University of Fort Hare Institutional Repository
Communities in DSpace
Select a community to browse its collections.
Recent Submissions
Advanced Strategic Management: BEC 522/E, Degree Examinations October/November 2025
(University of Fort Hare, 2025-10) Chinyamurindi, W.T.; Asah, F.; Donga, G.
Entrepreneurship 3B (Leadership): BEN 321/E, Degree Examinations October/November 2025
(University of Fort Hare, 2025-10) Townes, J.; Sigwela, T.; Watson, S.
The effect of real exchange rate volatility on unemployment: a case study of South Africa
(University of Fort Hare, 2025-06-08) Pedzayi Ernest; Tsegaye, A; Hunter, D
This research investigates the effect of the real exchange rate volatility on unemployment in South Africa over the period spanning from 1994 to 2022. South Africa has experienced serious economic challenges, including high unemployment rate. Real exchange rate volatility could exacerbate economic vulnerabilities, affecting various sectors and leading to job losses. This study examines the effect of real exchange rate volatility on unemployment using quarterly data from South Africa Reserve Bank (SARB) and Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED). The study also implements Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity GARCH (1:1) model to analyse the time series data. The empirical results reveal that only Real effective exchange rate (REER) positively impacts unemployment in South Africa. Real exchange rate volatility (VOL) real interest rate (RIR) and exports (EXP01) are negatively correlated with unemployment in South Africa. The findings of the current research imply that VOL significantly affects South African unemployment. Policymakers can use the findings to develop policies which stabilize real exchange rate volatility and unemployment.
The impact of transport energy consumption and economic growth on carbon dioxide emissions in South Africa
(University of Fort Hare, 2025-05-29) Pupane, Ezile; Hompashez, D; Mjacu, L
The main goal of this study was to assess the influence of transport-related energy consumption and economic growth on carbon dioxide emissions in the South African context. Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions come from the combustion of energy and can trap excess heat from the sun entering the Earth’s atmosphere, resulting in climate change. Energy use from fossil fuels has been highlighted as a key source of environmental pollution, and the transportation industry relies on energy more than any other sector. Social development and economic growth require energy as an input to a variety of economic production activities, and higher economic activity levels are frequently complemented by increased resource and energy consumption. This study aims to clarify how transport energy use and economic growth affect CO2 emissions using time series data from 1990 to 2021. Recognizing the association amongst these variables is critical to ensuring stability in climate. The investigation was made using the vector autoregressive model and the vector error correction model to determine short-run and long-run relationships between the variables of the study. The study shows that transportation energy consumption exhibits a positive correlation with CO2 emissions in both the short term and the long term within South Africa during the analysed timeframe. The results also validate the existence of the Brundtland Curve hypothesis. According to the Brundtland curve hypothesis, developing countries such as South Africa inflict considerable environmental harm because of their inability to embrace environmental welfare. Given this study's results of a positive correlation, it is imperative for governmental intervention to be enacted to mitigate CO2 emissions. The issue of CO2 emissions linked to rising energy consumption is significant and needs coordinated and comprehensive solutions. Also, as the economy develops, the government should invest more in programmes that seek to improve environmental degradation.
Unveiling inequality: the sociological dynamics of road infrastructure development and social justice in rural Eastern Cape, South Africa
(Frontiers Media, 2025-01-17) Fobosi, Siyabulela Christopher; Malima, Thelma
This paper examines the systemic and multidimensional impacts of inadequate road infrastructure on social inequality in the rural Eastern Cape province of South Africa, focusing on the Hlankomo community from Mdeni to Upper Tsitsana. By integrating a sociological framework, the study explores how deteriorating road conditions perpetuate structural and symbolic violence, exacerbating economic marginalization, social exclusion, and cultural disempowerment. Drawing on site observations, qualitative interviews, and photographic evidence, the research highlights how poor road infrastructure restricts access to essential services, including healthcare, education, and economic opportunities, deepening historical and spatial inequalities. The findings underscore the urgent need for transformative, equity-driven infrastructure policies that address governance inefficiencies, historical neglect, and systemic marginalization. By prioritizing inclusivity, social justice, and sustainable development, this paper contributes to the broader discourse on rural development and infrastructural justice in South Africa’s marginalized landscapes.