Browsing by Subject "Social impact"

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    Open Access
    A theory and outcome evaluation of the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation (AGOF) Association Programme
    (2025) Ndamase, Nozuko; Chapman, Sarah
    This dissertation presents a comprehensive evaluation of the Association Programme of the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation (AGOF), which is designed to foster entrepreneurial activities among its participants. The evaluation employs a dual focus, integrating both theory evaluation and outcome evaluation methodologies to assess the effectiveness of the programme. The theory evaluation utilizes a descriptive research design, examining the programme's Theory of Change (ToC) and aligning it with empirical evidence. Key methodologies included an extensive literature review and semi-structured interviews conducted with subject matter experts. Data analysis was performed using thematic analysis to ensure a robust understanding of the programme's underlying assumptions and causal pathways. The outcome evaluation, adapted the Success Case Method (SCM), focuses on identifying and analysing successful and non-successful cases among programme participants. Initially, a review using existing AGOF database was conducted to identify potential success cases, followed by in-depth interviews to gather qualitative data from selected individuals. Findings from the theory evaluation indicate that the AGOF Association Programme's ToC is supported by empirical evidence, emphasising the criticality of mentorship and resource accessibility for entrepreneurial success. The outcome evaluation reveals that many fellows successfully established socially responsible, high-impact enterprises while also highlighting challenges regarding access to financial resources and the application process for funding. Overall, the integrated findings from both evaluations reflect the programme's positive impact on fostering entrepreneurial capabilities among participants while also pointing out areas for improvement, particularly in enhancing funding accessibility and ongoing support mechanisms for fellows.
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    Open Access
    An exploration of social impact bonds as a social development strategy. A South African case study
    (2025) Nhaitayi, Ropafadzo; Campbell, Emma
    South Africa faces significant and complex socio-economic challenges, such as high levels of poverty, unemployment, income inequality, and incessant electricity supply shortages, the result of which is a negative impact on productivity and the economy, as well as the livelihoods of the most vulnerable people in the country (Erero, 2023; OECD, 2019; Mubangizi and Mubangizi, 2005). Traditional funding approaches for social development, such as funds from the Treasury and development aid, have yielded mixed results, prompting the need for innovative solutions. De Witt (2018) calls for the deployment of innovative financing mechanisms as a possible solution to traditional social development financing. This study considered one such innovative financing solution, namely Social Impact Bonds (SIBs). This exploratory qualitative research employed multiple case studies and examined the design and implementation of the two pioneering SIBs in South Africa, the Impact Bond Innovation Fund (IBIF) and Bonds for Jobs (B4J). Data collection involved face-to-face interviews and a focus group discussion with key stakeholders. Document analysis was also conducted to augment interview data. The data generated were analysed using a combination of NVivo 14, as well as an adaptation of Tesch's (1990) approach where data were coded and organised into themes, categories, and sub-categories. The study identified SIBs as a potential alternative to traditional funding; the findings showed that both case studies were successful, as they met their outcome targets, were able to demonstrate innovation, and were also able to repay investors. The research also found that several challenges were encountered in the design and implementation of the SIBs, including high costs, lengthy setup times, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the lack of specific SIB legislation presented hurdles during design and implementation. The findings from this research demonstrate the potential that SIBs carry, as such the findings can be thought of as providing a roadmap of issues to consider when designing and implementing SIBs in South Africa. The research concludes by offering recommendations for further research and the design of future SIBs in South Africa, including the establishment of a supportive regulatory framework and streamlining the design and implementation process.