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

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    Intention to adopt solar energy technology by township small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Ngcongwane, Sakhil’umuzi; Saruchera,Fanny
    The South African township small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) are facing a significant challenge in achieving their net zero ambitions due to a prolonged and worsening electricity supply shortfall. This crisis has raised concerns about the adequacy of electricity access and alternative energy provision for township enterprises. A study was conducted to examine the intention to adopt solar energy technology by SMMEs, identifying the determinants of acceptance, evaluating their perceptions of RE electricity's potential, and proposing a model for solar energy technology acceptance. The study used an extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to conduct a quantitative research design, with an online cross-sectional survey conducted across 72 township SMMEs in South Africa. The results of the study indicated that perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and perceived behavioural control were key factors influencing the intention to adopt solar energy technology among township SMMEs. Although a connection between trust in stakeholders and adoption intention was demonstrated, it was nonetheless found to have an insignificant direct impact. The study provides insights into the methodological challenges associated with quantitative exploration of technology adoption and, particularly, where they relate to measurement aspects. By investigating the intention to adopt solar energy technology, the study reaffirms the relevance and importance of technology adoption theories for illuminating relationships that identify the impact of technological innovations on society. Insights regarding the motivational and contextual factors that foster the uptake of solar energy technology by SMMEs can prove invaluable to policymakers and practitioners in the design of programmes to ensure a just energy transition.
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    The Cognitive Process of Entrepreneurs Seeking Access to External Finance to Drive SMME Growth
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Rathogwa, Kediboni Belinda; Msimango- Galawe, Jabulile
    Small, micro and medium enterprises (SMME) need access to external finance to grow. Entrepreneurs’ financing decisions play an important role in enabling SMME access to external finance. Existing research does not adequately capture the complexity and dynamics involved when entrepreneurs make decisions. This study explored the cognitive process of entrepreneurs seeking external finance through which entrepreneurs’ financing decisions promote or limit SMME access to external finance. The study collected qualitative data through 14 in-depth interviews with entrepreneurs who operated businesses in South Africa. The data was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis to generate themes. Based on its findings, the study proposes a model of entrepreneurs’ process of choosing a course of action (MEPCCA). In addition, the study proposes an integrated model of the cognitive process of entrepreneurs seeking external finance to drive SMME growth (MCPESEF). The proposed MCPESEF provides a temporal account of the complex and dynamic process of seeking external finance. The study proffers that growth aspirations promote entrepreneurs applying for external finance by increasing its desirability, which positively influences their intention to apply. In contrast, the study proposes that discouragement limits entrepreneurs applying for external finance through its negative influence on entrepreneurs’ intention to apply. Further research is required to test the effect of perceived desirability and feasibility on entrepreneurs’ intention to apply for external finance. An in-depth understanding of the cognitive process of entrepreneurs seeking external finance supports efforts to improve SMME access to the external finance needed to drive growth.
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    Investigation of Online Peer to Peer Lending as a means to facilitate entrepreneurial finance in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Pholo, Makgowe Adam; Ojah, Kalu
    With technological advancement in the financial sector over the last few years, there now exists digital business loan providers for both SMMEs and retail borrowers. These digital loans have expanded the scope of alternative sources of borrowing and funding alike. The adoption of these fintech funding models has been somewhat slow in South Africa, but if the success of other countries' adoption of these models, particularly peer to peer lending, is anything to go by, this fintech funding model could fill the gap that currently exists in SMME funding. Data is gathered from SMMEs as well as potential investors on the usage of Online Peer to Peer lending as both a funding mechanism as well as an investment proposition. The purpose of this data gathering -- via a survey -- was to obtain Online Peer to Peer participants' views and/or perceptions about the effectiveness of online peer to peer lending, awareness of alternative (particularly fintech) funding models as well as their receptiveness to conducting financial transactions online. The survey found that the majority of entrepreneurs and investors believe that online peer to peer lending can bridge the financing gap left by traditional financing institutions in South Africa. Awareness of available fintech financing methods in South Africa is very low amongst both entrepreneurs and retails investors according to the research results in this paper. This suggests more could be done around socializing this form of financing to the general populace. The findings of the research also suggested overall that there is a viable business case for alternative financing for SMMEs in South Africa. In addition, the results of the survey indicated that the slow adoption of this fintech financing models in South Africa creates an opportunity for new fintech start-ups to participate in this market due to the low barrier to entry
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    Challenges facing small, medium and micro enterprises servicing operational wind farms in the Eastern cape, South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Maraba, Mahlatse; Young, Bruce
    Climate change has resulted in a review of how electricity is generated with the focus now being on renewable energy sources. In South Africa, this focus is facilitated by the Renewable Independent Power Producer Program (REIPPPP) which seeks to introduce an energy mix of solar, wind, biomass, and hydro into the traditional coal-dependent systems. REIPPPP promised economic benefits and some of the intended beneficiaries are Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs). The purpose of this study is therefore to understand the challenges facing SMMEs in wind farms that are in the operational phase to understand if they are benefitting from REIPPPP. A qualitative approach, using semi-structured interviews to obtain data from respondents offering various services to operational wind farms was employed. A sample size of 9 respondents was used to obtain this data. Applying thematic analysis to the collected data it was found that the challenges facing SMMEs are mainly due to lack of support, lack of finance, human capital, lack of policies and difficulty accessing the job market in the wind farms. All these challenges are as per Isenberg’s domains of entrepreneurship framework (Isenberg, 2010). Further themes that emerged are unfair competition SMMEs face and non-compliance issues by both the SMMEs and the wind farms. Given these challenges, SMMEs were negative towards REIPPPP. There is still a large potential for more renewable energy projects to be implemented in South Africa thus, these challenges must be well understood and addressed going forward for SMMEs to fully benefit. Some of the recommendations are for policies and regulations to be implemented by the government to ensure that SMMEs operate on a level playing field. It is foreseen that by addressing policies as a root cause, the remainder of the challenges can easily be addressed.
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    Total reward preferences: A quantitative empirical study of employee retention and attraction in SMMEs in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-06) Mashele, Masingita; Coldwell, David
    Background: Compensation is a key factor in the attraction and retention of talent by the organisation. The reward or compensation that people receive in return for the work they perform within an organisation may consist of both monetary and non-monetary components. Understanding the rewards that specific employees prefer could help eliminate the costs associated with inappropriately designed rewards strategies. Aim: To understand how Total Rewards programmes contribute towards attracting and retaining diverse types of employees; the research study aims to establish the differences in employees’ reward preferences and inclination to prefer Total Rewards Systems. The research study focuses specifically on employees within the SMME (Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises) sector. Methodology: The research study uses quantitative methods of collecting and analysing data. Quantitative research presents data collected numerically and enables the research to identify trends in the phenomena being studied. Contribution: The research study’s intention is to add to the knowledge of successful reward practices and strategies that reflect the ways in which organisations attract and retain employees across the SMME sector. The research seeks to contribute towards the knowledge, capabilities, and effectiveness of the HR function to drive the knowledge that can inform better reward practices within the SMME sector. Results: The results obtained indicate that a significant positive relationship exists between SMME employees’ preferences for specific rewards and their perception of the attractiveness of Total Rewards Systems which are related to their intention to either stay or leave their employer within the SMME sector
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    The relationship between digital transformation strategy and the performance of SMMEs in South Africa
    (2022) Rasenyalo, Dieketseng
    Small business growth is in the best interest of every nation as they are meant to contribute to employment creation, poverty alleviation, in turn one of the drivers of economic growth, therefore a study on SMMEs digital transformation is vital, especially in the 4th industrial revolution era. This study is set out to review the factors that affect digital transformation strategies of SMMEs, as well as the opportunities that are at SMMEs disposal to achieve digital transformation. This research is underpinned by Rogers’s theory (2016), which posits that digital transformation is not about updating technology but about the progression of strategic rationale to operate a business. This objective was achieved through qualitative data analysis, by interviewing and analysing data from selected SMMEs within the Gauteng province of South Africa. This study found that the factors that affect a digital transformation in SMMEs include; internet connectivity, technology applications, electricity and outdated skills of some officials. This study also found that opportunities available for SMMEs to deploy digital transformation are inherent in data usage, competition within the SMMEs cycle, business value, innovation and creativity as well as integrating customers into the business. Therefore, this study adds to the literature by proving that in order for SMMEs in South Africa to improve on performance, they need to enhance their business strategy by incorporating a digital transformation strategy. It is recommended that the government should step up in providing some of those factors identified by SMMEs, also that SMMEs should apply performance metrics, incentivize employees, collaborate with clients, and prioritise customers over profits to ensure effective performance and growth, especially in this digital era.
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    Analysis of investment opportunities available to small businesses and investment clubs in Gauteng Province
    (2020) Tanzi, Yongama
    This study investigated the factors driving investments and investment behavior by Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME) and Investment clubs in Gauteng, South Africa. The study is a qualitative study, using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with business owners and club members. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data collected. The findings reveal that there is high awareness of available investment opportunities by SMME’s and Investment clubs, but low rates of investment activity driven by fear, entrepreneurial behaviours, lack of financial literacy, coupled with a lack of trust in the economy and the banking system. The results also show that the property sector is the most preferred and well-known investment opportunity to most SMMEs. The need to encourage the development of better financial knowledge amongst black SMME and Investment club owners/members was also highlighted. It is recommended that the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provide affordable investment training for SMMEs and registered investment club members. This will help them broaden their knowledge of recent and current investment philosophy.
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    A comparative study of the tax considerations of traditional funding available to small, medium and micro enterprises versus alternative sources of funding
    (2019) Zungu, Sibongile Nomzamo Goodness
    During the February 2018 National Budget speech, the 2018 GDP growth projection was anticipated at 1.5% (National Treasury 2018), 0.6% higher than the percentage projected by the International Monetary fund (IMF) just a month before (Khumalo 2018). In a country with a low GDP and an unemployment rate sitting at a straggering 26.7% (Statistics South Africa 2018), small, medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME's) sometimes referred to as small businesses. play a pivotal role in the success of the economy.