Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management (ETDs)
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Item 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, EuphemiaDigital 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.Item An investigation of the second-level digital divide in the South African education and training sector(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Dyosiba, SiyabongaThis research investigates the second-level digital divide in education and training within the Media, Information, and Communication Technology (MICT) sector. The primary objective is to identify the factors contributing to this divide, analyse its ramifications on education and training, and suggest targeted interventions to enhance digital access and literacy. A qualitative approach was employed, integrating interviews with MICT professionals and an extensive literature review. The research draws upon insights from key strategic documents in South Africa to offer a comprehensive understanding of the second-level digital divide within the MICT sector. The participants comprised MICT professionals representing diverse generational cohorts. The sample was carefully structured to encompass various experiences and viewpoints within the sector. Socioeconomic status, educational opportunities, and access to resources significantly impact the acquisition of digital skills, leading to generational inequalities. The digital divide impedes the effective implementation of digital literacy initiatives, restraining the education and training sector's capacity to fully leverage its potential. Generational distinctions are pivotal in digital competency, influencing skills acquisition and educational outcomes. Strategic initiatives, as delineated in crucial strategic documents, underscore the importance of infrastructure development, skills augmentation, and inclusive policies. Collaborative endeavours involving governmental entities, private institutions, and educational stakeholders are imperative for bridging the second-level digital divide in the MICT sector.Item Digitalisation of government services for service delivery: Case of The City of Ekurhuleni(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Dlamini, Luke Mhlonishwa; Mawela, TendaniThe implementation of digital solutions presents numerous opportunities for both private and public organizations, aiming to enhance effectiveness, efficiency, and gain competitive advantage. While the private sector has already embraced digitalisation, the public sector has lagged in adopting technology. This study aims to highlight the benefits of digitalisation, identify the challenges hindering its adoption, and propose a framework for its implementation. Digitalisation is viewed as a means to enhance agility within organizations. South African municipalities and the public sector have faced widespread criticism from citizens regarding inefficiency and ineffectiveness. Therefore, many of these entities have initiated efforts to automate their services to enhance service delivery. Automating services and systems could have addressed criticisms of poor service delivery. However, this effort is hindered by unstable and unreliable networks, as well as a shortage of experienced personnel to oversee the digitalisation process. Consequently, South African municipalities often outsource many of their services to third-party companies through professional services to overcome these challenges. Despite the well-documented benefits of outsourcing digitalisation services, municipalities lack guidance on how to do so successfully. Insufficient research has been conducted on this emerging trend of digitalisation. Thus, this study aimed to formulate a model for the implementation of digitalisation in the city of Ekurhuleni. Employing a qualitative approach, data was gathered from the city's ICT department. Subsequently, qualitative analysis was conducted on the data obtained from middle and senior management. The findings revealed that organizational factors, either collectively or individually, exert a significant influence on the adoption of digitalisation. The analysis revealed that technological factors, including innovation characteristics and organizational readiness for technology, are significant determinants of digitalisation adoption. Environmental factors were also identified as influential in this regard. This study addresses the lack of literature on digitalisation adoption in municipalities and proposes a model that can guide further research in this area. Additionally, the developed model can inform decision-making processes regarding digitalisation adoption in government. Other cities can utilize this model to inform their own digitalisation strategies, thereby making a valuable contribution to practice and management.Item The nexus between the digital divide and social cohesion and their socio-economic drivers in South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Magida, Ayanda; Armstrong, BrianThe study aimed to achieve two objectives. Firstly, it sought to investigate the correlation between the digital divide and social cohesion in South Africa. Secondly, it aimed to evaluate the socio-economic factors contributing to the digital divide and attaining social cohesion. The study used ecological systems theory as the primary theory to underpin its research. Social categorisation and resource appropriation theories were employed as secondary theories to enhance understanding of social cohesion and the digital divide, respectively. A concurrent mixed-method design incorporating quantitative and qualitative methods was utilised to gather comprehensive data. The quantitative data was acquired through online and paper-based surveys, while in-depth interviews were conducted to obtain qualitative data. Using the Qualtrics data collection platform, the online survey was distributed through various channels and platforms, including social media, using convenience sampling. Fieldwork in three semi-urban areas in Gauteng was conducted to carry out the paper-based survey. A total of n=1140 surveys were completed, and after data cleaning, n=857 respondents were included in the final analysis using SPSS. The quantitative data collected from the survey was analysed using descriptive statistics, structural equation modelling, and regressions. Meanwhile, the qualitative phase involved purposively selecting twelve participants for an interview, with the transcripts being analysed using thematic analysis and NVivo. Eight themes were identified through a hybrid data analysis approach combining inductive and deductive approaches. Results from the quantitative phase indicate a correlation between social cohesion and the digital divide. Socio-economic factors such as age, geographic location, and population group drive social cohesion. Similarly, age, education level, and gender influence internet access: socio-economic factors, population group, geographic location, education level, and economic activity impact internet usage. Lastly, the advantages of being online are influenced by socio-economic factors such as age, education level, and economic activity. Nine themes emerged from the qualitative analysis through an inductive and deductive approach. Participants expressed shared definitions and understandings of the digital divide and identified iii its drivers, which encompassed infrastructure, affordability, electricity, and literacy levels. Regarding social cohesion, the participants expressed that the notion of a "rainbow nation" is a myth, and socio-political factors act as barriers to achieving social cohesion. The research indicates that the digital divide significantly impacts social cohesion in South Africa. However, it is important to recognise that social cohesion and the digital divide are complex issues influenced by various factors, such as socio- economic status, race, culture, and historical context. Therefore, exploring and addressing other obstacles that prevent the country from achieving social cohesion and bridging the digital divide is vital. The report has significantly contributed to several empirical, methodological, and practical areas. The study has provided valuable insights into the digital divide, social cohesion, and socio-economic drivers, contributing to our understanding of these complex issues. The research has enriched our understanding of the digital divide and social cohesion by adopting a comprehensive approach that captures a range of perspectives and provides nuanced insights. Additionally, using both quantitative and qualitative data has enhanced the validity and rigour of the findings. Ultimately, the study's practical contributions are especially noteworthy given that social cohesion is a crucial pillar of South Africa's democratic project. Understanding the factors that hinder its attainment is essential, and this research sheds light on micro and macro factors contributing to achieving social cohesion.Item Addressing The 4IR Skills Gap for South Africa’s Economy(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Bodibe, Lerato; Venter, RobertThe widespread enthusiasm and hysteria for Artificial Intelligence (AI) todays not only encourages but forces us to approach the future with a combination of childlike aw and mature concerns. A new and evolving set of skills is vita and needed, because automation and robotisation powered by AI is simultaneously creating and eroding jobs. The so-called digitally enabled jobs, AI-driven jobs, indisputably needs a skilled cadre of graduates. This is especially true for the ICT sector in South Africa, which is plagued by a serious skills shortage. The research conducted for this MBA social entrepreneurship project led to the aim of establishing an eSkills institute, specifically targeting the youth in Orange Farm. This community was chosen for its demographic and social condition where it faces high levels of youth unemployment, drug abuse, and lack of access to educational facilities by the youth. The proposed business model offers a promising approach for the eSkills Institute to achieve both its social and financial goals, bringing meaningful change to disadvantaged communities through digital skills training. This would enable the eSkills institute to achieve long-term viability and make a positive impact with its underlying primary objective of providing digital skills training to disadvantaged communities, thereby bridging the digital divide and increasing their access to economic opportunities. Basing our analysis on market research and stakeholder engagement has helped identify key areas of opportunity to generate revenue and create social value. These opportunities include offering paid digital skills training programs to corporate clients, partnering with government agencies to provide subsidised training to low-income individuals, and establishing a social enterprise arm that offers software development and design services to small businesses and their ecosystemsItem Digital banking penetration in underserved communities in South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Mdluli, Ntokozo; Totowa, JacquesThis purpose of this research paper is to investigate the impact that the closing of bank branches and the influence of digital banking as an alternative has on the banking population in underserved communities. For the purposes of the study, these communities are those that face barriers and challenges in gaining access to and using resources. Access to electricity, problems with broadband infrastructure or internet connectivity, employment, language, and literacy are just a few of the issues. With the rapid rate of bank branch closures globally and in South Africa, which are due to a variety of factors such as operational cost savings for banking institutions, looting unrest that resulted in property destruction, and the rate of digitalization, underserved communities are at risk of becoming financially excluded. The study sought to answer four research questions. Understanding the factors that influence underserved communities' banking activities, investigating the impact of traditional banking channel closures such as bank branches on underserved communities, determining whether the traditional banking channel closures result in financial exclusion of underserved communities, and making recommendations to banking institutions on how to lessen the impact of traditional banking channel closures. As part of the study, the researcher used a quantitative research approach, distributing a questionnaire to 179 members of underserved communities across South Africa. The key findings of the research showed that the results for two out of four hypotheses were statistically significant. We were able to show that the closure of bank branches increases the use of digital banking in underserved communities and may result in financial exclusion of people in underserved communities. In contrast to the literature review findings, we discovered that bank branches have no influence or impact on the community in underserved areas, and that issues with electricity and internet connectivity, a lack of digital literacy, and security concerns do not prevent underserved communities from using digital bankingItem The Impact of Digital Technology on Education in South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Gupta, ShikhaThis study sought to determine the effect that digital technology would have on South Africa's educational system. The use of technology in educational settings may change how teaching and learning are carried out. Learning is made possible by technology, which can significantly reduce the growing gap in inequality and disparity and enhance the status of the economy. The research method used for this study is qualitative. To understand the motivations and behaviours of the target audience, the qualitative technique involves gathering perceptions and having faith in people's responses. Qualitative research aims to offer a more in-depth understanding of the problems. The following key themes emerged: Digital Technology, Willingness for Acceptance, Willingness for Implementation, Issues that Digital Technology Can Solve, and Advantages that Digital Technology Can Have. The results of technology in education spaces can have a profound impact and the findings are in closing the skills gap of the country, creating a more interconnected world, and giving access to educational resources, to mention a fewItem Telcos Approach in addressing the Digital Divide(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Swanepoel, Werner; Craffert, LeonaThe purpose of the qualitative, interpretative study was to explore the perspectives of senior executives within South African telecommunication companies (Telcos) regarding their companies’ role in bridging the digital divideItem Exploring the potential of 5G to bridge the digital divide in South Africa(University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Dumako, Sebongile; Patel, Mr Ashraf5G adoption is expected to boost job growth and income, and reduce costs, contributing to the South African National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 goal of a connected society, especially in underserved areas, and improving affordability and broadband infrastructure accessibility. This research study sets out to explore the potential of 5G in bridging the digital divide in South Africa. The researcher undertook a qualitative study through semi-structured interviews of industry experts using an interview guide as the research instrument. The sample was made up of a qualitative study of the perceptions of 14 participants from the telecommunications sector, a research council, the government, and SMEs, with first-hand experience in 5G deployment and manufacturing of 5G equipment. The themes that emerged during the process of data analysis were derived using a thematic analysis. The study findings revealed that South Africa to is ready to adopt 5G technology and confirmed 5G technology's potential to transform South African lives, businesses, and industries through Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Massive Machine-Type Communications (mMTC), and Ultra-Reliable and Low Latency Communications (uRLLC) use cases, thus aligning with the International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) 2020 vision. 5G offers significant potential for improving service delivery in South Africa, enabling e-government, and saving time, money, and convenience in various sectors. However, 5G technology's potential to revolutionize life and work faces socioeconomic challenges and slow government implementation, hindering its potential to bridge the digital divide. Recommendations have been posited for each of the stakeholders involved in the 5G ecosystem in South Africa to help overcome the digital divide.Item Assessment of the second-level digital divide in South Africa: the case of digital financial services(2022) Makamole, Thabo KaraboFinancial institutions and entrepreneurs in South Africa are developing and rolling out different digital financial services (DFS) into the market. South Africa is following a similar trend as other countries by investing in financial technology to deliver services, even though not at the same scale. However, these services make up a small percentage of the market share as the use of DFS is still low. This study aimed to assess the second-level digital divide – the divide in digital skill levels and use of technology – by investigating the use of DFS in South Africa. This was achieved by investigating the influence of digital skills on the use of DFS. The hypothesis was that digital skills positively influence the use of DFS. The hypothesis was tested via an online survey that was distributed to South African consumers using social media platforms. A total of 541 valid responses were received. Most of the respondents were between the 31-45 (49.5%) age group and the 60+ age group were the lowest with 0.9%. Most respondent’s education level was a matric (28.7%) and those with no matric was lowest (3%). Most respondents were employed and were earning less than R39 999 per annum. Most of the respondents had access to a Smartphone (95.6%) and most accessed the internet from home (91.7%). The results were analysed using multivariate analysis, which resulted in developing a new hypothesis and eliminating several original variables. A linear regression model was built to determine the contribution of different factors to using DFS. The results were mixed but showed that content creation digital skills and information digital skills contributed positively to the use of DFS. Interestingly, communication digital skills negatively influenced DFS, and English was not associated with the use of DFS as initially hypothesised. The study concluded that only some digital skills influence the use of DFS. In addition, it was also found that generic digital skills for everyday use might assist in using a specific technology. Future research should focus on the digital skills required to use different Internet applications and conducting a comparative study between individuals in different socio-economic statuses.