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Trade in the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) region experiences imbalances due to South Africa’s dominance and fragmented communication. This study aims to highlight communication's strategic role in enhancing trade policy, logistics, and cooperation within SACU, focusing on digital platforms, ICT, policy alignment, and transparency. A qualitative, literature-based methodology is conducted, employing thematic analysis of academic and institutional sources to explore how communication strategies influence trade facilitation and integration within SACU. Five key themes are identified: Uneven ICT infrastructure, Economic impact of clear policy communication, Trade imbalances due to information asymmetry, Underutilised digital trade platforms, and Urgent need for communication capacity building. Communication’s crucial role for SACU integration includes institutional coordination, private sector engagement, and crisis management. It identifies missed strategic opportunities like dashboards and localized messaging. Addressing gaps in communication capacity, ICT infrastructure, digital platforms, and policy communication is vital for equitable, efficient regional trade integration. Policy proposals include investing in infrastructure, consolidating digital platforms, standardizing protocols, and promoting inclusive consultations. The study emphasizes adaptive governance and integration with regional value chains to ensure inclusive, efficient trade facilitation and equitable economic development across all member states.

In the context of Industry 5.0, the convergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), decoloniality, and epistemic justice presents both opportunities and challenges for Human Resource Management (HRM) in the South African public sector. This paper emanates because of the possibility that AI-driven HRM practices could reinforce colonial legacies, repeat systemic bias, and prolong epistemic exclusion if not led by justice-oriented perspectives. This paper aims to explore how concepts of ethical, decolonial, and epistemic justice might inform the use of AI in HRM to promote inclusivity and fairness. This paper employs bibliometric analysis to map and evaluate scholarly discourse on AI, decoloniality, and HRM, aiming to uncover research trends, gaps, and theoretical intersections. Findings indicate that although AI can be efficient and predictive, its application in HRM frequently ignores ethical requirements and local knowledge systems. To protect equity, the study recommends integrating decolonial ideas, participatory methods, and epistemic justice frameworks into HRM technology. This paper concludes that the South African public sector may reconcile technological innovation with transformation and social justice imperatives by ethically aligning AI in Industry 5.0.

Assessing risk factors for juvenile delinquency necessitates a holistic approach, taking into account individual, familial, societal, and communal influences. Risk factors are conditions or attributes that may elevate the probability of adverse outcomes or behaviours in adolescents. These elements may include multiple dimensions of a young individual's life, such as personal, familial, peer, educational, and communal influences. Globally, crime persists as a pressing issue, predominantly involving youngsters in offences such as cybercrime, robbery, theft, shoplifting, substance misuse, cash-in-transit heists, violent crimes, abduction, kidnapping, gang-related activities, cultism, and ritual killings. It is imperative to confront the prevailing trend of juvenile criminal actions inside society. This article analyses risk variables associated with juvenile criminal behaviour and the responses of the criminal justice system and its stakeholders. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, incorporating in-person interviews and surveys for data acquisition.  Research identifies determinants of criminal behaviour, including low self-control, impulsivity, and substance abuse. Family-related factors encompass parental neglect, maltreatment, and inadequate support. Social factors involve associations with delinquent peers, poverty, and discrimination. A correlation exists between drug, alcohol, and substance abuse and criminal behaviour among youth. Parental indifference may impact youth decision-making. Some young offenders are incarcerated in correctional facilities, while others participate in rehabilitation through diversion programs. The findings highlight the necessity for cohesive treatments involving family, community, and institutions, prioritising mental health support and restorative justice to diminish youth recidivism. The study advocates for the active involvement of stakeholders, including non-governmental organisations and rehabilitation centres. It emphasises the necessity for vigilant supervision and monitoring of youth by parents, guardians, family members, communities, institutions, and the criminal justice system to proactively prevent access to drugs and substances that incite violence and criminal behaviour. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of integrating family, community, and institutional interventions, mental health support, and restorative justice to mitigate youth recidivism. Additionally, it calls for the regular monitoring of youth mental health and the provision of effective interventions such as rehabilitation, youth crime prevention, treatment, and morality regeneration programs.

Developing countries are experiencing significant governance challenges in the form of corruption, fraud, and mismanagement of public funds. These issues are most pronounced at the local government level, where municipalities are particularly affected. In South Africa, the persistent failure of mechanisms intended to hold public servants accountable for maladministration and unethical conduct has been evident. This has contributed to weakened governance structures and compromised service delivery. Numerous instances of unethical behaviour have gone unpunished, highlighting the absence of effective consequence management and posing ongoing threats to sustainability in local governance. The purpose of this research paper is to examine and evaluate the role of effective oversight mechanisms in strengthening accountability and promoting appropriate consequences for misconduct within local government systems, with an emphasis on improving public service delivery. A qualitative desktop research methodology was employed, relying on existing literature and data to explore the topic under investigation. The findings revealed that, despite the introduction of several accountability initiatives, these have not succeeded in holding local government officials responsible for their actions. Significant gaps in monitoring, enforcement, and the application of sanctions for unethical conduct have undermined progress. As a result, essential services continue to suffer. The review recommends the implementation of robust and participatory oversight mechanisms to foster a more enforceable and inclusive accountability model that supports improved governance and service delivery outcomes at the local level. This research provides insight into the persistent weaknesses of local government oversight systems and emphasizes the need for more effective accountability frameworks to achieve sustainable service delivery and governance in South Africa.

Machine efficiency and performance are crucial for attaining company objectives economically. High-tech industries, marked by substantial expenditures, can adapt to swift changes and consumer demands within their established operational parameters and available resources. Providing high-quality products at competitive prices has posed a problem for machine-driven manufacturing organisations. This study investigates the implementation of mechanisation to enhance quality in a chosen automobile assembly company in South Africa. The study employed a quantitative methodology to investigate the production and associated experiences of a chosen automotive assembly organisation that implemented a mechanised system for quality enhancement in its Deck Tailgate process within the welding facility. The Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) model was employed to analyse data using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The corporation functions within the eThekwini Municipality in the KwaZulu-Natal region of South Africa. This research examines the influence of mechanisation on product quality, defect rates per unit, and operational downtime inside an automotive assembly firm in South Africa. Analysis of pre- and post-mechanisation quarterly data using OLS regression indicates that mechanisation substantially enhances product quality; however, no significant effects were seen regarding defects per unit and downtime. This study reveals the advantages and disadvantages of mechanisation inside this automotive assembly organisation in South Africa. 

In South Africa, only 6% of the population is expected to retire with financial independence, and the implementation of the Two-Pot retirement system in September 2024 exacerbates the retirement savings dilemma, underscoring an urgent necessity for creative retirement planning solutions. This article thoroughly delineates the present status of research into the utilisation of Robo-advisors in retirement planning. This analysis evaluates the appropriateness and feasibility of employing Robo-advisors to enhance and democratise digital financial advice within the context of a developing economy like South Africa, particularly through the adoption of the Two-Pot retirement scheme. A comprehensive literature analysis was conducted utilising the Emerald Insight, ProQuest, and Scopus databases to find peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2019 and 2024. These articles critically assessed the function of Robo-advisors in democratising financial advice, providing a cost-efficient, accessible, and perhaps less biassed alternative to conventional advising services. The study highlights the imperative for future research to guarantee the ethical, transparent, and controlled implementation of robo-advisory services in South Africa. The literature analysis delineates five pertinent study themes: emerging literature on Robo-advisors, behavioural dimensions, risk assessment, regulatory frameworks, and Robo-advisor characteristics pertinent to the South African retirement context, considering the Two-Pot retirement system.The report delineates potential research opportunities for each highlighted issue to aid scholars in performing empirical investigations aimed at optimising retirement planning in South Africa through the use of Robo-advisors.

This study conducts a thorough analysis of contemporary literature (2020–2025) regarding the impact of digital globalisation on educational inequality in South Africa's marginalised regions, focussing on the interrelated aspects of access, infrastructure, and pedagogy. This systematic literature review synthesises evidence from worldwide and South African contexts to demonstrate how enduring inequities in broadband access, affordability, and institutional capability hinder fair participation in digital learning. Rural provinces like Limpopo and Eastern Cape continue to be disproportionately impacted by inadequate connectivity, elevated data expenses, and insufficient teacher digital knowledge. The results reveal three primary themes: (1) physical and socio-economic obstacles to access, (2) infrastructural and institutional limitations, and (3) educational deficiencies stemming from culturally insensitive digital design. The paper presents a three-dimensional equity paradigm that integrates these domains to inform inclusive digital education policy. It advocates for infrastructure expansion, ongoing affordability initiatives, comprehensive digital literacy training, and legislative frameworks that incorporate equity criteria to guarantee that digital globalisation fosters change rather than exclusion within South Africa's educational system.

In South Africa, productivity is crucial for individual livelihoods and business performance.  A workplace that fosters employee engagement and participation is a means to cultivate an environment that attracts motivated teams for enhanced productivity.  This perspective supports the notion of employee engagement.  This study investigates the impact of employee engagement on enhancing labour productivity in South African automobile parts manufacturing firms.  Employee involvement denotes the degree of commitment and participation that employee exhibits towards their organisation. The study goals were fulfilled by analysing the production and associated experiences of the automobile parts manufacturing organisation that implemented an employee involvement strategy to enhance labour productivity.  The corporation functions within the eThekwini Municipality in the KwaZulu-Natal region of South Africa.  The study was conducted by gathering pre- and post-quarterly data on absenteeism, spoilage, and attained production targets.  Nevertheless, findings indicate that the employee participation ideology lacks the capacity to enhance labour productivity within the automobile parts manufacturing sector in South Africa.  There is no correlation between absenteeism and spoiling rates, nor with the production standards attained, in connection to labour productivity following the implementation of the employee involvement strategy. This study reveals the advantages and disadvantages of employee engagement on labour productivity within automobile parts manufacturing firms in South Africa. 

A transformative shift is imminent as generative artificial intelligence facilitates a synthetic and highly individualised approach to information creation and transmission. Technological breakthroughs and innovations necessitate the integration of technology across all facets of life, operations, and education to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Numerous institutions worldwide have adopted Generative AI (GenAI) as a revolutionary tool in educational dialogue, encompassing teaching, learning, student participation, and research. The study sought to assess digital innovations using GenAI, video platforms, and social media within the educational sphere. A mixed-methods design was employed including 225 participants. Research indicated that AI improves personalisation and engagement, while video and social media tools promote collaboration and digital literacy. GenAI can automate administrative functions, support multidisciplinary research, and enhance dynamic and interactive learning experiences. Artificial intelligence can automate and improve several processes, facilitating support for both learners and educators, from managing routine enquiries to optimising resource allocation via predictive analytics. Video educational platforms facilitate the creation of interactive and customised content. Social media may augment initiatives, cultivate digital literacy, and promote user-generated content. The research suggests that effective integration necessitates ethical AI knowledge and institutional capability.

The study sought to investigate the factors influencing environmental reporting in developing countries. This has been necessited by the inconsistances and non compliant to regulations and laws of environmental reporting among the developing countries. Through examining the factors that influence environmental reporting the study hope to establish context based solutions to the challenge of environmental reporting. The study used a quantitative research method and factor analysis to establish the factors influencing environmental reporting. It was discovered that there are seven key factors influencing environmental reporting among Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries. These factors are: regulatory drivers, risk management drivers, market drivers, management influence drivers, strategic communication drivers, value creation drivers and legitimacy drivers. The study also revealed that there are several sub-factors that influencing environmental reporting under each key factor identified. The study concluded that environmental reporting influenced by the seven key factors. The study recommends that SADC sought for in-depth understanding of factors influencing environmental reporting. This is because understanding of the factors affecting environmental reporting is essential for the formulation and reporting that that satisfies stakeholders' requirements.

E-learning tools and LMSs, such as Moodle, have been in existence for decades. However, there has been an accelerated use of such platforms due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Higher Education Providers responded to ensure that education was accessible via online platforms to allow lecturers to continue their daily job functions during the pandemic. This study explores these aspects from a lecturer perspective during COVID-19, using constructs from the Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework and Unified Theory of Use and Acceptance of Technology (UTAUT-3) theory. This study is based on the pragmatist paradigm. This methodology was deemed appropriate as this study uses a mixed methodology for collecting and analysing qualitative and quantitative data. The objective of the study was to understand the experiences of lecturers using Moodle for e-learning in a learning journey at a Private Distance Higher Education Institution during the pandemic. The results revealed that several lecturers appeared to have adaptation challenges when using Moodle, but thereafter the system performed as expected. Overall lecturers found that Moodle promoted accessibility and performed as expected. The research further revealed that that there was insufficient training and support provided by the institution. Recommendations arising from the findings included, amongst others, upgrading internet packages and investing in backup power supplies to enhance the experience of lecturers in this learning journey. Recommendations for the institution included enhancing support and communication to lecturers especially part-time lecturers as they are not part of the formal institutional structure on a day-to-day basis.  More comprehensive training to lecturers is required to ensure lecturers are adequately equipped to improve online learning and student engagement.

This study investigates the influence of Industry 4.0 technology on work engagement through the lens of the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) theory, aiming to mitigate technostress. The primary objective is to explore how advanced technology affects work engagement and to develop a model that addresses potential negative impacts such as technostress and techno-addiction. Utilizing a sample of 339 employees from rated hotels in South Africa, data were collected through physical and online questionnaires. The study employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze the relationships between technology use and work engagement. Results indicate a significant positive effect of technology on work engagement (path coefficient=0.356, t=8.140 p<0.01), suggesting that Industry 4.0 technologies enhance employee vigor, dedication, and absorption by providing greater work flexibility and autonomy. These findings challenges existing literature, which often highlights the negative consequences of technology on work engagement. The study contributes to the understanding of how to harness Industry 4.0 technology to improve employee well-being and offers practical recommendations for effectively integrating such technologies in organizations.

The current research investigates the effect of Corporate Social Investment (CSI) on the Human Development Index in South Africa. A quantitative longitudinal study conducted over 10 years reviewed the relationship between CSI and HDI in South Africa. The survey results confirmed a negative statistical relationship between CSI and HDI in South Africa. With a 1% increase in CSI, leading to a marginal decrease in human development. An implication of the study is that CSI spending is not reaching the citizens of South Africa, possibly due to systemic corruption in South Africa. The results of the study thus have significant policy implications for the implementation and administration of CSI projects in South Africa.

This study investigated the influence of organisational culture and responsible leadership on employee job satisfaction. A positivist research philosophy was adopted, with a stratified sample of 373 permanent employees from a South African state-owned enterprise, using a quantitative approach and cross-sectional design. Data were collected using the Organisational Culture Assessment Inventory (OCAI), the Responsible Leadership Scale (RLS), and the Job Satisfaction Index (JSI). Data reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, while confirmatory factor analysis, correlation analysis, and multiple regression were used to determine predictive relationships among variables. The results indicated that organisational culture correlated positively and significantly with both responsible leadership and job satisfaction, and responsible leadership also correlated positively and significantly with job satisfaction. Furthermore, responsible leadership significantly predicted job satisfaction, whereas organisational culture did not significantly predict job satisfaction. From a business ecosystem and strategy perspective, the findings highlight the importance of fostering responsible leadership and adaptive organisational cultures as key enablers of sustainable performance, ethical governance, and stakeholder trust. These factors are crucial for strengthening strategic alignment and long-term competitiveness in complex institutional environments. The study also has socio-economic development implications: by promoting responsible leadership and enhancing employee satisfaction, state-owned enterprises can drive productivity, social equity, and inclusive growth, thereby reinforcing South Africa’s broader business and socio-economic ecosystem.

This study examines the most significant challenges facing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa, drawing on firm-level data from the 2022 World Bank Enterprise Survey. Using probit regression analysis, it explores how firm size, sector, geographic location, and female ownership influence the severity of perceived business constraints—namely, access to finance, infrastructure, regulation, workforce skills, crime, and the informal sector. The results indicate that sectoral differences are the strongest predictors of obstacle severity. Due to their capital and logistics needs, sectors such as Fabricated Metal Products, Construction, and Retail face heightened financial and transport challenges. Regionally, firms outside Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape report more severe infrastructure issues, particularly electricity, while those within these provinces face greater skills shortages. Medium-sized firms generally report fewer constraints than smaller firms. Female ownership is not a consistent determinant of obstacle severity; however, firms without female ownership perceive corruption and crime as slightly less severe. These findings underscore the need for targeted, sector- and region-specific policy responses, particularly in enhancing financial access for capital-intensive industries and addressing regional disparities in infrastructure and workforce development.

The quality of infrastructure in Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres has a profound influence on child development outcomes, particularly in marginalised communities. This article investigates the infrastructural challenges facing township-based ECD centres in Johannesburg, South Africa, and explores how these challenges influence parents’ decisions and, potentially, the developmental trajectories of their children. Drawing on the National Integrated ECD Policy (2015) and the Department of Social Development (DSD) infrastructure norms, the study employs a mixed-methods design to assess the availability and adequacy of physical infrastructure in selected centres. Parents of children attending township ECD centres participated through an online quantitative survey and telephonic qualitative interviews conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings reveal widespread compliance with minimum infrastructure standards—such as access to clean water, basic sanitation, and classroom space—but expose critical gaps in outdoor play areas, safety features, and child-friendly environments. These deficiencies are compounded by limited financial resources, overcrowded facilities, and dual-purpose premises that serve both as homes and ECD centres. While parents generally expressed satisfaction with proximity, staff care, and affordability, their responses also highlighted low awareness of infrastructural quality as a determinant of developmental outcomes. The study concludes that township ECD infrastructure reflects a “silent quintile” system—an informal, inequitable tier of provisioning shaped by historical neglect, regulatory ambiguity, and constrained investment. It argues for targeted infrastructure grants, strengthened monitoring mechanisms, and parental awareness campaigns to ensure that ECD infrastructure supports rather than hinders child development. This article contributes to the growing discourse on structural inequality in early childhood provisioning and calls for policy coherence and cross-sectoral collaboration to advance the right to quality early learning for all children in South Africa.

In any economy, Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) are essential for creating employment opportunities, which in turn help to eradicate poverty and high unemployment rates. Access to credit from several banks is essential for SMMEs to be sustainable. Since this finance is the lifeblood of these small businesses, its importance cannot be understated. Therefore, it was crucial for this study to assess the significance of the funding of SMMEs from banks and their impact on the sustainability of these small businesses. The research methodology used in the study was qualitative. SMMEs from different industries, such as agriculture, tourism, etc, and banking officials in the Vhembe District Municipality region made up the population used in this study. Ten research participants were chosen as a sample using stratified random sampling. Data was collected from the participants using an interview guide, and Atlas.ti was used for analysis. The results of this study revealed that the significance of financing SMMEs is grounded on job creation, poverty alleviation, and SMME development in the Vhembe district. The study also revealed that the funding assistance provided by banks provides the basis to develop their operations and enhance business sustainability.

This paper reviews existing literature on the United States of America (USA) mediation in the Israel and Palestine conflict under Donald J Trump's Presidency during his first term of office. The review flows from an expansive point of view to a narrow point of view. The expansive point of view will deal with the term mediation, what mediation entails, and other factors revolving around the causes of successful and failed mediation procedures. Thus, this narrowed point of view will focus on the USA mediation in the Israel and Palestine conflict during the first term of Donald Trump in the Oval Office. Therefore, by employing a qualitative research methodology, the paper reviews data from existing journal articles, books, and governmental reports on the use of mediation as a means of diplomacy in the Middle East conflict during Trump's administration. The findings of the paper suggest that in the first administration of Trump, the USA was using mediation as a weapon to advance their national interests while also fostering their international dominance. Hence, the paper concludes that mediation can be used as an example of foreign policy aspirations of a state which can be weaponised to advance the state's internal interest.

This study investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on executive remuneration structures within South African transportation companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, while also examining shifts in the intangible components of remuneration offered to employees. Employing a predominantly quantitative research design, the study analyses remuneration data to evaluate structural changes post-pandemic. Additionally, a qualitative analysis was conducted on corporate disclosures to assess the evolving nature of intangible remuneration elements. The findings reveal a notable shift in remuneration composition, with a greater proportion of executive compensation attributed to variable elements such as bonuses and short-term incentives, accompanied by a relative decline in base salaries. Moreover, companies demonstrated increased sensitivity to employee well-being, adopting flexible work arrangements and prioritising health and safety. These outcomes suggest that the pandemic catalysed both structural and philosophical changes in remuneration practices. The study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by offering a sector-specific analysis of how global disruptions can reshape compensation frameworks, thereby informing future corporate governance and human resource strategies.

This study evaluates the barriers to employment among beneficiaries of the Youth Entrepreneurship and Agribusiness Support (YEASA) program in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Using quantitative descriptive and inferential methods, the study investigates how the YEASA program influences employment, local economic development, and participants’ quality of life. A purposive sample of 125 beneficiaries provided data through structured questionnaires analyzed with SPSS. Findings reveal that 94% of participants acknowledged YEASA’s contribution to job creation, 85% reported improved living standards, and 90% noted increased confidence in managing agribusiness ventures. Despite these achievements, systemic barriers persist—particularly limited funding (55% dissatisfaction) and weak market linkages (60% concern)—which hinder the program’s overall impact. The study recommends improved funding mechanisms, stronger government involvement, and the introduction of tailor-made training programs to enhance sustainability and entrepreneurial outcomes among youth.