The transport infrastructure investment has been a subject of many studies for some time, mainly in improving and predicting the economic growth of the country and improving employment in South Africa. Given this, the study examines the impact of transport infrastructure investment on unemployment in South Africa by using time series econometric analysis over the period 1982-2012. Some key variables considered include unemployment, real GDP, real exchange rate, real interest rate, and trade openness total infrastructure investment exclude transport infrastructure investment. To separate the long and short run effect, VECM was employed after ensuring stationarity of the series. The study found that a long run relationship exist between the unemployment, transport infrastructure investment, real GDP, real exchange rate , real interest rate, trade openness and total infrastructure investment exclude transport infrastructure investment. The Results of this thesis have implications for policy and academic work.

The main focus of this study was to perform an assessment of viable and sustainable means of creating a vibrant and sustainable economy in the Mdantsane Township. In order to perform the assessment objectives were formulated which aimed at assessing whether the informal small business sector of Mdantsane was generating wealth and livelihoods for the people running them. The study also looked at whether the informal business sector is a preferred option by most South Africans or people in the townships would rather seek employment. A number of data collection methods were used in completing this study such as literature reviews and a semi-structured questionnaire. The study revealed that Local Economic development can be implemented in the townships in order to assist in stimulating a vibrant local township economy. The study also revealed that the central focus of Local Economic Development is to support the development, growth and retention of private or co-operative enterprises. The survey conducted in the study further revealed that most businesses in the township are driven by necessity in order for them to start their businesses mainly due to unemployment. These businesses all agreed on the significant role that Local Economic Development can play in assisting township entrepreneurs and communities to grow and prosper.

D.Com. (Marketing) / Study Objectives The primary objective of this study was to validate the consumption value theory developed by Sheth et al (1991), and to extend it to the patronage decision. Procedure A comprehensive survey of patronage research was conducted, and all the determinants of shopping- and patronage behaviour were identified. These eterminants were then classified as attribute level, or higher order level factors. The attribute level factors were used to prompt respondents in the laddering interviews that were conducted. The interviews were analysed, and the contents of the interviews were coded according to the laddering methodology. This resulted in the generation of a implication matrix, as well as hierarchical value maps the linkages between attributes, consequences and linkages. The results of these qualitative interviews were the identification of further attributes, consequences and values. The consequences so identified were then compared to the results of the extensive literature survey, and then aggregated and evaluated to determine whether they conceivably fit the consumption value categories. Findings The consumption value theory (which identifies five value constructs) was triangulated with the means-end theory (which postulates that attributes, consequences and values form a hierarchical relationship) and it is concluded that both these theories integrate well into an extended consumption value theory. The CVT can then be considered to be theoretically validated. The validated theory was applied in the context of the patronage (-of shopping centres) decision, and it was found to extend to this previously untested decision. The research revealed a sixth value construct (significant value), but did not allow for the testing of the conditional value construct. Conclusion The consumption value theory is a significant advance in consumer behaviour theory, and has been successfully applied to the patronage decision.

The central concern of this study is to analyse how the pattern of development in South Africa has influenced the long term growth of productive employment in the economy. The approach adopted is to appply a model of economic dualism to the South African case. Chapter 1, p. 1.

M.Comm. / The objective of this thesis is to examine the importance of external finance of economic development and growth in South Africa. The investigation takes cognisance of the unique characteristics of the South African economy, especially the years of isolation from the world economy, unequal distribution of income and the need for sustainable economic growth to create employment and thus a stable social and economic environment conducive to foreign investment. The inflow of foreign capital in the economic development process is an imperative for filling either the investment-savings gap or the import-export gap. In a closed economic system the demand for investment funds will be met by the supply of domestic savings. Economic growth will be limited to the availability of investment funds, or domestic savings. In an open economic system, the demand for investment funds can be supplemented by the inflow of foreign capital, and growth will thus not be impaired by a scarcity of investment resources. Foreign capital inflows formed an integral part of the economic development process in the South African economy since the discovery of gold and diamonds in the latter half of the nineteenth century. Until 1976, in 24 out of 31 years, the South African economy recorded a net inflow of foreign capital. South Africa could, until 1976, the year in which political and social unrest broke out, finance a shortfall on the current account of the balance of payments with the inflow of foreign capital. Since then South Africa became a net exporter of capital. The South African economy found itself isolated from the world economy since the middle eighties due to the Apartheid policy. The inflow of foreign capital was greatly inhibited by sanctions and disinvestment. The South African economy had to rely on domestic savings to finance investment needs. This shortage of investment funds was an inhibiting factor on economic growth and development. This dissertation distinguishes between the different developing funding sources and as such outlines the benefits of using both multilateral as well as bilateral developing funding institutions to enhance and foster economic growth and development, especially in developing countries. It also gives a historical overview of South Africa's relationships with and use of these institutions. The reintegration of Eastern Europe into the world economy meant even bigger pressure on existing development funds. Since the early nineties funds available to the Third World for economic development have been steadily declining. New sources of funds for economic development had to be found. The emphasis has been moving away from pure development assistance and grants to direct foreign investment as a means of financing development in the developing world.

Since the mid 70’s politicians have realized how important transport has become in the economy of South Africa and the advantages it has on growth, job creation and infrastructure. The result was involvement in the rules and regulations that govern South African transport in our country today. Economic growth has become a critical factor for the survival of economies as well as the future prospects of generations to come. The global recession which had a direct and indirect effect on South Africa has highlighted the importance. The question on how the National Development Plan could have an influence on local and national economic growth has developed as well as what the impact will be of the contribution road transport can make on the growth of the South African society and the economy. When the current road transport sector is taken into consideration, the need for a constructive plan that can assist transporters, drivers and businesses to grow and expand has been identified. The purpose of this study is thus to determine what the current economic situation in the world and in South Africa is as well as how the current political spheres are contributing to the national economy. An in-depth analysis of the National Development Plan has been done with emphasis on the effect on transport in general and the effect on road transport in South Africa. In order to accomplish this objective a detailed literature study was done which highlighted the academics information that pertains to the above mentioned topics. An empirical study that would measure the thought process and feelings about the National Development Plan and road transport has been conducted by means of a questionnaire. The results of the study have indicated that the National Development Plan could be an important tool and could have an enormous positive effect on the overall economic situation of South Africa and its citizens. In addition, the study has revealed that in the long term the effect of the plan could be to the advantage of the road transport sector. Factors that could contribute to the success would be features such as the planned improvements on the main transport corridors, upgrade of infrastructure and the controlling of environmental matters would have give a positive ring to it. On the other hand, recommendations to rectify and improve other issues such as corruption, leadership, maintenance backlogs and stricter laws and policies have been identified that are hindering businesses to grow and expand. Literature and data gained through the empirical study has indicated that the National Development Plan will improve South Africa’s economic situation. Respondents were optimistic about the plan and the overall feeling were that the plan will succeed in improving the road transport sector thus contribute to the National Development Plan objective to eliminate poverty and inequality by 2030.

The aim of this research is to assess what kind of infrastructure provision hinders devel-opment in Keiskammahoek. The objective is to determine whether there is a contribution from government departments and the local development agency and how infra-structure development enhances economic activity in the area. The research findings suggest that the various spheres of government do not co-ordinate well when it comes to planning in the Keiskammahoek area. Funding is there through Municipal Infrastructure Grant Programmes and other funds, but it is not always used. There is potential for this small town to be a tourist destination, but more infra-structure development for this area need to be prioritised. The research findings also suggest that there are capacity issues within the municipality that slow down the implementation of infrastructure plans for Keiskammahoek. Various recommendations and suggestions for further research are made based on the research findings. The study has shown that Keiskammahoek’s infrastructure provision is insufficient to attract investors to stimulate economic growth in the area. The infrastructure funds the municipality can access are underused. The study used qualitative research approach that used purposive sampling through a semi-structured interview as a data collection tool. The researcher was able to get valuable information on informants who have worked with infrastructure programmes in various institutions.

spending is regarded to be one of the major contributors to economic growth. The purpose of the study was to investigate how infrastructure projects could engender professional skills development. The topic is focused on a human resource (HR) perspective as it is one of the knowledge areas in project management. In order to achieve the research objectives and also establish the breadth of the subject issues in the literature review, a qualitative methodology was employed. Interviews were conducted and the majority of the participants were working towards professional registration in the built environment professions. The empirical findings that emerged from the study show that the majority of the respondents agreed that HR units should be aware of the legislation related to professional training and education. The interviewees further elucidate that, although professional registration is the primary duty of the candidate, HR units should ensure that interns are doing what is in line with their professional requirements, according to different councils, to ensure compliance. However, the lack of a structured approach in administering training programmes is a key factor that contributes to the lack of development of professional skills on government sponsored infrastructure projects. This must be addressed to attain the desired professional development outcomes among historically disadvantaged individuals (HDIs) that are keen on professional registration and development in the built environment professions. Other empirical findings showed that most of the respondents showed some concern regarding job security with their present employment. They explained that once the status of professional registration is attained, securing employment in the industry should be relatively easy. South Africa needs a highly skilled workforce to ensure growth of the economy therefore HR departments in organisation should adapt a systematic approach in their HR planning in order to ensure skills are engendered to HDIs as well.

Persistent government budget deficits and government debt have become major concerns in both developed and developing countries. This study investigates the impact of a budget deficit on transport infrastructure investment in South Africa. Quarterly time series data, covering the period 1990q1- 2009q4, was used in this project. The study tests for stationarity using the Augmented Dickey- Fuller and Phillips Perron; it tests for cointegration using the Johansen (1991, 1995) methodology. A vector error correction model is used as an estimation technique. The results of this study show that a budget deficit has a negative impact on transport infrastructure investment in South Africa.

M.Ing. (Engineering Management) / As a result of its direct relations with the different sectors of the economy, the construction industry is used as a tool by governments around the world for economic recovery. The South African government has taken such a stance following the 2008/2009 global financial crisis, by proposing the government‘s infrastructure spending and expansion programme for economic growth and development. The South African economy took a stalling from 4.1% in 2007 to 2.3% in 2008 and then turning negative in 2009. This research paper seeks to gather insight of the relationship between construction output and economic growth, as well as the potential long and short term benefits of major infrastructure projects to the South African economy. South Africa; as a developing country and with its construction industry currently in the upward trend, there are lessons that can be learnt from the developed countries. To this end, trends in construction output and GDP have been scrutinised to examine any pattern of development relating the construction industry and its relationship with the economy as a whole. The examination spanned over 32 countries grouped according to their respective development status. With South Africa‘s significant increase in the annual change in construction output between 2004 and 2008, amid developments of the FIFA world cup, confirmed the relation between construction investment and economic growth. The contribution of the construction industry to GDP for developed countries all follow the same trend of having high contributions in the beginning of development declining as less and less new infrastructure is required by the country. The contribution of construction averaged at 6 per cent for the entire duration of analysis between 1970 and 2011. Compared to international standards, South Africa‘s contribution of construction to GDP is determined to be very low at 3 per cent for the duration 1963 and 2011. Further, the construction industry has displayed characteristics of instability for South Africa when compared to developed countries over the same period.