Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management (ETDs)
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Item The Societal Perspective of Postgraduate students at the Wits Business School towards the Just Energy Transition in South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Milanzi, Maria-Salome GaudenceThe purpose of this research is to explore postgraduate students; understanding of the Just Energy Transition (JET) in South Africa in order to uncover key areas of consideration from society’s point of view and their suggestions for implementation. The qualitative study followed an interpretive approach, interviewing twenty-one (21) postgraduate students at Wits Business School. The data was analysed through coding, from which themes were derived. The qualitative study identified concerns about the social impact of the transition, especially on vulnerable groups like the poor and workers in the coal industry. The findings highlight the need for strategies that address the impact on these groups, while also considering crucial factors like poor governance, unemployment, and electricity affordability. A phased approach with an initial focus on cleaner coal technologies and strong stakeholder engagement is recommended. The study also suggests recommendations for both the government and individuals. The government should rebuild trust, invest in cleaner energy sources while utilizing existing resources responsibly, and promote job creation through localization. Individuals are encouraged to educate themselves about the JET and its benefits. Ultimately, the research emphasizes the importance of socially just and inclusive approaches to ensure a successful and sustainable energy transition in South Africa.Item Multidimensional measure of energy poverty in Lesotho(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Lehema, Nthati ‘Mabatho; Ye, YuxiangThis 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.Item An Ecofeminist Approach to Understanding Deficiencies in the Mining Regulatory Framework in South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Malindi, Zanele; Meyersfeld, BonitaBlack 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.Item Dynamic spillovers between clean energy stocks and fossil fuels: The role of climate policy uncertainty and geopolitical risk(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg Date of Issue *, 2024) Mubaiwa, Darren Tinotenda; Fasanya, Ismail O.Clean energy stocks have emerged as a means for environmentally conscious investors to support and foster the growth of companies that are involved in the green energy sector. However, given the entrenched place that non-green energy still holds, investors must contend with the reality that these clean energy stocks may be connected to fossil fuels. Therefore, the study applies the TVP-VAR model to analyze the volatility spillovers among these markets. Our empirical analyses demonstrate that there is strong connectedness between clean energy stocks and fossil fuels. Notwithstanding, we observe that the spillovers among fossil fuels (crude oil, diesel, jet fuel etc.) are stronger than the intermarket spillovers between these energy commodities and the clean energy stock market. We then proceed to examine the effect of climate policy uncertainty and geopolitical risk on these spillovers. Using the causality-in- quantiles technique of Balcilar et al. (2016), we find that both climate policy uncertainty and geopolitical risk have a formidable impact on clean energy stock and fossil fuel intermarket spillovers. Moreover, using the Quantile-on-Quantile regression approach of Sim and Zhou (2015), we find that climate policy uncertainty and geopolitical risk have heterogeneous effects across the distribution of the clean energy stock and fossil fuel spillover nexus. These findings constitute important information for investors and policymakers.Item Embracing technology to rejuvenate South African mining: a comparative case study analysis of a South African and an Australian mining firm(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Vink, Tarryn; Callaghan, ChrisIt is well recognised that the mining industry is the historic bedrock of the South African economy. However, since 2000 the industry has shown signs of decline that include, inter alia, a slowdown in growth along with productivity issues. Since South Africa (SA) lags behind its global competitors in terms of technological innovation and implementation; many leaders in the mining industry are of the view that the increased use of technology will arrest this decline and restore the mining industry to a stronger position in the South African economy. What is, however, not fully understood is the extent to which technological change is contextually path dependent. This meaning that technological change in an industry is restricted by past events which enhance its resistance to change. This results in a lack of knowledge regarding how best to manage technological change. This would include understanding the most suitable implementation methods for certain contexts. The intention of this dissertation is to explain why firms in the South African mining industry lag behind their global competitors in terms of technological adoption. It aims to understand how differing contextual factors influence mining firms’ behavior, that, in turn, has an industry- level effect. It aims to understand how firms should manage this technology properly to optimise its interaction with its environment. Additionally, it aims to understand which theoretical approach, in relation to technological change, mining firms should follow to properly navigate their technological trajectories in light of contextual imperatives. The unit of analysis in this methodology is at the firm level. It takes specific contextual factors into account to determine which method of implementation is more appropriate for new technological advancements. This was executed by conducting two methodology phases. Phase 1 of the methodology which consisted of a holistic comparative case study analysis of a South African and an Australian mining firm. This study phase analysed archival documents that tracked changes in the responses of these mining firms over time. This was conducted using information from their financial statements and company reports, with the aim of investigating how these matched the government and environmental contexts seen in policy and country related documents. Phase 2 of the methodology comprised a qualitative analysis that used individual interviews in an attempt to develop useful insights that contextualise and support the findings of Phase 1. Various theoretical predictions have been derived in the form of propositions. The theory thus inductively developed has been used to answer some how and iii why questions about the strategic responses of firms to contextual imperatives. The study therefore produced a holistic analysis illustrating how each firm engaged with its respective contexts and how this may have resulted in path dependant relationships regarding technological innovation. The research emphasises that the South African mining industry's lag in technological adoption compared to global competitors could be attributed to an imbalanced innovation focus and a restrictive business context. It suggests that firms should address their technological and contextual needs separately to effectively manage innovation. The findings also stress that incremental improvements alone, are unlikely to enable a catch-up up with global leaders. Instead, radical interventions are necessary to shift the current trajectory toward one that prioritises productivity to achieve social objectives, enabling a plausible catch up.Item Exploring Transnationalism in Ground-Breaking South African and Global North Climate Litigation(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Wadiwala, Zunaida MoosaClimate litigation represents a way to battle against the worsening climate crisis. With a focus on the role of courts in transnational climate change litigation, evidence presented in this dissertation aims to uncover the scope and meaning of transnationalism in climate litigation, and to explore the system of transnational climate governance emerging from ground-breaking litigation. This dissertation proceeds from two objectives, the first of which examines how, if at all climate jurisprudence is transnational in character. Global climate litigation is a growing phenomenon, and this work analyses what the scope and meaning of transnationalism in climate litigation entails for a system of global climate governance. The second objective considers what the place of South Africa is in a system of transnational court-led governance; and how Global North judgments cognise the impacts of judgments in South Africa, if at all. To lay the groundwork for the development of a transnational analytical framework with which to reach answers to the objectives, the dissertation recognises differences in the definition of climate litigation and identifies claims that underpin transnational climate litigation. These claims include the human rights turn, the role of courts in climate governance, remedies and mitigation and adaptation-based climate litigation. Grappling with the concept of transnational climate litigation, the dissertation applies four theories of transnationalism to climate litigation, and themes from these theories enabled the development of a transnational analytical framework with which to analyse cases. The three South African cases used are Earthlife Africa Johannesburg v The Minister of Environmental Affairs and Other (Earthlife), Sustaining the Wild Coast NPC and Others v Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy and Others (Shell), South Durban Community Environmental Alliance and Another v Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and The Environment and Others (Eskom). Cases used from the Global North jurisdictions are The State of the Netherlands v Urgenda (Neth. Sup. CT) (Urgenda), Friends of the Earth Netherlands (Milieudefensie)et al v Royal Dutch Shell (Milieudefensie), and Neubauer et al v Germany (Neubauer). As the dissertation concludes, findingItem The impact of climate change on the performance of banks in Southern Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Ralebona, Phumudzo; Gwatidzo, TendaiUsing a sample of 12 countries from the SADC region, the study investigates the impact of climate change on the performance of commercial banks. The study this paper uses temperature and rainfall levels to measure climate change. Secondary data gathered through extraction of historical databases obtained from World Bank Development Indicators is used to deduce the relationship of these variables. The results suggest that climate change matters. The study finds that although there is a positive relationship between bank profitability and climate change, there is a threshold beyond which further increases in temperature and rainfall will adversely affect bank profitability. Also, banking sector concentration has a positive effect on banking profitability, while loan loss provisions and costs can erode profits if not managed properly. We also discover that there is no difference in how South Africa is affected by climate change compared to the rest of the SADC countries. A number of policy recommendations emanate from the study. First, it imperative for banks to begin to take into account climate change in the operational activities. Second, there is no country immune from the ravages of climate change. All countries in the SADC region must cooperate to address the serious challenges emanating from climate change. For example, the impact of climate for South African banks is not different to the banking sectors in other countries in the SADC region. Indeed, across most countries in the region natural disasters, such as droughts and floods, are becoming more frequent and also more devastating. Third, to address some of the challenges there is need to address the problems of, data scarcity and to use technology innovation to prevent natural disasters. These recommendations will equip the SADC region to be able to tackle the anticipated consequences of climate change on the financial institutionsItem 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 Responsiveness of South African semi-commercial farmers to climate change(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Maliba, Bheki; Saruchera, FannyAgriculture is crucial for sustaining rural livelihoods and promoting economic growth. However, climate change threatens agriculture as it is directly linked to climate factors. This study assesses how semi-commercial farmers are responding to climate change. The objectives were to (1) examine the perceptions of South Africa’s semi-commercial farmers on climate change; (2) assess the responsiveness of semi-commercial farmers to climate change; and (3) assess the influence of adaptation strategies on the performance of semi-commercial farmers. The data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire from 90 respondents and analysed. The demographic characteristics of the semi-commercial farmers were analysed using frequencies and descriptive statistics. In addition, a correlation analysis was conducted to determine relationships between different constructs, and multiple linear regression was used to model the relationship between variables. Most of the 90 respondents were 35 to 54 years old and had a high level of tertiary education (83.33%). The analysis of years in farming reveals a moderate experience level among participants, with 56.67% engaged in farming for 10-24 years. Rainfed agricultural practices dominated, with 57.78% relying solely on natural rainfall. Regarding access to credit, the mean score of 2.21 (standard deviation = 1.06) shows that, on average, respondents disagreed with the statements in the questionnaire about access to adequate credit, affordable lending rates, easy access to finance and alternative funding sources. Crop productivity indicated a positive correlation with soil and water conservation, and there was a positive correlation between changes in temperature and soil and water conservation. This suggests that their perception of temperature changes influences semi-commercial farmers' adaption strategies and that adopting climate strategies improves crop productivity. The study proved that soil and water conservation and crop diversification significantly predict crop productivity (performance). Recognising the positive correlation between soil and water conservation and crop diversification techniques and the perceived increased crop productivity, policymakers and agricultural extension services should prioritise and advocate for these strategies. Given the significant variations in respondents' access to credit, interventions should be tailored to the different financial needs of semi- commercial farmers. It is recommended that future research incorporate more comprehensive analyses of the development prospects of semi-commercial farmers, considering regional differences and assessing the long-term impact of adaptation strategies on actual agricultural productionItem Senior Decision Makers’ Perspectives on South Africa’s Climate Change Response Strategy(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Taylor, AndrewThis research seeks to analyse the perspectives of senior decision makers of South Africa’s climate change response strategy, using Q Methodology as the principal research methodology. The research reveals 4 statistically significant perspectives and seeks to distil traits which exemplify these perspectives. These perspectives have been located within the current international commitments and domestic climate change response strategy of the Republic of South Africa. This research argues that the interdependence of the actors who are responsible for driving the climate change response strategy require a coordinated and structured approach to achieve meaningful change. This approach must be based on multi-sectoral cooperation, led by a nationally coordinated drive to implement decarbonisation strategies compatible with the undertakings made in terms of the Paris Climate Agreement. These strategies must be underpinned by a coherent response which sufficiently balances the trade-offs implicit in balancing a complex system such as climate change, more specifically, when set against the unique background of South Africa’s demographics, structural and economic inequality and natural environment
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