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The teaching of life sciences within the Islamic culture was observed in this investigation by instructors at the Association of Muslim Schools in the KZN region. The following question served as the basis for the investigation: Do Islamic schools teach life sciences from an Islamic perspective? The Association of Muslim Schools gave its approval after receiving ethical scrutiny. A questionnaire, interviews, and observations were used to gather data. The analysis of the data was conducted using an inductive methodology. The philosophy of Islam and its approaches to teaching the required Life Sciences curriculum served as the study's conceptual foundation. The results show that there is a problem with integrating religious knowledge into science teaching in Muslim ethos schools in South Africa. The Professional Teaching Model was an initiative to close the gap caused by educational dualism.

A study investigated how normative commitment leads to employee commitment in a South African University. The literature review was conducted on the concepts of employee commitment, normative commitment, and employee commitment in a university setting. An explanatory research design was adopted together with a deductive research approach. Quantitative methodological was chosen to determine the common characteristics of the respondents, and a survey by means of a questionnaire was used to collect data, while descriptive statistics, t-test, and ANOVA (analysis of variance) were conducted on IBM SPSS, Version 26.  Findings suggest that none of the tested variables (gender, age, qualification as well as years in an organisation) influences commitment. This led to the conclusion that normative commitment does not influence employee commitment in that institution. Recommendations to include different variables to test normative commitment have been formulated, involving many other higher learning institutions. 

This study aims to shed light on the continued difficulties municipalities in South Africa are having in achieving SDG 6 and also explore the impacts of effective governance principles on ensuring sustainable development. To explore this, the study adopted a qualitative research methodology in a form of a conceptual research design to gather secondary data. The secondary data covering SDG 6 challenges and effective governance principles were reviewed and synthesized. Different databases were used to review data from July through October 2022, such as Google Scholar, Google, Sabinet, Scopus, and other online platforms. Different keywords were used to guide and search the existing relevant literature. Secondary data was analyzed using a critical discourse analysis approach. Because of South Africa's lax governance standards, the theoretical findings of this study demonstrate that there are growing concerns about achieving SDG 6 in the near future. However, it can be agreed that progress toward effective governance has been encouraged and promoted, but the challenges remain. Therefore, the study recommends effective and inclusive governance because, without it, South Africa will not achieve its socio-economic goals, like SDG 6. South Africa should put in place structures that support constitutionalism, accountability, democracy, and good governance if it is to meet its development objectives. It is important to overcome lax governance, which is characterized by mismanagement, fraud, bribery, corruption, and a lack of accountability, transparency, and public participation. Again, South Africa should have an efficient government that works to fulfil the localized SDGs and responds to community desires and aspirations enshrined in the Municipal Systems Act (Act 32 of 2000)

The study presents a burden on theory and practice for discovering a reward criterion that achieves workspace morale in a hyperinflationary context. It aimed to determine the relationship between the individual components of rewards (extrinsic, intrinsic, and social) and workspace morale and the mediating role of employee engagement in a hyperinflationary context. The study applied a cross-sectional study. It employed a structured questionnaire as a study instrument. The target population for the study comprised 900 employees and managers of Bindura municipality in Zimbabwe. The study employed a sample of 269 employees and managers, and the methodology used was a case study. A total of 269 questionnaires were hand delivered after administering the ethical consent form. A total of 214 questionnaires were returned, and after preliminary review and cleaning, 17 questionnaires were found with missing values leaving 197 analyzable questionnaires thus, achieving a 73.2% response rate. The study used multiple regression analysis. The results reveal a significant direct effect of total reward, intrinsic reward, and social reward on workspace morale. The direct effect of extrinsic reward on workspace morale was statistically insignificant. It also reveals that the effects of total reward on workspace morale are mediated only partially by employee engagement. The study viewed employee engagement as a mediating force between rewards and workspace morale but did not examine the bond longitudinally. The study recommends exploring reward options, specifically supportive supervisory relations, work autonomy, role clarity, skill variety and regular feedback to improve workspace morale in hyperinflation. The results demonstrate the importance of practices that win employee hearts to enhance commitment instead of external motivation in an inflationary environment.

This paper evaluates the impacts of self-efficacy, employee attitude towards organizational change, Leadership 4.0, and perceived organizational support (POS) on employee acceptance of the organizational change (EAOC) within businesses in the 4IR era. The study’s sample was taken from ten (10) businesses in the Lagos and Oyo States of Nigeria. This paper applied a cross-sectional survey method, and questionnaires were randomly disseminated. However, out of the 250 questionnaires distributed, 246 were recovered, suitable for use, and analyzed with the Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS version 28). This paper showed that self-efficacy, attitudes towards organizational change, Leadership 4.0, and perceived organizational support significantly, jointly, and independently influence the sustainability of employee acceptance of organizational change within Nigeria’s work organizations in the 4IR era. Work organizations are urged to provide training and exposure to higher responsibilities via delegation of authority. This would help employees within Nigeria’s business organizations gain better self-competence and serve as proof of organizational support, leading to accepting change without much struggle. They should also ensure that employees know the need for these changes in the 4IR era. Further, the management needs to train and support employees in dealing with the challenges inspired by the 4IR. Besides, the management should adopt a leadership style, such as Leadership 4.0, for the conditions and contests from the 4IR

Domestic revenue mobilisation is fundamental if African countries are to fund investments in health, education, infrastructural development, economic growth, human capital development, security, and prosperity to attain the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Some goals focus on eradicating poverty, reducing inequalities, strengthening institutions, and providing decent work. This requires resources and investment, yet Sub-Saharan African countries continuously struggle to mobilise enough revenue to meet basic government objectives. Through a critical literature review, this paper focuses on sustainable tax revenue mobilisation in Sub-Saharan African Countries, discussing the challenges, opportunities, and prospects for possible amelioration of tax systems. Challenges identified to explain the ineffectiveness of revenue mobilisation in these countries include the presence of a significant informal sector, weak tax administration capacities, the growth in the digital economy, corruption, governance quality, and increased tax avoidance and evasion by multinational companies. Possible prospects include taxation of the digital economy, taxing the informal sector, the capacitation of tax authorities, and the broadening of tax bases.

There has been limited study from a southern-African perspective investigating factors that affect the adoption of e-banking specific to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in developing African economies. To date, little is known about SME uptake of e-banking in the southern African common monetary area (CMA), comprising South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia, and Eswatini. This knowledge gap is problematic for banks in providing SME support for the transition to e-banking, given the current move by banks toward embracing digital strategies. This study focused on a single bank with a large footprint in the CMA, intending to add to the body of academic knowledge regarding the adoption of e-banking services by SMEs. It employed a qualitative methodology involving one-on-one, semi-structured, open-ended interviews with purposefully selected Bank X staff in each country of the CMA, using the literature reviewed to identify themes relevant to the proposed conceptual model. The conclusions of this research have led to a framework for e-banking adoption. A framework such as this may positively impact the profitability and sustainability of an SME by ensuring the adoption of e-banking services and utilization of available financial products to improve business opportunities via the e-banking channels of Bank X.

A formal performance management (PM) system was adopted and put into place in Zimbabwe in 1995 because of many suggestions made by the Public Service Review Commission (PSRC). However, the human resource management (HRM) period since the 1980s has had flaws that led to the implementation of the Results-Based Personnel Performance System (RBPPS) in 2005, particularly in terms of the Africanisation drive following Zimbabwe's independence and the PM system that followed in 1995. The study's objective is to examine the effectiveness of RBPPS in improving the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MOHCC) performance in Zimbabwe. Information was gathered and compiled using a qualitative research methodology. The research identified elements that contributed to PM's failure in the MOHCC, including management's lack of commitment, a lack of ongoing training, and flaws in the planning and execution of PM. As a result, the government eventually implemented the RBPPS to improve the PM process. The study considers empirical and scholarly findings that may lead to more significant outcomes for Zimbabwe's public sector.

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) One aims to eradicate poverty in all its manifestations across the world. The key study question to be theoretically explored is "how can the South African government's commitment to the UN Post-2015 Agenda and the National Development Plan (NDP): Vision 2030 be realised to accomplish Sustainable Development Goal One?". The research method used in the article is qualitative. The data were gathered through literature and document reviews, and conceptual analysis was employed to analyze the data. The findings show that the government has put in place a variety of legal frameworks, including the NDP, as well as social protection actions, to address SDG One implementation. However, for poverty reduction programmes to be successfully executed, problems like the high unemployment rate, job losses brought on by COVID-19, corruption straining taxpayers' finances, and other difficulties need to be addressed. The article presents recommendations in a country-specific context based on the findings to eliminate poverty and achieve SDG One.

Foreign aid comprises of a provision of financial resources or commodities such as food parcels or technical advice and training. The most prevalent type of foreign aid, particularly in developing countries, is Official Development Assistance (ODA) that strives to promote development and combat poverty. In Sub-Saharan Africa, there is a significant dependency on foreign aid which prompts the question; Is foreign aid completely necessary in developing African countries? With a high reliance on foreign aid the focus tends to shift from developing into self-sufficient economies and combating poverty to being dependent states. The paper explores the impact of foreign aid on the development in Sub-Saharan Africa. Because low-income countries are significantly reliant on aid, the study took a qualitative approach using the case study method featuring case studies from Kenya, Togo, and Zimbabwe. From the literature of the study, it is evident that the three countries had become dependent on foreign Aid. Conclusions drawn from the study show that foreign has become a recipe for dependency syndrome. Based on the findings from the literature, there is a need for private investments.

One of the most important concerns facing the world today is financial inclusion. Organizations, financial institutions, and people in positions of responsibility are all demonstrating an interest in learning more about this. Several industrialized and emerging nations have recognized financial exclusion as a major socio-economic problem that needs to be addressed. This paper aims to examine the factors influencing smallholder farmers' financial inclusion in Zimbabwe. Using the logistic regression analysis, the results of the study pointed out that there was a considerable correlation between a household's size, off-farm income, agricultural extension service, distance, and transaction costs in a logit model, which was used to determine whether it had access to financial services. Government and financial service providers should strive to make it easier for people to get to their nearest banking institutions by establishing access points close to their residences. Filling stations and major supermarkets are examples of places where these access points could be positioned. As a result of greater access to formal financial services, small-scale farmers may benefit. Financial service providers must perform regular charge reviews as one of the factors that may deter families from utilizing financial services.

The globe is facing challenges such as wars, poverty, injustice, environmental degradation, inequality, and climate change. These challenges have unsettled man in his habitation on the globe thereby prompting the United Nations to engage all nations to unite in addressing these global challenges. The interaction of the United Nations with the global community led to the understanding that eradicating poverty must be coupled with strategies that promote economic growth whilst addressing a myriad of social needs as well as climate change and environmental issues. Amongst the strategies to tackle the global challenges indicated above are sustainable accounting and the green economy. As members of the global community, South African listed companies also have a role to play in combating sustainability challenges. This paper contributes to the literature on sustainability, particularly on the adoption of the green economy and sustainable accounting by listed companies in the South African context as well as lessons learned in the process.

This article discusses social issues faced by children which can be solved through children’s literature. Apart from children’s literature is seen only as a resource for reading, it can also be utilised in solving other societal ills faced by children. These ills include bullying, abuse, family structure and physical impairment. Social challenges are unpacked, detailing how they affect children. Low literacy levels are an issue for many children in South Africa. There are external conditions of learning which may be explained as features outside the learner that influence learning possibilities and are involved in the learning process. These external features are what this article analyze as it has been observed that some of them inhibit the environment for learning, thereby obstructing learning or the required standard of literacy in general.

This study aimed to explore the challenges faced by female entrepreneurs operating in the learner transport industry in South Africa, specifically in the Gauteng province. The study adopted a qualitative research approach by making use of semi-structured interviews with 15 female entrepreneurs operating in the learner transport industry in the Gauteng province. A non-probability sampling approach was adopted by means of convenience sampling. Data was analysed through thematic content analysis, using Atlas.ti.  Findings from the study indicated that female entrepreneurs in the learner transport industry face several challenges such as high operational costs, a male-dominated industry, being disrespected or undermined by customers, a lack of trust and commitment, being belittled, as well as a lack of opportunity awareness. Participants also indicated a need for government intervention in the industry due to prevailing working conditions. The findings of the study contribute both to the industry, as well as the existing body of knowledge. The findings from the study will assist the national government to collaborate with regional governmental transport agencies, as well as with regional industry associations in an effort to improve the working environment for female entrepreneurs, as well as grow the learner transport industry in a more structured and regulated manner. The industry, despite being regulated by regional transport associations, is currently unstructured.

This article is a critical analysis of proverbs that are identified in the siSwati short story ‘Phumani Nelikhambi’, contributed by Thembekile Msibi to Khulumani Sive by Zodwa Motsa (2004).  The concepts of ‘short story’ and ‘proverb’ will be defined as part of the introductory section of this discourse. Thereafter, a summary of the short story will be provided, to lay a good foundation. Then, the dominant proverbs in the story shall be identified and listed before the actual analysis. While the various domains of the proverbs will be alluded to in the discussion, the proverbs will not be categorised into these. Each proverb will be critically analysed by focusing on its origin, structure, literal and figurative meanings in general, and its meaning in the context of the story. The latter will also comprise of the effectiveness of the proverbs in the narrative, the author’s intentions and some cultural aspects which are highlighted.

The study determines the relationship between i-deals and work role performance amongst employees across industries in the South African context. The study follows a quantitative approach, and a cross-sectional design was adopted. A non-probability convenience sampling technique was chosen. An online questionnaire was used. A total of 231 employees from various industries in Johannesburg, South Africa, were included in the sample. Data were collected using pre-established instruments, and SPSS was used to analyse data. Reliability analysis was used to determine the psychometric qualities of the instruments. Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis were chosen to examine the data against the research objectives. The study’s findings confirmed a relationship between i-deals and work role performance. Task and work responsibility, schedule flexibility and career development predicted work role performance. The findings assist researchers and practitioners in dealing with and understanding how these customised work arrangements affect individual work role performance. Expanding knowledge of i?deals will help employees and employers improve their dynamic and organisational needs more effectively. HR practitioners will also use the concept of i-deals as a strategic tool to retain talented employees. The study adds to the literature on i-deals and their relationship to work role performance in a South African context. There are limited studies in South Africa regarding our knowledge of i-deals. The present study’s results contribute to the literature on i-deals and their relationship with work role performance within a South African context.

This article aims to assess the Integrated Development Planning (IDP) process for improved community participation. The IDP process was developed to improve strategic planning and community participation at the municipal level. Many South African municipalities have been struggling to use the IDP process to improve community participation. The methodology included 400 respondents who were chosen through a probability sampling technique and probed to complete the online survey using a closed-ended questionnaire guide, and ten respondents were also chosen through a non-probability sampling technique and were face-to-face interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. The key findings revealed that poor community participation exists in the study area due to a lack of encouragement from responsible authorities. The Tzaneen municipality does not provide adequate feedback to the communities, and the inputs of the communities are not considered. There is a continuous lack of community consultation during the annual review of the IDP. The ineffective IDP process for improved community participation presents several challenges. Thus, this article concluded by providing a few recommendations to enhance the application of the IDP process and community participation. The Tzaneen municipal area should at all times uphold democratic principles by ensuring active public participation, transparency, and openness in municipal affairs. It also recommends making it easier for marginalised and previously disadvantaged people to participate in municipal policy and decision-making without prejudice. South African municipalities, including Tzaneen municipality, should develop and innovate institutional, and organisational capabilities to better utilise their resources, mitigate socio-economic challenges and enhance service delivery.

Misconduct, in any form, whether corruption, theft, mismanagement of funds, maladministration, non-compliance of rules, etc. may create unethical environment in an organisation. This situation, if not get corrected timely, may have a negative impact on organisational performance as employees may be more inclined to focus on personal gains than working towards realising orgaisational vision. Authors of this article have utilised various official reports to substantiate this statement, and hence avoid a biased approach. The study focuses on the Local Government Sector Education Training Authority (LGSETA), to assess whether there is misconduct that limits the organization’s ability to establish an ethical culture. The study is based on qualitative desktop analysis utilising literature and document reviews to gather information. The findings explore varied ethical challenges and thus discuss measures to combat misconduct in LGSETA. The study recommends the adoption of the Governance Operating Model, suggested by Deloitte (2013) that can assist LGSETA to minimise misconduct by implementing measures to institute and promote an ethical culture.

The objective of the study was to assess the factors that motivate or demotivate households to choose among the three healthcare facilities, public healthcare, private health care and traditional healthcare facilities in South Africa as revealed by Statistics South Africa . The utilisation of healthcare facilities in South Africa is such that more households prefer public healthcare facilities more than other healthcare facilities. The multinomial logit model was used, with traditional/self-medication category as the reference or baseline category. The results indicated that gender, income and access to grants were significant in influencing the probability of a household choosing a public healthcare facility, while age, income, grants, salaries/wages/commission and pensions were significant in influencing the choice of private healthcare institutions. Therefore the study recommends that due to a large portion of households that are using public health facilities compared to private and traditional facilities, the government must invest more in public healthcare facilities in South Africa.

To improve the delivery of services, municipalities in South Africa are implementing information and communication technology (ICT) initiatives. The use of digitalization thus demands municipalities to introduce e-government services. With adequate resources and training, some municipalities also aim to advance their status as smart cities. However, However, not all municipalities are equipped to operate ICT-based services.  The article aims to explore this situation in the City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (herein referred to as CoE). The article is qualitative in nature and the data collected is analyzed descriptively. The article utilizes the triangulation of data (document review, literature review, interview) to strengthen validity and reliability in the research process. The findings explore the challenges related to leadership in the municipality that requires a willingness to adopt, adapt and implement ICT initiatives for smart governance; ICT infrastructure that requires a municipality to allocate adequate budget to smart governance platforms, training of employees to equip them to operate digitalized processes, to state a few. Overall, the study considers the status and implementation levels of ICT and smart governance in the CoE to be unsatisfactory and requires policy recommendations for effective realization to become a smart city. The article offers policy recommendations emphasizing incorporating ICT in municipal budgets to invest in digital infrastructure.