A research report submitted to the Faculty of Business Administration University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, In partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Management. / The development of black managers is one of the most important challenges facing South African companies as the society undergoes a transition to a non-racial order. (Abbreviation abstract) / Andrew Chakane 2019

A research report submitted to the Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Management in Innovation Studies. March 2015 / The purpose of the research is to identify interventions required for Local Economic Development Agencies (LEDAs) to achieve their role in supporting local innovation. This study uses a qualitative research methodology of inquiry and analysis of LEDAs. The methodology is based on a process in which themes are developed from categories that emerge from the analysis of data collected through techniques such as unstructured discussions with most of the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) grant-funded LEDAs’ management and administrative personnel; parent-municipalities’ management; political leadership (mayors and councillors); observations, documented case studies on the five (5) LEDAs under study (ILembe, ASPIRE, UMhlosinga, Mandela Bay, and Lejweleputswa); and other LEDAs within the South African context, and those in other developing and developed countries. Given that the IDC has to date funded almost thirty (30) LEDAs throughout the nine provinces of South Africa, the five (5) LEDAs sampled, have been purposively selected. This study addresses the challenges that LEDAs face if they are to be successful. These challenges involve striking the right balance between operational freedom or agility and the need for effective policy and strategy leadership and supervision from the public bodies involved. There are also critical communication challenges that have to be addressed. Despite widespread acceptance within government of the need to pursue active economic development policies, it is not immediately apparent to citizens or media commentators that this is a natural arena for local government activity, and there is limited appreciation of what is appropriate local development activity or investment. From the study, it is evident that, since local economies respond best to integrated approaches that combine physical, social, economic, and environmental interventions, and these are activities where responsibility is usually widely dispersed amongst a range of bodies and authorities, it is critical that there is effective leadership both within the LEDAs and within the wider range of bodies to achieve co- ordination. Leadership overcomes institutional rigidities and gaps in mandates by fostering an integrated vision and collaborative organisations. At the same time, the possible absence of leadership in local government, in the business community of a locality, and in the LEDAs themselves, would make an integrated approach and public confidence very difficult to achieve and sustain. Drawing on the results of the study on the five (5) IDC-funded LEDAs, it is evident that there is overwhelming confidence in the LEDA model across local municipalities within the South African landscape. This is also pertinent in most developing countries, as is also the case in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. Through analysing the findings of the study, it has emerged that research consistently proves that historically, numerous developed and developing countries have opted to use the LEDA models as a preferred vehicle to implement local economic development at local and district municipality levels. However, for all LEDAs, there is a primary need to first define what value the LEDA will add, with clear goals and roles to its locality, before it is established. Furthermore, the analysis does not focus only on the LEDA in isolation, but focuses on the coherence and efficiency of how all the relevant institutions and formations in a locality work together in a ‘local innovation system’ (LIS). There is a tendency in the economic development arena to expect that a LEDA should succeed ‘on its own’ rather than by working within a local innovation system (LIS). This study has observed that, for LEDAs to be effective, they should operate within the well designed and co-ordinated local innovation system. This implies that the system of organisations for local governments must be well managed and integrated. This requirement must not be placed on LEDAs alone, but on all the relevant institutions and formations within a particular LEDA’s locality. It can be concluded from the findings mentioned in Chapter 4 that there is a ‘golden-thread’ that is characteristic of the five (5) LEDAs discussed in the study. This ‘golden-thread’ serves as a recommendation for LEDAs to adopt for them to be successful in achieving their mandates.

In the post-apartheid period, little research has focused on the economic welfare of South African mothers. In particular there are few studies that compare the economic status of mothers by marital status. Many children in South Africa live in households without fathers (Posel and Devey 2006), which indicates that there is a high incidence of single motherhood in South Africa. Previous research has shown that South African women are more likely to be poor than their male counterparts and female-headed households, on average, are poorer than male-headed households (Posel and Rogan 2009a; Armstrong et al. 2008; Hoogeveen and Özler 2006; Budlender 2005; Rose and Charlton 2002; Woolard and Leibbrandt 1999). These results suggest that single mothers and their children would be more likely to be worse off than families that include men. Historically, insufficient data on motherhood made it difficult to identify a national sample of mothers; however recent household surveys have made it easier to do so. Using the General Household Survey (GHS) 2006 I am able to identify all women aged from 19 to 65 who are co-resident with at least one of their children aged 18 or younger. A disadvantage of this sample is that it excludes not co-resident mothers who have left their household of origin – often in pursuit of better work opportunities. Consequently the sample underestimates the extent of motherhood as well as the labour force participation rate of African single mothers in particular. Despite this limitation, I am able to gain useful insights into the economic welfare of South African mothers. By undertaking a descriptive and poverty analysis I show that on average, African and White single co-resident mothers have an inferior economic status compared to African and White married co-resident mothers respectively. I also show that disparities in income exist between the two races with White mothers, on average, having greater access to resources compared to African mothers. A benefit of the GHS 2006 is that it includes individual information on the receipt of social grant income. Thus I am able to quantify the impact of public transfers, as well as other categories of income, on poverty alleviation. I show that African single co-resident mothers, in particular, are highly dependent on grants. The study also explores the Child Support Grant (CSG) specifically and notes that the grant is limited in coverage and value. Furthermore, I highlight that the only other formal method for single mothers to obtain financial assistance, is via the private maintenance system, which is fraught with inefficiencies and often the costs of engaging with the system far outweigh the benefits. This dissertation therefore highlights the plight of South African single co-resident mothers and concludes by suggesting methods for improving their economic status. / Thesis (M.Com.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2009.

This study in local history describes socio-economic developments in Grahamstown between 1918 - 1945, and analyses the extent to which these developments mirrored trends in the macrocosm. During these years the city failed to become ndustrialised, but enhanced her reputation as an eminent educational centre. Despite being financially handicapped, the City Council undertook large public works schemes for the provision of essential services, such as electricity and an adequate supply of water. In addition a water-borne sewerage scheme was introduced, and roads were repaired and tarred. The influx of a large number of poor rural Blacks into the urban area placed a considerable strain on the city's health services, and housing projects had to be implemented. Local political affiliations and race relations are examined against the background of national developments, especially the growing entrenchment by the State of the policy of segregation. Attention is also devoted to the impact upon the community of international political crises. The cultural and sporting pursuits, as well as the entertainments enjoyed by Grahamstonians, are investigated; and a picture of the local "mentalite" is presented.

M.B.A. / This study aims to assess the economic growth and development approaches that have been used by South Africa and South Korea. With this in mind, a brief overview at the socio-economic history of each country is given and the various plans implemented by both countries are considered. In chapter one, a brief comparison between the histories of the two countries was made. The intent of this comparison is to highlight the disparities between two countries who were once economically on par. In chapter two, the different approaches to economic growth and development is discussed. The role of human capital and its effects on a countries economy is highlighted. The question of which approach to use is also considered. Should it be purely one approach or can it be a combination from the various models? Chapters three and four deals with the various programmes that have been implemented by South Korea and South Africa, respectively. The approach used and also the outcomes (where possible) are evaluated. In the South Korean situation the difficulties that have shaped the nation and the lingering effects that are still prevalent in its policies (budget allowance for defence and education) can be discerned. In the South African situation it is apparent that the government is also trying to deal with the lingering effects of apartheid. The true results of the programmes (RDP, GEAR) implemented thus far is not clear. The aim was to explore, by means of a literature review, what the economic growth experiences are of both South Africa and South Korea for their respective time periods under review, namely, from 1995 to 2003/4 and 1960 to 2003. the objectives of the study were, to explore the social and economic history of South Korea and of South Africa in order to determine, by means of comparison, policies and or strategies that South Africa might be able to use (if any) in order to establish and maintain economic growth.

Human capital is an important economic concept. The significance of human resource development, in the form of both education and health, has long been realised and was stressed even in the writings of the early economists. Introduction, p.1

This research focused on derivative instruments which are financial securities whose values are derived from the values of underlying assets, such as shares, bonds, currencies or interest rates. Derivatives are predominantly used to manage risks in portfolios (hedging) and trading (speculation). Derivatives have been used for centuries and have developed into one of the largest global financial markets. The most common derivative instruments available to investors are options, futures, swaps and contracts for difference, as they are fairly easy to understand and apply. During the 2008/2009 global financial crisis derivatives, especially credit derivatives, made headlines and although they did not cause the crisis, they accelerated it. Furthermore, the 2008/2009 financial crisis also increased the negative sentiments many investors have towards derivatives. As a result of the crisis the growth in the global derivatives market came to a halt for the first time in decades. In light of the above, the primary objective of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of derivatives trading in emerging markets, especially in the South African context, as these financial securities are very useful portfolio management tools. The aim of this study was to describe the current state of the South African derivatives market; to investigate the role that derivative instruments played in the 2008/2009 global financial crisis; and to identify the variables influencing investors’ decisions whether or not to include derivatives in their portfolios. Given the nature of the problem stated a qualitative or phenomenological research paradigm was adopted. This paradigm was deemed suitable given the exploratory nature of the research. Primary and secondary data for this study were obtained through semi-structured personal interviews with 21 experts in the South African financial services industry and through an extensive literature review, respectively. A research instrument, based on the literature review was developed to facilitate the interviewing process. The results of the empirical investigation show that although the majority of respondents use derivative instruments in managing their portfolios, the South African derivatives market is still in its development phase. Many investors do not use derivatives frequently as they lack knowledge about derivative instruments, receive uncompetitive prices, are restricted by rules and regulations as well as investment mandates. Fourteen variables were identified as having a possible impact on investors' decisions whether or not to use derivatives in their portfolios. The five variables identified in the empirical investigation as being the most important, were the level of information available and the transparency of price determination; investor’s knowledge of different derivative instruments; investor’s level of risk tolerance; the level of liquidity in the market; and investor's knowledge and familiarity with financial markets. The findings of this study suggest that financial institutions, selling and trading derivative instruments, should concentrate on these five variables to make derivatives more attractive investment alternatives for investors. In order for South African investors to consider derivatives as suitable investments more often, it is strongly recommended to educate investors better about these products and decrease the negative sentiments investors have towards derivatives. This should be done by showing and explaining to investors that derivatives are useful hedging and portfolio management tools. It is necessary to state the dangers and benefits of derivatives, as well as the features differentiating them. Financial institutions trading derivative instruments, local education facilities (e.g. universities) and financial markets related organisations should educate investors by providing various educational tools, such as online courses, booklets, seminars or presentations about derivative products on offer. Furthermore, it is highly recommended to make derivative markets more transparent through adequate and appropriate regulations. In that, investors are better protected from counterparty risks and trade in a safer environment due to clearing houses.

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality implemented a new regulated public transport system with the objective to support the Economic and Social development of the City. The system will be done by transforming current diversified minibus taxi and bus operations into integrated city wide system which will provide the citizens with efficient, affordable, accessible and safe public transport services. The decision was based on the 2006 Public Transport Plan (PTP) prepared by Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. The long term strategy is based on the Nelson Mandela Bay 2020 Vision taking into account national and provincial transport policies. (Public Transport Operational Plan Draft 2008). The plan has been developed by the municipality in collaboration with the Eastern Cape Department of Roads and transport supported by the National Department of Transport.

Thirteen years in the new democratic South Africa, South Africa is still faced with socio-economic problems such as high rates of unemployment, shortage of housing, crime and HIV/Aids. Buffalo city falls within the Amathole District Municipality (ADM). ADM population is estimated at + 1, 67 million, being predominantly rural and living in low socio-economic conditions. The demographic trends of ADM population depict high poverty, illiteracy and unemployment rates, rendering them prone to high morbidity and mortality (www.amathole.gov.za, 2007). The aim of this research was to assess the role of the SMMEs in the socio-economic development of Buffalo City. This study is based on exploratory quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. Using a convenience sampling technique structured questionnaires were used to collect data amongst 28 SMMEs in Buffalo City. The findings of this study suggest that SMMEs play a vital role in the socio-economic development of Buffalo City. The SMMEs create employment and incomes; provide human capital investment in form of training programs and HIV/Aids programs; make donations to community structures; give sponsors to various sports clubs and food to the homeless. Finally SMMEs contribute towards tax revenues that in turn help reduce poverty and redistribute wealth. However, SMMEs in Buffalo City face a number of constraints, namely, lack of access to funding, lack of operating space, and high cost of property to lease and difficulty in finding trained competent staff. Further, the perceptions of the SMMEs about the adjudication of tenders was some biasness in the adjudication of tender in favour of those who were close to the public officials. There was no accountability and professionalism amongst the adjudicating officials. Finally the government was not doing enough to encourage SMME development in Buffalo City. In view of the socio-economic benefits of the SMMEs in Buffalo city, it is recommended that support programmes to the SMMEs should be enhanced. On the basis of the findings in this study, it is suggested that assistance to the SMMEs should go beyond institutional support such as Ntsika, Khula, DTI and/or SEDA but should be targeted to funding opportunities for the SMMEs. Commercial banks should be involved in ensuring that SMMEs obtain access to funding. Infrastructural facilities such as affordable business premises should be provided for the SMMEs. Affordable premises will reduce the overhead costs of the SMMEs and in turn increase the profits of these SMMEs. Increase the profits of the SMMEs will ensure the survival of the SMMEs and will in turn contribute towards the upliftment of the socio-economic status of the people who would have otherwise been unemployed, destitute and poor.

Thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, in the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, School of Economic and Business Sciences. 27 March 2019 / This thesis investigates the role of institutional quality on the impact of government expenditure on economic performance. The thesis consists of five chapters. Chapter 1 provides an introduction of the thesis. Chapters 2, 3 and 4 are empirical chapters examining the role of institutions on the relationship between government expenditure and various indicators of economic performance. Chapter 5 concludes by giving policy recommendations. In chapter 1 we provide a background, motivation, objectives, hypothesis to be tested, gaps in the literature, contributions of the study and the main findings. In chapter 2 we explore how institutional quality affects the government spending-output growth nexus. We estimate a modified growth accounting model found in Hansson and Henrekson (1994) and control for institutional quality by employing panel regression techniques on a panel of 71 countries over a period 1970-2015. Our main estimation technique, 3SLS with seemingly unrelated errors, is able to control for endogeneity and cross equation correlation. We find that the institutional quality variable has a mitigating effect on the relationship between government expenditure and output growth however, government expenditure generally has a negative and detrimental effect on output growth. This suggests that better institutional quality offsets the adverse effects of government expenditure. As such, there is a need to come up with policies that strengthen institutional quality and enhance the effectiveness of government expenditure programs. Chapter 3 we examine the role of institutions on the optimal size of the government. The quadratic method of Armey (1995) and Scully (1994) method are employed on the country (time series regression) and group (panel data regression) estimations. Furthermore, we use the Hansen (1999) panel threshold regression technique to determine the presence of an optimal size and the values thereof. We ascertain that the majority of countries do have a significant optimal size of government. However, we note that the optimal size of government varies across countries and regions. Despite the presence of a non-linear relationship between government expenditure and output growth, there seems to be a marked difference between the size of government across levels of development and institutional arrangements. Countries with better institutions and higher levels of development seem to have a lower optimal level of government size. Perhaps, better institutions and higher levels of development help mitigate the adverse effects of government expenditure on output growth through the minimisation of the scope and scale of government activities, i.e., government size. Chapter 4 investigates the Twin Deficits Hypothesis (TWDH) and the role of institutional quality on a sample of 48 countries for the period 1995-2013. Using the national income accounting decomposition and the approaches in Feldstein and Horioka (1980) and Fidrmuc (2003) we investigate the role of institutional quality and capital mobility on the current account deficits and the government budget deficits (i.e., TWDH) nexus. We apply OLS, fixed effects, random effects regressions and panel cointegration techniques in our analysis. The results from the panel cointegration tests show that a long run relationship exists between the current account balance, investment and the government budget balance. The results reveal that current account deficits are mainly driven by private investment flows. However, we only find support for the Twin Deficits Hypothesis in a sample of developed countries and higher institutional quality countries. The results imply that governments of these countries enjoy financing from international sources and can easily finance their budget deficits without siphoning domestic savings away from investment. This result is unsurprising considering that capital seems to flow towards areas with perceived less risk. This suggests that current account deficits in developing countries are as a result of private agents’ decisions and not driven by government budget deficits. / PH2020