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There is a disconnect between corporate communication and employee engagement which often leads to poor organizational culture and ultimately poor performance. Therefore, the study aims to address this phenomenon and connect corporate communication to employee engagement for organisational success. Organizations are aware of the indisputable connection between their success and employee engagement in the current competitive environment. With a qualitative method using an interpretivism research paradigm, this study explores how corporate communication at Bakoena Services Pty Ltd. promotes employee engagement. Senior, middle, and junior staff members provide detailed perspectives. The study used semi-structured interviews to investigate how employees feel about the channels of communication that are currently in place, as well as how effective they are perceived to be and how they affect engagement. It also looked at tactics and planned communication enhancements that Bakoena Services Pty Ltd. might use to encourage employee engagement. This study added to our knowledge of the complex interplay within a particular organizational setting between corporate communication and employee engagement as well as made contributions theoretically to the stakeholder theory which underpinned the study. The conclusions provided Bakoena Services Pty Ltd. with insightful information about modifying its communication strategies to foster a workforce that is more engaged, content, and eventually more productive. The study's findings give suggestions for enhancement as well as insight into the role of corporate communication in promoting employee engagement at Bakoena Services Pty Ltd. The study's main recommendation is to strengthen the role of human resources, which is crucial in addition to communication reform. The study also concludes that human resource staff members ought to be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in communication, engagement strategies, feedback management, and leadership development.

The purpose of this study is to explore the concept of change management, and employee engagement as a possible organisational turnaround strategy. This is owing to Organisations exist to deliver their strategic goal and objectives, this would amongst others ensure both technical and tactical strategical success. When organisations strategy is in shape there is a high rate of employee retention and recruitment of the best talent in the market. However, the organisations always faces a conundrum of having to tap in their organisational turnaround strategy which in most cases is marred with resistance from the employees. This study seeks to establish the extent to which change management and employee engagement can be adopted as key organisational turnaround strategy. The study adopts an interpretive qualitative design, and thematic analysis to organize dataset into relevant themes. Study recommends employer consultation and employee participation, facilitation, negotiation and agreement, and manipulation and coercion as a blended approach to effective organizational turnaround strategy. The value of the study is how a simultaneous use of change management and employee engagement can be used by global organizations for effective turnaround strategies.

The contributions of entrepreneurs to wellbeing have been recognised in both industrialised and non-industrialised nations for engaging in solving socio-economic issues. In both economies, financial knowledge seems to be a significant instrument for assisting entrepreneurs, especially women, and other latent entrepreneurs to attain access to finance and reinforce money management skills. However, there is a lack of commitment to understand challenges affecting women’s economic activities. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the impact of financial knowledge on the economic empowerment of women entrepreneurs in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This study utilised a quantitative research design rooted in positivism philosophy. The study focused on surveying 500 women entrepreneurs including refugees and migrants, ultimately receiving responses from 400 participants. Respondents were selected using convenience quota sampling technique who are operating in the Durban Metropolitan areas. A Likert Scale model has been used in the quantitative questions and respondents had to select answers to the close-ended questions. With the help of 10% of the participants who served as pilot respondents and research professionals in the area of entrepreneurship, the instrument was updated and modified. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 was used to cross-check, clean, code, and analyze data collected from the target population. The findings show that entrepreneurial activities empower women economically, poor business skills such as insufficient financial literacy skills, access to finance, education and training hinder their economic development. Recognising the valuable contribution of women entrepreneurs to socioeconomic growth, it is essential to implement policies that promote financial literacy among female business owners. This contributes to the sustainability of women-led small and medium-sized enterprises, enhances their empowerment, and promotes economic growth.

This paper examines the challenges facing the provision of low-cost housing conundrum, with specific reference to the Eastern Cape Province. The paper will further explore policy alternatives to the idea of low-cost housing scheme delivery over time with a view to improving delivery of low-cost housing inquest for integrated sustainable communities in the province. Against the above stated background, the aim of this paper is to investigate challenges facing the provision of low-cost housing on the people of Eastern Cape Province.  The guiding research question of this paper is: what is the efficacy way of implementing integrated low-cost housing strategy in addressing the problem of affordable housing shortage for the poor in the Province through the Integrated Human Settlement Plan? This papers setting is in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. A mixed method approach is employed to explore and describe the complexities at play in the policy tensions conundrum in the Eastern Cape Province. The findings of this paper suggest that the goal and vision of Integrated Human Settlement Plan should be consistently communicated in clear simple terms to all affected, especially the rural poor communities as they are most affected by the provision of low-cost housing provision. This article contributes to the scholarship of Public Administration and Development Management of resources surrounding the ongoing debate on the implementation of Integrated Human Settlement programme’s and government interventions that are targeted at low income and poor communities in South Africa with regard to transformation, development and policy implementation. The main argument of this paper is that with an adequate policy execution of the government’s development agenda we can improve service delivery as well as integrated human settlement that brings human dignity to the province of the Eastern Cape.

The study significantly enhances the current literature by highlighting the importance of financial management skills in the success of MSMEs, especially in the context of small construction firms functioning under unstable and uncertain economic conditions. It offers insights on how effective financial management can alleviate the negative impacts of economic uncertainty, including variable interest rates and regulatory modifications, which were intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study concentrates on BCO Construction in Johannesburg, examining the distinct financial issues encountered by small construction firms and the potential solutions through improved financial management strategies. The research delineates numerous vital financial management competencies needed for project accomplishment. This encompasses the capacity to manage liquidity efficiently, sustain profitability, and utilize financial instruments such as Net Present Value (NPV) and Earned Value (EV) management. It emphasizes the significance of abilities in managing financial leverage, which can facilitate the attainment of project objectives within budgetary and temporal limitations. The findings indicate that the absence of trained financial personnel, ineffective payment systems, and liquidity issues are substantial obstacles for BCO Construction. Consequently, it is advisable to tackle these difficulties through specialized financial literacy and management training to enhance overall project performance. The study employs a quantitative methodology, including standardized questionnaires administered to eighty (80) participants to gather data regarding the problems and competencies required for financial management in building projects. The analysis conducted with SPSS version 29 indicates that enhancing communication channels, integrating strategic financial planning, and implementing thorough training programs are essential for aligning financial objectives with overarching corporate goals. This alignment is essential for optimizing resource allocation, guaranteeing financial stability, and improving competitiveness in the construction sector.  

The motivation behind this study is rising concern about climate change and its impact on future generations. Mining companies in Zimbabwe are significant contributors to environmental degradation. The study tested the relationship between climate action and green human capital management and its sub-variables of green recruitment and selection, green training and development, green reward management, and green performance management. The quantitative survey utilized a sample size of 383 employees across the Zimbabwean mining sector. The study found that green human capital, green training and development, and climate action are being implemented in the Zimbabwean mining sector. However, the study found that mining enterprises need to implement green recruitment and selection, green reward management, and green performance management, which is a cause for concern. The study accepts all hypotheses as multiple linear regression, which showed a significant positive relationship between climate action and green human capital and its sub-variables. The study recommends that organizations utilize green human capital management practices in the fight against climate change and its consequences. The study adds to the body of knowledge on green human resources by providing valuable insights into green human capital activities that generate maximum climate action.

With the global trend to prioritize tailoring communication strategies to meet the ever-changing diverse workforce, the study reveals a more nuanced reality.  While much focus is placed on addressing communication differences, this papers position is that not enough focus is on our basic human need to communicate. This paper aims to evaluate whether certain aspects of the flow of information and communication are racially shared perceptions. Furthermore, through a Chaos Theory lens, evaluate the influence of managerial and organizational control mechanisms on various internal communication perceptions. A quantitative method was adopted, and data was collected from 63 non-management respondents in an automotive group in Kwa-Zulu Natal, by a closed-ended 5-point Likert scale. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics to identify racially shared and divergent perceptions of organizational communication and the statistically significance.  Key findings conclude that the free and accurate flow of information is a shared perception, regardless of race, and thus, a basic human need.  Furthermore, the study demonstrates the significant influence managerial and organizational control mechanisms have on aspects of organizational communication, and challenges current academic positions that similar race dyads experience higher levels of trust.  Finally, the paper concludes that the significant negative perception to control mechanisms, such as informal idea-sharing processes, flexible communication between levels, and active participation in SOPs and policy development, is a racially shared perception.

In response to escalating global environmental challenges, mainly the urgent issue of climate change delineated by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), large corporations are increasingly pressured to mitigate their carbon emissions and ecological footprint. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies has emerged as a pivotal strategy in this endeavour, promising to revolutionise how businesses approach sustainability while maintaining economic competitiveness. AI offers capabilities such as optimising operational efficiencies, enhancing energy management systems, and facilitating data-driven decision-making processes—all of which are instrumental in achieving sustainability objectives. However, the effective application of AI in environmental sustainability initiatives faces several challenges. These include addressing data scarcity, ensuring ethical deployment of AI technologies, and complying with evolving regulatory frameworks. This study investigates how large corporations are leveraging AI to reduce their environmental impact through AI-driven strategies for carbon footprint reduction. The study follows a qualitative approach, six medium-large corporates in Gauteng were interviewed to gain insights on the subject matter. The findings highlight that AI adoption enhances operational efficiency and environmental stewardship while highlighting ongoing challenges and the need for robust ethical and regulatory frameworks. Moreover, emerging trends such as AI-driven autonomous vehicles for logistics and advanced climate modelling illustrate AI's transformative potential in reshaping corporate ethos and addressing environmental concerns. The study contributes insights grounded in the Resource-Based View (RBV) theory, offering practical recommendations for corporations to harness AI effectively for sustainable growth within the framework of the UN SDGs and global environmental norms.

Globally, staff development is essential for enhancing employee performance and promoting organizational success (Akdere & Egan, 2020). In the context of local municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), the absence of effective staff development has been recognized as a significant factor contributing to inadequate service delivery (Thusi & Selepe, 2023). Although the importance of staff development is acknowledged, municipalities face challenges in determining the effectiveness of these initiatives (Zulu, Yalezo & Mutambara, 2022). The COVID-19 pandemic has further intensified these issues, resulting in organizational changes, such as the shift to remote work, which have affected employee performance (Rogerson & Rogerson, 2020). This study investigates the influence of staff development programs on employee performance, with a focus on the Msunduzi Municipality. A literature review identified notable challenges, including insufficient engagement, inadequate compensation, and a lack of consultation during the development of performance management systems (Khunoethe, 2021; Govender & Bussin, 2020). The study is grounded in Human Capital Theory, which suggests that investing in employee skills leads to enhanced performance and improved service delivery (Mphahlele & Zandamela, 2021). The methodology involved purposive sampling and in-depth interviews with staff at the Msunduzi Municipality to gain insights into their perceptions of staff development programs. The findings indicated that while training programs were appreciated, they often lacked alignment with broader organizational goals. Personal Development Plans (PDPs) were identified as vital for synchronizing individual growth with municipal objectives; however, challenges related to performance management persisted, reflecting a compliance-driven culture. The study advocates for the implementation of a more integrated staff development framework that focuses on goal-oriented, needs-based training aligned with organizational objectives. Additionally, continuous monitoring and mentorship programs are recommended to ensure ongoing improvements in service delivery and employee performance. Addressing economic constraints through strategic resource allocation will be crucial in overcoming these challenges.

Digital marketing has profoundly altered the marketing techniques utilised by merchants. Although a growing number of rural retail enterprises in South Africa are starting to implement these techniques, the comprehensive effect of digital marketing on their sustainability is still inadequately examined. This study seeks to investigate the impact of internet marketing on retail operations in the rural community of Flagstaff. A quantitative research methodology was utilised, distributing questionnaires to all 52 major merchants via a census technique, yielding 45 replies and an 87% response rate. The results demonstrate that merchants employ several digital marketing strategies, such as social media marketing, email marketing, and mobile marketing, to engage with customers and present sales propositions. This engagement is constrained by the minimal acceptance of digital marketing among consumers, restricted e-commerce utilisation, and inadequate digital literacy, preventing both sides from fully leveraging its advantages. The report advises businesses to persist in using digital marketing methods, including social media and email marketing, into their promotional efforts. This strategy will enable them to engage the niche population that prefers these platforms and maintain alignment with market trends, so assuring competitiveness. Furthermore, it is essential to assist rural areas in improving their digital marketing adoption to sustain retail enterprises and maintain relevance in the contemporary digital environment.

This qualitative research investigates the influence of servant leadership on the execution of strategic government initiatives, with a particular emphasis on the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) in Kwa-Thema. The project outcomes were investigated by collecting data from 10 participants using convenience sampling to investigate the impact of servant leadership traits, including empathy, commitment, empowerment, humility, ethical stewardship, long-term vision, and resilience. Thematic analysis was implemented to pinpoint critical themes and insights that were pertinent to the success and obstacles of the project. The research tackles a critical issue: project failures frequently result from inadequate leadership, which impedes team cohesion, collaboration, and overall performance (Swart et al., 2022). Additionally, the results suggest that servant leadership significantly improves project delivery by ensuring transparency, promoting collaboration, and aligning projects with community requirements. The impact of leadership on project achievement was discovered to be mediated by employee motivation and engagement. The study's limitations include its emphasis on a particular region and project type, which implies the necessity of conducting more extensive research. There are two recommendations: the integration of servant leadership principles into project management practices and the provision of targeted training for leaders to improve team dynamics and project outcomes.

The focus of this paper is on public administration as a discipline and a distinct body of knowledge concerned with the ontological and epistemological realities of monitoring and evaluation. This study will provide a brief account of the evolution of the field of Public Administration in connection to the ontological realities of M&E policy processes in order to provide context for the current thesis on M&E policy processes. As a precursor to the current study's methodological approach and emphasis on the need for M&E policy practice in South Africa, the paper provides the historical epistemological and ontological foundations of the discipline of Public Administration. In this light, the paper will seek to unveil the historical trends in the epistemological and ontological philosophical aspects of the discipline of Public Administration thus offering a scholarly anchor for the paper. Against this setback, this conceptual paper seeks to explore the prospects and challenges of monitoring and evaluations contribution to Public Administration discourse.

This research examines the correlation between human capital and economic growth in South Africa. Human capital is represented by Government Expenditure on Health (GEH), Government Expenditure on Education (GEE), and Secondary School Enrolment (SER). Notwithstanding substantial investments in these domains, South Africa has enduring economic difficulties, prompting apprehensions regarding the efficacy of existing human capital policies. This research aims to evaluate the influence of differences in GEH, GEE, and SER on economic productivity, consequently guiding policy decisions. We utilised a quantitative methodology employing annual time series data obtained from the World Bank and the South African Reserve Bank. The analysis incorporated unit root tests (ADF) to determine data stationarity and Johansen cointegration tests to examine long-term correlations among the variables. The data indicate that GEH positively influences economic productivity, suggesting a correlation between increased health spending and elevated GDP. Conversely, SER exhibits a negative correlation with economic growth, indicating that merely augmenting enrolment numbers does not yield enhanced economic results. While Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has a favourable correlation with economic growth, it is statistically insignificant. The report advocates for South Africa to prioritise educational quality over enrolment figures and to ensure continuous investment in healthcare services. Furthermore, subsequent research ought to investigate the ramifications of human capital within particular sectors, such as tourism, to yield focused policy recommendations for fostering economic growth.

In Higher Education, intellectual stimulation as a key aspect of transformational leadership, plays a vital role in fostering creativity and critical thinking among students. Several efforts have been made to improve students’ creativity in teaching and learning. Intellectual stimulation in Higher Education plays a significant role in fostering keen interest for learning and preparing students for future challenges. It creates a dynamic educational experience that benefits both the educators and students. However, there are still many institutions that have not optimized their students’ capacity development. For this reason, intellectual stimulation is considered as a strategic means for the improvement of creativity in education. All over the world, educational institutions encourage transformative teaching and learning skills design so as to implement a shift from the traditional pedagogy and be more creative with their teaching activities. Nevertheless, teaching and learning accomplishments in Higher Education are often faced with the challenge of resistance to change which slows down the improvement of students’ creativity improvement. This study comprises a systematic literature review using PRISMA approach to track related researches on the role of intellectual for the improvement of creativity in teaching and learning in Higher Education. The study defines the concept of intellectual stimulation and creativity in teaching and learning. The significance of intellectual stimulation in Higher Education is to enhance teaching strategies, influence policies and guide future research  by providing a clear and impactful contribution through the promotion of active learning, encouraging student feedback on their thinking processes, directing funding towards innovative teaching methods and technologies that enhance intellectual stimulation in order to build supportive learning environments and finally, policy makers can use findings on intellectual stimulation to advocate for curricula that emphasizes problem solving, creativity and real world application .Results obtained indicate that intellectual stimulation plays a crucial role in improving students’ creativity. Findings from the study can be linked to potential policy changes for enhancing educational practices and improving education policies serving as advocates for inquiry-based learning and critical thinking skills. The potential contribution of this review study will prompt educators to encourage questioning, introduce diverse learning activities such as group projects and case studies, critical thinking exercises, foster a growth mindset in students, connect to real world issues.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa previously faced challenges due to limited resources, restricted access to technology, and the need to constantly adapt to a dynamic business environment. The introduction of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) emerged as a potential solution to these issues, promising to enhance operational efficiency and strategic decision-making. As a representative of developing economies, South Africa experienced a growing interest in AI technologies. This study was conducted to explore the impact of generative AI on SME productivity in South Africa, an area which had been underexplored. Employing a qualitative methodology, the study evaluated the current state and implications of generative AI in South African SMEs. It involved in-depth interviews to gather perceptions, experiences, challenges, and benefits from SME owners and managers regarding the adoption of generative AI technologies. The findings analysed via R Statistical Software revealed significant insights into the specific areas where generative AI substantially impacted SME productivity. It also identified the challenges and opportunities associated with the adoption of generative AI by SMEs, as well as the potential long-term implications. Key findings included notable improvements in data-driven decision-making, operational efficiencies, and market expansion strategies. However, the study also highlighted barriers such as the lack of technical expertise, initial setup costs, and concerns over data security. Overall, the impact of generative AI on SMEs in South Africa was found to be predominantly positive, paving the way for further technological advancements and adoption in the sector.

In the ever-changing realm of retail banking, it is essential for banks to grasp the elements that affect customer decisions to stay ahead in the competition. This study delves into customer preferences when selecting a bank, focusing specifically on Absa Bank in South Africa. By utilizing a case study approach, the research delves into the factors that influence customer behavior in the retail banking industry. Referencing the consumer decision model, the study investigates various stages such as problem recognition, information search, evaluation of options, purchase decision, and post-purchase assessment. Factors such as security, convenience, assurance, accessibility, and responsiveness are pinpointed as crucial aspects in bank selection. The study employs quantitative research techniques, conducting surveys with Absa Bank customers to dissect their preferences. Findings suggest that transaction fees, corporate image, bank coverage, and size play a significant role in influencing customer decisions. The study emphasizes the importance of addressing these customer-identified factors to deter customer attrition. Recommendations include conducting regular surveys to keep abreast of changing customer preferences and maintaining a competitive edge. The research offered valuable insights that can guide strategic decision-making and marketing efforts in the retail banking sector.

Zimbabwe’s Small to medium enterprises (SMEs) face worsening performance and growth-related challenges attributable to failure by owner managers to embrace Strategic Financial Management (SFM) practices capable of promoting business growth and performance. SMEs became the main contributor to the gross domestic product following the collapse of the economy due to the government’s agrarian reform of 2000. Using the quantitative design, the study investigated SFM practices by SMEs towards developing a SFM framework for Zimbabwe’s SMEs. The study revealed that SMEs lacked a conceptual framework that ensures growth despite having a clear focus and vision. Drawing from empirical data and critical review of relevant theories, the study developed a strategic financial management framework for SMEs in Zimbabwe. The framework has relevance for SMEs in Zimbabwe and other neighboring countries as they promote SMEs growth and performance.

The objective of this study was to evaluate how measures taken to prevent fraud impact the Profitability of insurance companies operating in South Africa. The study adopted a descriptive research approach and surveyed a sample of 70 licensed insurance companies in the country. Primary sources of data were obtained by engaging claims managers in each of the firms, and descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. The results of the study revealed that fraud mitigation measures significantly affect the Profitability of insurance companies in South Africa. The implementation of fraud prevention, detection, and response measures had a positive impact on the Profitability of these firms. Based on the findings, the study recommends that the Insurance Regulatory Authority establish regulations that mandate all insurance providers to collect and report statistics on fraud. Insurance firms should provide their employees with comprehensive training on fraud management and implement strict penalties and disciplinary measures for employees involved in fraudulent activities, as they can undermine the effectiveness of the fraud mitigation process.

Refugee women entrepreneurship has been played a crucial role in economic development and poverty alleviation in both sending and receiving countries. Although their contribution to socioeconomic development in South Africa, they face various challenges including proper identity documents from the Department of Home Affairs, financial resources, and services to enter the labor market in SA. The purpose of this study is to explore the entrepreneurial skills of DR Congolese refugee women in Durban. This study used qualitative research methodology including both explanatory and descriptive theories during data collection. The study used in-depth interviews and questionnaires where ten Congolese refugee women informal traders between the age of 24 and 41 years were selected through snowball techniques from Congolese community in Durban. The results revealed that entrepreneurial activity has been considered as an approach of empowering refugee women and poverty alleviation in their receiving countries. The findings show that refugees are the most unlikely entrepreneurs as they lacked the resources to launch a new enterprise with no history of credit and lack of assets or security to bank loan. The study revealed the needs of UNHCR, NGOs and government’s support in terms of sponsoring refugees’ projects, especially business training and appropriate identity documents from the department of Home Affairs. The economic contributions of female refugee entrepreneurs from the Congo in South Africa could be substantial if supported by gender-responsive policies and the provision of formal identification documents, along with access to business training opportunities. This would enhance their well-being and contribute to the economic growth of Durban.

Service delivery in cities is facing challenges related to high demand service delivery demand as a result of rural-urban migration patterns. This is the flow of people from rural areas to cities looking for better opportunities in relation to jobs and education. Thus, there is high demand for services in cites. The study seeks to assess whether there is high service delivery in cities because of rural-urban migration patterns. The study adopts a quantitative approach with the sample comprising 350 respondents, purposively selected through non- probability sampling, and required to complete a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire. The researcher assisted in terms of questionnaire administration. The completed questionnaire provided the quantitative data for statistical analysis, using SPSS version 28.0. Study findings indicate that, among other factors, problems related to illegal water connection, pit latrine, high electricity demand in urban areas which indicates more demand. The findings suggest a need for urban planning to harness the good aspects of rural- urban migration, providing key pointers for sustainable growth in local government, as well as to address the high urban crime rate, unemployment, delays in hospitals. This study activates proactive urban planning and community involvement through public participation channels and the need for urban municipalities to create bi-laws that will proactively dela with rural to urban migration.