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The extent of women's representation and visibility in local government planning in South Africa has been significantly constrained. Over the years, the recurring phenomenon of insufficient participation and representation in local governance has become a prevalent issue within the country. The inclusion and participation of women in the decision-making process of local government should not be driven solely by the necessity to comply with legislative and policy frameworks and not by just a mere representation in terms of reflecting on the number of participants. Incorporating diverse individuals and groups is crucial in guaranteeing that progress within communities is accomplished acceptably.  The act of prioritizing men's interests or political opportunism over women's interests in local government planning lacks justification.  This study elucidates diverse factors that underlie the insufficient involvement and representation of women in local government planning. These variables encompass the prevalence of custom, culture, and tradition; socialisation, attitudes, and stereotypes; violence against women in politics; the media; finances and resources; structural deficiencies; patriarchy; and education. The research relied on existing scholarly works and documented accounts to investigate the causative elements and explicate their effect on the developmental condition. The article posits that addressing these factors requires a comprehensive approach that includes a multifaceted approach and a dosage of sustained efforts to ensure that there is gender balance and fair representation of women in local government planning. The study contributes to a better understanding of the participation and representation of women in the context of local government planning. It provides insights into strategies for creating more inclusive opportunities for women to express their views and exercise influence in local decision-making procedures.

The study aims to investigate the energy conservation behaviour of owners and managers of small hospitality firms by incorporating social norms into an extended Value-Belief-Norm (VBN) model. In addition, the study examines the mediating effects of causal chain of the VBN model in the context of energy conservation behaviour. The world faces serious environmental challenges such as loss of biodiversity, pollution, depletion of natural resources and global warming. One of the causes of these environmental challenges is the production and consumption of energy by households and firms. The hospitality sector uses a significant amount of energy in its operation leading to negative environmental impacts. Reducing energy use will improve environmental and financial sustainability of hospitality firms. Energy conservation behaviour is one of the significant ways to reduce energy consumption.  The study adopts the survey method for data collection and the respondents are conveniently sampled. The Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling is used for data analysis. Based on a dataset of 360 respondents, the study finds that the extended VBM model that includes social norms is applicable in explaining the energy conservation behaviour of owners/managers of small hospitality firms. The mediating effects of the causal chain of the VBN model are significant. The theoretical implication is the applicability of an extended VBN model that includes social norms to predict energy conservation behaviour. Recommendations on how to improve energy conservation behaviour include improving the level of awareness of ecological problems caused by energy consumption. The study aims to investigate the energy conservation behaviour of owners and managers of small hospitality firms by incorporating social norms into an extended Value-Belief-Norm (VBN) model. In addition, the study examines the mediating effects of causal chain of the VBN model in the context of energy conservation behaviour. The world faces serious environmental challenges such as loss of biodiversity, pollution, depletion of natural resources and global warming. One of the causes of these environmental challenges is the production and consumption of energy by households and firms. The hospitality sector uses a significant amount of energy in its operation leading to negative environmental impacts. Reducing energy use will improve environmental and financial sustainability of hospitality firms. Energy conservation behaviour is one of the significant ways to reduce energy consumption.  The study adopts the survey method for data collection and the respondents are conveniently sampled. The Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling is used for data analysis. Based on a dataset of 360 respondents, the study finds that the extended VBM model that includes social norms is applicable in explaining the energy conservation behaviour of owners/managers of small hospitality firms. The mediating effects of the causal chain of the VBN model are significant. The theoretical implication is the applicability of an extended VBN model that includes social norms to predict energy conservation behaviour. Recommendations on how to improve energy conservation behaviour include improving the level of awareness of ecological problems caused by energy consumption.

The purpose of the study is to examine the factors and physiognomies that perpetuate unequal allocation and distribution of land between men and women in rural areas. Land is regarded as an instrument towards poverty reduction, increased economic growth and economic development. Gender inequality on allocation of resources such as land continues to manifest not only in African countries but throughout the globe. Moreover, the criteria in which the land is allocated plays a pivotal role in the lives of the people. The resources are still allocated based on the role played by men and women within the society. Although, the post-apartheid South African government formulated laws and policies that aimed to redress the inequalities that still exist in many communities. Cultural roles and beliefs still define how men and women should conduct themselves within the households and communities at large. The study argues that there is a continued limitation of access to and ownership of land by women. Cultural and gender stereotype still influences how land is allocated among men and women. The study concludes that due to culture, men are given the privilege to have access to land and take over their family’s inheritances while women are expected to get married and live with their husband’s family. As a result, women continue to suffer the hardest with limited access to land.

This paper examines the critical role of youth participation in planning and implementation with the purpose of improving the Integrated Development Plan (IDP). Local governments in South Africa are legally mandated to foster participatory development through IDP, which aim to address imbalances from the predemocratic era and improve socioeconomic conditions. Despite the democratic foundation of these policies, youth participation in IDP formulation remains markedly low. This discrepancy is particularly troubling given the substantial role that youth played in achieving democracy and the proverb that today's youth are tomorrow's leaders. The paper argues that the absence of effective mechanisms for youth participation has led to significant social deficiencies. The paper is conceptual and is grounded in social capital theory. The study uses a qualitative desktop research method, relying on existing literature. The findings reveal that the lack of youth participation in IDP contributes to various problems, including inadequate service delivery, violent protests, substance abuse, and social delinquency. It recommends the establishment of practical and inclusive mechanisms to better engage young people in the IDP process, thus addressing the current gaps and promoting more equitable development outcomes.  Young people's ignorance and the lack of efficient and inclusive mechanisms to promote participation of youth have produced numerous social deficiencies. These problems hinder community development and social transformation. Therefore, this paper concludes that training programs, youth dialogues, and political education should be developed to improve youth understanding of local government processes.

This study examines the significance of green purchase behaviour in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and explores the mediating and moderating roles of waste management and eco-regulation in this context. The theoretical frameworks of resource-based view was utilized to conceptualize the relationships and dynamics between green purchase behaviour, waste management, eco-regulations, and sustainable performance in SMEs. Insights from these theoretical perspectives help in understanding how internal resources, capabilities, external pressures, and institutional factors interact to drive sustainability practices and business outcomes. Using a cross-sectional design, a questionnaire survey was administered to 225 SME owners. Using the Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) technique of Partial Least Squares (PLS), this study empirically analyses the relationships between green purchase behaviour, waste management practices, eco-regulations, and sustainable performance in SMEs. The results confirmed that green purchase behaviour (GPB) positively impacts waste management (WM). Furthermore, WM positively impacts financial performance (FP), social performance (SP) and environmental performance (EP). The results validate the mediating role of WM. The moderating results revealed that eco-regulation (ER) does play a moderating role in proposed relationships. As SMEs worldwide grapple with the imperative to adopt sustainable business practices, this study provides valuable insights and a roadmap for SMEs seeking to navigate the complex landscape of environmental responsibility and social accountability. The findings provide practical guidance for SMEs striving to strike a balance between economic success and environmental stewardship, fostering a holistic approach to sustainability of SMEs.

As the 3D printing industry continues to gain momentum in South Africa's SME sector, issues about their financing and financial management need to be investigated. This is due to the capital-intensive nature of the business as well as the financing challenges encountered by 3D printing SMMEs. This study aimed to contribute to research on financial management practices and sources of finance as predictors of performance for 3D printing small and medium enterprises (SMMEs) in terms of profitability and increase in client base. The study adopted the interpretivist research paradigm, exploratory research design, inductive research approach and qualitative research method to achieve the objectives of the study. A total of twenty (20) 3D printing firms participated in the study. Employees and managers were purposefully selected to participate in the study. The participants comprised finance managers, senior managers and managers of the twenty (20) 3D printing firms that participated in the study. Structured interviews served as the instrument for data collection based on the objectives of the study. Data gathered from interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. The study revealed that effective working capital management practices boost the profitability of 3D printing SMMEs, particularly through adopting no-credit policies and hiring competent finance officers. These practices also help expand the client base by ensuring timely delivery of products and services, with customer relationship management being a strategic approach. The study also revealed that liquidity management practices significantly boost the profitability of 3D printing firms by ensuring sufficient cash flow to meet financial obligations, managing financial risks, and ensuring timely product delivery, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction and contributing to growth in the customer base. The study recommends the need for 3D printing SMMEs to prioritise cash flow management and develop robust systems to monitor and control working capital components, including inventory, receivables, and payables.  

This study aims to investigate the impact of green empowering leadership (GEL) on organisational citizenship behaviour toward the environment (OCBE) of employees in hospitality firms. Green empowering leadership is a newly conceptualized leadership style that combines traditional empowering leadership with a focus on environmental sustainability. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine how GEL can improve OCBE in hospitality firms. To test hypotheses and accomplish study goals, the social exchange theory (SET) theory was combined with a quantitative research strategy. Data was collected from hotel employees in a cross-sectional survey and the study adopted the convenience and purposive sampling method, and the survey participants were middle level managers of hotels. The study used the Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) for data analysis. The findings indicate a positive effect of green empowering leadership and OCBE. The findings of the study have important implications for policy and practice in the hospitality industry. There is the need for hotel to adopt green practices and incorporate ecological concerns in their strategy and operation.

The focus of this study was to examine the mediating effects of operational efficiency on the relationship between budgeting practices (budget planning and budget participation) and financial performance among 3D printing SMMEs in South Africa. A quantitative, cross-sectional survey design was adopted for the study. The stratified sampling technique was used to select 3D printing SMMEs in South Africa. A total of two hundred and fifty (250) managers and employees of 3D printing SMMEs formed the sample size of the study. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software versions 26 and Smart PLS 4 were used to analyze the data gathered. PLS-Structural Equation Modelling was used to test the hypothesis for both direct and mediation effects. The results indicate that a significant negative relationship exists between budget planning and financial performance, as well as budget participation and financial performance. Significant positive relationships were found to exist between the following variables: budget planning and operational efficiency, budget participation and operational efficiency, and operational efficiency and financial performance. Operational efficiency was found to mediate the relationship between budget planning and financial performance as well as budget participation and financial performance. The results imply that the implementation of budgeting practices such as budget planning and budget participation in 3D printing SMME is not enough to achieve financial performance unless operational efficiency is given the utmost attention in 3D printing SMMEs in South Africa.

Global trade has significantly expanded over the past thirty years in both developed and emerging economies, a phenomenon assisted by advancements in transportation, telecommunications, and industry. Extensive trading fosters financial links between national economies, hence promoting economic progress. This article aims to investigate the interrelationship among foreign direct investment, trade, and South Africa's economic growth.  Econometric techniques, including the autoregressive distributed lag bound test, were used to annual data from 1988 to 2022. The findings indicated that economic growth is positively affected by foreign direct investment and exports in both the short and long term. This indicated that foreign direct investment and exports are substantial contributions to economic growth.This analysis indicates that both foreign direct investment (FDI) and trade significantly impact the macroeconomic environment and influence economic growth. Developing countries such as South Africa must use diverse strategies to guarantee elevated rates and quality of economic growth. Improvements in the investment climate and the establishment of incentives are necessary to enable the equitable allocation of resources across various sectors to address employment challenges, poverty rates, and the maintenance of growth. Export-oriented strategies should be adopted. Therefore, it is essential to analyse the determinants of economic growth by examining foreign direct investment and trade in the context of South Africa, particularly in relation to the country's performance as measured against the National Development Plan targets since the post-1994 period.

This article presents a comparative analysis of selected political party manifestos in South Africa, examining both convergences and differences in their approaches to service delivery. With a focus on understanding the underlying principles and priorities outlined in these manifestos, the study aims to shed light on the potential implications for governance and public service effectiveness. Drawing upon a comprehensive review of political party manifestos and policy documents, the analysis identifies common themes such as access to basic services, infrastructure development, and socio-economic empowerment. However, significant variations emerge in terms of the strategies proposed to address these challenges, reflecting diverse ideological orientations and policy priorities among political parties. By employing a qualitative content analysis approach, the study highlights the nuanced differences in the proposed policy frameworks and implementation mechanisms, as well as the underlying assumptions and values embedded within each manifesto. Furthermore, the analysis explores the potential implications of these variations for public administration practices, governance structures, and service delivery outcomes. Through this comparative lens, the article contributes to a deeper understanding of the complexities and dynamics shaping public administration in South Africa's multi-party democracy. Moreover, it offers insights into the challenges and opportunities for enhancing service delivery effectiveness, fostering accountability, and promoting inclusive development. Ultimately, the findings underscore the importance of informed policy debates and evidence-based decision-making in addressing the diverse needs and aspirations of South Africa's citizens, while also emphasizing the critical role of public administration in translating political commitments into tangible outcomes on the ground.