Achieving consumers’ water demand through sustainable development
- Authors: Sibiya, Sandile
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Water demand management , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63100 , vital:73186
- Description: This study is concentrated around achieving consumer water demand through sustainable development of water infrastructure within the King Cetshwayo District, which is still very limited. The goal of this study was to look into the technical issues that arise from inferior project delivery, poor infrastructural maintenance, and the elements that contribute to suboptimal service delivery of water infrastructure projects. This research was conducted using qualitative research, which offers insight from a participant’s point of view. It focuses on human experiences and communal circumstances. It is therefore, sound judgement to use a qualitative research method to collect data using a semi-structured interview guide. The researcher utilised deliberate sampling using purposive sampling. The recruitment process targeted the corporate and the senior management levels. This study's objective was to investigate the elements involved in developing sustainable water infrastructure to fulfil consumers water demand and to identify strategies for using sustainable development techniques to address the water scarcity. The study findings reveal that the main issues with poor service delivery include service delivery issues, cost overruns, unsatisfactory performance, improper use of funds and project completion delays. , Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Sibiya, Sandile
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Water demand management , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/63100 , vital:73186
- Description: This study is concentrated around achieving consumer water demand through sustainable development of water infrastructure within the King Cetshwayo District, which is still very limited. The goal of this study was to look into the technical issues that arise from inferior project delivery, poor infrastructural maintenance, and the elements that contribute to suboptimal service delivery of water infrastructure projects. This research was conducted using qualitative research, which offers insight from a participant’s point of view. It focuses on human experiences and communal circumstances. It is therefore, sound judgement to use a qualitative research method to collect data using a semi-structured interview guide. The researcher utilised deliberate sampling using purposive sampling. The recruitment process targeted the corporate and the senior management levels. This study's objective was to investigate the elements involved in developing sustainable water infrastructure to fulfil consumers water demand and to identify strategies for using sustainable development techniques to address the water scarcity. The study findings reveal that the main issues with poor service delivery include service delivery issues, cost overruns, unsatisfactory performance, improper use of funds and project completion delays. , Thesis (Ma) -- Faculty of Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
Different dimensions of inequality and sustainable economic growth in Africa
- Authors: Raimi, Rasaq Being
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Inequality , Sustainable development , Economic growth -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59884 , vital:62483
- Description: The recent unprecedented economic growth across Africa for over two decades has been anticipated to alleviate poverty and close up the wide inequality gap in the continent; its impact, however, on the vast majority of people in Africa appears to be insignificant as more households are still battling with poverty and the inequality gap is still wide. This has, however, raised empirical questions regarding the nature of the relationship that exists between economic growth and inequality in Africa. Hence, these questions have created gaps in the literature as some studies found positive relationship while other results state otherwise. The study fills the existing gap by re-examining the relationship between dimensions of inequality and sustainable growth in Africa. The study applied parametric and non-parametric econometric techniques on more recent inequalities data covering 28 African countries. Specifically, the study examined the relationship between income inequality and sustainable growth in Africa, investigated the relationship between education inequality and sustainable growth in Africa, analysed the relationship between gender inequality and sustainable growth in Africa and discussed the relationship between land inequality and sustainable growth in Africa. The study covered the period of 1998-2020 and the data for the study were sourced from Standardised World Income Inequality Data Base (SWIID), World Economic Forum, World Bank Online Data Base, Benaabdelaali et al‘s (2012) paper and Ziesemer, THW‘s (2016) paper. Result from the analysis of income inequality and sustainable growth indicates a positive unidirectional relationship between the two variables. The findings suggest that African growth promotes more income inequality and income inequality does not interrupt the growth potential of the continent. The findings further reveal a positive relationship between sustainable growth and poverty rate in African region. This suggests that African economic growth alone cannot solve African poverty problem. Analysis of sustainable growth and education inequality shows an inverse relationship between the two variables. The result indicates that sustainable growth helps in reducing education inequality but a further increase in education inequality drags down sustainable growth in the long-run. Also, poverty is found to have a positive relationship with education inequality in Africa. However, no causal relationship is found between sustainable growth and education inequality but rather a unidirectional causality running from poverty to education inequality in Africa. iv In relation to the gender inequality analysis, the study also found a negative relationship between the two variables. Specifically, while sustainable growth is found to be bridging gender gap, gender inequality on the other hand is found to be a limiting factor on sustainable growth in Africa. The results also indicate a strong positive significant relationship between poverty and gender inequality in Africa. The analysis reveals the vulnerability of African women to poverty and also suggests that many African countries are yet to harness the enormous potentials possessed by women for their regional development. Furthermore, the study found a negative relationship between sustainable growth and land inequality in Africa. The result indicates that unequal land distribution is among the factors preventing Africa from achieving its high dream of sustainable growth and it is further responsible for the severe poverty especially among the rural dwellers where agricultural land is considered as an important determinant of family income. One way causality running from land inequality to sustainable growth is also established via granger causality result which further indicates that uneven land distribution has effects on sustainable growth. Based on these findings, the study concludes that economic growth though has been helping in bridging some dimensions of inequality in Africa, income related inequality is exempted. Also, it is evident that economic growth alone is not adequate to close the wide inequality gap that has persisted for so long in Africa. In conclusion, the study recommended among other things that many African policy makers need to intensify their developmental efforts to reach everyone in their countries so as to effectively fight the ugly poverty situation across the continent. Also, salary structure needs to be revisited across Africa via introduction of appropriate tax to redistribute income and help the low income earners to relatively meet up with the higher income earners. This will help in closing income gap and at the same time alleviate poverty. , Thesis (PHD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Raimi, Rasaq Being
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Inequality , Sustainable development , Economic growth -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/59884 , vital:62483
- Description: The recent unprecedented economic growth across Africa for over two decades has been anticipated to alleviate poverty and close up the wide inequality gap in the continent; its impact, however, on the vast majority of people in Africa appears to be insignificant as more households are still battling with poverty and the inequality gap is still wide. This has, however, raised empirical questions regarding the nature of the relationship that exists between economic growth and inequality in Africa. Hence, these questions have created gaps in the literature as some studies found positive relationship while other results state otherwise. The study fills the existing gap by re-examining the relationship between dimensions of inequality and sustainable growth in Africa. The study applied parametric and non-parametric econometric techniques on more recent inequalities data covering 28 African countries. Specifically, the study examined the relationship between income inequality and sustainable growth in Africa, investigated the relationship between education inequality and sustainable growth in Africa, analysed the relationship between gender inequality and sustainable growth in Africa and discussed the relationship between land inequality and sustainable growth in Africa. The study covered the period of 1998-2020 and the data for the study were sourced from Standardised World Income Inequality Data Base (SWIID), World Economic Forum, World Bank Online Data Base, Benaabdelaali et al‘s (2012) paper and Ziesemer, THW‘s (2016) paper. Result from the analysis of income inequality and sustainable growth indicates a positive unidirectional relationship between the two variables. The findings suggest that African growth promotes more income inequality and income inequality does not interrupt the growth potential of the continent. The findings further reveal a positive relationship between sustainable growth and poverty rate in African region. This suggests that African economic growth alone cannot solve African poverty problem. Analysis of sustainable growth and education inequality shows an inverse relationship between the two variables. The result indicates that sustainable growth helps in reducing education inequality but a further increase in education inequality drags down sustainable growth in the long-run. Also, poverty is found to have a positive relationship with education inequality in Africa. However, no causal relationship is found between sustainable growth and education inequality but rather a unidirectional causality running from poverty to education inequality in Africa. iv In relation to the gender inequality analysis, the study also found a negative relationship between the two variables. Specifically, while sustainable growth is found to be bridging gender gap, gender inequality on the other hand is found to be a limiting factor on sustainable growth in Africa. The results also indicate a strong positive significant relationship between poverty and gender inequality in Africa. The analysis reveals the vulnerability of African women to poverty and also suggests that many African countries are yet to harness the enormous potentials possessed by women for their regional development. Furthermore, the study found a negative relationship between sustainable growth and land inequality in Africa. The result indicates that unequal land distribution is among the factors preventing Africa from achieving its high dream of sustainable growth and it is further responsible for the severe poverty especially among the rural dwellers where agricultural land is considered as an important determinant of family income. One way causality running from land inequality to sustainable growth is also established via granger causality result which further indicates that uneven land distribution has effects on sustainable growth. Based on these findings, the study concludes that economic growth though has been helping in bridging some dimensions of inequality in Africa, income related inequality is exempted. Also, it is evident that economic growth alone is not adequate to close the wide inequality gap that has persisted for so long in Africa. In conclusion, the study recommended among other things that many African policy makers need to intensify their developmental efforts to reach everyone in their countries so as to effectively fight the ugly poverty situation across the continent. Also, salary structure needs to be revisited across Africa via introduction of appropriate tax to redistribute income and help the low income earners to relatively meet up with the higher income earners. This will help in closing income gap and at the same time alleviate poverty. , Thesis (PHD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
Greening Ndlambe Village
- Authors: Vithi-Masiza, Noluthando
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Climatic changes , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58396 , vital:59082
- Description: In 1994 the new democratic government of South Africa introduced the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) which was aimed at massive infrastructure expansion. Tackling the housing crisis has been encountered by growing demands for low carbon footprint, reduced use of non-renewable resources and as part of the green agenda. In line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the South African government set a variety of objectives aimed at achieving an environmentally sustainable future for all. While South Africa has embraced green economy principles, tested integrated approaches are still to be seen in housing construction. This study sought to explore the greening of Ndlambe green village in the Port Alfred area in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. To achieve the study objectives, a qualitative research approach was used, employing the case study research strategy and primary data was collected by means of focus groups. Community members, engineers, environmentalists and town planners constituted the study sample. Secondary data sources were also used in this study, along with field observation. The collected data was analysed using the thematic analysis technique. Findings from the study revealed that community members perceived Green village initiative as important and is required in South Africa given the challenges that are experienced such as energy consumption load shedding, water shortages. The economic value proposition of green building is measured through two different lenses, namely economic profit and social profit. The municipalities must take a leading role in by forming policies supporting environmentally friendly activities, with building being one crucial area. Recommendations from the study proposed that partnerships involving communities, private companies, the government and other various interest groups are imperative in order to accelerating the green building agenda. The government must be challenges to develop sustainable funding solutions for a green economy. Lastly, increased awareness about green building among the society may also drive better acceptability and ultimately, a strong social reputation. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Vithi-Masiza, Noluthando
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Climatic changes , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58396 , vital:59082
- Description: In 1994 the new democratic government of South Africa introduced the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) which was aimed at massive infrastructure expansion. Tackling the housing crisis has been encountered by growing demands for low carbon footprint, reduced use of non-renewable resources and as part of the green agenda. In line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the South African government set a variety of objectives aimed at achieving an environmentally sustainable future for all. While South Africa has embraced green economy principles, tested integrated approaches are still to be seen in housing construction. This study sought to explore the greening of Ndlambe green village in the Port Alfred area in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. To achieve the study objectives, a qualitative research approach was used, employing the case study research strategy and primary data was collected by means of focus groups. Community members, engineers, environmentalists and town planners constituted the study sample. Secondary data sources were also used in this study, along with field observation. The collected data was analysed using the thematic analysis technique. Findings from the study revealed that community members perceived Green village initiative as important and is required in South Africa given the challenges that are experienced such as energy consumption load shedding, water shortages. The economic value proposition of green building is measured through two different lenses, namely economic profit and social profit. The municipalities must take a leading role in by forming policies supporting environmentally friendly activities, with building being one crucial area. Recommendations from the study proposed that partnerships involving communities, private companies, the government and other various interest groups are imperative in order to accelerating the green building agenda. The government must be challenges to develop sustainable funding solutions for a green economy. Lastly, increased awareness about green building among the society may also drive better acceptability and ultimately, a strong social reputation. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
Reimagining Culture and Creative Industries: Developing Career Connected Pathways
- Authors: Macklin, Scott
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Critical realism , Sustainable development , Cultural industries
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57726 , vital:58227
- Description: Culture and Creative Industries (CCI) have an enormous potential to impact society’s socio-economic development. The approach of this study argues for the possibility of developing progressive social transformation and stands in distinction to those who argue against this possibility and casts doubt on the concept of development entirely. This study offers a hopeful alternative path navigating through overly optimistic and cynical viewpoints in the concept of a CCI ecosystem. The intent is to shift the discourse to consider creativity and culture as contributing to cross-sector dialogue and understanding, as well as allowing participants to take charge of their own development and providing the foundation for inclusive and sustainable capacity building and innovative progress. This study makes the development case that co-creating staged generative pathways with participants is critical for shifting societal circumstances away from “extractive” processes and towards more “complementary” actions leading to a desired state of inclusive well-being. Furthermore, it contends that scholarship that views Culture and Creative Industries (CCI) as self-contained or apart from the economy and society is ineffective. Due to its multi-sector, emergent and complex nature, a mixed methods research strategy drawing upon Margaret Archer's (1995) Morphogenetic Approach rooted in the Critical Realist meta-theory, was used in this research. Data was gathered and mined from a citywide situational survey, semi-structured questionnaires and co-sector focus group sessions. Transformative Scenario Planning (Kahane, 2012) was implemented to articulate a cross-sector and co-created account of the make-up, actions, and interrelationships of the facets and mechanisms that are responsible for shaping CCI as a significant contributor to a desired quality of life and well-being of a community. This research study sought to understand how, for whom, when and in what ways the powers, liabilities, dispositions, and resources found in the creative sector can be understood to raise engagement and strengthen the results of socio-economic initiatives. It is limited to a situational analysis of CCI in Seattle, Washington. ix Based on the findings, a case for capacity building through integrated career-connected learning pathways has been created and offered as a research-informed, adaptable, and adoptable Creative Exchange Learning Co-Lab (CELCL) curriculum. This staged development process is designed whereby the implications for individual and organisational revitalisation are intended to occur simultaneously. Creative actions, cultural expressions, learning opportunities, and business strategies are exposed, and opportunities arise through this collaborative development process, engaging transformative actions that generate activity around the needs, assets, and interests of particular communities of practice in Seattle. It is recommended that this process be implemented in order to move towards a more sustainable, connected, and equitable CCI ecosystem. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Macklin, Scott
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Critical realism , Sustainable development , Cultural industries
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57726 , vital:58227
- Description: Culture and Creative Industries (CCI) have an enormous potential to impact society’s socio-economic development. The approach of this study argues for the possibility of developing progressive social transformation and stands in distinction to those who argue against this possibility and casts doubt on the concept of development entirely. This study offers a hopeful alternative path navigating through overly optimistic and cynical viewpoints in the concept of a CCI ecosystem. The intent is to shift the discourse to consider creativity and culture as contributing to cross-sector dialogue and understanding, as well as allowing participants to take charge of their own development and providing the foundation for inclusive and sustainable capacity building and innovative progress. This study makes the development case that co-creating staged generative pathways with participants is critical for shifting societal circumstances away from “extractive” processes and towards more “complementary” actions leading to a desired state of inclusive well-being. Furthermore, it contends that scholarship that views Culture and Creative Industries (CCI) as self-contained or apart from the economy and society is ineffective. Due to its multi-sector, emergent and complex nature, a mixed methods research strategy drawing upon Margaret Archer's (1995) Morphogenetic Approach rooted in the Critical Realist meta-theory, was used in this research. Data was gathered and mined from a citywide situational survey, semi-structured questionnaires and co-sector focus group sessions. Transformative Scenario Planning (Kahane, 2012) was implemented to articulate a cross-sector and co-created account of the make-up, actions, and interrelationships of the facets and mechanisms that are responsible for shaping CCI as a significant contributor to a desired quality of life and well-being of a community. This research study sought to understand how, for whom, when and in what ways the powers, liabilities, dispositions, and resources found in the creative sector can be understood to raise engagement and strengthen the results of socio-economic initiatives. It is limited to a situational analysis of CCI in Seattle, Washington. ix Based on the findings, a case for capacity building through integrated career-connected learning pathways has been created and offered as a research-informed, adaptable, and adoptable Creative Exchange Learning Co-Lab (CELCL) curriculum. This staged development process is designed whereby the implications for individual and organisational revitalisation are intended to occur simultaneously. Creative actions, cultural expressions, learning opportunities, and business strategies are exposed, and opportunities arise through this collaborative development process, engaging transformative actions that generate activity around the needs, assets, and interests of particular communities of practice in Seattle. It is recommended that this process be implemented in order to move towards a more sustainable, connected, and equitable CCI ecosystem. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
The integration of sustainable development goals into business strategies: evidence from the Johannesburg stock exchange top 100
- Authors: Sibango, Lukhanyo Wilfred
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Sustainable development , stock exchange -- Johannesburg
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58179 , vital:58662
- Description: The main of objective of this study was to identify factors influencing the integration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into core business strategies and activities of the top 100 companies listed on the JSE for the period of 2018 to 2019. The study used one dependent variable (SDG integration) and five independent variables (company size, profitability, financial leverage, board size and mission/vision). To measure SDG integration, a dichotomous scale ranging from 0 and 1 was applied. A scale of 1 was allocated if SDGs are integrated into company strategies and business activities and 0 if there is no integration mentioned. The influence of company size, profitability, financial leverage, board size and mission statements on the integration of SDGs into strategies was investigated using random effect regression model. The findings showed that company size, board size and mentioning of sustainability in mission statements has a positive influence of SDG integration. Financial leverage and profitability were found not to have any significant influence on SDG reporting. The results of this study provided several important implications. Regulators, policy makers and sustainability advocates may gain further understanding into some of the factors that motivate firms to integrate SDGs into strategies. For various stakeholders, the findings suggested that stakeholders should seek ways to exert greater pressure on firms to not only disclose SDGs, but to integrate them in business strategies The study had some limitations, as it relied on a limited sample of only the top 100 firms listed on the JSE. The study period was only limited to 2018 and 2019 financial years. Due to these limitations, the researchers cannot claim that the results of the study are generalisable to all contexts. The study suggested future research to further explore how the board characteristics such as age, gender, education, and nationality influence the level of SDG integration. Furthermore, qualitative research was suggested to investigate the reasons that companies give for integrating SDGs into strategies, and the obstacles they face which could result in non-integration. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
- Authors: Sibango, Lukhanyo Wilfred
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Sustainable development , stock exchange -- Johannesburg
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58179 , vital:58662
- Description: The main of objective of this study was to identify factors influencing the integration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into core business strategies and activities of the top 100 companies listed on the JSE for the period of 2018 to 2019. The study used one dependent variable (SDG integration) and five independent variables (company size, profitability, financial leverage, board size and mission/vision). To measure SDG integration, a dichotomous scale ranging from 0 and 1 was applied. A scale of 1 was allocated if SDGs are integrated into company strategies and business activities and 0 if there is no integration mentioned. The influence of company size, profitability, financial leverage, board size and mission statements on the integration of SDGs into strategies was investigated using random effect regression model. The findings showed that company size, board size and mentioning of sustainability in mission statements has a positive influence of SDG integration. Financial leverage and profitability were found not to have any significant influence on SDG reporting. The results of this study provided several important implications. Regulators, policy makers and sustainability advocates may gain further understanding into some of the factors that motivate firms to integrate SDGs into strategies. For various stakeholders, the findings suggested that stakeholders should seek ways to exert greater pressure on firms to not only disclose SDGs, but to integrate them in business strategies The study had some limitations, as it relied on a limited sample of only the top 100 firms listed on the JSE. The study period was only limited to 2018 and 2019 financial years. Due to these limitations, the researchers cannot claim that the results of the study are generalisable to all contexts. The study suggested future research to further explore how the board characteristics such as age, gender, education, and nationality influence the level of SDG integration. Furthermore, qualitative research was suggested to investigate the reasons that companies give for integrating SDGs into strategies, and the obstacles they face which could result in non-integration. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
An assessment of the financial sustainability of Thandusana non-governmental organisation
- Authors: Murombo, Tapiwa
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Non-governmental organizations , Business enterprises -- Finance , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54947 , vital:48509
- Description: The role that is played by Non-Governmental Organisations in aiding development initiatives can never be overemphasised. These organisations have partnered with numerous States, mostly in developing countries, in spearheading, facilitating, and evaluating various development programmes. Yet, they face daunting futures as their constant reliability on donor funds has affected their sustainability. To this end, their efforts in addressing social, economic, and even political challenges in a sustainable manner is greatly compromised. This research seeks to assess the financial sustainability of local NGOs with Thandusana as a case study. It further explores factors other than funding that influences an organisation's financial sustainability. These factors are income diversification, sound financial management practices, good donor relationships and own income generation. The research concurred with many other scholars that local non-governmental organisations in South Africa are financially unsustainable and are dependent on donor funds, and Thandusana is no exception. After having found out that Thandusana is not geared to create its own income-generating activities, the research concludes by recommending that the governing board establish structures that commit funds for profit-making ventures which are in turn used to sponsor their non-profit functions but caution should be exercised lest they abandon their missions for profit-making. This study employed a qualitative research approach and is based on an interpretive paradigm. The research used a descriptive case study design. Data was collected using document compilation while document analysis was the data analysis tool. Non-probability sampling was used in selecting the sample that was used. , Thesis (MADS) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
- Authors: Murombo, Tapiwa
- Date: 2021-12
- Subjects: Non-governmental organizations , Business enterprises -- Finance , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54947 , vital:48509
- Description: The role that is played by Non-Governmental Organisations in aiding development initiatives can never be overemphasised. These organisations have partnered with numerous States, mostly in developing countries, in spearheading, facilitating, and evaluating various development programmes. Yet, they face daunting futures as their constant reliability on donor funds has affected their sustainability. To this end, their efforts in addressing social, economic, and even political challenges in a sustainable manner is greatly compromised. This research seeks to assess the financial sustainability of local NGOs with Thandusana as a case study. It further explores factors other than funding that influences an organisation's financial sustainability. These factors are income diversification, sound financial management practices, good donor relationships and own income generation. The research concurred with many other scholars that local non-governmental organisations in South Africa are financially unsustainable and are dependent on donor funds, and Thandusana is no exception. After having found out that Thandusana is not geared to create its own income-generating activities, the research concludes by recommending that the governing board establish structures that commit funds for profit-making ventures which are in turn used to sponsor their non-profit functions but caution should be exercised lest they abandon their missions for profit-making. This study employed a qualitative research approach and is based on an interpretive paradigm. The research used a descriptive case study design. Data was collected using document compilation while document analysis was the data analysis tool. Non-probability sampling was used in selecting the sample that was used. , Thesis (MADS) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-12
Constraints in attainment of sustainable human settlements at Kwamaphumulo Local Municipality
- Authors: Sikhosana, Phindokuhle
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Human settlements , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47181 , vital:39829
- Description: This study sought to investigate the constraints in the attainment of sustainable human settlement in KwaMaphumulo Local Municipality at iLembe District in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The aim of this study was to investigate the constraints that limit the achievement of the ideal of sustainable human settlement development in the KwaMaphumulo Local Municipality. Furthermore, the study sought to determine the impact of these constraints on sustainable development and to proffer measures that can be taken to combat stagnant or underdevelopment in the area. A mixed-method approach is followed in this study, which considers a triangulation of quantitative and qualitative data collection, analysis and interpretation techniques. It is important to note that in the past years since South Africa became a democratic country, there have been countless efforts with regard to overcoming the problems created during the apartheid era. These problems stemmed from a distorted spatial, social, economic and political background that was advocated by both segregationist public policies and the planning systems of the Apartheid Regime. In recent years, South African cities have also been faced with environmental issues, which are imperative to the future development of the country. With all these issues in mind, we see that the many efforts that are put in place by government always fall short of solving the problems. This research report looked at the constraints that affect the KwaMaphumulo Local Municipality in attaining sustainable human settlements and whether the efforts of redistribution and equality have been enough to overcome the problems. The key findings of the study were that constraints in attaining sustainable human settlements in the KwaMaphumulo Local Municipality negatively impacts on the development in the area. The level of services being provided is poor. There is an apparent disconnect between traditional leaders and the municipality councillor as development management and vision are concerned. Furthermore, the development programmes and projects do not seem to address the critical needs of the community. Housing development is narrow minded with a focus on the top structure and a failure to include basic services and infrastructure. Houses built that are financed by subsidies are of poor quality. The latter situation results in more able‐ bodied, skilled and capable people emigrating to developed areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Sikhosana, Phindokuhle
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Human settlements , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47181 , vital:39829
- Description: This study sought to investigate the constraints in the attainment of sustainable human settlement in KwaMaphumulo Local Municipality at iLembe District in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The aim of this study was to investigate the constraints that limit the achievement of the ideal of sustainable human settlement development in the KwaMaphumulo Local Municipality. Furthermore, the study sought to determine the impact of these constraints on sustainable development and to proffer measures that can be taken to combat stagnant or underdevelopment in the area. A mixed-method approach is followed in this study, which considers a triangulation of quantitative and qualitative data collection, analysis and interpretation techniques. It is important to note that in the past years since South Africa became a democratic country, there have been countless efforts with regard to overcoming the problems created during the apartheid era. These problems stemmed from a distorted spatial, social, economic and political background that was advocated by both segregationist public policies and the planning systems of the Apartheid Regime. In recent years, South African cities have also been faced with environmental issues, which are imperative to the future development of the country. With all these issues in mind, we see that the many efforts that are put in place by government always fall short of solving the problems. This research report looked at the constraints that affect the KwaMaphumulo Local Municipality in attaining sustainable human settlements and whether the efforts of redistribution and equality have been enough to overcome the problems. The key findings of the study were that constraints in attaining sustainable human settlements in the KwaMaphumulo Local Municipality negatively impacts on the development in the area. The level of services being provided is poor. There is an apparent disconnect between traditional leaders and the municipality councillor as development management and vision are concerned. Furthermore, the development programmes and projects do not seem to address the critical needs of the community. Housing development is narrow minded with a focus on the top structure and a failure to include basic services and infrastructure. Houses built that are financed by subsidies are of poor quality. The latter situation results in more able‐ bodied, skilled and capable people emigrating to developed areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The effect of macroeconomic factors on the sustainable production of fresh produce in South Africa
- Authors: Van Niekerk, Johan Marius
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50720 , vital:42392
- Description: Primary producers of fresh produce and other agricultural commodities at large, also known as farmers in South Africa are diminishing at a worrying rate (58,000) commercial farmers in 1998 to under 35,000 in 2018). The sustainability of the agriculture sector in South Africa is at risk (Aye, Gupta & Wanke, 2018). Sustainable agriculture has the potential to address some of the fundamental challenges facing agricultural practices in South Africa. The agriculture sector play an important role as driver for economic growth in the economy. Improving agricultural sustainability is fundamental to food security and poverty reduction (Vink,2014). The primary objective of this study is to empirically examine the effects of macro factors on the sustainability of fresh produce in South Africa. These factors are political certainty, economic certainty, environmental certainty and the production of fresh produce. The importance of these factors to farmers is well documented. An online research survey, with 247 respondents was conducted. Data analyses were conducted through descriptive and inferential statistics. The study concludes with managerial recommendations that can be implemented to increase certainty among the independent variables and so improve sustainability. Some recommendations include: improved communication between the industry and government, improved collaboration and the implementation of well aligned strategies in order to manage risks associated with macro factors. Findings of the study suggest that the independent and dependent factors influence each other. The practical contribution of the study is the detailed insight that is provided by the study which reveals that sustainability can be linked to the productivity of farmers and implies that although fresh produce farmers are uncertain and concerned about the macro factors outside their control, they are very positive about their production and long-term sustainability and do not intend to quit the industry. The study indicated the importance of sustainability of fresh produce in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Van Niekerk, Johan Marius
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50720 , vital:42392
- Description: Primary producers of fresh produce and other agricultural commodities at large, also known as farmers in South Africa are diminishing at a worrying rate (58,000) commercial farmers in 1998 to under 35,000 in 2018). The sustainability of the agriculture sector in South Africa is at risk (Aye, Gupta & Wanke, 2018). Sustainable agriculture has the potential to address some of the fundamental challenges facing agricultural practices in South Africa. The agriculture sector play an important role as driver for economic growth in the economy. Improving agricultural sustainability is fundamental to food security and poverty reduction (Vink,2014). The primary objective of this study is to empirically examine the effects of macro factors on the sustainability of fresh produce in South Africa. These factors are political certainty, economic certainty, environmental certainty and the production of fresh produce. The importance of these factors to farmers is well documented. An online research survey, with 247 respondents was conducted. Data analyses were conducted through descriptive and inferential statistics. The study concludes with managerial recommendations that can be implemented to increase certainty among the independent variables and so improve sustainability. Some recommendations include: improved communication between the industry and government, improved collaboration and the implementation of well aligned strategies in order to manage risks associated with macro factors. Findings of the study suggest that the independent and dependent factors influence each other. The practical contribution of the study is the detailed insight that is provided by the study which reveals that sustainability can be linked to the productivity of farmers and implies that although fresh produce farmers are uncertain and concerned about the macro factors outside their control, they are very positive about their production and long-term sustainability and do not intend to quit the industry. The study indicated the importance of sustainability of fresh produce in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Indigenous knowledge for agricultural development: a framework for potato farming in Bui division, North West Region of Cameroon
- Authors: Ngek, Shillie Peter
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- Cameroon -- Bui , Agricultural industries -- Cameroon , Sustainable agriculture , Sustainable development , Indigenous peoples
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33703 , vital:32974
- Description: Over the years, people have planned and carried out their activities depending on their indigenous knowledge base. In agriculture, documented importance of indigenous knowledge has been noted in different ways such as in crop health management, soil nutrient management, and food processing and food preservation. Indigenous smallholder farmers across the world have developed techniques that reflect their intimate knowledge of their local environments and ecosystems to improve their agricultural yields and minimise postharvest losses. However, such indigenous knowledge techniques are rarely documented or enhanced to boost agricultural practice and ensure food security. The present study has identified potato farming in Cameroon as a potential contributor to the socio-economic development of farmers, their communities and their country. The potato farming industry largely consists of smallholder farmers, predominantly women, producing primarily of immediate consumption. Historically, these farmers have been sustaining their farms through indigenous knowledge and practices that are not being exploited to the fullest beneficial opportunities for these farmers. It has often been suggested that Western highly mechanised approaches should be implemented to commercialise these farms in order to access these benefits. These approaches of mechanisation require large capital outlays, which these smallholder farmers cannot afford, hence the approach taken by the present study to capitalise on the indigenous knowledge and practices of these farmers. The present study argued that working with the existing indigenous knowledge and practices of these farmers, a level of commercialisation, with the resulting job creation and economic benefits, could be achieved. This study has succeeded in identifying the causes of postharvest potato losses on the smallholding farms, the obstacles in reducing these losses and the techniques to reduce these losses. The study provides important recommendations to improve smallholder potato farming in Cameroon. By implementing the findings of this study, the Cameroon government, prospective potato farmers, entrepreneurs, traditional authorities and NGOs could make a significant contribution to the improvement of socio-economic conditions and the reduction of poverty levels in these farming communities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Ngek, Shillie Peter
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- Cameroon -- Bui , Agricultural industries -- Cameroon , Sustainable agriculture , Sustainable development , Indigenous peoples
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33703 , vital:32974
- Description: Over the years, people have planned and carried out their activities depending on their indigenous knowledge base. In agriculture, documented importance of indigenous knowledge has been noted in different ways such as in crop health management, soil nutrient management, and food processing and food preservation. Indigenous smallholder farmers across the world have developed techniques that reflect their intimate knowledge of their local environments and ecosystems to improve their agricultural yields and minimise postharvest losses. However, such indigenous knowledge techniques are rarely documented or enhanced to boost agricultural practice and ensure food security. The present study has identified potato farming in Cameroon as a potential contributor to the socio-economic development of farmers, their communities and their country. The potato farming industry largely consists of smallholder farmers, predominantly women, producing primarily of immediate consumption. Historically, these farmers have been sustaining their farms through indigenous knowledge and practices that are not being exploited to the fullest beneficial opportunities for these farmers. It has often been suggested that Western highly mechanised approaches should be implemented to commercialise these farms in order to access these benefits. These approaches of mechanisation require large capital outlays, which these smallholder farmers cannot afford, hence the approach taken by the present study to capitalise on the indigenous knowledge and practices of these farmers. The present study argued that working with the existing indigenous knowledge and practices of these farmers, a level of commercialisation, with the resulting job creation and economic benefits, could be achieved. This study has succeeded in identifying the causes of postharvest potato losses on the smallholding farms, the obstacles in reducing these losses and the techniques to reduce these losses. The study provides important recommendations to improve smallholder potato farming in Cameroon. By implementing the findings of this study, the Cameroon government, prospective potato farmers, entrepreneurs, traditional authorities and NGOs could make a significant contribution to the improvement of socio-economic conditions and the reduction of poverty levels in these farming communities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The relationship between conflict cycles and sustainable development goals
- Authors: Ngxeba, Zimkhitha Pamela
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Sustainable development , Conflict management Social conflict Economic development -- Political aspects Rural development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22846 , vital:30110
- Description: The objective of the study was to evaluate the relationship between conflict and the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations (UN) and the effect this relationship has on achieving these goals by the year 2030. The researcher gathered the data on this relationship from three communities within the Ngqushwa Municipality of the Eastern Cape, South Africa, using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The data collection tools that were used helped the researcher to develop a work plan that guided the type of information that should be collected with regards to the current situation in the three communities being studied. Three sample communities, namely Ndwayana, Ndlambe and Pikoli communities in the Ngqushwa Municipality of the Eastern Cape, South Africa were used. The first samples’ (Ndwayana community) responses to the survey, revealed that there are conflicts amongst the community members and amongst the community leadership. At Ndlambe, the response to the survey revealed that there is a divide between tribal authority and the community. In this village there are factions, with some of the people siding with the tribal authority and others who are against it. The third sample, which is from Pikoli community, however disclosed that conflict in their village is manageable and is mostly caused by outsiders. Based on the findings of the research, NGO’s and government have instituted development programmes in these villages, meaning that they are doing their part in trying to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. However, efforts in some villages are rejected and conflicts still exist. This shows that there is a relationship between conflicts and sustainable development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Ngxeba, Zimkhitha Pamela
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Sustainable development , Conflict management Social conflict Economic development -- Political aspects Rural development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22846 , vital:30110
- Description: The objective of the study was to evaluate the relationship between conflict and the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations (UN) and the effect this relationship has on achieving these goals by the year 2030. The researcher gathered the data on this relationship from three communities within the Ngqushwa Municipality of the Eastern Cape, South Africa, using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. The data collection tools that were used helped the researcher to develop a work plan that guided the type of information that should be collected with regards to the current situation in the three communities being studied. Three sample communities, namely Ndwayana, Ndlambe and Pikoli communities in the Ngqushwa Municipality of the Eastern Cape, South Africa were used. The first samples’ (Ndwayana community) responses to the survey, revealed that there are conflicts amongst the community members and amongst the community leadership. At Ndlambe, the response to the survey revealed that there is a divide between tribal authority and the community. In this village there are factions, with some of the people siding with the tribal authority and others who are against it. The third sample, which is from Pikoli community, however disclosed that conflict in their village is manageable and is mostly caused by outsiders. Based on the findings of the research, NGO’s and government have instituted development programmes in these villages, meaning that they are doing their part in trying to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. However, efforts in some villages are rejected and conflicts still exist. This shows that there is a relationship between conflicts and sustainable development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Beyond greening: reflections on the business sustainability imperative
- Authors: Smith, Elroy Eugene
- Subjects: Sustainable development , Environmental economics , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20768 , vital:29387
- Description: This paper sets out to reflect that organisations should go beyond greening and embrace the sustainability imperative. The concept of greening and environmentalism reached a ceiling as it focuses only on short-term green issues rather than on long-term sustainability goals. Narrow concerns for the natural environment often dilute the true meaning of sustainability. Yet, the field of sustainability is much broader than just focusing on environmental issues. Most contemporary executives know that their response to the challenges of sustainability could seriously affect the competitiveness and survival of their organisations. Despite this notion, most are failing by launching a few greening initiatives without a clear sustainability vision and plan. The sustainability discourse expanded the manner in which organisational success is measured, using values and criteria from the economic, environmental and social realms – commonly known as the triple bottom line. The idea is to balance the needs of people, the planet and the organisation’s profits to create long-term shareholder value. The concept of sustainability has suffered from a proliferation of definitions, meaning many things to different people. However, consensus is forming that sustainability refers to the process by which sound economic systems operate well within the biophysical constraints of the ecosystem to provide a good quality of life that is socially appropriate for current and future generations. Sustainability is bigger than a publicity stunt, green products or occasional acknowledgement to on-going efforts to save the planet. Although greening will be a central part of the way business is conducted, green alone is not a broad enough platform to sustain a business in the long-run. There is a need to look beyond the green aspects of sustainability and also using the social, economic and cultural aspects to build a successful and sustainable organisation. 2 This paper addresses aspects such as the sustainability paradigm, dimensions and drivers of sustainability, statistical evidence of sustainability, national framework for sustainable development in South Africa, a sustainability case example and challenges of sustainability.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Smith, Elroy Eugene
- Subjects: Sustainable development , Environmental economics , f-sa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Lectures
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20768 , vital:29387
- Description: This paper sets out to reflect that organisations should go beyond greening and embrace the sustainability imperative. The concept of greening and environmentalism reached a ceiling as it focuses only on short-term green issues rather than on long-term sustainability goals. Narrow concerns for the natural environment often dilute the true meaning of sustainability. Yet, the field of sustainability is much broader than just focusing on environmental issues. Most contemporary executives know that their response to the challenges of sustainability could seriously affect the competitiveness and survival of their organisations. Despite this notion, most are failing by launching a few greening initiatives without a clear sustainability vision and plan. The sustainability discourse expanded the manner in which organisational success is measured, using values and criteria from the economic, environmental and social realms – commonly known as the triple bottom line. The idea is to balance the needs of people, the planet and the organisation’s profits to create long-term shareholder value. The concept of sustainability has suffered from a proliferation of definitions, meaning many things to different people. However, consensus is forming that sustainability refers to the process by which sound economic systems operate well within the biophysical constraints of the ecosystem to provide a good quality of life that is socially appropriate for current and future generations. Sustainability is bigger than a publicity stunt, green products or occasional acknowledgement to on-going efforts to save the planet. Although greening will be a central part of the way business is conducted, green alone is not a broad enough platform to sustain a business in the long-run. There is a need to look beyond the green aspects of sustainability and also using the social, economic and cultural aspects to build a successful and sustainable organisation. 2 This paper addresses aspects such as the sustainability paradigm, dimensions and drivers of sustainability, statistical evidence of sustainability, national framework for sustainable development in South Africa, a sustainability case example and challenges of sustainability.
- Full Text:
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