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Investigating the impact of public debt on economic development in South Africa

  • Authors: Ntliziyombi, Ongezwa
  • Date: 2024-04
  • Subjects: Debts, Public -- South Africa , Debts, Public -- Management , Economic development -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65342 , vital:74093
  • Description: The burden of public debt is an economic issue that has dominated debate in several areas of our country. The post-financial crisis era has seen an increase in public debt at the international, national, and sub-national levels. The study explores the impact of public debt on economic development in South Africa from 1970 to 2022 using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model. Based on the regressions results, the null hypothesis is rejected in favour of the alternative which means that there is a negative relationship between public debt and economic development in South Africa. According to the research findings, South Africa should strengthen its production capacity and infrastructure in order to increase exports that would boost investment opportunities while allowing the economy to expand without resorting to debt. Policymakers must consider capital investment as a method of expanding the South African economy's productive capacity. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2024
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  • Date Issued: 2024-04

Investigating the link between government expenditure in tertiary education and income inequality in South Africa

  • Authors: Mkhize, Ntlakanipho
  • Date: 2024-04
  • Subjects: Tax and expenditure limitations -- South Africa , Budget deficits -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- South Africa -- Finance
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65186 , vital:74042
  • Description: This study examines the relationship between government expenditure in tertiary education and income inequality in South Africa between 1990 and 2021. The autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) method was used in analysing this association. The study indicates that government in tertiary education has an inverse relationship with income inequality in South Africa. The study is underpinned by the work of economists like Smith (1776), Schultz (1961), Mincer (1957), Barker (1964) and Kuznets (1955). This study employed the conventional unit root test, applying the augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) and Phillips-Perron (PP) tests for stationarity. The results of this study show that there are both short and long run dynamics present in the estimated models. The Granger causality test found no causal relationship between government expenditure in higher education and income inequality. Following from this, this study recommends that the South African government continue to direct government spending towards higher education so as to reduce income inequality. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2024
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  • Date Issued: 2024-04

Local economic development as a catalyst for job creation in Amathole District

  • Authors: Sikuza, Pumeza
  • Date: 2024-04
  • Subjects: Job creation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employment (Economic theory) , Economic development
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65423 , vital:74139
  • Description: This study assessed local economic development (LED) as a catalyst for job creation in Amathole District. LED is a mechanism that could be used to reduce the socio-economic difficulties faced by the district. These socio-economic challenges include high levels of poverty, unemployment and inequality. The research study is crucial because its area of focus is situated in the province with the highest official unemployment rate in South Africa. With the rising levels of unemployment, which is rising unabated, there is a likelihood of fundamental challenges being experienced by municipalities inhibiting their ability to fulfil their critical service role effectively. The study seeks to investigate whether the LED strategies implemented by the municipalities in the Amathole District are achieving the objectives of poverty alleviation and job creation. The sample and focus were six local municipalities in the Amathole District and the district municipality. The local municipalities in the district are the Amahlathi Local Municipality, Great Kei Local Municipality, Mbhashe Local Municipality, Mnquma Local Municipality, Ngqushwa Local Municipality and the Amathole District Municipality. Primary data was obtained and assessed through semi-structured questionnaires, and the respondents were asked probing questions. The interviews were typed verbatim, and themes were identified during the analysis and interpretation of the data collected. The relevant secondary data was also assessed and analysed from the annual reports and integrated development plans of the municipalities and were captured into Microsoft Excel for analysis. The study findings conclude that the unemployment rates in the Amathole District municipalities have increased during the period reviewed. It was noted that the upper-bound poverty rates in Amathole District remained unchanged during the reviewed period, but the lower-bound poverty rates increased. It was also noted through the calculation of the coefficient correlation that there is a stronger correlation between unemployment and the lower-bound poverty rate than unemployment and the upper-bound poverty rate. In order to eradicate the challenges of poverty and unemployment increasing despite the LED being implemented, it is recommended that adequate funding be made available, that co-ordination of sector plans be improved, LED be prioritised by municipalities, baseline information be utilised and improved, sustainable employment opportunities be created, and there be robust skills development initiatives in municipalities. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2024
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  • Date Issued: 2024-04

Local government support for SMMEs in the construction industry to reduce unemployment: the case of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality

  • Authors: Jiba, Mncedikazi Felicelle
  • Date: 2024-04
  • Subjects: Small business , Construction industry , Unemployment
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:74011
  • Description: Despite government intervention, a significant proportion of businesses fail within the first few years of operation, and the unemployment rate remains high. If local government is assisting SMMEs in construction, it is important to look at whether it is addressing the primary issues of preventing SMMESs in construction from failing. Because the construction industry employs many unskilled workers, it is also negatively impacted by the number of businesses that are closing or going out of business. Purposive sampling, thematic analysis, and a qualitative approach were used in this documentary research. A total of 50 documents that addressed the role of local government in supporting and developing the SMMEs in construction at NMBM were reviewed. The findings of the study indicate that 86% of the documents reviewed indicate that SMMEs in construction to participate in Support Programmes as one of the potential complementary strategies for local government to support the growth of SMMEs in the construction industry and help them create jobs. Furthermore, the results of the study also indicate that 86% of the documents reviewed state late payments as one of the major challenges leading to the failure of the SMMEs in the NMBM construction industry. This research has also proposed a sub section in the finance department at NMBM that to deal with the payment of SMMEs including SMMEs in the construction industry, as a potential change to the current support structure and legislation of local government that are meant to boost the performance of SMMEs in the construction industry and help them accomplish their stated objectives of creating jobs. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2024
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  • Date Issued: 2024-04

Micro-insurance and rural micro-enterprises in the North West Province of South Africa

  • Authors: Molefe, Samuel Seabelo
  • Date: 2024-04
  • Subjects: Insurance -- South Africa -- North West Province , Small business -- South Africa -- North West Province , Business enterprises -- Insurance
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65208 , vital:74049
  • Description: The Provision of micro-insurance in developing countries' rural areas is quite important, but not without its share of challenges. Among those challenges are logistics and demand. Several problems experienced by developing countries, including moral hazards, adverse selection, correlated risks, high transaction costs, and lack of data, negatively impacting access to insurance, were identified. Other researchers are, however, hard at work trying to come up with solutions to address those challenges. The selective coverage by insurance providers leaves a large segment of the world’s poor population in the hundred poorest countries with limited or no access to micro-insurance. North West province of South Africa, was identified as one of the top four rural provinces, with a higher percentage of people living in poverty. The province was selected for the study, with the purpose of determining the relationship between micro-insurance and micro-enterprises. The study followed a mixed methodology design, with pragmatism as a research paradigm. The research instruments used were interviews focus group discussions (18 participants), and survey questionnaires (112 respondents). Data was collected using concurrent triangulated mixed methods from both strands, qualitative and quantitative were analyzed, and the results were merged and corroborated. The main finding is that micro-entrepreneurs do not have business micro-insurance and would be willing to have one if it existed. What emerged from other findings is that there is a positive relationship between trust and willingness to purchase insurance, as well as a positive relationship between risk and insurance demand. Furthermore, there are negative relationships between shocks and insurance demand, demand and prevalence, and the inclusion and demand for insurance. This is contrary to what is in literature. There is further, evidence of more dependence on funeral and death benefits, other than on investment and savings micro-insurance policies. This study recommended that there should be a national policy in place to address challenges experienced by micro-entrepreneurs in terms of access to insurance. Also, potential micro-insurance service providers deserve leniency through the lowering of entry barriers such as capital adequacy requirements. Furthermore, the issue of illegal or unregistered service providers must be addressed to protect consumers. It was also recommended that more awareness be created through tribal administrations, by micro-insurance regulators and service providers, to promote inclusion among micro-entrepreneurs and other rural low-income earners in general. In conclusion, it is envisaged that this exploration will lead to an applicable model that can assist insurance service providers and other stakeholders in coming up with innovative micro-insurance product packages. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2024
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  • Date Issued: 2024-04

Mindsets of change agents for development: a case study of the Sundays River Valley, Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Bezuidenhout, Theo Gerhardus
  • Date: 2024-04
  • Subjects: Social change , Sustainable development -- South Africa , Well-being , Economic development -- Social aspects
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64874 , vital:73937
  • Description: Societal development in underdeveloped areas is a process of enhancing and improving the quality of life in communities, with a focus on meeting their social, economic, environmental, and political needs. Despite ideological efforts and growing interest in movements, mobilisations and communities promoting social change, little research has been done on the mindsets of change agents. Margaret Archer’s (1988), Morphogenetic Approach to social development has been used in this case as a theoretical framework emphasising that social change and development occur through interactions between individuals and their social environments. This approach focusses on the importance of feedback loops, where changes in the environment and the reactions of individuals to these changes both influence and are influenced by one another. Through reflective learning, semistructured interviews and document analysis, the dissertation explored research questions concerning different perspectives of change agents in the Sundays River Valley. The theories examined provide options of theoretical frameworks which can be used to assess and evaluate the work and role of change agents to participate in societal development. This is important in the Sundays River Valley context as, up to now, there has been no shortage or lack of development plans and policies for the area. Rather, what has been absent is the theoretical frameworks to provide the context and meaning for change agents to participate in societal development and occupy their role in the various development plans and policies. Collaborative development and participation acknowledge that solving complex social problems requires the efforts of multiple organisations, individuals, and generations. To enable societal development requires social trust and cooperation of multiple stakeholders, including government, community members, businesses, development agencies, non-governmental organisations and educational institutions. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism , 2024
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  • Date Issued: 2024-04

Organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB) in the South African transport state-owned enterprises

  • Authors: Calvert, Candice
  • Date: 2024-04
  • Subjects: Organizational behavior -- South Africa , Government business enterprises -- South Africa , Government ownership -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64896 , vital:73944
  • Description: The transport sector is critically important for economic growth and sustainability of a country and therefore requires carefully crafted strategical policies aimed at social enhancements. Employees who are employed in the major South African transport sector’s State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) carry the responsibility of providing quality and effective services, thus, they are executing the mandate of the National Department of Transport (NDoT). Therefore, their willingness to contribute positively to the goals of the sector, is critically important. Extra-roles and positive behaviours displayed by employees ensure that organisations gain competitive advantage over competitors. These special behaviours are documented in literature as organisational citizenship behaviours (OCB). OCB is referred to as voluntary positive behaviours displayed by employees, which benefit the organisation and improve the overall performance of employees and the organisation but are not recognised by the reward system of the organisation. The scarcity of literature pertaining to OCB in SOEs and in particular, the transport sector globally indicates that OCB is not entrenched in organisational cultures in this sector. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the views of management and employees regarding the influential factors and the outcomes of OCB in South Africa’s major SOEs in the transport sector. A hypothetical model and a questionnaire were developed to establish the influential factors of OCB and its outcomes on the performance of South Africa’s major transport SOEs. Eight independent variables (leadership styles, organisational culture, management support, personal importance, transparency, job autonomy, employee trust and organisational commitment), the intervening variable (organisational citizenship behaviour) and the dependent variables (employee performance and employee retention) were investigated. Primary data was collected by means of electronic questionnaires, which were distributed to five provinces via a QuestionPro link that was emailed to the contact person nominated by the HR department of the two major transport SOEs. Hard copies of the questionnaire were also physically distributed to prospective participants by the researcher. Non-probability sampling was used, specifically convenience sampling technique. The study targeted 500 respondents and 318 questionnaires were usable which amounts to a response rate of 64%. The reliability of the measuring instrument was determined by means of Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and the construct validity was tested using exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Content validity for the measuring instrument was validated by experts in the fields of organisational behaviour and change management, prior to the distribution of the questionnaire to participants. EFA, descriptive statistics, multiple regression analysis and correlation analysis were determined. A STATISTICA computer programme 14.0 was used. The results of the study showed that OCB, which was tested as a seven-dimensional construct, namely, altruism, sportsmanship, loyalty, individual initiative, civic virtue, courtesy, and self-development, was perceived by respondents as two constructs, namely, OCB-selflessness (OCB-S) (altruism, sportsmanship, individual initiative, courtesy and self-development) and OCB-reliability (OCB-R) (civic virtue and loyalty). The empirical results revealed that personal importance is significantly related to OCB-S, but is not significantly related to OCB-R. Furthermore, the findings showed that transparency is not significantly related to OCB-S, however, there is a significant positive relationship between transparency and OCB-R. It was also found that job autonomy is not significantly related to OCB-S, and has a significant negative relationship with OCB-R. In addition, the research findings showed that employee trust and organisational commitment are significantly related to both OCB-S and OCB-R. OCB-S and OCB-R were found to be significantly related to employee performance and employee retention. This study contributed to the body of knowledge in the fields of organisational behaviour and human resources. Furthermore, the study will contribute to policy makers and management within the transport sector of South Africa and globally in order to develop policies and devise strategies to combat negative workplace environments, stimulate service delivery, and improve the competitive advantage of the organisation and the economic sustainability in the transport sector globally, through employee performance and employee retention. , Thesis (DBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2024
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  • Date Issued: 2024-04

Relationship management in all-boys fee-paying public Schools in the Eastern Cape, South Africa: experiences and perspectives of LGBTQ alumni

  • Authors: Mahlangu, Nhlakanipho
  • Date: 2024-04
  • Subjects: Single-sex schools -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sex differences in education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Customer relations -- Management , Sexual minorities -- Education -- Research -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65108 , vital:74024
  • Description: This study explores the perspectives and experiences of LGBTQ alumni of all-boys’ schools in the Eastern Cape. The context of increased competition between schools in the education sector and the importance of inclusion within the sector necessitated a study to investigate the extent to which relationship management is conducted with an orientation towards LGBTQ inclusion in all-boys’ schools in the Eastern Cape. Student protests in South Africa over the past 10 years have expanded concerns about student belonging beyond the widely studied lenses of race and class. A growing body of literature and wider discourse emphasises student belonging as a challenge in the South African education sector. Marginalised students continue to experience educational spaces negatively. LGBTQ student experiences in the South Africa are characterised by violence and ostracisation, thus warranting further investigation and inquiry. The study locates itself in the intersections between gender and sexual diversity and economic citizenship in the broader discourse of school inclusivity. A qualitative research approach was employed, making use of semi-structured, in-depth individual interviews. The sample was derived from alumni of all-boys’ schools in the Eastern Cape through snowball sampling. Ten LGBTQ-identifying alumni of boys’ schools in the Eastern Cape were interviewed. The findings reveal the need to question the extent to which LGBTQ alumni can enjoy the fullness of the value proposition of all-boys’ schools, and what can be done to ensure LGBTQ belonging. The findings of this study concur with existing literature about LGBTQ experiences. Participants defined their school experiences as exclusionary and characterised by fear of failing to assert themselves in a hypermasculine school environment. LGBTQ alumni of all-boys’ schools in the Eastern Cape view relationship management as under-utilised as a tool to facilitate LGBTQ belonging. Instead, relationship management is used to affirm those who fit the mould of the quintessential ‘old boy’ network, by defining the masculine behaviours that learners in all-boys’ schools are compelled to aspire towards. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 2024
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  • Date Issued: 2024-04

Scenarios for re-imagining the digital landscape of South African organizations

  • Authors: Watson, Storm Brandon
  • Date: 2024-04
  • Subjects: Education, Higher -- South Africa , Cyberinfrastructure , Sustainability -- Technological innovations
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/66116 , vital:74356
  • Description: The primary objective of this study was to develop and evaluate scenarios for re-imagining the digital landscape of South African organizations. This study aimed to re-imagine the future of South African organizations, focusing on developing a framework for the re-imagination of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to create a generic framework that could be incorporated by other organizations or sectors in South Africa to re-imagine their digital landscapes. The Council of Higher Education (CHE) in South Africa identifies the core functions of HEIs as teaching and learning, research and innovation, and community engagement. For this study, primary data was collected through the analysis of the 2021 annual reports and official websites of the 26 public universities in South Africa, which are known as HEIs. An environmental scan was conducted through content analysis of these sources to identify current trends and key uncertainties affecting the institution's core functions of teaching and learning, research and innovation, as well as community engagement concerning their digital landscape of South African HEIs, with separate scenarios crafted for each function. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 2024
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  • Date Issued: 2024-04

Strategies for amplifying street vendors’ contribution to local economic development in Limpopo: a case study of vendors in Thohoyandou Plaza

  • Authors: Motalaota, Tumiso Molatelo
  • Date: 2024-04
  • Subjects: Street vendors -- South Africa -- Limpopo -- Thohoyandou , Street vendors -- South Africa -- Limpopo -- Thohoyandou -- Economic conditions , Economic development -- South Africa -- Limpopo -- Thohoyandou
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65241 , vital:74064
  • Description: The study investigated strategies for amplifying street vendors' contribution to local economic development at Thohoyandou Plaza in Limpopo Province. Street vendors have been acknowledged as a critical component of global and South African socioeconomic growth. Nonetheless, very little study has been undertaken in Thohoyandou Plaza with the primary goal of identifying the problems and potential for increasing the number of street vendors. Consequently, this study adds to current knowledge by focusing on approaches for raising the number of street vendors in the area. Access to finance, infrastructure, laws and licensure were among the barriers noted in this study. The sample comprised 23 participants selected through purposive sampling techniques. The study population included street vendors and municipal officers. The study interviewed 18 vendors and 5 government officials who met the criteria and were willing to participate. A literature review was conducted and found that the constraints include partial access to storage services, which explains the inadequate options for street vendors to succeed. The study used qualitative research methodology to attain intended goals. Furthermore, the study used an interview guide to obtain data from individual participants using a face-to-face method. To acquire information from important informants, open and closed-ended questionnaires were also used. Recruitment was done to street vendors who showed interest in contributing to the study. Data were collected through questionnaires and interview schedules. Atlas ti. Version 23 was used in coding and categorising the data according to emerging themes for qualitative data. Views and perspectives of various individuals and previous studies were considered to give a tangible outcome, conclusion and recommendations. Street vendors have challenges such as poor literacy and limited access to financial assistance. Therefore, training on financial literacy, marketing and managerial abilities is required for them to improve their market opportunities. Private organisations should invest in the infrastructure required for the success of street vendors. This will in turn help street vendors to contribute significantly to local economic development while also alleviating unemployment. The recommendation of the current study aimed to advance the working conditions of street vendors, particularly those selling fruits and vegetables. The study's outcomes may aid street vendors by decreasing the obstacles connected with street trade. The findings of the study can support policymakers to address relevant restrictions faced by these street vendors by making it easier to access critical raw materials, which might be challenging owing to financial and seasonal concerns. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2024
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  • Date Issued: 2024-04

Sustainable management of the back sourcing of service functions at South African universities

  • Authors: Hashatse, Lebogang
  • Date: 2024-04
  • Subjects: Contracting out -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- South Africa -- Economic aspects , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Economic aspects , Universities and colleges -- Management Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Employees
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64996 , vital:74004
  • Description: This study employed a three-phase qualitative case study research method to determine whether backsourcing and reintegration of previously outsourced services and workers could be managed in ways that contributed to the long-term sustainability of institutions. To achieve this goal, the study developed a framework for the sustainable management of university-based resources. The framework was a response in support of institutional sustainability after South African public universities were compelled to implement involuntary backsourcing in response to the ongoing #FeesMustFall (#FMF) and #OutsourcingMustFall (#OMF) protests that commenced in the latter part of 2015. An extensive literature review was conducted as part of the study’s phase one. The goal was to obtain insight into management practises used in outsourcing and backsourcing as well as to gain a thorough grasp of the concept of sustainability and its application in resource management in the settings of operations, organisations and universities. The literature demonstrated that there were well-established theoretical frameworks supporting the concepts of backsourcing and sustainability management. These frameworks provided clear outlines of how successful backsourcing and remunicipalisation processes could be effectively managed. Moreover, they highlighted that these management processes could be used by profitable sustainable businesses. This contributed to the development of a theoretical framework for the study. A conceptual framework together with the outcome of the literature review, served as a guide for conducting a qualitative case study at a selected Higher Education Institution (HEI) in South Africa, which was chosen as the primary research site. This constituted phase two of the study. The selected HEI case study established its efficacy in managing the process of backsourcing and reintegration. Furthermore, it demonstrated sustainable ways that contributed to the institution’s overall sustainability. In conjunction with the established theoretical framework and the developed conceptual framework, the selected HEI , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 2024
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  • Date Issued: 2024-04

The asymmetric effects of the exchange rate on bilateral trade between the United Kingdom and Germany

  • Authors: Kamwiyo, Craig
  • Date: 2024-04
  • Subjects: Foreign exchange rate , Foreign trade regulation -- Great Britain , Foreign trade regulation -- Germany , Commercial treaties
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65086 , vital:74021
  • Description: Brexit has given the United Kingdom greater autonomy over its international trade policies and as a result, there is a need to understand the dynamics around the effects of exchange rate on trade balances. Therefore, this study sought to investigate the effects of the pound to euro exchange rate on trade between the United Kingdom and Germany. In so doing, the study investigated the existence of the J-curve phenomenon in the bilateral trade balance. While most existing studies focus on aggregating the trade balance, this study considers disaggregating the trade balance at industrial level. Therefore, the disaggregated trade balance led to several unique studies catering for the twelve biggest industries that make up the trade balance. In addition, the study also does away with the assumption of linearity in the effects of exchange rate changes on the trade balance by making use of asymmetric analysis. For this purpose, the study uses the linear autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) and the nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) models to analyse monthly data over the period of January 2010 to August 2022. The results provide evidence supporting the existence of the J-curve effect among linear ARDL and NARLD models. Furthermore, it was found that the exchange rate had an asymmetric effect on trade both in the short run and long run. All in all, the results in this study are industry-specific, indicating that the effects of both an appreciation and depreciation of the exchange rate on the bilateral trade balances vary across industries. Considering the J-curve effect identified in six cases, and greater trade elasticities following a depreciation, the government should advocate for expansionary monetary policy by lowering interest rates to improve the trade balance. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2024
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  • Date Issued: 2024-04

The determinants of foreign direct investment inflows into South Africa

  • Authors: Campher, Renate
  • Date: 2024-04
  • Subjects: Investments, Foreign -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa , South Africa -- Foreign economic relations
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64907 , vital:73958
  • Description: Through mechanisms such as knowledge transfer and productivity spillovers, foreign direct investment (FDI) is viewed as a critical driver of growth in developing economies. The flow of FDI into a country can benefit both the investing entity and the host government. This study employed ordinary least square (OLS) regression to examine the factors that determine FDI in South Africa using time series data from 1996 to 2021. The results demonstrate that gross domestic product (GDP), institutional quality, trade openness, the regulatory environment, and the real effective exchange rate (REER) all have positive effects on FDI flows into South Africa. To sustain and promote FDI inflows, the government of South Africa must ensure that the country remains attractive for investment by better promoting good governance, creating jobs to increase growth, maintaining free and fair elections in 2024, forging alliances with trading partners outside of Africa, speeding up all policy processes that may hinder the inflow of FDI, and decreasing government debt. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2024
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  • Date Issued: 2024-04

The determinants of job satisfaction in the renewable energy sector in South Africa

  • Authors: Mienie, Alice
  • Date: 2024-04
  • Subjects: Job satisfaction -- South Africa , Work ethic -- South Africa , Work -- Psychological aspects
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65175 , vital:74041
  • Description: Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) within South Africa face unique challenges, including the quality of education of prospective employees, ailing educational infrastructure and a lack of financial support. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the phenomenon, known as the great resignation. During this time a significant number of people quit their jobs, citing various reasons, including poor working conditions, lack of recognition and a toxic work culture. This has highlighted the importance of effective organisational talent management strategies across various industries. The renewable energy sector in South Africa plays a vital role in the government’s National Development Plan 2030, in particular, as it relates to the elimination of poverty. At the same time, employees in all sectors, including the renewable energy sector, are continuously assessing whether their employer is meeting their professional and personal needs. Therefore, ensuring their job satisfaction is a crucial organisational consideration, as job satisfaction has been linked to positive employee outcomes, including motivation, and retention. It is also important for organisations to have a clear idea of the factors that promote job satisfaction. Studies on job satisfaction is limited in the renewable energy sector, specifically in the South African context. For this reason, this study was deemed important in filling this gap. The purpose of this study was to identify the determinants of job satisfaction in an organisation in the renewable energy sector in South Africa. In the past, job satisfaction had been assessed in this organisation using an employee net promotor score (eNPS). It was believed that this measure was limited, as it did not provide an indication of the factors contributing to job satisfaction. A detailed literature review was conducted to understand what job satisfaction entails, the determinants thereof, how it is measured and its impact on , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2024
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  • Date Issued: 2024-04

The effect of education on youth unemployment in South Africa

  • Authors: Erasmus, Lana
  • Date: 2024-04
  • Subjects: Youth -- Employment -- South Africa , Unemployed youth -- South Africa , Youth -- South Africa -- Economic conditions
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64975 , vital:73999
  • Description: This study investigates the complex relationship between education and youth unemployment in South Africa, utilising data from the 2021 General Household Survey. Employing Logit and Probit models, the research analyses the impact of various factors on the likelihood of youth unemployment, such as education level, province, gender, age, race, type of institution, internet access, access to electricity, and household income. The findings of the study reveal that having a diploma, undergraduate degree, honours/postgraduate diploma, M-Tech, or master’s degree decreases the probability of youth unemployment. Factors such as being white, belonging to the age groups 25-29 or 30-34, and higher household income also reduce the likelihood of unemployment. However, residing in certain provinces such as Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Northwest, or Limpopo increases the probability of youth unemployment. The sensitivity analysis establishes differences between provinces where mining activities are or are not the main industry. Notable variations include the impact of education on unemployment likelihood and demographic factors affecting different regions. In conclusion, this study contributes valuable insights to policymaking efforts aimed at addressing youth unemployment in South Africa. By examining the intricate connection between education and employment, the research advocates for targeted interventions to bridge the education-employment gap and cultivate a more inclusive labour market for the nation's youth. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2024
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  • Date Issued: 2024-04

The effectiveness of Coega Development Corporation’s financing subsidiary in enabling small and medium enterprise construction projects

  • Authors: Heynes, Vincent Ernest
  • Date: 2024-04
  • Subjects: Coega Development Corporation , Small business -- Management , Construction industry -- Management , Project managers Project management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65013 , vital:74006
  • Description: Globally, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are the driving force that keeps the economy of a country going and although the overall economic contribution of SMEs is impressive worldwide, in South Africa (SA), there is a high rate of failure amongst SMEs. Although the survival rate is low, South African SMEs contribute up to 22% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the economy. SME funding is a critical component of this growth and access to finance is one of the primary challenges that SMEs face in the country, along with a supportive environment to facilitate SME survival and growth. The formation of what was initially Industrial Development Zones (IDZs), now Special Economic Zones (SEZs), was one instrument introduced by the South African government to bolster the economy through upscaling manufacturing capacity, increase exports and create employment. The first SEZ in SA, Coega, managed by the Coega Development Corporation (CDC), a state-owned enterprise (SoE) based in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) with operations throughout SA. A major shortcoming in the development of the SMEs operating in the SEZ, was the inability to access the project finance required to commence construction projects once they were awarded a tender. The CDC established an internal finance subsidiary, Small Business Finance and Support (SBFS), in June 2014. The aim of this study, therefore, is to explore the effectiveness of the project financing offered by SBFS in enabling the execution of SME construction clients’ projects. The interpretivist paradigm, following a qualitative research approach was chosen to evaluate the effectiveness of the SBFS operations and determine how their funding enabled the completion of construction SME projects. Input was obtained from 20 participants involved in CDC construction projects, namely three Project Managers, three Programme Managers, two Mentors and 12 Clients via telephonic, face to face and virtual Microsoft Teams using self-developed semi-structured interview schedules. Data was analysed using thematic analysis. The trustworthiness of the study was ensured in terms of credibility through triangulation, dependability through the creation of an audit trail, transferability through generalisation of individuals with similarities, and conformability through verification. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 2024
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  • Date Issued: 2024-04

The impact of Basel III higher capital and liquidity requirements on the profitability of South African banks

  • Authors: Mdandalaza, Zuko Ludwig
  • Date: 2024-04
  • Subjects: Basel III , Bank capital , Banks and banking, International , International finance
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65153 , vital:74038
  • Description: This study employs a robust quantitative research design meticulously tailored to investigate the nuanced impact of Basel III capital and liquidity requirements on the profitability of South African banks. The data collection process is anchored in a rigorous approach, driven by the acquisition and meticulous review of financial statements sourced from a carefully curated sample of South Africa’s banks. Ensuring the sample’s representativeness is of paramount importance for bolstering the study’s findings. To this end, a purposive sampling technique, distinguished for its deliberate selection methodology, was applied judiciously. This method yielded the selection of 10 banks, chosen carefully to encapsulate a cross-section of the South African banking landscape, thus enhancing the research’s validity and robustness. The analysis of this intricate dataset is underpinned by advanced statistical techniques, with regression analysis as the principal analytical tool. Specifically, the study harnesses the Arellano-Bond generalized method of moments (GMM), a sophisticated yet versatile statistical methodology appropriate for disentangling complex relationships in longitudinal data. This analytical approach is perfectly suited to trace the nuanced interactions between Basel III’s capital and liquidity requirements and the profitability trajectories of South African banks. Spanning a 12-year timeframe, 2010 to 2022, this study attempts to encapsulate the evolution of the banking landscape in the wake of Basel III’s implementation. This extensive temporal scope enables the research to capture both short-term fluctuations and long-term trends, enriching its insights and lending depth to the analysis. The first objective of this study was to unravel the intricate web of macro-specific and bank-specific factors influencing the profitability of banks in South Africa. Net interest margin (NIM), a pivotal metric reflecting bank profitability and efficiency, was central to the investigation. Empirical insights gleaned from the analysis revealed several key determinants of NIM for South African banks. Notably, NIM displayed a high degree of persistence over time. This suggests that South African banks do not adjust swiftly to changes in market conditions, emphasizing the importance for bank managers of considering the long-term repercussions of their decisions on interest, income, and expenses. The results also illuminated a set of critical variables closely linked to NIM. These include credit loss, non-interest income, market concentration, stability (Z-score), and inflation. These variables collectively underscored the banks’ ability to navigate the multi-faceted landscape of risks and uncertainties in the banking sector, including credit risk, operational risk, market risk, and inflation risk. The positive relationship between these variables and NIM indicated the banks’ adeptness at passing on costs and risks to customers through higher interest rates or fees, all while leveraging their market power and diversification strategies. Conversely, a negative and significant association emerged between NIM and bank size, GDP per capita, private credit, and the repo rate. These variables underscored the competitive pressure and macroeconomic dynamics influencing the demand for and supply of credit in the banking sector. In this context, the negative relationship suggested that larger banks, those operating in more developed and competitive markets, and those encountering lower policy rates, tend to exhibit lower NIM. These banks, due to heightened competition and lower demand for credit, face diminished interest income and narrower margins. Notably, variables like cost-to-income ratio, funding structure, and loan-to-deposit ratio did not emerge as significant in explaining NIM for South African banks. This implies that these variables exert a relatively weaker influence on the profitability and efficiency of South African banks, or that their effects are subsumed by other variables in the model. The second objective examined the effect of higher capital buffers on bank profitability. Empirical findings revealed a negative yet statistically insignificant co-efficient for the CET1 variable in the regression analysis. This observation indicated that there is no substantial relationship between Basel III Tier 1 capital ratio (CET1) and bank profitability, as measured by NIM, among South African banks. This suggests that Basel III capital requirements do not have a significant influence on the profitability and efficiency of these banks, or their effect varies depending on other bank-specific or macroeconomic variables. The third objective focused on the effect of Basel III liquidity regulations, epitomized by the liquidity coverage ratio (LCR), on bank profitability in South Africa. Empirical results revealed a negative but statistically insignificant relationship between LCR and NIM. This observation indicates that Basel III liquidity regulations exert no discernible effect on the net interest income of South African banks. This finding could be attributed to the fact that South African banks had already fortified their liquidity positions before Basel III implementation, adhering to stringent regulatory requirements and prudent liquidity management practices. As a result, the introduction of LCR did not pose a significant alteration or constraint on the liquidity standing and profitability of South African banks. It also implies that other factors, like market conditions, funding structures, or asset compositions, play more pivotal roles than the LCR in shaping the profitability of South African banks. These factors may influence the net interest spread, cost of funds, or risk-adjusted returns of these banks. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2024
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  • Date Issued: 2024-04

The impact of covid-19 on SMEs: a case study of the pay-TV installation sector in Johannesburg

  • Authors: Lwabi, Anathi
  • Date: 2024-04
  • Subjects: Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Johannesburg , Small business -- Management -- South Africa -- Johannesburg , Cable television -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65097 , vital:74022
  • Description: Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMES), generally abbreviated as SMEs, are enterprises that have revenues, assets or number of employees that are below a certain level. Each country applies an industry-specific criteria when determining enterprises that meet the definition of an SME (Ward, 2020). According to Faye and Goldblum (2022), SMEs are essential employers, and they are vital in job creation. In creating jobs, SMEs thus, contribute to alleviation of poverty and this leads to an improvement in the standards of living of a country’s inhabitants. Through improved employment levels from job creation contributed by SMEs, a country’s economy also grows. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted to extensive job losses in developing countries because many SMEs contracted their workforce during the pandemic (Faye & Goldblum, 2022). Many non-essential service businesses were prohibited from operating during the pandemic. Governments around the world introduced strict measures to contain the impact of the coronavirus and these included restrictions on travel, business operations and face-to-face interactions (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, 2020). The president of South Africa announced that people needed work permits that would allow them to go to work if they were essential workers, or provided essential services if they were self-employed (Pretorius, 2020). This is how strict the restrictions were, thereby completely blocking non-essential service SMEs from operating. Hence, the objective of the study was to determine the impact of COVID-19 on the Pay TV installation sector in Johannesburg and inferences were made for SMEs in general, with regards to how they were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the research primary and secondary objectives, literature review was conducted, identifying the contribution of SMEs on a country’s social status and economic growth. Other aspects that were reviewed in existing literature included but not limited to factors that contribute to the success and failure of SMEs, challenges faced by SMEs in South Africa, SMEs resilience at times of crises and impact of COVID-19 on SMEs. The study followed a qualitative research approach, and six open-ended questions were asked during the interviews with participants. The aim was to allow participants to express themselves genuinely and authentically to gain a better insight of the impact of COVID-19 on SMEs. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2024
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  • Date Issued: 2024-04

The impact of underperforming state-owned enterprises on the South African economy

  • Authors: Erasmus, Christopher
  • Date: 2024-04
  • Subjects: Government business enterprises , Government corporations , Budget deficits -- South Africa , Deficit financing -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64951 , vital:73991
  • Description: Problems have existed in South African SOEs for more than 80 years and in the more recent past, billions of rands in bailouts have begun to accumulate in an effort to revive struggling SOEs and consequently has placed the South African economy under immense fiscal strain. With the use of case study analysis, this study set out to determine the impact bailouts of underperforming SOEs are having on the budget deficit as well as government debt, with particular focus aimed at the contributions of Eskom and SAA. Thereafter, the study adopted a VAR framework and investigated if either the budget deficit or government debt share a relationship with economic growth based on data from 2000-2020. It was discovered that an alarming R331,206 billion has been given out in bailouts to underperforming SOEs over the past decade. As a result, SOEs have been identified by credit rating agencies, financial institutions such as the IMF and the National Treasury as posing one of the greatest threats to the fiscal outlook and a widening budget deficit. Results from the granger casualty tests only found evidence of unidirectional causality running from GDP to both the budget deficit and government debt, meaning there was no evidence to suggest that changes in the budget deficit and government debt influence GDP. The estimated VAR model also failed to find evidence of a statistically significant relationship existing between the budget deficit and GDP as well as government debt and GDP. These findings suggest that there is inconclusive evidence to suggest that underperforming SOEs do impact economic growth via the budget deficit and government debt. However, government expenditure was found to have a statistically significant and negative relationship with GDP which indicates that expenditure has been wasteful and is a reflection of the impact bailouts have on economic growth when considering the significant amount of expenditure directed towards SOEs over the past two decades. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2024
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  • Date Issued: 2024-04

The influence of financial literacy on online banking fraud detection

  • Authors: Tewo, Francine Fabiola Petato
  • Date: 2024-04
  • Subjects: Banks and banking -- Security measures , Bank fraud -- Prevention , Bank fraud -- Prevention -- Technological innovation
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65467 , vital:74158
  • Description: The growth of online banking, also known as e-banking, electronic banking or Internet banking, has enticed customers to perform online banking transactions. Even traditional banking institutions are encouraging their customers to adopt online banking services to offer them faster and more dependable services. Online banking services available to customers range from the ability to access their accounts, transfer money between accounts or beneficiaries to more advanced financial services such as applying for loans or making investments. Despite the benefits online banking, it does expose the user to significant risks, including financial fraud and unauthorised payments. The growth of online banking has led to an increase in opportunities for sophisticated fraudsters to commit online banking fraud by means of constantly changing methods that exploit the weaknesses in existing preventive measures, mainly targeting the financial sector and its customers. Due to negligence, curiosity or naivety, online banking fraud victims are often responsible for their own victimisation. Although there is the general perception that customers are not liable for damages incurred due to online financial fraud and that banks will refund the financial losses, the banking industry is moving towards customer co-liability to curb online banking fraud. It has been recognised that financial literacy positively influences a person’s financial behaviour, including online banking. Improving access to financial services through technology requires a higher level of financial literacy to use such services effectively and be less vulnerable to, for example, misleading advertising, fraud, hacking attacks and unauthorised use of data. Given the importance of online banking in the South African economy, as well as the increasing emphasis being placed on online banking customers to education themselves about the safe use of online banking services, the primary research objective of this study was therefore to determine the influence of financial literacy on customers’ ability to detect online banking fraud. In the literature review, the following factors have been identified that could influence online banking customers’ Ability to detect online banking fraud (dependent variable), namely: Financial knowledge, Financial behaviour, Financial attitude, Trust, Attentiveness, Awareness, Risk-perception (independent variables).The empirical investigation adopted a positivistic research paradigm, together with a deductive and quantitative methodology. The methodological strategy used to collect primary data was an online survey, that was cross-sectional in nature. The 280 completed questionnaires were subjected to statistical analyses. The validity and reliability of the measuring instrument was assessed by using a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients, respectively. Descriptive statistics were also calculated to summarise the data, while inferential statistics included Pearson’s product moment correlations, analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests and multiple regression analysis (MRA) to test the relationships amongst the dependent and independent variables. As a result of the CFA analysis conceptual framework and the hypothesised model were modified. It was hypothesised that Financial knowledge, Financial behaviour, Financial attitude, Trust, Attentiveness, and Awareness are the financial literacy factors that have a significant positive influence on online banking customers’ Risk-perception and ability to detect online banking fraud. The empirical results of this study establish the following predictors or determinants of online banking customers’ Risk-perception and ability to detect online banking fraud, namely: Trust, Awareness and Attentiveness. In doing so, this research contributes to validating the notion that certain financial literacy factors could be important to take into consideration in order to assist online banking customers to be less vulnerable by being able to assess the risk and fraud associated with using online banking services. This study theoretically contributes to the body of knowledge on financial literacy and online banking and online banking fraud in general and the influence of financial literacy factors on online banking customers’ ability to detect online banking fraud in particular in a South African context. This study will enable banks and their online banking customers to gain a better understanding of the impact of financial literacy on customers' levels of risk-perception concerning online banking fraud. This understanding could subsequently improve their awareness, attentiveness and ability to detect online banking fraud and, consequently, reduce the risk of online banking victimisation. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 2024
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  • Date Issued: 2024-04
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