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Over the past decades there has been a remarkable paradigm shift in Public Administration. Traditional Public Administration was in dire need for a change of a New Public Administration (NPA) approach in the 1980s. From early 2000s, the NPA began to be subjected to heavy criticism, which influenced public administration to take complete control of different reforms and approaches regardless of their diversity, complexity, hybrid and contradictory situations rather than offering the perfect approach and reform to the public sector. The New Public Management (NPM) and Post-New Public Management (Post-NPM) paradigms emerged in times whereby the NPA was already experiencing a massive deconstruction and reconfiguration of the public sector management. To scan and understand the remarkable paradigm shift in the field and practice of public administration, this study applies both NPM and Post-NMP to examine different views, principles, values and norms, and reform proposals for South African Public Administration. Methodologically, this study used qualitative research methods with the aid of secondary data to evaluate both the NPM and post-NPM paradigms, criticisms, arguments, challenges, and changes in public policy implementations. Recommendations are provided based on the existing challenges confronting the current public administration in South Africa. This study contributes to literature, new policy proposals and research within public administration.

The main purpose of this study is to investigate how green human resource management (GHRM) influences environmental performance (EP) in hotels in South Africa: the mediating and moderating role of environmental concern (EC) and green human capital (GHC). The study followed the quantitative research design and a self-administer questionnaire was employed during the data collection process. Data was collected from two hundred fifteen hotels in a cross-sectional survey. The participants of this study were three-star, four-star, and five-star hotels in Gauteng province. The data was analysed using SmartPLS 4.0. The empirical findings of this study show that there is a significant positive relationship between GHRM and the EP of hotels. The study further shows that the relationship between GHRM and EP is partially mediated by EC and the relationship is also moderated by GHC at an average weight. The study has the following limitations and suggests some new study areas. First, the cross-sectional nature of the survey limits the ability to separate cause-and-effect relationships, and a longitudinal study will help to improve the results. Second, the survey was done on firms in one industry and one country. To improve the generalisability of the findings, further studies can include other industries in other countries. This paper fills a gap in the literature by exploring external business variables mediating and moderating the relationship between EC and GHC and contributes to the discussion on the contradictory results regarding the relationship between GHRM and EP.

This study examines readers` perceptions and preferences for online and print newspapers in four South African legacy newspapers. Specifically, the study aims to: i) determine the influence of whether or not a print newspaper succeeded in the 4IR; ii) examine the challenges and opportunities that print newspapers in South Africa face; and iii) examine the influence of customer satisfaction on customer perceptions of print newspapers. The study employed a quantitative methodology, and data from readers of the Daily Maverick 168, the Mail and Guardian, Isolezwe, and Grocott's Mail were gathered and analysed using a descriptive survey method. A sample of 249 readers made up the study's participants, and the technique for gathering data was a standardised questionnaire. The findings show that readers' perceptions and preferences influenced their decision to read a particular newspaper. The study recommends that all key players in the South African newspaper sector make use of the findings to enrich strategies and policies for the adoption of news materials in the sphere of digital business.

Since the COVID-19 epidemic has forced several global activities, including higher educational institutions, to close, it poses a threat to civilization. Despite the difficulties associated with this abrupt shift, higher educational institutions have been compelled to move to e-learning using the existing educational platforms to lessen the spread of the virus. The number of applications in higher educational institutions continues to rise, regardless of the introduction of different policies, which aims at curbing the spread of the virus. Thus, the objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the academic application and registration process during COVID-19. The study adopted non-empirical research, in which existing literature on the experience of tertiary students on application and registration process post-COVID-19. This paper is solely based on a review and analysis of published research and data. The findings of this study indicate that lack of knowledge/skills and resources are challenges to students’ experiences in the application and registration process at higher educational institutions. However, it seems that the lack of internet connectivity makes these problems worse. The paper notes factors such as laptops, internet connectivity, and lack of information as contributing to the high late academic application and registration at universities. The paper recommends the adoption of mobilization of learners at secondary schools to assist them with application and registration.

The tourism industry is a substantial contributor to the South African economy. The main aim of this study is to analyse the tourism industry’s performance during the Covid-19 pandemic, with specific reference to tourism accommodation income, and to shed light on the recovery prospects of the tourism industry and the overall South African economy. The study followed a descriptive research design and quantitative method using secondary data obtained from Statistics South Africa. The data covers a span of over 16 years, from January 2007 to May 2023. Results indicated that the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism industry was marked by a drastic drop in total income at the height of the pandemic, which coincided with similar performance of the overall economy. The tourism industry as well as the overall economy showed a V-shape recovery with a negative trendline suggesting their recovery potential and the need for sustained efforts by industry players and policymakers for full recovery in the medium term. Among the strategies for full recovery are diverse offerings by tourist accommodation providers, intensified digital marketing campaigns and providing exceptional service experiences.

The work environment in Nigerian financial institutions reflects the polarization and segregation of employees into different employment statuses. However, the implications of this on employee task identity are rarely discussed. This study, therefore, examined the difference in the task identity between the outsourced and core employees in Nigerian financial institutions. A cross-sectional survey research design was employed. A total of 359 employees were selected from six commercial banks in Southeast Nigeria using a multistage sampling method. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Pearson’s chi-square test was used to analyze data at the bi-variate level, while logistic regression analysis was used at the multi-variate level, all at p<0.05. Outsourced employees experienced a lower level of task identity than core employees. Employment status (OR =5.501, 95% CI 3.051-9.919) and education (OR=2.896, 95% CI 1.329-6.313) were significantly associated with task identity. Banks should design enriched jobs that will enable the completion of entire job functions for all employees without discrimination or favor to any groups or persons, as this will help employees to identify with their tasks when completed and feel pride and important, as well as enhance employee motivation, satisfaction, and commitment.

The effects of idealised influence as one of the four components of transformational leadership serve as a critical dimension of leadership style. Others include inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and gaining the admiration, trust, and respect of the followers. However, this study focuses on the context of employee resistance to change and its varying dimensions about the role idealised influence plays as a mediator in mitigating resistance to change and facilitating a successful change implementation at selected automobile dealerships in eThekwini Region of KwaZulu-Natal. Idealised influence refers to the leader’s ability to act as role model and gain the admiration of employees and by so doing, positively influence employee’s resistance to change. The study examines the effects of idealised influence on employee resistance to change at the automobile dealership organisations in the eThekwini Region of KwaZulu-Natal. The study investigates the mediating role of idealised influence on employee resistance to change at the automobile dealership organisations in the eThekwini Region of KwaZulu-Natal. Assessment was based on the effect of this leadership style component and its impact on employees’ willingness to accept or resist changes introduced at the selected organisations. Of the 270 staff members identified for participation, 196 questionnaires were returned and analysed using the convergent data analysis as well as the Structural Equation Model (SEM). The study revealed that the idealised influence is positively associated with the staff quick acceptance of change. The study improves the existing framework with regards to understanding how leaders with idealised influence can facilitate change management acceptance of employees by embracing and inculcating the essence of idealised influence. The results can help managers and change management interventionists formulate human resource development to improve change management planning programmmes.

Collaborative teaching strategies that teachers use to enhance learning of accounting concepts were explored in schools located in the Pinetown education district in South Africa. The study employed a qualitative case study within the interpretivist paradigm. A purposive sample of five Grade 10 Accounting teachers from five secondary schools was selected to participate in the study. Individual semi-structured interviews and focus group interviews were used to generate data that was analyzed through thematic analysis. The study found that accounting teachers emphasize the necessity of using diverse collaborative strategies to teach accounting concepts. A questioning approach to the teaching of accounting was used to ascertain learners’ experiences and prior knowledge. Infusing technology and group discussions were utilized to encourage learner involvement and participation in the teaching of accounting concepts. The study emphasizes the need for accounting teachers to strengthen learners’ understanding of concepts in Grade 10 by actively engaging them during the process of teaching and learning.

Extant literature has addressed some components of community engagement with little or no connection with the dynamics of policymaking. Hence, the current paper explains the matrix of policy-making using the practice of community engagement with insights from Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality in South Africa. It discusses the theories of community engagement in policy formulation at the local level. An empirical nature of community engagement and policy formulation is subject to analysis with particular reference to the Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality in South Africa. Secondary data were sourced from the existing literature. The paper relies on the data suitability of extant studies. It reveals the policy-making matrix within the community engagement sphere. It therefore concludes that the City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality should view community engagement in public policy formulation as a tool to increase the legitimacy, transparency, accountability, support, and responsiveness of a particular policy.

This research aimed to identify the key drivers of the pharmaceutical supply chain during the COVID-19 pandemic disruption, focusing on the South African pharmaceutical industry. The study aimed to unveil the dynamic strategies and challenges experienced during the pandemic and suggest recommendations for resilient supply chain operations. The study drew on established supply chain management theories and integrated them with the unique and novel circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. It mainly referred to theories regarding pricing, strategic sourcing, ICT usage, product availability, and logistics management contextualised within the pharmaceutical industry. An exploratory research approach was adopted to uncover the five overarching themes that function as pharmaceutical supply chain drivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Semi-structured interviews were used to acquire the primary data with industry supply chain professionals, supplemented with secondary data from industry reports and relevant literature. The findings revealed that the pricing of medications, strategic sourcing decisions, information and communication technology, the availability of pharmaceutical products, and logistics management played critical roles in the pharmaceutical industry's supply chain during the COVID-19 pandemic. Disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic led to challenges such as price hikes, supply shortages, and logistical complications. The study provides crucial insights into managing supply chain disruptions amid a global health crisis. Implementing dynamic pricing mechanisms, developing resilient sourcing strategies, using ICT effectively, improving inventory management, and enhancing logistics management are recommended for robust supply chain operations. The findings contribute to academia by enriching the existing body of knowledge and offering practical solutions for industry supply chain professionals. The research is original and timely, offering a unique perspective on the South African pharmaceutical industry's supply chain during an unprecedented global health crisis. The results are valuable for academia and industry, shedding light on the adaptive strategies, challenges encountered, and lessons learned from navigating the pharmaceutical supply chain during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This study looks at potential barriers to internationalization that SMMEs in South Africa may face while implementing service quality strategies. The contingency theory, which underpins this essay, emphasizes the necessity for SMMEs to employ a variety of techniques for resolving issues that may impede the implementation of a service quality strategy for the international market. Thematic analysis methods were used in this paper's qualitative research technique, and secondary sources were predominantly used to acquire data on both the private and public sectors. A comprehensive search was used to find the foundational literature for the qualitative study. The results obtained indicate that SMMEs struggle to put their specific strategies into practice because of things like management support, vision barriers, resource barriers, organizational leadership and commitment issues, a lack of knowledge about international markets, technological barriers as a barrier to strategy implementation, and culture, environment, and change management. The authors recommend small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) devote sufficient effort, resources, and staff to the implementation of their service quality improvement strategy for internationalization. Furthermore, it is advised that SMMEs prioritise service quality strategies for internationalization as well as the necessity of pursuing joint ventures with other multinational enterprises. High leadership dedication, increased global technology improvement, and consideration of environmental considerations will all contribute to improved service quality for the international market. All of this is done to make it easier to implement a strategy and supply appropriate services to all SMMEs in South Africa.

This study aimed to assess the readiness of small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in Mamelodi township to adopt the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Within the South African environment, small, medium, and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) are frequently associated with a substantial rate of failure. Previous studies have investigated many factors that contribute to the low survival rate of small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs). However, most of the studies focused on managerial issues, such as lack of experience, ineffective management methods, insufficient financial management, and obsolete marketing techniques. Most established companies have adopted various technologies associated with the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and are thriving as a result of the benefits associated with digitalization and automation. Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate the readiness of SMMEs in adopting the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and achieving similar benefits. Qualitative data was collected through interviews with owners and managers of small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in Mamelodi township, Tshwane Municipality. The study found that SMMEs in Mamelodi are willing to adopt the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), while encountering various difficulties. The results provide significant insights for owners and managers of Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in townships about the implementation of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Furthermore, government organizations tasked with supporting the creation and sustainability of small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) are aware of the scope of their operations, specifically in a township like Mamelodi. The study provided a vital contribution to the growing body of research on Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in townships and their incorporation of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). The essay highlighted major barriers that hinder the adoption and use of existing technology, while also providing tangible evidence of the influence of contemporary technology on the development and success of small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs).

The study examines the relationship between occupational stress and job satisfaction of employees in a non–profit organisation in South Africa. A descriptive and quantitative research approach was employed with a structured closed-ended questionnaire. A purposive sampling method was employed to select a sample of 230 full-time and contract employees in the Non-Profit Organisation in South Africa. A Minnesota Job Satisfaction Questionnaire (MJSQ) and the Eliot Stress Questionnaire (ESQ) were distributed to collect data. The research findings on job satisfaction reveal that most employees were generally satisfied with their jobs. Statistical analysis results on occupational stress showed that employees are generally neither stressed nor non-stressed, (the neutral point). The findings of this research reveal that when occupational stress is reduced employee satisfaction is improved. NPOs must communicate and clarify expectations, and ensure that employees fully understand the nature of their business and the funding implications.

Widowhood in Africa presents unique challenges for women due to cultural and social factors. This paper discusses the challenges of widowhood in African contexts with a view that various social, cultural, legal, financial, and economic issues are at the centre of the challenges widows face in Africa. A thematic literature review was used to examine the multifaceted challenges faced by widows in African societies. Findings show that widows in Africa face multiple challenges, including limited healthcare access, property rights, social support, and harmful traditional practices, impacting their well-being across various dimensions. Cultural attitudes, legal barriers, resource constraints, limited awareness, and the complex interplay of these factors hinder effective interventions. The literature review also found that changing cultural norms, improving access to education and economic opportunities, and strengthening social protection systems are crucial steps towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society for widows. The paper concludes that comprehensive and coordinated strategies are necessary to address these multifaceted challenges, including legal reforms, economic empowerment, awareness campaigns, and the provision of essential resources. Further, collaborative implementation of these strategies can promote gender equality, reduce poverty, and enhance the lives of widows in African countries. Further, there is a need for the urgency of comprehensive interventions and support systems to alleviate the hardships faced by widows in African societies.

This study aimed to determine what general detective attributes are considered professional in the South African Police Service (SAPS) based on public assessments. This study followed a quantitative research approach and utilized a non-probability, purposive, or judgmental sampling technique. The findings confirmed that good attributes such as acting with integrity, in line with the values and ethical standards of the SAPS, expand on earlier studies that suggested informal contact raises public opinion of the police. It could be that those predisposed to be more favorable are likelier to initiate informal contact with officers. In any event, it seems likely that promoting informal social contact may favorably influence public opinion. The SAPS may want to evaluate how they encourage or discourage informal contact with residents. It would seem then, from the findings of this study, that if more general detectives would portray greater attributes when interacting with the public, there would be more legitimacy, less victimization, less fear of crime, lower perceived levels of violent crime, a lower perceived disorder in one’s neighborhood, and higher neighborhood cohesion and control.

The comprehension of oral literature is very crucial as it is the literature that is readily available, that is at no cost most of the time. If used well, it can play a huge role in combating some of the issues of literacy. Due to oral tradition being part of many people’s cultures, it is one literature that can be relied upon in a country that has varied socio-economic issues. It is considered that oral literature is an important entry point to the meaning of verbal texts and that it plays an important role in exposing children to words. This article analyses selected Northern Sotho rhymes and folktales as forms of oral literature that can be utilised in addressing literacy challenges, demonstrating how teachers and learners can use rhymes and folktales as a teaching and learning resource. The article has demonstrated that some rhymes can teach children sequence of events, colours, different animals, cooperation, social skills and be a form of exercise. Folktales add on to their vocabulary and impart some moral skills.

After the inception of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in 2000, education emerged as a pivotal concern on the global agenda. The significance of education innovation lies in its ability to enhance the caliber of instruction and bolster school performance. In spite of the various obstacles faced by rural schools in South Africa, certain institutions are exhibiting indications of exceptional performance and advancement in terms of educational innovations, the provision of high-quality education, and the academic achievements of their students. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of principals' comprehension of the significance of educational innovation and their level of implementation of innovative practices on student achievement. The research employed a descriptive case study approach inside a quantitative research framework. A sample size of 108 secondary school principals in the Vhembe District, located in the Limpopo Province, was obtained through the utilization of random sampling procedures. Data collection was conducted through the utilization of questionnaires, while the analysis of the collected data was performed using descriptive statistical techniques. A total of 70 questionnaires were collected and deemed usable, resulting in a response rate of 64.8% for the study. The outcomes of the study indicate that principals within the Vhembe district had a comprehensive understanding of the imperative nature of educational innovation. Additionally, the research revealed that principals are utilizing many new leadership and management approaches in order to improve student achievement. This project aims to contribute to the enhancement of learner performance and the quality of education in secondary schools located in rural parts of South Africa through the promotion of educational innovation. The recommendations of the study hold potential value in the development of policies, the improvement of learner performance, and the provision of education of superior quality.

The moderating effect of parental income on parental financial communication and financial literacy is increasingly becoming important. The objective of this study was to determine whether the relationship between parental financial communication of young adults and their financial literacy is moderated by parental income. Financial literacy was measured through financial knowledge, financial behaviour, financial attitudes, and financial decision-making. Quantitative research approach was adopted for this study. Self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data among young adults in South Africa. Moderated regression analysis was used to analyse data. Four hypotheses were tested. The results showed that parental income moderated the relationship between parental financial communication with financial knowledge, financial behaviour, financial attitude, and financial decision-making. Therefore, the overall results indicated that the relationship between parental financial communication and financial literacy is moderated by parental income.  This study is amongst the first to investigate whether the relationship between parental financial communication and financial literacy is moderated by parental income. This study concluded by providing recommendations and suggestions for future research.

The purpose of the paper is to examine the human capital and human capability models in order to show the connection between graduation and employment. There appear to be topical issues in Zimbabwean electronic and print media regarding the complaint of the mismatch between the students’ training and the product of graduates, which may lead to the failure to meet the industry’s needs. The mismatch between the university curriculum and national developmental needs results in the production of graduates who have to be trained in order to be employable in industry, and this little linkage led me to write this paper. A qualitative interpretive study of the examination of the gap between graduation and employability was used after identifying a small-scale case study with twenty (20) managers and university students that were purposefully sampled and then interviewed. The results of the interviews were presented in tables and graphs, then analyzed and interpreted. The findings of the results revealed that Zimbabwean businesses are suffering from the influx of recent graduates who lack the market-required scientific, technological, social, problem-solving, and creative abilities. The involvement of different stakeholders in higher education institutions, including the government, universities, and industries, should lead to the production of education and economic policy’s new language, posture, position, and direction that Zimbabwe could take to stabilize the economy. A new stable season where values are corrected and projected towards economic recovery, industrialization of the economy, and the creation of employment can be realized.

Citizens with disabilities have the same rights as those without disabilities, and they are entitled to the same benefits as everyone else. Because of their mobility, people who do not have disabilities have greater access to public services. People with disabilities typically face difficulties in accessing government services due to the location of government offices, the physical structure of such offices, and the fact that they rely on others to access some of the services provided by the government. More government offices are located in urban areas, while the majority of people with disabilities live in rural areas, making it even more difficult for them to access government services such as health facilities, educational institutions, civic and social services. This paper examines what the South African government can do to make service delivery even more accessible to people with disabilities. To benefit this paper, the qualitative approach was used to collect data through a review of secondary sources.