ENERGY – South Africa’s energy sector currently contributes about 15% of South Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP). To build sustainability and competitiveness in this sector, Mthente has worked with clients including Eskom, Engen, SASOL and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) on research into electricity theft, organisational climate, occupational health and safety, communication strategies and regulatory frameworks.

TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS – The South African government has highlighted the transport sector as a key contributor to the country’s competitiveness. In support of this sector, Mthente has recently undertaken research for the IDC exploring the regulatory framework, guiding principles and drivers of administered prices in the sector. Previously, Mthente also conducted research for the Department of Transport and Public Works on consumer perceptions of the Golden Arrow Bus Services in the Western Cape.

MINING – South Africa’s mining sector plays a significant role in the national economy yet faces many challenges, as highlighted in the current nationalisation debate. This is a key sector where Mthente would like to offer its expertise. Previously, Mthente developed a research report and handbook for the Southern Africa Trust (SAT) that explored business linkages in logistics in the mining sector supply chain in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

FOOD AND AGRO-INDUSTRIES – South Africa’s food and agro-industry sector contribute significantly to the country’s GDP and still offer room for significant development. Mthente recently conducted an in-depth analysis of the Western Cape’s agribusiness sector for the Western Cape Investment and Trade Promotion Agency (WESGRO) and carried out research in the Western Cape’s wine and industrial fisheries sub-sectors for the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, as well as a national survey for the South African Sugar Association (SASA). Beyond South Africa’s borders, Mthente also conducted sector research for the Southern Africa Trust (SAT) on Namibia’s fisheries sector supply chain and Malawi’s agricultural sector supply chain.

ICT AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS – South Africa is a leader in ICT development in Africa. Exploring this rapidly developing sector, Mthente recently conducted research for the IDC on administered prices in telecommunications in South Africa. Mthente has also conducted two perception surveys for the Center for e-Innovation, which is the ICT branch of the Provincial Government of the Western Cape, as well as exploratory research to contribute to South Africa’s Broadcast Digital Migration strategy for the national Department of Communications. Mthente also developed an export promotion strategy, monitoring and evaluation tool and skills needs survey for the Cape Information Technology Initiative (CITI).

CLOTHING AND TEXTILES – South Africa’s clothing and textiles sector has made significant technological advances but still faces serious challenges in the face of global competition. Mthente has assisted the Western Cape Clothing and Textile Centre (CLOTEX) with a competitiveness strategy, a survey with retrenched workers and an enterprise development strategy. Mthente carried out an impact assessment of the ComMark Trust’s Textile and Apparel Programme in Lesotho, as well as impact assessments of the Cape Town Fashion Festival for the City of Cape Town and the Cape Town Fashion Week for the Cape Town Fashion Council (CTFC). Mthente has also explored business linkages in the clothing and textile supply chain for the Southern Africa Trust (SAT) and carried out a sector analysis in Lesotho for the Basotho Enterprises Development Corporation (BEDCO).

CRAFT AND DESIGN – Mthente has done a number of projects for the craft and design sector, including two research reports for the Cape Craft and Design Institute (CCDI) on the state of basic art education in the Western Cape and the craft sector in the SADC region. Recently, Mthente also developed a conceptual business case for a design precinct for the Department of Economic Development and Tourism in the Western Cape.

TOURISM – Tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors in South Africa. Recently, Mthente was commissioned by Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa (FTTSA) to develop a business model for the organisation. Mthente has also carried out city and regional competitiveness research for Proudly South African and Strategies for Change. Beyond South Africa, Mthente carried out an analysis of Mozambique’s tourism sector supply chain for the Southern Africa Trust (SAT).

EDUCATION – Education is a priority service sector in South Africa. In the Western Cape, Mthente has conducted research and facilitations for the University of Cape Town, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, the University of the Western Cape and Varsity College to help them function optimally and thereby contribute to the broader development goals of the sector. At a national level, Mthente has worked with organisations like the National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI) in a project for the Department of Science and Technology examining the effectiveness of funding instruments for Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) human capital.

HEALTHCARE – Investigating trends in the health sector, Mthente has project managed two large scale surveys for the Medical Research Council (MRC) of South Africa, on the topics of substance abuse among HIV positive individuals and teleradiology.

FINANCIAL SERVICES – In the finance sector, Mthente recently carried out a perception survey and impact assessment for the Financial and Fiscal Commission (FFC) and has assisted financial institutions such as Old Mutual and Allan Gray in refining their corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies.

SPORT – Sport is a sub-sector where there is still room for substantial research. Recently, Mthente completed a study for the Department of Sport, Recreation and Amenities at the City of Cape Town, which assessed the state of sport and recreation in the City. Previously, Mthente also conducted a strategic facilitation for the Sport Council at the University of Cape Town.