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Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are essential catalysts for economic expansion and employment generation in local communities. Nonetheless, their elevated failure rate presents a considerable risk to economic sustainability. This study examines the fundamental difficulties leading to SME failures in the Sol Plaatje Local Municipality (SPLM) in the Northern Cape, South Africa, and analyses viable ways to improve their sustainability and growth. Data were gathered using a qualitative research approach through semi-structured interviews with 15 SME owners recruited via non-probability sampling. Thematic study, utilising ATLAS.ti software, identified multiple persistent challenges encountered by SMEs in the region. These encompass restricted access to technology, deficient infrastructure, financial limitations, poor training, elevated unemployment, constrained market access, and safety issues. Factors like delayed payments, political meddling, unfair competition, the repercussions of the Covid-19 outbreak, and insufficient mentorship further impede SME development. The study assessed current government support channels, highlighting their benefits and deficiencies. The findings highlight the necessity for focused policy interventions, capacity-building measures, and enhanced support structures to bolster the resilience and long-term sustainability of SMEs in SPLM.

Entrepreneurship is a critical driver of economic growth, particularly in developing regions like Gauteng, South Africa. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) contribute significantly to job creation, innovation, and economic sustainability, yet many faces persistent challenges such as strategic mismanagement, limited leadership skills, and resource constraints. This study investigates the role of coaching as a strategic intervention to enhance entrepreneurial development and foster sustainable business practices among SME owners in Gauteng. Guided by a qualitative, phenomenological approach, the study draws on the interpretive paradigm to explore the lived experiences of 15 SME entrepreneurs who have participated in formal coaching programs. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. The findings reveal that coaching significantly enhances entrepreneurs' strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and adaptability, enabling them to make informed decisions that drive long-term sustainability. The study underscores the need for targeted coaching programs tailored to the unique challenges of SME entrepreneurs in Gauteng.

This study investigates how business and skill development can enable African youth to advance lasting peace amid obstacles like unemployment and conflict. Addressing structural obstacles to economic opportunity is essential for promoting social stability and development in Africa, where the youth population is expanding quickly. In order to assess the effects of entrepreneurship and vocational training programs on youth empowerment and peacebuilding, the study uses a secondary qualitative analytical methodology, using organizational reports, case studies of African programs, and existing literature. The results show that vocational training programs run by Young Africa's Skills2Live project and Don Bosco Tech Africa have improved community cohesiveness, economic independence, and employability. In addition to lowering their susceptibility to extremist recruiting, entrepreneurship programs have given young people the skills they need to deal with financial difficulties. Nonetheless, issues including gender inequality, restricted financial resources, and a lack of alignment between training initiatives and industry needs continue to exist. It is revealed that entrepreneurship and skill development are progressive strategies for reducing youth unemployment and promoting peace. Some policy proposals include increasing access to vocational training, encouraging gender-inclusive entrepreneurial projects, fortifying public-private partnerships, and including conflict resolution education in empowerment programs. These tactics are crucial for Africa's youngsters to have a resilient and peaceful future.

Correctional officers’ attitudes and perceptions about the treatment of offenders can affect an inmate’s experience within a correctional institution. Correctional officers meet offenders daily, and their influence on how offenders experience their detention cannot be overestimated. The perception of correctional officers towards the rehabilitation of offenders needs to be investigated for the benefit of the department, community, and offenders. The study aimed to determine correctional officers' perceptions toward rehabilitating offenders. The study used a quantitative research approach. A probability purposive sampling approach was used to select the participants. The study found that correctional officers are key in communicating with offenders and providing trustworthy advice to improve their lives. Correctional officers working in correctional centres may assist in rehabilitating offenders by communicating needs and risks to parole officers, parole boards, judges, or probation officers. Offenders should be punished for the crime/s they have committed. Increasing the severity of punishment does little to deter crime. The study recommends that basic training of correctional officers should include issues of the rehabilitation of offenders. Correctional officers who engage offenders in rehabilitation should receive performance management bonuses. Moreover, correctional officers should be briefed on the content of the programmes offered by custodial therapists.

The study investigated the impact of supply chain management (SCM) practices on supply chain robustness (SCR) and financial performance (FP) in the freight logistics sector in South Africa post-COVID-19 era. Employing a survey research design and quantitative methodology, the research utilised a purposive sampling technique to recruit 500 professionals specialising in supply chain, operations, and finance from freight logistics firms across the Gauteng, North-West, and Mpumalanga provinces of South Africa. The study assessed various SCM practices, specifically focusing on capacity and skills management (CSM), customer relationship management (CRM), and supplier relationship management (SRM) as independent variables. The mediating variable was SCR, with FP being the outcome variable. Hypotheses were tested using Partial Least Squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).  In the findings, both CRM and SRM demonstrated significant positive impacts on SCR, while CSM was statistically insignificant.  Furthermore, SCR was found to have a significant positive effect on FP. A significant mediating effect of SCR on the association of CRM and SRM on FP was observed. The study is a groundbreaking attempt to provide insights into which SCM factors deserve attention when attempting to strengthen the robustness and FP of freight logistics supply chains.

There is a dichotomy between the conventional theoretical view, which postulates that increased quality of governance stimulates economic growth and advances private capital formation. This study investigates the impact of governance quality and government expenditure on economic growth in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. The study applied the Pooled Mean Group and Autoregressive Distributed Lag (PMG-ARDL) model. The annual panel covers the period 2002 – 2023, which comprises five selected countries from the SADC member states. The data set was obtained from the World Bank World Governance Indicators (WBWGI) databases. In the short run, economic growth was linked to government expenditure. In the long run, technical governance quality variables bring participants into action or service through control of corruption and the rule of law. The technical governance quality variables contribute to economic growth and are positive in the long run. At the same time, democratic governance quality variables influence economic growth negatively. However, it was highlighted that a permanent increase in country government expenditure could be experienced due to continuous randomness. The study revealed that weak governance and unstable government expenditure deteriorate economic growth complexity. Henceforth, this study has also enhanced the governance quality and government expenditure theories and empirical literature concerning economic growth by exposing that the governance quality of the selected SADC countries endures commotion. This study recommends that achieving selected SADC growth can be possible by balancing the technical governance quality variables and abating the democratic governance quality variables. Thus, the study contributes by outlining the golden thread that national and international policies should be prioritized in control of corruption and endorse governance effectiveness, regulatory quality, the rule of law, and managing expenditure within the threshold level.

The research analyzes in depth how Beyond Budgeting influences financial results across the South African non-ferrous metal industry. The research solves the challenge of outdated budget systems alongside marketplace insecurities and operational obstacles in the examined sector. The 60-month period from 2020 through secondary financial statement analysis of non-ferrous metal firms constitutes the research approach. Financial performance analysis used a sample set of statements to conduct t-tests on paired data points for examining budgeting practice associations. Beyond Budgeting brought better revenue results to organizations but proved minimally effective in increasing profitability when associated with growing cost diversity levels. Beyond Budgeting produced enhanced revenue results but did not create substantial changes in operating profit numbers. Traditional budgeting methods proved unfit for handling the changing non-ferrous metal market environment because they produced erroneous financial prediction results. The study findings indicate South African non-ferrous metal firms should implement Beyond Budgeting for their revenue flexibility but must maintain cost control systems for profitability sustainability. Organizations should combine traditional budgeting components with Beyond Budgeting principles to attain financial security as well as market responsiveness according to research findings. Financial managers require training in adaptive budgeting and organizations should install real-time tracking systems which effectively regulate cost variances.

This study investigates the key factors influencing warehouse inventory performance at Eskom Distribution in the Gauteng Cluster using factor analysis. The aim is to identify critical elements that impact inventory management effectiveness and enhance operational performance. Eskom faces challenges in inventory control, including forecasting inaccuracies, procurement risks, and technology integration limitations, despite advancements in Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) and Reorder Point (ROP) models. This research applies a quantitative approach with a positivist paradigm, using simple random sampling to select 144 respondents from a target population of 230 employees involved in inventory management. Data was collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to uncover the factors affecting warehouse performance. The study identifies three major components—operational efficiency, inventory accuracy, and record-keeping—that account for the majority of variance in performance outcomes. These findings are aligned with previous studies emphasizing the role of accurate inventory data, efficient operations, and technology in enhancing warehouse functioning. The implications suggest that Eskom and similar organizations should invest in advanced inventory management systems, improve staff training, and adopt real-time tracking solutions. Further research could explore how external disruptions and emerging technologies, such as AI and blockchain, influence inventory performance across various sectors. This study contributes valuable insights to the field of inventory management within the public sector, offering practical recommendations for improving warehouse efficiency and reducing operational delays.  

The National Crime Prevention Strategy Pillar is aimed at reducing crime by focusing on crime across borders, amongst which is the trafficking of persons. This study aims to analyse the vulnerabilities of children to trafficking in South Africa. A qualitative research approach was used to explain the vulnerabilities of child trafficking in our society. Data was collected using a secondary data collection method wherein information was obtained from published materials and reports. The findings reveal that poverty, unemployment and lack of education increase the likelihood of child trafficking. Poverty is the main factor, particularly in underdeveloped and rural regions of South Africa. Therefore, families facing economic hardship are easily deceived by traffickers, especially those unaware of trafficking risks. It revealed that awareness campaigns and school programs are the key strategies to prevent child trafficking by educating families and learners on trafficking risks. It also recommends expanding education efforts and increasing economic support to address a major influence of trafficking poverty. Therefore, concluding that successful public outreach and awareness campaigns can aid in the detection of human trafficking cases, increase public support for local and governmental action, and eventually aid in the prevention of child trafficking.

The research investigates the correlation between socioeconomic characteristics and HIV-related mortality in South Africa, a nation with one of the highest prevalence rates of HIV-AIDS globally.  This work employs a pooled mean group estimator and a viable generalised least squares approach to analyse provincial data from 1993 to 2023. The findings demonstrate that socio-economic determinants significantly influence HIV-related mortality in South Africa, although the connection differs by province and over the long term. The study identifies economic disparity, youth and adult unemployment, and household income as major predictors of HIV-related mortality in certain provinces, whereas the labour force correlates with decreased HIV-related deaths in others. The research indicates that an increase in household wealth may not inherently result in enhanced health outcomes and could potentially worsen the issue of HIV-related mortality in South Africa. The study's results have ramifications for policy and practice. Policymakers must evaluate the unforeseen repercussions of augmenting household income on HIV-associated mortality and implement a comprehensive strategy when developing policies connected to socio-economic determinants and HIV-related fatalities in South Africa. The report advocates for the mitigation of income disparity and unemployment, enhancement of labour force participation, formulation of province-specific policies and interventions, improvement of educational access, and the pursuit of further research as effective measures to reduce HIV-related mortality in South Africa.

Sustainable food systems are essential for achieving numerous Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in securing food availability, enhancing nutrition, and fostering sustainable agriculture, while also aiding in other SDGs such as poverty alleviation, promoting health and well-being, encouraging responsible consumption, and addressing climate change. Discussions about both Sustainable Development Goals and the sustainability of food systems are ongoing. This article engages with these discussions by investigating the link between the Sustainable Development Goals and food systems, and analysing how food systems might be prioritised as essential for attaining the SDGs. Supported by a secondary literature assessment, the article demonstrated that food security is essential for sustainable development, influencing many Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Numerous Sustainable Development Goals will be realised when individuals have access to sufficient nutritious food. The conclusion is that recognising the intersections and interrelations between the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and food systems, along with implementing transformative measures that empower stakeholders along the food supply chain, will enhance governments' prospects of achieving the SDGs.

Crises are inevitable in the business environment, and the effects can vary widely across small and large businesses. Depending on its severity, crisis can threaten the continuity of businesses, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs). For instance, the recent COVID-19 pandemic saw the discontinuation of several businesses. Thus, it is essential to investigate the survival strategies that can be adopted to facilitate business continuity. This study performs a literature review to investigate the strategies that can be adopted by SMEs to foster business continuity amidst crises. Considering SMEs crucial contribution to global economic development, employment creation and poverty alleviation, it is crucial to identify strategies that facilitate business continuity among SMEs. The findings of this literature review indicate that technological innovation, business agility, organizational resilience, innovative marketing strategies and the retrenchment strategy can facilitate business continuity among SMEs. This research contributes to the literature on crisis management in business and highlight strategies that can be implemented for business continuity in SMEs. Future research should empirically investigate the adoption of these strategies in SMEs, and ways to overcome the challenges hindering their adoption and implementation for sustainable business continuity.

South Africa’s journey toward universal health coverage through the proposed National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme reflects a deeply contested terrain of political, economic, and institutional interests. At the heart of the debate lies the struggle to transform an inequitable, dual-tiered healthcare system into a unified platform for equitable access. This article examines the political economy underpinning the NHI discourse by critically unpacking the roles, incentives, and power dynamics of key stakeholder groups, including government institutions, private healthcare providers, civil society, trade unions, political parties, and international actors. Using a political economy analysis framework, the study explores how stakeholder preferences and alignments shape the pace, design, and legitimacy of NHI reforms. It interrogates the conflicting narratives of equity and efficiency, state capacity versus market reliance, and centralized control versus decentralized delivery. Drawing on diverse reports, policy analyses, public submissions, and academic critiques, the research highlights how divergent ideological, financial, and institutional positions influence both policy content and public perception. Evidence from the research indicates that health reform in South Africa is not merely a technical endeavor but a deeply political process. Stakeholders engage in strategic behavior to either support, contest, or reshape the NHI, with implications for policy coherence, implementation feasibility, and constitutional alignment. The article concludes that sustainable health reform depends not only on sound policy design but also on transparent negotiation, inclusive dialogue, and adaptive political strategy. A nuanced understanding of stakeholder dynamics is therefore essential to realizing South Africa’s vision of health equity and universal coverage.

The establishment of South Africa’s 2024 Government of National Unity (GNU) marks a significant departure from post-apartheid electoral norms, raising critical questions about the constitutional viability of coalition governance amid political fragmentation. This paper interrogates whether the existing constitutional framework adequately supports a GNU model under contemporary conditions of socio-economic strain and institutional fragility. Through a qualitative legal analysis of constitutional texts, key policy documents, political declarations, and jurisprudential trends, the study assesses how mechanisms such as separation of powers, executive authority, and intergovernmental cooperation are interpreted and deployed within unity arrangements. It traces the historical emergence of power-sharing in South Africa, comparing the 1994 transitional GNU to the current iteration, and identifies core challenges such as executive ambiguity, accountability erosion, and legal uncertainty. The paper further evaluates the role of civil society, the judiciary, and political culture in safeguarding constitutional order. By synthesizing insights from state performance, party behavior, and legal analysis, it identifies both limitations and reform opportunities within South Africa’s constitutional architecture. The study concludes with recommendations for strengthening democratic resilience through clearer legal design, institutional clarity, and enhanced civic engagement, contributing to global discourse on constitutional adaptability in emerging democracies.

There has been intense scrutiny about the design and delivery of curricula in South Africa higher education institutions. Various policies and laws have been established to ensure that the South African higher education contributes to the transformation agenda of the nation. This study contributes to this debate by examining how the South African higher education policies contribute to the transformation of curriculum to meet contemporary socioeconomic needs. The study employs a systematic literature review to synthesise current evidence and adopts a morphogenetic approach to explore how existing frameworks, such as the Higher Education Act of 1997 and the White Paper for Post-School Education and Training (2014), have shaped the curriculum design and implementation processes in South African universities. The paper begins by discussing the internationalisation of higher education curricula and highlights the need for graduates to develop global competencies. It further examines the role of the South African internationalisation policy in preparing students for the global economy. The research also addresses how policy gaps, such as the inadequate focus on decolonisation and the lack of alignment with the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), impact the effectiveness of curriculum transformation efforts. The findings reveal that despite numerous policy frameworks and strategic documents, there remains a disconnect between the goals of higher education policies and the practical realities of curriculum design and delivery. This disconnect contributes to the numerous challenges in the higher education sector, manifested through student protests and dissatisfaction with the relevance of academic programs. The paper concludes that a more nuanced approach to curriculum reform is necessary, one that bridges policy intentions with practical outcomes through continuous dialogue among universities, the government, and industry stakeholders.

Entrepreneurship education plays a crucial role in equipping students with the necessary skills and mindset to tackle economic challenges, promote innovation, and stimulate job creation. In the contemporary world, where youth unemployment presents significant concerns, innovative teaching methods such as Project-Based Learning (PBL) and team teaching are increasingly recognized. This study investigates the effectiveness of team teaching within the PBL framework, highlighting its importance in enhancing Entrepreneurship Education. PBL engages students in real-world projects, connecting theoretical knowledge with practical application while fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. The incorporation of team teaching into PBL brings together diverse expertise and interdisciplinary perspectives, fostering a comprehensive learning environment. Through collaborative instruction, facilitators from various disciplines co-design and deliver curricula, offering students valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of entrepreneurship. This approach not only deepens understanding but also exemplifies teamwork and adaptability—skills vital for entrepreneurial success. The study utilizes an integrative literature review, drawing from both primary and secondary sources to evaluate the impact of team teaching on Entrepreneurship Education. The findings suggest that team teaching enhances student engagement, skill development, and entrepreneurial competencies by leveraging the collective expertise of facilitators. However, successful implementation necessitates careful planning, alignment of teaching styles, and robust collaboration among instructors. The contemporary business environment, characterized by prevalent socio-economic challenges, team teaching within PBL provides a strategic approach to foster entrepreneurial readiness. The study emphasizes the need for further research to refine team teaching strategies, ensuring they effectively address the unique challenges faced in higher education and entrepreneurship across the world. These insights contribute to the broader conversation on advancing Entrepreneurship Education on a global scale.

The changing business environment in South Africa has encouraged Management Accounting graduates to consider alternative career paths beyond traditional corporate positions. Entrepreneurship, especially in the fields of consulting and financial advisory, offers a valuable opportunity for these graduates to utilize their skills in financial analysis, business strategy, and risk management. Nonetheless, many graduates remain underrepresented in entrepreneurial endeavors due to several challenges, including limited exposure to entrepreneurship education, a tendency towards risk aversion, and difficulties in accessing financial resources. This study examines the entrepreneurial intentions of Management Accounting graduates in South Africa, focusing on their perceptions of self-efficacy, available support systems, and the obstacles they encounter in pursuing entrepreneurship. Anchored in the Entrepreneurial Intention Theory (EIT), the research investigates key factors such as attitudes towards entrepreneurship, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norms that affect graduates’ career decisions. A quantitative methodology was employed, surveying third year and postgraduate diploma students at the Durban University of Technology to evaluate their preparedness for entrepreneurship. The findings reveal that although graduates acknowledge entrepreneurship as a feasible career option, deficiencies in entrepreneurial training and limited opportunities for practical business experience impede their transition into self-employment. The study emphasizes the necessity of incorporating entrepreneurship education into Management Accounting curricula and enhancing collaborations between universities and industries to address these deficiencies. Moreover, targeted support from government agencies and financial institutions is crucial for cultivating a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem. The study seeks to provide valuable insights for educational institutions and policymakers to improve career diversification strategies for graduates by tackling these barriers. Promoting entrepreneurial ventures in consulting and financial advisory not only broadens employment opportunities but also contributes to the wider economic development of South Africa.

This article critically examines the constitutional tension between the right to freedom of expression and the rights to equality and dignity in adjudicating racially charged political speech in South Africa. It focuses on the controversial chant "Kill the Boer" and interrogates how courts navigate the competing imperatives of protecting political expression while upholding non-racialism, equality, and human dignity. Through doctrinal and comparative analysis, including cases from Kenya and Rwanda, the article identifies inconsistencies in South African jurisprudence, particularly regarding symbolic speech and its real-world impact on minority communities. It highlights the judiciary's tendency to underplay psychological and symbolic harm, which undermines public trust and the transformative vision of the Constitution. The article further addresses the study's limitations, such as the limited engagement with primary data and potential judicial biases. It proposes reforms that prioritise restorative constitutionalism and a more context-sensitive approach to adjudicating hate speech, considering the feasibility of such measures within South Africa’s resource-constrained legal framework. The study contributes to broader debates on how transitional democracies can address historical injustice without enabling new forms of exclusion or harm.

The movement to decolonize education in Africa has gained significant momentum as scholars, policymakers, and communities critically assess the legacy of colonial education systems. This research explores the imperative for curriculum reform, the re-evaluation of language policy, and the integration of indigenous knowledge systems as key strategies for advancing decolonization. The paper investigates how colonial epistemologies persist within educational structures, hindering efforts to cultivate culturally relevant and locally grounded pedagogies. By analyzing the implications of current policies and practices in various African countries, the study sheds light on the tensions and opportunities in transforming educational content and delivery. The research draws on qualitative data from case studies, policy documents, and academic literature to assess the readiness of African institutions to embrace a decolonized framework. Emphasis is placed on the significance of language as a vehicle of cultural identity and the crucial role of community knowledge holders in shaping curricula. Furthermore, the study considers how early childhood, primary, and higher education systems can benefit from inclusive and pluralistic approaches that validate African worldviews. The findings illustrate that while there are ongoing challenges, such as institutional resistance and resource limitations, there are also promising initiatives that reflect a commitment to epistemic justice. Ultimately, this paper proposes a strategic, context-sensitive approach to decolonizing education that acknowledges historical injustices while laying the foundation for a more equitable and empowering learning environment across the continent.

Teenage pregnancy remains a significant and multifaceted public health concern within the South African context. This public health threat has led to a disproportionate prevalence of HIV among female youth, along with increased maternal and child mortality rates. This retrospective cohort study employed birth record data from South Africa. This study utilises descriptive statistics and the Pearson Chi-Square Test of Independence to analyse the statistical differences in the prevalence of teenage pregnancy. The Global Moran’s I was employed to analyse spatial autocorrelation, and the Local Moran’s I was subsequently utilised to identify hotspots of teenage pregnancy. In the past decade, births to mothers under the age of 20 constituted 13.0% of a total of 9,609,356 births, amounting to 1,249,074 births. Teenage pregnancy rates were markedly elevated from 2014 to 2018 in comparison to the period from 2019 to 2023 (13.7% versus 12.3%, p<0.001). Late registration of teenage births occurred at a significantly higher rate (34.8%, p<0.001). The Global Moran’s I value of 0.5641 (z-score=6.29; p<0.001) demonstrates a strong and statistically significant positive spatial autocorrelation. The Local Moran’s I identified two significant High-High clusters extending from northern KwaZulu-Natal into the Eastern Cape. This study's findings highlight the necessity for a focused intervention to tackle teenage pregnancy in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, concentrating on the identified hotspots. Interventions should prioritise comprehensive sex education for youth and enhance access to contraception and family planning services. District-level health departments can utilise these findings to identify and prioritise high-risk areas. Spatial insights should guide local planning, particularly regarding outreach and mobile health services.