consumers and their inclination to modify their behavior, utilizing the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) as primary frameworks. The research methodology employed in an online survey, utilising a sample population of 240 respondents. The research effort was specifically focused on establishing if consumers are impacted, either positively or negatively due to technological advancements in digital banking. The primary data suggests that a significant number of individuals aged 46 or older in South Africa are hesitant to fully embrace digital banking. On the other hand, consumers between the ages of 18 and 45 appear more inclined to shift from traditional banks to digital-focused banks, such as Tyme Bank, Discovery Bank, or Bank Zero. The limited access to the internet in South Africa may be a factor contributing to the underutilization of digital banking by consumers.Item Hydroponic farming for saffron cultivation in South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Smit, JohanIn South Africa, saffron has exclusively been cultivated using traditional farming methods. Although farmers face an increasing range of challenges and uncertainties, hydroponic farming offers an opportunity to alleviate many of these challenges, while simultaneously increasing output and reducing input expenses. The primary objective of the planned business venture was to investigate the possibility for hydroponic saffron farming in South Africa. The study focused on the development of a hydroponic system to cultivate saffron, aiming to mitigate the daily difficulties and risks faced by conventional farmers. The study adopted a qualitative exploratory research approach. The study gathered substantial information through interviews with farmers in both the traditional saffron and non-saffron hydroponic industries. Interviewing farmers provided insights into the perspectives of persons involved in both the traditional saffron industry and the non-saffron hydroponic growing sector. Three hydroponic cultivators and one saffron farmer were interviewed face-face. Another Saffron farmer was interviewed telephonically. The study examined the necessary requirements for hydroponic saffron cultivation in South Africa, covering technical factors for saffron cultivation, operational prerequisites, financials, market analysis, and challenges. The research findings highlighted the significance of hydroponic systems within an overall context. The main driving force for the transition from traditional farming to hydroponics was climate change among the participants. An essential challenge in hydroponic saffron growing is its relatively lower profitability compared to other crops like herbs, lettuce, and tomatoes. Including the concept of opportunity cost into the breakeven analysis will lead to a reduced repayment period, hence justifying the concept of saffron cultivation with a hydroponic system. In conclusion, cultivating saffron with hydroponics is a sustainable solution when considering opportunity costs due to the value of the spice, and the increasing uncertainty of climate change affecting output.Item Perceived effectiveness of sugar tax on human consumption behaviour in Gauteng(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Saurombe, WitnessExcessive intake of sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with higher rates of overweight and obesity. Overweight and obesity are correlated with high risk of non-communicable diseases and increased mortality. South Africa is classified as one of the nations where individuals excessively consume sugar-sweetened beverages, leading to a rise in obesity rates and increasing healthcare expenses.South Africa implemented a sugar tax in 2018 to reduce the excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. The goal was for manufacturers to adjust their products by lowering sugar content, or for consumers to either switch to healthier options or decrease their intake of sugary drinks in response to the higher prices. This study has investigated whether the sugar tax has effectively changed the consumption behaviour of sugar-sweetened beverages among Gauteng residents. It also examines the impact of knowledge about the sugar taxand health awareness campaigns on consumption behaviour. A quantitative cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted by administering a self-assisted online questionnaire to 140 participants in Gauteng who were selected using convenience and snowballing sampling technique. The data collected was examined using Chi-square in the Statistical Package for Social Pre-programming. The study found insignificant association between sugar tax and consumption behaviour. Additionally, knowledge about sugar tax and health awareness programmes were also found to insignificantly impacted consumption behaviour. Only 18% of Gauteng people altered their consumption behaviour due to the sugar tax, as indicated by the results. 42% of participants altered their consuming habits upon being diagnosed with Non-Communicable Diseases(NCDs). The sugar tax was considered ineffectual in altering human consumption behaviour in Gauteng.