In order to provide a factual basis from which to inform decisions regarding whether or not to become involved in the DRC’s power sector (and, if so, in what areas of the electricity business), Eskom commissioned Mthente to undertake an in-depth country assessment of the DRC.

The country assessment was designed to provide information that would aid Eskom’s decision making as it gave consideration to a range of proposals for involvement in the power sector in the DRC. These included proposals to build, own and operate a power station in the DRC to produce electricity for sale domestically or for export; build, own and operate a transmission line in the DRC; become involved in electricity distribution in the DRC; import power from the DRC; and export power to the DRC.

Mthente was commissioned by the Southern African Trust (SAT) to undertake a study to determine the business linkages for pro-poor growth; focusing on the Mozambiquan Tourism Sector. In particular, the study aimed to identify the role SMEs played in the sector and challenges faced by them.

The study entailed in-depth analysis of the tourism sector in order to establish the role the sector plays and its contributions to employment and gross domestic product (GDP).  This was done primarily through comprehensive desktop research through mapping the tourism value chain in Mozambique as well as conducting key in-depth stakholder enagsgements within the industry.

The Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) commissioned Mthente to undertake a short-term research assignment to analyse key economic indicators for the Eastern Cape provincial economy.

The focus of this analysis was on provincial-level economic indicators that have direct implications for the operations of the ECDC. The data and information used in the analysis was sourced from secondary sources through an extensive desktop research process.

The Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT), Western Cape Government, through its sub-directorate: Department of Communication, commissioned research into the marketing and communication of the Premier’s Entrepreneurship Recognition Awards (PERA).

The aim of the research was to:

• assess the efficacy of advertising messaging; and
• understand the motivation of businesses in entering the competition.

PERA was established to demonstrate the powerful potential of local entrepreneurs, create role-models and promote entrepreneurial activity amongst the youth and in communities at large. The Awards have been presented for the past three years during which time the number of entries has increased each year. However, the demographic profile of entrants and winners over the years was noted as a growing concern, with few entries received from black-owned businesses and from businesses located outside the metro. The information gathered from this research will be used to improve and enhance the 2016 PERA communication campaign.

The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) releases various publications intended to communicate its vision, foster understanding, and encourage positive behavioural change among its target audiences. To achieve the communication objectives outlined in SANRAL’s strategy, these publications must effectively reach the intended audiences and be perceived as engaging and valuable by them. In 2020, SANRAL initiated research to establish an empirical baseline for its reputation and to measure awareness, reach, and resonance for several of its publications. However, low awareness levels among the target audiences limited the study’s ability to fully assess how these publications are perceived. To address this gap, Mthente Research and Consulting Services was commissioned to build on the previous research and develop a more comprehensive understanding of the target audiences. This new study sought to identify who the target audiences are, what their communication needs entail, and how well SANRAL’s current publications align with these needs. The Mthente team completed 1867 in-person surveys conducted at various locations across South Africa, including petrol stations, home affairs offices, traffic departments, and bus stops.