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The impact of intra- and inter- regional integration on trade flows in Africa

  • Authors: Taylor, Nina-Mari
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: International trade Trade blocs Regionalism
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCom
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12408 , vital:39260
  • Description: Regional integration is regarded as a formation which would allow African countries to improve their trade performance and economic growth. By subscribing to such a regional integration grouping, successful regional trade integration could assist African countries in achieving economies of scale, expand respective domestic markets, reduce marginalisation as well as the collective utilisation and exploitation of resources. Such achievements could, gradually, raise the competitiveness of African countries in respect of the global market. By collaborating in regional integration agreements, groups of countries are sought to increase their collective bargaining power and co-operation amongst the member countries. Regional integration can, therefore, be regarded as a necessary means by which economic development, growth and trade can be enhanced amongst African countries. The associated advantages and benefits of regional integration could improve the productive capacity of African counties and strengthen both their individual and continental position in the process of globalisation and integration into the world economy. This study endeavours to examine the impact of intra-regional integration and inter-regional integration on trade flows among and between: SADC, COMESA, ECOWAS and the EAC. The relevant theoretical and empirical literature regarding regional integration is considered as well as the challenges faced by regional economic communities in Africa. The study is based on an Augmented Gravity Model and it employs Panel Data Estimation Techniques and Panel Unit Root Tests. The Hausman test results proved the Fixed Effects Model to be the most applicable to the study. The empirical findings revealed that both intra-regional integration and inter-regional integration had a positive bearing on trade flows and between: SADC, COMESA, ECOWAS and the EAC. Hence, regional integration is concluded as having a prominent role in promoting trade flows in Africa and the study recommends that African countries and regional economic communities should pursue deeper economic integration and continental integration.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

The impact of leadership on talent retention: exploring gender and generational cohort’s psychological contract issues

  • Authors: Vasi, Lee-Anne
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Age and employment -- South Africa , Leadership -- South Africa -- Management Employee retention -- South Africa Organizational commitment -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20066 , vital:29101
  • Description: If the early nineties were concerned about a “rapidly changing business environment,” business in the twenty first century should be deeply paranoid about the future of business as we know it (Pieterse et al., 2009, p.1). Both global and national political factors has impacted the economy to epidemic negative heights. For companies to survive, its leadership requires a strand of resilience that sustains operations like never before. This can only be reached through the workforce. The question can thus be asked, how does one optimally use the gifting of each employee to impact the sustained operation of the organisation? The aim of this study is to determine the impact of leadership on talent retention: exploring gender and generational cohort’s psychological contract issues. The target population for the study consisted of 711 (n) employed South African executive MBA professionals within various industry sectors, namely, Management, Finance, Engineering, Information Technology and Accounting sectors, dispersed at various levels within their respective organisations, representing various Provinces, predominantly from the Eastern Cape, Western Cape and Gauteng. 55 percent were male respondents and 45 percent were female respondents. 34% of the respondents’ age group were located in the category Generation-Y (respondents aged 25 – 34 years) and 30% of the respondents’ were located in the category Generation-X (respondents aged 35 – 44 years). The results showed that job insecurity was not statistically significantly related to employee engagement and turnover intention. Leadership empowerment behaviour contributed statistically significantly to employee engagement and low turnover intention. The research populations’ current experience depicts strong opportunities for personal development and work satisfaction, with moderate financial fulfilment. There is furthermore a strong relationship between leadership and retention.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

The impact of leadership on talent retention: exploring gender and generational cohort’s psychological contract issues

  • Authors: Vasi, Lee-Anne
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Age and employment -- South Africa , Leadership -- South Africa -- Management Employee retention -- South Africa Organizational commitment -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20077 , vital:29096
  • Description: If the early nineties were concerned about a “rapidly changing business environment,” business in the twenty first century should be deeply paranoid about the future of business as we know it (Pieterse et al., 2009, p.1). Both global and national political factors has impacted the economy to epidemic negative heights. For companies to survive, its leadership requires a strand of resilience that sustains operations like never before. This can only be reached through the workforce. The question can thus be asked, how does one optimally use the gifting of each employee to impact the sustained operation of the organisation? The aim of this study is to determine the impact of leadership on talent retention: exploring gender and generational cohort’s psychological contract issues. The target population for the study consisted of 711 (n) employed South African executive MBA professionals within various industry sectors, namely, Management, Finance, Engineering, Information Technology and Accounting sectors, dispersed at various levels within their respective organisations, representing various Provinces, predominantly from the Eastern Cape, Western Cape and Gauteng. 55 percent were male respondents and 45 percent were female respondents. 34% of the respondents’ age group were located in the category Generation-Y (respondents aged 25 – 34 years) and 30% of the respondents’ were located in the category Generation-X (respondents aged 35 – 44 years). The results showed that job insecurity was not statistically significantly related to employee engagement and turnover intention. Leadership empowerment behaviour contributed statistically significantly to employee engagement and low turnover intention. The research populations’ current experience depicts strong opportunities for personal development and work satisfaction, with moderate financial fulfilment. There is furthermore a strong relationship between leadership and retention.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

The impact of oil prices on the trade balance of South Africa

  • Authors: Mili, Akhona
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Petroleum products -- Prices Balance of trade -- South Africa Petroleum industry and trade -- Economic aspects
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8630 , vital:33228
  • Description: The Autoregressive Distributed Lag model was used to estimate and analyse the relationship between crude oil prices and the trade balance of South Africa. This study estimated the trade balance model and analysed the relationship between crude oil prices and the trade balance of South Africa from the period 1990 to 2015. The bounds cointegration test confirmed the existence of a long-run relationship between the trade balance and real oil prices, real effective exchange rate, domestic income, real interest rate and the inflation rate. The results confirm that changes in oil prices have a negative impact on the trade balance whereas, currency devaluation, real interest, inflation rate and domestic income had a positive effect on the trade balance. The negative sign and significance of the Error Correction Term and diagnostic tests confirmed the reliability of the results.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

The impact of open-plan office design on the productivity of City of Cape Town employees

  • Authors: Nghona, Ziyanda
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Labor productivity -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Performance -- Measurement Interior architecture Space (Architecture)
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48080 , vital:40469
  • Description: Comprehensive research studies on identifying the positive and negative impact of open-plan office designs on employees’ work productivity were long initiated and still continually debated in developed nations such as USA, Canada and UK. As a result, the researcher decided to undertake research in order to determine whether the salient negative and positive factors, identified in international literature about open-plan office designs, are applicable in the South African context. The aim was not to reduce the accrued positive and negative factors, emanating from open-plan offices, but rather to identify and determine how they impact employees work productivity. The study had the following objectives, namely: (1) to investigate the employees satisfaction level with the physical environment as a result of working within the open-plan office design layout; (2) to determine the employees' stress levels as a result of working within the open-plan office design layout; (3) to determine the team members or co-workers satisfaction level as a result of working within the open-plan office design layout; and lastly, (4) to determine the positive and negative impact of the open-plan office design layout on employees work productivity. The data gathering approaches included survey self-administered questionnaires to the Built Environment related employees working within the open-plan offices of the City of Cape Town Municipality within the CBD area. The sample consisted the following departments: Facilities Management; Sports & Recreation; Human Settlement and Solid Waste. A purposeful random sampling method was followed to identify participants for the study. Concerning the first objective, it was clear from the analysis that employees are unsatisfied with the physical environment of the open-plan office design layout. Their dissatisfaction pointed to several issues such as less control or flexibility to rearrange or reorganise their office furniture to meet their work needs; limited or no available quiet and undisturbed time. As a result, it was not surprising that employees in open-plan office experience high job-related stress levels. However, in a positive light, concerning the team members or co-workers relations on working within open-plan offices, it was reported that employees are satisfied reporting high exchange of job related information and thus learning from each other. Lastly and more importantly, in terms of the overall aim of this study, the study revealed that the employees’ work productivity is affected negatively as a result of the open-plan office design in the City of Cape Town. Initially identification of how open-plan offices impact employees work productivity is the critical first-step in an attempt to reduce the negative and increase the positive impact and this constitutes the contribution of this study. However, this study was limited in that it only requested respondents to agree or disagree with the relationships among measurable variables that already exist in previous studies done in developed countries. The study survey was also limited by the selected sample within the City of Cape Town Municipality public offices. As a result, the study only sampled five Built Environment related openplan offices and thus the generalisability of the findings is limited. Further studies with large and wider survey can thus benefit this study topic in developing economies like South Africa.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

The impact of post-apartheid agricultural changes on citrus farmers in the Peddie area

  • Authors: Peter, Bantu Desmond
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Agriculture and state -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSoc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5380 , vital:29225
  • Description: This study explores the impact of post-apartheid agricultural changes on citrus farmers in the Peddie area. The case study focused on the Craighead Citrus Farm at Kwatho as well as the Naudeshoek Citrus Farm, Ripplemead Citrus Farm and Siyamila Citrus Farm in the Balteni area. The study considered the effect of agricultural changes on citrus production, productivity of the farms in question, as well as the impact on poverty alleviation in Peddie District. In the study, the challenges encountered by both farmers and communities due to the agricultural changes in the new democratic dispensation were also considered. The study further considered the role played by the Department of Agriculture and Ngqushwa Local Municipality in assisting these farmers to increase citrus production in order to create employment opportunities. To achieve these objectives, a review of literature and collection of evidence in the form of interviews, and observations were conducted in the research areas. The research findings indicated that the Craighead Citrus Farms is state owned land, which belonged to Ulimocor, a parastatal under the former homeland government (Ciskei). This farm is no longer operational and is abandoned. During the period of this study the Naudeshoek Citrus Farm, Ripplemead Citrus Farm and Siyamila Citrus Farm were operational and progressing. Citrus farming in this area has potential to boost the economy, which would only be possible with the establishment of partnerships between the emerging farmers, government, commercial farmers and Ngqushwa Local Municipality.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

The impact of preventive family-strengthening programmes on family cohesion in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality

  • Authors: Nyanhoto, Rumbidzai https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8505-9890
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Family social work http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85047068 , Social service http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85124049 , Social problems http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85123988
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19487 , vital:43132
  • Description: This study focused on the impact which specific selected preventive family-strengthening programmes in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa have on improving family cohesion. A mixed methods approach was used to collect and analyse the data. The quantitative approach was the dominant one, while a qualitative approach was used to corroborate the quantitative findings. The quantitative data was collected through a survey. One hundred questionnaires were distributed among the beneficiaries of selected preventive family-strengthening programmes, which were parenting and marriage enrichment programmes. The beneficiaries of the programmes were selected through simple random sampling from the databases of the NGOs which had agreed to participate in the study. The qualitative component of the study produced results which supported the quantitative findings. This data was collected through in-depth interviews which were conducted with fifteen purposively selected social workers who were involved in the implementation of the selected preventive family-strengthening programmes. The findings of the study indicated that although both of the parenting and marriage enrichment programmes do cater for the common problems which affect families, in many cases they do not appear to meet the expectations of their intended beneficiaries. The study found that of the 10 objectives of the parenting programme, only 6 were being met. The programme was found to have achieved its objective of helping parents to understand the behaviour of their children, to be sensitive to their feelings, to develop their self-esteem, to communicate effectively with them, to build the family and to understand their rights with respect to grants. However, the beneficiaries who attended the programme were still unable to encourage self-discipline, to talk to their children about sexuality, to prevent instances of violence in their families or to deal with problems pertaining to child abuse, which represents a failure to meet four of the specific objectives of the programme. The marriage enrichment programme was found to have met its objectives to help couples to assess strength and growth areas, to strengthen their communication skills and to develop personal goals, goals for themselves as couples and goals for their families. The objectives of helping couples to resolve conflicts constructively, to resolve problems pertaining to their families of origin and develop workable budgets or financial plans between spouses were not being met, as the findings indicated that most of the beneficiaries were still struggling to meet these three specific objectives. Their failures in these domains could be attributed to the perceptions which their African culture had instilled in the beneficiaries. The results of the study also indicated that attending the preventive family-strengthening programmes had strengthened the cohesion of families. The discernible evidence of cohesion in the families of most of the beneficiaries who had attended the programmes was expressed through shared affection, a sense of loyalty, reciprocity, solidarity within families and shared decision making. On the basis of the findings, it is recommended that the government should provide adequate means to facilitate the implementation of the programmes, to facilitate partnerships among stakeholders and to ensure the continuous monitoring and evaluation of the programmes. It is also recommended that in order to meet the vii expectations of the beneficiaries of the programmes, needs assessments which engage the communities in the reviewing of the content of the programmes should be performed. In social work practice, the indigenisation of the programmes and the incorporation of the spill over hypothesis will promote their effective implementation. , Thesis (PhD) (Social Work) -- University of Fort Hare, 2017
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  • Date Issued: 2017

The impact of rangeland degradation on vegetation cover and soil quality in semi-arid communal rangelands of the Eastern Cape province, South Africa

  • Authors: Maziko, Yonela
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Communal rangelands -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Land degradation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Vegetation management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15056 , vital:40159
  • Description: This study was conducted to investigate the influence of degradation on vegetation and soil quality in two semi-arid rangelands in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The study was undertaken in Kwezana and Esigingqini communal areas that showed signs id degradation. The assessment incorporated the soil and grass layer in different degradation levels, namely nondegraded, slightly degraded, moderately and severely degraded. The non-degraded has a sufficient amount of vegetation cover and species composition. The slightly degraded site consists of a few visible bare patches. The moderately degraded areas showed signs of active sheet erosion such as pedestals and a higher percentage of bare areas and the severely degraded area is characterized by dongas and gullies, with vast areas that have no ground cover or top fertile soil layer. Using a step point method, herbaceous species composition was determined within three transects from three plots 100 m x 40 m in each degradation level. The aboveground phytomass production was determined by harvesting herbaceous species within four randomly placed 0.25 m2 quadrats in each transect. Bare ground was determined by counting and recording the distance between tufts within each quadrat. Litter cover was determined by visual observation and rated on a scale of 1 to 5. A number of physical and chemical soil properties were used to quantify the effects of degradation on soil quality. To determine soil chemical properties, three soil samples were collected at a depth of 20 cm, in each plot and analyzed for pH, soil macro (N, C, K, P, Ca, Mg) and micro (Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu) nutrients. Soil compaction was determined using a soil pocket penetrometer. Readings were taken at 5 mm from 30 points placed at 1 m intervals and distributed in a randomly established straight line in each plot. Soil loss was determined using a rainfall simulator. Splash cups were filled with soil and placed under the rainfall simulator for 8 minutes per rainstorm at 360 mm-1 intensity. Results showed that at Esigingqini a total of 20 herbaceous species were identified, 17 of which were grasses. About 60percent of the identified grasses were Increaser II species, 15percent were Increaser II and 25percent Decreasers. In terms of palatability, 50percent of the grass species had poor palatability and the remaining had either average or high palatability. At Kwezana, 18 herbaceous species were identified of which 28percent were Decreasers and 61percent were Increaser II species. Half of the species had low palatability and only 28percent had high palatability. In both communal areas, litter cover was highest (P < 0.05) in the non-degraded areas followed by the slightly degraded sites and this was to be expected. Similarly, in both communal areas, there was a shift in species composition of decreasers and perennial grasses being replaced by annual species of poor quality and low palatability as the degradation levels increased. Results on soil chemical properties showed that the non-degraded areas had higher (P < 0.05) pH levels (8.5) than the severely degraded soils (5). A similar trend following a degradation gradient was observed for some soil nutrients such as N, P or Mg. Both the macro and micro nutrient concentrations were relatively higher (P < 0.05) in summer than in winter in both communal areas. Results on physical properties showed that soil loss and compaction were relatively lower (P <0.05) in the slightly degraded and non-degraded sites and increased with severity of degradation. In both communal areas, the severely degraded areas lost soil up to 1.1 t ha-1 due to degradation and the non-degraded areas had a soil loss of less than 0.8 t ha-1. The rate of soil loss between the severely and non-degraded areas is significantly different. The differences may be attributed to the differences in the vegetation cover which influences the rate of erosion on the various degradation gradients. These results suggest that both the grass layer and soil quality is negatively affected by degradation. Therefore, there is a need for land use practices that promote the sustainable use of rangeland resources. Such practices may include rotational grazing, reseeding, veld resting and fire. Measures to control the consequences of degradation and rehabilitate these deteriorated rangelands must be a priority.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

The impact of real exchange rate on exports in South Africa

  • Authors: Mbewu, Asanda
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Foreign exchange rates -- South Africa Exports -- South Africa , South Africa -- Economic conditions
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19015 , vital:28765
  • Description: The purpose of this study is to establish the impact of real exchange rate on exports in South Africa. In conducting the empirical test, the Vector Error Correction Model and annual time series data between 1973 and 2014 has been utilised. In the model, exports are the dependent variable and the real effective exchange rates, gross domestic product, mining, agricultural, foreign direct investments, and merchandise export prices are explanatory variables. A significant inverse relationship between real effective exchange rates and exports was confirmed in line with economic theory. Except for the Gross Domestic Product which exhibited a positive relationship, all other explanatory variables displayed an inverse relationship with exports. All other variables exhibited a significant impact except for Foreign Direct Investments. Based on the findings of this study, firm and practical policy recommendations are made including a moderated adjustment of monetary and fiscal policy to ensure competitiveness on the supply side.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

The impact of Retail Distribution Review (RDR) on the South African financial planning industry

  • Authors: Faul, Charmaine Hester
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Financial planning industry -- South Africa Financial services industry -- South Africa , Financial services industry -- Law and legislation -- South Africa Corporate governance -- South Africa -- Finance
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15193 , vital:28177
  • Description: The Retail Distribution Review (RDR) was introduced by the Financial Services Board (FSB) to change the distribution and remuneration practices in the financial services industry in an attempt to ensure that clients receive fair treatment when purchasing financial products. The FSB aims to ensure that clients are sold products which are suitable for their financial needs and objectives; that clients receive appropriate advice which is not biased and not subject to product supplier influence in particular and that there is full transparency in the sales process. The current distribution of financial products and some financial advisor remuneration models are noted as contributing factors to the poor outcomes of current product selling practices. The impact of RDR on the sustainability of the South African financial services industry and advisor force is expected to be substantial, especially in terms of advisor remuneration, the reduction in qualified experienced advisors and a growing advice gap. This study reviewed the research conducted in the UK and Australia where RDR has been implemented and the impact thereof on the financial planning industry in these countries. This study aimed to determine if the South African advisors have started changing their business models to ensure that they are ready for the implementation of RDR and to reduce the impact of RDR on their practices. An environmental scan was conducted in order to identify and understand other factors specific to the South African context which will impact the financial services industry in the future. Research was conducted via online questionnaires as well as personal interviews to determine the perception of clients pertaining to the trustworthiness and professionalism of financial advisors and what they perceive as value in terms of financial planning, their knowledge of RDR and the changing environment. Industry experts were given the opportunity to share their views regarding the impact of RDR on the industry as well as their proposals in terms of the implementation and roll-out of RDR.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

The impact of road construction on the livelihoods of rural communities : a case of Nyandeni Municipality in Eastern Cape, South Africa

  • Authors: Ndesi, Zabambo Nale
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Roads -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8769 , vital:33542
  • Description: All over the world many rural households are engaged in different economic activities to sustain their livelihoods. To a large extent, a household’s ability to do this depends on access to basic assets such as infrastructure, social, human, finance or physical. Access to these assets can be affected by large projects such as road construction which can either enhance or hinder access to key assets. The main objective of the study is to investigate the impact of the construction of the N2 Wild Coast Highway in the Eastern Cape Province on the livelihoods of rural households in the Nyandeni local municipality. The study also seeks to investigate the dominant household economic activities within the municipality, factors affecting the choice of these activities and the probable impact of the construction of the N2 highway on these economic activities and livelihood strategies. The road construction is translated as a ‘shock’ in the livelihood context, hence the study further seeks to document how households respond to road construction ‘shock’ to their livelihoods, based on the findings of the study. The study applied a mixed methods approach, applying both qualitative and quantitative data. Two sources of data are used; a survey of 40 households in the Nyandeni local municipality which provided the qualitative data and survey data from the PSPPD-II quantitative data from project conducted by the Economics department at the University of Fort Hare, which provided the quantitative data. The multinomial logistic regression was used to determine the livelihood strategies used as well as the related determinants. The results showed that financial, social and physical capitals are key assets that support livelihoods in Nyandeni municipality, which were highly determined by the deprivation score, social grants and community networks. To get a clearer understanding of the underlying effects of the road construction, focus prompts interviews were also conducted. These were analysed using thematic analysis. The results showed that the road construction had both the negative and positive effects. The positive effects included better links to social facilities such as hospitals and schools as well as neighbouring municipalities. The construction also created employment for construction workers. In addition, the construction company helped households whose houses were destroyed near the road to build better houses. Although the households complained of danger from high speed vehicles because of better roads, they also indicated that the speed bumps in some areas led to an improvement in well-being especially for school children. The negative effects included destruction of burial grounds as well as the weakening of housing structures due to blasting. Further, some vegetation which was used by households as a source of livelihood was destroyed during road construction. In some cases, social capital assets were also disturbed as a result of the displacement that occurred in the process. Responses by households have been mixed, with some households taking advantage of increased access to markets as well as finances to find alternative sources of livelihoods. Households that responded negatively constantly seek out reimbursement from the government and construction company without much success.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

The impact of the farmer field school approach on small-scale vegetable farmers' knowledge, agency and production in Alice, Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Apleni, Asanda
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Agricultural extension work -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8187 , vital:31873
  • Description: This study investigates the impact of the Farmer Field School approach on the knowledge, agency and production of small-scale farmers. Farmer Field Schools were devised in the 1980s by the Food and Agriculture Organization as a form of adult education in agriculture. It is a group-based approach in which a facilitator meets with farmers on a regular basis and sets in motion a process by which farmers ‘learn how to learn’, both from themselves and from one another. However, it remains an open question whether the Farmer Field School approach could be a solution to South Africa’s abiding problem of weak agricultural extension. Early in 2015, the University of Fort Hare and the Nkonkobe Farmers’ Association initiated a number of study groups in the Alice area, based largely on Farmer Field School principles. The main objective of the study was to assess the impact of the Farmer Field School approach on small-scale farmers’ knowledge, agency and production, focusing on home gardeners. The study was conducted in the Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality in Alice of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The research consisted of a survey of all the study group participants involved with home gardens, including some who joined the groups in 2015 but left in 2016. Both cross-sectional and longitudinal designs were used. Findings from this study have shown how participation in the study groups modelled on the FFS approach can improve the knowledge and skills of home gardeners, while also enabling them to produce significantly larger quantities of vegetables, and even a marketable surplus, albeit from a small base. In order to make more people to join, more incentives should be made available. Such incentives should be made available only to “kick start” the FFS study groups and take heed in prevention of dependence.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

The impact of trade liberalisation on Cote d’Ivoire

  • Authors: Guei, Kore Marc Antoine
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Trade regulation -- Côte d'Ivoire Free trade -- Côte d'Ivoire , Developing countries -- Economic conditions
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/17514 , vital:28373
  • Description: The process of trade liberalisation and market-oriented economic reforms was initiated in many developing countries in early 1980s; and it intensified in 1990s. In 1994, Cote d’Ivoire was assisted by the IMF to implement trade-policy reforms under Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP). After adopting SAP, the country witnessed soaring balance-of-payment problems, contraction of output, unemployment and the loss of government revenue. Several factors, which were at play resulted in dismal economic performance under SAP. In order to consolidate gains in competitiveness, and achieve high and sustainable growth, the Ivorian authorities coordinated efforts to establish and intra-regional custom tariffs among the member of the West African and Monetary Union (WAEMU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), World Trade Organisation (WTO), Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) and bilateral agreements. It is against this background that this study is undertaken, in order to evaluate the impact of different trade-policy regimes on trade, welfare and revenue in Cote d’Ivoire. This study used one model: World Integrated Trade Solutions/Software for Market Analysis and Restrictions on Trade (WITS/SMART). The WITS/SMART model was used because of its ability in analysing the tariff effect of a single market on disaggregated product lines. The model also has the capability to analyse the effects of trade-policy reforms in the presence of imperfect substitutes. Using the WITS/SMART model, the study considered seven trade-liberalisation frameworks for Cote d’Ivoire: full implementation of the ECOWAS free trade agreement (FTA), ECOWAS common external tariff (CET), WAEMU CET, WAEMU FTA, EPAs, BFTAs and WTO FTA. The WITS/SMART model reveals that all trade liberalisation scenarios may cause welfare gains – due to the plummeting of prices. However, in all trade liberalisation scenarios, welfare gains were found to be is insignificant. In all cases, welfare gains fell far short of compensating for revenue loss. The impact of trade liberalisation on exports and imports was met with mixed reactions. For the WAEMU customs union and the ECOWAS customs union, and WTO FTA, trade reforms are likely to face serious balance-of-payment problems, as imports exceeded exports by significant margins. With respect to revenue loss, of all trading arrangements, the WTO FTA presents a serious challenge for Cote d’Ivoire revenue followed by BFTAs, ECOWAS FTA, EPAs, ECOWAS CET, WAEMU CET, and WAEMU FTA with anticipated revenue losses. Another challenge for Cote d’Ivoire is the presence of trade creation effects, which were observed in all trade reform scenarios. From this study, it appeared that WAEMU CET poses serious threats of trade creation followed by WTO FTA, BFTA, SADC FTA, COMESA CET, SADC CET, EPAs and WAEMU FTA. Specifically, the study highlighted that Cote d’Ivoire, on balance loses out on trade liberalisation, mainly from revenue loss and possible de-industrialisation from trade-creation effects. The study has also revealed that Cote d’Ivoire offers excessive tax exemptions, which worsens the fiscal position of the country in the face of trade liberalisation. Hence, based on the findings, this study recommends that Cote d’Ivoire needs to call for the design of a financial facility aimed at assisting industries affected by trade-creation effects. The country needs to consider improving the collection of revenue from alternative sources, such as VAT, excise duties, personal and company taxes and excise duty, in order to cushion itself against the revenue loss impact of trade reforms. Government could also consider widening the tax base, by taxing the informal sector, which has been growing rapidly in the past years. In addition, policies aimed at exports promotion, such as export subsidies, trade finance and the strengthening of trade-promotion organisations should be considered. The outcome of this study provides a wake-up call to developing countries engaged in the WTO negotiations and other regional trading arrangements.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

The impact of trade liberalisation on Kenya

  • Authors: Simiyu, Edwin Jairus
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Trade regulation -- Kenya Free trade -- Kenya , Foreign trade regulation -- Kenya Developing countries -- Economic conditions
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20244 , vital:29163
  • Description: This study examined the impact of trade liberalisation on Kenya. It analysed the influence of trade liberalisation on trade creation, trade diversion, exports, imports, revenue effects and welfare effects. The developments in trade liberalisation and free-trade economic arrangements were introduced in Kenya and many developing countries in the early 1980s and strengthened from 1990s onward. The short term effects of the structural-adjustment programs were characterised by poor balance of payment conditions, high levels of unemployment, contraction of the imports from other countries, and government revenue losses, among other social problems. Notwithstanding the dismal performance of the Kenyan Economy after liberalisation, the Kenyan government continued to liberalise its trade under various frameworks such as the Economic Partnership agreements (EPAs) with the European Union, the World Trade Organization (WTO) and various bilateral free-trade agreements (BFTA) with its largest trading partners. This study used the World Integrated Trade Solutions-Software for Market Analysis and Restrictions on Trade (WITS/SMART) using 2008 as the base year. This method was used mainly because of its strengths to analyse the tariff effects of a sole market on disaggregate product lines. In addition the WITS/SMART model is able to analyse the impact of trade liberalisation in scenarios of imperfect substitutes. Hence, this study used the WITS/SMART Model to examine the trade liberalisation framework for Kenya under comprehensive implementation of COMESA customs Union, COMESA FTA, WTOFTA and the EPAs. The comparative valuation of the trade-creation effects reveals that the WTOFTA expected the highest trade-creation effects of US$995.16 million. This was followed by the various bilateral free-trade agreements which had a trade-creation effect of US$333.04 million, then COMESACU which had a trade-creation effect of US$310.50 million followed by the EPAs with a value of US$129.45 million. COMESA FTA was expecting trade-creation effects valued at US$15.51 million. These trade-creation effects are expected to cause unemployment through de-industrialisation. This study has also noted that WTO FTA and COMESA CU had no evidence of trade diversion. However, BFTA, EPAs and COMESA FTA showed evidence of trade diversion of US$134.88 million, US$89.28 million and US$2.61 million respectively. This study also examined the possible revenue effect from the free-trade agreements and customs union. It was noted that most losses emanated from the WTOFTA, which was valued at US$817.15 million. This was followed by the COMESACU protocol, which is expected to register a loss amounting to US$327 million. The third free-trade agreement with the highest losses comprised the various BFTAs amounting to US$304 million. The forth probable losses were anticipated from EPAs amounting to US$142 million. The free-trade agreement with the least losses is COMESA FTA with an expected loss of US$7.88 million. The consumer welfare effect was done to assess if consumers benefitted from trade agreements. This study observed that the WTOFTA expected the highest consumer welfare effect of US$103.98 million. This was followed by the various COMESACU with an expected consumer welfare effect of US$56.27 million. The BFTA were the third with a consumer welfare effect of US$ 41.82 million. This was followed by the EPAs with a consumer welfare value of US$ 17.56 million. The trade protocol with the least-expected consumer-welfare effect was the COMESA FTA valued at US$ 1.60 million. Although welfare gains resulting from the anticipated trade agreements were an indication of potential benefits to Kenyans, they were insignificant. This study also analysed the export performance from five different trade agreements and their impact on Kenya. The BFTA expected an export value US$4.63 billion, followed by the EPAs with an expected export value of US$2.18 billion. The third largest export values was WTOFTA with an export value of US$12.12 billion, the fourth being COMESAFTA having an export value of US$ 434.28 million and finally COMESACU with an expected export value of US$394.14 million. The study showed that major exports were composed of minerals, tobacco and agricultural products dominating the export basket. The export destinations were expected to be the WTO members, which include Uganda, Congo, Egypt, Rwanda, Sudan and Zambia. Kenya expected an increase in imports mainly from the WTO amounting to 8.95 per cent. This was followed by the BFTA rated with an expected 3.2 per cent growth in imports. The third protocol expecting import growth was the COMESACU of 2.8 per cent import growth and the EPA with 1.16 per cent import growth, and finally, 0.07 per cent import growth from the COMESA FTA. The expected increase in imports is anticipated to create balance of payment problems for Kenya. The results of the study show that the welfare gains from trade liberalisation were not able to compensate for the revenue losses. The study also showed that Kenya was not able to make optimal use of trade liberalisation to expand its export destinations; as the COMESACU was expected to reduce exports. In light of these findings, the study recommends that measures aimed at boosting exports like strengthening of the Export Processing Zones, export subsidies, the establishing of supply-side facilities, trade financing plus strengthening of the export-supporting institutions. It is important to note that the findings of this study provide an opportunity for Kenya, and other developing countries, to implement measures to ensure that they achieve optimal benefits from the various regional trade agreements.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

The impact of violence during strike action on protected strikes

  • Authors: Mbeleni, Xolani McGlory
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Strikes and lockouts -- Law and legislation -- South Africa Industrial relations -- South Africa , Violence -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , LLM
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45410 , vital:38614
  • Description: This research has five important objectives. First, to outline the legal frame work regulating the right to strike. Outlining this legal framework is important in that it will provide an understanding of both the right to strike and the concept of a protected strike. it is crucial to understand what a protected strike is because the concept underlies the entire research. Without understanding it, it will be impossible to answer the main research question. Second, to investigate the causes of violence during protected strikes. An examination of the causes of violence enables the study to suggest possible solutions to end violent strike action in future. After all the LRA envisages in section 1, labour peace and an effective resolution of disputes. Third, to examine how the LRA regulates the use of violence during protected strikes. An understanding of how the LRA regulates violent strike action is important since the LRA is an important piece of legislation which governs South African labour relations. It is important to obtain guidance on how the law regulates such conduct. Fourth, to ascertain the courts’ approach towards violence during strikes The courts’ approach helps us understand how the courts will deal with strike violence during 5 protected strikes. It is also noteworthy that case precedents in this regard will be of importance when faced with similar acts of violence during strike action. Fifth, to examine the legal implications of violence during protected strikes. This objective directly answers the main research question and this will enable the study to offer possible recommendations in the final chapter of this study.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

The impact of world class manufacturing implementation at element 6, Springs

  • Authors: Maqutyana, Sakumzi
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Industrial management -- South Africa , Production management -- South Africa Manufacturing processes -- South Africa Competition -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18540 , vital:28662
  • Description: The manufacturing environment is competitive and the competitiveness manifests itself in the market place. On the other hand, the customers are demanding a range of high quality products at low costs. Organisations pursue, and obtain, competitive advantage by abandoning the outdated traditional manufacturing methods and practising comprehensive approaches, such as World Class Manufacturing (WCM), which enable effective and efficient internal processes. These will, in turn, ensure that customer demands are met or exceeded. The challenge lies in measuring the effectiveness of the implementation of such a WCM approach. This paper provides an overview of the effective World Class Manufacturing measuring metrics, as implemented at Element Six South Africa. There are common KP’s that are recommended in the literature as being the ones that measure the impact of WCM in an organisation. To establish this, a survey was conducted using the employees of Element Six at Springs. The reason for selecting this company is because it has been on a world class journey for the past five years. Three groups of employees, made up of shop-floor employees, general staff and management, were targeted. From the distributed questionnaires, a total of 40 questionnaires were received. The empirical results from these variables showed no difference in their means when it comes to the measured KPI’s.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

The implementation of curriculum and assessment policy statement by economics grade twelve teachers and its influence on teaching methods in East London Education District, South Africa

  • Authors: Rantsane, Twoboy Babini
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Curriculum-based assessment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Curriculum planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/4970 , vital:28879
  • Description: The introduction of the Economics CAPS policy ushered the introduction of the new principle of “active and critical learning” which implies fostering active learner participation in teaching and learning process. The revision of curriculum in 1997 and subsequent years has implications on how teachers teach. Since the introduction of Economics CAPS in Grade twelve in 2014, no study has been conducted to determine how teachers implement the curriculum. The aim of the study was to investigate the implementation of Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) by Economics Grade twelve teachers and its influence on teaching methods in East London Education District. The theoretical framework of the study was Experiential Learning Theory (ELT), constructivism, and pragmatism. A mixed method which entails the combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods was used in this study. A sequential design was followed in the study where the first stage comprised of the administration of questionnaire as a component of quantitative method. The second stage focused on qualitative method which entailed the administration of the following data collection techniques: lesson observation, semi-structured interviews and document analysis. Purposeful random sampling where East London Education District was selected since it has the required categories of schools required for the research was used. All the 53 Grade 12 Economics schools served as the population for the study. Some of the participants did not return the questionnaire while others have phased out Economics. A total of 36 schools participated and two schools have 2 Grade 12 classes. A total of 38 teachers returned the questionnaires. A stratified random sampling of 8 teachers was done for the qualitative research. The schools or teachers were categorised as follows: one teacher from Ex - Model C schools, one from urban, one from rural and five teachers from township schools. The sample represented 22.2 % of schools offering Grade 12 economics in the East London Education District. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used for quantitative and qualitative studies respectively. The study found out that economics teachers assert that they employ mixed methods when teaching, but classroom practice reveals that their teaching approach is predominately teacher - centred. While the CAPS policy propagates the adoption of “active and critical learning” practice indicates this principle is applied to a limited extent. Economics teachers should be developed in using active learning methods to ensure that the new principle find expression in the classroom. In respect of the training of teachers to implement CAPS curriculum, research reveals that short-term training workshops were conducted but Economics teachers have challenges in methodology and content. The recommendations to address the challenges entail: continuous professional development of Economics teachers on methodology; conduct content workshops and resourcing of schools.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

The implementation of leadership development strategic plan : a case study of the department of education in the Eastern Cape province

  • Authors: Dom, Khanyiswa
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Development leadership Strategic planning Performance
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/11288 , vital:39053
  • Description: The study used qualitative methodology to investigate and evaluate the implementation of leadership development strategic plan in the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Education. The study sought to establish what does the Department‘s policy of leadership development entail to Human Resource Management and Development and what challenges are there in the implementation of the policy and what interventions are necessary to improve the implementation of the leadership policy. The study established that given the need for a transformed public service in line with the post-apartheid democratic dispensation, fundamental reforms to the administration, governance and the funding of education in general had to be given maximum attention hence the need for the adoption and implementation of the leadership development strategic plan in the Provincial Department of Education of the Eastern Cape. The study revealed that the nature of challenges that the department is facing speaks a lot the need for leadership development at the provincial level. However, the implementation of the strategic plan is marred by the challenges that include resources constraints and lack of funding among others. The study therefore came up with some recommendation that can help to improve the implementation of the leadership development plan in the public service sector especially as it relates to the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Education.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

The implementation of the succession policy and staff retention strategy: Joe Gqabi District Municipality

  • Authors: Ramarou, Moleboheng
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Employees Employee retention -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Personnel management -- South Africa -- Government
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MPA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19894 , vital:29001
  • Description: The aim of this study is to evaluate the implementation of the succession policy and staff retention strategy of the Joe Gqabi District Municipality (JGDM) in the Eastern Cape. Retention and succession are located within a broader understanding of administration and management, and specifically within the New Public Management theory. A qualitative research methodology was used. Semi-structured interviews were primary means of data collection, supplemented by documentary analysis. A non-probability, stratified sample of 12 senior managers, middle managers, supervisors and professionals employed by the district municipality constituted the target group. The findings reveal that both the succession policy and the staff retention strategy were hampered by severe implementation weaknesses, resulting in failure to stem the high rate of turnover and vacancies at the municipality. The study recommends a series of measures to enhance future implementation success.These include, amongst others, implementation action plans with clear deliverables andtimeframes, monitoring and evaluation; employee participation; linking execution to individual performance; and proactively addressing issues of staff satisfaction.
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  • Date Issued: 2017

The implementation of Tshwane Vision 2055 urban development plan

  • Authors: Nonqane-Lekoma, Phenyo LB
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Sustainable development -- Government policy -- South Africa -- City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality Urbanization -- South Africa -- City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20154 , vital:29147
  • Description: The perceived inaction in ensuring that the overall strategic objectives of urban development plans are achieved was the main problem that had to be addressed through this study. The study aimed at contributing towards the enhancement of the implementation of urban development plans like the TV 2055. The relevant literature was reviewed with an emphasis was on urban development, development theory, development policy and development strategies. An analysis of relevant documents was also done. The CTMM’s documents entitled: Tshwane Vision 2055: Remaking South Africa’s Capital City, the Tshwane Integrated Urban Development Plan Review (2014-2015) and the Tshwane Regional Development Plan (2015-2016) were analysed. Through the study, it was found that 93.55% of respondents strongly agreed and agreed with the statement that a high performing CTMM was necessary for the implementation of the TV 2055. Conversely, 88.71% of respondents strongly agreed and agreed with the statement that a people-oriented administration of the city was a prerequisite for the effective implementation of the TV 2055. About 90.32% of respondents agreed and strongly agreed with the statement that continuous research of difficulties faced by residents was needed for successful implementation of the TV 2055. In conclusion, the study culminated in developing a basic urban development implementation model based on the findings.
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  • Date Issued: 2017
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