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

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    An exploratory analysis of the environmental and social incentives of key management personnel for JSE-listed companies
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Haripersadh, Shriya; Burnham, Kayleigh; Van Zijl, Wayne
    Societal pressure on companies to be environmentally and socially responsible as well as stock exchange requirements have led to the wide adoption of integrated reporting by public companies in South Africa (Baboukardos & Rimmel, 2016; De Villiers et al., 2014; IoDSA, 2016; Lokuwaduge & Heenetigala, 2017; Moloi & Iredele, 2020). The prior literature discusses the importance of remuneration linked to Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Consequently, analysing whether Key Management Personnel (KMP) have non-financial KPI-linked remuneration provides strong evidence of a company’s commitment to being socially and environmentally responsible. Currently, no research investigates this globally and in the South African context. This study presents a comprehensive comparative analysis of the integration of environmental and social (ES) KPIs in KMP remuneration for South African Johannesburg Stock Exchange listed companies. Data was collected from twenty companies from the JSE’s top, middle and small capitalization companies at different points in time (2011, 2018 and 2022) using content analysis to provide a total sample of 60 companies with 180 firm-years. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The prevalence, distribution and settlement methods of E, S, and combined ES KPIs in KMP remuneration structures were examined. Utilising both agency theory and stakeholder theory, the research explores how linking the remuneration of KMP to ES KPIs may serve the interests of both shareholders and stakeholders. The findings reveal a progressive adoption of ES KPIs in KMP remuneration structures over the investigated years, with notable variations observed across industries and company size. Larger companies and companies with higher social and environmental impacts utilize more ES KPIs in their remuneration policies. Industry-specific trends influencing the integration of ES KPIs were identified, shedding light on the evolving landscape of corporate governance and sustainability practices. By elucidating the dynamics between KMP remuneration and environmental and social performance metrics, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of how companies incentivise responsible leadership and foster sustainable business practices.
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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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    Environmental, social and corporate governance investment on organizational sustainability: A case of the South African mining sector
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Dlamini, Mlandvo Brian Thembinkosi; Mondi, Lumkile
    Mining companies continue to mine and process minerals as the demand for such minerals remains high and will do so into the future for livelihoods to be sustained. However, there are many risks associated with mining and mineral processing activities concerning environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues. For organizations listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), there has been a mandatory call for ESG disclosure by these organizations to disclose what they are doing to eliminate or mitigate against risks associated with ESG. Addressing these risks requires a significant financial investment. The purpose of this research is to provide insight into the costs and benefits of investing in ESG within the context of the South African mining industry, with South Africa being a developing country. ESG matters have not been fully studied in developing countries. The appreciation of what focusing on them requires in as far as investing financially relative to the costs remains a crucial consideration. Managers and leaders have been left asking themselves what it would cost to invest in ESG, along with the reward it is expected to bring. The aim of this work is to review what seven of the JSE listed mining companies have invested towards addressing ESG risks and what benefit it has brought them. Secondary data available from the sustainability reports and annual reports of BHP Group Limited, Glencore plc, Anglo American plc, Gold Fields Limited, Anglo American Platinum, South32 Limited and Anglogold Ashanti, was sourced for this study. The chosen companies were chosen based on their value, being over R100 billion by market capitalization. These are companies for who’s data would be available as they are obligated to disclose their actions concerning ESG. From the results, the stakeholder community is in favour of companies having measures inplace to address issues concerning ESG risks. Disclosure of the actions taken increases awareness for the company and because of this, the reward is brand awareness leading to organizational sustainability. The amount of money invested in ESG is negligible compared to the long-term reward for the company. The study concludes that investing in ESG contributes to organizational sustainability. This research has provided the answers to the questions asked about the benefits of investing in ESG. Those who have done it are greatly rewarded. It isrecommended that mining companies set aside a budget to eliminate or mitigate against issues associated with ESG metrics to enjoy long-term sustainability
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    Ubuntu and Corporate Social Responsibility in the South African Mining Sector
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Cele, Sibusiso Henry; Munkuli, Bongani
    All mining companies in South Africa invest in different forms of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as part of their obligation as corporate citizens. However, these investments are not making a significant change in the reduction of frequent protests by mining communities, and these protests sometimes become violent. This paper therefore explores the possibility of embedding the concept of Ubuntu during the development of CSR strategy and implement it in way that will benefit both the local community and the mining company. The study utilises the qualitative approach by interviewing mining communities to obtain their views of how mining companies can implement the CSR strategy. Samples were taken from different mining communities, representing a variety of commodities mining within the borders of South Africa. The results indicate that constant engagements are required , with schedules of engagement forums drawn up by mining companies to enable communities to raise ideas of what the companies should invest in to benefit the communities. Decisions should also be communicated regularly to keep the community informed of the developments in their areas
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    Attaining Sustainable Economic Development for Emerging African Markets using CSI and Financial Competence
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Dlamini, Thandokuhle Brandon
    Corporate social investing has been a topical issue for years now, especially in the developing countries because there are many mining and related activities taking place. Generally, the criticism on mining activities does not link to their social economic benefits; hence, the story tends to be lopsided to negativity. Despite high CSI projects in Africa, there are still problems of high inequality,financial exclusion, low savings rate and bad economic development, academic literature is thin on how these projects can be used effectively. Motivated by previous literature, this study uses the VAR, logistic and multilinear models to investigate the effectiveness of using CSI to stimulate sustainable economic growth in selected African markets. The results of this research reveal that the main macroeconomic drivers of CSI projects are (i) global CSI expense, (ii) rehabilitation and community costs, and (iii) interbank rate. Surprisingly, inflation rate is a hedge variable. Although, the contribution of energy, mining and manufacturing industries to social economic development is evident, the findings of this study do not override the negative effects to global warming from these industries