Society for the Study of Business & Finance- SSBFNET: E-Journals
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Constitutional reform and public trust in Southern Africa: Evidence from South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Malawi
No full textTrust in public institutions has become a central governance concern in Southern Africa, where post-apartheid constitutional reforms were intended to strengthen accountability, protect rights, and consolidate democratic rule. South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Malawi offer contrasting trajectories of reform and institution-building, shaped by varying political settlements, judicial independence, and citizen expectations. Despite formal advances such as enhanced human-rights protections, electoral reforms, and new accountability institutions, survey evidence suggests declining public confidence in core state structures. This paper examines how constitutional reform episodes influence trust in institutions using a country-year panel from 2000–2020, drawing on Afrobarometer, V-Dem, and the World Justice Project’s Rule of Law Index. A difference-in-differences design identifies changes in institutional trust following reform events, while a synthetic control approach provides additional insight for early adopters. The analysis indicates that reforms improve trust only where rule-of-law institutions function credibly and where reform implementation is consistent. The results highlight the importance of judicial performance, electoral management capacity, and local governance quality. The paper concludes that future reforms must prioritise implementation and institutional coherence to restore trust across Southern Africa’s democracies
Innovate, adapt, thrive: operational strategies of African immigrant SMMEs in Thulamela local municipality, Limpopo, South Africa
No full textEntrepreneurship is thriving amongst the immigrant population in South Africa. There is an explosion of successful immigrant SMMEs. Researchers acknowledge that immigrants are operating successful SMMEs. There is still a paucity in the body of knowledge about the operational strategies contributing to the thriving of immigrant enterprises. The objective of the study is to examine the operational strategies of African Immigrant SMMEs. The study sought to answer the main research question – “What are the operational strategies of African immigrant SMMEs in Thulamela Local Municipality? The study adopted a qualitative approach. The population was immigrant SMMEs in Thulamela Local Municipality. Purposive non-probability and snowball sampling techniques were used to select a sample of 20 participants who met the set qualifying criteria for the study. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with participants in English. Data was analysed using Archive of Technology, Life world and Language for text interpretation (ATLAS.ti) Version 8.4. The study found that operational strategies adopted by African immigrant SMMEs include industry experience capitalisation; credit to regular customers; long operating hours; competitor consciousness; and fast customer service. A similar study may be conducted in other municipalities or provinces towards a broader understanding of the subject matter in different contexts
Entrepreneurial financing: challenges for SMEs in accessing funding
No full textSmall enterprises are important catalysts of economic expansion in numerous emerging nations, directly facilitating job creation. Many entrepreneurs encounter many obstacles that impede their sustainability and expansion. This study investigated the availability of finance for nascent entrepreneurs and the challenges they face in securing financial resources to launch their enterprises. The research employed quantitative methodologies and design. The study utilised a purposive sampling method, including a sample size of 54 small to medium firms situated in Fourways, Johannesburg, South Africa. Data were gathered using a survey questionnaire directed at entrepreneurs who sought funding from development finance institutions (DFIs) and banks. Descriptive statistics were employed for data analysis. The findings indicate that entrepreneurs frequently encounter difficulties in securing capital to initiate their ventures, and there exist discrepancies between financiers and entrepreneurs. The main challenges are that entrepreneurs lack the requisite skills and financial literacy to prepare adequate documents for completing fundraising applications. The financiers mandate collateral and equity investments from the entrepreneurs, indicating a need to reassess the funding framework employed by financial institutions. The funder\u27s procedures are protracted, ambiguous, and poorly articulated. The report advises governments and Development Finance Institutions to streamline funding processes, boost transparency, and implement capacity-building programs to improve entrepreneurs\u27 financial literacy
Integrated security Risk Management model developed for public hospitals in Gauteng Province, South Africa: A South African case study.
No full textPublic hospitals in South Africa are regularly faced with safety and security incidents that expose personnel, patients, and visitors to serious and violent crimes such as assault, rape and murder. In addition, theft of valuable assets, is a huge problem in public hospitals. This article identifies the ineffectiveness of security measures implemented in public hospitals and formulation of an integrated security management model. A quantitative study was conducted at five public hospitals in the province of Gauteng. Quantitative data were collected through a survey questionnaire. Additionally, safety and security documents were analysed, followed by observations of security personnel in the control rooms. The findings revealed that safety and security measures implemented by these hospitals do not fully comply with the Control of Access to Public Premises and Vehicles Act, No. 53 of 1985. The research participants identified gaps and shortcomings such as poor implementation of access?control measures that included the searching of personnel and visitors. This results in the loss of assets and the disappearance of patients from hospital premises. The research confirmed that inadequate security systems regarding perimeter fences, closed?circuit television and trained security personnel at the research sites made it difficult to deter, detect and detain perpetrators. This research contributes by highlighting safety and security procedures that need to be followed to keep personnel, patients and visitors in public hospitals safe. Furthermore, the use of an Integrated Security Risk Management Model developed specifically for public hospitals during this research is recommended
A study on the pathways to enhance the effectiveness of contemporary youth student organizations: Based on the understanding, prediction, and management of individual thought and behavior
No full textYouth student organizations, particularly Student Union Branches, play a vital role in ideological development and talent cultivation within Chinese higher education. Operating within a unique socio-educational context, these organizations must navigate the complex challenge of enhancing organizational effectiveness while ensuring ideological alignment. This study adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys of 127 student cadres with in-depth case studies of 6 Student Union Branches, to investigate how sophisticated mechanisms for understanding, predicting, and managing individual thoughts and behaviors can improve organizational outcomes. The research proposes an integrated U-P-M (Understanding-Prediction-Management) framework. This includes a multi-layered understanding mechanism based on dynamic monitoring, dialogue, and data insight; a prediction mechanism utilizing intelligent forecasting and proactive intervention; and a management mechanism combining value guidance, organizational optimization, and environmental shaping. Quantitative results show that Student Union Branches implementing the systematic U-P-M framework achieved significant gains: a 28% increase in organizational belonging, a 35% rise in activity participation, and a 42% improvement in task execution efficiency. Qualitative findings further reveal contextual implementation challenges and success factors. This study contributes an evidence-based theoretical framework and reproducible pathways for enhancing youth student organization effectiveness within China\u27s specific educational environment. It highlights the delicate balance between organizational autonomy and ideological conformity, offering valuable insights for educational administrators and student affairs professionals seeking to foster high-quality organizational development
Food and service quality as drivers of customer satisfaction and behavioural intention at quick service restaurants in Tshwane Urban, South Africa
No full textThe continued increase in food demand globally, has witnessed a corresponding growth in the fast-food restaurant business. The study of food and service quality as major drivers of customer satisfaction and behavioural intention has therefore become a strategic area of interest. This study explored how food and service quality affect customer satisfaction and behavioural intention in the context of quick-service restaurants in Tshwane City of South Africa. Guided by a positivist philosophy, the study employed a deductive approach to theory development. A cross-sectional descriptive research design was adopted and a structured survey instrument was used to collect data from 173 online participants. The results were analysed using IBM SPSS 26, and partial least squares structural equation modelling in Smart PLS 4 to test hypotheses. The findings showed that although food quality had a significant positive effect on behavioural intention, it was not a predictor of customer satisfaction. All the elements of service quality exhibited significant positive influence on satisfaction and behavioural intention. This study offers invaluable insights for managers to embrace customer-driven strategies such as offering high quality food and service because the success of culinary business revolves around achieving customer satisfaction, which is vital for creating positive behavioural intentions. Future studies can be done using relatively larger sample sizes for more generalisability in related studies or other service domains
The role of artificial intelligence in enhancing supply chain performance: Insights from Tanzania brewery companies
No full textThis study was deliberately designed to empirically examine how Artificial Intelligence (AI) enhances supply chain performance within Tanzanian brewery companies, addressing a critical gap between global theoretical potential and local practical realities. Using a mixed-methods, embedded single-case study approach, data were collected from 86 participants at Tanzania Breweries Limited (TBL) through questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions. The findings revealed a fragmented yet influential adoption landscape, where tools like predictive analytics and machine learning significantly boosted service quality and certain efficiency measures; however, these benefits were notably limited by organizational resistance, weak data governance, and major external infrastructural barriers. As an original contribution, this study offers fresh, context-specific insights into the socio-technical dynamics of AI adoption in a lesser-studied Tanzanian industrial setting. Practically, managers are urged to prioritize core investments in change management and data integrity, while socially, effective integration can promote market stability and skills growth, contributing to wider socioeconomic progress. In conclusion, the study emphasizes that AI’s transformative promise is not assured by technology alone but depends on strong internal capacity and a supportive external environment. A noted limitation is the single-case focus, which may restrict generalization across other industries. Therefore, it is recommended that firms adopt a phased implementation strategy grounded in solid data governance and pilot projects, while fostering public-private partnerships to address the broader external challenges slowing digital transformation
An examination of the United States of America-South Africa economic relations: mutually beneficial or not? 2010-2020
No full textThis paper examines the economic relationship between the United States and South Africa from 2010 to 2020, focusing on whether these interactions are mutually beneficial. Utilizing a Marxist political economic framework, this paper argues that AGOA has facilitated increased trade and investment. These benefits have largely favored US interests, reinforcing structural inequalities within South Africa’s economy and creating a persistent cycle of dependency. The relationship is asymmetrical and exploitative rather than mutually beneficial, characterized by the exploitation of cheap labor, limited regulation of US corporations and barriers to entry for smaller South African producers. Additionally, liberalization policies under AGOA have undermined South Africa’s domestic industries, while US strategically uses trade agreements as tools of political influence in Africa, compromising South Africa’s policy sovereignty. Through qualitative analysis and case studies, this study highlights significant challenges including geopolitical tensions and economic dependency, recommending policies that promote equitable development and address the exploitative nature of these economic ties. Ultimately, this investigation contributes to a deeper understanding of the complexities and power dynamics in international economic relations affecting developing countries within the global capitalist system
Women’s lived experiences of career progression into leadership in South African higher education: Revisiting the glass ceiling
No full textInternationally, the issue of gender equality in higher education has been a serious challenge, particularly in leadership roles. This issue has spread to African countries, including South Africa. Despite the implementation and adaptation of gender equity policies, such as the Employment Equity Act of 1998, women remain underrepresented in both support and academic leadership roles within South African institutions of higher education. Studies have been conducted in this area focusing on examining structural barriers, policy gaps, and gender representation. Still, few have synthesised women’s personal narratives across multiple sources using secondary qualitative data. This current paper exists to address that gap. It further revisits the concept of the glass ceiling by unpacking women\u27s lived experiences of career progression across the sector in recent years. It uses a qualitative approach and relies on secondary data to examine how women experience and respond to institutional barriers. The data were analysed narratively to highlight personal stories, identities, and meaning-making processes of women navigating leadership. The paper found that women in higher education are skilled and committed, but they remain constrained by outdated institutional systems that offer symbolic inclusion and limited support, thereby preventing genuine access to leadership roles. Despite this invisible glass ceiling, women remain strong and resilient, living the meaning of “wathint’ abafazi, wathint’ imbokodo.” (A woman is a rock), they continue to push forward and lead even when the higher education system fails them. Therefore, it recommends that the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) strengthen the enforcement of gender equity policies through regular gender audits, leadership development programmes, and accountability mechanisms to promote authentic empowerment and sustainable transformation
Facebook posts as crucial evidence in crime exposure and investigation in South Africa
No full textThis scoping review examines the role of Facebook posts and social media content as crucial evidence in crime exposure and investigation within the South African context, exploring the types of crimes documented, digital forensic methodologies, legal admissibility challenges, and ethical considerations. Following the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) framework, a comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including SciSpace, Google Scholar, and PubMed, covering publications from 2015 to 2025. The review included peer-reviewed articles, case studies, legal analyses, and policy documents related to social media evidence in criminal investigations, with a specific focus on South African cases and contexts. The review identified 97 relevant sources spanning multiple crime categories where Facebook posts serve as evidence, including murder cases, sexual exploitation, fraud, harassment, and organised crime. Key findings reveal that while social media evidence is increasingly utilised by the South African Police Service (SAPS), significant challenges persist regarding authentication, chain of custody, legal admissibility, and privacy concerns. High-profile cases such as the Thabo Bester investigation and viral crime videos from platforms like Facebook demonstrate both the potential and limitations of social media as evidentiary material. Digital forensic methodologies have evolved to address platform-specific challenges, though resource constraints and training gaps affect implementation in South African law enforcement. Facebook posts have become indispensable tools for crime exposure and investigation in South Africa, serving dual functions as both primary evidence and intelligence sources. However, the evidentiary value is contingent upon proper collection, preservation, authentication, and adherence to legal standards. Recommendations include developing standardised protocols for social media evidence collection, enhancing digital forensic capacity within SAPS, clarifying legal frameworks for admissibility, and balancing investigative needs with privacy rights. Future research should examine the long-term impacts of social media surveillance on community trust and explore technological solutions for verifiable evidence preservation