Theses and dissertations (Accounting and Informatics)

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A carbon literacy for green innovation and entrepreneurship humanoid robot-assisted digital storytelling model
(2025-04-28) Essien, George; Parbanath, Steven
Climate change has been negatively impacting our environment. The adverse effects of climate change include flooding, drought, rising sea levels, hurricanes, and high temperatures in different regions. The primary source of climate change is the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and carbon dioxide (CO2) are examples of greenhouse gases. Specific human activities contribute to the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Fossil fuel combustion is the primary human activity responsible for greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon dioxide is the most prevalent greenhouse gas, accounting for approximately 75% of global emissions. This dominance of carbon dioxide in greenhouse emissions necessitated the concept of carbon literacy to educate individuals and organizations on ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Robot-assisted digital storytelling is a digital storytelling method that uses social robots to tell a story to audiences. From elementary schools to universities, robot-assisted storytelling has been demonstrated to be an effective teaching method. However, no published model exists for developers to create robot storytelling instruction or training. Hence, this thesis proposes a robot-assisted digital storytelling model for carbon literacy training. The study employed the design science research methodology for its activities. The model development process started with the selection of articles that had been published on robot storytelling. The selected articles were analyzed, and the procedures and activities used to create robot storytelling were identified. Those activities and procedures were synthesized to develop the proposed robot storytelling model. The model was experimented with by using it to create digital storytelling, which trained selected undergraduate students on carbon literacy. Similar training was delivered to some students using a narrated PowerPoint presentation for comparison. The two pieces of training were evaluated, and it was discovered that though both trainings improved learning outcomes and motivation, the robot storytelling enhanced the participants' knowledge of carbon literacy better than the narrated PowerPoint presentation. In conclusion, this study proposed a six-element model that enhances learner motivation, engagement, and learning outcomes in carbon literacy training.
Robotic gamification model for climate change literacy for green innovation and entrepreneurship education
(2025-08-13) Oguta, Stephen Ochieng; Ojo, Sunday O.; Maake, Benard M.
This thesis proposes a Robotic Gamification Model for Climate Change Literacy for Green Innovation and Entrepreneurship (RGM-4-CCL4GIE) education, as a sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) contextualized innovative educational solution. Current gamification designs in educational settings often fail to sustain long-term learner motivation and engagement, in that they rely predominantly on predictable extrinsic reward schemes. While these systems can generate initial interest, they struggle to maintain engagement over time, leading to diminished learning outcomes. This challenge is particularly critical in the context of complex, evolving subjects such as climate change education, in which continuous learner involvement is essential for fostering lasting awareness and actionable outcomes. To address this gap in gamification systems design, this research proposes a RGM-4-CCL4GIE education. The model draws upon concepts from the Self-determination Theory, the Operant Conditioning Theory (OCT), and the MechanicsDynamics-Aesthetics (MDA) framework, to create a dynamic system that enables sustained intrinsic motivation and learner engagement. The RGM-4-CCL4GIE education incorporates a randomized badgeawarding plugin which is an intrinsic reward mechanism. This model includes interactive assessments infused with points as gamification elements, utilizing the social robot Nao to enhance learner interaction. This is particularly necessary in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where climate literacy is critical for mitigating the socio-economic impacts of climate change. The study employs a Design Science Research Methodology (DSR) to guide the development and validation of the model, which is prototyped on the Moodle e-learning platform and the social robot Nao (SRN). The system’s gamification components such as points, badges, and dynamic rewards are integrated into both desktop and robotic platforms to foster sustained intrinsic motivation and long-term engagement in climate-change literacy and green-innovation entrepreneurship. The RGM-4-CCL4GIE was evaluated with 20 university students, revealing enhanced sustained intrinsic motivation (mean score of 4.58) and long-term engagement (95%). The evaluation data reflected strong positive perceptions, with all subscales (motivation, user engagement, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, aesthetics) scoring above 4 (on a 5-point scale), showing significant differences from the neutral point (p<.001) and large effect sizes (Cohen’s d > 1.77). Individual items reflected high agreement on motivation (e.g., “inspires me to continue training”, M=4.75), engagement (e.g., random badges, 95% agreement, p < 0.001), usefulness (e.g., understanding climate change, 75% strongly agree), ease of use (M=4.65), and aesthetics (NAO robot, 95% agreement). Expert evaluation (n=11) further validated the system, with strong ratings for gamification elements (means 4.27-4.55), Carbon Literacy content (4.45-4.64), and HCI (4.27-4.64), although navigation showed slightly more varied opinions (SD=0.78). These findings demonstrate the RGM-4-CCL4GIE’s potential to address limitations of existing gamification systems by promoting sustained motivation and engagement, thus achieving learning outcomes. In offering the innovative approach that combines robotics and gamification with motivational theories, this research contributes to the advancement of educational gamification. The study shows how the theories are combined to generate the robotic gamification theoretical framework, with specific relevance to climate change education. The study not only bridges gaps in current gamification systems but also provides a foundation for future research into sustainable, technology-driven learning models. Through its integration of robotic interaction, random rewards, and motivational frameworks, the RGM-4- CCL4GIE offers a new approach to educational gamification, particularly in addressing the challenges of sustained motivation and long-term engagement in climate-change education.
Towards a multimodal framework for work integrated learning assessments
(2025-08-18) Rakoma, Pamela Portia Thembeka
Work-integrated learning (WIL) is an educational paradigm that allows for the integration of theory with practice to improve student success. WIL provides university undergraduate students with the opportunity of going to industry to apply what they have learnt in the classroom. Successful WIL programmes are heavily depended on three main stakeholders: the academic institution, the student, and industry. However, WIL is important because it provides real-work experience; development of mutual relationships with industry partners and enhances students’ employability. However, WIL is confronted with multiple challenges among is assessments. The aim of the study was to develop a multimodal framework for work-integrated learning using grounded theory (GT). The study had three research questions, namely, how can multimodal platforms be used to assess work-integrated learning? What is the nature of the technology used in multimodal work-integrated learning assessments? and what multimodal framework should be developed for effective work-integrated learning assessments? This study applies Grounded Theory to understand the challenges associated with WIL with particular emphasis on assessment. This study adopted the constructivist grounded theory developed by (Charmaz 2004; 2014). The constructivist grounded theory was chosen because of its simplicity in application, though the theory does have the classical GT themes. Thereafter, the P3 multimodal WIL assessment framework was developed. The developed framework was validated using user-feedback from three expert evaluators who had participated in the study using Charmaz (2004)’s evaluation criteria. Two of the four expert evaluators felt that the P3 multimodal framework will allow academics to understand and implement efficient WIL assessments. The study solicited academics’ views, perceptions, and experiences on multimodal WIL assessments during the COVID-19 lockdown and after. Participants of the study were chosen because of being involved with WIL assessments in DUT. Data collection was mainly face-to-face with two participants opting for online using Ms TEAMS
Digital transformation of South African Maritime Higher Education and Training (MHET)
(2025-03-31) Masuku, Margaret Balungile; Bauk, Sanja; Olugbara, Oludayo O.
Global learning patterns are changing as a result of the digital revolution (DT) in higher education and training, and South Africa's marine industry is no exception. By improving the education, knowledge, and skills of its people, South Africa, a developing country, has the potential to become a developed one. A significant section of South Africa's population did not have access to higher education 25 years ago. There is still room for expansion even though there have been notable advancements since then. This paper explores the digital transformation of South African maritime higher education and training (MHET), focusing on the integration of digital technologies and their implications for curricula, teaching methodologies, and industry collaboration. The maritime sector is facing increasing demands for skilled professionals, with digitalisation playing a pivotal role in the development of competency-based training, simulations, and e-learning platforms. The paper highlights key challenges and opportunities, such as limited infrastructure, digital literacy gaps, and the need for industry-academia partnerships to ensure relevant and future-proof education. Through a comprehensive review of current digital tools, strategies, and initiatives, this study aims to provide a roadmap for advancing South Africa's maritime education system. This paper explores lecturers' understanding of the benefits and challenges related to blended learning (BL), online distance learning (ODL), and virtual exchange or engagement (VE) compared to traditional face-to-face (F2F) teaching and learning at maritime higher education and training (MHET) institutions in South Africa. It also examines policy recommendations and the potential of emerging technologies, such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence, in shaping a digitally competent workforce. Ultimately, the paper advocates for a balanced approach that integrates traditional maritime knowledge with cutting-edge digital practices to enhance the overall quality and accessibility of maritime education in South Africa. The results of this study should assist South African MHET institutions in developing and evaluating the viability of certifying online distance learning (ODL) programs that combine state-of-the-art digital technology, creative teaching approaches, and traditional pedagogy. These ODL programs could be used as a template by MHET institutions in other developing environments if they are implemented successfully
Taxation implications of Bitcoin : a South African perspective
(2025-08-01) Jangaza, Sinegugu Portia Makhosazana; Stumke, O.
Bitcoin, created by Satoshi Nakamoto, came into existence in 2008. Bitcoin is a virtual currency that has gained popularity worldwide, including in South Africa. It can be used as money or a means of payment or can be kept as an asset. For many years, virtual currencies operated free from legal regulations. Its decentralised network offers its users confidentiality because no-one can link any Bitcoin transaction to any user. This research study investigated the South African Taxation treatment of Bitcoin transactions. It also investigated the taxation legislation for Bitcoin transactions of the three countries selected for this study which are Canada, the United States of America and Australia, in order to establish best-practices that can be applied in South Africa. Bitcoin transactions can come into existence from the process of mining; obtained from barter transactions; and when purchased from Bitcoin vendors through the exchange of countries’ fiat money for Bitcoin, thus attracting taxation implications. The first research question was: What are the tax consequences of Bitcoin transactions in South Africa? This study found the following: the South African Revenue Service, cryptocurrencies are considered assets. The amount received or accumulated as per classification of gross income can be calculated using the value of cryptocurrencies. Cryptocurrency transactions can generate revenue that is subject to gross income taxation. The recipient taxpayer must include as gross income the value in South African Rands of a cryptocurrency, paid or accrued to him or her as contemplated in the definition of "revenue asset". It may be considered trading stock to receive Bitcoin with the intention of trading it for goods and services. Research Question Two was: What are the regulations governing, and tax treatment of, Bitcoin in selected countries? The findings can be summarised as follows: The United States of America (USA), Australia and Canada are clear that virtual currencies are not a legal currency and therefore cannot be classified as currency. Canada classifies virtual currencies as a commodity for taxation purposes. The USA and Canada have classified Bitcoin as property and intangible property respectively, which is similar to the approach in South Africa. The definition of a currency for all four countries is similar in the sense that there needs to be physical cash for the amount to be included as gross income for taxation purposes. Moreover, if Bitcoins are acquired with the aim of reselling or investment, Capital Gains Tax comes into play. None of the three nations' definitions of currency apply to virtual currencies. Research Question Three was: What is the difference or similarities between South African income tax consequences of Bitcoin and that of the three jurisdictions chosen for this study? The below is a summary of the results: South Africa, USA, Australia, Canada (specific that virtual currencies are not a legal tender and hence cannot be recognized as currency) Canada Taxes Crypto as a Commodity Bitcoin is labelled property by the USA and intangible property by Canada. This classification attracts Capital gains taxation, which is a similar approach to South Africa. All four nations have comparable definitions of currency, meaning that for an amount to be considered gross income for taxes reasons, actual cash must be present. Consequently, none of the four nations' definitions of currency apply to virtual currencies. Last but not least, virtual currencies are categorised as crypto assets since South Africa's asset definition encompasses assets of any kind, whether tangible or intangible. Virtual currencies were also categorised as commodities or property in Canada. The study recommends on how South Africa might enhance its current tax laws pertaining to Bitcoin transactions. The study also suggests future research that can serve as an extension of this study
The development of a model for decision-making for the adoption and maintenance of the next generation integrated library systems at South African public universities
(2025-07-23) Sikhosana, Regina Balengane; Rajkoomar, Mogiveny; Sentoo, Naresh
The fourth industrial revolution (4IR) has influenced all academic libraries in higher education institutions, and Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals who have accrued their skills and experience over decades are still facing challenges in managing a variety of print and digital resources with limited resources and budgets. It has become imperative in all academic libraries that there is a disparity in the emerging technologies and skills required by LIS professionals in managing library systems. The aim of this doctoral study was to explore the nature and extent of adoption and maintenance of the next generation ILS in academic libraries, to develop a model for the adoption and maintenance thereof. The theoretical frameworks Technological Acceptance Models (TAM), Unified Theory Use of Technology Acceptance Model (UTAUT), Gardner Hype Cycle model, and Siguenza-Guzman framework were used to examine competencies, skills and technological knowledge of the adoption and maintenance of the next generation integrated library system of LIS professionals as managers of library management systems (LMS) in the digital environment. A sequential explanatory mixed method design framed the research approach. During the quantitative phase, a web based exploratory survey was administered to LIS professionals at academic libraries in South Africa. The emerging themes from the web-based exploratory survey was used to design the interview schedule for the second qualitative phase. The results from both phases were analysed and interpreted to present the findings. The results from data collected were then triangulated with the theoretical frameworks and reviewed literature. The key findings revealed that most academic libraries have begun to adopt the maturing next-generation ILS, with early adopters stating that academic libraries need more collaborations through library consortiums to move towards a shared next generation ILS, allowing for increased collaboration while reducing costs on individual software purchases. Consequently, LIS professionals need acquire technical and technological skills to support library users for learning, teaching, and research in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The study recommends system, methods, and processes that the Library and Information Science sector can implement to ensure that LIS professionals gain the necessary expertise to manage their library management system in the digital environment. Finally, the study proposes the development of a model of decision-making for the adoption and maintenance of next generation ILS for LIS professionals in academic libraries in South Africa.
The collaborative role of school libraries in teaching and learning at selected public schools from Umlazi Township in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
(2024) Ntshangase, Zinhle Fortunate; Rajkoomar, Mogiveny
The study investigated the role of the school library in teaching and learning. The main purpose of the study was to identify the role school libraries play in supporting teaching and learning at schools. The study adopted the following objectives; to determine the collaborative role of school libraries in teaching and learning at the selected schools in the Umlazi Township, to determine the factors that enhance the collaborative role of the school library in the teaching and learning process, and to find out how the selected school libraries promote information literacy to teachers and learners. The scope of the study was on the teachers and teacher librarians from the four functional school libraries at Umlazi namely: Swelihle High School, Comtech High School, Umlazi Secondary School and KwaShaka High School. The current study adopted a mixed method approach. The data was collected using semi structured face-to-face interviews for teacher librarians and questionnaires for educators. The researcher administered questionnaires and conducted interviews herself. Census was used for the 141 population participants comprising 13 8 teachers and 3 teacher librarians of the study. This research study sought to use a suitable research approach to address the aims and objectives of the study; and analysis of findings was carried out by means of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for the quantitative data using tables and figures to present data. The qualitative content analysis was analyzed using Tesch's approach and presented data using texts and tables. The current study revealed that sixty seven percent ( 67%) of the participants support schools in terms of curriculum, with promotion of reading and literacy, and for learners to retrieve information as this is the role of their school libraries in teaching and learning. Furthermore, the study discovered that there are factors that enhance the teaching and learning processes in their schools such as promotion of reading, writing, speaking, listening skills, improved learners' results especially matric, and the collaboration between teacher librarians and teachers to priorities learners' needs. Lastly, this study discovered that the school libraries promote literacy to teachers and learners through library programs, and provision of library materials for suitable reading, etc. This study recommends that the schools should hire qualified librarians and have their own budgets; the library period should be allocated on the school time-tables; new library materials/collection must be bought; school libraries should buy new computers that are compatible with the new technologies; school learners should be encouraged to borrow books; and the Provincial Departments of Education should work with school librarians and teachers to improve school libraries in public schools.
Evaluation of the application of Integrated Financial Management Information Systems in selected municipalities of KwaZulu-Natal
(2024) Kweyama, Thenjiwe Pretty; Nyide, Celani John
This study evaluates the implementation and effectiveness of Integrated Financial Management Information Systems (IFMIS) in selected municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. The study is driven by the observation that the current financial systems in these municipalities are not fully integrated, contributing significantly to issues of corruption, fraud, and inefficiency. The primary aim is to assess whether the existing financial management information systems can generate credible reports that aid in strategic decision-making by management and stakeholders. Given the qualitative nature of the study, interpretivism emerged as the most suitable research philosophy. A purposive sampling method was employed to select municipalities that best addressed the research objectives, involving 12 senior officials from three municipalities. This study used in-depth interviews for data collection, and thematic analysis was employed to analyse data collected from selected municipalities, utilising a cross-case analysis approach to explore unexpected findings, commonalities, contradictions, and conclusions across multiple cases. Innovation Diffusion Theory and Technology-Organisation-Environment were used to underpin the study. The research highlights the significant gaps in the current systems, including limited reporting capabilities, inadequate training provided to the relevant officials, insufficient server capacity, a high level of UIFW expenditures, and weak security controls. These deficiencies contribute to sub-optimal financial management and service delivery performance. Moreover, the study identifies critical barriers to the successful implementation of IFMIS, such as resistance to change, and technical challenges. It also explores best practices and proposes new technological approaches that could enhance the financial management capabilities of municipalities. The research concludes by developing a framework for the successful implementation of IFMIS, aimed at improving financial accountability, transparency, and efficiency in municipal operations. The key findings suggest that while IFMIS has the potential to significantly improve financial management and service delivery, its success depends on addressing the identified challenges and adopting a comprehensive implementation strategy. The study provides valuable insights and recommendations for policymakers, decision-makers in the municipalities, and other stakeholders involved in enhancing financial systems in local government.
The influence of career growth opportunities on administrative officers' job satisfaction at a selected university in South Africa
(2024) Mfeka, Thokozani; Moyane, Smangele Pretty; Nkomo, N.
Career growth opportunities play a crucial role in influencing employee satisfaction across various sectors globally, including among administrative officers in South African higher education institutions. Despite their vital role in organisational support, limited research exists on how career growth impacts the job satisfaction of these professionals. This study addresses this gap by exploring the relationship between career growth opportunities and job satisfaction among administrative officers at a selected South African higher education institution. Grounded in Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory, the study employed a post-positivist research paradigm, integrating both quantitative and qualitative methods. Data was collected through a survey design, using questionnaires administered to administrative officers. Descriptive statistics and thematic content analysis were utilized to interpret the findings. The study offers several recommendations to enhance career growth and job satisfaction, thereby fostering a work environment conducive to both individual development and organisational success. Expanding development programs beyond technical skills is essential. By incorporating leadership, conflict management, and personal growth opportunities, institutions can equip administrative officers with the necessary tools to lead teams, manage workplace challenges, and build resilience. This comprehensive development approach will not only improve job performance but also prepare staff for future leadership roles, enhancing career mobility and retention. Establishing clear career pathways is critical for long-term engagement. A structured and transparent progression framework, supported by mentorship and regular career workshops, will provide administrative officers with a clear understanding of their advancement opportunities. Additionally, cross-training and lateral movement options will broaden their expertise, ensuring continued motivation and commitment to the institution. Furthermore, enhancing recognition mechanisms will ensure administrative officers feel valued and motivated. Formal recognition programs, paired with personalized feedback from management, can foster a culture of appreciation and drive higher levels of job satisfaction. Performance-based incentives, such as bonuses or salary adjustments, will further reinforce the value of their contributions. Improving job clarity is also essential for increasing job satisfaction. Regularly updated job descriptions, aligned with officers' skills and aspirations, along with clear performance expectations, will foster a sense of purpose, boost productivity, and ensure accountability. Finally, investing in employee well-being is vital for maintaining a healthy, engaged workforce. Flexible work arrangements, stress management resources, and wellness programs can enhance morale, reduce burnout, and create a more resilient and productive administrative team. By implementing these recommendations, institutions will not only cultivate a more satisfied and motivated administrative workforce but also strengthen overall organisational performance and sustainability. These targeted strategies will lead to increased productivity, reduced turnover, and a deeper commitment to institutional success.
A data science analysis of the South African COVID-19 infodemic on Twitter
(2024) Khan, Yaseen; Thakur, Surendra C.
The rapid dissemination of information on Twitter (X), particularly during COVID-19, has exacerbated infodemics, marked by the proliferation of both accurate and false information. Users were inundated with Fake News, encompassing misinformation, disinformation and malinformation. Misinformation entails the unintentional dissemination of false information, whereas disinformation involves deliberate deception. Malinformation, although grounded in truth, is manipulated to inflict harm. Traditional human-led verification systems have proven inadequate, as seen in prior infodemics such as the 2016 U.S. elections and South Africa’s #FeesMustFall. Legislative measures in South Africa aimed at curbing Fake News during the pandemic were insufficient because of the vast volume of tweets, necessitating computational approaches. Despite global focus on COVID-19 Fake News, South African research on Twitter infodemic analysis remains limited, particularly in the areas of Big Data, longitudinal analysis, fake news detection, sentiment analysis and social bot detection. This study addresses these gaps through advanced data science methods, including Natural Language Processing (NLP), Machine Learning (ML) and Change Point Analysis (CPA), to analyse the South African COVID-19 Twitter infodemic. A longitudinal South African COVID-19 dataset (SAcovid19dataset), comprising 976 086 tweets from 8 November 2019 to 19 July 2021, was curated. Additionally, a labelled dataset (C19MLdataset) of 30 193 tweets was created for Fake News detection, containing 17 069 ‘Fake News’ and 13 124 ‘Not Fake News’ tweets. The study focused on textual analysis, as audio, video and image analytics were beyond its scope. This research uniquely employs an exhaustive approach to compare a wide range of models for COVID-19 Fake News detection prioritising balanced accuracy and execution time performance metrics. Using the C19MLdataset, twenty-seven (27) shallow, five (5) deep learning (DL) and seven (7) transformer models were systematically evaluated. ExtraTreesClassifier, RandomForestClassifier and LightGBM emerged as the topperforming shallow models. RoBERTa was the top performing transformer model and BiLSTM outperformed other DL models. LightGBM was identified as the most efficient model because of its speed and low computational demands. After optimization, it achieved a balanced accuracy of 88.76% and detected 262 508 (26.89%) Fake News tweets from the full SAcovid19dataset. Sentiment analysis, performed using VADER and CPA, revealed 16 significant shifts in sentiment due to real-world events. Approximately 56% were related to lockdown announcements and restrictions. For instance, the South African national state of emergency on 15 March 2020 led to a shift from neutral to positive sentiment. Contrastingly, the 26 February 2021 South African state of the nation address saw sentiment shift from positive to negative. Social bot activity was examined using three novel algorithms that analysed tweet timestamps, content duplication and sources. Results showed that three of the Top 10 Fake News accounts exhibited bot-like behaviour, confirming the presence of automated accounts in the spread of false information. This study significantly contributes to the understanding of South Africa’s COVID-19 infodemic by providing a robust Fake News detection model and linking real-world events to shifts in public sentiment. The development of social bot detection algorithms further illuminates the role of automated accounts in the dissemination of Fake News. These findings have practical implications for policymakers and researchers aiming to combat infodemics using computational tools.
Exploring female students’ quest for leadership and their lived experiences at the Durban University of Technology
(2024) Hadebe, Thalente; Govender, Rosaline
South African institutions of higher learning should support female students as they pursue leadership roles within the institution. It is compulsory for the institution of higher learning to have students’ representatives in South Africa. Student participation inside formal governance institutions is supposed to provide platforms that allow students to communicate and negotiate their complaints and demands to relevant authorities. However, the representation of female students in student leadership is still dimmed. Providing opportunities for female students to develop and self-identify as leaders would better prepare them for the future. In the dynamic landscape of leadership at the Durban University of Technology in South Africa, female students strive to assume pivotal roles as leaders within various clubs and societies affiliated with the institution. The aim of this study is to explore female students’ quest for leadership and their lived experiences at DUT. The study’s objectives are to explore female students’ motivation to become leaders and to identify the factors that enable and/or constrain female student leaders in their quest for leadership. Employing a qualitative research approach grounded in interpretivism, this study employed semi-structured interviews conducted online via Microsoft Teams. Purposive sampling was used to identify potential participants. A total of twelve participants were interviewed until data saturation was reached. The data collected was thematically coded using Tesch’s eight steps to reveal patterns and themes in the data. The findings underscored the intrinsic drive of female student leaders, coupled with extrinsic motivations. However, their experiences were marred by constraints stemming from entrenched patriarchal norms and gender stereotypes within affiliated groups. Despite the university’s efforts to foster gender equality and equity, institutional support often falls short in mitigating the impact of gender bias. Moreover, the study identified a pressing need for capacity development programmes tailored to enhance the leadership skills of female students. This study advocates for proactive measures to address gender disparities, empower female leaders, and cultivate an inclusive environment to foster their growth and development.
Modelling of staff development framework to enhance employee’s performance in the selected South African local Government : Msunduzi Municipality
(2024) Vezi, Phumelela Talent; Mabaso, C.; Rajlal, Ashnee
This doctoral research investigates the development of an effective staff development framework aimed at optimizing employee performance within the Msunduzi Municipality in South Africa. Recognizing the challenges faced by local government in enhancing workforce capabilities, the study employs an integrative approach that combines elements of organizational development, human resource management, and performance enhancement strategies to create a model tailored to the municipality's specific needs. Utilising a qualitative methodology, the research involved conducting in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, including employees, managers, and human resource professionals. Thematic analysis was utilised to identify recurring patterns and correlations within the qualitative data, leading to a deeper understanding of the socio-cultural factors that influence employee performance and engagement in the South African local government context. Findings highlight significant gaps in existing staff development initiatives, including inadequate training programs, opportunities for professional growth, and a lack of alignment between individual competencies and organizational goals. The proposed staff development framework emerges as a holistic model that emphasizes continuous learning, skills development, talent management, and the alignment of individual goals with broader organizational objectives advocating for a structured approach to staff development, incorporating regular skills assessments, targeted training programs, and leadership development initiatives.The study concludes that implementing evidence-based staff development framework significantly enhance employee performance and organizational effectiveness within the Msunduzi Municipality. Key recommendations include the establishment of mentorship programs, ongoing professional development opportunities, and partnerships with educational institutions to facilitate training. By providing practical insights for policymakers and practitioners, this research contributes to the broader academic discourse on human resource management in the public sector and serves as a potential blueprint for other local governments facing similar challenges.
Ethical investment and financial sustainability among resource extraction companies in South Africa : the moderating role of disclosure quality
(2025) Nxumalo, Minenhle Mandy; Maama, Haruna; Olugbara, Oludayo O.
The objective of this study is to investigate the moderating role of disclosure quality in the relationship between ethical investment strategies and financial sustainability among resource extraction companies in South Africa. In recent years, ethical considerations have become increasingly central to the investment landscape, as investors and stakeholders place greater emphasis on aligning financial activities with broader societal values and sustainable development goals. This has led to the emergence of ethical responsible investment, which seeks not only financial returns but also positive environmental, social, and governance outcomes. While existing literature has explored the broad association between ethical investment and financial sustainability, the specific mechanisms through which disclosure quality moderates this relationship remain underexplored. This study is relevant because historical inequalities, regulatory changes, and evolving stakeholder expectations in South African have created a complex environment for resource extraction companies. The country has been a global hub for mineral resources, playing a pivotal role in the mining and extraction industries. This study used ethical investment, disclosure quality, and financial sustainability performance data from 2013 to 2022. Ethical investment and disclosure quality data were collected from the integrated reports of the firms and financial sustainability data was sourced from Bloomberg and McGregor BFA databases. This study used a multiple regression estimating method based on the benefits from panel data analysis. The system generalized method of moments; a dynamic estimating methodology was used in the study to estimate the model's parameters. The findings showed that institutional ownership, ownership type, research and development, profitability, size, age, leverage, book to market ratio and liquidity influences the adoption of ethical investment. The study further found that ethical investment has a positive relationship with profitability and firm value. According to the finding, disclosure quality influences the relationship between ethical investment and financial sustainability. The implication of this result is that transparency and accountability in companies lead to decision-making certainties among investors which creates lower perceived risks and higher expected returns, thus increasing stock prices. Therefore, ethical investment disclosure can result in decreased information asymmetry and increased trust from investors in ethically responsible companies. The study recommends that companies should provide transparent and accurate information for stakeholders to gain trust, this will attract more ethical investments, thus resulting in more financial sustainability. The study contributes to the advancement of ethical investment research by establishing the connection between ethical investment and financial sustainability with the disclosure quality as a moderator.
The influence of firm size, stakeholder involvement, and internal environmental management on decision of small-medium sized accounting firms to adopt computerised accounting systems in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
(2025) Biyela, Malusi Gabriel; Muhammad, Kamaruzzaman; Marimuthu, Ferina; Zaini, Syeliya Md
Financial statements are an important tool for making informed decisions in a company. In the modern business world, many companies rely on information technology, such as computerised accounting systems, to streamline the preparation of these financial statements. Despite the numerous benefits these systems offer, some organisations still choose to prepare their financial statements manually, exposing themselves to risks such as errors, inefficiencies, a lack of scalability, and limited real-time visibility. These challenges can hinder effective financial management and decision-making processes. This study examines the factors influencing the decision of small and medium-sized accounting firms (SMAs) in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, to adopt computerised accounting systems. In particular, this study examines the influence of firm size, stakeholder involvement, and internal environmental management on these decisions. The study uses agency theory to explain the dynamics between the SMAs, who act as agents, and their clients, the principals, who rely on their services to prepare financial statements. Based on the questionnaire survey, the results show that all three factors— firm size, stakeholder involvement, and internal environmental management— significantly and positively influence the decision to adopt computerised accounting systems. Stakeholder involvement proves to be the most influential predictor. This study offers practical implications for SMAs and emphasise the crucial role of computerised accounting systems in improving communication and networking with stakeholders, including customers, bankers, and government agencies. The introduction of these systems ensures the fast and accurate production of financial information, thus meeting the needs of all stakeholders. Furthermore, this study contributes to the existing literature on the factors driving the adoption of computerised accounting systems, with particular focus on the context of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
A framework for the management of digital court records for justice delivery in selected High Courts in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
(2024) Ntengenyane, Khunjulwa; Masenya, Tlou Maggie
The advent of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) has led to exponential growth of digital or electronic records and has also revolutionised the creation, capture, use, management and preservation of these records. Courts like any other public organisations are increasingly harnessing ICT to manage all their records as well as using them for justice delivery processes. This study sought to investigate the management of digital court records for justice delivery in the selected High Courts in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, with the view to propose a framework for the study, guided by the following research objectives: to determine the extent to which digital court records are managed in High Courts in the Eastern Cape Province, to determine the availability of infrastructure for the management of digital court records in High Courts in the Eastern Cape Province, to ascertain the compliance with legal and statutory framework for the management of digital court records for justice delivery by High Courts in the Eastern Cape Province, to establish the barriers to effective management of digital court records in High Courts in the Eastern Cape Province, to propose a framework for management of court records for justice delivery in High Courts in the Eastern Cape Province and to make recommendations on the management of digital court records for justice delivery in High Courts in the Eastern Cape Province. The current study adopted the pragmatism paradigm since it allows the use of Mixed Methods Research (MMR) and provides a rationale for paradigmatic pluralism. The population of the study consisted of the court managers, court registrars, chief registry clerks, registry clerks, and a librarian. Quantitative data was coded and analysed using Microsoft Excel 2016, while qualitative data was analysed using content analysis. The study established that digital court records are vital to the administration of justice. However, these records are fragile in nature. This underscores the necessity of High Courts having an efficient digital record management system. The findings revealed several challenges to effective management of digital court records, which among others are inadequate technological infrastructure, inadequate technical support and inadequate skills and knowledge in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The study recommends the following: a continuous digital court records management training programme for court staff and other related or relevant personnel; the enhancement of the infrastructure; the management of digital court records within the national framework of the management of electronic public records.
An investigation on the effectiveness of government structures established to support Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises in eThekwini Municipality during COVID-19 pandemic
(2025) Mcunu, Lungelo Amahle; Ngibe, Musawenkosi
SMMEs are pivotal to the achievement of the goals espoused in the South African’s National Development Plan and remain core instrument for job creation, poverty alleviation, creativity and innovations that are strategic for national transformation. However, the survival and roles performance of these SMMEs was threatened by the disruptions and measures imposed to restrain the spread of COVID-19, therefore, necessitating governmental initiatives for the design of financial and non-financial support structures during the covid-19 era. This study, therefore, assess these support structures established by the government to moderate the consequences of pandemic on SMMEs, ensure their survival and safeguard their role performance in the national development plan. The study is based on questionnaire administered on 201 SMME leaders, owners, and managers in eThekwini Municipality, South Africa. Descriptive statistics was utilized on SPSS to provide insight to the data obtained from respondents. Findings from the results of data analysis show that there were issues in accessing government funding, stringent scoring system, limited knowledge of funding opportunities, insufficient training, and communication barriers. It is suggested that the government simplify funding applications, increase awareness and training programs, develop a more accommodating scoring system, and establish regular communication channels with SMMEs. These recommendations aim to strengthen the resilience of SMMEs as vital contributors to South Africa's economic recovery and growth.
The role of entrepreneurship education in preparing future entrepreneurs : a case of third-year diploma students at a selected university of technology
(2025) Qwabe, Thabane Wiseman; Ngibe, Musawenkosi; Bingwa, Luyanda Loraine
Many developing countries, such as South Africa experience high levels of unemployment rate (32.1%), with an unemployment rate among graduates sitting at 44.3%. This has led to entrepreneurship education emerging as a crucial tool for economic empowerment and job creation. Despite this, the current entrepreneurship programmes in South African universities often fall short in providing students with the essential skills needed to thrive in today's competitive business environment. Tertiary institutions have the responsibility of offering entrepreneurship courses to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge. One major issue in South Africa is the lack of sufficient entrepreneurship qualifications to develop students with abilities for the entrepreneurial sector. To address this issue and combat unemployment among South African graduates, there is a need to evaluate the effectiveness of entrepreneurship programmes currently in place at a selected university of technology. This research aimed to investigate the impact of entrepreneurship education on enhancing students' entrepreneurial skills and aspirations. A quantitative research approach was followed in this study, aligning with the positivism research philosophy. The sample for the study was 269 undergraduate students who were registered for entrepreneurial modules, which were chosen using a nonprobability purposive sampling method. The research findings revealed shortcomings in the university's entrepreneurial education programmes, particularly in adequately supporting students' entrepreneurial aspirations and providing them with the necessary access to modern technological tools essential for succeeding in a digitally driven business environment. The study recommended that educational institutions pay more attention to nurturing students' entrepreneurial development to enhance their skills and ambitions, ultimately playing a more significant role in addressing the escalating unemployment rates in South Africa. The study further recommended that it is the importance of maintaining a conducive environment that fosters entrepreneurial abilities and equips students with the necessary tools and resources to thrive in the competitive business landscape. Universities should update their entrepreneurship syllabuses to help students succeed in acquiring entrepreneurship knowledge. In addition to improving the curriculum, new teaching methods in line with current industry trends should be employed. This will ensure that students have the practical skills they need for business. By incorporating innovative teaching methodologies and practical experiences, higher education institutions can empower students to develop a robust entrepreneurial mindset and be ready to enter the dynamic business world. The study underscored the importance of integrating entrepreneurship modules into a full academic qualification to ensure that students receive comprehensive training and guidance in realising their entrepreneurial ambitions. This holistic approach transforms students into proactive and resourceful individuals capable of leveraging opportunities and overcoming obstacles in the cut-throat business environment. Therefore, the study concluded that a paradigm shift should be considered where higher education institutions prioritise student entrepreneurial growth and fostering a culture of innovation and creativity. By addressing the current gaps in entrepreneurial education, universities can play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs who are well-equipped to drive economic growth and development in South Africa.
The impact of COVID-19 on the financial and sustainability performance of insurance companies in South Africa
(2024) Zungu, Siphesihle Charles; Maama, Haruna; Mvunabandi, Jean Damascene
The study aimed to investigate how the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affected insurance companies' financial and sustainability performance in South Africa. This comes from the fact that with the occurrence of COVID-19, insurance companies had to do two things at the same time, which were adaptability and resilience. For the insurance industry it is very essential to show resilience in the face of uncertainty, which became even more important since the COVID-19 pandemic. The other thing is growing pressure to follow modern sustainability standards. In a business world that is always shifting and full of risks and problems, it is important for insurance companies to have solid strategies that not only help them deal with problems as they come up but also help the industry grow in the long-term. The COVID-19 pandemic made resilience even more important by forcing businesses around the world to quickly adjust to new situations, like changes in customer needs, economic downturns, and government reactions. To accomplish the research objective, the study used a secondary data. The study used a quantitative method that was in line with the positivist research philosophy. The sample used for the study was made up of 37 insurance companies that were registered with the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) of South Africa. To get the environmental and social performance from the integrated annual reports of registered insurance businesses from 2017 to 2022, a quantitative content analysis was used. These reports were obtained from the websites of the respective companies. Regression analysis is used in this research to estimate the impact of COVID-19 on the sustainability and financial performance of the firms. The research found a statistically significant and positive association between Return on Assets (ROA) and COVID-19 among South African insurance companies. The link was shown by a positive coefficient of 2.642 and a p-value of 0.000. This shows that insurance companies effectively responded to pandemic-related disruptions. However, a significant adverse link was found between the COVID-19 and return on equity (ROE). This highlights a potential roadblock to insurance firms' financial success, as it was evidenced by negative coefficient of -0.15 and a p-value of 0.008. Furthermore, the negative correlation between Tobin's Q and COVID-19, demonstrated by a coefficient of -2.55 and a p-value of 0.793, reveals the industry's complicated dynamics, although being statistically insignificant. Likewise, a positive and statistically significant relationship was found between COVID-19 and both social responsibility and environmental sustainability performances, with coefficients of 2.548 and a p value of 0.000, and 0.782 and a p value of 0.000 respectively. This research advances the understanding of industry stakeholders, governments, and academics by providing insights into strategic decision-making and encouraging flexibility in the face of future uncertainty. Aside from its immediate focus, this study has significant implications for South Africa's economic climate, giving a nuanced perspective on the challenges and opportunities inherent in the insurance market. Therefore, it increases the country's overall resilience and fosters growth
A prototype integrated change management model for enhancing sustainable administrative effectiveness in KwaZulu-Natal municipalities
(2024) Sibisi, Busisiwe Audrey; Nyide, Celani John
Significant changes within the local sphere of government continue to confront South African municipalities. These changes adversely impact organisational structures and policy approaches, contributing to the poor performance of some municipalities. Models aimed at addressing change management tend to be overly simplistic and change management research specific to South African municipalities is limited. The aim of this study was to discover and examine critical factors that affect the effective management of change in selected municipalities in KZN and to suggest the adoption of a prototype integrated change management model for implementation by these municipalities to enhance sustainable administrative effectiveness. A qualitative methodology, employing the grounded theory approach, underpins this study. This study selected three KZN municipalities for the sample size using the purposive sampling technique. This investigation adopted thematic data analysis. The study's findings highlight that current change management practices in the local government sphere have led to the instability and ineffectiveness of South Africa's municipalities. These practices include shortcomings in strategic planning, stakeholder involvement, managerial support, ineffective communication, and inadequate staff development. The study argues that these key factors influence the adoption of change management for sustainable administrative effectiveness in municipalities. The study, drawing from comprehensive literature on various change management models and empirical research, proposes that municipalities adopt an integrated change management model to effectively manage change, navigate political transitions, and enhance administrative sustainability amid environmental challenges. This study fills knowledge gaps in South African municipal governance and advances the conversation on change management and sustainable administrative effectiveness in local government, which benefits both local and national policymakers. In the end, the suggested model is an attempt to encourage municipalities to navigate change for better service quality, guaranteeing more dependable and adaptable governance
Development of a face mask detection and masked facial recognition model based on a hybrid convolutional neural network
(2024) Pillay, Chezlyn; Joseph, Seena; Van Niekerk, Brett
In the context of enhancing security authentication, facial recognition technology has become pivotal, replacing conventional authentication methods such as passwords, security tokens and PINs across various sectors. However, the rapid growth of facial recognition technology faced hindrances due to the COVID-19 pandemic, where mandatory face mask usage obscured facial features, challenging existing authentication methods. Regardless, the existence of several methods for face mask detection and recognition highlighted prevalent issues such as poor lighting, varied angles, failed detection for improper use of face masks, computational complexity, difficulty in detecting smaller faces and low-resolution targets have led to suboptimal accuracy rates. Hence, this study aims to address these challenges by introducing a hybrid Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) architecture tailored for Face Mask Detection (FMD) and Masked Facial Recognition (MFR). The models used MobileNetV2 and FaceNet InceptionResNetV1 respectively for FMD and MFR. The proposed models leverage advanced FMD and MFR technologies, contributing to the real-world need for enhanced security in scenarios where traditional methods are insufficient. The models underwent training using five distinct datasets, comprising a total of 10,980 images for FMD across two datasets, and 26,523 images for MFR across three datasets. In the FMD phase, the model achieved exceptional results, attaining a perfect 100% across evaluation metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall, and the f1-score within a training timeframe of an hour. Transitioning to the MFR phase, where the model required approximately one hour and 30 minutes, maintained an outcome of 99.68% across the aforementioned metrics, surpassing the accuracy level of existing models within the meta-analysis. Furthermore, the model underwent testing on a real-time custom dataset designed for MFR evaluation, consisting of 5500 images (i.e., 4400 for training, 550 for validation and 550 for testing) in real-life scenarios. Robustness was assessed under various conditions, resulting in an impressive 99.82% accuracy. The model demonstrated high accuracy in real-time testing. Notably, both the models excel in detecting and recognising masked participants from diverse angles and lighting conditions with minimal computational complexity. Leveraging the pre-trained MobileNetV2 for FMD and FaceNet InceptionResNetV1 with CNN for MFR, the CNN models provide a comprehensive solution. The proposed models surpass existing methods, excelling in accuracy under challenging conditions. This study contributes a versatile and efficient solution, addressing limitations in current approaches and providing robust models for FMD and MFR in diverse sectors.

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