Browsing by Author "Radebe, Nokukhanya Thobeka."

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Evaluating the role of the State and non-State actors in mitigating water shortages in Ethekwini municipality.
(2018) Radebe, Nokukhanya Thobeka.; Nzimakwe, Thokozani Ian.
Water is one of the necessities needed for survival but due to the changing climate it has become scarce in many parts of the world, including South Africa. An investigation into the role of the state and non-state actors within the Department of Water and Sanitation in the eThekwini municipality serves as a departure point from which to critically examine the inclusion of the Millennium Development Goals within strategies and policies put in place by the eThekwini Municipality to promote water conservation and to ascertain how the state and non-state actors contribute in mitigating water shortages within the eThekwini Municipality. The collective problems of water scarcity are evident and will grow over time. This study used an environmental lens into understanding and examining the phenomenon of water scarcity and considered the link between governance as applied to water and how water is an important resource in reducing poverty and playing a part towards economic development of the country. This was highlighted in order to reveal the missing mechanisms of governance that would help public organizations and other stakeholders to take on joint responsibility for the water scarcity issue, because it is a long-term problem. This study employed a qualitative research design. Eleven semi-structured interviews with Department of Water and Sanitation representatives and the water management forum representative from the eThekwini Municipality were conducted. These were face-to-face interviews which were subsequently transcribed, and key themes were then developed, analysed and interpreted. Secondary data that were employed in this study was extracted from relevant journal articles, academic database websites and books. The transcribed interviews were thematically analysed. The findings revealed the ways in which the current water crisis can be used to find new solutions or practical ways such as the shift towards more water-efficient waste-management technologies. Furthermore, an evaluation of the role of the state in water mitigation measures is provided, based on the results of the qualitative data analysis. South Africa is a water stressed country with rising pressure on its water resources. The study recommends urgent solutions to protect water resources within this rapidly-developing country.
Renewable energy production as means for local economic development in eThekwini Municipality.
(2015) Radebe, Nokukhanya Thobeka.; Houghton, Jennifer Alice.
Given South Africa’s increasing demand for energy, insufficient generation capacity, dependence on imported oil, and sensitivity to global economic shocks, the need for renewable and sustainable energy systems is clear. The South African government recognizes that substantial opportunities exist for electricity and energy generation through the production and use of renewable energy resources. In recognizing that local authorities are primary agents for electricity service provision, the national treasury has committed to supporting local renewable energy programs. Renewable energy resources are widely seen as means to address the challenges of climate change and energy insecurity; and can be of key importance in the development of a sustainable society. Renewable energy resources can provide new economic opportunities, contribute to higher standards of living and reduce the impacts of society on ecosystems, among other things. South Africa is ranked as the country with the high potential for the use of renewables. Great pressure is placed on the national government to initiate a way of achieving greater economic growth as well as alleviating poverty. A mandate has therefore been given to local government to play a role in achieving this, Local economic development, a relatively new approach to development, is currently seen as a prominent strategy to tackle the problem of unemployment in South Africa. A literature review is thus presented in the study that addresses the different type’s renewable energy resources available and the links between local economic development and employment creation through renewable energy resources provision. The study used the Ecological Modernisation theory that can be used as a theoretical lens to examine the phenomenon of renewable energy adoption, it addresses the theoretical framework. An investigation into the background of the eThekwini Energy Office is provided and serves as a departure point from which to critically examine the ways in which renewable energy initiatives of the eThekwini Municipality contribute to local economic development. The findings address the ways in which renewable energy adoption can play a part in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, an assessment of renewable energy production is provided based on the results of the qualitative data analysis. Key Words: Local economic development, green economy, renewable energy, ecological modernisation.