Explore publications.

This case note critically analyses the Labour Court’s decision in JDJ Diagnostics (Pty) Ltd v Michael Kruger and Others under Case No: D705/2023 delivered on 30 April 2025 (JDJ Diagnostics), which highlights the procedural firmness required in applications to stay the enforcement of arbitration awards under the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (LRA). JDJ Diagnostics’ failure to substantiate its claim of urgency, comply with section 145(8), or justify nonconformity under section 145(3) led to the dismissal of its urgent application. The case illustrates the judiciary’s firm stance against abuse of court processes in the aftermath of the 2014 amendment of the LRA, which shifted toward formalisation in review procedures. Drawing on case law and scholarly publications, the case note explores how the court’s reasoning reflects broader trends in labour dispute resolution, reinforcing the binding nature of arbitration awards and the evidentiary burden on employers seeking to delay enforcement. The judgment confirms that the furnishing of security is no longer discretionary but foundational, marking a continued evolution towards enforcement, fairness, and efficiency in the speedy resolution of disputes in the South African labour law landscape.

This paper aims to examine the effects of innovative teaching strategies that incorporate learners lived experiences into the implementation of the South African Life Skills curriculum. It also aims to evaluate how current pedagogical approaches align with or diverge from learner-centred methodologies that value indigenous knowledge systems. Employing a qualitative research design grounded in the interpretive paradigm, we conducted semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with 23 purposively selected Life Skills educators from primary schools. These participants were chosen based on their extensive experience in teaching the subject. The collected narratives were analysed thematically through post-colonial and Afrocentric theoretical lenses to reveal underlying pedagogical trends and epistemological biases. Findings from the study demonstrate that (i) despite the transformative goals of the Life Skills curriculum, many educators still rely on teacher-centred, Eurocentric methods; (ii) such approaches marginalise the learners’ socio-cultural backgrounds and exclude their indigenous knowledge from classroom discourse; and (iii) there is a significant gap between curriculum intentions and instructional practices, which hampers effective learner engagement and inclusivity. The study recommends a shift towards learner-centred pedagogies that recognise and integrate home-brewed knowledge systems and cultural experiences as legitimate and valuable. Such an approach not only fosters inclusivity and relevance but also enhances learners’ identity formation and critical thinking. These findings contribute to ongoing debates about decolonising education in South Africa and provide practical guidance for curriculum designers, teacher educators, and policymakers.

Fatherlessness has emerged as a significant social issue affecting youth's well-being and development, contributing to challenges like mental health issues, academic struggles, and risky behaviours. This study aimed to explore fatherlessness's profound effects on youth in Madombidzha Village, South Africa, using qualitative research methods, including interviews and community surveys, to examine emotional, social, and economic challenges faced by children without paternal figures. The findings revealed a correlation between father absence and increased academic underachievement, behavioural issues, and mental health struggles. The study also discussed broader implications for community development, emphasizing support systems' importance in mitigating negative outcomes. By highlighting fatherless youth's silent struggle, this research aimed to inform local policies and interventions fostering resilience and promoting positive development. The study's insights can contribute to developing targeted support systems and effective interventions. Ultimately, the research provides a foundation for stakeholders to develop evidence-based programs supporting fatherless youth. The findings have significant implications for policymakers, educators, and community leaders seeking to address the complex needs of this vulnerable population.

Community participation is a means of empowering people by creating the space for them to engage in developing their skills and abilities to negotiate their needs in the face of the forces that often appear to obstruct and discourage them. Community participation which results in the development of communities is determined by the extent to which community members and beneficiaries of the process take part in decision-making, to ensure meaningful community participation. Three thematic areas of literature were reviewed, that is: community participation, community development, and service delivery. The study investigated the impact of community participation in community development at Collins Chabane Local Municipality. A quantitative cross-sectional descriptive design was adopted and a total of 120 respondents were purposefully selected to take part in the study. A self-constructed structured questionnaire was applied to collect data and the data were analysed using descriptive statistics. A total of 120 respondents took part in this study, and out of 120 respondents, 53 (44.2%) were males and only 67 (55.8%) were females. The study found that 103 (85.8%) of the respondents agreed with the idea that community members participate in community development. Fifty-eight (58) which constitutes 48.3% of respondents indicated that there is a lack of resources to capacitate rural citizens to actively participate in the development of communities. Forty-nine (40.8%) of the respondents revealed that community members do not contribute resources such as money, materials and labour towards the development of the community. The implications of enduring the challenge of community development at the grassroots are discussed in line with the literature.

In a country where gender inequity had been a factor that discriminated against women, many endeavors have been put up in attempts to balance both genders. The initiatives promoting gender equity seek to redress historical imbalances; they inadvertently perpetuate gender inequality due to systemic biases and societal resistance. However, a little too much has been done to the point where the discrimination has seemingly fallen on men. The study aimed to investigate the factors that cause gender inequity, from discriminating against women to discriminating against men. Formal legal rights do not always translate into substantive equality, particularly in areas such as wage equity, political representation, and reproductive autonomy. The study employed desktop comprehensive data to review existing literature from journal articles, Google Scholar sources, and government documents that align with the study. The data was analyzed through content analysis. The findings of this study concretized the public about the extent to which gender inequity is being ignored when it favors one gender over the other. The study further contributed to the ongoing discourse on gender issues and highlights the need for more effective strategies that address the roots of gender inequality in a democratic context. The implications suggest that achieving accurate gender equity in democracies requires more than legal reform; it demands structural transformation, inclusive policymaking, and cultural change.

The rising costs of higher education have placed increasing financial pressure on students, with living expenses often becoming a significant burden. Many students struggle to balance tuition fees, academic responsibilities, and personal living costs, leading to financial stress and even delayed graduation. The aim of the research was to explore how sharing living expenses through cohabitation can alleviate financial burdens for students and offer broader economic benefits. The study investigated the financial advantages of cohabitation, focusing on how shared costs, such as rent, utilities, and food, contribute to financial stability and improved quality of life for students. The study adopted qualitative approach to get an in-depth exploration of how sharing living expense alleviate the financial burdens of students.  Through interviews with students who share living spaces, the research examined how cohabitation influences the financial well-being, academic performance, and overall mental health of students. The study explored the impact of shared living arrangements on fostering social connections and emotional support, which may further enhance students' academic and personal development. The study has provided valuable insights for students, higher education institutions, and policymakers seeking to address student financial burdens and improve student well-being through more affordable housing options.  

Although the growing use of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) in higher education research offers exciting potential for enhancing innovation and efficiency, it is also troubled by significant ethical challenges. This review systematically explores critical concerns that border on risks that are associated with data privacy, algorithmic bias, transparency deficiencies, accountability gaps, and threats to academic integrity. This was done by providing a literature-based assessment of why the use GAI in higher education continues to be problematic. This assessment yielded informative insights that were deciphered from 31 papers which were systematically selected from a sampling universe of 119 publications. Findings highlight the necessity of striking a balance between embracing AI-driven advancements and upholding ethical standards in research, in a manner that does not compromise human capacities to mitigate the unexpected eventualities and their consequences. A set of actionable guidelines that are designed to enhance the responsible integration of GAI in higher education without side-lining the importance of observing critical ethical issues that must be considered and adhered to in academic research is given. These guidelines are useful because they form the foundation of a robust framework which gui, Generative, Higher Education, Researchdes the way GAI is used in higher education research without forgetting that this technology is not an all-round paragon.

This study explores the impact of disability support services on the academic success of students with disabilities in South African higher education institutions. Recognizing the increasing need for inclusive educational practices, this research examines how effectively disability support services (DSS) facilitate the academic journey of students with disabilities and whether these services contribute to their academic achievements. The study employs a qualitative research approach with an exploratory design, using a comprehensive desktop research methodology to synthesize existing literature and secondary data. Thematic analysis was employed to transcribe and analyze the data, allowing for the identification of key themes related to the accessibility, quality, and effectiveness of disability support services. Findings suggest that while disability support services in South African higher education institutions have made strides in providing accommodations and resources, significant barriers persist, including limited awareness, insufficient resources, and gaps in institutional policies. The study also highlights the role of DSS in promoting academic performance, retention, and social inclusion of students with disabilities. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on the accessibility and effectiveness of support systems for students with disabilities in South Africa, offering insights that may inform policy development and institutional practices aimed at enhancing educational equity and inclusion.

The topic of the study is the lived experiences of youth raised by alcohol dependent parents at Mpheni village, Vhembe District in Limpopo Province, South Africa.  One of the major challenges faced by children staying with parents who abuse alcohol is that they may grow up thinking that alcohol is the solution to any problem they might encounter. The aim of the study was to explore the lived experiences of youth raised by alcohol dependent parents at Mpheni village, Vhembe District in Limpopo Province, South Africa. A qualitative research approach and semi-interview were adopted as a data collection method and data was analysed thematically. However, the sample was drawn from the population using non-probability and snowball sampling to recruit participants for the study. The study found that social gatherings have a major influence on how people perceive and drink alcohol. The researcher recommends hotline services to be implemented so that young people can have professionals whom they can talk to as well as rehabilitation centres for the parents.

This article looks at how carer support affects the mental health outcomes of women who look after family members with chronic illnesses in Motsinoni Village, Mopani District, South Africa. Caring for someone with a chronic illness is a difficult responsibility that frequently results in significant physical, mental, and emotional pain for those who provide it. Given the predominantly female caregiving population in this area, understanding their unique mental health challenges is vital. The research employed qualitative research approach with an in-depth interview 6 participants out of 30 women using 20% population sampling norm, exploring their experiences and perceptions regarding caregiver support systems. The findings reveal that emotional, social, and informational support significantly enhance the mental well-being of these women, easing feelings of isolation and stress associated with caregiving. Participants reported that access to community resources and support groups led to improved coping strategies, resilience, and overall mental health. However, a lack of institutional support often resulted in increased anxiety and depressive symptoms. This study highlights the importance of establishing comprehensive support networks to strengthen the mental health of female caregivers, thereby improving their quality of life. In conclusion, empowering caregivers through targeted interventions can mitigate mental health issues and foster a sustainable caregiving environment.

Abstract The study investigated how Christian religious leaders contribute to the moral development of youth in Reformed Churches in Thohoyandou, Limpopo Province, South Africa. It draws from recent studies, which highlight the importance of religious leaders in shaping youth morality. However, there is limited empirical evidence regarding this issue within specific South African social contexts, particularly concerning the effects of religious leadership on youth moral development, and current social challenges. This study utilized an ethnographic research design to examine the impact of Christian leaders' social activities and teachings on the moral growth of youth. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with religious leaders and youth participants, utilizing purposeful sampling for selection of participants. The theoretical approach utilized is moral development theory, to examine the complex relationships between religious authority and youth development within their socio-political environment.  The data was analyzed through a simple thematic analysis within which continuous comparison of experiences were coded, to find potential patterns and linkages. The findings are significant as they have the potential to enhance understanding of the roles of religious leadership in the moral development of youth in South Africa, hence, having both theoretical and practical consequences. The findings reveal that religious leaders significantly influence the morals of young people, with many youths viewing these leaders as their primary sources of moral guidance and support. Keywords: Religious leadership, Christianity, youth, moral development, spiritual development.

Recent graduates often struggle to find suitable work, therefore, internships provide them with the skills they need for future employment opportunities. The study explores the nexus between internship programs and graduate skills development and the challenges hindering effective implementation of internship programs. The study used a pragmatic paradigm and convergent parallel design, involving 190 officials and interns from the Limpopo Department of Education Head Office, and analyzed using thematic and descriptive statistics.  The study found that 33% of respondents believe internship programs are hindered by a lack of human and financial resources, with seven major themes including administration, incompetence, attitudes, stipends, and workload. The study demonstrate four main themes: administration, incompetency, lack of resources, interns and mentors attitude, stipend and workload as the main challenges in internship programs. The study revealed that interns can acquire valuable skills and experience that can significantly enhance their chances of securing a job post-internship. This study concludes that internship programs is pivotal for providing skills development for recent graduates to foster their employability in the job market search. This research can be applied in the Limpopo Department of Education and other institutions that provide internship programs, as well as in the field of Public Administration, in terms of policy and personnel functions in making informed policies. This study enhances knowledge in literature review and policy making for Limpopo Department of Education, enhancing officials' and interns' perspectives on internship programs. The study recommends that the LDoE, should be able to have enough to resources provide for all necessary aspects to ensure effective implementation of internship, as well as employ personnel well equipped to train the interns.  By providing resources it is believed that internship programs can run smoothly. However, it is recognized that a potential challenge such as training mentors which will need to be addressed through external interventions.

The global rise in life expectancy has spurred interest in healthy ageing and preventing age-related chronic diseases. Indigenous diets and recreational activities are recognised for promoting longevity and mitigating conditions like cardiovascular disease and dementia. This scoping review, guided by PRISMA-Scr, examined the impact of indigenous dietary practices and recreational activities on healthy ageing and managing age-related diseases. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and CINAHL Central for peer-reviewed English-language articles (2015–2025), identifying 36,984 records and including 34 studies. Findings show that indigenous diets, rich in plant-based foods, lean proteins, and minimal processed foods, are associated with lower chronic disease prevalence. Recreational activities, such as farming, hunting, and communal dancing, enhance physical fitness, social cohesion, and mental well-being, which are crucial for healthy ageing. Integrating diet and activity in indigenous communities fosters a lifestyle that supports long-term health. These practices offer valuable insights for global ageing strategies. Public health initiatives should adopt culturally sensitive approaches, incorporating traditional diets and activities to improve outcomes. Future research should explore adapting these practices for diverse populations, particularly in urban settings, to enhance their scalability and impact. 

Smallholder irrigation schemes have been a significant strategy to ensure food security and poverty reduction in rural areas worldwide. Despite the efforts by the South African government to rehabilitate and revitalise smallholder irrigation schemes, the schemes have been performing below expectations. This follows the failure of water governance institutions to execute their roles within the schemes, thus affecting optimum agricultural production. Therefore, it is against this background that this study sought to assess water governance institutions and their related roles at Nzhelele area of Vhembe District, South Africa. A mixed-methods research design was adopted. Fifty-six farmers were selected through a census sampling method to participate in qualitative and quantitative data collection using a semi-structured interview guide and a questionnaire. Qualitative data were analysed using Atlas.ti, Version 8.0 software to perform thematic content analysis. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS version 28 for descriptive statistics. The study revealed that there are various water governance institutions within the schemes, namely, the scheme committee, the Water Users Association, and the Informal water institutions. These water governance institutions have varied roles regarding irrigation water governance within the schemes. Based on the findings, this study recommends that water governance institutions should be active in performing their roles and responsibilities in irrigation schemes to foster improvement in adherence to the water rules and regulations in place.

The growing number of cybercriminals impersonating religious leaders and institutions for financial gain poses a serious threat to the integrity and economic security of religious groups, notably prominent Pentecostal ministries. This study thoroughly investigates and evaluates this phenomenon, focusing on cybercriminals' tactics, the scope of their actions, and the consequences for targeted religious communities and people. The study applies a complete desktop research technique to analyse hackers' use of religious leaders' identities for financial benefit, focusing on Pentecostal ministries. This strategy includes searching academic databases, reading cybersecurity and religious studies journals, and analysing documented cases. The findings show that cybercriminals are primarily driven by financial gain and use strategies including building phoney social media pages, phishing techniques, and compromising communication lines to impersonate religious groups and scam congregants. This study contributes to developing more effective defences against cyber fraud in religious contexts by evaluating religious institutions' responses and mitigation techniques, as well as law enforcement. This project intends to develop more effective techniques for preventing and combating cyber-fraud against religious bodies through an in-depth examination.

This study explores the impact of coparenting on child development and mental health in the Vhembe District Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa. The research aims to examine the relationship between coparenting quality and child development outcomes, with a specific focus on child mental health. A quantitative research design was employed, involving a sample of 150 parents or primary caregivers of children aged 5 to 18 years. The data was collected through questionnaires to assess coparenting dynamics, parenting styles, and child behavioural outcomes. The main findings of the study demonstrate that (i) cooperative coparenting relationships and positive parenting styles are crucial for promoting healthy child development and mental health outcomes, (ii) conflict in coparenting relationships is a significant concern, with a substantial proportion of participants reporting moderate to high conflict levels, and (iii) the coping mechanisms employed by parents and caregivers, such as talking to the child and encouraging physical activity, are effective in supporting child well-being. The study's findings have significant implications for practice and policy, emphasizing the importance of promoting healthy coparenting relationships, positive parenting styles, and effective coping mechanisms to support child development and mental health.

Unemployment and crime are complex socio-economic problem in South Africa that attracts excessive attention from researchers because they are crucial issues worldwide. Since 1990, unemployment has been a problem, and this escalated after the end of apartheid. This occurred due to South Africa’s economic struggles with low growth. Long-term unemployment is linked to frustration, alienation, and breakdowns in social cohesion, primary in poorer communities. This social strain fosters criminal behaviour largely because such individuals exert power or generate much-needed cash from these illegal activities. By virtue of the lack of formal avenues of employment, these people are thus easily recruited through criminal networks or gangs that offer money and social identity for illegal activities. This study aims to evaluate and analyse the impact of unemployment in instigating crime in South Africa. The problem the researcher is addressing results from the alarming increase in youth unemployment and its assumed link to criminal activities, especially in underdeveloped or rural areas in South Africa. The study adopted a mixed research methods approach. A purposive sampling and cluster sampling were used to select participants. The researchers used semi-structured interviews and questionnaires to collect data. Qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis and quantitative data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). It is envisaged that findings of this study may be used in the design and implementation of strategies and programmes to reduce unemployment and crime in South Africa. Further, the researcher makes some recommendations pertaining to addressing and reducing the high rate of youth unemployment and crime.

A discussion of pharmaceutical test data protection is a potentially broad area for scholarly investigation. During preclinical and clinical drug testing, test data that evidences safety, effectiveness, and quality is generated to obtain marketing approval by drug regulatory authorities. Depending on the nature of the information and the jurisdiction, such information may be protected as a trade secret or a patent. Protecting patents and pharmaceutical test data in the SADC has significant ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI). While it is essential to incentivise research and development, it is also crucial to ensure that patients have access to safe and effective medicines and that the public interest is protected. SADC members have diverse approaches and laws on patents and pharmaceutical test data protection. While some countries have comprehensive legal frameworks that balance intellectual property rights with the public interest, others have outdated or incomplete frameworks. The lack or inadequacy of legal frameworks for patents and pharmaceutical test data protection in some SADC countries can negatively affect public health. This paper surveys and calibrates the existing legal frameworks within the SADC region by identifying gaps and suggesting possible law reform solutions inspired by the Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property (TRIPS) Agreement, other international frameworks, and comparative law. Using the reward theory as its theoretical lens and linking the main arguments to the obligation of patentees to disclose their inventions fully, the paper concludes that the SADC region requires adequate legal frameworks.

The ongoing issues of unemployment and inequality in South Africa require a unified approach to improve employability through the development of transversal skills. This project aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8), which advocates for decent work and sustainable economic development. Transversal abilities, including communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptation, are recognised as essential for success at both individual and organisational levels. However, there is a significant lack of research examining the direct economic effects of these talents in the South African environment, especially regarding earnings and employment opportunities. This article investigated the paramount transversal talents, assessed their returns in the labour market, and analysed their importance for workforce development in South Africa. The findings revealed significant disparities in the economic returns linked to various transversal abilities, with high-demand competencies like project management and business strategy yielding the greatest economic advantages. These findings highlight the necessity for focused skill development programs to improve employability and reduce labour market inequalities in South Africa. It offers implementable sanctions for policymakers, employers, and educators, enabling the synchronisation of skill development policies with the evolving demands of the labour market and promoting inclusive economic growth in South Africa.

The complications that arise during policy implementation frequently stand in stark contrast to the principles of simplicity in policy formation within public administration. This gap stems from the distinctions between the practical difficulties of implementing a policy, such as unexpected variables, stakeholder resistance, and resource restrictions, and the conceptual clarity, broad goals, and explicit directions involved in its formulation. South Africa has introduced many promising policies to address socio-economic inequalities, boost economic growth, and improve public services. However, despite strong policy frameworks, the country often struggles to implement these policies effectively. This paper seeks to explore the challenges associated with policy implementation in the South African government. In addressing these difficulties, a qualitative method was employed, wherein case studies related to policy implementation failures in South Africa were unpacked and discussed as points of reference. There are significant challenges regarding policy implementation in South Africa. For the basis of this study, justice theory is applicable. There is also a strong tendency for political involvement in policy implementation, as party members are awarded tenders and contracts to implement various programs for stated policies; as a result, these policies often fail. This paper proposes the use of the 7-C protocol as a tool for monitoring policy implementation and limiting political interference. The distinctiveness of the 7-C Protocol in the policy setting lies in its ability to reconcile communication efficiency with public accountability.