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Traditional lifestyles, including the transmission of cultural knowledge and customs, are often disrupted by urbanisation. The decision to conduct this study was influenced by the alarming loss of cultural knowledge and practices, which were disturbed by urbanisation. The objective of this study was to explore how urbanisation affects the generational transfer of cultural practices and knowledge within Vhavenda communities. The Vhavenda people hold valuable traditional indigenous knowledge and practices that should be preserved and passed down to the younger generation. A qualitative narrative enquiry approach was used, and interview data were analysed to identify recurring themes related to the impacts of urbanisation and cultural transmission. The data was organised into relevant themes using thematic coding. The study was based on the Push and Pull Factors Theory, which elucidates the motivations for rural-to-urban migration within the framework of urbanisation. The key findings revealed that urbanisation has transformed social structures, housing arrangements, and communication styles. Elders play a crucial role in preserving and transmitting traditional knowledge. The study recommended developing strategies to facilitate the sharing of cultural knowledge in urban areas, emphasising the importance of cultural preservation and its impact on the transmission of cultural practices. The study concluded that preserving traditional indigenous knowledge techniques is crucial, as it helps individuals maintain a connection to their roots and future paths, thereby preserving their sense of identity.

This study explored the complex dynamics of identity and relationships among youth living in polygamous families in Madombidzha Village, located in the Vhembe district. Through qualitative research methods, including interviews, the study captures the lived experiences of these young individuals as they navigate their identities within the context of multiple familial structures. Participants were chosen through snowball sampling. The findings reveal that youth in polygamous settings often face unique challenges, such as competing loyalties, emotional conflicts, and societal stigma, which significantly shape their self-perception and interpersonal relationships. Using a qualitative research approach, the study captures the lived experiences of young individuals navigating multiple familial structures. The findings reveal that youth in polygamous settings often encounter challenges such as divided loyalties, emotional distress, and societal stigma, all of which shape their self-perception and social interactions.

Many African communities observe intricate death cleansing rituals that serve as both spiritual and social mechanisms for navigating bereavement. These ceremonies help individuals and families process their grief while reinforcing social bonds and cultural identity. This abstract aimed to distil key findings from the literature review, examining the sociocultural, psychological, and ritualistic dimensions of death-cleansing practices within an Afrocentric paradigm. The CLR synthesises ethnographic accounts, historical narratives, and contemporary academic discourses on death-cleansing rituals. Key theoretical lenses include Ubuntu philosophy, communal bereavement practices, and cultural continuity frameworks. Balobedu death cleansing rituals are deeply embedded in notions of community solidarity, spiritual appeasement, and ancestral veneration. These rituals serve as transitional rites that guide the deceased and the bereaved through structured mourning and reintegration into communal life. The literature highlights the tensions between traditional practices and modern influences, including legal constraints and evolving gender roles. The CLR underscores the resilience of Balobedu death cleansing rituals despite external pressures. Understanding these practices through an Afrocentric lens affirms their significance in maintaining cultural heritage and collective identity in contemporary African societies.

This exploratory study investigates the physical and attitudinal barriers faced by students with disabilities in South African higher education institutions. Utilizing a qualitative research approach with an exploratory design, the study aimed to provide in-depth insights into the multifaceted challenges that impede access to education for students. A comprehensive desktop review was conducted, involving the collection and analysis of secondary data from various institutional reports, policy documents, and scholarly literature related to disability and higher education in South Africa. Data were systematically transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis, which allowed for the identification of recurring patterns and themes related to both physical infrastructure and societal attitudes. Findings indicate that students face significant physical barriers, including inadequate campus facilities, inaccessible classroom layouts, and a lack of assistive technologies, which hinder their full participation in academic life. Furthermore, attitudinal barriers, characterized by stigma, negative perceptions, and insufficient awareness among staff and students, contribute to social exclusion and academic marginalization. The study highlights the gap between disability policies and their implementation, underscoring the need for improved institutional commitment to inclusive practices. Ultimately, this research calls for a comprehensive approach to enhance accessibility, encompassing both structural improvements and the fostering of a more inclusive and supportive campus culture.

The dearth of studies in sub-Saharan Africa on how eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) enhances disclosure quality necessitated this study. Thus, this study aims to provide an overview of XBRL in the financial reporting space of sub-Saharan Africa-listed firms. This study discusses the evolution of corporate financial reporting and relates it to how business reporting software enhances the quality of information disclosure and transparency. Based on previous studies, we assessed XBRL in its format for reporting and cost implications from a global perspective. The findings indicated that by reporting using XBRL, we make the case for opening up sub-Saharan African investment markets and improving corporate governance quality in the global investors’ view. In other words, listed firms in the sub-region currently have a periodic and manual reporting approach to financial reporting, which makes it quite difficult for investors to have an up-to-the-minute view of the listed firms for investment purposes. Researchers and business firms need to understand the availability of XBRL technology and its application to enable voluntary corporate disclosures. In addition to the information disclosed, it is important for their search to determine how the software employs information in financial reporting. To the best of our knowledge, this study is one of the few in Africa, especially in the context of sub-Saharan Africa exchanges, to use the review to understand how prior studies involved XBRL reporting to enhance the transparency of listed firms.

Correctional officers’ attitudes and perceptions about the treatment of offenders can affect an inmate’s experience within a correctional institution. Correctional officers meet offenders daily, and their influence on how offenders experience their detention cannot be overestimated. The perception of correctional officers towards the rehabilitation of offenders needs to be investigated for the benefit of the department, community, and offenders. The study aimed to determine correctional officers' perceptions toward rehabilitating offenders. The study used a quantitative research approach. A probability purposive sampling approach was used to select the participants. The study found that correctional officers are key in communicating with offenders and providing trustworthy advice to improve their lives. Correctional officers working in correctional centres may assist in rehabilitating offenders by communicating needs and risks to parole officers, parole boards, judges, or probation officers. Offenders should be punished for the crime/s they have committed. Increasing the severity of punishment does little to deter crime. The study recommends that basic training of correctional officers should include issues of the rehabilitation of offenders. Correctional officers who engage offenders in rehabilitation should receive performance management bonuses. Moreover, correctional officers should be briefed on the content of the programmes offered by custodial therapists.

The National Crime Prevention Strategy Pillar is aimed at reducing crime by focusing on crime across borders, amongst which is the trafficking of persons. This study aims to analyse the vulnerabilities of children to trafficking in South Africa. A qualitative research approach was used to explain the vulnerabilities of child trafficking in our society. Data was collected using a secondary data collection method wherein information was obtained from published materials and reports. The findings reveal that poverty, unemployment and lack of education increase the likelihood of child trafficking. Poverty is the main factor, particularly in underdeveloped and rural regions of South Africa. Therefore, families facing economic hardship are easily deceived by traffickers, especially those unaware of trafficking risks. It revealed that awareness campaigns and school programs are the key strategies to prevent child trafficking by educating families and learners on trafficking risks. It also recommends expanding education efforts and increasing economic support to address a major influence of trafficking poverty. Therefore, concluding that successful public outreach and awareness campaigns can aid in the detection of human trafficking cases, increase public support for local and governmental action, and eventually aid in the prevention of child trafficking.

Education is widely acknowledged as a fundamental socio-economic right that can transform lives, alleviate poverty, and drive social mobility. This paper explores education’s dual role as a process with defined aims and benefits and as a mechanism for achieving broader human rights. It highlights how education equips individuals with skills and knowledge that enhance employability, increase earning potential, and improve overall quality of life. Education’s contribution to national development is underscored through its role in building a skilled workforce, fostering innovation, and driving economic growth. International law recognizes education as a cornerstone for realising other rights, emphasizing its interrelated, interconnected, and interdependent nature. The paper examines the critical relationship between education and other socio-economic rights, such as the rights to work, health, and adequate living standards, arguing that individuals struggle to fully enjoy these rights without education. It also discusses the unique categorization of education within socio-economic rights and the historical evolution of their recognition and justiciability across legal systems. The role of schools in shaping education is explored, emphasizing their importance in fostering critical thinking and preparing individuals to navigate and transform their social and economic realities. Special attention is given to marginalized groups, particularly women and children, highlighting how education empowers them to challenge systemic discrimination and inequality. By presenting education as an essential tool for achieving dignity, equality, and empowerment, this paper makes a compelling case for prioritizing education within national and international development agendas.

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a widespread issue that impacts individuals across diverse demographics. Gender-based violence against the LGBTQ+ student community represents a significant issue encompassing various forms of abuse, discrimination, and harassment. The inadequate inclusive support systems designed to effectively address the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals hinder the resolution of gender-based violence in educational institutions. Students from the LGBTQ+ community experience physical violence, cyberbullying, and both verbal and psychological abuse in educational environments. Individuals may experience unstable mental health, diminished academic performance, and social isolation. This study investigates the distinct challenges encountered by LGBTQ+ students in educational environments, focussing on issues related to reporting, the inaccessibility of support services, and discrimination within legal and social frameworks. The study employed a qualitative research approach to gain an in-depth understanding of the phenomenon. Subsequently, comprehensive desktop research was conducted, consulting scholarly articles to gather information on the phenomena. The study employed thematic data analysis to develop themes that enhanced the discussion. This study utilised resilience theory to examine the positive coping mechanisms employed by students confronting gender-based violence in educational environments. This study contributes to the literature by offering evidence-based recommendations for developing inclusive policies and support systems, while also identifying gaps in current research to guide future interventions.

In South Africa, early marriage continues to pose a serious obstacle to girls' education and gender equality, especially in rural and underprivileged areas. The purpose of the study was to explore the impact of Early Marriage on Girl child’s Education in South Africa. The study highlighted the main causes, effects, and legal frameworks of early marriage in South Africa by combining data from international organizations like UNICEF with government reports and current literature. Early marriage also limits females' prospects for career and personal growth, resulting in long-term socioeconomic disadvantages. Moreover, to lower the rate of early marriage and lessen its detrimental impacts on girls' education, this study emphasized the necessity of more robust regulatory enforcement, focused educational interventions, and community-based activities. The study employed the qualitative approach with the use of the comprehensive desktop approach to investigate the effects of early marriage on girls' educational performance. The findings, a multifaceted strategy is required to address the underlying issues and give girls the tools and chances they need to finish their school and succeed in society. This study used extensive desktop research to investigate the effects of early marriage on girls' educational performance.

First-year students confront various difficulties when they move to higher education, especially in South African universities, which have a heterogeneous socio-economic environment. This study examined the "registration conundrum" students encounter while investigating the sociological factors affecting their experiences during this crucial beginning stage. A mixed-methods approach was used to record the depth and breadth of first-year students' experiences, integrating qualitative interviews with quantitative questionnaires. Ten first-year University of Venda students participated in the study, which provided detailed information about the participants' emotional and personal experiences during the registration procedure. Purposive sampling was used to choose the participants. Findings indicated that inadequate access to resources, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and socio-economic inequality significantly heightened stress and anxiety levels among students, leading to delayed academic engagement. The study also emphasized how race, gender, and class intersect to influence students' registration experiences and how those experiences affect their academic achievement and social integration. According to the research, to improve educational equity and accessibility, higher education institutions must implement inclusive and flexible registration procedures that consider the particular difficulties faced by first-year students. In addition to illuminating the subtleties of student experiences, this sociological viewpoint advocates for legislative changes meant to enhance South Africa's higher education system. The study complied with ethical standards for privacy, anonymity, informed consent, confidentiality, and harm avoidance.

The suppression of women’s human rights is a significant and growing issue in South African communities. This is due in part to the persistence of cultural practices that endorse gender norms and perpetuate inequality. Such practices have far-reaching consequences that impact women’s physical, sexual, economic, and social wellbeing, among other things. This study aimed to examine the impact of cultural practices on the violation of women’s human rights in South African communities. Specifically, it seeks to understand how such practices are perpetuated and reinforced by the local context, how they affect vulnerable groups, and what measures can be taken to combat their harmful effects. The study used a qualitative exploratory research design, using a desktop approach. This method allowed researchers to explore the issue comprehensively and gain insights into the experiences of women in South African communities. The data was collected through reviews of literature. The data collected was analyzed thematically, with codes and categories developed based on the literature review and the research questions. The study generated new knowledge and insights into the impact of cultural practices on the infringement of women's human rights in South African communities. The study’s findings made a significant contribution to the body of knowledge on the subject, expanding our understanding of the cultural, social, and economic factors that perpetuate gender inequality in South African communities. This study provided the government and policymakers, and communities to address the infringements of women’s rights.

Ndayo (guidance of children) processes were inherent in the way the Vhavenda families raised their children. Concomitantly, the ndayo phenomenon is attributable to well-mannered children.  Ndayo starts from the family through to the community context in the form of initiation schools that simultaneously serve as rites of passage. The initiation schools were run as a collaborative process between families and knowledgeable community figures, as well as the royal household to accommodate well-behaved children as part of society.  A qualitative theory-generative exploratory, descriptive, and contextual design was employed in this study. The study was conducted in two phases. Phase 1 entailed in-depth interviews with seven Vhavenda-speaking elderly persons who were from 60 years and above and who were community leaders known to have traditional programmes to pass on ndayo practices to Vhavenda children. The findings of Phase 1, together with the literature review were used to organise the conceptual framework for the revival of ndayo in Phase 2. This paper presents the conceptual framework that was validated by participants.  In presenting the proposed conceptual framework for the programme to revive ndayo, we start with outlining the reflective inputs of seven key informants about how ndayo processes were practiced in the olden days, followed by the current possibilities and possible challenges if the revival is to take place. We conclude by sharing our views about the importance of a collaborative process between mainstream schools and traditional schools and make recommendations that the ndayo content should be included in a collaborative curriculum development process.

The valuation of redeemable semi-annual and quarterly bonds is a specialised and contentious subject in finance. While instructing on this subject, students frequently pose the subsequent four enquiries: Which semi-annual discount rate do we use to discount the bond’s cash flows to arrive at its present value? What time frame is utilised to compute the present value elements for discounting the bond's cash flows? Do we obtain the identical bond value when assessing it from the views of the corporation and the investors? What is the appropriate discount rate for scenarios involving numerous discount rates from the present to the bond's maturity date? This study illustrates that the semi-annual and annual percentage rate (APR) yield to maturity (YTM) rates are the most appropriate discount rates for valuing redeemable semi-annual and quarterly bonds. The present value factors are calculated using the time interval period, not the actual years.  Assessing bonds from a company's standpoint by employing post-tax cash flows and discount rates results in an undervaluation of the bonds. The arbitrage-free valuation method is the most appropriate technique for assessing redeemable semi-annual and quarterly bonds. This method use various annual APR YTM rates derived from the bond's benchmark spot rate curve, valuing the bond as a collection of cash flows, with each cash flow treated as a zero-coupon bond. This allows each cash flow to be discounted at its specific discount rate

The sustainable growth rate of a firm's earnings and dividends is a critical component in the majority of prominent equity asset valuation models. The sustainable growth rate serves as an estimated proxy for a firm's long-term growth rate in earnings and dividends. The sustainable growth rate of a firm represents the maximum achievable and maintainable rates of earnings and dividend growth without resorting to external financing, assuming a constant capital structure and no introduction of new equity. The sustainable growth rate of a firm is characterised as the growth rate in dividends and earnings that can be maintained given a specific return on equity (ROE) and retention rate, provided that no new equity is issued and the capital structure remains constant. This paper presents a derived, discussed, and tested model for an alternative sustainable earnings growth rate, utilising the firm's current earnings per share (EPS), long-term book value per share (BVPS), and earnings retention rate. The model indicates that the firm can enhance its long-term growth rate by increasing its earnings per share (EPS) and retention rate, thereby augmenting its internal equity for financing growth opportunities.  

This paper investigated the financial management practices among Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in the Thulamela Local Municipality using a qualitative approach. The research focused on a sample of forty-eight respondents from the informal sector, which was deemed representative of the SMME landscape.  Interviews were conducted with SMME owners, guided by an interview framework, and recorded for transcription and thematic analysis. Findings revealed that competition is perceived as the primary cause of business failures; however, inadequate financial management emerged as a significant underlying issue. The study emphasizes the urgent need for intervention from government, banks, and academic institutions to offer financial management training and improve access to funding for SMMEs. Recommended actions include the establishment of workshops and seminars designed to enhance financial literacy among business owners. Such training would provide them with essential accounting and budgeting skills, ultimately enabling them to meet loan requirements from financial institutions and reducing the risk of cash flow issues and business failure.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of contemporary business, Small, Medium and Micro enterprises (SMMEs) must adopt intelligent and strategic approaches to maintain their competitive edge. A significant method for achieving this is using Human Resource (HR) analytics, which enables organisations to make informed decisions based on data insights. By examining workforce patterns, companies can enhance recruitment processes, retain high-performing employees, and increase productivity. Nevertheless, numerous SMMEs face challenges in fully integrating HR analytics due to limited resources, insufficient expertise, and resistance to change, which complicates effective workforce management. This paper investigates how HR analytics can empower SMMEs to make informed, data-driven choices that fortify their operations. It aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8, which advocates for sustainable economic growth, productive employment, and decent work for all individuals. Through a systematic review of existing literature, this study assesses the advantages, obstacles, and best practices associated with implementing HR analytics in smaller enterprises. The results indicate that HR analytics can revolutionise personnel management within SMMEs, facilitating processes from selecting suitable candidates to forecasting employee turnover and enhancing overall workplace productivity. It offers actionable recommendations for SMMEs to adopt HR analytics, including using cost-effective digital tools, fostering a data-centric organisational culture, and investing in employee development.

Effective tax systems rely on tax literacy and tax compliance behaviour among taxpayers for government revenue mobilisation. However, the extant literature suggests that in sub-Saharan Africa, mobilising tax revenue to fund public services and infrastructure development to achieve the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals (SDGs) remains a great challenge. According to the 2024 Revenue Statistics in Africa report, jointly undertaken by the African Union Commission (AUC), African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF), the OECD Centre for Tax Policy and Administration and the OECD Development Centre, the average tax-to-GDP ratio was 16% in African countries in 2022, compared to 19.3%, 21.5% and 34.0% respectively for  Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, and OECD countries. Despite being recognised as a critical aspect of tax compliance, the role played by political legitimacy in taxpayer compliance behaviour remained under-explored in developing countries. This study proposes an Augmented Theory of Planned Compliance Behaviour (ATPCB) framework, based on Ajzen’s (1991) theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and both the deterrence and accommodation theories of compliance, to predict taxpayers’ compliance behaviour, especially in developing countries. The framework comprises four components: attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, and political legitimacy. The findings of this study have implications for policymakers and researchers as it will assist future research in providing a structured approach for assessing taxpayers’ compliance behaviour. Also, it will provide interested parties with a better understanding of the combined effects of individuals’ beliefs, attitudes, norms, and political legitimacy on tax compliance. Lastly, the study will assist governments in deciding the future course of action towards effective policymaking for taxation and revenue mobilisation.

The phrase, which translates to "A man is a sheep, he cries within," holds deep historical and social significance in the community, reflecting complex social dynamics and traditional beliefs. "Monna ke Nku, O llela teng" serves as a symbolic representation of gender roles, power dynamics, and social hierarchies within the Balobedu community. This research article delves into the cultural significance of the phrase "Monna ke Nku, O llela teng" within the Balobedu community, with a particular focus on its impact in Motsinoni Village, located in the Greater Letaba Municipality of the Limpopo Province. The purpose of this study is to explore and document the various interpretations and cultural practices associated with the phrase "Monna ke Nku, O llela teng" among community members in Motsinoni Village. The study aimed to deepen understanding of the unique traditions, beliefs, and social structures of the Balobedu community, shedding light on the ways in which this phrase shapes individual identities and collective relationships. Adopting a qualitative research approach, the study utilized interviews, specifically semi-structured interviews to gather rich, in-depth data on the cultural significance of the phrase. The research design involved a case study methodology, allowing for a detailed exploration of the specific context of Motsinoni Village and an exploratory investigation of the broader implications of the phrase within the Balobedu community. Ethical considerations were prioritized throughout the research process, including obtaining informed consent from participants, ensuring confidentiality, and respecting the cultural norms and practices of the community.

Rural communities have tremendous difficulties in social justice and sustainable development due to the prevalent and ongoing nature of gender-based violence (GBV). This study aims to map sustainable GBV accountability ecosystems in the rural communities of the Vhembe district. The study seeks to discover the contextual elements, institutional mechanisms, and community dynamics that support long-lasting and sustainable response to GBV within the Vhembe District. Through in-depth interviews, the study gathered qualitative data using a qualitative research approach. The study engaged different stakeholders, including survivors, community leaders, law enforcement agencies, civil society, and government representatives, in order to get an in-depth understanding of the current GBV accountability structures and their sustainability. While a non-probability purposive sampling was adopted for the selection of the participants. Data was analysed using the Thematic analysis, with the assistance of Atlas TI Data software. The results of this study brought to light the complex issues that rural communities face in preventing GBV, which includes resource access issues, cultural norms, and weak institutional support. Moreover, the research has revealed the potential practices and community-driven initiatives that support sustainable accountability, including launching community-based support teams, establishing capacity-building programs, and stakeholders’ collaboration. The study findings will significantly assist the policymakers, practitioners, and researchers to develop targeted interventions and strengthen sustainable responses to GBV in rural communities of Vhembe district. Additionally, the ethical considerations were followed to protect the participants from any harm.