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

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A Life Cycle Assessment of Plastic vs Cardboard Packaging in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods Market
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Rivett, Stephanie Anne; Harding, Kevin
Globally there is a movement to mitigate the need for single-use plastics as well as the utilization of plastic materials when alternative options are available. This movement comes in response to the extensive research that has demonstrated the long-term negative environmental impact that plastics pose to our existence when disposed of into landfills. A significant contributing factor to the mass of single-use plastics is the packaging industry. This study focused more specifically on the single use plastic packaging in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) market which are used to shrink-wrap bottles together to be supplied into the trade such as Pick ‘n Pay and Checkers. South Africa is facing two main challenges pertaining to the FMCG market: namely the constrained supply of energy and the socio-economic pressure to reduce the environmental impact caused by unrecycled packaging waste. This research aimed to investigate the energy requirements and environmental impact of packaging configurations that included shrink-wrap plastic and cardboard cartons versus packaging configurations that utilized only cardboard cartons to ascertain which option provides the lowest possible energy requirements, and environmental impact. This study aimed to execute a cradle-to-grave life-cycle assessment (LCA) of the two different packaging configurations by utilizing the SimaPro software. The LCA was executed with respect to one reference product that is supplied into the FMCG market year-round known as Prewash Promo. Prewash Promo is a laundry pretreatment that aids in the removal of stains. The first of the two packaging configurations under analysis was the traditional packaging configuration of Prewash Promo that has always been used. This packaging configuration consisted of six bottles that were grouped into two sets of three using rubber bands. The two sets of three were then shrink-wrapped into a group of six. Two shrink-wrapped sixes were then placed into a box that was sealed using plastic packaging tape or sellotape. The second packaging configuration under analysis mitigated the use of shrink wrap plastic and associated materials (elastic bands) thus the second packaging configuration consisted of twelve bottles placed into the box that was then sealed using packaging tape. The main objective of this LCA was to ascertain the packaging material configuration that was the most energy-efficient and environmentally responsible choice to utilize in the Stephanie Anne Rivett A Life Cycle Assessment of Plastic vs Cardboard Packaging in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods Market iv FMCG market. This LCA was conducted utilizing the data pertaining to the year 2022 and the functional unit of this study was one year’s worth of packaging used in the production of Prewash Promo. Prewash Promo was chosen as the reference product as it does not demonstrate seasonal or geographically specific use, and it was a viable option for the change in packaging configuration. A significant factor that influenced the impact of LCA results was the waste scenarios associated with the use of different materials. In this study, the exact quantities of material that were recycled versus sent to landfills could not be definitively known. It was for this reason that the published industry standard recycling rates for the year 2022 and knowledge of socioeconomic habits were used to formulate assumptions. It was assumed that the minor materials included in the packaging configurations such as packaging tape and elastic bands conformed with social habits and did not exhibit any recycling and went directly to landfill. The recycling rate of corrugated board for the year 2022 was reported to be 61.4% and the recycling rate of plastic for the year 2022 was reported to be 42.8% (Mpact Recycling, 2019a). These recycle rates were utilized to model the packaging configurations to facilitate the comparison between the two. The validity and influence of these assumptions were assessed by means of a sensitivity analysis after the main LCA was executed. The ecoinvent 3 database library available via the SimaPro software (version 9.4.0.3, 2022) and the ReCiPe Midpoint method were used to execute the impact assessment calculations. This method consisted of eighteen impact categories that assessed the impact of each of the packaging materials with respect to the impact they posed to human health, biodiversity, and resource scarcity. The full eighteen category impact assessment was condensed into five focus categories based on the target audience, the research objectives and geographical location of the study. These five focus categories were: global warming, stratospheric ozone depletion, fine particulate matter formation, freshwater ecotoxicity and water consumption. These five categories were chosen because they provide the best overview of the impact in a summarized form pertaining to factors contributing to environmental decline, changing weather conditions, reduction in air quality and the impact of freshwater resources. The LCA was first executed for each packaging configuration in isolation to ascertain the impact contributions of each of the individual factors involved in the construction of the Stephanie Anne Rivett A Life Cycle Assessment of Plastic vs Cardboard Packaging in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods Market v packaging set-up. The analysis of each packaging configuration in isolation facilitated highlighting major contributing factors to consider replacing with alternatives or mitigating the use thereof. This assessment highlighted the drastic impact contribution that the use of electricity had on the impact score of the heat shrink-wrap plastic configuration. The full LCA comparison was then executed to compare the two packaging configurations. In each of the five focus impact categories the corrugated board only packaging configuration achieved an environmental impact score 83% lower than the heat shrink-wrap plastic packaging configuration. This drastic difference was only reduced to 79.6% when excluding long-term emissions. Upon the conclusion of the LCA comparative assessment the validity of the recycle rate assumptions for corrugated board and shrink-wrap plastic were assessed by executing sensitivity analyses. These analyses determined that the conclusion achieved at the end of the LCA comparison stage remained valid irrespective of the recycling rate of corrugated board or shrink-wrap plastic. The final objective investigated in this study was the uncertainty analysis to assess the accuracy and reliability of the data utilized in the LCA. The uncertainty analysis was executed in the SimaPro software by utilizing a Monté Carlo analysis with the ReCiPe 2016 midpoint (H) method which consisted of 1 000 fixed runs with a confidence interval of 95%. An uncertainty bar chart was generated that displays the error associated with each of the eighteen impact categories. The uncertainty analyses for both packaging configurations determined that the data for global warming, stratospheric ozone depletion, fine particulate matter formation and freshwater ecotoxicity demonstrated low error. The cardboard only configuration exhibited very low error values of between 8% and 61% as opposed to the plastic packaging configuration which exhibited errors between 16% and 214%. The water consumption data in contrast exhibited significant uncertainty for both configurations due to the difficulty in definitively determining accurate water consumption data for such extensive life cycles. Water was utilized extensively in the developmental stages of each of the materials (forestry, paper/pulp manufacturing and plastic polymer and plastic shrink manufacturing) and exhibited significant variation in volume of consumption due to high degrees of variation in plant technology and process equipment age. Stephanie Anne Rivett A Life Cycle Assessment of Plastic vs Cardboard Packaging in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods Market vi The culmination of the results of each of the assessments executed concluded that the corrugated board only configuration is the packaging configuration that is the most environmentally friendly, and energy-efficient packaging option of the two that were considered.
Modelling of the distribution of coal tar product qualities from a tar distillation plant
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mokoena, Lehlohonolo Christopher; Brooks, Kevin; Mulopo, Jean
This work presents the simulation modelling and optimisation of a coal tar distillation process to improve the product qualities and increase overall product revenue. The coal tar distillation process consists of three vacuum distillation units and a flash column. The system produces four distillate products: light oil, refined chemical oil (RCO), light creosote, and heavy oil, as well as the residue pitch used as a binder in the manufacturing of electrodes in the aluminium industry. The simulation model was developed in HYSYS using the actual plant mass balance and operating conditions for the production of a residue pitch product with a softening point of 115 – 118 Metller and associated distillates as reference. A mass balance reconciliation technique using an optimiser in HYSYS was applied to fit the plant quality and distillate rate data through adjustment of the Murphee tray efficiencies for each column. The simulation model was validated by simulating the manufacturing of a softer pitch product of softening point 68 – 73 Ring and ball using conditions specified for this particular product and its related distillate products. Through this process, the base conditions were established for the hard and soft pitch production processes. The resultant pitch yield of softening point 115 – 118 M was 42 %, with the light creosote distillate yield at 27 %, as for the softer pitch, the initial yield was estimated at 65 %, and the light creosote at 9,6 %. Following the model development and the establishment of base conditions, a sensitivity analysis focusing on product quality distribution was done to develop an operating philosophy of the process followed by an optimisation process carried out using HYSYS original optimiser to maximise the objective function defined as the sum of product revenue sales with constraints placed on product qualities and adjustable parameters selected as column reflux and boil up ratio as well as the top and bottom temperatures. From the optimisation results, the general adjustment on the first two columns was the drop-down of column top and bottom temperatures by increasing the reflux ratio and reducing the boil-up rate. The light oil product quality in the simulation of a 115 – 118 M pitch improved by decreasing the naphthalene content from 48 % to less than 8,0 % as required by standard operation, with the naphthalene recovery in the RCO stream increasing from 44 % to 67 %. The optimisation process had a large impact on the product yields, where the pitch product 115 – 118 M showed an increase in yield from 42 % to 49 %, which is close to the general yield of 50% mentioned in the literature and normally expected from a coal tar distillation process. and the light creosote distillate product had a positive yield increase of 14 % from the initial value. The overall revenue benefit for the production of a hard pitch improved by an estimated figure of 3,1 % per annum from the initial value (non-optimised condition). In the production of a softer pitch product, the total revenue benefit was 3,2 % higher per annum in comparison to the non-optimised condition.
A Comparative Approach to Market Wide Herding
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Zwane, Sibongile; Sebehela, Tumellano
This thesis prices, investigates and models market wide herding for selected emerged economies (i.e., U.S. and UK) and named emerging markets (i.e., Taiwan and South Africa) for bonds, equities and real estate sectors. To investigate the mentioned theme/topic, this study develops three hypotheses: (i) the selected indices are prone to market wide herding, (ii) there are systematic volatility patterns during herding process, and finally, (iii) there is positive herding in the real estate sector. The findings are as follows. First, there are persistent herding behaviour of the used indices and moreover, herding behaviour is both within and in between indices. The latter statement is consistent with the findings of Kola (2021). Second, herding exists in volatility towards to the developed economies from emerging markets, irrespective of the product type. Finally, there is definitive herding in the real estate industry, in particular, in indices and not so much in stand-alone REITs. Interestingly, evidence of herding is model sensitive. Finally, the implications are as follows. First, when you invest in bonds, equities and real estate indices, investors should mitigate against herding effects. Second, integration of products, in the context of bonds, equities and real estate, should be encouraged as that increases the levels of information symmetry. The latter statement implies that investing in financial markets would be risky (See; Kola 2021 and Sibongile 2021). Third and finally, intraday investors should have deep insights about emerging markets as emerging financial markets herd towards to emerged markets.
Essays on the Corporate Governance Evolution and South African Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Moloi, Nosipho; Chyuan, Wong Woei; Akinsomi, Omokolade
There has been substantial attention on corporate governance globally, representing a key area of research interest. Focusing on REITs as a natural experiment to study corporate governance and disclosure polices in SA is distinctive, particularly in that results are mixed globally. Studies by Campbell et al. (2011), Chong et al. (2016), and Chong et al. (2017) found an optimistic association with corporations that adopt CG and profitability; however, Bianco et al. (2007) and Bauer et al. (2010) reported adverse results. The study conducts three separate empirical studies that cover the following aspects of REITs: (a) the impact of corporate governance and corporate social responsibility on SA REITs performance; (b) the impact of corporate governance and foreign investor trading: An SA REIT perspective; (c) Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) and its influence on SA REIT liquidity. This thesis consists of three independent essays. The first essay employs a Corporate Governance Index (CGI) formulated from the King III and King IV reports to investigate the link concerning corporate performance and superiority of CG and the corporate social responsibility (CSR) of SA REITs listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). The CGI index is created from the King III and IV reports to measure the compliance of 33 SA REITs listed on the JSE as of January 2023. These REITs are assessed from 2013. The empirical investigation using multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) reveals that CG practices have a positive influence on firms’ performance (such as total share return and return on assets). The results imply that CG’s standard principles influence the performance of firms’ SA REITs with a higher magnitude. Managers and investors that observe CG principles will notice improved firm performance. The CSR index is created from the King reports, and MCA was used to analyse CSR compliance to determine that SA REITs, which comply with CSR regulations, will improve returns. The second essay investigates CG and foreign investment activity of SA REITs. REITs offer a natural experiment in CG. These leave little cash flow for management, thereby reducing agency problems. A CGI Index was formulated from the King III and IV reports to examine the association concerning foreign investment and the quality of CG. A sample of 33 SA REITs from 2013 until 2022 is documented. The study adopted the unique multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) to form a matrix for the CG, and the foreign investment was formulated by adopting the Buy and Sell Index (BSI) to capture foreign investment. With a well-balanced panel, it was found that corporate governance (CG) significantly influences foreign investment with a greater magnitude. Additionally, SA REITs that are cross-listed with better CG in place 10 were documented as this has been linked with attracting more foreign investors. Due to the nature and effectiveness of the CG and the lack of this type of investigation in South Africa (SA), this study will inform SA REITs and policy makers in understanding the importance of complying with CG and the practical implications for its influences on foreign investment activity. The third essay examines the liquidity of SA REITs and their relationship to the BEE score. The contribution of this section to the literature is on SA REIT liquidity and its relationship with BEE policy. Firm liquidity has long been an area of interest of research (Yun, 2009). The paper adopts the BEE score for all SA REITs to measure their compliance levels and the link to a REIT liquidity. Thirty-three REITs are adopted from 2013 until 2022. To capture the different dimensions of a securitised REIT, more than one liquidity measure is used. This analysis uses four proxies to calculate REIT liquidity using ordinary least squares models (OLS). The study finds that the BEE has a positive association with an SA REIT liquidity, implying that REITs that comply with BEE policy are likely to have improved liquidity. Complying with government policy has been linked with firms’ good financial standing. Highly compliant REITs wanting to maintain their liquidity levels should consider the influence of the macro-economic factors, particularly the adverse relationships that negatively affect REIT liquidity such as employment levels. This is the first study to probe the BEE and REIT liquidity in the South African context.
An analysis of the effectiveness of the infrastructure delivery management system in the South African government
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Melete, Refiloe Minah; Khatleli, Nthatisi
Governments face inherent obstacles in the provision of infrastructure at a global level. The decline or degradation of societal infrastructure and the limited accessibility to public services for the entire South African population can be ascribed to factors such as inadequate provisioning and upkeep of infrastructure. The adverse implications of construction project failures attributed to a variety of factors, such as delayed provision and increased costs directly impact economic well-being of individuals. South Africa's government is guided by a complicated system of broad and sector-specific policies with distinct objectives. The South African government has implemented various strategies and initiatives to enhance infrastructure delivery, and the effectiveness of developing infrastructure delivery methods for public infrastructure initiatives remains questionable. Despite substantial study on infrastructure delivery difficulties, there remains a paucity of complete evidence about the efficacy of certain infrastructure delivery changes. Previous research identified by academic research has mostly focused on challenges such as public protests, corruption, delays in service delivery, inefficient operations, and inadequate quality management, leaving a knowledge gap about the overall efficacy of various delivery reforms and restricting insights into broader system performance. The South African government has adopted the infrastructure delivery management system (IDMS), a comprehensive approach that integrates planning, implementation ,monitoring and maintenance of infrastructure projects, as its preferred framework for implementation. The system’s effectiveness has not been tested. To close this gap the research analyses the effectiveness of IDMS in infrastructure provision. The study’s objectives were achieved through a qualitative methods, involving in-depth interviews and thematic and content analysis was employed. A purposive selection process was employed to choose a cohort consisting of senior managers, project managers, and external service providers. This resulted in a total of 100 individuals who were chosen to participate in the study. Interviews were conducted with these individuals. A response rate of 72% was attained, indicating a high level of participant engagement and data reliability. The study posits that various infrastructure delivery methods have been tried by both emerging and developed nations, but with limited success rate. Without a universally diverse and integrated infrastructure delivery, the current state of deterioration will continue. South Africa, as a developing nation, has the potential to reap substantial benefits by placing emphasis on the preservation, expansion, and enhancement of its infrastructure delivery. The findings of the study suggest that there are constraints with the current delivery system on adherence to regulations and implementation of system components. The study reveal a significant prevalence of inconsistencies in the application of the system. Lack of transparency in government policies impedes their implementation, causing a multitude of obstacles that contribute to additional project delays. The project's effectiveness is impeded by its inability to run efficiently due to the impact of the changing political environment on laws and industry reform. The study identified significant relationship between competency and governance, and how each impacts the effectiveness of the delivery management system. Consistently assessing policy iii and enhancing the implementation of legislation is vital for properly harnessing industry principles and endeavours. In order to achieve a balanced approach and encourage stakeholder ownership and commitment, collaborative interaction with industry professionals is essential. Improving infrastructure delivery requires implementing an integrated framework with clear goals, enhancing governance structures, a well-defined capacitation strategy to implement the framework, clearly defined roles and responsibilities. and promoting collaboration among government stakeholders for decision making and defined timelines for processing decisions in infrastructure delivery. Additionally, it is essential to streamline processes and cultivate technical expertise within infrastructure departments. The presence of strong governance structures, streamlined processes, and efficient human resource management are strong factors recommended for an integrated delivery framework. This study offers a significant contribution to the current body of literature on public sector infrastructure delivery methods. The research offers study offers valuable insights and contributes to creating efficient and sustainable infrastructure delivery methods and serves as a guiding resource for developing government policies and decision making.
Exploring the challenges to drone-aided inspections in construction site management
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Khorombi, Shadrack; Terblanche, Rolien
The construction industry, marked by its complexity and evolving standards, demands attention and commitment to quality. To guarantee that works are going according to plan, standards and regulations, in terms of quality and compliance, routine inspection strategies are implemented as an intrinsic part of the project management plan. Construction inspections are generally performed as a contractual obligation to enable an independent view of construction works and their progress for key stakeholders and the client. However, traditional inspection techniques are generally laborious and risky. Inspectors are often exposed to exterior elements; unfavourable conditions; intrinsic risks. Despite all of this, inspectors are still unable to obtain in-depth information on some of the surfaces due the inability to access surfaces or structures to optimal proximity. Drone technology has been proposed as an alternative method to traditional inspection for safer and more efficient inspections. This study endeavoured to explore key challenges to the implementation of drone technology for construction inspections. The methodological approach that the researcher adopted to achieve the research aim encompassed a qualitative method with document analysis, case study and interviews selected as data collection strategies. Techniques to gather empirical information required included observations and semi-structured interview questions. To present findings that are valid, reliable and generalisable, NVivo software was used as a data analysis tool where content analysis and thematic analysis were employed as data analysis strategies. The utilisation of qualitative, inductive case studies within an interpretivist paradigm was considered necessary to contextualise and deepen the understanding of the nature and occurrence of the challenges impeding key role players from full adoption of drone technology for construction site inspection processes. Key findings entail the lack of capital and resource allocation, concerns about transparency and contractual accountability, and the need for clear evidence of return on investment. Technical complexity, disruption to site activities, lack of interest from key stakeholders, capacity issues, and connectivity issues were also uncovered as challenges in the adoption of drone-aided inspections. Additionally, the findings iii encompassed strategies to overcome challenges impeding the optimal use of drones in construction projects. This study evaluates the current state and potential for drone technology adoption within the South African construction industry, highlighting practical challenges encountered during actual deployments. By proposing solutions such as streamlining regulatory processes and enhancing stakeholder collaboration, the research offers valuable pathways to optimise drone technology implementation during construction documentation and management.
Exploring Developing Economies: Emerging Local Economies and Displaced Urbanisation: The Case of KwaMhlanga
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Shibambu, Nhlalala
This research explores the economic evolution of KwaMhlanga, a settlement in Mpumalanga province, within the context of debates over displaced urbanism—a concept that describes how people living in areas that were developed under Apartheid's forced relocations, which are far from urban centres and densely populated, are developing informal economies to sustain themselves (Mosiane and Gotz, 2021). The study investigates whether KwaMhlanga represents a form of displaced urbanism and examines its potential to function as a viable economic node. It builds on Mosiane and Gotz’s (2021) framework, which characterizes displaced urbanism as communities developing informal economies and modern infrastructure despite historical displacements. The research evaluates KwaMhlanga's economic potential by analysing policy, infrastructure, land use regulations, and the roles of local institutions, traditional authorities, and small businesses. The research methods that were used were semi-structured interviews with the Ndebele Traditional Authority and Thembisile Hani Local Municipal Official and business owners located along the R573. Observations using Google Earth were made of the KwaMhlanga crossroads and the businesses located there, these observations were mapped. Findings suggest that while KwaMhlanga is evolving economically in a limited way, with some growth of small scale businesses and the development of a mall, challenges such as inadequate services and weak institutional support hinder its development as a functional economic node. The study’s limitations include the inability to interview formal businesses at the KwaMhlanga Shopping Complex and limited sample size due to businesses unwillingness to be interviewed.
Designing for Comm[unity] Em[power]ment: A sustainable multi-purpose sports facility for social and environmental Impact
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Buthelezi, Mvelo Hilton Nkosinathi; Gantner, Garret
This master’s thesis focuses on the critical need for sports infrastructure in Africa, particularly in underdeveloped regions such as Alexandra Township. Sports are hindered by inadequate infrastructure and neglect, limiting potential for social and economic progress on the continent. This thesis attempts to create a multi-purpose sports complex in Alexandra Township that encourages community engagement, social empowerment, and environmental sustainability while also meeting immediate infrastructure demands. The primary goal of this thesis is to construct a sports facility that can accommodate people of all ages and ability levels, fostering an active lifestyle and improving physical and mental well-being. The planned sports complex integrates adaptable architecture, including flexible and modular features to meet changing demands.These adaptable modules are intended for application in a variety of communities across the country, maintaining the facility’s long-term usefulness. Beyond typical sporting activities, the stadium will incorporate mixed-use facilities with amenities such as educational rooms, leisure spaces, cafés, retail sections, and green spaces. An agriculture facility will also aid to cheap distribution of fresh goods throughout the neighborhood. Waste management solutions will help to make the environment cleaner and healthier. To summarize, the goal of this architectural master’s thesis is to design an adaptable, community-centered sports facility near Alexandra Township that not only provides accessible and high-quality sports infrastructure but also promotes social cohesion, environmental stewardship, and personal development. The facility aims to catalyze positive change by blending adaptable architectural concepts and mixed-use areas, influencing other communities to promote sports, community participation, and environmental responsibility. We hope to create a pattern for future architectural endeavors in the region by contributing to the overall well-being and empowerment of residents in Alexandra Township through this thesis.
An Imbokodo-driven cooperative model for wheeling rural-generated solar-PV electricity to facilitate clean induction-stove cooking among low-income urban households in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Teffo, Dimpho; Irurah, Daniel
Global efforts to address climate change are shifting the debate towards Just Energy Transitions (JET) paradigm which entails more environmentally friendly and inclusive economies, especially in terms of access to clean energy sources. Despite South Africa’s past attempts to improve energy access for low- income households through policies such as Free Basic Electricity (FBE) and Free Basic Alternative Energy (FBAE), energy poverty continues to intensify especially for poor urban households. On the other hand, increasing adoption of renewable energy (RE) technologies such as solar-PV due to factors such as rising grid electricity costs and falling prices of RE technologies provoked an investigation into equitable and innovative modalities based on a women-oriented JET focusing on rural and urban low-income households. Inspired by the imbokodo paradigm during anti-apartheid struggle (‘solidness of rock’ as metaphor of women resilience), the study applied a qualitative approach towards a model for addressing gendered energy poverty especially among low-income urban households. The model is based on a transformed role of rural and urban women as clean energy prosumers (generators and consumers), thus envisaging leadership roles for women in the sphere of zero-carbon energy and climate change mitigation initiatives within the overarching JET paradigm. The study focused on Alexandra township in Johannesburg as the urban energy consumer community (especially for clean cooking with induction stoves) coupled to Chebeng Village in Limpopo as the rural energy-generating community. Primary data were gathered through ethnographic observations in Alexandra with specific focus on cooking using conventional appliances versus induction stove. Data tools such as photographs, audio and video recordings, individual interviews, and direct observations were employed. Key challenges identified include limited kitchen space and a lack of incentive to replace existing faulty/inefficient stoves. A transect walk helped to identify constraints limiting rooftop solar-PV installations thus warranting alternative mechanisms such as wheeling green electricity. In spite of optimal solar resource of Chebeng Village, ethnographic observations identified critical challenges such as stifling control by tribal authority over women’s access to land for large-scale RE projects such as solar- PV farms. Nexus of gender and energy poverty, particularly in cooking as well as socio-political challenges specific to the urban and rural contexts suggest that a wheeling coupling of women-led solar-PV generation cooperatives in rural areas with consumer cooperatives in urban settings would facilitate clean electricity for zero-carbon cooking with induction stoves for urban households. Leveraging wheeled solar-PV electricity from rural to urban women-led cooperatives would also catalyze value-chain benefits such as green skills, jobs and entrepreneurship which are also JET goals for equitable low-carbon economies.
‘Stokvels’ as an alternative housing finance mechanism: a case study of ‘Masakhe’ ladies in Gugulethu
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Motupa, Dikeledi
Stokvels have been a longstanding financial mechanism in South Africa, historically providing savings and credit avenues, particularly for marginalised communities excluded from formal banking systems. Despite improved access to banking for black South Africans, the formal mortgage market remains largely inaccessible to the poor owing to constraints in the affordable housing market. With government housing initiatives constrained by overwhelming demand, many continue to lack housing assistance. This study explores stokvels as an alternative housing finance mechanism, focusing on the Masakhe Ladies stokvel group in Gugulethu through qualitative case study research approach. The study employs semi-structured interviews and evaluation research to explore how stokvels, as an alternative housing finance mechanism, offer a way for low-income households to gain access to adequate housing. A theoretical framework is constructed from literature on stokvels, adequate housing, self-help housing, enablement, inequality livelihoods and poverty, and enablement. Findings indicate that stokvels, through collaboration with government, private and governmental entities, can facilitate access to adequate housing. While acknowledging that this is a single case study the recommendation emphasises focusing efforts not on universal applicability but on adapting the collaborative model to meet the specific needs of diverse communities, ensuring tailored and effective outcomes.

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

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