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Organisations in the public sector are faced with challenges in the delivery of high-quality services to clients. This research paper reports on a study conducted to determine clients’ perceptions of service quality at licensing service centres (LCSs) in the City of Tshwane (CoT) Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa. The research adopted a quantitative approach to realise the research objective. A convenience sampling method was used to collect primary data. 262 respondents participated in the research. A structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data from respondents. The research used the SERVPERF instrument to measure service quality. Respondents were asked to rate the level of service at LSCs. The descriptive data analysis method was used to analyse the primary data with the aid of a statistical software package, Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Cronbach's alpha values were used to measure the internal consistency and reliability of the measurement scales. The results revealed that all rated service quality dimensions were average, which means that respondents neither agreed nor disagreed with statements about the level of service offered by LSCs. The research paper includes recommendations on the continuous improvement of service quality at LSCs and on future research directions.

The South African construction sector is confronted by significant obstacles, particularly concerning cost overruns and project delays within the road construction sphere. This research sought to investigate the factors impacting cost and duration in road construction projects under the purview of a KwaZulu-Natal municipality. A qualitative research approach was adopted to explore this phenomenon. A sample size of 27 participants was selected from a population of 171 for in-depth semi-structured interviews. Critical determinants of cost overruns and delays were identified as ineffective communication, suboptimal procurement processes, deficient stakeholder management, and shortcomings in project execution and personnel capabilities. This study offers valuable insights into the relationship between cost, time, and the successful delivery of road projects within the local government context. By illuminating these factors, the research contributes to a deeper theoretical understanding, informs evidence-based policy development, and provides actionable recommendations for enhancing project management practices.

The economic vibrancy of most small communities is generally driven by Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) of different kind. Although the existence of these SMMEs tend to depend mainly on the disposition of the entrepreneur, the role of demographic variables tend to be very significant when it comes to their profitability and long-term survival. A myriad of research studies have highlighted the role of demographic characteristics. The paper aims to establish the influence of demographic variables on SMME sustainability and success. We employed a positivist research approach, which is descriptive in nature. A survey was used to collect data from 117 randomly sampled owners/managers respondents from a myriad of SMMEs in the Matjhabeng municipality in Welkom. Yielding a response rate of 69%. A regression analysis and interpretation was conducted to determine the influence of variables to each other. The regression data analysis revealed a mixed-bag of results with (i) education level, (ii) household income and (iii) consumer mobility reporting a significant relationship with SMME sustainability. Conversely, (iv) age level and (v) past work experience showed no significant relationship with SMME sustainability. To ensure sustained SMME growth and success, owner/managers must embrace and entrench a culture of investing not only in their self-development, but that of their team members/workforce as well. The study provides empirical evidence of the positive relationship between demographic variables and SMME’s sustained success and survival. Confirming that education and experience in particular are critical predictors of SMME success if investment on the most important asset, people, is given a high priority.

This study advances research and practice related to adopting artificial intelligence (AI) in the context of South Africa (SA). The study evaluated AI adoption by South African manufacturing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs); established the challenges faced by manufacturing SMEs in adopting AI; and developed a framework for adopting AI for manufacturing SMEs’ growth and survival. The study adopted a systematic literature review approach. Articles from Scopus and Google scholar databases, ranging from the years 2018 to 2024, were used. Of the 206 articles found, 54 were shortlisted. The systematic review analysis was performed using the PRISMA framework. The results identified AI adoption by South African manufacturing SMEs is low, limiting their innovation and productivity. The results also show, despite the numerous benefits AI adoption can offer manufacturing SMEs in the country, a major constraint is the lack of a framework to enhance adoption and implementation. Hence, this study was conducted to develop a framework to improve AI adoption by South African manufacturing SMEs. The findings contribute to the body of knowledge and provide new insights to manufacturing SME owners/managers, policymakers and practitioners into AI adoption to enhance manufacturing SMEs’ ability to compete on the global stage.

Gender inequality is a concept of much relevance and is continuously gaining momentum. The diversification of different genders is pivotal to be able to address the effects of gender inequality. Globally, gender inequality has attracted a lot of interest and has huge effects on the social, academic and psychological. Although there is a nurturing environment for gender inequality, it is important to neutralize the playing fields for all genders to avoid negative effects on the victims of this phenomenon. The aim of this paper is to investigate the effects of gender inequality on South Africa’s higher education Students. It further seeks to challenge the perception contributing to gender inequality. Gender inequality is a universal problem affecting students throughout institutions of higher learning. The study used the qualitative research approach with exploratory research design adopted for the paper. The paper explored the effects of gender inequality on students from higher education institutions in South Africa. A sample of 15 students from institutions of higher learning who have been exposed to gender inequality was chosen for data collection process. A semi-structured face to face interviews was used during the data collection process with purposive sampling used to select participants to the study. The study used thematic content analysis to analyze data. The study applied feminist theoretical framework to understand the effects of gender inequality.

The concept of Assistant Teachers is new in South Africa. This concept was brought to South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic. The introduction of assistant teachers in South Africa was an intervention in teaching and learning and in curbing youth unemployment. The assistant teachers are viewed as strangers in a school setting. Teachers and learners need to figure out their roles. South African teachers need assistance in classrooms to provide high standards of education. Using a qualitative research method, the study investigated the perceptions of principals, teachers, and learners of assistant teachers in secondary schools at Maleboho Central Circuit, Capricorn District, in Limpopo Province. The study used purposive sampling as a non-probability sampling technique procedure to select participants. The study sample comprised six learners, six teachers and three principals from three schools. Data were collected through interviews and document analysis. Collected data were analysed thematically. The study found that the presence of assistant teachers in a classroom has been documented as an asset to teachers. The assistant teachers play essential roles in the school. They manage and provide their skills in different departments of the school. Assistant teachers also learn and develop themselves into productive members of the school. Assistant teachers seemed to increase learners' enthusiasm for their academics. The study may assist the Department of Basic Education in providing the necessary support for having assistant teachers in respective schools.

Enrolling students in accounting programs based on their proficiency in English, Mathematics, and Accounting is a prevalent practice in many South African institutions of higher learning. However, certain institutions admit students into accounting programs based solely on their proficiency in English and Mathematics. This study posits that such students encounter challenges in acclimating to the accounting science milieu, consequently impeding their academic success. The research draws from the assessment of 112 first-year BCom (Bachelor of Commerce) Accounting Sciences students during the 2023 academic year. The findings affirm that students enrolled based on competency in Accounting, English, and Mathematics outperform those enrolled solely based on English and Mathematics competency. This underscores the necessity for further investigation into the determinants of success among students in accounting programs. Nonetheless, the study corroborates that self-determination and proactivity are significant contributors to success, notwithstanding students' lack of prior exposure to accounting principles.

The study aimed to design the auditing framework for the audit of the chairperson’s statement. The chairperson’s statement is one of the most read narrative disclosure statements in the integrated report. Non-financial information has become twice as important as financial information yet, it is not required by the International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS). The chairperson’s statement is not audited and this leads to the use of impression management tactics. This study answers the call from different scholars who have called upon the audit of the chairperson’s statement to curve the use of impression management tactics. The mixed method is used for data analysis. Perception of external auditors is sought through the Likert scale and interviews to ensure triangulation. Descriptive statistics, correlation, and thematic analysis are used to analyze the data. The study found that auditors are aware of the existing concern about the use of impression management in the chairperson’s statement. In this regard, an audit of the chairperson’s statement is deemed appropriate and long overdue. External auditors are the most suitable experts to audit the chairperson’s statement and issue reasonable assurance. Secondly, auditors believe that the reliability of the chairperson’s statement is crucial and to ensure credibility, the company must have strong internal control, and report accurate and complete information in the chairperson’s statement. The auditing framework is designed and shown through an integrative conceptual model. The results are consistent with previous studies that emphasise the need for the assurance of non-financial information in the integrated report. This study triggers debates amongst accounting firms, standard setters, and policymakers on the adoption of the auditing framework for the chairperson’s statement to give assurance to the users. The study contributes to the body of knowledge with an auditing framework to audit the chairperson’s statement, the first of its kind. Lastly, the study adds to the developing debate on the assurance of narrative disclosure parts of the integrated report.

The paint manufacturing sector has not received sufficient attention, having its unique challenges with employee engagement, despite numerous investigations on employee engagement in several industries. This study seeks to address this deficiency by performing a targeted investigation on the levels of employee involvement within the paint manufacturing sector. This study aims to assess the level of employee involvement in the paint manufacturing industry in South Africa. This study systematically assesses the strategies and practices of employee engagement implemented by paint manufacturing companies operating in the region. This study utilises a mixed methods approach and follows an exploratory research design to accomplish its objectives. This methodology utilises many research techniques to provide a thorough understanding of the complex employee engagement processes in the paint manufacturing industry. The survey instrument, comprising of 320 questionnaires, was distributed to managerial professionals, human resource practitioners, and general employees working at paint production plants in South Africa. In addition to collecting quantitative data, interviews were undertaken to further enrich the depth of insights. The findings reveal a beneficial and interconnected link between the factors studied, suggesting a reciprocal strengthening that enhances employee engagement. Moreover, the study highlights the complex interconnection between the six aspects of employee involvement in the company environment. These characteristics jointly contribute to the fundamental aspects of employee engagement within paint manufacturing firms. Industry stakeholders should work together to develop an organisational culture that is deeply ingrained in the industry's identity and resonates with all personnel. One key remedy suggested is to conduct an employee engagement survey across the entire organisation, which will help gain a thorough understanding of engagement dynamics. This study highlights a strong association between employee engagement, departmental affiliation, racial demographics, and age groups. Therefore, organisations can improve workplace engagement by carefully taking into account the impact of departmental divisions, racial origins, and age cohorts on the overall engagement picture. The study's findings shed light on the significant influence of these factors in determining the dynamics of employee engagement.

International commerce across southern Africa has increased significantly in recent years. This phenomenon has been replicating what has been happening on the African continent as a whole, and it does indicate that the region has significant growth in economic opportunities. Hence, the arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic interrupted international commerce and caused significant concern. The emphasis of this work was on the global economic interconnectivity in the Southern African region prior to and during the Covid-19 pandemic. The main objective of this study was to determine how the Covid-19 pandemic influenced international commerce in Southern Africa. The study was qualitative in nature, as well as secondary data collection methods were used. The research used a documentary review as its analysis method. This included compiling and analysing more than 60 online resources relating to various and relevant the Covid-19 pandemic and international commerce from several past research. The study found that the world economy, particularly the economies of Southern African nations, was encountering certain difficulties before the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. It was stated that as a consequence of the pandemic, Southern African countries implemented a slew of steps in an effort to overcome the issues posed by the Covid-19 pandemic interruptions.

Research on students as consumers has garnered significant attention from researchers. This interest stems from the growing budgets allocated to students by both government and private families. Consequently, students engage in purchasing products and services from retailers both large and small (SMEs). To attract, satisfy and retain student customers, retailers must explore effective strategies. Hedonic values play a crucial role in retail marketing, especially when targeting students. This study aimed to assess the impact of perceived hedonic values on students’ satisfaction and repurchase intentions. Additionally, it investigated whether student satisfaction mediates the relationship between  hedonic values an repurchase intentions. The survey was conducted among TVET college students in Lephalale, South Africa (SA). The findings could not exclusively confirm the effect of perceived hedonic values on students’ satisfaction and repurchase intentions. Similarly, the findings could not confirm the mediation effect of students’ satisfaction on the link between perceived hedonic values and repurchase intentions. The results are useful to SME retailers targeting student clientele.

The escalating financial burdens faced by the Small Medium and Micro Enterprise (SMME) sector necessitate a perpetual pursuit of enhanced managerial efficacy. For enhanced financial management, client relationship management and inventory control, it is necessary for businesses to utilise various technologies and methodologies. One approach involves the utilisation of business analytical technologies, such as Business Intelligence (BI). Business Intelligence (BI) serves as a valuable tool for enterprises, aiding in the examination and interpretation of data to facilitate informed decision-making processes aimed at enhancing overall business efficacy. The eThekwini region encompasses a significant presence of micro-small enterprises within the apparel manufacturing and retail sector. The primary aim of this research was to identify and analyse the many issues that hinder the evaluation of business intelligence (BI) in micro-small apparel enterprises located in Durban, a city in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. A cross-sectional quantitative study was undertaken to examine a cohort of 161 small apparel business owners. The participants were chosen through the utilisation of a judgemental sampling technique. The data was gathered through the utilisation of anonymous questionnaires. The data was analysed by utilising multiple linear regression analysis to determine the characteristics that hinder the evaluation of business intelligence (BI) in the small apparel industry. The study employs the Technology-Organisation-Environment (TOE) framework as its conceptual framework. The researcher identified several obstacles that hinder the evaluation of business intelligence in micro-small textile enterprises in South Africa. These factors include perceived relative advantage, cost, organisational data environment, organizational decision-making culture, and external support. However, there are numerous governmental institutions that are intended to provide support for micro-small companies. Therefore, it is recommended that these institutions establish training initiatives aimed at educating apparel SMMEs on BI. The implementation of target-driven training has the potential to significantly contribute to the achievement of vision 2030 for fostering the growth of small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) to enhance the South African economy.

The Digital literacy has become an imperative part of higher education, since the Covid19 outbreak, traditional institutions had to adapt digital learning techniques. However, students from rural schools were left in the dark. Since there are still some extremely poor schools in the rural parts of South Africa, where there is still no access to electricity. Therefore, the ability to use any digital tools remains a huge challenge for such students. The transition from a rural school to an urban higher education institution that is very tech savvy and living in the 4th industrial revolution is extensively difficult. Subsequently, the success of students from rural schools gets hindered. However, this doesn’t necessary mean that these students are incapable of succeeding in their respective programs. This paper aims to explore the challenges faced by students from rural schools regarding digital literacy. The research methodology will be a quantitative approach, the sample will be drawn from students in traditional universities who are coming from rural high schools. The findings of this paper will be used to recommend ways of increasing the success rate of learners from rural schools in digital literacy and skills development for traditional universities in South Africa. Keywords: Digital Literacy, Inclusive Education, Student Succes, South African Higher Education Subject classification codes: I230; I240; I210

The study focused on the insights of municipal officials and community members concerning the significance of public participation in promoting local economic development at Jozini Local Municipality. The study aimed to determine the challenges hindering the function of public participation in the uplifting of the local community and how these challenges influence community development. This study adopted a mixed-method (qualitative and quantitative) research method to collect and analyze the data. Both methods ensured various data collection techniques, including questionnaires and interviews. Questionnaires were presented to community members because several people could be reached in a brief time as numerous community members were targeted. Interviews also served to collect data from the municipality staff, since they were not that many. The study identified the challenges hindering public participation in community development; it also revealed politics as the bearer of public participation between the municipality and the community. The findings also revealed municipal officials struggle with financial resources during their course of work. Corruption and maladministration among municipalities were identified, hampering community development through public participation. The study suggests that the municipality should improve communication between the officials and the residents, enabling them to raise their opinions. The study also suggests providing adequate funding to be effective in development that will satisfy the community.

 Even though the role of effective human resource management, including organizational climate, has been cited as a crucial predictor of diverse employee outcomes such as employee job satisfaction, the mechanism through which the organizational climate and job satisfaction can be enhanced or diminished is underexplored in human resource literature. This study dwells on Herzberg's two-factor perspective to push the boundaries of knowledge by showing that the organizational climate-job satisfaction link depends on varying conditions of leaders' emotional intelligence. The proposed model was tested using survey data from randomly selected 602 Youth-Owned and Managed Small Businesses employees in Ghana. The data was analyzed using structural equation modeling with the aid of SMART PLS. The findings revealed that organizational climate has a significant positive direct effect on job satisfaction. Emotional intelligence also exhibited a significant positive relationship with job satisfaction. Additionally, emotional intelligence positively moderated the organizational climate-job satisfaction link, such that higher emotional intelligence enhanced this relationship. The findings indicate that though organizational climate drives job satisfaction, emotional intelligence serves as an amplification mechanism to extract even greater satisfaction in small businesses in Ghana. Our findings make a contemporary contribution to Herzberg's two-factor and important managerial guidance for owners and managers of Small Businesses in resource-constrained regions like SSA.

The ever-evolving digital marketing landscape has continuously adapted to technological advancement, consumer behaviour and ecosystem trends. The 21st century marketplace needs traditional marketing practices, and digital platforms to ensure the actualisation of their growth and development in the ecosystem. The study examined how different digital marketing platforms can influence SMEs' operations and performance (Online marketing, and ICT initiatives). The study employed a quantitative design with primary data collection via a questionnaire designed based on 5-Likert’s Scale to answer the research questions; if there is a significant relationship between Online Marketing and SMEs' Business Competitiveness, and if ICT initiative has a positive relationship with SMEs' Business Growth. Two (2) hypotheses were formulated and tested using a statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). To ascertain the hypotheses formulated, both descriptive and regression analyses were carried out, and the output clearly showed a significant influence of digital marketing on the performance of SMEs. The result shows a positive impact of online marketing on SME business competitiveness. However, this study concluded that in the technology-driven environment, 21st-century SMEs will always see the usefulness and relevance of digital marketing because of its role in improving their performance. This study recommends that SMEs incorporate intensive digital platforms and engage in time-to-time updates of their online marketing channels.

In South Africa, the educational landscape is characterised by constant evolution and dynamic classroom changes, driven by technological advancements, diverse student populations, and evolving pedagogical approaches. Pre-service teachers are crucial in navigating these changes and fostering effective learning environments. This systematic literature analysis explores the relevance of curriculum for pre-service teachers in addressing the challenges posed by dynamic classroom contexts in South Africa. Drawing upon a comprehensive review of existing literature, this study examines the alignment between pre-service teacher education curricula and the evolving needs of classrooms in South Africa. Key themes explored include integrating technology, cultural responsiveness, inclusive education practices, and pedagogical flexibility. The analysis also considers the efficacy of current pre-service teacher training programmes in preparing teachers to meet the diverse needs of students in dynamic classroom settings. Furthermore, the study investigates the perceptions and experiences of pre-service teachers regarding the adequacy of their curriculum in equipping them for the realities of South African classrooms. By synthesising findings from various sources, this research aims to inform curriculum development efforts and enhance the preparation of pre-service teachers for the multifaceted challenges of teaching in South African schools.

Many scholars in the field of migration and xenophobia have consistently examined various levels and expressions of xenophobic behavior within the South African context. They have contributed significantly to conceptualizing migration as inherently conflict-prone, often citing incidents categorized as xenophobia, Afrophobia, and color-blind xenophobia in both scholarly and public discussions. While ample scholarly evidence exists regarding factors that promote social cohesion between South Africans and African immigrants, as well as their implications for African continental integration, there is a notable dearth of scholarly attention on how Philoxenia, the concept of extending friendship or hospitality to strangers, can contribute to the project of African continental integration. Utilizing qualitative research methods and document analysis as a data collection technique, this paper reveals those certain aspects of the South African migration legislative framework exhibit Philoxenic characteristics. Moreover, the paper provides evidence of multiple economic sectors and communities in the country that demonstrate Philoxenia. The paper concludes that Philoxenia can serve as a catalyst towards achieving a united state of Africa, while "xenophobia", "Afrophobia", "Threats” to social cohesion”, "colour-blind xenophobia” and “sibling fights or sibling bullying” are impediments to this long-term objective of the African Union. The paper recommends that, South Africa as one of Africa’s dominant African immigrants’ host state must come up with legislation that criminalizes the latter actions.

This paper examines the conflicts arising from the coexistence of traditional leadership and democratic local governance in Dukuduku, KwaZulu-Natal, a region marked by overlapping authority and contested land claims. Despite constitutional recognition, traditional leadership in post-apartheid South Africa remains ambiguously defined, leading to clashes with democratically elected structures over roles, responsibilities, and territory. This study uses a qualitative methodology to analyse archival materials, media sources, and meeting records and conducts semi-structured interviews with 25 stakeholders, including traditional leaders, senior citizens, and subsistence farmers. The findings reveal that introducing a local government system under the Amakhosi jurisdiction precipitates confrontations, particularly where duties intersect. In Dukuduku—proclaimed a state forest—the recognition of traditional authority creates disputes over land ownership and governance, complicating the administration of land and impacting service delivery. The analysis suggests that the institutional "invention" and subsequent "recognition" of traditional leadership in areas like Dukuduku not only challenge the perceptions of state land but also exacerbate power struggles, thereby affecting local development and governance. The study contributes to understanding the dynamic interplay between traditional and democratic governance systems in rural South Africa. It highlights the implications for policy and local administration in managing such dual governance structures effectively. This study explains how hard it is to combine traditional structures with a modern democratic framework. It also gives us a better understanding of what this means for rural governance and land management in changing societies.

This study investigates the experiences of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) graduates in rural ecology with work-based education (WBE), commonly known as work-integrated learning (WIL). The study was conducted at two campuses of Umfolozi TVET colleges in northern KwaZulu-Natal, focusing on post-graduation experiences. The National Certificate Vocational (NCV) qualification, introduced in January 2007, was the focal point, offered at Levels 2, 3, and 4 of the National Qualifications Framework, equivalent to Grades 10, 11, and 12. NCV graduates were selected as participants to explore their encounters with work-integrated learning during employment. Employing a qualitative case study design, the study utilized purposive sampling to identify six participants. Findings revealed systemic challenges faced by NCV graduates, particularly concerning the alignment of the curriculum with the needs of TVET students from rural areas. Additionally, it was noted that college management appeared unaware of the severity of the challenges encountered by students in securing in-service training opportunities. These findings underscore the need for educational institutions and policymakers to address curriculum alignment issues and enhance support mechanisms for TVET students, particularly those from rural backgrounds, to ensure the effectiveness of work-integrated learning initiatives.