4. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - Faculties submissions

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South Africa’s earliest giant: The systematics and palaeobiology of a new species of sauropodomorph
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Moopen, Atashni; Choiniere, Jonah N.; Botha, Jennifer
Sauropodomorph dinosaurs are characterized by their gigantic body size and quadrupedal postures, but they evolved from small, bipedal ancestors. Transitional non sauropodan sauropodomorphs from the Norian are key to understanding this evolutionary transition. A new Norian sauropodomorph (BP/1/8469) discovered in 2018 in the lower Elliot Formation of Qhemegha, Eastern Cape consists of a well-preserved, well-represented associated postcranial skeleton of a relatively large individual. This specimen provides novel information about the Norian transition in sauropodomorph body plan. This study presents the results of BP/1/8469, using comparative anatomical study, quantitative body mass and postural estimation, osteohistological enquiry, and phylogenetic systematics assessment. BP/1/8469 is a 1.8 to 3.1 metric tonne, facultative quadrupedal sauropodomorph. It was an adult that displays rapid, interrupted growth, similar to other sauropodiforms. Phylogenetic analysis of BP/1/8469 highlights incongruencies in sauropodomorph character datasets, flags considerable homoplasy in sauropodomorph evolution, and underscores the need for accurate homology statements.
Project Reality - Imagining the symbiotic relationship between virtual reality and the human narrative
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Peneda, Michael
With virtual reality technology being ever more integrated in our daily lives, through the accessibility to technology such as smartphones, personal computers, the internet, and social media. The potential possibilities for exploration, education, historical preservation, spatial exploration and how we define reality are endless. With the Newtown precinct having historical, educational, and recreational facilities within the heart of Johannesburg yet not functioning as a true representation of a cultural precinct. It provides the perfect catalyst for a virtual reality centre that enables the public to access this technology and explore its vast potential whilst reviving and transforming Newtown into a functional cultural precinct. Whilst being supported by the surrounding public infrastructure as well as creating a new pillar to support the precinct. This virtual reality centre provides the ability for users to explore both the virtual realm and the physical, while being able to easily transition from one to the other. With new ways of engaging with spatial exploration, immersive education, and new representations of historical narratives. With the building functioning as an amalgamation of new representations of classical typologies such as museums, exhibition spaces, galleries, research development and education facilities. By housing the functionalities of these typologies within the centre yet representing them in new ways with unique ways of engaging with them.
The study of quaternary semiconducting chalcogenide nanomaterials for application as counter electrodes
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Ngubeni, Grace Nomthandazo; Moloto, Nosipho
Herein, the colloidal synthesis of Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS), Cu2ZnSnSe4 (CZTSe) and the first time colloidal synthesis of Li2ZnSnS4 (LZTS) and Na2ZnSnS4 (NZTS) nanoparticles respectively were investigated. All the nanoparticles were applied as counter electrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). For the CZTS and CZTSe nanoparticles in particular, the effect of three substrates, namely, vitreous carbon (VC), indium tin oxide (ITO) and fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) on the electrocatalytic properties including the overall performance of the solar cells were investigated. The CZTS and CZTSe were successfully synthesized and characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and ultra-violet visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy and transmission electron microscope (TEM) for the morphologies. CZTSe on glassy carbon (VC) had better electrocatalytic activity as compared to CZTS, however, the DSSCs from VC were poor due to the reduced transmittance of the substrate. On ITO and FTO, CZTS performed the best. Electrochemically, CZTS had the lowest series resistance and charge transfer resistance however had the largest exchange current density and limiting diffusion current thereby making it the best electrocatalyst. The DSSC using CZTS–ITO gave the best performance with the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 3.62%. Conversely, for the LZTS and NZTS nanoparticles the effect of the lithium and sodium precursors and the ratio of the constituents e.g. Li:Zn:Sn:S and Na:Zn:Sn:S on the properties of the LZTS and NZTS nanoparticles, respectively were investigated. In addition, the effect of the substrates, that is, ITO vs FTO on the electrocatalytic properties as well as overall performance of the DSSCs were studied. Using the Li2S precursor, the XPS, 7Li MAS NMR and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the presence of lithium and the formation of LZTS. Since the Li2S source and the 2:1:0.25:2 ratio, resulted in the purest particles, these were therefore used as CEs in DSSCs for the first time. LZTS nanoparticles on ITO gave the best performance with 2.26% PCE. Similarly, the study of NZTS indicated that the NaCl regardless of the ratios used resulted in the formation of impurities as observed from XRD patterns. The presence of sodium and the complete formation of NZTS nanoparticles through 23Na MAS NMR, XPS and Raman v spectroscopy were investigated. The results indicated that the Na2S-based nanoparticles in the 2:1:0.5:4 ratio, yielded the purest NZTS nanoparticles. As such, these results indicated a PCE of 3.93%. The study illustrates that alkali metals (Li+ and Na+) can be used as the monovalent cation in quaternary nanoparticles, instead of the commonly used Cu+ transition metal with promising results as counter electrode materials in DSSCs. Notably, the NZTS nanoparticles illustrated a higher PCE to CZTS while LZTS had the lowest PCE. It must be however noted, that these results require further optimization to explore the full potential of these alkali metal-based quaternary nanoparticles.
Exploring the digital divide in underserved communities in rural Mpumalanga, South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Shandukani, Linda; Magida, Ayanda
This research report explored the digital divide in underserved communities in rural Mpumalanga, South Africa, focusing on how owning a smartphone can help bridge the gap. Despite the widespread use of digital technology, financial constraints and limited digital literacy continue to create disparities, especially among marginalised populations. The study employed a qualitative research design, primarily through eight in- depth interviews, to explore how smartphones can impact digital inclusion and overall quality of life in these communities. The findings reveal a digital divide, particularly among young Black individuals, due to barriers in smartphone and internet accessibility. While ease of access to technology can enhance social and economic capital, challenges such as pricing and infrastructure limitations exacerbate disparities, perpetuating cycles of poverty and marginalisation.
The impact of the use of e-Commerce on customer experience for retail in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Naidoo, Jaroshen; Mudau, Thanyani Norman
e-Commerce systems are rapidly changing how individuals shop, and they have provided many retail stores in South Africa with a new sales channel to service customers. With many organisations heavily investing in e-Commerce systems, the need to have end users adopting e-Commerce is vital for the success of the future of e-Commerce. Two areas that need to be examined include how customers currently use e-commerce systems and how e-Commerce use impacts customer experience. To understand the challenges, factors influencing e-commerce usage and its impact on customer experience were investigated. This study distinguished between basic and advanced utilisation of e-commerce systems. To understand the research objectives identified, an extended version of the Delone and Mclean IS Success model has been adapted to the study, which has been modelled as an e-Commerce IS success model. The factors influencing the advanced use of e-Commerce systems include information, system, and service quality. With e-Commerce being split into basic and advanced use, advanced use was focused on understanding how it affects customer experience. This data was collected through a survey distributed to end users of e-Commerce over LinkedIn. 159 respondents(n=159) provided insights into the factors, which included Information quality, system quality, service quality, basic use, advanced use, user satisfaction, customer experience and data quality. However, data quality was a factor that dropped during the Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), which was done through SPSS and AMOS. The research showed strong relationships between information quality and advanced use, system quality and advanced use, and service quality and advanced use. This confirmed the first objective of understanding the factors that impact the advanced use of e-Commerce systems in retail in South Africa. The next major result showed that advanced use had a higher coefficient to the basic viii uses relationship towards customer experience, and this translated to end users wanting to make use of the advanced features of e-Commerce systems to make decision-making and Key Performance Indicators (KPI) easier to achieve. In the findings, numerous contributions have been made, which include the factors that impact the basic and advanced use of e-Commerce systems. The effects of the basic and advanced use on customer experience and user satisfaction, which did not previously exist within the e-Commerce space, are also contributions identified in this study. Overall, this study helps organisations understand what end users and customers would want to use when using e- Commerce platforms in terms of features and how customer experience can be influenced by new technologies and features introduced into the e-Commerce system for retail in South Africa.
The influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on personalised learning in the workplace
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Msimang, Siphamandla; Alagbaoso, Manessah
This study investigates the influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on personalised learning in the workplace, set within the rapidly evolving landscape of digital technology integration in organisational learning strategies and environments. Addressing the gap in literature regarding AI's role in enhancing workplace learning experiences, this research utilises the Technology- Organisation-Environment (TOE) framework and Senge's Learning Organisation theory as its conceptual underpinnings. Through a quantitative methodology, data was collected from 391 participants across various industries via an AI-powered chatbot survey interface, focusing on employees' engagement in self-directed learning activities, perceptions of AI-enhanced personalised learning, and the factors influencing their engagement in workplace learning. The study reveals that employees perceive AI as an enhancer of personalised learning experiences in the workplace, with its adoption being significantly influenced by factors such as technological compatibility, organisational support, and a conducive regulatory environment. The findings offer an understanding of the multifaceted nature of AI in enhancing personalised learning experiences in the workplace, providing insights for future strategies and implementations in this evolving field. The conclusion draws attention to the transformative potential of AI in enhancing personalised learning within the workplace, advocating for its strategic integration to fully leverage its benefits. By aligning AI-driven learning tools with organisational cultures that prioritize continuous learning, organisations can significantly improve employee engagement, skills development, and ultimately, their competitive advantage in the digital era.
Perceptions on the adoption or use of waste to energy (WtE) technologies among waste managers in Gauteng
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mokgolobotho, Ingrid Konkong; Ngubevana, Lwazi
The Gauteng Province, increase in population growth, urbanisation, industrialisation and economic activity has resulted in increased amounts of generated municipal solid waste (MSW). There are concerns about landfill airspace depletion, energy poverty, environmental concerns that create greenhouse gases, air pollution and water contamination. The province also requires electricity to keep its economic activity functional, while providing its citizens with electricity. The research is a qualitative study, with the purpose of understanding how waste managers in the waste industry perceive the adoption or use of waste to energy (WtE) technologies in Gauteng. Semi-qualitative interviews were held, face-to-face and on Microsoft Teams. The sample chosen were waste managers who were knowledgeable on the research topic. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data from the semi-qualitative interviews. Data triangulation was used to establish the credibility/validity of the interview findings. The findings in the study from the semi-qualitative interviews and literature review were aligned with regards to the role waste managers’ play in procuring waste to energy technologies as well as the benefits on the uptake of WtE technologies, which are improved waste management practices, less environmental challenges and the introduction of new revenue streams. Waste managers are also viewed as researchers, collaborators and educators. The study found that some of the factors that influence the perceived ease of use as well as perceived usefulness of WtE technologies include the feasibility and affordability of these technologies, access to finance, the availability of technical, training and skills transfer, potential employment opportunities and the need to diversify the energy supply iii The challenges observed by the participants were the lack of stakeholder engagement and sufficient education, lack of adequate legislature and poor governance as well as lack of access to capital. The enablers were noted as equipment tax returns, introduce landfill tax, high landfill entry gates, energy sales, carbon credits as well as educating and involving all waste generators and recyclers. To attract investors, participants noted that there should be transparency and simplified contracts, having relevant collaborations, the need for grants and assurance on return on investment
The Role of Organisational Culture in Digital Transformation in the South African Retail Sector
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Lehabe, Malebo Lily; Appiah, Erasmus
The aim of this study is to identify the role of organisational culture in the South African retail sector and determine how it affects digital transformation. The study considers the state of digital transformation in the South African retail sector, the role of organisational culture and the attributes that hinder and propel the success of digital transformation. COVID-19 accelerated disruption in the retail sector, and retailers were compelled to transform digitally. This is a qualitative study that focuses on Fast Moving Consumer Goods in the retail sector. Diverse entities were considered regardless of size or digital maturity. The Westerman Framework was the aspect of digital maturity. It was found that the South African retail sector is in its infancy regarding digital maturity and that retail entities could not provide evidence of the importance of organisational culture. Organisational culture attributes that enable and hinder success and those that currently hinder the success of digital transformation were also considered to understand the impact these attributes have on digital transformation.
Assessing the Impacts of Urbanisation on Land Use Change in Zambia: A Study of Lusaka Urban District
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-10) Simooya, Steriah Monica; Kubanza, Nzalalemba Serge; Simatele, Mulala Danny
Urbanisation is a multifaceted, transformative process and a significant global trend that has impacted societies, economies and the biophysical environment. The process of urbanisation results in various challenges as it comes with profound positive and negative effects especially for developing countries. Most countries face insurmountable urbanisation challenges as their governance processes, systems and institutions are ideally not designed to deal and cope with urbanisation processes. Lusaka urban district has been urbanising at a fast pace and, just like many developing cities in Sub-Saharan Africa, has faced various challenges. Urbanisation in Lusaka has led to shifts in urban land use, consequently posing both challenges and opportunities to urban residents. Hence, this study was an assessment of the impacts of urbanisation on land use change in Zambia, a study that was conducted in Lusaka urban district. The aim of the study was to assess the impacts of urbanisation and land use change on the urban poor and vulnerable people in Lusaka whose livelihoods have been historically dependent on land. The study further sought to establish how the urban poor and vulnerable people negotiate their rights to the city in socially and economically productive ways considering the government’s policy on the economic growth and development of the city. This study was guided by pragmatism, which is concerned with what works in solving the problem and, the solution to the problem. Pragmatism posits that the nature of knowledge is not static while knowledge generation is achieved using various methods. Mixed methods research approach was used to assess the impacts of urbanisation and land use change on urban residents in Lusaka district. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to collect, analyse, and interpret the study findings simultaneously. Remote sensing (from 1990-2020 for selected areas of Lusaka urban), document analysis, questionnaires, and semi-structured interviews were used as data collection tools. Probability sampling was used to come up with households while non-probability sampling was used for key respondents. A total of 922 households were drawn from the selected residential areas and 12 key respondents from ministries and agencies, Non-Governmental and Civil Society Organisations. Qualitative data were analysed using themes and regular patterns derived from the study’s naturally occurring and emerging themes to derive meaning and interpretation expressed using words and not numbers. To generate frequencies and percentages, quantitative data were analysed using excel and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Remote sensed imagery was analysed using ArcGIS 10.5. Documents such as maps, and policy documents were analysed for interpretation and meaning as they provided information on land use trends, management, and the regulations guiding the use and management of land in Zambia. Theoretically, the study employed the Hoyt Sector model of urban growth and expansion to explain the outward expansion of Lusaka district along the major transportation arteries of the city. The Hoyt sector model explains land use patterns from independence (1964) up to recent times. Lusaka’s initial development was along the major transportation artery, the British South African railway line and later, the major roads of the city. The Hoyt model also helps in explaining the location of residential areas and why industries are found in defined areas plus the role of the city’s major transportation arteries. The critical urban theory was used to explain the rapid urbanisation of Lusaka city, the emerging shifts in urban land use, and the resultant impacts on urban citizens and their livelihoods. This theory does not conform to mainstream urbanisation theory that explains urbanisation in relation to urban population growth. It emphasises that urbanisation is multifaceted and dynamic, a continuous construction of urban knowledge made up of political, cultural, historical, environmental and economic organisation of any given city. Most importantly, this theory advocates for understanding and explaining of urbanisation in socially inclusive, sustainable and democratic ways. The study findings revealed that Lusaka’s urbanisation has been characterised by the expansion of the built-up area at the expense of other land use and land cover classes. This has resulted in the mushrooming and expansion of informal settlements, diminishing agricultural land, the conversion of grass, crop, and bare land into mixed urban land uses particularly settlements and commercial use. The changes in urban land use are driven by urban population growth, economic growth and development policies and processes, rural-urban migration and the consumerism behaviour characterising most urban residents. The findings further indicate that urbanisation has brought about opportunities and challenges for urban residents. Urbanisation has come with various economic opportunities such as the creation and improved access to various goods and services, employment opportunities, the global exchange and fusion of ideas, cultures, food, and entertainment. Negatively, urbanisation has exacerbated corruption, social injustice and inequality consequently affecting the urban poor who have historically depended on land for agriculture and livelihoods. It has also created the urban divide in urban areas where Lusaka is now composed of the haves and have not, the poor and affluent, informal and overcrowded settlements, and gated communities. Various forms of pollution are now rampant, there’s widespread environmental degradation resulting in environmental ills such as deforestation, climate change, and shortage of resources. These have presented insurmountable challenges for the achievement of sustainable urban development. Furthermore, the diminishing agricultural land is a huge challenge impacting urban food security and urban livelihoods. This is further making it difficult to achieve Sustainable Development Goals particularly SDG no.11 on sustainable and inclusive cities and Africa’s Agenda 2063. The study concludes that significant changes in land use have occurred to urban land in the Lusaka district attributed mainly to urbanisation processes and urban population increase. The changes have mainly been from bare, crop, and grassland to built-up for settlements and commercial purposes, and various ecosystem goods and services have been lost in the process. This has greatly affected the urban poor and vulnerable whose livelihoods depended on agriculture and as such, are struggling to cope with the developments. The study concludes that human settlements are a key driver of urban land use change in Lusaka district. The study recommends that policy formulation, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation be prioritised to sustainably develop the district and manage its land use. The study also recommends the need to involve all stakeholders in the entire process so that policies reflect their various needs. All these challenges pose as infringements to urban livelihoods that are particularly felt by the urban poor and vulnerable people living in Lusaka urban district. The study contributes to the body of knowledge by providing insights into the impacts of urbanisation, land use change and management, urban population growth, urban food security, and urban livelihoods. These are all prerequisites to the achievement of SDGs particularly no.11 on sustainable cities and Africa’s Agenda 2063, the blueprint for the continent’s sustainable development. The study will provide insights that will help policy and decision makers and all concerned stakeholders in the re-planning of land use change in Lusaka district to allocate resources to where they are most needed. The study will help policy and decision makers to come up with environmentally sustainable land use and management policies that do not degrade the environment, expose and leave urban livelihoods vulnerable particularly the urban poor and vulnerable groups not just in Lusaka but in other Sub-Saharan African cities with similar but complex urban spatial landscapes.
Digital Equity as a Solution to Digital Redlining in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mokoena, Mashukela Elizabeth
Introduction: Ensuring digital equity is vital for providing fair access to and benefits from digital resources. Given the persistence of the digital divide, understanding the factors that contribute to digital equity is crucial for creating inclusive digital environments. This study explores three key factors: access to digital infrastructure, digital literacy, and the availability of high-quality content. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to investigate the factors influencing digital equity by examining the impact of digital infrastructure, digital literacy, and high-quality content on digital inclusion. It also seeks to understand how these elements interrelate to promote a more equitable digital environment. Method: A quantitative approach was utilized, involving surveys to measure access to digital infrastructure and levels of digital literacy, complemented by qualitative interviews to assess the quality and impact of digital content. Data analysis focused on exploring the relationships between these factors and their effects on digital equity. Results: The results reveal significant correlations between access to digital infrastructure and digital equity, with improved infrastructure supporting better digital inclusion. Digital literacy emerged as a key factor for effectively utilizing digital resources, while high-quality content was found to enhance the value of digital access. The study highlights the interconnected nature of these factors in advancing digital equity. Discussion and Conclusion: The findings emphasize the need to address digital infrastructure and literacy to achieve greater digital equity. High-quality content is essential for maximizing the benefits of digital access. A comprehensive approach that integrates improvements in infrastructure, digital skills development, and content quality is crucial for promoting a more equitable digital environment. Future research should focus on these interconnected factors to bridge the digital divide more effectively.

4. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - Faculties submissions

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