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Local government support for SMMEs in the construction industry to reduce unemployment: the case of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
Get PDFDespite government intervention, a significant proportion of businesses fail within the first few years of operation, and the unemployment rate remains high. If local government is assisting SMMEs in construction, it is important to look at whether it is addressing the primary issues of preventing SMMESs in construction from failing. Because the construction industry employs many unskilled workers, it is also negatively impacted by the number of businesses that are closing or going out of business. Purposive sampling, thematic analysis, and a qualitative approach were used in this documentary research. A total of 50 documents that addressed the role of local government in supporting and developing the SMMEs in construction at NMBM were reviewed. The findings of the study indicate that 86% of the documents reviewed indicate that SMMEs in construction to participate in Support Programmes as one of the potential complementary strategies for local government to support the growth of SMMEs in the construction industry and help them create jobs. Furthermore, the results of the study also indicate that 86% of the documents reviewed state late payments as one of the major challenges leading to the failure of the SMMEs in the NMBM construction industry. This research has also proposed a sub section in the finance department at NMBM that to deal with the payment of SMMEs including SMMEs in the construction industry, as a potential change to the current support structure and legislation of local government that are meant to boost the performance of SMMEs in the construction industry and help them accomplish their stated objectives of creating jobs.Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 202
The effectiveness of Coega Development Corporation’s financing subsidiary in enabling small and medium enterprise construction projects
Get PDFGlobally, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are the driving force that keeps the economy of a country going and although the overall economic contribution of SMEs is impressive worldwide, in South Africa (SA), there is a high rate of failure amongst SMEs. Although the survival rate is low, South African SMEs contribute up to 22% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the economy. SME funding is a critical component of this growth and access to finance is one of the primary challenges that SMEs face in the country, along with a supportive environment to facilitate SME survival and growth. The formation of what was initially Industrial Development Zones (IDZs), now Special Economic Zones (SEZs), was one instrument introduced by the South African government to bolster the economy through upscaling manufacturing capacity, increase exports and create employment. The first SEZ in SA, Coega, managed by the Coega Development Corporation (CDC), a state-owned enterprise (SoE) based in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) with operations throughout SA. A major shortcoming in the development of the SMEs operating in the SEZ, was the inability to access the project finance required to commence construction projects once they were awarded a tender. The CDC established an internal finance subsidiary, Small Business Finance and Support (SBFS), in June 2014. The aim of this study, therefore, is to explore the effectiveness of the project financing offered by SBFS in enabling the execution of SME construction clients’ projects. The interpretivist paradigm, following a qualitative research approach was chosen to evaluate the effectiveness of the SBFS operations and determine how their funding enabled the completion of construction SME projects. Input was obtained from 20 participants involved in CDC construction projects, namely three Project Managers, three Programme Managers, two Mentors and 12 Clients via telephonic, face to face and virtual Microsoft Teams using self-developed semi-structured interview schedules. Data was analysed using thematic analysis. The trustworthiness of the study was ensured in terms of credibility through triangulation, dependability through the creation of an audit trail, transferability through generalisation of individuals with similarities, and conformability through verification.Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 202
Evaluating factors affecting the effectiveness of the tender system In Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
Get PDFThe tender system is a complex process requiring attention to detail; when followed correctly, it is advantageous for both the vendor/service provider and the customer (public or private sector). However, many factors affect it and end up contributing to its ineffectiveness. This study mentions political interference and bureaucracy, maladministration, fraud, corruption, flawed tender practices, delay in payments and lack of skills by tender administrators. Against this background, the primary objective of this study is to contribute to improving the tender system in Buffalo City Municipality by investigating the factors that make it ineffective. A quantitative research design was used, and a sample was taken from contractors carrying out work for Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province. Convenience sampling was used while conducting this study. This study’s demographic data is analysed in percentage form using simple descriptive statistics. Once data had been gathered from the independent and dependent variables, the researcher used it to draw a conclusion and inferences using inferential statistics to show relationships between multiple variables to generalise results and make predictions. A multiple regression analysis was also employed.Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 202
The role of sustainability perceptions of employees in corporate sustainability
Get PDFThe purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between employees' perception of environmental sustainability and pro-environmental behaviour within the corporate business environment of South Africa and its influence on a company’s corporate sustainability efforts. The study will follow a case study approach involving the employees of a corporate state-owned company in the logistics industry of the Nelson Mandela Bay area. In doing so the study attempts to better understand why enterprises, in their attempts to promote corporate sustainability, face challenges in aligning their variety of sustainability strategies, policies, and initiatives with employees' willingness to implement these measures or engage in pro-environmental behaviour in the workplace. To delve deeper into this issue the study also explores potential reasons for differences in perceptions by examining potential correlations between perceptions of environmental sustainability and pro-environmental behaviour, considering demographic factors such as gender, age, education, and work experience. The collective findings of the study underscore a positive relationship between employees’ environmental perception and their engagement in pro-environmental behaviour. This suggests that individuals who express a higher degree of concern for environmental issues are more likely to adopt and engage in environmentally-friendly behaviours. However, a notable disconnect was identified between awareness and action, highlighting variability in the extent to which perception translates into active pro-environmental behaviour. While environmental perception serves as a strong motivator, there is evident room for improvement in translating these concerns into concrete actions within the corporate setting. These insights emphasise the importance of addressing both attitudes and behaviours in the context of environmental sustainability. Thus, to enhance corporate sustainability efforts, it is imperative for companies to bridge the gap between environmental perception and action among their employees. The demographic variables (gender, age, education, and work experience) showed no significant influence on environmental perception or pro-environmental behaviour in this study, however these empirical findings challenge common findings in the existent literature, thus emphasising the need for a more nuanced understanding of the subject, within specific contexts. Recommendations for future studies include: larger sample sizes for robust findings; exploration of the influence of academic disciplines; consideration of household income and cultural differences; and broadening the study to multiple departments in order to gather moreThesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 202
The determinants of foreign direct investment inflows into South Africa
Get PDFThrough mechanisms such as knowledge transfer and productivity spillovers, foreign direct investment (FDI) is viewed as a critical driver of growth in developing economies. The flow of FDI into a country can benefit both the investing entity and the host government. This study employed ordinary least square (OLS) regression to examine the factors that determine FDI in South Africa using time series data from 1996 to 2021. The results demonstrate that gross domestic product (GDP), institutional quality, trade openness, the regulatory environment, and the real effective exchange rate (REER) all have positive effects on FDI flows into South Africa. To sustain and promote FDI inflows, the government of South Africa must ensure that the country remains attractive for investment by better promoting good governance, creating jobs to increase growth, maintaining free and fair elections in 2024, forging alliances with trading partners outside of Africa, speeding up all policy processes that may hinder the inflow of FDI, and decreasing government debt.Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 202
Isipili somntu
No full textThe necklace is a stunning piece featuring a metal snuff box hanging from a delicate beaded chain. The snuff box is embellished with turquoise, white, and black beads arranged in a striking star-shaped design on its flat surface. The colours of the beads incorporated into the necklace symbolise its association with the middle-aged and older members of the Gcaleka subcultural group within the isiXhosa-speaking community.Purchased from Mrs Joan BrosterForms part of: Walter Sisulu University Beadwork Collectio
Ithumbu
No full textIthumbu wide collar neckband is loosely woven and adorned with two bands of pink beads and one band of turquoise blue beads which is edged with navy beads. The entire artefact is edged in white "amaso" beads. This design is closely linked to abaThembu subcultural group of Tyhalarha village near Bumbane Administrative area, where the abaThembu Great House is situated. The neckband was specifically created for elderly men, as indicated by the dominance of pink beads, which are associated with old age among the abaThembu.Purchased from Mrs Joan BrosterForms part of: Walter Sisulu University Beadwork Collectio
Iphoco
No full textThe symbolic necklace is adorned with five flat bead tabs arranged in a chevron design, meticulously crafted for ornamental purposes. Worn during intlombeni dance by young men and women, it holds profound cultural significance within the community. Each tab represents a thread in the intricate tapestry of tradition and heritage, symbolising unity, strength, and ancestral connections. As individuals wear this necklace, they pay homage to the customs and rituals of their culture, embodying the spirit of celebration and communal identity that defines intlombeni dance.Purchased from Mrs Joan BrosterForms part of: Walter Sisulu University Beadwork Collectio
Ipasi lentloko
No full textA headband is a flat white bead striped in red and adorned with a tree design, typically worn by young men. It holds great cultural significance, symbolising important life milestones or rites of passage. This ornament is traditionally donned after completing an initiation ritual, representing themes of life, purity, and renewal in various cultures.Purchased from Mrs Joan BrosterForms part of: Walter Sisulu University Beadwork Collectio
Isidanga
No full textThe intricate necklace consists of 24 strands of delicate light turquoise beads held in place by black beads. Traditionally, it is worn as a shoulder strap by married men from isiXhosa-speaking subcultural groups like abaThembu, amaGcaleka, and amaMpondomise. It's worth noting that the amaMpondo cultural group does not traditionally incorporate this style of necklace.Purchased from Mrs Joan BrosterForms part of: Walter Sisulu University Beadwork Collectio