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Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is recognised as a fundamental human right in South Africa.  The study explores the underlying reasons and motivations for service hesitancy among youth in Mutale Village, even when they are aware that those services are available.  This study analyses the knowledge, perceptions and experiences of young people in Mutale Village, Thulamela Municipality. Utilising a mixed-method approach, the study employed both snowball and purposive sampling to gather data from 126 participants via semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. Qualitative data underwent thematic analysis while quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statics via SPSS version 19.0. key findings reveal young people encounter numerous challenges accessing SRH services due to minimal awareness of available options. Service use is significantly hampered by prevailing social norms, religious beliefs that view SRG as improper for youth, and misconceptions regarding contraceptives side effects (e.g. fear of infertility). Furthermore, the negative attitude of local healthcare workers was found to discourage young people from using the facilities. The concludes that social barriers and healthcare worker attitudes are major impediments to the utilisation of essential SRH services. The study recommends that clinics in rural areas should expand youth-friendly corners with trained staff who respect confidentiality and provide non-judgmental services. Regular refresher training for healthcare providers on adolescent SRH needs is essential

The Labour Court examined enforcing a restraint of trade clause against a senior employee fired after over three decades in Future Packaging and Machinery (Pty) Ltd v Polti. This dispute hinged on whether the court may enforce a national restraint clause for 36 months under section 22 of the Constitution of South Africa, 1996, which protects the right to freely select a trade. Proceedings revealed that the employee worked for a competitor, violating his contract.Based on Magna Alloys, Basson, and Reddy, the court reiterated that limitations are permissible but unenforceable if against public policy and unjust. The court found that the employer had a protectable interest, but it deducted the employee's suspension from the restraint. The court also ruled the restraint appropriate without explanation. The judgement adds to trade jurisprudence's constraint. The court underlines that employees, regardless of status, should honour their contractual commitments but also that the breadth and length of the restraint must be balanced. The judgement balances contractual commitments with constitutional ideals.

There are various challenges to foreign policy execution in South Africa. Disagreements over policy direction among political parties, factions, and interest groups may be the most significant of them. As a result, South Africa is at a loss about which partners to choose between traditional Western allies or eastern partners like China and other BRICS partners. This chapter explores how the discord in policy positions and consequent geopolitical implications affect South Africa's international development cooperation agenda. The study adopts a qualitative literature review to draw its conclusion. Theoretically, the chapter leans on Group Theory to guide its research and conclusion. The study shows significant disparities in foreign policy adoption, leading to significant geopolitical and domestic problems. Political parties, foreign actors and elements like NGOs and other interest groups all have disagreements. The chapter makes the argument that these disagreements and consequent delays cause major challenges for South Africa’s development cooperation agenda. In this regard, the chapter makes various recommendations on how South Africa can navigate this conundrum while balancing relations between both Eastern and Western partners for a sustainable development path. Furthermore, it is also recommended that South Africa set a foreign policy agenda that surpasses partisan and party-political interests to minimise these effects. This chapter seeks to contribute to wider discussions on international development cooperation in the changing geopolitical and North-South relations.

Notwithstanding the presence of comprehensive legislative and regulatory frameworks designed to direct the South African Police Service (SAPS) towards enhanced service delivery, a continual disparity persists between policy objectives and real-world results. Hoeyi & Makgari (2021) assert that SAPS leadership has persistently encountered difficulties in improving service performance, notwithstanding several reformative mandates and policies intended to alter policing in democratic South Africa. Efficient police service provision is essential for ensuring public safety and cultivating confidence between law enforcement authorities and the communities they serve.  This research examined community opinions regarding police service delivery in the Vhembe District of Limpopo Province. The research employed a mixed methods approach. The study comprised 383 respondents in the quantitative phase, while the qualitative phase contained interviews with persons from varied demographics and geographic regions. Participants were selected using purposive sampling and cluster sampling methods. The researchers employed semi-structured interviews and questionnaires to gather data. Qualitative data underwent theme analysis, while quantitative data was evaluated via the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results indicated a dichotomy in community perceptions. Tangible resources, including well-maintained police stations and modern cars, were valued; but, the relational and procedural dimensions of service delivery were deemed inadequate. Principal issues encompassed erratic reactivity, inadequate communication, restricted transparency, and allegations of corruption and favouritism. Participants emphasised unaddressed community-specific problems, including insufficient focus on gender-based violence and substance-related concerns. The report proposes creating policies that emphasise transparency and accountability, improving training programs in emotional intelligence and cultural sensitivity, and promoting community engagement through frequent forums and collaborations with local organisations.

This study examines the influence of high school accounting instruction on the academic performance of first-year financial accounting students at a rural comprehensive university. In the context of South African higher education, students frequently gain admission to accounting diploma or degree programs without prior secondary school accounting instruction, prompting questions regarding the impact of previous accounting knowledge on university performance. Current research presents inconclusive findings, with certain studies demonstrating no significant association between high school accounting experience and university achievement, whereas others indicate a favourable correlation. Significantly, a research gap exists for rural comprehensive institutions, which cater to a heterogeneous student body and are inadequately represented in existing studies. This study recruited all first-year accounting students at a rural institution to ascertain the correlation between high school accounting education and university performance. The results suggest that past study of accounting in high school does not significantly influence students' success in first-year accounting courses, indicating that high school accounting knowledge does not immediately improve academic results at the university level. Nonetheless, the data indicate that students who excelled in high school accounting are likely to also succeed in their first year of university accounting, implying that high school achievement may be a valuable predictor of university performance, even if it does not directly affect overall outcomes. The study's shortcomings encompass its concentration on a singular rural institution and the omission of second- and third-year students, so constraining the extent and generalisability of the findings. These constraints underscore the necessity for future investigations encompassing multiple institutions, longitudinal monitoring of students' academic advancement, and comprehensive variable analysis to elucidate the intricate factors affecting student success in rural South African higher education, especially within accounting programs.

The successful implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI) policy in South Africa depends largely on the effectiveness of public administration systems. Therefore, this study examines the importance of public administration in translating NHI policy objectives into practical outcomes. Guided by the Institutional Theory, the study explore how administrative capacity, coordination and institutional structures influence policy implementation. This study adopts a theoretical approach. The analysis relies on existing literature, government reports, policy documents, and case studies of countries that have implemented national health insurance systems. The findings reveal that weak administrative capacity, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and fragmented coordination, poor finances, and lack of engagement continue to undermine the realization of universal health coverage. These institutional constraints illustrate how organizational pressures and systematic weakness affect the delivery of public health reforms. The study contributes to policy discourse by highlighting that strengthening administrative capacity and implementing institutional reforms are essential for improving the effectiveness of NHI. It recommends targeted training, enhanced interdepartmental coordination, and streamlined decision-making process to ensure efficient policy implementation.

South Africa’s local communities experience a myriad of social issues, because of this, social entrepreneurs take interest in understanding the “problem” and introducing innovative solutions to tackle them, this could be through (but not limited to) the launch of a social enterprise(s).  While proving the impact of a social enterprise is essential for its sustainability, not all social enterprises can/are able to measure and communicate their impact clearly. In this paper, we have explored the interventions used by different social entrepreneurs to address local problems and how the social impact of the interventions was tracked. Purposive sampling was used to identify the social entrepreneurs suitable for this study. The social entrepreneurs identified were engaged through semi-structured interviews, and the generated data was analysed through the thematic analysis technique. The findings of the study show that most of the social entrepreneurs that were engaged do not track the social impact of their interventions at all. Those that do track their social impact do not use any formal or consistent social impact measurement tools, and have shared their interest in receiving formal social impact measurement training. In conclusion, it is important for social entrepreneurs to measure their social impact, this ensures that they are accountable in their work and improves the sustainability of their interventions.    

Parental alcohol abuse remains a persistent global public health concern with far-reaching implications for child and adolescent development. While international research continues to demonstrate the correlation between parental alcohol misuse and adverse behavioural outcomes in children, limited attention has been directed toward the experiences of youth in rural African contexts. This study explores the effects of parental alcohol abuse on youth behaviour in Ha-Makuya Village, a rural community in South Africa’s Limpopo Province. Guided by Social Cognitive Theory, the study adopted a qualitative exploratory design. A purposive sample of eight youth aged 18–30 who had been exposed to parental alcohol abuse was selected, with seven ultimately participating in the study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using a six-phase thematic analysis within an interpretivist paradigm. The findings reveal that parental alcohol abuse destabilises family functioning, resulting in financial strain, emotional distress, inconsistent parenting, and social stigma. Participants further described behavioural consequences such as withdrawal, anger, and difficulties forming healthy social relationships. Owing to the absence of formal support services in the village, youth relied mainly on informal coping strategies, including peer support, involvement in community activities, and avoidance-based behaviours. The study highlights the urgent need for rural mental health support, school-based counselling, community education, and family-centred rehabilitation services. It also recommends further research into gendered experiences and intergenerational patterns of alcohol-related behaviours in rural societies.

Rehabilitation remains a core mandate of correctional services; however, in South African Correctional centres, particularly within Limpopo, its effectiveness is constrained by persistent structural and social barriers. Overcrowding, limited resources, unsafe environments, and the entrenched culture of gangsterism undermine rehabilitation initiatives and compromise both staff and inmate safety. Correctional officers, who play a central role in rehabilitation delivery, face excessive workloads, inadequate support, and poor working conditions, resulting in stress, burnout, and diminished service quality. These conditions contribute to ineffective rehabilitation, increased recidivism, premature inmate releases, and violations of offenders’ rights, raising concerns about the overall credibility of the criminal justice system. This study examined barriers to rehabilitation in Limpopo correctional centres, focusing on correctional officers’ experiences. A quantitative approach was adopted, with purposive sampling of 345 officers across six centres. Findings revealed that overcrowding is the most critical challenge, negatively affecting healthcare, accommodation, food provision, and access to training programmes, while weakening institutional control. Gangsterism, evolving from protection-based groups to networks of power and illicit trade, further obstructs rehabilitation. Officers reported unsafe conditions, exposure to violence, and shortages of resources, compounded by recruitment, retention, and training gaps. The study recommends diversion of minor offenders, deportation of foreign nationals, broader use of community corrections, enhanced anti-gangsterism strategies, and partnerships with external stakeholders to support sustainable rehabilitation.

Disability and everything it encompass presents significant challenges to individuals, families, and communities worldwide. People with disabilities (PWD) are marginalized and excluded in most societies. Discrimination and prejudice towards PWD are compounded by poverty, lack of essential services and support, and sometimes a hostile and inaccessible environment. The distinctive contribution of this research is its original focus on obstacles to social inclusion in Limpopo Province, South Africa, drawn from the personal experiences of young adults with physical disabilities. The novel contribution of this study lies in its unique illumination of barriers to social inclusion in Limpopo Province, South Africa, through the lived experiences of young adults with physical disabilities. Despite advancements in disability rights legislation, empirical evidence suggests that social exclusion remains pervasive. Key barriers identified include structural, attitudinal, and environmental factors impeding full social participation. The research highlights infrastructural inadequacies, such as limited access to public transportation and poorly designed facilities, which restrict mobility and social engagement. Additionally, prevailing societal attitudes and stigma towards disabilities contribute to the marginalization of affected individuals, exacerbating feelings of isolation and disempowerment. The study adopted a qualitative design. Open-ended online questionnaires have been used as the primary data collection tool and methods to collect data from the 10 participants; this resulted after the findings indicated that the gathered data answered the research questions and achieved the study’s objectives. The selection of participants was secured through purposive sampling; the participants were selected based on the researcher’s judgment and the physical disability experiences. The findings of the research revealed a variety of challenges that people living with disabilities encounter in the Limpopo province. This research not only illuminates the perceived barriers to social but also emphasizes the collective responsibility of stakeholders to facilitate systemic changes toward social inclusion.

The term "Black Tax" refers to the perceived financial responsibilities that Black South African professionals feel obligated to meet in order to support their families. This complex socio-economic phenomenon traverses the nuanced relationship between cultural expectations and financial pressures. This research investigates the impact of socioeconomic background on the emergence and severity of Black Tax responsibilities among young professionals in rural Limpopo. A qualitative research design was utilised, characterised by exploratory inquiry. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with five purposefully selected emerging professionals in rural Limpopo, who offered significant insights into the complex relationships among rural upbringing, financial advancement, and familial responsibilities. This research utilises the framework of Structural Functionalism to conceptualise Black Tax as a social mechanism that supports family stability and economic equilibrium in communities with insufficient formal support structures. The findings reveal contradictions between individual aspirations and collective expectations, especially as young professionals navigate the challenges of balancing personal development with familial obligations while addressing their own needs. This study critiques the simplification of Black Tax as solely a financial obligation, arguing that it is a complex socio-cultural phenomenon influenced by historical inequalities and the necessity for community survival. This research enhances discussions on class mobility, intergenerational obligations, and socio-economic dynamics in the post-apartheid context, providing a detailed understanding of the complexities involved in achieving success that cannot be exclusively linked to individual efforts. The research emphasises the necessity for cohesive financial literacy and community empowerment frameworks to align personal development with cultural responsibilities

This study conducts a thorough analysis of contemporary literature (2020–2025) regarding the impact of digital globalisation on educational inequality in South Africa's marginalised regions, focussing on the interrelated aspects of access, infrastructure, and pedagogy. This systematic literature review synthesises evidence from worldwide and South African contexts to demonstrate how enduring inequities in broadband access, affordability, and institutional capability hinder fair participation in digital learning. Rural provinces like Limpopo and Eastern Cape continue to be disproportionately impacted by inadequate connectivity, elevated data expenses, and insufficient teacher digital knowledge. The results reveal three primary themes: (1) physical and socio-economic obstacles to access, (2) infrastructural and institutional limitations, and (3) educational deficiencies stemming from culturally insensitive digital design. The paper presents a three-dimensional equity paradigm that integrates these domains to inform inclusive digital education policy. It advocates for infrastructure expansion, ongoing affordability initiatives, comprehensive digital literacy training, and legislative frameworks that incorporate equity criteria to guarantee that digital globalisation fosters change rather than exclusion within South Africa's educational system.

In any economy, Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) are essential for creating employment opportunities, which in turn help to eradicate poverty and high unemployment rates. Access to credit from several banks is essential for SMMEs to be sustainable. Since this finance is the lifeblood of these small businesses, its importance cannot be understated. Therefore, it was crucial for this study to assess the significance of the funding of SMMEs from banks and their impact on the sustainability of these small businesses. The research methodology used in the study was qualitative. SMMEs from different industries, such as agriculture, tourism, etc, and banking officials in the Vhembe District Municipality region made up the population used in this study. Ten research participants were chosen as a sample using stratified random sampling. Data was collected from the participants using an interview guide, and Atlas.ti was used for analysis. The results of this study revealed that the significance of financing SMMEs is grounded on job creation, poverty alleviation, and SMME development in the Vhembe district. The study also revealed that the funding assistance provided by banks provides the basis to develop their operations and enhance business sustainability.

Small-scale farmers in South Africa, particularly in Indigenous communities, continue to heavily rely on artificial farming, overlooking Indigenous agricultural knowledge. The key influence behind this is that the artificial farming practices have become more accessible than the Indigenous agricultural knowledge. This paper is aimed at understanding the economic viability of the Indigenous liquified manure for small-scale farmers while promoting the sustainable Indigenous agriculture within Indigenous communities. The paper is centred on addressing poor agricultural practice of the Indigenous liquified manure in establishing indigenous agriculture knowledge culture in rural communities in Vuwani. A sample of 18 participants consisting of 13 small-scale indigenous farmers, 3 traditional leaders, and 2 agricultural experts were drawn using purposive sampling from Vuwani rural communities. The qualitative semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were employed for data collection and analysed using thematic analysis. The study unveiled that the Indigenous liquified manure contributes to the high produce of the indigenous crops that enables the Indigenous communities to economically sustain themselves. The findings further show that the practice of the Indigenous liquified manure is understood as an entrepreneurial opportunity to create job opportunities in the Vuwani.

This study aimed to explore the effects of uninhabitable off-campus residences on students’ health at the University of Venda. A qualitative approach was used for an in-depth subject approach. The phenomenological research design was used to understand the meanings of human experience regarding the research problem. Non-probability sampling methods and convenience sampling techniques were used to solicit participants. One-to-one semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Thematic analysis was then used to analyse the data. The study discovered that some students who live in off-campus accommodation are subjected to unhealthy conditions, unsafe environments, and non-study conducive surroundings. The findings also revealed that these students end up being affected by both physical and mental illness. The unpleasant conditions in these facilities are perpetuated by the landlords’ ignorance and unwillingness to invest. Recommended means to deal with the uninhabitable residences include sufficient investment and regular monitoring of the facilities by the facilities’ owners, as well as ensuring cooperation between students, their representatives, and the landlords. Lastly, there is a need to orchestrate policy and interventions to ensure continuous consideration of students’ health, safety, and comfort of off-campus residing students.

The enrolment of international students continues to intellectually, culturally, and educationally enrich universities across the globe. In South Africa, international students bring vast and valuable experiences, perspectives, and skills to the host institutions. Research shows that besides the above contribution that international students make within the higher institutions of learning in South Africa, they also make significant economic contributions to the host institutions and country through enrolment. But beyond institutionalised practices of support and inclusivity, international students endure invisible academic and social issues that are not spoken about and discussed widely. Although South Africa is one of the African countries with a high number of international students enrolled within the institutions of higher learning, in certain institutions, such students are alienated based on their being considered an ‘outsider.’ This conceptual paper draws its literature from chapter one of the PhD work-in-progress and therefore, examines the tacit challenges that international students face when undergoing independent academic and social support frameworks in university in higher education institutions. The primary aim of this paper is to stimulate scholarly dialogue on best practices and strategic approaches for enhancing the well-being and academic success of international students. Grounded in a review of existing literature, this paper contends that despite the presence of institutional policies and student support initiatives, international students continue to face significant challenges in their academic journeys. These include language barriers, experiences of xenophobia and discrimination, and the complexities of immigration laws and regulations. Furthermore, the paper contributes to the broader discourse on equitable access to higher education through the development of student-centred, culturally responsive, and inclusive support systems. In conclusion, the paper proposes an inclusive support framework for international students, structured around six key components: foundational principles, structural elements, interconnected support networks, academic and career integration, outreach and information delivery, and policy and institutional commitment.

Immigrant-owned enterprises have become a significant part of South Africa’s informal and formal economic sectors, particularly within local municipalities. In Thulamela Local Municipality, located in the Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, immigrant entrepreneurs contribute significantly to local economic activities, especially in retail and the informal sector. Despite their visible presence and contributions, these entrepreneurs encounter a range of limitations that threaten the sustainability and scalability of their businesses. This study explores the key challenges hindering immigrant enterprise owners in Thulamela Local Municipality, to identify both structural and context-specific barriers. The study adopts a qualitative research approach, utilising in-depth interviews and purposive sampling to gather data from 12 participants, guided by a structured interview guide. Data were analysed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and lived experiences across cases. The findings of the study reveal several persistent challenges, including limited access to formal financial institutions, complex regulations, social exclusion, and xenophobic attitudes from local communities. These challenges not only hinder business growth but also limit the long-term integration of immigrant entrepreneurs into the broader local economy. Furthermore, the insufficient institutional support and representation in local enterprise structures amplify their vulnerability and marginalisation. The study recommends the establishment of inclusive local economic growth strategies and structured support programs that recognise the unique role immigrant entrepreneurs play in local economic resilience and inclusive development in underdeveloped municipalities.

Entrepreneurship education has been implemented at numerous higher education institutions to provide students with the skills and knowledge for pursuing entrepreneurship as a career.  Nevertheless, several problems confront entrepreneurship education, despite its recognised benefits among students.  This study sought to identify the obstacles in entrepreneurship education that impede student entrepreneurial development at the University of Venda.  The research employed a qualitative design to fulfil its purpose.  The targeted population consisted of University of Venda student-entrepreneurs engaged in entrepreneurship education programs and those enrolled in entrepreneurship courses.  A convenience sample method was employed to choose 10 participants, and data were gathered using semi-structured face-to-face and telephone interviews in alignment with the research objectives.  The gathered data was evaluated thematically utilising Atlas.ti version 8.4. The findings revealed the obstacles confronting entrepreneurship education, which include budgetary limits, insufficient funding, and unsuitable teaching techniques.  This research is one of the few that have recognised the obstacles of entrepreneurship education for students.  A mixed-method research strategy is advisable for a comprehensive comprehension of the topic.

This study explores the challenges that impact the sustainability of family-owned businesses in Thohoyandou, Limpopo Province, South Africa. A qualitative design was employed, utilising semi-structured interviews with ten business owners and managers from diverse sectors, including transportation, construction, poultry farming, and retail. Thematic Content Analysis (TCA) was used to interpret the data. Findings revealed that poor financial management, skills shortages, over-expansion, limited government support, and family conflicts are the most significant threats to business survival. These internal and external constraints erode financial stability and governance structures, resulting in low longevity rates. The study recommends financial literacy training, formal governance mechanisms, succession planning, and simplified government support systems tailored for rural enterprises. Strengthening these aspects can enhance both sustainability and economic development in rural areas, such as Thohoyandou.

This study explores the views of teenage mothers regarding abortions of unexpected pregnancies at the village of Elim, Makhado Municipality in Limpopo Province. The study employed a qualitative approach, which recognizes the need for an in-depth exploration of these views using semi-structured, open-ended interviews. Snowball sampling was used to recruit five female participants between the ages of 15 and 19 years old. Furthermore, the researcher utilized the ecological systems framework to evaluate the context in which these teenage mothers’ function and how their perceptions regarding abortions are constructed over time based on their systems. The data was analyzed thematically, and interpretations were made based on the themes of the collected data. The study found that teenagers shared mixed feelings associated with considering abortion. Others consider having an abortion to be bad and good, while others say they will consider abortion if they become pregnant while not ready. Regarding the influences of either having an abortion or not, they cited that they will consider abortion if their parents, especially fathers and boyfriends, do not accept the pregnancy. The study also found that financial situation and age of a teenager may compel one to consider abortion. The study also found that teenagers are aware of the consequences of abortion. They cited the risk to life during and after pregnancy, while others believe the consequences are less severe as opposed to giving birth. Finally, the study also found the following barriers to abortion, peer pressure, lack of support for raising a child, and the cost of abortion can be a barrier. The study recommends that educating society about reproductive rights and offering platforms for open discussions about abortion can help reduce the moral pressure that often leads to feelings of moral conflicts and cognitive dissonance. Furthermore, social workers should advocate for broader access to reproductive health services and collaborate with healthcare providers to ensure teenage mothers receive accurate information and emotional support. Additionally, social workers can play a role in facilitating open communications within families and communities to lessen the stigma associated with abortion