Management and Commerce Departments

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Open Access
A framework fo the application of the Fourth Industrial Revolution in improving the service quality of tertiary institutions in South Africa
(2024-09-06) Patala, Najiyabanu Noormohmed; Kadyamatimba, A.; Munyoka, W.
With the capability of re-shaping the global economy, 4IR necessitates countries to keep up with technological innovations that require most sectors within a country to be restructured drastically. Tertiary institutions are therefore required to transform the delivery of higher education services to the next generation with a seamless combination of skills and knowledge set. Thus, quality measures must be redefined in the context of 4IR. However, very few studies have attempted to define and measure quality from a 4IR perspective and lack frameworks addressing 4IR-based quality improvement solutions. This study investigated how 4IR can be applied within the context of tertiary institutions for improving service quality following a positivist paradigm. A quantitative research design was adopted to obtain an understanding of the 4IR stances and quantitative data was collected through questionnaires to gain an idea of the student and staff members' perceptions of 4IR service quality. The participants were sampled from the University of Venda’s population of students and staff. A quantitative method for data analysis was employed through statistical analysis using SPSS software. The findings of the study identified challenges that inhibits and benefits that could promote a 4IR-based quality of service environment. The study found that 4IR-based quality planning plays a significant role in quality of teaching and learning management. 4IR technologies were perceived to be useful as respondents had some form of awareness. Factors such as 4IR-based institutional responsiveness, empathy and assurance were significantly shown to measure service improvement. Based on the findings, a framework for implementing a 4IR service quality improvement in the teaching, learning, and research context was developed and validated. This study contributed to addressing how best tertiary institutions can implement 4IR by assessing their readiness levels. The Framework will assist tertiary institutions in gathering knowledge of the policies, strategies, and governance mechanisms required for supporting 4IR initiatives while providing guidance to understand quality 4.0 issues. It is recommended that tertiary institutions redesign their technological pedagogies to keep up with the demands of current educations needs and quality standards.
Open Access
A framework for integrating adaptive assistive technologies in inclusive education: A case study of the Disability Unit of the University of Venda
(2024-09-06) Macheque, Vhutshilo; Kadyamatimba, A.; Ochara, N. M.
Integrating Assistive Technologies in inclusive education can enable the academic engagement of students living with disabilities and be transformative from a psychological perspective. However, the success of this endeavour in disadvantaged rural South African universities remains a surmountable challenge due to factors militating against this noble idea. The aim of the study was to conceptualise a framework for integrating assistive technologies in inclusive education at a South African rural university where many students are living with disabilities. The study employed Technology-Task Fit, a variance theory, and DeLone Maclean Information Systems Theory, a process theory as a theoretical underpinning. This study adopts a pragmatism perspective and used an explanatory sequential mixed method design in which quantitative data was collected using an online questionnaire from a convenience sample of seventy-one participants, and the qualitative data was collected from a purposive sample of five participants using face-to-face interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) Version 29, and results were presented as descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and chi-square test. Qualitative data were analysed thematically using Atlas ti23. The study found that several factors influenced the integration of assistive devices, but the lack of a proper framework, policies, or guidelines was the most influential. Five requirements for developing the framework were moderating factors, procurement strategies, training strategies, funding strategies, and ATs integration strategies. There was a strong and significant positive association between the requirements at p < 0.010 and other demographic characteristics and factors mitigating the integration of assistive devices in inclusive education. From the study, a Framework for Integrating Assistive Technology in Inclusive Education (IAATIE) was developed based on the requirements and best practices documented in journal literature. IAATIE was validated as relevance and acceptance using content (requirements), relevance, and acceptance by most of the reviewers and validators. The academic contribution of the study was the framework for Integrating Assistive Technologies in inclusive education at the university, which encouraged coordinated efforts from various key players, including students who have been previously ignored. The study recommends the implementation of a IAATIE framework for inclusive education.
Open Access
A Sense-making Perspective of Algorithmic Accountability during Infodemics
(2024-09-06) Ramaru, Rifhiwa Rodney; Munyoka, Willard; Ochara, Nixon Muganda
During the pandemic era, enormous amounts of data were available to decision-makers. Much of the data was generated using algorithms in which people did not want to be held accountable for any wrong/false information (misinformation) that was being provided to the public, either on internet websites, social media or television and radios. Algorithmic Accountability examines the process of assigning responsibility for harm when algorithmic decision-making results in discriminatory and inequitable outcomes. Mis-and disinformation about science, technology, and health is neither new nor unique to the COVID-19 era. Amid an unprecedented global health crisis, many journalists, policy makers, and academics have echoed what World Health Organisation has stressed that misinformation about the pandemic presents a serious risk to public health and public action. The biggest challenge is that this misinformation or fake news is drowning official public health advice on COVID-19, making it extremely problematic for the voices of healthcare professionals to be heard; the implications of this may be enormous as it may cause the virus and other pandemics to spread more rapidly within diverse populations. The purpose of this study was to establish the extent of Misinformation during Infodemics, to address the lack of Algorithmic Accountability. A mixed-methods approach was used as the topic required a purposeful mixing of methods in data collection, data analysis, and interpretation of the evidence. The key word is ‘mixed’; this explains that an essential step in this approach is data linkage or integration at appropriate stages in the research process. The researcher used Spyder Python for extracting data from the Twitter API and then used Feedly which is a news aggregator application for various web browsers and mobile devices running iOS and Android; this procedure is also available as a cloud-based service. Python was used to compile news feeds from a variety of online sources for the researcher to customize and share with others; after filtering for the Covid-19 Tweets there were 21 of 508 records. The analysis suggests that misinformation about COVID-19 comes in many different forms, from many different sources, and makes many different claims. The process of misinformation often rearranges existing or accurate content relatively than formulated on a large scale, and where it is manipulated, it is edited with simple tools. Given the breadth of the pandemic, independent media and actions by platforms and others played a vital role in addressing virus-related misinformation. Government websites and the World Health Organization (WHO) can help sort false from true material, and accurate from misleading assertations. With running topic modelling for the data consisting of 21 of 508 tweets, topic modelling provided a way to compress the big data qualitative phase of the research.
Open Access
A support framework of enhancing business performance of ruaral SMME's in the Limpopo Province, South Africa
(2024-09-06) Razwiedani, Khathutshelo Collins; Chiliya, Norman; Nkondo, Livhuwani G.
South Africa's aspiration for inclusive growth and development acknowledges the pivotal role of small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) given the country's pervasive unemployment and poverty rates, particularly in rural regions. Since the inception of democracy in 1994 with the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) to the present National Development Plan: Vision 2030, the focal point of South Africa's developmental endeavours has been the alleviation of poverty and inequality. This study aimed to devise a support framework to enhance the performance of SMMEs in the rural expanse of Limpopo Province, South Africa, while also fostering entrepreneurship expansion. Its primary objectives encompassed identifying the determinants affecting rural SMME performance, crafting a conceptual framework to bolster it, utilizing empirical research outcomes to formulate recommendations, and drawing conclusions to augment SMMEs' performance in Limpopo. Additionally, the study proffered actionable insights for stakeholders, including policymakers and entrepreneurs, to ensure the sustained viability of SMMEs in rural South Africa. Employing a quantitative research design aligned with the educational positivist paradigm, the study collected data from 377 entrepreneurs through questionnaires. A Convenience Sampling method was employed. Validity and reliability were ensured through exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach alpha coefficients determination. Pearson's correlation coefficient tests were employed to discern relationships among independent variables. The resultant path model addressed prevalent challenges confronting rural small businesses, proposing a roadmap for enhancing their operational performance.
Open Access
Agricultural technology's effect on entrepreneurship: a case study of the Mopani District Municipality in the Limpopo Province, South Africa
(2023-10-05) Mangena, Mokgadi Lucy; Nkondo, L. G.; Nemushungwa, A.
Traditionally, agriculture was considered a low-tech industry with limited technical dynamics. As modernisation engulfed human kind, changes to the agricultural sector occurred, spearheaded by economic liberalisation. Economic liberalisation helped to reduce the sector’s protection. These changes brought new entrepreneurial players into the sector, in addition to innovation and portfolio entrepreneurship. Despite these positive changes, the agricultural sector faces entrepreneurship challenges. A lot of these situational challenges are widely publicised in literature but not much has been written about agricultural entrepreneurship. This study, therefore, brings a new dimension to the entrepreneurship field of research. That is, the need for a study about the agricultural technology’s effects on entrepreneurship is long overdue. Against this backdrop, this study investigated the agricultural technology’s effects on entrepreneurship in the Mopani District Municipality. The study adopted a qualitative approach with a sample of ten participants using purposive sampling. Interpretive paradigm was used to underpin the study. Data was collected through interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. The study found that agricultural technology provides unparalleled benefits to farmers despite negative consequences associated with its use. The study recommends that farmers should familiarise themselves with the new agricultural technology’s effects on their trade before embracing it. Policy makers are encouraged to formulate appropriate policies that would help to develop the farmers’ knowledge and skills about agricultural technology.
Embargo
An exploration of Small, Medium Enterprises (SMEs) owners’ preparedness towards the risk of natural disasters within the Limpopo Province: a case of Vhembe District Municipality
(2025-09-05) Masenya, Mapitsi Paulinah; Nkondo, L. G.; Khohomela, N. T.
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are considered as the engine of growth for every country’s economy. These enterprises are estimated to be the major employer within the South African economy and contributes approximately 40 percent to the gross domestic product (GDP) of the country. SMEs are perceived as the main drivers of poverty reduction, employment, economic growth, and wealth generation, hence are vital for a marketplace to be profitable and competitive. Regardless of the significance of SMEs on the country’s economic growth, literature has mainly ignored investigating the preparedness of SMEs owners towards the risk of natural disasters. Several available studies concentrated mainly on the challenges that SMEs come across in their businesses because of natural disasters thus threatening these enterprises’ business continuity and performance. Hence, it is an opportunity for this study to address the gap based on the above literature. The purpose of this study was to investigate the SMEs owners’ preparedness towards the risks of natural disasters within Thulamela and Makhado Local Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Furthermore, a qualitative research approach was employed with a sample of 10 participants; purposive sampling was used to select the sample who share similar characteristics, experiences, and sentiments. Semi-structured interview guides were used to conduct face-to-face interviews to gather data. After collecting data, the transcription of data was done using Microsoft word, then the transcribed data was analysed using thematic analysis through ATLAS.ti version 8 software. The findings of this study have shown that there is plethora strategies implemented to prepare to overcome risks of natural disasters in Thulamela and Makhado Local Municipality, therefore strategies revealed were investment in insurance, emergency financial funds, employee training and use of digital tools. The current study was limited solely to SMEs operating within two Local Municipality, namely Thulamela and Makhado Local Municipality and dependent only on the views and experiences of participants. The researcher recommended that SMEs should establish disaster awareness workshops and training to instil knowledge to other SMEs and large enterprises from other Municipalities or districts. It is advisable that a similar study be conducted in other districts using quantitative or mixed research approaches to gain a holistic understanding about the differences or similarities that may exist.
Embargo
An Exploration of the Effects of Solar Water Heaters on Selected Households in Thulamela Local Municipality: Challenges and Benefits
(2025-05-16) Sikhitha, Fhatuwani Robert; Nemushungwa, A.; Nkondo, L. G.
South Africa has abundant coal supplies, so electricity costs are significantly lower than in other countries, albeit the advantage of lower energy costs is slowly being eroded. The low electricity costs have l ed to the widespread use of appliances that almost exclusively utilizes electricity, including heating water through conventional electric geysers. Electric geysers account for an ything between 25% and 40% of average household s monthly electricity bi ll th is cost can be prevented through the use of Solar Water Heaters (SWH), given South Africa s high solar radiation levels. SWH has high initial costs compared with conventional electric geysers; however, they have short buyback periods which is furth er reduced whenever electricity tariffs escalate. Moreover, they have a relatively long lifespan of around twenty to twenty five years, which implies that if households can switch from conventional geysers to SWH s , they can essentially enjoy hot water for free for the remaining lifespan of the SWH s , thus ensuring significant financial savings and potential additional funds for household expenditures. Switching to SHW , potentially confers socio economic, environmental, and health benefits to households.
Embargo
An Exploration of the Effects of Solar Water Heaters on Selected Households In Thulamela Local Municipality: Challenges and Benefits
(2025-05-16) Sikhitha, Fhatuwani Robert; Nemushungwa, A. I.; Nkondo, L. G.
South Africa has abundant coal supplies, so electricity costs are significantly lower than in other countries, albeit the advantage of lower energy costs is slowly being eroded. The low electricity costs have l ed to the widespread use of appliances that almost exclusively utilizes electricity, including heating water through conventional electric geysers. Electric geysers account for anything between 25% and 40% of average household s monthly electricity bill this cost can be prevented through the use of Solar Water Heaters (SWH), given South Africa s high solar radiation levels. SWH has high initial costs compared with conventional electric geysers; however, they have short buyback periods which is further reduced whenever electricity tariffs escalate. Moreover, they have a relatively long lifespan of around twenty to twenty five years, which implies that if households can switch from conventional geysers to SWH s , they can essentially enjoy hot water for free for the remaining lifespan of the SWH s , thus ensuring significant financial savings and potential additional funds for household expenditures. Switching to SHW , potentially confers socio economic, environmental, and health benefits , to households.
Embargo
An exploration of the factors that contribute to hybrid entrepreneurship sustainability: A case of City of Tshwane Municipality, Gauteng in South Africa
(2025-09-05) Makhuba, Appriciate Thikhedzo; Nkondo, L. G.; Zindiye, S.
The concept of hybrid entrepreneurship was previously classified as either professional labour or self-employment to an extent that it was regarded as an act of “double-dipping”. On contrary it now stands at a forefront as a mechanism that generate supplementary income. However, the phenomenon of hybrid entrepreneurship has not been fully studied, as the most common studied aspects relates to the benefits of hybrid entrepreneurship, and its transitory decision notion. Thus, it has left a knowledge gaps pertaining to challenges of hybrid entrepreneurship and sustainability strategies. Therefore, in this context, the present study has investigated the factors contributing to the establishment of hybrid entrepreneurship, challenges of hybrid entrepreneurship and sustenance strategies thereof. To conduct the study in appropriate to meaningful conclusion the researcher has adopted the methodological assumption, guided by interpretivism paradigm, which led to the adoption of a qualitative research approach. This has enabled the researcher to gain an in-depth understanding of human behavior, and experience shared by hybrid entrepreneurs. As a result, this study was piloted with two participants before commencing with the main data collection process which entail 16 more participants. The pilot study was done to expose the researcher to the data collection process and to improve the questioning and probing skills of the researcher. Furthermore, thematic analysis process was adopted to deduce the meaning behind the participants’ words and experiences, with the use of ATLAS.ti. software to analyse data, code and develop themes. The findings showed that individuals are compelled to venture into hybrid entrepreneurship out of financial necessity, passion, gaps in employment and career enhancement opportunities (promotions). Also, it was found that the professional industries play a vital role in empowering hybrid entrepreneurs through equipping them with the knowledge and skills; also, family support and motivation, and community and social issues are also influential towards the establishment of hybrid entrepreneurship. Furthermore, the results have also shown, that hybrid entrepreneurs face difficulties with the management of time, overwork and fatigue, financial constraints, client mistrust and reliability issues - which hampers market and business operations. Therefore, in order for hybrid entrepreneurs to overcome these at some point they had to use their salaries to finance side- businesses; they normalise executing business tasks after working hours or in their free time. Also, they transfer the knowledge and skills across both spheres. They further eliminate untrusted clients and maintain a robust clientele that is profitable to the business, which helps to maintain the clientele, and sustain their businesses. This study is amongst the first to provide sustainable strategies towards guiding hybrid entrepreneurs to ensure survival. The study has further contributed to a reliable and comprehensive knowledge of this phenomenon through investigating challenges of hybrid entrepreneurship and the factors contributing to its establishment. Thus, it has enabled the identification of new factors, in addition to the established ones like financial supplement and passion. The recommended strategies for survival have opened a knowledge gap for future researchers, on the impact of hybrid entrepreneurship on economic growth, because when a business is sustained and generates income, it is likely to have an impact on economic growth. The study suffered from time constraints as it was supposed to be completed within a specific period but was delayed.
Open Access
An investigation into the challenges facing municipalities in women empoernment: a case study of Ward 2 in Thulamela Municipality
(2012-05-22) Mamidze, Azwidali Alfred; Khwashaba, M. P.
This study was intended to investigate the challenges facing municipalities in women empowerment. The investigation was done on the selected individuals from both Thulamela municipality and ward 2 in Thulamela. The sample was drawn from the population using the purposive and systematic random sampling methods. Sixty five respondents were chosen as follows: four managers and twenty employees in Thulamela municipality, Fourty women under ward 2 in Thulamela and finally the ward 2 Councillor in Thulamela municipality. A single instrument for data collection was used. A questionnaire in (Appendix A) was handed out to concerned people. The analysis of data was mostly qualitative and based on relevant frequencies of response. SOME OF THE MAIN FINDINGS OF THIS STUDY WERE: • The majority of the respondents agreed that women were employed in low paid jobs during apartheid era. • It has been confirmed by 92,3% of the respondents when they agreed that gender equity act and policies created more jobs opportunities for the previously disadvantaged groups of women in particular. • Most of the respondents indicated that more women are employed in more decent jobs in democratic era than in apartheid period. • There are currently more projects that are established to empower women. • Majority of the respondents indicated lack of education as an obstacle to women empowerment. •Education for girls will promote women empowerment • Most of the respondents disagreed that uneducated women are recognized in women empowerment. • Most of the respondents disagreed that majority of the ward Counselors are women. • Combination of family and gender roles hamper women empowerment, this has been confirmed by 63,1% of the respondents. RECOMMENDATIONS As a result of the findings and conclusion, it has been realized that so many problems regarding challenges facing municipalities in women empowerment need to be addressed. The following are some of the recommendations made out of those findings. • Women need to be employed to top management positions and in more decent jobs through Affirmative action. • Gender equity act and policies must be implemented by both public and private sectors for more jobs creation as women empowerment. • Government should go on providing more projects aimed at women empowerment. • Women must also be given tenders for their economic stability. • There to be are educational programmes like ABET that need provided to women as they were previously disadvantaged in education. • Government should have campaigns aimed at discouraging teenage pregnancies.
Embargo
An investigation of the challenges of the Reconstruction Development Programme in the provision of low-cost houses: A case of Makhado Local Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa
(2025-05-16) Bonyane, Fulufhelo; Nekhavhambe, M. M.; Maemu, E.
The study focuses on the challenges facing Makhado Local Municipality in the provision of RDP houses. Housing plays a major role in the lives and development of citizens. Access to adequate housing is a basic human right. Delivery of houses satisfies the basic needs of the people, and houses were provided with the intention to completely destroy the apartheid. The provision of housing has remained a big challenge among the poorest communities. The study used a convergent parallel mixed method approach, which consists of qualitative and quantitative approaches. The reason for choosing this method is that it can be combined in such a way that quantitative and qualitative mixed methods retain their original structures and procedures. To achieve the objective of the study, non - probability sampling and its sub-type, the purposive sampling method were used by the researcher to select the samples. Interviews and questionnaires were utilised to collect data. Data collected through the questionnaires was analysed through: International Business Machinery (IBM): Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) latest version and the information was presented using graphical tabular form, frequencies and percentages. The data collected through interviews was analysed through thematic analysis and presented in narrative form. The Major findings of the study are:  The Municipality does not have enough financial and human resources to provide RDP houses  There is no transparency and fairness in the provision of RDP houses,  The Municipality does not interact with the community to ensure the effective provision of RDP houses.  Community members are not aware of the matters related to the delivery of RDP houses. The following recommendations are therefore made based on the findings of the study:  The researcher recommends that there must be enough financial and human resources for the provision of RDP houses,  Training should be provided to municipal officials so that they can know their responsibilities in the provision of RDP houses,  The study recommends that there should be transparency and fairness in the provision of RDP houses,  The study recommends that the Municipality should fully interact with the community to ensure the effective provision of RDP houses
Open Access
Analysis of Financial Literacy amongst University of Students: A Case Study of the University of Venda
(2018-05-18) Mudzanani, Ronewa Victor; Gyekye, A. B.; Dafuleya, G.
This study assesses the level of financial literacy and its impact on financial decision making exercised by the tertiary students in South Africa, using the University of Venda (Univen) as a case study. The study does this in three steps. First, it provides the financial literacy levels of students at Univen assessed through an evaluation score that the sampled students responded to. Second, it analyses the relationship between the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of students and their financial literacy levels. Third, it assesses the possible effects of financial literacy on financial decision making among students using correlation and regression analysis. The study uses primary data gathered by the author from the University of Venda registered students in the form of questionnaires. A stratified random sampling method was used to identify the students to form the sample of the study, which is 373. Percent slightly above 50 per cent of these students were found to be financially literate and there were more female students who were financially literate compared to male counterparts. Using the odds ratios, the study compared the financial literacy levels of all schools to the school of Management Sciences, respectively. Only students in Environmental Sciences and Law have higher literacy levels, which are statistically significant, compared to the students in the school of Management Sciences. The results also show that the age and the parent’s educational background have a statistically significant relationship with the student being financial literate. Furthermore the results indicate that there is a statistically significant relationship on good financial decision making (that is, budgeting, savings and investments) and being financial literate, compared to being financial illiterate. This result is not true when borrowing is used as a measure of financial decision making.
Open Access
An analysis of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and entrepreneurship in South Africa: opportunities and challenges
(2023-05-19) Ngomana, Tshembo; Nkondo, L. G.; Nemushungwa, A. I.
Africa and the rest of the world have witnessed plethora of changes in the way we do things, by the introduction of the fourth industrial revolution. This is not just true for the way people live, for the fourth industrial revolution has also impacted the manner in which businesses operate and perform. Its introduction presented changes, challenges and opportunities on the operations of small businesses; these have not been sufficiently tested in the body of knowledge. It is against this background that this study investigates the changes, challenges and opportunities brought by the 4IR on entrepreneurship with special focus on small businesses. The study was guided by the radical humanists‘ paradigm, the phenomenological design and the qualitative research method. Data was collected from 10 small business owners purposively sampled from Gauteng at the Ekurhuleni Local Municipality and Mpumalanga at Bushbuckridge Local Municipality. A structured interview guide was used to collect data through face-to-face interviews while an audio recorder and a notebook were used to capture the responses of the participants. The collected data was transcribed using Microsoft Word version 26 and analysed thematically. Results indicate the fourth industrial revolution applicable technologies, potential changes, challenges and opportunities facing small businesses and entrepreneurship. The value of this dissertation is that it is among the first studies contributing towards understanding of the changes, challenges and opportunities presented by the 4IR to small businesses and entrepreneurship in South Africa. The scope of the study was restricted to Bushbuckridge Local Municipality and Ekurhuleni Local Municipality; therefore, findings might not be generalisable to other areas in South Africa, to the rest of Africa or other developing countries/emerging economies. There is an opportunity to conduct similar study with other municipalities in other provinces in South Africa to gain different views. The researcher recommended that entrepreneurs should search for more information from relevant and reputable sources in order to avoid misinformation and misunderstandings as well as enrolling on 4IR education and skills programme and policymakers should implement necessary tech-related policies that will work towards providing adequate tech-support to small businesses.
Open Access
Application of Deep Neural Networks in Forecasting Foreign Currency Exchange rates
(2022-07-15) Nemavhola, Andisani; Chibaya, Colin; Ochara, N. M.
The global foreign currency exchange (Forex) market is regarded as one of the most important financial markets in the world, with daily transactions exceeding $4 trillion. In financial market research, forecasting currency rates is a crucial problem. Forex is notorious for being very volatile and difficult to forecast. In this study, we investigated the use of deep learning approaches in forex forecasting and compared the success of the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model to the performance of AutoRegressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) and Support vector regression (SVR) when predicting forex rates of US Dollar (USD) pair with South African Rand (ZAR) using daily timeframe data obtained from the Metatrader trading platform. The LSTM outperformed the SVR and ARIMA models according to MSE data. The LSTM is typically good for predicting USDZAR speeds, although being surpassed by the ARIMA model when the Mean Absolute Error (MAE) was assessed.
Open Access
Application of ethics in the provision of municipal services in Makhado Local Municipality
(2024-09-06) Matodzi, Tshifhiwa Rejoyce; Munzhedzi, P. H.; Sethu, M. J.
Access to basic municipal services is a major challenge in South Africa. Section 152 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, makes provision for municipalities to deliver basic services to their local communities. Local government plays an important role in ensuring that communities are provided with basic services. Research has shown that South Africa is experiencing challenges in providing basic services. This study focused on the application of ethics in the provision of municipal services in Makhado Local Municipality. The study was conducted at Makhado Local Municipality in Limpopo Province, South Africa. This study aims to evaluate the application of ethics in the provision of municipal services at Makhado Local Municipality and suggest recommendations on how to eradicate challenges regarding basic municipal services. The researcher utilised a mixed research method in which both qualitative and quantitative methods were adopted. A sample of 284 participants consisting of traditional leaders, selected community members, municipal staff members, and ward councillors was selected using probability sampling and non-probability sampling techniques. The instruments used to collect data were questionnaires and interview schedules. The quantitative and quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis respectively. The main findings of this study indicate that the application of ethics has not significantly contributed to the improvement of municipal service delivery at Makhado Local Municipality. The main recommendations based on the findings are that decision-making on basic municipal services should be centred on ethics and that the municipality should aim to solve community issues in a sustainable manner rather than just following protocol.
Open Access
An appraisal of the efficacy of selected macrotourism policies of South Africa
(2009-09-08) Zembani, Pamela Edna; Steyn, P. E.
Embargo
Asian Tigers Model as a strategy to achieve a developmental state in South Africa: a case of Thulamela Local Municipality
(2025-05-15) Mulaudzi, Witnes; Maemu, E.; Zitha, H. E.
This study sought to evaluate the Asian Tigers Model as a strategy to achieve a developmental state in South Africa, with specific reference to Thulamela Local Municipality. The term "Asian Tigers" refers to East Asian countries such as South Korea, Taiwan, China, and Singapore, which achieved rapid economic growth and industrialization from the 1960s onwards. These nations implemented key elements of the Asian Tigers Model, including export-oriented industrialization, strong government intervention, investment in education and technology, and strategic trade policies. By examining the historical context and unique challenges facing South Africa, this study aimed to evaluate the applicability of the Asian Tigers Model to South Africa’s development trajectory. The analysis considered the potential benefits, challenges, and adaptations necessary for successful implementation, highlighting lessons learned and policy implications for fostering sustainable economic development in South Africa. In this study, the researcher employed a mixed research methodology, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The motive behind using the mixed method was to enhance validity by providing deeper understanding through qualitative insights and broader coverage via quantitative data, resulting in more comprehensive and reliable conclusions. To achieve the study's objectives, non-probability sampling and its sub-type, purposive sampling, were used by the researcher to select samples. For data collection, two methods were employed: a structured questionnaire and interviews. The data collected through the structured questionnaire were analysed and presented in graphical tabular form, frequencies, and percentages, while the data collected via interviews were analysed and presented in a narrative form. This study aimed to offer a nuanced understanding of how the Asian Tigers Model can be adapted and applied to promote sustainable economic development in South Africa, with a focus on Thulamela Local Municipality
Open Access
An assessment of the factors driving consumer's propensity to purchase online
(2021-03) Mujera, Tinashe; Kadyamatimba, A.; Zindiye, S.
Despite the tremendous global development within the electronic-commerce (e-commerce) industry, marketers in emerging economies are still lagging in understanding the dynamic consumers’ online purchasing behaviour. Furthermore, the literature reporting on consumers’ online purchasing practices in an African set up remains largely inconsistent and fragmented as most previous studies are based on consumers in first world countries. To address this problem, by specifically targeting the South African market, the main aim of the study was to establish key factors driving consumers’ propensity to purchase online in order to device a model that guides online marketing strategy and future research. Guided by the quantitative research approach and a descriptive single cross-sectional design, data was collected from a sample of 350 participants drawn from Sandon City, located in the Gauteng Province using a self-administered questionnaire. With the aid of SPSS Version 26, the collected data were analysed through descriptive and multivariate statistical tests. Consumer innovativeness, perceived benefits, online shopping experience and perceived risk were found to be the major factors driving consumers’ propensity to purchase online. These factors were however found to vary according to demographic characteristics, particularly pertaining to consumers’ education and income level. Ultimately, the study findings led to the formulation of a model that can be recommended to marketers in guiding online shopping within the South African retail sector and regionally.
Open Access
An assessment of the potential for sustainable community tourism development in the villages affected by the Nandoni Dam
(2014-01-10) Manavhela, Pfarelo; Spencer, J. P.; Nethengwe, T.
Open Access
An assessment of the potential of Hot Spring tourism in Limpopo Province
(2017-09-18) Munzhelele, Tshilidzi Whitney; Gyekye, A. B.; Sumbana, F.
Tourism is regarded as a modern day engine of growth globally. In light of this, the South African government aims to increase tourism’s contribution, both direct and indirectly to the economy. In 2012 tourism in South Africa contributed 7, 9% (R189.4 billion) to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and it is estimated to increase to R499 billion by 2020 (South Africa National Department of Tourism). The purpose of the study was to assess the sustainability of hot spring tourism in Limpopo Province with regard to their competitiveness and potential to contribute to the economy of the country. The study employed a Delphi technique which is designed as group communication process which aims to achieve a convergence of opinion on a specific real world issues. The research developed a set of appropriate indicators that determines hot spring destination competitiveness. Data was collected through two sets of questionnaires administered and addressed to experts in the Limpopo Department of Economic Development and Tourism; academic staff in the department of tourism at University of Venda and tourism managers and practitioners in the tourism hot spring sector. From the findings of the study, recommendations have been made to assist the Limpopo Department of Economic Development and Tourism in designing strategies to make hot spring destinations competitive and sustainable as a tourism activity in Limpopo province.