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Political leadership and economic growth: investigating African presidents, their educational attainment and influence on economic growth
Full text linkThis study examines the role of African presidents’ educational backgrounds in influencing economic growth on the continent. It seeks to answer two key questions: which types of education are most effective in driving economic growth in Africa, and which levels of education are most critical for fostering such growth. The research employs the Cross-Sectionally Dependent Autoregressive Distributed Lag (CS-ARDL) and Panel Quantile Autoregressive Distributed Lag (PQ-ARDL) models to analyse a reduced-form growth equation using time-series data from 1975 to 2021. These models are particularly suited for evaluating both short- and long-term effects of education, while capturing its impact across different growth phases of the economy. The findings indicate that both the type and level of education significantly influence economic growth, with their impacts varying depending on the economic growth phase. Specific fields of study, including economics, civil service, and engineering, are more strongly associated with positive economic outcomes when held by African presidents. Furthermore, the level of education enhances these effects, but only when paired with these high-impact fields. The results also highlight that the influence of education is context-dependent, varying with economic conditions; certain qualifications yield greater effectiveness during periods of economic expansion, while others prove more impactful during economic contractions. This study provides important implications for policymakers by offering evidence-based recommendations on prioritising specific educational qualifications for political leaders to promote economic growth. It highlights the strategic importance of education in fostering effective political leadership and driving developmental outcomes. The originality of this research lies in its integration of CS-ARDL and PQ-ARDL models to explore the distributional effects of presidential education on economic growth—a perspective previously unexplored in the African context. This contribution enhances the discourse on the role of leadership in economic development and provides a valuable foundation for informed policymaking in Africa.Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 202
Impact of piracy on cruise tourism in East and West Africa
Full text linkMaritime transport has become essential to international trade as approximately 90% of world commodities are carried by sea. Maritime security has thus become a critical issue to consider, and security efforts have intensified considering the rise of modern piracy. The global impact of piracy is far reaching as it includes inflated labour and fuel costs because of diversions and the use of alternative routes to avoid pirates. Piracy along East Africa was rampant between 2008 and 2012, but then moved predominantly to West Africa. The threat of piracy to passenger vessels is of great concern as the global cruise tourism industry has grown tremendously over the past few decades. The reaction of the shipping industry to piracy is avoidance of the affected routes, and this study considered the prevalence of piracy and how it affects the cruise tourism industry on the African continent. The four research objectives were to determine the extent of cruise tourism in Africa, to evaluate the prevalence of piracy on East and West Africa, and to ascertain the maritime safety and security measures put in place to combat piracy. The study utilised an interpretivist paradigm, following a qualitative research approach with document analysis as the data collection method. Forty-one publicly available documents were selected through purposive and subsequent snowball sampling from the International Maritime Bureau, International Maritime Organisation, and Cruise Line International Association. Documents were analysed with the aid of Atlas.ti through a thematic analysis process. The findings of the study indicate that there is a lack of available information about cruise tourism in Africa and the continent receives approximately 1% of the world cruises. East Africa has seen growth in cruise tourism, but West Africa is still struggling with security concerns, hampering cruise tourism. Moreover, piracy in East Africa had been reduced to no reports of attacks, while West African piracy has continued to flourish with highly dangerous and violent, organised gangs operating in the region. All vessels are fair game during attacks and pirates are well armed with sophisticated weapons and mundane weapons such as knives. Theft, hijacking, and kidnapping are most common, with West Africa accounting for nearly all instances of pirate kidnappings worldwide. In combating piracy, regional and international collaboration has contributed significantly to the reduction of piracy in East Africa. Reporting agencies continue to issue warnings and recommendations to shipping companies and ship masters to be on high alert as pirates continue to have the ability and willingness to attack. The study findings assert that piracy has a negative impact on cruise tourism and further studies may consider additional reasons for the slow growth of cruise tourism in Africa.Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 202
The contribution of the expanded public works programme infrastructure sector to alleviate conditions of poverty
Full text linkAlmost 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, 202
The role of microfinance in small, medium, and micro-enterprises in Gqeberha
Full text linkThis treatise examined the role of microfinance to support the growth, sustainability, and socio-economic development of small, medium, and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) in Gqeberha, South Africa. SMMEs are vital for local economic development, yet they face barriers to formal financial access, including limited credit histories, lack of collateral, and a risk-averse banking sector. Microfinance institutions (MFIs) have emerged as essential sources of accessible financial products tailored to SMMEs' unique needs. This research assessed the effectiveness of microfinance in facilitating capital access, fostering entrepreneurship, and alleviating poverty in Gqeberha, ultimately contributing to community well-being. By analysing current microfinance initiatives and identifying operational gaps, this study provided insights for policymakers and practitioners seeking to optimise MFI support for SMMEs. The results show that microfinance has the potential to help local economies become more stable by building a foundation for long-term SMME growth and showing how to make economies more resilient in similar situations. This study explored the role of microfinance in supporting SMMEs in Gqeberha, focusing on financial accessibility, resilience, and growth. A qualitative approach was employed, using a case study design to provide in-depth insights. The research relied on purposive sampling to select 30 relevant documents from reputable sources, such as government reports and research organisations. Data analysis was conducted through content analysis and thematic coding, enabling the identification of key themes related to financial support, operational challenges, and potential strategies for SMME sustainability in Gqeberha. The findings revealed that while SMMEs are pivotal to local economic development, they face substantial challenges, including limited financial accessibility, infrastructure deficits, and stringent regulatory demands. Data collected indicated that 74 percent of SMME owners report difficulties in securing affordable financing, while 68 percent identified inadequate support services as a major barrier. The research recommends specific changes: establishing government-supported funding programmes with subsidised interest rates and reduced collateral requirements, launching targeted capacity-building initiatives to enhance financial and operational skills, and forming public-private partnerships for risk-sharing. This work contributed to the field by highlighting MFIs' role in addressing systemic barriers for SMMEs and underscoring the need for sustainable support frameworks. These insights offer valuable guidance for policymakers and development agencies to foster a more inclusive and resilient economy in South Africa.Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 202
An assessment of the role of financial reporting in fostering compliance with public finance management act: the case of Eastern Cape Department of Public Works
No full textThe purpose of the study was to assess the role of financial reporting in fostering compliance with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) in the Eastern Cape Department of Public Works (ECDPW). The PFMA serves as a crucial regulatory framework in ensuring transparency, accountability, and effective financial management in the public sector. Compliance with the PFMA is essential for promoting good governance and preventing financial mismanagement, fraud, and corruption. Financial reporting plays a significant role in facilitating compliance with the PFMA by providing accurate, timely, and reliable information on the financial activities of public entities. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, including qualitative and quantitative techniques. Data was collected through literature review, document analysis, questionnaires and interviews. Through purposive sampling,16 key informants were selected to participate in the study. The study's findings emphasise the value of financial reporting in fostering responsibility, openness, and efficient decision-making in the ECDPW. Most participants agreed that increased compliance with PFMA regulations is largely a result of accurate financial reporting. The study also found that several issues, such as a lack of financial literacy, a lack of funding, and structural flaws, hamper the department's compliance efforts. The study recommends bolstering staff financial literacy initiatives, creating strong internal control systems, and providing adequate funding for financial management systems to address these problems. The department may greatly enhance its financial performance and support good governance by prioritising financial reporting and compliance.Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 202
Indima edlalwa ngumdlalo okhethiweyo wesixhosa kumabonakude ekuphuhliseni nasekulondolozeni Isixhosa
Full text linkKule nkulungwane yamashumi amabini ananye sele kuthenjelwe kwizixhobo ezithile ezifana noomabonakude, iincwadi noonomathotholo njengezona zixhobo zokulondoloza ulwimi lungafi. Kwakhona ukufundwa kweencwadi sele kudodobala ngamandla kuba abantu bachitha ixesha elide bebukele amabalana kwimiboniso bhanyabhanya efana noomabonakude. Esi simo senza ukufundwa kweencwadi kungathathelwa ngqalelo ingako. Ababhali beencwadi bebesenza ngako konke okusemandleni abo ukugcina iilwimi zikumgangatho onguwo. Ngoku umabonakude ngoyena udlala indima enkulu kulwimi kuba indlela abadlali abasebenzisa ngayo ulwimi kwiinkqubo zabo ithi ibe nefuthe elimandla ekusetyenzisweni kolo lwimi lwaloo mdlali ngababukeli abamthandayo. Ukuba umdlali usebenzisa izinto ezithile ukuhombisa iintetha zakhe, loo nto ingenza ukuba ababukeli basebenzise ezo zinto nabo. Ezi nkqubo zikamabonakude zithi zibe nefuthe elimandla ekusetyenzisweni kolwimi. Olu phando lukhangela ukuba yeyiphi indima edlalwa ngumdlalo okhethiweyo wesiXhosa kumabonakude ekuphuhliseni nasekulondolozeni isiXhosa xa kujongwa ulwimi olusetyenziswayo, iindlela zokuthetha kwakunye nemiba echaphazela inkcubeko. Kwiziphumo uphando lufumanise ukuba umdlalo okhethiweyo awenzi ngokwaneleyo ukuphuhlisa nokulondoloza isiXhosa. Uphando luqhutywe kusetyenziswa indlela yophando eluhlahlelo hlobo.Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communication, 202
Exploring visual representations of black tax as ubuntu and social cohesion in South African townships
Full text linkThe point of departure for this paper uses a personal narrative, told to highlight the complexities and realities of living in a South African Township. The narrative is also used to highlight the existence of both family and communal support. The paper recognizes that the accepted definition for this support as being termed Black Tax, by popular media and various academics. Black Tax is described as “both financial and economic support” from employed members of families, either given to “nuclear or extended family members” (Mhlongo, 2019: 191). I use both personal narrative and other academic sources to redefine the term Black Tax as formally described, to the tax that Black individuals have had to pay for existing since the colonial period, Apartheid, until the very writing of this dissertation. I use various artist’s works to understand the depictions and meaning behind the everyday interactions of Black South Africans, which influenced the making of my own work. This work focuses on the value we, as black individuals, bring to each other’s lives through these daily interactions. This study evolves out of the rupture I experienced, and continue to experience, having moved from township living to urban environments. The behavioural and cultural and social norms which I had thought were about building community were brought into question. The study explores a self-narrative whereby there is an intrinsic need to have a relatable sense of cohesion and connection to the people I have grown up with, and the ideological space of higher learning and social upward mobility.Thesis (MVA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 202
The effect of regional integration on socio-economic development in countries of the Southern African customs union: the case of South Africa and Botswana 2000-2020
Full text linkGlobally, regional integration is becoming extensively important and significant, particularly in developing economies like those in Africa. The primary reason for its broad and wide adoption is its capacity to uphold and promote long-term improvements in economic productivity and living standards, boost economic growth, facilitate trade and enhance access to crucial and significant resources. Regional integration is an intrinsic aspect of developing economies and is considered a feasible policy alternative in modern literature for addressing various political, economic and sociological concerns. This study looks into the effect of regional integration in the context of socio- economic development in the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), focusing on South Africa and Botswana from the year 2000 to 2020. Socio- economic development in this context refers to economic growth, employment levels, income distribution, poverty reduction and overall improvements in living standards. The research investigates how SACU’s regional integration framework- through trade policies, revenue-sharing mechanisms, and economic cooperation- has influenced these socio-economic indicators in the two countries. A quantitative research design is employed, utilising secondary data analysis to measure the impact of SACU’s policies on key socio-economic variables. Economic indicators such as GDP growth, employment rates, trade flows and income disparities are analysed to assess the extent to which regional integration has contributed to sustainable development and economic convergence. The findings reveal that while SACU has facilitated trade and economic collaboration, persistent structural inequalities, policy misalignments and external economic challenges have and still constrains its effectiveness in fostering equitable socio-economic development. The study concludes with policy recommendations to enhance regional integration’s role in promoting inclusive and sustainable growth within SACU. This research contributes to the understanding of regional integration’s potential to drive socio-economic development in Southern Africa and offers insights for future policy directions.Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences,202
A field of rooms and doors: exploring unbelonging in the works of queer poets and my artistic practice
Full text linkThis practice as research study, comprising a thesis and installation, explores the queer experience of unbelonging using liminality and the uncanny as key concepts. Losing one’s sense of belonging is something that many queer individuals experience after coming out. This unseen threshold between belonging and losing belonging is where unbelonging takes place. It will be argued that it is a liminal process, one in which queer individuals are continuously fluctuating within heteronormative society. Furthermore, this paper explores the way queer individuals both experience and embody the uncanny. On one level, within heteronormative society, queer individuals are perceived through an uncanny lens, as familiar and recognisable, yet strange and unsettling. Additionally, there is a dichotomy that occurs within queerness and the concept of the closet. When an individual is in the closet, their identity occupies the tenuous space of the ‘open secret’, thereby evoking a feeling of the uncanny within themselves. Due to its visuality and other sympathetic attributes, poetry will be considered as a valuable medium to express the nuances within the queer experience of unbelonging. The work of three queer poets will be analysed, namely Ocean Vuong, Richard Siken and Chen Chen. Finally, Dan Nadaner’s concept of ‘crossover’ (1993) will also be addressed to explain how my own work has been informed by the works of these poets, as well as underpin the relationship between poetry and the visual arts in general.Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Visual and Performing Arts, 202
The effect of language policy on language experiences of students in higher education micro spaces
Full text linkThis 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, 202