International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science

This study offers a thorough examination of South Africa's National Development Plan (NDP), emphasising its dedication to advancing gender equality in higher education. Notwithstanding constitutional assurances of equality, considerable gender discrepancies endure in South African higher education institutions (HEIs), with women encountering institutional obstacles that impede their entry and achievement. The research utilises a systematic review approach, consolidating current academic literature to discern the problems and opportunities related to the NDP's gender equality objectives. Critical findings indicate that structural obstacles, including socio-cultural views and financial limitations, substantially hinder women's engagement in higher education. The under-representation of women in leadership positions within higher education institutions fosters a cycle of inequity, as cultural beliefs and institutional regulations frequently neglect the distinct problems encountered by female students. The investigation underscores the necessity of employing an intersectional approach to comprehend the intricacies of gender inequality in higher education. This study emphasises the importance of executing targeted interventions and unified national policies to cultivate an inclusive educational environment that empowers women and corresponds with the overarching objectives of sustainable development. By resolving these difficulties, South Africa can advance towards genuine gender equality in its higher education system, thereby fostering national development and social progress.

Many scholars in the field of migration and xenophobia have consistently examined various levels and expressions of xenophobic behavior within the South African context. They have contributed significantly to conceptualizing migration as inherently conflict-prone, often citing incidents categorized as xenophobia, Afrophobia, and color-blind xenophobia in both scholarly and public discussions. While ample scholarly evidence exists regarding factors that promote social cohesion between South Africans and African immigrants, as well as their implications for African continental integration, there is a notable dearth of scholarly attention on how Philoxenia, the concept of extending friendship or hospitality to strangers, can contribute to the project of African continental integration. Utilizing qualitative research methods and document analysis as a data collection technique, this paper reveals those certain aspects of the South African migration legislative framework exhibit Philoxenic characteristics. Moreover, the paper provides evidence of multiple economic sectors and communities in the country that demonstrate Philoxenia. The paper concludes that Philoxenia can serve as a catalyst towards achieving a united state of Africa, while "xenophobia", "Afrophobia", "Threats” to social cohesion”, "colour-blind xenophobia” and “sibling fights or sibling bullying” are impediments to this long-term objective of the African Union. The paper recommends that, South Africa as one of Africa’s dominant African immigrants’ host state must come up with legislation that criminalizes the latter actions.

This study examined the efficacy of the internal control systems at a TVET College in the Vhembe district, emphasising the five essential components of an internal control system: the control environment, risk assessment, control activities, information and communication processes, and monitoring. This research utilises a sample of 52 permanent employees. The selected responders possess familiarity with internal control systems and are engaged in the development and execution of the organization's internal control system. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, and cumulative percentages, were employed for analysis. The study's findings indicated that the institution's control environment was predominantly effective, whilst the remaining four components of its internal control system were moderately effective. The researcher determined that the institution's internal control system was moderately effective. The findings indicate that TVET College management should prioritise the enhancement of internal control systems to improve operational efficiency and risk management. The research emphasises the necessity for policies that fosters the ongoing enhancement of internal controls, potentially resulting in stronger governance and accountability inside the organisation.

Over the years, internship programmes have been used by the government to reduce youth unemployment. However, there is no clear indication of the extent to which the programmes enhance the career progression of recipients and whether internship programmes are essential in determining an individual career path. Hence, the study sought to examine the relationship between internship programme and career progression. A quantitative study was adopted to investigate the relationship of internship programmes with the career progressions of recipients in South Africa. The data was collected from Mbombela Municipality's current internship candidates and employees who were absorbed from the internship programme using a four-point Likert scale self-developed questionnaire. Out of one hundred research instruments distributed to research participants that were identified based on purposeful and convenient non-probability sampling, only seventy useful responses were retrieved. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the participant's demographic information, while Pearson Product-Moment Correlation was used to analyse the relationship between the internship programme and career progression. The result was 0.001, which means that a positive linear correlation exists between internship programmes and career progression. When managed correctly, these programmes can effectively curb the unemployment rate through absorption, personal development, and providing the right experience matching their qualifications. Furthermore, by emphasising the subtle aspects of internship programmes that have significantly impacted each programme participant's career growth, the study contributes to the existing knowledge of the study variables in order to structure internship programmes according to the educational qualification and provide participants with the required tools that will enhance a positive career progression when the internship is concluded.

The main goal of this work is to reposition the concept of xenophobia in the African context. This is to reflect on Thabo Mbeki’s narrative on Xenophobia. Africa continues to remain a pawn due to the Eurocentric ideas that have been forced on the Africans also brought about a foreign concept of xenophobia as if Africans are not brothers in the name of brotherhood. It is incontestable that brothers are, in some cases engage in fight, but there was a laid down rules and norms of resolving such misunderstanding. With the employment of qualitative research methods, complex interdependence theory garnished with Anglo-American conspiracy theory; we argue that, Anglo-American imperialist managed to spread and enforce the usage of English through imposing the concept xenophobia in the continent while failing to capture the essence of sibling fights or fights amongst African brothers and sisters conceptualised by the Batswana speaking people as maragana teng a bana motho. Through acknowledging Mbeki’s narrative and some sampled African languages, we argue that, while there is a word for foreigner in these sampled African languages, there is no direct or indirect translation of xenophobia in African languages. We conclude that the concept xenophobia has its etymological foundations in Greek and is therefore foreign in any of the African and South African indigenous languages.

Backyard gardening holds immense promise as a viable solution to combat the escalating rates of hunger and poverty in South Africa. This study examines the dynamics of backyard gardening, its significance, potential contributions to food security and the myriad challenges it faces. The literature review explores the diverse dimensions of backyard gardening drawing insights from scholarly research and policy documents. The study underscores the pivotal role of backyard gardening in addressing food security, enhancing nutrition and promoting socio-economic resilience within communities. However, significant barriers such as limited access to land, water scarcity and inadequate support structures pose formidable challenges to its widespread adoption and effectiveness. Analysing the legislative frameworks, policy landscape and organisational initiatives surrounding backyard gardening illuminates’ pathways for overcoming barriers and harnessing its transformative potential. Moreover, it underscores the importance of reimagining backyard gardening as a dynamic strategy for inclusive development, grounded in principles of equity, sustainability and community empowerment. Through strategic interventions aimed at promoting equitable land tenure, enhancing water resource management and fostering community capacity building, South Africa can leverage backyard gardening as a powerful tool in its quest for a more resilient and food-secure future.

This study offers a thorough examination of South Africa's National Development Plan (NDP), emphasising its dedication to advancing gender equality in higher education. Notwithstanding constitutional assurances of equality, considerable gender discrepancies endure in South African higher education institutions (HEIs), with women encountering institutional obstacles that impede their entry and achievement. The research utilises a systematic review approach, consolidating current academic literature to discern the problems and opportunities related to the NDP's gender equality objectives. Critical findings indicate that structural obstacles, including socio-cultural views and financial limitations, substantially hinder women's engagement in higher education. The under-representation of women in leadership positions within higher education institutions fosters a cycle of inequity, as cultural beliefs and institutional regulations frequently neglect the distinct problems encountered by female students. The investigation underscores the necessity of employing an intersectional approach to comprehend the intricacies of gender inequality in higher education. This study emphasises the importance of executing targeted interventions and unified national policies to cultivate an inclusive educational environment that empowers women and corresponds with the overarching objectives of sustainable development. By resolving these difficulties, South Africa can advance towards genuine gender equality in its higher education system, thereby fostering national development and social progress.

This study examined the efficacy of the internal control systems at a TVET College in the Vhembe district, emphasising the five essential components of an internal control system: the control environment, risk assessment, control activities, information and communication processes, and monitoring. This research utilises a sample of 52 permanent employees. The selected responders possess familiarity with internal control systems and are engaged in the development and execution of the organization's internal control system. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, and cumulative percentages, were employed for analysis. The study's findings indicated that the institution's control environment was predominantly effective, whilst the remaining four components of its internal control system were moderately effective. The researcher determined that the institution's internal control system was moderately effective. The findings indicate that TVET College management should prioritise the enhancement of internal control systems to improve operational efficiency and risk management. The research emphasises the necessity for policies that fosters the ongoing enhancement of internal controls, potentially resulting in stronger governance and accountability inside the organisation.

This paper explores the relationship between talent management and dimensions of employee commitment at Nelspruit Banks, a major player in Mpumalanga Province. The paper uses a self-administered Likert-scale questionnaire to collect employee responses on talent management and its impact on normative, affective, and continuous commitment levels. The questionnaire was analysed using IBM SPSS version 28, 63 questionnaires were used for data analysis. This study employed both descriptive statistics (means, frequencies, and pie charts) and inferential statistics (Pearson product moment) to investigate the relationship between talent management and employee commitment. The main findings of the study indicated that talent management positively correlates with two employee commitment components. Notably, talent management positively correlated with continuance and normative commitment. These findings underscore the importance of talent management practices in fostering employee loyalty and retention. It is recommended that Banks consider implementing targeted strategies to foster a positive work environment, recognize and reward employee contributions, and provide opportunities for career development and growth. By focusing on these areas, the banks can strengthen employee commitment and improve overall organizational performance.

Over the years, internship programmes have been used by the government to reduce youth unemployment. However, there is no clear indication of the extent to which the programmes enhance the career progression of recipients and whether internship programmes are essential in determining an individual career path. Hence, the study sought to examine the relationship between internship programme and career progression. A quantitative study was adopted to investigate the relationship of internship programmes with the career progressions of recipients in South Africa. The data was collected from Mbombela Municipality's current internship candidates and employees who were absorbed from the internship programme using a four-point Likert scale self-developed questionnaire. Out of one hundred research instruments distributed to research participants that were identified based on purposeful and convenient non-probability sampling, only seventy useful responses were retrieved. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the participant's demographic information, while Pearson Product-Moment Correlation was used to analyse the relationship between the internship programme and career progression. The result was 0.001, which means that a positive linear correlation exists between internship programmes and career progression. When managed correctly, these programmes can effectively curb the unemployment rate through absorption, personal development, and providing the right experience matching their qualifications. Furthermore, by emphasising the subtle aspects of internship programmes that have significantly impacted each programme participant's career growth, the study contributes to the existing knowledge of the study variables in order to structure internship programmes according to the educational qualification and provide participants with the required tools that will enhance a positive career progression when the internship is concluded.