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Technology and employment in the alternative banking sector of South Africa
No full textIntroduction: Technology is advancing and evolving worldwide, and the financial sector, as an economic development engine, is highly impacted on by financial technology. Setting: The study was conducted through an online survey targeting alternative banks in South Africa, involving Corporate Financial Institutions (CFIs), Development Banks (DBs), and Cooperative Banks (CBs. Aim: The study aims to assess the impact of technological advancements on employment in the South African financial sector. Despite the positive contributions made by FinTech in the financial system through improving performance, competitiveness, and efficiencies, continuous investment in technology is believed to have ramifications for employment and job security in the labour market. Method: The study uses theoretical and empirical literature to give insight and background of the phenomenon and provide recommendations to the alternative banking sector for skills enhancement and training required to retain workers. Additionally, the study follows a qualitative method approach in data collection and analysis where, in addition to secondary data, surveys are conducted to assess the severity of automation and job security. Data analysis consists of qualitative data analysed using descriptive and thematic analysis. Results: Data suggests that the institutions adopted basic technology to improve efficiency but have not fully embraced automation or online services. This approach may limit their ability to compete with other financial institutions that offer more technologically advanced services. Conclusion: The study's findings reveal that technology has a small impact on ABS, and organizations provide training to improve employee skills. Adapting to these technological developments remains a challenge for some, while others are evolving.Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 202
Factors affecting entrepreneurial activity in South African communities: factors inhibiting small, medium, and micro informal traders in Gqeberha
No full textThis study investigates the factors that inhibit small, medium and micro informal traders in Gqeberha. The concept of the economically excluded entrepreneur is central to the study, which examines the interaction of entrepreneurial mindset together with the liabilities of poorness, newness and smallness which impede economically excluded entrepreneurs from starting new ventures. This study contextualises both the formal and informal South African economies and emphasises the economic obstacles and personal pressures experienced by economically excluded entrepreneurs. To achieve the aim and objectives of the study, a qualitative approach was utilised. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, utilising purposive and convenience sampling methods to collect data from 15 economically excluded small, medium and micro informal traders in Gqeberha. The collected data were analysed using ATLAS.ti software. The study identified several factors that discourage entrepreneurship amongst economically excluded entrepreneurs including financial constraints, limited access to resources, a lack of planning orientation and personal pressures. It also highlighted key obstacles faced by these entrepreneurs such as absence of mentorship and support networks, barriers to market entry, insufficient financial and business literacy and a shortage or absence of physical tools and materials. Additionally, the study outlined support requirements these entrepreneurs require to effectively operate their businesses on a day-today basis. Understanding the factors that discourage, obstruct and support economically excluded entrepreneurs is important to determine how to assist economically excluded entrepreneurs prior to and during their entrepreneurial endeavours. The findings of this study provide a foundation for local and national government as well as established businesses to assist small, medium and micro informal traders thrive, thereby contributing to the broader goal of sustainable economic growth through entrepreneurship. Future research can explore the effectiveness of innovation hubs, where nascent economically excluded entrepreneurs can receive mentorship and acquire the necessary entrepreneurial skills for business success.Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 202
Interpreted justice: exploring the use and experiences of court interpreters in Empangeni, KwaZulu Natal
No full textThe language of record in the South African justice system has been English since 2017, after the decision of the Heads of Court. The majority of South Africans, however, do not speak English. Since South Africa is a multilingual and multicultural society with twelve official languages, interpreters mitigate communication issues during court proceedings. This study investigates the language and communication challenges interpreters encounter and how justice proceedings are affected by said challenges. This research was conducted at the Empangeni Magistrates’ Court in KwaZulu Natal. It was qualitative research that used exploratory-descriptive research methods to reach its objectives. Semi-structured interviews were used to gather data, which was then analysed through thematic and discourse analysis. This study took into account various ethical considerations by the university ethics committee. The dissertation used a social justice approach advanced by Fraser's integrated justice theory and outlined how she approached the question of participation. Using Fraser's understanding of participation and the complexity of monolingualism in South Africa’s judicial system will assist in mapping out clearly how the issue of language is central to understanding matters of justice in South Africa. Additionally, since South Africa is a former colonial state, the question of decoloniality is posed to properly speak to the question at hand in its full political context. This research found that, indeed, there are challenges that court interpreters face in court. These challenges were language, cultural, emotional and professional challenges. This study also revealed that court interpreters have mechanisms in place to mitigate the challenges they face to ensure a good service for their community. Additionally, this study showed that the training mechanism offered to court interpreters has slightly improved from the previous studies.Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 202
Exploring principles for translating vulgar lexical items from English to Sepedi in literary texts and fictional films
Full text linkThis study explores translation principles for effectively rendering vulgar lexical items from English to Sepedi, with a focus on strategies and procedures applied in literary texts and fictional films. It investigates how linguistic and cultural competence contribute to achieving functional equivalence while preserving Sepedi’s stylistic and cultural integrity. Drawing on functional equivalence and the Skopos theory, the research examines strategies such as direct and oblique methods and procedures including cultural substitution, euphemistic expression, neutralisation and semantic modulation. The study contextualises vulgarity within the Bapedi culture, where principles of mutual respect and adherence to social norms often require careful handling of offensive language. It addresses the challenges of authentically translating vulgar expressions while respecting cultural sensitivities, particularly in a globalised context where the prevalence of vulgar lexical items in media and literature continues to grow. Using a multi-case study design, the research analyses examples of vulgar lexical items in various literary genres and film subtitles. Through comparative analysis and translation with commentary it identifies shortcomings in existing translations, such as over-reliance on euphemism or neutralisation, which can dilute meaning and emotional impact. The findings highlight the importance of balancing cultural appropriateness with the source text's intended meaning to maintain its functional equivalence. This study contributes to translation studies by offering a robust framework for translating culturally sensitive content in ways that respect both the source and target cultures. It advances practical translation methodologies for subtitling, literary translation and educational materials, supporting the preservation of Sepedi and aligning with South Africa’s National Development Plan 2030 and constitutional goals of language equality. The research underscores the translator’s pivotal role in bridging linguistic and cultural divides, providing critical insights into the complexities of translating vulgar lexical items while fostering the growth and standardisation of South Africa’s indigenous languages.Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communication, 202
A reverse logistics strategy to foster independent schools’ sustainable E-waste management
Full text linkThe primary aim of this study was to propose a reverse logistics strategy to foster sustainable e-waste management implementation in independent schools in South Africa. The study followed a quantitative research approach and targeted key stakeholders in independent schools, including directors and principals. Using an expert purposive sampling technique to select a final sample of 306 respondents, primary data was collected through a QuestionPro web-based questionnaire. Of the 315 email invites sent to the potential respondents, only 306 usable questionnaires were returned and included in the data analysis. The study found an insignificant effect of sustainable e-waste management key drivers on sustainable e-waste management practices. The study also reported a positive and significant effect of sustainable e-waste management key drivers on sustainable e-waste management approaches, and corporate competitiveness. However, this does not significantly influence e-waste management approaches. The primary results also revealed that sustainable e-waste management practices positively and significantly enhance sustainable e-waste management approaches. The results further showed a positive and significant effect of sustainable e-waste management practices on corporate competitiveness as well as a positive and significant effect of sustainable e-waste management approaches on corporate competitiveness. The results also reported a partial mediation effect of sustainable e-waste management key drivers on the relationship between sustainable e-waste management practices and approaches but revealed no evidence of mediation of sustainable e-waste management key drivers in the relationship between sustainable e-waste management practices and corporate competitiveness. The results furthershowed a partial mediation effect of sustainable e-waste management approaches on the relationship between sustainable e-waste management key drivers and corporate competitiveness. Evidence also revealed no mediation effect of sustainable e-waste management approaches on the relationship between sustainable e-waste management practices and corporate competitiveness. Finally, the results reported a full mediation effect of sustainable e-waste management practices on the relationship between sustainable e-waste management key drivers and corporateThesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 202
Socio-economic Impacts of COVID-19 on household well-being: Evidence from South Africa
Full text linkFollowing 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, 202
Intermediate phase teachers’ perceptions on the causes of disruptive behaviour in the classroom: a study involving two schools in the Johannesburg region
Full text linkLearner disruptive behaviour is experienced by all teachers, whether it is major or minor. After the abolishment of corporal punishment in South Africa, teachers are still navigating through different ways to manage learner disruptive behaviour. This research study explores the perceptions of Intermediate Phase teachers on the causes of disruptive behaviour at their schools. The theoretical framework that guided this study was Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory. A qualitative approach was used for this study and data was collected through questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions. Two schools were identified for this study: one being a public school and the other an independent school. Two sampling types were used, that being convenience sampling and purposive sampling. The findings show that there were both similarities and differences in these perceptions at both schools. Teachers experience different degrees of disruptive behaviour in their classes and identified society, parental influence and the school as factors that contribute the most to learner disruptive behaviour. Furthermore, the findings suggest that learner disruptive behaviour has a negative effect on teachers’ morale and motivation as well as learners’ academic performances. Besides providing some insights into learner disruptive behaviour, the study also attempts to provide some assistance to teachers in managing disruptive behaviour.Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, School of Initial Teacher Education, 202
Promoting sustainable aquaculture through skills development and capacity-building in the Eastern Cape Province (South Africa)
Full text linkAquaculture represents a profitable business opportunity with significant potential as a sustainable economic option. It can range from fish farming on a subsistence level, which takes place in a family pond, to industrial-scale production, which involves the production of hundreds of tonnes of fish from a single area. It has been shown that the ongoing challenge for aquaculture firms is the limited availability of skilled labour. Insufficient advanced knowledge and agri-business skills, such as inadequate record-keeping, sanitation, stocking, feeding, and water management practices, hinder the productivity and profitability of small-scale fish-farm enterprises. Owing to the expansion and increasing demand for aquaculture, capacity-building is crucial to align technological advancements and sustainable practices. Capacity-building encompasses more than training; it involves human resource development that empowers individuals with appropriate knowledge, together with organizational development and the establishment of institutional and legal structures. Aquaculture in South Africa lacks sufficient, dedicated and specialised extension officers, state veterinarians with expertise in aquaculture, and research officers at both provincial and national levels. Investing in the development of human capacity is crucial for engaging knowledgeable and skilled workers in aquaculture. Hence the research question of this is study is “How can the Eastern Cape Province promote sustainable aquaculture through skills development and capacity-building? To answer the research questions, these objectives must be achieved: To understand the current state of skills development and capacity-building for sustainable aquaculture in the Eastern Cape Province. To investigate plans in the Eastern Cape for skills development and capacity-building to promote sustainable aquaculture. To determine the role of the public and private sectors in investing in skills development and capacity-building to promote sustainable aquaculture in the Eastern Cape. This research was conducted from a standpoint of understanding since it incorporated investigation of participants with various points of view using qualitative research. To gain an understanding of the subject matter, in-depth interviews served as the primary source, and document analysis served as the secondary source. The findings of the literature review and other empirical evidence indicated a skills gap in the aquaculture industry which, in turn, reduces output in the province of the Eastern Cape. According to the findings of the research, several organizations are working to improve the aquaculture sector by identifying problem areas and developing strategies to address them, such as skills, training and education.Thesis (MMM) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 202
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
Technology adoption in South African call centres
Full text linkTechnology adoption is important in the evolution of call centres, where the focus is on automation with minimal human intervention. This study explores the key drivers influencing the adoption of technology in South African call centres. Using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework, the research analyses the constructs of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions. It also looks at specifically the call centre environment, concentrating on the challenges and opportunities available due to technological integration. Data were collected through an online questionnaire distributed to call centre employees, yielding a sample of 141 for statistical analysis. Exploratory factor analysis and multivariate techniques were used to identify relationships between the independent factors and the behavioural intention to adopt new technologies. The findings show that performance expectancy and perceived usefulness are the most significant drivers of technology adoption, followed by effort expectancy and facilitating conditions. Social influence appeared as an important mediator, specifically in environments where management plays a dominant role in driving technology adoption. The study's results contribute to theoretical and practical fields. Theoretically, it extends the application of UTAUT by incorporating insights into the unique behavioural and infrastructural challenges of developing economies. Practically, the research gives recommendations for call centre managers, including specific training, increased technical support and strategies to address resistance to change. These insights are relevant for call centres wanting to improve efficiency, employee satisfaction and customer service through effective technological integration. This study supplements existing literature on technology adoption, focusing on the call centre industry. It provides a foundation for future studies and offers a guideline for companies seeking to optimise adopting and implementing new technologies in call centres.Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 202