Thesis (M.Sc. (Agriculture)) -- University of Limpopo, 2014 / The study was designed to establish the impact of irrigation schemes on job creation and also from the jobs created to differentiate permanent from temporary jobs. The focus of the study was on three smallholder irrigation schemes (Mabunda, Mariveni and Seloane, the irrigation schemes are located in Greater Giyani, Greater Tzaneen and Ba- Phalaborwa municipalities respectively). For the purpose of the study, Mabunda will be addressed as scheme 1, Mariveni as Scheme 2 and Seloane will be addressed as Scheme 3.The main crops cultivated in the three irrigation schemes are citrus, coupled with vegetables to generate funds when citrus is out of season. The study employed a case study approach and used both qualitative and quantitative methods to collect data. The study was implemented in two phases: the first phase focused on irrigation scheme participants, while the second phase focused on the community structures (livestock committee, youth, water committee and tribal council) that have been affected by the establishment of the irrigation schemes. Data was collected from the irrigation schemes beneficiaries and community structures by means of a structured questionnaire. No random selection method was used in the selection of irrigation scheme beneficiaries. This was influenced by the small number of beneficiaries in the three schemes (56).It was only the community structures that were randomly selected. One hundred and five (105) people were interviewed representing different structures in all three villages. Out of this figure thirty five(35) people were interviewed per village. Data collected was organized into themes for analysis. Data was analyzed manually, where the coded questionnaires were recorded into a spread sheet. The process of analysis was carried out by using qualitative description and descriptive statistics. Data was manually analysed and the output was discussed using tabulation and cross-tabulation of variables with percentages in descriptive statistics. From the spread sheet data was summarized manually. For the period 2006 to 2009, the irrigation schemes anticipated to create 42 permanent job opportunities with the exception of 2006 where the projected jobs were 32. For the same period, the following temporary job opportunities were anticipated: 121 in 2006,236 in 2008, 240 in 2010, 234 in 2012,233 in 2014 and 232 in 2016. The irrigation schemes also anticipated to inject the monetary value into the community in the form of basic salaries. In 2006, R839,996.76 was injected into the community in the form of salaries, 2008 – R1,509,060.33, 2010 – R1,775,531.58,from 2012 – 2018. R2,045,130.36, R2,381,396.14 and R2,772,145.45 injected into the community respectively, while the divisional management team were expected to receive, R27,525, R36,800, R35,920, R43,857 and R54,118 in the form of performance bonuses, in 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016 respectively. The actual permanent jobs created for the period 2005 to 2009 in Scheme 1, an average of 64.6 (the anticipated was 42), while the actual temporary jobs created averaged 395. Scheme 2, managed to create an average of 86 permanent jobs and 197 temporary jobs, while the anticipated was 42 and 240 respectively. In Scheme 3, averages of 74 permanent jobs were created while 55.4 temporary jobs were created. The irrigation schemes created more jobs than anticipated. This was influenced by the high rate of unemployment in the villages located next to the irrigation schemes and the irrigation schemes as the only job providers closer to the villages. Temporary workers are paid performance based salaries. For the period 2005 to 2009, they were paid as follows: in 2005, they were paid R0.35 per bag of oranges harvested. The actual salary earned per month was informed by the number of bags harvested for that particular month. The following years the salary was increased by five cent per bag. Permanent workers were paid an average salary of R2400.00 per month. The study recommended that the roads leading to the three irrigation schemes should be maintained to minimize fruit damage during transportation to the market. The schemes should also be financially assisted to acquire own farm equipment (tractors, trailers and trucks) and be trained on the maintenance of these equipment to reduce acquiring services from the private service providers. The three irrigation schemes use private transport to carry their produce to the market and they are charged for this service, hence, the acquisition of own transport is necessary.

Thesis (M.Dev.) --University of Limpopo, 2011 / The poverty and unemployment that face the Greater Tubatse Municipality (GTM) despite being endowed with mineral resources prompted me to undertake a study to unearth possible challenges. This sub-region of the Greater Sekhukhune District Municipality, which is one of the five municipalities, looks better off as compared to other local municipalities within the district. Suffice it to say that it is one of the most poverty stricken, even worse than the Fetakgomo Local Municipality in the west. This local municipality is rich in mineral deposits and is a booming industrial hub of the Limpopo Province. Given the potential the municipality has, it is regrettable to realise that the residents of the municipality are the most poorest and unemployed. Like each and every municipality, GTM has a fully-fledged economic (LED) and land development department under which Local Economic Development falls. This brings confusion as to whether the municipality is facing human or financial constraints in terms of fulfilling its LED role. That brings us to the aim of the study, namely, the intention to investigate the impact service delivery, coupled with infrastructure development, could produce on sustainable LED. Thus, the present researcher decided to consider a qualitative approach/methodology towards this problem as a way to investigate the underlying circumstances that could hinder the realization and flourishing of LED within the municipality. The reason being to collect first-hand information in terms of what is transpiring in the municipality. On one hand there is a lack of the above-mentioned resources, on the other hand, leadership within the municipality should be reviewed. As a recommendation, the GTM should focus on areas that could bring incentives and confidence to the investors by providing sustainable infrastructure, a crime free environment and thus position the municipality as a tourism destination, these are some of the aspects that could grow an LED. The aspect of skills within the municipality, particularly in the area of LED, should be beefed up as part of the recruitment strategy. LED is concerned with the creation of an environment that will engage stakeholders in implementing strategies and programmes.

Thesis (M.Dev.) --University of Limpopo, 2008 / The study was intended to investigate the impact of EPWP in job creation in the Rambuda area in the Mutale municipality of the Vhembe District in the Limpopo Province. Qualitative methods, which involved focus groups interviews and in-depth individual interviews were used to find out the impact of EPWP in job creation. Rambuda area was selected because the project was implemented in that area. The results revealed that the Rambuda EPWP had created many jobs for a number of jobless people including, males, females and youths. The employees were paid on a task base where they were paid R30.00 per task. The implication of the results was that Rambuda EPWP has had a significant impact in terms of job creation in the area.

The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) has been seen by government as a poverty-alleviation initiative in which many South Africans receive training and temporary employment that assist them in enhancing their employability. This has been seen in many rural communities as assisting with development of the community. It has been emphasize that this programme boosts the local economy while at the same time providing much needed financial support to those that are faced with lack of community development and unemployment. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the programme on community upliftment, with particular reference to community perceptions of the programme and training that is offered within the programme itself. Challenges with the implementation and execution of the programme were explored, in order to develop recommendations that will enhance the effectiveness of the programme within the local municipality. The literature study included interviews with key informants involved directly with the programme in the local municipality. A descriptive research approach within a qualitative paradigm was adopted for the study. Data was collected mainly from secondary sources. The findings of the study indicate that the Expanded Public Works Programme is the main source of employment within the local municipality, benefiting not only the beneficiaries involved in the programme, but also the community as a whole. The beneficiaries in the local area are able to sustain their needs through participating in the programme, and the community becomes safer and cleaner, with income being brought into families by participants in the programme. However, the local municipality is not achieving its set targets, and there is evidence of a lack of skills development and misuse of the beneficiaries by the local municipality officials, which is causing the programme to be ineffective.

Manufacturing has been identified by the Department of Trade and Industry as an important sector to drive economic growth in South Africa. The automotive manufacturing sector in particular has seen significant support from the DTI in the form of incentives to produce motor vehicles and components. South Africa is faced with a high unemployment rate and one of the strategies of the Government is to drive economic growth by supporting the automotive manufacturing sector. One of the spill-over targets is to increase employment creation in the industry. The automotive manufacturing sector consists of a diverse list of stakeholders representing motor vehicle manufacturers, component manufacturers, labour unions, government departments and industry associations. The Motor Industry Development Programme delivered significant progress in the number of vehicles produced in South Africa and the biggest growth was in the export of vehicles. Employment creation on the other hand did not see the same levels of growth as motor vehicle and component production. The purpose of this study was to identify and clarify what the variables are that influence employment creation and to develop a co-operation framework that would guide the automotive cluster stakeholders to work on employment creation initiatives as a collective. The survey questionnaire results representing the perception of managers showed that: - DTI Incentives schemes linked to employment creation; - Productivity, Technology and employment; - The role of competitiveness in the auto cluster; - Labour Union Collective bargaining; - Investment climate and infrastructure; - Education and skills development; does have an influence on employment creation in the automotive cluster.

This paper will be looking at unemployment in South Africa, since this is a serious matter. A number of policies in South Africa have been formulated to address the issue of unemployment since the transition from apartheid to democracy. The paper will attempt to define unemployment and the different types of unemployment. Even though policies have been designed, this does not necessarily mean that unemployment has, therefore, been reduced. In my research I will be concentrating on unemployment. I would be touching on ways that could be used to improve unemployment, in order to alleviate poverty. We are faced with challenges in our country and in the small town where we live: Matatiele. South Africa is faced with challenges, which will be addressed in the study, as it will be looking at the economy since the apartheid era ended, and the commencement of democracy under the African National Congress (ANC) government. The study will tackle the theories that were used in unemployment and the policies that were introduced, in order to improve unemployment. The study will be mentioning the different solutions that could be adopted, in order to improve unemployment and to alleviate poverty. It is not only the responsibility of the government, but through agricultural training and increased access to farming – especially in the area of Matatiele– government needs to subsidise these people, in order to produce people with skills. Unemployment would then decrease. Tourism is a prominent job-creator, because of the many opportunities it creates for semi-skilled labour, and because Matatiele people are friendly and hospitable. This could be accomplished through better education, investment to create more job opportunities, and fostering economic growth in the country (Emeka Okafor). The policy implications are that government should diminish labour-market segmentation, and the obstacles to entering the productive informal sector may be relevant. However, it should also look to other developing countries with high levels of unemployment. How have they coped with these problems.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has been perceived by most developing countries, emerging economies and countries in transition as a major vehicle for development that would not only boost a host country’s economic development but also enhance its integration into the global economy. The common assumption is that presence of foreign companies in a host country, particularly a developing country, would lead to economic benefits; among them, transfer of technology, and skills and human capacity development. The establishment of special “development zones” and the roll-out of incentives to attract FDI are often predicated on the expectation by host countries that these benefits would be achieved. It is against this background that this study sought to find out the character of FDI in the East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ), located in the Eastern Cape. The study focused on the institutional preconditions and incentives used by the ELIDZ to attract FDI into the zone, and on whether these had any bearing on labour and environmental standards as well as on local skills development. Empirical data for the study were collected using in-depth interview with senior management staff of both the ELIDZ as an organisation, and one of the foreign companies located in the zone (a “tenant” of ELIDZ). In addition, a mini survey was conducted with a random sample of employees of the selected ELIDZ company. Among the key findings of the study was that the ELIDZ had in place a range of incentives and preconditions for the attraction of FDI, and that there were concerted efforts on the part of ELIDZ management to compel companies operating in the zone to adhere to specific iv standards – especially on the environmental front. From the mini survey results, however, the study established that achievements on the labour front were mixed. While most of the responses indicated that ELIDZ was playing a positive role in terms of employment creation, a high number of responses (from surveyed employees in the selected ELIDZ company) pointed out that employment standards were in question. For example, 41% of respondents reported “unhappiness” with their conditions of employment, while 50% deplored the fact that they were not allowed to belong to unions. Furthermore, responses were nearly evenly split (53%/47%) between those who reported that their employment had resulted in the acquisition of new skills and those who reported that it had not. From these and other findings, the study concluded that ELIDZ was facing a “balancing act” by expecting foreign companies to create jobs, transfer technology and contribute to local skills development while at the same time adhering to strict environmental and labour standards. The study thus confirmed a major consensus in the FDI literature, while FDI could bring about important socio-economic achievements in a host country, foreign companies and host governments are not necessarily motivated by the same set of factors. Indeed, at least a small facet of the study’s findings seemed to confirm the well-documented anti-FDI sentiment that the faith placed in FDI by host governments (especially in developing countries) does not always have a sound basis.

Thesis ( M.Dev.) --University of Limpopo, 2016 / The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of Youth Empowerment Subsidy Tax Incentive emanating from South Africa’s Employment Tax Incentive Act of 2013, dedicated towards reducing youth unemployment. The scheme targets youth in the ages of between 15 and 29. The research used Triangulation Research Design approach, and questionnaire, interview and observation were used for data collection. These were statistically and thematically analysed. The results showed that the scheme lacked advocacy, and the people were not well informed or involved in planning the subsidy scheme. The study highlighted that people were eager to take part as long as the procedures were clearly feasible and well communicated. YESI vacancies were not advertised stating the type of programme that might have been confused with learnerships.

With the advent of President Zuma’s administration, the issue of rural development became one of the key focal areas in South Africa (2009-2014). This is also premised in the South African Constitution (Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996) which provides for planning, coordination and implementation of development (rural development included) as one of the key foundations of a developmental state that South Africa envisages. Previous research found that the poorest people in South Africa live in the rural areas where they are still poor, disempowered, characterised with high dependency and outmigration of the economically active. This research used a mixed method approach where quantitative and qualitative questionnaires were used to collect primary data from 50 heads of household in Impumelelo. It was found that the Impumelelo heads of household generally hold positive perceptions on whether service delivery has improved in Impumelelo since the introduction of Comprehensive Rural Development Programme. However, there has been mixed reactions on whether locals have had access to jobs locally and on the issue of skills development for the youth. The majority of Impumelelo heads of household hold negative perceptions on whether Comprehensive Rural Development Programme has been beneficial to women empowerment, youth empowerment and long term employment in Impumelelo. / GR2018

Community-based projects are established in most of the communities as a strategy to create jobs and alleviate poverty. In the area under investigation community-based projects were established by members of communities but some of them failed and others are not sustainable in economic terms. This study investigated the reasons for failure of community-based projects at Folovhodwe area. The objectives of the study were to determine the reasons for failure of community-based projects, to provide community development officials with a guideline of the role they must play in community projects and to provide strategies for the improvement and future development of community-based projects. The study was both qualitative and quantitative. Questionnaires and interviews were employed to collect information. The study revealed that lack of funds, poor project management, poor management of funds, lack of commitment and motivation, low level of education of project members, lack of youth involvement in community-based projects, lack of monitoring and evaluation by government officials and community leaders, lack of training and unavailability of workshops for project members and lack of government involvement in addressing project challenges were identified as the reasons for failure of community-based projects. / Business Management / M.Tech. (Business Administration)