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Factors that impact the adoption of real-time electronic payments in South Africa
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 continuous advancement of digital technologies has heightened expectations for cost-effective and convenient service delivery, driving modernisation efforts in financial systems worldwide. In South Africa, the push to develop the national payments system has intensified, with a strong focus on reducing cash usage and fostering the adoption of real-time electronic payments. This qualitative study investigates the factors impacting the adoption of real-time electronic payments in South Africa through semi-structured interviews with experts from the payments industry, regulatory bodies, and financial institutions. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse the data, with the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and the Technology-Organisation- Environment (TOE) models serving as theoretical frameworks. Findings reveal a complex interplay of drivers and barriers shaping adoption. Key enablers include the need for a more assertive regulatory approach, reduced transaction and infrastructure costs, an improved user experience, and greater fintech participation. Conversely, challenges such as entrenched cash reliance, fragmented stakeholder collaboration, and the absence of widespread, seamless payment solutions hinder adoption. A critical insight from this study is the necessity of replicating cash’s convenience and ubiquity to drive consumer and merchant adoption. The interconnected nature of these factors underscores the importance of industry-wide collaboration to enact meaningful change. By identifying these critical considerations, this research contributes to the ongoing discourse on digital payment transformation in emerging markets. The findings offer practical recommendations for regulators, financial service providers, and fintechs to accelerate the adoption of real-time electronic payments and promote a more inclusive, efficient financial ecosystem in South Africa.MM202
The use and commercialisation of inter-satellite links in South Africa for telecommunication: regulatory framework and emerging trends
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, 2025MM202
Caregiver Checklist for Dysphagia Risk (CCDR) development and preliminary evaluation: a pilot study
No full textA research report submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology, in the Faculty of Humanities, Wits School of Arts, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025Background: The potential risk for dysphagia may be a concern in the elderly population and can often lead to aspiration pneumonia. Due to a shortage of speech therapists in South Africa, nurses and caregivers within care facilities are typically the individuals who are responsible for monitoring eating and drinking of the residents at the care facilities. This makes them ideal for early identification of individuals at risk of dysphagia. Method: The aim of this study was twofold 1) to document current tools used to identify dysphagia in the elderly in care facilities by way of a scoping review and 2) to establish the preliminary diagnostic accuracy, validity, and reliability of a researcher-developed tool, the Caregiver Checklist for Dysphagia Risk (CCDR) as informed by the scoping review. The study used the scoping review methodological framework and quantitative cross-sectional correlational design for its respective parts. The caregivers and residents from a care facility were recruited using convenient and purposive sampling, respectively. The CCDR was, completed by caregivers, thereafter the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) was administered by the researcher to residents with and without suspected risk of dysphagia for a total sample of 32 residents (n=32). Data Analysis: Data was analysed using thematic analysis for the scoping review and, descriptive and inferential statistics for data pertaining to the CCDR. Content validity was established using a scoping review that assisted with the content of the CCDR. The reliability was measured using Cronbach’s Alpha to determine internal consistency. Concurrent validity of the CCDR was established by correlating the results against the results of the EAT-10. Diagnostic accuracy in the form of sensitivity and specificity were assessed. Results: The scoping review identified tools currently being used to identify dysphagia with the elderly and confirmed that no tool exists for this population in the South African residential care context. A lack of one appropriate tool led to the development of the CCDR. Preliminary results of the CCDR indicated a strong internal consistency (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0,815), moderate positive correlation (Pearson’s r(30) = 0.499, p < 0,001; Spearman’s Rank Order r(30) = 0.454, p < 0,001), a high sensitivity (0,90) and specificity (0,82) indicating promise in its use. Implications: Clinical implications reveal that the CCDR can identify dysphagia risk in elderly residents in care facilities. Theoretically, this tool adds to existing dysphagia resources in the scientific world by providing a tool, to identify dysphagia risk. Further research may include multiple research sites as well as explore caregiver feedback and investigate feasibility of the use of the CCDR with community-dwelling elderly.MM202
DATA CONSISTENCY AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR MUNICIPAL POLICYMAKING IN SOUTH AFRICA AN ANALYSIS OF SURVEY DEEDS VALUATION ROLLS AND MUNICIPAL BUDGETS
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Seasonality Social Structure and Age Predict Conspecific Aggression in Captive Breeding Southern GroundHornbills Bucorvus leadbeateri
No full textThe interplay of energy access and labor market outcomes in South Africa
No full textA research report submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Commerce, in the Faculty of Commerce Law and Management, School of Business Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025This study investigates the relationship between energy access and employment opportunities in South Africa using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model, analyzing macroeconomic data spanning 1990 to 2022. Unlike previous research focused on rural areas, this study adopts a macro-level approach, encompassing both urban and rural regions. The findings reveal a positive short- and long-run association between energy access and employment, indicating that increased electricity access correlates with higher employment levels. Inflation negatively affects employment, while foreign direct investment (FDI) and gross domestic product (GDP) have positive associations. Trade is significant in the short run but becomes insignificant in the long run. These results highlight key policy implications: expanding access to electricity, particularly in underserved areas, and investing in renewable energy infrastructure can enhance employment opportunities. Attracting FDI through improved infrastructure and incentives, implementing sound monetary policies to control inflation, and supporting economic growth through small and medium enterprises and innovation are critical for sustaining employment. Additionally, addressing South Africa’s high dependence on imports and promoting export-oriented industries can amplify the long-term benefits of trade on employment, emphasizing the need for targeted, structural policy interventions.MM202
