NuSpace

NuSpace is the official repository platform of the National University of Science and Technology that enables researchers in:

  • obtaining easy access to a wide range of academic materials,
  • promoting knowledge dissemination and facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration.

Explore our repository to discover a wealth of knowledge across various disciplines.

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Communities in NuSpace

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Now showing 1 - 5 of 12

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Mining and Development in Southern Zimbabwe: Myth or Reality in Gwanda District?
(2023) Moyo, F.; Ncube, M.; Nkomo, S.; Mabhena, C.; Ncube, V.
The book chapter explores mineral resource development strategies for community empowerment, poverty reduction and infrastructure development in Zimbabwe's mining areas. Using descriptive survey data, the authors present a proposal on how the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Act can be used as a vehicle for mineral resource development. Despite abundant mineral resources, the majority of Zimbabwean indigenous communities living close to the mines have limited access to directly or indirectly benefit from the mineral resources. The chapter argues that pro-poor mining policies that ensure the harnessing of mineral resources for community empowerment, poverty reduction and infrastructure development are paramount. The chapter further argues that the Indigenous and Economic Empowerment Act needs to be harmonised with other sector legislation in the country. The book chapter concludes that the development of infrastructure and provision of public utilities such as electricity, and water, establishing micro-credit to small and medium enterprises and implementing broad-based indigenisation policies are some of the strategies for improving rural livelihoods. Similarly, direct and indirect linkages between the mining sector and the local economy could be enhanced through the provision of food supply to the mine, manufacture of mining inputs, provision of security services and supply of labour by the local community. The harnessing of mineral resources in any country has been a contested terrain. Of late in Zimbabwe, the government has embarked on a massive indigenisation drive that has seen large-scale mines compelled by law to seed at least 10% of their mineral revenue to CSOTS. The authors recommend the harmonisation of legislation that affects harnessing of mineral resources by local communities will ensure community empowerment, poverty reduction and infrastructure development in mining districts in southern Zimbabwe.
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Firm-Specific Determinants Variable of Insurers’ Insolvency in Zimbabwe
(Acta Universitatis Danubius, 2024) Aluko, T.O.; Makumbe, K.C.
Insurance companies safeguard the resources necessary for various other economic sectors to enhance economic growth and foster favourable investment opportunities. This study examines the determinants of insolvency for non-life insurers in Zimbabwe. This was achieved by examining the impact of firm-specific variables on solvency. A panel of secondary data from 2017 to 2022 selects seventeen non-life insurance businesses from Zimbabwe. Insurance and Pension Commission (IPEC) reports provide the financial statements for these non-life insurance companies. The research examines two explanatory factors: investment performance and return on assets (profitability). The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) regression model guides the investigation into the relationship between these factors and solvency. This study employs the solvency ratio as a proxy for solvency. The study’s results indicate that a firm’s size and claims ratio have a positive impact on the investment performance and profitability of non-life insurers experiencing insolvency. To manage investment portfolios properly, the paper recommends short-term insurers hire qualified and experienced investment analysts. To encourage insurance companies to honour claims and maintain their financial stability even when losses increase, the regulator must publish a risk-based capital structure and prioritise the implementation of policies and regulations that support sound financial management practices among non-life insurance companies.
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Genomic Characterization of Methicillin-Resistant and Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus Implicated in Bloodstream Infections, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: A Pilot Study
(MDPI, 2024-08-23) Hetsa, B.A.; Asante, J.; Mbanga, J.; Ismail, A.; Abia, A.L.; Amoako, D.G.; Essack, S.Y.
Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic pathogen and a leading cause of bloodstream infections, with its capacity to acquire antibiotic resistance genes posing significant treatment challenges. This pilot study characterizes the genomic profiles of S. aureus isolates from patients with bloodstream infections in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, to gain insights into their resistance mechanisms, virulence factors, and clonal and phylogenetic relationships. Six multidrug-resistant (MDR) S. aureus isolates, comprising three methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and three methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA), underwent whole genome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. These isolates carried a range of resistance genes, including blaZ, aac(6′)-aph(2″), ant(9)-Ia, ant(6)-Ia, and fosB. The mecA gene, which confers methicillin resistance, was detected only in MRSA strains. The isolates exhibited six distinct spa types (t9475, t355, t045, t1265, t1257, and t7888) and varied in virulence gene profiles. Panton–Valentine leukocidin (Luk-PV) was found in one MSSA isolate. Two SCCmec types, IVd(2B) and I(1B), were identified, and the isolates were classified into four multilocus sequence types (MLSTs), with ST5 (n = 3) being the most common. These sequence types clustered into two clonal complexes, CC5 and CC8. Notably, two MRSA clones were identified: ST5-CC5-t045-SCCmec_I(1B) and the human-associated endemic clone ST612-CC8-t1257-SCCmec_IVd(2B). Phylogenomic analysis revealed clustering by MLST, indicating strong genetic relationships within clonal complexes. These findings highlight the value of genomic surveillance in guiding targeted interventions to reduce treatment failures and mortality.
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An overview of cybersecurity in Zimbabwe’s financial services sector [version 1; peer review: 2 approved with reservations]
(F1000 Research, 2023-09-29) Maphosa, V.
Background: As nations, businesses, and individuals rely on the Internet for everyday use, so are cybercriminals manipulating systems to access information illegally and disrupting services for financial gain. The global cost of cybercrime eclipsed one trillion US Dollars in 2020, with Africa losing US $3.5 billion. Methods: A quantitative research methodology was adopted to investigate factors affecting cybercrime in Zimbabwean financial institutions. The study focused on the technical aspects of cybersecurity. Data were collected from July 2022 to October 2022, targeting technology experts in the financial services sector. Participants were recruited from 13 institutions to rank cybersecurity constructs, frameworks, and challenges associated with cybersecurity. Data was collected using a questionnaire distributed to participants. Descriptive statistics were used to extract meanings from the responses that measure mean and standard deviation. Results: Network and data security were the most highly ranked cybersecurity constructs, while physical security was the least. The top three barriers are increasing sophistication of threats, limited skills and emerging technologies, while lack of executive support was the least. The top frameworks used are the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) and Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies (COBIT), while a fifth is yet to adopt cybercrime frameworks. Conclusions: The study proposes that financial institutions establish a cybersecurity culture to fight cybercrime, addressing cybersecurity barriers and following best practices. Financial institutions should invest in cybersecurity technologies, train security specialists, and employ a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). The study’s small sample may affect the generalisability of the results. Financial institutions should implement strategies to raise awareness and collaborate with institutions to train cybersecurity security specialists to close the skills gap.
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An Assessment of Financial Inclusion Challenges Among Women Vendors at the Bulawayo Vegetable Market
(RSIS, 2024-05-10) Tshuma, N.; Kufa, A.T.; Sibanda, E.; Setoboli, T
In the vibrant markets of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, where women entrepreneurs thrive, a critical challenge persists: financial inclusion remains low. However, Mobile Financial Services (MFS) digital platforms have the potential to revolutionize access to affordable financial solutions for women entrepreneurs. Our study delved into the experiences of women vendors at the bustling Bulawayo Vegetable Market during the period from 2016 to 2023. Through a descriptive survey design, we aimed to uncover the hurdles faced by these enterprising women as they navigated the realm of MFS. Findings revealed that many women were unaware of the existence and benefits of MFS. The lack of knowledge hindered their participation. Proper documentation essential for accessing financial services remained elusive for some. Without it, women faced barriers in utilizing MFS. Limited education posed a significant obstacle. Basic financial literacy and digital skills were prerequisites for effective MFS adoption. The absence of digital skills impeded women from confidently using mobile platforms for financial transactions. Scarce availability of mobile money agents in the market area restricted women’s access to MFS. To bridge this gender gap and empower women entrepreneurs, we recommend Financial Institutions to Collaborate with MFS providers to offer targeted training programs. These sessions should focus on MFS awareness, digital literacy, and documentation procedures. NGOs Community Initiatives should launch awareness campaigns specifically tailored for women vendors. These campaigns can demystify MFS, emphasize its benefits, and address common concerns. By dismantling these barriers, we can unlock the full potential of MFS, enabling women entrepreneurs to thrive and contribute significantly to sustainable development in Zimbabwe.