4. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - Faculties submissions
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Item Managing health and safety in South Africa’s renewable energy power plants(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Sloan, Mark JamesThe study explores the suitability of the South African Occupational Health and Safety Act Number 85 of 1993 (OHS Act) and its Regulations in their ability to appropriately support the management of people from hazards to health and safety within utility-scale renewable energy (RE) power plants in South Africa. The study includes the country’s three leading RE technologies that are in-service and connected to the national electrification grid, covering solar photovoltaic (PV), concentrated solar power (CSP) and wind power plants. Semi-structured interviews are used to collect the opinions and experiences of respondents. Each power plant’s operations are assessed from a health and safety hazard management perspective. This is followed by an evaluation of the OHS Act and its Regulations to determine their suitability in appropriately supporting the management of their fundamental intention of ensuring health and safety within solar PV, CSP and wind power plants. The study shows that these RE power plants do not present any health and safety hazards unique to these sectors under normal operating conditions. However, it does highlight several areas where the OHS Act and its Regulations are not entirely appropriate in managing people from hazards to health and safety within these RE power plants. The study identifies the importance of continually maintaining the OHS Act and its Regulations in line with technological advancements.Item Manufacturers’ Perspectives: Overcoming barriers and unlocking solutions for battery manufacturing in South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Shantikumar, Ravisha; Mathetsa, StevenThe global energy sector is transitioning towards sustainable sources. South Africa, a country heavily reliant on coal for its energy needs, faces myriad challenges compounded by persistent electricity shortages. These shortages have widespread negative economic impacts, prompting the exploration of technological solutions such as battery energy storage systems (BESS). Adoption of BESS is on the rise in South Africa. However, the country is still heavily reliant on imports for battery storage systems. This study sought to explore the barriers and solutions for the manufacture of BESS in South Africa, thus contribute to the rapid implementation of these systems in the energy sector. A qualitative approach was employed, including collecting insights from key energy sector role players, among them, representatives of global battery cell manufacturers and local battery assembly companies. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five participants from global electro-chemical battery manufacturers, two from BESS assembly companies operating in South Africa, and seven key local stakeholders such as policymakers, and representatives of research institutes, and a financial institution. Thematic analysis of these interviews revealed that, first, battery energy storage systems present substantial opportunities for South Africa. Second, localising battery manufacturing could enhance grid stability, renewable energy integration, job creation, and economic growth. The study identified key barriers to local battery manufacturing. These include market, financial, technology, and policy barriers, and a lack of skills and international partnerships specific to South Africa. To address these barriers, the study suggests fostering strong partnerships between government and battery manufacturers, sound policy development and implementation, manufacturing incentives, tariff reforms, and regional demand validation. Key considerations for battery manufacturers entering new markets like South Africa include market entry challenges, cost competitiveness, intellectual property protection, infrastructure improvements, access to raw materials, and government support. The study revealed that government leadership is crucial for developing the ii battery manufacturing industry in South Africa. Stimulating domestic demand for electric vehicles, developing mineral refining capabilities, and fostering government-industry partnerships are recommended to capitalise on market potential and industry growth. These findings complement existing literature and highlight factors unique to the South African context, as perceived by stakeholders within the battery industryItem nowledge and perceptions of add- on electrical geyser efficiency technologies held by contractors in Durban(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mzobe, Snothando Nosipho; Finchilescu, GillianGlobally, energy losses take away as much as 40% of the primary energy during distribution. Recovering this lost energy by employing more energy efficient practices can make a significant difference to the available energy. In South Africa, the residential sector makes up approximately 17% - 35% of electricity demand during peak demand periods, primarily due to the large usage of household electric water heaters commonly known as geysers. Plumbing and electrical contractors who install and maintain electrical geysers are at a strategic position to act as intermediaries to influence households towards the adoption of more energy efficient practices. This paper, therefore, investigates the extent of knowledge and perceptions held by these contractors regarding the various add-on technologies that can be used to make geysers more energy efficient. A non-experimental, quantitative research approach using questionnaires was used to, firstly, evaluate the factors that would influence the intention of contractors working in the Durban area to take up the aforementioned intermediary role. Secondly, this research sought to assess the extent of the knowledge held by contractors in the formal versus the informal sectors. Lastly, the research sought to evaluate the relationship between the contractors’ knowledge of the various add-on technologies that can be used to make geysers more energy efficient and intention to take up an intermediary role to influence households towards the adoption of more energy efficient practices. The results showed a positive correlation between social norms as well as perceived behavioural control with intention, while a correlation between personal norms as well as attitude with intention was not observed. It was also found that there is no difference in the levels of knowledge held by contractors in the formal and informal sectors, while knowledge was found to have a positive influence on intention. It was recommended that in order to improve energy efficiency knowledge among contractors, the government ought to consider regulatory mechanisms iii to encourage formal training and improve the quality of vocational education. To aid in this endeavour, government should also partner with businesses and industry-specific professional bodies. Lastly, government should implement quality feedback mechanisms to monitor the quality of work performed by contractorsItem Turning Points for Green Hydrogen in Energy Storage: Insights from Techno-Economic Analysis and Transition Theory(2024) Manyere, AllenSolar and wind energy offer the opportunity to decarbonise energy generation. How- ever, these energy sources are intermittent, leading to a mismatch between energy availability and demand and creating the need for energy storage. Green hydrogen could be the solution to this imperative; however, it is presently only available in small quantities and is expensive relative to conventional energy technologies based on coal and gas. The difference in cost raises the important question of what needs to be im- plemented or developed so that green hydrogen can become a viable technological solution for accommodating renewable energy intermittency. This research considered the question using a sequential mixed methods approach. In the first quantitative phase, standard techno-economic analysis was used to calcu- late the levelised cost of storage (LCOS) and the necessary turning points at which green hydrogen could be widely deployed as a storage solution. The LCOS is esti- mated to be $0.228/kWh which is still fairly higher than the literature value of $0.13/kWh for lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries and $0.11/kWh for pumped hydro storage. Lazard's 2024 analysis gives the LCOS for green hydrogen to be around the range $0.20 to $0.40 per kWh. In the second qualitative phase, the results of this analysis were calibrated against the perspectives of industry personnel with at least 5 years’ experience in the sector. The respondents noted the high differential between the LCOS for green hydrogen and alternative energy storage technologies such as Li-ion batteries. Their view was that significant intervention would be required at least initially with support mostly from the government in cost reduction and attract investors. Approaches such as support for the establishment of energy infrastructure, tax incentives and penalties for carbon emissions were mentionedItem The role of robotic process automation in Process Mining for digital projects(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Maherry, Semakaleng; Sony, MichaelA number of organisations have been struggling with process optimisation for a while. However, with the emergence of RPA and Process Mining, organisations may now enhance their process optimisation initiatives. RPA and Process Mining make use of technology to optimise business processes, reduce manual tasks, and improve operational efficiency. The approach allows organisations to achieve cost and time saving, improve accuracy and quality, improve employee productivity, ensure process compliance and standardisation, and, ultimately, improve customer experience and revenue. The research seeks to examine how the RPA and Process Mining may be used to accelerate digital transformation as well as improve processes within organizations while accelerating system implementation. The research will provide evidence on how combined implementation of RPA and Process Mining may be conducted as well as opportunities for improvement when it comes to implementing process optimization using RPA and Process Mining. The research expands on Siderska (2020) previous research on the implementation of process automation technologies. The aim of this research is to examine the benefits, challenges, and critical success factors associated with implementing RPA and Process Mining. To assess the research findings of the research on implementing RPA and Process successfully, the following research questions were used: • What are the benefits, potential challenges, and motivations for implementing RPA with Process Mining in digital projects compared to individual implementations? • What are the critical success factors for implementation of RPA with Process Mining in digital projects? The qualitative approach was used to collect information from 15 participants using semi-structured interviews. These participants were either current or past members of the Centre of Excellence teams, and they were involved on RPA and Process Mining projects both individually and in collaboration. The information iii that was gathered during these interviews has contributed to a more in-depth understanding of the issue in question. RPA and Process Mining adoption requires proper case selection, defined business goals, change management methods, clear business drivers, and measurable outcomes. Cost and time savings, employee time optimisation, human task replacement, process standardisation, holistic process improvement, process compliance, and simplicity of implementation are all benefits that can be measured. According to the research, process selection, system interface, business requirements, and organisational culture may all have a positive or negative impact on the outcome of the implementation. To ensure effective adoption, organisations have to carefully consider these challenges before implementing RPA and Process Mining. The executive's active backing and advocacy of the implementation can help connect the use case with the organization's strategic goals and ensuring that important business drivers are considered into the implementation strategyItem The effect of coal price volatility on the performance of South African coal mining firms(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Gininda, Nhlakanipho Blessing; Odei- Mensah, JonesThis study examines the impact of coal price volatility on the performance of South African coal mining firms, focussing on interdependence and spillover effects within the industry. Utilizing quantitative models and econometric methodologies, the research reveals substantial directional spillover effects among South African coal firms, highlighting their interconnectedness. Through pair-wise directional spillover connectivity and rolling window analyses, significant patterns in coal price volatility and its impact on firm performance are identified. These findings offer valuable insights for enhancing risk management techniques, guiding investment decisions, and shaping policy actions to support resilience and sustainability in the South African coal industry. Furthermore, this research deepens the understanding of coal market dynamics, providing practical suggestions for industry stakeholders to address challenges from coal price volatility and improve their competitive position in the global energy sector. By addressing the unique dynamics of interconnections among South African coal enterprises, this study fills a gap in the existing literature, as these interdependence and spillover effects have not been extensively explored in previous research. It advances the understanding in the field by detailing the transmission mechanisms and interdependencies within the region, contributing to the broader knowledge on spillover effects in commodity markets, and offering crucial implications for stakeholders.Item An integrated power generation plan considering carbon emission constraint(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Koopman, Sabrina; Ye, YuxiangIn the context of South Africa's energy crisis, this research report examines the optimization of South Africa's power generation system, considering coal, onshore wind, and solar PV technologies within a carbon emissions constraint. The primary objective is to minimise costs while addressing the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions in a country heavily reliant on coal-fired power. The methodology comprises two main components: system modelling of solar and wind generation, and a mathematical framework featuring cost minimization as the objective function with a power balance constraint and a carbon emissions constraint as the two key constraints. This approach allows for a comprehensive analysis of potential energy mixes that balance economic and environmental concerns. The study's findings indicate that a more sustainable and balanced energy mix is achievable in South Africa through significant expansion of renewable energy capacities. While this transition requires substantial short-term investment and infrastructure development, it offers long-term benefits including reduced carbon emissions and enhanced energy system resilience. The optimization results suggest that further integration of renewable energy technologies is possible, albeit at a higher cost. The research highlights the increasing cost-effectiveness of renewable energy and emphasises the importance of capitalising on this trend in emerging markets like South Africa. In conclusion, this thesis demonstrates that South Africa can significantly reduce its carbon emissions within the next five years by improving its energy mix through increased integration of renewable energy generation technologies. These insights are crucial for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers in shaping South Africa's future energy landscape and contributing to global climate change mitigation efforts.Item Policy-making and institutional crisis: Formalizing artisanal gold mining in Zimbabwe from 2005 to 2017(Policy-making and institutional crisis: Formalizing artisanal gold mining in Zimbabwe from 2005 to 2017, 2024) Mukonoweshuro, Tonderai Fadzai; https://orcid.org/ 0009-0000-6395-4758Artisanal gold mining is a crucial economic activity in Zimbabwe that gained prominence in the post-2000 period when there was a defined shifting interest from agricultural activity by many people to artisanal gold mining, with over a million people engaged in the sector. Artisanal gold mining became a part of a large and complex informal economy, with the potential to address some of the economic challenges by providing the much-needed foreign currency for the ailing economy. However, like most countries, Zimbabwe struggled to regulate the sector to make it more efficient, economical, safe and environmentally friendly. Much existing research seems to suggest that policy on artisanal mining, while being a function of the state, is an instrument or arena of contestation among powerful groups within the state and society. Thus, the study answers the question, “In what ways did politics, power and institutional dynamics influence policy trajectories on artisanal gold mining in Zimbabwe between 2005 and 2017?” It further investigated the complex reality of politics and policymaking for informal (artisanal) gold mining in Zimbabwe, seeking to dissect underlying politics, power and institutional dynamics and how these influenced policy trajectories in this growing informal gold mining sector between 2005 and 2017. Through a case study approach, I collected qualitative data through in-depth individual interviews with key informants both nationally and at two mining sites in the District of Chegutu, in Mashonaland, Zimbabwe. By situating the study's findings within theories of informal economies, institutionalism, street-level bureaucracy and human securities, this thesis contributes to the consequences of informality as they relate to production and the miners 6 wellbeing and policy development for ASM. The other is the complex and non-linear reality of politics and policy-making concerning ASM and law enforcement agencies. The local case study demonstrates the struggles between networked actors in amplifying how informal gold mining policy has evolved and the particular effects on policy outcomes for informal gold mining in Zimbabwe. The study concluded that although politics had a bearing on the continued informalisation of ASM during the crisis period, the state actors occupying critical positions in shadow networks drove policy to maximize self-interest. At a local level, policy implementation met the agency of transitional actors, including small-scale artisanal miners, gold dealers, and traders. These networked actors also operated within their own unwritten rules and shaped their policies as they extracted or traded the gold. Therefore, a policy framework for formalizing ASM must be based on enforceable legal systems that provide accountability, transparency, and human rights.Item Support structures in the career progression of women in mining at Amandelbult Mine(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Singo, Tshifhiwa Peter; Ndhlovu, Hlengiwe; Ngcobozi, LihlePost 1994, South Africa introduced several policies and practices to accommodate inclusion & diversity and measures to address inequalities in the Mining industry. In addition, these policies advocated for the opening of the mining sector to previously disadvantaged South Africans which include women as the strategic pillar of economic empowerment policy. Although this policy had good intensions, integrating women into such a traditional male-dominated industry presented various challenges, including lack of career progression, especially for women. The main objective of this study is to analyse existing support structures beyond policy that Amandelbult mine is using to ensure career progression for women in mining at its operations. The researcher adopted thematic analysis and employed a computer assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS). For this study, NVivo 12 Plus was employed to qualitatively analyse and code all the in-depth data from the eleven participants “Amandelbult Leadership Team - ALT” who took part in the study. The study revealed that women face six (6) salient barriers that impede their career progression in the mining industry. These are (i) the lack of experience in technical roles that endow them with the requisite core competences to progress up the leadership ladder, (ii) the masculinised nature of the mining industry, (iii) stereotyping (iv) life-work balance, (v) the glass ceiling and (vi) nepotism. Finally, the findings also corroborate extensive research that reveals that more women are in junior, administrative and support roles. On the other hand, a small number of women have progressed to senior, mid- senior, and executive level. This suggests that despite some policies, mechanisms and programmes in place, more work still needs to be done to ensure that the mechanisms and policies translate into tangible outcomes where we see more women in senior leadership positions in the nearest future.Item The Adoption of Big Data Analytics in the South African Mining Industry(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Naidoo, ShalinThis study investigated big data analytics adoption in South Africa's mining industry, focusing on technological, organisational, and human factors using the Technology Acceptance Model 3(TAM3). Data from various industry professionals was gathered and analysed quantitatively, revealing strong links between factors like computer self-efficacy, management support, and peer influence in technology adoption. The key findings indicate strong relationships between computer self-efficacy, management support, and peer influence on technology adoption. This emphasises the crucial importance of organisational support and infrastructure.. The study highlights a multidimensional approach, integrating technology with human and organisational elements, offering insights and practical recommendations for industry adoption of big data analytics.