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

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    Policy enablers and perceived impediments of rooftop solar photovoltaic projects in Gauteng, South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Munemo, Pride Takudzwa; Ngubevana, Lwazi
    The issue of climate change has necessitated that many countries shift to greener and more sustainable energy sources. South Africa’s plans to encourage the generation of power from solar energy is a positive move in decarbonising the country’s economy. The National Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) intends to, among others, contribute to this shift and transition in power generation technologies. Despite being one of the two provinces in South Africa with the highest solar PV potential that may aid the penetration of rooftop solar PV (RSPV), the Gauteng province’s roll-out of such projects is perceived to be slower than anticipated. This research sought to study the perceived impediments that are hindering the growth of RSPV in the Gauteng province, reveal their impact in this sector, and explore the enablers for the diffusion of RSPV evolution. The Diffusion of Innovation theory forms the foundation for this study. The research investigated perceived policy impediments and enablers and suggested some policy measures to address these cross-cutting issues and contribute to the academic body of knowledge. The research approach was quantitative, and descriptive in nature, and information was obtained using a questionnaire that was administered via Survey Monkey. Data was gathered by integrating perspectives from key rooftop solar industry experts from energy service companies and regulatory sector officials. The study administered questions to participants in key energy leadership positions in the rooftop solar industry in the Gauteng province to understand perceived barriers and policy enablers. This research paper may assist academics, energy practitioners, and regulators in focusing their future efforts on the adoption of rooftop solar technologies in the Gauteng province. Furthermore, it may help in developing a framework for policies and strategies to increase the uptake of rooftop solar in South Africa.
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    Exploring Challenges & Support Structures for Small, Medium & Micro Enterprises in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Lephoko, Nolwazi; Banga, Chantal
    The purpose of this study is to explore what are the current impediments that still face SMME’s in South Africa and whether support programs in place have been effective in mitigating these impediments that result in the observable high failure rate of this sector. The study explores the SMME sector as well as all responsible and participating stakeholders within government, NPO’s and conglomerates that aid in the progress of the sector, as a crucial vehicle in job creation in South Africa. The research uses lack of funding as a focal point and aims to critically analyze any measures and efforts made thus far to eliminate this continuous barrier, primarily in South Africa. The research method used is a qualitative approach which was deemed as an effective approach to identify impediments faced by SMME’s through semi-structured questions conducted through an interview, while also investigating efforts and strategies employed by interviewing key stakeholder within support programme initiatives in the country. The study revealed the following findings: Access to finance remains an impediment for micro and small business in South Africa; Micro and small enterprises utilize mainly non-traditional funding alternatives due to the difficulties of accessing traditional funding avenues; Informal sector transition in South Africa continues to be stalled; Lastly there have been evident changes regarding supplier diversity efforts in South Africa’s private sector owed to governments support program and incubation effort
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    Impediments to the spending of the municipal infrastructure grant in Lepelle-Nkumpi Municipality
    (2022) Tshoshi, Manare Martin
    Unspent conditional grants, particularly the Municipal Infrastructure Grant, is a common problem in South African municipalities. The provinces of KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and Limpopo received a large portion of the MIG allocation for the period 2011 to 2016 (National Treasury, 2017). Reporting on municipal performance in Limpopo province, COGHSTA in 2013 highlighted that over 5 million rand of MIG funds in 2012/13 financial year was taken back to the National Treasury from a total of 30 municipalities (25 local and five district municipalities), reason being that these municipalities failed to expend the allocated funds. This included Lepelle-Nkumpi Municipality. The study intended to identify impediments to spending MIG funds in South Africa’s Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality. A qualitative research methodology was applied with data largely collected from documents and key respondents to better understand the studied phenomenon. Purposive sampling technique was employed to choose relevant officials or participants in the municipality. Primary findings of the study were that the impediments to the spending of MIG funds in Lepelle-Nkumpi Municipality relate to lack of forward planning relating to allocations, supply chain processes, community unrest and political instability. Major recommendations were that the municipality needs to avoid late or haphazard planning, as this generally affects the supply chain process of appointing service providers on time and causes unnecessary delays as a result of protracted SCM processes. Political changes need to be managed properly as they stall progress made insofar as spending of MIG funds is concerned.