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This article looks at how carer support affects the mental health outcomes of women who look after family members with chronic illnesses in Motsinoni Village, Mopani District, South Africa. Caring for someone with a chronic illness is a difficult responsibility that frequently results in significant physical, mental, and emotional pain for those who provide it. Given the predominantly female caregiving population in this area, understanding their unique mental health challenges is vital. The research employed qualitative research approach with an in-depth interview 6 participants out of 30 women using 20% population sampling norm, exploring their experiences and perceptions regarding caregiver support systems. The findings reveal that emotional, social, and informational support significantly enhance the mental well-being of these women, easing feelings of isolation and stress associated with caregiving. Participants reported that access to community resources and support groups led to improved coping strategies, resilience, and overall mental health. However, a lack of institutional support often resulted in increased anxiety and depressive symptoms. This study highlights the importance of establishing comprehensive support networks to strengthen the mental health of female caregivers, thereby improving their quality of life. In conclusion, empowering caregivers through targeted interventions can mitigate mental health issues and foster a sustainable caregiving environment.

This study aims to assess the e-learning difficulties faced by students at South African public higher education institutions, given the increasing reliance on online learning as a core mode of teaching and learning. The researchers critically analyzed previous research on technology in higher education to identify gaps in existing knowledge. The study adopted the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as the theoretical framework to guide the investigation. A quantitative research method was employed, using surveys distributed to experts from various faculties, departments, and students. This approach enabled the collection of data regarding the perceived challenges and barriers to e-learning. The findings revealed that students encountered significant challenges in e-learning, including issues related to digital literacy, limited access to resources, unreliable internet connectivity, and high data costs. These barriers are exacerbated by the disadvantaged and poverty-stricken backgrounds of many students in South African public institutions. Additionally, educators and course designers also face challenges in effectively implementing e-learning solutions. Addressing these challenges is essential for the successful adoption and integration of e-learning in South African higher education institutions. The study suggests that overcoming systemic issues—such as improving digital literacy, enhancing infrastructure, and reducing data costs—could unlock the full potential of e-learning. This could lead to more inclusive, accessible, and effective higher education. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by identifying specific barriers to e-learning adoption in South African public higher education institutions. It emphasizes the importance of addressing these challenges to harness the potential of technology-enhanced learning and promote inclusivity in higher education. The findings provide insights into how policy makers, educators, and institutions can better support students and course designers in the transition to e-learning environments.

Abstract The study investigated how Christian religious leaders contribute to the moral development of youth in Reformed Churches in Thohoyandou, Limpopo Province, South Africa. It draws from recent studies, which highlight the importance of religious leaders in shaping youth morality. However, there is limited empirical evidence regarding this issue within specific South African social contexts, particularly concerning the effects of religious leadership on youth moral development, and current social challenges. This study utilized an ethnographic research design to examine the impact of Christian leaders' social activities and teachings on the moral growth of youth. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with religious leaders and youth participants, utilizing purposeful sampling for selection of participants. The theoretical approach utilized is moral development theory, to examine the complex relationships between religious authority and youth development within their socio-political environment.  The data was analyzed through a simple thematic analysis within which continuous comparison of experiences were coded, to find potential patterns and linkages. The findings are significant as they have the potential to enhance understanding of the roles of religious leadership in the moral development of youth in South Africa, hence, having both theoretical and practical consequences. The findings reveal that religious leaders significantly influence the morals of young people, with many youths viewing these leaders as their primary sources of moral guidance and support. Keywords: Religious leadership, Christianity, youth, moral development, spiritual development.

The unbundling of a South African state-owned enterprise represents a significant structural transformation aimed at improving operational efficiency, financial sustainability, and energy transition. However, this restructuring raises concerns about its socio-economic impact on employees. This study investigates this implication by exploring employee job security and working conditions. Grounded in Organizational Change Theory, the study employs a qualitative approach and obtain insights from interviews. Findings indicate that employees experience heightened job insecurity, worsened working conditions, and uncertainty regarding future employment prospects. Despite some optimism about potential market competition most employees perceive the unbundling as poorly managed and lacking transparency. The study calls for improved employee engagement, targeted policy interventions, and enhanced communication strategies. Transparent communication strategies are recommended to mitigate employee anxiety during unbundling. These findings contribute to academic discourse on entity restructuring while providing policy-relevant insights for ensuring a more inclusive and sustainable transition. In this volatile environment, employee and external stakeholder concerns are crucial for organisation’s sustainability and competitive advantage. 

Recent graduates often struggle to find suitable work, therefore, internships provide them with the skills they need for future employment opportunities. The study explores the nexus between internship programs and graduate skills development and the challenges hindering effective implementation of internship programs. The study used a pragmatic paradigm and convergent parallel design, involving 190 officials and interns from the Limpopo Department of Education Head Office, and analyzed using thematic and descriptive statistics.  The study found that 33% of respondents believe internship programs are hindered by a lack of human and financial resources, with seven major themes including administration, incompetence, attitudes, stipends, and workload. The study demonstrate four main themes: administration, incompetency, lack of resources, interns and mentors attitude, stipend and workload as the main challenges in internship programs. The study revealed that interns can acquire valuable skills and experience that can significantly enhance their chances of securing a job post-internship. This study concludes that internship programs is pivotal for providing skills development for recent graduates to foster their employability in the job market search. This research can be applied in the Limpopo Department of Education and other institutions that provide internship programs, as well as in the field of Public Administration, in terms of policy and personnel functions in making informed policies. This study enhances knowledge in literature review and policy making for Limpopo Department of Education, enhancing officials' and interns' perspectives on internship programs. The study recommends that the LDoE, should be able to have enough to resources provide for all necessary aspects to ensure effective implementation of internship, as well as employ personnel well equipped to train the interns.  By providing resources it is believed that internship programs can run smoothly. However, it is recognized that a potential challenge such as training mentors which will need to be addressed through external interventions.

With the rapid advancement of information technology (IT), it increasingly becomes challenging to identify crimes devoid of a digital component. An increase in internet users correlates with a rising percentage of cybercriminals transitioning traditional crime to the online environment. It is essential to enhance the cybercrime preparedness of law enforcement agencies to effectively address and eliminate this issue. Cyber-attacks have adversely affected the escalating epidemic, necessitating effective solutions. This paper employs qualitative content analysis to examine the challenges and opportunities faced by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in addressing cybercrime. The objective is to propose strategies and methodologies for the establishment of robust professional institutions and the allocation of adequate resources to address cybercrime effectively. The findings indicate a relationship between organisational context, complexity, and control in the context of cybercrime response. Larger agencies, such as the SAPS, those whose officers perform more non-routine tasks, and agencies operating under an active collective bargaining agreement are more inclined to allocate specific resources to cybercrime. Agencies characterised by increased hierarchical layers, greater specialisation, and a higher reliance on civilian employees are more inclined to assign dedicated personnel to cybercrime efforts. This article is among the limited studies employing this framework to analyse the relationship between organisational characteristics and responses to cybercrime. This perspective is beneficial for analysing police organisations, policies, programs, and strategies.

This study examined the coping strategies of teachers to manage the intersection of work and family duties, emphasizing their challenge and stress coping strategies in both domains. The research was based on a qualitative research design grounded on the interpretivism paradigm that aims to interpret human experiences from the participant's point of view. Utilizing a phenomenological study design with descriptive, contextual, and exploratory aspects, the study explored teachers' everyday life experiences, using semi-structured interviews to collect data. The study assessed how professionals balance professional and family obligations, noting the coping processes they implement to alleviate stress and achieve equilibrium. Findings indicated that teachers utilize adaptive coping processes, such as proficient time management, seeking help, and maintaining segregation between work and family obligations. Social support networks, including colleagues, relatives, and community groups, were pivotal in offering emotional support and practical help. In addition, teachers also outlined the deployment of personal resilience and ordering strategies to sustain their well-being. The study highlights the significance of teachers comprehending the dynamic interplay between professional and family life by illuminating how institutional support and policy action could strengthen their coping ability. These results add to the general discourse on teacher satisfaction and work-life balance by urging professional support structures in school and home environments.

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), or simply partner violence, is a human rights abuse and an important public health problem. Despite all the success and endeavors towards empowering women, the victims remain disempowered and susceptible. A qualitative research design was utilized, underpinned by a phenomenological, exploratory research design, to attempt to understand the experiences of IPV victims and inform practice guidelines. The study aimed to develop an understanding of the role of VEP in empowering IPV victims in Gauteng. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with a sample of fifteen IPV victims. The non-probability purposive sampling strategy allowed the researcher to choose based on discretion by purposively sampling individuals according to accessibility and appropriateness, and such a participant exemplified specific characteristics of the research. The study has revealed a compelling imperative to move beyond short-term emergency shelter arrangements and focus on long-term housing solutions for IPV survivors. Programs must ensure access to decent, permanent housing at an affordable cost, which offers stability and a foundation for survivors to re-establish their lives.

Funerals are culturally significant across the continent, often entailing substantial financial costs many families cannot easily bear. This study explores the role of funeral insurance in alleviating financial and social pressures related to burial practices in African countries. The research employs desktop research, analysing secondary data from government reports, academic literature, insurance industry publications, case studies, and media articles. Thematic analysis was applied to identify key themes such as financial alleviation, societal pressures, and migration’s influence on burial customs. Findings indicate that funeral insurance provides crucial financial support, particularly for families in urban areas and migrant workers, by covering burial-related expenses and ensuring adherence to cultural practices. However, the study also highlights the role of societal expectations, which often encourage lavish funerals, leading to overspending despite the intention of financial relief. Additionally, migration has significantly impacted funeral practices, with many individuals wishing to be buried in their rural hometowns despite the logistical challenges and costs involved. The study concludes that while funeral insurance is essential in mitigating financial strain, it must be complemented by efforts to shift societal attitudes towards simpler, more sustainable funeral practices. The research recommends improving the affordability and accessibility of funeral insurance, fostering financial literacy, developing culturally relevant insurance products, and addressing the social pressures associated with extravagant funerals. Future research should explore regional variations, alternative financial mechanisms, and longitudinal trends further to understand the dynamics of funeral insurance in Africa.

This study investigates the factors influencing investment decision-making within South Africa's financial markets, focusing on psychological, demographic, and external market elements. Drawing from Prospect Theory, the research reveals a deviation from traditional behavioral assumptions, highlighting that external market dynamics, rather than individual risk perceptions or demographic traits, predominantly guide investor behavior. Using a quantitative cross-sectional design, data were collected through structured questionnaires from 120 randomly selected South African investors aged 18 and older with market experience. Structural equation modelling assessed factors influencing risk perception and subsequently, investment behavior. The findings demonstrate that market-related variables significantly influence risk perception (? = 0.653, p < 0.001) and decision-making, aligning with the Efficient Market Hypothesis. In contrast to Prospect Theory's expectations, risk perception had no significant direct effect on investment choices (? = -0.009, p = 0.933). Cognitive biases and emotional influences exerted a moderate impact, while demographic characteristics, including gender, education, and experience, showed minimal influence on investment decisions, suggesting that practical market experience outweighs formal training. With robust construct validation (CR = 0.711 to 0.951), the study enhances the reliability and credibility of the findings. It highlights global regulatory frameworks as crucial for investor confidence. These results contribute to behavioral finance literature and support practical implications for policy, market transparency, and investor education. Future research should consider diverse populations and qualitative investors' perspectives.

This exploratory analysis investigated the use of cloud accounting within the SME sector in Zimbabwe. This study addresses a significant gap in the existing literature, as no prior research has specifically explored the utilization of cloud accounting within the SME sector in Zimbabwe. The study employed a qualitative research approach using purposive sampling. Data was collected from semi-structured interviews and was thematically analyzed. The study revealed a low utilization of cloud accounting among SMEs in Zimbabwe. The lack of awareness is particularly pronounced, hindering SMEs from recognizing the benefits and functionalities of cloud accounting systems. The study found that SMEs implementing cloud accounting experience many benefits that significantly enhance their financial management processes, operational efficiency, and overall business performance. The study emphasized the need for targeted awareness campaigns, comprehensive training programs, and robust policy support to bridge the knowledge gap and facilitate the widespread adoption of cloud accounting. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and technology vendors aiming to promote the digital transformation of the SME sector in Zimbabwe. Value This study provides valuable insights into the barriers and opportunities for adopting cloud accounting in Zimbabwe's SME sector, highlighting the need for awareness, training, and policy support to drive digital transformation and improve financial management, operational efficiency, and overall business performance.

This paper aims to explore perspective of South Africans on the effects of philoxenia on social cohesion between South Africans and African immigrants. The researchers employed exploratory research design, qualitative research methods and document analysis as well as in-depth interviews to solicit data. The work employed Philoxenia as a conceptual framework as well as positive and negative contact theories as tools of analysis. The findings indicate that South African perspectives on philoxenia is that, there exists “an ethic of hospitality toward foreign nationals”. This underscores the multifaceted nature of social cohesion within multicultural urban settings. While a number of South Africans in metropolitan areas, exhibit inclusive attitudes that facilitate positive intercultural relations, such experiences are not homogenous. They are not rooted in sustained emotional connection and fall short of fostering genuine. Compounding this challenge, the paper reveals that, manifestations of xenophobia, Afrophobia, and colour-blind xenophobia persist, often undermine the socio-cultural integration of African immigrants. The researchers recommend that, there is a need for a multi-level, collaborative approach to promoting a more deeply rooted form of philoxenia to address both the symbolic and material dimensions of social cohesion. Therefore, there are positive implications for African unity inspired by Philoxenia, while xenophobia, Afrophobia, and colour-blind xenophobia have negative spinoffs.

A subtle inherent contest exists between supervisors and subordinates during performance appraisal sessions. Examining the moderating effect of training on employees' self-appraisal to foster curiosity. This study seeks to analyse the value proposition of self-appraisal in the context of 360-degree organisational performance. A self-appraisal was conducted among a random sample of employees from five companies in South Africa. The research employs a positivist paradigm, utilising a deductive approach characterised by quantitative methods. It incorporates a longitudinal study and a pre-post quasi-experimental survey design to gather data from a randomly sampled population of 526 participants. Utilising diverse multivariate statistical methods, such as analysis of variance (ANOVA) and correlation and regression modelling, for data analysis. This study illustrates that training improves self-efficacy, learning outcomes, and performance. Additionally, it highlights the integrity of self-appraisals in the post-training context, with 66% of participants favouring self-rated performance over supervisor assessments due to perceived bias. This paper offers insights for both practitioners and scholars, highlighting how a strong culture of human capital development (T&D) enhances self-efficacy and predicts positive organisational behaviours and optimal performance.      

This study examined the key factors required to repurpose administrators' positions at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) in accordance with the technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). The study found four key components for effective job repurposing by employing a qualitative methodology and semi-structured interviews with 13 purposefully chosen administrators. These include putting in place pertinent technology that caters to institutional requirements, carrying out constructive performance reviews to find skill gaps, planning team-building activities to mend relationships damaged during the Covid-19 pandemic, and offering capacity building by means of job shadowing and coaching. The results showed administrators' fears about job security in the face of technological change and the significance of institutional accountability in retraining staff. The study suggests that DUT takes a comprehensive approach that incorporates all four elements, placing special emphasis on implementing technology gradually and setting up internal knowledge transfer systems to make sure administrators stay effective and relevant in the rapidly changing technological landscape of higher education.

Foster care aims to provide children with safety, health care, protection, and guidance. Despite its challenges, foster care in South Africa offers valuable benefits by providing vulnerable children with stable and nurturing environments that foster their development and enhance their educational and socio-emotional outcomes. This paper examines the benefits of foster care by exploring the experiences of foster care leavers and the perspectives of social workers in Tshwane District Municipality, Gauteng Province. In this study, the researcher employed a qualitative research approach. A total of 18 social workers and 18 foster care leavers were selected through a purposive sampling technique selected for the study. Data was collected using a semi-structured interview schedule, which allowed for in-depth exploration of participant’s experiences while providing the flexibility to probe further based on their responses. The findings highlight that foster care placements provide foster care leavers with essential support, including basic necessities, a family-like environment, improved relationships, independence, recreational opportunities, poverty reduction, therapeutic support, and educational benefits. The study suggests that the Department of Social Development should establish transition programs to support youth aging out of foster care, ensuring continued access to housing, education, and mental health services. The findings can assist policymakers in improving foster care policies to better support both foster care leavers and social workers, while also emphasising the need for further research on the long-term impact of foster care in South Africa.

The global rise in life expectancy has spurred interest in healthy ageing and preventing age-related chronic diseases. Indigenous diets and recreational activities are recognised for promoting longevity and mitigating conditions like cardiovascular disease and dementia. This scoping review, guided by PRISMA-Scr, examined the impact of indigenous dietary practices and recreational activities on healthy ageing and managing age-related diseases. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and CINAHL Central for peer-reviewed English-language articles (2015–2025), identifying 36,984 records and including 34 studies. Findings show that indigenous diets, rich in plant-based foods, lean proteins, and minimal processed foods, are associated with lower chronic disease prevalence. Recreational activities, such as farming, hunting, and communal dancing, enhance physical fitness, social cohesion, and mental well-being, which are crucial for healthy ageing. Integrating diet and activity in indigenous communities fosters a lifestyle that supports long-term health. These practices offer valuable insights for global ageing strategies. Public health initiatives should adopt culturally sensitive approaches, incorporating traditional diets and activities to improve outcomes. Future research should explore adapting these practices for diverse populations, particularly in urban settings, to enhance their scalability and impact. 

This article explores the integration of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) into entrepreneurship education in South Africa, advocating for a culturally responsive and inclusive approach. Drawing from historical, socio-political, and pedagogical perspectives, the study critiques the dominance of Western knowledge systems in formal education and the resulting marginalisation of IKS. It argues that embedding indigenous perspectives in entrepreneurship curricula can enhance relevance, foster innovation, and support sustainable development, particularly in rural communities. Through a literature-based, qualitative review complemented by stakeholder input including students, educators, and policy actors the research identifies the benefits and challenges of incorporating IKS into entrepreneurship education. These include improved creativity, community engagement, and a stronger connection between academic theory and local entrepreneurial practice. Key findings highlight strategies such as guest lectures, knowledge-sharing platforms, and collaboration with science parks to support IKS-driven entrepreneurship. The study recommends curriculum reform, educator training, and institutional policies that validate IKS as a valuable entrepreneurial asset. Ultimately, integrating IKS offers a pathway to decolonize higher education, empower indigenous learners, and build inclusive, contextually grounded entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Substance abuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs. One of the key impacts of illicit drug use on society is the negative health consequences experienced by its members. For many young people across the world, substance misuse is a serious problem. There have been reports that alcohol misuse is widespread in South Africa. The purpose of this paper is to outline the elements that influence of the impact of drugs and substance abuse in South Africa and Africa Communities. The findings of the study that was carried out in the unofficial settlement regions are presented in this essay. The findings of drug usage in the informal community serve as the foundation for the conclusions drawn in this article regarding substance abuse in South Africa. According to this report, young people in South Africa misuse and consume alcohol at significant rates. Unemployment, a lack of effective mentoring, a lack of family values, inadequate parental advice, and a loss of hope were some of the contributing reasons. To achieve the study's goals, a desktop research technique was used, and secondary data was evaluated and deconstructed. This study's major goal was to look at the causes and motivations behind young people's alcohol abuse. The inquiry concentrated on young people's excessive and unusual alcohol consumption.

The aim of this study is to assess educational engagement as a mediator of familial and school-based social care on psychological well-being of school students in India. Cross-sectional survey of students of Kashmir-Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India was taken using validated self-report measures to assess educational engagement, social care within home and school contexts, teamwork dynamics, and psychological well-being. Standard descriptive statistics were utilized to determine mean values along with corresponding standard deviations. A structural equation model (SEM) was also employed to assess direct and indirect effects of determinants on psychological well-being considering that neither multi-group nor univariate conditions of normality had been met. A robust maximum likelihood estimator (RMLE) was, therefore, utilized accordingly. Students display moderate levels of engagement (M = 20.95, SD = 5.91), friendship support (M = 16.39, SD = 6.78), familial support (M = 15.82, SD = 4.64), and institutional support (M = 14.99, SD = 4.63). The inner team climate (M = 28.35, SD = 8.01) is also moderately supportive. Psychological well-being (M = 52.26, SD = 12.68). The structural model indicated good fit, indicating good explanatory power regarding psychological well-being (R² = 0.71) and engagement (R² = 0.61). Family support (p < 0.001), institutional support (p = 0.002), and inner team environment (p = 0.040) were identified to have a positive associative relationship with engagement. For psychological well-being, friendship support had a positive associative relationship with engagement (p = 0.002). Finally, within psychological well-being, engagement functioned as a mediator of the impacts of family support (Indirect effect = 0.18, p < 0.001) and of institutional support (Indirect effect = 0.12, p = 0.017). This research calls for better mental health care to improve students' engagement and resilience. Future researchers need to give priority to these issues.

Smallholder irrigation schemes have been a significant strategy to ensure food security and poverty reduction in rural areas worldwide. Despite the efforts by the South African government to rehabilitate and revitalise smallholder irrigation schemes, the schemes have been performing below expectations. This follows the failure of water governance institutions to execute their roles within the schemes, thus affecting optimum agricultural production. Therefore, it is against this background that this study sought to assess water governance institutions and their related roles at Nzhelele area of Vhembe District, South Africa. A mixed-methods research design was adopted. Fifty-six farmers were selected through a census sampling method to participate in qualitative and quantitative data collection using a semi-structured interview guide and a questionnaire. Qualitative data were analysed using Atlas.ti, Version 8.0 software to perform thematic content analysis. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS version 28 for descriptive statistics. The study revealed that there are various water governance institutions within the schemes, namely, the scheme committee, the Water Users Association, and the Informal water institutions. These water governance institutions have varied roles regarding irrigation water governance within the schemes. Based on the findings, this study recommends that water governance institutions should be active in performing their roles and responsibilities in irrigation schemes to foster improvement in adherence to the water rules and regulations in place.