4. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - Faculties submissions
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Item Policy enablers and perceived impediments of rooftop solar photovoltaic projects in Gauteng, South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Munemo, Pride Takudzwa; Ngubevana, LwaziThe 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.Item Equitable access to vaccines: exploring the role of accessability, acceptability, affordabilityand availability with a focus on COVID-19(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Schwalbe, Nina; Cutland, ClareThe coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis brought to light many challenges, including “vaccine equity”. In other words, it raised the question: was the distribution of vaccines “fair”? While, on the one hand, there have been unprecedented advances in the science and technologies associated with vaccines, including extraordinary speed and scale-up of manufacturing, there were also significant barriers related to rollout and reaching those most at risk of severe COVID-19. These challenges have disproportionately affected low- and middle-income countries and low-income populations in high-income countries. Building on evidence from other vaccine preventable diseases, this thesis describes the challenges and opportunities concerning vaccine access with a focus on production and distribution (the “supply side”). It explores access using a “4A's” framework to conceptualise the components of access to medicines: affordability, availability, acceptability, and accessibility. The research identifies a range of access policy levers across the end-to-end process of vaccine research, development, and rollout (affordability, acceptability, accessibility, acceptability); reviews these levers as they apply to vaccine manufacturing (affordability, availability); explores the lever of financial incentives to increase coverage (acceptability); and explores the potential of using precision public health to improve vaccine impact by targeting vaccine distribution to groups most risk (accessibility). This thesis identifies several policy and program interventions ranging from regulatory harmonisation and intellectual property sharing, to using precision public health to target the delivery of vaccines to those most at risk. It also shows that while financial incentives may help, governments cannot “buy” coverage. It proposes that in future, vaccine development and deployment should start and end with a “4A’s” strategy and provides practical recommendations on how that can be achievedItem The Extent of the Inclusion and Consideration of Extreme Climate Events and Health in South African Policies; The Case of eThekwini(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Meyer, Charné Amy; Fitchett, Jennifer M.; Wright, Caradee Y.Climatic changes over southern Africa include the increased frequency and intensification of Extreme Climate Events (ECEs) which exacerbate health risks within vulnerable low- and middle-income countries. Examples of health impacts from ECEs include water-, food-, and vector-borne diseases, morbidity, and mortality. Increased interest in ECEs since the beginning of the 21st century strengthened the recognition of the impact thereof on health. Therefore, it is important to analyse policy documents to determine the extent to which they include and comprehend these themes to prepare for and address negative ramifications. This study aims to explore the scope to which policy documents relevant to eThekwini, mention and deliberate the ECE- health nexus. This exploration of existing policies allows a contribution to the nascent literature around the ECE-health intersection and is indicative of possible areas of corrective strategy. This is conducted through a review of relevant policy documents, interviews with key stakeholders, and the analysis of secondary climate and health interview data. Findings reflect a 50% recognition of the ECE-health intersection in policy documents. Stakeholders acknowledge the importance of policy documents recognizing this interconnection. Notably, stakeholders are not aware of such policy documents that currently exist but identify barriers to these policy documents being updated and upheld. Hence, the Municipality does have adaptation strategies in place however, improvements thereof are necessary. Examples include the need for short- term adaptation planning, improved policy implementation, and community education. The lack of such work would exacerbate health concerns and add significant strains on the health sectorItem Women’s social entrepreneurship: a bridge to social development and local economic growth in Gauteng, South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Montse, Mmabatho Priscilia; Ngcobozi, LihleThe South African government and the private business sector have been unable to create employment opportunities that meet the population’s needs. In light of this, entrepreneurship has become an essential catalyst for growth in the small, medium and micro enterprises (SMME) sector and a driving force behind the rapid expansion of social development (Li, Yaoqi, Huang, Songshan, Song, Lihong, 2020). It is in this context that social enterprises are a logical approach to bridging the economic gap. According to Canestrino, Cwiklicki, Magliocc and Pawelek (2020), the definition of social entrepreneurship is often unclear because of the lack of consistency, gaps in the literature and competing theoretical frameworks. Teasdale, McKay, Phillimore and Teasdale (2011), however, state that social enterprises often start off as community projects used by social entrepreneurs in their quest for change; the same authors also point out that these individuals are mainly active in the social and gender equality, human rights and environmental areas. According to literature, a social enterprise may describe a wide range of enterprises in different industries in the business, government and non-profit sectors. Social entrepreneurs are characterised by strong moral and ethical commitment, leadership, enthusiasm, a passion for meeting social needs and a sensitivity to environmental issues. While social entrepreneurship is developing, women’s leadership and entrepreneurship styles – which often lend themselves to socially conscious ways of doing business – are rarely explored (Davis & Abdiyeva, 2012). Women’s social entrepreneurship as a bridge between local economic growth and social development has been given little consideration. This study was conducted in this context of women’s leadership in social entrepreneurial activities and these activities supporting social development. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact that women leading social enterprises has on the social development of their communities. By applying a gendered analysis, a feminist framework and entrepreneurship perspectives, the researcher sought to explore how female social entrepreneurs lead, empower others and contribute to local economic growth in their communities. The study adopted the interpretivism research philosophy and qualitative research approach, and used the interview research strategy. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from participants with extensive experience in this field. The data collected from these interviews were processed using thematic analysis. 9 Themes such as empowerment, leadership, mentorship and social development emanated from the participants’ understanding of their roles in society and indicate that women’s social entrepreneurship positively transforms society and sociocultural order. Overall, the participants highlighted that women can bring about social development through leadership and entrepreneurship and could have more impact if they received more support. It was found that the participating female social entrepreneurs' goals and objectives in establishing their enterprises were to bridge the inequality gap and create and improve accessibility to opportunities for women and minority groups. The findings of this study suggest there is a need to expand the scope of research on women's social entrepreneurship in the context of developing economiesItem Experiences of stroke survivors with aphasia and their significant others during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ekurhuleni, South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-09) Kathrada, Nabeelah Ebrahim; Kater, Kelly-Ann; Neille, JoanneBackground and Aim: Stroke, a neurological condition, can lead to communication impairments, including aphasia, and has been associated with increased burden of care for significant others. With changes in stroke care due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was considered essential to explore the perspectives of stroke survivors and their significant others. This study aimed to investigate the lived experiences of individuals diagnosed with stroke and aphasia during the COVID-19 pandemic, along with their significant others, within the South African context. Methodology: Employing a qualitative phenomenological design, this study utilised homogenous purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven stroke survivors with aphasia and their significant others. Interviews were conducted individually or as a unit, depending on participant preference. Data analysis followed an inductive thematic approach, with interpretation guided by the biopsychosocialtech model. Findings: The study's findings reveal challenges faced by participants as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. These challenges encompass difficulties related to facility admission, interactions with healthcare workers, loss of autonomy, limited communicative abilities, reduced social networks and engagement in pre-stroke activities, struggles with re-entering the work environment, changes within family dynamics and interpersonal relationships, as well as evidence of burden of care for significant others. While technology was acknowledged as a potential valuable resource and telerehabilitation a possible successful intervention approach, their effective use posed challenges and limitations. Although rehabilitation was deemed beneficial, the need for potential transformation within the field of aphasia rehabilitation is outlined, particularly with respect to the active involvement of persons with aphasia and their significant others as well as the use of technology in a South African context. Implications and Conclusion: This study contributes to the understanding of the lived experiences of persons with aphasia and their significant others within the South African context during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings have the potential to inform policy and practice by emphasising the importance of addressing client needs based on their lived experiences. Additionally, the study underscores the significance of active family involvement in treatment and highlights the need to investigate barriers to implementation in this regard. The findings further emphasise the necessity of developing policies that outline the use of technology in rehabilitation and call for improved considerations in healthcare workers' interactions with individuals with aphasia.Item South Africa's State Capture Architecture: A critique of 'State Capture' and Development in 21st Century Post Apartheid South Africa, using the Estina Vrede Dairy Farm Project as a case study(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-07) Mfikili, Khanya Lulibo; Brown, JulianState Capture can be described as corruption on a macro-level, reaching unheard and unseen of levels involving the state, state organs and private business. It has been described as the erosion of democratic processes and a 'coup d'etat'1 of some sorts of the state and its functions-functions affected are mainly empowerment, development, fiscal responsibility and transparency-turning the state 'into a shadow state'. The recent uncovering of "state capture" at different levels of government in South Africa required an analysis of the relationship between 'state capture' and development in South Africa. In this paper, this will be achieved by looking at the Free State Estina Dairy Farm Project (EVDF Project) as a unit of analysis. Four research questions around this dairy farm project will be explored, to ultimately answer the overall question: What is the relationship between development and 'state capture' in 21st Century Post-Apartheid South Africa? An extensive literature review will be done in Chapter Two looking at the history of agricultural projects, illegal financial flows (IFFs) and state capture in South Africa, in the African region and internationally. This research is qualitative in nature, utilizing a case study method. Information used was publically available sources of information, with the testimonies and evidence in the Zonda Commission Reports forming a bulk of the data analyzed. The findings and policy implications in the last chapter informed possible future studies, centered on my research. One possible future study would be a look at the role of IFFs in rural development in (South) Africa.Item Examining the extent which the SAIVCET support institute for TVET colleges in South Africa has accomplished its primary roles one to six(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Tutu, Bongiwe; Motsepe, DikgangThe National Development Plan (NDP) envisions South Africa’s economic transformation by focusing on higher education and skills development. Since its adoption in 2012, it has emphasised the crucial role of Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges as the major institutions to improve education, skills development and to enhance economic growth. Despite this realization, there are shortfalls that remain within TVET colleges, whereupon the NDP states, “the FET (TVET) system is not effective, it is too small and the output quality is poor” (NDP, 2012: 40). The Department of Higher Education and Training (DEHET) established the South African Institute for Vocational and Continuing Education and Training (SAIVCET) to support the TVET colleges. The SAIVCET was established on six primary roles and three implementation objectives. Using the qualitative survey research approach, adopting questionnaires and semi-structured interviews to gather and assess data, this research examines the extent to which the institute has accomplished the six primary roles and fulfilled the purpose behind its establishment. Through the purposive sampling of the research participants used, this research has found that the rationale and importance for the SAIVCET to strengthen the TVET and CET sector is unquestionable. However, research findings and conceptual analysis indicates that there have been challenges to the formal implementation of the SAIVCET. The institute was projected for 2012, however has yet to be established due to funding and governance constraints. As a result, SAIVCET has no governance structure. In the interim, a “SAIVCET Project” which is an informal body was formed to fulfil some of the functions and primary roles of the main SAVICET body. In a recent 2020/21 DHET Annual Performance Plan, the SAIVCET is still presented as a planned initiative, which has been projected for implementation in the period 2020 – 2025 (DHET, 2020: 10). In examining the primary roles of the SAIVCET support institute for TVET colleges in South Africa, this research has found that, the extent to which the SAIVCET, even as acting through the SAIVCET Project, fulfilled its primary roles is poor. The findings indicate that the SAIVCET has attained average to poor results in effectively fulfilling of its primary roles. Each of the primary roles received consolidated scores that are below average (below 50 percent) from the participants’ primary data. The conceptual framework and analysis further indicates the lacking impact of the institute, particularly under assessments of the Good governance framework and the Education policy implementation framework. This research recommends DHET uphold publishing annual reports to the functions and progress of the SAIVCET and SAIVCET Project, in order to enable public awareness and engagement on developments within higher education. Further, this research recommends a two-year progress review of the SAIVCET once it has been established. Further, this research study recommends coordinated efforts among various ministries, stakeholders, public and private sectors and higher education institutions, on the functions and resources for SAIVCET. Furthermore, this study recommends an institutional push for shifts in mind-sets, particularly among employers with bias when selecting candidates from higher education institutions and TVET colleges. Furthermore, this research recommends funding and resources, which are allocated without reservations, but for the sole purpose of advancing progressItem Exploring the potential of 5G to bridge the digital divide in South Africa(University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Dumako, Sebongile; Patel, Mr Ashraf5G adoption is expected to boost job growth and income, and reduce costs, contributing to the South African National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 goal of a connected society, especially in underserved areas, and improving affordability and broadband infrastructure accessibility. This research study sets out to explore the potential of 5G in bridging the digital divide in South Africa. The researcher undertook a qualitative study through semi-structured interviews of industry experts using an interview guide as the research instrument. The sample was made up of a qualitative study of the perceptions of 14 participants from the telecommunications sector, a research council, the government, and SMEs, with first-hand experience in 5G deployment and manufacturing of 5G equipment. The themes that emerged during the process of data analysis were derived using a thematic analysis. The study findings revealed that South Africa to is ready to adopt 5G technology and confirmed 5G technology's potential to transform South African lives, businesses, and industries through Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Massive Machine-Type Communications (mMTC), and Ultra-Reliable and Low Latency Communications (uRLLC) use cases, thus aligning with the International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) 2020 vision. 5G offers significant potential for improving service delivery in South Africa, enabling e-government, and saving time, money, and convenience in various sectors. However, 5G technology's potential to revolutionize life and work faces socioeconomic challenges and slow government implementation, hindering its potential to bridge the digital divide. Recommendations have been posited for each of the stakeholders involved in the 5G ecosystem in South Africa to help overcome the digital divide.Item Assessing the South African National Health Insurance policy process from 2007-2019(2021) Mangwiro, Neville TazivaOver a decade has gone by since the National Health Insurance (NHI) policy was put on the policy agenda when the African National Congress (ANC) passed a resolution to implement it. However, much of the discussion has focused on the design/content of the NHI and little attention has been put on the policy process and how it may have influenced the policy outcomes from 2007 to 2019. The purpose of this research is to assess the NHI policy process to examine the relationship between the nature of the process and the resulting policy outcomes. Elements of a systematic rapid review were adopted to conduct this study. The study took the form of a qualitative exploratory case study. Data collection involved document review using search words and various rapid review inclusion and exclusion methods to select documents. A Multiple Streams Framework (MSF) was adopted for the study. The study found that the elitist (top-down) approach taken by the government has been the main reason for the design/content of the NHI policy. Furthermore, the policy proposals themselves are very complex, which naturally slows completion of the process as the technical barriers to implementation become apparent. In large part these technical barriers are reflected through wide-ranging contestation from a significant spectrum of stakeholders. Also, the consultation process failed to meet its objectives, a feature that pervades the entire policy process to date. It was concluded that the NHI has a long way to go and that a more participative approach should be taken