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Despite changing Performance Management System (PMS) to Performance Management and Development (PMD) in 2018, public schools face difficulties in effectively implementing PMD in Botswana. This study, using a mixed methods approach, investigated the capacity of school managers to implement PMD. Quantitative analysis assessed capacity and workload, while qualitative insights explored managers’ perspectives on PMD.  From the study, poor PMD implementation is associated with capacity issues, moral laxity and organizational indifference. The study recommends building capacities at all levels of PMD and embracing PMD as a performance reform.

The problem addressed in this paper relates to the high road fatalities among the youth in South Africa. The high youth fatality rate is concerning as it results in immediate economic impacts as well as the future loss of productive people. The objectives of the paper include identifying the most prominent educational strategies and ascertaining the applicable communication media for mitigating road fatalities among the youth in South Africa. The research followed a quantitative approach to determine the perceptions of traffic offi3cers and crash investigators regarding the driving behaviour of the youth. It was found that the most effective education strategy is to include road safety in the school curriculum and educate future drivers from a young age. The study further found that social media is the most effective medium for promoting road safety for the youth. Policymakers are encouraged to take a holistic approach when educating the youth and include all educational stakeholders. The paper makes a theoretical contribution because it tested the most applicable strategies with the associated educational media to circumvent fatalities among the youth. Recommendations regarding the strategies are made towards road safety authorities. The paper further makes a managerial contribution by providing guidance towards policymakers and transportation providers on developing road safety strategies aimed at the South African youth that will benefit the greater community.

Job satisfaction is widely recognised as a critical determinant of employee performance, organisational productivity, and long-term institutional effectiveness across diverse economic sectors. This paper examines the relationship between job satisfaction and employee performance through a comparative lens that considers both developed and developing country contexts. Drawing on a systematic literature review of empirical studies published between 2015 and 2025, the study synthesises evidence from a broad range of industries, including education, telecommunications, banking and financial services, information technology, automotive, healthcare, retail, construction, agriculture, logistics, energy, public administration, and manufacturing.The findings reveal a consistently positive and statistically significant association between job satisfaction and employee performance, either directly or through mediating mechanisms such as work engagement, organisational commitment, and motivation. Across sectors, job satisfaction is shaped by a combination of structural and motivational factors, including working conditions, training and development, leadership quality, compensation, career advancement opportunities, organisational support, and job design. Employees who report higher satisfaction levels tend to demonstrate stronger commitment, greater discretionary effort, higher productivity, and improved service quality.

Decentralized approaches to solid waste management (SWM) have gained global attention because of their provision for the effective participation of local communities. This study investigates community participation in decentralized solid waste management policy-making processes, drawing insights from Ghana. Using mixed methods, the study reveals that community participation only takes place at the policy implementation stage and takes the form of planning and managing community-led solid waste management initiatives such as occasional community clean-up exercise during festivals and public holidays, which are usually organized on a frequent basis. Regarding the factors that promote the solid waste management policy-making process, it was realized that “including the community in the solid waste management policy-making process” was the most important factor for the community to participate in the solid waste management policy-making process. Based on these findings, the top-down approach in solid waste management policy should be reversed to bottom-up approaches.

This study seeks to examine the impact of quality control techniques on operational efficiency in manufacturing organisations, specifically identifying the most successful practices that foster long-term success. The research employs a twofold approach: it first analyses current literature on the incorporation of quality principles in diverse manufacturing companies, identifying shortcomings.  Secondly, employing quantitative methodologies through surveys directed at South African manufacturing experts. This study utilised a purposive sample method to choose participants from the available population.  Purposive sampling is a nonprobability sampling technique that involves gathering data from designated target groups or individuals according to a defined criterion. The results indicate that employee training, ongoing improvement, and internal audits are the paramount quality control techniques, substantially promoting a culture of quality and advancing operational development. Employee engagement, proactive strategies, and remedial actions are seen as essential components for maintaining enduring operational performance. The incorporation of supplier quality management and control charts improves decision-making and guarantees product uniformity. The research highlights that organisations can enhance competitiveness, operational efficiency, and customer happiness through the implementation of good quality control practices. These methods result in enhanced production, decreased operational expenses, and increased market sustainability. Organisations must prioritise staff training, ongoing enhancement, and supplier quality control to maintain a competitive edge. This study enhances the existing information by emphasising the essential quality control techniques that affect operational efficiency in manufacturing entities. It offers significant insights into the execution of quality control techniques and their influence on business performance, presenting pragmatic recommendations for managers aiming to enhance operational efficiency.

The aim of the study was to examine how talent management affects professional nurse retention. This study utilised a quantitative research approach. To assess professional nurses' attitudes and insights regarding talent management and employee retention, 504 nurses from three public hospitals participated in a survey. It was found that talent management practices resulted in higher employee retention rates. Job security, a positive work environment, and a combination of strong leadership and rewards primarily drove staff retention. Retention strategies were found to be effective when these elements were present. Job security, work climate, and superior guidance and rewards are suggested as three new factors to consider in retaining nurses. In addition to developing a conceptual framework for talent management practices, the study also identifies ways to improve employee retention by utilizing a multidimensional approach. The study gives insight into how to maintain the viability of public hospitals by implementing talent management practices and employee retention strategies, focusing on strategies such as management commitment, talent acquisition, and creating a positive work environment. These practices can help hospitals attract and retain skilled healthcare professionals, ensuring high-quality patient care and long-term organisational success.

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) has surfaced as a process that involves the transfer of theoretical knowledge to the actual practical application in the working environment. It is a pedagogical approach to placing students in touch with the realities of the working environment. Hence, the role of WIL is to develop student readiness for the working environment. The study explored the influence of WIL on student readiness for the working environment of the final year students in the department of Human Resources Management at the DUT. The objectives of the study were threefold: (i) to establish whether there is a relationship between WIL and student readiness of third year HRM for the working environment (ii) to ascertain the perception of third year HRM students regarding WIL, and (iii) to identify the factors that influence the effectiveness of WIL. The study adopted the positivist research paradigm and used the quantitative approach. A structured closed-end questionnaire was used to gather data which was analysed using SPSS version 30. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were conducted to draw deductions. The study used consensus sampling and a total of 80 responses were received. The results of the study indicated that student readiness exhibited a strong positive correlation with the WIL programme effectiveness. Furthermore, readiness showed a moderate positive correlation with the preparation programme. A weaker yet statistically significant correlation was observed between readiness and support.

This article critically examines how contemporary child protection systems are shaped by risk-averse practice cultures, structural inequality, cultural dissonance, and uneven investment in family-based preventive interventions. Using an integrative literature review, the article synthesizes empirical studies, policy analyses, programme evaluations, and theoretical scholarship published between 2000 and 2024, with selected foundational works included where they remain conceptually central. Guided by ecological systems theory and critical social work theory, the review argues that child removal is often framed as an individual family failure, while the wider conditions that produce family vulnerability, including poverty, racism, colonial histories, housing insecurity, disability, substance-use-related need, and inadequate service access, are insufficiently addressed. The synthesis shows that poor, Black, Indigenous, and other marginalized families are disproportionately drawn into child protection systems, often through neglect allegations that are closely linked to material hardship. At the same time, evidence from family preservation, home visiting, family group conferencing, and community-based support models indicates that many children can be kept safe when families receive timely, relational, culturally responsive, and adequately resourced assistance. The article, therefore, calls for a shift from surveillance and separation toward prevention, family preservation, and social justice-oriented practice. It concludes that child protection reform requires not only improved practice tools, but also policy, funding, and accountability systems that value family integrity, cultural belonging, and long-term child and family well-being.

Kidnapping has become a critical security threat in South Africa, with increasing frequency and complexity undermining public safety and straining the capacity of the South African Police Service (SAPS). This study investigates the effectiveness of private security companies (PSCs) in preventing and responding to kidnappings and examines the factors that shape their operational success and limitations. Guided by the primary research question, "How effective are PSCs in combating kidnapping in South Africa, and what specific roles do they play in the prevention and response to abductions?", the research employs a qualitative case study design. It is supported by semi-structured interviews with 12 security professionals, selected through purposive and snowball sampling. Ethical rigour was maintained through informed consent and anonymization protocols. The application of Tesch’s thematic analysis framework further strengthens the credibility and depth of the findings. The study reveals how private security actors in response to the spate of kidnappings, function as de facto “capable guardians,” leveraging advanced surveillance technologies, intelligence networks, and rapid response capabilities to fill critical gaps left by the South African Police Service (SAPS). Importantly, the research identifies systemic barriers, such as regulatory fragmentation, a lack of formalised public-private partnerships, and technological disparities, that limit the full integration of PSCs into national security frameworks. The study contributes to security and criminal justice scholarship by shifting the analytical lens from state-centric policing to the evolving roles of non-state actors (PSCs). It offers practical insights for policymakers concerned with multi-sectoral approaches to public safety and crime prevention initiatives in South Africa. 

This study examines the relationship between digital globalization and educational access in Africa. It uses publicly available secondary data from the World Development Indicators (WDI) ICT database and UNESCO education statistics. While digital transformation is widely promoted as a catalyst for inclusive human capital development, cross-country heterogeneity in Africa raises questions about whether digital expansion uniformly enhances educational access. Employing panel quantile regression for a balanced panel of African countries over the period 2005–2023, the paper investigates how ICT penetration, trade openness, and digital infrastructure affect educational participation across different points of the distribution of access indicators. The findings indicate that digital globalization exerts heterogeneous effects: countries at lower quantiles of educational access benefit more strongly from increases in internet penetration and mobile connectivity, whereas upper-quantile countries exhibit diminishing marginal returns. Institutional quality and governance metrics serve to moderate these observed relationships. The findings contribute to the existing body of research concerning the digital divide, globalization, and educational inequality, specifically by illustrating that digital transformation mitigates disparities, particularly in contexts where fundamental access limitations persist. Consequently, the policy implications emphasize the need for infrastructure expansion, regulatory adjustments, and targeted digital inclusion initiatives, all of which should be congruent with the African Union Digital Education Strategy.

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education entrepreneurship education (EE) is an important advancement that integrates innovative technology with teaching methods.  Even so, the research output in this new field is still disjointed and unclear. This study delineates key trends, prominent authors, thematic evolution, and collaboration patterns using a bibliometric analysis of 50 publications from the Web of Science database (2016-2025). Drawing on the output from Biblioshiny software, the results indicate a rapid growth in research output after 2022. This is largely attributed to generative AI developments.  Key areas of research have, also, shifted over time from a general focus on pedagogy to groupings that focus on technology, such as using AI in education, focusing on student consequences, and entrepreneurial intentions. The results show a leading contribution to research output from China. International partnerships, on the other hand, are decentralised. Also, the overall network of co-authors is still fragmented. The study’s conclusion indicates that the field is transforming into a synthesis of technological and human-centric frameworks showing an interdisciplinary convergence of education, psychology, and computer science. It also points out more research avenues, such as the need for more qualitative studies on implementation and a closer look at the ethical side of AI in education.

Learner engagement in English First Additional Language classrooms is a pressing concern in many rural South African schools, characterised by overcrowding and limited digital infrastructure. This study explored how teachers integrate low-tech digital tools to enhance listening and speaking skills in such contexts. Guided by a qualitative interpretive approach, data were collected from eight English First Additional Language teachers across rural primary schools through semi-structured interviews and were analysed thematically. The findings revealed that teachers use low-tech digital tools primarily to support storytelling, manage overcrowded classrooms, and sustain learner interest despite connectivity challenges. While low-tech digital tools improved learner participation and attentiveness, infrastructural constraints and inconsistent internet access limited their full potential. The study recommends targeted teacher development, improved school-level digital support and context-sensitive integration strategies to strengthen English First Additional Language engagement. By foregrounding teachers’ lived experiences, the article contributes to ongoing debates on equitable and pedagogically sound technology integration in resource-constrained settings

As digitalization is on the increase, deposit money banks are faced with heightened exposure to cyber threats, which pose significant risks to their financial performance and operational stability. This study investigated how cybersecurity investment and cyber insurance affected the profitability of deposit money banks, to know whether preemptive cybersecurity management strategies and transfer of risk through insurance influence financial results in the banking sector. The results revealed that both cybersecurity investment and cyber insurance have significant positive effects on bank profitability, with coefficients of 7.832 (p < 0.01) and 17.08 (p < 0.05), respectively. The study also revealed that cybersecurity investment provides more accurate estimates than cyber insurance which is reflected in its narrower confidence intervals. The results emphasize the strategic role of cybersecurity investment and insurance to improve financial flexibility, reduce operational risk, and support enduring profitability. It concluded that banks that prioritize these strategies will not only mitigate possible losses from cyber incidents but also gain a competitive advantage through strengthened customer trust and operational efficiency. The study recommended that Nigerian deposit money banks should treat cyber insurance as a vital component of cyber risk management strategies. It is also recommended that bank management should treat cybersecurity expenditure as value-adding investments rather than operational costs.

This conceptual paper examines mentoring practices aimed at supporting university lecturers in the development of scholarly writing skills. Recognizing that the ability to publish in academic journals is critical to professional growth and institutional contribution, the study explores how mentoring serves as a strategic tool to enhance lecturers' academic writing capacities. Guided by the main research question—"What mentoring practices are employed to support university lecturers in the development of scholarly writing "skills?"—the study adopts a qualitative approach grounded in the interpretive paradigm. Data were collected through an extensive review of existing literature on academic mentorship and scholarly writing support within higher education contexts. Thematic analysis was used to identify key patterns and strategies that characterize effective mentoring relationships, including peer mentoring, writing workshops, structured feedback mechanisms, and institutional support programs. Findings highlight the importance of context-sensitive mentoring practices that address both the technical and emotional aspects of academic writing. The paper concludes by emphasizing the need for universities to institutionalize mentoring frameworks that foster sustainable writing cultures. This study contributes to the broader discourse on academic development and offers insights for policymakers, academic leaders, and faculty development practitioners seeking to enhance scholarly productivity among university lecturers.

This study investigates the correlation between the enhancement of digital skills and employability among university students in South Africa, with ramifications for inclusive economic growth. The escalation of graduate unemployment and the growing digitisation of the job market have heightened apprehensions regarding the disparity between higher education results and industry skill demands. This study examines the impact of several dimensions of digital skills on employability readiness and perceived employment outcomes, utilising Human Capital Theory, the Technology Acceptance Model, and Skill-Biased Technological Change theory. A quantitative, cross-sectional survey approach was employed, utilising a prepared questionnaire distributed to 384 final-year students at an Open Distance and e-Learning (ODeL) university. The data were examined via descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The results indicate generally inadequate digital skill mastery, especially in related and collaborative aspects, despite extensive utilisation of digital tools. Nonetheless, substantial positive correlations were identified between all categories of digital skills and employment readiness. Cognate skills (β = 0.271, p < 0.001) and technical skills (β = 0.263, p < 0.001) were identified as the most important determinants of perceived employment outcomes, although inventive skills exhibited no notable direct effect. The findings affirm that essential digital competencies are crucial factors influencing graduate employment within the South African setting. The research underscores the necessity for systematic integration of digital skills into university curricula and enhanced collaboration among higher education institutions, industry, and government. By augmenting digital human capital, institutions may improve graduate employability and foster greater inclusivity in the digital economy.

Like any other institution, public hospitals in South Africa might be affected by natural disasters as these incidents occur unexpectedly. This article discusses disaster management plans and procedures for public hospitals. A qualitative method is used in this study. A qualitative study aimed to determine how public hospitals protect their assets, information, personnel, patients and visitors during natural disaster that may occur at any time of the year and also to examine the shortcomings in disaster risk management so that recommendations can be formulated to address risks associated with disaster managements. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, section 41 (1) (b), requires all spheres of government to "secure the well-being of people of the Republic". It also requires  the national spheres of government to develop and execute laws within this area and gives them powers and responsibilities in relation to disaster management. Qualitative data was collected through one-on-one interviews. The findings revealed the availability of disaster management plans however the implementation of such plans is still lacking, and Emergency drills are not conducted regularly to test the existing plans. These results might put employees, visitors and patients in danger should any disaster occur. This research contributes by highlighting disaster management plans and procedures that need to be implemented to keep personnel, patients and visitors in public hospitals safe. Furthermore, the development of relevant disaster management plans and procedures are recommended.

Illegal occupation of buildings referred as hijacked building has emerged as a critical urban crime phenomenon in South Africa’s Johannesburg inner city area, particularly within Region F, which is a designated administrative area within Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality in South Africa. This article presents a case study analysis of property fraud, examining the socio-economic, legal, and institutional factors that enable its persistence. Drawing from qualitative data, the study explores how hijackers exploit systemic vulnerabilities and abandoned properties. The findings reveal that hijacking of buildings is orchestrated by organized syndicates using sophisticated methods such as title deed fraud, impersonation, and intimidation. The study advocates for a multi-pronged response that includes legal reform, enhanced inter-agency collaboration to halt hijacking of buildings. The study advances knowledge of the difficulties that South African cities face and provides useful suggestions for legislation and enforcement by placing hijacked assets within larger framework of urban crime.

The sustainability of South African automotive component suppliers faces increasing pressure due to global supply chain disruptions and heightened buyer demands. Within this competitive environment, traditional differentiators such as price and product quality are largely prescribed by buyers, leaving suppliers with limited strategic levers. Relationship quality has therefore emerged as a crucial factor in building trust and securing long-term customer retention. The central research question is: What is the correlation between trust and relationship quality in buyer-supplier exchanges within the automotive supply chain? This article reports on a quantitative study that examined the relationship between supplier–buyer relationship quality and the development of trust. A directional linear relationship between these constructs was tested to determine the extent to which relational factors contribute to sustainable partnerships. The findings indicate a strong and significant correlation, suggesting that supplier actions during sourcing interactions can meaningfully influence levels of trust. Trust, in turn, enhances perceived customer value and contributes to customer retention in an industry where competitive advantages are narrow. The study underscores the need for South African automotive component suppliers to prioritise strategies that strengthen relationship quality with their buyers. By fostering trust through relational practices, suppliers may achieve more resilient business outcomes and sustain their market position within a challenging global supply chain environment.

This study aims to identify and assess the factors affecting ERP deployment in South African SMEs within the construction sector, intending to offer insights that better decision-making, improve operational efficiency, and fulfil customer expectations. A quantitative research methodology was utilised, employing a probability sampling procedure to guarantee equitable opportunity for sample selection. The researcher performed a comprehensive literature study to pinpoint knowledge deficiencies and employed data analysis techniques, such as descriptive statistics, reliability assessments, exploratory factor analysis, and normality evaluation. The research indicated that South African SMEs in the construction sector must assess essential elements prior to adopting an ERP model. The components encompass evaluating client requirements, analysing the experiences of current ERP system users, comprehending system maintenance necessities, and predicting anticipated performance results. The results offer practical suggestions for construction SMEs seeking to use ERP systems. By concentrating on the highlighted pivotal aspects, enterprises can improve their ERP implementation processes, mitigate operational inefficiencies, and more effectively match with customer and sustainability requirements.  This research enhances the scarce understanding of ERP implementation obstacles in South African construction SMEs. It offers a distinct viewpoint on how strategic ERP implementation can enhance operational efficiencies and facilitate sustainable growth practices within the sector.

The integration of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) technologies into crime investigation represents a paradigm shift in modern law enforcement capabilities.  This literature review examines the role, applications, opportunities, and challanges of implementing generative AI systems, including Large Language Models (LLMs), Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), Variational Autoencoders (VAEs),  and diffusion models within the context of South African crime investigation.  Through systemic analysis of current research, this article explores how GenAI can enhance forensic analysis, evidence processing, suspect identification, and investigation decision-making while addressing critical concerns regarding bias, privacy, legal admissibility, and ethical implications.  The review reveals that while generative AI offers transformative potential for addressing South Africa's unique crime challenges, successful implementation requires careful governance frameworks, staged deployment strategies, legal alignment, and capacity building.  Key findings indicate that retrieval-augmented generation systems, forensic image synthesis, and synthetic data generation present immediate opportunities but must be balanced against documented risks, including algorithmic fabrication, false memory induction, and systemic bias. This article concludes with evidence-based recommendations for South African law enforcement agencies seeking to responsibly harness generative AI capabilities.