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The contribution of agriculture to the economic growth of South Africa

  • Authors: Mabuza, Eugenia Sesinyana
  • Date: 2011-08-31T07:29:20Z
  • Subjects: Economic development - South Africa , Agriculture - South Africa , Poverty - South Africa
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:7181 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3791
  • Description: M.Comm. , The agricultural sector is important in South Africa, because it contributes approximately 4 percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product. Agriculture can contribute significantly to economic growth, by means of food production and job creation, and thereby it can play an important role in reducing poverty. This paper examines the contribution of agriculture to economic growth in South Africa, and its possible role in poverty alleviation. It begins by conducting a literature review of the contribution of agriculture to economic growth. In particular, it examines two stages of farming, namely, the subsistence and commercial stages, to determine how each of these contributes to economic growth and poverty alleviation. It finds that both of these stages have undergone little improvement over the years and have performed poorly. Next, the challenges that prevent the farming sector from performing better are described and investigated in detail. Importantly, unavailability of the data in the subsistence sector makes it harder to arrive at a conclusion as to whether agriculture contributes to poverty alleviation. Despite these challenges, the study finds that agriculture remains the key to survival for most of the rural poor. Finally the paper draws conclusions and makes recommendations for policy measures to increase growth in the agricultural sector based on the findings of the research. The key conclusion emanating from this study is that agriculture does not indeed contribute to economic growth and that it is able to alleviate poverty. However, resources such as land, skilled labour, machinery and capitals are a major limiting factor. As for recommendations, a critical strategy must be to recapitalise agriculture, investing more heavily in this sector and in programmes to develop rural economic and social infrastructure. Public investment needs to be directed in particular towards promoting agricultural research and extension, improving access to financial services, providing investment incentives, and increasing access of the poor to support services and productive resources. The study concludes that data and information should be separated between subsistence and commercial farmers to be able to determine whether agriculture contributes to poverty alleviation.
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Computerised general equilibrium (CGE) modelling of the impact of fiscal policy on economic growth, income redistribution and poverty alleviation in South Africa

  • Authors: Bonga-Bonga, Lumengo
  • Date: 2011-06-30T08:35:06Z
  • Subjects: Economic development - South Africa , Income distribution - South Africa , Fiscal policy - South Africa , Poverty - South Africa
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:7160 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3768
  • Description: D.Comm. , This thesis endeavoured to assess whether the government can simultaneously achieve the objectives of sustained economic growth, income redistribution and fiscal discipline, as stated in the Growth, Employment and Redistribution (GEAR) policy. The simultaneous realisation of these objectives of the GEAR policy brings about controversies between the South African government and other interest groups, such as the trade unions and some academics. Empirical analysis such as econometrics and computerised general equilibrium (hereafter referred to as CGE) techniques were used in an attempt to solve the research question. The Kalman filter technique was applied to model total factor productivity and to establish the link between social services expenditure and economic growth in South Africa. The structural vector autoregressive (SVAR) technique was applied to assess the dynamics of fiscal shocks on output growth and determine the type of taxes that are distortionary in financing the increase in social services expenditure. The study’s main contribution is the application of the CGE technique to assess whether the above three objectives can be reached simultaneously. A new CGE model was built, based on the standard CGE model by Thurlow and Van Seventer (2002). In the new CGE model, some taxes were changed to endogenous variables instead of exogenous variables or parameters as in the standard model. The model introduced a number of government macro closure rules to clear the government balance. The research lead to the following conclusion: When constraints on employment are removed across all the labour categories in South Africa, and the government uses compositional shift of its expenditure to finance the continual increase in social services expenditure, the three objectives, namely fair redistribution of iv income, fiscal discipline and sustained economic growth, will be reached simultaneously. It is recommended that the government fix conditions in the labour market to remove impediments to employment in South Africa (such as lack of appropriate skills for specific activities), as this will enable the government to achieve most of its objectives.
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Die politiek van armoede : 'n vergelyking van die 1932 en 1989 Carnegie-verslae

  • Authors: Forgey, Hermina
  • Date: 2014-07-21
  • Subjects: Poverty - South Africa , Poor - South Africa , South Africa - Economic conditions , South Africa - Social conditions
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:11720 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/11445
  • Description: M.A. , The purpose of this study is to compare the 1932 and 1989 Carnegie reports which dealt respectively with the issues of white and black poverty in South Africa. In 1932 the Carnegie report on white poverty was published which dealt with the causes, dimensions and possible solutions of poverty among the white (Afiikaner) community. In 1989 a similar report was published, the emphasis however being placed on the causes, dimensions and possible solutions of black poverty. The purpose of this study is to compare these two reports in their handling of the different poverty issues with specific emphasis on the role of politics in the causes and possible solutions of poverty. Research produced interesting points of agreement and disagreement. It was found that the magnitude of black poverty far exceeds that of white poverty 50% of the black population lives in poverty while only 17.5% of whites lived in poverty during the 1930's. The two Carnegie reports used the same indicators of poverty: the shortage of housing, education, health and unemployment. The historical causes of both black and white poverty can be traced to the same roots, for example the Anglo-Boer War and the Great Depression of the 1930's. However, the main causes of white poverty according to the Carnegie report were the inability of the population to adapt to changing economic conditions, farming problems, inadequate education and isolating circumstances. These are mainly socio-economic issues. In contrast, black poverty is largely caused by political factors, i.e. the policy of apartheid that discriminated against blacks in every sphere of life. White poverty was solved by a combination of three factors. The first was a process of ethnic mobilisation launched by Afrikaner leaders and designed to address "psychological" poverty. The second was economic growth as a result of the government's industrial policy and favourable external economic conditions. The third and most important was a deliberate policy of the government aimed at combating poverty. This included generous portions of the budget allocated to poor whites, comprehensive job creation programmes, legislation designed to favour white workers as opposed to black workers and the provision of housing, health services and education to the poor whites. According to the 1989 Carnegie report, black poverty is "a profoundly political issue". Therefore it cannot be solved until a fundamental redistribution of political power has taken place. This study evaluated the complex anti-poverty strategy proposed by the Carnegie report which covers a wide range of topics (for example education, health, rural development and housing) over the short and the long term, Although the Carnegie reports did not directly contribute to the solution of white or black poverty, it did however, lead to a greater public awareness of the poverty problem Both the (future) government and the private sector are to contribute to the solution of black poverty. In the study attention was also paid to issues not addressed by the Carnegie report, such as the redistribution of land, the role of the small business sector and population growth. It is concluded that the solution of black poverty hinges on addressing their "psychological" poverty, collective action to stimulate economic growth and effective government intervention in the economy.
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Die ekonomiese bestaansproblematiek in Suid-Afrika

  • Authors: Timmer, Nelisjan
  • Date: 2014-05-21
  • Subjects: International economic relations , Poverty - South Africa , Unemployment - Economic aspects - South Africa , South Africa - Economic conditions
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:11156 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/10748
  • Description: M.Com. (Economics) , The aim of this study was to look at the economic survival problem that has been very much in appearance in South Africa, especially recently. This will translate into a study of poverty in South Africa. In the second chapter I tried to get a clearer definition of poverty by, firstly looking at some formal definitions relating to poverty and then to look more generally at other descriptions of poverty from a more economic point of view. In this chapter we also discuss the Lorenz curve and how that can be used to measure poverty using income and the consumption of the population. Following on from this, in the third chapter we look at some definitions and theories of income and consumption. The theories we look at are the following : The General Consumption theory of Keynes, the Relative Income Hypothesis, the Permanent Income Hypothesis and the Life Cycle Hypothesis. After narrowing down the main cause of poverty, in the next two chapters we look at some characteristics of the poor in the rural areas as well as in the urban and metropolitan areas. In the chapter concerning the poor in the rural areas, the characteristics we look at are among others, the income, climatic problems, educational problems and health problems of the poor communities in these areas. When we discuss the characteristics of the urban and metropolitan poor, we also discuss the occurrence of unemployment and some measures that can alleviate this problem. In the sixth chapter we look at a comparison of South Africa with other countries in the world regarding the poverty problem, mainly at where South Africa fits into the world picture. In the summary some possible solutions for the whole poverty problem is put forward.
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The role of population ageing and social security spending on poverty in South Africa

  • Authors: Mulaisi, Lebogang
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Poverty - South Africa , Social security - South Africa , Aging - Economic aspects - South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/271939 , uj:28932
  • Description: M.Com. (Development Economics) , Abstract: This study sets out to assess the implications of population ageing and social security spending for poverty in South Africa. The empirical analysis uses time series data for South Africa spanning the period 1994 – 2015. The study employs an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model to determine short- and long-run impacts of population ageing and social security spending on poverty. The ARDL cointegration modelling is particularly flexible in terms of the level of integration of the variables of interest. Results show that an increase in the old age dependency ratio endagers poverty reduction in the short-run. Although the relationship between the old age dependency ratio and poverty is insignificant in the long-run, the positive sign indicates that population ageing remains a non-negligible challenge for South Africa. These findings are perhaps suggesting that the elderly are drawing on savings accumulated during their active years; even as the rate of youth absorption into the labour market may be slower than that of ritirees exiting the labour market. Results also show that, in the long-run, a 1 per cent increase in social security spending worsens poverty by 0.663 per cent. These findings have implications for the observation that social security spending in its current form in South Africa may not be sufficient in sustainably reducing poverty.
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Essays on the determinants and impact of remittances in South Africa

  • Authors: Biyase, Mduduzi
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Emigrant remittances - South Africa , Migrant remittances - South Africa , Poverty - South Africa , Capital movements
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/272039 , uj:28945
  • Description: Ph.D. (Economics) , Abstract: This thesis comprises three empirical essays analysing the determinants and impact of remittances in South Africa. Except for the first and the last chapters, which set out the general introduction and conclusion, each of the three essays is self-contained and can be considered as a standalone piece of work. Two datasets are used to analyse the determinants and impact of remittances in South Africa. They are the National Income Dynamics Survey (NIDS), and unique matched data from a ‘customised household survey’ collected by the author in Hlokozi village in Southern KwaZulu-Natal and in more urban localities where connected migrants were working. The first essay (Chapter 3) investigates the factors that can be shown to influence the likelihood and scale of internal remittances for migrant and non-migrant households in South Africa – it being understood that financial transfers may be received by households from individuals that households do not regard as members. It finds that these determinants consist of certain features of the receiving households, but also of some characteristics of the migrants who remit. More specifically, empirical investigation using approaches deriving from the double-hurdle regression model, the Heckman selection model and the control function model reveals that the probability and level of remittances are largely determined by common factors. Examples include certain characteristics of the household head (his or her age, race, education level and whether employed or not); what the income of the household is and in what type of area it is located; whether the migrant is male or female; how much the migrant earns; and how the money is sent back (self-delivery or other channel). However, certain determinants are not shared in the full sense: the probability of remitting appears to vary in the same direction as the size of the household and the household wealth, but the size of remittances seems to vary in the opposite direction to that in which these two determinants vary. The second essay (Chapter 4) investigates whether remittances are causally linked to the reduction of poverty in South Africa. A fixed-effects vector decomposition estimator (FEVD), which allows for the estimation of the coefficient of the time-invariant variables and accounts for unobserved heterogeneity, is employed to estimate the poverty-reducing effects of remittances. Given the strong potential for endogeneity of the remittance variable, especially reverse causation (an increase in poverty might be associated with an increase in migration and...
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Local economic development policy to promote sustainable development in South Africa

  • Authors: Matshazi, Lorraine Thandiwe
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Economic development - South Africa , Sustainable development - South Africa , Public administration - South Africa , Local government - South Africa , Poverty - South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/237746 , uj:24364
  • Description: M.A. , Abstract: Given the emphasis in praxis and literature on sustainable economic development in general and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in particular and ways to involve governments, private sector institutions and citizens globally and nationally in better implementation and coordination processes on all levels of government, the focus of this dissertation was on local economic development (LED) policy to promote sustainable development in South Africa. The research approach entailed the application of unobtrusive research techniques as research analysis instruments based on a qualitative research paradigm. The main research question addressed by this dissertation was to determine how LED policy can serve as a mechanism to promote sustainable development in South Africa and which strategic actions can be taken to improve its implementation. The dissertation provided an integrated focus on the context of LED in general and LED policy and strategy development in particular in South Africa. It incorporated the development of a generic analytical framework to investigate LED; the conceptual and contextual variables that influence sustainable development; the legislative and theoretical underpinnings to provide an understanding of the context, meanings, foundations and processes of the statutory, regulatory and policy frameworks and theories aligned with LED in general and in South African local government in particular; and the variables influencing the dynamics, processes and steps appropriate to LED strategy development. The study found that with the pronouncements in the White Paper on Local Government of 1998 the country embarked on an ambitious journey to promote LED. But the achievement of the aims of the White Paper have arguably been frustrated by unsettled and parochial paradigms, the lack of a structured integrative approach that recognises its dividends as the shared outcome of complex deliberate, mutually supportive actions across governmental spheres and jurisdictions; as well as by ancillary problems such as deficiencies in the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) planning processes and lack of capacity of key role players at multiple points in the LED process. LED in South Africa, over two decades, despite continual evaluation...
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Poverty and participation : an evaluation of participatory development as a poverty alleviation strategy with reference to the community of Maboloka

  • Authors: Schulenburg, Leone
  • Date: 2012-09-10
  • Subjects: Community development, Urban - South Africa , Community development - South Africa - Maboloka , Poverty - South Africa , Poverty - South Africa - Maboloka , Social participation – Research - South Africa , Rural poor - South Africa , Rural poor – Research - South Africa - Maboloka
  • Type: Mini-Dissertation
  • Identifier: uj:9886 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7285
  • Description: M.A. , Despite some improvement in the living standards of the world's population, poverty persists, and affects millions of people on a daily basis. The poverty issue has received extensive coverage over the past decade. Both development specialists and international donor organisations study this elusive phenomenon. The result is often impressive academic analysis and heated intellectual debates, whilst development orientated institutions go as far as trying to capture, analyse and measure the realities of the poor in various indexes and measurement methods. Despite this intensive search, albeit it academic, the situation for the poor remains the same. Through a consultation with the poor, in various parts of the world, the multi-dimensional nature of poverty was highlighted. The result is the inclusion of non-economic factors such as vulnerability, powerlessness and isolation in the problematique. Furthermore, the initial `urban focus' to poverty shifted to the rural areas, where poverty was felt more acutely. The rural poor - the 'forgotten people' were brought back onto the social development agenda. In South Africa, the alleviation of poverty has been a priority above other developmental issues. The government is committed to alleviating poverty through various policies and programmes, as stated in the Reconstruction and Development Programme. Academic studies, using methods of participatory research, revealed the importance of participation, as a precondition for development. Although no consensus exists on the definition of this concept, development specialists now agree on the importance of participation in poverty alleviation programmes. Participation is closely related to the concepts of conscientisation — 'becoming aware' and empowerment — 'taking of control'. The low level of economic development and growth that holds a community hostage can apparently be redirected by the two parallel ideas of awareness and empowerment. The combination of these elements is essential for the alleviation of poverty. The cycle of participation accentuates this basic theory. Participation is a prerequisite in all the components of the development process. It is only through participation that poverty can be alleviated on a sustainable basis. Participation is, therefore, the key to a better life for all. The above mentioned processes will assist the poor in changing their own reality towards a better life. The importance of the process of participation, incorporating the concepts of conscientisation and empowerment, is reiterated in development efforts in the community of Maboloka. Despite the continuous attack by poverty on the community of Maboloka, some progress has been made towards the alleviation of this poverty. This is mainly due to the levels of participation that exist in the community. Development efforts in this community, once again, showed that participation is the fundamental key in any poverty alleviation effort. As Fisher et al (1980:30) stated: "It can be said that the factor of participation is of decisive importance for the realisation of a directly poverty orientated approach".
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A critical analysis of poverty policy and expenditure in South Africa

  • Authors: Stavrinides, Christina Panayi
  • Date: 2012-08-08
  • Subjects: Poverty , Poverty - South Africa , Poverty - Research - South Africa , Poverty - Government policy - South Africa , Sustainable development - South Africa
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:8983 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5452
  • Description: M. Comm. , No country's economy can survive if the majority of its population remains without income, basic services, and tangible assets that will allow for a secure and sustainable livelihood. Addressing poverty and its causes is therefore a core developmental challenge facing the world economy. Throughout history, various explanations and theories have been advanced in the attempt to understand the causes and persistence of poverty. These theories have evolved into an understanding of the complex phenomenon of poverty, as it is perceived today. The importance of these theories is evident in the creation of poverty alleviation strategies and policies, thus a sound understanding of poverty and its complexities is essential. The new poverty agenda formulated by the DFID in conjunction with other international agents has developed strategic guidelines for the alleviation of poverty that have been based on past experience and theoretical literature. These guidelines include the need for economic growth, equality, security, participation, opportunities, and sustainability. South Africa has effectively incorporated these guidelines into its own poverty activities that consider the nature of South Africa's poverty situation. South Africa has a high incidence of poverty, and its society is characterised by extreme inequality. Poverty is disproportionately divided between South Africa's nine provinces, localities, race groups, genders, and age groups. Inequalities and high poverty rates are caused by political, social, economic, and environmental factors. Politically, South Africa was shaped by the apartheid regime that manifested inequality amongst race groups by oppressing and exploiting the black population in favour of the white minority. Social dimensions, such as the inadequacy of food security, lack of education and other basic needs have also contributed to impoverishment. Contributing economic factors include the poor growth of South Africa's economy since the 1980s that has inevitably lead to increases in poverty and unemployment rates. Poor and inadequate living conditions common in South Africa have resulted in environmental degradation, and this has further impoverished the population.
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The linkages between disability, poverty and access to healthcare services in South Africa

  • Authors: Mutwali, Reem
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Disabilities - South Africa , People with disabilities - Health and hygiene - South Africa , Poverty - South Africa , Medical care - South Africa , Public health - South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/235262 , uj:24070
  • Description: M.A. , Abstract: While the relationship between poverty and disability has been documented in the research literature, the complex linkages between poverty, disability and access to healthcare have received less attention, particularly in developing country contexts like South Africa. The study therefore endeavoured to explore these linkages by conducting a secondary data analysis of adult data from the South African General Household Survey (GHS) (2014). Disability was measured using the Washington Group (WG) questions. Poverty was measured by the monthly individual income as well as the household income using South African National Poverty lines. A composite measure of access to healthcare was constructed, based on location of health facility, type of transport, travelling time, type of health facility, medical aid, health status, infection with communicable or non-communicable diseases, and consultation with health practitioner or nurse about health. Key findings from the individual level of data analysis indicated that 11% of adult individuals were people with a disability with the most common type of disability being seeing difficulties. People with a disability were more likely to be female, Black Africans, older persons with a mean age of 55 years, residing in urban areas, and legally married and living together as husband and wife. People with a disability, especially in older ages, were more likely to have no schooling or only primary schooling, and 62% of people with disabilities were economically inactive compared with 37% of non-disabled persons. Demographic variables such as gender, population group, age, marital status, residential area, and education were significant predictors of individual monthly income. However, disability was not a significant predictor of individual persons’ monthly income. The income analysis identified that people with a disability were more likely to live below the upper bound poverty line, were more likely to report poor or fair health status as well as infection with both communicable and non-communicable diseases, and they were more likely to consult a health worker about their health. At the household level of analysis the results showed that 28% of households had at least one member with a disability. Households with disabled members more likely to have barriers to accessing healthcare services compared with non-disabled households. Households with disabled members were less likely to have medical aid cover, more likely to use a public healthcare facility, walk to the health facility and take a longer travelling time compared with non-disabled households. Although they were more likely to have visited the health facility during the previous 12 months, they were less satisfied compared with non-disabled...
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The role of agriculture in reducing poverty evidence from South Africa

  • Authors: Ramosolo, Thabiso
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Agriculture - Economic aspects - South Africa , Poverty - South Africa , Rural poor - South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/283628 , uj:30598
  • Description: M.Com. (Development Economics) , Abstract: This minor dissertation unpacks the relationship between poverty and agriculture in South Africa. Agriculture has been identified as one of the key pillars of the South African economic development in the national development plan. The World Bank acknowledges that agriculture will continue to play a major role in reaching Millennium Development Goals. Therefore, this minor dissertation seeks to analyse the poverty determinants in South Africa and the agricultural linkages with the help of the National Income Dynamic Study (NIDS) panel data. The NIDS data set allows for an intertemporal comparison among the same households. The main aim of this study is to assess how agricultural activities such as subsistence farming are related to poverty in South Africa. The study hypothesizes that agriculture is a significant determinant of household poverty. The dynamics of poverty are revealed using the Foster, Greer and Thorbecke (FGT) poverty indices for the four waves of the NIDS data set. The study runs a dynamic random effect Probit model which assesses the link between poverty status, land ownership, crop growing, major crop failure and a host of other explanatory variables. Land ownership and major crop failure are found to be key determinants of the poverty status. The impact of demographics on poverty status is consistent with other poverty studies. People in rural areas generally migrate to urban areas in search of economic opportunities, investing in rural institutions has been identified as one of the ‘prime movers’ of agricultural development. As the agricultural sector remains one of the key employers and main sources of income for most rural households in South Africa, key areas of investment need to be identified that will have a positive impact on agriculture. There is an opportunity to analyse poverty’s relationship with other agricultural factors within the NIDS data set. We find that agriculture directly affects household consumption and hence overall poverty and welfare.
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Xenophobia as a contextual factor in South Africa

  • Authors: Masikane, Champion Mfihlakalo
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Xenophobia - South Africa , Economic development - South Africa , Leadership - South Africa , Development leadership - South Africa , Poverty - South Africa , Unemployment - South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/246259 , uj:25524
  • Description: M.Phil. , Abstract: South Africa with its associated emerging economy is faced with many challenges that spring from socio-economic issues. This laid the cornerstone for increased competition in business opportunities, social services and employment amongst and within highly challenged communities. Xenophobia occurs often and regularly in South Africa and it is expressed as a negative attitude towards people from other countries in this case with specific reference to other Africans from Africa. This study aimed to understand xenophobia as a contextual factor and how it affects South Africa as an emerging economy. The research design was qualitative in nature. Primary data was collected using a purposeful sample and by conducting semi-structured face-to-face interviews. Seven individuals were selected based on their involvement and knowledge within the field of xenophobia. The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed. Secondary data were collected by consulting relevant and significant media reports, policy documents and Government Reports. Thematic analysis and Content analysis were applied to extract themes from data gathered. The key findings of the study were that xenophobia is a symptom of a much deeper problem in South Africa. The issue of xenophobia in South Africa can be related to governance issues. What came out strongly was that South Africa’s widening gap between the rich and poor is a major contributory factor to xenophobia. Incidents of violence take place in the context of growing economic inequality, poverty and high unemployment all of which provided a combustible environment which is a typical characteristic of an emerging economy. Micro-politics at township level encouraged xenophobic violence and local political players organised and led the violence. This is an attempt to claim and consolidate the authority and power needed to further their economic and political interests. Xenophobia and the violence related to it deeply damaged South Africa’s moral authority and world image. A pre-eminent understanding of xenophobia, as a phenomenon within the South African context, is presented as an unintended outcome of this study by means of a conceptual framework. This framework attempts to map the factors, and their interrelationship, with, between and amongst each other, as well as with xenophobia. From a practical viewpoint it is strongly recommend that on local level, authorities (elected and non-elected) roles need to be addressed and that their leadership should be held accountable for incidents of xenophobia. It is further strongly recommended that those government departments responsible for migration policy formulation must consider...
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Individual-level intrapreneurial orientation and organisational growth in small and medium enterprises

  • Authors: Schachtebeck, Chris
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Small business - South Africa , Unemployment - South Africa , Poverty - South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/282435 , uj:30423
  • Description: Abstract: Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are viewed as instrumental in alleviating many of the socio-economic woes South Africa faces, particularly with regard to joblessness and poverty. Yet, rates of entrepreneurship, innovation and new venture creation have been of concern in the South African context, with the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, in particular, highlighting the low rates of entrepreneurial activity. These phenomena manifest themselves in high discontinuation rates of SMEs, a small number of high-growth SMEs, low levels of Total Early-Stage Entrepreneurial Activity (TEA) as well as exceedingly low rates of Entrepreneurial Employee Activity (EEA). While the entrepreneurial orientation of organisations, of various sizes, has been extensively explored from an organisational and growth perspective, no study has investigated intrapreneurial orientation and its effect on growth, particularly in South African SMEs. The overarching aim of this study was therefore to explore the effects of an employee’s Intrapreneurial Orientation on internal growth levels of South African SMEs. The study followed a six-stage approach. Firstly, a literature review was conducted, examining the concepts of Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) and Intrapreneurial Orientation (IO) as well as on the status quo of SMEs in South Africa. Stage 2 took the form of a narrative review of underlying EO and IO constructs, followed by Stage 3 which consisted of a qualitative study consisting of semi-structured interviews with employees of SMEs and a Delphi study of subject-matter experts. Stage 4 comprised a conceptual study linking the results of Stages 2 and 3. Stage 5 entailed a systematic review of the use of piloting methodology in South African small business research. The final stage, Stage 6, consisted of a quantitative study piloting an adapted instrument to explore the effects of IO on SME growth metrics. A narrative review was conducted in Stage 2 to determine underlying EO and IO constructs as applied in past studies. Based on the review, a construct map was created, indicating commonalities between the EO, Entrepreneurial Attitude Orientation (EAO) and Intrapreneurial Orientation (IO) concepts. Following the narrative review, interviews with employees of high-growth SMEs were conducted, supplemented by a Delphi study with South African subject-matter experts. A total of... , Ph.D. (Business Management)
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The effects of trade liberalisation on employment and inequality in South Africa

  • Authors: Makhetha, Mahali
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Free trade , Poverty - South Africa , Equality - South Africa , Unemployment - South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/271997 , uj:28940
  • Description: M.Com. (Development Economics) , Abstract: Trade liberalisation effects on wage inequality and unemployment in South Africa from 1994 to 2007 are analysed in this paper. This is done using the two-step estimation framework, which allows for the decomposition of the effects of trade policy on wage distribution according to individual worker-specific characteristic premiums, industry-specific skills premiums, and industry-specific wage premiums and employment changes. In contrast to what the theory predicts, South Africa experienced an increase in wage inequality. This effect has not mainly taken place through changes in industry-specific wage premiums. Rather, the effect has taken place mainly through changes in industry-specific skills premiums and unemployment. These components (industry-specific skills premiums and unemployment) are therefore regarded as fundamental when it comes to policy formulation.
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Social grants, developmental agency and livelihood improvements of beneficiaries

  • Authors: Nnaeme, Chibuikem C.
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Public welfare - South Africa , Poverty - South Africa , Transfer payments - South Africa , Welfare recipients - South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/400325 , uj:33405
  • Description: Abstract : South Africa has an extensive social assistance programme reaching almost 40% of the population, and which has mitigated high poverty rates in the post-apartheid transition. A large body of literature on social protection has accrued since the late 1990s and has demonstrated significant human development outcomes as a result of social assistance around the world. Consequently, cash transfer programmes have gained traction as a viable mechanism for addressing poverty in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the positive benefits of social protection in South Africa, the insufficiency of the value of these transfers to cover the basic needs of beneficiaries points to the limitations of cash transfers in poverty reduction and eradication due to worsening poverty and unemployment. The overall research question guiding the study was “How do social grant beneficiaries use state cash transfers to improve their livelihood outcomes?” Conceptually and empirically the study brings together the themes of social protection, livelihoods and agency. In relation to this research question on cash transfers and livelihoods, the study explored two themes: the first theme focused on how beneficiaries use income received from social assistance to initiate or support income activities to improve their livelihood outcomes. Second, it explored what role human agency plays in achieving these outcomes. A narrative research design informed the study, which comprised 17 research participants, representing a varied cross-section of gender, age, and livelihood activities. The study was conducted in Doornkop, Soweto, an urban community on the outskirts of Johannesburg with high levels of poverty, unemployment, grant receipt and informal livelihood activities. In line with narrative inquiry research, methods of data collection included observation techniques and in-depth interviews. Thematic narrative analysis guided the interpretation of findings in order to represent the perspective of the beneficiaries themselves and to recognise the voice of the participants, their motivations, experiences, decisions and creativity as they set about pursuing their own goals amid significant constraints and challenges. The study demonstrated that complex and nuanced livelihood strategies were deployed within this diverse urban group of grant beneficiaries. Livelihoods were continually adjusted to respond to or mitigate the impacts of changing socio-economic circumstances and new knowledge... , D.Litt. et Phil. (Anthropology)
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Socio-economic shocks and household poverty in South Africa

Has democracy helped or harmed South Africa’s fight against poverty and inequality?

  • Authors: Sindane, Joseph April
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Poverty - South Africa , Equality - South Africa , South Africa - Politics and government - 1994-
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/455313 , uj:40294
  • Description: Abstract: In the last century South Africa has undergone at least three history making phases in her political life. These phases include colonisation (1898 – 1948), apartheid (1948 – 1993) and democracy (1994 – to date). However, the two phases preceding democracy were in large part characterised by political and racial economic domination which gave rise to the struggle for their demise. Central to the political and racial economic domination was state sponsored exclusion which led to the highest levels of inequality and poverty in the country – specifically amongst black Africans. These levels of poverty and inequality homogenised South Africans and helped shaped the content and context of the struggle. This insightful, provocative and nuanced study first traces the genesis and the impact of these two social evils – inequality and poverty; in the South African setting and later attempts to answer the question whether did the dawn of democracy help to accelerate or hamper the fight against these two social evils. , M.A. (Politics)
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