Local economic development as a catalyst for job creation in Amathole District
- Authors: Sikuza, Pumeza
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Job creation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employment (Economic theory) , Economic development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65423 , vital:74139
- Description: This study assessed local economic development (LED) as a catalyst for job creation in Amathole District. LED is a mechanism that could be used to reduce the socio-economic difficulties faced by the district. These socio-economic challenges include high levels of poverty, unemployment and inequality. The research study is crucial because its area of focus is situated in the province with the highest official unemployment rate in South Africa. With the rising levels of unemployment, which is rising unabated, there is a likelihood of fundamental challenges being experienced by municipalities inhibiting their ability to fulfil their critical service role effectively. The study seeks to investigate whether the LED strategies implemented by the municipalities in the Amathole District are achieving the objectives of poverty alleviation and job creation. The sample and focus were six local municipalities in the Amathole District and the district municipality. The local municipalities in the district are the Amahlathi Local Municipality, Great Kei Local Municipality, Mbhashe Local Municipality, Mnquma Local Municipality, Ngqushwa Local Municipality and the Amathole District Municipality. Primary data was obtained and assessed through semi-structured questionnaires, and the respondents were asked probing questions. The interviews were typed verbatim, and themes were identified during the analysis and interpretation of the data collected. The relevant secondary data was also assessed and analysed from the annual reports and integrated development plans of the municipalities and were captured into Microsoft Excel for analysis. The study findings conclude that the unemployment rates in the Amathole District municipalities have increased during the period reviewed. It was noted that the upper-bound poverty rates in Amathole District remained unchanged during the reviewed period, but the lower-bound poverty rates increased. It was also noted through the calculation of the coefficient correlation that there is a stronger correlation between unemployment and the lower-bound poverty rate than unemployment and the upper-bound poverty rate. In order to eradicate the challenges of poverty and unemployment increasing despite the LED being implemented, it is recommended that adequate funding be made available, that co-ordination of sector plans be improved, LED be prioritised by municipalities, baseline information be utilised and improved, sustainable employment opportunities be created, and there be robust skills development initiatives in municipalities. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
Financial deepening and economic performance in South African commercial banks
- Authors: Mpongoshe, Nomthandazo
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Economic development , Banks and banking -- South Africa , Performance -- Measurement , Liquidity (Economics)
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65829 , vital:74271
- Description: Financial deepening and economic growth have received much attention in the literature. However, there remains a significant gap in understanding the relationship between financial deepening, and bank performance especially within the context of South African commercial banks. This research aims to investigate the empirical relationship between financial deepening and the performance of all South African commercial banks from 1987 to 2019. The research adopts a descriptive research design and utilizes secondary data along with time series analysis techniques. The research empirically investigates the relationship between financial deepening and bank performance, using financial deepening indicators such as Market Capitalisation (MC), Credit to the private sector (CR), Money Stock (MS), and Bank liquidity (BL). Control variables such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Inflation rate (IF), and Lending interest rate (LR) are also considered. The autoregressive distributed lag bounds testing (ARDL) method is employed to test the relationship between financial deepening and bank performance. The autoregressive distributed lag bounds testing (ARDL) method is employed to test the relationship between financial deepening and bank performance of South African commercial banks. The findings indicate that financial deepening has both short-term and long-term impacts on bank performance. Each component of the financial deepening indicators demonstrates a strong and statistically significant relationship with bank performance. This empirical evidence suggests that financial deepening has made a positive contribution to the profitability of South African commercial banks. Furthermore, the analysis reveals a long-run equilibrium relationship between financial deepening and the economic performance of the South African banking sector. This research addresses the gap between theoretical beliefs and empirical evidence by establishing a robust and positive contribution of financial deepening to the profitability of South African commercial banks. The findings highlight the significance of financial deepening in enhancing bank performance in South Africa. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
High road or common neoliberal trajectory? Collective bargaining, wage share, and varieties of capitalism
- Authors: Mpuku, Mutale Natasha Muchule
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Collective bargaining , Globalization , Labor union members , Wages Statistics , Income distribution , Economic development , Neoliberalism , Capitalism
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/357611 , vital:64760
- Description: Wage shares have been falling since the 1980s across developing and developed countries. There has also been a downward trend with labour market institutions in these countries, with a few exceptions. This thesis analyzes these trends using firstly an extended literature review and secondly an econometrics analysis of a panel of 36 countries over 39 years. The extended literature review identified two broad competing narratives surrounding this topic: the mainstream and the alternative growth narratives. They both focus on two different growth regimes, the former, posits that growth is profit-led and the latter that growth is wage-led. Both are not ‘zero sum’ processes and seem to offer the same end result (growth and development). However, profit-led growth seems to have two problems. First, at least in the medium run, there is a trade-off between growth and income distribution. And secondly, profit-led growth is contradictory at the global level. Wage-led growth, which offers a ‘high road’ approach, seems far more appealing. Furthermore, several authors, including in South Africa, have claimed that regime-switching (to wage-led growth), is possible, and it seems that labour market institutions may play an important role in facilitating such a switch. However, the empirical literature, especially regarding middle- and low-income countries, is sparse and inconclusive. The panel data analysis provided by this thesis was not conclusive in establishing whether the wage-led, high road path is still viable for countries like South Africa. However, it did not find strong evidence of the contrary. The thesis concluded that there is scope for further research in this field and makes certain suggestions in this regard. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
Local economic development and Re-Industrialisation: A case study of Dimbaza
- Authors: Mbebe, Dumisani Bakhulule Lennox
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Economic development , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58081 , vital:58548
- Description: The Local Economic Development (LED) and reindustrialisation of Dimbaza is viewed as a wellspring of valuable economic growth. Contemporary LED professionals have been at a loggerheads in dealing with challenges in addressing the core concept of LED and a Re-industrialised environment in bringing economic growth. The LED and reindustrialisation agenda is providing a platform for the participation local inhabitants and value creation in the mainstream of economy. It also poses development questions about the seriousness of economic decisions by those given powers to set the economic direction of the area of Dimbaza. Government policies such as the Eastern Cape provincial growth development plan, Buffalo city integrated development plan and LED strategy are attempts to entrench the concept of localism across Dimbaza and meet the challenge of engaging LED participants to creatively deal with their economic problems. While LED scholars have written a length, there have been limitations when LED is used to enhance reindustrialisation in bringing sustainable economic growth. This study seeks to contribute to the current economic conversations on LED and Reindustrialisation by critically reviewing the available literature while challenging those with decision-making authority and their seriousness in bringing about LED and Reindustrialisation in Dimbaza. Furthermore, the study serves as a diagnostic tool to stimulate further engagement around LED and Reindustrialisation process in relation to its policy impact. The study focused on deductive research method, which aimed at testing the existing theory of knowledge with the aim of creating new theoretical thinking. To understand better LED and Reindustrialisation of Dimbaza as a tool, previously, it has yielded results in addressing unemployment and poverty. The study has employed a qualitative research method within which a systematic reviews of both primary and secondary literature to address unemployment and poverty in Dimbaza. As part of the methodology of the study, thematic content analysis to produce findings has been explores, assuming that it will contribute in bringing meaning and results to the study. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2022-04
The contribution of international financial institutions to economic development in SADC countries
- Authors: Galaga, Unathi
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Economic development , Financial institutions, International , Southern African Development Community
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57665 , vital:58193
- Description: Although African governments have a significant role to perform in developing the continent, International financial institutions (IFIs) also perform a dominant role in economic development but their role in African development is often viewed as controversial and contradictory. In the 20th century, the World Bank and the IMF were vital IFIs that characterised global policies that regulated global economies, subjecting weaker economies to SAP. This necessitated African states to borrow money to ensure stabilisation, liberalisation, deregulation and the privatisation of most sectors. This study econometrically examined the impact of foreign aid on economic development in SADC countries. Panel regression techniques were employed to analyse the contribution of international financial institutions to economic development in SADC countries. The results indicated that there is an insignificant relationship between foreign aid and economic development, which implies that foreign aid does not contribute to economic development in SADC countries. Based on this finding, the study recommends that Southern African Governments find ways of financing development that guarantee economic growth. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science , 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
The effects of external shocks on economic growth in South Africa
- Authors: Mzayidume, Lonwabo
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Economic development , South Africa -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58024 , vital:58499
- Description: External shocks are defined as unexpected changes in an economic variable which can influence economies either positively or negatively. Examples of such shocks can include oil price and terms of trade shocks. Globalisation has increased the susceptibility of economies worldwide to economic shocks emanating from developed countries, due to the existing trade and financial links between various countries around the world. The objectives of this study are to investigate the effects of external shocks on economic growth in South Africa and to develop policies which could be used to prevent or soften the negative effects of external shocks in South Africa. Since the beginning of democracy in 1994, the South African economy has been opened to the world market. However, there have not been substantial gains in terms of economic growth. A possible explanation for this is that the dynamics of large economies influence the average demand, average supply, economic activities, and price changes in small open economies. South Africa’s dependence on foreign trade and attracting foreign savings to drive domestic investment increases the country’s vulnerability to the effects of external shocks. In this study, the South African economy is proxied by one key measure of economic performance, economic growth rate. The purpose of the study is to advance the understanding of the effects of external shocks on economic growth in South Africa. The study uses the structural VAR model. As South Africa is a relatively small open economy, the structural VAR model is theoretically consistent with countries of similar ilk. This study concludes that South Africa’s economic growth is significantly affected by commodity price index, U.S. GDP, and oil rents. In addition, this study concludes that South Africa is contemporaneously and positively affected by oil rents shocks and terms of trade shocks. Furthermore, it shows that economic growth in South Africa is contemporaneously and negatively affected by capital inflow shocks, nominal vi exchange rate shocks, and CPI shocks. Further SVAR estimates support the finding that capital inflows adversely affect South African economic growth. A possible reason for this outcome is that the number of domestic producers is reduced as a result of domestic producers being negatively affected by the capital inflow shocks. To combat the adverse effects of capital inflows, the study recommends that South Africa enforces more measures to protect domestic producers. The implementation of protectionist policies is one way in which this could be accomplished. These policies would promote domestic producers and ensure the production of domestic goods and services is increased. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic science, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
The Impact of Institutional Quality on the Effectiveness of Fiscal Policy in Stimulating Economic Growth: Evidence from sub-Saharan Africa
- Authors: Moyo, Cecily
- Date: 2022-04
- Subjects: Fiscal policy , Africa, Sub-Saharan , Economic development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/57947 , vital:58433
- Description: Over the last few decades since the independence of most African countries, which coincided with that of Asia, the economic growth between the two continents has not been the same. As an example, in the year 1965, exports and incomes per capita were much higher in Ghana compared to Korea and it was anticipated that this trend would continue into the future. But these projections were shown to be way off the mark as Koreas’ exports per capita overtook Ghana’s in 1972, and its income level surpassed Ghana’s four years later. Between 1965 and 1995 Korea’s exports increased by 400 times in current dollars. Meanwhile, Ghana’s increased only by 4 times, and real earnings per capita fell to a fraction of their earlier value (World Bank, 2000). This raises questions regarding the tools available for use in the pursuit of economic growth. This study then attempts to examine the role of institutional quality in moderating the impacts of fiscal policy on economic growth in sub-Saharan African economies. Objectives of the study firstly included the investigation of the effect of fiscal policy on economic growth, it then explored the effect of institutional quality on economic growth which was then followed by the analysis of whether the impact of fiscal policy on economic growth is dependent on institutional quality. This dissertation employs the Generalised Method of Moments to analyse the effect of fiscal policy on economic growth given institutional quality for sub-Saharan African countries for the period from 1996 to 2018. The findings show that the conduct of fiscal policy under improved institutional quality positively and significantly improve sub-Saharan African countries output. SSA countries should strengthen independent institutional bodies that prosecute economic crimes through employing participatory and transparent decision-making processes. Citizens should have freedom of association, expression and a free media. Also, African countries should support African agendas that are aligning with global development agenda. Sub-Saharan African countries should strengthen institutions that widen democratic space, civil liberty and the participation of citizen in the development agenda of a country. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic sciences, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-04
The effects of foreign direct investment on economic growth and human capital in vista countries
- Authors: Matitiba, Sandisiwe
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Investments, Foreign , Economic development , Economics
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51989 , vital:43410
- Description: The study examines the effects of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) on economic growth and human capital in VISTA countries using time series and panel data analysis for the period 1990 to 2017. The Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bound approach was applied in this study to examine the long-term relationships. The findings posited that there is a long-run relationship between economic growth, FDI, trade openness, capital formation, primary school enrolment, inflation over the period 1990 to 2017. The investigation of the long run and short run estimates results between FDI and economic growth indicated that FDI exhibited a positive effect on economic growth in Indonesia, while in Vietnam, South Africa, Turkey, and Argentina a negative relationship was established. Moreover, the findings of the panel data analysis showed that VISTA countries have been actively promoting policies and strategies that attract FDI to enhance economic growth. The study further incorporated the human capital results which indicated that FDI has a positive long-run relationship on human capital except for South Africa and Turkey. In the long run the results suggest that FDI has a negative effect on human capital only in Vietnam and Indonesia. Whereas, in the short run the results suggest that FDI has a negative effect on human capital only in Vietnam. The findings of the panel regression model carried out demonstrated that FDI exerts a positive and significant effect on human capital. It is evident that VISTA countries have made efforts to reform over the years, however, the spill over benefits of FDI are different from one country to another. Based on the empirical results acquired, even though it is advised that policy makers should intensify policies aimed at attracting FDI, policy makers must also give attention to other growth-enhancing factors such as human capital. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Economics, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
The role of local economic development in the empowerment of women in rural areas : the case of Makana Municipality
- Authors: Hani, Nomkita Octavia
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Economic development , Women in development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/19772 , vital:43237
- Description: The aim of the study was to explore the role of Local economic development (LED) in empowering rural women in Makana Municipally. The researcher intended to achieve the following objectives (i) to assess the role of LED among the rural women of Makana Municipality in strengthening economic development ii) to explore the LED challenges confronted by the community and the municipality in the implementation of economic empowerment programs that will create economic opportunities for rural women iii) to identify the way forward in enhancing the LED strategy to empower rural women to enable them participate in economic programs of the local Municipality that will benefit them and the community. The study adopted a qualitative approach and purposive sampling methods which were used to select samples for the study. Open ended questions were used in face to face interviews and focus groups to collect data in Makana Municipality. The study findings indicated that while women are part LED activities in the Makana municipality, the benefits that accrue to them are still minimal and trickling down to very few of them because of egoism and nepotism, corruption and crime, favouritism and poor communication. There is a great need for interventions requiring regular visits from LED officials and provision of educational programs in the local language, to enable the women to have a clear understanding of the benefits that accrue to them from LED projects, notwithstanding the opportunities open to them for participation. The study then proposed recommendations to empower women which include making resources available for their empowerment, such as, the provision of skill development programs, knowledge and information distribution, reviewing of the LED policy, infrastructure development and access to markets. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2019
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
An exploration of the role of community Public Private Partnerships (CPPP) in local economic development in KeiskamamHoek dairy enterprise in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Bungu, B
- Date: 2016-06
- Subjects: Economic development
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24387 , vital:62723
- Description: When government partners with communities, and the private sector, deliberating on matters that are aimed at advancing the local social-economic conditions, that is defined as Local Economic Development (Gqezengele, 2014). The municipalities are obligated by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (1996) to manage the process of Local Economic Development (LED) in order to stimulate social and economic development. Enriched capacity of municipalities to exploit economic prospects for sustainable employment and enterprise growth will lead to the successful and improved welfare of communities around South Africa (SALGA, (2011). In trying to define the concept of Community Public Private Partnerships (CPPP), the researcher will first define the Private Public Partnerships (PPP) as the model that has been researched by many. PPP is defined as the medium to long-term arrangement entered into by the Public and the Private sector wherein some of the services responsibilities of the Public sector are offered by the private sector, with a clear contract on common goals for provision of public infrastructure or Public service. In a PPP, the private party carries out the major commercial, practical and operating threats in the enterprise, funding, structure and activities of a project, (ppp, 2015) The PPPs can happen in two forms: where the private party executes the municipal role, or where the private party obtains the usage of municipal property for its own money-making purpose, (ppp, 2015). The PPPs can comprise many different size range of enterprises and bring solid Local Economic Development spin-offs to the targeted people. On defining the Community, it is important to note that in the local government sector, the word community is sometimes used interchangeably with the word citizen. Citizens are described as the residents of a ward (SALGA, 2011). Through the Integrated Development Plans (IDP), the government is compelled to involve the communities, by giving them opportunities to voice their needs and also through other Public participation programmes. Largely, literature has a lot of information on PPP; however, there is a new approach to PPP which focuses on organized communities as members/shareholders of CPPP rather than them being made labourers only (Kula Group, 2010). This helps municipalities to move away from executing small scale projects that are not sustainable, thus driving them to focus on large scale programmes that are sustainable and have multiple effects, skills transfer, wealth creation and sustainable job creation. In the context of the explanations given above, Community Public Private Partnerships (CPPP) can, therefore, be defined as the enterprise between government, private sector or business, communities (cooperatives) and the municipality. The different role players that are mentioned above contribute meaningfully in their areas of expertise, and LED initiatives advance the lives of the local communities. Partnering with the communities is very crucial in local government in the sense that development occurs in the communities; therefore, local people need to be involved for ownership and community buy-in. This will also serve as a clear indication that communities are given an opportunity to participate in the business of their government. The study is aimed at exploring the Community Public Private Partnerships (CPPP) as a feasible method of implementing sustainable local economic development programmes that will have a substantial bearing on community livelihoods. An exploratory study, as explained by Bless and Higson-Smith (1995), this research was conducted to gain insight into CPPP phenomena as well as how communities and local municipalities can leverage it as an option in local economic development. The case study of Keiskammahoek Dairy Enterprise in Amahlathi was used. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2016
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016-06