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

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Subject: search.filters.subject.South AfricaSubject: search.filters.subject.SDG-8: Decent work and economic growth

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    Analysing Management Strategies and Models Applied by Amateur Sporting Federations in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Letsholo, Kabelo Johannes; Mati, Jacob
    This mixed methods research study was conducted to analyse management strategies and models applied by amateur sporting federations in South Africa. Since the advent of a democratic South Africa, only rugby, soccer, cricket and to some degree netball, golf and motorsport, have managed to maintain and/or increase their value proposition and thus attracted several stakeholders. The sports television coverage landscape has also largely remained the skewed only towards these federations. This is despite the fact that some amateur sporting federations have consistently and regularly participated in their respective sporting codes’ world championships and even Olympics games. Media coverage of these amateur federations’ participation in these events is scarce and covered nor the general South African population never gets to hear about them. Business entities have also been reluctant to partner with the amateur federations. This research therefore seeks to identify and understand practices that hinder amateur sporting federations from achieving their objectives to highlight and recommend practices that these federations specifically and other amateur sporting federations in general can adopt to enable them to reach their strategic objective. The study was conducted through interviews with three amateur sports federations in South Africa. The initial primary research data was collected using structured interviews and an online survey. Analysis of this data found that there is evidence to infer a correlation between constructs such as an organisational sport framework, governance, sport value creation, sports consumer behaviour/needs and organisational performance at the national level. It is hoped that this study will assist the sports fraternity in South Africa to appreciate that constructs such as sports value framework, good governance prescripts, sport value creation and offering value that sport consumers want, if implemented and/or adopted, can help elevate amateur sporting federations.
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    Exploring youth preparedness for Agricultural employment to solve unemployment in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Kgafela, Nthabiseng; Oro, Oro Ufuo
    South Africa is currently facing a challenge of high youth unemployment as reported by Statistics South Africa. 45.5% of youth aged 15 -34 years were reported as unemployed in quarter 1 of 2024 (Statistics South Africa, 2024). This number is quite concerning given the number of initiatives that government have launched such as noted in Chipfupa et al. (2021) and Mokgomo et al. (2022). One would automatically think that government’s effort in launching programs to alleviate youth unemployment are effective however challenges continue to remain prevalent. In this study, interviews were conducted with unemployed youth from Gauteng and Mpumalanga being regions with highest GDP by province for the former and an agricultural intensive region being the third highest contributor to agriculture in South Africa for the latter (Statistics, 2023). The objective of the research was to explore the preparedness of unemployed youth to take up agriculture as employment. The research methodology was qualitative where 11 participants aged between 18 – 35 years were interviewed. Open – ended questions were asked with follow up questions to gain a broad understanding of Reponses provided. The interviews coupled with the three research questions lead to three themes being identified through the coding. These themes were further unpacked and discussed through the sub – themes, leading to the research questions being answered. The findings noted were assessed against the literature review where it was uncovered that youth in the regions interviewed were prepared to be employed in agriculture due to challenges experienced in finding employment, unlike those interviewed in another study reviewed in the literature. Clarity was obtained on why government initiatives to reduce unemployment were not effective
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    Leadership style and supervisory behaviour on employee wellbeing and performance at two Retail Banks in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Harris, Candy
    This study investigates leadership style and supervisory behaviour on employee wellbeing and performance at two retail banks in South Africa. The study aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge on management and leadership and with this, provide additional insight into the importance of wellbeing within the two banks. The concepts of motivation and supervisory behaviours were explored in relation to different styles of leadership while the importance of employee wellbeing was further investigated in relation to performance. The study was conducted and analysed using quantitative data that was collected through an online questionnaire. The sample size included 144 employees from two Retail Banks. Most of the sample included back-office managers, professional bankers and analysts which included 50% from Retail Bank A, and the other 50% were from Retail Bank B, both in Sandton, Johannesburg. The study found that democratic and transformational leadership styles were most effective at increasing employee motivation and employee performance. These two forms of leadership styles have a positive influence on productivity, job satisfaction, and overall employee performance. It was also found that the autocratic leadership style had negatively affected supervisory behaviour. Autocratic leadership style demotivated employees causing higher levels of job dissatisfaction. Relationships between supervisory behaviour and employee wellbeing together with employee performance were also identified.
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    The Perception of Bookkeepers on the Adoption of robotic process automation in the automotive industry in Gauteng
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Dlamini, Nozipho; Robert, Venter
    Background: The automotive industry in Gauteng, South Africa, stands at the cusp of transformative technological integration, with Robotic Process Automation (RPA) emerging as a key driver of efficiency and innovation. However, the successful adoption of RPA hinges not only on technological prowess but also on the perceptions and attitudes of the Bookkeepers tasked with its implementation and utilization. Objective: This study aims to investigate the effects of Robotic Process Automation on bookkeeping staff in Gauteng's automotive industry. By understanding their perspectives, this study aims to investigate the effects of Robotic Process Automation on bookkeeping staff in Gauteng's automotive industry. Method: In the study, a qualitative method approach was employed to comprehensively capture employee perceptions. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with key stakeholders across the finance and controlling domains within an automotive company. Data analysis involved thematic coding of interview transcripts and statistical analysis of survey responses to uncover patterns, themes, and correlations. Results: Preliminary findings suggest a diverse range of attitudes towards RPA adoption among Bookkeepers in the Gauteng automotive industry. While some express enthusiasm for the potential efficiency gains and reduced mundane tasks, others harbor concerns regarding job displacement and skill obsolescence. Additionally, organizational culture, leadership support, and communication emerge as critical factors shaping employee perceptions and readiness for RPA implementation. The synthesis of qualitative data provides a rich understanding of the complex interplay between individual attitudes, organizational dynamics, and technological integration in the automotive sector.
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    Disruptive technologies for promoting financial inclusion in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Aziz, Mahomed Asif; Dladla, Pholile
    This research study seeks to examine the dynamics of financial inclusion in South Africa via the prism of disruptive technologies, to detect stakeholder stances and suggest strategies for inclusive growth. Following an interpretive philosophy, the study used an inductive technique, conducting semi-structured interviews with 14 stakeholders from diverse industries. Thematic analysis was used to investigate the qualitative data, which yielded substantial results. The study's key results shed light on critical challenges. Stakeholders underlined the significance of inclusive policies targeted to different socioeconomic groups, as well as regulatory frameworks that encourage innovation while addressing economic concerns. Discussions focused on how economic factors like high interest rates and taxation affect entrepreneurship and technological innovation. Sustainable development became a key issue, emphasising the link between technical breakthroughs and global sustainability objectives. Furthermore, the study emphasises the government's responsibility to promote innovation and modernisation, pushing for strategic planning and more efficient bureaucratic processes. The implementation of Shariah law principles was noted as a noteworthy discovery, providing an opportunity to improve financial participation while lowering the dangers of indebtedness. Furthermore, the study emphasises the importance of talent transfer and cooperation as long-term growth drivers, as well as the benefits of information exchange and capacity building. These discoveries have far-reaching and complex ramifications. The study gives vital insights into consumer preferences, allowing banks to adjust their services to meet a wide range of demands. Policymakers might use the data to rethink existing restrictions and create initiatives that encourage innovation and financial inclusion. Socially, companies and schools may use the findings to promote economic empowerment and digital literacy. Overall, the research makes specific suggestions to South African stakeholders on how to create fair growth, boost innovation, and move forward with socioeconomic development goals
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    Manufacturers’ Perspectives: Overcoming barriers and unlocking solutions for battery manufacturing in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Shantikumar, Ravisha; Mathetsa, Steven
    The 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 industry
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    The use of social media to drive the growth of South African brands
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Reddy, Nishanta; Budree, Adheesh
    The proliferation of social media usage has coincided with the expansion of social media marketing efforts. However, the mere escalation in social media activity does not uniformly translate into user interaction or engagement with advertisements disseminated through these platforms. Consequently, it becomes imperative to scrutinize the determinants of engagement and discern how such engagement can impact the development of indigenous South African brands. Existing scholarly literature offers limited insights into the factors underpinning social media brand engagement and the resultant effects on the advancement of local brands within the South African market. This research aims to augment the Customer-Based Brand Equity (CBBE) model with the aim of delineating the catalysts propelling engagement with social media brands and investigating the ramifications of such engagement on the performance metrics of domestic brands. Employing a quantitative methodology, the study leveraged an online survey to solicit responses from 272 South African social media users. The findings underscore that the principal determinants of social media brand engagement encompass entertainment value, brand resonance, informativeness, and social influence. Furthermore, the analysis reveals those interactions with brand advertisements on social media platforms bolster purchase intent, thereby fostering an amelioration in brand performance metrics. This emphasizes the pivotal role played by social media platforms in fostering the growth of local brands in South Africa. Consequently, social media engagement emerges as a pivotal determinant shaping the trajectory of growth and performance for local brands, underscoring the imperative of deploying strategic social media marketing initiatives tailored to the specificities of the South African market landscape.
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    Succession planning and performance of family businesses in Rustenburg and Soweto, South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Nduna, Sandile Michael
    i ABSTRACT This study explored succession planning challenges faced by family businesses in Rustenburg and Soweto, South Africa, and examined their impact on business performance. The motivation for this study stemmed from the recognition of the crucial role of succession planning in ensuring the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of family businesses. The purpose of the study was to identify the current succession planning procedures in place, understand the challenges encountered, examine their implications on business performance, and explore the effectiveness of government initiatives in supporting family businesses. The study utilised interviews as the primary method of data collection, targeting a sample of 10 family business owners from Soweto and Rustenburg. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse the collected data, uncovering key themes and patterns related to succession planning challenges and their impact on business performance. The findings of the study indicated that family businesses faced several challenges in creating effective succession plans, including a lack of awareness and knowledge about succession planning, family conflicts, and financial constraints. These challenges directly impacted the operational efficiency and competitiveness of family businesses, resulting in financial strain, operational disruptions, and limited innovation. Moreover, the study revealed mixed perceptions regarding the effectiveness of government initiatives, highlighting the need for further exploration to assess their influence on family business development and expansion. The practical contribution of this study lies in providing insights and recommendations for family businesses in Rustenburg and Soweto to enhance their succession planning efforts. Recommendations included fostering awareness and knowledge about succession planning, managing family dynamics and conflicts, addressing financial constraints through resource ii support, and leveraging government initiatives. By addressing these challenges, family businesses could improve their operational efficiency, competitiveness, and long-term sustainability. The theoretical contribution of this study was twofold. Firstly, it highlighted the importance of including both family and outside directors on the board of family businesses to maximise the benefits of family engagement while mitigating potential drawbacks. Secondly, it underscored the significance of cultural and contextual factors in shaping succession planning practices, emphasising the need for culturally sensitive approaches to ensure effective succession planning in diverse contexts.
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    The Impact of Demographic Indicators on Cybersecurity Behaviour of E-Commerce Users in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mberikwazvo, Weston Zorodzai
    This study aims to explore the cybersecurity behaviour of e-commerce users in South Africa, utilising a conceptual framework derived from some elements of both the Health Belief Model (HBM) and the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT). The study investigates the impact of demographic indicators specifically age, gender, and educational level impact the cybersecurity behaviour seeking to understand and contribute to the understanding of cybersecurity practices in response to perceived cyberthreats. A sample of 316 participants was used for the study which varied across different genders, age groups and educational levels. An online survey making use of a questionnaire was used to gather responses to the different dimensions making up cybersecurity behaviour guided by the established conceptual framework. The responses were statistically analysed to establish any patterns and trends using techniques such as correlation analysis and factor analysis. Analysis of the dataset concluded that there was significant difference to the cybersecurity behaviour of e-commerce users in South Africa for each of the demographic indicators of educational level, gender, and age and thus the null hypothesis was rejected for all three factors. Also, the null hypothesis was rejected for a combination of all three demographic indicators and cybersecurity behaviour indicating that a significant difference exists. The results showed that participants in the 36 to 40 years age group showed the highest cybersecurity behaviour level, with the 18 to 20 years and the over 60 years age group showing the lowest. Females showed a lower cybersecurity level in comparison to males with the non-binary participants scoring the lowest. The cybersecurity level increased in general with the educational level of the participants. In a nutshell, the results show that in the context of South African e-commerce users customised interventions based on the educational level, gender, and age need to be considered
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    Exploring employee perceptions on the adoption of 4IR-driven job automation in the South African Food Manufacturing Industry
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Maphosa, Grant
    The Fourth Industrial Revolution (or 4IR in short) is characterised by the latest technologies that mostly serve as solutions for automating tasks. Examples include the internet of things, cloud computing, artificial intelligence with machine learning and robotic process automation. The food value chain is no exception to this automation. All processes involved in converting the raw agricultural produce into finished goods for sale and consumption are expected to eventually integrate the 4IR technological advances, which automate job functions. In the South African Food manufacturing industry, these traditionally manual tasks are performed by a high number of employees, many of which perform lower-occupational level manual functions. The study’s purpose was to explore the South African Food manufacturing industry’s employee’s perceptions of this 4IR phenomenon, with the technologies that will be possibly automating their job functions or overall employment. This is to intentionally address the main research problem of not knowing the employee’s views on the subject, in addition to not being able to track the policymakers and employers’ efforts in managing the transition to 4IR-adoption in the industry. The research study was conducted through interviewing 14 participants who are employed by the South African Food manufacturing industry. They were expected to share their perceptions by answering open-ended questions, and their responses were analysed qualitatively. Their responses were coded and grouped to themes, and findings led to recommendations such as accelerating the change management process to identify upskilling requirements sooner.