International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147- 4478)
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The influence of digital technology on decision-making in the South African police service: A critical analysis
Full text linkThe rapid evolution of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies has reshaped organisational decision-making in policing environments worldwide. This study critically examines how digital technologies influence decision-making structures, behaviours, and processes within the South African Police Service (SAPS). A qualitative research design was employed, involving 25 semi-structured interviews with senior SAPS officials, document analysis, and non-participant observation of digital systems in use at selected operational environments. Data were analysed thematically using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase framework, supported by NVivo 14 software. Findings indicate that digital tools—such as the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), e-dockets, crime-analytics dashboards, drones, CCTV, and the My SAPS mobile application—have enhanced communication, accountability, operational efficiency, and data-driven decision-making. Yet progress remains uneven due to infrastructural disparities, varied digital literacy levels, challenges in ethical data governance, and leadership inconsistencies across divisions. Leadership commitment and organisational culture emerged as the strongest determinants of successful adoption. This study extends Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovation Theory to policing in a developing-country context, revealing that innovation adoption within SAPS is non-linear and deeply embedded in institutional culture and capacity. Practical implications include the need for integrated digital-policing strategies, enhanced digital-skills development, strengthened POPIA-aligned governance frameworks, and improved inter-divisional ICT alignment. The findings contribute empirical and conceptual insight into digital transformation in African law-enforcement organisations
Constitutional reform and public trust in Southern Africa: Evidence from South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Malawi
Full text linkTrust 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
The prevalence of energy drinks usage among secondary school learners in Mahikeng sub-district, Northwest Province
Full text linkThe increase in the use of energy drinks among school learners has raised significant public health concerns. There is a lack of South African literature on the consumption of energy drinks among school learners, hence the need for the current study which aimed to investigate the prevalence of energy drinks usage among secondary school learners in Mahikeng sub-district of Northwest Province. A quantitative cross-sectional survey conducted was conducted among 505 secondary school learners using self-administered questionnaires. The study utilised a multistage sampling technique and data were analysed using STATA software version 18. The study findings indicate that the prevalence of current energy drinks usage was (82.11%). Pearson chi-square test of association identified seven factors that showed a significant relation with the frequency of energy drinks consumption. It is concluded that the prevalence of energy drinks usage among secondary school learners in Mahikeng was excessive. This underscores the need for heightened public health awareness campaigns and necessary policy regulations considering the risks associated with the use of these beverages
Innovate, adapt, thrive: operational strategies of African immigrant SMMEs in Thulamela local municipality, Limpopo, South Africa
Full text linkEntrepreneurship 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
The effect of macroeconomic variables on JSE size-based indices returns: Evidence from switching market conditions
Full text linkThe Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) is considered a cornerstone of the South African economy, with its size-based indices serving as critical benchmarks for passive investment and portfolio construction. Although macroeconomic variables affect stock returns, the existing literature has primarily relied on linear models which yield heterogeneous results and do not allow for the dynamic and changing structure of financial markets. Consequently, this study investigates the nonlinear, regime-dependent effects of key macroeconomic variables such as inflation, money supply, short- and long-term interest rates, GDP, and the real effective exchange rate (REER) on the returns of the JSE Fledgling, Small-Cap, and Mid-Cap indices. Utilizing monthly data from 2002 to 2024, the study employs a two-state Markov Regime-Switching which allows the study to endogenously address the changes in bull and bear market regimes. The most pressing finding is that the Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER) is a consistently positive driver of returns across all market conditions, while the influences of other variables, such as interest rates and GDP growth, are highly dependent on the market regime (bull or bear) and the specific index size. Finally, these findings lead us to conclude that the relationship between macroeconomic fundamentals and stock returns is not a constant phenomenon but rather is fundamentally dependent on the regime, lending strong support for the Adaptive Market Hypothesis. This insight is significant for investors and portfolio managers, underscoring the necessity of adaptive, regime-sensitive strategies for effective risk management and portfolio allocation on the JSE
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
Full text linkYouth 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
Sustainable Development Goal 4 and the curriculum: The effects of their integration on global citizenship and organisational development and change in South African universities
Full text linkThe purpose of this paper is to examine how incorporating Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 Quality Education into South African university curricula promotes global citizenship and aids in organisational reform. This paper aims to address the disparity between educational methods and the global citizenship skills that are essential for a globalised world. It further aims to evaluate how teaching frameworks that are in line with SDG 4 can improve educational quality and foster a global civic culture in higher education. A bibliometric analysis was carried out to examine the body of research on the connection between SDG 4, curriculum integration, global citizenship, and organisational development using major academic databases. The findings show that incorporating SDG 4 concepts enhances instructional content and gives students a sense of accountability for global issues. Integration of this kind also promotes flexible corporate cultures that place a high value on social responsibility, creativity, and diversity. This paper recommends that educators receive specialised training on integrating the SDGs, that students participate in co-curated learning activities, and that evaluation techniques be updated to include global citizenship outcomes. Finally, by bringing curricula in line with SDG 4, South African institutions can greatly improve their educational offerings, which will promote student development, social progress, and major organisational change
The role of proper language use in enhancing teaching and learning during English lessons
Full text linkThe effective use of proper language is the heartbeat of successful English pedagogy. Language is not merely a vehicle for instruction but a transformative instrument that shapes thought, engagement, and understanding. This article examines how the deliberate and consistent use of proper English by teachers enhances learner participation, comprehension, and cognitive growth during English lessons. Grounded in an interpretivist qualitative framework, the study synthesises recent empirical research conducted between 2022 and 2025 within multilingual South African classrooms. It reveals that linguistic precision and clarity in teacher discourse foster academic confidence, creativity, and equitable access to knowledge. The findings demonstrate that when teachers model grammatically accurate, contextually appropriate English, learners internalise both linguistic competence and critical thinking skills. Furthermore, the study highlights the pedagogical and ethical responsibility of educators to use language intentionally, as it has a direct impact on classroom culture and learner motivation. Proper language use, therefore, transcends correctness, it becomes a catalyst for intellectual empowerment and cultural inclusivity. The article concludes that teacher training programmes should integrate advanced linguistic proficiency to strengthen teaching quality and learner achievement. The argument resonates globally, positioning language mastery as a cornerstone for sustainable education systems striving toward excellence, diversity, and innovation in language teaching and learning.
 
Navigating universal health coverage: experiences of professional nurses at the primary healthcare level in Johannesburg, South Africa
Full text linkSouth Africa is dedicated to attaining Universal Health Coverage via the National Health Insurance program, with the NHI Bill set to be enacted into law in 2024. The primary healthcare system, essential for Universal Health Coverage delivery, encounters ongoing challenges such as a shortage of healthcare professionals, insufficient infrastructure and medication shortages, financial limitations, and inadequate governance frameworks. The Johannesburg health district has experienced high turnover among trained primary healthcare nurses over the past two financial years, leading to staff shortages and decreased morale. This situation threatens the achievement of Universal Health Coverage. Additionally, patients were often turned away from primary health facilities due to early closures and staff shortages, limiting access to healthcare and hindering UHC goals. To achieve UHC, healthcare services must be available, accessible, affordable, and of high quality.To explore the experiences of professional nurses with regards to the implementation of Universal Health Coverage at Primary Health Care facilities in the Johannesburg health district, Gauteng. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive methodology was employed. Eleven participants, comprising operational managers, professional nurses, and an area manager, were purposefully selected from eight primary healthcare facilities in Regions C and G of Johannesburg. Semi-structured interviews were performed, audio-recorded, and thematically evaluated using Braun & Clarke’s framework. Three themes emerged: (1) Hhuman resource limitations and professional erosion including staff shortages and high turnover, (2) healthcare system inadequacies and patient accessibility such as poor infrastructure and medication stockouts; and (3) financial and policy constraints that impede effective UHC implementation. Nurses\u27 experiences indicate structural obstacles hindering the implementation of UHC. It is essential to address personnel shortages, infrastructure deficiencies, and policy inefficiencies. Enhancing governance and prioritising nurse involvement in policymaking are crucial for attaining equitable, high-quality healthcare in South Africa
Who gets in? Unpacking equity and choice in primary school admissions
Full text linkThis study examines the efficacy of primary school admission policies in ensuring equitable access to education and upholding the right of parental choice. Anchored in the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC, 1989), which affirms every child’s right to non-discriminatory and inclusive education, and the UNESCO Education 2030 Framework for Action, which emphasizes equity and quality education for all, the study investigates how admission policies are implemented in South African primary schools. A qualitative research design was employed, using semi-structured interviews with principals, School Governing Body (SGB) members, and admission committee representatives from two purposively selected primary schools in Free State schools. The study explored how these stakeholders interpret and apply the South African Schools Act (SASA) admission policy, the challenges they encounter, particularly regarding age eligibility and how these policies affect both fairness and parental choice. Findings indicate that limited understanding of the SASA policy among SGB members often results in inconsistent implementation and potential inequities in learner admission. The study recommends targeted capacity-building initiatives, such as workshops and policy orientation sessions, to strengthen policy alignment and uphold the principles of transparency, inclusivity, and the right to education as articulated in national and international frameworks