A significant number of businesses operating in South Africa can be categorised as familyowned businesses and contribute substantially to employment creation, poverty eradication and wealth creation. Nonetheless, their longevity through generations remains a major cause for concern for all stakeholders. South African economy is characterised by a history of apartheid, where prior to 1994, the black majority only owned less than 5 percent of the businesses active in the economy. Since then, black majority participation in the economy has increased driven by the Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) legislation. Therefore, the aim of this study is to understand the influence of the incumbent, the successor, the family and the business, on management succession within black family-owned businesses in South Africa. The study followed an exploratory qualitative approach, using semi-structured interviews. Thirteen black family-owned business incumbents were interviewed with a view to answer the research questions. From the literature, 17 of the most widespread factors that influence management succession in family businesses were derived and formed the basis of the constructs or themes adopted during data analysis. All the interviews were recorded and then transcribed into text. A directed content analysis using ATLAS-ti was used to analyse the data, while constant comparative analysis using a meta-matrix was used to establish common themes to specific groups of respondents. The key findings showed that incumbent of black family-owned business regard the successor and incumbent-related factors as the predominant drivers of management succession. Commitment and interest of the successor towards the business and the quality of the relationship between the incumbent and the successor have a strong influence on decisions and criteria design across all the stages of the management succession process. From the family perspective, natural succession based on birth order and gender was considered to be the key determinant of the succession pool composition. Support of the successor by the family members through acceptance of the choice and not passing judgement when mistakes are made emerged as the critical family dimension that will influence the overall management succession process. In terms of the business itself, the size and nature of the business and change in market conditions were established to have a major influence on the succession process. / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2014. / lmgibs2015 / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / MBA / unrestricted

The market value of Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) companies listed on the JSE Securities Exchange (JSE) has fallen to only 2% of the overall market capitalisation of the JSE. Many BEE companies have disappeared from the exchange and there have been many failures.<br /> <br /> In the context of the report of the BEE Commission (BEE Com), it is essential to understand why these failures have occurred and it is essential to research methods of structure, capitalisation and listings to ensure that ownership of the economy is fairly distributed in future as per the recommendations of the BEE Comm. The motivation for this research project is based on the fact that as a member of the Historically Disadvantaged Group in this country, and after having qualified in the Faculty of Law with a commercial background, I would like to attempt to make a meaningful contribution to the transformation that should take place to facilitate equality of ownership of the economy.<br /> <br /> The proposed research is critically important as the recommendations of the Commission have to be implemented as a matter of urgency, given the current slow growth rate of the economy and given the fact that as many more new enterprises could be listed on the JSE, it would provide further access to jobs, thereby positively impacting on the unemployment situation thereby contributing to poverty relief.

This thesis offers a critical gendered analysis of Black Economic Empowerment (BEE): a programme which was begun when the ANC government came unto power in 1994, to correct the economic imbalances instituted by the Apartheid system. The thesis argues that the programme has not effectively benefited black women in South Africa. Despite the fact that the focus of the programme has recently been changed to benefit a broad base of previously disempowered black people, only a few men who are connected to the ANC government have benefited. The thesis provides an overview of the background that necessitated the implementation of the economic programme. It specifically highlights the economic inequalities that were cornerstones of apartheid and their effects on Black women. It investigates statistics relating to BEE and gender, and reveals that eight key areas inhibit black women’s participation in the BEE programme. These include the fact that the original document did not mention women, women’s lack of capital, the glass ceiling, a sense of inferiority held by women, lack of mentorship and networking groups, family commitments and workload, gender stereotypes, and inadequate education and skills. The thesis argues that these eight key areas result from patriarchal customs and traditions in the South African society. To support this claim, the thesis then examines the responses of women participating in BEE. Women in BEE have voiced their concerns on different platforms but it is not enough to bring about the required transformation in the economy. Therefore, in order to adequately deal with factors that inhibit women’s participation in BEE, the thesis proposes that developmental feminist ethical and cultural tools needs to be engaged with in order for gender justice to be realised in BEE. In the search for solutions to factors inhibiting women’s participation, the thesis proposes the incorporation of the virtues of ubuntu, such as communalism, participation, humanity and solidarity, in BEE. In conclusion, the thesis argues that the South African economy cannot be built on the efforts of male citizens alone. There is the need for the government to ensure the inclusion of women at all levels of the economy, and to “shatter the glass ceiling” which Black women are constantly up against. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2011.

A county's level of development is measured by poverty, unemployment and inequality. Strategies and development plans must address these three elements. The informal sector is an important part of the economy, contributing to the social and economic development of countries. Despite its importance, the management of the informal sector has not taken central place in most countries, probably because there is still the subconscious belief that the sector will disappear if sufficient levels of growth are reached. The sector is still being viewed as temporary and transitional. Research has however shown that the sector is permanent, and that there are those who enter the sector by choice (voluntary informal employment) and those who participate in the sector involuntarily. Despite the reason for participation, the sector should be taken seriously as it continues to grow and is permanent. As a result of the permanent nature of the informal sector, debates have moved from focusing only on informal enterprises to include the workers themselves, thereby giving birth to the notion of informal economy. The most visible activity in the informal economy is street trading. Street trading is a source of livelihood for the majority of the urban poor, but if not properly managed, can be problematic. Actually, street trading is associated with various urban management problems such as crime, grime, dirtiness, and many other issues, in some instance badly affecting the ability of the formal sector to grow. Due to its direct effect on the formal economy and communities, as street traders use public space, the study focuses on the management of street vendors. The study argues that while it is true that street vendors are a contributing factor to most urban management challenges in urban areas, the main cause is lack of proper systems and processes designed to manage the sector. The study argues further that the problems associated with street vendors are a symptom of systematic problems in public institutions, especially municipalities that are mandated by the Constitution to manage street trading. It maintains that the majority of the problems associated with informal trading can be addressed by adopting relevant policies that would guide and delimit the actions and behaviours of both the public officials and the traders. Such policies should, however, not equate management to regulation as has been the case. The policies should instead be developmental in nature, thereby recognising and acknowledging that street trading is an important component of the economy. This is not an easy task. The most fundamental challenge is the conflicting objectives between the street vendors and the authorities. While the street vendors focus on their right to trade, the local authorities focus on the right to enforce safety and health regulations. It is therefore important for municipalities to adopt a balanced approach to street trading as a phenomenon. This fact is also exacerbated by local authorities' limited understanding of the size and the contribution of the informal sector generally, and street vendors in particular, to the economy. This results in the adoption of public policies, urban plans and other development plans that counter rather than support the informal economy. Another critical finding that emerged from the study is that street vendors are generally not organised, and therefore have limited bargaining power. Due to this fact, they are unable to participate in the decision-making processes of the authorities even when decisions that affect them are taken. Even in instances where there are trader's associations, it has been indicated that they are weak and unable to assert any influence. On the local authority's side, the lack of proper traders' organisational structures makes it difficult for the municipalities to engage them and jointly develop strategies that will enable the sector to grow and become sustainable. It is therefore important that the authorities play a critical advocacy role with regard to the issue of association. Although various organisations such as SEWA, StreetNet or WIEGO are present, this is at local level, and hence their effect has not been felt. Another element that has emerged is that street vendors are harassed and do not enjoy any benefits, even in areas where it is legal to engage in street trading. One contributing factor to this could be that the management of the sector is not properly institutionalised. The study argues that where proper institutional mechanisms are put in place, and roles clearly defined, the sector is better managed and supported. Singapore, for example, established a hawker's department to deal with issues of licensing, support, monitoring and personal hygiene. This approach enabled Singapore to manage the sector better. Analysis of the policies of various municipalities in South Africa indicated a shift in this regard. The municipalities analysed acknowledge the fact that management of the sector requires a multidisciplinary approach, and have attempted to clearly define the institutional model for managing the sector. The question, however, would be if the state of street vending in some of the cities continues as it is, whether the lack of effectiveness of the policies is due to lack of resources and capacity to implement such policies or whether the policies are not appropriate for the environments which exist. The conclusion arrived at indicates without any doubt that the informal economy is here to stay, and is a critical component of the economy. It is therefore important that like the formal economy that is regulated and protected, the informal economy, is managed in a way that can make it one of the levers to address poverty, unemployment and inequality. The study also concluded that the formal economy remains the backbone of the economy. As a result, the informal economy should not be regarded as a solution to the problems in the formal economy. Instead, the informal sector is complementary and supplementary to the formal economy. As a result, it is prudent to have proper polices and strategies that put the informal economy at the centre and not at the periphery of economic development. Indeed, such policies and strategies should not affect the formal economy negatively. The recommendations provided in the study indicate that when developing a policy for managing street trading, such a policy should be developed taking into account the various policy-making stages. The municipality should also conduct a thorough environmental analysis in order to determine the external and internal factors that will affect the policy in order to develop an implementable and effective policy. The study concludes that issues such as infrastructure provision, safety, organisation, proper institutional model and capacity-building are critical intervention mechanisms that can enable the municipality to manage street vending effectively. Once these issues are addressed, the municipality will be able to manage street trading effectively. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2010.

A great deal is expected of the construction industry and this study will stimulate reflections by participants on their role and performance. Leadership and collaboration are needed to enhance the capability and focus of all who engage in the delivery process- a focus to grow, transform and nurture the national asset base of the construction industry. The study highlights areas of progress and provides insight on the significant challenges to the construction industry growth and creation of infrastructure, challenges that are closely linked to the need for raised levels of performance and empowerment. Construction accounts for about I 0 per cent of the world economy and approximately 70 per cent of construction investment is accounted for in the USA, Western Europe and Japan. The continent of Africa accounts for about one per cent. Per capita investment in construction in the developed world is approximately $2500 per annum compared to $46 per annum in Africa. Embodied in the policies and legislations is a fundamental recognition that a developing society inherited a construction sector that supports a strategically developed industry with world-class capability and an established material manufacturing sector. The post-1994 expansion of South African engineering and construction services into global markets is testament to this inherent capability and the potential of the industry, and was enabled by the country's passage to democracy. In parallel with policy and institutional reform, a range of early practical initiatives were introduced by government to direct the process of change. In this context, growth needs to be coupled with sustainable employment, empowerment and investment in human capital as a pre-requisite for improved industry performance and competitiveness. The policy framework also addresses the role and potential impact of government as facilitator, regulator and major client to the industry. These included the implementation of preferential procurement to stimulate access to the market by historically disadvantaged enterprises, and measures to address supply-side constraints such as access to entrepreneurial training, finance, and credit. The Black Economic Empowerment is defined as empowerment of a broad-based process, and adopts a scorecard approach covering ownership, management, employment equity, skills development, procurement, corporate social investment, as well as investment and enterprise formation. By meeting any, or a combination of these objectives, every company has the potential to promote empowerment (SA Construction Industry Report, 2004 ). The main objective is to create new business ventures which play a significant role in economic growth. For this reason, it makes sense to explore correlations between black economic empowerment activities and lagged indicators of procurement policies and procedures. Some of the findings are: •Lack of consistency in the application of preferential procurement policies • Ambiguous regulations • Clients' planning shortcomings • Inadequate budget • Capacity constraints The biggest concern is the lack of core skills among emerging contractors, that is, financial literacy, record-keeping and marketing Although there are excellent examples of financing initiatives in South Africa (SA), there are only a small number of financial institutions in SA that have low default rates on small business loans. / (MBA) North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2006

The market value of Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) companies listed on the JSE Securities Exchange (JSE) has fallen to only 2% of the overall market capitalisation of the JSE. Many BEE companies have disappeared from the exchange and there have been many failures.<br /> <br /> In the context of the report of the BEE Commission (BEE Com), it is essential to understand why these failures have occurred and it is essential to research methods of structure, capitalisation and listings to ensure that ownership of the economy is fairly distributed in future as per the recommendations of the BEE Comm. The motivation for this research project is based on the fact that as a member of the Historically Disadvantaged Group in this country, and after having qualified in the Faculty of Law with a commercial background, I would like to attempt to make a meaningful contribution to the transformation that should take place to facilitate equality of ownership of the economy.<br /> <br /> The proposed research is critically important as the recommendations of the Commission have to be implemented as a matter of urgency, given the current slow growth rate of the economy and given the fact that as many more new enterprises could be listed on the JSE, it would provide further access to jobs, thereby positively impacting on the unemployment situation thereby contributing to poverty relief.

Thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Technology (Business Administration) Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2013 / New Black business entrants into the South African fishing industry are confronted with a range of challenges on the road to full sustainability. In addition to the need to compete with established white commercial companies with vast resources, most of the successful applicants who won rights ended up with nothing but a paper quota because most do not have their own boats to either catch their allotted quota, or they lack the facilities to process their catch. In this thesis an organisational needs analysis of a select number of emerging fishing enterprises was undertaken with a view to determine their specific needs for support services in order to make recommendations with regard to a customised support programme to assist them in their quest for business sustainability. The research indicates that the majority of the emerging enterprises are first-generation novice businesses with a need for a comprehensive range of support services. They not only lack a full understanding of the inherent risks of their industry, but most have failed to do any sort of risk planning. This lack of understanding not only constrains their engagement with fishing policy processes but also contributes to a situation of dependence on external consultants for the preparation and submission of their rights allocation applications. Furthermore, most of the current crop of business leaders have a low level of formal education and did not receive any business training prior to venturing into the industry. This vicious cycle of general ignorance of the risky nature of their sector, lack of understanding of industry process, and low education levels, has resulted in limited understanding and knowledge of the various forms of financial and other assistance available to emerging businesses. The researcher recommends intervention in all of the areas mentioned above as critical if the stated objective of the South African government, namely the promotion of black economic empowerment, is to be achieved.

This research is concerned with the development of independent contractors within the Working for Water Programme over a twenty-four month period. The meaningful participation of previously disadvantaged South Africans fall within the ambit of black economic empowerment. The Government Gazette (1997: No. 1820) defines black economic empowerment as a deliberate programme to achieve the meaningful participation of disadvantaged South Africans in the mainstream economy as managers, owners of capital and employees. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the contractors within the Western Region of the Eastern Cape, in order to assess how they have developed as independent contractors within the developmental framework provided by the Working for Water Programme. This developmental framework takes place over a 462-day period or roughly 24 months. The evaluation aimed to determine whether the two-year development period sufficiently prepared contractors for competition in the open market and if contractors had acquired the necessary skills to run a successful business. A formative programme evaluation was used as a tool of analysis to identify areas of weakness and establish priorities for improvement. A qualitative research approach was followed, guided by an adapted version of the Context, Input, Process and Product approach to evaluation (Parlett and Hamilton cited in Calder, 1995, p.25). Using structured interviews comprising of closed and open ended questions, data was gathered from thirty contractors, five managers and one Senior Executive Officer within the Western Region of the Eastern Cape. An interview was also conducted with the Regional Programme leader of the Eastern Cape. Further data collection techniques included documentary research. Data was analysed using qualitative data analysis techniques described by Thorne (1997, p.118), as relying on inductive reasoning to interpret and structure the meanings that can be derived from the data. Passages of interest were marked so that the data could be reduced to a manageable size as described by Seidman (1991, p.91-1 01) and various categories were developed that had commonalties and thematic connections. The Working for Water Programme aims to exit contractors successfully after a twenty-four month developmental period. The Working for Water Programme has formalised its development framework through a training matrix in which the required training at contractor level is outlined. The finding of the research is that the current contractor development programme do not adequately prepare contractors for independence and entrepreneurship in a competitive market. There is no co-ordinated development of predetermined skills. Contractors are not able to articulate what their plans are after exit from the WFW Programme. No concrete evidence of actively pursuing alternative contract opportunities was evident from contractors who were about to exit the Programme and there is no person to champion the cause of meaningful post exit opportunities. The main recommendations from this research are that contractors be selected via an application system rather that appointment through steering committees. Selected contractors must be medically fit and at least have a matriculation certificate. Contractors should be assessed on a 6-monthly basis and contractors not achieving a minimum competency level must be removed from the programme. Managers should also have basic competency levels in order to facilitate skill transfer through a mentorship process. The charge out rate of equipment should be revised every six months. The charge out rates should also be increased significantly to cater for the harsh conditions under which contractors are operational. A "champion" needs to be appointed which will actively seek exit opportunities for trained contractors. This person will also seek to develop functional partnerships with various private and government institutions to create opportunities for exited contractors.

Governments all over the world cannot downplay the economic role of small businesses. It is accepted world-wide that this sector of the economy alleviates unemployment, creates wealth, encourages innovation and the entrepreneurial spirit. Various factors, both internal and external, make it difficult for small businesses to reach their true potential or realise their objectives. Internal factors would refer to areas such as lack of financial acumen, operational management expertise and marketing skills. External factors such as the business environment, competition, legislation, commercial institutions, amongst others, also contribute to the downfall of small businesses. The support that small businesses require is vital at the start-up phase of the business as it lays a solid base from which to proceed. The research emanates from a high failure of Small Black Businesses in the country, with the focus being on the Buffalo City Municipality (BCM). This section of the business community has a vital role to play in the well-being of this region. According to the South African Cities Network, BCM has a high rate of unemployment. The success of Small Black businesses in the area could offer many opportunities for productive people who would otherwise be condemned to unemployment. The literature review revealed a plethora of factors that hinder the success and development of small businesses. It has therefore become important to research these factors and come up with recommendations that are going to assist small businesses and society at large. There is an outcry against insufficient government support in assisting small businesses. Due to the research being qualitative in nature, date collection was by means of a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was designed in such a manner as to provide responses that would assist in addressing the challenges faced by small businesses. Data analysis entailed its transcription in order to allow the researcher to make notes. The next step was to do a preliminary data analysis in order to highlight emerging issues, identify relevant data and to give direction for seeking more data. A summary all the issues was subsequently prepared for interpretation. The study revealed that the problems experienced by small businesses are both internally and externally influenced. Small businesses have it within themselves to manage and control the internally influenced problems, contrary to the externally influenced factors. The study recommends additional governmental support in terms of providing skills development, financial support, removal of red tape, eradication of corruption and so on. Commercial financial institutions also have a vital role to play by removing some of the requirements that make it difficult for small businesses to access funding.

A research report submitted to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, University of the Witwatersrand, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Management in Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation. Johannesburg, 2017 / The Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment’s (BBBEE’s) enterprise development practice is one of the tools employed by the South African government in an attempt to redress the country’s past economic injustices that are a result of apartheid’s discriminatory economic segregationist policies. This research undertook to study the perceptual impact of BBBEE’s enterprise development in mining communities, by focusing on black entrepreneurs and the support they receive from mining companies – or lack thereof – according to the BBBEE’s codes of good conduct. The support that mining companies provide to mining community entrepreneurs could have come in the form of, inter alia,business funding, business incubation, granting guarantees for business loans and business coaching. The study took apositivist approach with data collected using aquestionnaire. The research findings indicate that mining community entrepreneurs do not feel that mining companies provide business support, therefore leading to the conclusion that BBBEE’s enterprise development does not fulfil its objective of redressing South Africa’s past economic injustices by supporting black entrepreneurs. The research took a positivist paradigm in that data collection was quantitative. A positivist approach is viewed as a scientific, rational and empirical way of gathering data that is in turn used in knowledge construction (Ryan, 2006). The research design was cross-sectional because the researcher intended to study the perceptual impact of enterprise development on mining communities over a long time without having to make observations over many years. A cross-sectional study is the observation of subjects at one stage of an external intervention process to determine the impact of, for example, intervention by a third party or exposure to a third party. The population involved in this study was made up of black male and female entrepreneurs 18 years old or older, from three mining towns situated in following three provinces: Mpumalanga, Gauteng and the North West province. The research instrument was research questionnaire in the form of a five-point Likert scale. The limitation in this study was the limited population sample of 127 respondents from only three provinces, as they can’t be representative of the entire South African mining communities’ population. / MT2017