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The research project examines the significance of forensic investigation within the field of Criminal Justice, focusing specifically on the role of fingerprint identification as a tool to secure convictions in the court of law. The study explored how forensic science, particularly fingerprint analysis, contributes to criminal investigations and judicial outcomes. Over the past few decades, various studies have revealed instances where innocent individuals were wrongfully convicted, highlighting the urgent need for reliable forensic evidence and expert input to strengthen the justice system. A qualitative case study design was employed, focusing on the Thohoyandou Police Station in the Vhembe District of Limpopo Province. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with twelve (20) participants from SAPS, supported by the analysis of selected case files, court judgments, and forensic reports. Purposive sample was utilised to select sample who are vested with experience of forensics field work and prosecutions. The data were thematically analysed to identify key patterns and challenges in the use of fingerprint evidence. The findings revealed that fingerprint identification plays a significant role in linking suspects to crime scenes and contributes to securing convictions. However, challenges such as inadequate training, lack of modern forensic tools, delays in laboratory processing, and weak chain-of-custody documentation often reduce its effectiveness. The study recommends continuous professional development for investigators, improved forensic infrastructure, and enhanced coordination between investigators, forensic experts, and prosecutors. Strengthening these aspects will improve the reliability of fingerprint evidence, promote justice, and prevent wrongful convictions.

In an era where data-driven approaches are increasingly shaping decision-making in higher education, a notable gap remains in the use of survey methodologies specifically designed to inform and enhance student support initiatives. Despite the growing emphasis on evidence-based practices, few studies have systematically utilized survey data to inform institutional strategies and enhance student outcomes. This survey paper employs the Theory of Student Involvement and Appreciative Inquiry (AI) as a theoretical lens to guide the exploration of student support and enhance the MenTut programme, aiming to improve student wellbeing and success within our institution. Data were primarily collected from 1,446 undergraduates (mentees) who consented to the use of the data collected. A questionnaire with five (5) closed-ended Likert scale question items and one open-ended question was shared via Microsoft Forms to explore students’ experiences with MenTut. Closed-ended questions were analysed to provide descriptive graphs, while one open-ended question was thematically analysed. Although the findings show that many undergraduate students (mentees) were satisfied with the tutorial sessions offered, some concerns were raised regarding inadequate infrastructure, venue constraints, tutor communication and delivery, engagement and active learning, as well as tutors’ attitudes and professionalism. Drawing from findings, the paper recommends administering systematic and subsequent surveys each semester to evaluate the effectiveness of student support initiatives and to facilitate ongoing, data-informed improvements to the program. This paper concludes by proposing an Academic and Reflective Enhancement Theoretical Lens (ARETL) that could be adopted to enhance any student support programme in higher education institutions.

Foster care was instituted as a child protection mechanism in South Africa at the dawn of democracy, offering vulnerable and orphaned children alternative placement alternatives to stay with their relatives. Orphans living with HIV derive significant benefits from this placement, as their grandmothers provide essential support, enabling them to experience love, care, and safety. This study sought to examine foster parents caring for children in foster care who are living with HIV and AIDS. The study was grounded in resilience theory. A qualitative technique was utilised to collect comprehensive data, supported by phenomenological, exploratory, descriptive, and contextual study approaches. This technique facilitated an understanding of caregiving among 16 participants by providing insight into their ideas, emotions, and experiences. The study utilised foster parents as a sample, gathering their experiences through semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was conducted using the five steps delineated by Yin. This research examines four key themes: financial difficulty, diagnostic unawareness, challenges in disclosure, and psychosocial support and resilience. Despite various challenges, carers shown perseverance in foster caregiving. Participants depended on their spiritual convictions, healthcare, and psychosocial assistance from social workers and healthcare professionals. This paper elaborates on the available research about foster parents and children living with HIV/AIDS from a social work perspective. The recommendations aim to strengthen current support systems and enhance social functioning among carers and foster children..

The psychological and emotional well-being of academic staff in the South African higher education system is affected by multiple challenges that obscure the delivery of distinct academic projects. These challenges have an impact on the academic staff’s mental health. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the mental health stressors affecting academic program coordinators at a South African university. By identifying and analyzing specific challenges, the research aims to provide actionable insights to inform institutional policies and interventions designed to improve the mental well-being of academic staff. This study will broaden the understanding of the mental health stressors among South African universities. The study is premised within an interpretivist paradigm and uses a case study qualitative design. Individual interviews were conducted with 4 purposively selected academic programme coordinators.  Data were analysed using thematic and narrative analyses. The findings identified five mental health stressors that affect academic programme coordinators. These stressors are (1) increased and heavy workload with many modules and extra administration; (2) understaffing- increased students-no creation of new posts; (3) duplication of duties and work transfer; (4) lack of support, and lack of implementation of resolutions; and (5) over-use of part-time lectures at most 50 part-time lectures.  As part of the conclusions, the study recommends that the university conduct a job analysis to revisit and reimagine job descriptions and organizational structure to alleviate job duplication and job transfer. Furthermore, the study proposes adequate staffing and equitable workloads across the university’s academic and support staff

Carbon offset programs are central to global strategies for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, yet growing evidence suggests that fraud undermines their environmental, social, and economic effectiveness. This study investigates the most common fraudulent practices in international carbon trading, focusing on overstatement of offsets, double counting, phantom projects, misclassification of emission reductions, and resale of expired or previously claimed credits. Using a qualitative desk-based literature review of peer-reviewed studies, policy reports, and investigative journalism, the research identifies how these fraud types distort carbon markets, mislead investors, and impede genuine emissions reductions. The findings reveal that fraudulent practices have systemic impacts on the triple bottom line: economic losses for investors, erosion of stakeholder trust, and failure to achieve real environmental benefits. The study underscores that structural weaknesses in project verification, registry governance, and regulatory oversight facilitate these practices. To restore market integrity, the research recommends robust verification protocols, transparent baselines, registry interoperability, and adherence to international standards such as the Core Carbon Principles. This work contributes to understanding how fraud in carbon offset programs threatens the credibility of climate finance mechanisms and highlights strategies to strengthen accountability and environmental integrity in carbon markets.

Gender Based Violence (GBV) is a significant public health issue that has been extensively researched, particularly in relation to women and girls. However, there is limited research on the psychological consequences of GBV experienced by men, especially in rural African contexts. This qualitative research explored the psychological impacts of GBV on men in rural Zimbabwe. Fifteen participants were purposively selected to participate in focus group discussions. This study involved married men and women aged 20 to 45, encompassing both employed and unemployed individuals. It was completed over two weeks, facing time constraints due to commitments of both researchers and participants. Content thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The findings indicate that men in rural Zimbabwe face various forms of GBV, including physical abuse, psychological and emotional abuse. The data reveal that the psychological consequences of this violence can be severe, with some men experiencing depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and even death. The study recommends that, there is need for greater awareness, support services, and counselling to address the unique challenges faced by male survivors of GBV in this context. The research further recommends calling for further research to better understand the gendered dynamics and help-seeking behaviours of men experiencing GBV in rural African communities. Developing culturally appropriate interventions and dismantling harmful gender norms are identified as critical steps toward supporting the mental health and well-being of male GBV survivors.

In Southern Africa, the human immunodeficiency virus constitutes a significant public health challenge, characterised by elevated rates of new infections in rural populations. Conversely, biomedical interventions have facilitated advancement. The incorporation of Indigenous Knowledge Systems into Human Immunodeficiency Virus preventive techniques is still little investigated. This systematic analysis assesses the incorporation of Indigenous Knowledge Systems into community-based HIV prevention strategies in Southern Africa. This systematic review complied with the PRISMA principles. A search was performed across various electronic databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and CINAHL, for papers published from 01 January 2015 to 31 June 2025. A total of 51,972 studies were discovered, of which 14 matched the inclusion criteria and were evaluated. The analysis revealed that incorporating Indigenous Knowledge Systems into community-based HIV prevention programs in Southern Africa improved cultural relevance, community involvement, and trust in health initiatives. Traditional healers significantly contributed to counselling, education, and the increase of HIV testing in rural regions, leading to enhanced service accessibility and diminished stigma. Notwithstanding these advantages, several projects nevertheless lacked official policy support and organised collaborations between conventional and biological health sectors.

Afrocentric recreational participation patterns among rural-based adults in South African social systems are complex and deeply embedded within all the social institutions. The core principles of recreational participation are neglected within those structures, which undermines the intended roles of recreation within the broader social ecosystem. The purpose of this systematic review is to critique and synthesize existing literature on the Afrocentric recreational participation patterns of rural-based adults in South Africa. A literature search was conducted across multiple databases, which include PubMed, Google Scholar, AJOL, Scopus, and CINAHL for studies published between 2015 and 2025 academic year. This review is in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines for systematic review. A total of 68,188 studies were initially identified and screened according to the inclusion criteria. ultimately, 41 peer-reviewed studies were systematically reviewed and synthesized. The findings reveal age- and gender-based disparities among participants' Afrocentric recreational participation patterns. Male participants aged 45-50 years have predominantly engaged in agricultural recreational activities such as agritourism and afritainment, spending 3-4 hours once or twice a week. In contrast, female participants focused on passive domestic recreational activities, spending 4-5 hours daily. The literature further shows that both genders participated in digital recreational activities, including social media, music, and television, with males spending 1-2 hours daily. Although there is a common set of recreational activities, the frequency and duration of participation vary across different social systems. The study recommends integrating the principles of recreational participation into existing recreational structures to maximise the positive health and social outcomes of the Afrocentric recreational activities

The research focus was on the link between Personal Financial Management (PFM) and employees' productivity in Botswana’s public sector because this particular aspect remains largely unattended despite being an important gap within African public sector management studies. The research was conducted at the Department of Social Protection and entailed applying a quantitative research paradigm with structured research interviews (n=73). Analysis shows that there was statistical significance with PFM only marginally expanding employees' productivity at 19.3% variance significance level. It was established that marital status and age were not significant factors or interests influencing PFM while education was established as an important predictor variable using multiple regression analysis. It was established that poor PFM practice translates to employees' stress caused by financial problems manifesting at workplaces indicated by employees' lack of focus and related absenteeism. The study proposes specific programs for employees' financial well-being at workplaces.

Over recent decades, the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) has traditionally served as the pinnacle of scholarly achievement, primarily preparing individuals for academic and research careers. However, shifting academic landscapes, increased competition, and changing industry demands are transforming the PhD's role from a terminal research degree into a foundational step toward academia. The objective of the article is to explore the emerging trends, underlying factors, and implications of the PhD becoming a prerequisite and stepping stone for entering academic professions. Through analysis of global patterns, institutional policies, and career trajectories, the article argue that the PhD is increasingly viewed as an essential credential for those aiming to establish a foothold in academia, shaping the future of doctoral training and academia’s workforce. This article found that PhD qualification does not always confirm the expertise of PhD holders but mostly display the research capabilities. The study also found that there are contradicting views from different scholars on the value of the PhD.

In this conceptual paper, we examine student teachers’ beliefs about mathematics teaching within Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes, also referred to as Teacher Education programmes, focusing on the implications for equity and social justice in mathematics education, particularly in the South African context. Drawing on existing literature, we examine how student teachers’ beliefs shape their approach to teaching mathematics and the potential consequences for fostering inclusive and equitable learning environments. We highlight the importance of challenging traditional views of mathematics as a fixed, abstract discipline, advocating for a dynamic, culturally responsive, and contextually relevant understanding of the subject. We argue that ITE programmes should actively address and interrogate student teachers’ beliefs and attitudes towards mathematics, incorporating critical pedagogy and reflective practices to prepare educators who can help to address inequities inherent in the South African educational system. Additionally, we call for future research to explore the long-term impact of ITE on teacher practices, the role of school contexts in shaping teacher beliefs, and the integration of technology to support equity in mathematics education. Ultimately, our paper contributes to a deeper understanding of how student teachers’ beliefs about mathematics can influence their teaching practices and advance the broader goals of equity and social justice in education.

The article describes the use of the Geographical information system as a technique in the processing of crime data to combat crime. In this process the crime data must be valid to ensure the smoother crime mapping. Crime data such as place where crime committed, modus operandi, crime spree and crime pattern would be inserted and analysed in the usage of the GIS technology by the police at the station level. The study employed a qualitative research approach to investigate the trend.  The research deployed non empirical study where literature was used to answer the research question. The purpose of the article is to interrogate the challenges in the use of GIS as a technique to combat crime. This article finds that GIS operators experience significant operational challenges, because of the lack of the training in the use of GIS and poor GIS components such as computer and outdated GIS software’s. Further, the lack of relationship between units within the South African Police Service and external technological institutions disadvantages GIS operators to be successful in the use of GIS to process and map crime data. The study recommended that police management need to support police with the training and proper resources to successfully operate GIS to combat crime.

This article explores the safety of drivers in the e-hailing industry in the light of criminal activities, regulatory challenges, and potential preventative measures. Between 2020 and 2024, the number of assaults, robberies, car hijackings, instances of malicious damage to property, and murder has risen considerably. The key safety risks of the these crimes includes armed violent attacks. E- Hailing taxis face safety risks like route deviations and potential assaults. The lack of real-time tracking transparency and driver vetting can heighten risks, especially at night or in isolated areas. Driver’s faces risk robbery, assault or disputes over fares. Inadequate safety features in apps and poor passenger screening contribute to these risks. Implementing tech security measures boosts e-hailing safety. Recommendations includes, driver and passenger verification (biometrics or ID checks), real-time GPS tracking with route sharing, in-app emergency SOS buttons linked to authorities and AI-driven driver behaviour monitoring. In South Africa, the e-hailing industry is regulated by the National Land Transport Act. A qualitative research approach was adopted and a systematic literature review was conducted to collect the data. The purpose of this study is to examine the safety concerns of drivers in the e-hailing industry. Drivers face several safety risks such as assault, robbery, hijacking and malicious damage to property, even murder. The key recommendation of this article is that the e-hailing industry enhance its security measures to ensure the safety and well-being of its drivers. With this article, the authors hope to add to the scientific literature on the phenomenon under investigation. The article finds that e-hailing management has neglected the safety of drivers by failing to provide them with technological device such as dashboard cameras. In addition, e-hailing drivers have not been trained in safety and security.

Lifestyle audits are the best method to combat corruption in both the private and public spheres. A lifestyle audit is conducted if a red flag is raised in relation to corruption. Any sudden change in an individual’s lifestyle raises a red flag. However, this type of crime is common among mostly the powerful top officials of organisations, companies or institutions. This paper reviews the use of lifestyle audits as a tool to combat corruption. The researcher adopted a non-empirical research design and followed the predetermined steps properly. Furthermore, merely the literature sources and observations used for arguments and integration purposes with intent to solve the problems identified. Again, the researcher examined some solved corruption cases published in the Auditor General’s report, reported on in newspapers and discussed on social media platforms. To add this, the observation of the published corruption cases used as the examples in this article. The findings of this article suggest that lifestyle auditor or analysts or crime investigators must conduct the lifestyle audit by following the legal proper procedures to avoid the blunders in audit the lifestyle of the offender or suspect. This article concludes by making recommendations of the lifestyle audit needs more auditing and financial investigation skills that are of more advanced.

This article explores the perceptions of teachers about their role to implement the national school nutrition programme in the Harry Gwala District KwaZulu-Natal. This article originated from my Ph.D. study in which a qualitative research design with a sample of teachers was used, and nutrition coordinators who play a primary role in the school nutrition programme. Data was collected through individual interviews and document analysis. The study findings indicated that teachers perceived their role to interact with learners during feeding time as necessary in order to achieve the main objectives of the programme. The findings secondly indicated that teachers have a perception that their monitoring and supervision role ensured that there is a great need to check food stuff delivered by service providers as the key to ensure smooth running of the school nutrition programme, the findings thirdly emphasis that, teachers perceived as their role to ensure that all learners at school benefit from the programme. The findings also heighted that teachers were demotivated by unavailability of feeding equipment in their role to implement the school nutrition programme. The study also assert that school teachers had a perception that smooth running of the school nutrition programme depends on their proper management and administration of the programme. The study also find that teachers perceived safety and security on school nutrition programme as the most challenging aspect on their role to implement the programme. It was also discovered that the duty to that the service providers, Volunteer Food Handlers are not paid on time is also perceived as a barrier to programme implementation. Teachers have a perception that food for learners should be prepared and served under hygienic conditions even if the infrastructure if poorly developed. This study has a meaningful contribution to the entire implementation of the national school nutrition programme, and also fill the gap on how teachers perceive their role in the implementation of the school nutrition programme.

A fast-growing number of workers have turned to digital platforms as an alternative to traditional work arrangements. Digital platform work is assumed as short term, temporary ‘gigs’ interceded by businesses that are linking self-employed workers to clients via an application. This study explores the factors that influence the growth of gig employment in the digital economy. The study uses a systematic review to obtain relevant data from Google Scholar, Taylor and Francis and Science Direct. The study revealed that autonomy, flexibility, value creation and performance feedback motivate individuals to work as gig workers. The findings show how digital platforms have developed to attract individuals to participate as gig workers in the sharing economy. The paper contributes to the literature by highlighting factors that drives the development of digital platforms. The results of this study have implications for future research on gig employment to the society and businesses.  

In the past, accounting education has frequently placed an emphasis on individual abilities and processes; nevertheless, the field of accounting in the real world requires collaboration and critical thinking. This study investigates the ways in which collaborative learning practices might transform accounting classes into communities that actively solve problems, so better preparing students for the issues they would face in their professional lives. The research investigates the use of small-group work, think-aloud protocols, and peer knowledge sharing in the context of financial accounting education. This is accomplished through the observation of classrooms and the analysis of teaching techniques. The findings indicate that when students take part in collaborative problem-solving activities, they have the opportunity to acquire a more profound comprehension of various topics, a more enhanced awareness of their own thought processes, and improved analytical abilities. This study demonstrates how collaborative learning environments are similar to professional accounting practices. These environments are characterised by teams working together to analyse complex financial data and make decisions based on that analysis. Among the important tactics that have been discovered include think-aloud protocols that clarify thinking processes, planned group activities that foster multiple points of view, and opportunities for peer teaching that reinforce learning through discussion. According to the findings of the research, collaborative learning not only improves the problem-solving abilities of individuals, but it also helps to cultivate vital professional qualities such as communication, teamwork, and critical evaluation of various approaches. These discoveries have significant repercussions for accounting educators who are interested in moving beyond the conventional teaching methods and adopting methods that are more interesting and productive for their students. According to the findings of the study, the establishment of collaborative learning communities in accounting education necessitates the meticulous organization of group activities, the competent facilitation of peer interactions, and the establishment of a classroom culture that places a high value on different thinking and the exchange of information. Accounting students benefit from this method because it helps them improve their technical and analytical skills while also preparing them for the collaborative nature of professional work.

Reforms in the South African public procurement system have been declared a new era of accountability and a new beginning in procurement. The modifications sought to rectify past disparities by fostering economic inclusion for under-represented groups via preferential procurement. Historically, procurement procedures benefited established organisations, restricting market access for black-owned businesses. The implementation of the Public Procurement Act introduced additional obstacles as it aimed to rectify imbalances in public procurement. The preferred procurement policy fundamentally defines "black people" as per the Broad-Based Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) framework, encompassing Black Africans, Indians, and Coloured individuals. This designation has resulted in definitional uncertainty and operational difficulties in guaranteeing equal procurement opportunities for "black individuals." This paper critically examines the South African government's failure to leverage its transformative potential by using the term "black people" to encompass three racial groups—Black Africans, Indians, and Coloureds—in procurement policies and legislation, thereby constraining the transformative impact on Black Africans' access to opportunities in public procurement. The essay advocates for a restructuring of the preferential procurement framework, based on empirical studies and policy evaluations, to explicitly prioritise black Africans, so ensuring greater inclusivity and verifiable socio-economic benefit. 

This qualitative study explores the MenTut Programme’s role in  fostering student engagement and academic success in higher education, using Leach and Zepke’s (2011) engagement framework. Thematic analysis of Mentee feedback reveals an enhanced understanding of complex content, improved assessment preparation, and increased self-directed learning. The programme fosters collaborative and supportive environments, enhancing academic confidence and retention, particularly among underrepresented students. The proposed MenTut Engagement Framework integrates student voices into programme design, offering a model for equitable support. This study provides insights for academic practitioners to enhance student outcomes

This study aims to examine the role of capital markets in fostering economic growth and job creation in South Africa. It addresses structural inefficiencies, legislative obstacles, and financial exclusion. The article examines the impact of capital market expansion on firm growth, employment patterns, and overall economic stability, incorporating recent labour and growth statistics, including a projected Q2 2025 unemployment rate of 33.2% and a quarterly GDP growth rate of 0.8%. The study employs a holistic approach to examine market liquidity, regulatory change, the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises, the integration of the rural sector, and the introduction of innovative financial instruments such as green bonds and social impact investments. The analysis underscores the preeminence of large-cap companies on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), which constrains SME involvement and diminishes the developmental influence of capital markets. The research indicates that platforms employing technology, regional financial integration, and inclusive investment strategies can transform capital allocation and address enduring socio-economic disparities. It further underscores the significance of AfCFTA-driven regional capital-market integration as a means to enhance cross-border investment and augment liquidity. It underscores the significance of aligning financial sector policy with developmental objectives to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth. Recommendations include enhancing market accessibility, simplifying regulatory compliance, and establishing impact-driven finance channels.