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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.

General trends indicate an increase in the adoption and use of mobile shopping applications (apps) as well as shopping online. However, the trend seems not to be similar with township millennials in an emerging economy such as South Africa. Township millennial consumers seemingly prefer going in-store to buy products than via available mobile shopping apps. This novel study explored the reasons for resistance by township millennial customers to the adoption and use of mobile shopping apps during the COVID-19 pandemic to purchase products. The applicable and adopted research design for this study was explorative. A qualitative research approach was adopted and data was collected using online interviews. A sample size of ten township millennial consumers from four (Tembisa, Soweto, Katlehong, and Diepkloof) townships in South Africa participated in the interview process. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the collected data and determine the findings of the study. The main findings indicated that participants perceived some concerns related to security and privacy in using retail mobile shopping apps. There was a lack of knowledge and awareness regarding mobile shopping apps and how they function which further resulted in the resistance of usage. Township millennial consumers are stuck with the habit of buying in-store and cost is another factor that was highlighted as a cause for resistance, as they do not want to pay for delivery fees and hidden costs that arise from using retail mobile apps. The paper further provides valuable contributions, limitations and future study avenues. This study addressed the dearth in research about resistance factors in using advanced technology in townships. The findings provided insights into what mobile app shopping retailers should address to attract the adoption of app technologies and could mitigate further spread of future pandemics such as that of COVID-19.

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.

The Cannabis for Private Purposes Act, enacted in South Africa in 2024, marks a significant shift in national drug policy by legalizing private cannabis use while aiming to balance individual privacy rights with public health and safety. This paper examines the Act’s impacts on socioeconomic dynamics, public health, and crime within South Africa, a context shaped by poverty, inequality, and strained healthcare resources. The study highlights potential economic benefits, such as job creation and formal market opportunities, alongside risks, including increased pressure on mental health services and complex implications for crime and gender-based violence. Drawing from government reports, recent studies, and international case comparisons, the analysis reveals how legalization might reduce the burden on the criminal justice system while also introducing challenges in public safety and healthcare capacity. The findings emphasize the need for robust governance frameworks that prioritize health system preparedness, social protections, and crime prevention. The discussion provides targeted policy recommendations for government agencies, healthcare providers, and law enforcement, addressing the importance of public education, regulatory oversight, and mental health support. This study offers valuable insights into the nuanced consequences of cannabis legalization in an emerging economy, contributing to global discussions on drug policy. By aligning policy with the realities of public health and safety, South Africa can leverage the potential benefits of legalization while mitigating its social costs.

The Life Esidimeni tragedy represents one of the most egregious human rights violations in South Africa's contemporary history. This article examines the series of events that led to the deaths of 141 mental healthcare patients and the severe maltreatment of over 1,400 others following their forced relocation from the Life Esidimeni facility to various unlicensed NGOs. The Gauteng Department of Health's decision to end its contract with Life Esidimeni without adequate planning or consultation led to a humanitarian disaster characterized by neglect, abuse, and gross violations of human rights. This paper reviews the timeline of events, the systemic failures, and the outcomes of various inquiries and legal proceedings, drawing lessons from the incident to inform future healthcare policies and practices. The findings emphasize the need for stringent oversight, transparent decision-making processes, and the protection of vulnerable populations in healthcare settings. The discussion reflects on the broader implications for mental healthcare reform and the importance of accountability and justice in preventing such tragedies. It also underlines the necessity of comprehensive policy frameworks and robust enforcement mechanisms to safeguard the rights and well-being of mental healthcare users.

The South African entrepreneurial sector is essential to the country's economic growth, job creation, and innovation. South African entrepreneurs encounter competitive business environment, limited resources, and socioeconomic gaps. Building resilience is critical for them to overcome challenges, adapt to change, and sustain their businesses in the face of adversity.  This paper aims to explore the connection between resilience and emotional intelligence in the context of South African entrepreneurship. A systematic literature review and text analysis was carried out. This systematic literature analysis analysed 37 peer-reviewed sources that explored the impact of emotional intelligence on resilience in the South African entrepreneurial sector. Textual analysis was used to discover themes, patterns, and implications for increasing entrepreneurial resilience. Inclusion criteria included English-language research published during the last decade that focused on emotional intelligence and resilience in entrepreneurship. Non-peer-reviewed papers, grey literature, and those that did not directly address the South African context were excluded.  Key findings show that emotionally intelligent leaders are better able to manage stress, build trusted relationships, and adjust to changing circumstances, which improves corporate results and ensures sustainability in a changing economic climate. This paper concludes that emotional intelligence is critical in determining the resilience and success of entrepreneurs in the South African entrepreneurial sector. Recommendations stemming from the results encompass integrating emotional intelligence training courses into entrepreneurial curricula, cultivating a nurturing and emotionally astute workplace, and encouraging self-awareness and emotional regulation proficiencies among prospective and established entrepreneurs in South Africa.

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.

This study's objective was to investigate the relationship amongst the local government employees and their performances towards the distribution of services. Many employees face different challenges in their workplaces, however in a situation like service delivery it’s important for employees to be able to work well together and have a positive relationship amongst each other and avoid political conflict that may end up affecting the citizens as they are their priority. The researcher acknowledges that there are many challenges faced by local government which affect the effective service delivery, these include toxic work relationships among employees, corruption and mismanagement of funds, red tape etc. The study was based on the current legal, theoretical and conceptual perspective that applies to the protocol of the working relationship amongst employees and service provision. Diverse perspectives were used to determine whether the employees of UMhlathuze Local Municipality have the positive relationship amongst each other without the interference of the political conflict, also for the community members under UMhlathuze Local Municipality to have a voice on whether the employees are distributing services rightfully or not. This study has adopted qualitative methods for getting in-depth and interactive information from the participants. The recommendations are also made for UMhlathuze Municipality, including the theoretical framework of service delivery and the working protocol of employees within an organization.

South Africa's governance structure follows a three-tier system, emphasizing co-operative governance among the national, provincial, and local authorities. The responsibility for crucial service delivery lies primarily with local governments, specifically municipalities. This research delves into the problems and deficiencies associated with service delivery in the Big 5 Hlabisa Local Municipality, exploring the perspectives of stakeholders impacted by and responsible for service delivery at strategic, political, and administrative levels. The study employs qualitative methods, utilizing questionnaires and interviews to gather diverse insights. The research reveals a pervasive sense of apathy towards government service delivery, with a majority of local residents perceiving the municipality as unresponsive to community needs. This contributes to a trust deficit, hindering effective collaboration between residents and local authorities. Divergent perspectives on the reasons for inadequate service provision highlight the complexity of the issue. While municipal officials acknowledge their limitations, some residents resort to extreme measures, such as vandalism and criminal activities, to express their frustrations. The findings emphasize the necessity of a mediating factor to foster understanding and cooperation between local authorities and residents. Motivated by the recurrent violent confrontations and protests stemming from service delivery disputes, this research underscores the significance of addressing these issues for the well-being of citizens and the overall quality of life. Effective communication, responsiveness, accountability, and transparency emerge as essential elements to tackle the challenges identified in the study.

The purpose of this study was to identify and assess the specific challenges faced by incarcerated students in a distance learning environment and to explore effective strategies for managing their academic endeavors. The study intentionally selected twelve incarcerated inmates who were currently enrolled in various educational programs. The data were acquired through the process of conducting audio-recorded interviews, which were then transcribed verbatim by a proficient transcriber. The author employed an interpretive paradigm to examine the data and derive significant conclusions. The findings demonstrated that the amalgamation of resilience and determination had a crucial role in empowering students to overcome the barriers impeding their education. In addition, students have employed controlled internet access in prisons and the incorporation of technology-enhanced learning alongside traditional classroom teaching as essential methods to properly manage their academic studies. These strategies prioritize the need to enhance the accessibility of educational resources and support networks within prisons in order to enhance the educational accomplishments of incarcerated individuals. The study's findings suggest that it is crucial to make practical and policy changes in order to effectively meet the specific needs of incarcerated students engaged in remote learning programs.  Typical barriers include (i) restricted technology access, (ii) limited finances, and (iii) the challenge of staying focused in a distracting setting. Notwithstanding these challenges, the participants shown exceptional tenacity and resolve, utilizing diverse tactics to effectively handle their academic pursuits. The success of these individuals was influenced by several key variables, such as the assistance provided by prison education officers, the capacity to effectively employ restricted technical tools, and the self-discipline to establish organized study routines.

Lately, there has been a rise in personal and commercial use of computer devices, be it mobile phones, laptops, or any other computing devices, not forgetting the network, networking peripherals, and software that these devices function with. That being said, it has led organisations and institutions of higher learning to establish and adhere to Information Technology governance frameworks set out by the government and the higher education sector. White and Greiner (2022) defined Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) as an Information Technology (IT) service management framework that outlines best practices for delivering IT services. Kidd (2019) defined Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies (COBIT) as an IT management framework developed by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) to help businesses develop, organize, and implement strategies around information management and IT governance. The aim of this study was to investigate whether ITIL and COBIT, as IT governance frameworks recommended by the higher education sector in South Africa, were adopted by ICT departments in universities in Gauteng province, South Africa. Data collection was done using a questionnaire. The questionnaire was sent via email to 52 potential respondents from all the higher institutions in Gauteng. A total of 41 questionnaires were returned. The questionnaire for both ITIL and COBIT frameworks was designed using Google Forms. The study findings showed that universities in Gauteng have adopted ITIL and COBIT as ICT governance frameworks recommended by the Higher Education sector in South Africa. The study's results are crucial for university administrators as they might improve comprehension of the factors affecting the adoption, administration, and utilization of ICT resources to enhance the university's capacities

The family, in all communities, is the primary and most basic unit. However, as a result of modernisation and urbanisation, there has been a shift in the perception that biological parents should raise their children and that they both have responsibilities. The teenagers without fathers are reported to be facing more challenges compared to their counterparts with fathers. These difficulties are most apparent in the areas around the development of the body, mind, personality, social skills, and morality. To investigate the effects of fathers’ absenteeism on teenage boys, this study conducted an in-depth review of past studies. This study reveals teenage boys experience feelings of sadness, loneliness, and rage when their fathers are absent from their lives. More so, the likelihood that these teenage boys will get involved in criminal activity will decrease if their fathers are involved in their lives and provide them with financial support. This study suggests that more social workers be assigned to schools in order to recognise and address cases where teenage boys are reported to be experiencing father absenteeism.

The health care system provides hope and livelihoods to its direct customers, who are the patients. The role of social innovation needs to take front and centre stage by authorities and practitioners tasked with decision-making and problem-solving tasks from a strategic perspective. The social innovation realm has demonstrated its ability to accelerate social value within public-oriented institutions. An interpretivism philosophical approach of qualitative methodology predicated on the inductive theory-building approach was undertaken to solicit empirical data from budget decision-making health practitioners. The research presented a thematic analytical evaluation of the data set from twelve participants holding various influential healthcare positions. The study's findings indicated a huge gap in integrating social innovation and associated entrepreneurial mindset. The procurement decision-making of produce and commodities could mitigate the social ills of joblessness, poverty and quality of life. Furthermore, the findings illuminated the lack of systemic resources and investment that could be driven by social innovation and entrepreneurial inclusion from the surrounding SMMEs. The multi-disciplinary approach will have to be a priority. At the same time, a tactically diverse strategic thrust from leadership and management could be a game-changer and a de-risking intervention in bolstering the local economic development for the SMMEs within the agricultural sector value chain.

The recent COVID-19 pandemic significantly exacerbated mental health issues worldwide, with South African university staff facing unique stressors that led to the adoption of e-health tools for digital mental health services. This study explores the university staff experiences gained during COVID-19 pandemic in the provision of digital mental health services through e-health tools. We conducted a case study at a public university in Cape Town, South Africa complemented by a survey using quantitative methods. Data from 348 respondents were collected via voluntary response sampling and analysed with Statistical Software Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28, employing exploratory factor analysis. High factor loadings above 0.4 confirmed significant contributions from seven items: perceived usefulness of e-health tools, perceived usefulness of social media, user experience and satisfaction, university commitment, variety of digital mental health services, post-COVID-19 delivery mode preference and ethical considerations. These seven items revealed that during COVID-19, e-health tools provided significant benefits to university staff including increased access to digital mental services. However, the study findings revealed that university staff were concerned about the lack of a legal framework during COVID-19, and the role of AI-powered mental health applications did not significantly influence their experiences during the pandemic. Our study provides theoretical insights into the effectiveness and perceived usefulness of e-health tools for digital mental health services during COVID-19, reinforcing their significance in reducing anxiety, stress, and depression while enhancing emotional resilience. Practically, our study findings suggest that universities should integrate e-health tools into the provision of digital mental health services given that these tools proved effective during COVID-19.

Global trade has significantly expanded over the past thirty years in both developed and emerging economies, a phenomenon assisted by advancements in transportation, telecommunications, and industry. Extensive trading fosters financial links between national economies, hence promoting economic progress. This article aims to investigate the interrelationship among foreign direct investment, trade, and South Africa's economic growth.  Econometric techniques, including the autoregressive distributed lag bound test, were used to annual data from 1988 to 2022. The findings indicated that economic growth is positively affected by foreign direct investment and exports in both the short and long term. This indicated that foreign direct investment and exports are substantial contributions to economic growth.This analysis indicates that both foreign direct investment (FDI) and trade significantly impact the macroeconomic environment and influence economic growth. Developing countries such as South Africa must use diverse strategies to guarantee elevated rates and quality of economic growth. Improvements in the investment climate and the establishment of incentives are necessary to enable the equitable allocation of resources across various sectors to address employment challenges, poverty rates, and the maintenance of growth. Export-oriented strategies should be adopted. Therefore, it is essential to analyse the determinants of economic growth by examining foreign direct investment and trade in the context of South Africa, particularly in relation to the country's performance as measured against the National Development Plan targets since the post-1994 period.

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.

Access to health insurance is vital for achieving Universal Health Coverage, yet barriers such as high costs, inadequate coverage, and systemic inefficiencies often impede access to necessary health care. This study evaluated access to the National Health Insurance Scheme-provided services among enrollees at the outpatient department (OPD) of Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital (LMUTH) in Lusaka, Zambia, chosen for its role as a pioneering NHIS-accredited facility and its significance as a major publicly funded referral hospital. Data were collected in May 2024 from 270 systematically sampled NHIS enrollees at the OPD of LMUTH using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Descriptive analysis revealed a balanced gender distribution, with most respondents aged 35 and above, married, holding tertiary education, and earning a monthly Zambian Kwacha (ZMW) of 20,000 or less. The thematic analysis using NVivo uncovered positive and negative experiences with NHIS services, highlighting issues such as medical service availability, drug shortages, service delays, technological problems, communication challenges, equity in service delivery, and coverage gaps. The key policy implications for improving access to NHIS services include enhancing supply chains, digital infrastructure, coverage to rural areas, staff training, public awareness of the NHIS, and information technology systems.

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.

This paper aims to investigate how moral and matriarchal leadership might enhance the continent's environment for democracy, improving living and working conditions. African nations historically esteemed the influence of matriarchs; nevertheless, their representation in politics and business has diminished significantly. Africa possesses abundant resources and numerous enduring challenges. Implementing matriarchal leadership paradigms may facilitate the discovery of previously untested solutions. This study employs many research methodologies, including qualitative and quantitative approaches, to comprehensively examine the influence of matriarchal leadership on African governance. In-depth interviews and case studies are employed in the qualitative segment to examine the challenges, experiences, and achievements of women leaders throughout various regions of Africa.

Employee turnover poses a significant challenge for South African municipalities, particularly for retaining tacit organisational knowledge. Therefore, this study assessed how employee turnover impacts organisational tacit knowledge retention in South African municipalities. The study uses secondary data analysis to examine employee turnover in critical positions in various municipalities in South Africa, such as senior management and those earmarked as scarce skills. The findings of this study show that employee turnover significantly negatively impacts tacit organisational knowledge. The findings further revealed that turnover exacerbates the retention of the organisational knowledge gap within municipalities, often leading to diminished service quality and increased operational costs such as recruitment and use of service consultants. Furthermore, the study highlights the gap between rhetoric (policies) and actual practice (implementation) in addressing the issues of service quality and operational costs, noting that existing retention strategies and knowledge management approaches often need to be revised. Questioning the effectiveness of retention strategies, the paper suggests that municipalities require more proactive and innovative approaches to manage turnover and organisational tactical knowledge retention to enhance public service delivery continuity and organisational sustainability. Furthermore, municipalities should integrate retention strategies such as succession planning, continuous training, leadership, and mentorship programmes into a broader municipal governance framework.