1,720,987 research outputs found
Social Policy to Address Poverty
No full textThis paper provides an analysis of the role of social policies in alleviating poverty in South Africa. In doing so, the paper assesses the contribution of education and social security in reducing poverty in the country
Unpaid reproductive labour and decent work in the South African labour market
No full textA thesis submitted to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, University of the Witwatersrand, in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, Johannesburg 2022Since the 1970s, women’s increased labour force participation has caught the attention of scholars, governments, labour unions and organisations such as the International Labour Organisation (ILO). The increase in female labour force participation has accompanied the globalisation and liberalisation of product and labour markets around the world. As a result, the ILO developed the ‘decent work agenda’ (DWA) to set a standard by which to measure the labour market vulnerability of workers. The DWA is an aspirational statement about the sort of work that ought to define the lives of all who work and who want to work. Unpaid reproductive labour, which is performed outside of the productive labour market and predominantly by women, has proven to be a major constraint for women’s advancement in paid work. Furthermore, despite gender equality in the workplace being listed as one of the main objectives of the DWA, in instances where unpaid labour has not intersected with the productive labour market, it has largely been ignored. This study empirically investigated whether the ILO’s DWA is conceptualised in a way that reflects a commitment to real gender equality in the labour market by demonstrating a link between work performed unpaid in service of the household and the quality or ‘decency’ of wage work. Using Labour Force Survey and Time-Use Survey data, theresults showed that the more time an employed individual spent on unpaid reproductive labour, the worse the quality of their paid job. However, this relationship was only significant for women and only during a period when the government undertook a contractionary fiscal approach. The findings of this study demonstrate important links between the household and the public sector and the extent to which women, through their household labour, keep the economy running when government and business are unable to do soMM202
The employability of commerce graduates in the financial services sector
No full textA research report submitted to the School of Governance at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg in partial fulfillment of the degree of Master of Management in Development & Economics, Johannesburg 2021This research presents an assessment of the employability factors for Commerce graduates in South Africa. From the perspective of a selected sample of Financial Services sector employers (including specialist recruiters), this study sought to understand employer requirements for graduate programmes in the career fields of Asset/Fund/Investment Management (listed and unlisted), Economics Consulting, and Investment Banking (Advisory). Subsequently, the study addressed five research questions: (i) What recruitment strategies are used by Financial Services sector employer organisations to find graduate talent? (ii) What qualifications affect the employability of Commerce graduates in South Africa? (iii) Are work and life experiences valued for the employability of Commerce graduates in South Africa? (iv) What skills determine the employability of Commerce graduates in South Africa? and (v) What labour market discriminatory factors affect the employability of Commerce graduates in South Africa?
Using Pool and Sewell’s (2007) well-known employability model, the Career-EDGE model, the study followed this framework in understanding employers’ employability factors. Using semi- structured interviews, the data were collected from 14 employers that have graduate programmes. The results showed that: (i) there is a growing use of electronic platforms (such as the corporate website, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter) to advertise graduate-programme opportunities; (ii) although postgraduate degrees from certain South African universities prove to be highly advantageous; however, a bachelor’s degree from any
accredited South African university is a minimum requirement; (iii) some previous work experience (including vacation work) is highly valued by these employers; (iv) from a skills perspective, employers do value transferable skills gained from the university curricula (graduate qualifications), as well as the skills from life experience; and finally, (v) the study showed that labour discrimination does play a role in the selection of graduates. More specifically, most employers have a strong preference for Blacks (Africans, Coloureds and Indians), as well as female graduates.MM202
Foreign direct investment and economic growth in South Africa during the Covid-19 era
No full textA research report submitted to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, University of the Witwatersrand, in 50% requirement of the requirements for the degree of Master of Management (in the field of Development and Economics). March 2023Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has been an essential source of sustainable and inclusive economic growth in South Africa. The need to attract FDI to boost economic growth, create employment opportunities, and supplement domestic expenditure is embedded in South Africa's past and present economic policies and frameworks. FDI can bring numerous benefits to various stakeholders including the host country government, which gains increased tax revenues; local businesses through partnerships and supply opportunities and local communities through improved infrastructure development and access to resources and services.
FDI inflows to South Africa have been volatile over the past decade, with periods of significant inflows followed by downturns. The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant negative impact on the South African economy, leading to a decrease in FDI inflows and a contraction in GDP. This report provides an overview of FDI inflows in South Africa, its contribution to economic growth, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on FDI in South Africa. The report reviews existing literature on the relationship between FDI and economic growth and discusses the factors influencing FDI inflows to South Africa. Furthermore, the report examines the measures implemented by the South African government to attract FDI. To truly promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth the South African government must address the challenges investors face, such as policy uncertainties, regulatory hurdles, and infrastructure limitations. Furthermore, the government must channel efforts into empowering local businesses, improving education and healthcare, and investing in infrastructure that
benefits all citizens. While FDI can bring some advantages, it should not come at the cost of neglecting domestic initiatives that foster self-reliance and equitable development.
The report recommends that the government should promote sectors with high potential for FDI, such as renewable energy, and ensure that FDI contributes to
technology transfer and knowledge sharing with domestic industries. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted FDI, but the country has the potential to recover and attract long-term FDI in the futureMM202
Assessing the Feasibility of Implementing Budget Amendment Powers of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature
No full textA research report submitted to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, University of Witwatersrand, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Management Degree in the field of Public Sector Monitoring and Evaluation, Johannesburg 2021This study investigates the feasibility of implementing the budget amendment powers of the GPL as provided for in the Gauteng Money Bills Amendment Procedures and Related Matters Act of 2019. The study employs a qualitative case study approach using the theoretical lens of the new institutionalism school of thought to examine the political and institutional arrangements at the GPL that may facilitate or constrain the implementation of the budget amendment powers.
The introduction of legislative powers to amend money bills in South Africa follows on the growing international trend sponsored by the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF) and international donors to strengthen legislative scrutiny of public finances as a way of improving governance and enhancing accountability in developing countries. It also comes at the time when the South African legislative sector is facing sharp public scrutiny about the efficacy of its oversight mechanisms in the wake of media reports and Auditor General’s reports that are pointing out what seems to be relentless acts of maladministration, irregular and fruitless expenditure as well as corruption in the public sectorMM202
Measuring the Fiscal Space for South Africa to Support Economic Growth and Development
No full textA research report submitted to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, University of the Witwatersrand, in fulfillment of the requirements for a PhD, 2023A number of developing and emerging market economies are faced with economic challenges that will require governments to access additional resources in order to invest in their economies. This thesis seeks to answer two research questions: 1) Should governments increase fiscal spending or government debt to finance the investment in the productive capacity of the economy in order to support and drive economic growth? and 2) Will an increase in government debt reduce investment and economic growth? Time series data of emerging market economies were used from the period 1994 – 2017 to answer the research questions. The key findings from the emerging market economies analysis confirm the positive relationship between government debt and economic growth across all the identified countries. The research findings indicate that in the identified emerging market economies, economic growth was high, showing an average growth of 5.0% when debt levels were below the 90% ratio. For debt levels above 90% of GDP, economic growth was significantly low, averaging 0.5%. The study’s findings indicate that the emerging market economies showed an average public sector investment to GDP ratio of 23.6% at debt levels below 90% of GDP. For debt above 90% of GDP, public sector investment to GDP was slightly lower, averaging 15.3%.
The key findings with regard to measuring debt sustainability using the debt limit of 68% to 97% to GDP as calculated by Ganiko, Melgarejo and Montoro (2016), is that all the emerging market economies have significant room to increase their debt levels, with South Africa obtaining an average debt ratio of 41% for the study period. The findings from the emerging market economies support the themes in the literature review that government debt can influence economic growth through the total factor productivity channel. This will entail increased government investment in infrastructure development, industrial development, education, health and nutrition. The thesis acknowledges that increases in debt levels will increase interest rates, thus reducing the fiscal space available to government. The increase in interest rates calls for a more effective utilisation of monetary policy instead of fiscal policy via the reduction of interest rates and purchasing of zero interest rate government bonds. To achieve this, this study calls for the increased role of monetary policy to use interest rates to achieve debt sustainability and to support economic growth. The thesis provides the policy direction for both fiscal and monetary policy on how to increase the ‘fiscal space’ available to government to raise additional resources to support economic growth and development.
The study’s contribution to knowledge is the call for a change to the orthodox paradigm and narrative that debt is bad for economic growth and to promote the policy direction of using debt and increased spending to get economies to full employment. The policy directive seeks to support the use of government debt to fund structural reforms, to recapitalise State-Owned Entities, to support industrial development as well as to promote infrastructure and human capital development, with the objective to support economic growth. The thesis argues that debt is not harmful if directed towards the productive side of the economy. The paradigm is embedded within the Keynesian approach which is supported by the new growth theory, functional finance and modern monetary theory on
fiscal stimulus and how to finance it. The paradigm shift also talks to moving away from conventional monetary policy and recommends that central banks decrease interest rates, monetise government debt, and create sovereign money in order to support government debt sustainability.
The paradigm shift also seeks to change the conventional policy direction of central banks of increasing money supply indirectly using the banking sector, to directly increase money supply through fiscal policy in order to support economic growth. This will give central banks the tool to direct and influence spending in the economy to meet the objectives of economic growth and job creation. As argued by various economists, this can be achieved through better policy coordination between monetary and fiscal policy, and improved institutional arrangements which will ensure that the creation of money is directed towards economic growth and job creationMM202
A Critical Review of Youth Employment Programmes in South Africa: Challenges and Solutions
No full textA research report submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Management, In the Faculty of Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, Wits School of Governance, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024Structural Youth unemployment is generally recognised as a formidable policy challenge of our time with dire political socio-economic implications for South Africa. In response to this mammoth challenge, the government of South Africa has been implementing a package of public employment programmes towards ameliorating youth unemployment. These have been supported by some private sector measures and civil society initiatives. It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to examine the different interventions implemented by government and other partners focusing on the successes, challenges and the potential solutions to the problem of youth unemployment. The purpose of this research is to undertake a critical assessment and analysis of the existing package of youth targeted employment programmes in South Africa with the view to unpacking their successes and challenges, whilst recommending some possible solutions on youth employment. This is a matter that South Africa cannot afford to ignore as it is facing the danger of missing the opportunity of reaping the “demographic dividend” from the current youth bulge. The theoretical framework of this study is anchored on the Positive Youth Development (PYD) theory as well as the Theory of Change (ToC). In this qualitative study, exploratory research design was used. This study utilised a semi-structured interview schedule data collection instrument. This research utilised thematic analysis to analyse the qualitative data that was collected. The study found that despite a package of existing youth intervention programmes, we still have stubborn persistence of youth unemployment. The research further conducted a critical analysis of existing youth employment programmes focusing on their successes and challenges. Specific lessons were drawn from the implementation of these youth employment programmes. The study concludes by providing recommended solutions on strategies to promote and improve effective youth employment interventions.MM202
Complexities of the professionalisation process and ethics of community development in South Africa
No full textA Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, University of the Witwatersrand, in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy,Johannesburg 2021This thesis examined the professionalisation process complexities and ethics of community development in South Africa. The purpose of this study was to examine the current move to professionalise the community development sector to explain professionalisation process complexities, the tensions, challenges, and the values of community development in South Africa. The quest for professionalisation calls for the standardisation of knowledge, certifications, the establishment of occupational membership associations, and a system of self-regulation for community development practitioners and community workers into a formalised profession and be committed to serving the public interest. The professionalisation process of the community development sector was explicitly acknowledged in the White Paper on Social Welfare in 1997. In October 2011, the national Department of Social Development (DSD) organised a three-day Inaugural Summit held at
the Vulindlela Village in Coega, Eastern Cape, which paved the way for the professionalisation process, and consulted stakeholders within the community development sector to plan the professionalisation process in this field. This summit was the first step undertaken towards the professionalisation process. The national DSD was mandated to lead, oversee and coordinate the professionalisation of community development. The Steering Committee, the South African Council of Social Service Profession (SACSSP), and the Task Team to professionalise community development in the planning and implementation process.
The study adopted multiple case study designs to explore and explain how the community development practitioners, social workers, and community development workers view the professionalisation process complexities and the values of community development. This case study research took place in Gauteng at the local, provincial, and national levels of government. The four cases underpinning the study include the practitioners from non-governmental organisations (NGO), community development workers (CDWs) from the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), the provincial and national Department of Social Development (DSD), and the higher education institutions (HEI). The case study analysis focused first on each case separately (within-case analysis), including the connection of each case to the phenomenon underpinning the study.
Understanding each case (within-case analysis) was essential to understanding the case context. By adopting multiple case study research designs, contributions to existing research on community development and the professionalisation process are made. The research questions underpinning the phenomenon under study are answered by accumulating findings from all four cases (cross-case analysis findings). Interviews and secondary data analysis were used to collect data. The interviews are the primary data source, and documentary analysis was used to corroborate the findings of the interviews. Non-probability purposive sampling and theoretical sampling were employed in this study. The empirics consist of seventy-four interviews with community development workers, social workers, and community development practitioners. The data analysis process followed the constructivist grounded theory constant comparison iterative and coding process, including two cycles of initial and focused coding. The theoretical codes developed in the study represent the foundation of the theory developed. Given the plethora of research in this field of study, the constructivist grounded theory data analysis process was applicable in generating the nascent theory that suits the nature of this inquiry.
This study found that the professionalisation process was motivated by the need for status recognition and that the process is evolving as state regulation. Professionalisation process complexities are connected to the complex context of the history of the multidisciplinary nature of community development practice, lack of engagement and broader consultative processes, the qualification versus the occupational wider set of professionalisation processes, a crisis of status recognition, professional identity issues, the unclear scope of practice, and a lack of regulatory framework. Against this backdrop, challenges, tensions, turf issues, and contestations are identified. Including the ethical issues of conflict of interest, professional misconduct, and malpractice are raised as the major challenge of the evolving profession of community development practice. A substantive theory developed in this study is inductively theorised from data and contributes to existing research on community development professional practice. Based on the study findings, recommendations for policy and practice and further research are suggestedMM202
Impact of buyisa ubuntu food bank on livelihoods of kagiso residents during covid-19
No full textA Research Report presented in partial fulfilment for the degree of Master of Management (in the field of Public Sector Monitoring and Evaluation) to the Faculty of Commerce, Law, and Management, University of the Witwatersrand.Food banks are set up as an option when governments are unable to safeguard the food security of their citizens. They intend to ease the numerous threats related to food insecurity. However, the ability of food banks to advance general food security outcomes is limited, even though they have a significant part to play in providing rapid solutions to extreme food dearth. They are meant to be a temporary way out for households that are destitute but a key to attaining food security.
The aim of the study is to explore the impact of Buyisa Ubuntu Food Bank on beneficiaries during COVID-19, as well as to understand the coping strategies of these beneficiaries in the midst of the pandemic. Also, the purpose is to determine the extent to which the skills development program has empowered beneficiaries. In order to achieve this, the study sought to determine a) The difference that the Buyisa Ubuntu Food Bank has made to beneficiaries' lives during the COVID-19 pandemic, b) the extent to which the Buyisa Ubuntu Food Bank skills development programme has empowered beneficiaries, c) the coping strategies that were used by the beneficiaries in the absence of the food bank services.
The study found that the food bank use in Kagiso Township is due to dire economic difficulties out of the immediate domain of control of beneficiaries, such as poverty and unemployment. The coping strategies utilised by beneficiaries in the absence of food bank services are unsustainable. In an attempt to address the issue of unemployment among the beneficiaries, structural theories of poverty suggest that macroeconomic policy, which stimulates economic growth, both locally and internationally, should also be seen as the key solution for sustainable job opportunities.
The findings of the study further revealed that the Buyisa Ubuntu Food Bank made a financial difference in the lives of the beneficiaries through volunteerism and employment. Again, the skills offered at the skills development programme made a difference in the lives of some of the beneficiaries. However, the study found that the choice of skills in this programme is limited, and some skills are not of interest to beneficiaries. It is therefore recommended that the Buyisa Ubuntu Food Bank provides an avenue for beneficiaries to voice their expectations. It is also recommended that iv higher institutions of learning and businesses join forces to provide a variety of skills for people who are food insecure. Buyisa Ubuntu Food Bank faced some distribution challenges, as a result,
beneficiaries received food once in three months instead of three consecutive months. This negatively affects the impact of the Buyisa Food Bank on the lives of beneficiaries. To address the food distribution challenges, it is recommended that the Buyisa Ubuntu Food Bank sticks to the standard operating procedure manual, which states that once the beneficiary is approved, the food needs to be distributed to them for threeconsecutive months.MM202
Examining coordination among stakeholders in implementing the OR Tambo special economic zone
No full textA research report submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Management in the field of Public Policy to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, University of the Witwatersrand, 2022South Africa has adopted the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) programme as a mechanism to attract Foreign Direct Investment and increase job creation. However, despite the country’s implementation of SEZs over the past years, the country continues to experience socioeconomic challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and inequality. In this regard, this study examined coordination among stakeholders in implementing the OR Tambo SEZ, particularly given that the OR Tambo SEZ was designated as an Industrial Development Zone in 2002, and the zone received its operating permit in 2010. This delay in the issuance of the permit signals that there might be coordination challenges among key stakeholders responsible for implementing the zone. The research adopted a case study design to examine the extent of coordination among stakeholders that are responsible for the implementation of the OR Tambo SEZ. A qualitative research method was adopted to collect the data using interviews and document analysis. The study found that key stakeholders such as the Department of Trade and Industry, Gauteng Industrial Development Zone and the Municipality of Ekurhuleni are involved in the implementation process of the zone. However, there is a need to improve on the coordination mechanism by clearly indicating the role and responsibility of each stakeholder and the rules and procedures for coordination. In addition, there is a need to involve other vital stakeholders who can contribute towards the successful implementation of the OR Tambo SEZ.PC(2023
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