DSpace Repository

Welcome to the NWU Repository, the open access Institutional Repository of the North-West University (NWU-IR). This is a digital archive that collects, preserves and distributes research material created by members of NWU. The aim of the NWU-IR is to increase the visibility, availability and impact of the research output of the North-West University through Open Access, search engine indexing and harvesting by several initiatives.

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Recent Submissions

Understanding SOE responses to the energy crisis in Nigeria and South Africa
(International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy, 2024) Motswaledi, Thabang R; Motloung, Sysman; 30084253
This aim of this paper is to present an understanding State-Owned Entities (SOE’s) responses to the energy crisis in Nigeria and South Africa. The energy crisis in both Nigeria and South Africa has posed significant challenges, with both countries experiencing severe power shortages that have impacted economic growth and the quality of life. State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) in the energy sector, such as Nigeria's NESCO and South Africa's Eskom, have traditionally been central to efforts of ensuring energy security. The paper therefore through a qualitative method of research, attempts to reveal the responses of the SOE’s in these states to address the energy crisis. Hence, it concludes that South Africa responded by unbundling Eskom and Nigeria privatising the energy sector. But these mechanisms are yet to solve the energy crisis.
Curriculum Digitalization and the Fourth Industrial Revolution: An Assessment of the Prospects and Challenges of South African Education
(E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (EHASS), 2024) Marumo, Phemelo Olifile; Motswaledi, Thabang Richard; Amoge, Ikedinma Hope; 30084253
The shift from traditional paper-based teaching to digital methods has sparked discussions about reshaping and enhancing the curriculum. There has been ongoing debate among scholars about the preparedness of South Africa's education system for digital teaching and the implications of the fourth industrial revolution. The COVID19 pandemic has underscored the significance of a digital society, highlighting the need for transformation within the education system. The fourth industrial revolution has prioritized technological advancement and digitization across various sectors, emphasizing the importance of initiating these changes at the educational level, thus calling for a review of the curriculum. Thus, this study aims to explore the potential prospects and challenges facing South Africa's education system in the context of digitizing the curriculum and coping with the fourth industrial revolution. It used a qualitative research method, analyzing accredited journal articles, reports, and books to gain insights into the subject matter. The findings of the study suggest that challenges such as inadequate funding, unpreparedness of the sector, and lack of technological development in the education sector are hindering the progress of digital curriculum development, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study therefore concludes that the education sector has overlooked the significance of the fourth industrial revolution, which became evident during the pandemic. Henceforth, the study recommends that to effectively implement curriculum digitization, the industry needs to embrace technological advancements in line with the fourth industrial revolution. In addition, technological development in the education sector be prioritized, making curriculum digitization easier to implement for both learners and educators, especially in the face of challenges like the COVID19 pandemic.
Examining Chinese Multinational Corporations as Agents of Development and/or Underdevelopment in South Africa
(E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (EHASS), 2024) Motswaledi, Thabang Richard; Marumo, Phemelo Olifile; 30084253
The investment of the Chinese government has been one of the biggest across the globe and Multinational Corporations (MNCs) have been at the center of this investment. Some scholars have referred to this as a Neo-colonial strategy by China on the African continent as most of these investments are only fostering their interests while degrading African states. In addition, these MNCs have acted as important agents in economic, social, and infrastructural development/ underdevelopment in the state. Thus, the paper sought to examine Chinese MNCs as agents of development and underdevelopment in South Africa. From this premise, the paper adopted a qualitative research method and case study approach of five MNCs from China operating in South Africa to critically examine their role as agents of development and underdevelopment in South Africa. The findings of the paper show succinctly that MNCs within the mining, technology, and industrial sectors of China have critically contributed to the development and underdevelopment of the country. Hence, it recommends that these companies must adopt strategies that contribute positively to the country's long-term growth while minimizing negative impacts. They further need to implement and adhere to rigorous environmental standards to minimize their ecological footprint to ensure sustainable development in South Africa. The paper concluded by noting that there are challenges and opportunities created by MNCs which include job creation, contamination of water, destruction of wildlife, forceful displacement of settlements, and infrastructural development.
The Experiences of Male Nursing Students at North-West University: Insights from Mafikeng Campus
(Journal of Ecohumanism, 2024) Mohulatsi, Makgake Ziphorah; Garutsa, Tendayi Clotilda; Motswaledi, Thabang Richard; 30084253
Men in nursing are still seen as unusual for being in a profession that the society perceives as suitable only for females. There is also the notion that men have difficulty caring, traditionally, men are resilient and often are told "men do not cry", they are not supposed to show emotion, if they do, they tend to be considered weak. Men who choose nursing as a career not only risk challenging gender-based stereotypes but gender roles defined traditionally as well. The purpose of this paper was to explore the experiences of male nursing students at NWU (MC) and the empirical evidence suggests that there is still much to be done in institutions of higher learning to enable male nursing students to also feel a sense of belonging in their respective nursing programs. The study utilized qualitative research method in exploring the issues of gender with a particular focus on masculinity and it has uncovered the concept of hegemonic masculinity. Structured interviews were employed, and the data was transcribed and analysed through content analysis. A comprehensive search of the literature from different disciplines reveals deeper issues than just the commonly held assumption that nursing is not masculine. The findings of the study suggest that Connell’s theory of masculinity should not attempt to balance supposedly masculine and feminine qualities, but to challenge the assumption that masculinities are predominantly masculine or feminine. Recommendations include institutions creating campaigns that will ensure that only students that are passionate about nursing are recruited and implement strategies that will improve the experiences of male nursing students in institutions of higher learning.
State and non-state actors’ contribution to economic stability or instability of State-Owned Entities: a case study of South African Airways
(INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BUSINESS ECOSYSTEM & STRATEGY, 2024) Motswaledi, Thabang; 30084253
The state and non-state actors have always influenced the issues arising in society, particularly concerning state-owned entities (SOEs), economic stability, and instability. From having an influence within their national borders to the international scale, these actors are very pivotal agents that often seek to bring justice and better ordinary individuals' lives. Non-state actors such as multinational corporations and civil society organizations are some of those on the frontlines of fighting for economic emancipation, especially in less developed states. Yet, this is not always the case; in some instances, they can be noted as villains who would bring about the injustices themselves. Although their influence cuts across many sectors of society, the paper sought to discuss the contribution of these two actors, the state and the non-state actor, to the economic stability and/or instability of state-owned entities. From this premise, the paper adopted a qualitative method and case study approach for South African Airways (SAA) to understand the contribution of state and non-state entities to the financial stability or instability of SAA. Thus, the findings suggest that SOEs are affected by various direct and indirect interventions by both state and non-state actors, especially in their economic ambitions, which provide stability or instability in the entity. Hence, the paper concludes that the economic stability or instability of SOEs such as SAA is largely affected by the intervention of both state and non-state actors.