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Substance abuse and mental health concerns are growing issues among high school learners in South Africa. The study aims to investigate the prevalence, correlations and consequences of substance abuse and mental health concerns in Limpopo province. The study draws on Denise Kandal's theory of Gateway to understand and explain the progression of substance use and abuse among youth being high school learners and identify at-risk individuals as well as develop targeted prevention programs. The study adopted a qualitative case-study research design involving Five learners from Grade 10 as participants. The findings of the study revealed that 62,3% reported substance use, with alcohol and cannabis being the most used substances. Additionally, less than 50% of learners are screened positive for mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Notably, substance abuse was found to be significantly associated with mental health. The findings highlight the need for integrated prevention and intervention strategies addressing both substance abuse and mental health concerns in high schools. The study contributes to the understanding of co-occurring substance abuse and mental health concerns among high schools in South Africa. The findings emphasized the need for a comprehensive support system to address the issues and promote learner’s well-being.

This study explores the impact of women’s leadership and governance on stability and development in Limpopo province in South Africa, employing a qualitative research approach to provide a comprehensive analysis. Limpopo Province, with its complex socio-political landscape and historical context, presents a unique case for examining the role of women in leadership positions within both governmental and non-governmental sectors. The research integrates qualitative data to assess how women in leadership contribute to fostering stability, promoting socio-economic development, and influencing policy reforms. The qualitative component involves in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with women leaders, policymakers, and community members to gain insights into the strategies, challenges, and impacts of female leadership in governance. The findings showed that women in leadership positions have a positive influence on governance practices, social cohesion, and inclusive development, though challenges related to gender-based discrimination, political power dynamics, and institutional barriers remain significant. This study contributes to the broader discourse on gender equality in leadership, offering policy recommendations aimed at enhancing women’s participation in governance to achieve sustainable development and long-term stability in South Africa. Anti-discrimination laws must also be given top priority by governments and organizations, and prejudices in hiring and promotion procedures must be actively addressed.

This paper seeks to evaluate the progress that has been made towards achieving the NDP in post COVID-19 era. By bringing South Africans together, unleashing their energies, developing an inclusive economy, and strengthening the state's and leaders' capacity to collaborate on solving complex issues, the National Development Plan (NDP) aims to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality by 2030. The Plan's strategy centers on citizens taking an active role in their own development, a strong leadership across society that collaborates to solve issues, and a capable and developing state that can step in to address historical injustices. The Plan tackles the need to improve the state's capacity to grow more quickly, attract more workers, and boost living standards for everyone, especially the poor, as well as to improve the people's capacity to live the lifestyles they want. The COVID-19 epidemic has severely damaged an already damaged economy, which has impacted the NDP 2030's implementation. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods were employed in this study's mixed research technique. The mixed approach was chosen because it may be blended in a way that preserves the original procedures and structures of both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Purposive sampling, a kind of non-probability sampling, was employed to obtain a suitable sample to accomplish the study's goal. Questionnaires and interviews were the two methods of data collecting that the researcher employed. The International Business Machinery (IBM): Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS) version 28.0 computer program was used to perform statistical analysis on the data gathered from the questionnaires. The results were displayed using graphical tabular form, frequencies, and percentages. The data collected through interviews were analysed through thematic analysis and presented in narrative form.

Increasing access to quality education in South Africa has led to a rise in enrollment by students from diverse backgrounds at higher education institutions. However, first-entering students transition from secondary school to higher education, and it is hypothesized that this will affect students psychologically, socially, and financially. Financially, many higher education students in South Africa rely on the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). This study investigates the relationship between students’ socioeconomic backgrounds and academic success at a South African university. A mixed-methods approach surveyed 74 first-year students in the Extended Curriculum Programme at the University of Venda, South Africa. Findings from regression and correlation analyses indicate that poor and low socio-economic backgrounds among Extended Curriculum Programme students significantly affect their academic performance and success. These findings challenge the notion that disadvantaged backgrounds necessarily hinder student achievement and emphasize the importance of creating an environment that supports students from all socio-economic backgrounds. Eight policy recommendations and strategies are provided to enhance student success and support for diverse socio-economic backgrounds in higher education institutions.

Poverty remains a pervasive global challenge, disproportionately affecting women, with profound implications for their well-being and that of their families. The aim of the study was critically examining the underlying factors contributing to the high incidence of poverty among women in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The primary concern of this study is the alarming prevalence of poverty among women in Limpopo, a situation that has far-reaching consequences for both individual lives and broader societal structures. By exploring the social, economic, and cultural dimensions that perpetuate poverty, this study seeks to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on poverty and gender inequality in South Africa. Through a qualitative research approach, the study identified key factors that exacerbate women's vulnerability to poverty, including gender-based violence, limited access to education and healthcare, and social exclusion. The sample for this study consisted of five women selected to explore the phenomenon of feminized poverty. The sampling procedure used in this research was based on a non-probability sampling technique, specifically purposive sampling. purposive sampling was used to select five women who had experiences of feminized poverty, understood as the disproportionate representation of women among the poor due to gendered social, economic, and political factors. The data was collected using Semi-structured interviews to get firsthand experience from women. The collected data was analyzed thematically. The researcher went through the data, coding the text, and classifying the codes into more general themes that correspond to the research objectives. The study's findings demonstrated that social isolation and restricted access to basic services exacerbate this vulnerability. The study also found that because women are routinely excluded from social support that might enable them to become economically independent or break free from poverty, this kind of exclusion perpetuates cycles of poverty. The findings offered valuable insights for policymakers to create sustainable strategies that support gender equality and alleviate poverty in the region.

The COVID-19 pandemic has far-reaching social and economic consequences for everyone. Every country in the world was affected by the pandemic in one way or the other. To mitigate the effects, companies around the world implemented working from home strategies. However, not all jobs can be done from home. This means that healthcare workers were exempt from the working from home initiative. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of COVID-19 on the nurses’ mental health in the Thohoyandou area. The study was qualitative in nature and used exploratory research design. A sample of 15 participants were selected purposefully at Tshilidzini Hospital.  An interview guide was used for data collection and thematic content analysis was employed for data analysis. The findings revealed that the impact of COVID-19 on nurses’ mental health was anxiety and fear, depression and loneliness. The challenges nurses experienced include shortages of staff, workloads, shortage of personal protective equipment and lack of compensation. Moreover, this study revealed that nurses supported each other and used faith to cope with the impact of COVID-19 on their mental health. This study has made imperative recommendations such as counselling or debriefing as coping strategies for nurses and adequate supply of resources for healthcare workers. The study further motivates continual research to explore the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare workers’ mental health.

Numerous female students at universities are apprehensive about their physiques. Perception of body image has emerged as a global public health concern. This research examined the elements leading to body image dissatisfaction among female students at the University of Venda. The research was qualitative and utilised an exploratory design. A sample of 10 female students from the University of Venda was selected using the convenience sampling method. A pre-tested, semi-structured interview guide facilitated data collection, while thematic content analysis was employed to examine the gathered data. The study's findings indicated that body comparison, societal beauty standards, social media, and body shaming by family and friends were the primary factors contributing to students' dissatisfaction with their body image. The findings indicated that students with body image dissatisfaction encountered obstacles such as a lack of self-confidence, tension, avoidance, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Acceptance of body image, self-care, and a nutritious diet were recognised as coping mechanisms to address the issues associated with student body image dissatisfaction. In conclusion, students ought to be urged to seek timely professional assistance to address their body image issues and prevent a deterioration in their everyday functioning.  

South African government and economic prosperity are threatened by public finance corruption. From apartheid, poor public financial management, weak regulatory frameworks, and entrenched political favouritism have exacerbated the problem. This chapter examines South Africa's public finance corruption, its theoretical foundation, and its effects on public trust, economic growth, and government. Rent-seeking organisations foster corruption, as Buchanan's (1980) public choice theory and Klitgaard's (1988) monopoly and discretion model demonstrate. False financial reporting, procurement fraud, embezzlement, and fund theft drain public funding for vital services and infrastructure. Also given is institutional economics illustrating how weak institutions promote corruption. Even with laws, combating corruption is difficult. The chapter uses global case studies to promote legal frameworks, transparency, and public institution competence to fight corruption. The chapter recommends ethical governance, public sector capacity-building, citizen participation, legislation, and cultural reforms to fight corruption. It further underscores the policy challenges inherent in implementing these anti-corruption strategies, including political resistance, limited institutional resources, and societal complicity. Future research should examine anti-corruption strategies and how technology might improve public financial management openness.

Since the seminal work of Allingham and Sandmo in 1972, tax evasion has been firmly established as a complex and multifaceted global issue. This study posits that one practical approach to mitigate tax evasion in developing countries is to utilise Cressey’s (1953) fraud triangle model as a framework for analysing taxpayers’ decisions. The theory explains why individuals commit fraud, including tax evasion, through three key factors: pressure, opportunity, and rationalisation. The study used the theoretical research method (literature review) as postulated by Alm (2011) to examine and explain the tax evasion phenomenon. The findings suggest that utilising the fraud triangle model (in the context of new technology such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, data mining and deep learning) will be beneficial to policymakers. First, it will assist tax authorities in profiling taxpayers by focusing on behaviours and other factors (economic and non-economic) that influence tax evasion. Next, with this framework, tax authorities can formulate advanced risk management strategies that directly tackle the fundamental elements of the Fraud Triangle, thereby improving their efforts against tax evasion. Furthermore, it offers invaluable guidance to lawmakers and policymakers, preparing them to develop strong legislation aimed at narrowing the tax gap from aggressive tax avoidance and evasion schemes. Finally, the framework can illuminate broader economic or industry-wide circumstances that increase the overall risk of tax evasion, facilitating proactive measures before difficulties arise. Thus, integrating the fraud triangle framework into the tax administration process can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of tax authorities and contribute to fairer tax systems in developing countries.

The struggle to fight food insecurities in rural communities across the globe is ongoing. At least a little progress has been made regarding developing knowledge and traditional practices for using traditional vegetables. This local knowledge development encompasses not only food provisioning to local communities but also caters to promoting quality health care. Enough evidence thus far attests that rural communities face food insecurity and are chronically malnourished.  Other research results concur that humans have long utilised plants to address food insecurity. The verbal and signed consent obtained from the participants before the survey began followed a thorough explanation of the study's purpose. The researcher accentuated the participants' voluntary participation and guaranteed the protection of their privacy. Surveys were conducted through face-to-face interviews and field trips to gather field notes. Plant samples were collected from the home gardens and the wild to prepare voucher specimens deposited in the Department of Botany herbarium. Twenty-four plant species of 20 genera belonging to 13 different botanical families were inventoried. An outstanding 100% of the documented traditional vegetables formed integral contributors to food preparations for combating food insecurity. Leaves of all the 24 inventoried vegetables are edible. They are blended or garnished with their own or of other species’ fruits and seeds for preparations of relish consumed with stiff maize-meal porridge. Generally, other uses of these plants include ornamental, craft, and healing properties for various ailments. It is concluded that the consumption of these plants valuably contributes toward no hunger and a healthier nation.

This qualitative study examined the Men and Boys Championing Change programme’s effectiveness in reducing gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa’s Vhembe district, facilitated by Traditional leaders (Mahosi) using an empowerment model. In-depth, semi-structured interviews with ten Mahosi purposefully selected using a non-probability sampling method, analysed thematically and supported by a 4-point Likert-type scale, indicated positive perceptions of the programme, scoring an average of 3.7 out of 4. Leaders highlighted improved attitudes, male engagement, and gender equity as programme benefits. However, sustainability concerns scored 3.0, reflecting a moderate to high level of agreement that limited resources may impact long-term success. The findings suggest the programme promotes community cohesion, social justice, and respect for women while highlighting resource constraints as barriers to lasting impact.

The study claims that gender greatly affects STEM performance, with one gender continuously outperforming another, which may influence instructors' methods. One gender's performance ratings vary more than the other, suggesting STEM academic success is inconsistent. We collected data using varied methodologies. STEM enrolment and performance data were evaluated using Python statistical analysis programs with mean, median, and variability evaluations, and boxplots, pie charts, and bar charts were shown. This study found that (i) STEM qualifications have significant enrolment disparities, with Extended BSc Biochemistry and Microbiology being the most popular and Extended BSc Mathematics and Statistics being the least, and (ii) curriculum attractiveness and employment prospects strongly influence student selections. Female students excelled in Biology, Chemistry, and English, while male students excelled in IT and Mathematics. Finally, informed policy formulation and curriculum development are needed to improve STEM student engagement and achievement across genders.

This paper aims to explore the transformative potential of replacing traditional dissertations with community-based projects for law students. It examines how these projects empower both communities and students by addressing key challenges, such as the need for work experience among new graduates and the development of essential skills for the next centuries such as project management, entrepreneurship, problem solving and critical thinking. These skills are crucial for diverse career paths, including roles in non-governmental organizations, academia, management, public service, and entrepreneurship. This study drew on an interdisciplinary approach within a Master's in Law Social Justice program offered by the University of Cape Town. The student utilized non-traditional research methods in law, including job shadowing, interviews, questionnaires, and workshops, to identify and implement impactful solutions for the realisation of the right to health within the Hawston Community in Cape Town. The chosen project which was aimed ensuring the enjoyment of the right to health by residence of the Hawston Community involved palliative care training and fundraising for personal protective equipment and bicycles for caregivers at the Overstrand Care Centre in Hawston, South Africa. The findings of the project demonstrated that law students if empowered with both qualitative and quantitative research methods can use their legal knowledge to conceive projects that result in transformative outcomes which are informed by legal principles and values advocated and advanced throughout their legal studies. The palliative care training which fostered the enjoyment of the right to health significantly improved caregivers' ability to support their communities, addressing gaps in access to healthcare and building a solid foundation for the enjoyment of the right to health provided for in section 27 of the South African Constitution. For the student, the initiative offered practical experience in project management, interdisciplinary research, and community engagement. It also highlighted the value of experiential learning as a pathway for developing entrepreneurship, leadership, and professional skills. The conclusion by the student was that, practical community-based projects as final assessments in legal education can create both theoretically grounded graduates who are socially responsive and can directly address community needs. Compared to writing a dissertation, this approach which will include a writing component of a literature review fosters a new generation of lawyers equipped with practical skills, a commitment to social justice, and the potential to drive entrepreneurship as well as sustainable initiatives. By integrating such projects into legal education, the author recommends institutions to offer an alternative of community projects as opposed to dissertation writing to cultivate future leaders who are both community-sensitive and practice-ready, bridging the gap between academia and societal impact.

Education has transitioned from an informal, community-driven process rooted in family and tribal collectivism to a formalized system of structured learning within schools. This paper explores the historical evolution of education, beginning with its early roots in natural, informal interactions within communities and the pivotal role of parents and families in shaping foundational learning. It examines the shift to formal education, driven by the advent of written symbols and societal complexity, and highlights the critical functions of schools in socialization, skill acquisition, and cultural preservation. Foundational theories on education are discussed, emphasizing its social embeddedness and collective purpose. The paper further addresses contemporary challenges in formal education, including issues of accessibility, quality disparities, systemic discrimination, and the selective nature of assessments. These challenges are analyzed through the lens of international legal frameworks, such as the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and the Convention Against Discrimination in Education (CADE), which provide a normative basis for addressing inequities in education systems. The methodology taking a doctrinal approach involves a critical review of historical accounts, theoretical perspectives, and legal instruments, to uncover both cultural nuances and global legal standards relating to education. The findings underscore the transformative potential of education when it is inclusive, adaptable, and aligned with societal, cultural and legal contexts. Recommendations include improving accessibility and quality. By emphasizing the role of law in advancing these objectives, the study calls for systemic reforms to achieve universal access to quality education and highlights the necessity of aligning education with the broader goals of societal equity and development.

Sex motivated by economic exchange is a major public health problem which predisposes individuals to HIV and other sexually-transmitted diseases. The current study explored the psychosocial challenges faced by young females dating sugar daddies. A qualitative approach using a case study design was employed. A purposive sampling method was used to select the participant, data was collected through semi-structured interviews using an interview guide and thematic content analysis was conducted. The results indicated that the contributory factors/ reasons for young females dating sugar daddies are the need for financial support, emotional maturity of the sugar daddies, materialistic gain, peer influence, stress reduction, an innate desire for a father figure and the young female’s poverty/impoverished conditions. Additionally, the results showed that young females face challenges when dating sugar daddies which include risk of contracting sexually-transmitted infections, lack of emotional attachment and poor academic performance. Awareness campaigns and educational programs were identified as strategies to aid reduce females’ trend of dating sugar daddies. The current study has contributed to the existing body of knowledge on a psychological understanding of the phenomenon and efforts should be made to work with the community to reduce the transactional sex pandemic. 

Nyaope is proportionately a new substance/drug in South Africa. It is a combination of heroin and cannabis, and it is a very addictive drug. Nyaope is a public health concern in South Africa because of its spread and prevalence across townships. The streets of South Africa have been described as being flooded by Nyaope, and it is destroying communities due to its highly addictive nature, availability, and cheap prices. In South Africa, Nyaope is one of the illicit drugs that concerns the government. The use of Nyaope is worrying because it is higher than other harder drugs like methamphetamine, cocaine, and ecstasy because of its addictiveness. The study applied the qualitative research approach to understand the comprehensive analysis of the effectiveness of nyaope rehabilitation programs for individuals in recovery. The study used semi-structured face-to-face interviews with purposive sampling selected as a technique. The study utilized interviews as an instrument for data collection. An exploratory research design was employed in the study to explore the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs for individuals in recovery.  The study observed ethical considerations such as informed consent, confidentiality, beneficence, debriefing, and harm avoidance. The study applied systems theory and ecological approach to provide a framework and foundation. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs in addressing Nyaope addiction among individuals in Seshego, Polokwane, Capricorn District. The findings shed light on the management of rehabilitation programs in the study area, providing insights into the effectiveness and areas for improvement. Keywords Addicts, effectiveness, Nyaope, rehabilitation, service users and social workers.      

Gender-based violence (GBV) is increasingly gaining local and international attention. South Africa has been experiencing high volume of GBV cases. Men are unable to report gender-based violence cases because of fears for discrimination, labelling and cultural norms. Traditionally, men are expected to be strong despite the difficulties experienced. Although there is high unequal implementation of programs and policies that caters for GBV, male victims continue to suffer because the societal perception, stigmatization, and discrimination. Notwithstanding the existing policies, men continue to become victims of gender-based violence at an alarming rate. Gender-based violence against men has disturbing effects which includes physical effects, mental health illness, sexual dysfunctionality suicide and femicide. Men significantly suffer gender-based violence which this leads to lack of self-expression due to societal expectations and finding it difficult to seek help and report about the abuse. This mostly results to divorce, homicides and other mental related problems. The purpose of the study was to explore the destructive effects of gender-based violence against men in South Africa. The study employed the qualitative research approach with exploratory research design adopted. A sample of 14 male victims of gender-based violence was chosen for the purpose of the study. The study used interviews with semi-structured interview schedule used to guide the session. Purposive sampling technique was used with thematic content used for data analysis process. Among the many effects experienced, the study established the physical, mental health problems, sexual dysfunctionality, suicide and homicide to be the main effects of gender-based violence against men. Family systems theory was found to be relevant in the study to understand the dynamics of gender-based violence.

The capacity of authors to generate coherent articles largely relies on their proficient use of cohesive devices.  This chapter examines the utilisation of reiteration by Grade 12 English First Additional Language (EFAL) learners in the Malamulele South Circuit to attain cohesiveness in their written English essays.  Cohesion is an essential characteristic employed by educators when evaluating students' essays.  Thus, a deficiency in consistency in writing may result in diminished grades or outright failure.  The appropriate use of cohesive devices improves the logical progression and interrelation of phrases, paragraphs, and entire writings.  This study employed a qualitative research methodology, sampling fifteen essays from a designated school in the Malamulele South Circuit.  These essays have been assessed, reviewed, and finalised.  Document analysis functioned as the principal method for data collecting.  The results indicated that Grade 12 EFAL students in the Malamulele South Circuit employed many forms of reiteration, including repetition, synonyms, and antonyms, to construct cohesive writings.  Nevertheless, the study emphasised that these learners frequently generated repetitive and redundant sentences due to their propensity to excessively repeat words and phrases for emphasis.  Furthermore, they faced challenges in the proficient use of synonyms and antonyms.

Foster care is a fundamental alternative care service available for children in need of care and protection. It is aimed at nurturing the development and welfare of children who are declared to be in need of care and protection in South Africa. Over the years, foster care services in South Africa have experienced a significant amount of backlog, disadvantaging the potential or prospective beneficiaries. Children are considered part of the vulnerable groups in South Africa as considered by global organizations/institutions such as the United Nations and the African Union. Globally, foster care is one of the mechanisms considered alternative care for children who have been declared to be in need of care and protection. The paper aimed to explore the effects of the foster care backlog on the prospective beneficiaries in the Vhembe region of Limpopo Province, South Africa. The paper further seeks to provide an understanding of the foster care backlog on the prospective foster children and the prospective foster parents. The study employed the qualitative research approach to achieve the aims of the study and have an understanding of the perceptions of the participants. An exploratory research design was adopted for the paper to understand better the phenomenon from the perspectives of the participants. The objective of this study was to describe the effects of foster care backlog and how it affects the beneficiaries. The study used semi-structured and unstructured interviews to collect data with a sample of 11 participants used for the study. The study used purposive sampling because of the understanding and knowledge of the participants. Thematic content analysis using Creswell’s methods of data analysis was used in this study. Considerations were made for the use of systems theory to provide a foundation and background for the study and to understand the effects of the foster care backlog on the prospective beneficiaries.  The study found that peer group pressure, poor school attendance and drop in academic performance, lack of satisfaction with basic needs, and high levels of burnout and stress are some of the effects of this phenomenon.

The educational institutions in South Africa face challenges in integrating crucial 21st-century skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation into their academic programs. Project-based learning (PBL) has emerged as a valuable approach to enhancing entrepreneurial education by developing these essential competencies through real-world applications. PBL effectively bridges the gap between theoretical concepts and practical problem-solving in real-life situations by involving students in practical, hands-on learning. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of Project-Based Learning (PBL) in fostering entrepreneurial skills among first-year science students at a rural university. Using a mixed-methods approach, participants created and presented organic soaps, simulating authentic business processes. The study used purposive sampling, and student performance was evaluated by a panel based on specific criteria. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and One-Way ANOVA, with data visualisation using Python's Matplotlib. The paper investigated whether the implementation of PBL significantly enhances students' entrepreneurial skills compared to traditional teaching methods. The study revealed that 210 students, mainly from schools with limited resources, faced challenges in practical chemistry despite prior instruction in Physical Sciences. The implementation of project-based learning proved to be an effective method for nurturing entrepreneurial skills, highlighting the importance of experiential learning. It is essential for higher education institutions to integrate entrepreneurship into their curricula, collaborate with industry, improve group dynamics, and prioritise quality control. These strategies have the potential to foster innovation and better prepare students for self-employment opportunities.