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There is inadequate literature on research comparing the motivations of Generations Y and Z, especially for non-academic university staff. Therefore, this research compared the motivation of the two generational cohorts amongst non-academic staff at the Zimbabwe Open University. Two sub-objectives guided the research: first, to compare the intrinsic motivation of the two generations and the extrinsic motivation of the two generations. The generational theory guided the research, elaborating that generational cohorts have different preferences. The supplementary theory was Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, which shows how employees are motivated by the provision of needs from basic to fulfillment needs. The study was quantitative, using descriptive statistics to compare the motivation of Generation Y and Z. The research utilised closed-ended questionnaires, which were distributed to 196 respondents. SPSS version 30.0 was used for data analysis. Reliability, validity, and data normality tests confirmed the data. The findings show that both generations are motivated intrinsically, but preferences on the intrinsic motivators diverge. The research found that Generation Y is more extrinsically motivated than Generation Z. The research recommends using intrinsic motivation for Generation Z employees and using both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation for Generation Y employees.

Investigations into establishing a framework for incentivising non-academic personnel in universities have been scarce. The research sought to establish a paradigm for motivating non-academic personnel in institutions. The study was informed by Herzberg’s two-factor theory and Adams’ equitable theory of motivation. The research employed a quantitative methodology, wherein a sample of 216 non-academic personnel at the Zimbabwe Open University filled out closed-ended questionnaires. Data analysis was conducted with SPSS version 30.0. The resulting framework details the obstacles, intrinsic motivators, extrinsic motivators, and performance outcomes of university non-academic personnel. The report advises colleges to utilise the framework to create motivational programs for non-academic personnel.

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, 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. 

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.

Sustainable procurement has become a crucial strategy for attaining the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Despite the growing emphasis on the concept, understanding the development of sustainable procurement over the last two decades remains limited. This paper offers a comprehensive examination of sustainable procurement, outlining significant research topics, leading authors, relevant countries, and notable publications in the discipline. Nineteen (199) publications from 2004 to 2024 were retrieved from Scopus following the PRISMA protocol. Bibliometric analysis is utilised, followed by the construction of clusters through co-citation analysis. The clusters are analysed to identify emerging themes and potential areas for further research. The co-citation analysis identifies five distinct clusters of research themes: sustainable procurement practices and drivers, environmental management and performance in procurement, sustainable public procurement and implementation challenges, green procurement strategies and supplier management, and sustainable procurement adoption and influencing factors. Publications have been sourced exclusively from one database. Only publications from relevant academic journals have been utilised for the bibliometric analysis. Only articles with high citation counts were selected for co-citation analysis and cluster formation. The analysis of the identified clusters delineates study domains for further exploration aimed at improving the understanding of sustainable procurement and implementing its practices to achieve sustainability..

The New Public Management (NPM) has brought a trend toward the government to administer the performance of government personnel to enhance government performance and the distribution of government services. In 1998, in accordance with the White Paper on Local Government, in South Africa Performance Management (PM) was brought in to improve the performance of government employees and ensure a successful distribution of public services. PM led to the establishment of the Municipal Performance Management Systems (MPMS). However, currently, there is little information on the effectiveness of the usage of MPMS to ameliorate the delivery of municipal services. The study evaluated the fruitfulness of MPMS through exploring the perceptions of municipal employees towards MPMS, and the ability of MPMS to foster positive change in South African municipalities through lessons gained from practices. To address the questions posed by the study, a qualitative method of research was employed drawing heavily on secondary data to expand knowledge of the usability of MPMS in the local government of South Africa. Subsequently, the findings of the study show that the effectiveness of MPMS is affected by various issues such as insufficient information and knowledge concerning MPMS, lack of monitoring and evaluation, poor financial administration, lack of participation from all municipal employees, data accuracy & the reliability of performance indicators, and shortage of skills. In short, the study concluded that the usage of MPMS in South Africa is not 100% effective and could be enhanced through establishing training workshops, monitoring, and evaluation, incorporating all municipal personnel to take part in the MPMS, and offering financial and non-financial incentives to motivate employees.

In the context of rapid technological advancement and evolving financial ecosystems, this study investigates the interplay between financial literacy, digital finance, and financial behaviour among high school teachers in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. Structural equation modelling (SEM) approach was used to describe intricate relationships between latent constructs, namely, financial literacy, financial Behaviour and, digital finance Knowledge as well as observed variables (B7 to B22, C23 to C44, D45 to D56, demographics). Demographic variables include Gender, Age Category, Qualification Type, Teaching Duration, Financial Literacy Course and Field Employed. The model defined each construct as a linear combination of its observed variables as well as demographic variables under its measurement component, and hypothetical relationships among three latent variables under its structural component. We used Python software and machine learning code to create and estimate the model using observed data. The missing values in each observed variable were imputed with averages of the variables’ data. The tests of normality assumption for SEM were performed using histogram and q-q plots, Shapiro-Wilk test D'Agostino and Pearson's test.  Most data vectors violated the normality assumption. Diagonally Weighted Least Squares (DWLS) was used for parameter estimation as a suitable method that can provide better estimation for more complex models with many parameters. This method has an additional advantage of being less sensitive to outliers. The DWLS parameter estimation results, based on p-values, suggest that financial literacy and financial behaviour have a negative association which means that lacking financial behaviour results in financial literacy. A positive association between has been identified between financial behaviour and digital finance knowledge. Financial literacy and digital finance knowledge have a weak or no relationship. Thus, having or not having digital finance knowledge does not necessarily determine the possibility of experiencing financial literacy. Furthermore, among demographic variables, the financial literacy Course is the only demographic variable that has a significant impact, and only on Financial Behaviour and Financial literacy. The rest of the variables do not significantly influence the latent constructs. This study uniquely applies SEM using the DWLS estimator to explore personal finance dynamics in an emerging economy, offering concise insights into key relationships.

In the modern dynamic higher education landscape, the efficiency and effectiveness of frontline services have a significant impact on the student experience. Understanding first-time entry students' perspectives is critical in South African universities, where diverse challenges and opportunities intersect. These students begin their academic journey with a mixture of anticipation, expectations, and uncertainties, making their insights invaluable in assessing the efficiency of frontline services. By comprehending the perspectives of FTENs this paper seeks to uncover opportunities for improving frontline service delivery, enhancing student satisfaction, and fostering a supportive environment conducive to academic success. By addressing this research question: what insights and implications can be deduced regarding frontline service efficiency in the context of a South African university through an examination of FTENs experiences? Through a pluralistic research approach incorporating both qualitative and quantitative inquiry, employment of questionnaires and thematic content analysis, the study illuminates the nuanced challenges experienced by FTENs. The findings underscore a mixture of positive and negative implications, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement within the institution's service delivery framework. On one hand, a majority of participants reported positive service experiences, emphasizing the helpfulness, patience, and professionalism of the front-line administrative staff. The study also uncovered significant challenges faced by some students, including delayed responses, perceived staff frustration, and concerns regarding fairness and inclusivity. This research contributes to advancing a deeper understanding of the intricate interplay between FTENs’ experiences and the institution’s effectiveness.

The scarcity of water and energy in South Africa impacts multiple domestic and economic sectors, such as agriculture, industry, energy production, and ecosystems. This leads to diminished output, environmental degradation, and loss of biodiversity. The challenges are closely associated with the ongoing overexploitation of natural resources, attributable to the transformative effects of industrialisation and urbanisation. Current trends in energy and resource consumption, agricultural systems, and urban expansion are largely unsustainable and necessitate strategic interventions to mitigate environmental damage and promote long-term resilience. In the absence of oversight, these trends could exacerbate detrimental climate change patterns and limit economic growth. This study investigates the ongoing challenges related to the manufacturing sector's impact on water and energy resource depletion, while also assessing the potential cost savings from adopting cleaner production technologies. This study provides a significant contribution by presenting empirical evidence from the iLembe District, utilising a quantitative research design. A survey was performed across multiple factories in the iLembe Municipal District of South Africa. Of the 262 businesses surveyed, 184 out of 191 responses were considered reliable for data analysis. The study objectives were evaluated through descriptive and correlation analyses to assess the impact of digital technology on water, energy, and operational cost savings in manufacturing organisations within the district. The findings suggest that manufacturing organisations in the iLembe Municipal District demonstrated a lack of commitment to adopting digital technology as a waste management strategy to decrease electricity and water consumption. Respondents concurred that their organisations have achieved cost reductions by implementing cleaner production processes. The research demonstrated that digital technology has a beneficial effect on water and energy conservation, cost reduction, and the improvement of organisational performance. Management must understand the beneficial effects of digital technology to guarantee sustainable organisational performance..

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa, revealing their inadequate financial reserves and insufficient strategic assistance. In response, the government implemented financial and non-financial measures to promote innovation and enhance corporate resilience. This study assessed the efficacy of these approaches in aiding SMMEs during and post-pandemic, emphasising innovation uptake and sustainability results. A positivist paradigm and quantitative design were utilised, surveying 201 small, medium, and micro enterprise (SMME) owners and managers in eThekwini Municipality via structured questionnaires. Data analysis utilising SPSS (version 28.0) identified significant deficiencies in governmental assistance frameworks, especially with accessibility and communication. Participants indicated inadequate communication regarding funding initiatives, challenges in accessing newly implemented programs, and minimal influence on business recovery and innovation. The findings reveal a continual disparity between policy objectives and actual support, emphasising the necessity for enhanced communication tactics and more accessible tools to bolster SMME resilience during crises

Significant reputational and operational risks to organisations are mostly caused by cyberattacks, such as ransomware and data breaches, making effective communication key. The study seeks to answer the following research questions: 1) What challenges are encountered during cyber crisis communication, and 2) which crisis communication strategies are most effectively used by organisations during cyberattacks, and how they align with SCCT? The study was qualitative in nature, using existing literature and case studies of prominent cyberattacks that happened globally in 2020, where cyberattacks were at their peak due to the work-from-home setup. The study applied Situational Crisis Communication Theory (SCCT) to guide the research. Findings highlight key challenges in crisis communication, such as balancing transparency with confidentiality, countering misinformation, ensuring timely communication when the organisation is under pressure and reaching marginalised populations. Regarding research question two, the findings identified five key themes: transparency spectrum, timeliness and proactiveness, channel usage, message focus and the COVID-19 context. To enforce effective communication during cyberattacks, organisations must develop pre-approved communication toolkits, use internal decision processes to balance risk and openness, conduct vulnerability-sensitive communication planning and Audits and Regulatory Compliance.

This study examines the impact of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) on economic growth in South Africa over the period 2000 to 2023. An Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression model was employed to assess the relationship between FDI inflows and Gross Domestic Product (GDP), while controlling for key macroeconomic variables. The findings reveal that FDI exerts a significant positive influence on economic performance, with a 1% increase in FDI inflows associated with a 1.93% rise in GDP. However, high inflation exerts a detrimental effect, with a coefficient of -1.99, highlighting the importance of macroeconomic stability. The analysis also indicates that trade openness contributes positively to economic growth, while political risk remains a substantial deterrent to investment, as shown by a coefficient of -3.11. These findings underline the importance of maintaining a stable political environment, managing inflation effectively, and enhancing trade liberalisation to maximise the benefits of FDI. Policy recommendations include strengthening regulatory frameworks and fostering trade openness.

Emerging Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies are transforming the global education sector, with Artificial Intelligence playing a crucial role in enhancing teaching, learning, and administrative processes. In South Africa, AI-driven innovations have the potential to bridge educational gaps, improve student engagement, and personalize learning experiences. Adaptive learning platforms, automated grading systems, and intelligent tutoring applications are revolutionizing education by making it more efficient and accessible. However, despite these advancements, the adoption of AI in South African education faces significant challenges. Key challenges include data privacy concerns, ethical considerations, and a shortage of AI-skilled educators. These challenges create an uneven distribution of AI’s benefits, limiting its potential to improve learning outcomes on a national scale. Highlighting the need to explore the opportunities and barriers associated with the adoption of emerging AI technologies in South African education. Therefore, this study adopts a comprehensive literature review aiming to explore emerging AI technologies in the educational context in south Africa. To achieve this, the research will address the following questions: What impact have new technologies had on South Africa’s development? and in what ways can emerging technologies supporting South Africa's development initiatives. The findings indicate that AI tools have shown success in improving learning outcomes, increasing student engagement, and streamlining administrative tasks in well-resourced schools. However, their impact is uneven due to infrastructural and systemic challenges; also, the widespread adoption is hindered by a persistent digital divide, limited internet access, and a shortage of AI-trained educators, especially in rural areas. Additionally, ethical concerns such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the absence of clear regulatory frameworks pose significant barriers.

Manufacturing firms significantly contribute to worldwide environmental deterioration by generating substantial waste, emitting greenhouse gases, contaminating water, and depleting natural resources. The situation in South Africa is particularly alarming, as just a minimal percentage of trash is effectively managed. Many municipal landfills are overwhelmed, and illicit dumping is prevalent. The industrial industry's persistent ecological imprint, along with the swift depletion of natural resources, highlights an urgent necessity for sustainable waste management strategies that can reduce environmental damage and improve corporate accountability. While existing literature recognises the environmental consequences of manufacturing and outlines general waste management strategies, there is a significant deficiency in empirical research assessing the efficacy of specific waste disposal methods, especially within the South African manufacturing sector. This study aims to objectively evaluate the efficacy of three waste management techniques inside manufacturing firms in the iLembe Municipal District of South Africa. A total of 262 firms were polled; however, only 191 responses were obtained, of which 184 were considered valid for data analysis. Descriptive statistics were utilised to summarise the central tendency and dispersion of the data, encompassing means, standard deviations, and percentages. Correlation analysis was conducted to evaluate the strength and direction of linear relationships between continuous variables, specifically to assess the impact of waste re-use practices, examine the appropriateness of in-house recycling practices, and determine the efficacy of incineration as effective waste disposal methods. The findings indicate that in-house recycling, waste reuse, and incineration are extensively employed in the district, with chemical waste being the most predominant. This study provides empirical evidence of the beneficial impact of efficient waste management on organisational performance, hence facilitating more sustainable and strategic decision-making in the industrial industry.

The evolving perceptions of trust within the community about both national and local government have substantial ramifications for the long-term viability of the nation's democracy and the degree of societal trust. This study sought to evaluate the degree of public trust among South African adults in their national and municipal governments, as well as to analyse the variables influencing this trust. The report underscores considerable scepticism in South African national and local administrations, attributable to performance deficiencies, inadequate service delivery, absence of transparency, and insufficient community participation. Individuals associated with the ANC exhibit comparatively more trust owing to past allegiance. We advocate promoting reforms to restore public trust by enhancing governance processes, increasing transparency, and ensuring efficient service delivery, especially for marginalised areas.

This paper examines the effect of indigenous innovation and entrepreneurship in further advancing socioeconomic development in Ghana. It emphasizes how culturally imbibe knowledge systems and traditional practices contribute to long-term development. Specifically in tourism-related industries like agriculture, crafts, and traditional medicine. A quantitative survey was conducted with 362 indigenous entrepreneurs from three administrative regions of Ghana. Structured questionnaires were employed to gather data about innovative techniques and socioeconomic results. The data was asses using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) to find the underlying scope of the innovation and multiple regression analysis. This focus on the relationship between indigenous innovation and socioeconomic factors. The results show a significant relationship between indigenous innovation techniques and major socioeconomic outcomes. The study findings portray a significant and positive correlation between indigenous innovation practices and key socio-economic outcomes, such as employment generation , income growth and cultural continuity. The relationship was significant at p < 0.001. These findings point out that indigenous innovation is not only as a driver of local economic development, but rather is a vehicle for preserving cultural identity and community resilience. The study presents novel empirical evidence from the Global South, challenging conventional innovation paradigms in stressing the socio-cultural relevance of indigenous knowledge systems. It provides new insights on how grassroots entrepreneurial behaviors anchored in tradition can supplement national development initiatives and enhance the broader debate on inclusive innovation.

Trigonometry is currently an examinable section in the subject of mathematics and is assessed in grade 12 examinations. This study addresses the challenge that teachers’ knowledge and the supply of quality learning support material is inadequate in trigonometry in secondary schools The purpose is to determine how Mathematical models/manipulatives helped grade 12 learners adopt more interactive approaches toward the learning of three-dimensional trigonometric problems and whether the use of models improves the learning of mathematics. The study used a qualitative approach with a case study research design. The interpretive paradigm framed the analysis of the learners' interactions with the Mathematical manipulatives. This case study was conducted at a school in KwaZulu-Natal (n=16) in South Africa. Grade 12 mathematics learners participated in the research, engaging in qualitative assessments in structured activity worksheets consisting of questions on 3-dimensional trigonometric problems and semi-structured interviews. Findings emanating from the data analysis reveal that the use of manipulatives is beneficial to learners when solving 3D trigonometric problems and suggest that the use of manipulatives shows a reduction in task difficulty by linking the concrete to the abstract, and manipulatives encourage mathematical fluency.

Instagram has emerged not only as a social networking platform but also as a vital digital marketing tool for fashion brands. However, missed marketing opportunities persist due to factors such as limited computer literacy, unfamiliarity with digital tools, and resistance to new media. The aim of the study is to explore the opportunities for leveraging Instagram as an effective marketing tool within the fashion industry in Durban. Specifically, it seeks to identify how fashion businesses can utilise Instagram to enhance brand visibility, engage with their target audience, and maximize promotional efforts to drive success in the digital marketplace. This quantitative study employed a purposive sampling method and focused on descriptive analysis through a structured online questionnaire distributed to 130 fashion businesses in Durban. The findings underscore Instagram's efficacy in enabling fashion businesses to effectively showcase products, engage visually with their target audience, and amplify brand awareness. The platform's visual-centric nature inherently supports robust brand marketing and promotion, particularly in the fashion sector. Recommendations highlight the imperative for fashion brands to strategically leverage Instagram to enhance visibility and augment brand perception. Success on Instagram necessitates a well-coordinated marketing approach to ensure impactful brand promotion and engagement with followers.