Browsing by Author "Tsibolane, Pitso"

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    Open Access
    Analysing the use of fintech for cross-border remittance as a livelihood strategy - A case of Nigeria
    (2023) Dudu-Eniola, Onaririnogho; Tsibolane, Pitso
    Despite the dominance of traditional financial institutions in the cross-border money-transfer market, emerging financial technology solutions (FinTech) have transformed how individuals conduct cross-border payments to sustain their livelihoods in the global South. While much has been explored about FinTech adoption, the nexus between FinTech as a livelihood strategy and livelihood outcomes remains under explored. This study examined the use of FinTech for cross- border remittance as a livelihood strategy in Nigeria through the lens of the Sustainable Livelihoods (SLA) framework. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10c aspires to reduce the transaction costs of migrant remittances to less than 3%, considering the influence that remittances have on the growth of socioeconomic systems and high transfer costs. This study explores how this can be achieved using FinTech applications for cross-border remittance. The study involved 26 participants (N=26), which included both senders and receivers of cross-border remittances of Nigerian origin living within and outside the country. A qualitative analysis of data collected through semi-structured interviews shows that participants typically indicate receiving/sending remittances which were used to meet housing, clothing, feeding and healthcare needs. Additionally, participants state that the COVID-19 pandemic positively impacted the adoption of FinTech for remittance purposes. There were also challenges encountered in the use of FinTech application by participants who identified country restrictions from international remittance, differences in currency exchange rate, and lack of government policies as major challenges they faced. The outcomes of this study will aid in the development of more innovative FinTech technologies for easy cross-border remittances and remittance receivers' livelihoods. The study suggests that the government should put in place policies to ensure uniform currency exchange rates, and the stakeholders must ensure a more seamless user experience of FinTech applications for cross-border remittance. The findings of this research are invaluable in assisting FinTech startups to enhance their FinTech cross-border remittance performance. Because it is an exploratory study, it will greatly contribute to the literature on the topic and will aid FinTech companies in internalizing their strategies for financial inclusion in both the formal and informal sectors. The study suggests that the government should put in place policies to ensure uniform currency exchange rates, and the stakeholders must ensure a more seamless user experience of FinTech applications for cross-border remittance.
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    Open Access
    Experiences of South African women in agile projects: an intersectional perspective
    (2025) Ngwadla, Sinethemba; Uys, Walter; Tsibolane, Pitso
    Gender diversity remains a significant challenge in the Information Technology (IT) industry, particularly in South Africa, where the workforce composition does not reflect the nation's demographic diversity. This disparity results in the underrepresentation of women despite policies aimed at fostering inclusion. Existing research highlights a decline in women's participation in the IT sector but often overlooks the perceptions and treatment of women within IT workplaces. This study investigates women's experiences working in Agile project environments in South African IT companies. Agile is a popular software development methodology emphasizing collaboration, communication, and collective decision-making. Using intersectionality theory, this cross-sectional study examines how gender and background factors affect women's work performance. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with twenty-five women IT professionals recruited via snowball sampling. Key findings indicate that gender discrimination persists in Agile environments. The study revealed that South African women in Agile project environments exist within a male dominated, Gendered Organisational Culture, which privileges behaviours and actions that benefit men. Women in these environments often experience feelings of inadequacy due to their minority status in predominantly male teams. Other specific persistent issues emerged such as gendered recognition bias, gender pay gap, job insecurity, lack of support for motherhood, work-life balance, and scarcity of women mentors. The study further reveals that the high attrition rate of women in IT is not due to the technical demands of the roles but rather the negative impact of organisational culture and gender bias on their professional development. The study's limitations include its reliance on a small, non-random sample, which may not fully represent the broader population. Additionally, the focus on Agile environments may limit the generalizability of the findings to other IT settings. Future research should explore the intersection of gender with other factors, such as socioeconomic status and motherhood, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the barriers women face in IT. It should also investigate strategies to create more inclusive and supportive workplace cultures.
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    Factors influencing the intention of youth to adopt electronic voting in South Africa
    (2021) Moletsane, Tankiso; Tsibolane, Pitso
    Background: The rapid increase in the adoption of the internet in developing countries and the growth of citizen-centric e-government technologies has sparked interest in electronic voting (e-voting) systems. E-voting systems enable voters to participate in elections remotely, using internet-based technologies. In 2020, the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa stated its intention to introduce e-voting to lower the costs of voting, improve electoral transparency and efficiency, and to improve overall voter participation. There is, however, little research to explain the factors that could potentially influence voters, particularly young people (18-35 years) who are a growing voting demographic with a declining interest in electoral participation. Objective: The primary objective of this research is to investigate the factors that influence the intention of young people to adopt electronic voting in South Africa. Secondarily, the study seeks to investigate how South African youth perceive e-voting. Research methodology: Using a deductive approach, a conceptual model with constructs from the technology acceptance model (TAM), the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), and the diffusion of innovation theory (DOI) is proposed. An online survey is used to collect data (n = 412) from South African youth between the ages of 18 – 35 years. Key Findings: Structural equation modelling and factor analysis applied on a pretested and pre-validated quantitative survey reveal that technology stickiness, access to ICT, skills in ICT, attitude towards ICT, relative advantage and political affiliation positively impact the intention to use e-voting. Eighty-one (81%) percent of respondents agree that they will use e-voting should it become available. Value of the study: The study contributions are twofold. First, the research proposes an empirically tested theoretical framework to assess the intentions of youths to participate in e-voting and second, the study the study makes recommendations for policymakers regarding the e-voting perceptions of young people.
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    Influence of Intelligent Assitive Technology on the Daily Activities of Visually Impiared People
    (2023) Nombakuse, Ronaldo; Tsibolane, Pitso
    Background: South Africa has 1.4 million visually impaired people (VIPs) due to various causes of vision impairment. Vision impairment significantly impacts VIP functional capabilities, leading to affected individuals living less than optimal lives. Intelligent assistive technologies (IATs) provide essential support for VIPs' daily living activities (ADLs). These IATs include communication, mobility, visual, and daily activity assistive devices. Studies conducted within the Information Systems (IS) field focused on the adoption, usage, accessibility, usability, and acceptability of IATs among VIPs. However, more research is needed to explain the influence of IATs on the daily activities of visually impaired people post-adoption. Aims: The main objective of this study was to explain the influence of intelligent assistive technologies on the activities of daily living of visually impaired people. Secondarily, the study aimed to identify the factors affecting access to IATs by VIPs, and the benefits and drawbacks of intelligent assistive technologies on the ADLs of VIPs. Methods: This study employed subjectivism as an ontology and interpretivism as an epistemology. A crosssectional qualitative case study strategy was adopted. Semi-structured interviews (N=25) and an online qualitative survey (N=37) were the primary data sources, while a document review was used as a secondary data source. NVivo 12 was used for qualitative data analysis. Qualtrics was used for the online qualitative survey while AudioMass was used for voice editing of interviews. Only visually impaired people who had access to IATs and were above eighteen years old were purposefully sampled. Data was analysed both deductively and inductively. Data was tested deductively using the operationalised Capability Approach constructs. An inductive cycle of data analysis was also conducted. All the university's ethical considerations were observed since this study involved vulnerable people. Key Findings: The study found that intelligent assistive technologies have the potential to improve the lives of visually impaired people to: a) live the lives they wish to live, b) enhance capabilities to perform their activities of daily living, c) gain financial and economic freedom. However, due to low employment opportunities among VIPs, affordability emerged as a significant restriction for access to suitable IATs. Additionally, the development outcomes that visually impaired people achieve when they use IATs include the following: a) enhanced employability; b) better access to information and enhanced intellectual stimulation; c) improved communication skills; d) ability to perform and participate in spiritual activities; d) the ability to manage health outcomes; and improved mobility. Contribution of Study: The study contributes to knowledge by empirically demonstrating the complex relationships between accessibility and the use of IATs by VIPs using semi-structured interviews and a qualitative survey. Secondly, the research proposes seven propositions that future researchers can utilise to develop the lives of visually impaired people. Finally, the study also provides policymakers insights into policy gaps related to the affordability, accessibility, and usability challenges of IATs by visually impaired people.
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    The influence of mobile payments on the choices and functionings of Micro and Small Enterprise (MSE) entrepreneurs in Lesotho
    (2020) Hlabeli, Batloung; Tsibolane, Pitso
    Background: This study explores the significance of ICT on the capabilities of unbanked MSE entrepreneurs in Lesotho. MSE entrepreneurs are the primary source of income for their families, especially in the context of developing countries. Accordingly, MSEs are fundamental instruments for economic growth, poverty alleviation and source of employment in developing countries. Hence, the country that invests in this business sector is a step closer to accomplishing its MDGs. Purpose: The study explored and empirically assessed the influence of mobile payments among MSE entrepreneurs through a capabilities lens. Given that MSEs are crucial for developing countries, the targeted participants were MSE entrepreneurs from diverse trading industries in Lesotho. Research methodology: The methodology for this study was qualitative. Exploratory and descriptive research methods were used to evaluate the influence of mobile payments on the capabilities of MSE entrepreneurs. This study adopted Kleine's Choice Framework to explore and empirically assess the benefits of mobile payments among MSE entrepreneurs. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews and field notes and analysed using thematic analysis. Key Findings: The findings revealed the use of M-Pesa within the MSE sector enabled microentrepreneurs to accomplish their goals. The findings show that M-Pesa leads to the growth of MSEs. Therefore, entrepreneurs in the MSE business sector are capable of providing food, shelter and clothes for their families through income generated from their enterprises. Additionally, MSE entrepreneurs bank, transfer and receive money through accessible and available mobile payment platforms. However, these entrepreneurs face issues such as network failure, withdrawal amount limits and security risks while using mobile payments. Value of the study: The study contributes to the existing ICT4D and mobile payments literature in Lesotho by discussing the influence of mobile payment through the Choice Framework.
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    Understanding the role of cybersecurity culture in the gig economy: the case of platform-based food delivery workers in Gauteng
    (2025) Radebe, Mlungisi; Tsibolane, Pitso
    The growth of gig economy platforms has coincided with increased cybersecurity threats and attacks. As gig platforms have evolved, so too have cybercriminals, with attacks such as malware, phishing, and social engineering becoming increasingly sophisticated and human centric. However, cybersecurity defence mechanisms are still centred around traditional technical controls. In response to this growing threat landscape, researchers argue that organisations should implement other mechanisms to counter the threat. Embedding a cybersecurity culture in organisations has gained prominence in recent studies. However, studies on the cybersecurity culture in the gig economy, focusing on food delivery workers, are needed, as there is currently limited literature on this phenomenon. This research report explored the nature of cybersecurity culture in the context of platform-based food delivery workers in Gauteng, South Africa. The main research question explored the following: How does the cybersecurity culture influence the cybersecurity behaviours of food delivery gig workers? The Cybersecurity Culture Model (CCM) was used as a sensitizing theoretical device to develop the initial interview guides, observation protocols, and the preliminary coding schemes. A qualitative research strategy was adopted using semi-structured interviews as the primary data source; furthermore, a qualitative research survey and publicly available documents and observations of the context were provided as secondary data sources. Fifteen (N=15) semi-structured interviews were performed with food delivery workers. Secondary data was acquired via online searches (N=11), web articles on the gig economy, three (N=3) online qualitative surveys, and contextual observations by interacting with food delivery workers at their pick-up sites. Data analysis was conducted using established guidelines for inductive data analysis using the NVivo 14 software. The research revealed significant barriers to implementing cybersecurity culture in the food delivery sector of the local gig economy. Workers receive minimal cybersecurity education and training, with limited management communication about security policies and procedures. Gig work apps present additional challenges, contributing to a virtually non-existent cybersecurity culture among food delivery workers in Gauteng, South Africa. Weak management initiatives, inadequate training, and absent security policies drive non-compliance, further complicated by conflicts between financial incentives, personal safety, and cybersecurity requirements. These findings highlight structural gig economy issues, underscoring the need for enhanced cybersecurity governance, comprehensive training programs, and integrated information security policies. Future research should examine platform providers' responsibilities in cybersecurity culture development and methods to align safety priorities with cybersecurity compliance.