Research Publications (Management Sciences)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://ir-dev.dut.ac.za/handle/10321/217

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Assessing successful land claims and the efficacy of co-management in protected areas
(International Bibliography of the Social Sciences (IBSS), 2020-12-24) Qwatekana, Zikho; Sibiya, Nozipho Prudence
The aim of this paper is to assess successful land claims as well as the efficacy of co-management in striking a balance between community land rights with the goals of conservation for tourism. The study adopted a qualitative approach, using a case of a successful land claim in the Tala Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal Province. A purposive sample was selected from the claimant community and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. The findings reflect that co-management may be a logical approach to involving local communities in the management of protected areas. However, as a model used to address land claims by reconciling the necessity of conservation for tourism purposes with land rights, its efficacy remains in doubt. This study thus concludes that unless there is a reassessment of the co-management model and the role of the government in providing post settlement support, the rights of successful claimants will not be realised. It is essential that the government recognizes that sufficient time, support, and resources are fundamental to the success of co-management projects.
Impact of information and communication technology presence on direct parliament debates and security of the future laws of Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho
(Research Nexus Africa Networks, 2014-09) Maphephe, John; Balkaran, Rishi; Thakur, Surendra
[1] Argued that [a] healthy and credible legislature is indispensable for representative liberal democratic governance. This representation involves consulting the represented, informing and making decisions as well as exercising influence on their behalf. However the legislative institutions of many African countries lack the effectiveness to either inform or interact with their constituents, resulting in unfortunate citizens-representative disengagement.Fortuitously technology such as mobile technology, online and applications, and (privately owned) radio stations have become promising tools to assist developing state by enabling direct access and participation. This technology is perceived helpfulness in enhancing the democratization process in such countries. The study reviews the ability of these tools towards building stable democracy and the practice of good governance in the context of the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho.The year 2012 and 2014 in Lesotho will remain a historic time for Basotho people. Lesotho received a coalition Government as an outcome of the election results on May 2012. However, in 2014, Lesotho experienced a ‘partial Government collapse’ due to perceived lack of experience on how to manage such a coalition Government. The paper will examine how Lesotho can benefit from opportunities offered by digital technologies to access information quickly, by utilizing the pervasiveness of broadband and other networks. This provides exciting options and opportunities for the Lesotho Parliament to connect, operate more efficiently and be more open to the public. The questions will be “How make use of the convergence of these technologies provides the context for the delivery of the parliamentary strategic key goals? The paper will conclude by set of key strategic recommendations and immediate key tasks to be invoked as an action plan ready to work. This research paper draws from desktop review and literature search to examine the potentials of digital technology for re-engaging the electorate in the democratic Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho.
The implications of the dichotomous management of rural land in the light of land use/cover change
(University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2023-07) Zondi, Nkululeko
This study examines the implications of dichotomous management of rural land, focusing on the resulting land use/cover change and loss of prime agricultural land in Vulindlela. Purposive sampling was used to select participants with valuable insights into land use planning and management. Data collection utilized a mixed-method approach, including secondary quantitative data (2022 records of Traditional Councils' size, wards, villages, headmen, and qualifications) and primary qualitative data gathered through semi-structured interviews. Quantitative descriptive analysis revealed varying numbers and sizes of wards in Vulindlela TCs, with Inadi TC being the largest (seven wards, 19 villages) and Ximba TC the smallest (two wards, three villages). Some villages had more than two wards, while others had fewer. Qualitative inductive thematic analysis of interview responses highlighted divergent views among traditional leaders (TL) regarding land ownership, with some claiming ownership while others believed it belonged to the traditional community. TL reported the existence of land use plans, with some TCs having informal plans. Conversely, the Msunduzi Municipality (MM) indicated comprehensive land use plans covering Vulindlela do exist, and these plans are discussed during Imbizo (gatherings) to engage the community in understanding and using these plans. Keywords: Rural areas, Traditional leadership, Land use planning, Land use management.
Importance of governance in Indian entrepreneurship : some perspectives
(2022-11-25) Ravinder, Rena; Dhasmana, Namrata
The main purpose of this paper was to analyse the Entrepreneurship is one of the major determinants to boost the global economy. Where Pandemic has given the growth trajectory of the economy of BRICs nations a huge jolt and volatility. The paper delves that the future global economic growth will primarily be dependent on the BRICS. The reason being is out of the 7.9 billion total world population 3.23 billion BRICS countries have a combined population of 3.23 billion. It is expected that investment spending in Developing Economies would decline from 20.7% of GDP in 2017 to 18.8% in 2030. Method: The study is based on the review of literature. The data was collected from the Journal articles, Books, Newspapers, BRICS government reports. This paper is based on the thematic analysis. Findings: these countries have the potential of developmental opportunities as majorly the task force of the global economy is contributed by BRICS. The cheap labour, market value, and population. Yet, to fasten the global economic recovery, entrepreneurship in the BRICS will fasten the rate of growth of the global economy. With the boom in entrepreneurship, the imperative aspect will be to keep compliance and governance in check. There are various case studies reflecting the failure of many companies and entrepreneurs due to a lack of awareness. The governance in entrepreneurship will not only boost the economic trajectory but will also be aligned to the sentiments of public interest and keep all the stakeholder’s interests in place. Right from the beginning of entrepreneurship and corporate governance and the board of directors share the same business goals. Hence a framework based on OECD principles to avoid any conflict among the stakeholders will be an economic right. An attempt is made in this paper to bring the importance of Governance for sustainable growth of BRICS countries. The paper also highlights the economic trajectory among the BRICS nations and provides some possible solutions for the entrepreneurs. Implications: The paper has emphasized the importance of Governance after the Pandemic and possible reformations at the policy level in BRICS. The governance encourages creating some benchmarks after following a framework for the entrepreneurs. The element of governance gives a sustainable long-term wealth generation for the entrepreneurs. Being in diversified industries like mining, BFSI, ITES, the authors has also attempted to give perspectives on the scaling and sustenance of Entrepreneurship once it is governed. Originality: The recovery from the economic Post Pandemic must be regulated and governed closely for long-term sustenance and longlasting impact on the BRICS economy and subsequently on the global economy. By the following governance, the long-term income generators not only create and generate wealth for today but a robust ecosystem in developing economies that enables to provide quality education to quality old age to citizens of nations.
The influence of entrepreneurship ecosystem for sustainable growth on the rural small and micro retail businesses : case study
(IJIRD, 2016-10) Zondo, Robert Walter Dumisani
This paper investigates the influence of entrepreneurship ecosystem for sustainable growth on the rural small and micro retail businesses in selected Outer West areas of the eThekwini Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal. It examines whether the internal and external entrepreneurship ecosystem factors influence rural small and micro retailers for sustainable growth. The entrepreneurship ecosystem is narrowly defined as the individuals, organisations or institutions outside the individual entrepreneur that are conducive to, or inhibitive of, the choice of a person to become an entrepreneur, and the probabilities of his or her success following the launch. Sixty-four private rural small and micro retailers that were managing their businesses in the selected municipal wards of the Outer West region of the eThekwini Municipality participated in the study. It should be noted that almost 50 per cent of the Outer West region is covered by traditional authorities whilst the other 50 per cent is under the authority of local ward municipalities. The local ward councilors assisted in providing the sample frame of the rural small and micro retail businesses. The participants comprised small grocery shops, fruit and vegetable outlets, liquor shops, hardware shops, saloons and others. The paper recommends that the rural small and micro retailers should be skilled in both business and financial management for business’ sustainable growth. The provincial government, local ward municipalities as well as the traditional leaders in the rural areas should provide the necessary entrepreneurship ecosystem support to small and micro businesses operating within their areas. This includes infrastructure. This paper provides valuable data relating to the significance of providing value-added government and private sector services to rural businesses for sustainable growth. It also provides initial baseline data upon which to base future studies.
Modernisation of rural communities : solid waste management implication
(Durban University of Technology, 2023) Zondi, Nkululeko; Qwatekana, Zikho; Dube, Simphiwe
Solid waste management is a global challenge, particularly in economically developing countries due to their growing population, urbanisation, and increasing waste generation. Municipalities in South Africa are responsible for general waste management in both residential areas and industrial sites. However, waste management is not implemented in all rural areas of South Africa, even against the background of socioeconomic improvement and increased consumption patterns in these communities. This study aims to examine the relationship between rural socioeconomic conditions and solid waste generation and management. The target population of this study is five rural communities of the Vulindlela area, which is situated west of Msunduzi Municipality in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. A total of 50 households were randomly selected as sample sites as the result of a detailed field survey in 2022 and 50 respondents participated in the study for interview through cluster sampling technique. The study uses a mixture of qualitative and quantitative methods. Primary data about the socio-demographic characteristics of respondents were gathered through close-ended questions. Open-ended questions in the semi-structured interviews were utilised to gather data on Vulindlela residents’ perceptions of waste pollution effects and strategies implemented in their area. Microsoft Excel version 2305 was used to perform basic descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) to examine the socio-economic characteristics of respondents. While a thematic content analysis was undertaken to analyse the open-ended question data which was on respondents’ perceptions of waste pollution in their area. The study findings suggest that Vulindlela is a socioeconomically diverse rural community, with households earning between 500 and 31,000 Rand per month. In addition, grocery expenditures range from 800 to 3100 Rand per month. Communities characterised by lower income generation dispose of their waste inside their households, apart from certain waste such as nappies that are disposed of in freshwater ecosystems and open spaces, while those who earn more money have diverse waste types and dispose of their waste at illegal dump sites.
Navigating the digital divide : exploring the multifaceted 4IR challenges and technological disparities encountered by SMMEs within KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
(Private Company Technology Center, 2023) Sheik, Ismail
The dawn of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has been a harbinger of unparalleled technological innovations, reshaping industries and economies at an unprecedented pace. While these advancements promise a new frontier of opportunities, they also bring forth a myriad of challenges, particularly for Small, Micro, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMMEs). This research delves deep into the multifaceted challenges and technological disparities encountered by SMMEs in the wake of 4IR, with a concentrated lens on the enterprises operating within the KwaZulu-Natal region of South Africa. At the heart of this exploration is the pronounced digital divide, which exacerbates the gulf between well-resourced corporations and SMMEs. The divide is not just technological but extends to areas like access to finance, digital literacy, infrastructure, and the agility to adapt to rapidly changing business environments. As these SMMEs grapple with the challenges of integrating into the digital economy, they face hurdles such as limited access to advanced technological tools, cybersecurity threats, the high cost of digital transformation, and a dearth of skilled manpower to navigate the complexities of 4IR. Furthermore, the research sheds light on the systemic and infrastructural challenges in the KwaZulu-Natal region, which further compound the difficulties faced by local SMMEs. From inconsistent internet access and electricity issues to the lack of tailored training programs and financial schemes, these enterprises find themselves in a precarious position, trying to bridge the chasm between traditional business models and the demands of the digital age. By offering an in-depth analysis of these challenges, this study seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the obstacles that SMMEs face in the current 4IR-driven economic climate. It emphasizes the need for a multi-stakeholder approach, involving governments, industry leaders, educational institutions, and financial institutions, to collaboratively develop strategies, policies, and interventions that can empower SMMEs. Through targeted support, capacity-building initiatives, and fostering an ecosystem of innovation, there's potential to not only narrow the digital divide but to position these enterprises as key players in South Africa's 4IR journey. This research, thus, serves as both a clarion call and a foundational blueprint for ensuring that no enterprise, regardless of its size, is left behind in this transformative era.
Rural community perceptions on land use change and its effects on their agricultural practices in Vulindlela Traditional Area, KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa
(2023-12-01) Zondi, Nkululeko Ephraim
This study assessed the level of awareness among the Vulindlela rural community regarding land use and land cover changes occurring in their community. Additionally, this study sought to examine the effects of these land use and land cover changes on the agricultural practices of the Vulindlela rural community. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods. Secondary data from Statistics South Africa and the Msunduzi Local Municipality were used to determine the relationship between population growth and housing unit expansion. Primary data were collected through semi-structured interviews to capture the community’s perceptions of land use change and its impacts on agricultural activities. The study results indicated a strong relationship (r = 0.81, t = 2.39, df = 3, p = 0.10) between population growth and an increase in housing units. Respondents also noted that land use and cover change has occurred in Vulindlela. The driver of this change is an increase in residential housing units built on land designated for agriculture (crop and pastoral fields). Residential development on agricultural fields is a result of the de agrarianisation by the local community. De-agrarianisation drivers in Vulindlela include a lack of agricultural equipment, high costs (time and money) associated with agriculture, inadequate government support, increased dependence on government grants and lack of interest in the younger generation in agriculture.
Towards developing a sustainability assessment framework for buildings in Uganda : a literature review
(2023-08-29) Semanda, Julius; Moyo, Sibusiso; Chikafalimani, Samuel Herald Peter; Kibwani, Nathan
The construction sector is one of the main contributors to sustainable development, and its importance in encouraging environmental protection, economic growth, and social advancement is undeniable. The present study reviewed existing literature to help develop a framework for assessing the sustainability of buildings in Uganda. To develop the framework, indicators were needed, therefore, sustainability indicators from the main sustainability rating tools like BREEAM, LEED, CASBEE, Green Star and IGBC, and the various journals were established. A systematic literature review of accessible literature was the research approach used. Inadequate public education and awareness, construction process technicalities, higher costs of sustainable building processes and materials, bureaucracy processes, unfamiliarity with sustainable technology, and lack of sustainable product information, were singled out as the main challenges for implementing sustainability processes in developing countries coupled with regional differences in local conditions, policies, and regulations in different countries. Embracing and implementing sustainability practices offers protection of air, water, land, and ecosystems, promotes harmony among people and between humanity and nature, and improves economic growth. Since no sustainability assessment tool/framework of buildings exists in Uganda, the study aims to establish one, to be able to foster sustainability practices. However, establishing policies, regulations, incentives, awareness, and industry support are important to promote sustainability in Uganda.