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The National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) is one of the food security programmes of the South African government that strives to provide proper nutrition meals to all public primary and secondary school learners nationwide. To implement the programme, NSNP hires food handlers to prepare and deliver meals to students on a daily basis. However, in terms of public sector human resource management, it is unclear how these food handlers are recruited and hired into the programme. This paper aimed at assessing the recruitment practices of food handlers into the NSNP. The paper employed qualitative research methodology using semi-structured interviews and documentary review as two data collection methods. Moreover, the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) Johannesburg North District was chosen as a case study for the research strategy. The study reviewed pertinent literature, conducted semi-structured interviews to collect data. The data was analysed using thematic content analysis in order to qualitatively examine the data gathered. The paper's findings demonstrated that the GDE has a plan in place to oversee the NSNP's food handler recruitment practices, and that plan is spelt out in detail in their advising memorandum on the subject. Nevertheless, the study found that the approach does not align with the principles and practices of Public Human Resource Management (PHRM). According to the findings, the NSNP lacks a defined recruitment policy that would govern its hiring practices. It was found that there are challenges in the recruitment process. Finally, this paper offered recommendations for improved recruitment practices for food handlers.

The ongoing digitization of professional interactions has significantly altered how employers evaluate candidates throughout the hiring process, with digital footprints emerging as a crucial factor in recruitment decisions. This integrative literature review investigates the influence of digital footprints on two essential recruitment outcomes: interview invitation rates and perceived cultural fit. Digital footprints, which encompass social media activity, professional profiles, and online interactions, provide employers with valuable insights into a candidate's qualifications, personality traits, and cultural alignment. Research indicates that candidates with well-managed digital profiles, particularly on platforms such as LinkedIn, tend to receive a higher number of interview invitations, whereas adverse online content can negatively impact job prospects. Furthermore, employers are increasingly leveraging digital footprints to gauge cultural fit by analysing online behavior, shared content, and social media interactions to assess alignment with organizational values. However, the reliance on digital footprints raises ethical concerns, including privacy issues, unconscious bias, and discrimination, as employers may unconsciously favour candidates who share similar personal or political views. The review underscores the necessity for standardized ethical guidelines in digital screening practices to ensure fair and unbiased hiring decisions. Additionally, job seekers are encouraged to proactively manage their online presence, curating content that accurately represents their professional identity. Employers should strive to balance efficiency with fairness by implementing transparent digital screening policies to mitigate bias risks. This study contributes to both academic discourse and practical approaches for digital hiring, emphasizing the importance of ethical frameworks and systematic evaluations in the digital recruitment process. Future research should investigate cross-cultural variations in digital screening practices and the implications of artificial intelligence in automating digital footprint assessments. Ensuring fairness and transparency in digital hiring practices will be essential for fostering equitable employment opportunities in the digital era.