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Employment creation through public works programmes and projects in South Africa

- Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku

  • Authors: Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku
  • Date: 2008
  • Subjects: Employment creation - South Africa , Job creation - South Africa
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:4694 , ISSN 1680-7537 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/10675
  • Description: Purpose/objectives: The aim of this article is to look at the experiences, problems and the potential contribution of employment creation programmes in alleviating the unemployment problem in other African countries through the construction of public infrastructure through the use of labour-intensive methods. The article then describes the problems and experiences that have been encountered in South Africa in relation to employment creation through the construction of public infrastructure. Problem investigated: In South Africa the levels of unemployment and poverty are extremely high and unemployment is one of South Africa's most pressing problems. At the same time there is a lack of capacity and skills at institutional, community and individual levels. Labour-intensive programmes generate more direct and indirect local employment opportunities and income by using locally available inputs (materials, simple tools and local labour) and thus creating a greater demand for local products and services than do high-technology programmes reliant on imported technology and equipment. Design/Methodology/Approach: Drawing on research on labour-intensive, public works programmes and projects, the paper is mainly a literature review. From a theoretical perspective supported by experience elsewhere in Africa, there are reasons for considering that properly formulated employment creation programmes based on the use of labour-intensive methods could be established to construct and maintain the required physical infrastructure, thus creating employment, skills and institutional capacities. The article closes with some recommendations for the future programmes success. Findings/Implications: The article attributes the failure of projects and programmes in South Africa to different factors which must be avoided in future in order for projects and programmes to be successful in South Africa. Investment in infrastructure has a huge potential to redress the high unemployment and poverty levels in South Africa and also to correct the skill shortages. Originality/Value: This article challenges the project-based approach and recommends a programme-based approach which is long-term as to address the problem of unemployment and skills shortages in South Africa. Conclusion: Public works programmes and projects in South Africa should change as the policy environment changes, from relief, emergency to a long-term structured employment-generation programme. The approach should link economic growth, employment and investment policies.
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Performance of mature entry and matriculation entry students focusing on the National Diploma in Building at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa

- Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku

  • Authors: Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku
  • Date: 2008
  • Subjects: Construction industry - South Africa , Building - Study and teaching
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:4693 , ISSN 978-1-905732-36-4 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/10666
  • Description: Developments in the teaching of the National Diploma in Building students should be geared towards meeting the needs of the construction industry in South Africa. These needs are usually in the form of skills and knowledge required to resolve thorny issues encountered in practice. The lack of capacity in the construction industry needs to be addressed from the basis of ensuring that the education system caters for both mature entry and matriculation entry students. The paper looks at a comparison in performance between mature entry and matriculation (just finish High School) entry students focusing on the National Diploma in Building students at the University of Johannesburg. The paper will make a comparison between those students who work first before enrolling for their first year National Diploma in Building and those who are directly from high school. Cooperative education involves training and systematically developing students through the acquisition of the requisite skills, attitudes, values and knowledge required to adequately perform in their chosen careers. The paper describes the problems and experiences that have been encountered by both mature and matriculation entry students in their three years of study which affects their performance. The paper will then look at the value of prior experience in enabling students to finish their National Diploma in Building within a three year period. The paper closes with some recommendations for the future.
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An exploratory study of problems facing emerging contractors in the North West Province of South Africa

- Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku, Phaladi, Makgati Jacob

Investigation of factors that influence the selection of procurement systems of the South African construction industry

- Mathonsi, M.D., Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku

Motivators of construction workers in South African sites

- Monese, L.N., Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku

Problems facing construction companies in retention of employees in South Africa : a case study of Gauteng Province

- Nkomo, W., Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku

  • Authors: Nkomo, W. , Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku
  • Date: 2009
  • Subjects: Construction industry employees , Employee retention
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:6211 , ISBN 978-0620-44689-1 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5299
  • Description: The aim of this article is to look at the experiences, challenges and problems contributing to retention of employees within construction companies. In alleviating job hopping problem mostly in other international countries construction companies through the methods used to retain construction employees. It will investigate the causes of job hopping, determines the current retention strategies and the cost of job hopping to the employers. The article then describes the problems, challenges and experiences that have been encountered in South African construction companies to retain construction employees in their respective companies and in South Africa and proper solutions.
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Skilled labour shortages in construction contractors : a literature review

- Makhene, D., Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku

The effects of different cultural backgrounds on teamwork on construction site

- Khumalo, J., Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku

An exploratory study of problems facing small contractors in the North West province of South Africa

- Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku, Phaladi, Makgati Jacob

  • Authors: Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku , Phaladi, Makgati Jacob
  • Date: 2009-10
  • Subjects: Small contractors , Small contractor development programme
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:5316 , ISSN 1993-8233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7825
  • Description: The main objective of this study was to examine the problems that are facing small contractors in the North West Province of South Africa. In undertaking the study a comprehensive literature review was conducted and it was supplemented by primary data gathering. A questionnaire was sent to over 100 contractors in the North West Province and 57 questionnaires were returned. The major findings of the research were that the problems facing small contractors were the following; Government not paying on time, lack of capital and difficulty in arranging guarantees, lack of technical skills, lack of business management skills. The importance of small contractors in South Africa has been recognised by many researchers and policy makers. The contribution of small contractors to the creation of jobs and to the alleviation of poverty has been recognised by many Governments in the Developing Countries including the South African Government. The aim of the study was to examine the problems facing contractors in South Africa focusing on the North West Province. The study made recommendations for a success small contractor development programme.
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Community participation is a necessity for project success : a case study of rural water supply project in Jeppes Reefs, South Africa

- Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku

Lessons learned from in situ upgrading and eradication of informal settlement in Gauteng Province in South Africa

- Aigbavboa, Clinton Ohis, Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku

An exploratory study of dispute resolution methods in the South African construction industry

- Bvumbwe, C., Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku

  • Authors: Bvumbwe, C. , Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: Alternative dispute resolution , Arbitration , Adjudication , Mediation , Dispute resolution (Law) , Construction industry - South Africa
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:4677 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/10446
  • Description: This study assessed the dispute resolution methods used in the South African construction industry. Arbitration, adjudication and mediation are the most frequently used dispute resolution methods in the construction industry. A literature review focused on arbitration, adjudication and mediation in the construction industry. Closed-ended and open-ended questionnaires as well as interviews were conducted among the senior construction participants who included architects, quantity surveyors, construction managers, project managers and attorneys. The questionnaires were completed by 70 construction participants. The research concluded that for alternative dispute resolution (ADR) to be effective in solving disputes in the local construction industry, mediators, arbitrators and adjudicators with knowledge of the construction industry should be appointed. In terms of its characteristics, ADR should be the best option to resolve construction disputes. However, it is not being fully utilised due to the characteristics of dispute resolution itself and the absence of an appropriate framework to guide the disputing parties on the overall process. The literature review on the ADR developments and their effectiveness focused only on South Africa. This study provides a basis for using ADR effectively in the construction industry. The findings are of value for clients, contractors and consultants.
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Comments from the property industry on Masters Real Estate curricula in South Africa

- Chikafalimani, S.H.P., Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku, Cloete, C. E.

  • Authors: Chikafalimani, S.H.P. , Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku , Cloete, C. E.
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: Property industry , Real estate - Curricula
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:4680 , ISSN 978-0-86970-713-5 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/10450
  • Description: Purpose: The aim of this paper is to report comments given in a survey of property professionals in the industry on Masters Real Estate (MRE) curricula in South Africa. Methodology: A questionnaire was administered to obtain comments from property professionals in the industry on MRE curricula in South Africa. Findings: The property industry survey revealed that MRE curricula in South Africa have both strengths and weaknesses. The main strength of the curricula noted by the property professionals is that the curricula are interdisciplinary. Weaknesses reported include lack of case studies and practical components in the curricula. Research limitations: Results of the survey will not directly influence change to the processes of curriculum development for postgraduate real estate education in South Africa. Curricula development will largely depend on outcomes of discussions of lecturing staff and university administrations implementing the courses. Value: The study will support processes of curricula improvement for MRE programmes in South Africa
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Community participation for housing development

- Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku, Aigbavboa, C.O.

  • Authors: Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku , Aigbavboa, C.O.
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: Community participation , Housing development
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:4685 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/10465
  • Description: Purpose: The aim of this research is to explore the roles of community participation in the development of housing, as the concept is known to be important over the world. The paper also looks at the barriers to community participation in housing development as well as the role of community participation in housing development. Methodology/approach: The study is conducted with reference to existing theoretical literature, published and unpublished research. The study is mainly a literature review focused on the concept of community participation in housing development. Findings: One of the primary findings of this study is that citizens need to build capacity and resources in order to achieve community participation in planning and project development. Also, the study shows that citizen's participation in community development projects does not usually occur by chance, but because certain principles are observed at an acceptable level to the participants and to other stakeholders. Other finding include that Citizens will voluntarily participate in a community activity if they could derive benefit to themselves and the entire community. Originality: The study explores the concept of community participation, as it is seen as a way for locals to influence development by contributing to project design, influencing public policies and choices, and holding public institutions accountable for the goods and services they provide. The study presents a robust background to the concept of 'community' and 'participation', and on the roles of community participation to development project scheduled to change the lives of the citizens. The paper contributes to this body of knowledge.
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Motivation as a tool to improve productivity on the construction site

- Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku, Monese, Lydia Nthabiseng

  • Authors: Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku , Monese, Lydia Nthabiseng
  • Date: 2011
  • Subjects: Construction industry - Labor productivity , Construction workers - Job satisfaction , Employee motivation
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:4692 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/10486
  • Description: Purpose of this paper - Is to identify the factors that promote positive motivational behaviour among construction workers as to improve production in the construction site. Furthermore the study will identify consistencies in the behaviour of motivated, satisfied, committed and loyal employees in the construction field since these are important characteristics in the workplace. Methodology/ Scope - The study is mainly a literature review with a special focus on the human resource management and leadership. A survey will be later conducted. Findings - There are definite differences between different cultures as to how people can be motivated; this also must be taken into consideration. Management should play an active and continuous role in managing on site motivational processes; employee’s desired outcomes should be tied to performance; and management should focus on eliminating performance obstacles. Research limitations – The study will mainly be a literature survey of both South African and international experience. Value - Workers are an asset to the business and it is up to the management to value them. It can not be a solution to hire and fire continuously as has been the common practice, recruiting goes with resources and money; and it is through the management that the companies grows, thus
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A review of beneficiary participation in the delivery of low income housing in South Africa

- Ramovha, N. T., Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku

  • Authors: Ramovha, N. T. , Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Housing - South Africa , Low-income housing - South Africa
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:6286 , ISBN 978-0-620-54069-8 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/9892
  • Description: Adequate housing is recognised as part of the right to an adequate standard of living and that it must meet the following minimum conditions: security of tenure; availability of services, materials, facilities and infrastructure; affordability; habitability; accessibility; location; and cultural adequacy. Many Governments around the world in their attempt to deliver adequate housing and related infrastructure overlook the importance of the contribution of beneficiaries in the delivery process. This study is mainly a literature review of existing published and unpublished research on the role and participation of beneficiaries in the delivery of low-income housing in South Africa. The study also examines published case studies of three of self-help housing projects implemented in South Africa, to deduce lessons from the studies. Preliminary findings suggest that where communities are in control, their homes are better and cheaper than those built through government programmes and large corporations. The participation of beneficiaries could enhance the delivery of adequate housing by government and thereby reduce the dependency of beneficiaries on the state. To enhance their participation, beneficiaries require certain capacities and therefore governments should facilitate the creation of these capacities.
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A study of joint venture formation between construction organizations in Tanzania

- Minja, Steven J., Kikwasi, Geraldine J., Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku

  • Authors: Minja, Steven J. , Kikwasi, Geraldine J. , Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Construction industry - Tanzania , Joint ventures - Tanzania
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:6049 , ISSN 978-0-646-58814-8 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/10459
  • Description: Formation of joint ventures between construction companies is one of the recent efforts in combating contractors problems in Tanzania and addresses one of the key challenges facing the construction industry today in the country especially when large and complex projects are involved. The main objective of the research is to examine the formation of joint ventures in Tanzania, specifically to: study joint ventures formation procedures; identify criteria in selection of joint venture partner; and identify risks associated with and challenges facing joint venture undertakings in Tanzania. The study adopted a descriptive research design and purposive sampling. Multiple sources of evidence was used to collect information mainly literature review, questionnaires and interviews. Key findings reveal that legal and statutory requirements in the formation of joint ventures include registration by Business Registration and Licensing Agency (BRELA), Contractors Registration Board (CRB) and under Registration of Documents Act (RDA). All JV respondents were registered by BRELA and CRB which are mandatory but only 7 were registered by RDA. Most important factors considered during formation of JVs are: contract agreement, financial stability and commitment while key risks associated with JVs are cultural and social differences, delays in approvals and financial risks. In addition, main challenges facing joint ventures are: identification of possible risks and joint venture agreement interpretation. The study concludes that formation of JVs have been addressing some of emerging challenges facing local construction organizations despite the risks and challenges that exist. The study recommends that firms entering joint ventures should explore the benefits of registering with RDA and ensure risks associated with their JV are properly assessed. The study also recommends introduction of an incentive scheme through Tanzania Investment Centre to grant tax relief for foreign contractors going into joint venture with local construction firms.
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An assessment of occupants’ expectation in the delivery of low-income housing in South Africa

- Aigbavboa, Clinton, Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku

  • Authors: Aigbavboa, Clinton , Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Housing subsidy beneficiaries , Housing , Low-income housing
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:5324 , ISSN 9781405156486 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8235
  • Description: Low-income housing provision has been a major focus of the government in postapartheid South Africa. While success can be noted, there is a growing concern on the housing expectations and satisfaction of the housing occupants. Utilizing postoccupancy survey conducted in four locations that had benefited from the government housing subsidy scheme, the research identifies how the expectations of the occupants of low-income housing can be met in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. The results from the post-occupancy survey revealed that most of the beneficiaries housing needs were not met, as a majority of the respondents informed that they had expected bigger units; however, when they were allocated the houses, the expectation was not met. Though, a major obstacle while the respondents expectation was not met pointed toward the lack of consultation between the Department of Human Settlement and the occupants. A comparison is also made to ascertain the correlation between meeting of occupants' expectation and the maintenance of the houses. It is suggested that the Department of Human Settlement should conduct occupants need assessment on future housing project to be developed and on a consistence basis should employ post-occupancy survey to inform, improve and guarantee the expectation and housing satisfaction of the beneficiaries of subsidised housing units in South Africa.
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An exploration of the use of Delphi methodology in housing satisfaction studies

- Aigbavboa, Clinton, Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku

  • Authors: Aigbavboa, Clinton , Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Delphi technique , Housing studies , Low-income housing
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:5340 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8911
  • Description: The Delphi technique has become generally accepted in the past decade by a broad range of institutions, government departments, and policy research organizations. The Delphi method was originally developed in the 50s by the RAND Corporation after a series of studies in Santa Monica, California. This approach consists of a survey conducted in two or more rounds and affords the participants in the second round with the results of the first so that they can alter the original assessments if they want to - or stick to their previous opinion. It is commonly presumed that the method makes better use of group interaction whereby the questionnaire is the medium of interaction. The Delphi method is especially useful for long-range forecasting, as expert opinions are the only source of information available. The objective of this paper is to outline how the Delphi technique process was used to predict and to understand issues encircling housing satisfaction in South Africa low-income housing. The paper objective is based on the premise that the technique has never been used to study housing satisfaction amongst the low income group in South Africa despite the numerous empirical studies that has been conducted; hence the framework. This is because the Delphi approach solicits expert’s view on subjects surrounded with confusion. The methodological approach adopted for the study was a content analysis of published peer reviewed journal articles with regards to the use of the techniques in housing studies. The Delphi technique is discussed because it is an approved and credible research technique which helps to overcome experts’ disagreement with issues.
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Analysis and comparison of masters real estate curricula in South Africa

- Chikafalimani, S.H.P., Cloete, C.E., Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku

  • Authors: Chikafalimani, S.H.P. , Cloete, C.E. , Thwala, Wellington Didibhuku
  • Date: 2012
  • Subjects: Property industry , Real estate - Curricula
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:4686 , ISBN 1-884342-02-7 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/10466
  • Description: No systematic curriculum analysis was conducted in the past to compare topics offered in Masters Real Estate (MRE) curricula in South Africa locally and with similar curricula internationally. The study supports the process of critical assessment of existing MRE curricula in South Africa as well as contributes towards the global effort of discovering contents of real estate curricula. Internet research and relevant real estate education publications are research approaches that were used to collect data for the study. The results indicate that MRE curricula in South Africa are diverse in nature even though they are comparable both locally and internationally in terms of course offerings.
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