Browsing by Author "Womack, Anna Johanna Catharina"

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Construction SMEs versus economic growth : the Eastern Cape perspective
(B P International (a part of SCIENCEDOMAIN International), 2023-05-30) Flepisi, Lubabalo; Womack, Anna Johanna Catharina; Lekhanya, Lawrence Mpele; Twum-Darko, Michael
Globally, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are recognised as the engine and backbone of economic growth, especially for emerging countries such as South Africa. However, construction SMEs in South Africa are faced with some major challenges that hinder their contribution to the economic growth of the country. The study sought to investigate the factors that hinder the contribution of construction SMEs to the economic growth in the Eastern Cape province, in South Africa. The sample size of the study comprised 303 construction SME owners/managers in the Eastern Cape province. Nevertheless, for this conference, the findings of the study are based on the reviewed literature, supplemented by a pilot study with 30 construction SME owners/managers as participants. The study revealed key factors that influence the contribution of construction SMEs to economic growth in the Eastern Cape province. These factors include insufficient/inadequate financial resources, innovation, business management skills, and investment in human capital, as well as a lack of Information Technology use, along with skills shortages, and too many government regulations. The South African government and private sector thus need to develop mechanisms that will cushion construction SMEs through the development of policies that will enable these firms to contribute to economic growth.
An exploration and description of the impact of COVID-19 on women's employment in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
(Durban University of Technology, 2024) Womack, Anna Johanna Catharina; Orton, Penelope
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted the issue of gender inequality in the labour market in relation to greater risks of unemployment and financial vulnerability. The shift to remote work altered responsibilities for domestic labour among partnered couples and single parents, as did the impact of closed schools, child care centres, and more. Disruptions to economic and social arrangements of South African women were no different than what other women in similar situations experienced in other countries. This study sought to explore the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on women, with respect to employment, work-life balance and family responsibilities. A qualitative study within a constructivist paradigm, with a multisite, instrumental case study design was used. Data were collected from participants using both a survey questionnaire and a structured interview. A sample size of 172 was sought for the questionnaire and 26 qualitative interviews were conducted guided by data saturation. Quantitative questionnaire data were analysed using SPSS (version 27) for descriptive and inferential statistics. Thematic analysis of the qualitative interviews was done using NVIVO for coding and categorising. Black women, particularly from the informal sector, were found to be more adversely affected than those in formal employment by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study contributes to understanding the effects the COVID-19 pandemic had on women’s employment, work-life balance and family responsibilities.