Browsing by Author "Zondi, Wellington Bonginkosi."

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Application of systems thinking in reviewing power-infrastructure capital investment in South Africa=Ukusebenzisa umcabangozinhlelo ekubuyekezeni Utshalozimali Olukhulu Lwengqalasizinda Enamandla eNingizimu Afrika.
(2022) Chili, Zothini Nicholas.; Zondi, Wellington Bonginkosi.
The aim of this study was to investigate how the application of systems thinking can minimize revenue losses in capital power-infrastructure investment in South Africa. The study reviewed the application of existing financial models such as Return on Investments (ROI), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and Schedule Performance Index (SPI) to multi-years of capital power-infrastructure investments with an intention of introducing new investment evaluation model. In order to achieve the study objective, the researcher had to investigate using the systems approach the challenges regarding development of capital power-infrastructure investments, and apply systems thinking in evaluating the positive impact of timeous payments by debtors. This study was conducted mainly within Eskom comprising 150 engineers that are in the capital power-infrastructure process. Seven of the engineers who are in executive position participated in the qualitative part of the study and 90 engineers participated in the quantitative part of the study. In other words, the sample of the study comprised of 97 engineers involved in capital power-infrastructure investment. The research employed both quantitative and qualitative mixed method approach. The study found that knowledge management and corporate governance in power utilities of South Africa, including Eskom, is very weak. Furthermore, financial models used such as Internal Rate of Return, Return on Investments, Net Present Value, Level Cost of Energy and Cost of Unserved Energy did not realize the envisaged benefits. Other problems identified by the study included but not limited to multi-packages of contracting instead of single contracting for turnkey solution, lack of understanding the environmental history of where infrastructure was to be constructed, complication caused by procuring services from foreign companies, and lack of proper front- end planning. The participants that were subject matter experts in capital power-infrastructure investments linear regression analysis have proven the consistent relationship between scope liquidity and cost variances and further concurred that current financial models used to assess returns are mostly not realized. The study recommends the formation of a special governance committee that will ensure that there are front-end planning processes, including the application Complexity Factor, as the way of ensuring financial returns and enable successful delivery of capital power-infrastructure investment. The proposed committee should also advise on the suitability of the service provider in provision of the turnkey solution. The recommended special governance committee should also ensure competency of foreign companies in alignment with Supply Chain Management requirements of South Africa during bid evaluation and adjudicating. The study further recommends a systems model that can be used by power utilities to ensure that initial envisaged benefits are realized. Iqoqa: Inhloso yalolu cwaningo kwakuwuphenya ukuthi ukusetshenziswa komcabangozinhlelo kungakunciphisa kanjani ukulahleka kwemalinzuzo kwingqalasizindamandla yemali etshaliwe eNingizimu Afrika. Ucwaningo lubuyekeze ukusebenza kwamamodeli akhona ezezimali njengeMalinzuzo etholakala kuTshalozimali, Isikalosilinganiso seNgaphakathi semalinzuzo ekutshalweni kwezimali kwingqalasizinda-mandla ngenhloso yokwethula imodeli entsha yokuhlola utshalozimali. Ukuze kufinyelelwe enhlosweni yocwaningo, umcwaningi kwakumele aphenye esebenzisa indlelakwenza ngokwezinhlelo ukubuka izinselelo ezimayelana notshalozimali lwengqalasizinda-mandla, bese kusetshenziswa umcabangozinhlelo ekuhlaziyeni umthelela omuhle wokukhokhwa ngesikhathi kwezikweletu ngabakweletayo. Lolu cwaningo lwenziwa ikakhulukazi kwa-Eskom lufaka onjiniyela abayi-150 abasohlelweni lwengqalasizinda-mandla oluseqhulwini. Abayisikhombisa kulabo njiniyela abasezikhundleni ezithatha izinqumo babamba iqhaza engxenyeni eyikhwalithethivu ocwaningweni kanti onjiniyela abangamashumi ayisishiyagalolunye babamba iqhaza engxenyeni eyikhwantithethivu yocwaningo. Ngamanye amagama, isampula locwaningo lwalunonjiniyela abangamashumi ayisishiyagalolunye nesikhombisa ababamba iqhaza ekutshaleni izimali okuyingqalasizinda-mandla.
Assessing teachers’ perceptions on organisational justice in filling of positions within schools in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: Kranskloof circuit.
(2019) Plaatjies, Augustus Benson.; Zondi, Wellington Bonginkosi.
This study was conducted in the Kranskloof circuit of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education. The study sought to interrogate organisational justice within the Department of Education and the Kranskloof circuit in particular. In this regard, the study interrogated three forms of organisational justice namely procedural justice, distributive justice, and interactional justice. The study employed a mixed research approach in which 193 out of a total of 254 teachers participated in the quantitative part of the study and 10 out of 20 school principals participated in the qualitative part of the study. The questionnaire was used in the quantitative part of the study as the research instrument while the interviews were used to collect the qualitative data of the study. Qualitative data were analysed using content analysis and quantitative data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The findings indicated that most participants felt that indeed the Department of Education and in particular Kranskloof circuit, successfully practice all three forms of organisation justice although there was room for improvements. The findings indicated that the main concerns related to procedural justice and the other two forms do not form part of the main concerns. With regards to procedural justice, there were concerns that affiliation to the dominant teacher union played a major part in the decision to employ or not to employ the candidate. In some cases, the findings, albeit few cases, revealed that qualifications and experience were overlooked in preference to political affiliation to the dominant teacher trade union. The main recommendation is that the Department must look at the subtle and undue influence of the teacher unions because in the face of it appears as if the process is procedurally fair and just. It is further recommended that the policy that allows the officials of the Department of Education to be members of the teacher unions must be re-visited because as it stands it is difficult for members of other teacher unions to feel that justice is indeed done. If this policy is not reviewed the speculation that confidential information is given to preferred candidates who are members of the dominant union, SADTU, will not stop.
A critical analysis of the rationale by select trade unions to change their collective bargaining strategy.
(2022) Magojo, Xolani.; Zondi, Wellington Bonginkosi.
The aim of this study was to investigate the movement of collective bargaining negotiation between employers and employees or trade unions from traditional distributive to integrative. In the current predominant distributive collective bargaining approach, especially in South Africa, the negotiation process is largely adversarial. The alternative to this is the collaborative integrative approach in which problem-solving is used to enlarge the assets that are to be divided between parties, ensuring mutual interest and gain. The parties negotiate on the basis of objective criteria and standards, committing to reaching a solution based on principle and merits of the circumstances, not pressure. The qualitative research methodology was employed in the study, using interviews as the research strategy. The study was conducted among the employers and trade unions which are party to the Metal and Engineering Industries’ Bargaining Council. The target population of the study comprised the five trade unions and 28 employers’ associations which are members of the Steel and Engineering Industries’ Federation of South Africa, the collective bargaining agent in the industry. The sample comprised five trade union representatives and heads of 10 employer associations from among the 28 employer associations, 15 individuals. The study found that the parties, while familiar with integrative bargaining, did not implement it in practice. The parties can move towards integrative bargaining because the law allows them to access the information to be able to use this approach and the kind of information required was shown. The prerequisites for and the steps that the parties would have to go through to be able to use integrative bargaining were identified. Not everyone will necessarily want to adopt integrative bargaining. The study recommends that institutions of higher learning, management training providers and trade union institutes should invest more on education on integrative bargaining. Further research should be undertaken to identify what is required for integrative bargaining to be understood, acceptable and practised in South Africa.
Developing a business intervention model for South African small business retailers in Cape Town's township retailing environments.
(2020) Malgas, Maphelo.; Zondi, Wellington Bonginkosi.
Abstract available in PDF.
An economic development policy implementation approach to creation of sustainable maritime SMMEs in the KwaZulu-Natal Province=Indlela yokuqala kokusebenza kwenqubomgomo yokuthuthukisa ezomnotho ukusimamisa amaSMME kwezasolwandle KwaZulu-Natali.
(2022) Zulu, Bheka Clive.; Zondi, Wellington Bonginkosi.; Ngwenya, Tony Charles Simphiwe.
Abstract This study aimed to develop a new innovative approach towards a modern economic policy implementation, anchored towards harnessing Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME’s) development and sustainability within the maritime sector. The study was conducted in Durban in the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Province and the objectives of the study were to determine the challenges faced by SMMEs within the ocean economy in the KZN Province and explore the concept of ocean economy within the South African context. The study also assessed the approach for an economic policy implementation, on the development and sustainability of maritime SMMEs in the KZN Province. Furthermore, the study explored pioneering the concept of a sector specific special purpose vehicle (SPV) for the development and sustainability of ocean economy SMMEs in the KZN Province. The population size of this study consisted of 200 SMMEs that are in the maritime sector in KwaZulu-Natal that are listed on the Moses Kotane database. A sample of 132 participants were selected to participate in the study, however, 123 participated in the study. The findings revealed that SMMEs in the ocean economy face many challenges and continue to experience a high stagnancy and failure rate, despite elaborate government support programmes put in place to assist them. Furthermore, the study revealed that there is a lack of institutional capacity in KZN, to manage and coordinate the potential of the partnership arrangements and mismatches that exist between the various stakeholders. This study also revealed that there is an imperative need for a paradigm shift in exploring optimal available sources of investment for ocean economy initiatives from both the public and private sectors in the ocean economy. It further revealed that expanding the collaborative empowerment approaches of economic emancipation, funding, and investments for ocean economy initiatives and projects, requires the exploration of new innovative Public-Private Partnership (PPP) approaches. The study, amongst other things, recommends the establishment by the Government and the private sector of a provincial institutional framework in the form of a maritime Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) as an implementer of initiatives and Comprehensive Maritime Transport Policy (CMTP) statements related to economic development within the maritime sector. IQOQA Lolu cwaningo lwaluhlose ukuqhamuka nendlela entsha eqonde ekuqalisweni kokusebenza kwenqubomgomo yezomnotho yesimanje egxile ekuqiniseni, ekuthuthukiseni nasekusimamiseni ezamabhizinisi amancane iSmall Medium and Micro Enterprises emkhakheni wasolwandle. Ucwaningo lwenziwa eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natali. Izinhloso zocwaningo kwakuwukubheka ukuthi yiziphi izingqinamba amaSMME abhekene nazo kwezomnotho wasolwandle esifundazweni iKZN kanye nokuhlola umqondo womnotho wasolwandle ngokwaseNingizimu Afrika. Ucwaningo lwahlola nendlela okungaqaliswa ngayo inqubomgomo yezomnotho yokuthuthukisa nokusimamisa amaSMME asolwandle esifundazweni iKZN. Ucwaningo lwaphinde lwabhekisisa ukuqanjwa kwendlela ezobhekana nomkhakha ngqo ezoba yiSpecial Purpose Vehicle ezothuthukisa iqinise umnotho wasolwandle wamaSMMEs esifundazweni saseKZN. Iqhaza labanjwa amaSMME angama-200 emkhakheni wezasolwandle kanti wonke abhaliswe ngaphansi kwenqolobanemininingo yeMoses Kotane. Kwakuqokwe ababambiqhaza abayi-132 kodwa kwaba abayi-123 abaphumelela ukuba yingxenye yocwaningo. Imiphumela yaveza ukuthi amaSMME emnothweni wasolwandle abhekene nezingqinamba eziningi kanti kuyaqhubeka ukuzithola bentengantenga futhi bengaphumeleli yize uhulumeni enezinhlaka ezicacile zokubasekela ukuze basizakale. Ucwaningo luphinde lwathola nokuthi azikho izikhungo zokuphatha eKZN, okuyizona okumele zilawule futhi zibahlanganise nabangasebenzisana nabo bese ziqaphela nokungahambisani okukhona phakathi kwababambiqhaza abahlukahlukene. Lolu cwaningo lwaveza nokuthi kunesidingo soshintsho lwendlelakubuka ekusetshenzisweni kwezinsiza zokutshala izimali ezikhona eziqhamuka kuhulumeni nasemikhakheni ezimele emnothweni wasolwandle. Lwaphinde lwaveza nokuthi ukukhuliswa kwezindlela zokuhlomisa ngokubambisana ekukhululekeni kwezomnotho, ekuxhasweni ngezimali, kanye nokutshalwa kwezimali kumaphrojekthi omnotho wezasolwandle kudinga ukuhlolwa kwezindlela ezintsha zokubambisana phakathi kukahulumeni nabazimele iPublic-Private Partnership. Enye yezinto eziphakanyiswa wucwaningo ukuba uhulumeni nabazimele babumbe uhlaka lokuphatha lwesifundazwe iSpecial Purpose Vehicle yasolwandle ezoqinisekisa ukuqaliswa kokusebenza kwezinhlelo kanye nenqubomgomo iComprehensive Maritime Transport Policy eyamene nokuthuthukiswa kwezomnotho emkhakheni wezasolwandle. Amagama asemqoka: Umnotho wolwandle, umnotho wezasolwandle, iSpecial Purpose Vehicle, amaSMME.
Employee performance management and development within the regional hospitals in the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health.
Zondi, Wellington Bonginkosi.; Nzimakwe, Thokozani Ian.
The research was conducted within the Regional hospitals of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health. The study was motivated by the fact that regional hospitals provide specialised public health services yet are perceived by the general public to be struggling in the area of service delivery, motivating the question of whether their performance is being properly managed or not. The research involved 439 respondents from 8 of the 14 Regional Hospitals in the KwaZulu-Natal Province. The research instrument that was used was a self-administered questionnaire comprising 35 questions arranged in the form of a Likert Scale. The literature review provides an overview of the status core within the health sector in general, but specifically about the Regional hospitals of the KZN Department of Health. The literature highlights the challenges faced by these hospitals and also provides the legislative framework within which hospitals have to operate. There is a discussion on the theoretical overview of what performance management and development as a process entails. This touches on the components of performance management such as performance planning, performance appraisals, performance monitoring, reward systems and so forth. The research design that was employed by the researcher is clearly indicated and discusses a variety of research methods that were considered before the quantitative method was deemed the most appropriate. It also gives clarity on how the research instrument was constructed. Data that was collected was analysed and presented. The findings and the recommendations from this study are provided. Findings, in the main, reveal gross unaccountability by most public servants. Underlying causes of include the fact that some positions are political appointments as opposed to appointments based on competency. Another element is the fact that salary increases tend to be the same across the board, irrespective of one’s performance. A complete overhaul of the Employee Performance Management and Development System is recommended. Findings also reveal that, in some cases, performance agreements have not been signed by the employees. This needs to be improved since performance agreements spell out the key performance areas of the employees as well as the time frames within which such performance has to be achieved. The findings also revealed that in some cases where the staff signed their performance agreements, they did so without any prior consultation. It is recommended that there be an addendum that staff signs to confirm that they were given a chance to prepare themselves prior to signing their performance agreements. The study revealed that while, in the main, it seemed like management had conducted the performance management and development of their subordinates correctly, there is clear evidence that there is room for improvement in all the variables that were posed during this study. It is therefore recommended that a competency centre in which supervisors and managers are trained in the process of performance management and development be established within the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health. The study further recommends that the strategy that is used to implement the Batho Pele principles must reflect the unique nature of the Regional hospitals. The study also recommends that a deliberate culture change be brought about within the Regional hospitals. The study further recommends that the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health come up with a strategy to encourage its employees to participate in research on issues relating to their performance and development. The study was concluded, with the limitations of the study, which included among others time and budget constraints as well as reluctance on the part of Government employees to participate in the study, taken into account and recorded.
An evaluation of recruitment and retention practices for scarce and critical technical skills in the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport.
(2019) Zwane, Miranda Cindy.; Okeke-Uzodike, Obianuju Ebele.; Zondi, Wellington Bonginkosi.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the recruitment and retention practices for managing critical skills in the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport. The study was motivated by a continuous staff turnover especially regarding scarce and critical technical skills where newly appointed employees only remain in the Department of Transport for periods not exceeding five years and then resign or move to the private sector, municipalities or non-governmental organisations. Amongst other things the study sought to determine what methods could be used to recruit and retain technically skilled employees in the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport, determine shortcomings related to the Occupation Specific Dispensation for employees with technical skills, determine factors that contribute to the attraction and retention of technically skilled employees, and determine whether or not measures to ensure appropriate recruitment and retention of staff, especially scarce skills, are in place. The study employed a qualitative research approach and used focus groups and interviews as data collection methods. The study revealed that the main reason for exits of technical scarce skilled employees in the Department of Transport is linked to remuneration where the Department of Transport is unable to offer competitive salaries provided by the private sector and municipalities. In addition, frustration around plateauing was highlighted. The study also revealed that the Department has struggled to recruit and retain skilled technical employees for many years due to recruitment and retention strategies that are not competitive. Furthermore, the study revealed that the Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD) determination has had a negative impact on the salary, benefits and career progression of employees where retention mechanisms were noted as not flexible within the OSD. The study recommended that the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) should open discussions on the review of the Occupation Specific Dispensation determination. The study recommended that the recruitment strategy should be flexible regarding remuneration for people with critical skills. In addition, it is recommended that the current recruitment policy needs to be reviewed so that it can accommodate some outstanding issues. In conclusion, the study recommended that future studies be conducted on how the government working conditions for line managers and employees with scarce and critical technical skills should be structured and comparing the government departments’ policy on recruitment and retention with municipalities considering they form one sphere of government.
Impact of influencers on brand performance: a case of Haig Clubman in South Africa.
(2020) Mabuza, Phila Junior Simphiwe.; Zondi, Wellington Bonginkosi.
The aim of this study was to determine the impact of influencers through on the brand performance of Haig Clubman whisky. Influencer marketing is a relatively new concept in marketing and not much information was available to prove its efficacy. The increased allocation of advertising budgets to influencer marketing by brands such as Haig Clubman is what prompted the study. The study used both qualitative and quantitative research approaches. For the qualitative study, the interviewed participants were the Haig Clubman influencers based in different parts of South Africa. Semi- structured interview questions were prepared, and data collection concluded through in- depth interviews. The quantitative part of the study was conducted in one location, a tavern in Khayelitsha, Cape Town. A questionnaire was utilised and there were 117 respondents. The findings of the study showed consistency in both the qualitative and quantitative results respectively. The study revealed that influencer marketing has a positive impact on the performance of Haig Clubman. It also found that when compared to traditional advertising, influencer marketing had a better impact on consumer’s decision to buy Haig Clubman. Furthermore, the study revealed that influencer marketing is even more effective than celebrity endorsements; however, the type of influencer matters and the nano and micro-influencers are the most effective type of influencers. Nano-influencers are those with less than 5,000 followers on social media while micro-influencers are those with less than 10,000 followers.
Impact of the department of small business and development on the performance of small, medium and micro enterprises in Durban, South Africa.
(2018) Ngwenya, Charles Tony Simphiwe.; Zondi, Wellington Bonginkosi.
This inquiry unpacks the challenges constraining the active contribution of the Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME’s) by putting the focus on the role that is played by institutions like the Ministry of Small Business that has been created by the government to support SMME’s. The objective of the study was to find out from the SMME’s the extent to which the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) and other institutions have been able to address the factors that have been identified as hindering the growth of the SMME’s. The review of literature focused on theories such as economic growth, institutional theory, network theory and social entrepreneurship theory. The extent of the literature review examined the emerging markets in terms of the authorities’ handling of the SMME’s performance oriented endeavours and aspirations. The study was conducted in KwaZulu Natal, within eThekwini Municipality. The population of the study comprised of 800 SMME’s of which a sample of 260 was chosen. The research approach that was employed was the quantitative methodology. Data was collected by means of structured selfadministered questionnaire. The results of the study revealed that the majority of SMME’s have never received grants, loans, finances, favourable discounts, and favourable credits. The result of the study revealed that the majority of SMME’s have never received grants, loans, finances, favourable discounts and credits form conventional banks and big companies. Furthermore the majority of the respondents indicated that DSBD has not been able to assist them as it was envisaged it would do. The study showed that the technical support, access to markets, business environment, business climate, competitive business landscape and the external environment in general is not conducive for the SMME’s to thrive. The study revealed that there is stride that DSBD is playing concerning the creations of networks, collaborative partnership and associations although less than 50% indicated so. It is recommended that the financial resources be made more accessible by the SMME’s irrespective of where they are and that the policy-makers must reinforce the laws that compels big companies to spend the 3% of the post-tax profit as the compliant requirement in the support of SMME’s. It is further, recommended that the DSBD should do more in stimulating the Economic Growth Factors on behalf of the SMME’s should facilitate the coordination of different institutions in assisting them not to work silos. . Lastly, the study recommended that the SMME innovation and capacity building, which translate into market opportunities, should be the focal point of attention for the DSBD. The literature review explored various concepts, theories and typologies that influence policy directives that provides stimulus for entrepreneurial activation. Theoretical framework focused on various theories that has levelled the entrepreneurial playing field for the SMME’s to thrive. The research design employed was the quantitative methodology. Data was collected by means of structured self-administered questionnaire. Furthermore, the majority of the respondents indicated that the DSBD has not been able to assist them as envisaged.
Management of adverse events in primary health care clinics in uMgungundlovu health district : nurses’ perspective.
(2015) Khoza, Thembeka Maureen.; Nzimakwe, Thokozani Ian.; Zondi, Wellington Bonginkosi.
The study was conducted in Pietermaritzburg within uMgungundlovu Health District. The main aim of the study was to explore the reasons why nurses fail to implement the available laid down procedures of dealing with adverse events. This was to be achieved by firstly investigating the reasons for poor adverse events, secondly, by investigating whether the available reporting tools are being used, thirdly by identifying the nature of the current management system in place, fourthly by investigating whether the environment within which nurses operate is conducive to effective adverse events management, and lastly by investigating the quality of the existing management plan for dealing with adverse events. The quantitative research approach was used and the research instrument employed was a structured questionnaire comprising forty questions arranged in a Liekert Scale format. The sample size was 213 participants out of a total population of 461. The study found that as much as nurses are orientated on the policy of adverse events management, there is no ongoing training on the management of adverse events. Furthermore the study found that staff is not included in the planning on the management of adverse events and the adverse events management committees are not fully representative of all categories of staff. The findings showed that there is lack of reporting on adverse events and further that the reporting tools are not primary health care orientated. The findings further revealed that there is poor data and information management. The findings also revealed that as much as there is complains mechanism that is in place, the clinics fail to involve the community through the clinic committees on matters of adverse events management Findings also revealed a lack of supervision and oversight role. The staff performance management is not aligned to managing adverse events. Another element is the fact that there is no improvement plan in plan following audits of quality care. The staff members are not even involved to discuss audit results. The study recommends that user-friendly tools that are relevant to primary health care activities be developed to ensure proper reporting. The study further recommends that adverse events should be incorporated in the nurse training programs, especially the Primary Health Care program as well as the in-service training programs. The study also recommends the training of the clinic managers to equip them with skills to be able to conduct monitoring and evaluation, coordination of programs and how to do strategic planning. The study further recommends that the staff performance management on adverse events be not limited to the focal person, but should be part of all healthcare workers. The study also recommends that the International Patient Safety day should be celebrated on a yearly basis and that this should be a key responsibility area of the district quality manager.
Mapping the readiness of the South African insurance institution in the adoption of the retail distribution review legislation: a case study of ABSA Insurance and Financial Advisory, ABSA Bank.
(2016) Mchunu, Rosebud Nondumiso Amandah.; Zondi, Wellington Bonginkosi.
ABSTRACT The Retail Distribution Review (RDR) legislation has commanded the attention of insurance institutions globally from the time it was first introduced in countries like the United Kingdom, United States and others in 2006. While the legislation was introduced with good intentions, the new regulatory atmosphere is likely to modify the distribution setting considerably; an outcome for which all insurers must adequately prepare for. With the introduction of the RDR legislation it is hoped that a refined new world of financial advice would prevail. This study focuses on the readiness towards the implementation of the RDR legislation in South Africa. The research was conducted within ABSA in KwaZulu-Natal Province. A case study of an ABSA division, namely Absa Insurance and Financial Advisory (AIFA) was investigated using a quantitative research method. The population of the study was made up of 96 advisers and they were all expected to attend the quarterly provincial meetings. The questionnaire was used as the data collection technique for this study. The study was conducted during the quarterly provincial meetings in order to access all company advisers in one setting. A total of 73 advisers attended the meeting and all of them participated in the study. The findings from the study revealed that a significant number of advisers are aware of the RDR legislation and what it entails. Based on the findings, the study concluded that, to a large extent, advisers with ABSA are not adequately prepared or ready for the implementation of RDR changes. Furthermore, the study concluded that those advisers who are aware and prepared for the RDR changes achieved this through their individual efforts. The main recommendation of the study is that, there must be a deliberate effort by AIFA not only to make the advisers aware, but to also prepare and make them ready for the RDR changes. To that extent, AIFA must therefore provide a change leader whose main task will be to drive the readiness of advisers for this change.
Perceptions of school principals on the involvement of teacher unions in filling promotional posts in Maphundu Circuit, Umlazi District, KwaZulu-Natal.
(2016) Ndlovu, Prince Lucky.; Zondi, Wellington Bonginkosi.
This study is based on investigating the principals’ perceptions on the involvement of teacher unions in filling promotional posts in schools within Maphundu Circuit, Umlazi District. The rationale behind it was to evaluate the teacher unions’ involvement in the selection processes of educators on the quality of teaching and learning in the above mentioned schools. The study sought to establish the significance of involving teacher unions in filling promotional posts by assessing their roles and responsibilities and how these are executed during selection processes with a view to identify any hindrances and strategies to enhance the quality of teaching and learning in schools. A qualitative research approach and a purposive method of sampling was used in this study. The research was conducted in Maphundu Circuit in Umlazi District which comprises 30 schools. A convenient sample of 10 school principals was selected to participate in the study and an interview schedule was used to collect primary data. The researcher managed to interview all 10 school principals which constituted a 100 percent response rate. The findings of the study revealed that, while the involvement of teacher unions in the filling of promotional posts is required to ensure procedural fairness and to safeguard the interests of educators, it posed serious challenges that could destroy the quality of teaching and learning in schools if left unattended. The study recommends that the Department of Basic Education regain control of the entire education system by introspectively revisiting its legislation, policies and procedures with a view to redefine the roles and responsibilities of the department, school governing bodies and teacher unions.
Understanding the causes for a low success rate of technology- prompted change: a case study of Toyota South Africa.
(2016) Ramsunder, Suven Mohanlal.; Zondi, Wellington Bonginkosi.
Technological advancements are inevitable if a business wants to remain competitive, however, in addition to the multiple benefits there are also numerous difficulties associated with the implementation of new technology and automation. This study delves into the perspective of the semi to low-skilled workers, with the viewpoints of management being investigated to draw a comparison. The research was carried out at Toyota South Africa Manufacturing in Durban, with the respondents comprising of 315 semi to low-skilled workers, and six managers. The semi to low-skilled workers were issued questionnaires, while the managers were interviewed, hence a mixed methodology was used. The literature review provides the basis of the study, which outlines the factors affecting resistance to change. Firstly, the acceptance of technology was assessed to ensure that the respondents were indeed receptive to new technology. Once this was established, the next step was to look at the factors affecting the resistance to change, such as, fear, trust, job wellbeing and self-acceptance. The status quo bias was adopted to bring these factors together to show that, even though the respondents were open to using new technology, if it was not administered correctly the initiatives would fail. The study not only developed a framework that could be incorporated when applying new technology, it also found certain improvements that could be incorporated. Amongst other recommendations, this study put forth the notion that the semi to lowskilled workers should be incorporated into the change process from the inception of the technological advancement processes, with diverse forms of communication being used so as to ensure that the different groups that exist within the company would have a proper understanding of the processes. It also highlighted the perceptions that management had of the employees and the actual insight of the workers. The study concludes with limitations of the study and future research that could be done to enhance the findings.