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The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of the burden of tax compliance on small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in Durban, which is located in South Africa. Taxes impose considerable and regressive compliance costs, which restrict the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), notwithstanding the efforts of the government. During the course of this investigation, quantitative, cross-sectional, and survey research methodologies were utilised. The creation of new jobs is the objective of the 'New Growth Path' initiative of the South African government. The realm of small businesses is the most widespread sector that has the potential to assist in the achievement of this objective. On the other hand, the development of this sector is hampered by rules concerning tax compliance. The number of small enterprises in KwaZulu-Natal has decreased by 13.5% over the past several years. According to the findings of a survey conducted with 96 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), forty percent of SMEs consider regulatory expenses to be the primary barrier to growth. The burden of tax compliance is continuously increasing, and the costs of tax compliance continue to be regressive, which places an even bigger strain on small firms by increasing the burden. As a result of the fact that the majority of their resources are devoted to tax compliance requirements, the findings suggested that the majority of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) prefer tax regimes that are simpler and have lower rates. It has been established via previous research that the costs associated with tax compliance are large, regressive, and continue to increase, resulting in an administrative burden. Tax advantages for small businesses in South Africa are not very impressive, and the majority of owners are not aware of the tax savings that are available to them. It is suggested that Social Security Administration (SARS) launch more efficient efforts in order to educate proprietors of small businesses about the concessions that are available.

This qualitative study explores the role of TVET leaders in enabling career development through sponsorship. Drawing on an inductive approach and a case study design, this study captures Heads of Departments’ and lecturers’ perspectives on TVET leaders’ suitability to provide career sponsorship. The social capital theory of career success, the social exchange theory, and Ang’s sponsorship model were used to provide context and perspective in this study. Semi-structured interviews with 20 participants (6 TVET HODs and 14 lecturers) were conducted across 6 public TVET colleges in South Africa. Transcripts were uploaded onto ATLAS.ti software. Data from the transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings reveal a dual narrative: while HODs occupy strategically influential positions and display latent capabilities that could enable meaningful career sponsorship, their ability to actualise this role is significantly constrained. TVET leaders were found to be under-resourced, insufficiently supported, inadequately trained, and lacking in essential leadership competencies and well-being. These limitations weaken trust, restrict reciprocal professional relationships, and ultimately hinder the institutionalisation of career sponsorship practices. This study recommends the urgent professionalisation of TVET leadership, including structured leadership development, improved resourcing, and policy mechanisms that formalise sponsorship as a human resource development strategy. Strengthening leadership capacity and embedding sponsorship practices could enhance lecturers’ morale, retention, and career progression, improve organisational performance, and contribute to a more robust and competitive TVET sector

This study investigates the effectiveness of communication tools and practices employed by a local municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, in facilitating meaningful engagement with its stakeholders. A mixed methods research design was adopted, incorporating quantitative data from a structured survey administered across four communities (n = 432), alongside qualitative insights from an interview with a communications department staff member. Findings indicate that only 20.3% of respondents reported receiving communication from the municipality, while the majority experienced limited interaction. Council meetings were identified as the most recognised communication channel. Some participants suggested that communication challenges may contribute to community unrest, including protests. Although the municipality reported using multiple communication platforms, respondents expressed that these channels did not effectively address their concerns. The results reveal a notable disconnect between institutional communication efforts and community perceptions, suggesting that current practices fall short of participatory and two-way communication standards. The study concludes that enhancing communication strategies may assist municipalities to foster public trust, reduce conflict and promote active civic participation.

Numerous studies have shown that colleges and departments at the University of Technology (UoT) are frequently overseen by mid-level management, who may not possess a thorough understanding of the potential effects of UoT choices on employee well-being in the workplace. Some of these leaders neglect employees by displaying autocratic or poisonous characteristics, instead than embodying ethical and effective leadership that fosters the principles of 'Spirit of Ubuntu' ethics. Thus, the research aimed to investigate the dynamics of subordinate leadership and employee interactions in the workplace for potential evidence of unethical leadership styles and behaviours at a University of Technology in South Africa. Quantitative data was obtained from 312 out of 420 employees, yielding a response rate of 74%. The inferential results substantiate the alternative hypothesis that lower-level leadership exhibits immoral tendencies in the workplace. Moreover, the findings of the hypothesis indicate that certain lower-level leaders may not consistently exemplify role modelling, transparency, and ethical behaviour. Furthermore, they may neglect to cultivate an environment that emphasises respect, trust, and equality among employees or sufficiently consider the ethical ramifications of UoT decisions. The research consequences indicate that certain lower-level executives lack mentorship, transparency, and ethical conduct. Consequently, certain lower-level leaders are reluctant to exhibit unusual dedication to resolving faculty or departmental issues. The study advocates for the introduction of annual anonymous assessments of subordinate leadership, which may reinforce the UoT’s principles of transparency, professionalism, fairness, responsibility, honesty, and integrity. These research findings may be utilised by other organisations investigating the correlation between lower-level leadership (Supervisors, Heads of Departments, etc.) and employees.

In the evolving landscape of 21st-century education, innovative pedagogical approaches have become essential for addressing diverse learner needs, integrating technology, and fostering higher-order thinking skills. This study explores and analyses the global adoption of innovative pedagogies in primary education, focusing on how these approaches reshape teaching practices, learner engagement, and educational outcomes. Using a qualitative, desktop-based comparative research design, the study synthesises evidence from international case studies, policy documents, and peer-reviewed literature to examine emerging trends, implementation contexts, and systemic enablers of pedagogical innovation. The findings reveal that innovative pedagogies—such as learner-centred instruction, collaborative learning, and technology-mediated practices—are associated with improved student engagement, creativity, and critical thinking. However, their successful implementation remains highly dependent on contextual factors, including teacher preparedness, institutional support, digital infrastructure, and policy alignment. The study further identifies persistent equity challenges, particularly in under-resourced contexts, where access to technology and professional development remains uneven. By foregrounding cross-contextual comparisons, this research contributes to comparative pedagogy and informs policy discourse on sustainable educational reform. It highlights the need for systemic investment in teacher professional development and adaptive curriculum frameworks to ensure that innovative pedagogies translate into meaningful and inclusive learning experiences for all learners.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has ushered in profound transformations across global industries, with the hospitality sector increasingly challenged to adapt its human resource practices to a digitally driven operating landscape. This conceptual review explores the intersection of digitalisation, human capital development, and technological innovation in the context of recruitment and selection within the hospitality industry—focusing particularly on developing economies such as South Africa. The paper traces the evolution from traditional recruitment methods to technology-enabled practices, highlighting the strategic role of artificial intelligence, blockchain, and data analytics in enhancing recruitment efficiency, selection accuracy, and workforce alignment with 4IR demands. Despite these advances, the hospitality industry continues to face structural and contextual limitations that inhibit the adoption of digital HRM systems. This article calls for a paradigm shift from conventional, analogue-based talent acquisition approaches to agile, competency-based, and digitally integrated models. The review further emphasises the critical need for policy support, infrastructural development, and empirical research that bridges the digital divide in human capital strategy. Ultimately, the paper argues that digitalisation, when strategically aligned with organisational objectives and human-centred values, can serve as a transformative lever for building resilient, future-ready workforces in hospitality and beyond.

The study aims to examine the key drivers and financing mechanisms of infrastructure development in Africa and their impact on trade facilitation and regional economic integration. It focuses on understanding the political, economic, and institutional factors shaping sustainable infrastructure growth and trade expansion across the continent. The African continent engages in relatively limited intra-continental trade, with intra-African trade consistently averaging between 12% and 15%. At a broader level, trade growth is widely regarded as a key driver of economic development, employment generation, and poverty reduction. However, the persistent low levels of trade among African countries coupled with high unemployment and widespread poverty have sparked discussions around the urgent need to strengthen both intra-regional and continental trade. In pursuit of regional integration, various regional economic communities were established, including the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Despite these efforts, concerns persist regarding weak economic infrastructure across several regions of the continent, including within the SADC bloc. Inadequate infrastructure has been identified as a major impediment to enhancing intra-African trade. Against this backdrop, the present study aims to empirically examine the relationship between economic infrastructure and intra-regional trade within the SADC region. The analysis employs panel data covering all 15 SADC member states, utilizing datasets from the SADC Secretariat and the World Bank. Applying the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimation technique, the findings indicate a positive and statistically significant relationship between infrastructure development and intra-SADC exports.

The Marshall-Lerner condition states that a trade balance improves after currency depreciation if trade elasticities exceed one. Using the Vector Error Correction Method (VECM), this study tests the condition for South Africa, focusing on how exchange rate changes affect the trade balance under a floating exchange rate regime. The analysis examines short- and long-run impacts on exports and imports to assess whether exchange rate adjustments can improve the trade balance. Findings reveal that global income growth and exchange rate appreciation positively influence exports, while imports increase with both appreciation and higher domestic income. Although exports and imports respond strongly to exchange rate changes, the Marshall-Lerner condition does not hold for South Africa, suggesting that exchange rate adjustments alone may not improve the trade balance.

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is a critical issue in South African universities, affecting students' access to safe and quality education. Despite universities’ reputations for inclusivity, societal expectations have made them less welcoming, and GBV cases continue to rise with insufficient policy enforcement. This study was motivated by the rising cases of GBV in South African universities. Drawing on social norms’ theory, the study aimed to identify the drivers, effects, and potential mitigation strategies for addressing GBV. The goal was to build a stronger basis for improving policies and creating safer, more inclusive university environments. A qualitative approach was used to gather secondary data from various sources, including journal articles, books, government documents, and news reports. The literature revealed that GBV in South African and other universities has sparked frequent protests centred on issues of sexual, physical, and emotional violence. Moreover, it was also highlighted that many students refrained from reporting GBV incidents due to concerns about stigma and the impact on their careers, with victims often facing anxiety, depression, and physical symptoms, which further impeded their participation in university life and restricted their educational opportunities. This study concluded that GBV restricted students' access to quality education and, if unaddressed, might lead to declining university enrolment. Thus, it recommended collaboration between universities, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and families to tackle GBV and called for a review of policies to improve enforcement and provide better protection for students.  

Health literacy is a public issue and plays a crucial role in improving health outcomes by empowering individuals to make informed decisions, effectively manage diseases, and utilise healthcare services appropriately. The aim of the systematic review is to examine current literature on health literacy and impact on health outcomes as well as the barriers hindering health literacy, gaps and possible suggestions to improve health literacy in Nigeria and its applications across the globe. A systematic review was performed according to Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework and followed PRISMA reporting flowchart. Most of the studies were designed to assess the impact of health literacy on health outcomes in Nigeria, covering various health issues such as HIV, tuberculosis, reproductive health, hypertension and diabetes. Most of the studies demonstrated a positive link between health literacy and improved health outcomes. Health literacy has the potential to promote behaviour change, disease-related knowledge and improve health outcomes in different population groups.

Off-grid solar home systems have become a central element of energy access strategies in East Africa, particularly in Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania, where pay-as-you-go models have expanded rapidly. This paper examines how household adoption of solar home systems affects welfare and education outcomes, using nationally representative surveys, regional solar irradiance data, and education indicators from UNESCO. The analysis applies an instrumental-variable strategy that exploits exogenous variation in solar irradiance to address adoption endogeneity. Results show that higher irradiance significantly increases the likelihood of adopting solar home systems, which in turn reduces kerosene expenditures, improves lighting quality, and supports longer study hours for children. Welfare gains are evident through higher household savings, improved perceptions of wellbeing, and reduced energy insecurity. Education outcomes benefit through increased evening study time and reduced school absenteeism during rainy months, when grid reliability declines. These findings align with emerging evidence from East Africa that off-grid solar can strengthen inclusive energy transitions and contribute to human development when supported by favourable financing models, consumer protection, and long-term system maintenance pathways. The results offer policy guidance for regional initiatives aiming to expand sustainable, affordable, and reliable household energy access.

The Central Sahel, which includes Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, faces escalating violence driven by growing land pressure, environmental stress, and uneven institutional capacity. This study investigates how land use change influences conflict intensity by integrating geo referenced conflict data from ACLED, governance indicators from V Dem, and environmental and land use variables from PRIO GRID. Using a spatial difference in differences model applied to a 0.5 degree grid cell dataset, the analysis quantifies how cropland expansion, pasture contraction, and climate related shocks affect violent events under different levels of local governance quality. The results show that land use pressure significantly increases conflict intensity, but the magnitude of this effect depends strongly on institutional strength. Conflict levels rise by as much as 45 percent in weak governance areas following comparable land changes, while areas with stronger local institutions experience considerably lower escalation risks. Spatial spillover patterns further reveal that violence diffuses across local and national boundaries, especially along pastoral mobility routes and border zones. The study contributes new empirical evidence on the interaction between land dynamics and governance in shaping conflict and highlights the importance of strengthening local institutions, safeguarding mobility systems, and integrating land governance into regional peacebuilding strategies. The findings align with the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 16 focused on peace, justice, and strong institutions.

This paper examines the economic relationship between the United States and South Africa from 2010 to 2020, focusing on whether these interactions are mutually beneficial.        Utilizing a Marxist political economic framework, this paper argues that AGOA has facilitated increased trade and investment. These benefits have largely favored US interests, reinforcing structural inequalities within South Africa’s economy and creating a persistent cycle of dependency. The relationship is asymmetrical and exploitative rather than mutually beneficial, characterized by the exploitation of cheap labor, limited regulation of US corporations and barriers to entry for smaller South African producers. Additionally, liberalization policies under AGOA have undermined South Africa’s domestic industries, while US strategically uses trade agreements as tools of political influence in Africa, compromising South Africa’s policy sovereignty. Through qualitative analysis and case studies, this study highlights significant challenges including geopolitical tensions and economic dependency, recommending policies that promote equitable development and address the exploitative nature of these economic ties. Ultimately, this investigation contributes to a deeper understanding of the complexities and power dynamics in international economic relations affecting developing countries within the global capitalist system.

This study examines the impact of socioeconomic status (SES) on the academic performance of primary school learners in the Nzhelele West Circuit of Limpopo Province, South Africa. Despite national attempts to enhance educational results, considerable performance gaps remain, especially in rural and semi-rural areas. The study used a qualitative descriptive approach to acquire a thorough knowledge of the lived experiences of learners, parents, and teachers. Data was produced by semi-structured interviews and focus group discussion in chosen primary schools of communities with different socioeconomic backgrounds. The findings reveal the conditions of low-SES, which include unemployment, low parental education levels, poor learning materials and unstable family conditions, as those that result in obstacles that weaken the ability of learners to concentrate, attend school, have motivation, and perform well as learners. Among the problems that were emphasized by the participants was food insecurity, inadequate literacy provisions at home, and overcrowded families. The study found that SES has extensive effects on educational achievement and suggests context-sensitive intervention, such as enhanced school-community collaborations, parental empowerment programs, and special support programmes to eliminate SES-based obstacles. The results can help in gaining a better insight about the intricate nexus of SES and academic performance in rural South African primary school education

The South African Society of Radiography noted that a great number of South African radiographers were leaving the government sector to seek employment abroad as well as in private practices. The aim of the research was to determine the factors that affect radiographers' intentions to leave public health care institutions in the KwaZulu-Natal Province. The study used a quantitative approach. Data were obtained from a cross-sectional survey using a stratified random sample of 220 employed radiographers in various public hospitals across KwaZulu-Natal. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of intention to leave. The results reflect that the intention to leave the organization was strongly related to several factors such as incentives, employee engagement, leadership, and burnout levels. Discontentment with leadership increased the likelihood of exit sevenfold. Employees with medium engagement were found to be twice as likely to exit compared to highly engaged employees. Radiographers with insufficient and moderate incentives were 90% and 93% less likely to exit the organization, respectively. Those with reduced burnout were 92% less likely to exit the organization. The findings highlight leadership, employee engagement, incentive structures, and burnout as key determinants influencing employee intention to leave. Focusing on these areas could improve job satisfaction and reduce turnover rates

Despite existing research on emotional intelligence in school leadership, principals continue to face challenges that can affect decision-making and equitable school practices. These challenges include managing teacher conflicts, securing resources, and overseeing school finances, all of which have implications for the fair distribution of opportunities and support within the school community. Principals with well-developed emotional intelligence are better equipped to navigate these challenges while promoting inclusive and rights-responsive educational environments. Emotional intelligence encompasses self-awareness, recognition of emotions in others, emotion regulation, and relationship management, which includes mentoring, conflict resolution, fostering teamwork, and setting the emotional tone within the school. By engaging with education stakeholders, principals can address challenges while advancing social justice within their schools. This study explores the remedial actions employed by primary school principals to address leadership challenges through the lens of emotional intelligence. Using a constructivist paradigm, the research applies Goleman’s emotional intelligence framework within a qualitative design. Three purposively selected primary school principals participated through interviews and observations, with data triangulated using field notes. Findings indicate that emotionally intelligent principals communicate effectively to resolve staff conflicts, seek stakeholder support, and ensure equitable access to resources. The study recommends enhancing principals’ emotional and relational competencies and fostering stakeholder collaboration to advance both effective and socially just school leadership.

Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs) play a pivotal role in advancing the performance and standards of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) following the completion of CHE Institutional Audits and internal Programme Reviews Evaluations (PREs). This study explores the effectiveness of the QIP by investigating its impact across critical areas, including curriculum development, infrastructure, student-centred practices, innovation and entrepreneurship, government support, technology, and collaborations and partnerships. As higher education continues to evolve, the successful implementation of the QIP is vital for fostering academic excellence, institutional growth, and global competitiveness. This study addresses the following questions: What factors influence the success of QIP implementation in HEIs? How can QIP initiatives be optimised to achieve strategic goals? What are the measurable outcomes of these initiatives on institutional performance?

The South African insurance industry faces pricing challenges due to increasing catastrophic events driven by climate change and socio-economic uncertainties. The purpose is to find the best practices for vehicle pricing in South Africa. Five leading predictive models: Generalised Linear Models, Random Forest, XGBoost, Gradient Boosting Regressor, and Artificial Neural Networks are compared for estimating motor insurance premiums under normal and optimised conditions. Furthermore, analyses of catastrophic risk distribution are conducted. Results indicate that machine learning techniques, particularly XGBoost, achieve superior predictive accuracy under optimised conditions, along with the lowest RMSE and MAE. Traditional models like GLM ensure interpretability and regulatory compliance but struggle with non-linear complexities. However, integrating GLM with XGBoost enhances predictive performance. XGBoost is superior and GLM highly complies with the regulations. Gauteng is susceptible to malicious damage, KwaZulu-Natal is mostly exposed to floods and storms, and Western Cape is more vulnerable to droughts and earthquakes. These insights highlight the necessity of adaptive, data-driven risk management tailored to regional vulnerabilities. This research contributes to advancements in insurance pricing methodologies, offering actionable insights for policy development, disaster preparedness, and resilience-building strategies to address South Africa’s evolving risk landscape.

Public hospitals in South Africa are regularly faced with safety and security incidents that expose personnel, patients, and visitors to serious and violent crimes such as assault, rape and murder. In addition, theft of valuable assets, is a huge problem in public hospitals. This article identifies the ineffectiveness of security measures implemented in public hospitals and formulation of an integrated security management model. A quantitative study was conducted at five public hospitals in the province of Gauteng. Quantitative data were collected through a survey questionnaire. Additionally, safety and security documents were analysed, followed by observations of security personnel in the control rooms. The findings revealed that safety and security measures implemented by these hospitals do not fully comply with the Control of Access to Public Premises and Vehicles Act, No. 53 of 1985. The research participants identified gaps and shortcomings such as poor implementation of access?control measures that included the searching of personnel and visitors. This results in the loss of assets and the disappearance of patients from hospital premises. The research confirmed that inadequate security systems regarding perimeter fences, closed?circuit television and trained security personnel at the research sites made it difficult to deter, detect and detain perpetrators. This research contributes by highlighting safety and security procedures that need to be followed to keep personnel, patients and visitors in public hospitals safe. Furthermore, the use of an Integrated Security Risk Management Model developed specifically for public hospitals during this research is recommended.

Tourism is increasingly recognised as a catalyst for inclusive development in the Global South. In South Africa, community-based homestays (CBHs) empower rural communities while conserving cultural and environmental assets, yet implementation remains uneven. This study examines the governance and sustainability of CBHs through a case study of the Makwarani village in Limpopo Province. Using an interpretivist qualitative design, ten semi-structured interviews were analysed thematically within Collaborative Governance, Social Exchange, and Sustainable Livelihoods frameworks. Findings reveal that tourism both preserves and commercialises local culture, generates seasonal income, and fosters social cohesion while also producing inequality, environmental strain, and governance fragmentation. Participants stressed the need for equitable benefit-sharing, strong institutional coordination, and community participation. The study concludes that inclusive governance, capacity development, and collaborative management are essential to bridge the policy–practice gap and achieve sustainable, community-driven tourism in South Africa.