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Factors impacting the digital adoption of digital transformation of small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMME’s) in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) and Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) in the Eastern Cape (EC)

  • Authors: Tyutu, Ziphozethu
  • Date: 2025-04
  • Subjects: Business-Technological innovations , New business enterprises -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa -- Management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/73850 , vital:79551
  • Description: This research study investigates the factors that impact the adoption of Digital Transformation of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) and Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) in the Eastern Cape. The study’s main objective is to explore the challenges and opportunities faced by SMMEs in their Digital Transformation journeys. The study used a quantitative research methodology and positivism as a research approach. Furthermore, the study used a deductive research approach as it allowed the researcher to delve deeply into the impact of Digital Transformation of SMMEs in the Eastern Cape, gaining a rich and detailed understanding of Digital Transformation. The theoretical framework is based on the Transaction Cost Theory and Resource-Based Theory; these two theories are used as a lens through which the digital transformation processes are analysed. The findings of this research showed positive variances in digital technology adoption, digital culture, and digital finance in digital initiatives among SMMEs, which were used as constructs of this research. The research study concludes with recommendations for SMME owners and engineers working in SMMEs on fostering an enabling environment for Digital Transformation to enhance competitiveness and sustainability in the manufacturing industry. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04

Factors influencing performance and productivity at the port of Ngqura container terminal

  • Authors: Kondile, Noxolo
  • Date: 2025-04
  • Subjects: Perfomance evaluation , Productivity , Containerization
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72872 , vital:79273
  • Description: Port performance and productivity are critical determinants of competitiveness in the global shipping industry. This study evaluates the factors influencing the performance and productivity of the Port of Ngqura Container Terminal utilising a qualitative systematic review approach. A total of 30 journal articles and additional industry reports, benchmarking studies, and policy documents published between 2014 and 2023 were analysed to assess operational inefficiencies, infrastructure limitations, and connectivity challenges. Guided by the Seaport Performance Theory (SPT) framework, the study identifies three strategic interventions for improving port performance: Infrastructure Maintenance, Technology Integration, and Human Capital Development. The thematic findings highlight the importance of adopting policies that promote resilience strategies, such as contingency planning for operational disruptions caused by extreme weather conditions or other unforeseen events. These interventions, aim to improve Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), maintain productivity during disruptions, and optimise resource allocation to improve overall port efficiency and competitiveness. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04

factors influencing value creation through design thinking in the hospitality industry in Ghana

  • Authors: Amedeker, Dominic Kwame
  • Date: 2025-04
  • Subjects: Hospitality industry -- Management , Creative ability in business , Creative thinking
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/71948 , vital:79160
  • Description: Globally, as the hospitality industry continues to change, there is a growing emphasis on the application of innovative management tools to stay competitive in the global market. Design Thinking and value creation have become the management intervention. Design thinking and value creation are receiving attention in the business sector as panaceas for developing human-centered services to satisfy customers and create value for organisations. Value creation is how business organisations create and offer products and services for customers that are willing to pay and how they attempt to capture a share of the total value that is created in the resultant economic exchange processes. This research study critically identified and examined factors influencing value creation through Design Thinking in the hospitality industry in Ghana. Specifically, it examined how two different concepts of Design Thinking influenced value creation in the hospitality industry in Ghana. The study adopted a quantitative approach to gather data. Based on Fowler’s table a disproportionate stratified sample was used to select a sample size of 315 with a confidence level of 95% at a 5% margin of error. Partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used for the analysis and evaluation of the hypothesised model. Findings showed that technology, employees’ knowledge and skills, external actors and financial strength through Design Thinking have a statistically significant relationship with value creation in the Ghana’s hospital industry evidenced in their respective p-values. Technology shows a moderate influence on value creation relative to external actors while the Employee knowledge and skills are crucial for service delivery in the hospitality industry. Mediation effects were asymmetrical in distribution across constructs including technology, external actors, and financial strength. While the Q² values indicate strong predictive relevance, the moderate R² values of constructs such as technology and employee knowledge and skills suggest that other unmeasured factors also have influence on value creation.The following recommendations were made based on the key results of the study, namely hospitality businesses in Ghana should invest in training employees and managers in the principles of Design Thinking. Workshops, collaborative brainstorming sessions and innovation labs will help to better embed Design Thinking into routine activities and nurture a culture of creativity and problem-solving. The industry should invest in state-of-the-art technologies such as CRM systems, mobile applications for bookings, and AI-driven data analytics to enhance customer experiences in streamlining operations and achieving cost efficiencies. The hospitality industry must implement training programmes that have a focus on both technical and soft skills, tailor-made for employee knowledge and skills to fully meet dynamic customer needs. The study also recommended the strengthening of relationships with external actors such as customers and other stakeholders, suppliers, travel agents in value creation strategies by requesting customer feedback through surveys and focus groups to adapt services to meet the diverse needs to foster loyalty. Other recommendations included leveraging financial resources strategically in areas that yield the highest returns, target emerging and luxury market segments, creating innovation by collaboration with industry players in policy formulation service models suitable for the Ghanaian market. The study further recommended the application of key performance metrics for the monitoring and evaluation of customer satisfaction, employee productivity, and financial performance to highlight areas for improvement to align with value creation goals. Finally, the government and industry associations should create a favourable regulatory environment, as well as incentives for innovation and investment to enhance the industry’s value creation capability. Further study should be conducted into the exploration of cultural influences on Design Thinking and value creation in the Ghanaian hospitality industry. Furthermore, a longitudinal study should be conducted on the long-term effects of the implementation of Design Thinking practices on value creation. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04

Factors that influence the effective teaching of coding in South Africa: a case study on the Tangible Africa Initiative

  • Authors: Thorne, ZinZan
  • Date: 2025-04
  • Subjects: Technological innovations -- Economic aspects , Information society , Coding theory
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/73736 , vital:79499
  • Description: The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has reshaped industries worldwide, creating a surge in demand for information and communication technology (ICT) skills, particularly in software development. However, South Africa faces significant challenges in embracing 4IR due to a shortage of digital skills, exacerbated by disparities in its education system and a persistent digital divide. This study investigates the factors affecting the effective teaching of coding through the Tangible Africa initiative, which uses mobile applications such as TANKS, RANGERS and BOATS to teach coding without requiring traditional computer infrastructure. These programmes present an innovative solution to introduce coding in underserved areas where access to computers and reliable internet are limited. Adopting a quantitative research approach, this study, distributed online via QuestionPro, received 41 responses from facilitators involved in the Tangible Africa initiative across various regions in South Africa. The research focused on identifying challenges faced by facilitators, their perceptions of the initiative and the impact on learners. Findings reveal that factors such as ICT infrastructure, facilitator skills and the learning environment significantly influence the success of coding education. Despite barriers like limited resources and inconsistent training, the study highlights the potential of mobile-based programmes to bridge the digital divide, providing foundational coding skills essential for South Africa’s participation in the global digital economy. This study contributes to the field by demonstrating the effectiveness of mobile-based coding education in resource-constrained settings. It emphasises strategies such as gamification to enhance learner engagement, comprehensive facilitator training to improve instructional quality and fostering collaborations between educational institutions and the private sector to expand access to digital tools. Recommendations include increased investment in ICT infrastructure in under-resourced schools and the development of targeted training programmes to equip facilitators with the necessary skills. By addressing these areas, the study offers a pathway to bridge the digital skills gap and better prepare South African learners for the demands of 4IR, promoting a more inclusive and competitive digital landscape. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04

Fatigue life and whip peen process parameter influence as applied to 21CRMOV5-7 turbine rotor steel

  • Authors: Sibambo, Nozipho Tresiah
  • Date: 2025-04
  • Subjects: Steam-turbines , Machinery -- Reliability , Reliability (Engineering)
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/74167 , vital:79659
  • Description: Steam turbines are susceptible to Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) and fatigue failure during their life in-service. As a result, over the years, a variety of maintenance techniques have been used to guarantee their continuous production of electricity. Among these techniques, the grinding method stands out as the most used technique in the refurbishment of steam turbine rotors. The grinding process was used in this study to create grooves to remove cracks that were caused by SCC before they matured to fatigue failure. In addition, post the grinding process, a novel technique employed by eNtsa, called whip-peening, was utilised as a surface treatment to introduce a compressive surface layer to prevent crack initiation. This study considered all variables relating to the serration grinding process, developed by eNtsa, for refurbishment of stress corrosion damage. However, the main research focus was directed at developing a combination or a set of feasible whip-peening process parameters to restore compressive residual stress conditions along the grinding path, post the crack removal through grinding. Additionally, fatigue data was analysed to describe any shift in the fatigue life as a function of peening cycles. The research focused on determining the ideal number of peen or sweep cycles to improve the fatigue life of a grooved 21CrMoV5-7 alloy steel material used to produce steam turbines. Two peening parameters were selected, namely, 10 and 40 peening sweeps. The residual stresses were measured using the iXRD system to study the improvement of residual stresses from ground coupons to peened coupons. The induced residual stress results confirmed peening to improve the residual stresses from tensile to compressive, namely, from 200 MPa to -500 MPa. There was no significant difference between the 10 and 40 induced compressive residual stresses. These stresses were found to be satisfactory to enhance the fatigue life of the 21CrMoV5-7 alloy steel. , Thesis (MEng) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, School of Engineering, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04

Female advancement at a South African automotive manufacturer: perceptions and challenges faced by female employees

  • Authors: Stout, Freek
  • Date: 2025-04
  • Subjects: Women employees -- South Africa , Women in the professions -- South Africa , Career development -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/73725 , vital:79498
  • Description: Female advancement in the automotive industry is slow. Despite government interventions and laws being passed, the companies seem to grappling in achieving equality in the workplace. The research aims to understand, from the perspective of female employees at the selected company, how five components are either positively or negatively contributing to female advancement in the chosen company. These five independent variables tested are: Policy awareness, Current promotion policies, Talent recognition, Leadership selection and Self-development. A comprehensive literature review is formulated to be used to compare the results with previous studies. The purpose of this is to check for new emerging trends. The researcher presents hypotheses and the data prove them to be true or false. This is done by sending a survey tool, with close ended ques-tions via e-mail to all female employees on three specialisation and manage-ment levels within the company. These levels represent the majority of female employees within the organisation. The responses are cleaned up for any errors or bugs. Statistical analysis is deployed to understand the data. The data is used to understand the relationship between the independent variables and the dependent variable which is female advancement. From the study, in the main, it revealed that policies might be in place and understood but female employees have an obligation to prove themselves in the workplace. Unfortunately, the sample size was small, but one can get a sense of what females within the chosen company feel need to be done in order to progress within the organisation. The study recommends that management creates a platform for females to showcase their potential and apply scientific selection processes to ensure that female employees are working in their fields of expertise as well as chosen in a scientific way for leadership positions. Gaps identified in this study pertain to the uncertainty of female employees with regards to certain questions asked in the survey. A big part of the questions was answered in the neutral category. This gives the impression that either the respondents did not understand the questions or are scared to give their honest opinion. The percentage responses were low, even after sending the survey questions out several times and re-assurance of the confidentiality of the study, indicating that some female employees might think that the survey could be career limiting. This aspect can be a topic for further studies into female behaviour causing hindrances in their advancement prospects. The study yielded some interesting statistics, especially the views from female employees. Companies can use the data to improve female employee selection and placement. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04

Financial education as a tool to promote financial inclusion of school leavers in Makhanda

  • Authors: Williams, Ru-Nita Micheala
  • Date: 2025-04
  • Subjects: Education -- South Africa -- Finance , Finance -- Social aspects , Financial literacy -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/73948 , vital:79593
  • Description: Financial education is essential globally, yet it remains insufficient despite the efforts of countries to implement and provide it. South Africans, particularly school leavers, face challenges regarding understanding personal finance concepts such as saving, debt management, and budgeting. While financial education boosts literacy, studies indicate that financial education concepts are addressed by only a limited number of available programmes. Hence, by addressing the lack of financial education, school leavers can make informed financial choices. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the effectiveness of financial education as a tool to promote the financial inclusion of school leavers in Makhanda. Specifically, the study sought to identify the components of financial education, assess the financial education levels of school leavers, evaluate their financial inclusion levels, and examine the impact of financial education on their transition into active participation in the financial system. The study adopted an interpretivist research philosophy with an inductive approach to gain an in-depth understanding of participants' experiences and perceptions. A qualitative research design was utilised, with data collected through semi-structured interviews conducted with fourteen (14) school leavers in Makhanda. A purposive sampling method was applied to select participants, ensuring they met the study criteria. The collected data was thematically analysed to identify key patterns and insights. The study findings revealed that school leavers lack financial confidence and access to affordable financial products. Essential skills such as budgeting and saving should be taught by schools and by family members. Additionally, there is a lack of practical applications in curricula to enhance financial literacy. The study recommends that the government, policymakers, business owners, mentors, educators, and parents or guardians should be involved in addressing these challenges. Additionally, the study recommended that financial education workshops and training for the low financially confident participants would help them to understand the fundamentals of saving, investing, and budgeting. It is recommended that schools collaborate with , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04

Financial implication of down referred patients at primary healthcare facilities in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District

  • Authors: Lategan, Terri
  • Date: 2025-04
  • Subjects: Primary health care -- South Africa , Medical care, Cost of , Medical care -- South Africa -- Finance
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/74622 , vital:79791
  • Description: The appropriate allocation of health budgets in the levels of care in a district health system is often controversial, and with constant increases in the cost of medicine, it is well known that the expenditure on medicine accounts for an appreciable proportion of these costs. The movement and supply of medication in the down referral process from higher-level health facilities to primary health care are addressed in the Referral Policy for South African Health Services. The Nelson Mandela Bay Health District is unique in that there is no district hospital in Gqeberha with a medicine budget that is able to support primary health care in rendering Level 1 health care services to the community through the provision of Level 1 medicines and additional higher-level medicines for patients referred from higher levels of care. The primary aim of the study was to determine the financial implications of the down referral system on Primary Health Care in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District by quantifying the cost of Level 1 medicines. The study was conducted as a quantitative, retrospective, non-experimental study, comprising a research design framework that adopted aspects of drug utilisation and pharmacoeconomics to achieve the research aim. Data was collected over a two-month period, April and May 2023. The total cost of the Level 1 medicines issued by PHC for the down referred patients, amounted to 13% and 14% of the entire PHC medicine budget, respectively. While South Africa moves toward the implementation of a National Health Insurance system that is designed to reform how health is financed, the results of the study revealed that, as a health care intervention, the down referral system placed additional pressure on an already constrained primary health care medicine budget and was a contributing factor to over expenditure. , Thesis (MPharm) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Clinical Care & Medicinal Sciences, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04

Financial management of construction projects

  • Authors: Mhlwa, Christopher Siphelile
  • Date: 2025-04
  • Subjects: Construction projects -- Management , Project management -- South Africa , Financial management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/74083 , vital:79627
  • Description: Construction projects are experiencing cost overruns, meaning that cost for executing construction projects exceeds the budgeted amount. This has been noted as an industry problem that still needs to be investigated in detail. The cost overrun was identified with the other associated subproblems, such as construction projects not being completed within the required scheduled period; sub-standard working conditions noted on construction projects, which might lead to health hazards and cost overruns; lastly established construction companies are becoming bankrupt and end up getting liquidated. This research study focused on finding the main causes that lead to these problems, as this is affecting the construction industry. Most studies by other researchers are more focused on the four fundamental elements of successful projects, namely, scheduled period for construction projects, qualitative workmanship, cost of executing the project, and health & safety. An in-depth study was felt important that should be conducted on cost overruns because all the other fundamental elements are indirectly linked to cost. For instance, quality that does not conform to requirements, mostly is due to inappropriate financial management strategies, where managerial teams try to save cost by compromising quality and that further results in cost overruns due to re-works. Construction project delays result in cost overruns and some of these delays are not contractor related causes, but they are related to the client, and later, this affects the contractor financials. The financial constraints experienced by contractors result in sub-standard working conditions on construction projects. Persistence of the financial constraints on construction projects further leads to contractors’ bankruptcy. The researcher has noted that these problems are linked to each other, therefore establishing the main causes that will further help to work towards possible solutions. A structured questionnaire was used to collect a quantitative data from the construction professionals working for Master Builders Association registered contractors in Eastern Cape. Descriptive statistics were applied for recording and analysis of primary data. Secondary data was obtained from the literature review of previous researchers on the relevant research topic. Findings indicate that inadequate financial management is a significant contributor to cost overruns, with delayed client payment being the primary cause of project delays. Inappropriate managing strategies lead to sub-standard working conditions. Bankruptcy of most contractors is due to insufficient funds. It is further established that these are both clients and contractors related causes of cost overruns. Therefore, further studies for resolution of these problems are required. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, School of Built Environment and Civil Engineering, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04

Fischer-Clifford Theory Applied to Certain Maximal Subgroups Associated with the Simple Groups Fi22, Co1, F4(2), and the Monster M

  • Authors: Kapata, Langson
  • Date: 2025-04
  • Subjects: Clifford algebras , Maximal subgroups , Linear algebraic groups
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/75892 , vital:80056
  • Description: Let G = P.G be a finite extension of a p-group P by a group G. Then the quotient group Q = G/K is constructed, where K ⊴ G is a characteristic subgroup of P. It is a well-known fact that the ordinary irreducible characters Irr(Q) of Q can be lifted to G. Therefore, it follows that a so-called Fischer-Clifford matrixM(g) of the quotient group Q is embedded in the corresponding Fischer-Clifford matrix M(g) of G. In this thesis, the Fischer-Clifford matrices method is used to construct the ordinary character table of extension groups G of nonabelian p-groups P. The powerful Fischer-Clifford matrices method was developed by Bernd Fischer to compute the ordinary character table of the p-local maximal subgroups of the Sporadic simple groups. This method was applied to many extensions of elementary abelian p groups. The method is more complicated when P is nonabelian and in this thesis we want to contribute to the Fischer-Clifford theory by presenting a method to deal with these types of extensions. The strategy followed in this thesis is to compute the Fischer-Clifford matrices M(g) of G from the corresponding Fischer-Clifford matricesM(g) of G modulo the Frattini subgroup Φ(P) of P , for each conjugacy class [g] of G. The method employed to construct the desired matrix M(g) of G from the matrixM(g) of the underlying quotient group Q is called the lifting of Fischer-Clifford matrices method. In this thesis, the lifting of Fischer-Clifford matrices method was applied to extensions of generalized extraspecial p-groups Cm p × 21+2n + which are maximal subgroups associated with the simple groups Fi22 and F4(2). As well as the ordinary character tables of the maximal subgroups 24+12·(S3×3.S6) and 72+1+2:GL2(7) of the sporadic simple groups Co1 and the Monster M, respectively, were constructed by the lifting of Fischer-Clifford matrices method. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, School of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04

Food insecurity, food choice priorities and health outcomes nexus in the Eastern Cape Province: choice experiment approach

  • Authors: Mnyaka, Onke Ronaldy
  • Date: 2025-04
  • Subjects: Food security -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food supply -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Food industry and trade -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/73048 , vital:79327
  • Description: Introduction: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of food insecurity; assess the nexus of food insecurity and health outcomes; and assess the influence of price, taste, healthiness, preparation time and travel time on food choice priorities using a discrete choice experiment approach among households of the Qweqwe community in Mthatha, Eastern Cape Province. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study design was used to collect primary data among households of the Qweqwe community. Data were collected using a questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS and Stata software. Food insecurity prevalence was determined using descriptive statistics, while the nexus of food insecurity and health outcomes was assessed using Pearson’s chi-squared test. The main effects conditional logit model was fitted to assess the influence of the selected meal attributes. The level of significance was set at 5%. Results: food insecurity was highly prevalent (38.13%) among households in the community of Qweqwe. The relationship between food insecurity and health outcomes was not statistically significant (χ²= 3.6985, p>0.05). Price, preparation time, and healthiness are all significant predictors of meal choice at the 1% level, while taste is significant at the 5% level. The results showed that healthiness (odds ratio (OR)=1.9988, p<0.001) is the most influential meal attribute, followed by taste (OR=1.1898, p<0.05), preparation time (OR=0.9660, p<0.001) and price (OR=0.89803, p<0.001). Price and preparation time were inversely related to meal choice, while taste and healthiness were positively associated with meal selection. Conclusion: Based on these results, the researcher argues that food insecurity is a product of multiple factors that different sectors can best address. To address high food insecurity, there needs to be collaboration between different sectors, such as health, agriculture, education, and social services. This study contributes to understanding the influence of selected meal attributes on food choices. These findings can be used to justify the need for employment-creation initiatives, such as skills development, job creation schemes, and economic empowerment programs targeting food-insecure populations. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School ofEconomics, Development and Tourism, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04

Fundamental movement skill proficiency, physical activity and body mass index of grade 1 learners from a low-income community in Gqeberha

  • Authors: Dumalingam, Mooveshni
  • Date: 2025-04
  • Subjects: Motor ability in children , Motor ability -- Testing , Child development
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/74533 , vital:79744
  • Description: Fundamental movement skills (FMS) serve as the building blocks for basic movement patterns, which are necessary for the development of more complex motor skills. Proficiency in FMS has been linked to improved health outcomes, including increased participation in physical activity (PA) and optimal body composition. However, there is limited research on the status and association between FMS, PA and body mass index (BMI) among South African children. This study examined the status and interrelationship between FMS proficiency, PA status and BMI of grade 1 learners from a low-income community in Gqeberha. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, with 99 grade 1 learners from five quintile 3 schools participating in the study. FMS, PA and BMI were assessed using the Test for Gross Motor Development –Third edition (TGMD-3), Actigraph accelerometers, and height and weight measurements, respectively. The results reported poor proficiency in FMS, no learner achieved mastery in all 13 FMS items and 23.2% failed to achieve mastery in any of the FMS. The majority of learners (77.9%) met the WHO PA guidelines, with school-based PA being the largest contributor. The majority of learners had a normal weight status (77.8%). Boys outperformed girls in three of the ball skills as well as the overall ball skills (p<0.05), achieved significantly higher MVPA across all PA categories (p<0.05), and had a lower prevalence of overweight and obesity compared to girls. Vigorous PA (VPA) correlated positively with ball skills for all PA categories (p<0.05), as well as with the locomotor subset during total, weekday and school daytime PA (p<0.05). A weak negative correlation was observed between BMI and the underhand throw (p<0.05). Overall, the findings highlighted poor FMS proficiency relative to developmental milestones, especially among girls. These findings highlight the need for PA-focused interventions to enhance FMS proficiency and maintain healthy body composition of learners in low-income communities. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Behavioural & Lifestyle Sciences, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04

Green retrofitting of existing buildings in the Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Yaphi, Mzukisi
  • Date: 2025-04
  • Subjects: Sustainable buildings , Green products -- Environmental aspects , Sustainable engineering -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/74292 , vital:79686
  • Description: The operational lifespan of facilities or buildings has been significantly influenced by environmental or climate change and economic conditions. The professionals in the built environment have been seeking ways to lessen the environmental impact of buildings or facilities. Embracing green retrofitting yields financial advantages from lower water and energy usage, savings during the operational lifecycle, a decrease in scheduled maintenance and repair intervals to improved health and productivity, among other factors. Green retrofitting is a process of refurbishing existing buildings to advance their energy effectiveness, minimise their environmental influence and enhance indoor air quality and comfort. The study aims to investigate the effective strategies to overcome challenges and simultaneously identify driving factors for accelerating the implementation of green retrofitting of existing buildings in the Eastern Cape. The quantitative research approach was adopted in the study. The data collection method comprised primary and secondary data, where primary data was collected by administering questionnaires to randomly selected professionals and secondary data was obtained from research publications. The sampling strata of the study consisted of Construction Project Managers, Construction Managers, Quantity Surveyors, Architects, and Green Building consultants based in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Descriptive and inferential statistics were adopted for analysing the gathered data. The findings of the study revealed that the implementation of green retrofitting of existing buildings is still in the nascent stage. The findings revealed that, cultural change resistance, higher initiation costs, availability of green materials, and technical expertise and knowledge are the major challenges hindering implementation of green retrofitting. Furthermore, the Kruskal-Wallis test revealed that there is no significant difference regarding the challenges of green retrofitting of existing buildings across the different built environment professions. It is evident from the findings of the study that environmental, economic, and social drivers mainly influence the adoption of green retrofitting. Additionally, the inferential statistics revealed that there is no significant difference between the drivers and the profession or occupation of the respondents. The study divulged that the most effective strategies for promoting green retrofitting through mandatory government policies and regulations, and through awareness campaigns and educational trainings, workshops and seminars. The Kruskal-Wallis test revealed that there is no significant difference between the various professionals and the promotional strategies. The findings of the study have assisted in identifying effective promotional strategies for augmenting the implementation of green retrofitting of existing buildings in the Eastern Cape. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, School of Built Environment and Civil Engineering, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04

Herbicide impacts on target and non-target vegetation in a forestry plantation and a fynbos environment, South Africa

  • Authors: Tzitzika, Ira
  • Date: 2025-04
  • Subjects: Herbicides -- Environmental aspects , Fynbos -- South Africa , Forests and forestry -- Economic aspects
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/76207 , vital:80177
  • Description: In the commercial forestry sector, the management of competing vegetation ensures optimal tree growth, while in natural conservation areas, the primary objectives for reducing the occurrence of invasive species are to restore biological diversity, and/or to improve ecological functioning. Within the forestry sector, there has been a global shift to reduce the total amount of herbicide applied over a rotation. Similarly, with the increased awareness surrounding the negative ecological impacts of alien invasive trees in South Africa, there is little information available as to the effects the herbicides used for invasive control on existing and/or newly germinated non-targeted species in the immediate area to which they are applied. The main objective of this study was to determine the impacts of herbicides on target and non-target vegetation species within either a commercial forestry or natural/fynbos environment. Within the commercial pine forestry plantation, the aim was to determine the efficacy of alternative herbicides (pre-emergent, selective and desiccant herbicides), to reduce the reliance on manual ring-weeding and/or glyphosate (current practice) for vegetation management, and to determine if the total amount of active ingredient (a.i.) applied per hectare could be reduced through the use of these alternative herbicides, without negatively impacting tree performance. Within the invaded fynbos environment, the aim was to determine how effective current herbicide products are in terms of reducing targeted alien invasive species, and to determine the impacts of the herbicide used on the non-targeted species (fynbos), whether existing and/or newly germinated. The commercial forestry plantation and fynbos environment trials were situated in Lottering Plantation in the Eastern Cape, and Jonkersberg in the Western Cape (respectively). The commercial forestry trial, consisted of ten treatments, which were replicated three times and laid out in a Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD). The treatments included a Weedy control, a Weedfree control, two pre-emergent herbicides (isoxaflutole and/or indaziflam), a desiccant herbicide (pelargonic acid), and selective post-emergent herbicides (clethodim and clopyralid as a tank-mix) respectively. Over the 735 days of the trial, vegetation cover assessments were carried out, tree performance and phytotoxicity were measured, and the timing frequency and quantity of herbicide applied per treatment recorded after each spraying event. These variables, in addition to the environmental impact of each active ingredient, were used to determine overall treatment efficacy for implementation. For the invaded fynbos trial, three different sites (but with similar physiographic and climatic characteristics) were selected based on the occurrence of a dominant invasive species (pine, wattle and/or eucalypt). A similar experimental layout was used for this study as is used within agriculture research, where the same treatments are tested across a range of sites (which allows for the determination of any site  treatment interactions). On each site, seven treatments were implemented, which included an Untreated control (invasives remain), a Manual control (invasives manually cut), and five herbicide treatments (Imazapyr, Glyphosate, Picloram, Triclopyr and Metsulfuron-methyl) that were applied to the invasive vegetation after manual clearing. Ten quadrats were laid out within each treatment plot, within which the vegetation was assessed. The trial took place over 259 days, where vegetation cover assessments were carried out, species abundance determined, the volume of herbicide and quantity of a.i. applied and the surface area of the treated cut-stumps calculated, herbicide bioassays conducted, and the environmental impact of the active ingredients considered to determine the overall efficacy of the herbicide treatments. In comparison to the Weedy control treatment in the commercial forestry trial, vegetation occurrence was reduced and tree performance was significantly improved in all herbicide treatments. Of the herbicides tested, the pre-emergent treatments (indaziflam and isoxaflutole) demonstrated effective and long-term suppression of the target vegetation, but with the sedges and ferns not as well controlled as the other vegetation types. Although the selective treatment (clethodim and clopyralid) was effective in terms of the control of younger vegetation types, they were not as effective on the woody perennials. Some phytotoxicity symptoms were observed with pelargonic acid (necrosis where the herbicide came into contact with the needles), clethodim and clopyralid (discoloration and abnormal needle growth, and indaziflam (chlorosis), but this was transient, and did not have an impact on overall tree performance. The environmental fate of indaziflam and clopyralid indicates potential soil persistence, emphasizing the need for cautious application in sensitive ecosystems. This study demonstrated the viability of selective and pre-emergent herbicides as alternatives to glyphosate for the management of vegetation, with the pre-emergent herbicides resulting in an overall reduction in the total a.i. used to achieve this control. Compared to the Untreated control in the invaded fynbos trial, all treatments where the invasives were cut improved both growth in terms of non-target vegetation diversity and abundance. Resprouting of stumps occurred in the Manual control, whereas all five herbicide treatments were effective in terms of killing the invasives when applied as cut-stump application within 20 minutes of cutting. Although there was an initial decrease in vegetation (as a result of disturbance associated with invasive clearing operations), this was followed by an initial increase in cover of the faster growing grasses and broadleaves (ability to respond rapidly to disturbance), and the fynbos vegetation over time. In terms of new invasive regrowth, Picloram, Triclopyr, and Glyphosate were effective for managing invasive pine, Metsulfuron-methyl, Picloram and Imazapyr where more effective for managing wattle, while Metsulfuron-methyl performed marginally better for controlling eucalypts. In addition, no impact from run-off, spray drift or residual herbicide activity (release from decaying invasive roots that were treated) was detected based on the herbicide bioassay in combination with the vegetation assessments. As this study was limited to one environment with a unique vegetation community and soil type, it is recommended to conduct further studies on sites with different vegetation communities, soil types, hydrology, and invasive species interactions. Although herbicides have proven successful for the control of targeted vegetation in in both commercial plantations and natural areas in South Africa, their use may also have adverse, unintended impacts on the non-targeted species that are inadvertently exposed. Both the forestry and fynbos trials were effective in terms of fulfilling their objectives, and also highlighted the need for a more holistic approach when deciding upon the most appropriate management approach. For example, the development of a more comprehensive decision-support system that will include the environmental impacts of any chosen herbicide, the impacts on non-target vegetation, off-site impacts, as well as the development of alternative methods of control. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04

Identity expression in language use by amaXhosa on YouTube

  • Authors: Ngcungca, Nkazimlo
  • Date: 2025-04
  • Subjects: Sociolinguistics -- South Africa , Language and languages -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Language and culture
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72454 , vital:79226
  • Description: The study investigates how amaXhosa individuals express their cultural and social identity in English-dominated online spaces, particularly focusing on their language use. Typically, cultural identity is not only expressed through visible markers, such as clothing and rituals but also significantly through language. This tendency is even prevalent in online spaces, dominated by English, like YouTube and other social platforms. Unlike in-person interactions, where cultural ties can be conveyed through attire and spoken dialogue, online communication relies heavily on written text. In these digital spaces, English often emerges as the prevailing lingua franca, posing unique challenges for individuals striving to assert their cultural identity. This research assumes that amaXhosa individuals continue to find alternative ways to express their identities through language, which can be identified through studying their language practices on online platforms, such as YouTube comments. Thus, this study sets out to investigate how amaXhosa use language as a tool to express their cultural identity on English-dominated platforms, such as YouTube. A pilot study evaluated the usability of the South African Language Identification tool where comments from ten YouTube videos were used. Although initial tests revealed limitations in using this identifier on YouTube texts, it ultimately proved effective for categorising comments into English and isiXhosa, including instances of code-switching that reflect everyday communication among individuals. Consequently, 80 videos were mined from YouTube, using Python 3 and a YouTube Application Programming Interface (API). The videos were selected based on certain criteria, including the minimum number of 50 comments and multiple languages in the comments. The mined comments were then converted into a text file and pre-processed through tokenisation using Ucto, a language-independent command-line tool for text tokenisation. Although initial tests revealed limitations in using this identifier on YouTube, it ultimately proved effective for categorising comments into English and isiXhosa, including instances of code-switching that reflect everyday communication among individuals. Overall, I categorise the results on language strategies that indicate isiXhosa cultural and social identities into two broad categories: explicit and implicit categories. On the one hand, explicit strategy only includes self-categorisation as an identity marker. On the other hand, implicit categories include pronouns as identity markers, expressions of ownership and solidarity, self-identification by group affiliation, distinctions between in-group and out-group members, social comparison language reflecting pride, geographical references, such as the Eastern Cape, and culturally specific linguistic strategies. The findings in this study demonstrate a clear relationship between the isiXhosa language and possible social and cultural isiXhosa identity, highlighting how language fosters solidarity and unity among amaXhosa. In other words, commenters employ various expressive strategies to index and position themselves linguistically. Thus, this research not only reinforces existing studies on identities but also contributes significantly to language and identity studies in South Africa. As far as it could be ascertained for this study, the dissertation, which investigates language and identity on YouTube, using comments from content consumers, pioneers corpus-based studies of amaXhosa identities. It lays a methodological groundwork for future research while providing practical insights regarding current tools and platform policies. Furthermore, this study advances the understanding of language and identity by exploring digital methods for extracting and analysing YouTube comments. It supports ongoing investigations into the relationship between language and identity among amaXhosa individuals while identifying new methods to address challenges, associated with studying multilingual and multicultural interactions on digital platforms. The methodology also included creating reusable scripts for mining YouTube comments, contributing to open science through accessible code that could assist other researchers, interested in using YouTube comment data for studying language and identity or the identities of speakers from various linguistic backgrounds on the platform. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communication, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04

Impact of piracy on cruise tourism in East and West Africa

  • Authors: Jonas, Lynn
  • Date: 2025-04
  • Subjects: Ocean travel , Cruise lines , Tourism
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72768 , vital:79259
  • Description: Maritime transport has become essential to international trade as approximately 90% of world commodities are carried by sea. Maritime security has thus become a critical issue to consider, and security efforts have intensified considering the rise of modern piracy. The global impact of piracy is far reaching as it includes inflated labour and fuel costs because of diversions and the use of alternative routes to avoid pirates. Piracy along East Africa was rampant between 2008 and 2012, but then moved predominantly to West Africa. The threat of piracy to passenger vessels is of great concern as the global cruise tourism industry has grown tremendously over the past few decades. The reaction of the shipping industry to piracy is avoidance of the affected routes, and this study considered the prevalence of piracy and how it affects the cruise tourism industry on the African continent. The four research objectives were to determine the extent of cruise tourism in Africa, to evaluate the prevalence of piracy on East and West Africa, and to ascertain the maritime safety and security measures put in place to combat piracy. The study utilised an interpretivist paradigm, following a qualitative research approach with document analysis as the data collection method. Forty-one publicly available documents were selected through purposive and subsequent snowball sampling from the International Maritime Bureau, International Maritime Organisation, and Cruise Line International Association. Documents were analysed with the aid of Atlas.ti through a thematic analysis process. The findings of the study indicate that there is a lack of available information about cruise tourism in Africa and the continent receives approximately 1% of the world cruises. East Africa has seen growth in cruise tourism, but West Africa is still struggling with security concerns, hampering cruise tourism. Moreover, piracy in East Africa had been reduced to no reports of attacks, while West African piracy has continued to flourish with highly dangerous and violent, organised gangs operating in the region. All vessels are fair game during attacks and pirates are well armed with sophisticated weapons and mundane weapons such as knives. Theft, hijacking, and kidnapping are most common, with West Africa accounting for nearly all instances of pirate kidnappings worldwide. In combating piracy, regional and international collaboration has contributed significantly to the reduction of piracy in East Africa. Reporting agencies continue to issue warnings and recommendations to shipping companies and ship masters to be on high alert as pirates continue to have the ability and willingness to attack. The study findings assert that piracy has a negative impact on cruise tourism and further studies may consider additional reasons for the slow growth of cruise tourism in Africa. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04

Impacts of initial planting density and varying levels of mortality on Pinus patula pulpwood growth, yield, size inequality and profitability in southeastern Mpumalanga, South Africa

  • Authors: Cishe, Avelile
  • Date: 2025-04
  • Subjects: Pulpwood industry -- South Africa -- Mpumalanga , Pinus patula -- South Africa -- Mpumalanga , Forests and forestry -- South Africa -- Mpumalanga
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/75617 , vital:79971
  • Description: The South African forestry industry makes use of exotic monoculture plantations that are managed intensively to optimize growth, yield, uniformity and financial returns. This intensive management requires a sound understanding of how management and silviculture inputs impact forest growth, yield and profitability. Initial planting density is one of the most important forest management decisions influencing stand dynamics, especially in short-rotation, pulpwood stands which receive no thinnings. Within SA, most growth and yield (G&Y) research has been conducted on pine and eucalypt sawtimber stands, as well as on eucalypts grown for mining timber and pulpwood. Although many of the pine G&Y trials contained a range of planting densities (which would incorporate those used in both thinned and unthinned stands), limited data is available as to how initial planting density and varying levels of mortality impact growth, yield, size inequality and profitability in Pinus patula pulpwood stands. To address this, a Pinus patula trial was established in 2007 in southeastern Mpumalanga (South Africa) to test the impact of initial planting density and varying levels of mortality on pulpwood growth, uniformity, yield and profitability. The trial was measured annually until 14 years, 8 months and felled in 2022 due to the occurrence of Diplodia sapinea infection. The data was then projected to 17 years (rotation age) using the Forestry Scenario Analysis Tool. Three objectives, each dealing with a different aspect were set, the outcomes of which are highlighted below. The first objective dealt with the impact of seven different planting densities (620, 1 102, 1 293, 1 500, 1 722, 1 959, and 2 479 SPH) on individual tree and standlevel growth, size inequality and yield over 17 years. Although survival decreased with an increase in planting density (albeit only at p≤ 0.1) at rotation age, the final stocking was significant (p≤ 0.001) regardless of subsequent mortality experienced during the rotation period. The lowest stocked treatments had the largest quadratic mean tree diameter and volume tree-1, but with higher stand basal area and volume ha-1.The Gini coefficient indicated that DBH inequality was most prominent in the densely stocked treatments. In addition, the most densely stocked treatments had a higher slenderness coefficient, while the 1 293, 1 102 and 620 SPH treatments were the only ones that were stable when using the standard industry slenderness coefficient of 1.15 cm m-1. The optimum felling age, indicated by the current and mean annual increment was 16 years for the 1 102 and 620 SPH treatments, while it was 15 years for the rest of the treatments. Although the more densely stocked treatments (2 479 and 1 959 SPH) , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, School of Environmental Sciences, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04

Implementation of quality management systems in engineering design practices during the construction stage: case study

  • Authors: Lé Brand, Dane
  • Date: 2025-04
  • Subjects: Total quality management , Construction industry -- Management , Quality control -- Standards -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/73981 , vital:79603
  • Description: Given the historical quality and QMS implementation challenges, in terms of a range of issues, a sample of engineers/engineering technologists were surveyed to determine their understanding of quality and QMSs, the prevalence of QMSs, the barriers to QMS implementation, current QMS practices implemented, and what QMS requirements are needed to improve the implementation of QMSs to increase the adherence to quality on construction projects. The treatise reports on the findings emanating from a quantitative study that entailed the completion of a self-administered survey questionnaire conducted among engineers/engineering technologists, along with the review of the relevant literature. The type of research is based upon descriptive survey research, with specific reference to the application of natural science methods to study social phenomena, with the purpose of obtaining information about a group of people’s opinions, attitudes and previous experience using written questionnaires. The sample population consisted of 94 engineers/engineering technologists within a consulting firm, of which 25 responded to the survey questionnaire. The sample was selected using probability sampling with emphasis on simple random sampling methods. The survey questionnaire was distributed using email and completed using Microsoft Forms. The results were subsequently subjected to descriptive statistical analysis techniques. The findings indicate that although the participants of the survey questionnaire had an understanding of quality and QMSs, there is still room for improvement, QMSs are not as prevalent in the construction industry as would have been expected and is based on experience rather than literature, there are still significant barriers to the implementation of QMSs present, current QMS requirements are not considered present in the South African construction industry, and such QMS requirements need to be set up based upon South African legislation. Conclusions include: QMS requirements are lacking in the South African construction industry, and the generation of a QMS framework will contribute to the improvement of quality and QMS implementation; such a QMS framework needs to be based on South African legislation, and adequate education and training related to quality and QMS implementation need to be provided at both tertiary education institutions, as well as among individuals already in the construction industry. Recommendations include: clear definitions of quality and QMSs need to be formulated and communicated; barriers to the implementation of QMSs need to be identified and addressed; organisations need to consider their organisational culture when incorporating QMS requirements into their business; the QMS framework need to be set up to allow for the measurement of quality; functionality points for the adherence to QMS requirements and site-specific QMS requirements need to be included in tender documents; QMS requirements need to be considered by the client's agent during project stages 1 to 4; technological applications and electronic devices need to contribute to QMS implementation; education and training related to the generation and implementation of QMSs need to be applied, and the need and benefits of a QMS framework need to be promoted within the South African construction industry. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, School of the Built Environment and Civil Engineering, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04

Improving the implementation of performance management development systems (PMDS) in the selected hospitals of the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Health

  • Authors: Malashe, Nolukhanyo
  • Date: 2025-04
  • Subjects: Performance -- Management , Systems of development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/72938 , vital:79287
  • Description: The study intends to improve the implementation of Performance Management Development Systems (PMDS) in the selected hospitals of the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Health. PMDS is a standardised framework implemented across all government departments to ensure consistency in evaluating and developing employee performance. PMDS seeks to improve the performance of government departments by coordinating the goals of each employee with the overall goals of the company. It enables regular performance reviews to encourage responsibility and ongoing progress, while also clearly defining performance expectations and connecting roles and responsibilities to strategic objectives. PMDS also supports professional growth by identifying training and development needs. Although the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Health is implementing PMDS, implementation of the PMDS is under question because of the overall performance. Hence the study investigated the factors that can be implemented by the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Health to ensure that the PMDS is effective and efficient. The study was qualitative in nature, out of the target and accessible population of 252, the participation rate was 12 after which the point of saturation was reached. The study found that, while the PMDS has the potential to be an effective tool for enhancing employee performance and organisational alignment, its success largely depends on thorough and consistent implementation. Key challenges identified included a lack of understanding of the system, role ambiguity, limited commitment from employees, and insufficient opportunities for personal development. The research recommended some key actions for addressing the challenges identified in the study. Firstly, regular training on PMDS should be provided to ensure employees have a clear understanding of the system and its processes. Second, establishing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) specific to the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Health would create consistency and clarity in applying PMDS across the department. Additionally, continuous monitoring and evaluation should be conducted to assess PMDS effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. Finally, fostering employee development through targeted programs would enhance skills and motivation, supporting both individual growth and the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Health's overall performance. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04

Improving the survival of SMMEs in the New Brighton township of Gqeberha through support partnerships

  • Authors: Oor, Reginald Dimitre
  • Date: 2025-04
  • Subjects: Small business -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Home-based businesses -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Informal sector (Economics) -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/73565 , vital:79479
  • Description: Townships in South Africa are home to a significant proportion of the country's population and have historically been recognized as vital areas for economic development. With untapped potential to become thriving economic hubs, these regions hold the promise of addressing pressing socio-economic challenges such as unemployment and poverty. The SMMEs in New Brighton Township, Gqeberha, are diverse and primarily consist of retail, service-based, and informal businesses. Key sectors include spaza shops, street vendors, hair salons, small-scale manufacturing, automotive repair services, and hospitality (such as taverns and fast-food outlets). These enterprises play a crucial role in local economic development, providing essential goods, services, and employment opportunities despite facing challenges like limited funding, infrastructure constraints, and market competition. These include limited access to funding, inadequate infrastructure, regulatory burdens, and insufficient strategic support. This study focused on the New Brighton Township in Gqeberha, a region with considerable economic potential yet constrained by significant socio-economic challenges. Using a qualitative research methodology, this study explored the barriers to SMME sustainability and the role of support partnerships in overcoming these challenges. Purposive sampling was employed to select 12 SMME owners in New Brighton, and semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather in-depth insights. These interviews provided valuable perspectives on the specific obstacles faced by SMMEs, the influence of support partnerships on their survival, and the broader impact of franchised businesses on local enterprises. The findings revealed that barriers such as limited financial support, lack of capacity-building opportunities, and insufficient community engagement impede SMME growth. Conversely, collaborative support partnerships between government, private sector stakeholders, and local entrepreneurs were identified as critical to enhancing SMME sustainability. This research highlights the need for tailored interventions to address the unique challenges faced by township based SMMEs. Recommendations include the development of strategic alliances that provide financial support, training programs, and community-oriented business strategies. By fostering robust support partnerships, stakeholders can help SMMEs in New Brighton achieve resilience, stimulate local economic growth, and contribute to inclusive development. This study contributes towards bridging the knowledge gap on township based SMMEs, offering actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners committed to empowering these vital economic drivers. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2025
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  • Date Issued: 2025-04
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