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The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is transforming global higher education through disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, virtual reality, and the Internet of Things. This qualitative study investigates the adoption and utilization of 4IR technologies within Zimbabwean state universities, examining perceived benefits and barriers to integration. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews with academic staff, administrators, and ICT personnel across multiple institutions. Findings reveal widespread use of foundational digital tools, including Learning Management Systems, yet adoption of advanced 4IR technologies remains limited and fragmented. Key benefits identified include enhanced access to educational resources, improved academic communication, and increased operational efficiency. Conversely, infrastructural inadequacies, constrained funding, skills deficits, weak policy frameworks, and inconsistent leadership commitment significantly impede broader uptake. Employing the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework, the study elucidates how technological readiness, organizational dynamics, and external environmental pressures collectively shape 4IR adoption. The paper concludes with strategic recommendations focused on infrastructure enhancement, capacity building, policy alignment, and strengthened collaborations with industry and international partners. These insights contribute to advancing institutional and national digital transformation strategies in Zimbabwe and comparable developing country contexts.

This paper examines a complicated dilemma of information security in virtual banking, where technical innovation intersects with the necessity to safeguard advanced financial systems, resulting in paradoxes and tensions. The study reveals a significant knowledge deficiency concerning the amplification of information security vulnerabilities as financial organisations shift from conventional to digital banking.  Framed through a socio-technical lens, the objective of this research study was to develop a grounded theory that offers new insights into the conceptualisation of information security in virtual banking. This conundrum is characterised by its multifaceted nature and involves competing interests in security, information security, usability, technological innovation, and customer trust. To resolve the difficulties of the conundrum, the qualitative researchA qualitative research study employing an innovative mixed-methods dual approach, integrating the Straussian grounded theory method (GTM) with Checkland’s Soft Systems Methodology (SSM), was conducted, facilitating both detailed analysis of information security practices and a comprehensive understanding of virtual banking ecosystems. The study's critical findings from 20 participants, derived from Grounded Theory Methodology (GTM), are encapsulated in the Trust-Responsive Security Architecture (TRSA) framework, which integrates socio-technical perspectives and demonstrates how these inherent tensions can be managed.  TRSA asserts that virtual banks encounter a dilemma wherein excessive security can result in complexity, friction, and diminished usability, potentially undermining trust. This situation is reframed as an emergent socio-technical balance issue, necessitating that virtual banks continuously negotiate and manage the equilibrium between security, trust, and usability. The study thus claims that the ramifications of this research are that vThe research indicates that by implementing TRSA, virtual banks can emphasise user-centric design in virtual platforms to balance trust and information security requirements, hence fostering trust, usability, and regulatory compliance.

HRBPs play a crucial strategic role in academic institutions by bridging faculty autonomy, collegial governance, and HR policy. HRBPs in academia handle conflicting demands from deans, department heads, and unions while fostering organisational transformation. Exclusive HRBPs' academic experiences are understudied despite increased recognition of their value. This study examines how HRBPs develop trust, enforce policies, exercise emotional resilience, and mediate conflicts to create customised HR practices that improve academic HRBP effectiveness. This qualitative multi-case study used purposive sampling to examine HRBPs' perspectives in scientific faculties at six South African HEIs. Data were obtained via personalised open-ended

This study examined perceived risks in South African omnichannel shopping, focusing on financial, time-loss, transaction, and logistics risks. It addressed consumer uncertainties and the impact on trust and adoption while identifying key risk dimensions. A descriptive research design was employed, utilising a structured questionnaire to gather data from 428 respondents recruited through a marketing research company’s consumer panel. The quantitative approach provided a detailed analysis of perceived risks. The findings revealed that consumers perceive financial aspects, such as refunds and price accuracy, as secure and reliable. Online shopping is considered time-efficient, particularly in information searches and order processing. However, concerns persist regarding the timeliness of returns and the security of personal credentials. Logistics risks, including delivery accuracy and product condition, were received positively, although delivery timeliness remains challenging. Retailers' processes and financial security measures improve post-purchase processes and educate consumers on digital security practices. Strengthening logistics operations, optimising mobile platforms, and implementing strategies tailored to the South African context are essential. Emphasising trust-building through transparency and reliability is critical to addressing consumer concerns. This study contributes to understanding perceived risks in omnichannel shopping within an emerging market context. Highlighting consumer concerns and providing actionable recommendations offers valuable insights for retailers to improve trust and foster greater adoption of omnichannel platforms.

Establishing adaptable cultural practices is the target of organizations and communities to guarantee ongoing development and change. To ensure exceptional performance, the leaders need to promote the organization's inimitability qualities. The paper aims to assess the influence of cultural values on the operations management of SMMEs in the eThekwini Municipal Area in KwaZulu-Natal Data from a variety of SMMEs in the eThekwini Municipal Area was gathered by basic random sampling. The study's sample consisted of 250 respondents who completed the questionnaire. This data was captured and analyzed on SPSS (version 26) and yielded both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study's conclusions demonstrated that cultural values have a major role in improving the performance level of SMMEs. The total efficacy of operations management depends on these cultural values, and it is recommended that their application be increased to create standards that people will want to live up to.

This study aims to critically examine the statutory and regulatory framework governing the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in public policy-making in South Based on document analysis, the study uses a qualitative methodology informed by an interpretive research philosophy. From a variety of written sources, such as public reports, academic literature, policy drafts, and legislation, data were purposefully chosen and subjected to thematic analysis. Three main conclusions emerge from the study: first, South African regulations governing AI lag far behind the rate of technological advancement; second, the guidelines currently in place for the use of AI in the public sector are confusing and inadequate; and third, the current strategy falls short in striking a balance between innovation and essential protections. The study concludes by recommending that South Africa must move beyond consultative drafts and urgently establish a comprehensive, legally enforceable framework. This framework should be aligned with global best practices to ethically and effectively oversee AI deployment across its public institutions.

The adoption of digital technologies has gained momentum across both large and small organizations. This trend has been facilitated by the need for innovative and sustainable production. Compared to larger organizations, the adoption of digital technologies in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) including Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been relatively low in developing countries, and South Africa is not an exception. Previous research reveals the slow adoption of AI in South African SMEs. Thus, this study reviews existing literature to explore the challenges to the adoption of AI in South African SMEs. Findings reveal that organizational, technological and environmental factors can present opportunities or challenges to the adoption of AI in South African SMEs lending support to the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) model. Inadequate digital infrastructure, inadequate technical skills, financial constraints and resistance to change are identified as key obstacles to the adoption of AI in South African SMEs. The study recommends that SMEs strengthen their organizational and technological factors including employees’ technical competencies, top management commitment, digital infrastructure, financial resources and innovative culture to enhance AI adoption. Furthermore, government interventions in areas of digital infrastructure, digital skills development and innovation funding can promote AI adoption in South African SMEs. Nevertheless, future research should include rural SMEs and SMEs in diverse sectors such as retail, agriculture, healthcare, logistics and e-commerce to gain nuanced insights AI adoption in South African SMEs across diverse sectors.

This study explores the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on contemporary leadership practices, highlighting how AI-powered tools redefine decision-making, communication, and organisational management. Traditional hierarchical leadership models, rooted in command-and-control, are increasingly supplemented by AI-enabled approaches that enhance operational efficiency, strategic foresight, and inclusivity. AI facilitates real-time data analytics, predictive modelling, and automation of routine tasks, enabling leaders to focus on innovation and employee empowerment. The integration of AI with established leadership theories—such as transformational, situational, and servant leadership—demonstrates a synergistic potential where technology augments human judgment rather than replacing it. Additionally, AI fosters personalised leadership by analysing employee sentiments and performance, supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion through bias reduction in recruitment and performance evaluations. The study underscores the critical balance leaders must maintain between leveraging AI capabilities and preserving ethical standards, data privacy, and human-centric decision-making. Challenges such as algorithmic bias, over-reliance on automation, and accountability gaps are examined alongside the imperative for continuous learning and ethical governance frameworks. Real-world cases from global companies like Amazon, IBM, Tesla, and JPMorgan Chase illustrate both successful AI integration and cautionary failures, emphasizing lessons for effective AI adoption in leadership. Looking forward, the research highlights emerging trends including autonomous leadership systems and the need for developing AI literacy, emotional intelligence, and adaptive capabilities among future leaders. The study concludes with actionable recommendations for organisations to foster responsible AI use, promote human-AI collaboration, and advance leadership development to thrive in an AI-driven digital era. Further research is called for to investigate long-term implications, cultural variations, and psychological aspects of AI-enhanced leadership.

Many developing countries currently base their trade policy modifications on the execution of trade facilitation reforms. There exists a gap between the policy intervention aimed at reform and the practical capacity to implement these trade facilitation reforms. This research employed a straightforward regression model to evaluate the effect of trade facilitation on revenue collections in Zimbabwe from 2009 to 2022, utilising the Logistics Performance Index as a proxy for trade facilitation. Total tax revenue, the variable of interest, is quantified as a percentage of gross domestic product, indicating the efficiency of government tax collection. The findings demonstrate that the efficiency of border clearance and the competence and quality of logistical services  positively influence revenue collections, whereas the quality of trade and transport infrastructure negatively affects revenue collection . The findings indicate that governments should prioritise enhancing the efficiency of border processes and the quality of logistics services to increase revenue, while also mitigating the adverse effects of inadequate trade and transport infrastructure. The implementation of public-private partnerships, investment in alternative energy sources, automation of customs processes, and the establishment of quality management systems in customs administrations can facilitate this achievement. This study confirms that effectively implemented trade facilitation initiatives can realise their intended economic benefits, including reduced trade costs, enhanced efficiency, and increased access to international markets.

The unsuccessful reform of the Political Economy of Zimbabwe (PEZ) syllabus is frequently attributed to the political disputes related to the secondary school curriculum that emerged shortly after independence in the 1980s in Zimbabwe. Such explanations are often incomplete and simplistic, failing to address the critical issues surrounding the symbiotic relationship among stakeholders in education, which are essential for the implementation of reform ideas in classrooms. This paper adopts stakeholder disharmony as a lens to examine and explain the apparent failure of the PEZ curriculum reforms in Zimbabwe. The current research indicates that the failure of the PEZ syllabus can be attributed, in part, to the political contestations surrounding its genealogy, design, and attempted implementation; however, the significant impact of stakeholder disharmony must not be overlooked. Data were gathered via document analysis and semi-structured interviews with key informants from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and an official overseeing education in the Catholic Church. The data were utilised to ascertain the causes of the failure and/or stillbirth of the PEZ reform process in Zimbabwe. This account indicates that stakeholder disharmony may be a critical factor in understanding the failure of the PEZ syllabus in Zimbabwe. This paper concludes that, despite numerous reasons proposed to explain the failure of curriculum reforms, the discussions remain incomplete without addressing the role of key stakeholders' inability to find common ground, which has resulted in a detrimental turf war.

There is inadequate literature on research comparing the motivations of Generations Y and Z, especially for non-academic university staff. Therefore, this research compared the motivation of the two generational cohorts amongst non-academic staff at the Zimbabwe Open University. Two sub-objectives guided the research: first, to compare the intrinsic motivation of the two generations and the extrinsic motivation of the two generations. The generational theory guided the research, elaborating that generational cohorts have different preferences. The supplementary theory was Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, which shows how employees are motivated by the provision of needs from basic to fulfillment needs. The study was quantitative, using descriptive statistics to compare the motivation of Generation Y and Z. The research utilised closed-ended questionnaires, which were distributed to 196 respondents. SPSS version 30.0 was used for data analysis. Reliability, validity, and data normality tests confirmed the data. The findings show that both generations are motivated intrinsically, but preferences on the intrinsic motivators diverge. The research found that Generation Y is more extrinsically motivated than Generation Z. The research recommends using intrinsic motivation for Generation Z employees and using both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation for Generation Y employees.

Investigations into establishing a framework for incentivising non-academic personnel in universities have been scarce. The research sought to establish a paradigm for motivating non-academic personnel in institutions. The study was informed by Herzberg’s two-factor theory and Adams’ equitable theory of motivation. The research employed a quantitative methodology, wherein a sample of 216 non-academic personnel at the Zimbabwe Open University filled out closed-ended questionnaires. Data analysis was conducted with SPSS version 30.0. The resulting framework details the obstacles, intrinsic motivators, extrinsic motivators, and performance outcomes of university non-academic personnel. The report advises colleges to utilise the framework to create motivational programs for non-academic personnel.

This study examines the impact of Big Data technologies on operational efficiency in DP World’s supply chain and logistics operations. Employing a mixed-methods approach, we surveyed 405 stakeholders and performed 20 semi-structured interviews to investigate the incorporation of advanced analytics, machine learning, and real-time processing capabilities. The study employs Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) and economic frameworks to examine the technological, organisational, environmental, and economic determinants affecting Big Data adoption. Results indicate substantial positive effects on the reduction of operational complexity, enhancement of customer responsiveness, improvement of supplier connections, and strengthening of technical partnerships. PLS-SEM analysis utilising ADANCO software validated all hypotheses, demonstrating robust connections between Big Data deployment and supply chain efficiency measures. Essential findings indicate that governmental assistance, organisational culture, and information technology infrastructure are crucial success determinants. The report offers practical advice for supply chain managers and policymakers, emphasising Big Data's revolutionary capacity for competitive advantage in global logistics operations.

This study investigates the application of planning theory frameworks to enhance the effectiveness of employment policies in South Africa. This study seeks to develop a conceptual framework that integrates core principles from planning theories with the formulation and implementation of employment policies. This framework is constructed through a critical assessment of planning theories and employment policies. The concept is subsequently applied to South Africa, a nation facing significant unemployment rates and inequality, despite the efforts of policymakers. This study emphasises the potential benefits of utilising planning theory frameworks in the formulation of employment policy. The benefits encompass increased stakeholder engagement, efficient policy execution, and improved policy outcomes. This study adds to the existing literature on labour market planning theory and employment policy. This document offers practical insights that may assist policymakers and practitioners in improving the effectiveness of employment policies in South Africa.

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

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into human resource management (HRM) processes has significantly enhanced organisational operations by optimising efficiency in talent acquisition, performance assessment, and employee engagement initiatives. Nonetheless, this integration introduces ethical challenges, including algorithmic bias, data privacy concerns, and the reduction of human decision-making autonomy. The purpose of the review is to systematically examine the ethical considerations associated with AI deployment in HRM, explicitly addressing issues related to bias, transparency, privacy breaches, and job displacement. Additionally, it evaluates strategies for deploying AI responsibly to uphold principles of fairness, accountability, and stakeholder trust. Considering the purpose of the review, a comprehensive systematic review of peer-reviewed literature was conducted, sourcing data from Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The review targeted publications relevant to the aims of the study, utilising search keywords such as "ethical consideration," "algorithmic bias," and "data privacy." Data synthesis was conducted via narrative methods complemented by thematic analysis to identify prevailing patterns, research gaps, and emergent themes. Findings revealed that AI enhances HRM functions through automation, predictive analytics, and the delivery of individualised employee experiences, contributing to cost reductions and improved decision-making efficacy. However, potential negative implications include reinforcement of existing biases, violations of privacy, lack of transparency in decision-making processes, and threats to employment stability. Empirical evidence indicates disproportionate impacts on marginalised populations and underscores the necessity for ethical frameworks, including the development and implementation of explainable AI (XAI) and hybrid human-AI systems. Finally, it is affirmed that although AI offers transformative operational benefits within HRM, the associated ethical risks necessitate the implementation of comprehensive governance structures, bias mitigation protocols, and active stakeholder participation. Approaches such as hybrid human-AI systems, targeted workforce training, and adherence to regulatory standards are essential to ensuring sustainable and ethical AI integration. Future research should prioritise investigating employee perceptions and conducting cross-cultural analyses to enhance ethical AI governance in HRM contexts.

Trade in the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) region experiences imbalances due to South Africa’s dominance and fragmented communication. This study aims to highlight communication's strategic role in enhancing trade policy, logistics, and cooperation within SACU, focusing on digital platforms, ICT, policy alignment, and transparency. A qualitative, literature-based methodology is conducted, employing thematic analysis of academic and institutional sources to explore how communication strategies influence trade facilitation and integration within SACU. Five key themes are identified: Uneven ICT infrastructure, Economic impact of clear policy communication, Trade imbalances due to information asymmetry, Underutilised digital trade platforms, and Urgent need for communication capacity building. Communication’s crucial role for SACU integration includes institutional coordination, private sector engagement, and crisis management. It identifies missed strategic opportunities like dashboards and localized messaging. Addressing gaps in communication capacity, ICT infrastructure, digital platforms, and policy communication is vital for equitable, efficient regional trade integration. Policy proposals include investing in infrastructure, consolidating digital platforms, standardizing protocols, and promoting inclusive consultations. The study emphasizes adaptive governance and integration with regional value chains to ensure inclusive, efficient trade facilitation and equitable economic development across all member states.

In the context of Industry 5.0, the convergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), decoloniality, and epistemic justice presents both opportunities and challenges for Human Resource Management (HRM) in the South African public sector. This paper emanates because of the possibility that AI-driven HRM practices could reinforce colonial legacies, repeat systemic bias, and prolong epistemic exclusion if not led by justice-oriented perspectives. This paper aims to explore how concepts of ethical, decolonial, and epistemic justice might inform the use of AI in HRM to promote inclusivity and fairness. This paper employs bibliometric analysis to map and evaluate scholarly discourse on AI, decoloniality, and HRM, aiming to uncover research trends, gaps, and theoretical intersections. Findings indicate that although AI can be efficient and predictive, its application in HRM frequently ignores ethical requirements and local knowledge systems. To protect equity, the study recommends integrating decolonial ideas, participatory methods, and epistemic justice frameworks into HRM technology. This paper concludes that the South African public sector may reconcile technological innovation with transformation and social justice imperatives by ethically aligning AI in Industry 5.0.

Assessing risk factors for juvenile delinquency necessitates a holistic approach, taking into account individual, familial, societal, and communal influences. Risk factors are conditions or attributes that may elevate the probability of adverse outcomes or behaviours in adolescents. These elements may include multiple dimensions of a young individual's life, such as personal, familial, peer, educational, and communal influences. Globally, crime persists as a pressing issue, predominantly involving youngsters in offences such as cybercrime, robbery, theft, shoplifting, substance misuse, cash-in-transit heists, violent crimes, abduction, kidnapping, gang-related activities, cultism, and ritual killings. It is imperative to confront the prevailing trend of juvenile criminal actions inside society. This article analyses risk variables associated with juvenile criminal behaviour and the responses of the criminal justice system and its stakeholders. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, incorporating in-person interviews and surveys for data acquisition.  Research identifies determinants of criminal behaviour, including low self-control, impulsivity, and substance abuse. Family-related factors encompass parental neglect, maltreatment, and inadequate support. Social factors involve associations with delinquent peers, poverty, and discrimination. A correlation exists between drug, alcohol, and substance abuse and criminal behaviour among youth. Parental indifference may impact youth decision-making. Some young offenders are incarcerated in correctional facilities, while others participate in rehabilitation through diversion programs. The findings highlight the necessity for cohesive treatments involving family, community, and institutions, prioritising mental health support and restorative justice to diminish youth recidivism. The study advocates for the active involvement of stakeholders, including non-governmental organisations and rehabilitation centres. It emphasises the necessity for vigilant supervision and monitoring of youth by parents, guardians, family members, communities, institutions, and the criminal justice system to proactively prevent access to drugs and substances that incite violence and criminal behaviour. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of integrating family, community, and institutional interventions, mental health support, and restorative justice to mitigate youth recidivism. Additionally, it calls for the regular monitoring of youth mental health and the provision of effective interventions such as rehabilitation, youth crime prevention, treatment, and morality regeneration programs.

Developing countries are experiencing significant governance challenges in the form of corruption, fraud, and mismanagement of public funds. These issues are most pronounced at the local government level, where municipalities are particularly affected. In South Africa, the persistent failure of mechanisms intended to hold public servants accountable for maladministration and unethical conduct has been evident. This has contributed to weakened governance structures and compromised service delivery. Numerous instances of unethical behaviour have gone unpunished, highlighting the absence of effective consequence management and posing ongoing threats to sustainability in local governance. The purpose of this research paper is to examine and evaluate the role of effective oversight mechanisms in strengthening accountability and promoting appropriate consequences for misconduct within local government systems, with an emphasis on improving public service delivery. A qualitative desktop research methodology was employed, relying on existing literature and data to explore the topic under investigation. The findings revealed that, despite the introduction of several accountability initiatives, these have not succeeded in holding local government officials responsible for their actions. Significant gaps in monitoring, enforcement, and the application of sanctions for unethical conduct have undermined progress. As a result, essential services continue to suffer. The review recommends the implementation of robust and participatory oversight mechanisms to foster a more enforceable and inclusive accountability model that supports improved governance and service delivery outcomes at the local level. This research provides insight into the persistent weaknesses of local government oversight systems and emphasizes the need for more effective accountability frameworks to achieve sustainable service delivery and governance in South Africa.