People and the sea in Mpondoland: an analysis of culture, provisioning, and accessibility to ocean and coastal services
- Authors: Laqwela, Bayanda
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Pondo (African people) -- Research , Culture -- Research -- South Africa , Sociology
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72278 , vital:79205
- Description: South Africa can be characterised as a marine country due to its location at the interface of three oceans: The Atlantic Ocean, Southern Ocean and the Indian Ocean. Additionally, the country boasts the third-longest coastline in Africa, approximately 3,000 km long. This coastline stretches from the borders of Namibia, across four provinces, to the border with Mozambique. The ocean surrounding South Africa is not only home to extensive marine biodiversity, but also supports a range of diverse coastal cultures, with people interacting with the ocean and its coasts in various ways. Some individuals enjoy engaging in water sports along the Eastern Cape shorelines, while others view the ocean as a space to practice indigenous customs and as a residence for communities whose primary source of sustenance is fishing and other marine resources. The study sought to understand human-ocean interactions, the benefits the people of Mpondoland derive from these interactions, and the dynamics involved in accessing those benefits. To achieve its goal and objectives, the study employed a multi-sited ethnographic approach, with fieldwork conducted in three communities—two in Port St. Johns and one in Lusikisiki. Observations, focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews were conducted with a total of 41 participants. The key findings of the study are; i)There are cultural, religious, and spiritual convictions that play a significant role in how the people of Mpondoland interact with the ocean; ii) The study further found that the ocean plays an important economic provisioning role for the people of Mpondoland, providing food, spaces to hustle, and marine species used as indigenous medicine to treat animals, people, and the land/soil; iii) Finally, the study revealed that current government legislation limits access to sea resources and the coast, which is perceived as oppressive. The study further found that structural and relational factors, such as a lack of capital and technology to optimize access to marine resources, also contribute to the inaccessibility of sea/coastal services. The scholarly issues addressed by this research were informed by ongoing conversations within and outside of academic spaces, both globally and nationally. These discussions emphasise the need for scientific research on various cultural and indigenous peoples to document and understand their knowledge and behaviours in relation to the ocean. Such knowledge has the potential to contribute to sustainable solutions for the environmental problems faced by contemporary society. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Laqwela, Bayanda
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Pondo (African people) -- Research , Culture -- Research -- South Africa , Sociology
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72278 , vital:79205
- Description: South Africa can be characterised as a marine country due to its location at the interface of three oceans: The Atlantic Ocean, Southern Ocean and the Indian Ocean. Additionally, the country boasts the third-longest coastline in Africa, approximately 3,000 km long. This coastline stretches from the borders of Namibia, across four provinces, to the border with Mozambique. The ocean surrounding South Africa is not only home to extensive marine biodiversity, but also supports a range of diverse coastal cultures, with people interacting with the ocean and its coasts in various ways. Some individuals enjoy engaging in water sports along the Eastern Cape shorelines, while others view the ocean as a space to practice indigenous customs and as a residence for communities whose primary source of sustenance is fishing and other marine resources. The study sought to understand human-ocean interactions, the benefits the people of Mpondoland derive from these interactions, and the dynamics involved in accessing those benefits. To achieve its goal and objectives, the study employed a multi-sited ethnographic approach, with fieldwork conducted in three communities—two in Port St. Johns and one in Lusikisiki. Observations, focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews were conducted with a total of 41 participants. The key findings of the study are; i)There are cultural, religious, and spiritual convictions that play a significant role in how the people of Mpondoland interact with the ocean; ii) The study further found that the ocean plays an important economic provisioning role for the people of Mpondoland, providing food, spaces to hustle, and marine species used as indigenous medicine to treat animals, people, and the land/soil; iii) Finally, the study revealed that current government legislation limits access to sea resources and the coast, which is perceived as oppressive. The study further found that structural and relational factors, such as a lack of capital and technology to optimize access to marine resources, also contribute to the inaccessibility of sea/coastal services. The scholarly issues addressed by this research were informed by ongoing conversations within and outside of academic spaces, both globally and nationally. These discussions emphasise the need for scientific research on various cultural and indigenous peoples to document and understand their knowledge and behaviours in relation to the ocean. Such knowledge has the potential to contribute to sustainable solutions for the environmental problems faced by contemporary society. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
Socio-economic Impacts of COVID-19 on household well-being: Evidence from South Africa
- Authors: Lomas, Djamella
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: COVID-19 (Disease) -- Economic aspects , Cost and standard of living -- South Africa , Income -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/71915 , vital:79151
- Description: Following the outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in Wuhan, China in 2019, several studies around the world have been published on the economic impact of the novel Coronavirus - COVID-19 – on individuals, financial markets, governmental responses to the pandemic and related rates of mortality and morbidity. Literature suggests that the outbreak of COVID-19 has delivered a devastating impact on businesses and economies in many developed and developing countries around the world. However, there is a paucity of empirical studies on the virus’s socio-economic impacts on the well-being of households, particularly those in the Global South. Thus, using descriptive statistics, logistics and multiple regression techniques, this study examines the socio-economic impacts of COVID-19 on household wellbeing in South Africa using National Income Dynamics Study (NIDS) wave 5 and National Income Dynamics Study – Coronavirus Rapid Mobile Survey (NIDS-CRAM) wave 2 data. In addressing the above objective, the following research questions were addressed: (1) What are the impacts of COVID-19 on household wellbeing such as household income, food security and subjective wellbeing? (2) Which households (based on household characteristics) are more vulnerable to the impacts of COVID-19? The study finds that COVID-19 has had a significant impact on household wellbeing, reducing household income, increasing food insecurity (increased hunger) and worsening household subjective wellbeing. Furthermore, the findings show that rural households, households with unemployed heads, female-headed, African, Coloured, and Asian households, and households in Kwazulu-Natal (KZN) province are associated with lower household income during the pandemic while those with tertiary educated heads and those in the North -West and Free State provinces are associated with higher household income. In terms of food security, unemployed households, African households, and households in the Western Cape, KZN, Limpopo and Gauteng are associated with food shortages (hunger) while those with tertiary, diploma-educated heads, are less likely to experience food shortages. While rural households are associated with better household subjective wellbeing, a lower level of wellbeing is associated with households in the provinces of KZN and the North-west, as well as households with educated heads.Based on the findings, it is recommended that addressing low household income and hunger through social welfare transfers such as the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and Stress Relief Distress Grant (SRDG) and other measures to combat food insecurity, needs to be prioritised. Furthermore, regarding subjective wellbeing issues, because poor mental health is associated with a variety of negative outcomes, including early mortality, disrupting the pathways from hunger to depressive symptoms needs to be a cornerstone of South Africa’s social development and mental health policy. Special policy intervention such as widening the inclusion criteria for the SRDG to include recipients of the child support grant and old-age pension in order to support low-income households is recommended as these categories of households are more vulnerable to the impacts of COVID-19 relative to affluent households. Apart from the potential empirical contribution to literature, the results of this study also provide essential ingredients that can shape social transfer policy direction to improve the overall well-being of households. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Lomas, Djamella
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: COVID-19 (Disease) -- Economic aspects , Cost and standard of living -- South Africa , Income -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/71915 , vital:79151
- Description: Following the outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in Wuhan, China in 2019, several studies around the world have been published on the economic impact of the novel Coronavirus - COVID-19 – on individuals, financial markets, governmental responses to the pandemic and related rates of mortality and morbidity. Literature suggests that the outbreak of COVID-19 has delivered a devastating impact on businesses and economies in many developed and developing countries around the world. However, there is a paucity of empirical studies on the virus’s socio-economic impacts on the well-being of households, particularly those in the Global South. Thus, using descriptive statistics, logistics and multiple regression techniques, this study examines the socio-economic impacts of COVID-19 on household wellbeing in South Africa using National Income Dynamics Study (NIDS) wave 5 and National Income Dynamics Study – Coronavirus Rapid Mobile Survey (NIDS-CRAM) wave 2 data. In addressing the above objective, the following research questions were addressed: (1) What are the impacts of COVID-19 on household wellbeing such as household income, food security and subjective wellbeing? (2) Which households (based on household characteristics) are more vulnerable to the impacts of COVID-19? The study finds that COVID-19 has had a significant impact on household wellbeing, reducing household income, increasing food insecurity (increased hunger) and worsening household subjective wellbeing. Furthermore, the findings show that rural households, households with unemployed heads, female-headed, African, Coloured, and Asian households, and households in Kwazulu-Natal (KZN) province are associated with lower household income during the pandemic while those with tertiary educated heads and those in the North -West and Free State provinces are associated with higher household income. In terms of food security, unemployed households, African households, and households in the Western Cape, KZN, Limpopo and Gauteng are associated with food shortages (hunger) while those with tertiary, diploma-educated heads, are less likely to experience food shortages. While rural households are associated with better household subjective wellbeing, a lower level of wellbeing is associated with households in the provinces of KZN and the North-west, as well as households with educated heads.Based on the findings, it is recommended that addressing low household income and hunger through social welfare transfers such as the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and Stress Relief Distress Grant (SRDG) and other measures to combat food insecurity, needs to be prioritised. Furthermore, regarding subjective wellbeing issues, because poor mental health is associated with a variety of negative outcomes, including early mortality, disrupting the pathways from hunger to depressive symptoms needs to be a cornerstone of South Africa’s social development and mental health policy. Special policy intervention such as widening the inclusion criteria for the SRDG to include recipients of the child support grant and old-age pension in order to support low-income households is recommended as these categories of households are more vulnerable to the impacts of COVID-19 relative to affluent households. Apart from the potential empirical contribution to literature, the results of this study also provide essential ingredients that can shape social transfer policy direction to improve the overall well-being of households. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
Stakeholder engagement and sustainable tourism development in the greater Taung Local Municipal area, North-West Province
- Authors: Mosenogi, Joel Marumo
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Sustainable tourism -- South Africa , Tourism -- Management , Tourism -- South Africa -- North West Province
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/73059 , vital:79328
- Description: The global importance of sustainable tourism development as a foundation for economic growth, poverty reduction and employment cannot be over-emphasised, and this is not an exception for the North-West Province of South Africa. Sustainable tourism development is a multi-dimensional phenomenon which needs the involvement of all stakeholders to be a success. This study aims to explore and understand the role of stakeholder engagement on sustainable tourism development in the Greater Taung Local Municipality area. Applying a qualitative research approach under constructivism philosophy and exploratory design, data was collected using open-ended interview schedule. To effectively analyse data, the study adopted thematic approach which was achieved through qualitative techniques which included word cloud, tree maps, cluster analysis, hierarchy charts and word trees. The findings of the study showed that stakeholder engagement is largely dependent on the ability to effectively coordinate relevant stakeholders which is the main responsibility of government. Further findings of the study indicate that given the nature of development and diversity of the tourism industry, stakeholder identification cannot be a once off exercise performed by government alone. While government holds the responsibility of coordination, it is important to ensure that the process of stakeholder identification is as inclusive as possible and most importantly be guided by a set of stakeholder’s identification criteria. There is a need to also ensure that stakeholders are contently engaging. Findings also emphasise the importance of ensuring effective functionality of all formal structures within the tourism sector, the umbrella body and all other forums and stakeholders. These must be well organised, which requires active involvement and participation amongst all stakeholders. To successfully achieve this, various sustainability enablers such as technology, communication, information sharing, responsiveness, marketing, financing and education are important. Most importantly, there is a need for institutionalisation of innovation, research, monitoring and evaluation as the basis for the achievement of stakeholder engagement and sustainable tourism development. The study finally developed a stakeholder engagement and sustainable tourism development framework as a major contribution in the field of tourism. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Mosenogi, Joel Marumo
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Sustainable tourism -- South Africa , Tourism -- Management , Tourism -- South Africa -- North West Province
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/73059 , vital:79328
- Description: The global importance of sustainable tourism development as a foundation for economic growth, poverty reduction and employment cannot be over-emphasised, and this is not an exception for the North-West Province of South Africa. Sustainable tourism development is a multi-dimensional phenomenon which needs the involvement of all stakeholders to be a success. This study aims to explore and understand the role of stakeholder engagement on sustainable tourism development in the Greater Taung Local Municipality area. Applying a qualitative research approach under constructivism philosophy and exploratory design, data was collected using open-ended interview schedule. To effectively analyse data, the study adopted thematic approach which was achieved through qualitative techniques which included word cloud, tree maps, cluster analysis, hierarchy charts and word trees. The findings of the study showed that stakeholder engagement is largely dependent on the ability to effectively coordinate relevant stakeholders which is the main responsibility of government. Further findings of the study indicate that given the nature of development and diversity of the tourism industry, stakeholder identification cannot be a once off exercise performed by government alone. While government holds the responsibility of coordination, it is important to ensure that the process of stakeholder identification is as inclusive as possible and most importantly be guided by a set of stakeholder’s identification criteria. There is a need to also ensure that stakeholders are contently engaging. Findings also emphasise the importance of ensuring effective functionality of all formal structures within the tourism sector, the umbrella body and all other forums and stakeholders. These must be well organised, which requires active involvement and participation amongst all stakeholders. To successfully achieve this, various sustainability enablers such as technology, communication, information sharing, responsiveness, marketing, financing and education are important. Most importantly, there is a need for institutionalisation of innovation, research, monitoring and evaluation as the basis for the achievement of stakeholder engagement and sustainable tourism development. The study finally developed a stakeholder engagement and sustainable tourism development framework as a major contribution in the field of tourism. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
Strategies to improve coastal and marine tourism sustainability in the Nelson Mandela Bay coastal region
- Authors: Mbangeni, Mihlali
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Tourism -- Environmental aspects -- Port Elizabeth , Tourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainability -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/73003 , vital:79323
- Description: Coastal and marine tourism (CMT) is a rapidly growing subsector of tourism. CMT is a form of tourism that occurs in coastal areas and marine environments. This form of tourism has benefited the coastal and marine environments contributing economically to coastal regions globally. However, in developing regions such as the Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa, pollution, particularly plastics and waste from ships, is an environmental challenge. Thus, the need for managing and planning sustainability in coastal and marine tourism. The study evaluated the effectiveness of the current sustainability strategies used by Nelson Mandela Bay coastal region stakeholders. The interpretivist paradigm enabled a qualitative research approach. Thus, 8 semi-structured interviews were conducted through purposive sampling. Participants were from the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Tourism directorate, top managers of coastal and marine tourism businesses, and ocean economy-related non-profit organisation operators. Thematic analysis was employed using Atlas.ti software and narratives presented the results of the study. The study found current strategies used to ensure sustainability and how the municipality promotes sustainability. CMT businesses practise sustainability and NPO have practical initiatives in place. The challenges identified by the participants were stakeholders not having the same intentions towards sustainability, lack of local community literacy, lack of stakeholder inclusion leading to a lack of collaboration as well as lack of sustainability visible initiatives and regulation. Measures used to mitigate these challenges were, empowering decision makers and local communities by conducting workshops, creatively communicating the importance of sustainability while encouraging more collaboration among stakeholders. Introducing sustainability to children and encourage recycling and separation of waste. Recommendations made were to raise educational awareness, encourage participation through incentives for coastal clean-up and NMB to have a tourism and sustainability office. Provide fresh and updated information on websites as well as local communities should be empowered with knowledge and the skills. Future research should use a comparative analysis with a similar study in a coastal region. It could also look at incorporating a longitudinal study design that could assist and assess the long-term impact of the recommended strategies on sustainability in the area. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Mbangeni, Mihlali
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Tourism -- Environmental aspects -- Port Elizabeth , Tourism -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainability -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/73003 , vital:79323
- Description: Coastal and marine tourism (CMT) is a rapidly growing subsector of tourism. CMT is a form of tourism that occurs in coastal areas and marine environments. This form of tourism has benefited the coastal and marine environments contributing economically to coastal regions globally. However, in developing regions such as the Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa, pollution, particularly plastics and waste from ships, is an environmental challenge. Thus, the need for managing and planning sustainability in coastal and marine tourism. The study evaluated the effectiveness of the current sustainability strategies used by Nelson Mandela Bay coastal region stakeholders. The interpretivist paradigm enabled a qualitative research approach. Thus, 8 semi-structured interviews were conducted through purposive sampling. Participants were from the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Tourism directorate, top managers of coastal and marine tourism businesses, and ocean economy-related non-profit organisation operators. Thematic analysis was employed using Atlas.ti software and narratives presented the results of the study. The study found current strategies used to ensure sustainability and how the municipality promotes sustainability. CMT businesses practise sustainability and NPO have practical initiatives in place. The challenges identified by the participants were stakeholders not having the same intentions towards sustainability, lack of local community literacy, lack of stakeholder inclusion leading to a lack of collaboration as well as lack of sustainability visible initiatives and regulation. Measures used to mitigate these challenges were, empowering decision makers and local communities by conducting workshops, creatively communicating the importance of sustainability while encouraging more collaboration among stakeholders. Introducing sustainability to children and encourage recycling and separation of waste. Recommendations made were to raise educational awareness, encourage participation through incentives for coastal clean-up and NMB to have a tourism and sustainability office. Provide fresh and updated information on websites as well as local communities should be empowered with knowledge and the skills. Future research should use a comparative analysis with a similar study in a coastal region. It could also look at incorporating a longitudinal study design that could assist and assess the long-term impact of the recommended strategies on sustainability in the area. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
Substantive equality and the individual right to affirmative action
- Authors: Bothma, Deon
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Affirmative action programs -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , Equality -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72063 , vital:79182
- Description: The value of- and right to equality is important in all democracies. Equality discourse is particularly important in South Africa considering its unequal colonial and apartheid past. For centuries, certain categories of people have been excluded from fully participating in the economy and in social life while others benefitted substantially. The advent of democracy has called for a new constitutional order and the rule of law with a human rights focus underpinned by the values of non-racialism, freedom, and equality. Dismantling the architecture of oppression would not be possible without placing positive duties on the state and private individuals to redistribute economic and other opportunities from which those previously disadvantaged by unfair discrimination had been excluded. The right to equality is a contested concept, and the holistic understanding and application of formal and substantive notions of equality are often misunderstood and misapplied in the courts, business, political debates, and academia. This treatise focuses on the constitutional right to equality, with a specific focus on affirmative action measures and their application in the labour market and employment relations. The conventional notion of equality in the form of formal equality, that is not to be discriminated against, seems to be a stumbling block to the achievement of equality, since it often neglects the duty to provide in the form of substantive equality and positive measures. The Employment Equity Act, which has been enacted to give effect to the constitutional right to equality, distinctly provides provisions regulating the prohibition against unfair discrimination and the promotion of positive measures through affirmative action provisions. Affirmative action provisions in the Employment Equity Act have been a contentious matter among all races, men and women, and people with disabilities who contend for work opportunities in a labour market plagued by high levels of unemployment. Equality jurisprudence has been developing since the advent of democracy under a constitutional order and the subsequent promulgation of the Labour Relations Act and the Employment Equity Act. However, the body of case law has not been consistently developed and has resulted in more divergence in debates around equality provisions in various pieces of legislation. The divergent approaches to equality adjudication have necessitated a critical review of the equality provisions in the Bill of Rights and national employment legislation, and furthermore, an evaluation and critique of the application of relevant legislative provisions. Finally, to contribute to the existing body of literature, recommendations will be advanced for consideration by courts and other bodies empowered to decide disputes involving unfair discrimination and affirmative action. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, School of Mercantile Law, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Bothma, Deon
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Affirmative action programs -- South Africa , Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa , Equality -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72063 , vital:79182
- Description: The value of- and right to equality is important in all democracies. Equality discourse is particularly important in South Africa considering its unequal colonial and apartheid past. For centuries, certain categories of people have been excluded from fully participating in the economy and in social life while others benefitted substantially. The advent of democracy has called for a new constitutional order and the rule of law with a human rights focus underpinned by the values of non-racialism, freedom, and equality. Dismantling the architecture of oppression would not be possible without placing positive duties on the state and private individuals to redistribute economic and other opportunities from which those previously disadvantaged by unfair discrimination had been excluded. The right to equality is a contested concept, and the holistic understanding and application of formal and substantive notions of equality are often misunderstood and misapplied in the courts, business, political debates, and academia. This treatise focuses on the constitutional right to equality, with a specific focus on affirmative action measures and their application in the labour market and employment relations. The conventional notion of equality in the form of formal equality, that is not to be discriminated against, seems to be a stumbling block to the achievement of equality, since it often neglects the duty to provide in the form of substantive equality and positive measures. The Employment Equity Act, which has been enacted to give effect to the constitutional right to equality, distinctly provides provisions regulating the prohibition against unfair discrimination and the promotion of positive measures through affirmative action provisions. Affirmative action provisions in the Employment Equity Act have been a contentious matter among all races, men and women, and people with disabilities who contend for work opportunities in a labour market plagued by high levels of unemployment. Equality jurisprudence has been developing since the advent of democracy under a constitutional order and the subsequent promulgation of the Labour Relations Act and the Employment Equity Act. However, the body of case law has not been consistently developed and has resulted in more divergence in debates around equality provisions in various pieces of legislation. The divergent approaches to equality adjudication have necessitated a critical review of the equality provisions in the Bill of Rights and national employment legislation, and furthermore, an evaluation and critique of the application of relevant legislative provisions. Finally, to contribute to the existing body of literature, recommendations will be advanced for consideration by courts and other bodies empowered to decide disputes involving unfair discrimination and affirmative action. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, School of Mercantile Law, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
Tax policy and the obesity epidemic: a systematic review
- Authors: Mavuma, Onele
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Obesity , Metabolism -- Disorders , Taxation -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72982 , vital:79302
- Description: Obesity is a serious public health concern that has substantial social, health, and economic consequences for individuals of all ages and genders. Globally, the prevalence of obesity has tripled since the 1980s, and it is predicted to continue to climb yearly in the years to come. Despite the implementation of numerous tax laws around the world to curb the epidemic, its prevalence is still rising dramatically. This study investigated the causes and influences of the obesity epidemic, as well as how tax policies contribute to the fight against obesity epidemic in both developed and developing countries. A systematic review that conforms to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines to guarantee that the study's findings are transparent and reproducible by other researchers is employed in this study. This method followed a qualitative research approach, narrative synthesis method, and thematic analysis to analyse the study data. The study found that in developed and developing countries tax policies have a significant impact on altering the demand for unhealthy foods and drinks. In addition, there are a number of factors that contribute to obesity epidemic, including genetics, an environment that promotes obesity, nutrition, physical activity, greater reliance on technology, peer pressure, social networks, cultural norms and beliefs, mass media that promote junk food, lack of health education, and socioeconomic status. Sugar-sweetened beverage taxes, subsidies, or a mix of the two have been shown to be successful in combating the epidemic. In contrast, the South African sugar tax system and the fat tax have been shown to be ineffective tools to fight the epidemic. This study suggests that policymakers need to understand citizens' eating behaviours through behavioural lenses, devise behaviour-informed policies, and utilise nudges to induce healthy behaviours. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Mavuma, Onele
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Obesity , Metabolism -- Disorders , Taxation -- Law and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72982 , vital:79302
- Description: Obesity is a serious public health concern that has substantial social, health, and economic consequences for individuals of all ages and genders. Globally, the prevalence of obesity has tripled since the 1980s, and it is predicted to continue to climb yearly in the years to come. Despite the implementation of numerous tax laws around the world to curb the epidemic, its prevalence is still rising dramatically. This study investigated the causes and influences of the obesity epidemic, as well as how tax policies contribute to the fight against obesity epidemic in both developed and developing countries. A systematic review that conforms to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines to guarantee that the study's findings are transparent and reproducible by other researchers is employed in this study. This method followed a qualitative research approach, narrative synthesis method, and thematic analysis to analyse the study data. The study found that in developed and developing countries tax policies have a significant impact on altering the demand for unhealthy foods and drinks. In addition, there are a number of factors that contribute to obesity epidemic, including genetics, an environment that promotes obesity, nutrition, physical activity, greater reliance on technology, peer pressure, social networks, cultural norms and beliefs, mass media that promote junk food, lack of health education, and socioeconomic status. Sugar-sweetened beverage taxes, subsidies, or a mix of the two have been shown to be successful in combating the epidemic. In contrast, the South African sugar tax system and the fat tax have been shown to be ineffective tools to fight the epidemic. This study suggests that policymakers need to understand citizens' eating behaviours through behavioural lenses, devise behaviour-informed policies, and utilise nudges to induce healthy behaviours. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
Teachers’ understandings and experiences of policies on learner pregnancy in their schools in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Tshozi, Nomawethu Caroline
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Sex instruction , Family life education , Education, Secondary -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/71893 , vital:79149
- Description: Learner pregnancy has increased over the past few years, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa and particularly in the province of the Eastern Cape where this research study is conducted. There have been policies formulated and promulgated in the past to prevent and manage learner pregnancies, however, they have not been successful in lowering numbers of learners getting pregnant. Government has responded to this by revising these policies and introducing comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) in the curriculum from primary school. This has been met with resistance from school governing bodies and religious groups in the country, thereby delaying implementation. Teachers are having to deal at the coalface with this problem of learners getting pregnant at an early age in their schools. This research study explores teachers’ understandings and experiences of policies on learner pregnancy in their schools in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. It takes on qualitative research and an interpretive paradigm following a participatory visual methodology using photovoice and document analysis as data generation methods which culminated in policy briefs. Three township secondary schools from quintile 3 were purposively selected for this study from which eight were Life Orientation teachers and one a learner support agent (LSA) participated. The findings revealed that teachers feel incapacitated in handling sexuality matters and are not adequately enabled to effectively implement the formulated learner pregnancy policies in their schools. In addition, monitoring of the implementation of the learner pregnancy policies and support from the DBE were lacking. Moreover, collaboration with key stakeholders, such as parents, healthcare professionals (including nurses and social workers), and the community, was missing. This study recommends that the Department of Basic Education, through schools, should strengthen prevention strategies and rigorously push for the integration of CSE into the curriculum emphasising responsible decision-making, pregnancy prevention and reproductive health. Additionally, the DBE should provide ongoing training for teachers through in-service development workshops to enhance their understanding of learner pregnancy policies while also monitoring their effective implementation. This has implications for policymakers and curriculum developers to advocate for and design appropriate strategies and resources. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, School of Education, Research and Engagement, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Tshozi, Nomawethu Caroline
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Sex instruction , Family life education , Education, Secondary -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/71893 , vital:79149
- Description: Learner pregnancy has increased over the past few years, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa and particularly in the province of the Eastern Cape where this research study is conducted. There have been policies formulated and promulgated in the past to prevent and manage learner pregnancies, however, they have not been successful in lowering numbers of learners getting pregnant. Government has responded to this by revising these policies and introducing comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) in the curriculum from primary school. This has been met with resistance from school governing bodies and religious groups in the country, thereby delaying implementation. Teachers are having to deal at the coalface with this problem of learners getting pregnant at an early age in their schools. This research study explores teachers’ understandings and experiences of policies on learner pregnancy in their schools in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. It takes on qualitative research and an interpretive paradigm following a participatory visual methodology using photovoice and document analysis as data generation methods which culminated in policy briefs. Three township secondary schools from quintile 3 were purposively selected for this study from which eight were Life Orientation teachers and one a learner support agent (LSA) participated. The findings revealed that teachers feel incapacitated in handling sexuality matters and are not adequately enabled to effectively implement the formulated learner pregnancy policies in their schools. In addition, monitoring of the implementation of the learner pregnancy policies and support from the DBE were lacking. Moreover, collaboration with key stakeholders, such as parents, healthcare professionals (including nurses and social workers), and the community, was missing. This study recommends that the Department of Basic Education, through schools, should strengthen prevention strategies and rigorously push for the integration of CSE into the curriculum emphasising responsible decision-making, pregnancy prevention and reproductive health. Additionally, the DBE should provide ongoing training for teachers through in-service development workshops to enhance their understanding of learner pregnancy policies while also monitoring their effective implementation. This has implications for policymakers and curriculum developers to advocate for and design appropriate strategies and resources. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, School of Education, Research and Engagement, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
The 4IR influence on business performance and customer satisfaction in the South African retail industry
- Badaru, Sefeoluwa Oluwarotimi
- Authors: Badaru, Sefeoluwa Oluwarotimi
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Performance , Business -- Evaluation , Industrial revolution
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/71970 , vital:79162
- Description: The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is reshaping global business landscapes by introducing advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and data analytics. In the context of the South African retail industry, understanding how 4IR influences business performance and customer satisfaction (CS) is essential for maintaining competitiveness and promoting sustainable growth. This study investigates the impact of 4IR on business performance, and customer satisfaction, using digital marketing strategies (DMS), and customer experience (CX) as intervening variables. A mixed-method approach was employed to capture both quantitative and qualitative insights. Quantitative data were collected through surveys administered to customers, enabling the measurement of relationships among 4IR, DMS, and CX. Qualitative data, derived from semi-structured interviews with industry experts, provided a deeper contextual understanding of how 4IR and DMS influence business performance and CS in real-world retail environments. The findings reveal that 4IR technologies significantly contribute to operational efficiency, supply chain management, and the generation of data-driven insights, thereby enhancing both business performance and customer satisfaction. A strong positive relationship emerged between 4IR and DMS, indicating that the integration of advanced tools, such as AI-driven personalisation, substantially improves DMS efficiency. However, 4IR’s direct influence on CX was not found to be significant, suggesting that while technologies like tap-to-pay and IoT improve convenience, they do not alone elevate the overall CX. Furthermore, DMS demonstrated no significant direct effect on CX, implying that its benefits must be combined with service quality for meaningful improvements. In contrast, DMS had a pronounced positive impact on business performance by boosting customer acquisition, retention, and revenue. Finally, the study showed that enhanced CX, marked by seamless navigation and personalisation, significantly drives CS and brand loyalty. Building on these insights, the study developed a strategic framework for retail digital transformation, providing a structured approach for retailers to integrate 4IR technologies effectively. This framework emphasises the need for a balanced combination of technology adoption and integration, human capital development, process optimisation, ethical and strategic governance, evaluation and continous improvement and collaborative ecosystem development to maximise business performance and long-term customer engagement. This research highlights the crucial role of 4IR in shaping modern retail practices in South Africa as the adoption of advanced 4IR technologies and effective DMS can substantially improve operational processes and financial outcomes. However, to translate these advancements into memorable CXs, retailers must align technological innovations with high service quality and personalisation efforts. These findings bear significant implications for retail managers, policymakers, and marketers, as they highlight the necessity of strategic investments in both technology and customer-centric practices. Future studies could explore cross-cultural contexts and longitudinal assessments to further validate the influence of 4IR-driven retail strategies on business performance and customer satisfaction. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Badaru, Sefeoluwa Oluwarotimi
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Performance , Business -- Evaluation , Industrial revolution
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/71970 , vital:79162
- Description: The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is reshaping global business landscapes by introducing advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and data analytics. In the context of the South African retail industry, understanding how 4IR influences business performance and customer satisfaction (CS) is essential for maintaining competitiveness and promoting sustainable growth. This study investigates the impact of 4IR on business performance, and customer satisfaction, using digital marketing strategies (DMS), and customer experience (CX) as intervening variables. A mixed-method approach was employed to capture both quantitative and qualitative insights. Quantitative data were collected through surveys administered to customers, enabling the measurement of relationships among 4IR, DMS, and CX. Qualitative data, derived from semi-structured interviews with industry experts, provided a deeper contextual understanding of how 4IR and DMS influence business performance and CS in real-world retail environments. The findings reveal that 4IR technologies significantly contribute to operational efficiency, supply chain management, and the generation of data-driven insights, thereby enhancing both business performance and customer satisfaction. A strong positive relationship emerged between 4IR and DMS, indicating that the integration of advanced tools, such as AI-driven personalisation, substantially improves DMS efficiency. However, 4IR’s direct influence on CX was not found to be significant, suggesting that while technologies like tap-to-pay and IoT improve convenience, they do not alone elevate the overall CX. Furthermore, DMS demonstrated no significant direct effect on CX, implying that its benefits must be combined with service quality for meaningful improvements. In contrast, DMS had a pronounced positive impact on business performance by boosting customer acquisition, retention, and revenue. Finally, the study showed that enhanced CX, marked by seamless navigation and personalisation, significantly drives CS and brand loyalty. Building on these insights, the study developed a strategic framework for retail digital transformation, providing a structured approach for retailers to integrate 4IR technologies effectively. This framework emphasises the need for a balanced combination of technology adoption and integration, human capital development, process optimisation, ethical and strategic governance, evaluation and continous improvement and collaborative ecosystem development to maximise business performance and long-term customer engagement. This research highlights the crucial role of 4IR in shaping modern retail practices in South Africa as the adoption of advanced 4IR technologies and effective DMS can substantially improve operational processes and financial outcomes. However, to translate these advancements into memorable CXs, retailers must align technological innovations with high service quality and personalisation efforts. These findings bear significant implications for retail managers, policymakers, and marketers, as they highlight the necessity of strategic investments in both technology and customer-centric practices. Future studies could explore cross-cultural contexts and longitudinal assessments to further validate the influence of 4IR-driven retail strategies on business performance and customer satisfaction. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
The contribution of the expanded public works programme infrastructure sector to alleviate conditions of poverty
- Authors: Jacobs, Andrew
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: South Africa -- Expanded Public Works Programme , Public works -- South Africa , Poverty -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:79254
- Description: Almost 30 years after the end of apartheid South Africa continues to experience the highest rates of unemployment, poverty and inequality in the world. This has the potential to result in massive socio-economic instability. Renewed interest has been identified in public works programmes, which has the potential to contribute towards reducing the triple burden of unemployment, poverty and inequality. The protection and creation of jobs through public employment programmes, including the creation of jobs through the traditional Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), has become an important part of South Africa’s strategy for economic growth and stability. The aim of this study was to contribute to a deeper insight into the capacity of the EPWP to contribute towards reducing unemployment and poverty to improve the livelihoods of vulnerable communities and set out to: - Explore how employment under the infrastructure sector of EPWP has contributed to the household income of the beneficiaries. Explore how the income received from employment under the infrastructure sector of EPWP is used within the households. Identify and explore the skills the beneficiaries have developed by participating in the infrastructure sector of EPWP. Explore the perceived experiences of the beneficiaries’ participation in the infrastructure sector of EPWP. A qualitative case study design was employed to explore the insights and experiences of the beneficiaries participating in the infrastructure sector of EPWP in the Buffalo City Metro (BCM). Data was collected using semi-structured face-to-face interviews with the current and former EPWP beneficiaries in BCM to understand the experiential lens of the participants. The findings indicated that income received from EPWP employment is a valuable supplement to household income, enabling households to manage under conditions of increasing costs of living. Key shortcomings of the EPWP include the temporary nature of benefits, low income levels, inadequate training and inability to improve future employability. The study revealed the importance of income relief provided through short-term employment under EPWP for those unemployed beneficiaries living in conditions of poverty. Despite its shortcomings, the potential of EPWP as a policy tool to assist low-skilled unemployed workers to cope with economic shocks in the short term cannot be ignored. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Jacobs, Andrew
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: South Africa -- Expanded Public Works Programme , Public works -- South Africa , Poverty -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:79254
- Description: Almost 30 years after the end of apartheid South Africa continues to experience the highest rates of unemployment, poverty and inequality in the world. This has the potential to result in massive socio-economic instability. Renewed interest has been identified in public works programmes, which has the potential to contribute towards reducing the triple burden of unemployment, poverty and inequality. The protection and creation of jobs through public employment programmes, including the creation of jobs through the traditional Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), has become an important part of South Africa’s strategy for economic growth and stability. The aim of this study was to contribute to a deeper insight into the capacity of the EPWP to contribute towards reducing unemployment and poverty to improve the livelihoods of vulnerable communities and set out to: - Explore how employment under the infrastructure sector of EPWP has contributed to the household income of the beneficiaries. Explore how the income received from employment under the infrastructure sector of EPWP is used within the households. Identify and explore the skills the beneficiaries have developed by participating in the infrastructure sector of EPWP. Explore the perceived experiences of the beneficiaries’ participation in the infrastructure sector of EPWP. A qualitative case study design was employed to explore the insights and experiences of the beneficiaries participating in the infrastructure sector of EPWP in the Buffalo City Metro (BCM). Data was collected using semi-structured face-to-face interviews with the current and former EPWP beneficiaries in BCM to understand the experiential lens of the participants. The findings indicated that income received from EPWP employment is a valuable supplement to household income, enabling households to manage under conditions of increasing costs of living. Key shortcomings of the EPWP include the temporary nature of benefits, low income levels, inadequate training and inability to improve future employability. The study revealed the importance of income relief provided through short-term employment under EPWP for those unemployed beneficiaries living in conditions of poverty. Despite its shortcomings, the potential of EPWP as a policy tool to assist low-skilled unemployed workers to cope with economic shocks in the short term cannot be ignored. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
The economic empowerment of women in rural arts and crafts making: the case of Cegcuwana village
- Authors: Sitoto, Khanyisa
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Empowerment -- Women , Arts and craft movement -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72519 , vital:79234
- Description: This study focuses on the contribution of arts and crafts projects to the Cegcuwana Village in Umtata, in the Eastern Cape. The key research questions are as follows: Which challenges are women facing with regard to arts and crafts projects in Cengcuwana? What is the relationship between these projects and women's empowerment in the village? How do women make sense of these projects, and how do they respond to the fact that they work in a space dominated by men? In this study, the data were collected using a qualitative research method. This involved conducting interviews with 15 participants from the Cegcuwana Village in Umtata, in the Eastern Cape. The interviews were conducted physically; with the researcher going into the field to interact with the participants to observe and engage them while they were creating their products. The data were recorded in IsiXhosa and transcribed into English. The conceptual framework is used to understand the challenges facing women in the Cegcuwana Village regarding gender inequality. Finally, the study reveals that these arts and crafts projects provide them with economic freedom; they also assist them in preserving and promoting their heritage to maintain their identity. It is recommended that further research is necessary to investigate the challenges facing these projects , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Science, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Sitoto, Khanyisa
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Empowerment -- Women , Arts and craft movement -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Community development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72519 , vital:79234
- Description: This study focuses on the contribution of arts and crafts projects to the Cegcuwana Village in Umtata, in the Eastern Cape. The key research questions are as follows: Which challenges are women facing with regard to arts and crafts projects in Cengcuwana? What is the relationship between these projects and women's empowerment in the village? How do women make sense of these projects, and how do they respond to the fact that they work in a space dominated by men? In this study, the data were collected using a qualitative research method. This involved conducting interviews with 15 participants from the Cegcuwana Village in Umtata, in the Eastern Cape. The interviews were conducted physically; with the researcher going into the field to interact with the participants to observe and engage them while they were creating their products. The data were recorded in IsiXhosa and transcribed into English. The conceptual framework is used to understand the challenges facing women in the Cegcuwana Village regarding gender inequality. Finally, the study reveals that these arts and crafts projects provide them with economic freedom; they also assist them in preserving and promoting their heritage to maintain their identity. It is recommended that further research is necessary to investigate the challenges facing these projects , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Science, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
The effect of language policy on language experiences of students in higher education micro spaces
- Authors: Dani, Zizipho Paillis
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Language policy -- South Africa , Language and education -- South Africa , Language planning -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72240 , vital:79201
- Description: This study explored how the implementation of language policies or lack thereof within micro spaces in educational institutions can affect the language experience of the students in these spaces. The micro spaces that this study refers to are classrooms, social spaces, and residences in institutions of higher education and learning. Institutions of higher education and training have developed language policies that are in place, but these policies concentrate more on the corporate and pedagogical side of the institutions, excluding the micro spaces, although they still exist in the institution. In addition, the study explored matters about language policy in the academic spaces of Basic and Higher Education Institutions. It investigated the effect of the implementation of the institutional language policies of South African higher education institutions on the micro spaces that form part of the institution and how it has affected students living in these spaces who have experienced it. The study used qualitative and quantitative approaches to provide evidence of the growing need for research focused on language in these spaces. The participants of the study were aged from 18–65, because the age range covered both the lecturers who teach using English as the main mode of instruction, as per their institutional language policies, and the students who are taught using English as a Second or First Additional Language. The questionnaire was disseminated via social media outlets, garnering responses from 70 participants, while those interviewed consisted of 18 participants comprising nine lecturers and nine students. The study uses belonging as a lens through which the language experiences are analysed of South African students in educational spaces. The findings of this study indicate that the National Language Policy, which was formulated to promote multilingualism, advocates for equality of all the official languages and upholds the redress measures that are set out in the Constitution of South Africa, has not been implemented, monitored and evaluated effectively within Higher Education. This lack of implementation can be attributed to the lack of monitoring and evaluation, resources and knowledge surrounding the policies. The concept of multilingualism under the guidelines taken from the policies of different higher education institutions and the DHET language policy is discussed as a possible solution or gateway to bridging what many may refer to as an identified gap. Multilingual tools such as translanguaging, code-switching and code-meshing are already being utilised in some classrooms and spaces but cannot be utilised as the only solution in the long run. The study has also identified the need for language policies that are specific to domestic and social spaces in the institutions as means to mitigate confusion, bullying, esteem issues and the risks that may arise from having one dominant language in such spaces. Some learners are of the belief that their academic journey would have had a more positive impact if they had been able to express themselves better in English or if they had been taught in their native language. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communications, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Dani, Zizipho Paillis
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Language policy -- South Africa , Language and education -- South Africa , Language planning -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72240 , vital:79201
- Description: This study explored how the implementation of language policies or lack thereof within micro spaces in educational institutions can affect the language experience of the students in these spaces. The micro spaces that this study refers to are classrooms, social spaces, and residences in institutions of higher education and learning. Institutions of higher education and training have developed language policies that are in place, but these policies concentrate more on the corporate and pedagogical side of the institutions, excluding the micro spaces, although they still exist in the institution. In addition, the study explored matters about language policy in the academic spaces of Basic and Higher Education Institutions. It investigated the effect of the implementation of the institutional language policies of South African higher education institutions on the micro spaces that form part of the institution and how it has affected students living in these spaces who have experienced it. The study used qualitative and quantitative approaches to provide evidence of the growing need for research focused on language in these spaces. The participants of the study were aged from 18–65, because the age range covered both the lecturers who teach using English as the main mode of instruction, as per their institutional language policies, and the students who are taught using English as a Second or First Additional Language. The questionnaire was disseminated via social media outlets, garnering responses from 70 participants, while those interviewed consisted of 18 participants comprising nine lecturers and nine students. The study uses belonging as a lens through which the language experiences are analysed of South African students in educational spaces. The findings of this study indicate that the National Language Policy, which was formulated to promote multilingualism, advocates for equality of all the official languages and upholds the redress measures that are set out in the Constitution of South Africa, has not been implemented, monitored and evaluated effectively within Higher Education. This lack of implementation can be attributed to the lack of monitoring and evaluation, resources and knowledge surrounding the policies. The concept of multilingualism under the guidelines taken from the policies of different higher education institutions and the DHET language policy is discussed as a possible solution or gateway to bridging what many may refer to as an identified gap. Multilingual tools such as translanguaging, code-switching and code-meshing are already being utilised in some classrooms and spaces but cannot be utilised as the only solution in the long run. The study has also identified the need for language policies that are specific to domestic and social spaces in the institutions as means to mitigate confusion, bullying, esteem issues and the risks that may arise from having one dominant language in such spaces. Some learners are of the belief that their academic journey would have had a more positive impact if they had been able to express themselves better in English or if they had been taught in their native language. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communications, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
The effectiveness of fiscal and monetary policies towards addressing output gaps in South Africa
- Authors: Gcadana, Nqabisa Mary
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Fiscal policy -- South Africa , Monetary policy -- South Africa , Economic indicators -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72702 , vital:79249
- Description: The study examined fiscal and monetary policies' effectiveness in addressing the output gap in South Africa. The study used the HP filter formula on EViews to calculate the output gap values. Fiscal policy was measured by two proxies, government expenditure and government revenue, while monetary policy was also proxied by two variables: prime lending rate and money supply. The study employed two research techniques, NLADRL and SVAR, using data from the period 1980 to 2021. The theories that underpinned the study are Keynesian, monetarist, and business cycles. The NLARDL results show the countercyclical nature of fiscal policy via government expenditure and the positive cycle of government expenditure that exhibited a negative relationship and is statistically significant. However, in the short term, the positive cycle of government expenditure exhibited a negative relationship and are statistically significant association with the output gap, while the monetary policy, via the prime lending rate, exhibits a procyclical relationship. There is a positive relationship between the prime lending rate and the output gap, while the negative cycle of the prime lending rate that is significant statistically at 1 percent, thus, the positive cycle of the prime lending rate p-value 0.85 is statistically insignificant. The variance decomposition of the output gap variables in the SVAR analysis reveals significant differences in how the explanatory variables respond to shocks. Overall, the prime lending rate emerges as the most impactful shock affecting the South African economy during recessionary periods. Given the outcomes of the study showing that both the fiscal and monetary policies are not effective as opt to be, the study then suggest that structural reforms should be considered in South Africa and the matter of structural adjustment are discussed under the chapter of literature review. The study concludes that whilst both fiscal and monetary policies are essential tools to address output gaps in South Africa, structural constraints must be addressed. The study suggests that there is an urgent need for the implementation of structural reforms to sustain economic growth in South Africa. It is recommended that South African policymakers pay special attention to the structural constraints that continue to neutralise the effect of both fiscal and monetary policies in South Africa. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Gcadana, Nqabisa Mary
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Fiscal policy -- South Africa , Monetary policy -- South Africa , Economic indicators -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72702 , vital:79249
- Description: The study examined fiscal and monetary policies' effectiveness in addressing the output gap in South Africa. The study used the HP filter formula on EViews to calculate the output gap values. Fiscal policy was measured by two proxies, government expenditure and government revenue, while monetary policy was also proxied by two variables: prime lending rate and money supply. The study employed two research techniques, NLADRL and SVAR, using data from the period 1980 to 2021. The theories that underpinned the study are Keynesian, monetarist, and business cycles. The NLARDL results show the countercyclical nature of fiscal policy via government expenditure and the positive cycle of government expenditure that exhibited a negative relationship and is statistically significant. However, in the short term, the positive cycle of government expenditure exhibited a negative relationship and are statistically significant association with the output gap, while the monetary policy, via the prime lending rate, exhibits a procyclical relationship. There is a positive relationship between the prime lending rate and the output gap, while the negative cycle of the prime lending rate that is significant statistically at 1 percent, thus, the positive cycle of the prime lending rate p-value 0.85 is statistically insignificant. The variance decomposition of the output gap variables in the SVAR analysis reveals significant differences in how the explanatory variables respond to shocks. Overall, the prime lending rate emerges as the most impactful shock affecting the South African economy during recessionary periods. Given the outcomes of the study showing that both the fiscal and monetary policies are not effective as opt to be, the study then suggest that structural reforms should be considered in South Africa and the matter of structural adjustment are discussed under the chapter of literature review. The study concludes that whilst both fiscal and monetary policies are essential tools to address output gaps in South Africa, structural constraints must be addressed. The study suggests that there is an urgent need for the implementation of structural reforms to sustain economic growth in South Africa. It is recommended that South African policymakers pay special attention to the structural constraints that continue to neutralise the effect of both fiscal and monetary policies in South Africa. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
The impact of COVID-19 sentimental index on African stock market returns
- Authors: Mpayipeli, Nonophela
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Efficient market theory , Covid-19 -- Economic aspects , Stock exchanges
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/73081 , vital:79330
- Description: This study investigates how the Covid-19 Sentimental index affects stock market returns for South African, Nigerian, Morocco and Namibia. Stock market activity heavily relies on investor sentiment especially when investors demonstrate fear and uncertainty like during the Covid-19 pandemic period. This study creates a Sentimental index from Google search trends and Covid-19 specific search terms to measure investor feelings which subsequently determines changes in stock market returns. The research analyses stock market and investor sentiment relationships through short and long-term analyses using Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) in combination with Nonlinear ARDL (NARDL) methods. The research includes macroeconomic control variables that consist of interest rate data and exchange rate information while utilizing the ADS Index to represent U.S. business conditions. The study results demonstrate how emotional market volatility strongly influences stock market behaviour within emerging economies because of investors' psychological influences on these financial systems. The study enhances knowledge about sentiment effects on market efficiency in African stock exchanges while delivering practical recommendations to policymakers along with investors and financial regulators for stabilizing sentiment-driven market shaking. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Mpayipeli, Nonophela
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Efficient market theory , Covid-19 -- Economic aspects , Stock exchanges
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/73081 , vital:79330
- Description: This study investigates how the Covid-19 Sentimental index affects stock market returns for South African, Nigerian, Morocco and Namibia. Stock market activity heavily relies on investor sentiment especially when investors demonstrate fear and uncertainty like during the Covid-19 pandemic period. This study creates a Sentimental index from Google search trends and Covid-19 specific search terms to measure investor feelings which subsequently determines changes in stock market returns. The research analyses stock market and investor sentiment relationships through short and long-term analyses using Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) in combination with Nonlinear ARDL (NARDL) methods. The research includes macroeconomic control variables that consist of interest rate data and exchange rate information while utilizing the ADS Index to represent U.S. business conditions. The study results demonstrate how emotional market volatility strongly influences stock market behaviour within emerging economies because of investors' psychological influences on these financial systems. The study enhances knowledge about sentiment effects on market efficiency in African stock exchanges while delivering practical recommendations to policymakers along with investors and financial regulators for stabilizing sentiment-driven market shaking. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
The impact of financial sector development on unemployment: a study for South Africa from 1960 - 2021
- Authors: Mama, Nkosinathi
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Unemployment -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa , Financial institutions -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72948 , vital:79290
- Description: This study investigated the impact of financial sector development on unemployment in South Africa for the period 1960 to 2021. The study was inspired by historical events such as the great depression and the 2007/2008 global financial crisis which demonstrated a link between financial turmoil and elevated global unemployment rates. Employing an Auto Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model, the study explored the impact of financial sector development on unemployment rate in South Africa. This technique was most suitable to this study due to its flexibility on integration order of variables and data requirements to produce robust results. Contrary to conventional economic expectations, the data suggests that an increase in domestic credit to the private sector (DCP) could worsen unemployment in the short run. In the long run, the study suggests that access to credit will have no impact on unemployment. On the other hand, results revealed that an increase in the efficiency of investments facilitated by the financial sector measured by gross fixed capital formation (GFCF) may have a negative impact on unemployment. The results demonstrated a significant and positive relationship between GFCF and unemployment in the long run. These findings suggested that the rigidities in the South African labour market and imperfection within the financial sector could be contributing to the country’s higher unemployment levels. Based on these findings, the study offers several policy recommendations. Policymakers can re-evaluate their priorities in attempts to curb unemployment. This can be achieved through promoting efficiency of investment allocation over depth. Thereby, promoting economic diversification and implementing labour market reform strategies that could address the complex interplay between financial sector development and unemployment. Continuous monitoring, research collaboration with public-private partnerships, and targeted education training programs are the proposed key instruments for refining and implementing effective policies. The study concluded by emphasising the importance of ongoing research to understand the evolving dynamics of financial sector development and unemployment, while also acknowledging the limitations of the study. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Mama, Nkosinathi
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Unemployment -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa , Financial institutions -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72948 , vital:79290
- Description: This study investigated the impact of financial sector development on unemployment in South Africa for the period 1960 to 2021. The study was inspired by historical events such as the great depression and the 2007/2008 global financial crisis which demonstrated a link between financial turmoil and elevated global unemployment rates. Employing an Auto Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model, the study explored the impact of financial sector development on unemployment rate in South Africa. This technique was most suitable to this study due to its flexibility on integration order of variables and data requirements to produce robust results. Contrary to conventional economic expectations, the data suggests that an increase in domestic credit to the private sector (DCP) could worsen unemployment in the short run. In the long run, the study suggests that access to credit will have no impact on unemployment. On the other hand, results revealed that an increase in the efficiency of investments facilitated by the financial sector measured by gross fixed capital formation (GFCF) may have a negative impact on unemployment. The results demonstrated a significant and positive relationship between GFCF and unemployment in the long run. These findings suggested that the rigidities in the South African labour market and imperfection within the financial sector could be contributing to the country’s higher unemployment levels. Based on these findings, the study offers several policy recommendations. Policymakers can re-evaluate their priorities in attempts to curb unemployment. This can be achieved through promoting efficiency of investment allocation over depth. Thereby, promoting economic diversification and implementing labour market reform strategies that could address the complex interplay between financial sector development and unemployment. Continuous monitoring, research collaboration with public-private partnerships, and targeted education training programs are the proposed key instruments for refining and implementing effective policies. The study concluded by emphasising the importance of ongoing research to understand the evolving dynamics of financial sector development and unemployment, while also acknowledging the limitations of the study. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
The implications of alluvial diamond mining for rural communities of Chiadzwa-Marange, Zimbabwe
- Authors: Mukamba, Adonia
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Diamond mines and mining -- Zimmbambwe , Rural development -- Economic aspects -- Zimbabwe , Economic development -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/73119 , vital:79348
- Description: The extraction of metals and minerals has had, and continues to have, material implications for society. Given the significant growth in alluvial diamond mining activities witnessed in Chiadzwa, a rural community situated just southwest of Zimbabwe's third largest city, Mutare. This study focuses on the implications of alluvial diamond mining for rural communities of Chiadzwa-Marange, Zimbabwe. It assesses the socioeconomic and environmental impacts of alluvial mining on rural communities. It also establishes the measures put in place by mining companies and governments to mitigate and enhance the effects of alluvial diamonds. It further identifies policy gaps and recommends strategies for improving the positive implications while mitigating the negative impact of alluvial diamond mining. The study was influenced by the Resource Curse Theory, Political Ecology Theory and the Conflict Theory. The study was an explorative case study utilising qualitative data collection methods. Qualitative data were gathered through a systematic review of the literature and bibliometric research. The bibliometric research findings discussed the current state of the research and probable future directions on the study topic. Documents were selected using non-probability sampling methods, including purposive and snowball sampling techniques. The systematic review employed qualitative content analysis and bibliometric analysis to examine the collected data. Whilst the bibliometric analysis used VOS viewer software to perform bibliometric network visualizations, trend, and clustering and citation analysis on the study topic. Both the systematic literature review and bibliometric research were, carried out using multiple data bases. The study findings showed that the implications of alluvial diamond mining activities for the Chiadzwa community were two-fold, namely, positive and negative. A major finding of this study was that the adverse effects of alluvial diamond mining outweighed the potential positive benefits of alluvial diamond mining for the host community. Hence, there was a need to avert this gap. It was evident from the study findings that alluvial diamond mining activities continued to have adverse implications on the well-being and lives of the Chiadzwa people. As such, the host community were largely excluded from the significant benefits of alluvial diamond mining. The findings were further corroborated by a bibliometric analysis carried that examined 2,159 publications on alluvial diamond mining. The keywords "Zimbabwe," "diamond," and "mining," which had a total link strength of 2,385 emerged as the most frequently occurring terms. This highlights the significance of research focused on understanding the impact of alluvial diamond discoveries and mining activities in the Chiadzwa-Marange community in Zimbabwe.This signified the importance of research to understand the implications of alluvial diamond discoveries and mining taking place in Chiadzwa-Marange community in Zimbabwe.The diamond discoveries in Chiadzwa mirror other African countries where natural resources are becoming a curse rather than a blessing to countries. The study contributes to our understanding of the implications of alluvial diamond mining for rural communities in Zimbabwe and other regions experiencing the same phenomena. Given the adverse implications, it is recommended that multi-stakeholder platforms, improved legal frameworks, corporate social responsibility initiatives, and effective monitoring mechanisms be used to ensure sustainable and equitable alluvial diamond mining practices in the Zimbabwean mining sector. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Mukamba, Adonia
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Diamond mines and mining -- Zimmbambwe , Rural development -- Economic aspects -- Zimbabwe , Economic development -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/73119 , vital:79348
- Description: The extraction of metals and minerals has had, and continues to have, material implications for society. Given the significant growth in alluvial diamond mining activities witnessed in Chiadzwa, a rural community situated just southwest of Zimbabwe's third largest city, Mutare. This study focuses on the implications of alluvial diamond mining for rural communities of Chiadzwa-Marange, Zimbabwe. It assesses the socioeconomic and environmental impacts of alluvial mining on rural communities. It also establishes the measures put in place by mining companies and governments to mitigate and enhance the effects of alluvial diamonds. It further identifies policy gaps and recommends strategies for improving the positive implications while mitigating the negative impact of alluvial diamond mining. The study was influenced by the Resource Curse Theory, Political Ecology Theory and the Conflict Theory. The study was an explorative case study utilising qualitative data collection methods. Qualitative data were gathered through a systematic review of the literature and bibliometric research. The bibliometric research findings discussed the current state of the research and probable future directions on the study topic. Documents were selected using non-probability sampling methods, including purposive and snowball sampling techniques. The systematic review employed qualitative content analysis and bibliometric analysis to examine the collected data. Whilst the bibliometric analysis used VOS viewer software to perform bibliometric network visualizations, trend, and clustering and citation analysis on the study topic. Both the systematic literature review and bibliometric research were, carried out using multiple data bases. The study findings showed that the implications of alluvial diamond mining activities for the Chiadzwa community were two-fold, namely, positive and negative. A major finding of this study was that the adverse effects of alluvial diamond mining outweighed the potential positive benefits of alluvial diamond mining for the host community. Hence, there was a need to avert this gap. It was evident from the study findings that alluvial diamond mining activities continued to have adverse implications on the well-being and lives of the Chiadzwa people. As such, the host community were largely excluded from the significant benefits of alluvial diamond mining. The findings were further corroborated by a bibliometric analysis carried that examined 2,159 publications on alluvial diamond mining. The keywords "Zimbabwe," "diamond," and "mining," which had a total link strength of 2,385 emerged as the most frequently occurring terms. This highlights the significance of research focused on understanding the impact of alluvial diamond discoveries and mining activities in the Chiadzwa-Marange community in Zimbabwe.This signified the importance of research to understand the implications of alluvial diamond discoveries and mining taking place in Chiadzwa-Marange community in Zimbabwe.The diamond discoveries in Chiadzwa mirror other African countries where natural resources are becoming a curse rather than a blessing to countries. The study contributes to our understanding of the implications of alluvial diamond mining for rural communities in Zimbabwe and other regions experiencing the same phenomena. Given the adverse implications, it is recommended that multi-stakeholder platforms, improved legal frameworks, corporate social responsibility initiatives, and effective monitoring mechanisms be used to ensure sustainable and equitable alluvial diamond mining practices in the Zimbabwean mining sector. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
The implications of electric vehicle implementation for employment levels in the Eastern Cape’s automotive sector
- Authors: Coetzee, Marius George
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Unemployment -- South Africa , Electric vehicles -- South Africa , Automotive Industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72022 , vital:79178
- Description: The global transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is steadily gaining momentum, with over one million EV sales recorded in 2022, which accounts for 1.3% of total vehicle sales. This shift, largely driven by climate change initiatives and the need to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, has led many countries to announce plans to phase out internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. South Africa, particularly the Eastern Cape province which is a hub for the country’s automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), is significantly impacted by these technological advancements. The automotive industry in the province, which contributes 13% to the provincial GDP and employs approximately 55,000 people, is vital to the Eastern Cape’s economy. However, the transition from ICE vehicles to EVs may bring about socio-economic challenges, particularly in terms of employment within this critical sector. This study investigated the potential impact of EV adoption on employment in the Eastern Cape's automotive industry, with a focus on three core areas: EV charging infrastructure, battery manufacturing, and skills development. The shift towards EVs is expected to disrupt ICE vehicle production, which raises concerns regarding job losses due to the reduced complexity of EVs, which contain significantly fewer moving parts than do ICE vehicles (that is, 20 versus 2,000, respectively). This could lead to a decline in demand for automotive components, which would likely result in factory closures and job reductions across the province. The study sought to answer the central question: "What effect does EV implementation have on employment levels in the Eastern Cape’s automotive sector?" To explore this, the study examined the roles of charging infrastructure, battery manufacturing, and skills development, with the aim of providing insights into the broader socio-economic consequences of South Africa’s transition to EVs. An online survey was conducted to collect data for this study; this survey targeted 60 respondents, with 35% of these respondents having completed the questionnaire, thus resulting in a research sample of 21 participants. The hypotheses testing, which was , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Coetzee, Marius George
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Unemployment -- South Africa , Electric vehicles -- South Africa , Automotive Industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72022 , vital:79178
- Description: The global transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is steadily gaining momentum, with over one million EV sales recorded in 2022, which accounts for 1.3% of total vehicle sales. This shift, largely driven by climate change initiatives and the need to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, has led many countries to announce plans to phase out internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. South Africa, particularly the Eastern Cape province which is a hub for the country’s automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), is significantly impacted by these technological advancements. The automotive industry in the province, which contributes 13% to the provincial GDP and employs approximately 55,000 people, is vital to the Eastern Cape’s economy. However, the transition from ICE vehicles to EVs may bring about socio-economic challenges, particularly in terms of employment within this critical sector. This study investigated the potential impact of EV adoption on employment in the Eastern Cape's automotive industry, with a focus on three core areas: EV charging infrastructure, battery manufacturing, and skills development. The shift towards EVs is expected to disrupt ICE vehicle production, which raises concerns regarding job losses due to the reduced complexity of EVs, which contain significantly fewer moving parts than do ICE vehicles (that is, 20 versus 2,000, respectively). This could lead to a decline in demand for automotive components, which would likely result in factory closures and job reductions across the province. The study sought to answer the central question: "What effect does EV implementation have on employment levels in the Eastern Cape’s automotive sector?" To explore this, the study examined the roles of charging infrastructure, battery manufacturing, and skills development, with the aim of providing insights into the broader socio-economic consequences of South Africa’s transition to EVs. An online survey was conducted to collect data for this study; this survey targeted 60 respondents, with 35% of these respondents having completed the questionnaire, thus resulting in a research sample of 21 participants. The hypotheses testing, which was , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
The influence of online marketing strategies on student preference of university: The case of Nelson Mandela University
- Authors: Luhanga, Grace
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Internet marketing , Word-of-mouth advertising
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72894 , vital:79275
- Description: The growing reliance on digital platforms has transformed marketing in higher education, compelling institutions to adapt and innovate their approaches to student engagement. This study investigates the influence of online marketing strategies—specifically social media marketing, electronic word-of-mouth, email marketing, search engine optimisation, and search engine marketing—on students’ university preferences. The research is framed by theoretical models and literature on digital marketing in higher education, integrating concepts such as trust, engagement, and visibility. A positivist paradigm and quantitative methodology guided the research, employing a cross-sectional survey distributed to a sample of university-bound students. The survey instrument, validated through exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach’s alpha testing, yielded reliable data from 448 respondents. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods, including multiple regression and t-tests, were employed to analyse the data. Empirical results revealed statistically significant positive relationships between all five online marketing strategies and students' preferences for higher education institutions. Social media marketing and search engine optimisation emerged as the most influential variables, with social media platforms fostering engagement and brand awareness, and search engine optimisation enhancing discoverability. The study also highlighted gender- based differences in perceptions, particularly in search engine marketing and search engine optimisation, where male respondents rated these strategies higher than females. The findings underscored the critical role of data-driven and personalised marketing in shaping student decisions. They emphasise the need for higher education institutions to refine their digital strategies, integrating tools such as targeted email campaigns, optimised websites, and interactive content on social media platforms. Recommendations include leveraging eWOM through testimonials, utilising analytics for strategy refinement, and exploring emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and virtual reality to enhance student interactions. This research provides actionable insights for academia and practitioners, highlighting the dynamic interplay between digital marketing strategies and student decision-making processes. It contributes to the broader discourse on technology's role in modern v education marketing, offering a roadmap for institutions aiming to remain competitive in a digitally saturated landscape. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Luhanga, Grace
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Internet marketing , Word-of-mouth advertising
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72894 , vital:79275
- Description: The growing reliance on digital platforms has transformed marketing in higher education, compelling institutions to adapt and innovate their approaches to student engagement. This study investigates the influence of online marketing strategies—specifically social media marketing, electronic word-of-mouth, email marketing, search engine optimisation, and search engine marketing—on students’ university preferences. The research is framed by theoretical models and literature on digital marketing in higher education, integrating concepts such as trust, engagement, and visibility. A positivist paradigm and quantitative methodology guided the research, employing a cross-sectional survey distributed to a sample of university-bound students. The survey instrument, validated through exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach’s alpha testing, yielded reliable data from 448 respondents. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods, including multiple regression and t-tests, were employed to analyse the data. Empirical results revealed statistically significant positive relationships between all five online marketing strategies and students' preferences for higher education institutions. Social media marketing and search engine optimisation emerged as the most influential variables, with social media platforms fostering engagement and brand awareness, and search engine optimisation enhancing discoverability. The study also highlighted gender- based differences in perceptions, particularly in search engine marketing and search engine optimisation, where male respondents rated these strategies higher than females. The findings underscored the critical role of data-driven and personalised marketing in shaping student decisions. They emphasise the need for higher education institutions to refine their digital strategies, integrating tools such as targeted email campaigns, optimised websites, and interactive content on social media platforms. Recommendations include leveraging eWOM through testimonials, utilising analytics for strategy refinement, and exploring emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and virtual reality to enhance student interactions. This research provides actionable insights for academia and practitioners, highlighting the dynamic interplay between digital marketing strategies and student decision-making processes. It contributes to the broader discourse on technology's role in modern v education marketing, offering a roadmap for institutions aiming to remain competitive in a digitally saturated landscape. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
The influence of psychological capital on the work engagement of employees selling insurance in South Africa
- Authors: Lufundo, Siyamthanda
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Human capital -- Psychological aspects , Employee motivation , Psychology, Industrial
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72883 , vital:79274
- Description: Employees who sell insurance work in a challenging work environment. Job demands include having to recruit and convince potential clients to buy insurance products so that the employees are able to achieve sales targets. Employees who sell insurance face diverse people and are often subjected to rejection and criticism. These demanding work-related conditions can result in stress, burnout, a lack of job satisfaction, and a decrease in productivity; with these issues impacting both the employee and the organisation. The concepts of psychological capital (PsyCap) and work engagement offer valuable insight into how employees can not only cope with a stressful work environment but also thrive in a high-pressure environment. Both constructs have been applied in research in various work settings in South Africa, but not in the insurance industry. The purpose of this study was therefore to investigate PsyCap among employees who sell insurance in South Africa and to determine how it influences their work engagement. A non-experimental research design, specifically a correlational and descriptive design, was used for this study. Convenience sampling and snowball sampling were employed in the study, with 113 respondents completing an online questionnaire as the data-collecting tool. The Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ-24) was used to measure PsyCap and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-17) was used to measure work engagement among the sample of employees who sell insurance in South Africa. The study found that the respondents had high levels of PsyCap and experienced work engagement. Furthermore, the study found a positive relationship between PsyCap and work engagement, with PsyCap being a predictor of work engagement. It was evident that the respondents used their personal resources to cope with job demands and that this led to work engagement. Future research can consider personal resources other than PsyCap that employees can use to deal with high job demands. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Industrial Psychology and Human Resources, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Lufundo, Siyamthanda
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Human capital -- Psychological aspects , Employee motivation , Psychology, Industrial
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72883 , vital:79274
- Description: Employees who sell insurance work in a challenging work environment. Job demands include having to recruit and convince potential clients to buy insurance products so that the employees are able to achieve sales targets. Employees who sell insurance face diverse people and are often subjected to rejection and criticism. These demanding work-related conditions can result in stress, burnout, a lack of job satisfaction, and a decrease in productivity; with these issues impacting both the employee and the organisation. The concepts of psychological capital (PsyCap) and work engagement offer valuable insight into how employees can not only cope with a stressful work environment but also thrive in a high-pressure environment. Both constructs have been applied in research in various work settings in South Africa, but not in the insurance industry. The purpose of this study was therefore to investigate PsyCap among employees who sell insurance in South Africa and to determine how it influences their work engagement. A non-experimental research design, specifically a correlational and descriptive design, was used for this study. Convenience sampling and snowball sampling were employed in the study, with 113 respondents completing an online questionnaire as the data-collecting tool. The Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ-24) was used to measure PsyCap and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-17) was used to measure work engagement among the sample of employees who sell insurance in South Africa. The study found that the respondents had high levels of PsyCap and experienced work engagement. Furthermore, the study found a positive relationship between PsyCap and work engagement, with PsyCap being a predictor of work engagement. It was evident that the respondents used their personal resources to cope with job demands and that this led to work engagement. Future research can consider personal resources other than PsyCap that employees can use to deal with high job demands. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Industrial Psychology and Human Resources, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
The post-covid-19 socio-economic effects on small businesses in the city of Tshwane, Gauteng
- Authors: Ajayi,Johnson Olumayowa
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: COVID-19 (Disease) -- Economic aspects , Small business -- Management , Small business -- South Africa -- Gauteng
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/71937 , vital:79159
- Description: The study is a descriptive, narrative-exploratory research study investigating the post- COVID-19 effects on small businesses in the City of Tshwane. The COVID-19 pandemic was an abrupt disruption to global order. This study used both the exploratory and narrative approach of the qualitative methodology to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the trade and manufacturing sectors in the post-COVID-19 era. The open-ended interview guide was used to collect primary data; the study used a hybrid method of qualitative data analysis, i.e., both content and thematic methods for the qualitative data analysis. To achieve trustworthiness, the following were considered: data credibility, dependability, confirmability, validity and reliability. The empirical data analysis was completed deductively, deriving themes after coding captured data. Descriptive statistics were also evaluated to provide demographic information about the participants. The results from both data analysis methods were compared and verified to establish the data's trustworthiness. The findings show the impact of COVID-19 on small business activities, which have been devastating and caused a significant disruption in global economic activity; many small businesses closed down, sources of income were impoverished, and many jobs were lost. There were also adverse effects on the government revenue generation capacity and capability to respond to pandemics. In conclusion, it is recommended that governments proactively respond to future outbreaks by providing tactful COVID-19 awareness training and intervention skills through public engagement. it's imperative to provide adequate support to all small businesses. It recommended that the government and stakeholders articulate further investigations into the COVID-19 pandemic disruption, providing overarching insight into the phenomenon experienced. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Ajayi,Johnson Olumayowa
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: COVID-19 (Disease) -- Economic aspects , Small business -- Management , Small business -- South Africa -- Gauteng
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/71937 , vital:79159
- Description: The study is a descriptive, narrative-exploratory research study investigating the post- COVID-19 effects on small businesses in the City of Tshwane. The COVID-19 pandemic was an abrupt disruption to global order. This study used both the exploratory and narrative approach of the qualitative methodology to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the trade and manufacturing sectors in the post-COVID-19 era. The open-ended interview guide was used to collect primary data; the study used a hybrid method of qualitative data analysis, i.e., both content and thematic methods for the qualitative data analysis. To achieve trustworthiness, the following were considered: data credibility, dependability, confirmability, validity and reliability. The empirical data analysis was completed deductively, deriving themes after coding captured data. Descriptive statistics were also evaluated to provide demographic information about the participants. The results from both data analysis methods were compared and verified to establish the data's trustworthiness. The findings show the impact of COVID-19 on small business activities, which have been devastating and caused a significant disruption in global economic activity; many small businesses closed down, sources of income were impoverished, and many jobs were lost. There were also adverse effects on the government revenue generation capacity and capability to respond to pandemics. In conclusion, it is recommended that governments proactively respond to future outbreaks by providing tactful COVID-19 awareness training and intervention skills through public engagement. it's imperative to provide adequate support to all small businesses. It recommended that the government and stakeholders articulate further investigations into the COVID-19 pandemic disruption, providing overarching insight into the phenomenon experienced. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
The role of leadership on employee motivation and innovation at an information technology service company in Gauteng province, South Africa
- Authors: Gijana, Nondumiso
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Leadership -- South Africa , Employee motivation -- South Africa , Employees -- Rating of
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72712 , vital:79251
- Description: Employee motivation is one of the burning issues for businesses and society, especially at an Information Technology Service Company (ITSC) in Gauteng. The main objective of this study was to explore the role of leadership on motivation and innovation at an ITSC in Gauteng so as to recommend motivation and innovation strategies that can be implemented by the leaders at this ITSC. The theoretical underpinning of this study is based on the Herzberg’s Two-Factor Motivation theory, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, Leadership theories and Innovation theories. This study employed a qualitative research approach which relied on inductive reasoning. The research design followed the non-probability convenience sampling method in order to select the most appropriate participants. The study sample comprised twelve employees working at an Information Technology Service Company in Gauteng selected from the population size of 20 employees. For the purpose of data collection, the study employed semi-structured interviews which relied on open-ended questions. Thematic analysis was used to interpret, analyse and report the data. The study revealed that coaching and mentoring, recognising strong performers, offering training and allocating resources are all aspects of leadership that have an impact on employee motivation, engagement and creativity. The research results emphasise that simple recognition and praise would be just as effective as motivational tools as monetary incentives. The study found that the leaders at this Information Technology Service Company in Gauteng encountered challenges such as poor leadership skills, drawn-out processes, a hostile work environment and a lack of communication when attempting to inspire employees. Furthermore, this study recommends that leaders are responsible for creating an innovative environment, encouraging employee innovation and providing funding for it. The research recommends that endorsing flexible policies, facilitating idea exchange channels and allowing lower level employees to offer ideas are all important ways to create a helpful environment. Funding for innovation, training and leadership buy-in should also be a source of support. Furthermore, the study suggests that employee motivation and innovation are essential to an organisation because they increase output, enhance financial results and encourage the generation of novel ideas. Another recommendation is that in order to minimize challenges and motivate employees, leaders should make sure that there is an effective communication process, they should avoid bureaucracy, establish a positive work atmosphere, and be conscious of their own leadership styles. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04
- Authors: Gijana, Nondumiso
- Date: 2025-04
- Subjects: Leadership -- South Africa , Employee motivation -- South Africa , Employees -- Rating of
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72712 , vital:79251
- Description: Employee motivation is one of the burning issues for businesses and society, especially at an Information Technology Service Company (ITSC) in Gauteng. The main objective of this study was to explore the role of leadership on motivation and innovation at an ITSC in Gauteng so as to recommend motivation and innovation strategies that can be implemented by the leaders at this ITSC. The theoretical underpinning of this study is based on the Herzberg’s Two-Factor Motivation theory, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, Leadership theories and Innovation theories. This study employed a qualitative research approach which relied on inductive reasoning. The research design followed the non-probability convenience sampling method in order to select the most appropriate participants. The study sample comprised twelve employees working at an Information Technology Service Company in Gauteng selected from the population size of 20 employees. For the purpose of data collection, the study employed semi-structured interviews which relied on open-ended questions. Thematic analysis was used to interpret, analyse and report the data. The study revealed that coaching and mentoring, recognising strong performers, offering training and allocating resources are all aspects of leadership that have an impact on employee motivation, engagement and creativity. The research results emphasise that simple recognition and praise would be just as effective as motivational tools as monetary incentives. The study found that the leaders at this Information Technology Service Company in Gauteng encountered challenges such as poor leadership skills, drawn-out processes, a hostile work environment and a lack of communication when attempting to inspire employees. Furthermore, this study recommends that leaders are responsible for creating an innovative environment, encouraging employee innovation and providing funding for it. The research recommends that endorsing flexible policies, facilitating idea exchange channels and allowing lower level employees to offer ideas are all important ways to create a helpful environment. Funding for innovation, training and leadership buy-in should also be a source of support. Furthermore, the study suggests that employee motivation and innovation are essential to an organisation because they increase output, enhance financial results and encourage the generation of novel ideas. Another recommendation is that in order to minimize challenges and motivate employees, leaders should make sure that there is an effective communication process, they should avoid bureaucracy, establish a positive work atmosphere, and be conscious of their own leadership styles. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2025
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2025-04