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‘Mind the gap’: artificial intelligence and journalism training in Southern African journalism schools.
No full textThis article examines journalism schools (J-schools) responses to the Artificial Intelligence (AI) ‘disruption’. It critically provides an exploratory examination of how J-Schools in Southern Africa are responding to the AI wave in their journalism curriculums. We answer the question: How are Southern African J-Schools responding to AI in their curriculums? Using a disruptive innovation theoretical lens and through documentary review of university teaching initiatives and accredited journalism curriculums, augmented by in-depth interviews, we demonstrate that AI has opened up new horizons for journalism training in multidimensional ways. However, this has brought challenges, including covert forms of resistance to AI integration by some Journalism educators. Furthermore, resource constraints and the obduracy of J-schools’ curriculums also contribute to the slow introduction of AI in J-schools. We argue that lack of clarity on what AI is and what can be taught about AI within J-Schools, as well as fear of the unknown has led to a trust deficit among journalism instructors. We further argue that with better training and exposure, journalism educators in Southern Africa can leverage AI technologies to strengthen journalism training
Embodied frictional artistic encounters: The use of creativity and embodied learning as transformative and healing space/s.
No full textOffered as conversations with elmarie costandius as reflection on practice, this article discusses the use of creative learning processes as transformative and healing space/s, and further proposes that these activation spaces be named embodied frictional artistic encounters. the construct of embodied frictional artistic encounters includes three vital participants, the artist (as creative act) as the facilitator of the immersive experience together with the spect-actor, within a designated intra-active environment. Collectively these participants collaborate to activate the artistic encounters towards a transformative and healing outcome. These communal shared intra-active space/s are heightened through affect, resonance, and wit(h)nessing, where the frictional element pertains to awakening states of doubt to alter perspective forming towards empathy. This article intends to encapsulate creative embodied learning within embodied frictional artistic encounters (celFAE/CELfae) and offer this as a dynamic means to classify such activations that serve to foster change and healing
A global assessment of skills, strategies, and policy frameworks for sustainable electric vehicle adoption in South Africa.
No full textSouth Africa's automotive industry is a key pillar of its economy, contributing around 4.9% to gross domestic product and 27.6% to manufacturing output. However, the global shift from internal combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the country considering the European Union proposed restriction on the importation of ICE vehicles, effective from year 2035, due to the urgent need to decarbonize the global economy in response to accelerating climate change and the need to preserve the ecosystem. Presently, EVs adoption in South Africa remains unexpectedly low, even as imported ones face a 7% higher tax than ICE vehicles, high upfront costs which make EVs unaffordable for most citizens, limited public fast-charging infrastructure and the country's vast geographical area which has led to range anxiety. This paper explores the current state of South Africa's EV landscape, identifies the key skills required for a just transition, and evaluates the strategic and policy frameworks necessary for developing a globally competitive EV industry. Drawing on recent studies, government documents, and automobile industry reports, the review offers analysis on how South Africa can build a resilient and inclusive EV ecosystem, as the country transits to electric mobility
Photos from the 2025 TUT Arts Festival
No full textThe Faculty of Arts and Design at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) is all set for its seventh TUT Arts Festival on the Arts Campus from 11 – 13 September 2025. This year’s Festival will be presented in partnership with the City of Tshwane and Tshwane FM
Impact of budget constraints on government performance management: The case of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
No full textSubmitted in accordance with the requirements for the degree Master of Business Studies in Finance in the Department of Finance and Investment Faculty of Economics and Finance
at the Tshwane University of TechnologyThis study investigates the impact of budget constraints on government performance management to improve the performance of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE). This was accomplished through qualitative methods of data collection and analysis, namely in-depth personal interviews. The interviews were conducted with 51 managers of various directorates within the DFFE. These participants were purposively sampled based on their positions in the DFFE, and their experiences that are relevant to the research questions. The textual data was prepared and organised in a way that was easy to work with, using a manual data analysis, themes were identified and linked to the research questions. These data were labelled and categorised to identify the key themes. The results revealed that management does not communicate the budgetary framework on time, and that there is a lack of openness and monitoring in the budgeting processes: these are the primary
contributors to challenges posed by budget constraints. Another contributing factor is that the budget cuts and austerity measures, usually presented without warning, were found to negatively affect staff morale, and impacted service quality and effective financial planning. The study also included a substantial literature review to identify and evaluate key approaches already available to address the issue of budget constraints in the public sector. This literature review helped to identify patterns and themes amongst the various contributions and explain the ways budget limitations can be overcome. Further review of the government and professional press publications on the budget gave the research a real-world context. The study recommends that the DFFE improves coordination, stakeholder engagement, and disciplined planning of the budgeting process, as important operational measures to ensure continuity despite financial constraints. The study further suggests that a more integrated and flexible approach to budgeting and resource management is required as this would improve efficiency and maintain service delivery under situations of financial constraint
Emerging practices of healthcare waste management among private surgeries: A case of the City of Tshwane.
No full textBackground: This study presents the emerging practices of healthcare waste (HCW) management prevailing in most private surgeries within the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality. This study examined the existing norms and standards of HCW management to unravel the minimum lawfully acceptable practices in South Africa and the world.
Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the management of HCW in private surgeries within the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality.
Setting: The study was conducted in the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, Gauteng province, South Africa.
Methods: A mixed research methodology was employed in collecting and analysing data collected from 109 professional doctors, dentists, nurses, administrative staff and cleaners working in private surgeries.
Results: The findings revealed that private surgeries generated 98.17% of infectious waste, while 1.83% was general waste. Most containers adhered to South African National Standards guidelines, but knowledge gaps were found regarding treatment and disposal methods. A total of 92.7% of private surgeries used private companies for waste collection, transport and disposal. Those who used private waste management companies were given Waste Manifest documentation as proof of disposal at an approved facility.
Conclusion: Private surgeries in the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality managed hazardous HCW satisfactorily, but improvements in container usage and waste handling procedures are recommended.
Contribution: The findings of the study can be used to develop comprehensive HCW management guidelines for private surgeries, to help them better manage the HCW they generate
Communicable disease surveillance in South Africa and LMICs: A systematic review of systems, challenges, and integration with environmental health.
No full textCommunicable disease surveillance systems are crucial for global health security, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where infectious disease burdens remain high. Despite disease surveillance systems being in place, the evidence on their implementation, challenges, and integration with environmental health remains fragmented. This systematic review assesses the design, implementation, and challenges of these systems across LMICs, with a focus on South Africa and the broader Sub-Saharan African region. Using PRISMA guidelines and the PICOS framework, searches across four databases identified 325 articles published between 2010 and 2025, of which 56 (17%) were included for analysis. Thematic synthesis revealed key trends, disease priorities, and surveillance tools. South Africa contributed the highest number of articles (25%), while Sub-Saharan Africa accounted for 54% overall. COVID-19 was the most frequently studied disease (20%), followed by cholera, typhoid, and measles. The Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) framework appeared in 25% of articles, while District Health Information Systems 2 (DHIS2) was referenced in 11%, reflecting modest adoption of digital platforms. Reported challenges included underreporting, inconsistent case definitions, limited digital infrastructure, and weak feedback mechanisms. Although integration of environmental health was widely recommended, it was marginally implemented. Overall, LMICs surveillance systems remain constrained by operational and structural limitations, underscoring the need for digital investment, environmental indicators integration, and community-based approaches to strengthen epidemic preparedness
Corporate innovation strategy and sales revenue of multinational companies in times of crisis: A case of the Covid-19 pandemic.
No full textBusinesses varied in their experiences during the COVID-19 crisis, some faced significant difficulties while others thrived (Hu & Zhang, 2021). Over the past three decades, literature has demonstrated that a company’s success during turbulent business and stable environments is increasingly influenced by intangible resources rather than tangible ones (Masood et al., 2017). This study aims to explore the impact of corporate innovation (CI) strategy on sales revenue (SR) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study is quantitative, based on a sample of 74 global companies that were identified as thriving during the pandemic by the Financial Times. Data for the period 2019–2021 was analyzed using a Pearson pairwise correlation matrix and cross-sectional regression analysis. Our findings revealed a positive and statistically significant correlation between CI and SR. However, the direct impact of the CI strategy on SR was found to be statistically insignificant. These findings suggest that while CI strategy may not have an immediate impact on SR, it is crucial for sustaining SR, even during the recent COVID-19 crisis
Afrocentric graduate attributes for future ready graduates: Conceptualization in the South African decolonial context.
No full textThe purpose of this study was to investigate how lecturers at a University of Technology conceptualize 21st-century graduate attributes within an Afrocentric framework through their teaching practices. The objective was to explore how academics understand and implement these attributes, considering the imperatives of decolonization and contemporary educational demands. The Fourth Industrial Revolution and decolonization imperatives necessitate reconceptualizing graduate attributes that reflect 21st-century competencies and African philosophical foundations. Despite extensive research on graduate attributes, limited scholarship explores how these can be conceptualized within decolonized curriculum frameworks embracing Afrocentric principles. This study addresses the gap in understanding graduate attributes for future-ready graduates within South African decolonial contexts. A qualitative descriptive case study design grounded in Afrocentricity philosophy was employed. Purposive sampling selected 14 participants: seven academics and seven students from two faculties. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and classroom observations. Thematic analysis using Atlas. The study generated 36 codes and 57 quotations, resulting in nine categories across three themes: conceptualisation of 21st-century graduate attributes, their importance, and teaching strategies. Findings revealed that lecturers used case studies, role-plays, and interactive discussions to facilitate student engagement, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving while promoting technological literacy. Students confirmed that lecturers used real-world examples and expected active problem-solving engagement to enhance the development of graduate attributes. The study revealed a comprehensive framework for 21st-century Afrocentric graduate attributes. The research demonstrates the effective conceptualization and implementation of Afrocentric graduate attributes in preparing students for contemporary challenges while maintaining their cultural identity. The study recommends integrating 21st-century Afrocentric graduate attributes into institutional teaching, learning, and assessment strategies to guide academic practices systematically
Enhancing energy consumption in automotive component manufacturing: A hybrid autoregressive integrated moving average–long short-term memory prediction model.
No full textThe automotive industry faces continuing challenges with regard to advancing sustainability and reducing energy consumption and vehicle emissions. South Africa accounts for half of the total CO2 emissions in Africa and is the world’s 12th-largest CO2 emitter. In this study, we aimed to develop a model combining autoregressive integrated moving averages (ARIMAs) with long short-term memory (LSTM) to determine the best fit for prediction using the lowest root mean square error configuration and enhance energy consumption in automotive component manufacturing. The ARIMA model dissects time-series data into the components of level, trend, and seasonality, while the automatic ARIMA function refines the model parameters. Simultaneously, utilizing historical data, the LSTM model uses specific algorithms to predict future electricity generation and carbon emissions for the automotive component’s manufacturing sector. According to
our results, the predicted variables’ interdependence revealed an enhancement in energy intensity for vehicle body part products equal to 29%, a cumulative energy savings of 7.22%, and an increase in energy efficiency equal to 16.25%. Our model’s predictive fitness holds significant potential for allowing automotive component manufacturers to make informed economic and technical decisions toward the development of low-carbon products. Critically, improved energy efficiency in automotive component manufacturing activities is critical for lowering energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, sustainable transportation, and production costs