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The main goal of this study is to evaluate customer perceptions of the competitiveness of Absa Bank in South Africa. To achieve this objective, the study is divided into two sections, which were designed as the main research questions. The first question aimed to determine customer perceptions of the level of bank competition in South Africa, while the second question focused on customer perceptions of Absa's competitiveness within the South African banking sector. It was revealed through an Absa Bank communication that Barclays Bank (UK), the major shareholder, was withdrawing from Barclays Africa Group aka Absa Bank due to ongoing uncertainties in the African market. This departure has resulted in mixed reactions from the market, with customers expressing skepticism about the potential impact on the bank's performance. The study was conducted at the Durban Central branch, which serves approximately 150,000 customers. A sample of 400 walk-in customers at the branch was selected using a non-probability convenience sampling technique. Out of the 400 questionnaires distributed, 13 were discarded due to incomplete responses. This resulted in 387 questionnaires being returned. The collected data was analysed using the latest computerized Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0. The findings of the study indicate that competition does exist within the banking sector, with banks employing pricing strategies to compete for customers. Most customers perceive Absa Bank as being competitive in the market. As a recommendation, it is suggested that branch management regularly conduct customer surveys to engage customers and identify areas for improvement that can be incorporated into the branch operations.

Crime in high schools has become a major concern all over the world. High schools in Nzhelele East Circuit, Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa also experience waves of youth crime perpetrated by learners. The aim of this study was to explore family factors which contribute to youth crime amongst learners in high schools in Nzhelele East Circuit. Three high schools (i.e. Mushaathoni, Nndweleni and Mphephu) known for high rate of crime were selected. Quantitative research approach was used. Survey questionnaires were administered among learners in order to collect quantitative data. Stratified random sampling was used to survey 40 grade 10 and 40 grade 11 learners from each of the three high schools. In total, 240 learners participated in this study. Data was analyzed using the SPSS instrument. Appropriate ethical principals were applied to ensure that research participants were not harmed. The study found that youth crime in high schools was attributed to family factors such as absence of parents, poor parenting style, abuse and domestic violence, poverty, divorce, single parenting and family size. The study recommended the need for a multi-pronged strategy through mobilization of relevant stakeholders (families, community leaders, education authorities, law enforcement agencies and other relevant government department to curb youth crime in high schools. Key words: Crime, Learners, Bullying; Offenders; Victims; Violence; Youth crime, High school

The post-secondary vocational education system in South Africa encounters many challenges, including a lack of professionalism among certain teaching people, an unresponsive curriculum, and inadequate management of day-to-day operations, leading to fragmentation within the system. This is corroborated by a 2014 Training Needs Assessment Study (TNAS) that uncovered a dearth of effective college leadership management abilities and the utilisation of insufficient instructional approaches in certain vocational schools. This study aimed to investigate the possible factors influencing the quality of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in certain colleges located in the Gauteng area of South Africa. The study employed a quantitative research methodology, collecting data using a survey. Subsequently, the data was subjected to analysis using SPSS. This study hypothesised that the current state of affairs may be attributed to inadequate and fragmented leadership and management techniques. The researchers expressed uncertainty regarding the implementation of a more integrated and focused leadership approach that would disperse responsibility for student accomplishment in order to enhance outcomes. This study aimed to examine the main obstacles to enhancing students' performance in TVET colleges and explore how a dispersed instructional leadership approach may be conceptualised to tackle these challenges at the institutional level. The study highlights the significance of collaboration and a fair allocation of power and competence to promote a collective leadership vision in the pursuit of enhanced institutional performance in a sector in need of positive results.

The main goal of this work is to reposition the concept of xenophobia in the African context. This is to reflect on Thabo Mbeki’s narrative on Xenophobia. Africa continues to remain a pawn due to the Eurocentric ideas that have been forced on the Africans also brought about a foreign concept of xenophobia as if Africans are not brothers in the name of brotherhood. It is incontestable that brothers are, in some cases engage in fight, but there was a laid down rules and norms of resolving such misunderstanding. With the employment of qualitative research methods, complex interdependence theory garnished with Anglo-American conspiracy theory; we argue that, Anglo-American imperialist managed to spread and enforce the usage of English through imposing the concept xenophobia in the continent while failing to capture the essence of sibling fights or fights amongst African brothers and sisters conceptualised by the Batswana speaking people as maragana teng a bana motho. Through acknowledging Mbeki’s narrative and some sampled African languages, we argue that, while there is a word for foreigner in these sampled African languages, there is no direct or indirect translation of xenophobia in African languages. We conclude that the concept xenophobia has its etymological foundations in Greek and is therefore foreign in any of the African and South African indigenous languages.

This qualitative study delves into the perspectives of psychiatric nurses in South Africa regarding safety enhancements in forensic units. Working in forensic units is linked to safety concerns due to frequent incidences of interpersonal violence and the nature of patients admitted to such units. As such, the need to explore measures to address safety concerns arose. In-depth interviews and reflexive thematic analysis revealed a consensus among nurses on the importance of various interventions, including improving security measures, enhancing the physical environment, fostering collaboration among staff members, increasing staffing levels, and garnering support from management. Notably, support from management emerges as a crucial factor in facilitating open discussions and sustained engagement in safety improvement initiatives. The study underscores the pivotal role of management support in realizing safer forensic units. The findings offer valuable insights applicable to forensic units in psychiatric settings globally, where safety concerns for both personnel and patients persist.

This study performed an analysis of the outcomes of the audit of predetermined objectives for municipalities in the North-West province of South Africa. A qualitative research approach with an inductive approach was used. Data collected from twenty-two municipalities in the North-West province over a period of five years was thematically analysed. Three themes were identified for this study, and the results revealed that, at an overall level, the performance information reported by the municipalities was neither useful nor reliable and, at times, had material instances of non-compliance. Some findings were prevalent for all three themes identified, which were raised by over half of the municipalities, which is concerning, and all pointed to not having a fully functioning performance management system as the main root cause. The results also revealed common repeat findings in each of the three themes, which indicate that there were insufficient action plans implemented to address the findings raised in the prior year(s). The study recommended that management and those charged with governance should put appropriate measures in place and strengthen their internal control environment to ensure that election promises are appropriately accounted for and repeat findings such as those indicated above do not reoccur in the future. Furthermore, management should work closely with the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA), internal audit, and other relevant stakeholders, such as the South African Local Government Association, to ensure that repeat findings do not reoccur in the future by developing appropriate audit action plans that will be continuously monitored and reviewed.

This systematic review rigorously analyses the impact of Human Resource Management (HRM) methods on enhancing Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) practices in order to accomplish strategic organisational goals. The paper systematically compiles and analyses previous research, specifically examining how HRM methods are incorporated into GSCM environments and how they affect the long-term viability of organisations. Using the PRISMA method, this review rigorously synthesises data to identify and evaluate the effectiveness of several HRM initiatives in supporting sustainable supply chain practices. The findings indicate a significant correlation between strategic human resource management (HRM) initiatives and the operational performance of green supply chain management (GSCM) practices. This correlation contributes to the attainment of firms' overarching strategic objectives. The review underscores the need of connecting Human Resource Management (HRM) with Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) to attain environmental and organisational goals. Additionally, it suggests areas for future research, specifically focusing on investigating long-term effects, developments in technology, and applicability across different sectors. The conclusions emphasise the importance of incorporating HRM methods into GSCM to promote sustainable business models and accomplish long-term strategic goals.

The extent of women's representation and visibility in local government planning in South Africa has been significantly constrained. Over the years, the recurring phenomenon of insufficient participation and representation in local governance has become a prevalent issue within the country. The inclusion and participation of women in the decision-making process of local government should not be driven solely by the necessity to comply with legislative and policy frameworks and not by just a mere representation in terms of reflecting on the number of participants. Incorporating diverse individuals and groups is crucial in guaranteeing that progress within communities is accomplished acceptably.  The act of prioritizing men's interests or political opportunism over women's interests in local government planning lacks justification.  This study elucidates diverse factors that underlie the insufficient involvement and representation of women in local government planning. These variables encompass the prevalence of custom, culture, and tradition; socialisation, attitudes, and stereotypes; violence against women in politics; the media; finances and resources; structural deficiencies; patriarchy; and education. The research relied on existing scholarly works and documented accounts to investigate the causative elements and explicate their effect on the developmental condition. The article posits that addressing these factors requires a comprehensive approach that includes a multifaceted approach and a dosage of sustained efforts to ensure that there is gender balance and fair representation of women in local government planning. The study contributes to a better understanding of the participation and representation of women in the context of local government planning. It provides insights into strategies for creating more inclusive opportunities for women to express their views and exercise influence in local decision-making procedures.

In the current higher education environment in Ghana, universities have directed their attention towards fulfilling their social obligations, which are referred to as University Social Responsibility (USR), to both their internal and external stakeholders. This study, driven by the Stakeholders Theory, examines the premise that affective commitment serves as a positive and substantial mediator in the relationship between USR and employee engagement. Therefore, this study investigates the impact of both internal and external corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives on the emotional commitment and level of involvement of employees in Ghanaian institutions. This study utilised the research onion framework to guide its methodology. It employed a cross-sectional survey design, based on the positivism paradigm and supported by the hypothetico-deductive model. The purpose was to test hypotheses and measure the relationships between user satisfaction and staff engagement, with affective commitment acting as a mediator. The study was conducted within the context of Ghanaian universities.  A two-stage stratified sampling method was utilised to choose 412 participants for the survey. The data collected via a 5-point Likert scale empirically validated questionnaire with Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (?) > 0.70 was adapted for the survey. The data collected were configured and subjected to Structural Equation Modelling for analysis at a significance level of p<.05 using the SMART pls software. This survey found that affective commitment is a statistically significant factor that directly explains and predicts the mediation effect of internal CSR on employee engagement (beta=0.217; t>1.96; p=0.000: p<0.05), and external CSR on employee engagement (beta=0.065; t>1.96; p=0.000: p<0.05) in Ghanaian universities enrolled in the survey. This study recommends that public and private universities in Ghana should foster a strong sense of commitment and loyalty among employees towards the organisation and its CSR efforts.

The fashion sector stands as one of the leading contributors to both the global economy and South Africa. In South Africa, the footwear segment alone commands a value exceeding R50 billion and continues to see steady expansion. Particularly notable is the surge in sales within the South African sneaker market, outpacing other footwear categories. This trend has prompted numerous brands to enter the fray, presenting consumers with abundant choices but also fostering intense competition among sneaker manufacturers. To stay competitive, these manufacturers consistently innovate by developing enhanced sneaker models and integrating cutting-edge technologies into their production processes. The study aimed to identify the determinants influencing the purchasing intentions of Generation Y consumers regarding sneakers. A survey, administered via self-report questionnaires, gathered data from a convenience sample of 400 Generation Y consumers aged 18 to 24. These individuals were selected from two public Higher Education Institutions located in Gauteng, South Africa. Data analysis encompassed various methods including reliability and construct validity assessment, factor analysis, descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, collinearity diagnostics, regression analysis, and independent samples t-tests. Findings reveal that brand image, the desire for uniqueness, and product features significantly and positively impact the purchasing intentions of Generation Y consumers concerning sneakers. Conversely, the study indicates that price exerts an insignificant influence on the purchasing intentions of Generation Y consumers regarding sneakers. In addition, the findings suggest that males tend to place greater importance on brand image when making sneaker purchases compared to their female counterparts. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the nuanced preferences and behaviors of Generation Y consumers in the sneaker market and adapting business strategies accordingly to capitalize on opportunities for growth and differentiation.

This study investigates the intricate relationship between omni-channel retailing, high-end sustainable footwear, and customer satisfaction within an emerging market context. With a focus on Generation Z consumers, the research delves into the correlation between customisation, pricing, customer service, personalisation, and supply chain transparency as precursors of customer satisfaction in the high-end sustainable footwear fashion sector. The study is grounded in the recognition of the growing importance of sustainability in the fashion industry, whereby eco-conscious consumption is on the rise. The research addresses the gap in fragmented studies on omni-channel retail strategies in the high-end sustainable market. Utilising a positivist quantitative research approach, the researcher employs a convenience sampling technique by collecting data from a total sample of 268 Generation Z consumers who have purchased high-end sustainable footwear from South African omni-channel retailers. A structured online survey questionnaire, featuring five Likert-scale questions is used for data collection. The researcher proposes hypotheses that are tested primarily by utilising the latest SPSS version. The results of the study demonstrate that customisation, price, customer service, personalisation and supply chain transparency all positively influence customer satisfaction with regard to high-end sustainable footwear. The significance of the study lies in its potential to contribute valuable insights for high-end sustainable footwear omni-channel retailers in an emerging market, enabling them to enhance customer satisfaction levels and align with the growing demand for environmentally friendly and ethically sourced sustainable fashion. Additionally, the research aims to fill existing knowledge gaps in the South African market and contribute to the global discourse on sustainable fashion and consumer behaviour.

The adoption of energy strategies is increasingly crucial for organisations, driven by the need to decrease energy cost and greenhouse gas emissions. The research evaluates the financial and risk-related factors influencing energy management strategies within South African organisations. The study delved into various financial aspects such as bank loans, corporate sponsorships, government funding, tax rebates and own funding alongside risk factors including disaster, reputational, operational, regulatory, strategic, financial, market, liquidity and credit risks. Using a quantitative non-experimental research design, data was collected through a questionnaire from 142 participants in the financial services industry, yielding a response from 77 individuals. Results indicate a predominant use of internal funding for energy projects, with limited utilisation of external funding options. Financial benefits such as reduced operating costs and potential tax rebates were acknowledged, yet challenges including high capital investment and inadequate finance were highlighted. Furthermore, risk management emerged as integral, although the involvement of risk management departments in energy strategy formulation was limited. Identified risks varied with disaster, reputational and operational risks ranking the highest. The study underscores the need for greater integration of risk management into energy strategy development to effectively address risk exposures. Organisations must balance the approach to energy strategy implementation with the organisational objectives and environmental responsibilities. Further research opportunities exist to explore alternative financing methods and address existing barriers to optimal energy strategy implementation.

The aim of this paper is to explore the influence of society’s perception, social networking and social impact measurement on access to finance for social enterprises’ activities. It broadens the theoretical understanding from the perspective of resource dependence theory. The study tested hypotheses to asertain the impact of society’s perception, social networking and social impact measurement on access to finance that enhances social enterprises’ activities.  A quantitative research approach was adopted, using a snowball sampling technique to identify 90 owners/managers of social enterprises from three communities in the KwaZulu-Natal province. The data was examined with Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling. The study revealed that social impact measurement has a positive, but statistically insignificant impact on access to finance; there is a positive and statistically significant impact of social networking on access to finance; also, society’s perception has a positive and statistically significant impact on access to finance. The result does not support the moderation effect of society’s perception on social networking and access to finance. Therefore, this study recommends that government educate the society on the importance of social entreprise activities in KZN communities, which will enhance members of the societys’ willingness to provide financial assistance. In addition, there should be great emphasis on social networking among social enterprises as it provides crucial platforms to share relevant information on access to finance, which is essential in addressing sociatal challenges.

In the face of the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, this article thoroughly explores the intricate landscape of COVID-related trauma and psychological distress experienced during lockdown enforcement, analyzing its origins and repercussions. By delving into individuals’ experiences throughout the lockdown period, the study investigates how lockdown measures con- tributed to heightened trauma and psychological distress, particularly focusing on triggers such as illness fear, disrupted routines, and social isolation. The profound impact of isolation and restrictions on mental health and well-being is scrutinized, revealing disparities among various demographic groups in enduring COVID-related trauma. The article underscores adaptive coping mechanisms, like virtual connections and creative outlets, while emphasizing the crucial role of mental health support in mitigating trauma effects. It also elucidates the amplified trauma resulting from pandemic uncertainty and lockdowns, highlighting technology’s role in alleviating distress. Cultural factors are examined, and the article concludes by offering recommendations for policymakers to integrate mental health services into crisis response plans, foster community resilience, and enhance public education on coping strategies to promote overall well-being during crises.

In today’s fast-paced and often chaotic world, healthcare providers face numerous challenges in providing care and support to patients, particularly in settings where conflicts arise. One such complex scenario is the care of state patients, individuals who are mentally ill and have come into contact with the criminal justice system. In these situations, enacting a caring presence becomes crucial for promoting healing, understanding, and positive outcomes for both patients and society. The article delves into the exploration, review, and discussion of various techniques for enacting a caring presence in such situations, to transform the care and well-being of state patients. It highlights the multifaceted challenges healthcare providers encounter while caring for this vulnerable population, emphasizing the importance of empathy, compassion, and understanding in their treatment. The article analyzes strategies like trauma-informed care, cultural sensitivity, and interdisciplinary collaboration, while stressing the significance of providing a safe and non-judgmental environment. Furthermore, it emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to prioritize their own well-being to avoid burnout. Ultimately, the article advocates for a more compassionate and understanding approach to mental health within the criminal justice system, envisioning positive changes in patients’ lives and society at large.

The last mile of logistics, representing the final stage of product delivery to consumers, is critical for supply chain efficiency and sustainability. Infrastructure inadequacies, urbanisation, and environmental concerns pose challenges to this period in South Africa. This study conducts a systematic evaluation of the literature to investigate the ability of last-mile logistics in South Africa to withstand and maintain throughout time. The PRISMA method and Atlas-ti software are used for thematic analysis. The review highlights important topics such as the development of supply chain management, obstacles in last-mile distribution, the significance of technology, regulatory frameworks, infrastructure improvement, cooperative activities, and the economic and social effects. The findings emphasise the significance of incorporating resilience and sustainability into last-mile logistics in order to enhance operational efficiency, mitigate environmental consequences, and promote socio-economic advancement. The assessment highlights the necessity of joint endeavours, technical advancement, and supporting policies to tackle the distinct issues encountered by South Africa in this field. This study enhances the comprehension of sustainable logistics in South Africa and offers valuable insights for practitioners and policymakers to enhance last-mile logistics operations.

This study examines the collaboration between Lean Six Sigma principles and order fulfilment procedures, which are essential for facilitating international trade. The objective is to ascertain the extent to which sustainable and effective lean processes improve customer satisfaction and accelerate global product delivery. The study employs a dual methodology: initially, doing a comprehensive analysis of the current body of literature on the integration of Lean Six Sigma in order fulfilment inside various manufacturing companies, with the aim of finding any deficiencies or areas that require further investigation. Furthermore, we utilise a quantitative approach by administering surveys to professionals in the South African manufacturing industry. Deductive reasoning examines responses using random sampling to ensure unbiased selection. The findings emphasise that using Lean Six Sigma practices in the South African manufacturing sector can address customer concerns regarding the quality of orders and the timeliness of deliveries. This can provide a competitive advantage in the global market. The study validates that the inclusion of Lean Six Sigma measurements alleviates bottlenecks by focusing on improvements in operations, procedures, and communication. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of Lean Six Sigma methodologies in improving order fulfilment for enterprises engaged in international trade. It promotes these concepts to optimise processes, assuring timely deliveries and increased customer satisfaction. This study addresses several deficiencies in the current research on the incorporation of Lean Six Sigma in the manufacturing order fulfilment process. These gaps encompass the challenges of incorporating emerging technology, integrating collaborative supply chains, and incorporating sustainable practices. The distinctive methodology of integrating a comprehensive analysis of existing literature with empirical evidence enhances the novelty of the research outcomes. Manufacturing companies that aim to achieve global market excellence get practical advantages.

There is a limited amount of literature and data available on the topic of foreign divestment in African countries. The majority of research examining international divestment have primarily concentrated on a single-country context and have utilised factors at the level of individual firms. Unlike other papers, this study took a comprehensive approach by examining foreign divestiture across multiple countries on a continental scale. We analyse the correlation between foreign divestment, financial development, and economic growth over both short and long periods using annual data from 2000 to 2020 in 35 African nations. The principal estimating technique employed was the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) co-integration approach. The study's primary findings revealed a favourable enduring correlation between foreign divestiture and financial development, while indicating an unfavourable enduring correlation between foreign divestment and economic growth. Furthermore, the study found that there is a negative correlation between international divestiture and financial development in the short term. On the other hand, there is a positive and significant correlation between foreign divestment and economic growth. Thus, it is imperative for policymakers to implement rules with efficiency and promote foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows in order to enhance economic growth and development in African countries. Additionally, it is imperative for authorities to establish a surveillance system to monitor these connections and adapt policy accordingly in light of evolving economic conditions. The results of this study will not only enhance scholarly discussions, but also offer valuable insights to policymakers, practitioners, businesses, and foreign investors on how to effectively execute policies that promote economic growth and foreign investment in Africa. Moreover, this study provides suggestions for future investigations in the field of foreign divestment.  

This paper aimed to conserve and digitise indigenous games, making them accessible online, in order to harmonise cultural traditions with modernity. The majority of contemporary youth are exposed to Western entertainment that contradicts African values and traditions. Certain games have had a detrimental impact on society, leading young people to engage in acts of violence, sexual promiscuity, and even self-harm. African youth in pre-colonial times acquired moral principles through instruction from communal elders, who imparted these lessons through the use of moral games. This study contends that the process of digitization can be employed in conjunction with conventional means of knowledge dissemination and conservation to address the void in a societal context where cultural customs are diminishing. The significance of elders, relationships, and the corpus remains paramount. The study aimed to find an Afro-centric approach to digitise traditional games for educational entertainment. The study centred on the Sankofa and Diffusion of Innovation theories. The study employed qualitative case study research methodology to achieve its objective. Information was collected through a document survey. The data underwent thematic analysis. The paper investigated decolonial approaches to safeguard games via social media, applications, and websites. The study concluded that qualitative methodologies are necessary for determining the optimal and economically efficient technologies. Additionally, it emphasised that decolonization necessitates the establishment of alternative knowledge systems to challenge the dominance of Western and Eurocentric epistemology.

This paper sought to explore the factors influencing the intergenerational survival of FOPBCs in Zimbabwe. An exploratory research design was used to collect data from a population of 153 participants, made up of founders, managers, and inspectors working for FOPBCs in Harare, Zimbabwe. A 5-point Likert Scale questionnaire was designed and self-administered to the participants. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) utilizing Principal Axis Factoring (PAF) extraction and Oblique with Kaizer Normalization Rotation, in IBM SPSS Statistics v 26, was used to examine the factors influencing survival of FOPBCs in Zimbabwe. An 8-factor solution, accounting for 84.76% of the total variance was established and all the factors were named accordingly. The factors which emanated from the EFA were succession planning, family entrepreneurial orientation, family total resources, leadership, management, strategic planning, corporate governance, and the external environment. The study concluded that, while all FOPBCs were affected by the external environment, firms capable of effectively implementing, monitoring, and controlling the other seven factors had higher chances of witnessing successful intergenerational business transitions. A clear strategy incorporating succession planning, family entrepreneurial orientation, family total resources, leadership, management at the same time upholding corporate governance practices will see FOPBCs surviving across generations.