JOURNAL ARTICLEOphilile Mdhluli · Valery. B Ferim Valery B Ferim
International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science · 2025
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This study investigates the role of traditional medicine in addressing reproductive health needs in Allandale Village, Mpumalanga Province, through the lens of social justice. The research explores how indigenous healing practices intersect with principles of equity, cultural relevance, and access to reproductive healthcare in a context marked by structural inequality and limited biomedical services. In many rural South African communities, traditional medicine remains the primary source of reproductive health support due to its accessibility, affordability, and alignment with cultural values. Therefore, by investigating how indigenous healing practices interact with the concepts of equity, cultural relevance, and access to reproductive healthcare in a setting that is socially and economically marginalized, this study fills a crucial need. Guided by an ethnomedical framework, the study adopts a qualitative approach to assess whether traditional medicine enhances or constrains women's reproductive autonomy and health outcomes. Participants included local women aged 18 to 50 who actively use or engage with traditional reproductive health practices. The findings reveal that traditional healers play a crucial role in preventive care, fertility regulation, and postpartum support, with many women expressing confidence in the efficacy and cultural resonance of indigenous treatments. However, the study also highlights tensions between traditional and biomedical systems, including gaps in regulation, safety assurance, and gender dynamics. From a social justice perspective, the research argues for a pluralistic health policy that recognises and supports indigenous knowledge systems, promotes collaboration between biomedical professionals and traditional healers, and ensures that all women, especially those in marginalised rural areas, have access to safe, effective, and culturally appropriate reproductive healthcare. The study findings underscore traditional medicine’s role and further contribute to broader discussions on health equity globally by underscoring the importance of integrating culturally grounded, community driven healthcare approaches into national and international health systems to address persistent disparities and promote inclusive, context sensitive reproductive health solutions to women reproductive health. The study concludes with a call for the strengthened implementation of the Traditional Health Practitioners Act 22 of 2007 and the development of community-led, rights-based models of health integration.
DOI 10.20525/ijrbs.v14i8.45150 Crossref citations0 OpenAlex citations
JOURNAL ARTICLEMelikhaya Skhephe · Simbongile Mditshwa
International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science · 2025
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This study aimed to investigate how accounting teachers use current technological apps to modernize accounting instruction and guarantee that students acquire critical 21st-century skills. The researcher used a case study research design in conjunction with a qualitative approach to achieve this goal. The authors employed semi-structured interviews to collect data from accounting instructors, using a sample of six educators who were conveniently and purposefully chosen. The results showed that, despite the availability of programs to support accounting instruction, accounting teachers do not use technology to teach accounting. The study also shows that some educators are eager to learn about and make use of the various technological tools at their disposal to better assist their students. The study also found that the secret to modernizing accounting education is forming alliances with networking corporations and academic institutions. To teach accounting, it is imperative that teachers receive retraining and that infrastructure be provided. The authors recommend that, higher education institutions, such as universities, must provide teachers with comprehensive training on all facets of technology use. Teachers who are currently employed by the education department should get training from ICT specialists in the basic education department on pedagogical topic knowledge that may be utilized to update accounting instruction.
DOI 10.20525/ijrbs.v14i3.37910 Crossref citations0 OpenAlex citations
JOURNAL ARTICLESiphelele Rulashe · Syden Mishi · Sibanisezwe Khumalo · Desiree Hunter
International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science · 2025
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This study provides an empirical assessment of financial prudence among South African individuals, focusing on savings and investment behaviour. Prior research highlights a positive correlation between national savings rates and economic growth, with countries exhibiting high saving rates often experiencing stronger economic prosperity. However, as of 2023, South Africa's gross saving rate remains around 17%, ranking the lowest among BRICS nations. In contrast, countries like China and India boast saving rates above 40% and 30% respectively, underscoring South Africa's persistent challenge in fostering a robust savings culture. Despite various initiatives aimed at increasing the national savings rate, these efforts have yet to yield significant improvements. This research explores whether financial prudence characterised by conservative spending and careful planning in the face of future income uncertainty—could contribute to higher personal savings rates. To investigate this, an experimental design was employed where participants were presented with a hypothetical lottery payout scenario to gauge their prudence and its effect on saving behaviour. Analysis of the data indicated that while individuals generally displayed a lack of prudence, prudence itself has a notable influence on savings. Based on these findings, the study recommends that financial products and services in South Africa be designed to be affordable, accessible, and suited to the needs of the population. Additionally, it advocates for government investment in small businesses, job creation, and efforts to attract foreign investment to support a more robust savings culture.
DOI 10.20525/ijrbs.v14i3.38990 Crossref citations0 OpenAlex citations