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Challenges imposed by legacy systems on digital transformation in Gauteng national departments
No full textA research report submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Management in the field of Digital Business, in the Faculty of Commerce Law and Management, Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025The digital transformation of government institutions is critical for improving service delivery, operational efficiency, and citizen engagement. However, legacy systems characterised by outdated technologies, limited interoperability, and high maintenance costs pose significant challenges to modernisation efforts. This study explores the impact of legacy systems on digital transformation within Gauteng national departments, identifying key barriers and strategies employed to mitigate these challenges. Using a qualitative research approach, the study gathered insights from senior IT officials and digital transformation leaders through semi-structured interviews. The findings reveal that legacy systems impacts digital transformation by limiting system interoperability, creating bottlenecks and escalating operational expenses. Additionally, cultural resistance to change, inadequate leadership buy- in, and insufficient interests in modernisation efforts. Despite these obstacles, national departments have implemented various strategies, including phased system upgrades, the adoption of cloud computing, middleware solutions for integration, and digital skills development programs. The study highlights the crucial role of leadership, and stakeholder engagement in driving successful digital transformation. It offers strategic recommendations for IT leaders to enhance governance, improve interoperability, and ensure a smoother transition from legacy systems to modern digital infrastructures. The research contributes to the broader discourse on public sector digital transformation, providing insights that can inform policy and implementation strategies in government institutions beyond Gauteng. Future research should explore the use of AI in sustaining digital transformation initiatives and managing the challenges imposed on the journey.MM202
Partial depletion of circulating neutrophil granulocytes in mice exacerbates the inflammatory response and hypothermia during LPS induced severe systemic inflammation
No full textPerceived barriers and enablers impacting women in leadership within the information, communication and technology (ICT) sector in South Africa
No full textA research report submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Business Administration, in the Faculty of Commerce Law and Management, Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025Women remain underrepresented in the ICT leadership in South Africa and are hampered by systemic constraints in the form of gender discrimination, stereotypes, a lack of mentors, and balancing life and work. These constraints hinder their professional advancement and perpetuate a male-dominated power structure, thereby limiting innovation and diversity. Despite efforts worldwide aimed at increasing women's representation in ICT leadership, there are still issues due to socio-cultural attitudes, professional network exclusion, and a lack of organizational support. The research explores the barriers facing women’s leadership in ICT and undertakes a comprehensive investigation of the barriers hampering their advancement. The study also explores major enablers in women succeeding in top jobs, e.g., qualifications, mentoring, sponsorship, organisational support, and attitudes in the working environment. The research reveals how systematic leadership programmes, equal-gender policies, and assertive mentoring are major in advancing women in top jobs. By integrating transformational leadership theory, the research reveals how organisations can design working conditions that are gender- inclusive, empowering women through mentoring, professional development, and flexible working policies. These are major in constructing a balanced ICT industry in terms of gender. The research is significant to policymakers, educators, ICT leaders, and professional women, with implications on how gender diversity, inclusion in leadership, and sustainable career progress are addressed. The research makes recommendations on how these are improved with mentoring programmes, organisational reform in policies, and systematic programmes in leadership aimed at rectifying gender imbalances. The research also advocates for future studies on global ICT leadership barriers and enablers, aiming to identify the most effective approaches to gender- inclusive leadership. The overcoming of these problems would result in a balanced, creative, and diverse ICT profession that benefits organisations and the broader economy.MM202
Commissioning and Implementation aspect of the Monaco TPS system at CMJAH
No full textA research report submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Master of Science degree in Medical Physics (coursework and research report), to the Faculty of Science, School of Physics, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025Introduction: Modern Treatment Planning Systems (TPS), such as Elekta’s Monaco TPS, are essential in radiotherapy. Proper commissioning and Quality Assurance (QA) are essential to ensure accurate treatment planning and minimise side effects. This study aimed to validate the Monaco TPS (version 6.1.2.0) through photon beam data collection, analysis and dose calculation algorithm checks, ensuring optimal clinical outcomes and patient safety. Methodology: The verification of the Monaco TPS commissioning beam data for clinical use with four Elekta Versa HD linear accelerators at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH) was performed in accordance with established dosimetric protocols. Photon beam data were collected using a PTW Beamscan water phantom and a PTW Unidos E electrometer with ionisation chambers and were compared with simulated data from the TPS for validation. Treatment plans for Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) and 3D Conformal Radiation Therapy (3DCRT) techniques were generated and tested using the CIRS SHANE phantom for dose accuracy across various tissues and Perspex slabs. The Catphan 600 phantom was used for electron density (ED) calibration. Results: This work showed good agreement for open fields of 10 x 10 cm² or larger, but discrepancies were primarily observed in fields, particularly in those less than 5 x 5 cm². Collapsed Cone Convolution (CCC) models performed well for wedged fields, with minor limitations in smaller field sizes (FSs). Linac calibration accuracy was confirmed within ±1% and CT scan evaluations validated the ED to Hounsfield unit (ED-HU) curve, ensuring a reliable representation of tissue heterogeneities. Gamma analysis and IMRT/VMAT audits confirmed clinical acceptability. Dose delivery accuracy in prostate cancer treatment using 3D CRT and VMAT was within ±5%. Conclusion: This study effectively verifies and validates the commissioned Monaco TPS data at CMJAH, thereby confirming the accuracy of dose calculations and adherence to international commissioning standards for clinical implementation.Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)MMM202
Corporate governance and service delivery in Gauteng Department of Health
No full textA research report submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Business Administration, in the Faculty of Commerce Law and Management, Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025The goal of this research was to ascertain the reciprocal link between corporate governance and service delivery in the Gauteng Department of Health, with a particular focus on the factors that influence governance: accountability, integrity, transparency, and leadership. The study employed a number of quantitative measures, such as the Good Governance Index, as well as a number of qualitative indicators through thematic analysis of data collected from specific hospitals in the province. Several governance concerns emerged from this research, including poor accountability mechanisms, inefficient utilisation of hospital boards, and inadequate resource management at hospitals. Leadership and the provision of adequate transparency were the primary areas of non-compliance. Other elements, including shortages of employees, infrastructural challenges, and patient financial governance, also remained poor. These vulnerabilities exacerbate inefficiency, eroding public trust and impeding healthcare system outcomes. The findings highlighted deficiencies in governance, the need for policy reform, the automation of hospital systems, the optimisation of procurement processes, and the involvement of pertinent stakeholders. The research paper explores these challenges and provides recommendations for overcoming them by acknowledging that governance mechanisms must align with the objectives of service. This study aims to address these deficiencies to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of the healthcare system in Gauteng.MM202
Determining the status of ecosystem degradation trends and their implications for ecological integrity in the southern African grassland biome
No full textThe Challenge of Sustainable Development Beyond Mining in Welkom
No full textA research report submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Business Administration, in the Faculty of Commerce Law and Management, Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025This thesis examined the relationship between Social and Labour Plans (SLPs), sustainable development, and unemployment rates in the context of mining activities in Welkom, South Africa. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study investigated the long- term implications of inadequate SLPs on sustainable development, analyzed sustainable development trends in SLPs, and interpreted job creation initiatives in SLPs. The findings revealed a negative correlation between unemployment rates and jobs created by mining companies, highlighting the limited positive impact of SLPs on reducing unemployment rates. The study provided recommendations for policymakers, mining companies, and other stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness of SLPs in promoting sustainable development and addressing social and economic challenges facing local communities.MM202
Upscaling a small natural, black hair care venture specialising in unlocking dreadlocks into a national business
No full textA research report submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Business Administration, in the Faculty of Commerce Law and Management, Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025The aim of this study was to develop an upscaling strategy for Gauteng-based start- up venture, Luv Your Locks (LUL). To achieve that, a survey of potential customers was contact electronically across all the South African nine provinces. From analysis of the survey data, it was recommended that LUL needed to adopt a market development strategy, one of the four marketing strategies recommended by Ansoff. More specifically, it was recommended that LUL expand the selling of its unique product, the dreadlock detangler into the national market. To be able to implement the proposed strategy, LUL will need to put some basics into place, especially formalisation of business functions and allowing professionals to run those functions. In addition, LUL will need additional funding of at least R300,000, which the business is recommended to raise as both debt and equity in order to manage financing risk. The proportions of debt to equity are discussed in the business plan of this report. While all efforts have been made to ensure that the recommendations made in this study are valid and credible, some limitations still existed. These included the fact that the sample size was too small to be representative of the target population, the cross- sectional nature of the study which meant that the study could not establish trends in the observed market facts and the methodological bias which rose from the electronic nature of the survey. Despite of these limitations, the results of this study can assist LUL to upscale into a fully-fledging national business.MM202
