Browsing by Author "Yalezo, Bhasela."

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Advancing gross farming income sustainability of smallholder farmers in the Free State Province, South Africa.
(2023) Moloabi, Badiri Victor Motlhabani.; Yalezo, Bhasela.
Abstract available in PDF.
Advancing gross fixed capital formation (investment) paradigm in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa: historical trends and prospects.
(2018) Yalezo, Bhasela.; Bokana, Koye Gerry.
Current rates of investment in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa are insufficient to drive substantial economic growth. These rates have not changed significantly from 1995 to date. This study examined the reasons for low investment rates in the Eastern Cape Province in the post-democratic era by both the private and public sectors and explored the hindrances to attracting investment. Its examination of trends and prospects informed the study’s recommendations to address the current situation. A mixed methods research methodology that incorporated econometrics was employed to calculate the investment gap and the investment required to close this gap. The quantitative research analysis results indicated that; there is an investment gap, low investment and a dire lack of infrastructure, which discourages investment in rural and urban areas in the Eastern Cape. The qualitative research analysis results indicated that: the province lacks adequate infrastructure, an integrated investment model and strategy as well as poor political leadership at provincial and local levels were significant contributors to low investment rates. The econometrics analysis, indicated that an investment rate of 11.05% of the province’s Gross Domestic Product is required to close the current investment gap. Some policy implications of these three results are that in advancing investment in the province, the foremost priority should be infrastructure investment which must be underpinned by intelligent public sector investment. Amongst other priorities there is an urgent need to strengthen the province’s political leadership and administration.
An investigation into supply chain challenges at Durban North liquor distributors in eThekwini Metro, KwaZulu-Natal
(2022) Mavundla, Sandile.; Yalezo, Bhasela.
The liquor industry plays an important role in the South African economy. It contributes greatly towards job creation as well as economic growth. The fragmented structure of the industry provides an opportunity for firms of different sizes to play a role in the liquor supply chain. The large companies act as suppliers and manufacturers, while medium-sized companies are involved mainly in wholesale distribution, and the smaller companies act as retailers who connect with the final consumers. Although the industry is a strategic player in the economy, it is not without challenges. Some of the challenges include high operating costs due to statutory controls, yet margins are low. As a result, the industry is highly competitive. The aim of this research was to investigate supply chain challenges within the liquor industry, with an intention to propose solutions to unlock the industry’s full potential. A qualitative research design was adopted in this study, in which the researcher interviewed customers to understand the liquor supply chain challenges from their perspective. A research sample was drawn from a list of targeted participants who deal with the distributor Durban North Liquor Distributors. A purposive sampling strategy was used to draw a sample of clients from different wards around eThekwini Municipality. According to the research findings, the distributor provides an impeccable customer service. However, the challenges identified include lack of and inconsistent communication around nonavailability of products and anticipated time of delivery. The respondents also highlighted that the prevalence of receiving incorrect products that were not part of the initial order was high, which points to the lack of quality controls at Durban North Liquor Distributors. Due to a centralised distribution strategy, the respondents also felt that the distributor should improve on delivery plans. Recommendations include that the distributor should standardise the ordering system by using e-commerce platforms, and immediately communicate non-available items to customers, before sending orders for picking. In addition, there is a need to conduct quality control before dispatching orders. Finally, to address the delivery constraints caused by centralised distribution, the distributor should complement their fleet by procuring the transport services of third-party transport service providers, so as to improve geographical coverage, within customers’ operating hours.
Customer perceptions towards eThekwini Municipality customer service, Durban, South Africa.
(2018) Tshabalala, Mavuso.; Yalezo, Bhasela.
The advent of our country’s democracy in 1994 created hope for a better life for all citizens especially those who were previously marginalized. This hope heightened expectations of a government that delivers better services, a government that is people centered. Subsequently a plethora of customer centric legislation were passed one being the White Paper on Transformation of Public Service. According to the Constitution of South Africa the mandate of a municipality is to deliver services to the satisfaction of the citizens who are customers. The understanding of the customer’s needs the expectations as well as the perceptions is vital. This is to ensure that the needs are met. It is with this background that this research is undertaken. The aim of this research is to provide an understanding of the eThekwini Municipality customers’ expectations and perceptions of the customer service quality. This is done so that the gaps are identified and measures be recommended to bridge these gaps. The research conducted for this study included both literature review as well as the empirical study. For the empirical part of the study the quantitative research approach was used with the survey method. The literature review provided prior studies on customer service quality from the view of general service industries in the private sector as well as the perspective of the South African government including the local sphere. This literature review provided the theoretical framework which formed the basis for the empirical study. The study was a non-intervention case study which observed trends. This was a survey and it utilized a survey design. Questionnaires were used to collect data from the selected sample. The questionnaire was inclusive of the SERVQUAL measuring scale. Essentially the findings indicated that customers of eThekwini Municipality have positive perceptions of the quality of customer service rendered through the Municipalities Sizakala Customer Service Centers. These perceptions were measured using the 05 service quality dimensions. These positive perceptions meant that customers are satisfied with the customer service received at the centers. The recommendations were provided to improve the satisfaction levels and these included the review of Customer Relations Management Strategy.
Factors that affect the sustainability of 5S within Feltex (Pty) Limited - Durban plant.
(2020) Pillay, Andrew Lionel.; Yalezo, Bhasela.
This study investigated the factors that affect the sustainability of 5S within Feltex Fehrer (Pty) Ltd – Durban Plant. This entire investigation was guided by the following research objectives, namely: to gain an understanding into the various factors that affect the sustainability of 5S within Feltex Fehrer (Pty) Ltd – Durban Plant; to assess the extent to which 5S is practiced at Feltex Fehrer (Pty) Ltd – Durban plant; and to recommend ways to improve the sustainability of 5S initiatives using research and case studies. The researcher has adopted positivist epistemology as the philosophical approach. A descriptive study was conducted which enabled the researcher to accurately describe the research phenomenon. The study was conducted using the quantitative method. The research was conducted amongst staff at Feltex Fehrer (Pty) Ltd – Durban plant. The sample size of 82 was selected with the help of simple random sampling. The data was collected using a structured questionnaire. The research instrument was first piloted to determine its reliability and validity. The reliability and validity of the research instrument was tested through statistical tools such as Cronbach’s alpha efficient and factor analysis respectively. The data collected was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS), version 25.0. The data analysis was done by employing both descriptive and inferential statistics. The results of the study revealed that the main factors that influenced the sustainability of 5S were, namely: top management commitment and communication; inventory system; employee health and safety measures; time management/schedule of implementation; resources; and procedures. The overall results showed that the 5S tool could be applied in the focal organisations. This study recommends the following to address the challenges affecting the sustainability of 5S; being employee training, top management support, employee involvement, awareness of 5S, resource availability and an appropriate reward system.
The impact of leadership development in the acceleration of black talent in JSE-listed companies.
(2018) Mncane, Esau Mthunzi.; Yalezo, Bhasela.
This research examined the impact of leadership development on the acceleration of black talent to executive levels within the JSE-listed companies. Leadership development initiatives of different companies were studied to understand their impact, if any, on the acceleration of black talent. This study further sought to reveal and analyse the challenges in the lack of advancement of black talent in JSE-listed companies, including how they can be overcome. The aim of this research was to examine the impact of leadership development on the acceleration of black talent to top management or executive level positions in JSE-listed companies. The study outcome provides practical guidance to companies on how they can accelerate black talent to executive levels in JSE-listed companies by using the recommended leadership development initiatives. The research looked only at JSE-listed companies, using their market capitalisation for segmentation which ranged from small-sized, midsized and top-sized companies. The research method used for this study was exploratory in nature, which is a form of qualitative research, the form of data collection techniques aligned with qualitative research. The study used purposive, nonprobability sampling, and the findings cannot be generalised. The goal of purposive sampling is to sample cases or participants in a strategic way so that those sampled are relevant to the research questions. The data were attained from 16 semi-structured interviews, which were conducted with different business leaders who were employed by, or who served on the board of directors of a JSE-listed company. The respondents included board chairmen; chief executives; executives and HR practitioners of different companies. The study should also contribute to the understanding of the challenges and barriers faced by black professionals in their pursuit to break the glass ceiling in advancing their careers to executive levels in JSE-listed companies. The key findings of the study indicated that there are many challenges facing the acceleration of black talent and these include inadequate participation of black talent in leadership development initiatives; prevalent overlooking of black talent for opportunities and institutionalised biasness in companies. The leadership development initiatives that the study recommends include the conversion of non-executives to executives; career sponsorships; stretch assignments and rotations; executive assistant initiatives. The study further recommends the needs for incentives and penalties to be considered in realising the acceleration of black talent to executive levels in JSE-listed companies.
The impact of leadership development in the acceleration of black talent in JSE-listed companies.
(2018) Mthunzi, Mncane Esau.; Proches, Cecile Naomi Gerwel.; Yalezo, Bhasela.
This research examined the impact of leadership development on the acceleration of black talent to executive levels within the JSE-listed companies. Leadership development initiatives of different companies were studied to understand their impact, if any, on the acceleration of black talent. This study further sought to reveal and analyse the challenges in the lack of advancement of black talent in JSE-listed companies, including how they can be overcome. The aim of this research was to examine the impact of leadership development on the acceleration of black talent to top management or executive level positions in JSE-listed companies. The study outcome provides practical guidance to companies on how they can accelerate black talent to executive levels in JSE-listed companies by using the recommended leadership development initiatives. The research looked only at JSE-listed companies, using their market capitalisation for segmentation which ranged from small-sized, mid-sized and top-sized companies. The research method used for this study was exploratory in nature, which is a form of qualitative research, the form of data collection techniques aligned with qualitative research. The study used purposive, non-probability sampling, and the findings cannot be generalised. The goal of purposive sampling is to sample cases or participants in a strategic way so that those sampled are relevant to the research questions. The data were attained from 16 semi-structured interviews, which were conducted with different business leaders who were employed by, or who served on the board of directors of a JSE-listed company. The respondents included board chairmen; chief executives; executives and HR practitioners of different companies. The study should also contribute to the understanding of the challenges and barriers faced by black professionals in their pursuit to break the glass ceiling in advancing their careers to executive levels in JSE-listed companies. The key findings of the study indicated that there are many challenges facing the acceleration of black talent and these include inadequate participation of black talent in leadership development initiatives; prevalent overlooking of black talent for opportunities and institutionalised biasness in companies. The leadership development initiatives that the study recommends include the conversion of non-executives to executives; career sponsorships; stretch assignments and rotations; executive assistant initiatives. The study further recommends the needs for incentives and penalties to be considered in realising the acceleration of black talent to executive levels in JSE-listed companies.
Impact of procurement regulations relating to educational publishing industry in South Africa.
(2019) Dlamini, Sithembile Martin.; Yalezo, Bhasela.
Today’s business competitive environment compels organizations to craft a strategy that takes into account the impact of macroeconomic factors on the normal running of the business. Macroeconomic factors such as government regulations and policy reforms are part of the external factors that could affect businesses negatively. In this context, supply chain and procurement processes of industries that do business with government often get disrupted when government, through public procurement legislative framework, implement regulations and policies that pose major risks, leading to volatility, certainty, vulnerability and instability in the industry. Research, in this regard, provides more insights on the impact of procurement regulations and equip operators and affected businesses with strategies to mitigate various risks associated with the implementation of regulations and related policies. In this study, macroeconomic disruptions in South African educational publishing, posed by government regulations and policy reforms, are examined and sources of vulnerability investigated with the view to provide relevant solutions. This qualitative study sought to investigate the impact of procurement regulations relating to educational publishing industry in South Africa. The study aims to provide solutions to the educational publishers that would contribute to the sustainability of the industry. Data was collected by means of a questionnaire and structured interviews to determine the extent procurement regulations impacted educational publishing industry in South Africa. The study was framed within the neoclassical economic model. The findings of the study highlighted the impact of procurement regulations on the educational publishing industry. Subsequently, the study makes recommendations to aid leaders and mangers of educational publishing companies to design and implement strategies that proactively respond to procurement regulations risks and vulnerabilities. In this way, the managers and owners of educational publishing houses will be better able to build resilience, much needed to prevent and to reduce inherent disruptions, in the businesses.
Investigation of Kaizen strategy as business strategy at eThekwini Municipality to improve business productivity.
(2019) Buthelezi, Nkosinathi.; Yalezo, Bhasela.
Public sector is one of the biggest employer in South Africa and contributes significantly to the national economy. It is therefore essential to ensure that all public sector entities like Metropolitans are managed well to remain efficient and sustainable at all times. EThekwini Municipality took a decision to implement Economic Development and Job-Creation Strategy in year 2013 that was set out to specifically revive the economy of the Municipality and decrease unemployment rate. However, six years later EThekwini Municipality’s Gross Domestic Product growth rate had decreased from 2.6 % to 0.4% between 2013-2016. It is therefore clear that the Economic Development and Job-Creation Strategy did not deliver on the expectations of EThekwini Municipality as was originally anticipated, hence the need for this study. The study seeks to determine if Kaizen strategy can potentially be a solution to EThekwini Municipality’s ongoing problems. By definition, Kaizen means continuous improvement through minor incremental changes. This strategy originated in Japan and is famous in the manufacturing sector; however, case studies have revealed that it can be successfully applied in the public sector despite public sector challenges. The study had three research questions that were constructed to achieve the objectives of this study. The study was conducted following the qualitative approach where twelve respondents were purposively selected from EThekwini Municipality to participate in the study. The data that was collected through in-depth interviews was analyzed using thematic approach to deduce three findings of the study. The study revealed that employees working for EThekwini Municipality do believe that Kaizen strategy can increase productivity in the Municipality. Study also relieved that that there is theoretical evidence supporting that EThekwini Municipality can benefit from implementing Kaizen strategy. Lastly, the study revealed that there are two challenges that may potentially be a threat to EThekwini Municipality’s successful application of Kaizen strategy. These threats include varying management models within EThekwini Municipality and current organizational culture which is not customer-driven.
Investigation of poor service delivery of road infrastructure in uMshwathi local municipality.
(2023) Gwala, Phumulani Mpilwenhle.; Yalezo, Bhasela.
This study examines the poor service delivery of road infrastructure development in uMshwathi local municipality, in the Kwa Zulu Natal province. The study seeks fundamental evidence that points out the prolonged poor road infrastructure development and verification of the challenges that beget the status quo. The extant literature notes that inadequate road infrastructure is more prominent in municipal wards falling under traditional authority (Ingonyama Trust) while the municipal wards enjoy adequate road infrastructure. This study adopted a qualitative exploratory research approach. Document analysis was conducted to gain their insight and understanding of the challenges and impact of poor road infrastructure on the livelihood of the people. The qualitative analysis allowed for an in-depth analysis of both institutional and structural challenges of road infrastructure and its impact on the livelihoods of residents thereof. Umshwathi municipality is a land dominated by agricultural landscapes and derives its economy from mainly farming, while the residents practice large-scale subsistence and commercial farming. Road infrastructure development becomes a critical component and the only solution to assist residents to diversify their economy and ease travel. However, the majority of its rural dwellers still live in abject poverty and are very much excluded from participating in some commercial activities and enjoying all the liberties accorded to them in the South African Constitution. Poor road infrastructure development in the municipality especially in the rural sectors causes this exclusion. Poor road infrastructure development is caused by a lack of synergy between national and local governance structures and dilemmas brought about by institutional and structural challenges. The poor road infrastructure development affects negatively the residents, as well as their livelihood and welfare, is hampered; thus, creating secondary challenges for the community.
Leveraging cultural tourism for sustainable and participative local economic development in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province, South Africa.
(2023) Cele, Yvonne Celinhlanhla.; Yalezo, Bhasela.
Promoting gender equality in the Department of Public Works in KwaZulu-Natal.
(2023) Lukele, Faith Sanelisiwe.; Yalezo, Bhasela.
For many years, women worldwide have continued to experience discriminatory practices both in the workplace and in society. One of the discriminatory practices faced by women is their exclusion in leadership positions. Post-1994, the South African government has promulgated several different legislative frameworks and policies to redress gender equality, discrimination and empower women. Despite the government efforts, there seems to be a common consensus among scholarly researchers that gender inequality still prevails in the South African workplace After twenty-nine years of democracy. Against this background, the present study aims to promote gender equality in the South African workplace by focusing on the Department of Public Works. A quantitative research will be conducted to collect data so that information can be quantified and subjected to statistical treatment to support or refute “alternate knowledge claims. The study will be conducted in the Department of Public Works. Given the total population of about 200 employees, the sample size of 132 was selected using simple random sampling. However, the data was were collected from 124 through an online survey (questionnaire). The reliability and validity of the measuring instrument were measured through a pilot study. The data was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social, version 27.0. The study concluded that the factors such as women empowerment, organisational culture, leadership commitment and organisational structure were the most important factors that contributed to reducing gender inequality in the Department of Public Works. Also, the results revealed that gender equality impacted employee retention and performance significant in the Department of Public Works. On the contrary, the study found no significant relationship between gender equality and employee job security. This study provides a better knowledge of the discriminatory practices against women, especially those in leadership position in the Department of Public Works. Therefore, the study will service as an important tool for promoting gender equality in the Department of Public Works and other Departments in South Africa. The study recommends that organisations, including the Department of Public Works implement gender balance policies and practices to help reduce gender inequality.
Standardization and strengthening the functionality of hospital management boards in central hospitals of Zimbabwe.
(2020) Funhiro, Webster.; Yalezo, Bhasela.; Mutambara, Emmanuel.
Health governance system in Zimbabwe is undergoing nationwide structural reforms. This is done through the appointment of health centre committees for rural health facilities, advisory boards for district and provincial hospitals as well as hospital management boards for central hospitals. The study was aimed at exploring standardization and strengthening performance of hospital management boards in central hospitals of Zimbabwe. The central hospitals included in the study are Harare Central Hospital, Chitungwiza Central Hospital and Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in the northern region of the country. In the southern region, they were United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH), Mpilo and Ingutsheni Central Hospitals. Questionnaires and interviews were used to collect quantitative and qualitative data respectively in the six central hospitals in Zimbabwe. The target population of the study was 66 board members and a census sampling was used whereby all were included in the study. However, 35 out of 54 (64.81%) responded to the questionnaire while 10 out of 12 (83.33%) targeted study participants were interviewed. Quantitative data was analysed using the SPSS Version 25 whereas qualitative data was transcribed, loaded and analysed through the use of NVivo Version 12 software application. The study results revealed that 67% of hospitals had functional hospital management boards with a quorum and active term of office. There was no clear policy or guidelines to evaluate the performance of hospital management boards. Gaps revealed call for policy strengthening of the appointment and performance of HMBs in Zimbabwe.
The impact of remote working in Engen Petroleum Limited, South Africa, emanating from the COVID-19 pandemic.
(2022) Mohan, Sudhir.; Yalezo, Bhasela.
This study examines the impact of remote working during the COVID 19 pandemic on employee retention and work-life balance at Engen Petroleum Limited South Africa. South Africa had the most reported cases in Africa resulting in the South African government declaring one of the strictest lockdowns in the world on 23 March 2020. Developments in cloud technology and globalisation have given rise to new flexible work arrangements known as remote working which became prevalent in many organizations, allowing employees to perform work away from the traditional office environment. Due to a lack of stable internet connectivity in some areas in South Africa, remote working was a challenge. Only 53 per cent of South African’s use the internet and people with the least connectivity live in poorer rural areas. To prevent the spread of the virus, many organizations implemented remote working. The advent of remote working in South Africa seriously impacted the informal sector of the economy. The study adopted a quantitative approach. Data was collected via an online survey that was distributed to employees of Engen Petroleum Limited South Africa that were working remotely. A total of 67 respondents were received from various departments within the organization. The data was analysed using statistical software to test the impact of remote working on the constructs of employee retention, work-life balance, productivity and job satisfaction. The study found that remote working had an overall positive impact on employee retention, work-life balance and job satisfaction with productivity either increasing or remaining unchanged. Management needs to invest in a substitute for “water cooler conversations” and similar social interactions that are lacking in the remote working environment. The study recommends that the building of trust between managers and employees will assist in determining the effectiveness of remote working. The manager team need to explore innovative ways of improving communication that will ensure that remote workers are included in the activities of the organization. The organization needs to have an awareness of the setup that remote workers have at their homes to provide the required human resource support.
Transformation challenges faced by black South Africans in the construction sector within the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport.
(2021) Mngomezulu, Simangele Nozipho.; Yalezo, Bhasela.
In 2017, the KwaZulu Department of Transport conducted a spend analysis by population, using racial groups in the construction sector and the following was the conclusion; for the budget of R4 Billion the beneficiaries were 18% black Africans, 28% Indians, 15% white, 5% coloured, 8% other and 26% with no detail. Meanwhile population demographics indicates the Black South African population dominates KwaZulu-Natal by 87%, followed by the Indian/Asian population who are at 7,9%, white people account for 3,9% of the population, whereas coloured people account for only 1,2% (Statssa 2016). The data above is a clear indication of the lack of transformation in the construction sector specifically for the previously disadvantaged individuals which are Black South African. The KwaZulu Natal Department of Transport core functions are construction, upgrading, maintenance and control of the provincial road network. The research methodology used is mixed method, which encompasses both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The qualitative methodology used the purposive sampling and the quantitative used the probability sampling methods. The main findings of the research clearly indicated that there is lack transformation in the construction sector to support the previously disadvantaged individuals mainly Black South Africans, there is lack of adequate skills to perform in the sector, lack of financial resources and financial support from the financial institution, poor and lack of clear policy with regards to driving the agenda of economic transformation and lack of measurable contractor development programmes. The research recommendation is mainly the implementation of the transformation programmes with various interventions that will act as a nerve centre in bridging the gap in the transformation with clear targets which must be monitored and evaluated, supported by policies which will encompass all the stakeholders such as Construction Industry Development Board, National Treasury and all the institutions within the Built Environment. Mainly the purpose of the study is to to underpin the areas of improvement necessary in order for the KZN Department of Transport to bridge transformation gaps while attaining inclusive participation in the construction sector specifically for black South Africans.