Masters Degrees (Graduate School of Business and Leadership)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10413/7378

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Investigating the effectiveness of policies on household water and sanitation debt escalation at eThekwini Municipality.
(2025) Nkosi, Bongiwe Beryl.; Chummun, Bibi Zaheenah.
This qualitative case study examines the effectiveness of local policies in mitigating the growth of household water and sanitation debt in the eThekwini Municipality, South Africa. Based on semi-structured interviews with a highly vulnerable peri-urban resident. Semi-structured interviews will be employed in this study's qualitative research methodology to collect data from key stakeholders of the Water and Sanitation Directorate, as well as residents of eThekwini Municipality. 15 participants who are directly impacted by and/or involved in the implementation of water and sanitation policies were chosen using non-probability purposive sampling. To find important trends and root causes, the data were subjected to a thematic analysis. There is a low level of policy awareness, and access to indigent relief is limited, despite numerous visits to the Sizakala centre and community revelations that there is no work available. The implementation is biased towards punishment, focusing on debt recovery rather than repair, and blocks communication, creates dependency among councillors, and unclear distribution spreads misinformation. Mutual accountability is socio-culturally recognised, but conditional on the investment of municipal infrastructure, which underscores a trust schism. Complemented by the current literature, the results highlight institutional silos rather than noncompliance among the residents as the key sources of debt. According to the findings, the household water and sanitation debt in eThekwini municipality continues to grow despite current policies, due to ineffective implementation, income inequality, a lack of community engagement, and ambiguous policy criteria. Access to support is challenging for residents, underscoring the need for more sustainable, transparent, and inclusive policy approaches. It is recommended that equity-based changes be made to national frameworks to achieve sustainable governance. Weaknesses are the single-interview generalisability that is alleviated by future mixed-methods development. The work contributes to the current research on propoor utility management, where interventions should be holistic in terms of fiscal sustainability and the constitutional realisation of water rights.
Evaluating the potential of electric buses in eThekwini Municipality KwaZulu- Natal public transport network.
(2025) Khubone, Thabane Enocent.; Chummun, Bibi Zaheenah.
This study examines the feasibility of integrating electric buses into the eThekwini Municipality's public transport network in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The research explores the technical, economic, environmental, and policy dimensions of transitioning from diesel to electric buses within a developing urban context. A qualitative case study design was employed, focusing on Go Durban, the city’s main public transport operator. This study involved 20 participants from the eThekwini Municipality's public transport ecosystem, including 7 transport officials, 5 fleet managers, 3 policy experts, and 5 commuters. This diversity ensures a comprehensive understanding of perspectives on integrating electric buses into the public transport network. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, focus groups, observations, and document analysis, and were analysed thematicallyusing Braun and Clarke’s six-phase framework. Findings revealed that while electric buses offer substantial environmental benefits through reduced greenhouse gas emissions and improved air quality, several barriers persist. Technical challenges include limited battery performance under humid and hilly conditions, as well as inadequate charging infrastructure. Economic feasibility is constrained by high capital costs and uncertain funding mechanisms, though long-term savings and employment opportunities offer promise. Environmentally, the benefits are moderated by South Africa’s coal-dependent electricity supply, raising questions about the net reduction in carbon emissions. Policy gaps, fragmented regulatory frameworks, and limited institutional coordination further hinder large-scale implementation. The study recommends targeted incentives, integrated policy reforms, investment in renewable energy-based charging systems, and strengthened public-private partnerships to support the sustainable electrification of public transport. Overall, the research underscores the importance of aligning technological innovation with economic viability, environmental responsibility, and governance readiness to achieve a resilient and sustainable transport future for eThekwini Municipality and similar urban contexts in the Global South.
Impact of strategic management decisions on financial performance: a case study of Clicks Group Limited.
(2026) Musukutwa, Ebinezer Tendaishe.; Dubihlela, Jobo.; Oluwakemi, Adejayan Adeola.
This study investigates the relationship between strategic management decisions and financial performance in South Africa’s regulated retail pharmacy sector, using Clicks Group Limited as a longitudinal case study. As the country’s leading pharmacy-led retail chain, Clicks provides an empirically rich context for evaluating how strategic choices shape firm-level outcomes over time. The study focuses on three core strategic initiatives undertaken by the company between 2015 and 2024: expanding its pharmacy footprint, growing market share, and innovating private-label health and wellness products. The research is theoretically grounded in the Resource-Based View (RBV) and Porter’s (1980) Generic Strategies, enabling analysis of how internal capabilities and competitive positioning interact to influence performance. A quantitative methodological approach was adopted, using audited financial statements, market reports, and regulatory disclosures to construct a ten-year panel dataset. Descriptive trend analysis, correlation testing, and multiple linear regression were used to examine the relationships among strategic decisions and four key financial indicators: Return on Investment (ROI), Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT), average closing share price, and revenue. The findings show that pharmacy expansion was consistently and significantly associated with improvements in EBIT and revenue growth, while market share influenced ROI. Private-label share, while relevant to strategic positioning, did not demonstrate statistically significant effects in adjusted models. These results suggest that strategic growth through scale and market presence exerts a greater measurable influence on financial outcomes than product innovation alone, particularly under conditions of regulatory constraint and price controls. Based on these findings, the study recommends that retail-pharmacy firms operating in regulated environments prioritise strategies that expand pharmacy networks and strengthen market presence, as these initiatives demonstrate the most consistent and measurable impact on operating profitability and revenue growth. Product innovation through private-label development should be positioned as a complementary rather than primary growth strategy, supporting differentiation and customer retention while recognising its more limited direct effect on financial performance under price-controlled regulatory conditions.
Optimizing maintenance strategies through data-driven analysis: case study of a manufacturing company in South Africa Pietermaritzburg.
(2025) Zuma, Sandile Aubrey.; Taylor, Simon.
The increasing complexity of industrial systems and pressure on businesses to achieve operational excellence have made maintenance a strategic function in modern manufacturing. This study examined how data extracted from IBM Maximo can be leveraged in the process of evaluating and optimizing maintenance strategies within a South African manufacturing firm. The research focused on eight key production departments within the organization and analysed historical maintenance data spanning the period 2021 to 2025. The study adopted a quantitative, postpositivist research approach and employed structured methods to extract, process, clean and integrate workflows to transform raw maintenance records into analytical datasets. Descriptive statistics, correlation and regression analyses were applied to uncover the relationships between maintenance activities and asset reliability. The findings revealed significant variations across departments in maintenance workload distribution, work type composition, and asset performance. Preventive maintenance was found to increase breakdowns in the month of execution but demonstrated lagged reliability improvements in subsequent months. At the same time, predictive maintenance was underutilized, resulting in statistically insignificant effects. Corrective maintenance exhibited the most significant immediate impact on breakdown frequency, increasing failures during the month of execution. The study concluded that (Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS) data holds great potential for driving continuous improvement when converted into actionable insights. The observed interdepartmental differences and maintenance behaviour patterns formed the foundation for recommending a targeted approach to reliability enhancement. A data-driven feedback loop is proposed to support maintenance teams in refining task intervals, focusing attention on high-risk assets, and systematically tracking the long-term impact of maintenance interventions.
Exploring perceptions of talent management in the Finance Department at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
(2025) Qwabe, McLord Lungani.; Gerwel, Proches, Cecile Naomi.; Singh, Nikita.
The global Higher Education (HE) sector faces intense competition, rapid transformation, and escalating financial pressures, which make the strategic management of human capital essential for institutional sustainability. Although scholars widely recognise Talent Management (TM) as a key driver of organisational performance, existing research has largely focused on academic staff. This emphasis creates a significant gap in understanding the perceptions and experiences of professional and administrative support staff, particularly within the complex environment of South African higher education institutions. This study addresses this gap by examining the perceptions of professional staff in the Finance Department at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) regarding institutional TM practices. Guided by Inclusive Theory, the study critically evaluates the equity, accessibility, and transformative capacity of these practices. The research adopted a qualitative, exploratory design and draws on semi-structured interviews conducted with a sample of ten senior line management professional staff in the UKZN Finance Department, due to their managerial roles and experience in overseeing staff within the department. Thematic analysis enables an in-depth interpretation of participants’ lived experiences and identifies areas of alignment and misalignment between institutional TM policies and their practical implementation. The findings reveal a dual perception of TM. Participants recognise its benefits, particularly in enhancing departmental productivity through the effective use of institutional knowledge and contextual competence, which they regard as more valuable than external recruitment. Effective TM also strengthens employee retention and commitment by supporting career progression and reinforcing the psychological contract. However, participants highlight systemic challenges, including fragmented digital systems, described as functioning as a “digital filing cabinet”, and rigid career pathways that restrict cross-functional mobility and data-informed decision-making. The study concludes that while UKZN’s TM framework holds strategic value, systemic inflexibility and limited data integration undermine its effectiveness and equitable reach. By foregrounding the perspectives of non-academic staff, the study contributes context-specific insights to TM scholarship and offers practical recommendations to inform more inclusive, flexible, and data-driven TM strategies in South African HE.
The influence of social media on consumer spending behaviour among young adults in Durban, KwaZulu- Natal.
(2025) Mhlarhi, Nyiko Niki Bruce.; Taylor, Simon Michael.
This study has examined the significant impact of social media on consumer spending behaviour among young adults in KwaZulu-Natal. It shows that social platforms are no longer passive communication tools but have become highly active digital marketplaces that blur the line between content consumption and commercial action. Findings indicate that daily social media engagement, especially among Gen Z (those born between 1996 and 2010), increases impulsive purchasing, aspirational spending, and emotional responses to curated influencer content. The use of integrated shopping features, such as Instagram Checkout and TikTok Shop, further reduces barriers to spending. Thematic analysis identified six key factors shaping these behaviours: habitual platform use, Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), influencer trust, platform-specific influence, ad recall, and budgeting challenges. These themes highlight the importance of psychological, social, and technological aspects in understanding youth consumerism in digital contexts. This quantitative cross-sectional study examined the impact of social media on consumer spending behaviour among young adults in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. A structured, self-administered questionnaire was distributed online using non-probability sampling (convenience and snowball), yielding 158 valid responses from participants aged 18–29. The instrument comprised primarily 5-point Likert-scale items measuring social media usage intensity, engagement with brand and influencer content, FOMO, peer influence, platform preferences, ad recall, impulsive and trend-driven spending, and budgeting challenges. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means) to profile usage and spending patterns, and inferential statistics, including chi-square tests and Pearson correlations, to examine associations between social media engagement variables and consumer spending behaviours. Factor analysis and reliability testing (Cronbach’s alpha) were applied to validate multi-item scales. The results show that high daily engagement with social media is significantly associated with increased impulsive purchasing, aspirational spending and emotionally driven responses to curated influencer and promotional content. Integrated shopping features (e.g., Instagram Checkout, TikTok Shop) were perceived as reducing friction in the purchase process, facilitating rapid conversions from exposure to transaction. The analysis further identified six key dimensions underpinning these behaviours: habitual platform use, FOMO-related emotional triggers, influencer trust, platform-specific influence patterns, digital advertising recall, and budgeting difficulties. These findings highlight the combined psychological, social, and technological drivers of youth consumerism in digital environments and underscore the challenges they pose for financial discipline among financially vulnerable groups. The study contributes empirical evidence to digital consumer psychology and social commerce literature in an emergingmarket context and offers practical insights for marketers, regulators, and educators. Recommendations include promoting more ethical, transparent digital marketing practices and developing targeted digital and financial literacy interventions for young consumers in regions such as KwaZulu-Natal. In conclusion, the research confirms that social media plays a significant role in shaping spending habits among young South African adults. The digital environment encourages both intentional and reactive purchasing through emotional, social, and algorithmic influences. The blending of entertainment and commerce creates challenges for financial discipline, especially for youth lacking financial literacy. Practically, this study offers marketers insights into customising content strategies and emphasises the need for regulators and educators to address the growing gap between digital convenience and consumer awareness. Theoretically, it adds to the literature on digital consumer psychology and media-driven decision-making. Future research should include longitudinal studies of spending patterns, examine platform-specific psychological effects, and explore interventions to improve digital budgeting skills in developing regions such as KwaZulu-Natal.
The influence of leadership styles on employee motivation at an automotive manufacturing company in South Africa.
(2025) Govender, Luchen.; Gerwel, Cecile, Proches.
South Africa’s automotive manufacturing industry operates within a demanding environment characterised by global competition, technological change, and strict productivity and quality requirements. In such contexts, employee motivation at operational level is critical to sustained organisational performance, yet limited empirical research has examined how specific leadership styles influence motivation within South African automotive manufacturing organisations. This study investigated the relationship between leadership styles and employee motivation at an automotive manufacturing company in South Africa using a quantitative, cross-sectional research design. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 107 operationallevel employees (from a population of 165) across operational-related functions and analysed using descriptive statistics, reliability testing, and multiple regression analysis. The findings indicate that democratic and transformational leadership styles were most frequently experienced by operational-level employees, while autocratic leadership was reported least often. Overall employee motivation levels were found to be moderate to high. However, when leadership styles were analysed simultaneously and overlapping leadership influences were controlled for, servant/coaching leadership emerged as the only leadership style with a statistically significant unique effect on employee motivation, highlighting its particular relevance within the operational manufacturing context examined. The study contributes empirical evidence from an underresearched South African manufacturing setting and underscores the importance of leadership behaviours that emphasise support, development, and empowerment in sustaining employee motivation and operational effectiveness, while acknowledging the limitations associated with a cross-sectional design and single-organisation focus.
Succession planning as a tool to manage leadership turnover in Historically Disadvantaged Higher Education Institutions in South Africa.
(2023) Ngcobo, Raynolds Thabo.; Bhasela, Yalezo.
Leadership turnover remains a worldwide perennial challenge to institutions of higher learning. Against this background, this to study investigated how Historically Disadvantaged Higher Education Institutions in South Africa use succession planning as a tool to manage leadership turnover, focussing on the management of leadership turnover, establishing current practice in implementing their succession planning policies, analysing how they mediate the tension between succession planning policies and recruitment policies, ascertaining the implications of their succession planning policies and practices for leadership development, and investigating if leadership succession planning is incorporated into their talent management strategies. The descriptive research design was adopted to understand the effect of succession planning on leadership turnover. Qualitative research was conducted to understand and explain the subject matter under investigation. Seven Historically Disadvantaged Higher Education Institutions in South Africa, located in four provinces: Western Cape, Limpopo, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu Natal, were selected for this study. The targeted population was approximately fifty participants, comprising Deputy Vice Chancellors, Registrars, Deans of Faculties and Executive Directors. Using the purposive sampling technique, twelve participants, who constituted the accessible population, were further selected. To collect primary data, semi-structured interviews were used. The data collected was then manually transcribed and analysed using the NVivo, Version 13.0 software, and thematic analysis to generate, organise and report the main and sub-themes emerging from the study. Findings showed that turnover at leadership levels in Historically Disadvantaged Higher Education Institutions could be managed through different strategies including, offering favourable terms and conditions of employment, internal and/or external recruitment, internal promotions, employee training and development, identification of people with potential, leadership involvement, and advance human resource planning. This study provides an in-depth understanding and knowledge of leadership succession planning in the seven Historically Disadvantaged Higher Education Institutions in South African and recommends that they continue to invest and implement in succession planning to manage leadership turnover through customised formalised processes.
The impact of the business acquisition to eliminate factors resulting in employee disengagement at 4Packaging.
(2022) Zungu, Boniwe Akhona Mandisa.; Ngwenya, Charles Tony Simphiwe.; Mashau, Pfano.
Organisations exist in Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity (VUCA). Hence there is a modest expectation that employees will naturally remain engaged without the organisation strategically implementing interventions. More especially in an organisation where there have been recurrent changes in leadership, organisational structure, and organisational culture in a period of fewer than six years such as 4Packaging Africa Durban. These changes could positively or negatively impact employees’ perceptions, behaviour, and performance. Since the previous acquisition, the researcher had observed a growing pattern of disengaged workers before 4Packaging Africa Durban took over the business. With all these changes, there is a need to ascertain whether this behaviour is aggravated by the acquisitions, what factors drive it, and what effects does it have on employees’ level of engagement? Factors identified in the study, which harm employee engagement include lack of communication, consultation, management, unequal treatment, disregarding employees, machines, remuneration, and trust. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact during the acquisition to recommend strategies aimed at eliminating factors that result in employee disengagement. The key assumption of this study is that effective communication during a business acquisition can eliminate factors that result in employee disengagement at 4Packaging Africa Durban. Literature pertinent to employee disengagement and employee engagement was consulted to develop a greater understanding of the theories underpinning employee disengagement concerning a business acquisition. A formal qualitative research approach underpinned by a research tool, in-depth interviews, was employed in this study. As the researcher sought in-depth information from the 4Packaging Africa Durban employees, on the investigated topic. This methodology was appropriate for the research study as a real-world situation was being explored as it unfolds naturally. Data collected from open-ended and repeated in-depth interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. The key findings indicate that 4Packaging Africa Durban employees are disengaged, they value communication during the process of a business acquisition, and they were negatively impacted by the business acquisition. The research findings are critical for eliminating factors that result in employee disengagement during a business acquisition at 4Packaging Africa Durban.
Exploring the role of transformational leadership in overcoming post-coronavirus challenges and building resilience in tourism SMMEs in eThekwini Municipality.
(2025) Maduna, Welcome.; Chummun, Bibi Zaheenah.
This study explores the role of transformational leadership in overcoming postcoronavirus challenges and building resilience in tourism SMMEs in eThekwini Municipality. It aims to understand the role of transformational leadership and resilience in navigating these challenges, focusing on how leadership styles can empower diverse workforce groups and foster organisational resilience. Using a qualitative approach, the research incorporated demographic insights through semistructured interviews with eighteen participants who included SMME leaders, managers, and employees who were purposively sampled. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse interview transcripts and document data. The findings revealed that demographic diversity, structural inequities, and a competitive digital landscape significantly impact SMMEs' operations. The study highlights that adaptive leadership is crucial for empowering teams and enabling them to withstand external pressures, emphasising the importance of tailored support mechanisms for diverse employee needs. Thus, this study recommends that policymakers should enhance financial support for tourism SMMEs. SMME leaders are encouraged to adopt transformational leadership practices that foster adaptability and team cohesion, promote resilience through community partnerships, and implement tailored communication strategies for their diverse workforce. Future research should focus on the long-term effects of digital transformation, the role of inclusive policy frameworks for black-led SMMEs and longitudinal studies to evaluate the effectiveness of resilience-building measures.
Analyzing leadership and management competencies required by management at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
(2024) Sichela, Thobile Penelope.; Chummum, Bibi Zaheenah.
The institutions of Higher Learning find themselves battling several challenges, and the reduced funding from the government due to the global economic crisis has affected these institutions. Higher Learning institutions were also affected by the global pandemic, which meant that the institutions of higher learning had to transform their teaching methods from in-person teaching to online teaching, which has an impact way of teaching going forward. The institutions had to deal with constant student protests, which sometimes resulted in violence. Amongst all these challenges, the institution of learning, University of KwaZulu-Natal, has to find ways to deal with these challenges and remain relevant on the global stage and maintain its ranking status, and reputation. The University of KwaZulu-Natal has been through major changes in the past ten years and is undergoing yet another transformation. This study aims to explore the state of leadership and management competencies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in the context of change and challenges that emerge in the Institute of Higher Learning. A quantitative study was conducted, and six objectives were employed to test whether the institution has suitable leaders and managers to lead the institution to meet its vision, mission, and goals. The study has a population size of 106, with an 84-sample size. The quantitative study was conducted using a descriptive and correlational design, and a random sampling technique was employed in this study. The questionnaire with 43 open-ended questions was posted on the UKZN notice to the University employees. 60 of the leadership and management employees, both academic and professional, participated in this study, resulting in a 71% response rate, with 20% academic management and the other 80% support staff management. The theoretical review was conducted in terms of theories, models, and frameworks to find new theories, gaps, and future studies. SPSS ANOVA statically instrument was used to analyze data, by analyzing the variables’ means, standard deviation, regression, and graphs. The hypotheses were tested through testing t-values and confidence levels to test managers’ competencies through managers' leadership style, trainingand development, management experience and educational background, management barriers, andtechnology leadership. There is a strong positive correlation between the institution leaders' and managers'skills, abilities, and competencies to lead the institution. The study has found that UKZN managers andleaders have the competencies required to manage the institution effectively. The study found gaps inwhether leaders’ and managers' team members found their respective leaders and managers to havecompetitive skills and the ability to manage the institution effectively. The future study recommendationis to test whether the leaders and managers team managers believe their team managers have thecompetencies, skills, and abilities to manage the teams.
Evaluating the Impact of Leadership Styles on Employee Performance: A Case Study of BDP International in KwaZulu-Natal.
(2024) Ndinisa, Nonsikelelo Nonhlanhla Prudence.; Kanyangale, MacDonald.
Leadership is a critical factor influencing organisational success, yet its effects on employee performance remain underexplored at BDP International (Turner Shipping) in KwaZulu-Natal. This exploratory qualitative study investigates the leadership styles at BDP International, which is a logistics and supply company operating in KwaZulu-Natal, and their impact on employee performance. There were ten executive and middle-level managers selected from BDP International in KwaZulu-Natal using a purposive sampling technique who participated in this qualitative study. There is limited research on how leadership styles affect employee performance in KwaZulu-Natal’s logistics sector. This study focuses on BDP International to address this gap and provide context-specific insights. Data were collected from top level executives and managers at BDP International using semi-structured interviews. Interview data were analysed using thematic analysis. First, the results of this exploratory study reveal that the five different themes identified as depicting the predominant leadership styles at BDP International in KwaZulu-Natal are as follow: (1) mixing of transformational, transactional and directing styles; (2) minimal employee involvement in decision-making, (3) pursuit of alignment of the company’s goals and objectives, (4) low fidelity two-way communication between managers and employees, and (5) limited engaging feedback for employee creativity, problem-solving and growth at BDP International. Second, the study has found five themes revealing how leadership styles affect employee performance. Transactional style for employee operational efficiency and performance culture, structured, constructive but irregular feedback not good for continuous employee improvement, driving employee job satisfaction through clarity of goals, structured expectations and rewards, leadership for employee retention and empowering and adaptive leadership to improve employee performance are the themes which depict the effect of leadership style on employee performance. Lastly, three key recommendations highlighted by participants in this study for enhancing and improving leadership practices are (1) Integrated and regular leadership development, (2) leadership development for new growth, and (3) holistic assessment of leadership effectiveness and progression. Future research may explore the long-term impact of leadership development, hybrid leadership styles, diversity, and digital transformation on leadership effectiveness in the logistics sector.
An analysis of capital expenditure for South African ports: trends and stakeholders’ comments.
(2025) Nzimande, Nokulunga Nongcebo.; Chasomeris, Mihalis Georgiou.
This study analyses capital expenditure trends at the South African ports from financial years 2018/19 to 2022/23, with a focus on stakeholders' viewpoints and underlying challenges. Transnet National Ports Authority, a part of Transnet SOC Ltd, oversees the operation and administration of South Africa's eight commercial ports, which play a critical role in facilitating maritime trade. South Africa's strategic location along global trade routes emphasizes the importance of its ports, which are state-owned and administered by Transnet SOC Ltd via TNPA. South Africa's ports are given importance to the national economy and understanding capital expenditure and its implications is critical for improving operational efficiency and competitiveness in the maritime sector. The National Ports Authority is crucial in assuring the proper running of the country's port infrastructure, which is vital for economic progress. The study addresses concerns regarding the effective implementation of capital expenditure in the ports sector, identifying key challenges and exploring possible incentives to improve spending efficiency. The research employs a mixed-method approach, utilizing secondary data from publicly available documents, such as Records of Decision documents, Annual Financial Statements (AFS) available on the Transnet Group, the Tariff Methodology Manuals of the Ports Regulator of South Africa, various tariff applications from TNPA, and feedback from stakeholders on the TNPA tariff application. Additionally, the study employs primary data collected through purposive interviews with four individuals who have been directly involved and have expertise in capital expenditure decision-making processes. The study also examines stakeholder’s concerns and recommendations related to tariff regulations and capital investment strategies. This research contributes to the discourse on port infrastructure investment, offering recommendations for improving capital expenditure processes at NPA. The insights gained from this analysis are intended to inform policymakers and industry stakeholders, fostering a collaborative approach to enhance the effectiveness of capital investments in the port sector. Ultimately, this study highlights the importance of strategic capital expenditure in supporting South Africa's economic growth and its position in the global maritime sector.
Examining the role and sustainability of the Umbumbulu Agri-Hub as a model to support smallholder farmers.
(2024) Motloung, Peacemaker Tumelo.; Chasomeris, Mihalis Georgiou.
The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of an Agricultural Farmers Support Center in KwaZulu-Natal's Umbumbulu Town as a model for helping small-scale farmers in rural areas. The mixed-methods approach was adopted to gather and analyse qualitative and quantitative data to gain an in-depth understanding of the Hub's impact. Quantitative data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires which were distributed to 29 smallholder farmers engaged in the Hub's activities. The investigation employed regression modelling to ascertain significant determinants of farm income, including gender, age, type of farming, and the frequency of Hub visits. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with the Hub's management and municipal officials representatives, while the quantitative data was collected with the open and closed questionnaire that was administered by the research to the Umbumbulu Agri- Hub registered farmers. The results demonstrated that agricultural extension services are widely supported and that the Umbumbulu Agri-Hub has benefited farmers by serving as a channel for providing extension services to smallholder farmers in rural areas. The results indicated that the Umbumbulu Agri-Hub functions on an open-source small-scale business model designed to address the requirements of resource-limited smallholder farmers. The Hub's offerings, encompassing training, subsidised inputs, technical assistance, and market facilitation, have markedly enhanced agricultural yields and quality for most farmers. Regular visits to the hub correlated positively with increased income levels, which highlighted the significance of active participation in its services.
The significance of the small-scale renewable energy market for Eskom.
(2024) Mpanza, Nozipho Innocentia.; Proches, Cecile Gerwel.
Eskom is a state-owned company that has supplied South Africa and the southern African region with electricity for over 100 years. It has been more than ten years since the first ‘load shedding’ occurred in 2008, which intensified between 2019 and 2020. Eskom has been providing electricity at all costs, despite challenges due to commissioning delays and underperformance of new-build generators. These challenges have led to chronic failures of aging generation equipment in the last two years, causing lower-than-optimal economic growth in the country. The Energy Availability Factor, which provides a monthly percentage of available megawatts (MW) from the total fleet, has fallen in the last three years. These challenges form the basis that necessitate a study such as the current investigation, which focuses on alternative measures that Eskom can implement to meet the electricity demand for the country, other than depending on coal-fired generation plants, to increase the capacity of electricity delivered, to improve the availability of installed capacity, and to maintain and increase the customer base. This qualitative study was conducted to examine the significance of the small-scale renewable energy market for Eskom, which can provide alternative electricity sources for customers and improve the organisation’s financial state. Purposive sampling was used to select the 20 participants included in the study, and semi-structured interviews were conducted via MS Teams. The participants comprised Eskom Distribution managerial employees who form part of a small-scale renewable energy project for Eskom. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data collected during the interviews. From the findings, it emerged that participants viewed Eskom’s participation in the small-scale renewable energy market as critical to the country in many ways, in terms of retaining and gaining customers, benefiting stakeholders such as customers, developers, financial institutions, and educational institutions, and ultimately ensuring long-term energy security for the country. The recommendations emanating from the study are that Eskom needs to: 1) ensure that there are plans for distribution network expansion and improvement to accommodate renewable energy sources; 2) reconsider connection costs for renewable energy plants to be more affordable for the customers; 3) ensure that product marketing is intense to attract more customers; and 4) facilitate workforce training for proper execution of work related to the renewable energy market.
An exploration of measures to enhance the financial sustainability of the uMgungundlovu District Municipality.
(2025) Sabela, Nkosikhona Collen Quincy.; Luthuli, Nomkhosi Hlengiwe.; Vilakazi, Blessing Fika Mlondi.
This study investigates the financial sustainability of the uMgungundlovu District Municipality (UMDM), a key component of effective municipal governance in South Africa. The research is guided by four theoretical frameworks: Financial Control Theory, Contingency Theory, Collaborative Governance Theory, and Risk Management Theory. Financial Control Theory underscores the need for sound fiscal management and accountability; Contingency Theory considers the municipality’s adaptability to external pressures such as economic and technological changes; Collaborative Governance Theory emphasizes stakeholder cooperation in addressing complex service delivery issues; and Risk Management Theory highlights the importance of identifying, assessing, and mitigating financial and operational risks to safeguard long-term sustainability. The research examines the root causes of financial instability, including escalating debtor balances, cash flow difficulties, and operational inefficiencies, while proposing actionable strategies to strengthen the municipality’s financial resilience. A convergent one-phase mixedmethod approach was employed, integrating quantitative data from 104 municipal customers with qualitative insights from interviews with 9 municipal officials. This comprehensive methodology enabled a thorough analysis of financial management practices, customer experiences, and operational challenges within UMDM. Key findings indicate that economic constraints, inaccurate billing, and errors in municipal statements significantly hinder customers' ability to pay for services. High tariff rates and insufficient income exacerbate these challenges. Qualitative insights further reveal issues such as aging infrastructure, inconsistent meter readings, and weak enforcement of policies and bylaws as major barriers to financial sustainability. Municipal officials emphasized the importance of strategic leadership, robust governance, and enhanced financial practices to address these challenges effectively. The study concludes that achieving financial sustainability requires a holistic approach. Proactive public engagement, consumer education, and strengthened collaborative governance are essential for fostering stakeholder trust and compliance. Additionally, operational reforms, including modernised infrastructure, improved financial controls, and integrated planning, are critical to ensuring UMDM’s ability to deliver equitable and sustainable services amidst economic and institutional challenges.
An exploration of the restructuring of port governance and economic regulation in South Africa.
(2024) Tsautse, Moeletsi Wiseman.; Chasomeris, Mihalis Georgiou.
Port governance structures and economic regulation are vital to investment, effectiveness, efficiencies, and production. The determining factor is the port management, whether centralized directly under the state as a state-owned entity (SOE), decentralized to local government, or privatized. South Africa has eight commercial ports strategically located along the country’s coastline. Ports facilitate economic growth and recognize the need for an effective and efficient logistics model. Contemporary port reforms dictate that ports either subscribe to a public service port, a tool port, or a landlord port or adopt the public-private partnership approach. However, due to poor management, several governance inefficiencies at the Durban and Cape Town ports have been experienced, triggering operational challenges and negatively impacting economic growth and competitiveness. This study explores the possibility of the restructuring of port governance structure and economic regulation in South Africa. The study uses a qualitative research method. A purposive sampling technique method was followed due to study participants’ industry knowledge and experience. Semi-structured online interviews were conducted for data collection. Due to limited time and resources, only five of the six identified study participants contributed to the study. The data collected was analyzed and coded, and themes were generated using an online thematic analysis tool. Thematic analysis is a method for identifying, analyzing, and reporting patterns (themes) within data collected. The main findings confirmed the need to explore a more effective governance structure model, port pricing, tariff methodology reform, and the need for private sector participation in the marine sector. Therefore, the study recommends that TNPA conduct an assessment and an investigation on amending the legal framework governing ports and the corporatization of NPA for the port regulator of South Africa to focus on regulatory matters that advance port investment and oversight mechanisms. Additionally, the participation of the private sector in the provision of marine services should enhance the economic growth of the region and improve efficiency and competitiveness.
Examining the Role of Digital Transformation Within Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa’s Manufacturing Facilities.
(2025) Ntuli, Hloniphani.; Majola, Xoliswa Priscilla.
This study examines the impact of digital transformation on operational efficiency, employee productivity, and job satisfaction within Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa’s (CCBSA) manufacturing facilities. The research examines the economic, social, legal, and environmental implications of adopting digital technologies in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) manufacturing sector. Using a quantitative research approach, structured surveys were administered at four key manufacturing sites: Phoenix, Premier, Elgin, and Lakeside. Stratified random sampling ensured representation from frontline workers, managers, and control and automation specialists. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Cronbach’s alpha for internal reliability, and correlation analysis to determine key relationships between digitisation and performance indicators. The findings reveal that digital transformation at CCBSA has led to significant operational improvements, including enhanced workflow, reduced production downtime, and increased employee satisfaction. Respondents noted that digital tools streamlined operations, enhanced communication, and improved consistency across manufacturing processes. A moderate positive correlation was found between the costs of implementing digital systems and longterm cost savings, supporting the economic viability of digitisation investments. However, the study also identifies critical challenges, particularly concerns over job displacement due to automation and the need for ongoing upskilling to manage more complex digital systems. These insights underscore the importance of human-centred change management strategies, including comprehensive training, transparent communication, and incentives to support workforce adaptability. The study contributes to both academic literature and industry practice by offering evidencebased recommendations to guide successful digital transformation in manufacturing. It emphasises that addressing employee concerns and fostering a supportive organisational culture are essential for achieving sustainable digital integration. Future research is recommended to explore the longitudinal effects of digitisation and the role of leadership in navigating these transformations.
The impact of public procurement on business success of small micro medium enterprises: case of Greater Kokstad Municipality.
(2025) Mhlongo, Fezile Leeroy.; Chummun, Bibi Zaheenah.
Small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa are struggling to survive. However, improving their success rate in public procurement will significantly enhance their business growth and success. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of public procurement on the success of SMMEs within the Greater Kokstad Municipality (GKM). The aim was to gain a deeper understanding of how effective public procurement can be in assisting SMMEs in becoming successful businesses that can contribute to the local economy. The study employed a qualitative research method, utilizing a case study design. Twelve (12) participants were selected for the study, which consisted of municipal officials and local SMMEs. In-depth semi-structured interviews served as the primary data collection method to gain a comprehensive understanding of the impact of public procurement on the business success of local SMMEs. Qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis. The thematic analysis was conducted on the information received from interview transcription. The study findings revealed that public procurement in the GKM can enhance the profitability of local SMMEs and contribute to building their reputation and experience. However, several barriers such as limited access to finance, competition from larger firms, delayed payments, lack of transparency and corruption continue to hinder the growth and success of SMMEs within the GKM procurement system. Although government policies do exist to support and develop SMMEs in public procurement, their effective implementation remains a challenge in supporting local SMMEs in the GKM, as these policies lack practical support to address the needs of these enterprises. The study highlights the need for a more pragmatic approach to supporting local SMMEs, including strengthening training programs, improving access to finance, having more inclusive procurement measures and greater transparency within the procurement process. The outcome of the study contributes to a broader understanding of the dynamics of local SMMEs operating within the public procurement market. The findings collectively enhance knowledge on SMME development and public sector reform, while also enriching the existing literature on public procurement, small business growth, and local economic development. It bridges theory and practice in promoting inclusive growth, opening opportunities for future research aimed at improving procurement systems to better support local enterprises.
Analysing the impact of recruitment challenges on hiring efficiency at Scribante Labour Consultants, a case study.
(2024) Nonyongo, Lwandile Banele.; Chummun, Bibi Zaheenah.
Private Employment Agencies significantly contribute to reducing unemployment in South Africa, yet challenges in agency work persist. This study explores the recruitment challenges at Scribante Labour Consultants, a private employment agency, focusing on two business models: Temporary Employment Services and Labour Consultants. Temporary Employment Services involves outsourcing employees to other companies, while Labour Consultants retain compensation management and Human Resources related responsibilities. Additionally, the study contextualises Agency Work, a prominent international model. A literature review examined International Labour Organization Conventions, Temporary Employment Services, and South African labour laws, with Agency theory framing the research. Employing a quantitative approach, the study utilised probability sampling and cluster sampling criteria. Surveys were administered to Scribante Labour Consultant associates, including Automotive Investment Holdings Mahindra Logistics, Toyoda Gosei South Africa, and Toyota Tsusho Africa. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (V23) and descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed challenges in stakeholder representation, with organisations like Confederation of Association in the Private Employment Sector earning high trust while others, such as Information Technology Association and Contact Centre Management Group, faced lower engagement. Scribante Labour Consultants aligned well with International Labour Organization standards on minimum wages and collective bargaining but exhibited gaps in areas like freedom of association, social security, and maternity protection. Recommendations include enhancing stakeholder engagement, improving communication, and aligning practices with International Labour Organization Convention (No. 181). Integrating online and traditional recruitment strategies, addressing mismatches in candidate qualifications and roles, and refining maternity protection policies are essential for Scribante Labour Consultants to improve service delivery and strengthen its position in the private employment sector.

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