International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147- 4478)
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Political economy of health reform: Unpacking stakeholder interests in South Africa’s NHI debate
Get PDFSouth Africa’s journey toward universal health coverage through the proposed National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme reflects a deeply contested terrain of political, economic, and institutional interests. At the heart of the debate lies the struggle to transform an inequitable, dual-tiered healthcare system into a unified platform for equitable access. This article examines the political economy underpinning the NHI discourse by critically unpacking the roles, incentives, and power dynamics of key stakeholder groups, including government institutions, private healthcare providers, civil society, trade unions, political parties, and international actors. Using a political economy analysis framework, the study explores how stakeholder preferences and alignments shape the pace, design, and legitimacy of NHI reforms. It interrogates the conflicting narratives of equity and efficiency, state capacity versus market reliance, and centralized control versus decentralized delivery. Drawing on diverse reports, policy analyses, public submissions, and academic critiques, the research highlights how divergent ideological, financial, and institutional positions influence both policy content and public perception. Evidence from the research indicates that health reform in South Africa is not merely a technical endeavor but a deeply political process. Stakeholders engage in strategic behavior to either support, contest, or reshape the NHI, with implications for policy coherence, implementation feasibility, and constitutional alignment. The article concludes that sustainable health reform depends not only on sound policy design but also on transparent negotiation, inclusive dialogue, and adaptive political strategy. A nuanced understanding of stakeholder dynamics is therefore essential to realizing South Africa’s vision of health equity and universal coverage
Constitutionalism under pressure: Evaluating the legal framework for a government of national unity in South Africa
Get PDFThe establishment of South Africa’s 2024 Government of National Unity (GNU) marks a significant departure from post-apartheid electoral norms, raising critical questions about the constitutional viability of coalition governance amid political fragmentation. This paper interrogates whether the existing constitutional framework adequately supports a GNU model under contemporary conditions of socio-economic strain and institutional fragility. Through a qualitative legal analysis of constitutional texts, key policy documents, political declarations, and jurisprudential trends, the study assesses how mechanisms such as separation of powers, executive authority, and intergovernmental cooperation are interpreted and deployed within unity arrangements. It traces the historical emergence of power-sharing in South Africa, comparing the 1994 transitional GNU to the current iteration, and identifies core challenges such as executive ambiguity, accountability erosion, and legal uncertainty. The paper further evaluates the role of civil society, the judiciary, and political culture in safeguarding constitutional order. By synthesizing insights from state performance, party behavior, and legal analysis, it identifies both limitations and reform opportunities within South Africa’s constitutional architecture. The study concludes with recommendations for strengthening democratic resilience through clearer legal design, institutional clarity, and enhanced civic engagement, contributing to global discourse on constitutional adaptability in emerging democracies
Exploring operational obstacles for SMEs in volatile economies: A case for Mashonaland West, Zimbabwe
Get PDFSmall and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) function in unstable macroeconomic contexts, especially in emerging markets characterised by significant economic volatility. SMEs are crucial for job creation and poverty alleviation; however, they encounter various challenges that impede their growth. Small and medium-sized enterprises in the Mashonaland West Province of Zimbabwe face limitations due to political and economic instability. This research examines operational challenges through a qualitative methodology. Data were gathered from 21 purposefully selected SME owner-managers, each possessing a minimum of five years of managerial experience, across five districts. Inductive thematic analysis, facilitated by NVivo software, was employed to examine open-ended interview responses. Identified key obstacles include cash shortages, inadequate working capital, elevated inflation, foreign currency limitations, increasing costs, and inconsistent government policies. Recommendations for policy include the revision of monetary policy, stabilisation of the local currency, adjustment of tax structures, and enhancement of price control mechanisms. Managers of small and medium enterprises are advised to enhance cash flow and inventory management practices. Future research should undertake comparative studies among developing countries
Challenges and transformations of traditional African marriage in the modern era
Get PDFThis 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
An explorative study on the impact of early marriage on girl child’s education in South Africa
Get PDFIn South Africa, early marriage continues to pose a serious obstacle to girls\u27 education and gender equality, especially in rural and underprivileged areas. The purpose of the study was to explore the impact of Early Marriage on Girl child’s Education in South Africa. The study highlighted the main causes, effects, and legal frameworks of early marriage in South Africa by combining data from international organizations like UNICEF with government reports and current literature. Early marriage also limits females\u27 prospects for career and personal growth, resulting in long-term socioeconomic disadvantages. Moreover, to lower the rate of early marriage and lessen its detrimental impacts on girls\u27 education, this study emphasized the necessity of more robust regulatory enforcement, focused educational interventions, and community-based activities. The study employed the qualitative approach with the use of the comprehensive desktop approach to investigate the effects of early marriage on girls\u27 educational performance. The findings, a multifaceted strategy is required to address the underlying issues and give girls the tools and chances they need to finish their school and succeed in society. This study used extensive desktop research to investigate the effects of early marriage on girls\u27 educational performance
Coalition governance and government of national unity in South Africa: Implications for nation-building and reconciliation
Get PDFSouth Africa\u27s transition to democracy in 1994 resulted in the formation of a Government of National Unity, which intended to promote inclusivity and unity in a highly divided society. Since then, coalition governments have continued to play an important part in the country\u27s political scene, generating concerns about their effectiveness in promoting nationalism, reconciliation, and social cohesion. This paper utilised a systematic literature review to examine existing research to obtain an understanding of the topic matter by methodically gathering and evaluating 50 pertinent studies, papers, and publications as well as textual analysis to the collected data, which helped in delving further into speeches, policy documents, and other written materials relevant to South African coalition governments and the Government of National Unity. This paper recommends that future South African coalition governments should prioritise systems that promote conversation, consensus-building, and societal cohesion. Furthermore, efforts should be made to remove structural inequities and historical injustices that are impeding the country\u27s progress towards a more inclusive and united society. This paper concludes that South African coalition governments, as well as the Government of National Unity, have far-reaching ramifications for nation-building, reconciliation, and social cohesion. Additionally, policymakers must prioritise inclusivity, transparency, and accountability in political decision-making processes
Policy-making vs implementation in South Africa: Challenges and justice-based solutions
Get PDFThe complications that arise during policy implementation frequently stand in stark contrast to the principles of simplicity in policy formation within public administration. This gap stems from the distinctions between the practical difficulties of implementing a policy, such as unexpected variables, stakeholder resistance, and resource restrictions, and the conceptual clarity, broad goals, and explicit directions involved in its formulation. South Africa has introduced many promising policies to address socio-economic inequalities, boost economic growth, and improve public services. However, despite strong policy frameworks, the country often struggles to implement these policies effectively. This paper seeks to explore the challenges associated with policy implementation in the South African government. In addressing these difficulties, a qualitative method was employed, wherein case studies related to policy implementation failures in South Africa were unpacked and discussed as points of reference. There are significant challenges regarding policy implementation in South Africa. For the basis of this study, justice theory is applicable. There is also a strong tendency for political involvement in policy implementation, as party members are awarded tenders and contracts to implement various programs for stated policies; as a result, these policies often fail. This paper proposes the use of the 7-C protocol as a tool for monitoring policy implementation and limiting political interference. The distinctiveness of the 7-C Protocol in the policy setting lies in its ability to reconcile communication efficiency with public accountability
The use of telehealth in social work practice: A scoping review protocol
Get PDFAlthough telehealth use in social work practice is not a new concept, its adoption has significantly increased in recent years due to growth in technology use and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there exist gaps in understanding how social workers are using and experiencing telehealth in their practice. This scoping review synthesizes literature on the use of telehealth in social work practice. Guided by Arksey and O’Malley, we will search for literature on five databases: Web of Science, PUBMED, SCOPUS, PsycINFO, and CINAHL. Using Rayyan screening software, two independent reviewers will screen articles at the title, abstract, and full-text levels. Key characteristics and key themes of the selected articles that meet the inclusion criteria will be charted on a Microsoft Excel sheet. Qualitative thematic analysis will be used to analyze the themes. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) will be used to report the scoping review processes. The review will contribute to the broader understanding of telehealth in social work practice and inform the development of best practices and current gaps in research on telehealth in social work practice. The results will be disseminated to researchers, schools of social work, and practitioners through manuscript publications and relevant conferences
Building responsive local government in South Africa: Critical review of intergovernmental support and interventions in provincial contexts
No full textAs South Africa enters its fourth decades of democratic governance there is growing debate about the way intergovernmental support and intervention is understood from operational perspectives, particularly as pertains to the management of local government. It is not clear how national and provincial governments apply intergovernmental support, control and checking mechanisms before the mandatory interventions through Section 139 of the Constitution of South Africa (1996) becomes a necessity. This article aims to contribute to this contemporary discourse by providing a critical account of the role of intergovernmental support and intervention to local government in provincial contexts. The article follows qualitative approach. It argues that a capable local government is possible if there is enough intergovernmental support from provincial and national governments. It further argues mandatory interventions are not helpful, and that their parameters should be revisited and certainly, limit those to cases of ‘absolute’ impossibilities. In the end, the article recommended key ‘intergovernmental support’ channels and measures that provinces can use to aid municipalities facing crisis situations.  
The relationship between corporate governance and firm profitability among JSE-listed basic materials sector firms
Get PDFThe spate of failures and scandals in the basic materials sector in South Africa and globally bring into question not only the ethics of business leaders but primarily corporate governance and the role of boards in safeguarding the shareholders\u27 wealth. The aim of the study was to ascertain the relationship between corporate governance and firm profitability of firms in the basic materials sector listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Five corporate governance characteristics are observed on two profitability measures, return on assets and return on equity and Tobin’s Q as the market indicator using a cross-sectional time-series panel data method of 54 firms in the basic materials sector listed on the JSE from 2017 to 2021. A regression analysis model is used to ascertain whether and to what degree a relationship exists between corporate governance and firm profitability within JSE-listed basic materials sector firms. The results show that corporate governance characteristics have a mixed impact on firm profitability, with some indicating a negative or no significant relationship, highlighting the complexity of this association. This study proves that if a firm chooses suitable corporate governance characteristics, the profitability of a firm can be enhanced. The outcome of this study should have implications for academic thoughts for further research on this subject and calls for a more concerted effort for boards to implement more prudent corporate governance mechanisms to future-proof the business of the basic materials sector