Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management (ETDs)

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Subject: search.filters.subject.SDG-17: Partnerships for the goals

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Now showing 1 - 10 of 32
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    Investigating the adoption and usage of the social relief of distress (SRD) grant: a case study of the orange farm community
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Mbiti, Mary; Chikane, Rekgotsofetse
    The aim of the study was to understand the adoption rate of the SRD grant received by members of Orange Farm. Several studies about the effectiveness of some of the pre-SRD social protection grants were published (Gutura & Tanga, 2017; Waidler & Devereux, 2019). Such studies are important as they provide an idea of the usefulness of pre-existing grants to beneficiaries, which can be compared to the SRD grant. The research gap on the users’ end of the new R 350 SRD grant particularly in targeted poor communities like Orange Farm, has huge negative impacts on the government's policies regarding vulnerable groups and the social protection programmes meant to ameliorate their sufferings. This study adopted the Human Rights Framework for social protection. This study used a qualitative exploratory case study approach. The study was conducted in the Orange Farm community. Furthermore, the study used a purposive sampling method to collect data from the primary source. The primary source of data was in the form of semi-structured interviews. This study found that the 350 grant beneficiaries in Orange Farm have faced challenges with this grant, but they favour the grant to be further extended and increased as it has helped them. The beneficiaries mostly use their grant on basic needs like food and toiletries. The participants expressed that they really needed food parcels, but they were deprived of getting them. Participants also revealed that they need jobs and are interested in starting businesses, but the main problem is access to funding
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    The role of the Kgetlengrivier Citizens Group on the administration of water services
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Eckard, Lourensa; Pillay, Pundy
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    Perspectives on data sharing by Southern African horticultural farmers
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Bailie, Kathleen Ann
    This study examines the perceptions of data sharing among Southern African horticultural farmers utilising a Digital Agricultural Application (DAA). Employing a quantitative methodology, the study collected insights from farmers and agronomists, exploring the roles of digital trust, perceived risks, and perceived benefits in influencing their decisions to share farm data. The findings indicated that, contrary to expectations, perceived risks and digital trust had a lesser impact on data sharing decisions, whereas perceived benefits significantly motivated farmers to share data. Factor and regression analyses challenged the initial assumptions, highlighting the complexity inherent in the decision-making processes of farmers. The research thus suggests that enhancing perceived benefits could be more effective in promoting data sharing than mitigating perceived risks. ii The study's results have been contextualised within the broader academic discourse, explaining deviations from, and nuances of, established research. It discussed the implications of these findings for developers of DAA and agribusiness stakeholders, aiming to enhance technology adoption within agriculture. By integrating theoretical frameworks with practical applications, such as incorporating community feedback mechanisms like testimonial systems and discussion forums into DAA, visibility of benefits was enhanced and trust was established, thereby encouraging adoption through positive peer influence. This analysis sheds light on the factors influencing data sharing among Southern African horticultural farmers and informs future technology and policy efforts to strengthen the digital agricultural ecosystem
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    The perceived impact of stuttering on career advancement and prejudice following disclosure in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Rakumako, Patience Lerato; Matshabaphala, Johnny
    This research examined the influence of stuttering on career advancement given the discrimination people who stutter encounter after disclosure in South Africa. Focused on the professional obstacles encountered by people who stutter (PWS), the study explores their inclination towards careers involving limited public speaking. Addressing gaps in existing literature, it contributes by examining the impact of disclosure and determining equal opportunities for individuals with and without speech impairments.Authors of previous research have highlighted the importance of categorizing stuttering as a disability.To fulfill the research objectives, a qualitative research design was used, specifically incorporating the use of interviews. The study involved conducting interviews with six individuals who have a history of stuttering and are employed in South Africa. The interviews explored the participants' experiences, perceptions, and challenges related to stuttering and its impact on career advancement. The interviews were conducted virtually, recorded in audio format, and transcribed for analysis. The study revealed the multifaceted impact of stuttering on career advancement emphasizing the profound awareness of the condition rooted in childhood experiences and associating it with nervousness or pressure. Career challenges varied, with some facing obstacles in interviews, while others asserted that stuttering did not impede their professional growth. Post-disclosure, the majority reported a supportive workplace atmosphere,with rare instances of bias.This research supports business practices by raising awareness of the challenges PWS face in the workplace and advocating for inclusive policies, equal opportunities,and supportive environments
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    Exploring the CSR Leadership Competencies that contribute to successful sustainable development in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Oliphant, Chanell; Mogotsi, Keratiloe
    Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has evolved from ad-hoc giving towardsstrategic sustainable focus projects, with many organisations creating departmentsor CSR-focused positions. However, critiques abound regarding the sustainabilityof CSR projects aimed at social change and uplifting, and industry thought leadersacknowledge a skills shortage or deficit in South Africa. For sustainable CSR, it isnecessary to understand the competencies required by CSR professionals and howthe competencies contribute towards sustainable CSR. Thus, the study exploredwhat functional, social, and cognitive, competencies CSR professionals need tomanage and execute CSR initiatives for practical, sustainable development throughCSR, applying the holistic managerial competency model. Data was collectedthrough semi-structured face-to-face interviews, with 18 CSR professionals. Thestudy found that, in practice, CSR professionals employ various competenciesintegratively. Social competency elements that understand the context to navigatesocial dynamics and positively impact collaboration and cognitive competencieselements that support a development mindset in CSR are needed. Functionalcompetency elements enable managing projects, which supports the successfulexecution of projects and identifying value-creation opportunities for greater impact.Meta-competencies, like motivation, reflection, and perseverance, facilitate theapplication of these competency elements. The study found that collaborationcompetency was a common thread across competencies. The findings of this studyhave implications for organisations with CSR functions and CSR professionals. Itprovides a repository for CSR professionals of the competencies they already haveand need to develop. In addition, organisations can use the identified competencieswhen hiring and developing CSR professionals. The study recommends that ifsustainability is the focus of organisations, organisations in South Africa must drawtheir attention to intensifying collaboration efforts with a strategic developmentmindset for sustainable CSR
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    Assessing monitoring and evaluation system implementation challenges: A case of a Botswana Government Ministry
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Metla, Neo Naledi; Wotela, Kambidima
    The Botswana Government instituted for monitoring and evaluation of government projects and programmes in order to redress issues of accountability, transparency and oversight (Lahey, 2015). The aim is to strengthen programme performance and ultimately lead to improved service delivery to the targeted beneficiaries and inform policy decision (NDP11 Performance Framework, 2017-2023). This study utilised a qualitative research strategy and case study research design to conduct the empirical part of the research. The research participants were recruited through purposive sampling. Eight (8) MYSC employees ranging from Executive Management, Senior Management and Management were sampled and interviewed. A semi-structured interview was used to collect information from the respondents. The data analysis was through thematic analysis after transcription of the audio recorded interviews. The findings reveal that there are challenges emanating with implementation of the monitoring and evaluation system in MYSC although it is perceived to be a critical system in guiding programming and improving the ministry’s performance. These challenges are fostered by the lack of accountability, transparency and an oversight not adequately providing guidance and playing its support role. Ultimately they limit inputs, result in unplanned or unmet activities, and fail to produce outputs and consequently prevailing unintended outcomes that cannot serve as concrete evidence for policy decisions. These perceptions confirms the implementation theory, which proclaims that execution of a programme requires appropriations, personnel, talent, time, energy, and equipment available to administrators, their unavailability will decrease the probability of achieving successful results (Vedung, 2017). The theory of change which implies that it is necessary to ensure all are planned for and provided adequately. This research concludes that implementation of the monitoring and evaluation system in MYSC needs to be improved and crucially supported, this requires for improved accountability, transparency and a functional oversight
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    The African union’s policy coherence approach for good governance
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Hamouda, Sara; McCandless, Erin
    During the past decade, concern for promoting good governance has emerged as an imperative engine for socio-economic and political transformation on the African continent, especially with the adoption of Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want. However, progress towards this aspiration re- mains sluggish despite many international and regional efforts to galvanize improvements in governance. This exploratory research examines how fit for purpose the institutional arrangements and coordination mechanisms of the African Union Commission, African Peer Review Mechanism and AU Development Agency AUDA-NEPAD are, to ensure policy coherence for achieving this goal, notably through the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of Agenda 2063, Aspiration 3 (good governance). One of the main findings of the research is that there is a lack of vertical and horizontal coherence between the three organs to ensure policy coherence and integration for advancing good governance programmes alongside monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for their performance, accountability, and delivery. Another finding speaks to the necessity of enhancing political ownership and commitment of AU member-states
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    Complexities of the professionalisation process and ethics of community development in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Ditlhake, Kefilwe Johanna; Pillay, Pundy
    This thesis examined the professionalisation process complexities and ethics of community development in South Africa. The purpose of this study was to examine the current move to professionalise the community development sector to explain professionalisation process complexities, the tensions, challenges, and the values of community development in South Africa. The quest for professionalisation calls for the standardisation of knowledge, certifications, the establishment of occupational membership associations, and a system of self-regulation for community development practitioners and community workers into a formalised profession and be committed to serving the public interest. The professionalisation process of the community development sector was explicitly acknowledged in the White Paper on Social Welfare in 1997. In October 2011, the national Department of Social Development (DSD) organised a three-day Inaugural Summit held at the Vulindlela Village in Coega, Eastern Cape, which paved the way for the professionalisation process, and consulted stakeholders within the community development sector to plan the professionalisation process in this field. This summit was the first step undertaken towards the professionalisation process. The national DSD was mandated to lead, oversee and coordinate the professionalisation of community development. The Steering Committee, the South African Council of Social Service Profession (SACSSP), and the Task Team to professionalise community development in the planning and implementation process. The study adopted multiple case study designs to explore and explain how the community development practitioners, social workers, and community development workers view the professionalisation process complexities and the values of community development. This case study research took place in Gauteng at the local, provincial, and national levels of government. The four cases underpinning the study include the practitioners from non-governmental organisations (NGO), community development workers (CDWs) from the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), the provincial and national Department of Social Development (DSD), and the higher education institutions (HEI). The case study analysis focused first on each case separately (within-case analysis), including the connection of each case to the phenomenon underpinning the study. Understanding each case (within-case analysis) was essential to understanding the case context. By adopting multiple case study research designs, contributions to existing research on community development and the professionalisation process are made. The research questions underpinning the phenomenon under study are answered by accumulating findings from all four cases (cross-case analysis findings). Interviews and secondary data analysis were used to collect data. The interviews are the primary data source, and documentary analysis was used to corroborate the findings of the interviews. Non-probability purposive sampling and theoretical sampling were employed in this study. The empirics consist of seventy-four interviews with community development workers, social workers, and community development practitioners. The data analysis process followed the constructivist grounded theory constant comparison iterative and coding process, including two cycles of initial and focused coding. The theoretical codes developed in the study represent the foundation of the theory developed. Given the plethora of research in this field of study, the constructivist grounded theory data analysis process was applicable in generating the nascent theory that suits the nature of this inquiry. This study found that the professionalisation process was motivated by the need for status recognition and that the process is evolving as state regulation. Professionalisation process complexities are connected to the complex context of the history of the multidisciplinary nature of community development practice, lack of engagement and broader consultative processes, the qualification versus the occupational wider set of professionalisation processes, a crisis of status recognition, professional identity issues, the unclear scope of practice, and a lack of regulatory framework. Against this backdrop, challenges, tensions, turf issues, and contestations are identified. Including the ethical issues of conflict of interest, professional misconduct, and malpractice are raised as the major challenge of the evolving profession of community development practice. A substantive theory developed in this study is inductively theorised from data and contributes to existing research on community development professional practice. Based on the study findings, recommendations for policy and practice and further research are suggested
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    A Mixed Methods Sequential Explanatory Study of the Determinants of the Insurance Purchase Decision-Making in Zambia
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2020-03) Haamukwanza, Chimuka Leo; Masie, Desné
    Zambia has low insurance consumption and penetration. The particularities around the insurance purchase decision-making have not been researched. Financial decision-making has been a topic of interest as increased financial services uptake is one method of increasing financial inclusion. This thesis defines and compares the Insurance Purchase Decision-making (IPD) of the Workers in the Pensions and Insurance Industry (WPII) and the Urban Poor (UP) using a mixed methods sequential explanatory design. In the quantitative phase, data was collected using a questionnaire and analysed using IBM SPSS and IBM AMOS for Structural Equation Modelling. Significant differences emerged in the two populations regarding their IPD: the risk coping mechanisms, the extent of loss aversion, and education attained. The qualitative phase delved into detail on the areas that were not clear in the quantitative phase and used structured interviews to collect data. The thesis has confirmed that the decision-making of the two populations and their perceptions on insurance differ. The thematic analysis in the qualitative phase of the thesis highlight three major themes from both populations that insurance practice and management and the government need to undertake to enhance insurance consumption: financial literacy, service quality and regulation. This thesis has contributed to the literature on the IPD in Zambia; towards a detailed understanding of the IPD in Zambia through the integration of an interdisciplinary mixed methods approach; and highlights how the WPII and the UP make their IPD. The thesis highlights the potential consumers’ needs and inclination towards insurance and how insurance practice could take advantage of the consumers’ needs in undertaking market segmentation and penetration. The thesis optimises the insurance needs of the two populations: their expectations, their experiences, their understanding of and perceptions on insurance. The activities that insurance practice and management should do to enhance insurance consumption in Zambia have been highlighted.
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    Decentralisation in Cameroon and the Anglophones’ Struggle for Autonomy
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Epongo, Emmanuel Makia; Van Nieuwkerk, Anthoni
    In Cameroon, decentralisation was introduced in 1996 to promote development, democracy and good governance at the local level. However, decentralisation exacerbated conflicts between the Anglophone minority and the Francophone-majority government, resulting in a civil war in 2017. Therefore, this research explores how the implementation of decentralisation in the two Anglophone regions exacerbated conflicts between the Anglophone minority and the Francophone-majority government. Despite the growing literature on decentralisation and conflicts, very little research has been conducted on conflicts arising from former independent colonial territories that reunited under a federal system and later evolved to a decentralised unitary system, a shortcoming addressed by this research. This study used qualitative methodology and a case study design. The research was conducted at the Kumba and Bamenda city councils in the Southwest and Northwest regions, respectively. Participants were selected through purposive and snowball sampling techniques for semi-structured interviews. Data from interviews, observation and archival documents were merged and analysed through thematic analysis. The findings suggest that decentralisation in the Anglophone regions is more of deconcentration than devolution. Understanding how decentralisation increased intrastate conflict between the Anglophone minority and the Francophone-majority government could have a broader significance for researchers, governments and policymakers seeking to mitigate conflicts, particularly in Africa, with diverse societies prone to intrastate conflicts