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Poverty is one of the most unrelenting issues in the world, as in most cases, it tends to recycle over the generations by means of lack of access to quality education, lack of economic opportunities and even the social inequalities that tend to be embedded in the society. This paper discusses the importance of education as a transformational process that can break the intergenerational poverty cycle and alleviate socio-economic statuses of families. The research paper relies on the international and South African literature on the connection between educational access, quality, and relevance and the life paths, employability, and well-being of learners. It brings out the diverse channels whereby education leads to upward social mobility that include acquisition of skills, human capital, greater earning power, better health literacy, and better civic engagement. In addition, the study examines structural constraints that prevent low-income families to fully gain the benefits of educational opportunities, such as insufficient school resources, socio-economic factors, gaps in the policies and implementing them, and institutional inequities. Through the socio-ecological lens, the discussion shows that education has the greatest potential to bring families out of poverty with the help of inclusive policies, specific social support programmes, and community-based interventions. The study concludes that education is a source of sustainable development, economic empowerment, and social transformation although not alone, but when incorporated in the comprehensive anti-poverty strategies, it can help eradicate poverty.  

This paper evaluates the societal impact of the Ubuntu Project, one of three 2024 Societal Impact Projects implemented by the University of Venda (UNIVEN) in rural Limpopo Province, South Africa, alongside Skills for the Future (SfFP) and Phasing Out of Accounting. Centered on the Ubuntu Project, this project review examines its role in addressing community needs through collaborative engagement with stakeholders in the Vhembe and Mopani Districts. Employing a mixed-methods approach, data were collected through qualitative semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) with beneficiaries and stakeholders, complemented by quantitative surveys with 126 respondents, which were analysed using Thematic Analysis and SPSS software. Findings demonstrate the Ubuntu Project’s success in promoting Ubuntu principles of humanity, interconnectedness, and mutual support, enhancing social cohesion, reducing social isolation, and fostering positive behavioural changes, including decreased crime, teenage pregnancies, and substance abuse in participating villages. Commendations highlight robust community participation and intergenerational learning, though challenges such as limited funding, inconsistent oversight, and incomplete documentation of data were noted. Recommendations include securing sustainable funding, improving monitoring systems, and expanding stakeholder inclusivity. This evaluation underscores the Ubuntu Project’s potential as a culturally resonant university-community initiative, offering a model for societal transformation in rural contexts.

Substance abuse is a growing concern with challenging socio-cultural issues among women in South Africa. This study draws from the social workers' perspective to explore the prevalence and drivers of substance use among women. Using a qualitative approach, an exploratory design was employed to gather data through in-depth interviews with social workers in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The study’s findings highlight that domestic violence is often a catalyst, leading women to substances as mechanisms for coping with stress, depression, and adversity. Social workers identified the desire for belonging within the social network, and peer pressure normalizes substance use, especially in social gatherings where drugs and substances are easily available and affordable. Unresolved childhood trauma was also flagged as a critical contributor to the prevalence of substance abuse, establishing emotional vulnerabilities. The study shows how these factors influence substance use trajectories among women. It further recommends culturally responsive interventions that incorporate trauma-informed care and community-based support systems, with social workers playing a crucial role in prevention and rehabilitation efforts. The study was grounded in the universal ethical standards to protect the participants and maintain its integrity.

Language plays a crucial role in helping young learners understand mathematical concepts, particularly in the Foundation Phase where learners are still developing both language and numeracy skills. In multilingual contexts such as South Africa, many learners are taught in English while speaking different languages at home, which may create challenges in learning mathematics. This study examined the effect of teaching mathematics using learners’ home language in rural primary schools in the Vhembe District, Limpopo Province. A qualitative research approach was adopted, using interviews and classroom observations to collect data. Ten Foundation Phase teachers from five schools were purposively selected to participate in the study. The data were analysed using thematic analysis to identify key patterns and themes. Ethical principles, including informed consent and confidentiality, were observed to protect participants. The findings revealed that teaching mathematics in the home language improved learners’ understanding of mathematical concepts, increased classroom participation, and enhanced learners’ confidence. Learners performed better when taught in a language they understood well. The study therefore recommends that schools and the Department of Basic Education support the use of home languages in the teaching of mathematics in the Foundation Phase and provide appropriate resources and teacher training to enhance effective implementation.

Three centuries of colonial subjugation (1652–1980) stifled the liturgical innovation of African Christians and enforced their reliance on Eurocentric liturgies and practices. Shortly after 1980, Reformed evangelicals began to adopt this movement towards authentic contextualisation. Economic independence, theological education, and demographic changes were necessary to dismantle the association of the Reformed faith with European culture. This paper examines the contributions of financial independence (1980) and theological education (1991) to the decolonisation of Reformed worship and the establishment of a trajectory for culturally authentic, theologically robust African worship. Employing a historical-critical methodology, this study analyses synodal acts, liturgical developments, and theological education initiatives, specifically focusing on African Christian movements related to decolonialism and the recontextualisation of theology. It examines how the Reformed tradition can integrate indigenous hermeneutical perspectives to create authentically contextualised forms of worship that honour African cultural idioms without compromising Reformed theological integrity. The article contends that the biblical conception of worship, wherein “every nation, tribe, people and language” congregate to reverently honour the Lamb (Revelation 7:9), necessitates the differentiation of theological essences from their cultural manifestations; African cultural insights must be acknowledged as legitimate theological sources; and liturgical practices that align with African communal spirituality should be cultivated. Ultimately, effective contextualisation entails relinquishing cultural authority, specifically to African voices, while consistently prioritising African theological perspectives and adhering to the Reformed principle of ecclesia semper reformanda.

This research investigates religious transformation in Thohoyandou, Limpopo, South Africa, from 2015 to 2025, a period characterised by rapid globalisation and the proliferation of digital technology. The study employed a systematic desktop research technique to evaluate four principal data sources: peer-reviewed academic literature, papers from religious institutions, social media content from religious groups, and news media coverage. The study examines three fundamental enquiries: (1) In what ways has digital technology altered religious rituals and communication in Thohoyandou? How can religious practitioners navigate cultural authenticity in a globalised religious marketplace? How have religious institutions modified their organisational frameworks in response to local-global tensions? The results indicate three unique patterns of digital adoption among mainstream denominations, Pentecostal churches, and traditional Venda practitioners. Four strategies for cultural adaptation were identified: selective assimilation, parallel practice, creative translation, and selective retrenchment. Three types of institutional responses were identified: adaptive integration, protective conservation, and hybrid negotiation. The study revealed an approximate 450% increase in recorded digital religious activity among Thohoyandou congregations from 2015 to 2022, a disproportionate rise in new Pentecostal groups linked to international networks, and heightened documentation and revitalisation initiatives among adherents of traditional Venda religious heritage. The results enhance theoretical comprehension of religious hybridity, glocalization, and cultural resilience in post-colonial African settings, while providing practical direction for religious institutions managing local-global tensions in the digital age.

Employee retention remains a persistent challenge in the South African mining sector due to hazardous working conditions, complex labour relations, and heightened employee expectations. This study explores the influence of the psychological contract on employee retention in a mining organisation. A qualitative research design was adopted, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 participants, comprising 8 employees and 4 managers. Thematic analysis revealed five dominant themes: employee wage demands, perceptions of organisational profitability, investor pressure, strike action, and retrenchment risks. Grounded in Social Exchange Theory and Equity Theory, the findings demonstrate that unmet expectations and perceived unfair treatment undermine trust, strain labour relations, and weaken employee commitment. The study concludes that transparent communication, fair treatment, and realistic management of expectations are essential for strengthening the psychological contract and improving employee retention in mining organisations.

Domestic violence remains one of the most widespread social crises that not only imposes silence on the survivors but also hides the transformational potential inherent in their accounts of perseverance, spirituality, and emotional healing. The purpose of this enquiry is to critique a method for examining how survivors map along these pathways and how spiritual resources, emotional strength, and personal narrative reconfiguration are pertinent to their recovery, using the desktop method.  The study entailed an in-depth review of the existing academic literature, policy manuals, and theoretical frameworks on the problems of trauma, spirituality, and healing of victims of domestic violence.  According to the results, the healing process experienced by most survivors is a multidimensional phenomenon that is based on the synthesis of spiritual practices, emotional strength, and identity restoration. Supportive communities, faith traditions, and cultural settings have also been noted in the available literature as service-oriented in assisting survivors to communicate their unpleasant pasts.  The lessons teach that healing is not an individual process but rather a shared one that takes place within a collective, and that it is shaped by the resources of social and spiritual support that survivors possess.  The importance of this study is that it can help appreciate the role of survivors' spiritual and emotional journeys in influencing the practitioner's actions at the policymaking level. The research would be useful in providing practical advice to the academia, religious leaders, and policymakers who can guide their actions in establishing a mechanism of adequate provision to address the holistic needs of victims of domestic violence.

South Africa has faced consistently elevated unemployment levels despite numerous macroeconomic reforms, prompting worries regarding the effectiveness of key economic indicators in promoting labour absorption. This study analyses the influence of economic growth (GDP), inflation (CPI), and foreign direct investment (FDI) on unemployment in South Africa, employing quarterly data from the first quarter of 2010 to the fourth quarter of 2023. The analysis utilises a quantitative design, implementing the Augmented Dickey-Fuller unit root test, the Johansen cointegration method, and a Vector Error Correction Model to evaluate the long- and short-term dynamics among the variables. The findings indicate that all variables are integrated of order one and possess a long-term equilibrium connection. Long-term estimates demonstrate substantial negative correlations, suggesting that increased GDP, CPI, and FDI are associated with a decrease in unemployment over time. In the near term, GDP elevates unemployment, indicating the prevalence of capital-intensive growth, whereas FDI persistently reduces unemployment and CPI remains negligible. These findings underscore the structural characteristics of unemployment in South Africa and the constraints of macroeconomic factors in facilitating short-term labour absorption. The report emphasises the significance of policies that promote labour-absorbing growth, improve the investment environment, and prioritise skills development to tackle ongoing unemployment.The report advocates for prioritising labour-intensive growth methods, enhancing the investment environment, and fortifying skills development systems to improve employment outcomes. These initiatives are essential for tackling persistent unemployment and fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

This study examines how Mahosi (traditional leaders) in the Vhembe District of Limpopo Province use social media to address gender-based violence (GBV) within their communities. A qualitative design was employed, drawing on semi-structured interviews with ten Mahosi selected through purposive sampling. The findings show that platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp are used to share anti-GBV messages, mobilise community meetings, and open discussions around violence, extending the reach and immediacy of community-based interventions. In doing so, digital engagement has contributed to increased openness around GBV and greater participation, particularly among younger community members. At the same time, the study identifies key challenges, including digital literacy gaps, unequal access to technology, confidentiality risks, and ethical concerns linked to the public nature of online communication. By foregrounding Mahosi as digital actors within community governance, the study highlights both the potential and limitations of integrating social media into GBV prevention. It concludes by emphasising the need for context-sensitive digital literacy initiatives and clear ethical guidelines to support responsible and inclusive community-based responses to GBV in rural South Africa.

The South African retail sector encounters fierce competition, escalating operational expenses, and swiftly evolving consumer behaviour. In this context, cost efficiency is crucial for maintaining profitability and competitiveness. Notwithstanding these challenges, numerous merchants persist in employing conventional costing systems that depend on generalised allocation bases, such as direct manpower or machine hours, frequently leading to cost distortions and erroneous price decisions. Activity-Based Costing (ABC) presents a more accurate option by elucidating cost drivers and resource utilisation. This study evaluates the efficacy of ABC in improving cost efficiency within South African retail firms by analysing its impact on cost allocation precision, operational performance, and financial decision-making. A mixed-methods research strategy was utilised, integrating quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews to produce a thorough knowledge of ABC implementation. Structured questionnaires distributed to financial managers and cost analysts yielded quantifiable information regarding the correlation between ABC adoption and cost efficiency. Qualitative interviews examined managerial attitudes, implementation obstacles, employee opposition, and organisational preparedness. The research is grounded in a post-positivist framework, emphasising both statistical correlations and practitioner insights to comprehend the operation of ABC within intricate retail contexts. Research demonstrates that ABC enhances cost transparency, pricing precision, and the capacity to attribute costs to certain activities. Retailers employing ABC exhibited enhanced resource alignment and successfully identified and eradicated non-value-adding processes. Nonetheless, considerable obstacles, such as implementation expenses, data intricacy, technological constraints, and reluctance to adapt, were observed, especially among small and medium-sized shops deficient in sophisticated information systems and analytical capabilities. The research underscores the significance of organisational capabilities, digital readiness, and ongoing training for effective ABC implementation. This article analyses how Activity-Based Costing (ABC) might improve cost efficiency in publicly traded South African retail enterprises. The study was theoretically grounded in Cost Behaviour Analysis, the Theory of Constraints, and the Resource-Based View. By integrating cost behaviour, operational bottlenecks, and organisational capabilities into the assessment of Activity-Based Costing (ABC), it contributes to the theoretical framework. The explanatory mixed-method sequential design utilised both survey data (n = 100) and interviews (n = 12). Research demonstrates that Activity-Based Costing significantly impacts cost allocation precision, operational efficacy, and financial outcomes. Regression analysis demonstrates a strong positive link between the adoption of ABC and cost efficiency (b = 0.62, p < 0.01). However, there are difficulties to adoption, including technological limitations, high expenses, and staff resistance. The research will contribute to the strategic cost management literature and provide practical guidance to retail enterprises in emerging economies.

Modern society struggles with unemployment and inequality. These religious issues affect human dignity, self-worth, justice, and community. Biblical and theological perspectives on unemployment and inequality argue that work is essential to God's design for human satisfaction and goes beyond revenue. According to the report, the Church must face these issues prophetically by opposing injustice and pastorally by supporting and empowering the unemployed. This study combines theology and accounting, two infrequently studied topics in social and economic justice. This study combines Christian morality and accounting practices to solve unemployment and economic injustice. The article synthesises religious and accounting themes through literature review. This multidisciplinary approach highlights communities, churches, and organisations' ethical commitments and provides practical ways for ethical resource management, equitable distribution, and sustainable living. The findings may inform policy, faith-based community, and business social responsibility activities, promoting an ethical and pragmatic economically interventionist worldview.

African cultural values and the indigenous knowledge system profoundly shape the gender roles and recreational participation of African people. These values are complex and represent the core beliefs and ideals that influence a community's perception of what constitutes appropriate and desirable behaviour for members of African social institutions. The aim of this literature review is to explore and establish how gender roles shape the recreational participation of Africans, drawing on an Afrocentric perspective to critique and contextualise existing literature. African indigenous knowledge systems reveal that gender roles influence the recreational participation of Africans. The literature further indicated that Afrocentric recreation is not viewed merely as a leisure-time activity but as an integral part of community lifestyle, identity formation, healing, and an intergenerational knowledge-transmission system for Africans. The literature concludes that the Afrocentric perspective reinterpreted gender roles that significantly influence the recreational participation of Africans. informed by African indigenous knowledge systems. It is very logical to conclude that Africans perceive recreation as a holistic, communal, and spiritually grounded activity, in stark contrast to the individualistic, binary-oriented models that characterise dominant Western paradigms.

Early childhood development is a crucial period for cognitive and socio-emotional growth, especially in disadvantaged communities where access to quality education and resources is often limited. This article aims to explore the effectiveness of community-based early childhood development (ECD) programs in enhancing the cognitive and socio-emotional development of young children in rural-based communities. The study used that qualitative research approach with the adoption of the comprehensive desktop approach, analyzing existing literature, reports, and data on community-based ECD initiatives. An exploratory research design was employed to influence the diverse methodologies, impacts, and outcomes of these programs across different settings. The findings of this provided evidence-based recommendations for improving early childhood interventions, particularly in impoverished regions, with the goal of fostering sustainable and inclusive development for children from marginalized backgrounds. This study added knowledge to contemporary literature through highlighting the importance of the culturally sensitive and contextually relevant ECD program design and emphasized the need for sustainable community engagement and local ownership.

Indigenous knowledge portrays rich science-related knowledge that incorporates cultural practices. Additionally, Indigenous knowledge provides constructive cultural contexts that augment a rich understanding of sociocultural practices for sustainable development. It also attempts to promote connections with modern science concerning the promotion of sustainable development. The qualitative methodology was employed to let students analyse Indigenous science for sustainable development in local community spaces. Subsequently, an analysis of students’ perceptions regarding recognition of the relevancy of Indigenous science for valuable sustainability promotion was captured through semi-structured interviews. Students’ realization revealed that local communities embrace Indigenous science to address challenges in modern science topics such as Medicine, Agriculture, Renewable energy, and Household cleaning products production. Interestingly, students find relevancy in igniting the contextualization of science teaching and learning from Indigenous knowledge. Connecting Indigenous science and modern science education can orchestrate the promotion of relevant education for sustainable development.

Cybersecurity remains the priority of higher learning institutions owing to the growing cyber deviance against institution infrastructure as well its constituents and the implications those have on the institution. This section evaluates the cybersecurity defences, security policies which the institutions have in place to prevent and respond to emerging cybercrimes. This case study evaluates, Univen Information Communication Technology (ICT) officials who hold the mandate to manage cybercrimes within the institution. It therefore, evaluates if Univen have institutional framework for managing cybersecurity risk. It also assesses if it has been efficient to counteract cybercrimes impact against the university and students. The study discovered that Univen doesn’t have cybersecurity policy that is knowledgeable and consumable by all students. Students don’t know of avenues to report cybercrime. The students are failing to observe the terms of updating password for student ITS and Microsoft account, making their systems vulnerable and susceptible to cyberattacks. Qualitative approach is applied in the study; purposive sampling is applied to sample five (5) Univen ICT officials. The research utilises the routine activities theory and differential association theory of crime as the study problem framework. Sample was selected based on their suitability of contributing towards research; Focus group discussions was held with sample participants to collect data and Thematic Content Analysis (TCA), was used to analyse qualitative data. Ethical considerations observed in this study include: voluntary participation, confidentiality, obtain ethical clearance to conduct data. The study made findings and recommendations that inform adoption of framework to manage cybercrimes within higher education institutions (HEI) of South Africa and offer alternatives programmes that can positively address cyber incidents within academia.    

The research project examines the significance of forensic investigation within the field of Criminal Justice, focusing specifically on the role of fingerprint identification as a tool to secure convictions in the court of law. The study explored how forensic science, particularly fingerprint analysis, contributes to criminal investigations and judicial outcomes. Over the past few decades, various studies have revealed instances where innocent individuals were wrongfully convicted, highlighting the urgent need for reliable forensic evidence and expert input to strengthen the justice system. A qualitative case study design was employed, focusing on the Thohoyandou Police Station in the Vhembe District of Limpopo Province. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with twelve (20) participants from SAPS, supported by the analysis of selected case files, court judgments, and forensic reports. Purposive sample was utilised to select sample who are vested with experience of forensics field work and prosecutions. The data were thematically analysed to identify key patterns and challenges in the use of fingerprint evidence. The findings revealed that fingerprint identification plays a significant role in linking suspects to crime scenes and contributes to securing convictions. However, challenges such as inadequate training, lack of modern forensic tools, delays in laboratory processing, and weak chain-of-custody documentation often reduce its effectiveness. The study recommends continuous professional development for investigators, improved forensic infrastructure, and enhanced coordination between investigators, forensic experts, and prosecutors. Strengthening these aspects will improve the reliability of fingerprint evidence, promote justice, and prevent wrongful convictions.

In an era where data-driven approaches are increasingly shaping decision-making in higher education, a notable gap remains in the use of survey methodologies specifically designed to inform and enhance student support initiatives. Despite the growing emphasis on evidence-based practices, few studies have systematically utilized survey data to inform institutional strategies and enhance student outcomes. This survey paper employs the Theory of Student Involvement and Appreciative Inquiry (AI) as a theoretical lens to guide the exploration of student support and enhance the MenTut programme, aiming to improve student wellbeing and success within our institution. Data were primarily collected from 1,446 undergraduates (mentees) who consented to the use of the data collected. A questionnaire with five (5) closed-ended Likert scale question items and one open-ended question was shared via Microsoft Forms to explore students’ experiences with MenTut. Closed-ended questions were analysed to provide descriptive graphs, while one open-ended question was thematically analysed. Although the findings show that many undergraduate students (mentees) were satisfied with the tutorial sessions offered, some concerns were raised regarding inadequate infrastructure, venue constraints, tutor communication and delivery, engagement and active learning, as well as tutors’ attitudes and professionalism. Drawing from findings, the paper recommends administering systematic and subsequent surveys each semester to evaluate the effectiveness of student support initiatives and to facilitate ongoing, data-informed improvements to the program. This paper concludes by proposing an Academic and Reflective Enhancement Theoretical Lens (ARETL) that could be adopted to enhance any student support programme in higher education institutions.

In Southern Africa, the human immunodeficiency virus constitutes a significant public health challenge, characterised by elevated rates of new infections in rural populations. Conversely, biomedical interventions have facilitated advancement. The incorporation of Indigenous Knowledge Systems into Human Immunodeficiency Virus preventive techniques is still little investigated. This systematic analysis assesses the incorporation of Indigenous Knowledge Systems into community-based HIV prevention strategies in Southern Africa. This systematic review complied with the PRISMA principles. A search was performed across various electronic databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and CINAHL, for papers published from 01 January 2015 to 31 June 2025. A total of 51,972 studies were discovered, of which 14 matched the inclusion criteria and were evaluated. The analysis revealed that incorporating Indigenous Knowledge Systems into community-based HIV prevention programs in Southern Africa improved cultural relevance, community involvement, and trust in health initiatives. Traditional healers significantly contributed to counselling, education, and the increase of HIV testing in rural regions, leading to enhanced service accessibility and diminished stigma. Notwithstanding these advantages, several projects nevertheless lacked official policy support and organised collaborations between conventional and biological health sectors.

Afrocentric recreational participation patterns among rural-based adults in South African social systems are complex and deeply embedded within all the social institutions. The core principles of recreational participation are neglected within those structures, which undermines the intended roles of recreation within the broader social ecosystem. The purpose of this systematic review is to critique and synthesize existing literature on the Afrocentric recreational participation patterns of rural-based adults in South Africa. A literature search was conducted across multiple databases, which include PubMed, Google Scholar, AJOL, Scopus, and CINAHL for studies published between 2015 and 2025 academic year. This review is in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines for systematic review. A total of 68,188 studies were initially identified and screened according to the inclusion criteria. ultimately, 41 peer-reviewed studies were systematically reviewed and synthesized. The findings reveal age- and gender-based disparities among participants' Afrocentric recreational participation patterns. Male participants aged 45-50 years have predominantly engaged in agricultural recreational activities such as agritourism and afritainment, spending 3-4 hours once or twice a week. In contrast, female participants focused on passive domestic recreational activities, spending 4-5 hours daily. The literature further shows that both genders participated in digital recreational activities, including social media, music, and television, with males spending 1-2 hours daily. Although there is a common set of recreational activities, the frequency and duration of participation vary across different social systems. The study recommends integrating the principles of recreational participation into existing recreational structures to maximise the positive health and social outcomes of the Afrocentric recreational activities