The UMP Scholarship digital repository system captures, stores, indexes, preserves, and distributes digital research material. https://openscholar.ump.ac.za:443 2026-03-02T09:08:22Z 2026-03-02T09:08:22Z Nyawo, Sibusisiwe Nonhlanzeko. https://openscholar.ump.ac.za/handle/20.500.12714/1028 2026-02-09T08:52:41Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The role of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises on youth employment creation in Carolina, Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality, Mpumalanga Province. Authors: Nyawo, Sibusisiwe Nonhlanzeko. Abstract: Unemployment, particularly among the youth, is a major development challenge in many countries, including South Africa. This problem has been increasing, which has sparked a heated discussion on its nature and possible solutions. Thus, the emergence of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) is viewed as the potential solution for youth unemployment. This study used a qualitative research approach to explore the contribution of SMMEs towards youth employment creation in Carolina, South Africa. The study used hybrid theories, namely, the theory of change and institutional theory as a theoretical framework to interpret the emerging research findings. Two sampling methods, namely purposive sampling and convenient sampling, were used to recruit a total of 22 participants. The purposive sampling method was used to recruit two (2) municipal officials and ten (10) SMME owners. In addition, the convenience sampling method was used to recruit ten (10) employees. Data was collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was used to make sense of the data collected from the 22 participants. Subsequently, the study findings demonstrate that SMMEs play a significant role in fighting the issue of youth unemployment in Carolina. However, the sector still faces a plethora of challenges which make it difficult to strengthen its capacity and provide sustainable jobs for the youth. As a result, this study suggests relevant legislation and strategies to strengthen the SMME sector in South Africa. Description: Dissertation (Master(Development Studies))--University of Mpumalanga, 2025

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Manamela, Chuene. https://openscholar.ump.ac.za/handle/20.500.12714/1027 2026-02-09T08:51:58Z 2025-05-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Electricity supply shocks and industrial performance of the mining sector in South Africa: an econometric approach. Authors: Manamela, Chuene. Abstract: Electricity is essential for economic growth, particularly in energy-intensive sectors like mining. In South Africa, electricity loadshedding has significantly disrupted economic activities and reduced productivity. This study investigates the effects of supply shocks on the mining industry, which depends on a consistent electrical supply for its operations. It identifies the factors contributing to decrease in electricity supply, such as aging infrastructure, constrained energy generation capacity, and inadequate investment in new power plants and alternative energy sources. The economic impact is profound, particularly in energy-intensive sectors like mining. The research employs a quantitative approach (ARDL approach) to estimate the impact of supply shocks on industrial production, with a specific focus on the mining sector. This study uses annual data from 1990 to 2022 to analyse the relationship between electricity distribution, GDP, mining production, Gross Fixed Capital Formation in mining and quarrying, and Total Factor Productivity in South Africa. Data sources include StatsSA, SARB, and OECD. The results indicate a significant long-term relationship between mining production and key economic variables, including electricity availability, GDP, and total factor productivity. The findings emphasise the importance of a stable electricity supply, investment in infrastructure, and technological innovations for maintaining mining productivity. The study reveals that a 1% increase in electricity available for distribution is associated with a 13.32% increase in mining production. Gross fixed capital formation in mining positively impacts mining production, with a 1% increase resulting in a 2.32% rise in output. Total factor productivity shows a negative relationship with mining production, suggesting that technological advancements may reduce the need for high levels of raw material extraction. The Error Correction Model indicates a rapid adjustment process to equilibrium, with an adjustment speed of 112.9%, highlighting the mining sector's resilience to disruptions. Addressing energy supply shortage requires substantial investment in energy infrastructure and diversification of energy sources to ensure a reliable electricity supply, which is crucial for the mining sector's sustainability and growth. Description: Dissertation (Master(Commerce))--University of Mpumalanga, 2025

2025-05-01T00:00:00Z Myayi, Mbali Qeeneth. https://openscholar.ump.ac.za/handle/20.500.12714/1026 2025-12-01T08:38:28Z 2025-05-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Evaluating the effective implementation of Batho Pele Principles for improved service delivery: a case study of South African Social Security Agency, Mpumalanga region office. Authors: Myayi, Mbali Qeeneth. Abstract: This study evaluates the implementation of the Batho Pele Principles at the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) within Mpumalanga Regional Office, aiming to enhance citizen-cantered public service delivery. Established in 1997, the Batho Pele Principles were intended to create a transparent, accountable, and responsive public sector that places citizens at the centre of service provision. However, despite their foundational role in South African public administration, persistent challenges in implementation hinder the realisation of these principles, resulting in compromised service delivery. This research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data collection through document analysis, semi-structured interviews with SASSA officials, and structured surveys directed at service recipients. The study identifies key implementation barriers, including structural, cultural, and operational challenges such as limited resources, insufficient monitoring mechanisms, inadequate training, and resistance to change. Through a comprehensive thematic and statistical analysis, the research reveals gaps in adherence to principles like consultation, accessibility, courtesy, transparency, and redress. The findings underscore the urgent need for robust monitoring and evaluation systems, enhanced accountability frameworks, and targeted strategies to foster a responsive and efficient public service. The study reveals substantial barriers to the effective implementation, lack of staff training and insufficient monitoring systems in place, these contributes to gaps in service delivery. The study contributes to the advancing the theoretical and practical understanding of effective citizen-centric governance. Enhancing the implementation of Batho Pele Principles could significantly improve public trust, citizen satisfaction, and the overall quality of service delivery, promoting the ideals of equity, transparency, and responsiveness in South African governance. Strengthening monitoring mechanisms, improving accountability frameworks and contributing to comprehensive staff training are critical aspects for bridging the implementation gap and can enhance the capacity to responsive service delivery. Description: Dissertation (Master(Administration))--University of Mpumalanga, 2025

2025-05-01T00:00:00Z Masina, Anniter Amanda. https://openscholar.ump.ac.za/handle/20.500.12714/1025 2025-12-01T08:34:52Z 2025-05-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Monetary policy shocks and household indebtedness in South Africa. Authors: Masina, Anniter Amanda. Abstract: This study aim was to examine how monetary policy shocks affected household indebtedness in South Africa from 1990 to 2021 using annual time series data from the South African Reserve Bank and FRED. To fulfil the research objectives, the auto-regressive distributed lag (ARDL) model was utilized. The model implies a negative correlation between interest rates (-0.1137) and household indebtedness across the duration of the study. The findings indicate that any change in interest rate has a negative (-0.1137) impact on household debt, and inflation negatively (-0.8277) and significantly affects household indebtedness, suggesting that any variation in inflation adversely impacts the level of household debt. F-bound test (5.3691) illustrates a sustained relationship between the dependent and independent variables. With the goal of protecting the value of the rand, the South African Reserve Bank utilizes interest rates as a tool to combat inflation. while the results in this study indicated that there is no correlation between interest rate and inflation. Based on the results it is concluded that the monetary policy is not effective and needs to be revised. Therefore, it is essential to design monetary policy in a manner that supports households, especially those belonging to the middle class and lower income brackets. Description: Dissertation (Master(Commerce))--University of Mpumalanga, 2025

2025-05-01T00:00:00Z