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Sustainable food systems are essential for achieving numerous Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in securing food availability, enhancing nutrition, and fostering sustainable agriculture, while also aiding in other SDGs such as poverty alleviation, promoting health and well-being, encouraging responsible consumption, and addressing climate change. Discussions about both Sustainable Development Goals and the sustainability of food systems are ongoing. This article engages with these discussions by investigating the link between the Sustainable Development Goals and food systems, and analysing how food systems might be prioritised as essential for attaining the SDGs. Supported by a secondary literature assessment, the article demonstrated that food security is essential for sustainable development, influencing many Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Numerous Sustainable Development Goals will be realised when individuals have access to sufficient nutritious food. The conclusion is that recognising the intersections and interrelations between the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and food systems, along with implementing transformative measures that empower stakeholders along the food supply chain, will enhance governments' prospects of achieving the SDGs.

This study explores the transformation and challenges faced by traditional African marriage systems in the modern era, focusing on both internal cultural shifts and external influences such as globalization, westernisation, and legal reforms. Using secondary data from credible sources, including scholarly articles, books, and online platforms, a qualitative research design was employed, with thematic analysis as the primary method of data interpretation. The study identifies key themes undermining traditional marriage systems, such as socioeconomic pressures, shifting gender roles, the influence of Western ideals, and legal changes. The analysis reveals that while traditional marriage practices are being redefined, they continue to play a significant role in maintaining social cohesion and cultural values within African societies. The study highlights the evolving nature of marriage, particularly in response to the growing financial independence of women, the breakdown of traditional family structures, and the increasing influence of Western marriage models. Recommendations are provided to preserve the cultural integrity of African marriages while adapting them to modern realities, including promoting cultural education, economic adaptation of marriage practices, gender equality, and legal reforms to protect and acknowledge customary marriages. The findings underline the need for African societies to balance tradition and modernity, ensuring that marriage remains a vital institution that upholds communal values while accommodating contemporary aspirations.

Evaluation systems are slowly making inroads in South African municipalities, particularly in the metros, yet their effective utilisation remains uneven across service delivery programmes. This study investigates the barriers affecting the uptake of evaluation in implementing the Indigent Programme Exit Strategy within the City of Tshwane (CoT) Metropolitan Municipality. Despite the strategic intent of the exit strategy to reduce long-term dependency and promote self-sufficiency among beneficiaries, the study finds that evaluation evidence is rarely used to inform decisions related to the strategy's design, implementation, or review. Instead, reliance is placed on administrative reporting and compliance-driven monitoring data, which limits learning, adaptation, and accountability. Using a qualitative case study approach grounded in institutional and systems theory, the study draws on semi-structured interviews and document analysis to identify key barriers, including weak political incentives for evaluation use, limited integration of evaluation processes into decision-making cycles, and inadequate feedback loops between evaluators, implementers, and policymakers. The findings underscore that the challenge is not the absence of M&E systems but rather the underutilisation of evaluation evidence to inform programmatic change. The article concludes by offering context-sensitive recommendations for enhancing evaluation uptake within municipal exit strategies and related interventions, contributing broader lessons for strengthening evidence use in local governance.

This study explores the complex dynamics of succession planning and conflict in family businesses in South Africa, with the objective of developing a theoretical framework to guide future research and practical interventions. A qualitative methodology was employed, using an interpretive research paradigm to gain in-depth insights into the lived experiences of family businesses. The study draws on a comprehensive review of literature to identify key themes, including governance structures, generational dynamics, cultural influences, and the role of communication in succession processes. Findings reveal that succession in South African family businesses is often hindered by a lack of formal planning, entrenched familial expectations, and unresolved interpersonal tensions. Cultural values and patriarchal norms also emerged as significant influences on how succession is perceived and enacted. The study concludes that effective succession planning in South African family businesses requires a context-sensitive approach that balances tradition with professionalization. It recommends the adoption of structured governance mechanisms, open communication strategies, and succession training for both incumbent and successor generations. This research present theoretical framework that integrates socio-cultural, organizational, and individual dimensions of succession planning and conflict management in family businesses.  

This research assesses the levels of digital financial literacy (DFL) and the patterns of Fintech adoption among university students in South Africa. It expands the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework to investigate the impact of demographic factors on DFL as a precursor to Fintech utilisation. A quantitative methodology utilised convenience sampling to distribute 376 questionnaires at two public universities in South Africa. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and multiple linear regression using IBM SPSS version 29.0, with reliability evaluated through Cronbach's alpha coefficients. Findings reveal moderate to high levels of DFL among university students; however, notable knowledge deficiencies exist concerning consumer rights and redress mechanisms. Demographic analysis indicated that gender had no significant impact on DFL levels, whereas income, age, and educational attainment showed significant correlations. Three components of DFL demonstrated positive and significant correlations with university students' intentions to adopt Fintech products and services; however, awareness of digital financial risks did not significantly influence these adoption intentions. The findings enhance the theoretical framework of technology acceptance models in emerging markets and offer empirical evidence regarding DFL's influence on Fintech adoption. This study provides evidence-based recommendations for policymakers, financial institutions, and educational administrators aiming to improve financial inclusion initiatives and increase Fintech utilisation among university students in South Africa.

Evaluation systems are slowly making inroads in South African municipalities, particularly in the metros, yet their effective utilisation remains uneven across service delivery programmes. This study investigates the barriers affecting the uptake of evaluation in implementing the Indigent Programme Exit Strategy within the City of Tshwane (CoT) Metropolitan Municipality. Despite the strategic intent of the exit strategy to reduce long-term dependency and promote self-sufficiency among beneficiaries, the study finds that evaluation evidence is rarely used to inform decisions related to the strategy's design, implementation, or review. Instead, reliance is placed on administrative reporting and compliance-driven monitoring data, which limits learning, adaptation, and accountability. Using a qualitative case study approach grounded in institutional and systems theory, the study draws on semi-structured interviews and document analysis to identify key barriers, including weak political incentives for evaluation use, limited integration of evaluation processes into decision-making cycles, and inadequate feedback loops between evaluators, implementers, and policymakers. The findings underscore that the challenge is not the absence of M&E systems but rather the underutilisation of evaluation evidence to inform programmatic change. The article concludes by offering context-sensitive recommendations for enhancing evaluation uptake within municipal exit strategies and related interventions, contributing broader lessons for strengthening evidence use in local governance.

This study explores the complex dynamics of succession planning and conflict in family businesses in South Africa, with the objective of developing a theoretical framework to guide future research and practical interventions. A qualitative methodology was employed, using an interpretive research paradigm to gain in-depth insights into the lived experiences of family businesses. The study draws on a comprehensive review of literature to identify key themes, including governance structures, generational dynamics, cultural influences, and the role of communication in succession processes. Findings reveal that succession in South African family businesses is often hindered by a lack of formal planning, entrenched familial expectations, and unresolved interpersonal tensions. Cultural values and patriarchal norms also emerged as significant influences on how succession is perceived and enacted. The study concludes that effective succession planning in South African family businesses requires a context-sensitive approach that balances tradition with professionalization. It recommends the adoption of structured governance mechanisms, open communication strategies, and succession training for both incumbent and successor generations. This research present theoretical framework that integrates socio-cultural, organizational, and individual dimensions of succession planning and conflict management in family businesses.  

This research assesses the levels of digital financial literacy (DFL) and the patterns of Fintech adoption among university students in South Africa. It expands the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework to investigate the impact of demographic factors on DFL as a precursor to Fintech utilisation. A quantitative methodology utilised convenience sampling to distribute 376 questionnaires at two public universities in South Africa. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and multiple linear regression using IBM SPSS version 29.0, with reliability evaluated through Cronbach's alpha coefficients. Findings reveal moderate to high levels of DFL among university students; however, notable knowledge deficiencies exist concerning consumer rights and redress mechanisms. Demographic analysis indicated that gender had no significant impact on DFL levels, whereas income, age, and educational attainment showed significant correlations. Three components of DFL demonstrated positive and significant correlations with university students' intentions to adopt Fintech products and services; however, awareness of digital financial risks did not significantly influence these adoption intentions. The findings enhance the theoretical framework of technology acceptance models in emerging markets and offer empirical evidence regarding DFL's influence on Fintech adoption. This study provides evidence-based recommendations for policymakers, financial institutions, and educational administrators aiming to improve financial inclusion initiatives and increase Fintech utilisation among university students in South Africa.

The efficient integration of young people into the global job market is fundamental to sustainable development, significantly impacting economic stability, social unity, and demographic benefits. This study examines the determinants of youth labour absorption across key economic sectors in South Africa. The study uses the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model to analyse sector-specific time-series data. The empirical findings show that youth labour market outcomes are influenced by both macroeconomic and microeconomic factors, with varying effects across economic sectors. The identified key determinants of youth labour absorption include economic growth, skills levels, labour costs, capital- or labour-intensity, profitability, and investment. In the manufacturing sector, for example, a rising capital-to-labour ratio was identified as one of the key constraints on youth labour absorption, while relatively low labour costs supported youth labour absorption in the community and social services sector. These sector-specific insights highlight the necessity of differentiated policy responses. Accordingly, the study recommends targeted strategies to promote inclusive economic growth, bridge skills mismatches, and encourage investment in labour-intensive industries.

This study aims to provide compelling evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of local economic development (LED) in advancing economic and social development. The research undertook a systematic review of existing literature to assess whether LED strategies have effectively addressed the racially and gender-based socio-economic disparities between affluent and impoverished communities. The analysis revealed that municipal LED efforts have predominantly concentrated on community economic development projects, many of which have turned out to be economically unfeasible with minimal enduring impact on poverty alleviation. Moreover, the collaboration among government entities, local businesses, and the voluntary sector was frequently found to be weak or altogether absent. For significant socio-economic transformation in South Africa, LED policies must emphasize not only an increase in the number of job opportunities but also a diversification of economic activities. Local governments are called upon to play a proactive role in this transformative process. Furthermore, the LED strategy should be comprehensive and not reliant on a limited number of projects. This study This research is characterised by originality and great scientific value, as it underscores the necessity for the national government to take on a leadership position and devise LED guidelines that empower local authorities with the capacity to effectively foster LED activities.