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Teenage Pregnancy in South Africa: the role of Human Rights and the Law
No full textA research report submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Laws, in the Faculty of Commerce Law and Management, School of law, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025This paper explores the pervasive issue of teenage pregnancy which disproportionally affects vulnerable girls who need protection. It highlights the legal, social and policy changes affecting pregnant teenagers and teenage mothers. This paper considers South Africa’s international and domestic human rights obligations relating to teenage pregnancy and examines what the State has done to help pregnant teenagers and teenage mothers to realize their right to education. The paper finds that the policies which are in existence do not adequately address the gaps in the law and suggests that the solutions in place are not conducive to the full recognition of their rights. The result is that this demographic continues to be prejudiced by reason of their gender and age. Further, the stigma and lack of support they experience forces them to drop out of school. This paper avers that there is an urgent need for policy reform, particularly of the Integrated School Health Policy and the Screening, Identification, Assessment and Support Policy to ensure that there are adequate protections extended to pregnant teenagers and teenage mothers to enable them to enjoy their right to education.MM202
The role of practitioners in facilitating the public participation process: A review of EIA in renewable energy projects
No full textA dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Sciences in Environmental Sciences, to the Faculty of Science, School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025The public participation process is a crucial part of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in renewable energy projects. The role of Environmental Assessment Practitioners (EAPs) in ensuring that this process is carried out as mandated by environmental legislation is equally important. Globally there has been a significant increase in renewable energy projects to support the transition to a low carbon economy. The role played by EAPs and the associated challenges they face when conducting public participation in EIA, particularly in renewable energy projects, has recently been the subject of studies across the globe. The aim of this study was to assess the practice of public participation in South African renewable energy projects, and to explore the role of practitioners in facilitating this process. The methodology employed involved reviewing the documentation from four renewable energy projects, this included the environmental impact reports, public participation reports, and background information documents. Legislation, in particular, the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), EIA regulations, and NEMA public participation guidelines were reviewed and studied. Furthermore, structured interviews were conducted with EAPs to address the study's objectives. Results indicated that the public participation guidelines and EIA regulations provide clear and concise requirements that EAPs should meet when conducting public participation. However, there is a key contention on the parts of the EIA regulation that give discretion to EAPs in some activities of the public participation process. The findings indicate that to a greater extent EAPs meet the requirements of public participation. EAPs also face some challenges that are unique to renewable energy projects such as lack of public knowledge, the dispersed nature of settlements in the location of renewable energy projects, and lack of public interest when it comes to the participation of Interested and Affected Parties (I&APs) in renewable energy projects. Also, the Covid-19 restrictions on public gathering had both negative and positive impacts on the public participation process. However, on the positive side these restrictions encouraged the use of social media apps and other internet platforms. The conclusions indicates that the EIA regulations and public participation guidelines provide clear and concise requirements for public participation which are implementable and has led to EAPs being able to meet most of these requirements when conducting public participation. One of the key points of contention however was the discretion given to EAPs when it comes to certain practices in public participation. An example is the issue relating to language barriers, wherein minority groups were left out, because communication was only being made in Afrikaans and English. It is recommended that concerning the issue of discretion the regulation should be revised to determine the limitation of this discretion, for example when it comes to language barriers, a multilingual clause should be included in the regulation wherein it makes it mandatory for EAPs to make information available in the language of all registered I&APs to accommodate minority groups. It is further recommended that community engagement and education be promoted when it comes to renewable energy projects to minimise the disinterest of the community in participating due to misconceptions and lack of information. A change in practice is suggested to accommodate all those participating in meetings. As such translation and interpretation services should be offered to ensure meaningful discourse and contribution to decision making. It is suggested that future studies be employed to address some of the issues that emanated from this study, but where not thoroughly investigated, such as an investigation into the role of education coupled with awareness creation in changing the public’s attitude towards renewable energy projects. Additionally, an in-depth study maybe conducted that compares and contrasts the different practices and regulation approaches to public participation in renewable energy projects across different regions and contextual circumstances.MMM202
Atmospheric deposition of microplastics in urban rural forest environments A case study of Thulamela Local Municipality
No full textAt a Crossroads Sex and Death Taboos in Child Development and Implications for Sesotho Education
No full textUnderstanding the impact that mobile digital streaming has on overall television consumption amongst Gen Z and Millennials living in Gauteng
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 study embarked on a comprehensive exploration of consumer behaviour within the dynamic landscape of the media industry, with a particular focus on television and mobile devices. It delves into the distinct viewing habits of two influential demographics: Generation Z and Millennials. The objective is to unravel how the accelerated rise of mobile technology has reshaped TV consumption patterns across these generations. By employing a quantitative research design, the study examines prevailing market trends within the media sphere. It seeks to dissect the unique consumer behaviours exhibited by both generations while also projecting potential future trajectories in media consumption. The findings illuminate a compelling shift, revealing that Generation Z is increasingly favouring mobile devices over traditional television. This trend is predominantly driven by their preference for streaming content, which aligns seamlessly with their fast-paced and on-the-go lifestyles. Moreover, the research highlights the critical significance of a multi-device experience, showcasing how seamlessly integrated media consumption across platforms has become essential. It emphasizes the necessity of understanding and leveraging the diffusion of innovation theory, offering insights that can foster more effective business strategies in this rapidly evolving environment. This study not only sheds light on current consumer trends but also presents a framework for anticipating the future of media consumption in an increasingly digital world.MM202
Selective Conservatism in the Management of Spinal Stab Wounds Remains ApplicableA Critical Review of 169 Patients Managed at a Major Trauma Center in South Africa
No full textMarket Orientation in the Construction Industry 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, 2025This study investigated the prevalence and impact of market orientation and sustainabilityorientation practices within South African construction firms and their subsequent influenceon business performance. Amidst increasing economic volatility, regulatory pressures, andresource constraints, the construction sector in South Africa faces notable challenges,reflected in the rising rate of firm liquidations. Employing a quantitative research design,this research utilised a structured questionnaire to collect data from a sample ofconstruction industry professionals affiliated with the Construction Industry DevelopmentBoard (CIDB) and the South African Council for the Project and Construction ManagementProfessions (SACPCMP). The study examined three key dimensions of marketorientation—customer orientation, competitor orientation, and inter-functionalcoordination—alongside sustainability orientation and their collective influence oncompany performance.The study reveals that, contrary to initial expectations, South African construction firmsdemonstrate high levels of market orientation, specifically customer orientation, competitororientation, and inter-functional coordination dimensions. Similarly, significantsustainability orientation practices were observed, including substantial compliance withhealth and safety regulations and adherence to environmental, social, and governance(ESG) standards however, gaps were observed in CO₂ emissions reduction andenvironmental certifications. Regression analysis confirmed that both market orientationand sustainability orientation are significant predictors of company performance, withsustainability orientation showing a particularly strong correlation.This research contributes to the existing literature by elucidating the strategic importanceof integrating market and sustainability orientations in the construction industry. Thefindings provide valuable insights for practitioners, recommending enhanced customerresponsiveness, systematic competitor intelligence gathering, strengthened inter-departmental collaboration, and proactive sustainability practices as key strategic driversfor sustainable business success in South Africa’s construction sector.MM202
Nexus Between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Initiatives and the Financial Performance of Companies in the South African Mining Sector
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 nexus between Corporate Social Responsibility (“CSR”) and corporate financial performance (“FP”) of companies remains a subject of extensive academic enquiry. Critics argue that CSR is a burdensome initiative, while others view it as a strategic investment, with long-term economic, environmental and social benefits. The research assessed whether mining companies engaging in CSR initiatives experience enhanced FP and if these companies integrate CSR strategies into their overarching corporate strategic objectives. Employing a quantitative methodology, the study analysed secondary data between 2014 and 2023 from 19 Johannesburg Stock Exchange (“JSE”)-listed mining companies. CSR performance was measured using a self-developed scorecard, while FP was measured through a total of four accounting and market-based performance metrics. Research findings found a positive correlation between social CSR (“CSRS”) initiatives and all four FP metrics. Environmental CSR (“CSRE”) initiatives also correlate positively with these metrics, except for Return on Assets (“ROA”). Furthermore, the research found that 95% of the sampled companies incorporate CSR strategy into their broader corporate strategic objectives. CSRS initiatives were found to improve employee and community relations, leading to increased productivity and operational stability, which in turn enhances FP. The observed negative correlation between CSRE and ROA is attributable to the substantial upfront capital investments required for such initiatives and the delayed realisation of improved asset efficiency benefits. However, CSRE positively influences market-based FP metrics by reducing environmental compliance risk, improving business continuity and bolstering investor confidence. 3 The study concludes that CSR is a value-accretive strategy for JSE-listed mining companies, with the potential to generate long-term economic value and enduring competitiveness. To fully realise these benefits, it is imperative that CSR strategy is embedded into the broader corporate strategic objectives and forms part of the core business ethos.MM202
The political economy of social ownership in South Africa: Opportunities to address inequality in transition
No full textSouth Africa has high levels of persistent, structural inequality. Social ownership has remerged in recent years as an opportu-nity to address inequality, particularly in the context of the just transition. The just transition refers to the manner in which the transition to a low-carbon economy is achieved. Social ownership is proposed as a means to reduce the concentration of wealth, improve access to resources and labour opportunities for a more equitable society.
This research paper examines how models of social ownership in different sectors can be used to address inequality in post-apartheid South Africa to support a just transition. We draw from the literature on social ownership, expert interviews, and case studies in energy, agriculture, mining and finance sectors, with a specific focus on the following ownership models: coope-ratives, public entities, and trade union-led socio-economic development projects. The research findings provide a definition for social ownership, pull out key features of successful social ownership models, and unpacks the ways in which they contribute to reducing inequality. The paper aims to support policymaking and contribute to ongoing debates over economic restructuring and inequality.PM202
