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The purpose of this paper is to examine the unequal and inadequate access to opportunities by both men and women in South Africa, as well as the progress made in achieving gender equality and promoting women's empowerment, which are embedded in the Millennium Development Goals and Sustainable Development Goals, respectively. The paper is virtuously theoretical and relies upon literature to present its arguments, soliciting information from published journals, reports, and previous studies. Access is primarily a gendered phenomenon worldwide, pertaining to the subsets of, inter alia, access to information, rights, land, money, education, skills, political participation, and opinion. Gender equity and equality are high on the developmental agenda of women in almost every country. South Africa, being part of international treaties and conventions on gender equity, is obliged to advance the empowerment of women and eliminate all forms of gender discrimination. The development of women, their access to essential resources, and their participation in important positions of decision-making are still challenges in most countries. It is commonly known that everywhere in the world, women face constraints that limit their capacity to contribute to production, well-being, decision-making, growth, and most importantly, empowerment, which in turn promotes independence. Women face discrimination in access to productive resources such as land; they face wage inequality in rural labor markets; and they are also more likely to work part-time, seasonal, and/or low-paying jobs when engaged in wage employment. Despite the Domestic Violence Act 116 of 1998 and the inauguration of the Annual 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children by the South African government, which are aimed at fighting the perpetual inequalities and abuse of women and children, gender inequality, women's disempowerment, and unequal access to opportunities are still predominant in the country.

The objective of this study is to examine and analyze the many factors that contribute to the occurrence of automobile deaths within the Emfuleni Local Municipality. This study employed a hybrid analytics approach, employing a non-probability convenience sampling strategy. The researchers employed a descriptive study methodology to gather a sample of 168 participants, consisting of both traffic cops and motorists. The primary outcomes of the investigation revealed that road configuration, including small roads, hills, and sharp curves, was one of several influential elements in the occurrence of road traffic accidents (RTA). The dataset under analysis reveals that a substantial proportion of respondents possessing a standard 10/matric/grade 12 certificate had a higher level of agreement compared to those with a diploma/bachelor's degree about the primary responsibility of road layout in road traffic accidents (RTAs). The majority of participants identified stray or wild animals as a significant contributing cause to road accidents. Notably, female respondents and motorists residing in Emfuleni Municipality exhibited the highest level of agreement on this matter. Another significant contributing element was the presence of malfunctioning traffic signals, which was widely acknowledged as a causative factor in road collisions. The majority of respondents who possessed a standard 10/matric/grade 12 education exhibited the highest level of agreement. The results ultimately demonstrated that a majority of the participants concurred that a significant portion of the drivers and automobiles present on the road were not suitable for sharing the roads with other drivers, leading to the elevated occurrence of road traffic fatalities. The present circumstance necessitates prompt attention. Suggestions were proposed to provide assistance to the pertinent parties.

Continuing Professional Teacher Development (CPTD) refers to the ongoing learning and development of teachers throughout their careers. It involves a range of activities, programs, and initiatives designed to help teachers improve their knowledge, skills, and effectiveness in the classroom. CPTD programs can take many different forms, such as workshops, seminars, mentoring programs, online courses, and peer networks. This desktop review paper examines the role of CPTD on teachers' and learners’ achievement. The paper reviews among others the following; the nature and concept of  CPTD, the importance of  CPTD, South African teacher education policy framework and CPTD, the educational achievement and CPTD, school effectiveness and CPTD, learner and teacher learning and CPTD. The paper uses social learning theory as a theory that underpins the paper and makes some plausible recommendations.

This article deals with rhetorical questions as a literary device in N.G. Sibiya’s selected essays in Amalangabi (1993). Rhetorical questions are employed for different purposes in literature, and this discourse intends to discover the rhetorical purpose they serve in Sibiya’s essays specifically. The study is motivated by the discovery that, even though rhetorical questions are used artistically in N.G. Sibiya’s essays, there seems to be no work, so far, that has been done to examine this. Since the study observes the rhetoric or stylistic use of rhetorical questions, literary stylistics is adopted as a theory to theoretically ground the analysis. Textual analysis, as a qualitative research technique, is also adopted because data is primary collected, organised, and interpreted from Sibiya’s two essays (Amalimi and Izibongo). The analysis of data will highlight how Sibiya employs rhetorical questions for different stylistic effects in his essays. This includes their emphasis and persuasive effects. It also includes their role as a channel to express strong emotions, their ability to draw readers to the problem and promote critical discussions, and their ability to challenge common assumptions and beliefs.

This pragmatic action research explores Grade 3 teachers’ understanding of the implemented mathematics curriculum content. Exploring teachers’ understanding of the mathematics curriculum content is required because understanding of content determines how teachers teach, the resources they use, and how teachers assess. It should be noted that, over time, curriculum reforms take place; and these reforms impact not only on teachers’ knowledge, expertise, or motivation, but also on their understanding. Understanding, as synthesised by the researcher, is a planned, prescribed system of presenting one’s thoughts and expertise regarding a particular subject; in this case, mathematics. In exploring this phenomenon, six Grade 3 teachers from Nkangala District in Mpumalanga were purposefully sampled to be part of this study. Data was generated through two phases of reflective activities, observations, interviews, and a focus-group discussion. To answer the two research questions of this study, the generated data was analysed guided by the natural identity framework themes. Findings revealed that teachers’ understanding of the implemented mathematics curriculum content is mostly informed by a combination of their need to comply with the prescripts of policy and higher authority, common understanding to appease their societal needs, and individual understanding based on their experiences and beliefs. The study drew the conclusion that, for teachers to embrace the three propositions of understanding and  identities, teachers’ natural understanding identity should be promoted. This identity is underpinned by reflective practice and adaptation to what works in their day-to-day practice as teachers.  

The purpose of this paper is to examine and analyze how the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) contributed to economic growth and development in South Africa. It argues that the 4IR is a pathway to achieve economic growth and development. Although much emphasis from the literature indicates the negative impact of the 4IR on human development, this paper brings to light that the 4IR is an engine to the headway of economic development. To get the expected results, desktop research is used, covering South Africa as an area of focus.  Hence, it adopted a literature-based methodology that relies on the use of existing literature to critique the role of the 4IR in enhancing economic development. It reveals that the 4IR is detrimental to human development, however, it can be used as a catalyst for economic growth and development. It thus recommends that the 4IR must be fully embraced by both the government and private sector for the betterment of economic development and business growth amongst others.

This study examined the impact of mental health promotion on coping mechanisms among grade 11 Physical sciences learners. A poor coping mechanism is associated with poor mental health and poor academic performance due to inadequate mental health resources and services. Participants selected using a purposive sampling technique from the accessible population, 08 physical sciences educators and 109 Grade 11 learners from eight targeted schools in the Nkandla Circuit of the Empangeni district made up the sample. The study used a mixed approach and a triangulation research design. The questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data. Quantitative data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 27 and thematic analysis was used for interviews. The findings revealed that Physical sciences learners with mental health issues underperform because their coping mechanisms are compromised by inadequate mental health resources and services. The findings of this study are diagnostic, and they assist the Department of Education in improving learner support provided by school social workers in schools. Most participants indicated that school social workers visit the school less frequently, making it difficult to monitor the coping mechanisms of learners with mental health issues. Since most schools lack school social workers, the Department of Basic Education should assign more school social workers to assist learners with mental health issues. Further study is required to determine more academic coping mechanisms used by learners who have mental health issues under the supervision of school social workers. This suggests that if the inadequate supply of mental health support services and medical care were addressed seriously, the high proportion of poor coping mechanisms among grade 11 physical sciences learners with mental health would decrease.

Assessing the readiness and maturity of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is a foundation for implementing emerging technologies like big data analytics and artificial intelligence to drive their digital transformation endeavours. This study emphasises that readiness and maturity dimensions offer descriptive and prescriptive guidelines for gauging the current and desired levels of preparedness and maturity required to achieve desired digital transformation outcomes. However, prevailing readiness and maturity models overlook the diverse stages of advancement in big data analytics and artificial intelligence. This research explores the dimensions essential for assessing SMEs' readiness to adopt big data analytics and artificial intelligence. This paper identifies the key dimensions for evaluating SMEs' readiness and maturity across different categories of big data analytics and artificial intelligence by conducting a systematic literature review and employing cluster analysis. The study's principal findings underscore that SMEs' readiness for maturity is influenced prominently by strategic leadership and organisational culture, closely trailed by information technology, security, and business model transformation. Additionally, three pivotal dimensions encompass data analytics and governance, cost-benefit and risk management, and environmental factors. Consequently, proposing that evaluating digital readiness and maturity for SMEs should encompass these six dimensions, thoughtfully considering various prerequisites related to analytics and artificial intelligence.

Globally, governments should prioritise and lead cybersecurity awareness as they have a duty to inform their citizens about responsible online behavior. This study aims to search for government-led cybersecurity awareness practices followed by the four world-leading countries (the United States of America (USA), the United Kingdom (UK), Saudi Arabia and Estonia) as evident on their websites. This qualitative study employs content analysis by performing a review of the four world-leading countries’ websites, with a specific focus on support materials and other relevant activities as part of cybersecurity awareness. Analysis of the websites found that cybersecurity awareness practices had a wide reach. Firstly, a host of multimedia content (videos, readings, infographics, memes, games, and quizzes) was used in addition to social media platforms. Secondly, the content was categorized for a range of users, with parents and children being favored. Lastly, for countries where the first language was not English, websites were in the official language in addition to English. The study contributes to the literature on cybersecurity awareness. The good practices employed by these countries could serve as a benchmark globally for other countries seeking to formulate or update their websites. Furthermore, showcasing the four world-leading countries serves to assist countries which have a lower Global Cybersecurity Index organizational measure can improve their cybersecurity awareness websites.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the consequences of road accidents and explore novel approaches aimed at promoting safer behavior among road users. The enforcement of road traffic laws serves as a means to generate income while also ensuring compliance with traffic regulations and fostering a safer road infrastructure that is conducive to enhancing the well-being of individuals and bolstering the economy of South Africa. The data collection process utilized an approach based on non-probability sampling, namely intentional sampling. A total of 30 individuals were selected to participate in the study. This sample consisted of government officials (n=13), taxi operators (n=4), taxi commuters (n=8), and senior academics (n=5). The study's results were categorized into three main themes: human error emerged as the primary factor contributing to road traffic fatalities, insufficient allocation of resources to address road fatalities, and the enhancement of law enforcement operating procedures and working hours. These themes were derived from the perspectives of the participants and findings from previous studies in the existing literature. The findings of the study indicate that professional and organizational factors have a more significant impact on dangerous conduct when compared to external and personal factors. The report provides recommendations for mitigating contributory factors by adopting innovative technical devices to avoid and minimize road fatalities. Additionally, it suggests implementing policy-based measures and establishing regulatory organizations to reduce the occurrence of accidents.

Stokvel is a term used in South Africa to denote an informal saving club. A large population of South Africa are members of one stokvel or the other. A large amount of stokvel savings go unaccounted for in the banking sector resulting in distortions in the flow of funds in the banking sector. Thus, the objective of this paper was to establish the presence of a long-run relationship and causality between stokvel savings, money supply, gross domestic product growth rate and banking sector liquidity in South Africa. Applying the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) and Error Correction Model (ECM) techniques on quarterly time series data for the period from 1987Q3 to 2020Q1, the study reveals that in the long run, stokvel savings and money supply were found to have a negative relationship with banking sector liquidity albeit insignificant, however, gross domestic product growth rate exhibited a negative and statistically significant relationship at 1%. The coefficient of the error correction model (ECM(-1)) was, as expected, negative and statistically significant thus providing evidence of a short-run relationship. This study concludes that informal savings must be included in the formal banking services to harness the cash that is held by the informal sector and thus improve banking sector liquidity while minimizing the prevalence of financial disintermediation.

The issue of road tolling is a topical subject, especially for developing countries who are being affected by paltry budgetary allocations towards highway infrastructure investment. The Zimbabwean Government took almost a decade before implementing road tolling. It was thus needful to come up with innovative, long-lasting solutions to address the financial constraints towards highway infrastructure investment hence the introduction of road tolling systems in Zimbabwe. To this effect, the study unpacks the drivers and the utility of road tolling in Zimbabwe. Through the usage of a case study research design which triangulates both the qualitative and quantitative methods, the study collected data using a survey questionnaire, document analysis and in-depth interviews with key informants. Data was analysed using the SPSS, content analysis and thematic analysis techniques. The results revealed that the dwindling budgetary allocations towards highway infrastructure investment, hyperinflation, and backlog in the maintenance and construction of trunk roads were the key factors that led the Zimbabwean Government to introduce road tolling. Additionally, the study highlighted that road tolling was introduced primarily to generate revenue for the construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance of highway infrastructure in Zimbabwe. Recommendations were made to enhance the adoption and operationalisation of road tolling systems.

This article aims to discuss national identities as depicted by Mngadi in his debut novel, Imiyalezo (1978). Affirming du Bois’ (1903) notion of the double consciousness and Anderson’s (1983) concept of ‘imagined communities’, the article contends that the national identities are not only a depiction of the idealised past but also the author’s wrestling with the present. Just like people generally remember the good old days when they face the bad new ones, these national identities are essentially hybrid in nature, representing both the past and the present. Rooted in the backdrop of the postcolonial theory and based on the textual approach of the qualitative research method, this article asserts that Mngadi is a postcolonial writer, he ‘writes back’, rights the wrongs of the past, as he attempts to reassert the somehow lost and threatened identities of his nation and in the process speaks on behalf of the subaltern. The article provides a deep understanding of identity issues in South Africa’s post-independence epoch, with reference to Mngadi’s debut novel, and locates the significance of this novel during colonial oppression and in post-independence.

This paper is an assessment of 21 years of developmental local government as advocated through the 1998 White Paper on local government. In the 21st century, local governments have developed into hubs for developmental objectives. This suggests that they are now expected to go beyond the fundamentals of providing services. For instance, the agenda of local governments has automatically adopted South Africa's idea of a developmental state that primarily prioritises economic development and the need to consider the most suitable intervention scales. With the implementation of the National Development Plan (NDP) in 2012, South African authorities formalised their intention to pursue a developing state. The authorities' conviction that the developmental state approach is a factor for development is evident from reading the NDP. Because of the vertical connections between regional, sub-regional and local processes of change, strategies must be well-suited to one another, different interventions may be most effective at various spatial scales, and strategy and implementation may also be most effective at particular scales. This study used a multi-site case study as the sole type of research methodology. The study took an exploratory approach, because it constituted contextual research, allowing the researcher to investigate and record research phenomena in line with diverse participant interpretations. The study discovered that despite the ideals outlined in the 1998 White Paper, National Development Plan, and District Development Model, emphasising the influence of the local sphere as closer to citizens, and thus more responsible for their welfare and development, factors such as public participation, a lack of skills, and sub-par infrastructure delivery have negatively impacted developmental local government outcomes. In the end, local government is unable to fulfill its responsibility for development. The paper contends that local government's performance, assessed against its constitutional purposes, hinders the realisation of a progressive state in South Africa against a backdrop of local government incapacity.

In what circumstances may an employer dismiss an employee who deliberately chooses not to disclose information even though she/he was expressly requested to do so? Can a negative inference be drawn against the said employee? These questions are examined within the context of derivative misconduct which emphasises a duty placed upon employees to disclose any misconduct perpetrated by fellow employees. This duty arises out of the implied common law duty of good faith that an employee owes to his/her employer by virtue of the contract of employment. The duty of good faith is a sacrosanct principle of any employment relationship, the breach of which justifies an employee’s dismissal.

The effects of organizational culture, psychological safety, and perceived leadership integrity on employee voice in organizations are evaluated in this paper. Ten (10) companies in South Africa and Nigeria's financial, service, and manufacturing sectors served as the sample for this research. Intentionally, surveys were disseminated to 200 employees from five workplaces in Nigeria and 200 employees from five workplaces in South Africa. To test the investigation's hypotheses and collect data on participants' opinions on corporate culture, psychological safety, leadership integrity, and employee voice, 400 people were recruited. One hundred eighty-one (180) surveys were discovered in Nigeria, while one hundred eighty-three (183) surveys were found in South Africa. The data was collected and analyzed using SPSS version 29 (Statistical Packages for Social Sciences). According to this study, perceived leadership integrity positively and significantly impacts employee voice in South African and Nigerian organizations. It also showed how employee voice in South African and Nigerian organizations is favorably influenced considerably by perceived leadership integrity. Further, it demonstrated how perceived corporate culture favorably influences employee voice in South African and Nigerian organizations. Additionally, this study showed how employee voice in South Africa and Nigeria is positively impacted by perceived leadership integrity, psychological safety, and organizational culture.

As a multi-faceted emerging profession, forensic accounting is surrounded by some issues, controversies, and challenges among them lack of consensus on the entry requirements and certification of the profession, misconstruction of the innate goal of forensic accounting, and the lack of consensus on the teaching pedagogies of forensic accounting. The claim of ownership of forensic accounting by different professional bodies in different jurisdictions also exacerbates these challenges. With these issues surrounding the profession, this study sought to examine the state of affairs of forensic accounting in a developed economy, USA, and a developing economy South Africa. The comparison was based on the following criteria: certification; the profession issues; constitutional and judicial issues; and legal and regulatory issues. The study employed a desktop literature review methodology involving an in-depth review of relevant and current literature. The paper found that both countries share a similar status of the forensic accounting profession only on the profession issues. Differences were noted on the certification; constitutional and judicial issues; as well as the legal and regulatory issues. To date, the profession is regulated in both jurisdictions but it happened in 2000 in the US and 2013 in South Africa. It can therefore be concluded that the similarity in forensic accounting profession status for the two jurisdictions is based only on the profession criteria with differences existing in the certification; constitutional and judicial; and legal and regulatory issues. The paper recommends more studies on comparing the status of the profession in other jurisdictions because extant literature still alludes to unresolved issues and challenges on forensic accounting in some jurisdictions.

Whilst e-commerce continues to grow, it has met privacy, trust, and security challenges. Blockchain technology is among the solutions that e-commerce can use to address these challenges. Blockchain technology poses benefits but comes with its challenges. The purpose of this study was to systematically review literature that focused on the state and prospects of blockchain technology in e-commerce. Specifically, the research question is what is the state of the application of blockchain technology in e-commerce? The study conducted searches using four databases (EbscoHost, Science Direct, IEEE Explore, and Jstor) as well as Google Scholar. Exclusion and inclusion criteria were applied in the searches to answer the research question. In total, 25 articles were used for this research and were thematically analysed. The results showed that while there are many benefits in implementing blockchain technologies in e-commerce, there are also challenges. The benefits include an increase in privacy, enhanced security, and minimized costs of transactions. The challenges are tax evasion, black market transactions, and lack of regulation. Results also showed blockchains are used to track product movement and originality. The study's novel contribution is to theory by developing a model for the application, benefits, and challenges of the blockchain technology ecosystem in e-commerce. The study contributes to policy by focusing on sustainable development goals 7 and 9. The research also contributes to the body of knowledge on the application of blockchain. Businesses, scholars, government officials, and other stakeholders can use this study to understand the application, challenges, and benefits of blockchain in e-commerce.

African Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AIKS) are values that were passed among African generations by word of mouth. Despite the Fourth Industrial Revolution's (4IR) facilitation of rapid communication for every aspect of society, many Africans have not embraced it to store AIKS, mainly due to concerns over biases and prejudices embedded in aspects like information and communication technologies (ICTs). Using decoloniality theory, this paper aims to show the importance of AIKS, which faces extinction due to the combined effects of the deaths of members of the old generation and acculturation. In the methodology section, Afrocentricity, which celebrates rootedness in African culture and history, was used together with storytelling as a means to examine the perceptions of Afrocentric scholars as revealed in their folktale works that were analyzed qualitatively. Results revealed that lack of exposure to ICTs is one of the main reasons for the scant AIKS virtual literature. Many African people do not have access to other needs like food, education, clothing, electricity, and shelter, which effectively renders ICTs ‘secondary, yet access to information and participation are fundamental rights. We urge stakeholders to implement policies that promote the preservation of AIKS in electronic repositories. Memory devices and other ICT accessories should be responsive to African cultures. Investment in ICT infrastructure and training, reliable electricity, and addressing all the basics are critical.

The National Peace Accord, signed by all major political parties in 1991, created various structures through which police accountability could be sought. In 1993, the Interim Constitution of South Africa Act 200 of 1993 formalized the establishment of the Community Police Forum (CPF) at police stations. The SAPS Act 68 of 1995 made a formal provision for a partnership between the police and the community in fulfilling the needs of the community regarding policing. CPF aims to ensure police accountability, transparency, and effectiveness in the community, promoting cooperation between the service and the community in fulfilling the community's needs regarding policing and promoting communication between the police and the community. It was established to maintain a partnership between the police and the communities, to jointly identify priorities and solve problems related to crime, disorder, fear, poor police-community relations and service delivery. Therefore, the police's new vision of policing was introduced by setting up CPF at police stations throughout the country. The implementation of community policing through CPFs has brought to bear the complexity, dynamics, and of social and political relationships at both the provincial and local levels. This paper aims to evaluate the effectiveness of CPF in crime prevention. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were employed, and data were collected from 40 community members through face-to-face survey interviews. The research revealed that CPF is ineffective in reducing crime due to the lack of resources to support its functioning. The study recommends proper and frequent communication between the police, CPF and the broader community.