UFS Publications Platform (Univ. of the Free State)
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A scoping review of culturally sensitive large language models-based cognitive behavioural therapy for anxiety and depression: Global lessons for African implementation
Full text linkAnxiety and depression are significant global mental health challenges. In Africa, these conditions are critical social issues deeply connected to factors such as socio-economic disparities, cultural stigma, and limited healthcare resources. These factors create substantial barriers to effective care, highlighting the need for innovative approaches to mental health treatment. Large Language Model-based (LLM-based) Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) addresses this need by leveraging CBT’s structured and effective interventions while allowing for innovative approaches to scale the intervention for these conditions. However, existing research predominantly explores LLM integration in Western contexts, with minimal focus on African cultural dynamics. This scoping review investigates the integration of culturally sensitive elements in LLM-based CBT interventions for anxiety and depression, focusing on addressing the unique considerations for African implementation. Scopus, Web of Science (WOS), EBSCO, and Google Scholar were searched to identify studies published between 2019 and 2024. The review examines global practices of integrating cultural elements into LLM-based CBT and specific considerations for implementing these interventions in Africa. Findings reveal key challenges, including limited culturally representative datasets, diverse norms, traditional beliefs, and ethical concerns. Collaboration with African researchers and communities is crucial for addressing these gaps and ensuring culturally appropriate solutions. LLM-based CBT can address Africa’s mental health needs if culturally sensitive practices are prioritised. This review offers guidance for ethical, accessible, and effective interventions, combining global best practices with local insights
The Community participation in rural tourism development initiatives. The case of Mnqesha Great Place, South Africa
No full textThe challenge in rural tourism development lies in ensuring the active participation of local communities. Without their involvement, achieving sustainability, improving community welfare, and fostering a sense of ownership becomes difficult. Community participation has been in the spotlight in tourism academia as a tool to induce sustainable tourism development. However, despite the profound commendations in the literature, destinations often fail to adequately operationalise effective community participation. This study aims to explore community participation in rural tourism development at Mnqesha Great Place, South Africa. A qualitative research approach was adopted for this study. Data was collected through focus groups, and purposive sampling—a non-probability technique—was used to select community leaders involved in tourism in the area. The results of the study highlight the community\u27s limited role in planning, the lack of resources, and internal conflicts that hinder tourism development, which ultimately impedes the community\u27s progress. The study recommends increased communication with the village leadership, the necessity of inclusive decision-making processes, and the establishment of local champions to enhance community-led tourism initiatives, offering a framework for successful rural tourism development
Bridging classroom and real-world learning: The impact of field trips on geography students’ engagement and critical thinking in South Africa
Full text linkThis study investigates the enhancement of learning in Geography Education through field trips at a South African university, guided by Dewey’s philosophy of experiential learning and Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle. The aim was to explore how practical, real-world experiences strengthen students’ comprehension of theoretical concepts and foster professional development. The research was framed within an interpretivist paradigm, emphasising the subjective meanings and experiences of participants. A qualitative approach was adopted, employing a case study design to provide in-depth insights into a specific field trip experience. The population comprised all third-year Geography Education students at the university, with a purposive sample of 17 participants who attended the field trip and completed the survey. Data was collected through an open-ended questionnaire (administered via Google Forms) immediately following the field trip, as part of a routine evaluation process. Responses were analysed using thematic analysis, allowing for the emergence of patterns and themes from participants’ narratives. Four themes emerged: experiential learning and concrete understanding, theory-to-practice integration, affective engagement and critical reflection, and skill development through collaborative learning. The findings reveal that well-structured field trips can substantially deepen learning, foster critical thinking, and build professional competencies. This well-structured and insightful study clearly demonstrates the value of experiential learning in Geography Education, although the noted challenges highlight areas needing further attention. This study contributes to the literature by applying the Dewey–Kolb framework in a South African higher education context, offering evidence of how experiential learning promotes academic and professional development
Strategies to manage prejudice-based bullying against LGBT students at a selected university in South Africa
Full text linkLesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) individuals in rural Eastern Cape of South Africa face persistent marginalisation due to remoteness and conservative social attitudes, including within universities. This study explores strategies to manage prejudice-based bullying against LGBT students and reduce the stressors associated with such discrimination.
To achieve the aim of this study, the research was framed within the constructivist paradigm, employing a qualitative research approach and a phenomenological design for a deeper understanding of the phenomenon. The snowball sampling technique was used to select six LGBT students, while purposive sampling was employed to identify two Student Representative Council (SRC) members and two Student Affairs workers. In-depth interviews were conducted to gather data, which were then analysed and interpreted using Braun and Clarke’s 2006 thematic analysis steps. This study revealed several forms of bullying experienced by LGBT students, as well as strategies suitable for managing prejudice-based bullying among them. It emerged that LGBT students encounter technology-facilitated gender-based bullying, verbal bullying, and discrimination, all of which adversely affect their psychological health, resulting in long-term psychological disorders. To ensure the welfare, inclusivity, and safety of LGBT students at the university, participants suggested the need for policy and structural changes, increased awareness and education, support systems, disciplinary measures, and fair resource allocation. This study recommends that the university hold ongoing educational workshops and campaigns, allocate adequate financial resources, network with external stakeholders to gain new insights on managing bullying motivated by prejudice, and promote inclusivity
Challenges of 4IR implementation in post offices in developing countries: A case study of South Africa
Full text linkThe Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) presents an unprecedented opportunity for post offices in developing countries to modernise and enhance their services, addressing the evolving demands of a digital economy. However, implementing 4IR technologies in this sector is fraught with challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, corruption, inclusion bias, disparities in employee skillsets, and financial constraints. This study investigates these challenges, focusing on the South African context, to provide actionable insights and recommendations for effective 4IR adoption. The research adopts a qualitative design, utilising semi-structured interviews with 25 purposively selected participants across five socioeconomic classes in South Africa. This approach ensured the inclusion of diverse perspectives on the risks and barriers associated with 4IR implementation. Data were analysed using thematic analysis to identify key challenges and potential strategies to address them. The findings reveal significant hurdles, including corruption in financial management, insufficient infrastructure to support digital technologies, exclusion of underserved populations, skillset gaps among employees, and limited financial resources. These challenges highlight systemic and structural barriers that hinder the post office\u27s ability to transition into a fully digitalised environment. To address these issues, the study recommends measures such as establishing stringent financial oversight mechanisms, investing in infrastructure upgrades, bridging skillset gaps through training and mentorship programmes, adopting inclusive service models, and fostering equity through community engagement. A strategic and collaborative approach to 4IR implementation can help post offices in developing countries overcome challenges, modernise operations, enhance service delivery, and drive digital transformation and national development
Tourism collaborative governance: The views of tourism small and medium-sized enterprises in rural areas
Full text linkIt is recognised that collaborative governance offers better solutions to problems than those fashioned exclusively by government agencies. Collaborative governance involves several relevant parties, particularly in the travel and tourism sector. The integrative processes of collaborative governance in the tourism industry provide a direct face-to-face alternative, leading to thorough and comprehensive strategic planning. Recent tourism governance research has explored the role of multiple actors in governing destinations but has not comprehensively investigated the role that tourism small and medium-sized enterprises play as important stakeholders at rural tourism destinations. Since tourism small and medium-sized enterprises are critical players in tourism collaborative governance, there is a need for an evaluation of the role they play in this context. This study explores the opinions of tourism small and medium-sized enterprises regarding collaborative governance at rural tourism destinations. The study adopted a qualitative research approach and employed a purposive sampling method, a non-probability sampling technique to select participants. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The results of the investigation indicate that tourism small and medium-sized enterprises recognise the need for their participation in tourism collaborative governance, the necessity of knowledgeable conveners, the importance of equal voices during stakeholder meetings, and mutual trust among stakeholders as essential components of effective collaborative governance. The study recommends active and equitable community participation, building mutual trust among stakeholders, and promoting effective collaboration between all parties involved in tourism collaborative governance
Instructional leadership experiences of departmental heads in five public primary schools in Gauteng province, South Africa
Full text linkDepartmental heads are increasingly recognised as pivotal instructional leaders within schools, serving as a bridge between senior management and classroom practice. Despite this recognition, the existing literature predominantly focuses on principals, often neglecting the leadership roles of departmental heads, particularly in South African public primary schools. This under-representation creates a gap in understanding how these middle leaders interpret and enact instructional leadership within complex and under-resourced educational environments. This study aimed to explore the instructional leadership experiences of departmental heads in five public primary schools in Gauteng Province, South Africa. A qualitative research approach, underpinned by the interpretive paradigm, was adopted, employing a generic qualitative design. Ten departmental heads were purposively selected, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews, observations, and document analysis. Thematic analysis was employed to interpret the findings. Results revealed varied understandings of instructional leadership, shaped by personal orientations, school culture, and leadership structures. Departmental heads actively engaged in curriculum planning, classroom monitoring, and mentoring but faced challenges due to curriculum changes, limited autonomy, administrative overload, and a lack of formal leadership training. These challenges created a disparity between policy expectations and practical realities. Participants highlighted the necessity for structured leadership capacity development, peer support, and access to digital tools. The study concludes that departmental heads are crucial to instructional improvement, yet they remain under-supported and overburdened
The two-way mirror of learning analytics: Reflections of student engagement in learning management system data
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The The Influence of Social Media on Shona Language and Academic Writing in Zimbabwe
No full textThis qualitative study examines the influence of social media on the Shona language and academic writing in Zimbabwe. It specifically identifies the effects of social media on changes in the Shona language and examines the negative impact of social media language on academic writing. The study utilises Digital Ethnography (DE) and observations as its methods of data collection. The Diffusion of Innovations Theory was employed as the theoretical framework for the study. Findings reveal that social media has facilitated syntactic, phonological, orthographic, lexical, and semantic changes in the Shona language. The results also indicate that these changes affect students’ academic writing skills, thereby posing new challenges and concerns that teachers and students must navigate. It was observed that the informal nature of social media language leads to a loss of formal tone, poor grammar and spelling, and reduced clarity in students’ academic work, weakening the overall quality of their submissions and resulting in lower grades. The study concludes that social media has revolutionised the way people communicate, and languages are no exception. It is also concluded that the changes in the Shona language reflect the casual and spontaneous nature of social media communication, where users emphasise brevity and informality over grammatical writing. We recommend that educators be aware of these effects and provide guidance to students on the importance of maintaining formal language in academic writing, as well as how to differentiate between social media language and academic language, using each in its proper context
Consumption of sustainable renewable energy by Generation Z from a utilitarian perspective
Full text linkSustainable energy products are pivotal for the well-being of consumers, especially in emerging economies like South Africa. The country has experienced unprecedented load-shedding due to insufficient electricity supply from the national grid. As a result, consumers have resorted to alternative, sustainable, renewable energy sources, particularly solar energy. However, the factors influencing the adoption of solar energy products, especially among young consumers, remain under-researched, with limited empirical studies exploring their motivations for solar energy usage. This study investigated the influence of utilitarian value on Gen Z consumers’ household solar energy usage. Using a conceptual model that integrated the Experiential Value Theory (EV) and the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), the study examined the role of customer return on investment and service excellence in shaping green attitudes towards solar product use. The model was tested using survey data from 521 young consumers aged 21 to 27. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was employed to test the proposed hypotheses using SmartPLS Version 4. The findings confirm that the variables under study have significant direct and mediated effects. It was revealed that customer return on investment and service excellence both predict green attitudes, which, along with subjective norms and perceived behavioural control, influence intention. Conversely, the moderation results indicate that gender does not moderate the proposed relationships. The study recommends that campaigns aimed at increasing Gen Z’s usage of solar products should emphasise experiential value, particularly service excellence and customer return on investment benefits, to develop positive green attitudes