Thesis (M. Dev. (Planning and Development)) -- University of Limpopo, 2017 / This qualitative case study investigates the relevance of the Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP) as a solution to unemployment and poverty. A qualitative case study research design was used to collect and analyse the data. Data collection instruments consisted of interviews, questionnaires, observations and document analysis. Data analysis was largely in the form of thematic approach, since the study was qualitative. The choice of a qualitative design was informed by the need to engage the beneficiaries in their lived experiences during and after participating in the EPWPs. The main findings of the study were that although the EPWP improves the quality of life of the beneficiaries, however, it is not a sustainable solution to unemployment and poverty. That is because the structural constraints which confront beneficiaries at the end of the EPWP remain an obstacle to them in terms of employment opportunities and self-employment. The study therefore recommends a more integrated approach to the problem. It is recommended that the government develops a post EPWP sustainability plan which incorporates infrastructural and social development issues in all projects. Key words Poverty, EPWP, Unemployment, Work, Decent work, Productive work, Quality of Life Development and Developmental state.

The central focus of this study is the role of the church as a faith-based organisation in dealing with unemployment. Following an introductory chapter in which the research methodology and modus operandi are being explained, Chapter 2 is devoted to a discussion, in the light of recent literature, of the concept of unemployment and the effect of unemployment on the individual, the family and society. In Chapter 3 the discussion focuses on the involvement of faith-based organisations in addressing unemployment as part of social development. In Chapter 4 the empirical survey, conducted by means of semi structured interviews with church leaders in the Paarl-Wellington-area, is described. The interpreted results are discussed in Chapter 5 according to main themes, sub themes and categories. A literature control is carried out simultaneously. Based upon the literature study and the findings of the empirical survey, certain conclusions are drawn and recommendations are made in chapter 6. These recommendations are specifically aimed at activating the church in the form of local congregations to get actively involved in dealing with unemployment in their environment and community. / Social Work / D.Diac. (Youth Work)

Text in Afrikaans / Suid-Afrika ondervind reeds geruime tyd hoe en stygende vlakke van werkloosheid. Gedurende die tagtigerjare bet die opkoms van vakbonde 'n fundamentele herstrukturering van die Suid-Afrikaanse arbeidsmark veroorsaak en die styging in werkloosheid gedurende die tydperk word dikwels aan vakbondoptrede toegeskryf. In die studie word verskillende oorsake van werkloosheid aan die hand van die klassieke, Keynesiaanse, natuurlike werkloosheidskoers- en nie-versnellende-inflasiewerkloosheidskoersbenaderings ondersoek ten einde die invloed van vakbonde en loononaanpasbaarheid op werkloosheid te probeer bepaal. Ooreenkomste sowel as verskille tussen die teoriee word geidentifiseer. Dit wil voorkom asof vakbonde gedurende die tagtigerjare in Suid-Afrika deur middel van bulle invloed op . loonverhogings 'n betreklik geringe invloed op werkloosheid gehad bet en dat loononaanpasbaarheid geensins 'n beduidende faktor was nie. Dit blyk ook dat die Keynesiaanse benadering die toepaslikste raamwerk hied vir die ontleding van hoe vlakke van werkloosheid en die invloed van vakbonde daarop. · / High and rising levels of unemployment have been experienced in South Africa for quite some time. The rise in trade union activity during the eighties caused a fundamental restructuring of the South African labour market and the increase in unemployment during this period is often blamed on trade union activity. In this study the classical approach, the Keynesian approach, the natural rate of unemployment and the non-accelerating inflation rate of unemployment are used to examine the different causes of unemployment with the purpose of assessing the influence of trade unions and wage rigidity on the level of unemployment. Similarities as well as differences between the theories are identified. It appears that trade unions had a marginal effect on unemployment in South Africa during the eighties through their influence on wage increases and that wage rigidity was not a significant cause of unemployment during this period. The Keynesian approach seems to be the most appropriate framework to analyse the causes of high levels of unemployment as well as the influence of trade unions on unemployment. / Department of Economics / M. Comm (Economics)

Thesis (PhD (Curriculum Studies))—University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The rural nature of most parts of Mpumalanga Province poses a number of human resources development challenges to the people in the rural communities of the province. The high rate of black African people aged 20 years or older who had no schooling (32% in 1996 and 30.1% in 2001) in the province is one such a challenge. The overall unemployment rate in Mpumalanga increased from 18.6% in 1996 to 23.1% in 2001 and 26.3% in 2007 (Statistics SA, 1996; 2001 & 2007), while for black Africans in particular it increased from 20.3% in 1996 to 24.6% in 2001. Since Mpumalanga is a rural province that is populated mainly by black Africans, the conclusion may be drawn that most of the people who are affected by unemployment live in the rural communities of the province. Research was carried out to investigate the role of the University of South Africa in the development of human resources in the rural communities of Mpumalanga. The institutes/bureaus of the University of South Africa were identified as the target population for the research. A questionnaire was administered to the managers of 21 sampled institutes/bureaus of the University of South Africa. The colleges at the University of South Africa offer the non-formal, non-subsidised and need-driven training programmes through the institutes/bureaus which are regarded as the delivery arm of those programmes. The research found that the institutes/bureaus of the University of South Africa had no significant contribution to make towards the development of human resources in the targeted communities and that most of the programmes presented were not targeting the critical developmental needs of the people in rural communities. The role and involvement of the University of South Africa and other higher education institutions in rural communities should be directed by the genuine developmental needs of people in these communities. The training providers targeting rural areas should be informed by both theoretical and practical considerations towards the provision of training intervention programmes. The identification of training and developmental needs is crucial to a successful intervention for the development of human resources in rural communities. iii The research concluded, among others, that the University of South Africa is lacking in observing the stakeholder role and the strategic partner role of a university in the development of human resources in rural communities. It is however focusing, to a certain extent, on the service provider role. Furthermore, the University of South Africa is not carrying out the service learning practice through which the university students could participate and contribute to the development of human resources in rural communities. Universities have the knowledge base, expertise, networks and, in most cases, the required resources to make a contribution to the development of human resources in rural communities. The universities should therefore commit themselves to this aspect in order to assist in the development of rural communities. The practice of social responsibility implies that universities should become involved in community development activities in the needy rural communities without a profit intent, but with a community development rationale. Many poor people from rural communities would benefit from the practice of social responsibility by universities. / AFRIKAANS OPSOMMING: Vanweë die landelike aard van die grootste deel van Mpumalanga ervaar die plattelandse bevolking in hierdie provinsie talle uitdagings met betrekking tot die ontwikkeling van menslike hulpbronne. Een so ʼn uitdaging in die provinsie is die groot persentasie swart mense bo die ouderdom van 20 jaar wat geen skoolopleiding ontvang het nie (32% in 1996 en 30.1% in 2001). Die totale werkloosheidsyfer in Mpumalanga het van 18.6% in 1996 tot 23.1% in 2001 en 26.3% in 2007 gestyg (Statistics SA, 1996; 2001 & 2007), en vir swart mense in hierdie provinsie in die besonder het dit van 20.3% in 1996 tot 24.6% in 2001 toegeneem. Aangesien Mpumalanga ʼn landelike provinsie is wat hoofsaaklik deur swart mense bevolk word, kan die afleiding gemaak word dat die meeste van die mense wat deur werkloosheid geraak word in die landelike gebiede van die provinsie woon. Navorsing is gedoen om ondersoek in te stel na die rol van die Universiteit van Suid-Afrika in die ontwikkeling van menslike hulpbronne in die landelike gemeenskappe van Mpumalanga. Die institute/buro’s van die Universiteit van Suid-Afrika is as die teikenpopulasie van die navorsing geïdentifiseer. Die bestuurders van 21 institute/buro’s van die Universiteit van Suid-Afrika wat as steekproef gedien het, het ʼn vraelys voltooi. Die Kolleges aan die Universiteit van Suid-Afrika bied die nie-formele, nie-gesubsidieerde en behoeftegedrewe opleidingsprogramme aan deur die institute/buro’s wat as die vertakking beskou word wat diens moet lewer ten opsigte van hierdie programme. Die navorsing het bevind dat die institute/buro’s van die Universiteit van Suid-Afrika ten tyde van die ondersoek nie in staat was om enige beduidende bydrae te maak tot die ontwikkeling van menslike hulpbronne in die geteikende gemeenskappe nie en dat die meeste van die programme wat aangebied is nie op die kritieke ontwikkelingsbehoeftes van die mense in landelike gebiede gerig was nie. Daar word aanbeveel dat die rol en betrokkenheid van die Universiteit van Suid-Afrika en ander hoëronderwysinstellings in landelike gemeenskappe deur die werklike ontwikkelingsbehoeftes van die mense in hierdie gemeenskappe gerig word. v Voornemende verskaffers van opleiding in landelike gebiede behoort beide teoretiese en praktiese oorwegings in ag te neem wanneer hulle intervensieprogramme vir opleiding beplan en ontwerp. Die identifisering van opleidings- en ontwikkelingsbehoeftes is van kritieke belang in die daarstelling van ʼn suksesvolle intervensie vir die ontwikkeling van menslike hulpbronne in landelike gebiede. Op grond van die navorsing is tot die gevolgtrekking gekom dat UNISA nie sy belanghebberrol en sy rol as strategiese vennoot as universiteit in die ontwikkeling van menslike hulpbronne in landelike gemeenskappe nakom nie. Daar word wel in ʼn mate aan die eise van die diensverskafferrol voldoen. Voorts kom die toepassing van diensleer, waardeur studente deel kan word van en bydra tot die ontwikkeling van menslike hulpbronne in landelike gemeenskappe, nie tot sy reg nie. Universiteite beskik oor die kennisbasis, kundigheid, netwerke en, in die meeste gevalle, oor die nodige bronne om ’n bydrae te maak tot die ontwikkeling van menslike hulpbronne in landelike gemeenskappe. Universiteite behoort hulle dus te verbind tot hierdie aspek van hulle sosiale verantwoordelikheid ten einde ’n bydrae te maak tot die ontwikkeling van landelike gemeenskappe. Die toepassing van sosiale verantwoordelikheid impliseer dat universiteite, sonder winsmotief, betrokke behoort te raak by gemeenskapsontwikkelingsaktiwiteite in die arm, landelike gemeenskappe. Baie arm mense in landelike gemeenskappe sal deur die toepassing van sodanige sosiale verantwoordelikheid deur universiteite baat vind.

Thesis (MScEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Since 1994 the government of South Africa has spent substantial amounts of money on the development and expantion of infrastructure to include the previously disadvantaged. Each year the amount spent on infrastructure increased, and still the poor is marginalised. The title proposes that there should rather be a focus on creating a sustainable environment to deliver infrastructure. The economy, unemployment, people living in poverty and level of human resources determine the environment in which infrastructure is delivered. South Africa is on a growth path towards 2030 that aims to reduce unemployment by aproximately 10% and increase the economic growth rate 5% per annum. Key challenges that inhibits economic growth were identified by the National Planning Commision (NPC). These key challenges such as poverty, poor education, unsatisfactory public tranport and a divided society represent the environment that South Africa is currently operating in. If these key challenges could be addressed and nullified a sustainable environment could be reached. The purpose of this thesis is to investigate a sustainable environment to deliver infrastructure. Existing models will be analysed and the key principles will then be incorporated in the development of the proposed Infra-Connect Model. Strategic Planning and decision-making tools will also assist in the process towards developing the Infra-Connect Model. The theoretical results that are obtained are positive. It conforms to the goals that are set out based on the key challenges presented by the NPC. The financial resources are found to be distributed more effectively and the poor is empowered to take part in the economic activities and hence a sustainable environment to deliver infrastructure is created. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Sedert 1994 is daar aansienlike bedrae bestee op die opgradering en uitbreiding van infrastruktuur. Steeds is die huidige infrastruktuur nie voldoende nie en onontwikkeld. Die behoeftiges is steeds uitgesluit uit die ekonomiese aktiwiteite en gemarginaliseer. Hierdie verhandeling beoog om die fokus te plaas op die skepping van ‘n volhoubare omgewing wat die ontwikkeling van infrastruktuur tot gevolg het. Die omgewing verwys na die ekonomie, die behoeftiges, vlak van werkloosheid, en die kwaliteit van onderrig en mense ontwikkeling. Suid Afrika is in die proses om ‘n groeiplan saam te stel vir 2030. Onbevredigende dienslewering, ‘n verdeelde samelewing, en onvoldoende onderrig is onder andere faktore wat die groei van Suid Afrika verhinder om ‘n positiewe, kompeterende land teen 2030 te wees, soos geïdentifiseer deur die National Planning Commision. Hierdie faktore verhoed dat Suid Afrika positiewe ekonomiese groei ervaar. Die doel van die verhandeling is om die skepping van ‘n volhoubare omgewing wat infrastruktuur lewering tot gevolg sal hê, te ondersoek. Bestaande modelle word geanaliseer en gebruik om ‘n model vir munisipaliteite saam te stel wat sal help om fondse reg aan te wend en die druk rondom infrastruktuur lewering te verlig. Die teoretiese uitkomstes is positief en daar is gevind dat die model die bepalende faktore aanspreek. Die behoeftiges is na afloop van die model beter af waar hul bemagtig is en ‘n werksgeleentheid gebied word. Die gevolg is dan ‘n verlaging in die werkloosheidskoers en ‘n verwagting dat Suid Afrika se ekonomie positief sal groei. Voldoende lewering van infrastruktuur en dienste word dan ook verwag. Sodoende word ‘n volhoubare omgewing geskep vir effektiewe ontwikkeling en lewering van infrastruktuur en basiese dienste.

Thesis (M. Tech. (Human Resource Management, Dept. of Management Sciences))--Vaal University of Technology, 2009. / Key skills shortages, coupled with high levels of unemployment are well documented in South Africa. Learnerships, which are meant to reduce the skills shortage, are not addressing this problem as the SETAs have failed to communicate the benefits of learnerships aggressively to companies. Thus, the purpose of this research is to determine organizational perspectives of learnerships within the MERSETA organizations in the Sedibeng district municipal area. A literature study of learnerships and applicable legislation in South Africa was undertaken in order to contextualize the South African skills development initiative. The empirical portion of the study involved conducting a survey using a self-administered questionnaire designed to elicit perspectives of learnerships within small, medium and large organizations (n=150) that fall under the MERSETA and that are situated in the industrial areas of Vanderbijlpark, Vereeniging and Meyerton, within the Sedibeng district municipal area. The data obtained indicate that although almost two-thirds of the researched organizations do currently implement learnerships, these organizations experienced several barriers and challenges when taking on learnerships. It was found that the MERSETA organizations within the study area also lack understanding and familiarity with the learnership system and their perceptions towards learnerships are for the most part, negative. Based on the findings of this study, recommendations, targeted at the National Skills Authority, the Department of Labour, the MERSETA and the SETAs, are made to assist organizations in various areas to overcome the identified barriers and challenges emanating from learnership implementation. / Central Research Committee (Vaal University of Technology)

Background: The South African youth is confronted by unemployment. Ironically, even the youth of Soweto Township experience the harsh realities of unemployment, despite them playing a significant role to fight the apartheid regime. Therefore, the study explores the experiences of the youth of Soweto with regards to unemployment. Method: This study adopted a qualitative research approach and case study design. The purposive sampling method was used to select the sample. The sample consisted of ten unemployed youth of Soweto Township. The unstructured interview was utilised to collect data. Results: One of the main findings in this study was the fact that unemployment has impacted negatively on young people in Soweto Township. Unemployment has led to psychological effects and isolation amongst the jobless youth of Soweto. Conclusion: There is a need for great job opportunities for the youth in South Africa to grow the economy. This could also reduce crime among young people since it is well known that some of the young people have engaged in criminal activities due to unemployment. / Psychology / M.A. (Psychology)

The central focus of this study is the role of the church as a faith-based organisation in dealing with unemployment. Following an introductory chapter in which the research methodology and modus operandi are being explained, Chapter 2 is devoted to a discussion, in the light of recent literature, of the concept of unemployment and the effect of unemployment on the individual, the family and society. In Chapter 3 the discussion focuses on the involvement of faith-based organisations in addressing unemployment as part of social development. In Chapter 4 the empirical survey, conducted by means of semi structured interviews with church leaders in the Paarl-Wellington-area, is described. The interpreted results are discussed in Chapter 5 according to main themes, sub themes and categories. A literature control is carried out simultaneously. Based upon the literature study and the findings of the empirical survey, certain conclusions are drawn and recommendations are made in chapter 6. These recommendations are specifically aimed at activating the church in the form of local congregations to get actively involved in dealing with unemployment in their environment and community. / Social Work / D.Diac. (Youth Work)

Text in Afrikaans / Suid-Afrika ondervind reeds geruime tyd hoe en stygende vlakke van werkloosheid. Gedurende die tagtigerjare bet die opkoms van vakbonde 'n fundamentele herstrukturering van die Suid-Afrikaanse arbeidsmark veroorsaak en die styging in werkloosheid gedurende die tydperk word dikwels aan vakbondoptrede toegeskryf. In die studie word verskillende oorsake van werkloosheid aan die hand van die klassieke, Keynesiaanse, natuurlike werkloosheidskoers- en nie-versnellende-inflasiewerkloosheidskoersbenaderings ondersoek ten einde die invloed van vakbonde en loononaanpasbaarheid op werkloosheid te probeer bepaal. Ooreenkomste sowel as verskille tussen die teoriee word geidentifiseer. Dit wil voorkom asof vakbonde gedurende die tagtigerjare in Suid-Afrika deur middel van bulle invloed op . loonverhogings 'n betreklik geringe invloed op werkloosheid gehad bet en dat loononaanpasbaarheid geensins 'n beduidende faktor was nie. Dit blyk ook dat die Keynesiaanse benadering die toepaslikste raamwerk hied vir die ontleding van hoe vlakke van werkloosheid en die invloed van vakbonde daarop. · / High and rising levels of unemployment have been experienced in South Africa for quite some time. The rise in trade union activity during the eighties caused a fundamental restructuring of the South African labour market and the increase in unemployment during this period is often blamed on trade union activity. In this study the classical approach, the Keynesian approach, the natural rate of unemployment and the non-accelerating inflation rate of unemployment are used to examine the different causes of unemployment with the purpose of assessing the influence of trade unions and wage rigidity on the level of unemployment. Similarities as well as differences between the theories are identified. It appears that trade unions had a marginal effect on unemployment in South Africa during the eighties through their influence on wage increases and that wage rigidity was not a significant cause of unemployment during this period. The Keynesian approach seems to be the most appropriate framework to analyse the causes of high levels of unemployment as well as the influence of trade unions on unemployment. / Department of Economics / M. Comm (Economics)

Thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Technology: Public Management in the Faculty of Business at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology 2013 / This study investigated the role of the informal business sector in local economic development with reference to Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) as one of the possible solutions to deal with socio-economic challenges in the region. This study described the state of the informal business sector, the contributions thereof in local economic development, and the level of responsiveness from local authorities in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. A survey questionnaire was administered to informal business actors in BCMM and semi-structured interviews were conducted with BCMM managers in the Business Development and Local Economic Development Directorates who were purposively selected because of the positions that they hold in the municipality. This study found that the informal business sector is underdeveloped in BCMM, and is imbued with development challenges, namely; support services such as infrastructure (designated municipal trading stalls) and access to financial support and the lack of strategy/policy dedicated to the prioritisation of the needs of the informal business sector. The informal business sector in BCMM is dominated by small and micro businesses. The municipality acknowledges the contributions of the informal business sector in local economic development from a job creation (selfemployment) and poverty alleviation perspective. However, the business environment of the informal business actors requires urgent development and support to stimulate and encourage the gains of this sector and the role that it plays on local economic development.