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Gender inequality is a concept of much relevance and is continuously gaining momentum. The diversification of different genders is pivotal to be able to address the effects of gender inequality. Globally, gender inequality has attracted a lot of interest and has huge effects on the social, academic and psychological. Although there is a nurturing environment for gender inequality, it is important to neutralize the playing fields for all genders to avoid negative effects on the victims of this phenomenon. The aim of this paper is to investigate the effects of gender inequality on South Africa’s higher education Students. It further seeks to challenge the perception contributing to gender inequality. Gender inequality is a universal problem affecting students throughout institutions of higher learning. The study used the qualitative research approach with exploratory research design adopted for the paper. The paper explored the effects of gender inequality on students from higher education institutions in South Africa. A sample of 15 students from institutions of higher learning who have been exposed to gender inequality was chosen for data collection process. A semi-structured face to face interviews was used during the data collection process with purposive sampling used to select participants to the study. The study used thematic content analysis to analyze data. The study applied feminist theoretical framework to understand the effects of gender inequality.

The concept of Assistant Teachers is new in South Africa. This concept was brought to South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic. The introduction of assistant teachers in South Africa was an intervention in teaching and learning and in curbing youth unemployment. The assistant teachers are viewed as strangers in a school setting. Teachers and learners need to figure out their roles. South African teachers need assistance in classrooms to provide high standards of education. Using a qualitative research method, the study investigated the perceptions of principals, teachers, and learners of assistant teachers in secondary schools at Maleboho Central Circuit, Capricorn District, in Limpopo Province. The study used purposive sampling as a non-probability sampling technique procedure to select participants. The study sample comprised six learners, six teachers and three principals from three schools. Data were collected through interviews and document analysis. Collected data were analysed thematically. The study found that the presence of assistant teachers in a classroom has been documented as an asset to teachers. The assistant teachers play essential roles in the school. They manage and provide their skills in different departments of the school. Assistant teachers also learn and develop themselves into productive members of the school. Assistant teachers seemed to increase learners' enthusiasm for their academics. The study may assist the Department of Basic Education in providing the necessary support for having assistant teachers in respective schools.

Enrolling students in accounting programs based on their proficiency in English, Mathematics, and Accounting is a prevalent practice in many South African institutions of higher learning. However, certain institutions admit students into accounting programs based solely on their proficiency in English and Mathematics. This study posits that such students encounter challenges in acclimating to the accounting science milieu, consequently impeding their academic success. The research draws from the assessment of 112 first-year BCom (Bachelor of Commerce) Accounting Sciences students during the 2023 academic year. The findings affirm that students enrolled based on competency in Accounting, English, and Mathematics outperform those enrolled solely based on English and Mathematics competency. This underscores the necessity for further investigation into the determinants of success among students in accounting programs. Nonetheless, the study corroborates that self-determination and proactivity are significant contributors to success, notwithstanding students' lack of prior exposure to accounting principles.

Bullying is a significant concern for learners in South African educational institutions, and it requires immediate attention and intervention from interested parties, such as social workers. This form of violence is prevalent during the school years and involves aggressive behaviour towards victims. The phenomenon of bullying attracts local and global interest from social scientists, who use it as a term to describe its social and emotional effects. The concept is associated with mental health problems, a decline in school performance, school dropout, contemplation of suicide, suicide, and other complex social problems. Social workers are well-versed in the concept of bullying due to their involvement with the issue. The study utilized qualitative research, employing purposive sampling, and thematic analysis to analyze data from a sample of 21 social workers linked to schools. The research design employed was exploratory in nature. The study utilized face-to-face, semi-structured interviews as a means of data collection, with an interview guide serving as the instrument. Prior to collecting data, the researcher obtained permission from participants and sought their consent for audio-recording. Ethical considerations, such as informed consent, debriefing, beneficence, confidentiality, and avoiding harm, were closely followed. The study drew on two theoretical frameworks, namely the ecological and strength-based approaches.   Keywork: Bullying, effects, emotional, learning, social, social workers.

Policymakers and scholars universally accept and recognize the influence of small, macro, and medium enterprises (SMMEs) on stimulating economic growth and job creation. To succeed and prosper, SMMEs need to establish a sound financial management function; therefore, it is vital to investigate the financial challenges these firms are experiencing. The objective of this paper was, to investigate possible challenges that SMMEs experience when applying for credit from banks. The study sought to answer the main research question - ‘What challenges are encountered by SMMEs when applying for credit from banks? The study adopted a qualitative research methodology. The population used in this research was derived from SMMEs and banking officials in the Vhembe District Municipality area. Stratified random sampling was used to select a sample of 10 research participants. An interview guide was used to gather data from the participants; the data was analyzed using Atlas.ti. The results indicated that most SMMEs in the Vhembe district are not adequately supported, especially in the areas of financial resources, as well as in financial literacy skills and expertise. Specifically, this study identified that the credit application challenges faced by SMMEs are related to - lack of collateral security, lack of financial application education, complex bank credit access regulations, non-satisfaction of banks’ qualifying criteria, as well as stringent credit system, and documentation requirements.

The main aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of different leadership styles on the performance of organisations in the banking sector of South Africa. The outcomes are expected to be utilised in order to construct leadership development initiatives, which will facilitate the cultivation of leadership competencies that contribute to the success of a company. The research conducted a synthesis of 50 empirical studies through the use of secondary source content analysis. A one-sample t-test was used to assess the presence of a statistically significant association between organisational success and a manager's lifestyle. A unidirectional analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to determine the correlation between different leadership styles and organisational performance. The Pearson's Correlation Coefficient was employed to examine the correlation between leadership styles and organisational performance. Research has confirmed that Transformational leadership has a positive impact on financial success, customer satisfaction, and staff engagement. Transformational leaders foster innovation and exceptional performance through their inspiring vision and tailored assistance. Transactional leadership ensures operational stability and adherence to regulations, but it does not have a substantial impact on staff engagement and innovation. Servant leadership emphasises the establishment of a supportive work environment through the enhancement of staff morale and customer service. An optimal approach for enhancing organisational performance in the South African Banking sector is to adopt a well-rounded strategy that incorporates transformational, transactional, and servant leadership principles. The Transformational leadership style has been determined to be the most effective in the banking sector, as it has shown the highest improvement in organisational performance. Banks executives and managers should consider embracing transformational leadership, cultivating innovation, and allocating resources towards staff development.

This autoethnographic (AE) paper draws directly from a national collaborative project called the New Academics Transitioning into Higher Education Project (NATHEP), which is funded by the University Capacity Development Grant (UCDG). We adopted evocative and narrative AE methodology to confront, interrogate, and uncover our own biases, assumptions, and preconceptions of induction before NATHEP, how it is now, and how it should be understood and conducted after being part of the NATHEP project. Our AE showcases our critical and reflective thoughts on the learning acquired throughout the journey, consciously and intentionally asking ourselves whether the NATHEP journey was worth it and how it benefitted the induction programme we conceptualised and implemented. Through a combined autoethnography study design and technique, we were able to gather qualitative data from the two of us and present it as written reflective narratives. Together, we developed an open-ended questionnaire in which we asked questions that sought to elicit our experiences throughout the journey as a way of reflecting on the overall learning acquired by being part of the NATHEP project. Our responses and narratives are reflectively and thematically analysed to make sense of how we interpret our eventful NATHEP journey thus far. We conclude and submit that this paper has implications for academic development practice and academic developers who aspire to be reflective practitioners, constantly reflecting on their practices to dismantle and disrupt cultural tendencies in their quest to transform their context of work and induction practices.

The study seeks to explore the interrelatedness around the naming of children in the traditional societies of Southern Africa. Traditionally, among the Vhavenda, Vatsonga, Bapedi, Xhosa, Zulu, Swati and other various African cultures in Southern Africa, it was the duty of the grandparents to name their grandchildren. The naming was largely influenced by the events which occurred in the family. The study was conducted first to establish the interrelatedness in the naming of children among the multicultural context of traditional societies of Southern Africa, secondly to determine whether the naming has implications to the behaviour and character of the child while they grow. Senior citizens who are knowledgeable were interviewed on what were considered in the naming process and what are the cultural values that are attached to this process. Data was collected using semi structured interviews and analysed thematically. Afrocentric theory was utilised as the basis for the research findings.  The research findings were of paramount importance around some of the individual names among different cultures and the implications of the behaviour of a child when he grows. The paper recommends the reimagining of the spirituality around some individuals names and the naming process, the revival of the traditional naming process is meant for cultural heritage preservation.

This article conducts a thorough analysis of the potential impacts of environmentally friendly policies on the long-term viability of renewable energy and waste management policies on the economics of local regions within the African Continental Free Trade Area. The research examines how these policies intersect with the development of intra-African enterprise and local employment rates. The study employs a qualitative methodology, utilising an exploratory research design to investigate African economic performance metrics. It also uses qualitative data to gain a deeper understanding of the subtle implications of policies. The research evaluates the economic consequences of these policies in African contexts by utilising a range of secondary sources, such as governmental reports, peer-reviewed studies, and policy evaluations. Initial results indicate that although green policies have resulted in substantial environmental advantages, their influence on intra-African economies is intricate and diverse.  The report asserts that comprehending these dynamics is crucial for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers who have an interest in fostering sustainable development and inclusive economic growth in Africa. The study suggests the adoption of environmentally friendly policies that take into account the economic conditions inside Africa and aim to achieve a local economy that is both environmentally sustainable and inclusive.  

Crime in high schools has become a major concern all over the world. High schools in Nzhelele East Circuit, Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa also experience waves of youth crime perpetrated by learners. The aim of this study was to explore family factors which contribute to youth crime amongst learners in high schools in Nzhelele East Circuit. Three high schools (i.e. Mushaathoni, Nndweleni and Mphephu) known for high rate of crime were selected. Quantitative research approach was used. Survey questionnaires were administered among learners in order to collect quantitative data. Stratified random sampling was used to survey 40 grade 10 and 40 grade 11 learners from each of the three high schools. In total, 240 learners participated in this study. Data was analyzed using the SPSS instrument. Appropriate ethical principals were applied to ensure that research participants were not harmed. The study found that youth crime in high schools was attributed to family factors such as absence of parents, poor parenting style, abuse and domestic violence, poverty, divorce, single parenting and family size. The study recommended the need for a multi-pronged strategy through mobilization of relevant stakeholders (families, community leaders, education authorities, law enforcement agencies and other relevant government department to curb youth crime in high schools. Key words: Crime, Learners, Bullying; Offenders; Victims; Violence; Youth crime, High school

This paper aimed to conserve and digitise indigenous games, making them accessible online, in order to harmonise cultural traditions with modernity. The majority of contemporary youth are exposed to Western entertainment that contradicts African values and traditions. Certain games have had a detrimental impact on society, leading young people to engage in acts of violence, sexual promiscuity, and even self-harm. African youth in pre-colonial times acquired moral principles through instruction from communal elders, who imparted these lessons through the use of moral games. This study contends that the process of digitization can be employed in conjunction with conventional means of knowledge dissemination and conservation to address the void in a societal context where cultural customs are diminishing. The significance of elders, relationships, and the corpus remains paramount. The study aimed to find an Afro-centric approach to digitise traditional games for educational entertainment. The study centred on the Sankofa and Diffusion of Innovation theories. The study employed qualitative case study research methodology to achieve its objective. Information was collected through a document survey. The data underwent thematic analysis. The paper investigated decolonial approaches to safeguard games via social media, applications, and websites. The study concluded that qualitative methodologies are necessary for determining the optimal and economically efficient technologies. Additionally, it emphasised that decolonization necessitates the establishment of alternative knowledge systems to challenge the dominance of Western and Eurocentric epistemology.

This study investigates the impact of Technological Preparedness on trust in e-commerce by SMEs in South Africa. The study examined the role of an organisation’s Technological Preparedness in influencing the use of e-commerce. A positivist research paradigm and quantitative research approach underpins this study. Demographical factors were used as control variables. A total of 497 respondents participated in the research, and the findings highlighted the significance of Technological Preparedness in influencing trust in e-commerce by SMEs in South Africa. The findings suggest that demographics such as Age, Gender, Education Level, Province of origin, Business Category, and Internet Experience had little or no influence on trust in e-commerce compared to Technological Preparedness. The technological limitations SMEs experience significantly influence their trust in e-commerce, impacting their adoption and usage of e-commerce in their businesses. This study contributes to the existing literature on the adoption of technology by SMEs in developing countries. It provides insights for policymakers to develop effective policies that support the usage of e-commerce by SMEs to facilitate growth and sustainability. Based on the findings, government policies should improve to focus more on addressing technological issues and empower SMEs to enhance their preparedness to adopt e-commerce.

The efficacy of organisational effectiveness during the Fourth Industrial Revolution may have been hindered by prevailing leadership styles and management practices. Hence, it has been proposed that other theories, models, or approaches to leadership will be necessary for organisations to maintain competitiveness and achieve long-term success in a business environment that deviates dramatically from the norm for leaders. This essay posits that the application of Leadership 4.0 and novel management practices may hold significance within this particular context. This study investigated the influence of leadership 4.0 and modern management on the success of organisations during the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Qualitative research methodologies were employed to conduct desk research and obtain the findings. There exists a positive association between Leadership 4.0, creative management methods, and organisational performance capabilities. Numerous scholarly and practical deliberations have substantiated the significance of leadership, specifically Leadership 4.0, in effectively navigating the complexities and challenges posed by the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Furthermore, supplementary evidence was identified to substantiate theories pertaining to dependent leadership. The findings of this study have practical implications for companies as they validate the existing literature that highlights the crucial role of leadership in organisational performance, particularly for survival and long-term viability in the contemporary business landscape (4IR). The findings make a valuable contribution to the growing body of knowledge in the domains of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), leadership, creative management techniques, and research on organisational performance.

Globally, there is welter of evidence demonstrating that cooperative government is likely achievable where the same political party in charge of the national government is also a power holder at sub-governments level. This has been the experience of the South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC) which has been in charge of the national government and the majority of provinces for 30 years, except in few instances where opposition parties are in control. Since the ANC lost Western Cape (WC) province to the Democratic Alliance in 2004, cooperative government has been a difficult practice due in part to party ideological differences. The contradictions often play out at executive levels but the silence of legislation, in as far as ensuring that cooperative government is achievable for common goal, necessitates attention. This non-empirical article refers to numerous cases of intergovernmental tensions, with the intention being to debate the discursive issues under the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (hereafter referred to as 1996 Constitution). Following comprehensive reflection, the article concluded that the extent to which national government is showing inherent inertia to work with WC and other areas where the DA is governing has been perpetuated by the lacuna in the current legal framework, but most of the conflicts have much to do with party ideology and politics of the ‘left’ where parties just oppose executive decisions and programmes not on substance but because they are official opposition.   As a result, the continuation of these actions stands to bedevil the national and provincial executive relations in a decentralised South Africa.    

This study explores the complex interplay of dispositional and situational factors in the context of workplace bullying among police officers in South Africa, with relevance to the broader understanding of bullying behavior. Both dispositional and situational factors have been recognized as significant contributors to workplace stress and demands, particularly evident during challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Even professions known for their demanding work environments, such as law enforcement, have not been immune to these pressures. The research conducted a quantitative analysis, surveying 208 employees of the South African Police Services. The study incorporated self-administered questionnaires, employing statistical methods like correlation, ANOVA, and multiple regression analysis. This multifaceted approach assessed the relationships between workplace bullying, situational factors, dispositional factors, and demographics (including gender, age, qualifications, and years of service). The study’s findings highlighted a substantial and positive link between dispositional characteristics and workplace bullying, similarly, noting a favorable association between situational conditions and bullying. Consequently, the research underscores the importance of considering both dispositional and situational factors in comprehending workplace bullying among police officers. This South African study offers valuable insights by bridging a significant knowledge gap on workplace bullying among law enforcement personnel. It emphasizes the relevance of examining the interplay between dispositional and situational factors in understanding and addressing workplace bullying in diverse contexts.

The quality of Physical Science education in rural South African schools is a matter of significant concern, particularly in the context of the country's development goals aimed at uplifting education standards in these areas and nurturing a more skilled workforce. Physical Science plays a pivotal role in enhancing scientific literacy across the nation. This qualitative study, framed within Vygotsky's sociocultural theory, sought to identify the challenges faced by Physical Science educators in improving Grade 12 results in rural schools in Vuwani. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and classroom observations involving a purposive selection of ten Physical Science educators from among 49 schools within the district. Thematic analysis was applied to the collected data, yielding insightful interpretations. The findings, primarily from interview responses, reveal that Physical Science educators in Vuwani grapple with various challenges. These challenges encompass resource scarcity, excessive workloads, inadequate support from school management teams (SMT), insufficient training when curricula change, overcrowded classrooms, and suboptimal learning environments. This study underscores the importance of fostering collaborative partnerships between schools, local communities, and business sectors. In particular, it recommends that businesses extend their support to rural schools, addressing infrastructure deficiencies and resource shortages. Such collaborative initiatives between government entities and businesses can enhance the overall quality of education in rural areas, ultimately mitigating the skills deficit and contributing to the nation's socioeconomic development goals.

The Council on Higher Education (CHE)’s report on the doctoral programme review states   that offering postgraduate programmes seems to be a challenge to some South African universities. Amongst others, the report expresses that postgraduate supervision at universities suffers from many challenges, some of which result in students being delayed or not completing their studies. Underpinned by Archer’s (1998) theory of the interplay between structure, culture, and agency (support programmes), the study seeks to examine factors that hinder postgraduate students’ completion of their dissertations and theses. The study adopted narrative research where the qualitative design was used. Postgraduate students (Master and Doctoral) who have registered for these programmes repeatedly in the university served as participants in the study. The purposive sample was used to sample eight postgraduate students who have frequently registered for more than the required residency period. Semi-structured questions were formulated to guide data collection. Data was collected through a focus group of eight Master and Doctoral students. Collected data were analysed using the content analysis method. The study found that the university does not have adequate (or weak) supporting structures for students to complete their degrees in record time.

With a lot of transformation in higher education, teaching, and learning is becoming very complex. To cope with the transformation that is so complex, academics must be innovative in their teaching. Their teaching should also influence the behaviour of their students. Students after completion of their studies must also be able to solve the challenges of society. There are several approaches to teaching and learning such as multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and ideally transdisciplinary, scholarship of teaching and learning, evidence-based teaching and learning, transdisciplinary teaching and learning and competence-based teaching and learning, and deep learning approaches among others. This paper focuses on the transdisciplinary research and teaching and learning approach. The aim of the paper is to investigate the importance of transdisciplinary research, teaching, and learning in a world that is faced with multifaceted challenges. This is a qualitative design paper where systemic desktop research was used. The systematic reviews follow structured and predefined methods to identify, appraise, and synthesise the relevant literature. Desktop research is a research method that involves the use of existing data. These are secondary collected and summarised data to increase the overall effectiveness of the investigation. Secondary research is much more cost-effective than primary research, as it uses existing data, unlike primary empirical research. The secondary literature was collected based on the history, challenges, and benefits of transdisciplinary research, teaching, and learning. The research study concludes that transdisciplinary research and teaching and learning approach is the way to go in solving constant challenges that face the world. The study recommends that university faculties, schools, and departments should engage in transdisciplinary teaching, and learning and research.

In what circumstances may an employer dismiss an employee who deliberately chooses not to disclose information even though she/he was expressly requested to do so? Can a negative inference be drawn against the said employee? These questions are examined within the context of derivative misconduct which emphasises a duty placed upon employees to disclose any misconduct perpetrated by fellow employees. This duty arises out of the implied common law duty of good faith that an employee owes to his/her employer by virtue of the contract of employment. The duty of good faith is a sacrosanct principle of any employment relationship, the breach of which justifies an employee’s dismissal.

The National Peace Accord, signed by all major political parties in 1991, created various structures through which police accountability could be sought. In 1993, the Interim Constitution of South Africa Act 200 of 1993 formalized the establishment of the Community Police Forum (CPF) at police stations. The SAPS Act 68 of 1995 made a formal provision for a partnership between the police and the community in fulfilling the needs of the community regarding policing. CPF aims to ensure police accountability, transparency, and effectiveness in the community, promoting cooperation between the service and the community in fulfilling the community's needs regarding policing and promoting communication between the police and the community. It was established to maintain a partnership between the police and the communities, to jointly identify priorities and solve problems related to crime, disorder, fear, poor police-community relations and service delivery. Therefore, the police's new vision of policing was introduced by setting up CPF at police stations throughout the country. The implementation of community policing through CPFs has brought to bear the complexity, dynamics, and of social and political relationships at both the provincial and local levels. This paper aims to evaluate the effectiveness of CPF in crime prevention. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were employed, and data were collected from 40 community members through face-to-face survey interviews. The research revealed that CPF is ineffective in reducing crime due to the lack of resources to support its functioning. The study recommends proper and frequent communication between the police, CPF and the broader community.