A framework to influence the behavioural intention of adults to monitor their health using gamification: a case of discovery vitality in East London, South Africa.
- Authors: Ntshona, Linda
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Autonomy (Psychology) , Medical telematics. , Patient self-monitoring.
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22242 , vital:52005
- Description: The epidemic of overweight or obesity conditions has become a public health concern in South Africa, and signifies major challenges of chronic diseases affecting the healthcare sector. Recent years have noted the increasing prevalence of gamification and development across all age groups. The rapid adoption and use of gamification as a tool to improve adult motivation and engagement when monitoring their health and wellness is an essential form of health intervention. Gamification allows its users to keep track of their health in real time and encourages an active healthy lifestyle behaviour. Research has found that there are factors that may inhibit the behavioural intention of adults to use gamification for health monitoring in the long term. These factors include cost or membership fees associated with gamification that uses Discovery Vitality and privacy concerns. The main aim of this research study was to develop a framework to influence the behavioural intention of adults to monitor their health through gamification making use of Discovery Vitality as the case study. The self-determination theory was used as the theoretical framework to ensure continuance usage of gamification for sustained health monitoring. A qualitative research approach was chosen for this study. The purposive sampling technique was selected to identify 20 adults between the ages of 18-59 years that are members of Discovery Vitality in East London, South Africa. Interviews were conducted with the 20 participants to identify the factors that will influence their behavioural intention to make use of gamification to monitor their health. After data collection, thematic analysis was used to analyse the data and the data provided by the participants was organised and summarised into relevant themes to answer the main research question. The study developed a framework which incorporated the four constructs of the self-determination theory, namely perceived autonomy, competence, relatedness and satisfaction of basic psychological needs for sustained health monitoring. The study also developed the five factors influencing the behavioural intention of adults to continue using gamification for sustained health monitoring. These factors are known as: broad appeal, applicability and accessibility through mobile technology and pervasive sensors, development and accomplishment, employment of creativity and feedback, and lastly social influence and relatedness. The recognition of weight loss, tracking and monitoring of physical activities and medication adherence was found to positively influence the behavioural intention of adults to continuosly use gamification to monitor their health. , Thesis (MCom) (Information Systems) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
- Authors: Ntshona, Linda
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Autonomy (Psychology) , Medical telematics. , Patient self-monitoring.
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22242 , vital:52005
- Description: The epidemic of overweight or obesity conditions has become a public health concern in South Africa, and signifies major challenges of chronic diseases affecting the healthcare sector. Recent years have noted the increasing prevalence of gamification and development across all age groups. The rapid adoption and use of gamification as a tool to improve adult motivation and engagement when monitoring their health and wellness is an essential form of health intervention. Gamification allows its users to keep track of their health in real time and encourages an active healthy lifestyle behaviour. Research has found that there are factors that may inhibit the behavioural intention of adults to use gamification for health monitoring in the long term. These factors include cost or membership fees associated with gamification that uses Discovery Vitality and privacy concerns. The main aim of this research study was to develop a framework to influence the behavioural intention of adults to monitor their health through gamification making use of Discovery Vitality as the case study. The self-determination theory was used as the theoretical framework to ensure continuance usage of gamification for sustained health monitoring. A qualitative research approach was chosen for this study. The purposive sampling technique was selected to identify 20 adults between the ages of 18-59 years that are members of Discovery Vitality in East London, South Africa. Interviews were conducted with the 20 participants to identify the factors that will influence their behavioural intention to make use of gamification to monitor their health. After data collection, thematic analysis was used to analyse the data and the data provided by the participants was organised and summarised into relevant themes to answer the main research question. The study developed a framework which incorporated the four constructs of the self-determination theory, namely perceived autonomy, competence, relatedness and satisfaction of basic psychological needs for sustained health monitoring. The study also developed the five factors influencing the behavioural intention of adults to continue using gamification for sustained health monitoring. These factors are known as: broad appeal, applicability and accessibility through mobile technology and pervasive sensors, development and accomplishment, employment of creativity and feedback, and lastly social influence and relatedness. The recognition of weight loss, tracking and monitoring of physical activities and medication adherence was found to positively influence the behavioural intention of adults to continuosly use gamification to monitor their health. , Thesis (MCom) (Information Systems) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
Assessing the effects of the South African schools rationalisation policy on educator morale-case study of Buffalo City District Education in King Williams Town – Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mgedezi, Nomahlubi Pamela
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Teacher morale
- Language: English
- Type: Master's/ theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20439 , vital:45666
- Description: The purpose of the study was to scrutinise and assess the effects of South African school’s rationalization framework on educator morale in the Eastern Cape Department of Basic Education amidst the research objectives. The researcher wanted to establish if the Department of Education had succeeded in the implementation of the policy. In terms of the accomplishment of the objectives the researcher wanted to determine whether the exercise of the policy had affected the morale of educators. The study reviewed the literature, theoretical and empirical assessment of rationalisation process on the morale of educators in the King William’s Town district in the Eastern Cape. The study adopted a case study design of qualitative approach. The target population of the study included seventeen educators of the five schools in King William’s Town. A purposive sampling was used to select the respondents. A semi – structured interviews and questionnaires was used, and data was analysed using thematic approach according to the themes from the research questions. The questionnaire method succeeded by interviews was used for the collection of data. The tables and bar graphs were used to represent the number of respondents that participated in the study. The findings denoted that some of the educators believed the Department of Education had not planned the process of rationalisation sufficiently as it brought about anxiety and stress, though some of the affected educators mentioned that it brought relief as there are additional educators to teach other learning areas. The study recommended that the Department of basic Education in Eastern Cape should as a matter of priority provide maximum support to the affected educators. The study concluded that it became evident that the interaction with the respondents showed that the rationalisation process affects redeployed educators negatively. The outcome of the study could be helpful to the Department of Education to come up with strategies of implementing the policy and serve as a centre of reference towards other organisations and unions. , Thesis (MPA) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
- Authors: Mgedezi, Nomahlubi Pamela
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Teacher morale
- Language: English
- Type: Master's/ theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20439 , vital:45666
- Description: The purpose of the study was to scrutinise and assess the effects of South African school’s rationalization framework on educator morale in the Eastern Cape Department of Basic Education amidst the research objectives. The researcher wanted to establish if the Department of Education had succeeded in the implementation of the policy. In terms of the accomplishment of the objectives the researcher wanted to determine whether the exercise of the policy had affected the morale of educators. The study reviewed the literature, theoretical and empirical assessment of rationalisation process on the morale of educators in the King William’s Town district in the Eastern Cape. The study adopted a case study design of qualitative approach. The target population of the study included seventeen educators of the five schools in King William’s Town. A purposive sampling was used to select the respondents. A semi – structured interviews and questionnaires was used, and data was analysed using thematic approach according to the themes from the research questions. The questionnaire method succeeded by interviews was used for the collection of data. The tables and bar graphs were used to represent the number of respondents that participated in the study. The findings denoted that some of the educators believed the Department of Education had not planned the process of rationalisation sufficiently as it brought about anxiety and stress, though some of the affected educators mentioned that it brought relief as there are additional educators to teach other learning areas. The study recommended that the Department of basic Education in Eastern Cape should as a matter of priority provide maximum support to the affected educators. The study concluded that it became evident that the interaction with the respondents showed that the rationalisation process affects redeployed educators negatively. The outcome of the study could be helpful to the Department of Education to come up with strategies of implementing the policy and serve as a centre of reference towards other organisations and unions. , Thesis (MPA) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
Capital flows and real exchange rate movement in South Africa
- Authors: Lindani, Sandiswa
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Foreign exchange rates , Exchange rate pass-through , Capital movements
- Language: English
- Type: Master's/ theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20417 , vital:45664
- Description: The neoclassical theory suggests that free flow of external capital should be equilibrating and thereby facilitating smoothening of an economy's consumption or production patterns. Based on this background, this study empirically examines the extent to which the different forms of capital flows amongst other variables influence the real exchange rate in South Africa for the period 1980 to 2019, using annual data. Estimation techniques employed include the Johansen Co-integration Approach and the Vector error correction model (VECM). The variables were found to be co-integrated, with six co-integrating vectors existing. The long-run results revealed that FPI has an appreciating effect on the exchange rate in South Africa. Based on the results, policy recommendations are suggested. , Thesis (MCom) (Economics) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
- Authors: Lindani, Sandiswa
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Foreign exchange rates , Exchange rate pass-through , Capital movements
- Language: English
- Type: Master's/ theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20417 , vital:45664
- Description: The neoclassical theory suggests that free flow of external capital should be equilibrating and thereby facilitating smoothening of an economy's consumption or production patterns. Based on this background, this study empirically examines the extent to which the different forms of capital flows amongst other variables influence the real exchange rate in South Africa for the period 1980 to 2019, using annual data. Estimation techniques employed include the Johansen Co-integration Approach and the Vector error correction model (VECM). The variables were found to be co-integrated, with six co-integrating vectors existing. The long-run results revealed that FPI has an appreciating effect on the exchange rate in South Africa. Based on the results, policy recommendations are suggested. , Thesis (MCom) (Economics) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
Factors influencing the adoption of mobile health monitoring and care systems by the elderly living at home in South Africa: a case of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality.
- Authors: Fotoyi, Yolande Odwa
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Medical informatics , Wireless communication systems in medical care
- Language: English
- Type: Master's/ theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20406 , vital:45662
- Description: The gradual increase of elderly people around the globe necessitates intensive dialogue amongst government, the healthcare sector and elderly communities as per MPAA 2002 resolutions. Literature identifies technology as the enabler to drive the facilitation of improved living conditions beginning with an affordable, accessible and integrated health information system (HIS). The attainment of a better quality of care to meet the elderly’s needs requires the re-engineering of current modalities. The diverse nature of South Africa is more suited to a people-based rather than a process-centric approach currently in existence. Access barriers, affordability, the digital divide, lack of government buy-in, and fragmented HIS are considered major impediments to adoption of mobile monitoring and care systems (MMCs) for the elderly’s healthcare. Given the complications brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, the adoption of MMCs cannot be more pronounced. However, despite available literature regarding elderly issues in both developed and developing countries, the elderly plight has still not been considered a national priority. The main purpose of this research was to investigate why elderly people do not adopt MMCs to improve their quality of life, with MMC technologies as a general area of research. The main objective of the study was to develop critical success factors to improve the adoption of MMCs by the elderly living at home. This would potentially alleviate the burden on healthcare resources and also improve the elderly’s quality of life. Primary data collection took place from 21 February to 28 February 2020 in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 participants comprising one male and 14 females who represented the elderly Black, Coloured, Indian and White people. This qualitative research tool and purposive sampling method were chosen in order to fully capture the participants’ experiences in the home environment, which excluded those living in frail care or step-down facilities or state institutions. Despite the sample size being small and not being generalizable, it delivered rich information which provided a deeper understanding and fresh insights into the landscape of the elderly and their healthcare needs. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically. The study found that elderly communities are not entirely averse to adoption of MMCs but challenges like affordability and chronic shortage of technical skills prove to be impediments to adoption of MMCs for the elderly’s healthcare. The lack of standardisation and data governance pertaining to data sharing in HISs also serve to exacerbate the matter. The study, therefore, recommends collaborative engagements amongst government, business and the elderly to facilitate the availability of affordable and accessible ICT infrastructure for the elderly communities. Improved adoption of MMCs carry the potential benefit which emanates from the assumption of a pro-active role by the elderly and optimising available MMCs thus reducing strain and freeing-up healthcare workers to concentrate on core duties. The onus thus falls on the healthcare sector to revise the available strategies which seek to enhance the quality of life of the elderly people living in the home environment. , Thesis (MCom) (Information Systems) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
- Authors: Fotoyi, Yolande Odwa
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Medical informatics , Wireless communication systems in medical care
- Language: English
- Type: Master's/ theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20406 , vital:45662
- Description: The gradual increase of elderly people around the globe necessitates intensive dialogue amongst government, the healthcare sector and elderly communities as per MPAA 2002 resolutions. Literature identifies technology as the enabler to drive the facilitation of improved living conditions beginning with an affordable, accessible and integrated health information system (HIS). The attainment of a better quality of care to meet the elderly’s needs requires the re-engineering of current modalities. The diverse nature of South Africa is more suited to a people-based rather than a process-centric approach currently in existence. Access barriers, affordability, the digital divide, lack of government buy-in, and fragmented HIS are considered major impediments to adoption of mobile monitoring and care systems (MMCs) for the elderly’s healthcare. Given the complications brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, the adoption of MMCs cannot be more pronounced. However, despite available literature regarding elderly issues in both developed and developing countries, the elderly plight has still not been considered a national priority. The main purpose of this research was to investigate why elderly people do not adopt MMCs to improve their quality of life, with MMC technologies as a general area of research. The main objective of the study was to develop critical success factors to improve the adoption of MMCs by the elderly living at home. This would potentially alleviate the burden on healthcare resources and also improve the elderly’s quality of life. Primary data collection took place from 21 February to 28 February 2020 in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 participants comprising one male and 14 females who represented the elderly Black, Coloured, Indian and White people. This qualitative research tool and purposive sampling method were chosen in order to fully capture the participants’ experiences in the home environment, which excluded those living in frail care or step-down facilities or state institutions. Despite the sample size being small and not being generalizable, it delivered rich information which provided a deeper understanding and fresh insights into the landscape of the elderly and their healthcare needs. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically. The study found that elderly communities are not entirely averse to adoption of MMCs but challenges like affordability and chronic shortage of technical skills prove to be impediments to adoption of MMCs for the elderly’s healthcare. The lack of standardisation and data governance pertaining to data sharing in HISs also serve to exacerbate the matter. The study, therefore, recommends collaborative engagements amongst government, business and the elderly to facilitate the availability of affordable and accessible ICT infrastructure for the elderly communities. Improved adoption of MMCs carry the potential benefit which emanates from the assumption of a pro-active role by the elderly and optimising available MMCs thus reducing strain and freeing-up healthcare workers to concentrate on core duties. The onus thus falls on the healthcare sector to revise the available strategies which seek to enhance the quality of life of the elderly people living in the home environment. , Thesis (MCom) (Information Systems) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
Social media influence on graduateness skills and employability: the case of historically disadvantaged institutions.
- Authors: Murire, Obrain T
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Social media--Influence
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20383 , vital:45660
- Description: Orientation: The graduate labour force is increasing as more students are graduating from historically disadvantaged institutions (HDIs). The lack of graduateness attributes amongst final year students has in part contributed to the high rate of graduate unemployment in South Africa. Social media have been identified as a solution as more than 95percent of young adults enrolled at historically disadvantaged institutions in South Africa are using mobile technology. Research Purpose: The purpose of the study was to develop a model to enhance graduateness skills and employability through the use of social media amongst final year students at HDIs in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Motivation for the study: The study is of utmost importance as it has developed an artefact that investigated the influence of social media use on graduateness skills and employability amongst students at HDIs in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Additionally, students at HDIs are an interesting theoretical sample due to them being an under-researched sample. The HDIs context has received scant focus and attention. In theory, the link between psychological constructs (such as graduateness skills and employability) with a technology dimension especially within our South African context and internationally remains unexplored. Research approach/design and method: Social Media Integration and Career EDGE models were used as a theoretical foundation in this study. This study adopted design science as a research method, where a mixed-method technique was used to collect data from final year students and human resource practitioners. The sequential exploratory design was chosen as it offers an iterative process of developing an artefact that can be tested within a larger population. The questionnaire for interviews and the survey were developed after a thorough literature review and pilot study had been conducted. The questionnaire was distributed to all the participants, of which 411 responded, resulting in a response rate of 93percent; and 15 interviews were conducted. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data and correlations test were used to determine associations between variables. Main findings: The study found that there is a significant direct effect of social media use on graduateness skills; there is a significant direct effect of graduateness skills on perceived employability. Graduateness skills have a significant mediating effect on the relationship between social media use and perceived employability. The results also revealed that the direct effect of social media use on perceived employability does not exist. Practical/managerial implications: The study shows that there is a need for the government to devise policies that set guidelines for HR practitioners to follow when recruiting and selecting graduates. Contribution/value-add: The research study contributes to the growing body of research as it utilised a mixed-method approach to explore lived experiences. The Graduate Employability Social Media Model (GESM Model) is the main contribution made by this study to the body of knowledge in both the fields of Information Systems and Business Management. , Thesis (PhD) (Information Systems) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
- Authors: Murire, Obrain T
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Social media--Influence
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20383 , vital:45660
- Description: Orientation: The graduate labour force is increasing as more students are graduating from historically disadvantaged institutions (HDIs). The lack of graduateness attributes amongst final year students has in part contributed to the high rate of graduate unemployment in South Africa. Social media have been identified as a solution as more than 95percent of young adults enrolled at historically disadvantaged institutions in South Africa are using mobile technology. Research Purpose: The purpose of the study was to develop a model to enhance graduateness skills and employability through the use of social media amongst final year students at HDIs in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Motivation for the study: The study is of utmost importance as it has developed an artefact that investigated the influence of social media use on graduateness skills and employability amongst students at HDIs in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Additionally, students at HDIs are an interesting theoretical sample due to them being an under-researched sample. The HDIs context has received scant focus and attention. In theory, the link between psychological constructs (such as graduateness skills and employability) with a technology dimension especially within our South African context and internationally remains unexplored. Research approach/design and method: Social Media Integration and Career EDGE models were used as a theoretical foundation in this study. This study adopted design science as a research method, where a mixed-method technique was used to collect data from final year students and human resource practitioners. The sequential exploratory design was chosen as it offers an iterative process of developing an artefact that can be tested within a larger population. The questionnaire for interviews and the survey were developed after a thorough literature review and pilot study had been conducted. The questionnaire was distributed to all the participants, of which 411 responded, resulting in a response rate of 93percent; and 15 interviews were conducted. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data and correlations test were used to determine associations between variables. Main findings: The study found that there is a significant direct effect of social media use on graduateness skills; there is a significant direct effect of graduateness skills on perceived employability. Graduateness skills have a significant mediating effect on the relationship between social media use and perceived employability. The results also revealed that the direct effect of social media use on perceived employability does not exist. Practical/managerial implications: The study shows that there is a need for the government to devise policies that set guidelines for HR practitioners to follow when recruiting and selecting graduates. Contribution/value-add: The research study contributes to the growing body of research as it utilised a mixed-method approach to explore lived experiences. The Graduate Employability Social Media Model (GESM Model) is the main contribution made by this study to the body of knowledge in both the fields of Information Systems and Business Management. , Thesis (PhD) (Information Systems) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
The enforcement of code conduct in local government: the case of O R Tambo District.
- Authors: Tyali, Gcobani Sonwabile
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Public administration--Moral and ethical aspects , Civil service ethics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21300 , vital:48381
- Description: The post-apartheid transformative agenda for local government in South Africa (SA) was built on a system of new key performance areas for public employees. The problems of accountability and transparency in local government finance management, as well as good governance and the capacity building of those public officials designated to support local development, were among them. Over the years, the conduct of public officials has received more scrutiny in the media as well as in academic research. Ethics management therefore, has garnered more attention as well especially in the fight against corruption. The premise is that, if ethics management can be institutionalised public officials can become more effective and discharge their duties with respect for public resources. The imperative for the implementation of an ethical framework was also based on the need to ensure inclusive development which can be enhanced by ensuring accountability by local government functionaries. In this regard, the conduct of municipal functionaries and its regulation based on the code of conduct takes centre stage. The study contextualises ethics management and its efficacy with specific reference to the code of conduct and its role in the prevalence of unethical conduct. The results reveal glaring inconsistencies in the implementation of the code of conduct and a myriad of challenges rendering ethics management ineffective. , Thesis (MA) (Administration) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
- Authors: Tyali, Gcobani Sonwabile
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Public administration--Moral and ethical aspects , Civil service ethics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21300 , vital:48381
- Description: The post-apartheid transformative agenda for local government in South Africa (SA) was built on a system of new key performance areas for public employees. The problems of accountability and transparency in local government finance management, as well as good governance and the capacity building of those public officials designated to support local development, were among them. Over the years, the conduct of public officials has received more scrutiny in the media as well as in academic research. Ethics management therefore, has garnered more attention as well especially in the fight against corruption. The premise is that, if ethics management can be institutionalised public officials can become more effective and discharge their duties with respect for public resources. The imperative for the implementation of an ethical framework was also based on the need to ensure inclusive development which can be enhanced by ensuring accountability by local government functionaries. In this regard, the conduct of municipal functionaries and its regulation based on the code of conduct takes centre stage. The study contextualises ethics management and its efficacy with specific reference to the code of conduct and its role in the prevalence of unethical conduct. The results reveal glaring inconsistencies in the implementation of the code of conduct and a myriad of challenges rendering ethics management ineffective. , Thesis (MA) (Administration) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
The impact of export commodity prices on emerging markets economic growth: a case of South Africa’s mineral exports.
- Authors: Moodley, Shiven
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Economic development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's/ theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20462 , vital:45668
- Description: Despite South Africa being a mineral resource-rich country, it has experienced low economic growth post-democracy era. The available literature suggests that fluctuations in global demand for commodities have harmed the production process of tradeable and non-tradable goods. Based on this, this dissertation examines the impact of export commodity price on GDP per capita in South Africa using quarterly data beginning from Q2 (April-June) 1990 to Q4 (Oct-Dec) 2018. The Johansen co-integration technique and the Vector Error Correction Method (VECM) were utilised to examine both the long and short-run relationships between the variables of interest. The outcome of the examination has revealed that export commodity price and government expenditure have a positive relationship with GDP per capita in the long run. However, net capital flows have a negative effect on GDP per capita in South Africa. In the short run, the empirical results also reveal that both net capital flows and government expenditure are negatively related to GDP per capita. Furthermore, policy action should be directed towards structural investment for the development of sustainable infrastructure projects within the commodity export sector based on the long-run relationship between commodity export prices and GDP per capita. , Thesis (MCom) (Economics) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
- Authors: Moodley, Shiven
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Economic development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's/ theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20462 , vital:45668
- Description: Despite South Africa being a mineral resource-rich country, it has experienced low economic growth post-democracy era. The available literature suggests that fluctuations in global demand for commodities have harmed the production process of tradeable and non-tradable goods. Based on this, this dissertation examines the impact of export commodity price on GDP per capita in South Africa using quarterly data beginning from Q2 (April-June) 1990 to Q4 (Oct-Dec) 2018. The Johansen co-integration technique and the Vector Error Correction Method (VECM) were utilised to examine both the long and short-run relationships between the variables of interest. The outcome of the examination has revealed that export commodity price and government expenditure have a positive relationship with GDP per capita in the long run. However, net capital flows have a negative effect on GDP per capita in South Africa. In the short run, the empirical results also reveal that both net capital flows and government expenditure are negatively related to GDP per capita. Furthermore, policy action should be directed towards structural investment for the development of sustainable infrastructure projects within the commodity export sector based on the long-run relationship between commodity export prices and GDP per capita. , Thesis (MCom) (Economics) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
The impact of financial inclusion on poverty: a case of selected SADC countries.
- Authors: Ndlovu, Nkazimulo Glitter
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Financial services industry , Poverty--Africa , Poverty
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21311 , vital:48393
- Description: Financial inclusion is widely regarded as another conduit through which poverty can be alleviated. However, both theoretical and empirical literature does not reach consensus on the effect of financial inclusion on poverty. Against this background, the study empirically examines the effect of financial inclusion on poverty in selected Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, which include (Botswana, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia). The author employs the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) technique for the period 1980 to 2019. Based on the Financial Intermediation Theory and the Social Justice Theory: Tunnel effect, 5 different models were estimated. Variables used to capture the different dimensions of financial inclusion include ATMs per 1000km and Bank Accounts per 1000 adults as well as Bank’s private Credit to GDP and Commercial Bank branches per 1000 adults’. The control variables used in the study are; GDP per Capita, Government Consumption, Inflation and Education. Empirical results revealed that financial inclusion reduces the level of poverty in the selected SADC states. The results also revealed that GDP per capita and government spending have a negative effect on poverty in the region. An interesting finding, even though not the major focus of the study was the effect of education. The results revealed that lower levels of education may exacerbate the level of poverty in the region. At the same time, tertiary education was found to have a negative and significant effect on poverty. The empirical results imply that policy makers should center their focus on reforms that will ensure that more people are financially included in the region. Also policies promoting high growth levels and acquisition of higher levels of education should be pursued. , Thesis (MCom) (Economics) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
- Authors: Ndlovu, Nkazimulo Glitter
- Date: 2021-09
- Subjects: Financial services industry , Poverty--Africa , Poverty
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21311 , vital:48393
- Description: Financial inclusion is widely regarded as another conduit through which poverty can be alleviated. However, both theoretical and empirical literature does not reach consensus on the effect of financial inclusion on poverty. Against this background, the study empirically examines the effect of financial inclusion on poverty in selected Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, which include (Botswana, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia). The author employs the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) technique for the period 1980 to 2019. Based on the Financial Intermediation Theory and the Social Justice Theory: Tunnel effect, 5 different models were estimated. Variables used to capture the different dimensions of financial inclusion include ATMs per 1000km and Bank Accounts per 1000 adults as well as Bank’s private Credit to GDP and Commercial Bank branches per 1000 adults’. The control variables used in the study are; GDP per Capita, Government Consumption, Inflation and Education. Empirical results revealed that financial inclusion reduces the level of poverty in the selected SADC states. The results also revealed that GDP per capita and government spending have a negative effect on poverty in the region. An interesting finding, even though not the major focus of the study was the effect of education. The results revealed that lower levels of education may exacerbate the level of poverty in the region. At the same time, tertiary education was found to have a negative and significant effect on poverty. The empirical results imply that policy makers should center their focus on reforms that will ensure that more people are financially included in the region. Also policies promoting high growth levels and acquisition of higher levels of education should be pursued. , Thesis (MCom) (Economics) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-09
An evaluation of performance management development system alignment with organizational objectives: case study of the Department of Tourism.
- Authors: Mkhavele, Enes Katekani
- Date: 2021-07
- Subjects: Performance--Management , Organizational effectiveness , Employees--Rating of
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21455 , vital:48645
- Description: The aim and objectives of this study are to assess the public sectors’ performance management development framework’s role in fulfilling organizational and employees’ performance objectives within Department of Tourism, to identify areas of disconnect between the Department of Tourism’s strategic objectives and employee performance, to determine whether the current employee rewards system enhances organizational commitment and promotes organizational effectiveness. Lastly, the study seeks to make a recommendation on how the Department of Tourism can align its employee’s performance management systems with the organizational performance planning process. , Thesis (PhD) (Public Administration) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-07
- Authors: Mkhavele, Enes Katekani
- Date: 2021-07
- Subjects: Performance--Management , Organizational effectiveness , Employees--Rating of
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21455 , vital:48645
- Description: The aim and objectives of this study are to assess the public sectors’ performance management development framework’s role in fulfilling organizational and employees’ performance objectives within Department of Tourism, to identify areas of disconnect between the Department of Tourism’s strategic objectives and employee performance, to determine whether the current employee rewards system enhances organizational commitment and promotes organizational effectiveness. Lastly, the study seeks to make a recommendation on how the Department of Tourism can align its employee’s performance management systems with the organizational performance planning process. , Thesis (PhD) (Public Administration) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-07
The dynamics of household debt in South Africa
- Authors: Mabitle, Mope
- Date: 2021-07
- Subjects: Debt , Finance, Personal
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21781 , vital:51751
- Description: Household debt as a proportion of South African household disposable income remain alarmingly above 70 percent. Impliedly, the majority of households are spending the bulk of their income on servicing debt. This not only puts a strain on household welfare but also on economic growth as household spending is the major contributor to economic activity in the country. Based on this background, the study examines the dynamics of the South African household debt. The analysis was done both at the macro and individual/household level (micro). The macro-level data covered the period from 1994 to 2018 utilizing the Autoregressive Distributed Lag model. The empirical results indicated that there is both a long-term and short-term relationship between the variables of interest. The results further show that the majority of low-income households in South Africa borrow more, as a way to smoothen their consumption. Interest rate as the official instrument to counter borrowing was found to have a positive relationship with household debt, indicating that households borrow to settle the existing debt as interest rates increases. The dummy variable used to capture the credit regulations enactment/amendments was found to be insignificant in the long run. This suggests that credit regulations implemented in South Africa have not reduced the propensity to borrow. At a micro level, the National Income Dynamics Study (NIDS) data was used. Five waves of data were collected on the same individuals every 2 years. Panel regressions were employed in the analysis and the empirical results revealed that employment and income at the micro-level are found to be strong determinants of household debt. The results further showed that being a male and a white individual was positively associated with the likelihood of taking up more debt in general. On the other hand, the results indicated that being a black African is associated with a high likelihood of using services from most of the informal non-banking institutions. The results also revealed that the greater the education level of the head of the household, the higher the probability of taking more debt. One of the telltale signs of over-indebtedness is the persistence of debt, households respond to increased debt and their inability to repay it by increasing their borrowing. The study also investigated the transmission matrices of households in and out of debt. The results indicate a higher transition frequency in and out of debt on informal loans from the non-banking sector that is normally accessed by the poorer households, this could indicate debt entrapment and the persistence of debt at lower-income levels. Based on empirical results, the study recommended policies that would support consumption without necessarily increasing the credit appetite of household debt. Additional recommendations are those that support selective lending and the strengthening of the risk management of lending institutions. Furthermore, to combat the rising levels of household debt, several measures are proposed in the study. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-07
- Authors: Mabitle, Mope
- Date: 2021-07
- Subjects: Debt , Finance, Personal
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21781 , vital:51751
- Description: Household debt as a proportion of South African household disposable income remain alarmingly above 70 percent. Impliedly, the majority of households are spending the bulk of their income on servicing debt. This not only puts a strain on household welfare but also on economic growth as household spending is the major contributor to economic activity in the country. Based on this background, the study examines the dynamics of the South African household debt. The analysis was done both at the macro and individual/household level (micro). The macro-level data covered the period from 1994 to 2018 utilizing the Autoregressive Distributed Lag model. The empirical results indicated that there is both a long-term and short-term relationship between the variables of interest. The results further show that the majority of low-income households in South Africa borrow more, as a way to smoothen their consumption. Interest rate as the official instrument to counter borrowing was found to have a positive relationship with household debt, indicating that households borrow to settle the existing debt as interest rates increases. The dummy variable used to capture the credit regulations enactment/amendments was found to be insignificant in the long run. This suggests that credit regulations implemented in South Africa have not reduced the propensity to borrow. At a micro level, the National Income Dynamics Study (NIDS) data was used. Five waves of data were collected on the same individuals every 2 years. Panel regressions were employed in the analysis and the empirical results revealed that employment and income at the micro-level are found to be strong determinants of household debt. The results further showed that being a male and a white individual was positively associated with the likelihood of taking up more debt in general. On the other hand, the results indicated that being a black African is associated with a high likelihood of using services from most of the informal non-banking institutions. The results also revealed that the greater the education level of the head of the household, the higher the probability of taking more debt. One of the telltale signs of over-indebtedness is the persistence of debt, households respond to increased debt and their inability to repay it by increasing their borrowing. The study also investigated the transmission matrices of households in and out of debt. The results indicate a higher transition frequency in and out of debt on informal loans from the non-banking sector that is normally accessed by the poorer households, this could indicate debt entrapment and the persistence of debt at lower-income levels. Based on empirical results, the study recommended policies that would support consumption without necessarily increasing the credit appetite of household debt. Additional recommendations are those that support selective lending and the strengthening of the risk management of lending institutions. Furthermore, to combat the rising levels of household debt, several measures are proposed in the study. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-07
A gender responsive entrepreneurship development (GRED) model for Zimbabwe’s creative industry: : A focus on women sculptors
- Basiyawo, Patricia Heriette Mwedzi https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3889-177X
- Authors: Basiyawo, Patricia Heriette Mwedzi https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3889-177X
- Date: 2021-06
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship , Women-owned business enterprises , Women artists -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21748 , vital:51748
- Description: This study was based on the GRED model and it sought to proffer solution to the challenges being faced by women sculptor entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe’s creative industry. The solution is set to help the policy makers, women in the creative industry and non-governmental organizations that work with women in the sculpting industry. The study’s main thrust was to create a gender responsive entrepreneurship development model for Zimbabwe’s creative industry. The entire study was anchored on determining the conceptual and contextual basis for a gender responsive approach to entrepreneurial development interventions, interrogating current government entrepreneurship approaches in Zimbabwe, determining important antecedents for entrepreneurship development that respond to gender dynamics within the creative industry in Zimbabwe and designing a GRED model for Zimbabwe’s creative industry basing on the findings of the research. The research employed qualitative research, through which focus group discussions, individual interviews, observations and document analysis were exploited for data collection. Armed with permission from UREC and the Ministries responsible for the creative industry, this study established that women in the creative industry were marginalized, poorly resourced and that government approaches and strategies were not being well implemented to benefit them. The study also revealed that most of the entrepreneurial activities were marred by corruption. The following tenets were recommended to foster viable women sculptors’ entrepreneurship: 50:50 representation, robust use of opportunities, business registration, forming of associations, funding, support, training, exhibitions, records keeping, monitoring and evaluation. The above tenets formed the basis of the constructed GRED model. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-06
- Authors: Basiyawo, Patricia Heriette Mwedzi https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3889-177X
- Date: 2021-06
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship , Women-owned business enterprises , Women artists -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21748 , vital:51748
- Description: This study was based on the GRED model and it sought to proffer solution to the challenges being faced by women sculptor entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe’s creative industry. The solution is set to help the policy makers, women in the creative industry and non-governmental organizations that work with women in the sculpting industry. The study’s main thrust was to create a gender responsive entrepreneurship development model for Zimbabwe’s creative industry. The entire study was anchored on determining the conceptual and contextual basis for a gender responsive approach to entrepreneurial development interventions, interrogating current government entrepreneurship approaches in Zimbabwe, determining important antecedents for entrepreneurship development that respond to gender dynamics within the creative industry in Zimbabwe and designing a GRED model for Zimbabwe’s creative industry basing on the findings of the research. The research employed qualitative research, through which focus group discussions, individual interviews, observations and document analysis were exploited for data collection. Armed with permission from UREC and the Ministries responsible for the creative industry, this study established that women in the creative industry were marginalized, poorly resourced and that government approaches and strategies were not being well implemented to benefit them. The study also revealed that most of the entrepreneurial activities were marred by corruption. The following tenets were recommended to foster viable women sculptors’ entrepreneurship: 50:50 representation, robust use of opportunities, business registration, forming of associations, funding, support, training, exhibitions, records keeping, monitoring and evaluation. The above tenets formed the basis of the constructed GRED model. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-06
The role of cooperatives in local economic development in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality: A participatory monitoring and evaluation approach
- Gxabuza, Fundiswa https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2654-7365
- Authors: Gxabuza, Fundiswa https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2654-7365
- Date: 2021-06
- Subjects: Cooperative societies , Economic development , Participatory monitoring and evaluation (Project management)
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20273 , vital:45645
- Description: The goal to halve unemployment in South Africa by 2014 has remained, to date, elusive. In the particular case of the Eastern Cape Province, the challenge of combating unemployment is even more daunting, as it currently faces high unemployment rates. However, while there is evidence that initiatives to promote employment generation could be reinforced through Local Economic Development (LED) and, in particular, cooperatives, not much has been reported on how cooperatives contribute in minimising unemployment in the Province. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) points to the inadequacy of the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) of cooperatives as a critical challenge that has largely remained unaddressed. The inadequacy of M&E in respect to the role of cooperatives in employment and LED has affected cooperatives, generally, and those operating in the Eastern Cape, particularly. This study argues for a participatory approach to relevant M&E frameworks and, thus, presents a participatory monitoring and evaluation (PM&E) framework for evaluating cooperatives’ impact on LED. The testable framework for PM&E is partially derived from participatory action research (PAR) methodologies, where the researcher and cooperatives identify and define the problem to be solved. The thesis then develops the framework by integrating PM&E and PAR approaches in the evaluation of cooperatives’ role in employment creation and LED. By reviewing relevant literature, this study identified, assessed, and synthesized important elements for its suggested framework. Research on cooperatives has tended to focus on their role as agents of development, and much has already focussed on sharing relevant lessons learnt. Fewer studies have, by contrast, focussed on an engaged methodology for the evaluation of cooperatives’ efforts in development. The findings of this current study show that a PM&E/PAR framework must be a joint effort of all affected parties; where the researcher and/or facilitator assumes the role of a change agent, and where participants are leaders of the movement in the course for action. This study was based in East London, and the target population consisted of primary cooperatives. Primary cooperatives are defined by the Buffalo City Integrated Cooperative Development Strategy (BCMM ICDS, 2016) are cooperative that have at least five members, and whose aim is providing employment to said members. The research design for this study was exploratory and inductive. As noted previously, this study adopted a qualitative research approach that combined PAR and PM&E. Two sets of data collection were utilised, namely focus group interviews (FGIs) and an emailed questionnaire (EQ). The FGIs were conducted with the overall study population, namely 14 cooperatives. The EQ was given to specific individual participants, namely senior government and municipal officials who are responsible for the noted cooperatives. The underlying theoretical framework for this research was empowerment, agency, and the theory of community development. A qualitative data analysis was utilised based on the translation of meaning not frequency. The search for meaning elicited rich insights pertaining to participants’ views and interpretations. In all, this study established that the participating Eastern Cape cooperatives have not yet achieved their desired contributory role of promoting LED; specifically, in terms of job creation. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-06
- Authors: Gxabuza, Fundiswa https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2654-7365
- Date: 2021-06
- Subjects: Cooperative societies , Economic development , Participatory monitoring and evaluation (Project management)
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20273 , vital:45645
- Description: The goal to halve unemployment in South Africa by 2014 has remained, to date, elusive. In the particular case of the Eastern Cape Province, the challenge of combating unemployment is even more daunting, as it currently faces high unemployment rates. However, while there is evidence that initiatives to promote employment generation could be reinforced through Local Economic Development (LED) and, in particular, cooperatives, not much has been reported on how cooperatives contribute in minimising unemployment in the Province. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) points to the inadequacy of the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) of cooperatives as a critical challenge that has largely remained unaddressed. The inadequacy of M&E in respect to the role of cooperatives in employment and LED has affected cooperatives, generally, and those operating in the Eastern Cape, particularly. This study argues for a participatory approach to relevant M&E frameworks and, thus, presents a participatory monitoring and evaluation (PM&E) framework for evaluating cooperatives’ impact on LED. The testable framework for PM&E is partially derived from participatory action research (PAR) methodologies, where the researcher and cooperatives identify and define the problem to be solved. The thesis then develops the framework by integrating PM&E and PAR approaches in the evaluation of cooperatives’ role in employment creation and LED. By reviewing relevant literature, this study identified, assessed, and synthesized important elements for its suggested framework. Research on cooperatives has tended to focus on their role as agents of development, and much has already focussed on sharing relevant lessons learnt. Fewer studies have, by contrast, focussed on an engaged methodology for the evaluation of cooperatives’ efforts in development. The findings of this current study show that a PM&E/PAR framework must be a joint effort of all affected parties; where the researcher and/or facilitator assumes the role of a change agent, and where participants are leaders of the movement in the course for action. This study was based in East London, and the target population consisted of primary cooperatives. Primary cooperatives are defined by the Buffalo City Integrated Cooperative Development Strategy (BCMM ICDS, 2016) are cooperative that have at least five members, and whose aim is providing employment to said members. The research design for this study was exploratory and inductive. As noted previously, this study adopted a qualitative research approach that combined PAR and PM&E. Two sets of data collection were utilised, namely focus group interviews (FGIs) and an emailed questionnaire (EQ). The FGIs were conducted with the overall study population, namely 14 cooperatives. The EQ was given to specific individual participants, namely senior government and municipal officials who are responsible for the noted cooperatives. The underlying theoretical framework for this research was empowerment, agency, and the theory of community development. A qualitative data analysis was utilised based on the translation of meaning not frequency. The search for meaning elicited rich insights pertaining to participants’ views and interpretations. In all, this study established that the participating Eastern Cape cooperatives have not yet achieved their desired contributory role of promoting LED; specifically, in terms of job creation. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-06
An evaluation of agricultural extension as a measure to improve broad-based Black economic empowerment in -the Eastern Cape Province: the case of orTambo District Municipality.
- Authors: Mambila, Lawrence Nzimeni
- Date: 2021-05
- Subjects: Food security , Agricultural extension work , Land tenure
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21333 , vital:48486
- Description: This research evaluates the extent to which broad-based black economic empowerment has been achieved as a result of the implementation of different agricultural · extension programmes in Mthatha. The overall analysis and interpretation of the findings imply that to a significant extent, broad-based black economic empowerment has been_ achieved as a result of the implementation of different agricultural extension programmes in Mthatha. This is attributable to the fact that as much as some of the respondents disagreed, most of the - 97 sampled farmers were also ·found to agree that the implementation of different agricultural extension programmes in Mthatha has influenced increased farm ownership by black farmers increase in land ownership by black farmers, the development of farming skills of black farmers and increased embracement of agriculture, as a business. Some of the sampled 97 farmers also acknowledged that such agricultural extension programmes have influenced improvement in productivity and production to boost the socio-economic development of the communities in Mthatha, expansion of numerous employment opportunities .to catalyse increase in sources of income for communities in Mthatha and improvement in food security to leverage the economic independence of communities in Mthatha. However, despite some significant progress, findings imply that there are challenges that are marring the achievement of broad-based black economic empowerment. It emerged from the findings that challenges of implementation of agricultural extension programmes, as mechanisms for achieving broad-based black economic empowerment in Mthatha, arise from lack of financial capital, poor support from government, low motivation among the population and emergence of natural calamities such as stronger sunshine that causes draught. To address the above challenges, the survey explored the opinions of the participants on intervention measures that can be undertaken. The survey results indicated that measures used for ensuring that the implementation of agricultural extension programmes impact on the improvement of broad-based black economic empowerment encompass constant training and visit by agricultural specialists from Mthatha Department of Agriculture, the use of ordinary farmers as trainers, encouragement of farmers to form groups, as a basis for training community members and frequent intervention from the district, if needed. , Thesis (MCom) (Development Studies) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-05
- Authors: Mambila, Lawrence Nzimeni
- Date: 2021-05
- Subjects: Food security , Agricultural extension work , Land tenure
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21333 , vital:48486
- Description: This research evaluates the extent to which broad-based black economic empowerment has been achieved as a result of the implementation of different agricultural · extension programmes in Mthatha. The overall analysis and interpretation of the findings imply that to a significant extent, broad-based black economic empowerment has been_ achieved as a result of the implementation of different agricultural extension programmes in Mthatha. This is attributable to the fact that as much as some of the respondents disagreed, most of the - 97 sampled farmers were also ·found to agree that the implementation of different agricultural extension programmes in Mthatha has influenced increased farm ownership by black farmers increase in land ownership by black farmers, the development of farming skills of black farmers and increased embracement of agriculture, as a business. Some of the sampled 97 farmers also acknowledged that such agricultural extension programmes have influenced improvement in productivity and production to boost the socio-economic development of the communities in Mthatha, expansion of numerous employment opportunities .to catalyse increase in sources of income for communities in Mthatha and improvement in food security to leverage the economic independence of communities in Mthatha. However, despite some significant progress, findings imply that there are challenges that are marring the achievement of broad-based black economic empowerment. It emerged from the findings that challenges of implementation of agricultural extension programmes, as mechanisms for achieving broad-based black economic empowerment in Mthatha, arise from lack of financial capital, poor support from government, low motivation among the population and emergence of natural calamities such as stronger sunshine that causes draught. To address the above challenges, the survey explored the opinions of the participants on intervention measures that can be undertaken. The survey results indicated that measures used for ensuring that the implementation of agricultural extension programmes impact on the improvement of broad-based black economic empowerment encompass constant training and visit by agricultural specialists from Mthatha Department of Agriculture, the use of ordinary farmers as trainers, encouragement of farmers to form groups, as a basis for training community members and frequent intervention from the district, if needed. , Thesis (MCom) (Development Studies) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-05
Transition experiences from student to nascent Entreprenuership: a narrative analysis.
- Authors: Soda, Ruth
- Date: 2021-05
- Subjects: Business education. , Entrepreneurship. , Career development.
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22323 , vital:52023
- Description: Orientation: South Africa is facing an increase in the unemployment rate. This has affected many youths, particularly the graduates of South Africa. In a quest to better their lives, many of them are engaging in nascent entrepreneurship. Although they are facing challenges in the journey, they are managing to devise solutions that work for their success. Research purpose: The main purpose of this research was to explore the transition experiences from student to nascent entrepreneur. The secondary aims included: i) investigating the journey (experiences and transitions in becoming a nascent entrepreneur), ii) exploring the challenges as part of the experiences and transitions faced by nascent entrepreneurs, and iii) exploring how nascent entrepreneurs, as part of the challenges faced during experiences and transition, navigate past these. Motivation for the study: Many studies in literature have focused on nascent entrepreneurship. Further studies should concentrate on narrowing this aspect to the South African context and also more qualitative studies should be conducted to gain a deep understanding of nascent entrepreneurship. Research approach/design and method: A qualitative research approach was used as a way of generating new information. Narrative inquiry was employed and this allowed the participants to express their views freely. A sample of 22 participants was utilised for this study. Data was analysed using the three levels of meaning-making. Main findings: The findings of this study were grouped into three narratives. The first narrative was nascent entrepreneurship expressed as a solution to social challenges. The second narrative elaborated the challenges that these participants faced in their nascent entrepreneurship journey. The last narrative focused on the solutions that were implied by the participants in response to the challenges they encountered in the transition process. Practical implications: Based on the research findings, this research has recommendations that can assist universities and students, those who are already in the entrepreneurial space, as well as the government. Contribution/value-add: All the universities in South Africa should integrate the need for thorough entrepreneurship education in their institutions to prepare students for the world of work and policies set for entrepreneurship should be amended. , Thesis (MCom) (Business Management) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-05
- Authors: Soda, Ruth
- Date: 2021-05
- Subjects: Business education. , Entrepreneurship. , Career development.
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22323 , vital:52023
- Description: Orientation: South Africa is facing an increase in the unemployment rate. This has affected many youths, particularly the graduates of South Africa. In a quest to better their lives, many of them are engaging in nascent entrepreneurship. Although they are facing challenges in the journey, they are managing to devise solutions that work for their success. Research purpose: The main purpose of this research was to explore the transition experiences from student to nascent entrepreneur. The secondary aims included: i) investigating the journey (experiences and transitions in becoming a nascent entrepreneur), ii) exploring the challenges as part of the experiences and transitions faced by nascent entrepreneurs, and iii) exploring how nascent entrepreneurs, as part of the challenges faced during experiences and transition, navigate past these. Motivation for the study: Many studies in literature have focused on nascent entrepreneurship. Further studies should concentrate on narrowing this aspect to the South African context and also more qualitative studies should be conducted to gain a deep understanding of nascent entrepreneurship. Research approach/design and method: A qualitative research approach was used as a way of generating new information. Narrative inquiry was employed and this allowed the participants to express their views freely. A sample of 22 participants was utilised for this study. Data was analysed using the three levels of meaning-making. Main findings: The findings of this study were grouped into three narratives. The first narrative was nascent entrepreneurship expressed as a solution to social challenges. The second narrative elaborated the challenges that these participants faced in their nascent entrepreneurship journey. The last narrative focused on the solutions that were implied by the participants in response to the challenges they encountered in the transition process. Practical implications: Based on the research findings, this research has recommendations that can assist universities and students, those who are already in the entrepreneurial space, as well as the government. Contribution/value-add: All the universities in South Africa should integrate the need for thorough entrepreneurship education in their institutions to prepare students for the world of work and policies set for entrepreneurship should be amended. , Thesis (MCom) (Business Management) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-05
Using narratives to understand consumer behaviour, nutrition knowledge perceptions and experiences amongst women at Thembeni Location
- Ben, Sive https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4186-924X
- Authors: Ben, Sive https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4186-924X
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Women -- Nutrition
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20164 , vital:45381
- Description: Orientation: Nutrition knowledge is an important aspect which shapes the lived experiences of women when they are making a purchase. South Africa, being a developing country, is faced with many challenges that have in turn subjected rural women to various challenges in approaching nutrition. These challenges include but are not limited to low economic status, low levels of education, and lack of developmental programmes that are structured to cater for rural women. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to understand the experiences and the perceptions of rural women concerning nutrition knowledge. Motivation for the study: This study was conducted with a motivation to understand how a sample of women in a rural area approach issues of nutrition. In understanding this, women can be empowered in asserting the approach to consumer behaviour. Research design: A phenomenological philosophy was adopted using a qualitative tradition in pursuit of the research objective. A judgemental sampling technique was utilised to sample 20 women and semi-structured interviews were undertaken and the gathered data on the experiences and perceptions of women was analysed by way of narrative analysis. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Ben, Sive https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4186-924X
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Women -- Nutrition
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20164 , vital:45381
- Description: Orientation: Nutrition knowledge is an important aspect which shapes the lived experiences of women when they are making a purchase. South Africa, being a developing country, is faced with many challenges that have in turn subjected rural women to various challenges in approaching nutrition. These challenges include but are not limited to low economic status, low levels of education, and lack of developmental programmes that are structured to cater for rural women. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to understand the experiences and the perceptions of rural women concerning nutrition knowledge. Motivation for the study: This study was conducted with a motivation to understand how a sample of women in a rural area approach issues of nutrition. In understanding this, women can be empowered in asserting the approach to consumer behaviour. Research design: A phenomenological philosophy was adopted using a qualitative tradition in pursuit of the research objective. A judgemental sampling technique was utilised to sample 20 women and semi-structured interviews were undertaken and the gathered data on the experiences and perceptions of women was analysed by way of narrative analysis. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
An analysis of technical efficiency and service effectiveness for freight railways in African and European countries
- Mfiyo, Azania https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0967-9756
- Authors: Mfiyo, Azania https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0967-9756
- Date: 2021-03
- Subjects: Freight and freightage , Railroads -- Freight
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20186 , vital:45406
- Description: For the past decades, technical efficiency and service effectiveness have become topical as performance measures in various sectors. However, a comparison of technical efficiency and service effectiveness for freight rail transport has received less attention in African and European countries. To address this challenge the current study seeks to analyse technical efficiency and service effectiveness of rail freight in African and European countries. Due to data unavailability in other countries, this study selected four African countries (South Africa, Morocco, Democratic Republic of Congo and Algeria) and four European countries (Lithuania, Austria, France and Germany). The data has been collected from the World Bank, International Union of Railway Statistics and Knoema for the period 2017. Input oriented and output oriented data envelope analysis (DEA) were used to analyze technical efficiency and service effectiveness, respectively. The application of DEA requires the selection of appropriate inputs, production and output variables. This study selected a number of employees and length of rail lines as input variables, gross train tonne kilometres (km) as production variable, tonnes carried and tonne kilometres (km) as output variables. The result shows that five out of eight countries were technical efficient and their services effective with values equal to 1.00. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to analyse the relationship between technical efficiency and service effectiveness. The results indicate that there is a statistically significant positive correlation between technical efficiency and service effectiveness. To determine the impact exogenous variables on technical efficiency and service effectiveness, a Tobit regression analysis was conducted. The results show that technical efficiency and service effectiveness are not significantly affected by exogenous variables. On the other hand, technical efficiency is significantly affected by the number of employees while service effectiveness is significantly affected by gross train tonne km. This study recommends the use of less labour intensive assets and monitoring of gross train tonne km should be viewed as important strategies to improve technical efficiency and service effectiveness, respectively. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-03
- Authors: Mfiyo, Azania https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0967-9756
- Date: 2021-03
- Subjects: Freight and freightage , Railroads -- Freight
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20186 , vital:45406
- Description: For the past decades, technical efficiency and service effectiveness have become topical as performance measures in various sectors. However, a comparison of technical efficiency and service effectiveness for freight rail transport has received less attention in African and European countries. To address this challenge the current study seeks to analyse technical efficiency and service effectiveness of rail freight in African and European countries. Due to data unavailability in other countries, this study selected four African countries (South Africa, Morocco, Democratic Republic of Congo and Algeria) and four European countries (Lithuania, Austria, France and Germany). The data has been collected from the World Bank, International Union of Railway Statistics and Knoema for the period 2017. Input oriented and output oriented data envelope analysis (DEA) were used to analyze technical efficiency and service effectiveness, respectively. The application of DEA requires the selection of appropriate inputs, production and output variables. This study selected a number of employees and length of rail lines as input variables, gross train tonne kilometres (km) as production variable, tonnes carried and tonne kilometres (km) as output variables. The result shows that five out of eight countries were technical efficient and their services effective with values equal to 1.00. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to analyse the relationship between technical efficiency and service effectiveness. The results indicate that there is a statistically significant positive correlation between technical efficiency and service effectiveness. To determine the impact exogenous variables on technical efficiency and service effectiveness, a Tobit regression analysis was conducted. The results show that technical efficiency and service effectiveness are not significantly affected by exogenous variables. On the other hand, technical efficiency is significantly affected by the number of employees while service effectiveness is significantly affected by gross train tonne km. This study recommends the use of less labour intensive assets and monitoring of gross train tonne km should be viewed as important strategies to improve technical efficiency and service effectiveness, respectively. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-03
Dynamics of agricultural micro, small and medium enterprise life-cycle financing and implications for sector development in Zimbabwe
- Kichini, Gilbert https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2972-1023
- Authors: Kichini, Gilbert https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2972-1023
- Date: 2021-03
- Subjects: Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- Zimbabwe , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20296 , vital:45648
- Description: Small, micro and medium-scale enterprises (SMMEs) contribute significantly to economic growth, employment and boosting the livelihoods of the poor in Zimbabwe. In the context of the Fast-track Land Reform and Re-distribution programme, agricultural SMMEs are viewed as the main pillar that anchors the recovery of the agricultural sector. Despite the key role they play, these SMMEs operate in a financially constrained environment in which access to funding is limited. In such a context, the ability of the SMMEs to perform their role depends on the strategic use of limited funding. One way to achieve this is to ensure that the funding used at each of the life-cycle stages of the business is the most suitable in addressing the main threats to business success. Much has been studied about how the supply-side factors have constrained growth and development. However, very limited focus has been placed on how SMME owners use the limited funding secured to address the main operational problems faced. The funding behaviour of the owners has to support the supply-side initiatives if the SMMEs are to survive and fulfil their envisaged role in the economy. This study thus analyses the use of funding by the owners along the business life-cycle based on a six-stage life-cycle model. It further analyses the suitability of such funding given the unique operational needs and challenges per stage as well as best practices. The specific objectives of the study are to identify the level of knowledge that SMME owners have about the financing options available and which ones are mostly used, determine the use and suitability of life-cycle financing focusing on agricultural SMMEs and also determine the most suitable life-cycle funding in terms of best practices for sector development. A cross-sectional survey research design was used given the lack of accurate time-series data and it followed a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed. The owners or managers of agricultural SMMEs and the institutions providing funding constituted the two populations studied. A multiple-stage sampling strategy was used to determine a final sample of 320 owners of agricultural SMMEs while purposive sampling was used to draw a sample of 12 main SMME financing institutions. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the owners while an administered semi- structured questionnaire was used for financing institutions. The unit of analysis was the funding used along the business life-cycle. Frequency, binary logistic regression, Chi-Square tests of association and Odds-ratio analysis were used for quantitative data analysis while Qualitative-failure mode, effects and criticality analysis (Q-FMECA) and thematic analysis were used to analyse qualitative data. Results show a persistent rather than transitory reliance on internal funding contrary to theoretical propositions on life-cycle financing. Overall, life-cycle funding used was not in line with best practices for funding SMMEs especially in financially constrained environments where funding should be effectively and efficiently used. The study adds to literature on agricultural SMMEs funding in financially constrained environments and makes offers some policy recommendations to improve financing for development of the key subsector. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-03
- Authors: Kichini, Gilbert https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2972-1023
- Date: 2021-03
- Subjects: Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- Zimbabwe , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20296 , vital:45648
- Description: Small, micro and medium-scale enterprises (SMMEs) contribute significantly to economic growth, employment and boosting the livelihoods of the poor in Zimbabwe. In the context of the Fast-track Land Reform and Re-distribution programme, agricultural SMMEs are viewed as the main pillar that anchors the recovery of the agricultural sector. Despite the key role they play, these SMMEs operate in a financially constrained environment in which access to funding is limited. In such a context, the ability of the SMMEs to perform their role depends on the strategic use of limited funding. One way to achieve this is to ensure that the funding used at each of the life-cycle stages of the business is the most suitable in addressing the main threats to business success. Much has been studied about how the supply-side factors have constrained growth and development. However, very limited focus has been placed on how SMME owners use the limited funding secured to address the main operational problems faced. The funding behaviour of the owners has to support the supply-side initiatives if the SMMEs are to survive and fulfil their envisaged role in the economy. This study thus analyses the use of funding by the owners along the business life-cycle based on a six-stage life-cycle model. It further analyses the suitability of such funding given the unique operational needs and challenges per stage as well as best practices. The specific objectives of the study are to identify the level of knowledge that SMME owners have about the financing options available and which ones are mostly used, determine the use and suitability of life-cycle financing focusing on agricultural SMMEs and also determine the most suitable life-cycle funding in terms of best practices for sector development. A cross-sectional survey research design was used given the lack of accurate time-series data and it followed a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed. The owners or managers of agricultural SMMEs and the institutions providing funding constituted the two populations studied. A multiple-stage sampling strategy was used to determine a final sample of 320 owners of agricultural SMMEs while purposive sampling was used to draw a sample of 12 main SMME financing institutions. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the owners while an administered semi- structured questionnaire was used for financing institutions. The unit of analysis was the funding used along the business life-cycle. Frequency, binary logistic regression, Chi-Square tests of association and Odds-ratio analysis were used for quantitative data analysis while Qualitative-failure mode, effects and criticality analysis (Q-FMECA) and thematic analysis were used to analyse qualitative data. Results show a persistent rather than transitory reliance on internal funding contrary to theoretical propositions on life-cycle financing. Overall, life-cycle funding used was not in line with best practices for funding SMMEs especially in financially constrained environments where funding should be effectively and efficiently used. The study adds to literature on agricultural SMMEs funding in financially constrained environments and makes offers some policy recommendations to improve financing for development of the key subsector. , Thesis (DPhil) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-03
A framework to improve social media as a communication tool in technical vocational education and training colleges in South Africa: a case of twitter.
- Nyamanhare, Sangudzayi Innocent
- Authors: Nyamanhare, Sangudzayi Innocent
- Date: 2021-02
- Subjects: Social media , Education, Higher , Universities and colleges
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20495 , vital:46008
- Description: South Africa uses social media as a communication tool. The use of Twitter as a communication tool in Technical Vocational Education and Training Colleges (TVET) in South Africa is a crucial factor for efficient and effective communication between TVET College administration and stakeholders such as prospective students, students, prospective employers, prospective employees and the Twitter community which follow various Twitter accounts. Literature has found that TVET Colleges use Twitter in a monologic manner which promotes one-way information flow. Twitter is also used in a limited fashion and within silos within TVET Colleges that have incorporated this social media platform into their communication strategy. The main purpose of this research study was to develop a framework to improve social media as a communication tool in TVET Colleges in South Africa. The Social Media-Integration- Theory-Model was used as the theoretical framework to evaluate the use of Twitter in TVET Colleges in South Africa, thus enabling the development of critical success factors to improve the use of social media as a communication tool. The Interpretivist paradigm and qualitative research approach was chosen for this study. Netnography was used to collect the online data from Twitter that was analysed in the study. Data was collected from 36 TVET Colleges in South Africa that have a Twitter account over a one-year period (April 2019 – March 2020). After the data collection, content and thematic analysis were used to analyse the date. The study developed a framework from the analyses of tweets which incorporated the four constructs from the Social-Media-Integration-Theory-Model. The study also developed five critical success factors, namely, procuring and maintaining of ICT infrastructure; implementing a policy that guide the use of social networks for communication purposes in TVET Colleges; raising awareness on the use of Twitter as a tool for communication; intensive training to manage administration of Twitter accounts and appointing champions to promote Twitter as a communication tool in TVET Colleges. , Thesis (MCom) (Information Systems)-- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-02
- Authors: Nyamanhare, Sangudzayi Innocent
- Date: 2021-02
- Subjects: Social media , Education, Higher , Universities and colleges
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20495 , vital:46008
- Description: South Africa uses social media as a communication tool. The use of Twitter as a communication tool in Technical Vocational Education and Training Colleges (TVET) in South Africa is a crucial factor for efficient and effective communication between TVET College administration and stakeholders such as prospective students, students, prospective employers, prospective employees and the Twitter community which follow various Twitter accounts. Literature has found that TVET Colleges use Twitter in a monologic manner which promotes one-way information flow. Twitter is also used in a limited fashion and within silos within TVET Colleges that have incorporated this social media platform into their communication strategy. The main purpose of this research study was to develop a framework to improve social media as a communication tool in TVET Colleges in South Africa. The Social Media-Integration- Theory-Model was used as the theoretical framework to evaluate the use of Twitter in TVET Colleges in South Africa, thus enabling the development of critical success factors to improve the use of social media as a communication tool. The Interpretivist paradigm and qualitative research approach was chosen for this study. Netnography was used to collect the online data from Twitter that was analysed in the study. Data was collected from 36 TVET Colleges in South Africa that have a Twitter account over a one-year period (April 2019 – March 2020). After the data collection, content and thematic analysis were used to analyse the date. The study developed a framework from the analyses of tweets which incorporated the four constructs from the Social-Media-Integration-Theory-Model. The study also developed five critical success factors, namely, procuring and maintaining of ICT infrastructure; implementing a policy that guide the use of social networks for communication purposes in TVET Colleges; raising awareness on the use of Twitter as a tool for communication; intensive training to manage administration of Twitter accounts and appointing champions to promote Twitter as a communication tool in TVET Colleges. , Thesis (MCom) (Information Systems)-- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-02
Succession politics and state administration in Africa: the case of Zimbabwe
- Authors: Chikerema, Arthur Fidelis
- Date: 2021-02
- Subjects: Africa -- Politics and government , Public administration , state governments
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21355 , vital:48494
- Description: The research probes the impact of succession politics on state administration in Africa, Zimbabwe as a case study. Power transition in any political landscape promotes the regeneration and configuration of the political architecture and the functionality of the administrative apparatus of the state. Government performance may thus be viewed as a result of political processes and dynamics that influence governance in a polity. Political succession determines the composition of administrative organs of the state and many political leaders wish to work with administrative apparatus, which are compatible with their ideological orientation. Regular transfer of executive power is the major test of stability, legitimacy and maturity of a nation’s political system, but in Zimbabwe, political leaders have shown a consistent trajectory of violating or amending state and party constitutions to prolong their stay in power (Constitutional coup or a third term tragedy). This has been compelled by ruthless silencing of dissent by suffocating political activism culminating in strong personalities and weak institutions. Succession politics in Zimbabwe resembles executive dominance, egocentrism, excessive appointing powers which are compounded by lack of institutional framework for succession. This undermines the professional independence of the bureaucracy, which in turn inhibits the pursuit of sound governance. Therefore, passing the baton to the next leader has been a challenge; resulting in the personalization of, governments and political parties by leaders. While constitutions provide for elective congress for purposes of electing party leadership and/ or renewing their mandates, there is strong literature pointing to the capture of representative institutions such as Parliaments through strong normative values by leaders. This erodes the role of Parliaments or congresses as a democratic institution, as leaders have used it to “endorse” themselves. The research examines the influence of succession politics on state administration, especially on how the institution of the state and party politics in Zimbabwe conflate with the public administration system leading to state malfunction. This research adopts a qualitative research design that provides an understanding of underlying reasons, opinions, and motivations on political succession and state administration in Zimbabwe. Data was collected through in-depth interviews, complemented by document review and analyzed through thematic content analysis. The study found out that, despite the existence of the legal frameworks that promote seamless power transition, political, societal and historical factors exacerbate Zimbabwe’s succession dilemma. Colonial legacy, societal laxity, the military factor, capture of state institutions by the political elite, lack of a retirement institutional mechanism, the principle of sovereignty and politicization of the succession process were found as the major hindrances to Zimbabwe’s succession trajectory. It recommends broad based and genuine civil service, electoral, security and political (politics with ethics and values) reforms to dismantle the current legacy imbedded in the political system. , Thesis (PhD) (Public Administration) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-02
- Authors: Chikerema, Arthur Fidelis
- Date: 2021-02
- Subjects: Africa -- Politics and government , Public administration , state governments
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21355 , vital:48494
- Description: The research probes the impact of succession politics on state administration in Africa, Zimbabwe as a case study. Power transition in any political landscape promotes the regeneration and configuration of the political architecture and the functionality of the administrative apparatus of the state. Government performance may thus be viewed as a result of political processes and dynamics that influence governance in a polity. Political succession determines the composition of administrative organs of the state and many political leaders wish to work with administrative apparatus, which are compatible with their ideological orientation. Regular transfer of executive power is the major test of stability, legitimacy and maturity of a nation’s political system, but in Zimbabwe, political leaders have shown a consistent trajectory of violating or amending state and party constitutions to prolong their stay in power (Constitutional coup or a third term tragedy). This has been compelled by ruthless silencing of dissent by suffocating political activism culminating in strong personalities and weak institutions. Succession politics in Zimbabwe resembles executive dominance, egocentrism, excessive appointing powers which are compounded by lack of institutional framework for succession. This undermines the professional independence of the bureaucracy, which in turn inhibits the pursuit of sound governance. Therefore, passing the baton to the next leader has been a challenge; resulting in the personalization of, governments and political parties by leaders. While constitutions provide for elective congress for purposes of electing party leadership and/ or renewing their mandates, there is strong literature pointing to the capture of representative institutions such as Parliaments through strong normative values by leaders. This erodes the role of Parliaments or congresses as a democratic institution, as leaders have used it to “endorse” themselves. The research examines the influence of succession politics on state administration, especially on how the institution of the state and party politics in Zimbabwe conflate with the public administration system leading to state malfunction. This research adopts a qualitative research design that provides an understanding of underlying reasons, opinions, and motivations on political succession and state administration in Zimbabwe. Data was collected through in-depth interviews, complemented by document review and analyzed through thematic content analysis. The study found out that, despite the existence of the legal frameworks that promote seamless power transition, political, societal and historical factors exacerbate Zimbabwe’s succession dilemma. Colonial legacy, societal laxity, the military factor, capture of state institutions by the political elite, lack of a retirement institutional mechanism, the principle of sovereignty and politicization of the succession process were found as the major hindrances to Zimbabwe’s succession trajectory. It recommends broad based and genuine civil service, electoral, security and political (politics with ethics and values) reforms to dismantle the current legacy imbedded in the political system. , Thesis (PhD) (Public Administration) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-02
Succession politics and state administration in Africa: the case of Zimbabwe.
- Authors: Chikerema, Arthur Fidelis
- Date: 2021-02
- Subjects: Public administration , State governments
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21467 , vital:48659
- Description: The research probes the impact of succession politics on state administration in Africa, Zimbabwe as a case study. Power transition in any political landscape promotes the regeneration and configuration of the political architecture and the functionality of the administrative apparatus of the state. Government performance may thus be viewed as a result of political processes and dynamics that influence governance in a polity. Political succession determines the composition of administrative organs of the state and many political leaders wish to work with administrative apparatus, which are compatible with their ideological orientation. Regular transfer of executive power is the major test of stability, legitimacy and maturity of a nation’s political system, but in Zimbabwe, political leaders have shown a consistent trajectory of violating or amending state and party constitutions to prolong their stay in power (Constitutional coup or a third term tragedy). This has been compelled by ruthless silencing of dissent by suffocating political activism culminating in strong personalities and weak institutions. Succession politics in Zimbabwe resembles executive dominance, egocentrism, excessive appointing powers which are compounded by lack of institutional framework for succession. This undermines the professional independence of the bureaucracy, which in turn inhibits the pursuit of sound governance. Therefore, passing the baton to the next leader has been a challenge; resulting in the personalization of, governments and political parties by leaders. While constitutions provide for elective congress for purposes of electing party leadership and/ or renewing their mandates, there is strong literature pointing to the capture of representative institutions such as Parliaments through strong normative values by leaders. This erodes the role of Parliaments or congresses as a democratic institution, as leaders have used it to “endorse” themselves. The research examines the influence of succession politics on state administration, especially on how the institution of the state and party politics in Zimbabwe conflate with the public administration system leading to state malfunction. This research adopts a qualitative research design that provides an understanding of underlying reasons, opinions, and motivations on political succession and state administration in Zimbabwe. Data was collected through in-depth interviews, complemented by document review and analyzed through thematic content analysis. The study found out that, despite the existence of the legal frameworks that promote seamless power transition, political, societal and historical factors exacerbate Zimbabwe’s succession dilemma. Colonial legacy, societal laxity, the military factor, capture of state institutions by the political elite, lack of a retirement institutional mechanism, the principle of sovereignty and politicization of the succession process were found as the major hindrances to Zimbabwe’s succession trajectory. It recommends broad based and genuine civil service, electoral, security and political (politics with ethics and values) reforms to dismantle the current legacy imbedded in the political system. , Thesis (PhD) (Public Administration) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-02
- Authors: Chikerema, Arthur Fidelis
- Date: 2021-02
- Subjects: Public administration , State governments
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21467 , vital:48659
- Description: The research probes the impact of succession politics on state administration in Africa, Zimbabwe as a case study. Power transition in any political landscape promotes the regeneration and configuration of the political architecture and the functionality of the administrative apparatus of the state. Government performance may thus be viewed as a result of political processes and dynamics that influence governance in a polity. Political succession determines the composition of administrative organs of the state and many political leaders wish to work with administrative apparatus, which are compatible with their ideological orientation. Regular transfer of executive power is the major test of stability, legitimacy and maturity of a nation’s political system, but in Zimbabwe, political leaders have shown a consistent trajectory of violating or amending state and party constitutions to prolong their stay in power (Constitutional coup or a third term tragedy). This has been compelled by ruthless silencing of dissent by suffocating political activism culminating in strong personalities and weak institutions. Succession politics in Zimbabwe resembles executive dominance, egocentrism, excessive appointing powers which are compounded by lack of institutional framework for succession. This undermines the professional independence of the bureaucracy, which in turn inhibits the pursuit of sound governance. Therefore, passing the baton to the next leader has been a challenge; resulting in the personalization of, governments and political parties by leaders. While constitutions provide for elective congress for purposes of electing party leadership and/ or renewing their mandates, there is strong literature pointing to the capture of representative institutions such as Parliaments through strong normative values by leaders. This erodes the role of Parliaments or congresses as a democratic institution, as leaders have used it to “endorse” themselves. The research examines the influence of succession politics on state administration, especially on how the institution of the state and party politics in Zimbabwe conflate with the public administration system leading to state malfunction. This research adopts a qualitative research design that provides an understanding of underlying reasons, opinions, and motivations on political succession and state administration in Zimbabwe. Data was collected through in-depth interviews, complemented by document review and analyzed through thematic content analysis. The study found out that, despite the existence of the legal frameworks that promote seamless power transition, political, societal and historical factors exacerbate Zimbabwe’s succession dilemma. Colonial legacy, societal laxity, the military factor, capture of state institutions by the political elite, lack of a retirement institutional mechanism, the principle of sovereignty and politicization of the succession process were found as the major hindrances to Zimbabwe’s succession trajectory. It recommends broad based and genuine civil service, electoral, security and political (politics with ethics and values) reforms to dismantle the current legacy imbedded in the political system. , Thesis (PhD) (Public Administration) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-02