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The increase in the use of energy drinks among school learners has raised significant public health concerns. There is a lack of South African literature on the consumption of energy drinks among school learners, hence the need for the current study which aimed to investigate the prevalence of energy drinks usage among secondary school learners in Mahikeng sub-district of Northwest Province. A quantitative cross-sectional survey conducted was conducted among 505 secondary school learners using self-administered questionnaires. The study utilised a multistage sampling technique and data were analysed using STATA software version 18. The study findings indicate that the prevalence of current energy drinks usage was (82.11%). Pearson chi-square test of association identified seven factors that showed a significant relation with the frequency of energy drinks consumption. It is concluded that the prevalence of energy drinks usage among secondary school learners in Mahikeng was excessive. This underscores the need for heightened public health awareness campaigns and necessary policy regulations considering the risks associated with the use of these beverages.

The pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges to healthcare and nursing education. Clinical exposure provides students the opportunity to acquire knowledge and prepare for their professional responsibilities. A high-quality, safe clinical learning environment is essential for fostering students' professional and academic development, which has been adversely affected by the global pandemic. To investigate the educational challenges and psycho-emotional impacts of the pandemic on the clinical teaching of undergraduate nursing students at a university in Gauteng, South Africa. A qualitative exploratory and descriptive technique was employed, utilising semi-structured face-to-face interviews that were audio recorded. Purposive sampling was utilised, and 25 persons expressed interest in participating; however, data saturation was achieved with 15 participants. Participation was voluntary, and participants' information was maintained in a confidential and private manner.  Thematic data analysis was conducted, revealing themes related to educational setbacks necessitating adjustments, including hybrid learning as an alternative clinical teaching and learning method, simulation as an alternative clinical teaching and learning method, extension of training, absenteeism from clinical areas, and NEI unpreparedness for the pandemic. The categories of Reluctance at clinical settings, Anxiety and Fear, Stress, Regret, and Loss of Hope constituted the theme of Psycho-emotional consequences. This research indicated that undergraduate nursing students encountered considerable educational challenges and psychological distress during clinical instruction amid the epidemic. Consequently, it is essential to raise awareness that NEIs should be better equipped for pandemics of this sort. It required all stakeholders to evaluate and formulate strategies for professional nursing education during pandemics in conjunction with students.

University Professional Staff (UPS) [administrators, secretaries, and operations managers] perform important managerial duties but are excluded from career promotion that are usually evaluated using academic criteria despite showing excellence in administration. This systemic paradox causes career stagnation, unclear promotion pathways, and undervaluation of their complex contributions, mainly evident in South African higher education institutions (HEIs). This study investigated the barriers impeding UPS career progression, examined their hybrid academic-administrative roles, and explored implications for institutional equity and effectiveness within HEIs. This qualitative study used purposive sampling to select 11 UPS from South African HEIs. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews on career development and promotion challenges. Thematic content analysis was used and identified main themes. Ethical clearance confirmed confidentiality and voluntary involvement. Trustworthiness was protected using member checking and reflexivity to accurately capture participants’ lived experiences and institutional realities. Eleven UPS respondents generated four themes: role perception, institutional support, academic-administrative divide, and social-emotional duties. Participants described complex, developing roles but career inertia due to uncertain promotion criteria and minimal recognition. Institutional support was inconsistent, with limited training and ambiguous career pathways. The divide between academic and UPS staff persists, alongside unrecognized emotional labour, prompting calls for transparent promotion processes and structured career development. UPS undertake multifaceted administrative, managerial, and emotional roles that are undervalued within HEIs. Career progression is hindered by unclear promotion criteria, institutional barriers, and an academic-administrative divide. Training and career development opportunities are inadequate and unevenly accessible. To address these issues, institutions should clarify promotion processes, establish formal career pathways, enhance support programs, foster collaboration between academic and UPS staff, and recognize social-emotional labour. Future research should track career impacts over time and explore interventions to promote UPS equity and development.

This study explores the effectiveness of government support structures and programs (GSSPs) for some Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) of Gauteng Province in South Africa through the lived experiences of seven respondents representing the SMMEs that received support. With thematic content analysis (TCA), the research exposes recurrent themes in the perceived effectiveness of the assistance provided by the GSSPs. The study highlights both successes and critical gaps. The findings suggest that the SMMEs appreciate the material support from the GSSPs. However, they indicate that the one-approach-fits-all used was deficient. The approach generally lacks holistic, customized intervention and limits the overall impact. They particularly would have preferred additional support in business management skills and funding. The study recommends a comprehensive and customized approach that represents responsive government support frameworks.

Trade in the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) region experiences imbalances due to South Africa’s dominance and fragmented communication. This study aims to highlight communication's strategic role in enhancing trade policy, logistics, and cooperation within SACU, focusing on digital platforms, ICT, policy alignment, and transparency. A qualitative, literature-based methodology is conducted, employing thematic analysis of academic and institutional sources to explore how communication strategies influence trade facilitation and integration within SACU. Five key themes are identified: Uneven ICT infrastructure, Economic impact of clear policy communication, Trade imbalances due to information asymmetry, Underutilised digital trade platforms, and Urgent need for communication capacity building. Communication’s crucial role for SACU integration includes institutional coordination, private sector engagement, and crisis management. It identifies missed strategic opportunities like dashboards and localized messaging. Addressing gaps in communication capacity, ICT infrastructure, digital platforms, and policy communication is vital for equitable, efficient regional trade integration. Policy proposals include investing in infrastructure, consolidating digital platforms, standardizing protocols, and promoting inclusive consultations. The study emphasizes adaptive governance and integration with regional value chains to ensure inclusive, efficient trade facilitation and equitable economic development across all member states.

This study explored the work-life balance experiences of nurse educators at a nursing education institution in Gauteng, South Africa. Using a qualitative, descriptive design, 16 purposively sampled nurse educators participated in semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis revealed two main themes: Transition Challenges and Work-Life Balance Interference. Participants faced difficulties adapting to academic roles, leading to strained relationships and social isolation. Academic demands also led to neglect of personal and social obligations, disrupting the work-life balance. The findings highlight the complex challenges of transitioning from clinical practice to academia, which can negatively impact well-being. The study emphasises the need for institutions to implement supportive strategies to improve nurse educators’ work-life balance.

Mental health disorders remain a major public health concern, affecting individuals across diverse populations. Family caregivers play a critical role in the care and support of individuals diagnosed with mental health disorders, with their level of knowledge, attitudes, and help-seeking behaviours influencing the effectiveness and urgency to which care is provided. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, and help-seeking behaviour among family members of people diagnosed with mental health disorders in the Tshwane District, Gauteng Province. A cross-sectional study design was used, and data were collected from a randomly selected sample of 377 family caregivers in district hospitals using a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire incorporated items adapted from the Mental Health Knowledge Schedule to assess knowledge, the Community Attitudes toward the Mentally Ill scale to evaluate attitudes, and the Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help scale to assess help-seeking behaviours. Data were analysed using Stata version 17. The findings revealed that 63.23% of participants demonstrated good knowledge of mental health care, while 65.61% expressed positive attitudes toward individuals living with mental health disorders. Despite this, 60.05% of family caregivers showed reluctance in seeking professional psychological help and often resorted to a combination of medical and traditional treatment approaches. Although most caregivers were knowledgeable about mental health conditions, some lacked awareness of available mental health services and relied heavily on traditional healing practices, delaying access to professional care. Cultural beliefs and stigma were found to significantly influence caregivers’ help-seeking behaviours, highlighting the need for interventions that focus on mental health education, stigma reduction, and increased awareness of professional support services.

Geophagic practise amongst women of reproductive age remains a major public health concern that is associated with perinatal and postpartum mortalities and morbidities that requires critical interventions to mitigate the practise. Despite the available interventions such as administration of oral iron and folic acid supplementation and intravenous iron therapy, geophagic women of reproductive age do not adhere to the prescribed treatment. Geophagic practise is mostly common and prevalent amongst women of reproductive age worldwide, irrespective of their socio-economic status, ethnicity, age, and social status. An exploratory qualitative research method was used to conduct the study to explore the perceived barriers to accessing treatment for geophagy among women of reproductive age in Tshwane District, Gauteng Province, using the Health Belief Model as a theoretical framework. The study was conducted in the antenatal care and family planning units in the public healthcare facilities of Tshwane District, Gauteng Province. The findings indicate that absence of geophagy health education and screening of iron deficiency in the antenatal care units, as part of the antenatal care. addiction, dependency syndrome, influence from peers, fear of judgement and shame to disclose to healthcare providers about their geophagic practise status, lack of awareness regarding the benefits of taking oral and intravenous iron therapies were stressed as the main barriers influencing the uptake of treatment for geophagy amongst women of reproductive age. The implementation of iron and folic acid supplementation and intravenous iron therapy for geophagic women of reproductive age is not adequately yielding positive results if this initiative is not coupled with geophagy health education particularly in the antenatal care units to enhance treatment uptake and adherence.

This study explored the lived experiences of nyaope users who are HIV-positive in Mogale City, Gauteng Province, South Africa. Nyaope is a commonly used drug that is highly addictive. The study employed an exploratory and descriptive qualitative research method to gain in-depth insights into the health-related, psychosocial, and systemic challenges faced by this vulnerable group. Nyaope users who are HIV-positive were recruited from a local Non-Profit Organisation.  A sample size of 25 was reached, and data were analysed using Nvivo Software was utilised following thematic content analysis. The findings demonstrate that poor treatment at healthcare facilities, attitude and behaviour of healthcare providers, stigma, discrimination, withdrawal symptoms, and lengthy clinic processes were some of the challenging experiences encountered by nyaope users who are HIV positive. Despite, the reported unpleasant experiences, some participants revealed that they adherence to their HIV treatment and they are virally suppressed. Furthermore, other participants expressed their willingness to recover and engage in treatment if more inclusive, compassionate, and coordinated services were made available. The study emphasized the urgent need for integrated public health interventions that combine HIV care, mental health, and harm reduction within a rights-based framework, to improve their experiences when accessing HIV treatment in the healthcare facilities. The efforts to achieve the 95-95-95 goal in alleviating HIV spread and the overall health promotion of nyaope users who are HIV Positive must be strengthened, to improving accessibility amongst the group that is marginalised.

This study investigates the prevailing barriers to the development of cultural tourism to become an inclusive and participatory agent of local economic growth in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. Using a mixed methods study approach, researchers collected data by giving structured questionnaires and conducting semi-structured interviews in eleven culturally rich areas of the province. Quantitative findings indicate the COVID-19 pandemic significantly eroded tourism growth, followed closely by the lack of local engagement, primarily among the youth and women, largely resulting from the unavailability of information and the lack of support for small businesses. Qualitative findings endorse the stated barriers, indicating the lack of sufficient strategic planning, under-marketing of the culture of tourism, and the lack of integration of such aspects of culture, such as traditional foods and arts, into the touristic products. The study calls for inclusive policies to empower the marginalised communities, the widening of community engagement, and the utilisation of KZN’s cultural resources to drive economic transformation. The study concludes by providing recommendations for responsive governance, strategic marketing, and development paradigms that can reposition the culture of tourism as a viable path for inclusive development in the province.

Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are a key part of socio-economic development in South Africa by providing employment, generating incomes, and alleviating poverty. Despite their significance, South African SMEs continue to register high failure rates, low growth rates, and short lifespan, particularly in unstable industries. Existing research has consistently cantered on the determinants of firm performance but has been remiss in considering the combined effect of firm size, financial turnover, and performance on lifespan in SMEs—specifically in diversified industrial settings. Bridging the research gap in extant research, the present research considered the interrelationship between the aforementioned variables in the best-performing and poorest-performing industries in South Africa, Manufacturing and Construction industries. The study used a correlational research design and collected data from 204 SMEs using structured questionnaires to gauge the number of employees, turnover per year, and operation period in years. Pearson correlation analysis established that in the Manufacturing industry, longevity was weakly and significantly interrelated with turnover and size but in the Construction industry was weak or statistically non-significant. Contrastingingly, when both industries were combined together, weak but statistically significant interrelationship was established between longevity and both turnover and size, but a strongly positive interrelationship was established between turnover and size. The results conclude that firm size and financial performance are key drivers of the lifespan of SMEs, especially in more stable industries.

The aim of this study is to assess educational engagement as a mediator of familial and school-based social care on psychological well-being of school students in India. Cross-sectional survey of students of Kashmir-Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India was taken using validated self-report measures to assess educational engagement, social care within home and school contexts, teamwork dynamics, and psychological well-being. Standard descriptive statistics were utilized to determine mean values along with corresponding standard deviations. A structural equation model (SEM) was also employed to assess direct and indirect effects of determinants on psychological well-being considering that neither multi-group nor univariate conditions of normality had been met. A robust maximum likelihood estimator (RMLE) was, therefore, utilized accordingly. Students display moderate levels of engagement (M = 20.95, SD = 5.91), friendship support (M = 16.39, SD = 6.78), familial support (M = 15.82, SD = 4.64), and institutional support (M = 14.99, SD = 4.63). The inner team climate (M = 28.35, SD = 8.01) is also moderately supportive. Psychological well-being (M = 52.26, SD = 12.68). The structural model indicated good fit, indicating good explanatory power regarding psychological well-being (R² = 0.71) and engagement (R² = 0.61). Family support (p < 0.001), institutional support (p = 0.002), and inner team environment (p = 0.040) were identified to have a positive associative relationship with engagement. For psychological well-being, friendship support had a positive associative relationship with engagement (p = 0.002). Finally, within psychological well-being, engagement functioned as a mediator of the impacts of family support (Indirect effect = 0.18, p < 0.001) and of institutional support (Indirect effect = 0.12, p = 0.017). This research calls for better mental health care to improve students' engagement and resilience. Future researchers need to give priority to these issues.

The Universal Testing and Treatment (UTT) program aimed to improve human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) outcomes by initiating immediate antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, UTT faced challenges, including high attrition rates and loss to follow-up (LTFU), particularly in South Africa, where implementation has sometimes led to increased treatment discontinuation. This study investigated HIV UTT program uptake and LTFU rates among people living with HIV (PLWHIV) in Moretele Sub-district, South Africa. A quantitative, observational retrospective design evaluated UTT effectiveness in rural HIV care. Adult clients initiating ART between January 2020 and January 2022 across nine clinics in Moretele Sub-district were included. A random sample of 500 medical records was analyzed using Tier.net and DHIS software for record identification. Data analysis using STATA 18.0 included descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and logistic regression to identify factors influencing retention. Of 203 records analyzed, (30.8%) were aged 30–39, and 52.8% were female. Most clients were single (61.8%) and employed (51.6%). Same-day ART initiation was high (83.8%), yet 70% were LTFU, 25% transferred, 4.4% stopped treatment, and 0.6% died. Clients aged 30–39 had higher odds of LTFU (adjusted OR = 1.77; p=0.007). Gender, marital, and income status showed no significant association. While UTT enables rapid ART initiation, high LTFU rates, especially among younger, male, and employed individuals, hinder success. Strategies to improve retention should focus on same-day initiators and community engagement. This study highlights critical challenges in UTT implementation, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to address LTFU and enhance retention in HIV care programs.

The growing prevalence of mental health issues, particularly depression and suicidal thoughts, points to the need to develop automated tools capable of detecting such sentiments from online communication. This study addresses some critical challenges by introducing a novel sentiment analysis framework for Bangla text, aimed at classifying content into non-depressive, depressive, and suicidal categories. We propose a hybrid deep learning model leveraging the strengths of transformer-based architectures, designed to manage long textual sequences effectively, a critical aspect in the context of natural language processing. Our model integrates RoBERTa (Robustly Optimised BERT Pre-Training Approach) with a Self-Attention Network (SAN), creating a synergistic framework for nuanced sentiment detection in Bangla social media posts, comments, and articles. This method addresses the scarcity of Bangla specific datasets by utilising a dataset curated for the study. The results demonstrate the superiority of our model, achieving an accuracy of 82.58%, alongside precision, recall, and F1-scores of 82%. Subsequently, it emphasises the potential for the proposed model to support early identification of mental health concerns, thereby enabling timely interventions and contributing to mental health awareness and prevention efforts. In the future, deploying the model as a real-time chatbot or browser extension could scan Bangla social media for depressive, non-depressive, and suicidal content and alert professionals to the risk factors.

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing services (HTS) are as important as any other healthcare service; hence clients should be encouraged to use them. The Universal Testing and Treatment (UTT) initiative is one of the ways for improving HIV outcomes by commencing rapid antiretroviral medication (ART). An explorative-descriptive qualitative study was followed to understand the motivation for accepting and utilization of HTS through the UTT strategy. The study was conducted in three selected PHC facilities around North-West province, Bojanala district, Kgetleng sub-district. Data was analysed using thematic content with the support of NVivo 12 software. Four main themes with supporting sub-themes emerged. The study findings showed that the majority of participants were not knowledgeable about or aware of the strategy until they tested positive in their clinics. HTS are still underused as participants presented to the facilities only when seriously ill, had symptoms or were pregnant. Some participants accepted their status and treatment because they were already sick and had no choice but to take treatment. Despite the different emotions, others were able to accept their treatment and status. Some disclosed and received support from family, partners and friends, while others had not. Fear of stigmatisation when seen frequently at the clinic was also noted. This article's findings can influence policymakers involved in HIV testing and UTT methods.

Caregivers play an essential role in the prevention and management of childhood illnesses. The experiences caregivers encounter when utilizing healthcare services for children under-five years of age profoundly influence their propensity to use these services in the future. This paper aims to explore the positive experiences of caregivers utilizing under-five child healthcare services in Vhembe district healthcare facilities. A qualitative, explorative and descriptive design was used for this study. Sixteen caregivers were purposefully sampled, and in-depth individual interviews were conducted. Braun and Clarke's (2006) thematic analysis steps were followed to analyze the data. Trustworthiness criteria were observed, and ethical approval was obtained for the study. The findings show that caregivers had positive experiences with the service they received. The care was of good quality, as reflected in timely service provision, availability of medicines, nurses' competence and professionalism, and person-centred care. The healthcare environment was welcoming; communication was effective, and nurses portrayed a positive attitude, resulting in caregivers' satisfaction with the care received. Caregivers felt Supported and empowered as they were involved in childcare. Positive experiences are crucial for the optimal utilization of healthcare services and improved health outcomes. The findings highlight the need to enhance staff competency and professionalism by mandating IMCI training.

Intellectual disability is a developmental disorder that markedly affects cognitive and adaptive functioning. Learners with mild intellectual disability are capable of engaging in various occupations, including activities of daily living, leisure, social interactions, and employment. Employment is frequently regarded as a critical measure of successful outcomes following education. Nonetheless, individuals with mild intellectual disabilities often exit the educational system lacking the workforce readiness skills—such as communication, social skills, self-management, responsibility, problem-solving, decision-making, and job-specific competencies—essential for sustained employment in the open labour market. Low intelligence quotients restrict community engagement. The researcher noted that South Africa does not have adequate systems to facilitate the successful transition of these learners from school to the workplace. This research investigates the experiences of educators and occupational therapists to delineate concepts related to facilitating school-to-work transitions for learners with mild intellectual disabilities. A qualitative exploratory research design was utilised. Fifteen educators and eight occupational therapists from schools for learners with mild intellectual disabilities in the Gauteng province, Tshwane region, were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected via five focus group discussions until saturation was achieved and analysed thematically. Five primary themes were identified: challenges associated with the Differentiated Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (DCAPS), accomplishments within the DCAPS framework, collaborative initiatives, resource deficiencies, and learnership placement. Educators and occupational therapists could support learners in specific domains; however, they encountered systemic challenges. This study generated significant data for policymakers, the Department of Education, occupational therapists, and vocational skills training educators in schools for Learners with Special Education Needs, aimed at facilitating a successful school-to-work transition for learners with mild intellectual disabilities.

Small, Micro- and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) play a significant role in most world economies, particularly in developing countries. South Africa’s SMMEs demonstrate a high failure rate and do not seem to match the performances of applicable best practices. Regarding construction SMMEs, these issues are particularly noticeable. This study wants to investigate the level of performance of SMMEs in the construction industry of the Gauteng Province in South Africa as compared to SADC and best practices by addressing the research question, “To what extent do Gauteng construction SMMEs deviate from global best practice and SADC measures in terms of performance metrics?”, using regional and global lenses. The study design was cross-sectional qualitative based on secondary data. The targeted study population consisted of registered Gauteng construction SMMEs, and SADC and global best practices benchmarks were used for measuring these performances. The study found the Gauteng construction SMMEs were not engaging in social responsibility, and were lacking the most in business results, policy and strategy, processes, and in people management.

This study examined the demographic and operational attributes of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Windhoek, Namibia, and their ramifications for bank funding. The study analysed a sample of 66 small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owners and operators, focussing on gender, education, age, company experience, yearly income, sector type, and business registration status. Findings indicate a prevalence of female entrepreneurs, a well-educated business populace, and an emphasis on middle-aged business proprietors. The data indicates that although a considerable number of SMEs were in the nascent phases of operation, the majority of enterprises were registered with the Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA). The findings highlighted the capacity of financial institutions (FIs) to offer customised assistance to SMEs, particularly in varied and non-traditional industries, to foster sustainable economic growth in Windhoek. The study finishes with recommendations for banks to enhance services and assess the funding requirements of these enterprises according to their distinct characteristics and challenges

The study explored perceptions regarding the experiences and perceptions of people in rural areas regarding the quality of borehole water and the health risks involved. A country-wide study using face-to-face and virtual meetings was implored to interview the respondents. In five of the nine South African provinces, purposefully selected focus groups were used to interview the participants. The members were carefully gathered due to their previous knowledge and/or experiences with boreholes or water contaminants. In the other four provinces, four conveniently sampled individuals who were willing to share their impressions were interviewed. The participants unanimously mention that the water quality in boreholes of government is poor, and that there are dangerous contaminants in the water. The knowledgeable groups were aware of some studies in their areas that had found various forms of agricultural deposits, minerals, chemicals, and even dirty deposits from other areas. They also complained that the boreholes were not maintained, and the water had become undrinkable. These sentiments were confirmed from individual responses through interviews, concurring that borehole quality is generally poor, and the health risks are very high. The paper recommended innovative methods to treat boreholes and clean the water to improve its quality and reduce the health risks that pollute the water.