Experts in
Social Economic Research and Survey, Development Programme Monitoring and Evaluation, Economic Impact Assessments, Data Capture and Analysis and Business Consulting
Our track records
Socio-Economic Research and Surveys (SERS)
 | 2019-2020 | Research into the Skills Development Support for Ex-Mineworkers in the Mining and Minerals Sector (MMS) Covering the Period 2015-2017. The main purpose of this study was to ascertain the effectiveness of such interventions in improving and sustaining the livelihood of the ex-mineworkers across all provinces in South Africa. The study employed mainly qualitative methods based on an ethnographic approach, where the ex-mineworkers were observed in their natural settings. Observations were done concurrently with in-depth interviews to better understand the challenges experienced post-mining. | Project was closed successfully. |
 | 2019-2020 | The Socio-Economic Impact of Gambling in the Gauteng Province. The full scope of the study included the ‘Impact of responsible gambling messages/campaigns and the socio-economic impact of gambling in the Gauteng province’. The broader aims of the study were to assess the effectiveness of responsible gambling campaigns and messages and to assess the socio-economic impact of gambling within the Gauteng province. A combination of quantitative and qualitative research approaches centred on a structured questionnaire and in-depth interviews with gamblers at casinos, selected sport-betting houses, LPMs and bingo halls in each of the five regions in the Gauteng province, was deemed the appropriate way to gather information. | Project was closed successfully. |
 | 2019-2020 | Measuring Law Enforcement Integrity in the Gauteng Province: 2nd Follow-up Study. This was a second follow up study in a series of studies championed to measure the levels of law enforcement integrity in the Gauteng Province The purpose of the study was to establish whether there has been significant improvement in the levels of law enforcement integrity since the 2016 baseline study and the 2018 follow up study UCS collected quantitative data from a sample of South African Police Service (Tshwane, Johannesburg Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police departments, Sedibeng Westrand Municipalities as well as Gauteng Traffic Police (GTP) officers. | Project was closed successfully. |
 | 2019-2020 | Socio-Economic Survey and Structural Assessment of the West Rand (Bekkersdal) Hostels. This project was sub-contracted to UCS by Levino Consulting and Construction. The purposed of the study was to enable the Gauteng, Human Settlements department to understand the population of Bekkersdal hostel (West Rand) residents. The study was centred on the following socio-economic themes and sub-themes, population, demographic information, income sources, and forms of local economy and their influence. Both quantitative and qualitative research approaches were used in the study to profile occupants and gain a deeper understanding of their views and opinions towards hostel re-development. | Project was closed successfully. |
 | 2019-2020 | Development of the W&RSETA (i) Strategic Plan 2020-2025; (ii) Annual Performance Plan, Quarterly Performance Plans 2020-21; and (iii) Operational Plan 2020-21. In this project, UCS was appointed to facilitate the development of the W&RSETA strategic plan for 2020/21-2024/25 financial years. The assignment also involved facilitation of the development of the SETA’s 2020/21-2022/23 Annual Performance Plan and 2020/21 Operational Plan. UCS had to facilitate a series of management workshops, develop the plans as per management input and refine the plan by linking it to the DHET revised guidelines for planning | Project was closed successfully. |
 | 2019-2020 | Development of A Comprehensive Career Guidance and Career Development Booklet for SASSETA. The scope of work entailed developing a comprehensive Career Guidance and Career Development booklet for the Safety and Security Sector and providing details of the development of career pathways within the Safety and Security Sector. | Project was closed successfully. |
| 2019 | The Provision of Technical Support and Workshop Facilitation Service on the W&RSETA 2019/20 Operational Plan. Through the development of an innovative, well benchmarked methodology, UCS was tasked with facilitating the development of the W&RSETA 2019/20 Operational Plan (OP). UCS had to firstly conduct a thorough review of W&RSETA’s previous operational planning process to identify the need for improvement. After this, a series of workshops were held with management to shape the new OP. UCS also developed an M&E tool for the OP. | Project was closed successfully. |
 | 2017-2018 | Research on the Challenges Experienced in the Skills Supply Pipeline for the Banking and Alternative Banking Sector. The overall objective of the research was to analyse the public TVET College sector and the Public Higher Education sector as the major suppliers of skills for the banking and non-banking sector. Through the analysis, the research identified the nature of skills mismatch between the requirements of the banking and non-banking sector and skills supplied by TVET Colleges and Higher Education Institutions. | Project was closed successfully. |
| 2018 | Measuring Law Enforcement Integrity in the Gauteng Province: 1st Follow-up Study. The 2018 study was aimed at ascertaining the changes or improvement in the integrity levels within the law enforcement agencies (LEAs) in the Gauteng province post-implementation of the 2016 baseline study recommendations. This study employed the quantitative research method in terms of data collection, capturing, analysis, interpretation, and reporting. The survey instrument (questionnaire) comprising of 11 case scenarios, was employed, where each case described a misconduct or violation of rule. The data was captured in CSPro and analysed in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. | Project was closed successfully. |
| 2018 | Evaluation of Customer Centricity in the South African Retail Business Strategy and Processes. The study defined how to build a sustainable customer base, especially for emerging retailers and small traders and identify skills needs for small and emerging businesses. | Project was closed successfully. |
 | 2018 | Research to Assess the Level and Impact of Student Indebtedness within the South African Tertiary Institutions from 2013-2018. UCS was commissioned to conduct a comprehensive study which involved consulting with university & TVET management, students & student bodies, lenders of educational loans and retail credit providers. | Project was closed successfully. Upon approval of the final report; UCS was invited to attend and facilitate a workshop on the same topic. Our staff presented the research findings to a panel of stakeholders which included top universities, top banks and retail credit providers. |
 | 2017 | Finance, Accounting, Management, and other Financial Services Sector Survey. This survey is the fourth comprehensive Sector Survey (SS) commissioned by Fasset. The project involved: tracking and tracing all the employers and learners in the Fasset database and interviewing all the Fasset Stakeholders, including government, professional bodies, TVET, universities, etc. | Project was closed successfully. |
 | 2017 | Socio- Economic Survey for Mamelodi Hostels Re-Development Project. This project was sub-contracted to UCS by ASEDA Consulting Engineers (Pty) Ltd. Underhill was tasked to profile the socio-economic status of households in the Mamelodi hostels to ascertain their levels of affordability for proposed housing units. The project utilised quantitative methods; and all 3 620 households were surveyed. | Project was closed successfully. |
| 2017 | Research on Sector Partnerships within the Safety and Security Sector-A Scope and Deficit Analysis. The purpose of the study was to evaluate current partnership arrangements and make recommendations on the way forward. It was also anticipated that the results of the study would provide input into future partnership policy for the SETA. | Project was closed successfully. |
 | 2017 | Consolidation of Key Research Findings for CATHSSETA and Development of Sector Skills Plan (SSP) Update 2018/19. 1. Development of CATHSSETA’s SSP for 2019/20 and produced an updated document for submission to DHET. The SSP focused on the following: 2. Consolidation of operational plans from various departments into a CATHSSETA Operational Plan. | Project was closed successfully. |
| 2016 | MQA Sector Skills Plan (SSP) Update 2017 – 2018 | Project was closed successfully. |
| 2015 | Measuring Law Enforcement Integrity in the Gauteng Province: Baseline Study. UCS was tasked with developing a baseline study for measuring the integrity of the Gauteng law enforcement officers. Following a thorough literature review, UCS designed a questionnaire with a series of likert scale questions which consistently measured perception of seriousness (of offences), knowledge of rules, appropriate discipline & willingness to report among officers. Data was collected among SAPS, municipal officers and Gauteng Traffic Police (GTP). | UCS was awarded two follow-up studies in 2018 and 2019 for integrity measurement. |
| 2015 | MQA Sector Skills Plan (SSP) Update 2016 – 2017. | Project was closed successfully. |
| 2014 | The W&RSETA’s SSP is updated annually. UCS was appointed to update the 2014/15 SSP in accordance with the DHET SSP Guidelines. The main sections of the SSP include sector profile, key skills issues, extent of skills mismatch, sector partnerships, skills priority actions regional and provincial scarce skills lists. | DHET asked whether this SSP could be shared to other SETAs to illustrate the best practice. |
| 2013 | W&RSETA 2013/2014 National Sector Skills Plan (SSP) Updates: | Client was impressed with quality of work and awarded us more follow-up projects. |
 | 2013 | Research Study to Identify the Needs, Opportunities and Challenges of SMEs in the Plastics and Chemicals sector. UCS conducted a study which used qualitative and quantitative research methods, which included both secondary and primary research. | The client uploaded the report on their website and most masters and doctoral students are quoting it for their thesis. |
 | 2013 | Regional Sector Skills Plans (SSPs) for the following regions: (i) Gauteng-Limpopo, (ii) Western – Eastern Cape, (iii) Free State-Northern Cape-North West and (iv) KZN-Mpumalanga. The project involved regional socio-economic profiling, merSETA sectoral analysis, skills demand and supply analysis and forecasting. | Project was closed successfully. |
| 2012 | Accelerated Artisan Training Programme (AATP) Tracer Study. The project involved tracing qualified artisans (who graduated from the AATP) and finding out their current activities. The study used both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Interviews were conducted telephonically and face-to-face. A triangulation was used to validate the results. | Client was impressed with quality of work and awarded us more follow-up projects. |
| 2012 | W&RSETA National Sector Skills Plan (SSP) Updates: | Project was closed successfully. |
 | 2011 | Project Management Support for the Implementation of the National Youth Service (NYS) Exit Strategy. The project involved placement of NYS graduates into exit routes: employment, further education (FET), and/or own business (SMMEs). | Project was closed successfully. |
 | 2011 | Literature Review on Small and Medium Enterprises’ Access to Credit and Support in South Africa. “Review of the Statistical Methods and Calculations used for the Quarterly Statistical Submissions and the Credit Bureau Monitor Inputs”. This project employed a literature review (secondary research) and methodology which combined both qualitative and quantitative research methods. | Client was impressed with quality of work and awarded us more follow-up projects. |
Development Programme Monitoring and Evaluations (M&E)
| 2019-2020 | Impact Assessment: International Leadership Development Programme (ILDP) for the Period 2015-19. UCS was tasked with conducting an impact evaluation for the W&RSETA ILDP. UCS was able to discover sufficient issues and challenges with the programme value chain that contributed to weaknesses in sustainability and replicability of the programme. As a result, several solid policy recommendations were made. | Project was closed successfully. |
| 2019-2020 | Impact Assessment: Retail Management Development Programme (RMDP) for the Period 2015-19. UCS was tasked with conducting an impact evaluation of the RMDP training programme funded by the W&RSETA. In conducting the impact assessment, UCS employed the OECD DAC’s evaluation criteria and hence assessed the programme in terms of relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact and sustainability. The study involved consultation with several stakeholder types such as beneficiaries, training providers, employers and members of the W&RSETA team implementing the RMDP. | Project was closed successfully. |
 | 2019 | Rapid Appraisal of Outcome 8:2014 – 2019 Medium Term Strategic Framework (MTSF). In this assignment UCS was tasked with conducting a national survey to evaluate the outcomes of the National DHS’s Outcome 8 (the upgrading of informal settlements). Data collection involved the facilitation of in-depth interviews with key stakeholders such as the provincial DHS representatives, local municipalities and other stakeholders. | Project was closed successfully. |
 | 2019 | Conducting an Outcome Evaluation Study of the 12i Tax Allowance Incentive (12i) UCS was commissioned by the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) to conduct an Outcome Evaluation Study of the 12i Tax Allowance Incentive (12i). The assignment involved the following; UCS was commissioned by the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) to conduct an Outcome Evaluation Study of the 12i Tax Allowance Incentive (12i). The assignment involved developing a theory of change , compiling a literature review on the effectiveness of investment incentives and also conducting interviews with key stakeholders to obtain their views on whether the 12I is working and how it can be improved. | Project was closed successfully. |
 | 2018-2019 | Tracer and Impact Assessment Study on the Beneficiaries to the Learnerships and Artisan Training Programmes funded between 2011 and 2016. This study was commissioned by the Food and Beverages Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority (FoodBev SETA) to trace and assess the impact of the learnerships and artisan training programmes funded between 2011 and 2016, on the beneficiaries. The mixed method approach which combines both qualitative and quantitative methodologies was adopted for this study. The study identified key stakeholders as the beneficiaries, companies and training providers. | Project was closed successfully. |
| 2018 | Research to Assess the Impact of Regulation 23A on Consumers in the South African Credit Market from 2013 to 2018. | Project was closed successfully. |
 | 2018 | Development of the Monitoring and Evaluation Framework for the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) Sector. The project involved developing a Theory of Change and Logical Model for the PSET sector. The methodology included workshops, interviews, and literature review. | Project was closed successfully. |
| 2016 | Final Evaluation of the Wholesale and Retail Leadership Chair. The Chairmanship was held by the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). The evaluation was commissioned by the W&RSETA. | Project was closed successfully. |
| 2016 | Evaluation of the Impact of the South African Disability Development Trust (SADDT) Project funded by the W&RSETA. This evaluation required interaction with disabled learners, training providers and companies in the 5 provinces (Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, Eastern Cape and Western Cape). | Project was closed successfully. |
 | 2016 | Voorspoed Mine Skills Audit & Portable Skills Recommendations. UCS assisted Voorspoed Mine to assess the skills level of its labour force, and also came up with appropriate in-service training (or capacity building) to affect a sustainable livelihood for the workers after the mine closure The outcome of the skills audit was to;(i) identify skills gap, (ii) recommend the appropriate training and development to individuals to cater for the identified skill gaps, and (iii) also help provide information pertaining to the preferred portable skills. | Project was closed successfully. |
 | 2015 | Mid-Term Evaluation of the National Artisan Development Support Centre (NADSC) Project. The project was funded within the National Skills Fund (NSF): DHET Capacity Development Grant. The project used the rapid assessment evaluation (RAE) and impact assessment methods. The RAE combines group (or individual) interviews, key informants, case studies and secondary data and the impact assessment measures the impact of the training on the intended beneficiaries | Project was closed successfully. |
| 2014 | Development of the W&RSETA Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Policy Framework. The W&RSETA was the first SETA to commission such a project. UCS developed the policy framework in line with the country’s M&E policies, NSDSIII and the W&RSETA’s business model. The project involved development of policy framework, M&E tools and templates, train-the-trainer guide and capacity building. | Project was closed successfully. The client asked for follow-up capacity building sessions |
 | 2014 | Study on programmes identified and prioritized by the FET colleges’ technical task team and its work streams. UCS conducted a desktop-based study which focused on researching the purpose of FET colleges, analysing the different types and forms of partnerships in the FET sector and identifying learner pathways for articulation into employment, further learning and self-employment. Five (5) Papers on TVET education were produced; (i) Purpose of the SA TVET sector, (ii) Profile of SA TVET Sector, (iii) Partnerships for the TVET, (iv) Pathways for TVET, and (v) Positive Learning Experience in the TVET sector. | The final Synthesis Report was accepted and approved by the Human Resources Development Council headed by the SA Deputy President. |
| 2013 | Impact Assessment & Evaluation of the W&RSETA Regional/ Branch Offices. UCS conducted a study to assess the efficiency, effectiveness, accessibility and visibility of W&RSETA regional offices. The study used both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The quantitative aspect of the study included econometric modelling, Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA ), to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of each regional office. | Project was closed successfully. |
| 2012 | Impact Evaluation of the W&RSETA Voucher Training Programme. UCS was commissioned to conduct a study aimed at providing the W&RSETA with an impartial, substantive, critical and objective evaluation of the overall Voucher Training Programme. The study employed the rapid assessment evaluation (RAE). | Project was closed successfully. |
 | 2011 | End of Programme External Evaluation of the Community action against HIV/AIDS: “Together we WILL beat HIV!” The external evaluation was commissioned by Mfesane. The programme was implemented by Mfesane (implementing agent), Woord en Daad (from Netherlands as the Prime or main contractor) and USAID (the funder). For this evaluation, UCS used the Rapid Assessment Methodology, which combines both qualitative and quantitative research methods . | Project was closed successfully. |
Economic Impact Assessment & Econometric Analysis (EIA)
| 2019 | Analysis of the Economic Contribution of the Private Security and the Legal Services Sub-sectors in South Africa. This project was mainly based on the analysis of available secondary econometric data on the contribution of the private security and legal services subsectors. To analyse this data, UCS had to custom design an econometric model for contribution analysis. This model focused on variables such as employment headcounts, total revenue, profitability and the salary/wage bill. | Project was closed successfully. |
| 2019 | Assessment of FASSET’s Non-Pivotal Grant applications for 3 financial years (2016/17 – 2018/19) UCS employed both quantitative and qualitative research methods for this project. Extensive desk research and secondary data were used for analysis. Interviews were mainly limited to input from SDFs in the FASS. Quantitative data analysis was done using Advanced Excel and SPSS whilst Thematic Content Analysis was used for qualitative analysis | UCS managed to produce a quality report to the satisfaction of the client. |
| 2018 | Study to Investigate and Model the Impact of Increased Investment in the Township Economy in South Africa. The project involved updating a Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) for Townships and Estimating the Impact of Investing in Townships. | Project was closed successfully. |
 | 2015 | An Independent Analysis of Qualitative and Quantitative Data Collected from Schools for the Preparation of the 2014 NEEDU Report. UCS was commissioned by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to conduct a study on behalf of its National Education Evaluation and Development Unit (NEEDU). The assignment involved the independent analysis of qualitative and quantitative data collected from schools for the preparation of 2014 NEEDU report. The analysis was done using SPSS, Excel and the results were shared in PowerPoint and Word. | Project was closed successfully. |
 | 2014 | Feasibility Study for a Waste-to-Energy (WtE) Project in Sedibeng and West Rand Municipal Areas. UCS was part of a consortium of Transaction Advisors lead by Utho Capita. UCS led the economists responsible for Socio-Economic Impact of the WtE Project. The project used both the Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) and Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA), which included an estimation of economic rate of return (ERR) and social costs and benefits of the WtE project in Gauteng Province. | This is the first WtE project in South Africa. Project was closed successfully. |
| 2013 | Socio-Economic Impact Assessment of the Township Industrial Hubs in Gauteng Province. UCS was part of a consortium of Transaction Advisors (New Africa Consulting). UCS led the Economics Workstream. The project involved impact analysis, simulations and quantification of economic impact such as sustainable or temporary jobs created, changes in personal income, business production, sales, and tax collections. | Project was closed successfully. |
 | 2013 | Development of the South Africa’s Maritime Human Resources Development Strategy. This project was sub-contracted to UCS buy BlaPau Management Consulting. UCS was responsible for the socio-economic analysis of the South African Maritime Sector and econometric analysis of the determinants of demand and supply of skills in the sector. | Project was closed successfully. |
 | 2013 | An Independent Data Analysis of Shop Stewards Performance Assessments. This project entailed data cleaning and analysis using SPSS. | Project was closed successfully. |
 | 2012 | Economic Impact Assessment of the Jewellery Manufacturing Precinct (JMP) on the Gauteng Economy using the Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) Model. UCS was part of a consortium of Transaction Advisors (New Africa Consulting). UCS led the Economics Workstream. The project involved the estimation of the following socio - economic impact: gross domestic product (GDP), infrastructure and capital utilisation, employment (job creation), changes in personal income (including poor households), business production (and SMMEs), sales, tax collections, and balance of payments. | Client was impressed with quality of work and awarded us a follow-up project. |
 | 2012 | Establishment of the Gauteng Informal Economy, SMME and Cooperatives Observatory. UCS was part of a consortium of researchers led by the University of Johannesburg (UJ). UCS conducted a study on Estimating the Size and Trends of Informal Sector Activities in Gauteng Province. The study used the Currency Demand Approach. | Our report was chosen for journal publication. |
| 2012 | Review of the Statistical Methods and Calculations used for the Quarterly Statistical Submissions and the Credit Bureau Monitor Inputs. Review of statistical methods and calculations and development of an MS Excel Database. | Project was closed successfully. |
Data Collection, Capturing & Analysis Center (DCCAC)
| The Practice of Dr Tanya M Robinson | 2016 | Data Capturing and Analysis on the Religion in Public Schools Matter. This matter was before the High Court, on promotion of religion in public schools in South Africa. UCS was contract by Dr T Robinson (specialist in children’s) to capture, analyse and interpret the data from the learners and parents survey. Data was captured using CSPro, while data cleaning and analysis was done using SPSS. | Project closed successfully. |
 | 2016 | NIMSS Data Collection and Capturing in Gauteng and Mpumalanga Province The National Injury Mortality Surveillance System (NIMSS) is a South African Medical Research Council (MRC) and Unisa project. The main purpose of the project is to provide access to NIMSS data to anyone who needs information on injury magnitude and patterns in South Africa. UCS was contracted by Unisa to collect and capture epidemiological data from Forensic Pathology Services (FPS) in Gauteng and Mpumalanga Provinces. | Project closed successfully. |
 | 2016 | Data Capturing for the Matthew Goniwe School of Leadership and Governance. Capturing of data collected from the class of 2015 students. | Project closed successfully. |
 | 2016 | Data Capturing for the Midrand Graduate Institute. UCS was contracted to offer data capturing services to the Midrand Graduate Institute. The project involved capturing data collect from students into a database, using Excel. | Project closed successfully. |
| 2014 | NIMSS Data Collection and Capturing in Gauteng and Mpumalanga Province. UCS was contracted by Unisa to collect and capture epidemiological data from Forensic Pathology Services (FPS) in Gauteng and Mpumalanga Provinces. | Client was impressed with quality of work and awarded us further projects |
| 2014 | Research on Rural Safety Issues in the Gauteng Province. The aim of the survey was to explore the prevalence of crime and violence in rural and farming communities in the Gauteng Province. UCS was commissioned to collect survey data from rural/farm experts, police, farmers, and farm workers. | Client was impressed with quality of work and promised us further projects. |
| 2013 | Data Capturing and Analysis for the Survey Questionnaire: School and Shebeen Raids. Data was captured in CSPro and Analysis done using SPSS. | Client was impressed with quality of work and promised us further projects. |
 | 2012 | Data capturing, cleaning and analysis for the Baseline and Productivity Study. Data was captured in CSPro and analysis was done using SPSS. | Project closed successfully. |
 | 2011 | South African National Student Survey 2011. South African National Student Survey 2011. Online data capturing for the Magnet Student Survey. UCS captured more than 5000 questionnaires online. | Project closed successfully. |
 | 2011 | Computer Assisted Telephone Interview (CATI) Data Collection and Data Capturing, Cleaning and Verification. Development of a quality client database. | Project closed successfully. |
 | 2011 | Computer Assisted Telephone Interview (CATI) Data Collection and Data Capturing, Cleaning and Verification. Development of a quality client database. | Project closed successfully. |
UCS’ SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
Head Office Address:
28 Brecher Street, Clydesdale,
Sunnyside, Pretoria,
South Africa
Sunnyside, Pretoria,
South Africa