An assessment of the management of vocational and training programmes in selected technical and vocational education training colleges in Gqeberha, South Africa
- Authors: Mongwe, Sibongile Dolly
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Vocational education -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Technical education -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Educational leadership -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72400 , vital:79220
- Description: Globally, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges are acknowledged as a crucial resource for achieving sustainable economic growth and development. Third-world countries require skilled workers to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving world regarding technology. TVET is a crucial component of any nation’s educational system, preparing students for success in the labour market. Most developing countries have acknowledged the need to establish TVET institutions to mitigate the shortage of the required manpower. In its quest to meet labour demand across various industries, South Africa introduced TVET in all provinces. This study assessed the opportunities and challenges faced in managing TVET college programmes in alignment with the government’s goal of achieving developed nation status by 2030. A descriptive research methodology helped identify the drawbacks and benefits of managing TVET colleges in Gqeberha, South Africa. The investigator employed desktop research to collect relevant data, drawing on various secondary sources from online scholarly databases. These sources included local government reports, newspaper and online articles, research studies, agency reviews, community reports, international firms’ reports, foreign government publications, research scholars’ findings, and universities and research groups’ materials. Content analysis, a qualitative method, was employed to analyse the emerging themes and patterns. The findings revealed that opportunities in TVET management include emerging technologies, collaborations and international engagements, partnerships with industry, and various support services. However, the findings indicated that TVET colleges in South Africa face challenges such as inadequate funding, lack of infrastructure, misaligned and negative perceptions, shortages of experienced and qualified lecturers and support staff, and poor governance. This study serves as a strong foundation for enhanced knowledge and improved TVET management. The study, which relied on secondary qualitative data, advances the development of an evidence-driven understanding of the state of TVET in South Africa and provides a foundation for future strategic interventions. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Science, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Mongwe, Sibongile Dolly
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Vocational education -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Technical education -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Educational leadership -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72400 , vital:79220
- Description: Globally, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges are acknowledged as a crucial resource for achieving sustainable economic growth and development. Third-world countries require skilled workers to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving world regarding technology. TVET is a crucial component of any nation’s educational system, preparing students for success in the labour market. Most developing countries have acknowledged the need to establish TVET institutions to mitigate the shortage of the required manpower. In its quest to meet labour demand across various industries, South Africa introduced TVET in all provinces. This study assessed the opportunities and challenges faced in managing TVET college programmes in alignment with the government’s goal of achieving developed nation status by 2030. A descriptive research methodology helped identify the drawbacks and benefits of managing TVET colleges in Gqeberha, South Africa. The investigator employed desktop research to collect relevant data, drawing on various secondary sources from online scholarly databases. These sources included local government reports, newspaper and online articles, research studies, agency reviews, community reports, international firms’ reports, foreign government publications, research scholars’ findings, and universities and research groups’ materials. Content analysis, a qualitative method, was employed to analyse the emerging themes and patterns. The findings revealed that opportunities in TVET management include emerging technologies, collaborations and international engagements, partnerships with industry, and various support services. However, the findings indicated that TVET colleges in South Africa face challenges such as inadequate funding, lack of infrastructure, misaligned and negative perceptions, shortages of experienced and qualified lecturers and support staff, and poor governance. This study serves as a strong foundation for enhanced knowledge and improved TVET management. The study, which relied on secondary qualitative data, advances the development of an evidence-driven understanding of the state of TVET in South Africa and provides a foundation for future strategic interventions. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Science, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
An ethnographic study of coloured women’s perceptions of violence in the Northern areas, Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Welcome, Chantelle Leslie
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Women, Coloured -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Violence -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Gender based violence
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72575 , vital:79239
- Description: This study seeks to investigate coloured women’s perceptions of violence and seeks to add to the growing body of work on women and violence in the Northern areas of Port Elizabeth; namely Arcadia, Salt Lake, and Helenvale. In doing so, the study investigates the tactics women use to avoid participation in violence and crime and how they build and maintain resilience to violence. Crime and violence are normalised in the everyday life of residents of the Northern areas. Residents must contend with gangsterism and violence in public and domestic spaces. Violence is also pervasive in the everyday life of the youth. High unemployment rates, crime rates, and historical structural inequality are a few of the contributing factors to the occurrence and persistence of social deviance among the youth in these communities. This study seeks to ethnographically explore the perceptions of women in both domestic and public spaces by emphasizing the female perspective of everyday life within violent communities. The study investigates socio-economic issues such as violence, “broken” family structures, inequality, and poverty, and their contribution to pervasive violence within these communities. It seeks to explore the role that coloured women play in their dysfunctional communities and the tactics used to circumvent violence, especially violence in the form of gangsterism. Existing literature focuses on men and their participation in violence while women and their perceptions of violence fall into the backdrop of these dominant discourses. Therefore, this study attempts to rethink women’s (non-)involvement in violence and address their perceptions and tactics used to foster resilience to violence within their communities. The study also seeks to explore the positionality of women within their communities, and the factors which influence participation in or resilience to violence. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Welcome, Chantelle Leslie
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Women, Coloured -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Violence -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Gender based violence
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72575 , vital:79239
- Description: This study seeks to investigate coloured women’s perceptions of violence and seeks to add to the growing body of work on women and violence in the Northern areas of Port Elizabeth; namely Arcadia, Salt Lake, and Helenvale. In doing so, the study investigates the tactics women use to avoid participation in violence and crime and how they build and maintain resilience to violence. Crime and violence are normalised in the everyday life of residents of the Northern areas. Residents must contend with gangsterism and violence in public and domestic spaces. Violence is also pervasive in the everyday life of the youth. High unemployment rates, crime rates, and historical structural inequality are a few of the contributing factors to the occurrence and persistence of social deviance among the youth in these communities. This study seeks to ethnographically explore the perceptions of women in both domestic and public spaces by emphasizing the female perspective of everyday life within violent communities. The study investigates socio-economic issues such as violence, “broken” family structures, inequality, and poverty, and their contribution to pervasive violence within these communities. It seeks to explore the role that coloured women play in their dysfunctional communities and the tactics used to circumvent violence, especially violence in the form of gangsterism. Existing literature focuses on men and their participation in violence while women and their perceptions of violence fall into the backdrop of these dominant discourses. Therefore, this study attempts to rethink women’s (non-)involvement in violence and address their perceptions and tactics used to foster resilience to violence within their communities. The study also seeks to explore the positionality of women within their communities, and the factors which influence participation in or resilience to violence. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
An exploration of provincial government intervention in a selected local municipality in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Soga, Sizwe William
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/73695 , vital:79495
- Description: With the end of apartheid and the beginning of democratic dispensation in 1994, South Africa’s governance model was redesigned to cater for and align with the values of the new democratic South Africa. The country’s governance model was decentralised, thus forming three spheres of government: national, provincial, and local. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa formulates the three spheres of government that are distinct yet interrelated and mutually connected. Each sphere has its own responsibilities and functions, which it performs autonomously within a decentralised cooperative governance system. The three spheres of government are equally imperative. However, local government is considered the most important sphere of government, given that it is embedded in the communities. This sphere is regarded as the face of government and is responsible for essential service delivery to the communities. Municipalities are charged with managing this important sphere of government in the country. However, South African municipalities are generally viewed as being in a state of crisis. Many municipalities in the country are considered at risk, and some have become completely dysfunctional in that they cannot fulfil their constitutional obligations and mandates as per the constitution. In such a situation where a municipality cannot perform its functions and fulfil its obligations, the provincial government can intervene in that municipality through various instruments, including Section 139 of the Constitution. Given the country's rising number of dysfunctional municipalities, provincial authorities' invocation of Section 139 intervention has become widespread in South Africa. Accordingly, this study sought to investigate the effectiveness of Section 139 interventions in local government using a selected municipality in the Eastern Cape as a case study. The study also sought to examine the roles and functions of the provincial government concerning the implementation of Section 139 interventions. The study employed new institutionalism and decentralisation as a theoretical lens to investigate this phenomenon. It adopted a qualitative research approach and included semi-structured interviews with key research participants with knowledge and experience of Section 139 interventions. The study purposefully engaged 20 participants from a selected local municipality in the Eastern Cape. The selected local municipality has been placed under administration for two consecutive terms by the provincial authorities in accordance with Section 139 interventions. The findings obtained through engagement with selected participants were corroborated with secondary data sources regarding the topic under study. The study notes that implementing Section 139 interventions remains a contested phenomenon in local government. It was found that these interventions have, at most, not been effective in turning around dysfunctional municipalities in South Africa. Specifically, the results indicate that implementing the interventions for two terms has not changed the situation in the municipality; instead, it has caused animosity among different municipal role players, thus further deteriorating the state of the municipality and impeding service delivery. The study notes that the selected municipality faces many challenges, including, among other things, service delivery-related protests, unemployment, poverty, and inequality within the municipality. The study's findings show that service delivery remains constrained in the municipality; however, this state of affairs mirrors the general crisis that local government in South Africa faces. Furthermore, the findings confirm that the lack of adequate human, financial and physical resources has made it complex and problematic for local municipalities (especially the ones in rural areas) to perform and fulfil their constitutional obligation of delivering essential services to local communities. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Soga, Sizwe William
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/73695 , vital:79495
- Description: With the end of apartheid and the beginning of democratic dispensation in 1994, South Africa’s governance model was redesigned to cater for and align with the values of the new democratic South Africa. The country’s governance model was decentralised, thus forming three spheres of government: national, provincial, and local. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa formulates the three spheres of government that are distinct yet interrelated and mutually connected. Each sphere has its own responsibilities and functions, which it performs autonomously within a decentralised cooperative governance system. The three spheres of government are equally imperative. However, local government is considered the most important sphere of government, given that it is embedded in the communities. This sphere is regarded as the face of government and is responsible for essential service delivery to the communities. Municipalities are charged with managing this important sphere of government in the country. However, South African municipalities are generally viewed as being in a state of crisis. Many municipalities in the country are considered at risk, and some have become completely dysfunctional in that they cannot fulfil their constitutional obligations and mandates as per the constitution. In such a situation where a municipality cannot perform its functions and fulfil its obligations, the provincial government can intervene in that municipality through various instruments, including Section 139 of the Constitution. Given the country's rising number of dysfunctional municipalities, provincial authorities' invocation of Section 139 intervention has become widespread in South Africa. Accordingly, this study sought to investigate the effectiveness of Section 139 interventions in local government using a selected municipality in the Eastern Cape as a case study. The study also sought to examine the roles and functions of the provincial government concerning the implementation of Section 139 interventions. The study employed new institutionalism and decentralisation as a theoretical lens to investigate this phenomenon. It adopted a qualitative research approach and included semi-structured interviews with key research participants with knowledge and experience of Section 139 interventions. The study purposefully engaged 20 participants from a selected local municipality in the Eastern Cape. The selected local municipality has been placed under administration for two consecutive terms by the provincial authorities in accordance with Section 139 interventions. The findings obtained through engagement with selected participants were corroborated with secondary data sources regarding the topic under study. The study notes that implementing Section 139 interventions remains a contested phenomenon in local government. It was found that these interventions have, at most, not been effective in turning around dysfunctional municipalities in South Africa. Specifically, the results indicate that implementing the interventions for two terms has not changed the situation in the municipality; instead, it has caused animosity among different municipal role players, thus further deteriorating the state of the municipality and impeding service delivery. The study notes that the selected municipality faces many challenges, including, among other things, service delivery-related protests, unemployment, poverty, and inequality within the municipality. The study's findings show that service delivery remains constrained in the municipality; however, this state of affairs mirrors the general crisis that local government in South Africa faces. Furthermore, the findings confirm that the lack of adequate human, financial and physical resources has made it complex and problematic for local municipalities (especially the ones in rural areas) to perform and fulfil their constitutional obligation of delivering essential services to local communities. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
An exploration of public-private partnership (PPP) as an alternative intervention for roads infrastructure in the Eastern Cape Province: a case of the department of transport
- Authors: Marala, Yandiswa
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Public-private sector cooperation -- Case studies , Partnership -- Case studies , South Africa -- Department of Transport
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72971 , vital:79299
- Description: This dissertation explores the effectiveness of Public-Private Partnerships as an alternative approach to the development and maintenance of road infrastructure in Eastern Cape Province, specifically focusing on the Eastern Cape Department of Transport. This study considers the limitations of existing funding models and infrastructural development methods. Furthermore, it highlights the regrettable state of backlog in terms of road maintenance and construction activities in the province. Through a qualitative research approach, this study investigates possible advantages and disadvantages related to PPP implementation, assessing how such partnerships might improve the region’s general economic growth along with its service delivery efficiency levels. It takes into account the legal framework that governs PPPs, governance issues connected with them, and risk management associated with these partnerships thus providing a detailed examination regarding their relevance within the Eastern Cape Province. The results indicate that, although PPPs offer an optimistic answer to the infrastructure problems experienced by the Eastern Cape, effective implementation would need considerable modifications to current administrative practices and proper integration with the present legal regulation. This research is significant for the area of public administration since it sheds light on various funding methods that may improve road networks within one of South Africa’s most impoverished regions. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Marala, Yandiswa
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Public-private sector cooperation -- Case studies , Partnership -- Case studies , South Africa -- Department of Transport
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72971 , vital:79299
- Description: This dissertation explores the effectiveness of Public-Private Partnerships as an alternative approach to the development and maintenance of road infrastructure in Eastern Cape Province, specifically focusing on the Eastern Cape Department of Transport. This study considers the limitations of existing funding models and infrastructural development methods. Furthermore, it highlights the regrettable state of backlog in terms of road maintenance and construction activities in the province. Through a qualitative research approach, this study investigates possible advantages and disadvantages related to PPP implementation, assessing how such partnerships might improve the region’s general economic growth along with its service delivery efficiency levels. It takes into account the legal framework that governs PPPs, governance issues connected with them, and risk management associated with these partnerships thus providing a detailed examination regarding their relevance within the Eastern Cape Province. The results indicate that, although PPPs offer an optimistic answer to the infrastructure problems experienced by the Eastern Cape, effective implementation would need considerable modifications to current administrative practices and proper integration with the present legal regulation. This research is significant for the area of public administration since it sheds light on various funding methods that may improve road networks within one of South Africa’s most impoverished regions. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
An exploration of the perceptions of HIV and aids district coordinators regarding the implementation of comprehensive sexuality education in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Zazini, Thabo William
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Sex instruction -- Study and teaching -- Eastern Cape , AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Social aspects , Life skills -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/71904 , vital:79150
- Description: In 2015, the South African Department of Basic Education (DBE) announced plans to pilot scripted lesson plans (SLPs) aligned with the Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) component of the Life Orientation (LO) curriculum. This initiative aimed to address critical challenges such as learner dropout rates, the spread of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), teenage pregnancy, and risky behaviours among learners in both primary and secondary schools. Despite being deemed successful by some individuals and organisations, using CSE in Africa faces many obstacles. The DBE in South Africa equipped district coordinators for HIV and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) to train LO teachers in their respective school districts. Despite being seen as beneficial overall, the use of CSE in Africa and other regions is not without difficulties. The HIV and AIDS district coordinators oversee the successful implementation of CSE lessons by LO teachers and train LO teachers in CSE using the recently created CSE scripted lesson plans (SLPs) from the DBE. However, district and provincial office officials' regular monitoring reports show that CSE courses have either not been implemented at all or only partially been implemented in public schools. It appears that HIV and AIDS district coordinators have not provided enough of the updated CSE curriculum to LO teachers during their training. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the perceptions of HIV and AIDS district coordinators regarding the training and monitoring of the CSE programme implementation in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study employed exploratory research informed by the interpretivism paradigm and qualitative research methodology. The study used Urie Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory as a theoretical foundation. Fifteen (15) HIV and AIDS district coordinators from Eastern Cape education districts in South Africa were included in the purposeful sample applied for this study. Data was gathered through open-ended questionnaires and subsequently analysed using thematic analysis. The thematic analysis was conducted according to Braun and Clarke's six-step framework (Maguire & Delahunt, 2017). The study's findings indicate that the HIV and AIDS district coordinators possess varying qualifications that are insufficient for effectively training LO teachers on CSE. The inadequate training of these coordinators has resulted in ineffective implementation of CSE. Furthermore, the district coordinators' cultural and personal beliefs, rooted in their diverse cultural and religious backgrounds, impact their approach to teaching and learning strategies. The study also found a lack of monitoring and support from the HIV and AIDS district coordinators. Additionally, the effectiveness of CSE implementation is hampered by differing perceptions of CSE among various stakeholders. The study recommends that HIV and AIDS district coordinators improve their qualifications through further education and professional development. They should pursue relevant academic and professional training in HIV and AIDS and LO to gain the skills and knowledge needed for effective training and coordination. The DBE and curriculum designers should consider the cultural and religious values of HIV and AIDS district coordinators for successful CSE implementation and equip them with effective CSE teaching and learning strategies. Regular monitoring and support should be conducted in districts, particularly in schools implementing CSE. In conclusion, the study emphasises the need for strengthening focused monitoring and supporting CSE implementation by HIV and AIDS district coordinators and provincial office officials. The DBE should also raise community awareness of CSE, targeting all key stakeholders to prevent conflicting messages. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, School of Education, Research and Engagement, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Zazini, Thabo William
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Sex instruction -- Study and teaching -- Eastern Cape , AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Social aspects , Life skills -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/71904 , vital:79150
- Description: In 2015, the South African Department of Basic Education (DBE) announced plans to pilot scripted lesson plans (SLPs) aligned with the Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) component of the Life Orientation (LO) curriculum. This initiative aimed to address critical challenges such as learner dropout rates, the spread of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), teenage pregnancy, and risky behaviours among learners in both primary and secondary schools. Despite being deemed successful by some individuals and organisations, using CSE in Africa faces many obstacles. The DBE in South Africa equipped district coordinators for HIV and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) to train LO teachers in their respective school districts. Despite being seen as beneficial overall, the use of CSE in Africa and other regions is not without difficulties. The HIV and AIDS district coordinators oversee the successful implementation of CSE lessons by LO teachers and train LO teachers in CSE using the recently created CSE scripted lesson plans (SLPs) from the DBE. However, district and provincial office officials' regular monitoring reports show that CSE courses have either not been implemented at all or only partially been implemented in public schools. It appears that HIV and AIDS district coordinators have not provided enough of the updated CSE curriculum to LO teachers during their training. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the perceptions of HIV and AIDS district coordinators regarding the training and monitoring of the CSE programme implementation in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study employed exploratory research informed by the interpretivism paradigm and qualitative research methodology. The study used Urie Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory as a theoretical foundation. Fifteen (15) HIV and AIDS district coordinators from Eastern Cape education districts in South Africa were included in the purposeful sample applied for this study. Data was gathered through open-ended questionnaires and subsequently analysed using thematic analysis. The thematic analysis was conducted according to Braun and Clarke's six-step framework (Maguire & Delahunt, 2017). The study's findings indicate that the HIV and AIDS district coordinators possess varying qualifications that are insufficient for effectively training LO teachers on CSE. The inadequate training of these coordinators has resulted in ineffective implementation of CSE. Furthermore, the district coordinators' cultural and personal beliefs, rooted in their diverse cultural and religious backgrounds, impact their approach to teaching and learning strategies. The study also found a lack of monitoring and support from the HIV and AIDS district coordinators. Additionally, the effectiveness of CSE implementation is hampered by differing perceptions of CSE among various stakeholders. The study recommends that HIV and AIDS district coordinators improve their qualifications through further education and professional development. They should pursue relevant academic and professional training in HIV and AIDS and LO to gain the skills and knowledge needed for effective training and coordination. The DBE and curriculum designers should consider the cultural and religious values of HIV and AIDS district coordinators for successful CSE implementation and equip them with effective CSE teaching and learning strategies. Regular monitoring and support should be conducted in districts, particularly in schools implementing CSE. In conclusion, the study emphasises the need for strengthening focused monitoring and supporting CSE implementation by HIV and AIDS district coordinators and provincial office officials. The DBE should also raise community awareness of CSE, targeting all key stakeholders to prevent conflicting messages. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, School of Education, Research and Engagement, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
An understanding of administrators’ roles in enhancing the quality of a South African university: a contribution towards transformation
- Authors: Kgati, Tsholofelo Innocent
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Universities and colleges -- Administration -- South Africa , Education -- South Africa , Transformation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/71706 , vital:79124
- Description: Society is shaped by an array of components, and one of the pivotal components is higher education. The nature of universities and their roles in society compel universities always to strive to respond adequately to their nation-building responsibilities. Notably, administrators play an important role in universities as they make significant contributions to ensure that universities attain their nation-building responsibilities. However, most of the focus in literature is directed toward students and academics in terms of access, throughput, quality, and transformation. There has not been enough attention given to our understanding of the role of administrators, their understanding of quality, and how they contribute to the transformation of universities. This study embarked on understanding administrators’ roles in enhancing the quality of universities within the broader transformation discourse of South Africa’s higher education. The main research question that underpinned the study was ‘How has the role of administrators contributed to the transformation of a South African university?’ This question was further divided into three as follows: 1) How has administrators' understanding of their roles been conceptualised at a South African university? 2) What notions of quality have constructed administrators' understanding of their role at a South African university? 3) What could inform the role of administrators in contributing towards transformation at a South African university? Qualitative research was deemed appropriate for the study, as it provides detailed and in-depth responses from participants, rather than quantitative research. A single case study research methodology was used with a focus on Nelson Mandela University. The study used purposive sampling to select relevant participants, who were administrators at Nelson Mandela University. Data was generated, using semi-structured one-on-one interviews, and policy documents. Thematic analysis was used, and four themes emerged from the data: 1) Policy description of the job and alignment of responsibilities, 2) Administrators’ responses to expected responsibilities, 3) Challenges experienced while executing duties, and 4) Perceived understanding of quality. The study concluded by suggesting several recommendations in areas of policies, quality, and avenues for a better understanding of the role of administrators at universities. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, School of Education Research and Engagement, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Kgati, Tsholofelo Innocent
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Universities and colleges -- Administration -- South Africa , Education -- South Africa , Transformation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/71706 , vital:79124
- Description: Society is shaped by an array of components, and one of the pivotal components is higher education. The nature of universities and their roles in society compel universities always to strive to respond adequately to their nation-building responsibilities. Notably, administrators play an important role in universities as they make significant contributions to ensure that universities attain their nation-building responsibilities. However, most of the focus in literature is directed toward students and academics in terms of access, throughput, quality, and transformation. There has not been enough attention given to our understanding of the role of administrators, their understanding of quality, and how they contribute to the transformation of universities. This study embarked on understanding administrators’ roles in enhancing the quality of universities within the broader transformation discourse of South Africa’s higher education. The main research question that underpinned the study was ‘How has the role of administrators contributed to the transformation of a South African university?’ This question was further divided into three as follows: 1) How has administrators' understanding of their roles been conceptualised at a South African university? 2) What notions of quality have constructed administrators' understanding of their role at a South African university? 3) What could inform the role of administrators in contributing towards transformation at a South African university? Qualitative research was deemed appropriate for the study, as it provides detailed and in-depth responses from participants, rather than quantitative research. A single case study research methodology was used with a focus on Nelson Mandela University. The study used purposive sampling to select relevant participants, who were administrators at Nelson Mandela University. Data was generated, using semi-structured one-on-one interviews, and policy documents. Thematic analysis was used, and four themes emerged from the data: 1) Policy description of the job and alignment of responsibilities, 2) Administrators’ responses to expected responsibilities, 3) Challenges experienced while executing duties, and 4) Perceived understanding of quality. The study concluded by suggesting several recommendations in areas of policies, quality, and avenues for a better understanding of the role of administrators at universities. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, School of Education Research and Engagement, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
Arts-based participatory research for inclusive marine protected areas management: UThukela MPA
- Authors: Noomé, Jessica Anne
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Marine resources conservation , Coastal zone management -- Environmental aspects , Environmental protection
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/73458 , vital:79443
- Description: This study explores the role of arts-based participatory research (ABPR) in fostering inclusive management strategies for the uThukela Marine Protected Area (MPA) in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Acknowledging historical marginalisation of local communities in marine conservation in South Africa and globally, this research used an adaption of the photovoice methodology to assess how Traditional and Local Knowledge Systems (TLKS) of local communities can be incorporated into MPA management. The study was guided by objectives to test participatory research methods, provide a platform for knowledge sharing, and identify potential pathways for meaningful, inclusive MPA governance. The value of incorporating co-researchers rather than participants is evident in the depth and breadth of knowledge shared and incorporated into this research. Findings highlight the socio-cultural significance of the environment to the Nqutshini community for fishing, agriculture, and traditional and cultural heritage and practices. TLKS were found to be vital insights that MPA governance can consider to address conservation while still being respectful of the local communities and their livelihoods. The photovoice method proved to be an effective tool for empowering participants and producing insight recommendations for potential action. Challenges to inclusivity, such as limited consultation and socio-economic barriers, were juxtaposed with opportunities for building equitable partnerships through co-management practices. By using ABPR as a tool for integration and learning, and putting the voices of the community above any others, this research contributes to broader discourse in inclusive conservation in South Africa. The importance of balancing ecological, socio-cultural, and economic factors in MPAs can advance strategies for inclusive and sustainable MPA management. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Noomé, Jessica Anne
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Marine resources conservation , Coastal zone management -- Environmental aspects , Environmental protection
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/73458 , vital:79443
- Description: This study explores the role of arts-based participatory research (ABPR) in fostering inclusive management strategies for the uThukela Marine Protected Area (MPA) in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Acknowledging historical marginalisation of local communities in marine conservation in South Africa and globally, this research used an adaption of the photovoice methodology to assess how Traditional and Local Knowledge Systems (TLKS) of local communities can be incorporated into MPA management. The study was guided by objectives to test participatory research methods, provide a platform for knowledge sharing, and identify potential pathways for meaningful, inclusive MPA governance. The value of incorporating co-researchers rather than participants is evident in the depth and breadth of knowledge shared and incorporated into this research. Findings highlight the socio-cultural significance of the environment to the Nqutshini community for fishing, agriculture, and traditional and cultural heritage and practices. TLKS were found to be vital insights that MPA governance can consider to address conservation while still being respectful of the local communities and their livelihoods. The photovoice method proved to be an effective tool for empowering participants and producing insight recommendations for potential action. Challenges to inclusivity, such as limited consultation and socio-economic barriers, were juxtaposed with opportunities for building equitable partnerships through co-management practices. By using ABPR as a tool for integration and learning, and putting the voices of the community above any others, this research contributes to broader discourse in inclusive conservation in South Africa. The importance of balancing ecological, socio-cultural, and economic factors in MPAs can advance strategies for inclusive and sustainable MPA management. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
Assessing factors affecting forecast accuracy in automotive and surface coatings industry
- Authors: Mhletywa, Monde Irvin
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Business forecasting , Business planning , Automobile industry and trade
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/73037 , vital:79326
- Description: Accurate Demand forecasting for many industries including automotive and coatings industry, is a cornerstone of ensuring accurate supply forecasting for supply chain management. This research primary objective is to assess the elements that can be used to improve forecast accuracy in the surface coatings industry. An operational plan that informs resource allocation and product delivery strategy can be delivered accurately when it is informed by accurate demand forecasting. Further, the strategic decision-making of the organisation is directly impacted by the level of accuracy of forecasting as the key performance indicators are linked to forecasting for finance, operations in a formal supply chain that includes purchasing, planning, production and logistics. These elements directly impact profitability and customer satisfaction. The research was conducted using a qualitative design with data collected using a semi-structured interview model within the automotive and coatings industry. Onion metaphor was used to carry research as methodology, while thematic analysis for analysing data to provide conclusive results was practised. The review of literature and research results confirmed that there are methods still to be exploited by the industry to improve accuracy of forecasting. The impact of time horizon, data quality, seasonal fluctuations, experience and expertise of forecasters cannot be ignored as directly impacted the accuracy of forecasting as confirmed by the research and literature with non-use of AI-driven forecasting methods through advanced technologies in data analysis and strategic decision making for forecast improvement contributing to poor forecast accuracy. To address these challenges, the study recommends the use of forecasters that are trained to gain expertise in order to use advanced technologies of AI driven forecasting methods, and with time, gain experience to be able to improve and maintain forecast accuracy. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Mhletywa, Monde Irvin
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Business forecasting , Business planning , Automobile industry and trade
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/73037 , vital:79326
- Description: Accurate Demand forecasting for many industries including automotive and coatings industry, is a cornerstone of ensuring accurate supply forecasting for supply chain management. This research primary objective is to assess the elements that can be used to improve forecast accuracy in the surface coatings industry. An operational plan that informs resource allocation and product delivery strategy can be delivered accurately when it is informed by accurate demand forecasting. Further, the strategic decision-making of the organisation is directly impacted by the level of accuracy of forecasting as the key performance indicators are linked to forecasting for finance, operations in a formal supply chain that includes purchasing, planning, production and logistics. These elements directly impact profitability and customer satisfaction. The research was conducted using a qualitative design with data collected using a semi-structured interview model within the automotive and coatings industry. Onion metaphor was used to carry research as methodology, while thematic analysis for analysing data to provide conclusive results was practised. The review of literature and research results confirmed that there are methods still to be exploited by the industry to improve accuracy of forecasting. The impact of time horizon, data quality, seasonal fluctuations, experience and expertise of forecasters cannot be ignored as directly impacted the accuracy of forecasting as confirmed by the research and literature with non-use of AI-driven forecasting methods through advanced technologies in data analysis and strategic decision making for forecast improvement contributing to poor forecast accuracy. To address these challenges, the study recommends the use of forecasters that are trained to gain expertise in order to use advanced technologies of AI driven forecasting methods, and with time, gain experience to be able to improve and maintain forecast accuracy. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
Assessing the challenges encountered by South African fisheries in pursuit of blue economy strategic objectives
- Authors: Peter, Siyamkela
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Fisheries -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Marine resources - Economic aspects -- South Africa , Sustainable development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/73575 , vital:79483
- Description: This study investigates the challenges encountered by South African fisheries in their pursuit of Blue Economy strategic objectives, focusing on sustainable development, economic resilience, and marine conservation. South Africa’s fisheries sector is integral to the national economy and the livelihoods of coastal communities. However, it faces significant challenges that hinder its contribution to the Blue Economy. Through qualitative analysis in the form of interviews and document analysis, the study identifies key issues, including overfishing, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, limited market access, inadequate capacity building, and insufficient community involvement. The study highlights the need for ecosystem-based management practices, enhanced monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, and robust regional cooperation to combat IUU fishing effectively. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of capacity building and community engagement, advocating for initiatives that empower small-scale fishers and promote co-management systems that integrate local knowledge with regulatory oversight. The findings also emphasize improving market access and economic opportunities for fishers through infrastructure development, sustainable certification, and financial support. Recommendations provide a roadmap for achieving a sustainable fisheries sector that aligns with Blue Economy principles, balancing economic growth with environmental protection and social equity. This study contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable fisheries management by offering insights and actionable strategies that policymakers, industry stakeholders, and community leaders can use to address current challenges. Ultimately, the research advocates for a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable approach to managing South Africa’s marine resources, highlighting a model that could serve as a reference for other nations pursuing Blue Economy objectives. , Thesis (MMM) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Peter, Siyamkela
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Fisheries -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Marine resources - Economic aspects -- South Africa , Sustainable development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/73575 , vital:79483
- Description: This study investigates the challenges encountered by South African fisheries in their pursuit of Blue Economy strategic objectives, focusing on sustainable development, economic resilience, and marine conservation. South Africa’s fisheries sector is integral to the national economy and the livelihoods of coastal communities. However, it faces significant challenges that hinder its contribution to the Blue Economy. Through qualitative analysis in the form of interviews and document analysis, the study identifies key issues, including overfishing, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, limited market access, inadequate capacity building, and insufficient community involvement. The study highlights the need for ecosystem-based management practices, enhanced monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, and robust regional cooperation to combat IUU fishing effectively. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of capacity building and community engagement, advocating for initiatives that empower small-scale fishers and promote co-management systems that integrate local knowledge with regulatory oversight. The findings also emphasize improving market access and economic opportunities for fishers through infrastructure development, sustainable certification, and financial support. Recommendations provide a roadmap for achieving a sustainable fisheries sector that aligns with Blue Economy principles, balancing economic growth with environmental protection and social equity. This study contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable fisheries management by offering insights and actionable strategies that policymakers, industry stakeholders, and community leaders can use to address current challenges. Ultimately, the research advocates for a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable approach to managing South Africa’s marine resources, highlighting a model that could serve as a reference for other nations pursuing Blue Economy objectives. , Thesis (MMM) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
Assessing the implementation of green supply chain practices within the manufacturing sector of Gqeberha
- Authors: Davis, Ronique Lesley
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Business logistics , Business logistics -- Technological innovations , Green marketing
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72033 , vital:79179
- Description: Manufacturing operations have been a key driver of economic growth in both South Africa and Gqeberha for decades. However, the industry’s significant transmission of greenhouse gas and emissions is a focal point for decarbonisation efforts to restrict escalating temperatures. Green supply chain practices have, therefore, emerged as a managerial ideology that assists manufacturing organisations and stakeholders in securing profits by eliminating environmental danger and enabling ecological competence. In this context, the study assessed the impact of green supply chain practices within the manufacturing sector of Gqeberha. This included establishing antecedents and outcomes of green supply chain practice implementation within the Gqeberha manufacturing sector. The study also aimed to fill the research gap and contribute to the existing body of knowledge regarding green supply chain management in the manufacturing sector of Gqeberha. The comprehensive literature review in this study included an overview of the Gqeberha manufacturing sector, theories related to green supply chain management, theoretical perspectives on GSCM and the existing studies that support the hypothesised model of this study. The empirical investigation conducted included an online and hand delivered survey questionnaire. The primary data was statistically examined in five phases: exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to test the validity of the survey; Cronbach’s alpha for reliability testing; descriptive statistics; Pearsons’s product correlation; and regression analysis. The empirical results confirmed that green supply chain management implementation can be measured in terms of two constructs, namely strategic and operational implementation of green supply chain management. Additionally, the results of the study confirmed reverse logistics as an antecedent of both operational and strategic GSCP implementation, while green product design and manufacturing (through three pillars namely green product design, green marketing, and green distribution) was confirmed as an antecedent of strategic GSCM implementation. Furthermore, the study revealed competitive advantage and sustainability as the outcomes of both strategic and operational GSCP implementation. This study makes a notable contribution throughout management and innovative and strategic practices as it provides insightful guidelines for stakeholders to understand implement and sustain GSCP strategies, while the empirical results could also be utilised by managers and organisations as a guide to formulate strategies for sustainability relating to the manufacturing industry. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Davis, Ronique Lesley
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Business logistics , Business logistics -- Technological innovations , Green marketing
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72033 , vital:79179
- Description: Manufacturing operations have been a key driver of economic growth in both South Africa and Gqeberha for decades. However, the industry’s significant transmission of greenhouse gas and emissions is a focal point for decarbonisation efforts to restrict escalating temperatures. Green supply chain practices have, therefore, emerged as a managerial ideology that assists manufacturing organisations and stakeholders in securing profits by eliminating environmental danger and enabling ecological competence. In this context, the study assessed the impact of green supply chain practices within the manufacturing sector of Gqeberha. This included establishing antecedents and outcomes of green supply chain practice implementation within the Gqeberha manufacturing sector. The study also aimed to fill the research gap and contribute to the existing body of knowledge regarding green supply chain management in the manufacturing sector of Gqeberha. The comprehensive literature review in this study included an overview of the Gqeberha manufacturing sector, theories related to green supply chain management, theoretical perspectives on GSCM and the existing studies that support the hypothesised model of this study. The empirical investigation conducted included an online and hand delivered survey questionnaire. The primary data was statistically examined in five phases: exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to test the validity of the survey; Cronbach’s alpha for reliability testing; descriptive statistics; Pearsons’s product correlation; and regression analysis. The empirical results confirmed that green supply chain management implementation can be measured in terms of two constructs, namely strategic and operational implementation of green supply chain management. Additionally, the results of the study confirmed reverse logistics as an antecedent of both operational and strategic GSCP implementation, while green product design and manufacturing (through three pillars namely green product design, green marketing, and green distribution) was confirmed as an antecedent of strategic GSCM implementation. Furthermore, the study revealed competitive advantage and sustainability as the outcomes of both strategic and operational GSCP implementation. This study makes a notable contribution throughout management and innovative and strategic practices as it provides insightful guidelines for stakeholders to understand implement and sustain GSCP strategies, while the empirical results could also be utilised by managers and organisations as a guide to formulate strategies for sustainability relating to the manufacturing industry. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
B.Ed fourth-year primary school pre-service mathematics students’ perceived experiences of their mentoring experience with their mentor teachers during their school-based learning professional development component
- Authors: Rossouw, Shannon
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Mentoring in education , Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa , Teachers -- In-service training -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/71821 , vital:79136
- Description: This dissertation examines the role of mentorship in shaping the professional development of fourth-year B Ed pre-service mathematics teachers during their School-Based Learning (SBL) placements. Grounded in an expanded version of Hudson’s five-factor mentoring model, the study assesses the quality and impact of mentor-mentee interactions, illuminating how mentorship influences the growth of pre-service teachers. Using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods approach, the study integrates quantitative and qualitative data within a pragmatic framework. Surveys with Likert scales collected quantitative data, while qualitative insights were drawn from open-ended questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to analyse the relationship between mentor attributes—such as pedagogical knowledge, feedback, and self-efficacy—and pre-service teachers’ perceptions of mentorship. The thematic analysis further explored mentees’ lived experiences. Findings reveal that mentorship is a reciprocal and dynamic process that has a significant impact on the growth of pre-service teachers. Key themes include developmental scaffolding, collaboration, and the application of theoretical knowledge to practice. Statistical analyses highlight strong correlations between specific mentor qualities (e.g., pedagogical feedback) and mentees’ perceptions of mentorship effectiveness. However, challenges such as inconsistent feedback, limited ICT integration, and varying levels of mentor engagement were identified. To enhance mentorship, the study recommends structured mentor training, greater university oversight, and strengthened mentor-mentee relationships. It also advocates workshops and webinars to equip both mentors and mentees with practical teaching strategies. This research contributes to the field by offering an evidence-based framework for improving school-based mentorship. By addressing existing gaps, it provides actionable strategies to enhance professional development for pre-service teachers, ensuring they are better equipped to meet the demands of the teaching profession in South Africa and beyond. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, School of Education, Research and Engagement, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Rossouw, Shannon
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Mentoring in education , Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa , Teachers -- In-service training -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/71821 , vital:79136
- Description: This dissertation examines the role of mentorship in shaping the professional development of fourth-year B Ed pre-service mathematics teachers during their School-Based Learning (SBL) placements. Grounded in an expanded version of Hudson’s five-factor mentoring model, the study assesses the quality and impact of mentor-mentee interactions, illuminating how mentorship influences the growth of pre-service teachers. Using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods approach, the study integrates quantitative and qualitative data within a pragmatic framework. Surveys with Likert scales collected quantitative data, while qualitative insights were drawn from open-ended questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to analyse the relationship between mentor attributes—such as pedagogical knowledge, feedback, and self-efficacy—and pre-service teachers’ perceptions of mentorship. The thematic analysis further explored mentees’ lived experiences. Findings reveal that mentorship is a reciprocal and dynamic process that has a significant impact on the growth of pre-service teachers. Key themes include developmental scaffolding, collaboration, and the application of theoretical knowledge to practice. Statistical analyses highlight strong correlations between specific mentor qualities (e.g., pedagogical feedback) and mentees’ perceptions of mentorship effectiveness. However, challenges such as inconsistent feedback, limited ICT integration, and varying levels of mentor engagement were identified. To enhance mentorship, the study recommends structured mentor training, greater university oversight, and strengthened mentor-mentee relationships. It also advocates workshops and webinars to equip both mentors and mentees with practical teaching strategies. This research contributes to the field by offering an evidence-based framework for improving school-based mentorship. By addressing existing gaps, it provides actionable strategies to enhance professional development for pre-service teachers, ensuring they are better equipped to meet the demands of the teaching profession in South Africa and beyond. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, School of Education, Research and Engagement, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
Coastal and marine tourism development: a conceptual framework for place-based marine spatial planning in the Wild Coast, Port St Johns
- Authors: Nkalitshana, Malwande
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Tourism -- Environmental aspects , Coastal zone management -- Environmental aspects , Environmental management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/73345 , vital:79421
- Description: The launch of Operation Phakisa: Ocean Economy in 2014 by the South African Government heightened the focus and interest in the ocean as a catalyst to contribute towards South Africa’s lagging economic growth to reduce the pressing challenges of unemployment, poverty, and unequal participation in South Africa’s mainstream economy, particularly, those from previously disadvantaged groups (Odeku, 2021). Operation Phakisa identified six focus areas: marine transport and manufacturing, offshore oil and gas exploration, aquaculture, small harbour development, ocean governance and protection services, and coastal and marine tourism (Loureiro, Du Plessis, & Findlay, 2022). Each of these focus areas is attached to lead departments. Coastal and marine tourism is attached to the National Department of Tourism. After the oil and gas sector, coastal and marine tourism was identified as one of the fastest-growing ocean economy subsectors. With its potential to create much-needed jobs, promote small, medium and micro enterprise (SMME) participation, and contribute to the broader economy by implementing its nodal strategic approach, the Department of Tourism identified nodal zones to which coastal and marine tourism development projects would be intensely implemented. Port St Johns is one of the nodal zones that the department identified. With its unique, high biodiversity, which is attractive to tourists, Port St Johns has been marred with enormous challenges of unemployment, under-development, and high poverty rates. In addition, it has suffered from challenges of competing interests between development and environmental conservation groups enabled by the Transkein Environmental Conservation Decree 9 of 1992, which prohibits development projects within a one-kilometre radius from high water mark. This has resulted in conflicting views, leading to the demise of development, and further perpetuating socio-economic hardships and disparities. Due to similar challenges and with more actors venturing into the ocean economy space, the South African Government has followed the international practice of introducing a marine spatial planning approach to manage the distribution and allocation of spaces for human activities within and around marine and coastal environments. Marine spatial planning has been praised and promoted as the most suitable instrument to manage dynamic, diverse, and fragile environments such as marine and coastal environments. However, although marine spatial planning is touted as an instrument that promotes a participatory and democratic process, it has the potential to fall into the trap of other planning systems, which are top-down, negating the power imbalances amongst the stakeholders. Additionally, such planning regimes fail to recognise the local-centric and diverse interests, including local communities’ use of the marine and coastal resources in these areas. Thus, the current study developed a proposed conceptual framework to guide the development of place-based marine spatial plans to enhance coastal and marine tourism in Port St Johns. The proposed conceptual framework contains critical elements for marine spatial planning (MSP) planners to consider when developing marine spatial plans. The overarching theoretical approach that guides the framework is ecosystem services. This study employed a qualitative research approach, and interviews were used to obtain study participants’ perspectives. Participants were drawn from the Port St Johns Municipality, civil society organisations, development agencies, tourism forums, traditional leaders, councillors, communal property associations, and environmental agencies. Bringing together the perspectives of this diverse group helped to broaden the researcher’s perspective on Port St Johns’ dynamics regarding its challenges and opportunities. Furthermore, these perspectives enabled the development of the proposed conceptual framework for place-based MSP. Recommendations are made to test the proposed conceptual frameworks in developing place-based MSP in coastal cities such as Port St Johns to identify areas of concern for improvement where necessary. , Thesis (D.Phil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Nkalitshana, Malwande
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Tourism -- Environmental aspects , Coastal zone management -- Environmental aspects , Environmental management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/73345 , vital:79421
- Description: The launch of Operation Phakisa: Ocean Economy in 2014 by the South African Government heightened the focus and interest in the ocean as a catalyst to contribute towards South Africa’s lagging economic growth to reduce the pressing challenges of unemployment, poverty, and unequal participation in South Africa’s mainstream economy, particularly, those from previously disadvantaged groups (Odeku, 2021). Operation Phakisa identified six focus areas: marine transport and manufacturing, offshore oil and gas exploration, aquaculture, small harbour development, ocean governance and protection services, and coastal and marine tourism (Loureiro, Du Plessis, & Findlay, 2022). Each of these focus areas is attached to lead departments. Coastal and marine tourism is attached to the National Department of Tourism. After the oil and gas sector, coastal and marine tourism was identified as one of the fastest-growing ocean economy subsectors. With its potential to create much-needed jobs, promote small, medium and micro enterprise (SMME) participation, and contribute to the broader economy by implementing its nodal strategic approach, the Department of Tourism identified nodal zones to which coastal and marine tourism development projects would be intensely implemented. Port St Johns is one of the nodal zones that the department identified. With its unique, high biodiversity, which is attractive to tourists, Port St Johns has been marred with enormous challenges of unemployment, under-development, and high poverty rates. In addition, it has suffered from challenges of competing interests between development and environmental conservation groups enabled by the Transkein Environmental Conservation Decree 9 of 1992, which prohibits development projects within a one-kilometre radius from high water mark. This has resulted in conflicting views, leading to the demise of development, and further perpetuating socio-economic hardships and disparities. Due to similar challenges and with more actors venturing into the ocean economy space, the South African Government has followed the international practice of introducing a marine spatial planning approach to manage the distribution and allocation of spaces for human activities within and around marine and coastal environments. Marine spatial planning has been praised and promoted as the most suitable instrument to manage dynamic, diverse, and fragile environments such as marine and coastal environments. However, although marine spatial planning is touted as an instrument that promotes a participatory and democratic process, it has the potential to fall into the trap of other planning systems, which are top-down, negating the power imbalances amongst the stakeholders. Additionally, such planning regimes fail to recognise the local-centric and diverse interests, including local communities’ use of the marine and coastal resources in these areas. Thus, the current study developed a proposed conceptual framework to guide the development of place-based marine spatial plans to enhance coastal and marine tourism in Port St Johns. The proposed conceptual framework contains critical elements for marine spatial planning (MSP) planners to consider when developing marine spatial plans. The overarching theoretical approach that guides the framework is ecosystem services. This study employed a qualitative research approach, and interviews were used to obtain study participants’ perspectives. Participants were drawn from the Port St Johns Municipality, civil society organisations, development agencies, tourism forums, traditional leaders, councillors, communal property associations, and environmental agencies. Bringing together the perspectives of this diverse group helped to broaden the researcher’s perspective on Port St Johns’ dynamics regarding its challenges and opportunities. Furthermore, these perspectives enabled the development of the proposed conceptual framework for place-based MSP. Recommendations are made to test the proposed conceptual frameworks in developing place-based MSP in coastal cities such as Port St Johns to identify areas of concern for improvement where necessary. , Thesis (D.Phil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
Coastal communities' empowerment through participation in blue tourism activities in Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Runeli, Philasande Lioned
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Tourism -- Environmental aspects , Marine ecotourism , Sustainable tourism
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72343 , vital:79213
- Description: The promotion and growth of blue tourism, particularly in metropolitan coastal regions such as Nelson Mandela Bay in South Africa, requires strategic tourism marketing approaches that align with local economic development goals. These strategies not only boost the region's attractiveness to tourists but also enhance local economic participation by fostering sustainable practices and supporting Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). This study investigated the role of micro-projects and SMEs in advancing blue tourism while addressing the challenges faced by the coastal communities. Specifically, it examined how tailored tourism marketing strategies and community-focused initiatives can unlock the economic potential of blue tourism in Nelson Mandela Bay. The research adopted a constructivist paradigm and employed a qualitative methodology, featuring semi-structured interviews with diverse stakeholders, including community members and tourism industry professionals. This approach allowed for the collection of in-depth insights into the opportunities and barriers associated with blue tourism. Through this methodology, the study identified key themes around stakeholder collaboration, community engagement, and sustainable practices as the critical factors for success in this sector. The key findings revealed the importance of empowering local communities through capacity-building programs, enhancing collaboration between public and private entities, and creating targeted marketing campaigns to elevate blue tourism's profile. The study also highlights the necessity of equipping SMEs with resources and training to promote entrepreneurship and ensure their meaningful participation in tourism-driven economic growth. These recommendations are rooted in the broader objective of fostering an inclusive and sustainable blue tourism ecosystem that balances economic advancement with environmental stewardship. The study concludes by offering actionable recommendations for tourism practitioners, local businesses, and policymakers. These include developing community-driven marketing initiatives, establishing robust support structures for SMEs, and investing in skill development tailored to the blue economy. By prioritising these elements, the stakeholders can unlock long-term growth, by delivering enhanced economic benefits to coastal communities while enriching the visitor experience in Nelson Mandela Bay's unique coastal environment. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Runeli, Philasande Lioned
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Tourism -- Environmental aspects , Marine ecotourism , Sustainable tourism
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72343 , vital:79213
- Description: The promotion and growth of blue tourism, particularly in metropolitan coastal regions such as Nelson Mandela Bay in South Africa, requires strategic tourism marketing approaches that align with local economic development goals. These strategies not only boost the region's attractiveness to tourists but also enhance local economic participation by fostering sustainable practices and supporting Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). This study investigated the role of micro-projects and SMEs in advancing blue tourism while addressing the challenges faced by the coastal communities. Specifically, it examined how tailored tourism marketing strategies and community-focused initiatives can unlock the economic potential of blue tourism in Nelson Mandela Bay. The research adopted a constructivist paradigm and employed a qualitative methodology, featuring semi-structured interviews with diverse stakeholders, including community members and tourism industry professionals. This approach allowed for the collection of in-depth insights into the opportunities and barriers associated with blue tourism. Through this methodology, the study identified key themes around stakeholder collaboration, community engagement, and sustainable practices as the critical factors for success in this sector. The key findings revealed the importance of empowering local communities through capacity-building programs, enhancing collaboration between public and private entities, and creating targeted marketing campaigns to elevate blue tourism's profile. The study also highlights the necessity of equipping SMEs with resources and training to promote entrepreneurship and ensure their meaningful participation in tourism-driven economic growth. These recommendations are rooted in the broader objective of fostering an inclusive and sustainable blue tourism ecosystem that balances economic advancement with environmental stewardship. The study concludes by offering actionable recommendations for tourism practitioners, local businesses, and policymakers. These include developing community-driven marketing initiatives, establishing robust support structures for SMEs, and investing in skill development tailored to the blue economy. By prioritising these elements, the stakeholders can unlock long-term growth, by delivering enhanced economic benefits to coastal communities while enriching the visitor experience in Nelson Mandela Bay's unique coastal environment. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
Covid-19 pandemic and livelihoods of SMME owners in the retail food and beverage industry in Gqeberha
- Authors: Olajuyin, Olayide Fisayo
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: COVID-19 (Disease) -- Economic aspects -- Business , Small business -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Beverage industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/73541 , vital:79457
- Description: This study aimed to investigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on Small Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) in the retail food and beverage industry in Gqeberha, South Africa. The study’s objectives were to determine the effects of COVID-19 on SMMEs, examine the challenges faced, investigate the pandemic's effects on performance, identify resilient strategies adopted, and develop livelihood coping strategies for SMME owners. The study explored existing literature, developed a conceptual framework, infused theoretical grounding, and described the operationalisation process and data collection methods. The study follows an interpretivist research philosophy and uses sustainable livelihood and capability approaches to ground the study theoretically. The research adopts a hybrid methodology, incorporating a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and qualitative semi-structured interviews with purposively selected participants in Humewood, Walmer, Gqeberha Central Business District (CBD), and the Summerstrand suburbs of Gqeberha. The methodology, including data collection and ethical considerations, is thoroughly explained and prioritised throughout the study. The study also conducted a bibliometric analysis and selected 192 peer-reviewed articles for the global SLR, 6 grey literature (newspaper articles), and 2 articles for the Gqeberha SLR. The study population comprises SMME owners/managers with 5 to 200 staff in the retail food and beverage industry in Gqeberha. The findings revealed that many SMMEs in the retail food and beverage industry had to close during the mandatory lockdown period, while others struggled to keep their businesses afloat due to the significant impact of the pandemic. Challenges such as logistics, customer compliance with health and safety regulations, sales, and staffing issues were prevalent. Some SMMEs experienced improved turnover despite initial concerns, while others faced decreased sales and customer numbers. SMMEs adopted various resilient strategies, including implementing health and safety standards, utilising social media for marketing, offering specials, and promoting takeaways to adapt to the challenges posed by the pandemic. To survive the COVID-19 challenges, SMMEs in the retail food and beverage industry must prioritise operational resilience and strategic innovation. This study provides valuable insights into the specific difficulties SMMEs face in Gqeberha and offers recommendations to assist current and future SMME owners in navigating the effects of the pandemic. The findings of the research and the proposed strategies aim to assist SMME owners in the retail food and beverage industry in mitigating the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and building resilience in the face of future disruptions by similar pandemics. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Olajuyin, Olayide Fisayo
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: COVID-19 (Disease) -- Economic aspects -- Business , Small business -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Beverage industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/73541 , vital:79457
- Description: This study aimed to investigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on Small Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) in the retail food and beverage industry in Gqeberha, South Africa. The study’s objectives were to determine the effects of COVID-19 on SMMEs, examine the challenges faced, investigate the pandemic's effects on performance, identify resilient strategies adopted, and develop livelihood coping strategies for SMME owners. The study explored existing literature, developed a conceptual framework, infused theoretical grounding, and described the operationalisation process and data collection methods. The study follows an interpretivist research philosophy and uses sustainable livelihood and capability approaches to ground the study theoretically. The research adopts a hybrid methodology, incorporating a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and qualitative semi-structured interviews with purposively selected participants in Humewood, Walmer, Gqeberha Central Business District (CBD), and the Summerstrand suburbs of Gqeberha. The methodology, including data collection and ethical considerations, is thoroughly explained and prioritised throughout the study. The study also conducted a bibliometric analysis and selected 192 peer-reviewed articles for the global SLR, 6 grey literature (newspaper articles), and 2 articles for the Gqeberha SLR. The study population comprises SMME owners/managers with 5 to 200 staff in the retail food and beverage industry in Gqeberha. The findings revealed that many SMMEs in the retail food and beverage industry had to close during the mandatory lockdown period, while others struggled to keep their businesses afloat due to the significant impact of the pandemic. Challenges such as logistics, customer compliance with health and safety regulations, sales, and staffing issues were prevalent. Some SMMEs experienced improved turnover despite initial concerns, while others faced decreased sales and customer numbers. SMMEs adopted various resilient strategies, including implementing health and safety standards, utilising social media for marketing, offering specials, and promoting takeaways to adapt to the challenges posed by the pandemic. To survive the COVID-19 challenges, SMMEs in the retail food and beverage industry must prioritise operational resilience and strategic innovation. This study provides valuable insights into the specific difficulties SMMEs face in Gqeberha and offers recommendations to assist current and future SMME owners in navigating the effects of the pandemic. The findings of the research and the proposed strategies aim to assist SMME owners in the retail food and beverage industry in mitigating the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and building resilience in the face of future disruptions by similar pandemics. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
Customary fishing rights in South African fisheries law
- du Plessis, Anthea Christoffels
- Authors: du Plessis, Anthea Christoffels
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Indigenous people -- Fishing -- Law and legislation , Small-scale fisheries , Customary law -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: D theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72044 , vital:79180
- Description: Indigenous communities in South Africa have harvested marine resources and relied on the ocean for generations to sustain their traditional livelihoods and culture. In light thereof, it is imperative for the law to specially recognise the rights of indigenous communities. The current legal framework governing fishing rights in South Africa purports to include customary fishing rights as part of small-scale fishing rights. This must be achieved in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Constitution), which confers distinct recognition on customary law, and therefore customary rights of indigenous communities. Access to marine resources under the prevailing legal frameworks has been regulated to ensure commercial exploitation of (and recreational access to) marine living resources. In terms of the previous statutory provisions, the relevant minister was empowered to issue fishing rights by granting quotas. Further provision was made for licensing of fishing vessels such as boats and fish factories. The advancement of conservation imperatives further restricted access to marine resources, ensuring that access to marine resources remained strictly regulated by the State for commercial exploitation. Fishing rights became a business commodity taking precedence over other access rights. To achieve these objectives, the Commissions of Inquiry (Du Plessis, Diemont, Treurnicht) were tasked with proposing sustainable-use strategies for the declining marine resources and to resolve challenges in the commercial fisheries industry. While the governments of years past were busy organising and strategising how best to exploit marine resources and to maximise the industry, the legislation itself did not proscribe or expressly prohibit fishing activities or marine-resource use by indigenous coastal communities. However, the communities’ access to marine and coastal resources was nevertheless restricted owing to the cumulative discriminatory impact of apartheid-order legislation. The fishing industry was no exception to the democratic overhauling of many institutions and industries in South Africa, and was earmarked for transformation. In light of its pre-constitutional isolated and sanctioned status, South Africa was eager to restore its place as a sovereign state and as a member of the international community, by embracing the human-rights-focused norms and standards observed by the international community at large. In 2017, the erstwhile Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries reported that there were more than 300 fishing communities in South Africa. Although harvesting marine resources remains a longstanding custom and expression of culture, it is trite that indigenous communities along the coast have suffered marginalisation and exclusion from legal recognition of their customary right to access marine resources. Therefore, this thesis first explores the legal obligations to recognise customary fishing rights of indigenous communities in light of international and African regional law. Secondly, it considers the recognition and protection of customary fishing rights in three foreign domestic legal systems from which South Africa can extract valuable insight. The thesis then examines the development of customary law in South Africa generally, as well as the recognition and protection of customary fishing rights under the current legal framework. Finally, the thesis proposes that a definition of customary fishing rights be included in the Marine Living Resources Act 18 of 1998 to properly recognise and protect customary fishing rights as a distinct and sui generis category of fishing rights for customary fishing communities. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Law, School of Public Law, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: du Plessis, Anthea Christoffels
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Indigenous people -- Fishing -- Law and legislation , Small-scale fisheries , Customary law -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: D theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72044 , vital:79180
- Description: Indigenous communities in South Africa have harvested marine resources and relied on the ocean for generations to sustain their traditional livelihoods and culture. In light thereof, it is imperative for the law to specially recognise the rights of indigenous communities. The current legal framework governing fishing rights in South Africa purports to include customary fishing rights as part of small-scale fishing rights. This must be achieved in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Constitution), which confers distinct recognition on customary law, and therefore customary rights of indigenous communities. Access to marine resources under the prevailing legal frameworks has been regulated to ensure commercial exploitation of (and recreational access to) marine living resources. In terms of the previous statutory provisions, the relevant minister was empowered to issue fishing rights by granting quotas. Further provision was made for licensing of fishing vessels such as boats and fish factories. The advancement of conservation imperatives further restricted access to marine resources, ensuring that access to marine resources remained strictly regulated by the State for commercial exploitation. Fishing rights became a business commodity taking precedence over other access rights. To achieve these objectives, the Commissions of Inquiry (Du Plessis, Diemont, Treurnicht) were tasked with proposing sustainable-use strategies for the declining marine resources and to resolve challenges in the commercial fisheries industry. While the governments of years past were busy organising and strategising how best to exploit marine resources and to maximise the industry, the legislation itself did not proscribe or expressly prohibit fishing activities or marine-resource use by indigenous coastal communities. However, the communities’ access to marine and coastal resources was nevertheless restricted owing to the cumulative discriminatory impact of apartheid-order legislation. The fishing industry was no exception to the democratic overhauling of many institutions and industries in South Africa, and was earmarked for transformation. In light of its pre-constitutional isolated and sanctioned status, South Africa was eager to restore its place as a sovereign state and as a member of the international community, by embracing the human-rights-focused norms and standards observed by the international community at large. In 2017, the erstwhile Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries reported that there were more than 300 fishing communities in South Africa. Although harvesting marine resources remains a longstanding custom and expression of culture, it is trite that indigenous communities along the coast have suffered marginalisation and exclusion from legal recognition of their customary right to access marine resources. Therefore, this thesis first explores the legal obligations to recognise customary fishing rights of indigenous communities in light of international and African regional law. Secondly, it considers the recognition and protection of customary fishing rights in three foreign domestic legal systems from which South Africa can extract valuable insight. The thesis then examines the development of customary law in South Africa generally, as well as the recognition and protection of customary fishing rights under the current legal framework. Finally, the thesis proposes that a definition of customary fishing rights be included in the Marine Living Resources Act 18 of 1998 to properly recognise and protect customary fishing rights as a distinct and sui generis category of fishing rights for customary fishing communities. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Law, School of Public Law, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
Determinants of disparities in early closure of businesses during covid-19 pandemic in South Africa: evidence from enterprise survey data
- Authors: Nxazonke, Nomfundo
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: COVID-19 (Disease) -- Economic aspects , Economics -- South Africa , Success in business
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/73481 , vital:79447
- Description: The study investigates the disparity in business closures in South Africa during the pandemic using data from the 2020/2021 Enterprise Survey by the World Bank. It examines the determinants of this disparity and investigates the closure of different sized businesses using descriptive statistics, Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition and logistic regression. The study found that small businesses are more likely to close than medium and large businesses in 2020, with a closure disparity of 8% in the 2nd quarter, 88% in the 3rd quarter, and 5% in the 4th quarter. The results reveal that experienced managers have a significant negative impact on business closure only in the 2nd and 3rd quarter. Critical thinking has a significant negative impact in the 3rd quarter and skilled workforce has a significant negative impact. Temporary workers have a significant positive impact on business closure in the 2nd quarter and a significant negative impact in the 4th quarter. The results also indicate that skilled workers, female workers, the food industry, the textile and garment industry, and the motor vehicle industry have a significant negative impact on business closure. The same sale as the previous year has a significant negative impact on business closure for small-sized firms. For large-sized businesses, skilled workers, female workers, and food have a significant positive impact on business closure. The textile and garment, motor vehicle, and fabric and metal product industries have a significant positive impact on business closure. However, when it comes to business closure in medium-sized businesses, the textile and garment, motor vehicle, and fabric and metal product industries have a significant positive impact. The findings of this study suggest that targeted support and resources may be needed for small businesses to improve their chances of survival during future crises. Policy interventions to promote gender equality and increase the number of skilled workers in the workforce can help to address some of the factors that contribute to business closures. Additionally, businesses may need to adopt digital technologies and adapt to changing market conditions to improve their resilience. Implementing measures to promote inclusivity and reduce inequality, such as job creation programs, improved access to education, and support for marginalized groups, can also help to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic on businesses. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Nxazonke, Nomfundo
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: COVID-19 (Disease) -- Economic aspects , Economics -- South Africa , Success in business
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/73481 , vital:79447
- Description: The study investigates the disparity in business closures in South Africa during the pandemic using data from the 2020/2021 Enterprise Survey by the World Bank. It examines the determinants of this disparity and investigates the closure of different sized businesses using descriptive statistics, Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition and logistic regression. The study found that small businesses are more likely to close than medium and large businesses in 2020, with a closure disparity of 8% in the 2nd quarter, 88% in the 3rd quarter, and 5% in the 4th quarter. The results reveal that experienced managers have a significant negative impact on business closure only in the 2nd and 3rd quarter. Critical thinking has a significant negative impact in the 3rd quarter and skilled workforce has a significant negative impact. Temporary workers have a significant positive impact on business closure in the 2nd quarter and a significant negative impact in the 4th quarter. The results also indicate that skilled workers, female workers, the food industry, the textile and garment industry, and the motor vehicle industry have a significant negative impact on business closure. The same sale as the previous year has a significant negative impact on business closure for small-sized firms. For large-sized businesses, skilled workers, female workers, and food have a significant positive impact on business closure. The textile and garment, motor vehicle, and fabric and metal product industries have a significant positive impact on business closure. However, when it comes to business closure in medium-sized businesses, the textile and garment, motor vehicle, and fabric and metal product industries have a significant positive impact. The findings of this study suggest that targeted support and resources may be needed for small businesses to improve their chances of survival during future crises. Policy interventions to promote gender equality and increase the number of skilled workers in the workforce can help to address some of the factors that contribute to business closures. Additionally, businesses may need to adopt digital technologies and adapt to changing market conditions to improve their resilience. Implementing measures to promote inclusivity and reduce inequality, such as job creation programs, improved access to education, and support for marginalized groups, can also help to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic on businesses. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
Disciplinary action of employees for the private consumption of cannabis
- Authors: Lokotsch, Lise-Mari Anne
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Labor discipline , Problem employees , Cannabis -- Physiological effect
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72101 , vital:79188
- Description: This paper examines the workplace implications of the legalisation of private cannabis use in South Africa following the landmark Constitutional Court judgment in Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development v Prince.1 The judgment has necessitated a re-evaluation of workplace policies regarding cannabis consumption, which brings to the fore the tension between workplace safety and individual rights. Through a detailed analysis of relevant case law, this treatise distils emerging principles for disciplinary action and emphasises the necessity for equitable workplace policies that uphold employees’ rights to privacy and dignity. It also addresses the regulatory gaps that persist and proposes a set of best practices in policy development which are aligned with the Occupational Health and Safety Act.2 , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, School of Mercantile Law, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Lokotsch, Lise-Mari Anne
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Labor discipline , Problem employees , Cannabis -- Physiological effect
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72101 , vital:79188
- Description: This paper examines the workplace implications of the legalisation of private cannabis use in South Africa following the landmark Constitutional Court judgment in Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development v Prince.1 The judgment has necessitated a re-evaluation of workplace policies regarding cannabis consumption, which brings to the fore the tension between workplace safety and individual rights. Through a detailed analysis of relevant case law, this treatise distils emerging principles for disciplinary action and emphasises the necessity for equitable workplace policies that uphold employees’ rights to privacy and dignity. It also addresses the regulatory gaps that persist and proposes a set of best practices in policy development which are aligned with the Occupational Health and Safety Act.2 , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, School of Mercantile Law, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
Distributional analysis of gender gaps in wages: evidence from post-apartheid labour market series data
- Motanyane, Pulane Innocentiah
- Authors: Motanyane, Pulane Innocentiah
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Sex discrimination in employment -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Pay equity -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Wages -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/73070 , vital:79329
- Description: This study’s main aim was to investigate the gender wage gap and its causes in post-apartheid South Africa, this study analysed the gender wage gap along sector and occupation by analysing how segmentation by occupation affects comparative earnings in different occupations and sectors of the workforce. The majority of studies conducted in South Africa do not analyse the female wage difference along occupation and sector. Most previous studies mainly focus only on mean aggregated level data which does not fully depict the gender salary difference. Using the Post-Apartheid Labour Market Series (PALMS), this study examined the gender wage gap during the years 1993 to 2019 and used Oaxaca Blinder decomposition and Unconditional Quantile Regressions (UQRs) to examine the gender wage gap and the potential causes.The results indicated that there is gender wage gap between males and females, thereby resulting in a raw log wage difference of 0.527. The decomposition method revealed that the endowments, or the differences in characteristics between females and males, accounted for 0.0605 of the wage gap and the remaining part of the wage disparity was caused by variations in observable traits like occupation, experience, and education. Unconditional Quantile Regression was employed to investigate the gender wage gap across various wage distribution points, and at each quantile of the distribution there was a wage gap between the males and females. The index of dissimilarity was used to measure the degree of occupational segregation between genders, and the results showed that occupational segregation remains a persistent challenge contributing to the gender wage disparities, as evidenced by the wage penalties observed across various occupational categories for women. In terms of domestic laws, the right to fair treatment should be incorporated in labour law where for any equivalent or comparable job, a lower salary cannot be determined based on a person's gender. Eliminating the gender pay gap should be one of South Africa's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with the intention of advancing decent work for all. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Motanyane, Pulane Innocentiah
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Sex discrimination in employment -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Pay equity -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Wages -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/73070 , vital:79329
- Description: This study’s main aim was to investigate the gender wage gap and its causes in post-apartheid South Africa, this study analysed the gender wage gap along sector and occupation by analysing how segmentation by occupation affects comparative earnings in different occupations and sectors of the workforce. The majority of studies conducted in South Africa do not analyse the female wage difference along occupation and sector. Most previous studies mainly focus only on mean aggregated level data which does not fully depict the gender salary difference. Using the Post-Apartheid Labour Market Series (PALMS), this study examined the gender wage gap during the years 1993 to 2019 and used Oaxaca Blinder decomposition and Unconditional Quantile Regressions (UQRs) to examine the gender wage gap and the potential causes.The results indicated that there is gender wage gap between males and females, thereby resulting in a raw log wage difference of 0.527. The decomposition method revealed that the endowments, or the differences in characteristics between females and males, accounted for 0.0605 of the wage gap and the remaining part of the wage disparity was caused by variations in observable traits like occupation, experience, and education. Unconditional Quantile Regression was employed to investigate the gender wage gap across various wage distribution points, and at each quantile of the distribution there was a wage gap between the males and females. The index of dissimilarity was used to measure the degree of occupational segregation between genders, and the results showed that occupational segregation remains a persistent challenge contributing to the gender wage disparities, as evidenced by the wage penalties observed across various occupational categories for women. In terms of domestic laws, the right to fair treatment should be incorporated in labour law where for any equivalent or comparable job, a lower salary cannot be determined based on a person's gender. Eliminating the gender pay gap should be one of South Africa's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with the intention of advancing decent work for all. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
Evaluating the Kenya health policy 2014-2030: towards equity and financial protection
- Authors: Ngala, Consolata
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Medical policy -- Economic Aspects -- Kenya , Medical policy -- Social aspects -- Kenya , Health insurance -- Kenya
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/73331 , vital:79412
- Description: The government of Kenya in 2014 developed and implemented the Kenya Health Policy 2014-2030 to improve the welfare of its citizens. This was done through Universal Health Coverage (UHC) that was piloted from December, 2018 to December 2019 in Nyeri, Kisumu, Isiolo and Machakos Counties in Kenya. These were the counties with a high prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), communicable diseases (CDs), poverty rates and accidents and injuries respectively. In February 2022 the government rolled out UHC targeting the elderly, as well as infants which was only 3.9 % and 12.8 % of the total population respectively. This was done without first evaluating the impact of the pilot. Literature shows that the achievement of UHC is quite elusive in Kenya. The study evaluated the design, implementation and impact of the Policy on equity and financial protection in piloted (Machakos and Kisumu) and non-piloted counties (Nakuru and Busia). The study also a baseline comparative analysis of the equity and financial protection in the sampled counties, establish the impact of the policy on the equity and financial protection in 2018-2019 (post analysis) and finally determined the cost effectiveness of equity and financial protection by comparing the cost of the health outcomes in the study counties. Exploratory and cross-sectional designs using both qualitative and quantitative data guided by the theory of change and logic model were used. The study used both secondary data from the Kenya Health Expenditure and Utilisation Survey (KHHEUS) (2018) and from primary survey data of 591 households in both piloted and non-piloted counties. Purposive, cluster and simple random sampling techniques were used to select the study Counties. The qualitative data collected was analysed thematically through content analysis. The quantitative data was analysed descriptively and through the use of inferential statistics (logistic regression and zero truncated model). Health outcomes measured by number of visits (Access) and catastrophic health expenditures were subjected to propensity score matching and incremental cost effectiveness ratio computed. The findings indicated that the life expectancy increased from 60 to 63 years in 2021-2022. There was a reduction in the prevalence of CDs such as Malaria from 4.3% in 2021 to 3.7% in 2023, and HIV from 11.4% in 2021 to 5.8% in 2023. Injuries reduced by 1.9%, maternal mortality as well as infant and under five mortality rates reduced with an increased uptake of antenatal care services. However, prevalence of NCDs increased from 39% in 2020 to 44% in 2023. Baseline analysis revealed that households in the piloted Counties had relatively more hospital visits and a reported lower percentage of catastrophic health expenditure (CHE). Propensity score matching revealed that the treated Counties had a statistically significant greater number of hospital visits as compared to the control Counties. There was statistically significant difference in the number of households in the control Counties that suffered CHE as compared to the treatment Counties. Lastly, the incremental cost effectiveness ratio revealed that to improve on the number of visits by 1%, the government should invest an additional of Ksh 1,225.87 million in Kisumu. Equally, to reduce the number of households likely to suffer CHE by 1%, the government should invest additional Ksh 80.775 and 165.82 million in Kisumu and Machakos respectively. The study revealed that UHC played a vital role in influencing hospital utilisation and cushioned households against CHE. The study recommends that 100% inclusivity in any government social heath insurance is necessary in order to reduce CHE among households. In addition, to enhance equity, the government should invest more in healthcare human resource and infrastructure across the Counties. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Ngala, Consolata
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Medical policy -- Economic Aspects -- Kenya , Medical policy -- Social aspects -- Kenya , Health insurance -- Kenya
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/73331 , vital:79412
- Description: The government of Kenya in 2014 developed and implemented the Kenya Health Policy 2014-2030 to improve the welfare of its citizens. This was done through Universal Health Coverage (UHC) that was piloted from December, 2018 to December 2019 in Nyeri, Kisumu, Isiolo and Machakos Counties in Kenya. These were the counties with a high prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), communicable diseases (CDs), poverty rates and accidents and injuries respectively. In February 2022 the government rolled out UHC targeting the elderly, as well as infants which was only 3.9 % and 12.8 % of the total population respectively. This was done without first evaluating the impact of the pilot. Literature shows that the achievement of UHC is quite elusive in Kenya. The study evaluated the design, implementation and impact of the Policy on equity and financial protection in piloted (Machakos and Kisumu) and non-piloted counties (Nakuru and Busia). The study also a baseline comparative analysis of the equity and financial protection in the sampled counties, establish the impact of the policy on the equity and financial protection in 2018-2019 (post analysis) and finally determined the cost effectiveness of equity and financial protection by comparing the cost of the health outcomes in the study counties. Exploratory and cross-sectional designs using both qualitative and quantitative data guided by the theory of change and logic model were used. The study used both secondary data from the Kenya Health Expenditure and Utilisation Survey (KHHEUS) (2018) and from primary survey data of 591 households in both piloted and non-piloted counties. Purposive, cluster and simple random sampling techniques were used to select the study Counties. The qualitative data collected was analysed thematically through content analysis. The quantitative data was analysed descriptively and through the use of inferential statistics (logistic regression and zero truncated model). Health outcomes measured by number of visits (Access) and catastrophic health expenditures were subjected to propensity score matching and incremental cost effectiveness ratio computed. The findings indicated that the life expectancy increased from 60 to 63 years in 2021-2022. There was a reduction in the prevalence of CDs such as Malaria from 4.3% in 2021 to 3.7% in 2023, and HIV from 11.4% in 2021 to 5.8% in 2023. Injuries reduced by 1.9%, maternal mortality as well as infant and under five mortality rates reduced with an increased uptake of antenatal care services. However, prevalence of NCDs increased from 39% in 2020 to 44% in 2023. Baseline analysis revealed that households in the piloted Counties had relatively more hospital visits and a reported lower percentage of catastrophic health expenditure (CHE). Propensity score matching revealed that the treated Counties had a statistically significant greater number of hospital visits as compared to the control Counties. There was statistically significant difference in the number of households in the control Counties that suffered CHE as compared to the treatment Counties. Lastly, the incremental cost effectiveness ratio revealed that to improve on the number of visits by 1%, the government should invest an additional of Ksh 1,225.87 million in Kisumu. Equally, to reduce the number of households likely to suffer CHE by 1%, the government should invest additional Ksh 80.775 and 165.82 million in Kisumu and Machakos respectively. The study revealed that UHC played a vital role in influencing hospital utilisation and cushioned households against CHE. The study recommends that 100% inclusivity in any government social heath insurance is necessary in order to reduce CHE among households. In addition, to enhance equity, the government should invest more in healthcare human resource and infrastructure across the Counties. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
Evaluating the role of special economic zones and SMMEs’ sustainability: a case study of Coega
- Authors: Kassim, Nadia
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Economic zoning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Industrial development projects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Coega Development Corporation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72846 , vital:79271
- Description: This research assesses the influence of Special Economic Zones (SEZ) on the sustainability of Small, Medium, and Micro-sized Enterprises (SMMEs) in the Eastern Cape. The main goal is to improve the comprehension of the role of SEZs and to identify the obstacles that hinder the growth and sustainability of SMMEs. The literature suggests that funding, skills, and management are identified as the major constraints hindering sustainability. Additionally, the study analysed the financial and administrative support provided by Coega SEZ that could enhance SMME sustainability, as well as the policies and programs that can support SMME businesses. Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) face a range of challenges that hinder their growth and sustainability, despite government efforts to support them. Among these challenges, limited financial resources stand out as one of the most significant obstacles. Without adequate capital, SMMEs struggle to scale their operations, invest in necessary technology, or hire skilled employees. This case study of the Coega SEZ in South Africa examines its impact on Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), highlighting how SMME development can drive various socio-economic benefits. The qualitative research demonstrates that by simultaneously providing access to opportunities, finance, and technical and managerial expertise, Special Economic Zones (SEZs) can serve as a valuable policy tool for SMMEs, helping them overcome key challenges. The case study offers policy recommendations on how to leverage SEZs to support SMME growth and development. The study utilized a qualitative research methodology and employed a non-probability, purposive sampling technique to select a sample of fifteen participants. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. The main findings indicated that small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) often lack industry knowledge and face challenges related to skills and finance. The study recommended greater support from the government and multinational companies for SMMEs, along with incentives for financial institutions that assist them. Additionally, government intervention during periods of high interest rates was suggested. The study also emphasized the importance of SMMEs enhancing their skills and diversifying their businesses. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Kassim, Nadia
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Economic zoning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Industrial development projects -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Coega Development Corporation
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72846 , vital:79271
- Description: This research assesses the influence of Special Economic Zones (SEZ) on the sustainability of Small, Medium, and Micro-sized Enterprises (SMMEs) in the Eastern Cape. The main goal is to improve the comprehension of the role of SEZs and to identify the obstacles that hinder the growth and sustainability of SMMEs. The literature suggests that funding, skills, and management are identified as the major constraints hindering sustainability. Additionally, the study analysed the financial and administrative support provided by Coega SEZ that could enhance SMME sustainability, as well as the policies and programs that can support SMME businesses. Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) face a range of challenges that hinder their growth and sustainability, despite government efforts to support them. Among these challenges, limited financial resources stand out as one of the most significant obstacles. Without adequate capital, SMMEs struggle to scale their operations, invest in necessary technology, or hire skilled employees. This case study of the Coega SEZ in South Africa examines its impact on Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), highlighting how SMME development can drive various socio-economic benefits. The qualitative research demonstrates that by simultaneously providing access to opportunities, finance, and technical and managerial expertise, Special Economic Zones (SEZs) can serve as a valuable policy tool for SMMEs, helping them overcome key challenges. The case study offers policy recommendations on how to leverage SEZs to support SMME growth and development. The study utilized a qualitative research methodology and employed a non-probability, purposive sampling technique to select a sample of fifteen participants. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. The main findings indicated that small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) often lack industry knowledge and face challenges related to skills and finance. The study recommended greater support from the government and multinational companies for SMMEs, along with incentives for financial institutions that assist them. Additionally, government intervention during periods of high interest rates was suggested. The study also emphasized the importance of SMMEs enhancing their skills and diversifying their businesses. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04