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College of Law and Management Studies

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Browsing College of Law and Management Studies by SDG "SDG7"

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    The impact of electrical energy theft on revenue collection at Eskom in KwaZulu-Natal Province.
    (2022) Matli, Nontobeko Samukelisiwe.; Chummun, Bibi Zaheenah.
    South Africa’s state-owned company, Eskom has been experiencing a decline in revenue and an increase in non-technical energy losses(NTL). Research has shown that most utilities including those from first-world countries are struggling with non-technical energy losses and have employed advanced technological solutions which are aimed at reducing losses . In this study, the researcher investigates the motives behind energy theft from Eskom KwaZulu-Natal Operating Unit electricity consumers and recommends solutions to eradicate or reduce the NTL . Increase revenue collection by reducing customers that engage in energy theft activities in Eskom KwaZulu-Natal Operating Unit. In the context of this study the perception that electricity is a right, refers to the phenomenon that all energy consumers must be supplied with exceptional power quality, irrespective of whether they are from affluent or less affluent communities. Nonprobability sampling technique was employed to select 60 participants that are directly supplied by Eskom or are Eskom employees based in KwaZulu-Natal. A quantitative research approach was used to investigate the probable cause of increasing non-technical energy losses, and an online survey questionnaire was distributed to the potential participants. The results were divided into three sections section A, section B, and section C. The results were analyzed utilizing the Chi-square test. The results suggest that the increase in non-technical energy losses is attributed to consumers having easy access to the Eskom infrastructure. Most socio-economic groups find electricity tariffs unaffordable and consequently decreasing Eskom’s ability to collect revenue. The result of this study ensuing past research has proven that technological solutions applied in isolation will not address the increasing non-technical losses in utilities. The increase in NTL experienced by Eskom affects the larger masses of South Africa as energy access has a direct correlation to GDP growth and the livelihoods of households. A collaborative approach is needed between Eskom and the government to address the rising pressures induced by NTL, the use of theoretical knowledge in new technologies, reviewing tariff structures, new policies to help reduce energy theft, and joint partnerships between Eskom and the community leaders and strengthening law enforcement.
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    Towards a renewable energy framework for poverty reduction in South African townships: a case of south-west township (Soweto)
    (2023) Gina, Mondli.; Mutambara, Emmanuel.
    Poverty is one of the world’s most fundamental issues negatively impacting livelihoods, with South Africa experiencing high poverty levels. Central to addressing basic human needs towards poverty eradication lies the provision of renewable energy. Poverty can be addressed through access to energy sources that are modern, clean, and affordable. Therefore, energy is necessary for meeting basic human needs and a prerequisite for economic development. The study investigated the ways and extent to which a move towards cheap and clean renewable energy for poor communities contributed towards poverty reduction in an urban context. The purpose of the study was to develop a renewable energy framework for poverty reduction in South African townships, focusing on the Soweto township as a case study. The study employed a mixed research design that included quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative data was gathered from a stratified random sample size of 384 respondents selected from a target population of Soweto residents at Dobsonville neighbourhood. Questionnaires were distributed through electronic mail and self-administered questionnaire. Qualitative data was gathered through interviews from a sample of 15 purposively selected participants. Interviews were analysed using conversational analysis and the data collected from the interviews were merged with the questionnaire data, seeking depth as well as breadth. The thematic analysis was the process used to identify patterns or themes within qualitative data. Data collected from respondents was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The tool utilised to analyse quantitative data was the latest Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The study findings revealed that the implementation of renewable energy technologies in South Africa will help alleviate poverty, improve the socio-economic status of citizens, enhance economic growth and save the environment. The study recommended a framework for clean and affordable renewable energy as a poverty reduction strategy in Soweto township. Further recommendations were that the South African government should provide the citizens with affordable renewable energy equipment, such as solar panels to those that are regarded as poor and provide incentives to those that install solar panels in their household.