Determining the root causes of low bed utilisation rates in public hospitals in the Northwest Province, South Africa

Thesis (MBA) -- North-West University, Vanderbijlpark CampusPublic hospitals in the North West Province have experienced a gradual increment of low bed utilisation rates from the financial years 2015/16-2017/18 of -16.20% to -22.3%. The discrepancy between the projected high demand for hospital beds and the measured low rates of bed occupancy in the North West Province, constituted a critical area of concern for resource management. The study's aim was to determine the root causes of low bed utilisation rates in the North West Province's public hospitals. The study sought to identify possible challenges to the optimal management of bed utilisation rates in public hospitals through a literature review, and explored the main challenges experienced by hospital staff to achieve optimal management of bed utilisation rates in public hospitals in the North West Province. Lastly, the study proposed an operational process to improve the management of bed utilisation rates in public hospitals in the North West Province. The study employed a qualitative descriptive approach which used semi structured interviews as a data gathering tool with 22 participants comprising of healthcare administrators, clinicians and nursing managers involved in hospital bed management, drawn from a sample size (n) 11 hospitals. Thematic analysis was applied to the gathered data, identifying patterns and emergent themes related to bed allocation, admission process, patient flow, discharge planning and challenges faced by healthcare professionals in optimising bed utilisation rates. Three themes were identified in the study: digital transformation, healthcare operations and organisational governance. Against the three themes, the study found that the limited use of digital systems, inconsistent reporting frameworks and underfunding of hospital infrastructure collectively contribute to poor service delivery outcomes. The human factor in communication and admission processes introduces risks of overcrowding, misallocation of resources and ultimately, low bed utilisation rates. Taken together, the study results reinforce the argument that without systemic reform that is anchored in improved planning, automation and consistent policy alignment, public hospitals in the province will continue to face avoidable inefficiencies and compromised quality of care. In conclusion, the study has established that there are no automated systems that are used across the hospitals in the province for the management of bed utilisation. The study also established that resource constraints like inadequate budgets, poor hospital facilities, insufficient medical personnel in hospitals and fewer serviceable ambulances, might be a contributing factor to especially low bed utilisation in hospitals. The study has noted the policy implication to the effect that across the North West Province, the Department of Health must set a standard policy to manage and report data. Another policy implication that was discovered during the study was that the process of approving or issuing of bed certificates must be improved to shorten the time it takes for a hospital to get a new bed certificate, and that the process can further be decentralised to provinces to shorten the time it takes for approvals. The North West Department of Health could introduce and implement digital transformation to improve their data management systems and processes. This could be done while also collaborating with municipalities to craft a plan that will assist patients who reside far away from hospitals who, due to social determinants of health in the province and economic realities, find it difficult to reach hospitals. The proposed framework may incorporate a mandate for municipalities to provide periodic, dedicated transport services facilitating patient transfer to and from healthcare facilities. For future research, the study found that it would be valuable to conduct research across different settings to include all healthcare facilities in the province, including private facilities, community health centres and clinics. Lastly, the study found that further studies could explore inter-provincial research that will make comparisons and system disparities between the nine South African provinces on the same subject.Good Health and Well-bein

Developing a performance management scorecard for private secondary schools in the eThekwini Municipality

Thesis (Ph.D. (Economic and Management Sciences with Business Administration)) -- North-West University, Potchefstroom CampusPrivate schools in South Africa face several challenges, including undefined performance objectives, inadequate monitoring and evaluation systems, and limited adoption of datadriven decision-making. This study addresses these challenges in basic education and proposes a comprehensive performance management model for private secondary schools. In Stages 1 and 2 of model development, the study uses a systematic literature review of 220 articles (finally narrowed down to 43 usable articles) to develop a conceptual model comprising four perspectives (antecedents), several sub-antecedents and measuring criteria. The model then adopts a positivist approach in the empirical research, focusing on model validation (Stage 3) and practical implementation (Stage 4). Drawing from Kaplan and Norton's Balanced Scorecard, it incorporates four key perspectives: Student, Internal Academic Excellence, Learning and Growth, and Resource. Empirical validation using data from 244 respondents across 12 private secondary schools in the eThekwini district confirmed the model's structural validity through strong fit indices, including Comparative Fit Index (CFI), Normed Fit Index (NFI), and Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI). However, the Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) revealed marginal to poor absolute fit, highlighting negative intercorrelations within the Learning and Growth Perspective, particularly issues related to staff respect and valuing student input. During implementation, the model achieved an overall satisfactory performance rating of 3.85 on a 5-point scale. The Student Perspective scored the lowest (3.39), emphasising the need for improvement in student engagement and preparedness. Notably, learners' thorough reading of material before class scored only 2.81 (this criterion scored the lowest). These findings underscore the model's application in identifying specific areas for improvement and addressing institutional culture challenges within the Learning and growth dimension of performance management. This scorecard thus establishes measurable goals and a holistic performance management system for private secondary schools, aiding managers, boards, and researchers in improving performance.Quality Educatio

A theological-ethical evaluation of corporate social responsibility practices on SMEs in Limpopo Province

Thesis (Ph.D. (Ethics)) -- North-West University, Potchefstroom CampusThis research investigated the influence of biblical ethics on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Amidst increasing interest in CSR practices as a business strategy and a social responsibility, the research examined how biblical ethics can guide and facilitate Limpopo Province SMEs in embedding ethical values in their businesses while responding to the needs of their immediate society. The research was motivated by the recognition that CSR practices in African contexts, particularly among SMEs, are substantially under-researched, even from a theological and ethical perspective. The purpose of this research was to investigate the phenomenon of biblical ethics in relation to CSR practices among SMEs in Limpopo Province. The research aimed to determine the extent to which CSR practices are viewed by SME owner-managers as both a moral and business imperative. It examined whether a relationship exists between theological ethics and CSR practices, grounded in ethical principles, in the promotion of ethical leadership. A mixed-methods approach was employed, following an exploratory sequential design, based on a pragmatist paradigm. Data saturation was achieved with 10 participants in Phase 1 of qualitative interviews (using purposive sampling), and seven broad themes emerged: understanding of biblical ethics in CSR, CSR practice engagement, community impact and needs, ethical leadership development, CSR communication, perceived benefits of CSR, and CSR as a tool for curbing corruption. Phase 2 involved a quantitative survey of 200 SMEs, yielding 136 positive responses, a response rate of 68% (achieved through systematic sampling), after statistically testing these themes. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. For example, the understanding of biblical ethics in CSR (M = 4.20, SD = 0.61) and community impact and needs (M = 4.30, SD = 0.58) stood out as significantly higher, indicating that ethical values and community sensitivity are strongly integrated into SME operations. The research findings showed high congruence between qualitative and quantitative strands. SMEs unanimously indicated that biblical ethics inform CSR decisions, underpin ethical leadership, and maximize community impact. Quantitative findings validated high agreement on the compatibility of profitability and ethics, CSR as a tool to combat corruption, and the long-term sustainability of CSR programs. Theologically, the research validated that CSR practices are congruent with biblical imperatives of justice, fairness, stewardship, transparency, and perseverance. This research adds to CSR scholarship by embedding theological ethics into mainstream CSR theory and practice. It built on the literature by showing how SMEs in a developing context embed biblical values into CSR, thereby taking the CSR debate beyond economic and stakeholder interests. Practically, the research provided insights to SMEs, policymakers, and faith-based organisations on developing and implementing CSR initiatives that are theologically and ethically grounded

Factors associated with self-reported HIV and TB morbidity among youth in South Africa

Thesis (MS (Social Sciences in Population Studies and Sustainable Development) North-West University, Mafikeng campusBackground: South Africa not only has the highest number of people living with HIV, but it is also one of the countries on WHO's top 30 list of countries with high-burden tuberculosis and has one of the highest incidence rates of notified tuberculosis in the world. Previous studies on HIV and TB individually and both combined but most of which are focused on the testing, treatment and the risky sexual behaviours impacting the diseases, however, there are limited studies that focuses on the socio-demographic factors. The main aim of this study was to examine the socio-demographic factors associated with self-reported HIV and TB morbidity among youth in South Africa. Methods: The study used 2024 General Household Survey data sourced from Statistics South Africa. Three level of analysis were employed namely: (univariate analysis: frequency and percentages; Bivariate: Cross tabulation and Chi-square; multivariate: binary logistics regression). Results: The study examined the relationship between self-reported HIV and TB and age, sex, marital status, population group, highest level of education, household wealth, household composition, main dwelling, geographic type and province using binary logistic regression. Results revealed that age, sex, population group, highest level of education, household wealth, geographic type were significant predictors of self-reported HIV. Youth age 30-34 [AOR: 5.71 95%CI: 3.86-8.44], female [AOR: 3.16 95%CI: 2.27-4.04], black (reference category), primary or lower [AOR: 1.58 95%CI: 1.08-2.31], households with poor wealth index (reference category), urban geography type (reference category) and Eastern Cape [AOR: 4.15 95%CI: 2.67-6.46], showed highest odds of self-reported HIV morbidity. While for TB the results revealed that age group, main dwelling and province are statistically associated with self-reported TB. Youth aged 30-34 [AOR: 2.15 95%CI:1.05-4.38], traditional main dwelling [AOR: 2.8 95%CI: 0.49-3.65] and Eastern Cape province [AOR: 7.22 95%CI:2.78-18.76] showed the highest odds of self-reported TB morbidity. Conclusion: The study has identified the socio-demographic factors that are associated with self-reported HIV and TB morbidity among the youth in South Africa. As such the study calls for interventions such as having targeted education on the prevention and treatment of HIV and TB, gender-based interventions, poverty reduction and to improve the living conditions of the youth

How theological perspectives shape attitudes towards gender roles and sexual orientation

Thesis, Master of Theology with Ethics -- North-West University, Vanderbijlpark CampusThis dissertation focuses how theology can be contrary and complex in the way people in South Africa think when looking at gender roles and sexual orientation. It tries to answer these questions in terms of African, feminist, strange and decolonial theology, paying attention to how sacred texts, church traditions, liturgical practices, as well as socio-cultural histories help produce, encourage and even object to our present topic about gender and sexuality. Religion has in South Africa remained a very influencial moral force and it has a very serious impact on the day to day conversations, how we develop our identities, how we establish our social norms and even how it influences politics in the country. It is because of that point that theological perspectives tend to feel like the motive force that is either strengthening the concept of patriarchy or heteronormativity, or causing significant changes towards inclusion and justice. Conventional scriptural interpretations have traditionally given men power, relegated women to subservient positions, and discriminated against sexual diversity. These perceptions enhance gender-based violence, restrict the LGBTQ + membership, as well as defend the exclusionary policies regarding inequalities such as marriage, asylum, and health services, and holistic sex education. On the other hand, the dissertation underscores that more liberating readings, sharing pastoral practice, and decolonizing critiques are being brought about to bring down those ancient colonial and patriarchal ideas making Christianity a source of righteousness, relational morals, and human dignity. I have also thoroughly researched the academic literature, theological commentaries, and the policy documents and the study indicates that there is an ongoing tug-of-war concerning three fundamental actors, namely the moral weight of religious traditions, the constitutional powers of the democratic state, and the everyday practices of South Africans who do not sit well with the traditional image. This is some tension that forms a constantly shifting terrain where the church dogma makes the policy arguments and social orders, but it is slowly being remade by the grassroots movements, more open movements within churches, and shifts in the social and cultural responsibility. In general, the research posits that the theological traditions may be disputed, reorganized, reformulated. The liberatory, hybrid, and contextualized discursive New African Christian theologies is one approach in generating gender just and strange affirming theologies, which would enhance social cohesion, strengthen democracy, and human flourishing. Lastly, this piece predetermines further interdisciplinary examination of religion, gender, sexuality, and the public life in the South African context outlining the existing tensions and the current possibilities.-North-West UniversityPeace, Justice and Strong Institution

Role clarity and employee performance within cross- functional teams in a South African energy-generation subsidiary

Thesis, Master of Business Administration -- North-West University, Vanderbijlpark CampusCross-functional teams are vital to operational efficiency in energy generation settings, where time-critical, safety-important and technically challenging tasks require seamless collaboration across different areas. Despite their value, the effectiveness of such teams often struggle with unclear roles, inconsistent communication and varying levels of employee experience. This quantitative study examined the link between role clarity and worker performance within cross-functional teams at a selected South African energy generation subsidiary. Using a deductive approach and a correlational, cross-sectional design, the research sought to empirically determine whether higher levels of role clarity translate into improved self-reported employee performance. Data were collected from 54 employees across engineering, workshop operations, project management, maintenance, quality and supporting technical roles. A non-probability purposive sampling strategy was used to intentionally target individuals actively involved in cross-functional operations. Role clarity and employee performance were measured with established scales, both of which showed strong internal reliability. Descriptive statistics offered insights into demographic patterns, including employment type and years in cross-functional teams, while inferential tests employed Pearson's correlation and straightforward linear regression. The results showed a positive and statistically significant link between role clarity and employee performance (r > 0, p < .01), further supported by a meaningful regression coefficient (β = 0.41, p < .01). These findings confirm that increased clarity in roles, expectations and reporting structures are associated with better performance among employees working in complex, interdependent team settings. Differences observed across experience levels and types of employment suggest that targeted approaches, such as structured onboarding, ongoing communication and strengthened managerial support may help optimise performance. The study contributes to organisational behaviour and human resource management literature by offering empirical evidence from a highly specialised energy generation setting. Practically, the findings highlight the importance of systematic role clarification processes to boost cross-functional team effectiveness, especially in environments where operational reliability and accuracy are critical. The recommendations emphasise the need for ongoing communication, continuous training and organisational support to maintain consistent role understanding across various technical teams.Decent Work and Economic Growt

Corporate governance perspectives on cadre deployment in South African state-owned entities

Thesis (MBA, (Master of Business Administration) -- North-West University, Potchefstroom campusThe study examined the multifaceted relationship between corporate governance and cadre deployment practices within South African state-owned entities (SOEs). The research is grounded in the theoretical framework proposed by Woodrow Wilson in 1887 and contextualised within the corporate governance models of Agency Theory and Stakeholder Theory to evaluate the impact of cadre deployment on the disruption of accountability mechanisms and the reduction in strategic effectiveness. Using qualitative desktop research and an interpretivist paradigm, the study drew on secondary sources, including reports from the Zondo Commission, the Auditor-General and Public Protector, as well as relevant academic literature, to examine the impact of cadre deployment in SOEs from a corporate governance perspective in South Africa. The research suggests that failures in governance systems are exacerbated by inefficient cadre deployment practices, reducing accountability and transparency in SOEs. The findings reveal a persistent pattern of political interference that compromises governance mechanisms, resulting in an overlap between allegiance to the then-governing party and fiduciary duty. The evidence suggests that cadre deployment not only contributes to institutional instability but also hinders the application of ethical leadership principles as explained in the King IV Code. The analysis reveals that historical and political contexts significantly influence governance frameworks, with entrenched patronage systems hindering efficiency and eroding trust. Implementing strong corporate governance is crucial for mitigating the risks of malfeasance and enhancing efficiency in SOEs. The research proposes prioritising appointments based on merit, enhancing corporate governance, and minimising political interference in the management of SOEs. It recommends restructuring board appointments, increasing independent oversight, and depoliticising governance in SOEs in the context of an emerging economy

An assessment of China-South Africa relations: Insights from Zuma's Administration

Thesis (MS (Social Sciences in International Relations) North-West University, Mahikeng campus.This study examined China-South Africa relations with insights from Zuma administration. The study looked at the factors that contributed to the shift from a Western-oriented foreign policy to the Look East national policy objective, which facilitated the development of the Beijing-Pretoria partnership. Using desktop research, the study used secondary data from scholarly articles, policy documents, government reports, and media publications related to China-South Africa relations during Zuma tenure. Further, Social constructivism theory utilised to explain how social interaction between the two countries gave significance to their alliance and reshaped South Africa's domestic and foreign policy. Under Zuma's leadership, Pretoria's relations with Beijing shifted, resulting in a significant decline in diplomatic and commercial relations with Western countries. The enhanced diplomatic engagement between Beijing and Pretoria significantly influenced political dynamics, particularly through interaction between the African National Congress (ANC) and Communist Party of China (CPC), which deepened ideological ties. Economic challenges in South Africa and shared ideological outlook with China further shaped political interactions, particularly concerning the Dalai Lama and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The study revealed that the Pretoria-Beijing relations was reinforced by China's development model, which South Africa, under Zuma, sought to emulate in addressing its socio-economic issues. The adoption of China's development model significantly enhanced China-South Africa relations, leading to increased political, and economic exchanges. The Look East strategy of the Zuma administration was driven by significant economic development in China, as Beijing promoted a development model encouraging Pretoria to embrace a comprehensive model accessible to the Global South. The partnership between Beijing and South Africa is strengthened by shared ideological foundations and close political alignment

Exploring the barriers and challenges that women face in the quest for leadership positions: The case of the mining sector in Gauteng

Thesis (Ph.D. (Economic and Management Sciences with Business Administration)) -- North-West University, Potchefstroom CampusThis thesis critically investigates the barriers, challenges, and interventions shaping the advancement of women into executive directorships within Gauteng's mining sector. Despite South Africa's progressive legislative frameworks, including the Employment Equity Act and the Mining Charter, women remain significantly underrepresented in executive leadership. The study deliberately focuses on executive directors, who exercise day-to-day strategic and operational authority, as opposed to non-executive directors, whose roles are limited to governance and oversight. This distinction is central because executive directors embody substantive decision-making power and, therefore, encounter more entrenched resistance, scrutiny, and systemic exclusion. The problem statement is rooted in the paradox between formal equity policies and women's lived experiences in mining organisations. Globally, women comprise fewer than 15% of executive roles in extractive industries. In South Africa, women account for less than 5% of mining executive directors despite representing over half of the economically active population. Gauteng, as the country's economic and administrative hub of mining activity, exemplifies this disparity, where patriarchal organisational cultures, tokenism, and intersectional discrimination converge to entrench inequality. A review of literature highlights that earlier studies have examined women's leadership pathways but often treated individual, organisational, or cultural barriers in isolation. This research integrates these dimensions to demonstrate how intrapersonal factors (such as confidence, assertiveness, and resilience), interpersonal barriers (mentorship deficits and network exclusion), structural obstacles (bias, tokenism, and hostile work environments), and socio-cultural and religious expectations intersect to undermine women's authority. A multi-theoretical framework anchors the analysis, drawing from Human Capital Theory, Social Role and Role Congruity Theory, the Glass Ceiling and Glass Cliff concepts, Feminist Organisational Theory, and Intersectionality. Together, these perspectives provide a layered understanding of how systemic exclusion persists. The research methodology employed a qualitative design within an interpretivist-constructivist paradigm to foreground the lived experiences of women in leadership. Data were collected from 25 purposively selected female executive directors in Gauteng's mining firms, using open-ended survey questionnaires distributed via HR gatekeepers. Thematic analysis with reflexive coding was applied to identify recurring barriers and coping strategies. Rigour was achieved through purposive sampling, data saturation, and adherence to ethical standards (NWU-0061-22-A4). The findings confirm that women's underrepresentation in executive mining leadership is not the outcome of individual deficits but of systemic and mutually reinforcing barriers. Intrapersonal strategies such as resilience, self-awareness, and assertiveness enabled women to survive within hypermasculine spaces, yet they imposed significant psychological costs. Organisational barriers, including tokenistic appointments, exclusion from influential networks, and a lack of mentorship, restricted women's influence even after appointment. Cultural and religious norms reinforced patriarchal narratives that delegitimised female leadership, while intersectionality revealed compounded disadvantages for Black women. Notably, initiatives like training, mentorship, and networking offered some support, but they proved insufficient without a more profound structural transformation. The contribution of the thesis is the development of the Contextually Embedded Empowerment Framework (CEEF), which integrates structural accountability, contextual specificity, and collective agency. This framework demonstrates that meaningful transformation requires redefining leadership norms, embedding accountability tools such as leadership equity scorecards and cultural audits, and fostering inclusive mentorship and sponsorship practices. By advancing feminist, critical, and organisational theory, the study not only enriches academic discourse but also offers actionable strategies for mining organisations seeking to embed genuine gender equity.-National Research Foundation -North-West UniversityGender Equalit

Pastoral counselling of youth with eating disorders as a result of sexual abuse

Thesis (Ph.D. (Pastoral Studies)) -- North-West University, Potchefstroom CampusLiving in a world where there is a cost attached to everything, it is without a shadow of a doubt true that exposure to traumatic events such as sexual abuse also comes at a cost. Those who have been victims of such abuse often find themselves battling a range of psychosocial and behavioural challenges that emerge because of emotional dysregulation following trauma and as an ongoing attempt to cope with painful emotional experiences. This study explores the complex relationship that exists between exposure to sexual abuse and the subsequent development of eating disorders that often arise because of such trauma. Attention is given to how these experiences influence an individual's sense of mental well-being, identity, view of sexuality and spiritual life. This is achieved by drawing a fine balance between scientific knowledge and personal narrative allowing both empirical understanding and lived experience to inform the process of healing. The study explores treatment methodologies for working with youth with eating disorders as a result of sexual abuse from a multidisciplinary background, as the complexity of the topic paves the way for multi-disciplinary collaboration. Based on these findings, the study suggests a list of pastoral guidelines and strategies which can be utilized when working with these individuals