Browsing by Author "Naidoo, Magashen Kisanderan."

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Analysing the eThekwini green economy according to its dynamic and complex components for identifying leverage points.
(2018) Naidoo, Magashen Kisanderan.; Kader, Abdulla Dawood.; Proches, Cecile Naomi Gerwel.
It is widely accepted that climate change is taking place as a result of anthropogenic activities. The rapid rate of the current bout of climate change being experienced is unprecedented. Climate change results in disastrous consequences for humankind. However, climate change also offers opportunities which include the potential for developing a green economy. A green economy is a concept that will result in actions for enhancing the growth of an economy, while simultaneously protecting the environment and spurring progress towards social equity. This study was of the position that the eThekwini green economy is not well understood in terms of its dynamic and complex characteristics. Specifically, the core focus of the study was to identify the components that make up the eThekwini green economy, highlight the characteristics of the components, determine the manner in which those components interact, pinpoint leverage points in the system and develop a framework to depict the eThekwini green economy from the findings. Pragmatism was the guiding philosophical worldview for this research, which resulted in a mixed methods approach being adopted. Data collection tools included surveys, focus groups and interviews. The population and sample for this research consisted of sixteen purposely identified individuals for interviews. In addition, four hundred and ninety seven individuals were identified for survey participation and a total of twenty two for focus groups. It was noted during the study that many businesses that provide green related goods and services, do not view themselves as being part of the green economy. It is widely accepted that the eThekwini green economy does exist, albeit it has stemmed as organic growth from the broader economy. A total of seven key components were identified through the research, with a total of forty two sub components. In addition, a total of ten leverage points have been highlighted, the principal of which is that without addressing unemployment, discretionary income, inequality and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita, the eThekwini green economy will not grow. It was further found that no component operates in isolation. Characteristics of components were broadly found to be made up of similar elements, but to differing degrees. A plethora of indicators were raised and synthesised into a matrix of five core indicator segments. All information gathered through the study resulted in the development of a framework that depicts the manner in which the eThekwini green economy operates.
Informing climate change mitigation policy : an eThekwini Municipality perspective.
(2013) Naidoo, Magashen Kisanderan.; Hardman, Stanley George.
This research focuses on climate change mitigation policy at the local government level. It aims to discover how officials and politicians at the eThekwini Municipality comprehend and make policy decisions in the Climate Change Mitigation field. Thereafter, Complex Adaptive System (CAS) theory will be incorporated into the research to answer the key research questions. Finally, the research will utilise an Organisation Development (OD) approach to hypothesise a manner in which CAS thinking can be embedded in local government. Climate Change Mitigation is, fundamentally, concerned with the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by anthropogenic activities. This can be achieved by either reducing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions that are caused by human activity or by creating sinks that can capture greenhouse gases. Should the level of carbon dioxide (CO2) continue to increase, a resulting increase in the temperature of the plant will result. This will have serious consequences for life as we know it. This research is important because Climate Change Mitigation is a relatively new focus for municipalities in South Africa, including eThekwini Municipality. The traditional mental models for conceptualising the world and any problems will not be adequate for addressing Climate Change Mitigation issues. The key research questions that this research sets out to answer are: 1. What are the perceptions of municipal officials and politicians of inconsistent and conflicting national, provincial and local laws impact on service delivery in the area of Climate Change Mitigation? 2. What is the status quo of the Climate Change Mitigation area? 3. What are the current levels of understanding and ways in which Climate Change Mitigation policy is formulated? 4. In what way can applying CAS thinking in local government help improve the formulation of policies in the Climate Change Mitigation area? 5. How can OD assist with embedding CAS thinking in local government? The research will rest on Social Constructivism, while focusing on Qualitative data only. The Case study methodology has been selected as the strategy of inquiry. For practical purposes the population of this research has been limited to eThekwini Municipality officials and politicians. Interviews will be utilised to gather the primary, qualitative data. More often than not, when there are serious problems that government is trying to address the knee-jerk reaction is the formulation of turn-around strategies. While the intent of government is good, the same thinking that got government into trouble is used to create the potential solution. A new approach and mental model for government is needed for the formulation of solutions.