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

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An assessment of the necessity of implementing a blockchain based land registry in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Jeram, Deelan; Saghatforoush, Ehsan; Azasu, Samuel
Background statement: Several nations have recently implemented blockchain-based land management systems, focusing on land registration, titling, recordation, and information management, to enhance transparency, trust, data security, data quality, and immutability through consensus mechanisms. This technology streamlines access and tracking of land records, reducing fraud, corruption, record manipulation, and property resale while lowering transaction costs. These advantages aim to address issues of inefficient and untrustworthy land records in less developed countries. Problem: South Africa faces challenges, ranking 108 out of 190 in property registration according to the World Bank, with lengthy procedures (7), extended transaction times (23 days), and high costs (8% of property value). In contrast, blockchain-adopting countries like Sweden and Georgia are ranked at 9 and 5, respectively. Despite these inefficiencies blockchain technology has not yet made an inroad into the land registration or transaction process. Aim – The aim of this study is to investigate the potential use of blockchain technology to digitize land registration in South Africa. Methods: This paper investigates a blockchain property registry pilot project in Khayelitsha, South Africa, using Peled's theoretical framework and employs qualitative research methodologies, including case study analysis and expert interviews, supplemented by a systematic literature review. Outcomes: The study reveals significant challenges in South Africa's land registration, including unreliable land records, informal land tenure systems, limited access for marginalized communities, corruption, weak legal frameworks, post-colonial property rights legacy, and inefficient real estate transactions. Despite the promise of blockchain, these issues persist, hindering progress. Eight key factors obstruct blockchain adoption in South Africa's land registry, including legal barriers, organizational resistance, technological hurdles, resource constraints, political and social factors, and trust-related issues. The case study identifies additional obstacles, such as misalignment of interests, lack of formal agreements, data quality issues, and further legal barriers. Nonetheless, the pilot project managed to create a "pseudo title deed" with potential benefits for the city. This study suggests the application of blockchain in state-subsidized housing developments to enhance data security and enable electronic land transactions. It emphasizes the need for a combination of expertise, infrastructure readiness, and procedural changes to facilitate innovation in the public sector. Despite the potential, the study concludes that South Africa's land registry is not yet prepared for widespread blockchain implementation, citing legal, technological, and organizational challenges. Significance: This research is the first to explore the limited adoption of blockchain technology for land registration in South Africa, contributing valuable insights to the field. This paper identifies critical factors for successful blockchain-based property registry implementation, offering insights for legislation, policy development, and land registration system design to address inequalities and improve land tenure in developing countries. It outlines a potential path for South Africa's Deeds Registry to implement blockchain technology in state-subsidized housing developments
Factors influencing innovation in public healthcare in South Africa: A critical analysis
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Nkosi, Mbali Rosemary; Siriram, Rajenlall
Healthcare innovation has proven to reduce morbidity and mortality rates by enhancing healthcare delivery. Most of the South African population depends on the public healthcare system for health needs. The morbidity and mortality rates in South Africa are much higher compared to other middle-income countries in the world. To enhance healthcare delivery in South Africa, understanding the factors that influence innovation in public healthcare is important. Therefore, this research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing innovation in public healthcare in South Africa and the potential impact of innovation on the country's healthcare system. The main objectives of this study are to determine the level of successfully implemented innovation in public healthcare and the factors influencing it. Existing literature identifies several factors that influence innovation in public healthcare, including design empathy, technological infrastructure, decision-makers, human capital, and organisational culture. This study also investigates the readiness of the public health sector to embrace innovation and the strategies in place for implementing innovation in public healthcare. A gap was identified in the existing literature. There is evidence in literature is that healthcare innovation centres in South Africa and their impact on the adoption of innovation in public healthcare were only covered marginally by existing literature. To bridge this gap, this study provides results on the status of suitable research and development hubs for testing healthcare innovation prototypes in South Africa and their impact on the adoption of innovation in public healthcare. Currently, there are limited health innovation centres in South Africa. This study posits that an increase in the number of healthcare innovation centres would increase evidence-based innovation which would increase the uptake of innovation in public healthcare. A qualitative research approach was used to acquire descriptive information on the factors that influence innovation in healthcare through interviewing participants. Semi-structured interviews were used as the primary instruments of data collection. The interviews were then subjected to a thematic analysis. One of the significant findings of this research is that the lack of funding in public healthcare hinders innovation in the public healthcare system. Also, the rigorous regulatory requirements pertaining to healthcare innovation tend to cause uncertainty and delays, which in turn reduces the funding available for innovative proje
The techno-economic impact of a high penetration of embedded generators on South African, Brazilian, Australian and Ugandan distribution networks: A comparative review
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Rakgalakane, Motladitseba Dorcas; Jandrell, Ian
Owing to current electricity capacity shortages and rising electricity prices in South Africa, customers are opting for self-generation to mitigate the effects of load shedding and offset their electricity bills. In June 2021, the South African government removed the licensing requirement for private generation to encourage the uptake of self- generation, close capacity shortages and promote investment in private generation. While the increase in private generation is seen by the electricity industry as a positive step towards meeting energy supply demands, there are concerns about the impact that high numbers of embedded generation facilities will have on the distributors, i.e., their networks and revenues. The aim of this study was to conduct a review of the technical, economic and regulatory impact of a high number of embedded generators on distributors and their networks. The impact in South Africa is compared with the impact in Brazil, Australia and Uganda. The research study seeks to identify some of the success strategies implemented by these countries to address challenges associated with private embedded generation, and to provide recommendations for South Africa. South Africa compares well with Brazil and Australia in terms of electricity access and installed generation capacity vs population; however, in terms of embedded generation, particularly from variable renewable energy sources, South Africa’s penetration levels are still lower than those of Brazil and Australia, although higher than those of Uganda. The review highlights that the impact of embedded generation is largely driven by technical, economic and regulatory policy changes. The absence of a clear market structure or market direction, enabling legislation and policies, regulatory tools (such as national rules for integration or compensation and unbundled tariffs for some customer categories) make it difficult to minimise the negative effects of a high penetration of embedded generation and to capitalise on potential positive effects. In Brazil and Australia, the success of renewable energy embedded generation is largely a result of clear policy and regulations, which lead and drive positive changes in their electricity industries. Recommendations are made for legislation, policy and regulation changes to support embedded generation, the creation of a clear market structure, and the publication of national guidelines for embedded generation management. In addition, tariffing mechanisms should be reviewed to ensure a fair distribution of costs.
Nourished Roots: The kitchen as a living ecosystem, reappropriating a barn in the centre of Skeerpoor
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Clifford, Kerry
In the centre of Skeerpoort, where the archaic Magaliesberg mountains whisper narratives of time and the fertile landscape breathes life into every seed, a barn stands vacant. Built in 1885 it has a long history, having served as a tobacco crop storage facility, a field infirmary during times of conflict, and a community gathering hall. The barn now waits for a new purpose. Nourished Roots revives the structure. Addressing perspectives, processes and the practice of sustainable redevelopment, the thesis places itself in the field of designing for cultures of conversion. Biophilic architectural principles and adaptive reuse merge to create a place of nourishment and rehabilitation of place, people and community. The research reads context through the study of gastronomy as relationship between food and culture. Nourished Roots introduces the process of (food) fermentation to connect land, space and people by drawing parallels between the human metabolism and the ‘gut health’ of a building. The design explores and amplifies the architectural significance of the kitchen as a key element in the process of food preparation, production and consumption as well as gathering space and a living organism in which traditional fermentation processes have both practical and symbolic meaning. The barn and its newly emerging surrounding serve as a rescaled pantry, scullery, kitchen and dining room. Together they function as a ‘living classroom’ for a rather eclectic community with diverse challenges and needs. The extended programme sets a precedent for sustainable agricultural practices, food storage and production as well as offering an alternative way of living, learning and working. Rooted in the local agricultural traditions of Skeerpoort the thesis considers the intervention as an innovative approach to support food security in the area as well as preserving its biodiversity.
Policy challenges affecting the electric vehicle manufacturing sector in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mateko, Freeman Munisi
The evolution of technology has brought many changes to the automotive sector on a global scale. Different economies in the Global South and Global North are making strides to adopt modern technology, such as electric vehicles, which are more efficient than internal combustion engine vehicles. Electric vehicles have zero emission levels and this is crucial for supporting climate change action. Economies that have adopted electric vehicles succeeded due to robust policies and financial incentives for car manufacturers, among other factors. The aim of this research was to explore the extent to which the policy environment facilitates for increased adoption and manufacturing of electric vehicles (EVs) in South Africa. This research is in line with various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It supports SDG 7 by encouraging the use of electric vehicles for cleaner energy, as well as SDG 9 by advocating for automotive sector innovation and infrastructural development. Furthermore, the emphasis on lowering emissions coincides with SDGs 11 and 13 by promoting sustainable urban environments and climate action. In terms of the research methodology, the study was based on qualitative research techniques. Interviews and literature review were used for data collection. Six policy documents were analyzed in this study. The target population for the study were the stakeholders in the South African car manufacturing sector. Purposive sampling was used to select a total of ten participants for the study. Data was analyzed through content and thematic analysis techniques. The results of primary study demonstrated how ambiguous South Africa's current electric vehicle policy environment is. Additionally, it was determined that some factors must be considered to guarantee a seamless switch to electromobility. Developing and executing electric vehicle policies, maintaining a steady supply of energy, lowering import taxes on EV parts, skill development, providing purchase subsidies, and providing production and technological incentives are a few of these elements. In terms of policy recommendations, it was suggested that there is need for timeous implementation of electric vehicles policy, producing battery electric vehicles, promoting research and development on electric vehicles and there is need for increased government support towards car manufacturers in South Africa.
Fostering the retention of talented and skilled employees by understanding the motivators of employee turnover intention from a South African SMME perspective
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Edayi, Juliet; Venter, Robert
Current small, micro and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) are concerned about understanding the preliminary factors that prompt employees to leave their organisation (i.e., labour turnover intention) rather than to wait, only to be left to deal with the disruptive and costly consequences of actual employee turnover. The extant literature has widely provided evidence to justify that employee turnover is very destructive and presents many costs for organisations due to its counterproductive nature. South African small and micro businesses constantly endure high rates of employee turnover as other businesses (especially big companies) are frequently poaching highly skilled workers. This burden has made it increasingly challenging for SMMEs to keep, particularly highly skilled and high-performing employees, whose talents are highly sought after and are paramount to their firm’s overall success and sustainability. Therefore, this study was conducted from an SMME context so as to equip small and micro business employers with fresh insights on how proactively adjust their employee retention strategies and foster their continued survival and long-term growth. Moreover, the South African labour market has a limited number of high-performing and brilliant employees who eventually become assets to the business once hired, thus creating a need to retain such talented personnel. The shortage of skilled labour coupled with the high costs of attracting, hiring and training new employees proffers a compelling need for scholars to actively direct their research attention to unravelling this phenomenon of labour turnover intention. Research outputs will positively equip SMME practitioners with the relevant and proven information for them to devise well-informed retention strategies before employees’ intention to quit the organisation manifests itself into an actual turnover. This study sought to achieve a meaningful understanding of the interplay between the complex relationships that exist between the selected variables and to establish how this comprehension can aid SMME practitioners in effectively reducing employee turnover rate to a reasonable proportion. For this study to establish this ultimate goal, an empirical investigation was done amongst employees in selected SMMEs in Gauteng province of South Africa. A conceptual framework that depicted all the relationships was developed and several hypotheses were formulated based on the evidence from the extant literature. This study utilised a cross-sectional research design through a quantitative-based method. A structured questionnaire was formulated and was administered in-person, and additionally distributed via emails. Data was gathered through non-probability convenience sampling, whereby 338 valid responses were received from employees across the selected SMMEs in Gauteng. iv Descriptive statistics (e.g., item analysis, Cronbach’s alpha computation) and bivariate correlation analysis were analysed using SPSS v 28 and inferential statistics were analysed through Structural Equation Modeling was undertaken using AMOS v 28. While the findings of this study corroborated the outcomes that were submitted by earlier scholars, some fresh and exciting directions in the associations between specific variables were established. This study eventually submitted a unique conceptual model that depicts the validated interactions between the study variables. It is believed that the confirmed associations detailed in the conceptual model will be used as guidelines for small and micro business practitioners to meaningfully and effectively manage employee turnover intentions while simultaneously fostering the retention of talented and high-performing workers. This investigation concluded by recommending that a similar study must be replicated using a mixed-method approach that applies probability sampling and longitudinal research design so as to address the methodological shortcomings that characterised this study.
Assessing the inter-annual and inter-seasonal climate-induced variation in caseload of respiratory diseases
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024-06) Motlogeloa, Ogone
In South Africa, acute upper respiratory diseases pose a significant public health challenge, influenced heavily by climatic factors. Recognizing the critical need for detailed seasonal analysis. This thesis delves into the inter-annual and inter-seasonal impacts of climate on disease caseloads, offering four pivotal contributions to health biometeorology. The first contribution refines the understanding of the acute upper respiratory disease season in South Africa, previously recognized as the winter months of May to September. This research provides a more granular analysis by pinpointing specific onset timings and fluctuations within the season that are crucial for optimizing healthcare responses, particularly in vaccination schedules. The second contribution is an in-depth analysis of climatic variables affecting acute upper respiratory disease prevalence. Utilizing Spearman's correlation analyses and the Distributed Lag Non-linear Model across Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Gqeberha, this study identifies negative correlations between temperature and disease cases, pinpointing significant risk thresholds most prevalent during the winter peak. The third contribution investigates the impact of extreme climate events (ECEs) over twelve years, elucidating how, while individual ECEs influence medical aid claims and disease incidence, it is the broader seasonal patterns that predominantly dictate acute upper respiratory disease prevalence. The fourth contribution offers a nuanced exploration of the climate-health nexus, demonstrating that routine weather variations play a more significant role in the peak transmission of acute upper respiratory viruses than extreme events. This thesis elucidates the substantial yet nuanced influence of climate on respiratory health in South Africa. By specifying the disease season with greater precision and clarifying the relationship between temperature variations and disease prevalence, the research provides essential data for health practitioners to plan targeted interventions. This study moves beyond the focus on extreme weather events to expose the subtler, yet more consistent, impact of seasonal climate shifts on health outcomes, enriching our understanding and serving as a vital reference for enhancing disease preparedness in an era marked by climatic uncertainty.
Examining the Effect of Women’s Empowerment on Multidimensional Poverty: Case of South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Ratshivhand, Thonifho; Benhura, Miracle
This study examines the levels and correlations of individual women’s empowerment and household level multidimensional poverty in South Africa, overall and by rural/ urban location. The Alkire-Foster (2011) techniques is employed for the construction of the Women Empowerment Index (WEI) and Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), and a logistic regression analysis is employed to ascertain whether women’s empowerment is negatively correlated to multidimensional poverty. The study uses the 2016 South African Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) dataset and estimates that 3.2% of South African households are multidimensionally poor, with a higher prevalence in rural areas. In both rural and urban areas, the standard of living dimension contributed most to MPI. Regarding WEI, women residing in urban areas (67.3%) are more empowered compared to those residing in rural areas (53.9%), with attitude towards domestic violence dimension contributing most to women’s empowerment. Findings from logistic regressions show that women’s empowerment is negatively associated with multidimensional poverty in South Africa. Women in older age groups and better paid occupations are associated with lower multidimensional poverty, also non-Black/African women and those residing in urban areas have a lower chance of experiencing multidimensional poverty, than Black/African women and those residing in urban areas. Overall, this study highlights the importance of addressing women's empowerment as a key strategy for poverty reduction in South Africa. The results suggest a need for customised strategies to improve women’s empowerment and reduce multidimensional poverty in South Africa's rural and urban areas.
Exploring the reporting lag among JSE-listed entities
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Ritzlmayr, Matthew Andreas; Maroun, Warren; Ecim, Dusan
This thesis investigates how variations in “inherent”, “control” and “detection risk” may account for reporting lags for entities listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) from 2017 to 2021. The reporting lag is the time between the financial year-end and the date of the audit report. Seven hypotheses are tested using panel regression and a sample of 100 companies listed on the JSE from 2017 to 2021. The regression analysis was performed to identify if client factors (classified as sources of inherent and control risk) or auditor characteristics (classified as sources of detection risk) may impact the reporting lag. A battery of sensitivity tests is used to confirm the findings. The model developed using inherent, control and detection risk, was able to explain the reporting lag. Entities characterised by higher levels of inherent and control risk show an increase in the reporting lag. An increase in detection risk also leads to an increase in the reporting lag. The article proposes a novel conceptual model for classifying client and auditor characteristics in terms of the risk which material misstatements in financial statements go undetected. The inherent, control and detection risk framework provides a comprehensive assessment of reporting lag determinants grounded in a well-established risk and assurance discourse which resonates with both academics and practitioners. Findings complement a relatively large body of work on reporting lags which prioritise developed economies. The results offer one of the first accounts of the reporting lags from a key African economy while controlling for the effects of pre-and post-COVID impacts.
Limitations of litigation as a tool for achieving social change: A perspective on South African and Zimbabwean litigation environment
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Sigwegwe, Dumolwethu; Samtani, Sanya
This research report seeks to investigate and analyse the limitations of using litigation as a tool for achieving social change in the legal environments of South Africa and Zimbabwe, with a particular focus on relevant provisions in the Constitutional framework. In other words, I consider how litigation related to socioeconomic rights, with a particular focus on the right to healthcare, has been limited in its capacity to bringing about societal transformation. Juxtaposing these legal systems should highlight the opportunities and challenges of utilising litigation. In South Africa the 1996 Constitution, and in Zimbabwe the 2013 Constitution play a significant role in shaping socio-economic rights, enhancing access to justice, and promoting social transformation. Further, the Bill of Rights and the Constitutional Court all contribute to the potential effectiveness of litigation. Relying on the Constitutional framework, literature concerning the effectiveness and critique of litigation, and case studies from South Africa and Zimbabwe the article illustrates the potential and shortfalls of litigation in advancing socio- economic rights. The argument highlights that litigation has made substantial advancements in effecting systemic and policy changes, as well as in holding governments accountable. However, it also emphasizes the existence of potential obstacles, such as the failure to implement court orders, institutional barriers, and structural or procedural issues that require addressing in the pursuit of societal transformation. The research report concludes that whilst litigation can be seen as just one tactic in the repertoire for challenging societal and systemic injustices, it must however, be complemented with a broad range of strategies that include advocacy, grassroots movements, and policy reform, to address the complex underlying causes of social issues effect social change in South Africa and Zimbabwe

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

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