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This paper critically examines the characteristics and challenges of small-scale farming in Wegdraai Village, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Drawing on secondary literature, comparative case studies, and thematic analysis, the paper integrates localized evidence such as reliance on family labour, fragmented plots under two hectares, and subsistence-oriented crop diversity with global perceptions from India, Kenya, and Ethiopia. The paper’s finding demonstrated that insecure land tenure, erratic rainfall, soil degradation, and limited access to irrigations and credit undermine productivity, while women and older adults disproportionately shoulder agricultural labour yet remain excluded from decision-making. Despite these constraints, informal networks and indigenous knowledge sustain resilience strategies. Thus, by situating Wegdraai Village within an agricultural ecosystem framework, the paper shows how systemic vulnerabilities disrupt farmer supplier market institution linkages. Therefore, the paper’s recommendations emphasize tenure reform, inclusive cooperations, climate-smart training, and youth focused agric-tech initiatives to strengthen resilience and ensure sustainable food security in marginalized communities.

Cultural practice Gonyalelwa lapa’ occurs when a family chooses to marry a woman, regardless of whether she has children or not, with the intention of her bearing children for their deceased son. Nevertheless, young individuals who are raised within the context of ‘Gonyalelwa lapa’ encounter certain difficulties. This manuscript asserts that, despite these challenges, there are also favorable perspectives regarding this cultural practice. The research endeavor aimed to examine and elucidate the reflections of young individuals who were raised within the framework of ‘Gonyalelwa lapa’. For this purpose, qualitative research methods were employed, specifically adopting a phenomenological approach within an exploratory, descriptive, and contextual framework. Data was gathered from a sample of twenty-three young individuals (including both males and females) utilizing purposive and snowball sampling techniques and subsequently subjected to thematic data analysis. The investigation exposed that growing up in ‘Gonyalelwa lapa’ has had an impact on the youth in diverse manners. These encounters entail mistreatment, insufficient monetary assistance resulting in starvation, gender-based prejudice, especially directed towards females who are not biologically related to their mothers' "marital family", and sensing exclusion and inhospitality within these kinships. Transdisciplinary contribution: This study contributes to the understanding of the effects of ‘Gonyalelwa lapa’ cultural practice on young people from a variety of disciplines such as cultural dimensions, psychological and socio-legal. The findings call for the need for multidisciplinary interventions and policy makers to mitigate the negative consequences of ‘Gonyalelwa lapa’ cultural practice on young people who are raised within this context.

Population growth at the household level increases pressure on water and land resources. This study examined the impact of household population growth on water and land resource depletion in Limpopo Province of South Africa, using a desktop research approach with secondary data from academic journals, government reports, and relevant policy documents. The findings show that as household population size increases, the demand for water and land also rises, leading to overuse, environmental degradation, soil erosion, pollution, and reduced availability of these resources. The study also found that low use of family planning and contraceptives contributes to faster household growth and unsustainable resource use, threatening ecosystem services and food security. Using the lens of the Second Demographic Transition (SDT) theory, the study highlighted that improving access to family planning and reproductive health education could help manage household population growth and reduce pressure on natural resources. The study concluded that household population growth negatively affected water and land resources in Limpopo Province and recommended promoting family planning programs, sustainable development practices, effective resource management, and stronger local government involvement in planning and policy implementation to ensure environmental sustainability.

Sustainable development aims to create a societal framework in which economic advancement transpires without undermining environmental integrity. Despite advancements in developed countries, an estimated 1.3 billion individuals worldwide continue to experience a lack of access to electricity, significantly impeding their socio-economic development. This study examined the potential strategies for Thulamela Local Municipality to augment its initiatives related to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7, with a particular emphasis on the empowerment of small businesses to address energy requirements and advance sustainable development objectives. Therefore, the mixed-methods approach was employed, distributing 42 questionnaires to small enterprises at Tshilamba Rural Township and conducting semi-structured interviews with 5 key officials from the Thulamela Local Municipality. A comprehensive review of relevant literature was also conducted to guide the research process before fieldwork. The findings of this study elucidated several barriers to energy access, which included an unreliable power supply, elevated electricity costs, insufficient infrastructure, and the substantial investment necessary for the implementation of sustainable energy solutions. The literature has further underscored the inadequacies in energy production and supply infrastructure, which constrain the operational efficiency of small businesses. The results clearly indicate that although these businesses are robust and profit-generating, they do not have the necessary infrastructure and assistance to implement sustainable energy solutions. Thus, it recommended establishment of collaborations with renewable energy suppliers to provide cost-effective solar options or different energy sources ideal for small-scale businesses.

Three decades after the advent of democracy in South Africa, and with only five years remaining towards 2030 of attaining sustainable development, youth unemployment remains alarmingly high. The national unemployment rate currently stands at approximately 34%, with youth unemployment exceeding 60%. This persists despite the United Nations’ Agenda 2030, which outlines 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aimed at eradicating poverty, fostering development, and stimulating inclusive economic growth. Specifically, SDG 8 seeks to “promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all”. Yet South Africa continues to grapple with entrenched unemployment, particularly among its youth, aggravating related social and economic challenges such as poverty, inequality, and crime. Achieving SDG 8 appears increasingly elusive for developing economies like South Africa, where political, social and economic realities often misalign with global development aspirations. This paper critically examines the embedded intricacies towards achieving SDG 8, focusing on the structural drivers of youth unemployment in South Africa. Guided by the Broken Window Theory, the study employs a qualitative, desktop-based research approach with systematic data analysis. Findings reveal that weak policy implementation, especially of pro-poor policies, remains a critical barrier, compounded by stagnant economic growth, high poverty rates, limited state capacity, corruption, policy uncertainty, and overreliance on the private sector for job creation. The paper concludes with recommendations for strengthening policy execution, expanding government capacity, and creating pathways for meaningful youth participation in the economy to realise the aspirations of SDG 8.

This article explores accountability and strategies to improve water service delivery in South African local municipalities, focusing on Bushbuckridge Local Municipality. Public officials often struggle to implement effective measures to ensure adequate water provision. Accountability in water delivery remains weak, with municipalities widely underperforming due to unqualified personnel, lack of technical expertise, corruption, and limited financial resources. These factors hinder municipalities’ ability to uphold Section 27 of the 1996 Constitution, which guarantees citizens the right to clean water. Using a qualitative approach, the study reviews scholarly literature, government reports, and policy documents to assess performance and challenges. Findings reveal that mismanagement of municipal funds and employment of unqualified technical staff are key causes of poor water service delivery. The study also highlights that increasing water boreholes could reduce waterborne diseases and lower living costs for local residents. However, successful investment in borehole infrastructure requires parallel efforts to develop managerial and financial skills among community members and leaders of community-based organisations (CBOs). Strengthening collaboration between municipalities, CBOs, and communities is vital to enhance participation, promote accountability, and achieve sustainable water service delivery in Bushbuckridge and other South African municipalities.

This paper interrogates the intersections between race, class and ethnicity in contemporary South African society, highlighting how economic exclusion, unequal access to opportunities and ethnic tensions undermine democratic ideals. Since the advent of democracy in 1994, South Africa has grappled with the enduring legacies of apartheid and colonialism where racial and class divisions continue to shape social, political and economic life. While democracy promised inclusivity and equality, the persistence of racism and classism reveals deep structural inequalities that complicate nation-building and social cohesion. By examining the lived experiences of marginalised groups and the privileges retained by elites the paper demonstrates how class stratification intersects with racial identity to reproduce old hierarchies in new forms. Ultimately, the paper concludes that addressing these dilemmas requires transformative policies that move beyond symbolic reconciliation towards substantive equality, economic justice and the dismantling of systemic barriers that sustain exclusion.

This article explores the portrayal of corruption and moral decay in selected Xitsonga protest poetry, focusing on Ngobeni K.J.'s "Xana i vuphorisa ke?"  and Khosa M.A.'s "Hi lo yini hina?". The study investigates how figurative language, particularly proverbs, metaphors, and rhetorical devices, functions not only as a literary technique but also as a social critique drawing on the context theory of meaning, which emphasizes how linguistic expressions derive their meaning from sociocultural and historical contexts in which they are used, the analysis demonstrates how the poets encode complex critiques of institutional decay into culturally resonant language. The study employs a qualitative research design using content analysis to identify and interpret themes of corruption in policing and religion. The findings reveal that both ports present corruption not simply as an act of individual moral failure but as a systemic issue rooted in nepotism, bribery, and spiritual manipulation. Ultimately, the article argues that protest poetry in indigenous languages serves as a powerful tool for moral reflection and civic engagement in contemporary South African society. 

Gender-based violence (GBV) is widely recognised as a serious human rights issue; however, the experiences of male victims remain largely overlooked and underreported. This study explores the silent and often ignored reality of GBV against men within the Polokwane Municipality of Limpopo Province, South Africa. While dominant narratives frequently position GBV as violence perpetrated by men against women, this research sheds light on the growing, yet muted, phenomenon of male victimisation. Using a qualitative case study approach, data were gathered from ten purposively selected participants through semi-structured interviews, including an in-depth session with a key informant. Thematic analysis was employed to interpret the findings. The study reveals that male victims frequently suffer psychological abuse, emotional neglect, and social isolation. Deeply entrenched gender norms, societal expectations of masculinity, and fear of stigma significantly hinder men from seeking help. Furthermore, a lack of targeted support services and a predominant focus of existing GBV frameworks on women and children leaves male survivors marginalised. This research emphasises the need for inclusive and gender-sensitive interventions, including awareness campaigns to challenge stereotypes and the development of support systems responsive to male experiences. By highlighting these gaps, the study contributes to a broader and more equitable understanding of GBV, advocating for policies that support all survivors, regardless of gender.

South Africa’s economy is heavily reliant on coal-fired power, which contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; hence, it embraced the Just Energy Transition (JET) to realise a low-carbon economy. This ignited the emergence of competing discourses constituted of proponents of coal and advocates of renewable energy. Transforming a deeply entrenched coal-dependent energy system to renewables is not a straightforward endeavour. Thus, the JET in South Africa faces several obstacles, including political interference, financial constraints, high costs of renewables, and resistance from labour unions, among others. Coal proponents are resisting the JET under contestations that phasing coal out presents various socio-economic implications towards coal-dependent industries, communities, livelihoods and jobs, especially in provinces such as Mpumalanga and Limpopo. While renewable energy proponents are driven by the ambition to reduce GHG emissions, responding to climate change, with the promise of green industries and jobs. Through a systematic literature review, the paper examines competing discourses of the JET in the pursuit of harmonising them. The paper argues that it is important for South Africa to transition, however, not with precipitous haste. The paper recommends that the JET needs to be well-sequenced and judicious to foster energy diversification and readiness, rather than rapidly abandoning coal. This narrows the gap between the two competing discourses, protects energy security and socio-economic stability. The recommendations put forth include policy coherence, multilevel coordination, investments in storage systems, and means such as re-skilling labourers from the coal industry into the renewable energy sector to realise a genuinely just transition. 

The online media remains one of the most influential societal institutions, largely contributing to shaping public perceptions on female criminality, this is often reinforced or challenged by the existing societal norms and stereotypes. Following the non-empirical research design (systematic review), the objective of this study was to explore the representation of different types of crimes committed by South African female offenders through News24 and YouTube online media platforms, heavily relying on ‘eNews Channel Africa (eNCA), Newzroom Afrika, South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) News, and Crime Watch, restricted to 2018 and 2024. This study was qualitative in nature the reviewed studies were purposively selected, this data collection method was supported by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework and analysed using the inductive Thematic Content Analysis (TCA). ). A total of 41 News24 articles and 7 YouTube videos were included. The study findings selectively indicate that five (5) crime categories were represented by News24 and YouTube online media platforms regarding the representation of different types of crimes [commonly] committed by South African female offenders, namely: 1) Murder, 2) Fraud, 3) Theft, 4) Drug trafficking, and; 5) Child abuse and neglect. It was also established that the South African online media platforms tend to sensationalise stories of female offenders often committing violent crimes and crimes against children, while representations of financial and drug-related crimes generally remain neutral in their portrayal. For recommendations the online media platforms should adopt more balanced reporting practices; while ensuring that the Journalists should adhere to the ethical editorial guidelines promoting fair and accurate portrayals of female offenders, inclusive to the male offenders.   

Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a critical issue within South African universities. It affects students’ safety, well-being, and access to quality education. Despite efforts to address this issue, universities continue to experience cases of sexual violence, harassment, emotional abuse, and coercion. Student protests and public concern have also exposed weaknesses in institutional responses and survivor protection. This study aims to systematically review existing literature on GBV in South African universities to identify what is currently known, how GBV is understood, and what gaps exist in literature. The study was guided by Social Learning and Intersectionality theories. A qualitative systematic literature review approach was adopted. The findings revealed that GBV is shaped by harmful gender norms, patriarchal attitudes, alcohol and substance abuse, economic vulnerability, and weak institutional accountability. Literature review further revealed that many survivors avoid reporting incidents because of fear, stigma, victim-blaming, and distrust in institutional systems. GBV was also found to have serious psychological, social, physical, and academic effects on students. The study concludes that GBV remains a structural challenge within South African higher education institutions. The study recommends stronger institutional accountability, survivor-centred support services, gender transformation programmes, and collaborative interventions to create safer university environments.

The online media coverage often serves as the primary source of information for the public regarding their everyday lives, correctional centres included, even though these institutions are isolated from the general public. Nevertheless, the individual’s perceptions are largely influenced by online media portrayals of correctional centres. Using the non-empirical research design: Systematic review, with the objective of t exploring the portrayal of South African female prison (correctional centre) life through the use of ‘News24 and YouTube online media platforms,’ aided by ‘eNews Channel Africa (eNCA), Newzroom Afrika, South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) News and Crime Watch.’ This study employed qualitative research approach. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) was adopted to analyse the purposively selected studies, supported by the inductive Thematic Content Analysis (TCA) to identify, code, and interpret recurring study themes and patterns from this subject. The study findings indicate that the online media platforms construct a dualistic image of female prison (correctional centre) life, often oscillating between depictions of brutality and too lenient, resulting in mixed perceptions which may complicates the public's understanding of female incarceration. It is recommended that the online media organisations should strengthen ethical standards relating to the coverage of correctional centres and inmates, including avoiding dehumanising descriptions that can stigmatise incarcerated women and deter reintegration.

The rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals have increasingly become politicised in Africa in recent years. The prevalent notion that Africa is "homophobic" conceals a significant array of political dynamics around LGBT rights across the continent. Numerous studies indicate that the politicisation of LGBT life in Africa distorts their experiences and fails to encapsulate the intricacies of African sexuality. This study aimed to investigate sexual orientation from an Afrocentric perspective. This study specifically examined how black bisexual women managed and negotiated their sexual wants and orientation. The researchers utilised an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) study design, requiring document analysis and comprehensive interviews for data collection. The research indicated that planning and strategy facilitated participants in identifying ways to reveal their sexual orientation. Bisexual women must disclose their orientation despite being in a hostile environment, driven by their pursuit of pleasure and autonomy. The writers advocate for a post-colonial reevaluation and reimagining to rethink and reclaim African cultural practices and beliefs that correspond with an Afrocentric perspective on sexuality.

The relationship between election results and economic development remains a contentious debate in various contexts, including academia. The article assesses the effects of national election results on economic development in South Africa. Election results can affect economic development and good governance through good policies implementation after elections. This article employs the qualitative method to review scholarly journals, books, government programmes, reports and policies for its data collection and analysis. The findings reveal that elections can improve economic policy by increasing government accountability. Hence, it is recommended that, the government implement inclusive economic policies focusing on job creation, skills development, and empowerment of marginalised groups to ensure broad-based economic growth and social stability. Overall, election results can yield positive effects on economic development depending on policy development and implementation, the firmness and strength of the political environment, and the responsiveness of markets and institutions. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for anticipating economic trends and making informed decisions on economic growth

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) occupies a central position in the maintenance of international peace and the adjudication of disputes between states. Yet, its authority often collides with the enduring principle of state sovereignty, creating a persistent tension that shapes its effectiveness and legitimacy. This paper critically interrogates this delicate balance,examining how sovereignty constrains the ICJ’s jurisdiction, influences its decision-making, and undermines the enforcement of its judgments. Using an interpretive methodology grounded in Critical Legal Studies, International Relations Theory, and Postcolonial Theory, the study analyses treaties, case law, and scholarly commentary to explore the Court’s structural and political limitations, particularly in cases involving powerful states. The findings reveal systemic challenges (including the absence of compulsory jurisdiction, selective compliance, and political resistance) that weaken the ICJ’s authority. The paper concludes by proposing normative and institutional reforms aimed at enhancing state compliance and reinforcing the Court’s credibility and relevance within the international legal order. In doing so, it contributes to the broader discourse on global justice and the future of international adjudication amid enduring concerns over state sovereignty.

The apartheid regime in South Africa enforced policies of ethnic classification and segregation, most notably through the establishment of tribal designations that aimed to divide the Bantu-speaking populations into separate homelands. These policies fostered deep-rooted ethnic tensions, resource conflicts, and political fragmentation that continue to influence South African society today. While apartheid officially ended in 1994, its legacy persists, especially in the form of ongoing tribal disputes, political party alignments, and competition for scarce resources. This study investigates how the apartheid-era tribal classification system has contributed to contemporary ethnic division, focusing on its impact on national unity, political polarization, and economic inequality. It explores the way these historical divisions persist in political party identification such as the geopolitical origins of political parties often dictate their tribal affiliation and the resulting fragmentation of the national political landscape. Additionally, the study examines how tribalism continues to affect cultural industries, where artists and entertainers often find themselves confined by tribal boundaries rather than celebrating a unified South African identity. Drawing on theories of social identity and post-colonial nationalism, this paper aims to provide insights into the importance of addressing these historical divisions through dialogue, reconciliation, and inclusive nation-building. The goal is to highlight strategies for overcoming tribalism and fostering a cohesive national identity that transcends historical divisions and promotes peace and unity.

South Africa’s G20 Presidency in 2025 occurs at a time when global inequality, sovereign debt distress, and development financing gaps continue to restrict progress in the Global South, especially in Africa. This study examines how South Africa seeks to take advantage of its middle-power status and presidential agenda to advance African developmental priorities within the G20 framework. Using qualitative analysis of desk-based content and discourse of the G20 Leaders’ Declarations, Sherpa track documents, DIRCO policy statements, and related official communications, the document assesses both the formulation and acceptance of South Africa’s key policy positions. The findings indicate that South Africa has been effective in agenda-setting particularly in securing recognition of the need for fairer restructuring of sovereign debt, climate finance, and reforms of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs). However, its efforts face structural resistance from advanced economies, limiting the extent to which these priorities translate into substantive changes in global financial governance or binding commitments on development financing. The study argues that to overcome these constraints, future Global South presidencies should adopt coordinated coalition-building strategies with the African Union (AU), BRICS+ and MDBs. Such alliances can strengthen negotiating power, ensure continuity across summits, and help move the G20 from rhetorical acknowledgement toward tangible systemic reforms that better serve vulnerable African economies.

The objectives of this paper are, first, to explore factors influencing customers' satisfaction with private healthcare services, and second, to investigate the relationship between patient attributes and the factors influencing customer satisfaction. The SERVQUAL model was employed to assess the quality of healthcare services from the patients’ perspective, offering valuable insights for private healthcare providers in Limpopo, South Africa. The study surveyed 242 patients from the Thulamela District Municipality using a self-administered questionnaire. A quantitative research approach and stratified random sampling were used to collect the data. The results indicate that factors influencing customer satisfaction in private medical services include the physical environment of the practice, the competence of reception staff, and the professionalism of medical doctors. Additionally, the study found a significant relationship between patient attributes and these key factors. The study underscores the importance of aligning healthcare service delivery with patient needs and expectations to enhance competitiveness and ensure long-term sustainability. To enhance customer satisfaction, the medical doctors are encouraged to focus on tangible aspects of their facilities and human resources, operational and structural enhancements, accessibility and pricing.

Despite National and International commitments for gender equality and victims or survivours of sexual encounters, the envisaged protections, gaps in legislative frameworks, and institutional policies implementation exist, coupled with underreporting and inadequate institutional response. The student sexual victimisations in South African universities remain a persistent challenge, necessitating comprehensive legislative and institutional policies to ensure student safety and security for potential victims. Objectively, this study describes the effectiveness of existing legislative frameworks and institutional policies to address sexual victimisation in the selected South African rural and urban universities. This qualitative study used the descriptive research design to follow the predetermined steps of a documentary study, focusing on documentary sources and the electronic databases; the reviewed data was subjected to the non-probability: Purposive sampling for selections, the keywords/phrases were used to filter info relevant to the study objective, using the Qualitative Content Analysis (QCA), the collected data was restricted to 1979-2024 (not in sequence), with the six (6) phases of inductive Textual Content Analysis (TCA) employed for data analysis and identification of three (3) study themes. This study showcases key challenges, including staff-student power dynamics, lack of independent oversight and inconsistencies in legislative frameworks and institutional policies enforcement. The witnessed disparities between the selected South African universities and international best practices are shared, emphasising the need for victim/survivor-centred approaches, enhanced reporting mechanisms, and mandatory training programmes. The study concludes by proposing effective legislative frameworks and institutional policies as recommendations for strengthening institutional accountability, promoting awareness, and ensuring holistic support for victims.